Hope you enjoy this chapter, am quite curious what everyone makes of this one as it's the meeting between Kazuhiko and the ORC. Originally I had thought to have it being one sided between Rias and Kazuhiko and I'm still undecided so I hope some of Rias' reactions could be considered the sort of jealousy when someone else has messed with her stuff rather then romantic if I don't go down the original idea.
Sennybee98: Thanks, I do end up rewriting parts of this to try and get things to work in the right way. I have thought of having Kiba attack Kazuhiko after he easily uses one of the Excaliburs that the Exorcists had been using to begin with, probably Mimic considering it fits better with his range of skills. With Rias I'm not sure at the moment whether to have her being some one sided crush given what happens in the Riser Arc or not but I'm pretty sure Rias' family will try and force something to happen between them. Not sure what you meant by Rainbow Flames but if you mean the Flames of the Earth the Shimon Family use I don't think they would work with the Vongola Flames. Also I have been thinking that Kazuhiko would get trained by Tiamat before the Rating Game but then that would be more learning some more abilities rather then her blue flames as it would involve the Zero Point Breakthrough (ZPB) and some other things. Also he would have met her during the familiar forest trip so he could travel to the clan's home without trouble.
s-mayumi: I'm not sure what I'm going to do with Issei for the moment but I may have him in Sona's peerage some a random Sacred Gear (Not sure what it would be if I pick one) and have him and Saji being friends/ rivals in her group.
Raidentensho: I hadn't realised that the ZPB would be possible till you explained it so thanks for that. I also plan to have Kazuhiko learn [Ruggito di Ceili] which Natsu and Bester can use and might have him pull it out during the Rating Game with Riser.
ShadowUzumaki55: Thanks for the suggestion regarding Kiba being the first one Kazuhiko would start opening up to. I've included some of it into this chapter. Originally I hadn't intended this to be a bash fic against Rias but more trying to avoid the cliché of having Rias being the alpha of the harem.
withdranwnmadness000: Yes those four are his harem at the moment along with those like Akeno and Koneko who Kazuhiko will eventually help out as things go on. I currently have only one Holy flame for Kazuhiko but I won't have it showed off till some point later as its basically purifying flames based on Koneko's 'Shrione mode' in Volume 16 and would be OP for him this early on.
Hunter792: Glad that you like it, I do always try and show my characters having some sort of learning curve otherwise it would be stupid if Kazuhiko just got all these skills from the start without any effort put into it. As for the Evil Pieces, the only reasons Kazuhiko hasn't thrown them yet is more to do with the fact he doesn't want to get attacked by tons of people, those around him getting drawn into his fights and they give him a boost with his [Promotion] ability once he gets it hacked. Seraphina is in the harem and I will try and add Yasaka in as well once I come up with a mission to send him to Kyoto at some point after the Asia Arc.
Neonlight01: As I said to ShadowUzumaki55, I didn't intent to bash Rias but it just comes out rather easily when writing this plus there's a bit in the first volume of the light novel that basically states Ise had been having nightmares of Yuuma/ Raynare's attack which sprung up this idea in some regard. Kalawarner is going to be helpful to Kazuhiko and the others and will want her own revenge against Raynare. Matsu brings up what Rias did to Kazuhiko although keeps it vague enough that, I hope, Rias wouldn't recognise her as being privy to the supernatural at the moment. I will be including Akeno and Koneko in seeing as Kazuhiko's anger is directed at Rias and not her servants.
DoctorWhoXX: Kazuhiko already is learning to use Illusions and he will be using them with his Mist Flames which help make real illusions which can cause damage themselves so I don't think he needs Mind Flames. As for Riser I do have a couple of ideas to take him out without relying on the First Edition ZPB/ Snow Flames (Going to be the same thing) but going to keep them as a surprise for now.
...
"" - Speech
'' - Thought
"" - Distorted
{} – Metatron
[] - Albion
...
Kazuhiko couldn't suppress the smile on his face as he walked back from the station with the sun setting in the background. The day before had been surprisingly fun for him with Seraphina between the window shopping, the family restaurant and arcade and had even ended with them having there photos taken together in a photo booth. It had on some level brought back flashbacks to his date with 'Yuuma' but hadn't ended in his own death and instead he'd got a kiss on the cheek.
Today had been him going to Akihabara with his two friends and part of him had felt bad for Seraphina not coming along but he knew her day hadn't been wasted thanks to a quick message to Matsu and giving bluenette the directions to Matsu's shop so she would now be enrolled at Kuoh Academy and even in his class. Also it meant that Matsu and Seraphina would recognise each other and avoid any potential friendly fire that could occur without him around.
Kazuhiko was wearing black slacks, a white long sleeved shirt and a high collar blue jacket which was left open, a comfortable pair of white and blue sneakers on his feet and a filled rucksack on his back which held the stuff he'd got, most of it was manga and anime of series he was keeping up on.
Kazuhiko had found himself embarrassed at the way his two friends had been ogling some of the girls who had been working at a cosplay café they had stopped at for lunch, having to hit both of them on the head so they would stop before the topic had been turned onto him and Seraphina as they had caught sight of the picture in his wallet from the previous day.
{Watch out Kazu-kun, there's a Fallen Angel about} Metatron spoke up; Kazuhiko not bothering to look around as he prepared to send his bag to his pocket dimension so it wouldn't hinder him.
[He's right ahead of you now] Albion replied with a soft growl, Kazuhiko mentally nodding back as he started to see the man wearing a suit waiting before him as he continued walking. Feeling the killing intent from him only made Kazuhiko start to draw up his demonic energy in low levels to avoid alerting Dohnaseek who spoke
"This is rare. To meet someone like you in a place like this." The Fallen Angel started to walk forwards after Kazuhiko came to a halt several feet away, hands still in his pockets as he continued
"What, not going to run away? Who is your Master? It must be a person with a very low rank or with a weird hobby to choose this place as a territory. So, who is your Master?" Kazuhiko sent his bag to his pocket dimension as he slowly removed his hands from his pockets as he replied
"I have no master…"
"Oh so you are a Stray…? Well that makes things easier" Dohnaseek spoke amused, black feathered wings emerged from his back while holding his hand out at the side as light started to gather and form into a spear.
