Issei: I don't know why, but I feel like things are going to get a lot more serious this chapter or at least start to.
Draconis: (drinking a beer) Why do you say that?
Issei: I just feel like it.
Kenshin: I wonder how Alice is doing.
Rias: I hope Raiser and Ravel are OK.
Kenshin: Yeah me too.
Draconis: Everybody relax, everything's going to be fine!
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 126
Caring for the Future.
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
After it had been declared that Xenovia and Kenshin won their elections, Azazel had called everybody to his labs. "What's this all about Oyaji?" Kenshin asked.
"Just have patience Ken-Chan." Hikari said with a smile.
Hiruko was also with them as a representative of the two goddesses. "This resembles one of Prom's labs, only more advanced.
They came to a glass tube which held Valerie, who was connected to various tubes. "Valerie!" Gasper tried to run to her only to be stopped by Azazel.
"Relax, I'm only doing research on her, after I give her the shard of the Holy Grail or Sephiroth Graal I received from Vasco Strada she will be released after that." Azazel said.
Gasper paused and nodded. Evangeline walked up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder. She looked up and saw her smile. "If he had any bad intentions for her, I would have attacked him on your behalf."
"Mm." Gasper nodded. "Thank you, Evangeline-Sensei."
Evangeline giggled and pat him on the head. Negi blinked at this. "Did she get softer, or is it just because she and Gasser-San are both vampires?" She thought.
"Now, come with me Gasper." Azazel said
Gasper gulped nervously but was pushed forward by Evangeline who frowned. "I won't have a student of mine be intimidated like this."
"Aah, there it is." Negi thought with a smile as Gasper followed Azazel into the tube.
"Alright." Azazel said as Gasper gently hugged Valerie who was asleep, stroking her hair. He laid a briefcase on the table and took out a necklace.
"What's that?" Kenshin asked.
"Vasco Strada gave us a shard of the Holy Grail after we beat him." Hikari said to Kenshin. "Azazel hopes it will give her better control of her mama."
"Yeah. Valerie has a tough time controlling her mama outside of anything Sephiroth Graal related." Evangeline nodded.
"Damn it. If only I'd snatched that up too." Kenshin said.
"Oh Kenshin, let's look at it as Gasper's job for his friend." Rias said hugging him from the side.
"Oh I know." Kenshin said smiling back down at her. "I just wish I'd have grabbed the Sephiroth Graal Rizevim had so I could give it to Gasper, you know, just to give it to her."
"Oh my Kenshin-kun, that's so romantic!" Akeno said hugging Kenshin from behind.
"Ah, Akeno!" Rias pouted.
"Rias relax." Kenshin said squeezing her against his side before wrapping an arm around Akeno's neck. "Akeno, this moment is for Gasper, please calm down."
"OK." Akeno said with a playful pout before kissing Kenshin on the cheek. "Gasper does deserve this." She said before Kenshin kissed her on the cheek. "Eh?"
"You deserve that for my being gone so long." Kenshin said before turning his head and kissing Rias on the cheek. "You too."
"Hmhmhmhm~!" Rias and Akeno both giggled.
He felt a lot of jealous glares from behind him, as well as inside him and smiled with a wince. "I'll get to you all I promise." He thought to Xenovia, Koneko, Serafall, Sona, Alice, Negi, Sona, Ravel, Rossweisse, Undine, Sylph, Gnome, Salamander, Alma.
Gasper looked up at Azazel with teary eyes. "Will Valerie get better with this?" He asked.
"She will, but understand that her mana control will still be bad, even with this. This is a necklace made from a genuine fragment of the Holy Grail, so if it's worn by her, then maybe it will make her healthier." Azazel said before placing the necklace around Valerie's neck.
"..." Everyone watched for awhile until a sound was emitted from Valerie's mouth. "Uh..." She slowly raised up. "Uh...aaah, huh?" She said looking around with blearly, tired eyes. Gasper approached her with teary eyes.
"Valerie...how do you feel?" Gasper asked.
Valerie smiled softly. "I feel just fine, although a little weak." Valerie said. "Gasper, come here." She said holding her arms out.
"Valerie!" Gasper cried out, crashing into her chest as Valerie embraced him.
"Aaah, Gasper, still such a crybaby..." Valerie smiled. "Though I wouldn't have you any other way."
Issei watched this, tears rolling down his face with a smile. "Wow, I didn't think it would be possible to make her feel better in this way, but we did it!" Issei thought. He looked around and saw everyone that knew about them were crying at their true reunion.
Evangeline smiled wiping her eyes. "Good for you Gasper."
"Heh." Kenshin smiled, closing his eyes. "You finally, truly got her back. I'll do my best to help you get her back to full strength."
"Yeah...and we're gonna wreck anyone who tries to pull them apart, right?" Issei asked.
"Hell yeah we are." Kenshin said.
Hikari sighed with a smile and approached Azazel who sighed himself. "Now Valerie should be healthier, but the road is still long for her." Hikari said.
"Yes, that's right. This was a serious gamble we were taking, to make her healthier." Azazel said. "Even Evangeline said Valerie had difficulties training under her because her mana was out of whack. We're hoping that by giving her this shard, it will make her healthier.
"Wait, then why was she able to revive all of my students if her body was so weak." Negi asked.
"Because I wanted to help Kenshin-San for helping me back in Romania." Valerie said. "After I did so...I slept for several days."
"..." Kenshin and Negi walked forward and bowed. "Thank you...Valerie-San." Negi said.
"Seriously, you don't know how much this means to us." Kenshin said. In the back Setsuna and Konoka smiled as well. "I'm sorry you tired yourself so much for our sakes."
"Don't worry, it was nothing." Valerie giggled.
"Understand though, Gasper-kun." Hikari said. "That even with this, she will still be weakened. To maintain her vitality she must always wear this necklace."
"We'll try our best, but she will always be like this until we recover the third Holy Grail in Qlippoth's hands. To keep her safe, we'll lay a special barrier over the Hyoudou household and the apartments were you and Kiba live. Other than that, just don't ever let her out of your collective sights." Azazel said looking over at Kenshin, Rias, Issei and the others.
"Hmn..." Rias smiled. "His Eminence Strada, while losing the challenge gave us a lot of things." Rias said.
Inside the group, Hiruko smiled as well. "These people are much kinder than in my time." She thought. "I'm sure Kanon and Mother will think similarly."
"That's just how that man is. He uses those fists to communicate." Azazel said. "He got rid of the rebellion's dissatifaction, and at the same time, didn't forget to think about us. That's just how he is."
"Huh, no matter whether it was Asia, Kiba, Xenovia, or even Gasper...they were all saved by that jisan Strada's consideration." Issei thought.
"Heh..." Kenshin thought. "Old man Strada, you're a pretty decent guy. If you drink I wouldn't mind crackin' a cold one with you sometime."
"...Well in any case, I guess this could be thought of as insurance." Azazel said.
"Insurance?" Issei said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kenshin asked.
"Well Ken-Chan. In the worst case scenario where it's impossible for us to recover Valerie's last Sephiroth Graal from Rizevim. We also have the option of destroying it, so it won't be getting abused by them." Hikari said.
"..." Issei went into thought while Kenshin frowned.
"You...have a point there. That Grail is how they've been mass producing Evil Dragons." Kenshin muttered.
Hiruko walked up next to Kenshin. "Excuse me, I'm new here, could you explain?"
Azazel nodded and went into what Sephiroth Graal could do as well as Longinus Sacred Gears in general. "Hrm...I see." Hiruko said with a frown. "So these Longinus items give one the power to rival a god like Mother if they train up to that level. It sounds like Ragnarok to be honest, but hers has an adverse effect on her? Maybe it'd be best if the third one were to be destroyed if that's what it does to her." Hiruko said. She felt some eyes glaring at her. "Relax, it's just you all are in a war yourselves yes?"
"Yeah?" Negi said from behind her.
"It wouldn't be surprising to assume that they do indeed use the third Sephiroth Graal as a shield or as a mass production of those evil dragons or something worse. If we can't acquire it, it would be best if we did destroy it. As we saw with Kenshin, not even that devil Rizevim can use it to become stronger than someone like Kenshin in his strongest form and he's even lost Lilith-Chan whose living with us. Would it suck if we did have to destroy it? Absolutely, but that just means Valerie-Chan up there would have to work harder to stabilize her mana. It's not like she's doomed." Hiruko explained
"I see." Rias said. "The higher ups did provide the fragment of the Holy Grail to reduce our hesitation in this scenario, but still why did he use it to juice himself up against Kenshin?"
