"There's something I need to talk about with Dario and Aukusti. In the meantime, why don't you three get to know the Wyrmland better?" says Sirzechs to the others.
Dario turns to Asia. "Stellina, if you're not too busy, why don't you accompany them? You know our home better than most."
Asia's eyes light up in child-like fashion. "Absolutely. It'd be an honor to accompany Lady Rias and Lord Riser through the Wyrmland."
"I assume you'll not protest," inquires Sirzechs, looking at the three of them.
With no more words between them, the gang of four make their way out of the coliseum into the bustling and noisome city streets. Up and down the stone-laiden pathways echo the footsteps of many a citizen, making their ways to the taverns for the Midday Merry.
"Oh, this is perfect," exclaims Asia. "The streets'll be less crowded now."
"Where are they going?" asks Issei.
"It's time for the Midday Merry. Here in the Wyrmland, folks tend to stop working at around noon time and then go to their favorite pubs to chat with their co-workers before heading home."
"What do they usually do?"
"Oh, you know. Drinking contests, singing, dancing, spirited bar fights, and," Asia's face, in place of an answer, begins to turn red. "There're… rooms. On the higher floors. Anyways, what places would you guys like to see? Do you have any sights in general you'd like to visit?"
"Are there any places with deep connections to the Wyrms? The original dragons?" asks Riser.
"Absolutely," says Asia, her blush subsiding. "There's a temple on the outskirts that was erected ages ago by the original founders of the Wyrmland. It's confounded us for some time now as we don't really know what purpose it serves; and mysteriously enough, no writings exist."
"A temple with a purpose lost to time?" interjects Rias. "I've never heard of anything like that here in the Wyrmland."
"It wouldn't surprise me," responds Riser. "Our leaders make sure we stay ever ignorant of the other peoples and cultures abiding in Ouranos alongside us; but conveniently enough, whenever those same people start doing anything that can readily be interpreted as hostile, the news stations and their ever so diligent, opinionated reporters are punctually present to feed us their version of the story. To say it's for the purpose of instilling animosity and enmity between us would be an understatement."
"You'll get no arguments from me there."
"You seem deeply bothered by it," adds Issei.
"I am," answers Riser. "We always have been."
"We?" asks Issei, his curiosity captured by Riser's inclusive statement.
"Precisely. We. We, the next generation. The generation often told to sit down and stay quiet. The generation often barred from thinking for itself. We, the young, the new, the next."
"I see. I guess it only makes sense that Sirzechs enjoys such high admiration among the youth crowd, then. Actually, it's only now just hit me," notes Issei. "Compared to all the other leaders, how old is Sirzechs?"
"Brother's much younger than any of them," replies Rias. "In fact, you might say he's the youngest in all our history to ascend to the throne of Lucifer."
"And this he achieved…"
"Through sheer, overwhelming power. The kind most wouldn't dare to rival."
"The only thing the older leaders seem to respect and recognize."
"Precisely," interjects Riser.
"But do you truly think he can sway their opinions?" asks Asia, joining in the conversation. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding, I hope you won't find any offense."
"Not at all," responds Rias, smiling at Asia. "What my brother wishes for Ouranos is as much about you as it is about us."
"I truly hope we can strengthen our bonds. And rest assured, it's not just elder Devils, either. There are many here in the Wyrmland who say they'd rather die than live harmoniously with Devils. It's a sentiment repeated on all sides. Hopefully, this event that Lord Sirzechs is planning will give us some common ground."
"I'm certain it will," says Issei, his face seeming to reflect a state of deep reflection. "Combat for sport has always historically been used to bring many people together. Rivalries are forged alongside friendships; and there's never a shortage of fighters who leave the ring with newfound respect for their opponents. This is more than just frivolous fighting. It's sport. Game. One-to-one interaction. And right now, that's the most valuable component of this; because outside of this single context, these two populations of Ouranos would never come into contact. And yet, what better way to make them voluntarily cross paths than by inviting them to settle the score in what could best be described as consensual roughhousing? They'll come in thinking they're going to get to make a fool out of the other side, but leave with a new found recognition of the other side's positive qualities. The real kicker in all this is the sponsors. With Sirzechs being the Devil King, his founding of this event will already draw in many spectators and participants; but with someone like you, Riser," he says, putting a hand on Riser's shoulder.