[Kick his ass]
{This Fallen One is nothing compared to you} Albion and Metatron spoke, Kazuhiko smirking softly as he spoke
"Yeah…but it won't end like you think it will" Dohnaseek looked confused as he threw his light spear at Kazuhiko, missing as the brunet sidestepped the attack much to the ire of the Fallen Angel who formed another spear in his hands and threw it quickly. Kazuhiko covered both his hands in [Sky Flames] before making them flare as he used a burst of speed to dodge it and charge forwards too fast to be seen by the low level Fallen Angel before slamming a fist into Dohnaseek's stomach making him bend forwards and hissed in pain.
"A Knight…" He clutched his stomach with one hand while making a spear of light appear in the other as Kazuhiko dodged with his flames again as he threw a fist into the small of Dohnaseek's back, making a loud crack echo as Kazuhiko replied with a small smirk
"No…" Kazuhiko jumped to dodge the wild swing Dohnaseek launched in an attempt to hit him with his light spear, Kazuhiko summoning White-Fang to his hand as he descended from the air and swung the blade, pale blue energy forming over it as he declared
"[Divider!]" Dohnaseek's eyes widened in disbelief as the sword easily cut through his body from shoulder to opposite hip, blood spurting out as Kazuhiko swung the sword to the side to fling the blood off his weapon as the Fallen Angel collapsed face first onto the ground as Kazuhiko sheathed his blade on the scabbard that appeared on his back.
Kazuhiko took a relaxing breathe as he noticed the Fallen Angel's power disappear, a soft frown forming as Metatron spoke up {We should get going before Gremory shows up}
'Right' Kazuhiko replied before flying home with his [Sky Flames] to avoid running into Gremory.
A minute passed in the silent street before a glowing crimson magic circle appeared, Rias Gremory stepping out of it as she declared "Don't you dare-Oh…"
She stopped surprised as she looked at the dead Fallen Angel, her eyes looking around to see no sign of her newest servant and only blood around the Fallen Angel. She had sensed him under attack but now that she had appeared to save him she found herself confused at why he wasn't there as she muttered what she believed was the only option for her, what she believed was, unknowing servant "Maybe someone was protecting him then…"
She decided that tomorrow would be the best day to introduce Kazuhiko into her group, hoping to draw out whoever had protected him from the Fallen Angel and see if they were being a danger or not to her group.
…
Seraphina smiled as Kazuhiko stepped into the kitchen, looking as if he hadn't even been involved in a fight as he sat down opposite her while setting his bag onto the table as he spoke "Sorry you couldn't come… My friends just wanted it to be a guy day. We can go next time I have some free time if you want"
"That would be great" Seraphina spoke with a bright smile, Kazuhiko looking nervous as he asked
"How did things go with Matsu-san then…I know she's got you enrolled into my class so you can start tomorrow but she didn't say anything about what else happened" Seraphina's face redden embarrassed as she turned her face away from Kazuhiko as she spoke
"Oh…? Matsu-san was just showing me some things she thought I might need to know… You know customs and such"
"Right…" Kazuhiko started, wondering what sort of perverted things Matsu had shown her as he continued
"Just remember that Matsu-san is rather perverted so try and not take everything she says to heart, Sera-san… Anyway I think I'm going to go to bed after I get a shower so goodnight"
"Goodnight, Kazu-san" Seraphina called before drinking the glass of milk she had before her and standing up as she wondered over what Matsu had said to her
"I wouldn't be surprised if Kazu-tan had become scared of opening up to girls after what Yuuma had done to him. She played with his feelings while she tried to find out about his Sacred Gear and then broke his heart by killing him."
Seraphina couldn't help but shudder, remembering some of the sad looks during there date the previous day. She had tried to keep his mind off what the Fallen Angel had done to him but fear had still lingered deep in his eyes if only barely noticeable. She took a deep sigh as she headed back to her own room, closing the door behind her as she started to peel off the blouse she had been wearing before moving to the skirt to reveal the lacy matching underwear she was wearing as she thought 'I want to do more to help, Kazu-san, but… I don't know if I can help him overcome this alone'
She mentally sighed, not sure what she should do as she changed into a pair of powder blue pyjamas which showed off a good amount of cleavage and mid rift before sitting down on her bed and looking at the photo booth pictures from yesterday as a blush formed over her face.
…
When morning came Kazuhiko found himself hot down his left side as he looked at the unusual shaped lump that was clinging to that side as well. Arms wrapped around his torso while legs were entwined with his own, pinning him to the bed. A soft moan made him look surprised as the sheets fell away to reveal Seraphina sleepily rubbing her eyes with one hand while the other was rested on his chest, Kazuhiko blushing at seeing down her cleavage.
"M-Morning…" Kazuhiko spoke nervously, Seraphina blinking as she looked at him before turning bright red as she asked
"W-Wha…? Kazu-san, what are you doing here?"
"S-Sera-san, you're in my room…" Kazuhiko stated confused as Seraphina buried her face into his chest and hid herself under the sheet as she whispered to herself
"I can't believe I sleep walked in here… I'm so embarrassed. It's too soon for me to react like this…"
"Guess you must have sleepwalked in here then…" Kazuhiko mused, having not heard her as Seraphina flushed as she looked at him shyly as she nodded and replied
"I'm sorry… I probably wandered in half asleep and settled here. I probably should have asked you earlier, Kazu-san, if I could stay in here"
"…Well I'd prefer to have known before Sera-san but I don't mind you wanting to sleep here as long as you're comfortable with sharing a bed with me" Kazuhiko spoke embarrassed. Seraphina blushing as she nodded shyly before she kissed him softly on his cheek with a smile as she lay back down next to him as she replied
"Thank you…Can we stay like this for a little longer?" Kazuhiko smiled at the peacefully moment between them as he nodded, Seraphina shuffling up against his side while resting her head on his chest with a happy sigh at hearing his nervous heartbeat.