"Because he thought it gave him a chance against Kenshin." Negi said.
"Make no mistake. If he pulls that again in front of us I'll unbind Kenshin's Malak Seal and he's back at square one." Tamamo said.
"In any case Rias, it would dampen the resolve of DxD, Strada probably thought that a single fragment of the Holy Grail was inexpensive if you all have to face Valerie's Holy Grail as a shield, it's of no significance if our worlds are destroyed." Azazel said.
"..." Valerie looked down.
"Hey, what's that look for?" Her eyes widened as Hiruko appeared in the tube with her and Gasper.
"? !" Azazel, Hikari and Gasper all gasped in shock. Gasper's protective instincts kicked in and he attacked Hiruko with tendrils of darkness.
"Relax." Hiruko said swatting them all away with her own tentacles. "I'm not going to hurt her. I'm on your side after all."
"Gasper." Yukari called out. "Hiruko means well, she just wants a better look at Valerie."
"..." Gasper glanced at Yukari before looking at the two with trepidation.
"It's just...none of this would be happening if I had just been stronger and stood up to Marius." Valerie said. "!" Her eyes widened as Hiruko embraced her.
"You don't know that. Kenshin's told me all about you all. Could you have resisted them? Sure, but then where would you be? They could have just ripped all three Grails from you, and then where would you be? You made the best out of a horrible situation." Hiruko said.
"!" Valerie gasped, realizing she was right and embraced Hiruko back. "Thank you Hiruko-Sa-"
"Chan." Hiruko corrected.
"Eh?" Valerie said.
"If you're going to suffix my name, it's Hiruko-Chan." Hiruko said.
"Oh, OK. H-Hiruko-Chan." Valerie said.
"Hmhm." Hiruko pulled away with a smile. "Not a problem." She turned to Gasper and scanned him over.
"..." Gasper felt nervous, but in the crowd, Yukari and Miyuki both giggled while Kenshin and Tamamo laughed softly.
"So cute~!" Hiruko said wrapping her arms around Gasper.
"Aaah? !" Gasper gasped.
Rias went to help her bishop when Kenshin grabbed her shoulder. "Eh? Kenshin?"
"Relax Rias, Gasper's in no danger." Kenshin said.
"Yeah...Hiruko-Chan...just has a love for cute things." Yukari said walking up next to her.
"Aaah...Aaahh..." Gasper said as Hiruko rubbed her cheek against his.
"Yeah, it's fine everyone." Tamamo said with a wincing smile. "Hiruko, you could have picked a better time for your love of cuteness to kick in!" She thought.
"H-Hiruko-Chan, could you please stop?" Valerie asked with a wincing smile
"Well...in any case it was best to reduce our worries as much as possible. This really is a great benefit to us psychologically." Rossweisse said.
"Well, regardless of whether it was Yuuto-Senpai's comrade or this fragment of the Holy Grail, both were handed to us through that rebellion, as an apology." Koneko said.
"Hrm...I guess in order to give these to us, he took on the responsibility for it." Kiba said with closed eyes. "He took on an aggressive approach, but Trihexa's revival coupled with Rizevim's schemes, this could only be seen as a good thing."
"Well in any case whether it's the fragment of the Holy Grail, or Tosca-San another survivor of the Holy Sword Project. These aren't things that come free." Azazel said, with a reluctant tone.
"Because Strada used the unrest in the church to give us this?" Kenshin asked.
"Exactly." Azazel said.
"Well, even then. I'll get Valerie's holy grail back." Issei said.
"Same here." Kenshin said with a grin. "Stolen goods must be returned."
Everyone else agreed, even Hiruko who let go of Gasper and smiled at Valerie. "Sorry, it's just I-"
Valerie giggled. "It's OK. I heard them down there, you love cute things right?"
"Yeah!" Hiruko said with a wide smile.
"Well here's a secret." Valerie said with a winking smile. "I'm the reason Gasper actually dressed up like this! I loved playing dress up with him!""
"A-Aah! V-Valerie! !" Gasper whined.
Azazel turned to Kiba. "How is that comrade you just reunited with anyway?"
"Wh-Wha? ! W-Well basically after we told her about everything that's happened over the past few years and about Kuoh. I introduced her to everyone while Kenshin-kun was gone. I feel like she doesn't understand a lot of things. She'll need me, Tsubaki and everyone else to teach her various things next."
"Which obviously Tsubaki's very jealous about." Kenshin chided.
"Oh come on not again!" Kiba snapped. (1 )
"Relax Kiba I'm just playing. I won't give you much guff about her. I don't even know her." Kenshin said.
"Yes, a very powerful rival! Anyway I also need to win over Hyoudou-kun and Kenshin-kun."
"Wait what?" Kenshin asked as Issei also looked confused as Tsubaki spoke up.
"I...don't know why, but she considers you both to be love rivals." Sona said with a wincing smile.
"Oh for fucks sake." Kenshin groaned. "Hey Tsubaki! Issei and I aren't gay for Kiba, I don't care what you heard through the grapevine, it's between you and Tosca!"
Sona giggled but a magic circle appeared next to her ear. "? !" Her eyes widened. "Kenshin, Rias, do you both have a moment?" Sona asked.
"What is it Sona?" Rias asked seeing a tense expression spread over the Sitri heiress' face.
"Sona...what's up?" Kenshin said with trepidation.
"It's about Raiser Phoenix's game against Diehauser Belial." Sona said.
"Well it would be normal for the results to be released around this time." Rias said.
"Well how bad did he get bodied? I'll go over and have a drink with him as comfort." Kenshin said with a grin before he noticed how serious Sona's expression was getting. "Sona?" Both he and Rias said.
"Raiser Phoenix and Ravel-San...they..."
This sentence alone filled everyone with foreboding that knew them.
(break)
Later
"..." Kenshin was silent as Sona played a video feed for her's Kenshin's, Rias' peerages as well as Negi Konoka and Setsuna, Mana, Sextum the Brave Saints and Azazel. "Why is it so distant?" Kenshin asked.
"There were no camera feeds in there." Sona said.
"Chachamaru, Kazumi." Kenshin said.
"Yes?" Kazumi said.
"What is it?" Chachamaru said.
"Hack this feed." Kenshin said. "I wanna know exactly what happened in there."
"Kenshin, wha?" Issei said
"Right." Chachamaru said as a screen appeared in front of her. She went tapping away at it before handing it to Kazumi.
"Zoom in...Zoom in...Enhance video, enhance audio..." Kazumi muttered.
"Kenshin..." Rias said grabbing his hand.
"Damn it..." Kenshin said in worry.
"Alright. I've done what I can." Kazumi said. "The video quality isn't the best, but we can still make them out. I prioritized the audio."
"Hold on." A voice said.
Everyone turned to see Lord and Lady Phenex warping in. "Thank you for coming." Azazel said.
"You called them?" Kenshin asked.
"When you asked Kazumi and Chachamaru to hack the feed. I figured they deserved to see it for themselves. The whereabouts of Raiser and Ravel are still unknown. So this may clue us in on where they went."
In the Rating Game against Diehauser Belial and Raiser Phenex which Ravel in which she was participating, she protected Raiser, the king of the peerage to preserve a chance for him to win. However, the ejection function when a piece was fatally injured bleeding from her abdomen didn't activate, just as well. The Phoenix Clan's abilities didn't activate either.
"!" Lord and Lady Phenex gasped in shock.
Raiser had lifted her up, an immensely worried expression on his face. Back at the Hyoudou Residence's VIP room, Kenshin even shot out of his chair as he watched the recording.
"Even if she is invulnerable, against my Worthlessness ability, it looks like it's useless. There is also a special barrier with in this cave. Transportation will not occur and actions which occur in here won't be transmitted except to a certain few."
"..." Raiser had went silent at this. His body trembling before flames erupted around him and he angrily roared. "Damn it! Fucking Damn it! DIEHAAAAUUUSSSEERRRRRRRR! ! ! !"Raiser roared.