"He'll draw in an even larger crowd. And if I can get father on board, it'll grant the event that much more legitimacy."
"Exactly. We're playing the game of social influence."
Rias can't help but chuckle at Issei's "game of social influence."
"Let me guess," she says. "Another thing you have to know for being a public speaker?"
The temperature in Issei's face rises as the blood rushes to his cheeks.
"I suppose so," he says, stuttering a bit as he looks downward in humble embarrassment.
"I've been meaning to ask," interjects Asia, shyly looking at Issei. "You're human, right?"
Issei's gaze lifts itself right back up as he comes to the sudden realization that, "Oh, that's right. I haven't introduced myself. I'm sorry. I'm Issei. Issei Hyoudou. And yes, I'm human. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Argento."
"Oh, just Asia will do. A pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Mr. Hyoudou."
"Please, I insist, call me Issei. I'm not all too fond of formal titles and honorifics myself."
"Sure thing. I suspected you were human. Your scent reminds me of mother."
Issei's eyes open up in surprise.
"Wait, that would mean,"
"Yep. I'm a half-breed between a dragon and a human."
"Incredible. But wait, then the Rip wasn't so cut and dry?"
"Historians can't really agree on what happened next," responds Riser. "Some believe there were humans, specifically those of the pagan or heathen creeds, who migrated along with the fairytale races to escape persecution. Others believe that some humans still kept in contact with their fairytale friends after the Rip occurred, making use of special rituals to cross the dimensions and come into contact with them. Personally, I say it was most likely a mixture of both."
"I see. Hold on. Persecution?"
"Indeed. At the time of the Rip, many pagans were also being persecuted. Seen as traitors, they were hunted down and slaughtered en masse for sympathizing with the fairytale races."
"Hmm," Issei's mind wanders back into deep thought. "I think I know whom may have been responsible, then."
"Sorry to interrupt," says Asia, shyly waving her hands to get everyone's attention. "We're here, the temple you wanted to visit."
Before their eyes lay a woodland path through a dense forest of outstretched oaks whose canopies blanket the floor from the even the slightest bit of sunlight. The pervasive air of a mystic, enchanting, and timeless presence seems to slither through the almost unnaturally natural atmosphere of the solemn biome. Unbroken, undisturbed; no beast is heard nor seen within the confines of this enigmatic spot. Neither a chipmunk nor a squirrel, an owl nor a robin, neither butterfly nor ladybug are present within. But what is present, however, is a reverential silence; a peace and order which not even the maddest of men would dare to disrespect.
His eyebrows raised in uncertainty, Riser can't help but ask, "This is the temple?"
"Oh, pardon me," responds Asia. "Not per se. This is the Woldring, a forest that wraps around and surrounds the temple. The temple itself is located right in the center; but you can't miss it. It's just a straight walk in."
"It looks like it's fiercely protected by something."
"I wouldn't say that. We don't really tend to come here because, like I said, we don't know what it's for. But it's not hostile or anything like that. You can walk in and nothing'll happen to you. I promise."
Riser is still cautious, reluctant to enter; but Issei puts a hand on his shoulder to reassure him.
"Don't be so afraid," he says. "If Asia says it's safe, then it's safe. We can trust her."
"I'm just very precautious when it comes to accidentally tampering with places that seem to hold a deep, ritual importance. The last thing I want is to anger the spirits of a holy forest ignorantly. Aside from that, I'm not used to walking through dense woods."
"I am. There was one I used to walk through when I was younger, although that one had a song you needed to follow so you wouldn't get lost; and at the end, there was a maze you had to navigate to get to its temple."
"You're joking."
"No, no. Not at all. Japan's filled with them, I promise. Come on, I'll walk with you."
Reluctant as he may be, Riser follows Issei's lead and the four of them make their way to the center of the Woldring. Nevertheless, true to his word, Riser examines the floor carefully as to ensure that he doesn't "step on more grass than ought to be necessary." Nevertheless, true to Asia's word, they make their trek safely and arrive at a stone-floored clearing. The stone tiles seem ancient, moss and herbs having broken them for what seems to have been ages ago. Flowers sprout from erratic spots; but upon closer inspection, it can be seen that there's some form of inscription on the rocky surface.