…
The walk to school was relaxed between the pair and Kazuhiko had happily admitted Seraphina looked amazing in the school uniform, which she had added a pair of spandex shorts due to the short skirt, when she had modelled it before they left. He also knew he should have expected the whisperings as they walked to school. The guys commenting on her figure while cursing that Kazuhiko was walking next to her and even chatting friendly. The girls on the other hand seemed eager to find out about the new couple on campus, a few jealous of Seraphina or fearing for the loss of Kazuhiko to the new girl.
"Are you alright?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Seraphina blushing as several guys' loudly commented about her
"What an exotic beauty!"
"Looks at her chest, it's gotta be nearly as big as Rias-san"
"She's a total babe! How does Yuuki know her?"
"Y-Yeah…I just didn't expect all this attention" Seraphina spoke nervously, moving closer to Kazuhiko and taking hold of his arm, surprising him at the unexpected gesture but not pulling away as he gave her a reassuring smile as he replied with a blush
"Well you are beautiful so I probably should have warned you more about the guys here" Seraphina's blush darkened at the compliment as she smiled to him as she hugged his arm tighter.
"Hey Kazu, It's nice to finally meet you Seraphina-san…" Takeshi spoke with a friendly smile as Kazuhiko introduced them
"Sera-san this is Takeshi, Ace of the baseball club and boyfriend to the Hikari I was going to ask to help you if I can't"
"Nice to meet you, Takeshi-san" Seraphina spoke with a smile, Takeshi's smile growing as he spoke with a friendly nod
"Nice to meet'cha. I'm sure she'll be happy to help out" Both guys looked around for there missing friend, Kazuhiko sighing annoued as he asked
"Don't tell me Kensuke went Hikkimori on us again? Last time it was that MMO war game and we couldn't get him out for a week until his Tou-san came back from that business trip"
"I think so he was eager to play that new Mecha MMO he got yesterday" Takeshi spoke, Kazuhiko shaking his head as he muttered
"Last time I let him get an MMO around me" Seraphina couldn't help but smile at the banter between the two friends, noticing a brown haired young woman with twin pigtails walking over to them with a smile as she scolded
"Kazu-san you should have told me you were going out with someone… Mayumi-san and half a dozen girls will be so disappointed to hear that"
"Geez, Hikari-san, I didn't know you were still playing matchmaker with our year. How many of them have stayed together?" Takeshi teased, Hikari blushing as slapping him on the arm as she replied
"Only two and that's not my fault most of the guys here are perverts… Kazu-kun was a real catch for some of the girls here and now he's gone they'll regret not acting sooner"
"S-Seriously…?" Kazuhiko asked surprised, Seraphina tightening her hold on him as Hikari nodded before the bluenette spoke
"Obviously, Kazu-san is kind, caring and… handsome. Any girl would be stupid not to make him there's" Hikari smiled approvingly as she nodded at Seraphina's words glancing to see Kazuhiko blushing surprised before turning her attention back onto Takeshi who was still looking around for Kensuke even as the quartet headed inside.
…
Lessons had been fairly normal after Seraphina's entrance and introduction to the class which had caused a similar reaction from everyone as she had outside. Kazuhiko had been surprised when she had taken the seat on his left by the window.
Currently the quartet, Kensuke having never showed up, sat down in the classroom eating there lunches as they chatted with only a few others listening in. Seraphina had been swamped by questions during the introduction which had brought up how Kazuhiko and Seraphina had met which they had both decided that the reason given to Kazuhiko's father would work and had made several girls sigh dreamily as they looked at him. The additional attention had made Seraphina declare that she was living at Kazuhiko's, which had shocked the girls to no end and made them start to ask her more intimate questions in regards to him while the guys glared at him all the fiercer as if he'd done something wrong.
"So how are you enjoying your first day here?" Hikari asked friendly, Seraphina smiling as she answered with a slight blush
"It's great… I'm only use to having small classes with a handful of others so this is fun and I get to be near to Kazu-san as well… Just wish the guys wouldn't glare at Kazu-san" Takeshi smirked to Kazuhiko about to make a joke before another voice broke it
"Hello is Yuuki Kazuhiko-kun in here" A male voice asked as the blond haired Kiba Yuuto entered the classroom, half of the girls screaming in joy which made Seraphina frown annoyed as she watched him make his way over to Kazuhiko before Takeshi retorted in an annoyed tone
"He ain't got nothing you need to speak with him about Kiba so get back to dealing with your fangirls" Kiba smiled regardless as he came to a stop before the group as he spoke
"I need you to come with me…"
"Why…?" Kazuhiko replied annoyed, eating his lunch calmly before Kiba added
"Gremory-sempai wants to talk to you…" Hikari and Takeshi looking surprised as Kazuhiko gave his friends an amused look as he retorted
"Geez… rumours spread fast if other girls are starting to come after me" He could see Seraphina blush and giggle at his comment while Takeshi burst out in laughter, Kiba's smile faltered slightly before Kazuhiko continued
"Fine…As long as it's not for some sort of nefarious ritual. I guess I can humour her" Kiba's smile faltered again at the joke while Seraphina looked concerned at him as he spoke soothingly
"I'll be fine, Sera-san… Don't worry about me" Kazuhiko stood up, tugging on his blazer as he spared a glance to his friends as he added in a joking tone
"If I'm not back before lessons start, come after me with crosses and holy water" Kiba winced at the joke about devils even as Kazuhiko gave him a small smirk while Takeshi nodded as he spoke
"Just make sure you don't lose your marbles before I can kick down the door" Kazuhiko chuckled as he nodded while following Kiba out of the room as his face turned neutral.