The champion of the Rating Game had expressionlessly looked on as Raiser scowled toward him. "Krh..." Kenshin growled as well, gripping the table watching this. "Raiser don't! Take Ravel and get out of there!"
However this didn't happen. "Raiser Phoenix-Dono, don't you think it's strange? Why in the Evil Pieces [-] of [-] Eight pawns, two knights, bishops, rooks and also a queen, originally there shouldn't there have been [-], the pieces were given something [-] instead.
"Wait, why are parts of it blurred and what Belial took out of his pocket is also blurred?" Issei asked.
"[-] of [-] Evil pieces, the Satan who made them, Ajuka Beelzebub, not me. Yet he created them, but the method to produce them was destroyed after they were made. This [-] rumor is not unheard of, urban legends like [-] of [-] are rather famous amongst the Devils who like to gossip, among my cousins, there is one who is very fond of rumors, the gossiping type of girl, by chance, that cousin had her territory in Japan's. [-], she found the reclusive Ajuka Beelzebub-Sama in the vicinity by accident so she."
Kenshin's eyes widened at this, hearing so much censoring. "What the hell is going on? !"
"There is only one of [-], people who were given it, they could do things like [-] and [-]. So they [-] and [-] Ajuka Beelzebub-Sama is simply too extraordinary."
"What do you intend to do with that?" Raiser said.
"You don't need to know." Diehauser Belial said before blasting Raiser with a massive burst of mana, when the light and smoke cleared, both Raiser and Ravel laid on the ground barely alive. A change occurred in the cave as a teal colored glow flashed and Tiamat appeared in her dragon form, growling.
"Tiamat? !" Everyone said, Lord and Lady Phenex turned to Kenshin.
"I didn't have Tiamat do this." Kenshin said shaking his head. "Her obligations to Ajuka Beelzebub override mine." Kenshin said."Plus, if you remember I was away until very recently Plus it seems like she's saving Raiser and Ravel."
"I see." Lord Phenex said.
Diehauser Belial smiled. "I've heard the rumors, When unpredictable events occur in a Rating Game or when the game is played maliciously there will be a response taken secretly."
Tiamat growled. "Interesting thing for you to say, did you specifically call me out here Emperor?"
"The Dragon Queen with Celestial blue scales, the Chaos Karma Dragon, Tiamat. The referee behind the Rating Games, one of the real admins." Diehauser smiled.
"Don't blame me for what happens Emperor, I'm just fulfilling my obligations with Ajuka Beelzebub. He asked me to correct the abnormalities in these games." Tiamat said, ready to attack.
"Known as the strongest of the Dragon Kings, that is rather commendable. I'm surprised Lord Kuroshi was able to tame you and make you his familiar." Diehauser said.
"My arrangement with Kenshin is one of mutual agreement and respect like my one with Ajuka. He understands that my obligations to Ajuka come first. That's why Kenshin doesn't summon me much." Tiamat said.
"Yes, that's why I didn't bring it up to Kenshin when she told me about it. After all she is one of the various people who have an important position in my games, Champion Belial-Dono."
Tiamat turned to see Ajuka arriving on the scene. "Ajuka? ! You saw fit to come here yourself? !"
"This isn't something I'd like Sirzechs or old man Bael to see." Ajuka said.
"It's an honor to be able to meet you, Transcender, Satan Ajuka-Sama. I understand your reason for coming here, Ajuka-Sama, that is-" Diehauser was cut off by Ajuka, then the video feed literally cut off here.
"Hey! What the hell? !" Kenshin said.
"Seriously! What the hell was his deal? !" Issei said.
"Diehauser... I can't believe this." Lord Phenex said.
"Facing down Chaos Karma Tiamat? Would be difficult even for him." Lady Phenex said. "He broke the rules of the Rating Game."
"Tiamat must have been there because of that. Still what was that object he pulled out?" Sona said.
"I have no idea the image was too distorted." Azazel said.
"...Krrrrhhhhh..." Kenshin growled.
Lord and Lady Phenex turned to Kenshin. "Lord Kuroshi?"
Everyone turned to find a deep scowl on Kenshin's face. "Lord and Lady Phenex...I promise you I will bring that bastard to justice. I'm done playing nice with them" Kenshin growled. "Damn you Diehauser! I told you not to involve innocents!"
Azazel looked into Kenshin's eyes. "...I know those eyes..." Azazel thought before sighing to himself as he turned around. "Even if he loves fighting, everyone has their limit." Azazel thought before speaking up.
"Even though Diehauser probably went elsewhere. I believe Lord Beelzebub took the two Phenex siblings with him." Azazel said.
"? !" Kenshin, Issei, Rias, Lord and Lady Phenex all looked at him in shock.
"He's one of the Satans. He may butt heads with Sirzechs and he may have not wanted him to see this, but he wouldn't leave innocent devils to die. Don't forget Kenshin that Tiamat was there too." Azazel said. "I believe they are safe."
"...I hope you are right Azazel-Dono." Lord Phenex said.
Azazel nodded. "I'll try to keep you updated on what I know." He said.
"Yes, thank you." Lord and Lady Phenex said before they disappeared.
"Kenshin..." Azazel called out making everyone turn to him, seeing the look of dark anger across his face. "I know how you feel, but please don't do anything rash."
"As long as they don't, I won't." Kenshin said before letting out a sigh looking out the window. "Raiser, Ravel. Please be alright." He turned and walked out of the room. He wandered a bit before bumping into Kanon.
"Kenshin-kun? Is everything alright?" Kanon asked. "Hiruko was napping so..."
"No." Kenshin said shaking his head.
"What happened?" Kanon asked with a concerned look. "It's OK, you can tell me." She said with a smile.
Kenshin sighed and explained the situation, even going into his problems with the Great King Faction. "I'm sorry for burdening you with my problems...I just need someone to bitch to and I feel my sisters, Evangeline, Tamamo among others are used up."
"No, it's OK." Kanon smiled. "I know what you may have heard about me, but all those years ago, it was a different time."
"Kanon..." Kenshin said. "Thank you."
She reached forward and wrapped her arms around him in a gentle embrace. "Anytime."
A sweet scent filled his nose. "Mmhn..."
"What is it?" Kanon asked.
"Well...it's just you smell amazing." Kenshin said.
"Mmhmhm, thank you." Kanon said with a smile.
(break)
In a remote area in Italy.
Cao Cao entered a farm, where an elderly man with an impressive, muscular build was farming. The old man raised his head and greeted Cao Cao. "Welcome Holy Spear wielder." He said.
"Hello Vasco Strada." Cao Cao greeted. "I had heard you'd been stripped of your rank in the church."
Vasco smiled as he continued tilling the land. "Well, that's what I get for rebelling against the Alliance. They were kind enough to give me this spot as imprisonment. This is where I grew up after all." Vasco said. "So, you are Lord Indra's vanguard? A Pagan God wants to ask this old man something?"
"No, you don't seem to think that I have come to visit solely on a personal basis?" Cao Cao said.
"Hoho? You're here on your own accord then? Very well what is your question?" Vasco asked.
"..." Cao Cao's expression turned serious. "I asked Kenshin Tsuki Kuroshi this before...but what do you think it means to be a hero, Your Eminence?"
"Hm... that's a strange question boya." Vasco said.
"It's just I was born as the inheritor of the hero Cao Cao's blood, then I inherited the Holy Spear. I used to believe that those so called heroes were at the zenith of humanity, being able to defeat powerful otherworldly existences, but...then I lost to a certain reincarnated devil and the Dragon of the Elements. My way of living stripped from me. They probably don't realize this themselves, but those defeats gave me an opportunity to review and change my way of life. Your Eminence who is admired by people as a hero, what do you think a hero is."
"Heheheh." Vasco chuckled. "That's disrespectful, however, you're too young. You look to be in your early twenties, compared to me you're a little baby. Ever since you started calling yourself a hero, you're mistaken." Vasco said with an assertive tone. "Those who determine heroes are the people without power, because they do not possess power, they will yearn for power and seek heroes and decide who they are. Wielder of the Holy Spear...are you playing the role of the people's hero?"
"..." Cao Cao went silent.
"A hero to me, would be someone who is revered and beloved by the people he or she protects. Anyone can be a hero, no matter the race." Cao Cao remembered Kenshin's words from when Issei defeated him.
"Well?" Vasco asked.