Issei's mind seems to entrance itself as he looks at it, attempting to read it.
"They're runes," says Asia, who can't help but to smile at his childlike curiosity. "But lost to time, I'm afraid. No one alive knows how to read them."
"Fascinating," comments Rias, her eyes tracing the indecipherable writing with inspective eyes. "But no written record?"
"None at all."
"I call a Library of Alexandria," says Issei. "If what you've all been telling me is true, then at one point there were written records. How can there be historians who documented the Rip and yet, somehow, for some inexplicable reason, this monument and its history seem to have been 'lost to time'? And then there's that protocol about no Devils flying over the Wyrmland. This puzzle practically puts itself back together."
"What are you trying to say?" asks Riser, intrigued by Issei's words.
"I want to say there may have been an air raid by Devils to try and destroy this place. A battle of attrition of sorts. Nevertheless, it's hard to assess how true that might be due to there being no signs of damage or struggle anywhere around here."
"But how long ago would it have been?" asks Rias, her interest also being caught by Issei. "Maybe there is, but all this lush vegetation has grown over it."
"Exactly," responds Issei. "I'm thinking the same thing. Nevertheless, there's one more possibility that doesn't escape me. Riser, do you know of any top-secret, highly secured, and extremely inaccessible archives that may exist here in Ouranos?"
"An archive barred from the all but the highest ranking," says Riser, his face reflecting the probability of such a thing existing.
"If I had skeletons, that's the kind of closet I'd put them in."
"Wouldn't Lord Sirzechs know about it?" asks Asia.
"But would he really? Think about it, if he's as disliked by the older leaders as much as I think he is, they wouldn't tell him about it. Not at all. Which just leaves one question: What were they so keen on hiding?" asks Issei, turning around and looking at the temple's imposing entrance.
The entrance is guarded by two stone statues, both of dragons. A set of long steps leads up to the main entrance; but that's where all familiarity is lost. The architecture of the temple itself is flowing, curling, folding. The walls resemble a sea of flames, and from certain corners there appear to protrude claw-like stones which seemingly break through the conflagration. Contrary to the surrounding structure, however, the entrance is in a perfectly circular shape, surrounded by an arch with more indecipherable runic inscriptions.
"I can't. I apologize a thousand times over, but I can't," says Riser, shaking his head adamantly.
"What?" asks Issei. "But you're the one who wanted to come here."
"Yes. Yes I absolutely am; but I can't tread in there."
"It's not just Riser, either," adds a reluctant Rias. A tickling sensation seems to creep its way up her back as she turns away from the steps. "There's something about it. I can't put my finger on it; but I can feel this place isn't meant for Devilkind."
"Like I said," interjects a frightened Riser, "I'm not looking to get on the bad side of any guardian spirits."
Issei looks up once more at the entrance and straightaway, he feels something strange, something timeless.
"We should probably be heading back," says Asia, shyly. "If we take too long, we'll get caught up in the aftermath of the Midday Merry when the streets get very crowded."
"Well said," comments Riser. "Very well said."
Though reluctant, Issei turns around and follows the others back, yet as he does, he can swear he hears someone whispering to him.
Be honest, child…
Issei turns back around in surprise, but no one is to be found.
"Something wrong, Issei?" asks Rias.
"Huh? Oh, no. It's nothing…"
…*…*…*…
"He was complaining about feeling a tad under the weather, milady. Hence, he retired to his chambers for a nap. I'm certain he'll find himself in better spirits once he's woken up," says Daniela nervously to a suspicious and ever-pressing Ravel.
The young blonde looks Daniela straight in the eyes, hands on her hips, and a vicious frown on her lips.
"My older brother. A Phenex. Bedridden," she states, her raised eyebrow growing ever sharper as she stares daggers into the poor maidservant's face. It was all Daniela could do to not break under the pressure, but just when it seemed like things couldn't get worse.
"What's going on here?" asks a newly arrived and visibly grumpy "Lord Phenex," exclaims an even more frightened Daniela.