…
Kazuhiko slipped his hands into his pockets as he followed Kiba towards the old school building, Albion had been laughing his ass off at what he'd said back to Kiba and an uneasy silence had been left between the two boys as they walked towards there destination.
His eyes roamed over the old school building, taking in how creepy it looks as he heard Metatron speak up {It seems rather fitting for a devil's base from the outside}
'I guess so…I was just expecting the heiress of a Clan to have better taste then something that looks rundown from the outside' Kazuhiko thought back unimpressed as Kiba spoke as he opened the door
"Buchou is here."
Kazuhiko frowned as he followed Kiba inside heading up to the second floor before Kiba spoke again "Buchou, I have brought him"
"Come in." Rias' voice called through the wooden door, Kiba opening the door for Kazuhiko who wandered in and quickly swept his gaze around the room and all the supernatural items and the fact it looked more like a murder scene then anything else as he muttered
"What a grim place you reside in Sempai" Rias frowned from where she stood before her desk, Akeno giggling as she replied
"It's not so bad once you get use to it" Koneko arched and eyebrow at Kazuhiko as Kiba entered, closing the door behind him as Kazuhiko retorted
"Then you obviously need your eyes checked Sempai" Akeno's smile faltered slightly as he continued to look around the room from where he stood near the doorway.
"Please take a seat, Yuuki Kazuhiko-kun. No, let me call you Kazu" Rias spoke as she signalled to one of the sofas, Kazuhiko frowning as he remained standing and replied
"No, Kazu is only for my friends and you are not one of them" Rias frowned in confusion, wondering what had brought this side of him on as she spoke
"Al-Alright then, Yuuki-kun… We, the Occult Research Club, welcome you as-"
"A Devil, I know. Can we just skip to the part about why you let a Fallen Angel kill me rather then try and convince me to be your servant with words before? Actually why let a group of Fallen Angels trespass onto your territory in the first place, Gremory?" Kazuhiko replied with an angry tone, Rias backing up with a look of surprise as Kiba, Akeno and Koneko looked shocked at him as well before realising he was angry with Rias for what had happened to him.
"Y-You knew?" Rias stuttered in shock as Kazuhiko answered in a loud angry tone
"How the hell could I not notice it when I have all these new abilities appear overnight, you stupid tomato! And you left me for a bloody week to be what…? Bait for the Fallen Angels you let into your territory so you could appear as the hero and not the selfish bitch just protecting her stuff?" Kazuhiko noticed Kiba getting into a ready stance from out of the side of his vision, Koneko setting down her plate of sweets as well while Kazuhiko clenched both of his hands as he caught sight of Akeno giving him a wary look as well.
"…" Rias tried to speak only to find the words not coming, wondering if that was how she really came across to Kazuhiko, who was taking a deep breathe to calm himself down before adding
"You let me die and then abandoned me after you revived me and if you expect me to be grateful then stop kidding yourself… this is entirely your fault. You may not have pulled the trigger but you certainly set it all up so you would gain from it, didn't you?" Rias felt pain lance her heart at Kazuhiko's words, having originally thought it would be best to let him continue to live normally before she brought him into the supernatural as she spoke
"I-I'm sorry, Yuuki-kun…" The fact that Kazuhiko didn't look any less angry at her didn't help what she was feeling at the moment as she continued
"You were killed for the fact that you held a…"
"A Sacred Gear, I know that part as well and that's the only reason you even revived me isn't it…because I have power and you want it, you spoilt brat" Kazuhiko interrupted in a venomous tone, Rias' face turned depressed even as Akeno spoke in a calming tone
"Yuuki-kun, calm down…"
{Kazu-kun, please don't…} Metatron spoke soothingly and making Kazuhiko stop drawing up his power.
"I am leaving… I will not allow you to control me or boss me around, Gremory, so deal with it." With that Kazuhiko pushed Kiba out of the way and left, leaving the quartet of devils shaken at what had just happened before them. Rias shook slightly, what plans she had for introducing Kazuhiko into Devil life destroyed with that single meeting as Akeno asked in a concerned tone, shooting a small look of concern at the open door
"Are you alright, Buchou?"
…
Seraphina had knew that the meeting had went better then she or Matsu had hoped at the sign of Kazuhiko entering the classroom with an annoyed look on his face, that and the fact there hadn't been an explosion or a battle starting out. That had been something Matsu had warned her to expect in regards to the inevitable meeting of master and servant, Kazuhiko losing control of his anger at Rias.
"Are you alright?" Seraphina asked in a concerned tone as she cupped Kazuhiko's cheeks in concern. Takeshi about to go over only for Hikari to stop him and shake his head as they watched Kazuhiko's annoyance melting away into a soft and embarrassed smile on his face as he nodded slightly and whispered
"I feel better now I vented, just annoyed that Gremory wasn't expecting my knowledge of everything that happened before" Several dreamy looks came from half of the girls in class, despite not hearing what he had said the body language was obvious that they cared for each other.
Seraphina blushed as she caught wistful whispers about her and Kazuhiko, kissing him softly on the cheek before whispering back "Just forget about her for now, she doesn't deserve you anyway"
Kazuhiko nodded in understanding, taking a calming breathe as Seraphina caressed his cheek before moving back to her seat with Kazuhiko taking a moment to watch her with a slight blush before returning to his own seat.
…
Rias sighed with her head in her hands as she sat in the clubroom, still shaking slightly as she wondered if Kazuhiko was going to come back at some point as Akeno set a cup of tea down before her as she spoke "Are you alright, Rias?"