"...They both gave me similar answers..." Cao Cao thought. "Simply because I was descended from a hero, I thought I should be one...but no one considered me to be one...Kenshin has the Youkai Faction and Mundus Magicus." He thought. "Kenshin doesn't consider himself as the next Ragnarok, but the first Kenshin.
"Not pursued by the people, claiming to be a hero or something, that's nothing but a child's game. Precisely because of this, you're no match for the Sekiryutei kid who courageous walks his own path. Nor could you ever hope to defeat the Dragon of the Elements as he is now."
"..." Cao Cao couldn't refute it. He'd heard of Kenshin's power boost, but didn't know what it was called. He recalled Issei and Kenshin both facing down insane obstacles whether as the Sekiryuutei, The Dragon of the Elements, or merely as devils and their own goals and the people they protected, they fought tooth and nail. "My own existence had been denied and I was defeated by them. Looking back at myself...what would people who once followed and admired me think?"
"You're just a mere human. A young man at that. Your ancestors may have been heroes, in the end however they were but ordinary humans. Thus you are still a human. Don't these so called heroes praise those who advance forward courageously?"
"..." Cao Cao didn't respond.
"Although I was called a hero, even at my age I don't consider myself to be one. I'm simply a human. I live like one and I will die like one. If people want to consider me a hero, then so be it." Vasco said with a smile.
"I was afraid you'd say that..." Cao Cao said with a sigh.
"Hehehe. Sorry. I'm old now, so I speak long windedly. Originally you already had a vague idea of this answer, yes?" Vasco asked.
"That might have been so. Ever since Kenshin took my eye, since Hyoudou Issei defeated me...I...will I be able to defeat them, your Eminence?" Cao Cao asked.
"Go and love something. Whether it's yourself, someone else, or even something intangible. If you don't have a heart which loves something, then you won't be able to stand against those who have love. The object, person or place that you love will always be there...and at that time you will have 'power' in your body." Vasco said as he turned to return to his farming work. "Oh and continue to chase after them both. They're both at the mercy of love, they live with it. Compared to these old bones you're at a similar age to them both yet their presence is more than ten thousand times that of yours."
Cao Cao smiled, looking down at the True Longinus. "Will the you that is remembered by that spear also pursue that 'love'?" Vasco asked.
"I guess we'll have to find out." Cao Cao said.
(break)
A few days after the big reveal, it was morning time. Both Issei and Kenshin had gotten up early, but hadn't been able to sleep well. Which was surprising because the girls went out of their way to sleep with them. Hell even Sona stayed behind after the meeting and slept with Kenshin along with Rias.
They couldn't help it, Ravel, their manager, one of Kenshin's lovers was missing, possibly gravely injured and there was nothing they could do about it. Even Rias, Yukari and Sona who slept with Kenshin and Asia, Irina and Sextum who slept with Issei had trouble sleeping.
There had also been no news of what had happened making everyone even more restless, Kuroka and Ophis were also seated with them having breakfast with Issei's parents. "Kenshin, Issei. Tomorrow is the three way interview isn't it? Do you understand?" Miki said.
"Yeah...I know." Kenshin and Issei both said.
"You two could be more enthusiastic with your answer." Miki said with astonishment.
"Sorry Auntie..." Kenshin sighed. "We're...just dealing with a lot of stuff we'd rather not talk about." He said.
"Oh? If you're feeling pressure about something, you can come to us." Miki said with a smile.
"O-Or...you could come to me." Hikari said, already knowing what was going through Kenshin's mind.
"Eh? Hikari-San, why did you stutter?" Gorou, Issei's father asked.
"Eh? Did I? I didn't even notice! Hahahahaha!" Hikari laughed their worries off. As soon as they turned away however Hikari cast a worried glance at Kenshin. "He's still rattled by what happened to Ravel and Raiser." She thought.
Hikari turned to Kenshin with a forced smile. "Kenshin. I'll go with you to your interview."
"Asia I'll go with you to yours." Miki said.
"Yes, thank you, mother." Asia said with a gentle smile.
"Really...unlike you two Asia-Chan is so lovely...I guess I really can't understand boys of your age." Miki said.
"Kenshin, Issei, for a man, a career is very important you need to be more enthusiastic about this tomorrow." Gorou said.
"Career consultations huh? If it's from my side, it should be Sister Griselda...although she's quite busy, to be expected." Xenovia said.
"Yeah, same for me. Mama and Papa are overseas. She'd be the closest one I have to a parent." Irina said.
"Also Negi-San." Miki said with a smile. "I've yet to introduce myself, but I'm Miki Hyoudou." She said.
Negi blushed softly with a smile. "Nice to make your acquaintance Miki-San." Negi said.
"Oh, that accent?" Miki said.
"Oh...uhm. I'm from Wales in Europe." Negi said.
"Oh! Another foreigner, and she's a cutie." Gorou chuckled.
"Th-Thank you for the compliment Uncle." Negi said.
"Meanwhile who are you two?" Gorou said looking at Setsuna and Konoka.
"Oh, my name's Konoka Konoe. Ken-kun and I go way back." Konoka said.
"Ah, so you're like Irina-Chan and Issei." Gorou said with a chuckle.
"I'm Setsuna Sakurazaki. I've been under the care of Kono-Chan's family since I was five. I guess I'm under your care now." Setsuna said.
"Of course." Miki said. "You can even consider us as your mother and father if you like."
Setsuna blushed a bit but smiled. "O-OK...O-Okaa-Sama."
"Also don't be alarmed if you see the two of them kissing. They're in a romantic relationship with each other." Kenshin said munching on some bacon.
"Aah! Kenshin!" Setsuna shouted.
"What? Better to get it out of the way now." Kenshin said.
"Oh that's no trouble. Love is love right Miki?" Gorou asked.
"Of course darling." Miki giggled. "Just please try to keep the really risque stuff to the bedroom OK?"
"H-Hai..." Setsuna said while Konoka giggled.
"Anyway. I'm not the sensei for your class, I will help you prepare some information. A career is very important." Rossweisse said.
"Rias-San and Akeno-San are both waiting for their graduation. Their career paths have already been determined, so they can take it easy until spring." Miki said.
"That would be great...if that were the case." Rias said. "There is a need for preparation, so we can't be carefree and relaxed."
"Ufufu, that's because we'll be blossoming female university students." Akeno giggled.
"Yes, that is also true." Miki said. "It's not the same as high school so preparation as university students is important."
"What about you Koneko?" Xenovia asked. "Who will be coming to your three way interview?"
"For me..." Koneko was interrupted.
"I'll go~ Because I'm her older sister." Kuroka said.
"Even after I said you didn't have to go, from the looks of it, you seem enthusiastic." Koneko said with a sigh, her eyes half lidded.
"So cold Shirone, just leave it to me, I'll tempt them with something like 'I really appreciate my family's child which is in your care~ The records document will be done just like that."
"My class homeroom teach is a woman." Koneko said staring at Kuroka.
"That matters~?" Alma said wearing a tight black t-shirt and yoga pants with her wings, horns and tail put away. "Even women can be tempted by other women if she says the right things."
"Alma-San, don't make this worse." Koneko said with a groan.
"Ara Ara, this is really a headache nyan." Kuroka said.
"Seriously Alma..." Granberia sighed, her true image hidden by an illusion, wearing a loose fitting sweater and pants.
"Although you all have different thoughts, a career consultation is very important. Let Akeno and I who can attend school freely take care of other things. You should all properly think about your school life and future especially you two. Do you all understand?" Rias said casting a look at Kenshin and Yukari.
"Yes." Everyone said, though Kenshin and Yukari's tones were laced with a bit of annoyance at being singled out.
After breakfast was eaten. Kenshin and Issei were putting on their shoes to leave for school when Kuroka and Hiruko came up to them. "Hiruko-San? Kuroka-San?" Issei said.
"You two are worried about Birdy-Chan aren't you?" Kuroka asked.
"Kenshin, I haven't known you for very long, but even I can see you're fretting over this." Hiruko said.
"Of course I am." Kenshin sighed.
"We can't wait to go find her now, but..."
"What the former governor general said makes you believe she's safe right? Since it's him isn't it better to just honestly believe him?" Kuroka asked.
"Indeed. If Mother told us something was alright, we believed it. We believed in her." Hiruko said.