"I'll tell you what's going on, father. The servant girl here insists that Riser told her that he was feeling ill and that he wished to not be disturbed while he slept his sickness away; and I'm telling her that that's a load of dirty, low-born hogwash because as a member of the Phenex family, Riser's not inclined to fall ill any time soon."
Lord Phenex stands between them, looking at them both with attentive eyes. It's abundantly clear that Daniela is nervous, try as hard as she may to hide it. Unamused and not wasting any more time, he reaches for the doorknob and swiftly turns it, a clicking sound followed by an ever so slight squeak as he walks in to find what seems like Riser in his bed.
"Mm-hm," responds Lord Phenex, unamused by his son's petty game.
"Where's my son, servant girl?" he asks Daniela. "I know those are just his pillows stuffed under his blanket. Where is he and why has he chosen to lie about his whereabouts?"
But before Daniela is allowed to even utter a word, a blissfully ignorant Riser flies in through his window and into the middle of the room where his sister and his father shoot him a suspicious look. Any smile or semblance of one is all at once undone by his family's piercing gaze.
Looking back at Daniela, Lord Phenex tells her to "be on your way now, servant girl. I'm certain you've a myriad of things to do."
"Yes, milord." And without another word, Riser is left alone with his sister and father.
Looking back at his dumbfounded youngest son, Lord Phenex tells him that "I don't know what disappoints me more, Riser. The fact that you'd lie about leaving our house without first informing us of your whereabouts; or that, with all the wit and cleverness I'd expect you to possess, this," he says as he lifts the blanket to reveal the pile of pillows underneath," was the best thing you could come up with on the spot. Either way, you've a lot of explaining to do, young man. And you'll do it now if you know what's best for you."
With nowhere else to turn and seeing that this is possibly the best chance he'd get, Riser speaks wholeheartedly.
"I was informed that Lady Rias of the House of Gremory had returned after her temporary excursion to the world of humans and solemnly wished to speak with her. Upon my arrival, Lord Sirzechs wished to share something with me, and so he took me aside to speak of-"
"Oh, allow me to guess," interjects Lord Phenex, already knowing well where this conversation is headed. "He took you aside to speak of his great and inspired vision for that coliseum currently being built in that uncivilized, uncultured dust heap that those reptiles and their storybook friends inhabit, is that it?"
Seeing clearly where his father's opinion lies, Riser responds. "More or less, yes."
"Hm," his father chuckles with a wide grin that goes from ear to ear. "Well isn't that just quaint? Who could've imagined that this young upstart from so unorthodox a home could prove to be so gallant? Color me surprised, Riser. But not impressed," he says, as his smile crumbles before a scowl and a change in tone. "What else did he tell you?"
"He gave me this."
Riser produces a Writ of Challenge from his hand and shows it to his father. His father looks at it and straightaway a most dastardly plan is born within the recesses of his mind.
"Oh, now this is certainly charming," he says as he holds it in his hand. "What's this?"
"A Writ of Challenge. Should I choose to participate in the event, I can address whom I wish my opponent to be and, should they accept, we'll face each other in combat the day of the coliseum's inauguration."
"I was hoping you'd say something along those lines, my son. I'll turn a blind-eye to your impromptu rendezvous. And you, my ever obedient and well-mannered boy, you are going to address this Writ to Lady Rias herself. Tell her you wish to partake in this spirited little sport with her. I'm certain that little, scarlet shrew won't deny you that, especially since she seems to have no trouble laying her hands on an elder Phenex. And, come the day of the inauguration," he says, putting a hand on Riser's shoulder, looking him in the eyes with his piercing blues, "I want you to utterly and overwhelmingly drag that little, emboldened bitch through the scorching dust. Make her rue the day she messed with the House of Phenex. Do I make myself clear?"
"Y-yes, father."
"Good boy. Now, get to it post-haste, Riser. Keep a lady waiting and one might be inclined to question your upbringing. Come, Ravel. Let's leave your brother to his duties."
Without another word, Lord Phenex and Ravel leave, kindly (or foolishly) closing the door behind them as they do. A pervasive and deafening silence overtakes his chambers; but it's in this moment that Lord Phenex's words ring true. Riser indeed does possess a great amount of wit and cleverness, and immediately he turns his head and checks the clock in his room.
"He should be arriving right about now," he says to himself. "And just in time."