"No…I screwed up with Yuuki-kun didn't I?" Rias spoke, glancing up at her [Queen] who had a conflicted expression on her face as she replied
"Yes and no… You didn't take into account his feelings about when he learned the truth and so you were beaten to the punch by someone else because you wanted to give him time to adjust. Also you didn't stop the Fallen Angels from settling in the abandoned church so indirectly you have caused this all to happen which was became your plan to recruit him when 'Amano Yuuma' approached him"
"I didn't think he would learn everything before I could tell him…" Rias groaned as she set her head on the desk, jerking up in surprise as Akeno spoke with a frown
"Rias, you were hoping to recruit Yuuki-kun but you waited too long to try and work out how to approach him given his dislike of redheads. Now he hates you because not only did you not attempt to convince him before but he's worked out you let him die so you could reincarnate him without his consent and then left him in the dark so he could adjust to his new body." Rias stared at her [Queen] as understanding formed on her face as she hung her head again as she wondered aloud
"How did Yuuki-kun know about the three factions though…? No one supernatural has approached him aside from…" Her eyes widened as she remembered seeing Seraphina and Kazuhiko walking onto campus together and sensing the distinctive non human aura from her as she asked Akeno
"Who was that girl walking with Yuuki-kun this morning?" Akeno looked surprised for a moment before giggling amused as she replied
"Oh, are you jealous of Yuuki-kun's girlfriend, Rias… I didn't think you had a crush on him"
"Akeno! That girl has to be the one who turned him against us" Rias spoke in a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance as Akeno rose an eyebrow surprised as she asked teasingly
"Really? Are you sure you're not jealous of her living with him, being so close and making him happy especially given how angry he was with you?"
"N-No, of course I'm not, Akeno! I'm just looking out for my Ka…n-new servant" Rias spoke as she looked away with a blush, Akeno giggling to herself as she started towards the door as she replied
"Well, I will go ask Kaichou about Yuuki-kun's girlfriend then as she did start today"
…
Kazuhiko panted as he held a bronze bladed scimitar with an orange cross-guard and hilt in each hand, the last of the small shadow creatures he'd been sent to destroy turning into dust at hands to the Angelic weapon [Israfel] which had came from his [Heavenly Judgement] Sacred Gear. Currently he was standing in a field somewhere in France, well out of range of being sensed by anyone who knew him as he turned to one of the three hulking eight foot monsters made out of shadow with glowing red eyes that was the leader of the group.
{You are doing great, Kazu-kun…} Metatron spoke proudly, Kazuhiko jumping back to avoid a giant fist slamming into the ground where he had been standing before Albion added
[Watch out about its shadow... It'd probably be better to hit it from range]
The blades shone in a mixture of bronze and silver-white as Kazuhiko unleashed a cross shaped slash of holy aura which cut through the shadow giant before having to roll out of the way of several spikes of shadows where he had been standing.
"[Ramiel!]" Kazuhiko called, both Scimitars disappearing in a burst of light particles which then started to gather around his right hand and forming into a curved bow made out of blue crystal with a gold grip and thin gold drawstring that was barely noticeable to others aside from him. He drew back the drawstring with his left hand as he took aim, a bolt of white lightning forming into an arrow as he took a calming breathe to steady his aim on the torso of the second giant shadow monster as he let loose. The bolt of lightning shot out, easily covering the distance to Kazuhiko's opponent and make a large hole in there body while sparks of white lightning flew over the rest of its body before it collapsed backwards started to fall apart before firing a second arrow at the last and destroyed its head.
Taking a relaxed breathe, Kazuhiko relaxed his stance as he looked around for any other shadow monsters, moving his free hand to press against the earpiece part of his mask as he spoke
"Matsu-san, I'm dealt with these things…Are there any others around? You did say this was only a quick job?"
(Hm... Oh you're cleared them out so come back now and I can give you the money for this job) Matsu replied with an absentminded tone as if talking to Seraphina in the background at the same time.
"I get paid for this…?" Kazuhiko asked surprised, Matsu chuckling as she replied
(Well this is just like a Devil's contract but unofficial so you deserve a reward for helping out. Although I can help you get more points as a Devil to let them know your from the Gremory Clan so it would all link back to you) Kazuhiko nodded in understanding to himself even as he winced as he noticed the injury to the inside of his right thigh where he had been stabbed by a shadow lance earlier.
[We can fix that up when we get back] Albion muttered, Kazuhiko dismissing [Ramiel] from his hand and settling his aura back to be pure demonic before pulling out a piece of paper with a magic circle on it. Channelling a bit of magic into the circle, which soon formed underneath his feet before glowing brightly as he was transported back to Matsu's laboratory to see Seraphina and Matsu looking over magazines while the latter whispered things which made the former blush before turning to see him hobble over to a seat as she spoke shocked
"Kazu-san, you're injured?"
"I'll be fine in a moment, just have to sit down and fix this wound" Kazuhiko spoke as he slumped back into a seat before starting to pull the leg of his slacks up so he could see the stab wound. In a few moments it was fixed with the help of a modest dose of [Sun Flames], Seraphina checking him over for any other damage to the battle clothes he was wearing before Matsu spoke with a teasing smile
"He'll be fine. Kazu-tan's important parts are protecting in those clothes so it's only a minor injuries you need to look out for… Here this is your pay" Kazuhiko was surprised as she handed him a roll of bills, blinking for a moment as Matsu explained
"I have a few friends who run guilds and so for a small fee I can link into there systems and get you jobs they have posted there. Those shadow beasts were let lose by some stray magician and had been attacking villages and killing farm stock. The magician hasn't been seen since those beasts showed up so no one is sure what happened yet"
"Wow…Thanks" Kazuhiko spoke as he accepted it, changing back to his school uniform before handing Matsu the slacks only for her to give him a look as she spoke
"You can fix those easily with [Cloud Flames] right?"
"Oh yeah… There [Propagation] factor would increase the number of strands and as long as I manage to fix it right"
"No… I mean you can just cut the pant leg off above the hole and grow the rest of the leg back undamaged" Matsu spoke amused, Kazuhiko scratching the back of his head at how he was overcomplicated things as he started to work on it as he asked
"How did you know what happened between me and Gremory?"