"No disrespect Hiruko, but you haven't lived my life." Kenshin said. "Even if I've been told everything's alright. I won't believe it until I see it."
Kuroka turned to Koneko who had put on her shoes next to the two. "Shirone, although you're worried about Birdy-Chan., Occasionally trusting adults is fine isn't it?"
"Well occasionally I can't trust you not to steal mine and Ravel-San's food." Koneko grumbled.
"Nyahaha, really? Occasionally? OK I admit to that much!" Kuroka laughed.
"Kuroka-San, I'm ready." Le Fay said walking up behind her.
"Le Fay and I will use our own way to look for Birdy-Chan. I'm worried too." Kuroka said before hugging all three of them. "Worry about your school life, if you don't take those consultations seriously. Birdy-Chan will get angry, right?"
"...Yeah...I guess you're right." Kenshin said.
"Yeah Ravel would be mad if we flubbed it." Issei said.
"In the end, I'd rather not hear her complain." Koneko said.
"Kanon and I will be going with them." Hiruko said.
"Thank you for your help nya~" Kuroka said as Kanon appeared next to Hiruko.
"Of course." Kanon said
(break)
A few days later.
"Mom...why are you here?" Kenshin asked as Hikari stood behind him, Yukari and Miyuki in the Occult Research Club's building.
"It's everyone's career consultation. Why wouldn't I be here for you and your sisters." Hikari said with a smile. "Sextum-Chan's minding the cafe with Alma's and Erubetie's help while Granberia, Evangeline and Chachamaru are out training. Also I'm here for Kazumi-Chan too."
The door opened and a surprising face walked through the doors. "Hello everyone. Yaa, Irina-Chan."
"Papa? ! How did you get here? !" Irina exclaimed.
"Huh, someone heals quick." Kenshin said.
"Isn't it to be expected? This is my cute daughter's future career consultation isn't it? Of course I'd drop everything and rush over."
"Papa, Michael-Sama will get angry with you you know!" Irina griped.
Touji laughed. "Relax Irina-Chan I was only playing. Something just came up in Japan so I volunteered this is just gravy. You look so cute when you're angry Irina-Chan." Touji said with a grin before approaching Issei. "By the way, Issei-kun"
"Huh? Why are we whispering?" Issei asked.
"Did you use 'that' yet? How did it go?" Touji asked.
"Wait, he's talking about the anti fall room!" Issei thought. "Touji-San, why would you ask about that?" Issei whispered back.
In truth, all of Issei's girlfriends had been asking about the holy doorknob. Irina, Asia, Kuroka, Kazumi, Le Fay, Chachamaru, Erubetie, Yura, Morrigan, Astaroth and Liliana and even Kiyome Abe and Kiryuu had been asking.
"Touji-San...what the hell?" Kenshin whispered with a face palm.
"What? I'm just looking forward to my grandchildren." Touji said.
Hikari appeared next to him and leaned down, whispering into Kenshin's ear. "When can I expect my other grandchildren outside of Neris and Luka. I know you've been active with your mates, ufufufu...and I just know Yukari and Miyuki want to have your babies as well."
"!" Kenshin's cheeks lit up with a blush. "M-Mom? !" Kenshin thought before turning to Yukari and Miyuki who were both blushing, glancing away.
"Mom...why...that's so embarrassing..." Yukari muttered.
"Kaa-Chan, I might want to have a child with Onii-Chan, but not right now..." Miyuki muttered.
"Hold on, Papa what are you saying to Issei-kun?" Irina asked with a concerned look.
"Hahaha, I was just asking about the situation with the room!" Touji laughed.
"Mmmm! R-Really Papa, please don't talk about that topic in front of your daughter and her childhood friend!" Irina said with an angry blush.
"Irina-Chan is also cute when she gets angry." Touji said.
"Fufufu, this side of Irina never really changed." Xenovia said standing off to the side.
"Hey Xenovia-San, speaking of which, is Griselda-San coming?" Issei asked.
"Well, originally that was the case, but she's rather busy, so today it's just me goi-"
"Just you, what are you talking about? Hello Xenovia."
"S-S-Si-Sister Griselda, y-you actually came? !" Xenovia shouted.
"Yeah...I may have dropped a line to her about this because she's technically your legal guardian." Kenshin said.
"Of course I did." Griselda said. "Your guardian is me after all. We'll finally be able to confirm the content of the three way interview when we go over there." Griselda said grabbing Xenovia's hand and pulling her over to her.
"I-I don't need any confirmation! My future career path has already been confirmed." Xenovia said casting an unseen look at Kenshin.
"That future you decided on is most likely sketchy and rough. Listen to me and come with me to go over it again." Griselda said.
Xenovia cast another look at Kenshin this time in frustration to which Kenshin smirked. "If my mom's here your sister is too." Kenshin thought.
"Uhh...I'm no match for you Sister Griselda." Xenovia sighed.
"It's Hikari-San for Kenshin, Yukari, Miyuki and Kazumi, Touji-San is here for Irina, Griselda-San is here for Xenovia...wait, then who is here for Kiba and Gasper?" Issei wondered.
"Oh?" Kiba said. "The Gremory household sends someone to act as my guardian every year. I think Gasper's the same now that he's actually attending."
"Oh, how's Tosca-San doing?" Kenshin asked. "Relax I'm not gonna pick on you about her. I'm just curious as to how she's doing. She's been dropping by lately to learn about Japan from Rias, Asia and Koneko."
"She's been doing OK." Kiba said with a smile. "She's been living with Tsubaki and I."
"Wait...Tsubaki and you?" Issei asked.
"Yes. Tsubaki-San moved in with me." Kiba said.
"Oh I feel sorry for Tosca's sleep schedule." Kenshin said.
"Hey! You just said you wouldn't pick on me about Tosca!" Kiba griped.
"And I'm not, Tsubaki's still fair game though." Kenshin grinned.
"..." Kiba glowered at Kenshin before sighing. "Are you ever going to stop?"
"Maybe someday." Kenshin said.
The door opened again and Miki walked in. "Is this the right place?"
"Yeah Aunt Miki you got the right place." Kenshin said.
One by one everyone took their interview. Until finally it was Kenshin's turn. "Hey Mom, why don't we just get all of us out of the way?" Kenshin said.
"Is that possible?" Hikari asked.
"Sure, if you have more than one child attending, they will accommodate." Miki said.
"Very well...Yukari, Miyuki, Kazumi come on." Hikari said.
"Right." The three said.
"Oh?" The sensei said seeing them all enter. "You have four children attending Miss Tsuki?"
"Technically three, I'm acting as Kazumi-Chan's legal guardian." Hikari said with a smile.
"Noted." Sensei said. "So you four are Kenshin Kuroshi, Yukari Tsuki, Miyuki Tsuki and Kazumi Asakura yes?"
"Yes." Kazumi said.
"Yeah." Miyuki said.
"Mhm." Yukari said.
"Yup." Kenshin said only to have his head pushed down by Hikari. "M-Mom!"
"Kenshin this is an official interview, could you conduct yourself a little more formally?" Hikari scolded. "I'm sorry my son's so nonchalant about this." Hikari apologized.
"Alright alright jeez!" Kenshin said.
If Sensei was amused by this, they didn't show it. "So...Kuroshi-kun, you, your sisters here and Asakura-kun plan to study at Kuoh Academy's university branch after graduating?"
"Yes." Kenshin, Yukari, Miyuki and Kazumi all said. "A lot of our friends are going to do the same." Yukari said.
"I see, and what comes afterward." Sensei asked. "Have you discussed this with your mother?"
"Well I know that Kazumi-Chan wants to go into journalism." Hikari said. "As for Kenshin, Yukari and Miyuki..."
"We're not quite sure yet." Miyuki said with a sheepish smile.
"We're just taking it a day at a time." Yukari said.
"If the university has any course on preparation for parenting, I plan to take those." Kenshin said.
"Mm? Why? You're so young?" Sensei asked, arching her brow.
"Because I have twins on the way." Kenshin stated.
"!" Sensei let out a gasp at this. "T-Twins? ! At your age? ! Don't you think that's irresponsible of you?"
"No." Kenshin said. "I plan to be there for them, but there's only so much knowledge I can glean from my mother."
"Ma'am relax. Kenshin's a responsible boy, this just kind of...happened." Hikari said
"Yeah, it happened for three freakin' days." Kenshin thought.