Riser opens his window and catches a glimpse of a sight most would consider uncommon in the world of humans, Dear Reader. He sees what seems to be a bat. But no ordinary bat, mind you, a mailbat. Complete with a little satchel and a charming little hat as part of its uniform. Riser whistles to it, getting its attention, and swiftly enough, the bat perches itself on his windowsill.
"A last minute delivery, Riser?" asks the creature, its platinum blond fur blowing ever so slightly in the midday breeze.
"Indeed, Gasps. Indeed."
Immediately, Riser pens his Writ, but takes an added step of encrypting it with a spell, and places it neatly in the mailbat's satchel.
"To Lady Rias of the Gremory House. Your next stop if I'm not mistaken."
"Next and last, thankfully. The morning route's been rather busy today."
"I can imagine. Best of luck to you, Gasps."
"Will do, Riser."
Without a moment to lose, Gasps launches himself into the air and makes his way to the Gremory estate. But do you remember, Dear Reader, when I suggested that Lord Phenex and Ravel closing the door behind them was either kind or foolish? Well, as it turns out, the foolish one here was actually poor Riser for thinking someone wouldn't be watching. Yes, indeed, crouching at the keyhole and looking intently inside, Ravel has just seen everything Riser did, even the encryption spell.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, brother dearest," she thinks to herself. "Spending so much time among those distasteful types truly has done you ill. Poor father, what would he think? He may not be wise to your split allegiance; but I'm afraid you're sorely mistaken if you think I'm as prone to turning as many blind-eyes as he is.
Ravel swiftly makes her way back to her room and summons one of her many familiars: a petite cardinal.
"I want you to scout out the Gremory House. Don't let them catch you, but do your best to learn as much as you can, alright?"
Obeying its mistress' orders, the cardinal takes flight and keeps a fair distance from the mailbat. Back in her room, Ravel conjures a magic circle and before her appears a vision of the bat flying in front of her, she's seeing through her familiar's eyes. A few moments pass and true to her suspicions, she sees him arrive at the Gremory estate.
"Keep a safe distance. Remember, don't let them see you."
The cardinal quickly makes its way to a canopy and hides itself, but the bat is nowhere to be found.
"Scan the area a bit, see if you can find him," she tells the cardinal. The familiar begins to look around and sure enough, she can see him fly up to the top balcony.
"Delivering it to them personally instead of handing it off to the servants? Well, aren't we on good terms?" she thinks to herself.
Ravel closes the magic circle, leaving her cardinal to closely observe the mailbat's movements. It watches as Gasps flies onto the balcony and announces "delivery!" to someone who he's certain is expecting him. Not a single word in response is sent his way, and yet, he can sense someone is watching him. He flaps gently down onto the floor, the sense of eyes observing him keenly not waning in the slightest.
"Come on," he says. "I know you're the-"
"Raah!" exclaims a voice from beside him as a white-furred feline pounces on him, causing him to tumble over.
"You're late," she says to him. "As always."
"There was a lot to be delivered," he says shyly, her paws pushing his wings against the tiles of the balcony. "And besides, you know you're my last stop."
She giggles teasingly at his excuse. "I know," she says as she pushes her little feline nose against his, the fluster of it all causing the bat to lose its form and reveal its true appearance. A petite blond boy with ruby eyes, elf-like ears, and a very delicate figure produces himself. He's wearing a full uniform now with a red, buttonless overcoat, a white button down shirt, a pair of navy blue dress shorts, knee high socks, and brown leather dress shoes.
"Koneko!" he exclaims, blushing as the little kitten changes her form to reveal the adoptive daughter of the Gremory House.
"It's your own fault, you know," she says, picking Gaspy back up. "Ladies tend to grow vexed when they're kept waiting, especially by the men they're fond of. Besides," she says, cupping his cheeks and looking him right in the eyes, "any girl would want to tease you with a face like yours; but I guess that's why it's such a good thing you work as a bat, and that you only show this adorable little face to me," she tells him, shooting him a seductive look with her eyes.
Shaking his head in embarrassment, Gaspy's blush only grows even more. "Koneko!" is all he can respond as even his ears begin to twitch, leading Koneko to giggle at him even more.
"So then, how does lunch sound?"