"I have numerous camera bots flying around the town so I know if there's any danger around, also you wouldn't believe some of the stuff you manage to see. Nice job on the Fallen Angel yesterday evening, Gremory didn't even know that it was you."
"How are you doing with messing with the [Evil Pieces] and seal data from inside me?" Kazuhiko asked, Matsu sighing annoyed as she answered
"They are so complicated and Beelzebub made them with so many other features trying to break the limitation of your [Promotion] is hard to find let alone change. The seals on the other hand I've already cracked so once I give the info to your spirits they can release your power when your body can handle it"
"How's our guest?" Kazuhiko asked fixing up what other scuffs that was on his clothes as Matsu shrugged as she replied
"No changes on that front but her injuries are pretty much healed. So now we just have to wait for her to wake up"
"Right" Kazuhiko spoke as he stood up, rolling his shoulders as Matsu held out a pair of thick silver bangles, the inside of each was covered in runes and had a simple press lock at part of the ring, explaining as she noticed his confused look
"Figured it was time to give them a rest so those will suppress your aura so not even a Maou can figure out your nothing more then just a normal Devil but you might have some trouble accessing your non demonic powers"
"More then a Devil…?" Seraphina asked confused and shocked, Matsu looking to her before glancing to Kazuhiko as she asked
"You haven't told her yet?"
"I can't just casually bring up my… you know… in conversation, Matsu-san" Kazuhiko spoke annoyed, Matsu rolling her eyes as she retorted
"You trust her enough to let her meet with me and live with you so I thought you would, plus there shouldn't be any secrets between bed mates" Kazuhiko blushed at the perverted demigod's words, Seraphina looking embarrassed and confused as Albion spoke amused
[I worry some times how much Matsu finds out about us] Kazuhiko mentally nodded in agreement to the white dragon, noticing Seraphina was looking confused as he asked Matsu annoyed
"Have you been watching me at home?"
"Maybe~" Matsu spoke with a cat like grin, Kazuhiko chewing his bottom lip before sighing as he retorted seriously
"Don't put cameras inside my home…! Otherwise I'll trash that satellite cannon thing you are working on"
"Alright… spoilsport…" Matsu replied with a depressed air, Seraphina tapping Kazuhiko on the shoulder as she asked
"What did Matsu-san mean about being more then a devil?"
"If I tell you, you've got to promise me that no one will find out without my consent, Sera-san… and please don't treat me any different" Kazuhiko spoke nervously, surprising the bluenette who nodded seriously as she replied
"Of course, Kazu-san, I won't tell a soul" Kazuhiko smiled then, leaning to whisper what his true nature was and source of it into her ear. Her eyes widened in shock as she took in what the brunet had told her, Kazuhiko taking a step back from her only to be surprised as she hugged his head tightly to her chest as she spoke in a caring tone
"I understand why you wanted to hide that, Kazu-san… and I won't tell anyone unless you say so" Matsu giggled, breaking the pair apart with embarrassed looks as Kazuhiko turned to take the first bangle and placed it on his wrist before pressing both ends together as a loud click was heard as it locked around his wrist, quickly doing the same on his other wrist as he muttered
"You based these on Shadow's didn't you?" Matsu nodded with an amused smile, watching Kazuhiko moved them slightly on his wrists till they were comfortable and then mentally asked
'Are they working, Metatron, Albion?'
{Yes…They seem to be holding back your Angel and most of the Dragon's aura and there seems to be a mental switch to change it to hold back your Devil side instead} Metatron spoke with a relaxed tone, Kazuhiko wondering if that was alright as Albion soon adding
[Of course some Dragon aura is normal for those who has Dragon based Sacred Gears so that's fine]
"Looks like they are working, I can't pick up the minor levels of Angelic aura you use to release now. You need both to hide it all otherwise just one would've screw up yours and there sensing ability" Matsu spoke with an approving nod, glancing to Seraphina who was looking him over embarrassed as Matsu added
"I've also added a perception filter spell so they won't be easily noticed by others unless you point them out or pop them off"
"Right…" Kazuhiko nodded understandingly, tugging down the sleeves of his shirt and blazer to conceal the bangles from view as Matsu grinned at seeing something amusing on the screen and speaking
"Looks like I've got a customer so just relax down here for now"
…
Rias Gremory stood outside of the antique shop with a quizzical look as she wondered why this was Kazuhiko's part time work. Looking inside she couldn't see him at all and there was just a young woman who had just stepped out of the back room with a manga open in her hands.
Rias entered after a few moments of thinking, wanting to know the full story in regards of why Kazuhiko was working there and not coming straight to the clubroom after school, the soft chime of the bell making the young woman look up while taking a seat behind the counter. Matsu smirked mischievously at seeing the she-devil entering her shop, knowing that she was here to find out about why Kazuhiko was working here.
"How may I help you?" Matsu spoke in a friendly tone, smirking slightly at noticing that Rias was looking around and wasn't even picking up the special auras of the items around them. Most of the shop had been filled with items that appeared normal but for those who had something special about them or a link to them they would be able to pick up an aura. It was the main reason she let Kazuhiko have [White-Fang] as the sword had a link back to people who was connected to Albion and even those who had high affinity with Dragons.
"I'm looking for Yuuki-kun" Rias replied as she swept her gaze over the shop again before approaching the counter and blushing at what Matsu was reading.
"Hmm~ why are you looking for him? You can't be his girlfriend because she's already having fun with Kazu-tan" Matsu spoke with a searching look, Rias looking confused as she asked
"Fun…?" Matsu barely hid the predatory grin that formed on her face. She'd teasing Kazuhiko before and while his reactions were good when she got going, she had a feeling that Rias' were priceless as she continued in a lecherous tone
"Oh yes, lots of sweaty noisy fun…I so glad that I had the bedroom soundproofed" Rias face reddened as a look of jealousy started to fill her eyes as Matsu smirked as her perverted mind fuelled her words as she went into a detailed situation involving Kazuhiko, Seraphina and a police uniform.