"Wait...so is Gremory-San...?" Sensei asked.
"!" Kenshin actually blushed at this. "N-No, it's not her."
"So the rumors of you two being together are untrue?" Sensei asked.
"Sensei, with all due respect my private life is none of your business and I will neither confirm nor deny." Kenshin said. "Now does the university have any courses like that?"
"Yes, and I'm sorry for prying." Sensei said. "But if I may, have you already decided on names for them."
"Yes, Neris and Luka." Kenshin said with a smile. "Their mother's name is Alice."
"Well then allow me to offer my congratulations then Kuroshi-kun." Sensei said with a smile. "Will you be enrolling them here in the future?"
"Thank you and I'm not quite sure yet, understand Alice is still pregnant with them." Kenshin said. "As for the future. Rias's father has offered me work. All of us really."
"Aah, I see." Sensei nodded. "So that's what you meant by taking it a day at a time."
"Yes." Yukari, Miyuki and Kenshin all said.
"Kuroshi-kun, a lot of students have noticed you carrying around a wooden training bokken after school hours before heading out to the woods. Do you practice kendo?"
"I guess you could say that." Kenshin said. "Yukari does too. We spar a lot. Why?"
"Well, why don't you join the kendo club in your last years here?" Sensei asked.
"Sorry, we only practice kendo as a form of exercise and relaxation." Yukari said waving her off.
"Oh, I see...but my son, the captain of the kendo club has noticed him...even if you won't join, could you at least entertain him in a match." Sensei said.
"...Hrm..." Kenshin had heard about this character before. He remembered Muruyama and Katase complaining about him being too much of a dick around the girl's kendo club saying they'd been dragging their feet. Even when Murayama and Katase had commented on having tried their best. "Tell him he's on, on one condition." Kenshin said. "I win, he quits fucking with the female half of the club. A couple of their members tell me he's been a bullying them lately. Even trying to get in their pants if they lost matches by a large margin."
"..." Sensei narrowed her eyes. "If this is true...then I will look into it. He will be punished regardless."
"I thank you." Kenshin nodded.
"Very well. If you win, I shall scold him accordingly." Sensei said. "Our meeting is finished. Your results won't come for a few days.
Kenshin nodded and got up, along with his sisters and mother and left the room. "Kenshin, why are you accepting this?" Hikari said.
"That bit I said about her son was true, I've come by the kendo club's practices every now and again since Murayama and Katase found out about me. I may hate fights that bore me, but I don't mind delivering a beatdown to someone who deserves it." Kenshin said.
(Break)
Next day
Kenshin walked into the gymnasium where the kendo club was holding their practices. He saw a boy fighting against a girl on the sparring mat. He was winning and not letting up. He rushed forward and cut between them, intercepting the strike with his right forearm, his left arm wrapped around the girl's waist.
"Eh? You're...?"
"What the hell are you doing to her? I wasn't aware this club was co ed." Kenshin said.
"That's the punishment she gets for losing her match against St Frieda's the other day Future Fukukaichou" He said.
"Tch..." Kenshin growled a bit. "You're full of shit."
"Am I? For wanting my teams to achieve victory as to not shame my name as a leader?" He asked.
"We don't win all the time, give us a break!" Kenshin turned to see Murayama shouting.
"Defeat is a natural part of life." Kenshin said. "It teaches you what your weaknesses are."
"Well I've never been defeated." The Captain smirked. "So I guess I have no weaknesses."
"Until today. I'm sure your mother has told you about me?" Kenshin asked.
"Wait, you're Kenshin Kuroshi? The famed wildboy womanizer of year two? Mom told me all about your challenge. She told me to crush you." The Captain said. "To think someone like you won the seat of Student Council Vice President."
"Did she now? And by the way, womanizer? That implies that I go around chasing ass. I don't." Kenshin said before turning to Murayama with a smile. "Murayama-Chan, may I borrow your bokken? I'll pay for a replacement if I break it over this idiot's head."
"Oh don't worry about it. I've got plenty at home." Murayama giggled.
"Then I'll just give you the money for one." Kenshin smiled as he held her bokken in hand.
"Krrh! Don't you ignore me!"
"..." Kenshin dodged to the side and smacked him in the left calf with Murayama's bokken.
"Score one Kenshin-San!" Katase said acting as the referee.
"Don't acted biased alright Katase-Chan." Kenshin said as he backed away, smiling at her.
"Of course not Kenshin-kun." Katase said with a smile, brushing her pink hair from her eyes.
"Haa!" Kenshin dodged another attack from the captain before slipping his bokken between his legs, throwing the captain to the mat. He then pointed his bokken at the captain's face. "Stand down."
"!" The Captain was speechless.
"Kenshin Kuroshi wins match one!" Katase said.
"Wait! He was fighting dirty!" One of the boys shouted.
"Really? Was I? No rules were established. This was a completely free spar." Kenshin said. "Very well...before we begin again. What's your name?" Kenshin asked.
"It's Sanada Takamori." Takamori said. "Very well, see my true skill!" He slashed his bokken out behind him before spinning it a few times and holding it with both hands. "Not even going to dress up in the proper attire?" Takamori asked.
"I don't need to." Kenshin stated blandly as he held his bokken in a relaxed position as he dodged a stab from Takamori, before ducking under a slash at his neck, stepping to the side of a diagonal slash, he jumped back as Takamori slashed down vertically. He dodged a stab and ducked under another slash at his neck, side stepping him again as he slashed down his left. "Alright. Play time's over." Kenshin said stepping back.
"? !" Takamori's eyes widened as Kenshin started to spin his bokken out at his right before stabbing it toward his left, before performing a backward slash at his right again before finally stabbing at him. "Hrm..." Takamori glared.
Kenshin held his bokken out in front of him. "What are you waiting for? Come on." Kenshin said leaning forward.
"Haa!" Takamori shouted, stabbing at Kenshin's neck.
"Hrm!" Kenshin dodged to the right, while smacking Takamori's left knee with his bokken making him kneel.
"Point to Kenshin-San!" Katase announced.
"..." Takamori glared as Kenshin backed away, letting him up. He lunged forward and slashed down at Kenshin.
"..." Kenshin swatted his bokken to the right while whacking the side of his right knee.
"Grrh..." Takamori got up as Kenshin backed away, he and Kenshin spun their swords a couple of times before Kenshin spoke up.
"If we were using actual blades. You wouldn't be walking right now. I'd have cleaved both your legs off." Kenshin said.
"Krh...!" Takamori growled. "Shut up Kuroshi! You're not better than me you amateur!"
"..." Kenshin sent him a disinterested glare as he swatted away a stab and smacked Takamori in the right knee. "That's another leg." He said as Takamori fell to a kneel.
"Krrh!" Takamori growled as he slashed at Kenshin's chest, then at his back. Both of these were met with blocks before Kenshin smacked Takamori in the left knee.
"That's two pairs of legs you would have lost." Kenshin said.
"Grah!" Takamori moved to slash him up the right.
"Hrm!" Kenshin knocked this away, behind him before turning back to Takamori
"Hrm!" Takamori growled as he slashed at Kenshin's shoulder before Kenshin knocked his bokken upward
"Hrm!" Kenshin went into a spin and knocked away Takamori's downward slash before smacking him in the right knee hard, making him kneel. "Hrm!" He grabbed Takamori's right wrist as he slashed at Kenshin's neck, only for Kenshin to smack it over his head, knock it to his own right before smacking it downward, making Takamori's bokken smack his own right wrist. "And if we had been using real swords just now...I'd have just relieved you of your right hand with your own blade."
Takamori pulled his hand back in shock. Kenshin turned and walked away. "Wait!" Takamori said.
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
"W-With your skill...why don't you join the kendo club? Not only could you win regionals, you could win the national championship!" Takamori asked.
Kenshin turned to Takamori with a smile. "Like I told your mother. I practice the blade for relaxation and recreation, nothing more. Now keep to our agreement and quit messing with the girls kendo club..." He paused to narrow his eyes dangerously. "Or I WILL be back." Kenshin said.
"Y-Yes sir!" Takamori said in fright.
Kenshin turned and left the gym only to hear a procession of footsteps behind him. "?" He turned to find Murayama and Katase behind him. "Oh, heya."
"Kenshin-kun, thank you for that." Murayama said with a smile.