"Oh, um," he says as he reaches into his pockets, his blush subsiding. "I don't really have much money on me. I don't get paid until I get back to the post office, I'm afraid."
"So naïve," sighs Koneko. "I mean you, with us, la famille."
"Oh, um. But, I don't think it's proper for me to dine with-"
"None of that here!" interjects Koneko. "You kept me waiting, so now you'll keep me company. And that's final."
Without another word between them, Koneko grabs her own lover boy by the hand and leads him to the dining hall, much to his chagrin. He keeps his head down and greets the servants shyly as they all address him a warm "good afternoon, Master Gasper."
"G-good afternoon to you as well," he responds to each and every one of them.
Arriving at the dining room, Koneko decides to sit herself and Gaspy across from Rias and Issei, who seem to also be entranced in their own romantic ventures.
"Gasper, there you are!" rings a booming voice from behind him. It's Sirzechs, accompanied by his mother and father.
Trembling in his seat, Gasper stands and bows before him. "I'm dreadfully, Lord Sirzechs. I'm-"
"Always welcome," interjects Zeoticus. "Especially when Koneko's the one inviting you in."
Zeoticus turns to his daughter and asks. "Couldn't be more patient, could you?"
"Oh, let her be," interjects Venelana. "You know how fond girls are these days of their sweethearts. Besides, between Issei and Sirzechs, that'll make three whole sons in the family. Something tells me our House is about to get much, much bigger."
"So many grandchildren to spoil," replies Zeoticus. "So many birthdays, vacations, holidays, and presents."
"Oh, and, speaking of presents," says Gasper, reaching into his satchel for his final delivery, "for you, Lady Rias," he says, holding up the letter. "It's from Lord Riser."
Rias receives the letter and sees it's "a Writ of Challenge, from Riser?" she asks.
"What?" asks a stupefied Sirzechs. "But why would… Lord Phenex," he says. "Of course."
Conjuring her own magic circle, Rias unencrypts it and reads it.
"…his father's asked him to challenge me; but he says he's going to throw the match."
"Throw the match?" asks Sirzechs. "Oh dear,"
"What's wrong?" asks Issei.
"Riser is considered a prodigy among the high-born youth of our society. If he were to lose to Rias, not only would it just anger Lord Phenex even more, people are going to start asking questions."
"Let them talk!" interjects Rias to everyone's surprise. "And as for hat old bag of dried-up bones, he can die of cardiac arrest from stress and anger for all I care. Riser's on our side and that's what matters."
Sirzechs and Issei look at one another, both knowing that that's not so easy.
"Whatever this is can be discussed between you all after lunch, thank you," exclaims Venelana in a demanding tone of voice. "I'll not have any personal talk of bad blood offending the atmosphere of our family's dining room, especially not with little Gasper here. Rias' return from the human world is to be a joyous occasion, and so it shall. In fact," she says, looking over to both Rias and Issei, "Rias, my child. Tomorrow you will take Issei so that he may become familiar with our territory. Take him to your favorite spots; but above all things, I ask you to enjoy yourselves. Koneko," she says, "I ask you do the same with Gasper, seeing as he will be off tomorrow."
"Of course!" exclaims Koneko, wrapping her arms around him. "I was going to ask him out anyway, but you read my mind."
"I-I thank you for your hospitality, Lady Gremory," says Gasper, bowing timidly before Venelana.
"It's no trouble at all, Gasper. Anything for the dhampir who's kept my girl company for so many years. Now then."
Venelana raises her arms and claps twice. Straightaway, the doors to the kitchen open and a line of servants bursts forth in uniform fashion, setting plates and entrées before everyone at the table. But as the atmosphere begins to shift and a familial, merry air begins to take over once again, neither Issei nor Sirzechs can shake the dreadful feeling that a storm is brewing.
I wasn't going to post that announcement and then leave you all waiting another eternity without a new chapter. Here it is; and once more, the plot thickens. That's right, it's Gasper, everyone's favorite dhampir, and in this fic he's Koneko's love interest. Why? Why not?
I feel like the pace in this chapter was a bit fast, or maybe it's me. Either way, the story's moving forward and things are only going to get more interesting from here on out. I hope you'll join me for the ride. I'll see you all in the next chapter. Until then.