"Where are they…?" Rias asked jealously, Matsu arching an eyebrow as she replied with an amused look
"I don't think that is any of your business, Gremory-tan… Especially with what you put Kazu-tan through"
"W-What…?" Rias asked shocked, not sure what Matsu knew as the demigod continued in a serious tone
"I mean leaving a guy hanging for a week is just cruel and then forcing him to join a club against his will…Well let's just say I understand why he's pissed at you" Rias frowned as she regarded the glasses wearing young woman, trying to figure out what else Matsu knew as she replied
"I didn't intend for him to be angry with me… I was giving him time to adjust"
"Adjust…? To the sudden change to his world you brought about or till you knew how to deal with him? I know he dislikes redheads so I guess you wanted to figure out a way to make him like you, right?" Matsu spoke seriously as Rias looked away embarrassed as she spoke
"I'm sorry for that alright… If I could go back and change things I'd approach him before any of the others could have and explained things to him but I can't change that now"
"Sorry isn't good enough Gremory-tan…It doesn't fix what you did, the only way that'll happen is if you let him out of your group" Matsu spoke seriously, Rias hiding her face with her hair as she quietly replied
"I can't…"
"Then you will have to find a damn good way to make it up to him" Matsu answered, Rias nodding to herself as she moved to leave the shop. Matsu waiting till she was gone from view before she asked
"So what do you think?"
"Why are you asking me…? You know I don't trust her anyway so it doesn't matter, does it?" Kazuhiko spoke as he stepped out into the shop, leaning against the wall as Seraphina stepped out and replied
"Kazu-san, she seems genuinely sorry for what she did…" Kazuhiko sighed softly as he replied to her
"It's not that easy Sera-san, she might be sorry about what she did but that doesn't change the fact she still did it and she probably wouldn't hesitate to do it again." Seraphina frowned slightly as she looked at Kazuhiko's serious face.
…
Kazuhiko sighed as he lay on his bed and staring at the ceiling. Matsu had given Metatron and Albion the details to undoing the seal that Rias had placed on him and they had chosen to release some more power for him to control meaning he was channelling two normal [Pawns] worth of power rather then just one. He'd quickly concluded that his whole body had felt lighter and stronger before the gravity seals adjusted themselves to his new power and reasserted itself on his body and he had noticed an increase in his magic reserves.
"Are you alright, Kazu-san?" Seraphina asked with concerned from where she lied next to him, her hand brushing against the sealing bangle on his wrist as Kazuhiko gave her a smile as he answered
"Yeah… Thanks for not treating me any differently after I told you about that" Seraphina smiled brightly as she moved up against him before speaking softly
"Kazu-san, I don't care what you are… You're still the kind, helpful person who saved me. Even if you are an Angel, Devil or Human it doesn't change who you are here" She rested her hand over his heart, making Kazuhiko blush as he found himself staring into her eyes as he swallowed what saliva was in his mouth. It took him a moment to realise he'd moved closer to her and that his hands were resting gently on her hips while Seraphina's free hand had reached up to cup his cheek.
"Sera-san…" Kazuhiko spoke with a soft nervousness. Seraphina blushed cutely as she subconsciously licked her lips as she drew closer. There lips were about to meet before the sound of a phone ringing broke the silence. Kazuhiko sighed annoyed as he moved to grab his phone, missing Seraphina pouting as he arched an eyebrow at the message he got from Matsu as he groaned
"What wrong…?" Seraphina asked curious, Kazuhiko shaking his head as he replied embarrassed
"Matsu-san has the worst timing in the world and she put 'Just kiss her already!'" Seraphina blushed as she covered her face with her hands as she asked shocked and embarrassed
"Wha? B-But how…? The curtains are shut"
"I have no idea…" Kazuhiko replied embarrassed, putting his phone on the bedside table before lying back down and rubbing the bridge of his nose while Seraphina settled to hug Kazuhiko's side.
…
"Why did you ask me to come up here, Kiba?" Kazuhiko spoke annoyed as he stepped out onto the roof the next day. It was currently lunch and he'd been wary to go with the blonde devil until he found out that he just wanted to talk. Seraphina had wanted to come along to make sure Kiba wasn't up to something but Kazuhiko had told her he would be fine before kissing her on the cheek and sending the class into shock and gossips again.
"You know I hated devils when I first became one. I was taught to believe they were evil beings and it took Buchou and her family to show me I was wrong" Kiba spoke as he stood atop of the roof of the school, Kazuhiko leaning against the railings as he looked out over the grounds, remembering the short time he spent with Misaki as he replied seriously
"I don't hate devils, Kiba… I hate Gremory for what she allowed to happen to me just to get a another servant against my will" Kiba looked at him surprised before nodding to himself for a moment as he replied
"Would you have believed her if she'd approached you before you were attacked?"
"Of course not, you idiot… I was an ordinary guy who helped his friends out… now I can't even share my problems with them or my Tou-san without drawing them into something that could get them killed." Kazuhiko retorted angrily, shooting a glare at Kiba before taking a moment to calm down as he added
"Sera-san is one of the few people I can trust with my new life…"
'…And Matsu, Misaki and of course you two Metatron, Albion' Kazuhiko added mentally, getting happy responses from the two spirits as he saw Kiba's worried look
"We…" Kiba started only to be interrupted by Kazuhiko as he glared at him as he spoke angrily
"Don't say something like 'We're your family now so trust us' or 'We'll help you' cause I wouldn't be a part of your group if it wasn't for Gremory not making sure her territory was secure from potential threats and don't go onto saying 'Buchou saved you from them' cause she hasn't, she made me even more of a target for them and has done nothing to deal with them herself"
"We are in a precariously thin peace with the two other factions… We can't attack them unless they make the first move" Kiba explained, hoping to make Kazuhiko understand only to see the brunet snort.