"Well his mother was the one who thought he could beat me." Kenshin said with a grin.
"He's not hurt is he?" Katase asked. "I wouldn't want you getting in trouble."
"Nah. The most he's got is a bruised ego." Kenshin said.
"I know...you told us both to go after Issei but..." Murayama said.
"We feel we owe you this." Katase said as the approached Kenshin on both sides and hugged him tightly.
Kenshin hugged them back. "If you two ever feel like you need some help, I'm not a hard guy to find."
"Thanks." They both said. "We'll keep that in mind."
"Oh Murayama. Here." He said tossing her bokken back to her.
Murayama caught it. "Thanks."
(break)
That night.
"Kakakaka! It's been a long time since I could drink like this." Gorou said after Miki told him about Issei's three way interview. Zeoticus had not only offered to let Kenshin and his sisters work for him, but also Issei as well. Kenshin wouldn't be surprised if he had extended this offer to Kiba and Gasper as well. "Issei, for a boy who only has a strong libido I'm surprised that you'd actually considered that kind of future."
"Well I am a celebrity in the Underworld..." Issei thought.
"I was surprised by it as well. When I heard that Gremory-San planned to let Issei work at one of his companies after he graduated from the university, but Issei, you actually considered so much. I'm so moved that I want to cry." Miki said wiping her tears.
(hic!)
"I had no worries though." Hikari said holding a dish of sake with a drunken blush. "Kenshin, Yukari and Miyuki all have bright futures ahead of them.
Beside her was Azazel. "Yuuma's good too. I have friends in a nearby business who'd love to have her." He said sipping his dish of sake, hugging Hikari against him.
"Hmhm~!" Hikari giggled, wrapping an arm around him in return.
"Hikari-Chan, you're awfully close to Aza-kun, when can Kenshin, Yukari and Miyuki expect another sibling?" Miki giggled as she sipped from her own dish of sake as Gorou wrapped an arm around her.
"!" Kenshin, Yukari, Miyuki and Raynare all blushed at this.
"Hahahaha!" Hikari laughed. "We aren't that close yet! We're simply dating!"
"Hahaha, yeah, there's a process to these things Miki-San!" Azazel said.
"Oh, then why did Kenshin bring a pregnant woman into our home?" Gorou said with a knowing smile.
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened at this.
Gorou smiled at this. "Hey, you think I don't know a pregnant woman when I see it? Miki's been pregnant three times." Gorou said as Issei turned around to get a drink.
"Yes..." Miki said looking away.
Issei looked at the floor in shock. "I-I'm their third child? Where are...?"
"...They were..." Miki said.
"Please tell me they weren't stillborn." Hikari said.
"..." Miki bowed her head. "No it's not that bad. I've had two miscarriages."
"..." Hikari got up and hugged Miki. "I'm so sorry...I've never experienced something like that...I would be devastated if I miscarried Kenshin, Yukari or Miyuki."
"Thank you...but our Issei's still gone." Miki said.
"..." Issei ran upstairs causing Raynare to chase after him.
She found him in his room. "Khhh..." Issei growled as tears slipped down his cheeks.
"I'm so sorry Issei." Raynare said hugging him from behind, hoping he wouldn't break the hold.
"It's not your fault..." Issei said "...Ray-Chan..." Issei said turning toward Raynare.
"!" Raynare blushed at this, but smiled. "What if your parents find out though...that I killed you?" Raynare asked.
"If they find out about you and about me still being alive I'll defend you. I'll tell Mom and Dad that you were being put up to it under threat of your own death." Issei said hugging her gently. "What happens after that I'll live with."
"Thank you Issei." Raynare said hugging him tightly before pulling away.
Gorou turned to the two of them as they returned. "Where'd you two go?"
"Uh...we both had to go to the bathroom." Issei said.
"Y-Yeah, Issei beat me there." Raynare said.
"Ah, well anyway. Today is a day to celebrate! Miki, bring that expensive bottle of sake that Sirzechs-San gave me a while back!" Gorou said.
"Yes Yes, I know. Really, you're not like an adult at all." Miki said walking into the kitchen. Rias was sitting between Kenshin and Issei. "When should we tell them?" Rias asked Kenshin quietly as Gorou rambled on.
"I've been wondering the same thing myself." Kenshin muttered. "These two deserve to know what happened to Issei and that he's still alive."
"..." Raynare glanced away.
"Hey." Kenshin said. Her sitting across from them. "We'll explain to them what happened, everything."
"But what if they don't accept?" Raynare asked.
"If they don't then we tried." Rias said. Raynare nodded.
"This cannot do." Rossweisse said. "You need to speak to your parents seriously, let them know you're alright and tell them about your future. They might not be able to understand, and it may even get out of hand, but I agree with Kenshin. This lie that you're dead in their eyes needs to end. They went through a lot as did your teachers at school Issei."
"I know." Issei said.
"As expected of a teacher of Kuoh Academy." Xenovia said.
"...Although she sometimes forgets her position, she really is a teacher. " Koneko said.
"Well, everyone present here will be working in one of the Gremory family's companies after they graduate right? Even among the teaching staff we refer to you guys as the 'Gremory prospective members.'"
"Are there also 'Sitri prospective members?'" Rias asked.
"Yeah, I know there's no 'Kuroshi prospective members' because I just got started as a clan head." Kenshin said.
Gorou came around the table and held Rias' hand after Kenshin had spoke. "Not only Kenshin-kun, but even Asia-Chan had received an invitation from your family's company, Gremory-San. The future of these two is really bright! I can't thank the Gremory family enough. Thank you so much Rias-San."
Rias was initially startled as he wrapped his arm around her, clearly drunk, but she calmed down and smiled. "No, for us, we just want to ensure that we have these valuable human resources, on this basis whether it's Kenshin or Asia, my father and brother both think they will be valuable in the future."
"Uooh!" Gorou cried out. "I'm really so grateful, for you to say this, I'm even more relieved!"
"For our nephew Kenshin to be picked up by Rias-San, our family is really too fortunate." Miki said.
"..." Kenshin walked up to Gorou and Miki as the two hugged. His eyes flashed. "In a few days, we need to have a talk, but for now, continue to enjoy yourselves."
The two blinked for a moment but nodded. "OK."
The dinner ended and Kenshin walked down the hall with Issei. "Are you really going to expose the secret?" Issei asked.
"I am." Kenshin said. "I'm sorry Issei, but your parents have thought you were dead for long enough. I'll deal with their misgivings with Raynare." Kenshin said.
The two took a shower later that night and happened along a box on the second floor, an extremely large one at that."
"What's going on with this cardboard box. Who was it that put it here and why." Issei said.
"I have a good idea" Kenshin said opening the box.
"Aha...you found me."
Kenshin and Issei stared as Valerie Tepes looked up at them. "Valerie? !" Kenshin and Issei both shouted. "OK! Not who I was thinking!" Kenshin said.
"Yes, it is me." Valerie giggled as she stepped out of the cardboard box with a smile. "Sorry. I was just imitating Gasper, Gasper only needs to get into a cardboard box to calm down so I wanted to know what it felt like so I tried it. Also, we were playing hide and seek until he got pulled away."
"Ah I see. How are you feeling now that you've got that necklace?" Kenshin asked.
"Yeah, how's your body?" Issei asked.
"Oh I'm fine." Valerie said with a lazy tone. "I came over here with transportation magic circles. He's preparing notes with Koneko-San for Ravel-San. I didn't want to disturb so I came here to visit." She glanced around. "Come to think of it. I can't hear the voices of 'everyone' anymore. It's really strange."
"Well when I gave your second Sephiroth Graal back. I also booted all the souls that were bothering you back to the Impure World." Kenshin said.
"If there is anything inconveniencing you, just say so and everyone will help you." Issei said.
"Mm...if you say so." Valerie said.
"Well there isn't really anything bad. As long as I'm able to be together with Gasper, then I won't be lonely." Valerie said tapping her chin with her finger. "Also, for everyone to stay by my side...I'm really happy, it's almost like a dream." She added, putting her hands together in a prayer like motion. "Also Negi Springfield-San...she's quite a nice person."
Kenshin closed his eyes with a smile. "Yeah, Negi's kind of a cinnamon roll at heart. She even saw the good in me when I met her that I couldn't see for myself."
"Yes...she's been helping study how to better use magic. No offense to Evangeline-San, but Negi-San makes it easier to understand." Valerie said.
"Well she was a teacher before coming here." Kenshin grinned.
"Anyway...Ravel Phoenix-San." Valerie said looking up at the ceiling. "You will likely meet them again soon, they're probably still alive."
"What makes you say that?" Issei asked.
Valerie seemed puzzled by his question. "I can't really...put it into words. I just know..."
"Hearing you say that kinda calms my nerves. Thanks." Kenshin said with a smile.
Valerie smiled back. "I should be thanking you. For Gasper and I to be together again...I'm really grateful. Thank you."
"Ahhhh Valerie! This is where you were! You can't run out of Koneko-Chan's room you haven't fully recovered yet!" The three turned to see Gasper running up to them.
"Relax Gyasuke she's fine." Issei waved him off.
"Yeah we were just having a conversation with her. We even found her in one of your boxes." Kenshin laughed.
"Still it's not a good time to move around, she needs to stay close to me." Gasper said.
"Ufufu, Gasper is really strict." Valerie said with a giggle.
(break)
Noon, the next day.
Everyone in DxD in Kuoh were gathered in the Occult Research Club's clubroom by an urgent call from Azazel.
"Why the urgent call Azazel?" Hikari asked.
"I've received definite news about Raiser Phenex and Ravel." Azazel said.
"...which is?" Kenshin asked.
"They are both safe and have no serious issues." Azazel said.
"!" Shock and Relief shot through the room. Kenshin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thank goodness..." He whispered.
"Koneko-Chan, she's safe! That's wonderful!" Gasper said while crying.
"Yes, that's great Gya-kun! Thank goodness, she really worried us to death, baka Ravel! Big idiot!" Koneko was faring no better.
Giving everyone a moment to settle down. "Who saved them?" Issei asked.
"The one who ensured their safety after that recording cut out...was Ajuka Beelzebub." Azazel said.
"I see..." Kenshin said. "I'll have to thank him in the next council meeting I go to. Have you informed their parents?"
"I've been trying, but they've been busy." Azazel said.
"Another thing for me to do in the next council meeting if Ajuka hasn't already." Kenshin nodded.
"How soon can we get them back?" Issei asked.
"The earliest we can go there is the day after tomorrow." Azazel said. "Just be patient until then."
"Yes." Everyone said.
(break)
Undisclosed Location of Agreas.
"Seriously? You're scared of him now?" Yama asked in disinterest.
"No I'm not scared of Kenshin you fucker, but you didn't fight him! Shit got crazy!" Rizevim griped. "Where are we going anyway?"
"Well while you were away. I had your boy Belial do something for me. He initially refused, but then I threatened to hunt his parents down and kill them in front of him. He immediately changed his mind afterward." Yama said with a snide chuckle. "This should keep Kenshin off you when his little organization eventually finds this place."
"Oh really?" Rizevim said with interest. "What did you have Diehauser do?"
"Well, see for yourself." Yama said as they entered a room Rizevim had fashioned into a prison.
"Hm...? Oh!" Rizevim's eyes widened in delighted surprise as he saw Diehauser standing in front of a woman chained to a wall. She had flowing silver hair, a red eye marking on her bangs. Indigo colored skin with a tribal marking on her side and a long red scaled serpentine tail that got lighter closer to the tip.
It was Alice, the Demon Queen. "Diehauser you shouldn't have!" Rizevim said.
"..." Alice raised her head, having been unconscious until now. She saw Rizevim and Yama and immediately started jerking around, trying to get free. "Let me out of these chains this instant!" Alice hissed angrily.
"Hahahaha, I'm afraid you're in no position to be making demands Queenie." Yama laughed.
"Krrh..." Alice growled and turned to scowl at Diehauser. "I did as you said, why did you knock me out?"
"I'm glad he did." Rizevim said with a coy smirk. "Can't have you knowing the location of Agreas and somehow getting it out to Kenshin and his allies."
"..." Diehauser didn't say anything.
"What do you want with me..." Alice said with a vehement scowl directed at Rizevim.
"Me personally? Nothing. I didn't even know you were here until Yama here showed me. He's the one who had Diehauser-kun apprehend you." Rizevim said. "What would I want with the Snake Slut Queen of the Savage Youkai?"
Alice's scowl deepened. "How dare you..." She snarled.
"What? You youkai seem to have to fuck constantly, yourself being no exception." Rizevim said. He glanced downward seeing her swelled belly. "Oh? Gorging yourself lately have we? Well sorry to say you'll be dropping that weight"
"Actually, this one is pregnant." Yama said. "With twins at that."
"? !" Alice gasped in fear as she glanced at Yama.
"Oh really? !" Rizevim said with a smirk as Alice's eyes widened in horror. He created a knife out of mana and pointed it at her swelled abdomen. "Who's the father, huh? Huh? !" Rizevim said pressing the dagger against her.
"..." Alice's eyes became ever more fearful as she glanced at Diehauser who looked conflicted.
"It's Kenshin Kuroshi...please tell me it's Kenshin Kuroshi. He paid me the penultimate disrespect earlier." Rizevim said with a smirk. "What better way to pay him back than for me to murder his damned offspring! Let me rob him of the future!" Rizevim said stabbing the dagger at Alice's abdomen, only for the dagger to disappear. Rizevim turned to Diehauser who closed his eyes. "Diehauser you serve me, what the fuck?"
"It's sounding more and more like you want me to face Kenshin Kuroshi, but if the health of Lady Alice and her children is compromised by you. Kenshin will drop everything and come after you." Diehauser said.
"Honestly Rizevim as much as I'd love to watch you slice those weeping brats from her womb. Your boy Belial is right." Yama said. "Kenshin obviously knows she's knocked up with his brats. If he found out you hurt her and killed them. Not even his promise to your pathetic grandson will stay his blade. He'll make what he did to you in Makai seem like child's play."
"What he did to him in Makai?" Diehauser said with an arched brow.
"Don't worry about it." Rizevim grunted. "Anyway, stay posted."
Yama and Rizevim walk away as soon as they were out of earshot Diehauser closed his eyes with a regretful sigh. "I apologize..."
"..." Alice looked over at him. "Why take me hostage?"
"That shinigami put me up to it." Diehauser answered. "I refused, and he threatened to kill my parents in front of me."
"...I take it they are of great importance to you? " Alice asked. "Even moreso than your bond suggests?"
"They sacrificed a lot for me to get to where I am today..." Diehauser said. "I couldn't put them in danger like that."
"..." Alice closed her eyes. "I see. In any case thank you for stopping him from stabbing me. Most of my mana goes to nurturing the twins and it's still semi depleted as it is, as I gave the bulk of it to my ancestor the Dark Goddess."
"Of course." Diehauser said before walking over to her grabbing her chains.
"What are you?" Alice said.
"I'm loosening your bindings. I just needed to make it look like you were fully restrained." Diehauser said.
Alice's arms lowered and she stretched them around. "Thanks."
"Of course." Diehauser said, turning away.
"Wait." Alice said.
"Hm?" Diehauser turned to her.
"You're a member of that faction that's been giving Kenshin nothing but grief aren't you?" Alice asked.
"Yes? It's why I was Sairaorg's coach in the Youth Devil's tournament." Diehauser said.
"Then I'm afraid I have some bad news." Alice said. "See the leader of that faction. The head of the Bael devil clan, sent his second son along with Kenshin to Makai during the Youkai Revolution. In order to assassinate Kenshin. Strike one." Alice said. "Then he destroyed the remains of Kenshin's grandparents in front of him. Strike two. I told that clan's founder that if that man and his faction did anything else to ire Kenshin or those he cared about...he had my blessing to use my armies. Kenshin did say however...that it would take a lot to force his hand."
"!" Diehauser's eyes widened at this.
"What do you think the first thought that passes through Kenshin's mind when he catches wind of you abducting me? Who do you think...that he will think ordered it?" Alice asked.
"...Oh no..." Diehauser said, dread in his voice as he took off. "I have to send word to my father along with a message for Kenshin quickly!" He thought.
(chapter end)
Draconis: No convo this time. See you all later.
Footnote
(1 ) Not again indeed Kiba I'll try not to have Kenshin tease you about Tosca.
Draconis678 out.