"Oh and attacking her new servant while he was adjusting doesn't count as that, come on Kiba your just being an idiot now for Gremory." Kazuhiko retorted, turning to go back down stairs and missing Kiba's surprised look at hearing he'd already been attacked once before frowning as he materialized a sword into his hand and getting into a ready stance
"Buchou gave me a new reason to live and freed me from my old life. I won't let you disrespect her over her choices since you were brought back by her…"
"What did she give me, Kiba? A new reason to live…? I didn't need one in the first place, nor did I need to be reborn as it was her mistakes that caused my death in the first place. A chance to get closer to her…? I didn't like her while I was human so that won't change now. To gain power…? I prefer not to fight unless there's a good reason behind it." Kazuhiko explained in a level angry tone, glancing back to see Kiba lower his sword with an understanding look on his face as the blonde spoke
"Then live for those around you that you care about, Yuuki-kun"
"That is what I intent to do as long as Gremory doesn't get in my way. So make sure she knows that Kiba" Kazuhiko muttered annoyed before leaving.
…
Kazuhiko took a steady breathe as he held the bokken in his left hand, pointed towards the ground as he watched his opponent, Kiba. The pair was currently standing in the Kendo hall while its members, Seraphina and the ORC were sitting on benches around the edge. The idea had come about after Kiba had seen him asking for a spar with Murayama and offered to spar with him instead, sending most of the kendo girls into squealing messes at the idea of watching there prince get sweaty with Kazuhiko.
"Are you ready, Yuuki-kun?" Kiba asked, Kazuhiko smirking softly as he bent his knees and holding his right arm over his chest as he answered
"Yeah, ready to kick your ass" Kiba looked confused at the stance before smiling as he took his own, Kazuhiko taking another calming breathe as he waited for the starting call. He was looking forwards to see how he would fair against someone who could use a sword, Albion could swing a sword but didn't have any particular style despite the numerous past hosts he had had so the spars usually was just a mixture of swings and blocks. Metatron on the other hand had only taught him the dual wielding style to use with [Israfel] and the basics of swordsmanship as well but didn't spar until he had got down certain movements and they usually ended in dual wielding which he couldn't use now.
"Start!" One of the Kendo girls called, Kazuhiko waited as Kiba made the first move, charging forwards and bringing his swinging his sword down. Kazuhiko swung upwards; his free hand gripping the bokken as well as it blocked the strike before stepping into his opponent's guard as he swung the sword down parallel to Kiba's bokken, aiming to strike the blond's chest. Kiba stepped back dodging the attack before swinging at Kazuhiko who ducked under the horizontal strike and stabbing out with the hilt of his as if drawing it from a sheathe and striking Kiba in the chest.
"Oof!" Kiba grunted as the air was knocked from his lungs, Kazuhiko continuing with an upwards slash which was parried away before having to block a strike at his side. Cheering filled both of combatants' ears as they continued to fight, Kiba getting the upper hand from his superior speed while Kazuhiko still managed to deflect and block his attacks from his experience.
When they ended both were trying to regain there breathes, Kazuhiko from having to keep up with Kiba while Kiba's was from having to hold back to human accepted levels. Kiba smiled victoriously as he tapped the sword against Kazuhiko's shoulder and spoke "Looks like I win this one, Yuuki-kun"
Kazuhiko smirked, tapping his bokken against the inside of Kiba's thigh as he replied "Check again, Kiba"
Kiba paled as he looked down, noticing that Kazuhiko's bokken was positioned between his legs, hearing the girls let out panicked cries at seeing there prince nearly get hit in the groin. Seraphina was smiling at seeing how Kazuhiko had managed a draw while Rias, Akeno and Koneko shared varying surprised looks.
"I guess that means it's a draw" Kiba spoke as he stepped back, both relaxing there stances as Kazuhiko started towards Murayama and returned the bokken with a smile as he thanked her for letting him use it.
"Where did you learn to use a sword?" She asked curiously, Seraphina walking over with a smile as Kazuhiko sheepishly scratched the back of his head as he answered her
"Oh, I haven't had any formal training just stuff I picked up from anime and games" Murayama looked shocked at him as did several other girls in the room as Seraphina and Kazuhiko made to leave the room.
[Good work against the blond. He underestimated you and paid for it] Albion spoke up amused, Metatron nodding as she added
{You did really well to keep up with him and even manage to end the spar in a draw}
"You were really cool in that spar, Kazu-san" Seraphina spoke with a blush, Kazuhiko scratching the back of his head embarrassed as he replied
"Thanks… I'm just surprised that I could keep up with him myself. Although I'm glad I managed to stop my last swing, the girls would've killed me if I've hurt there 'Prince' there"
"The guys might have claimed you a hero when they found out about it" Seraphina spoke with a giggle, Kazuhiko chuckling himself nervously as he nodded in agreement.
"Yuuki-kun…" Rias spoke nervously, drawing the pair's attention to see her, Akeno, Kiba and Koneko approaching them as the rest of the students made there way homes.
"I'm sorry for what I let happen to you and forcing you to join my group…So please lets get along" Rias started apologetically as Kazuhiko frowned as he replied
"Really…? You think that an apology is gong to fix everything, Gremory, well it doesn't. You will have to make up for what you did and just because I'm not going to be a Stray, don't mean that I will blindly follow your orders"
"Right Yuuki-kun" Rias nodded understandingly before frowning slightly at seeing Seraphina smile as she hugged Kazuhiko as she spoke
"I'll see you later then" Kissing him on his cheek, Seraphina blushed as she received one back from him as he gave her a quick squeeze of a hug as he replied with a smile
"Alright..."
…
Author's Note
Did find it odd that Rias didn't show up to save Ise from Dohnaseek till after he had ran and even then he still got stabbed so figured Kazuhiko would easily win given he underestimates him and Kazuhiko using his speed with Sky Flames to his advantage. The bangles are something I thought would be good to add given Kazuhiko wants to hide his Angel side from the devils and avoids Grayfia or Sirzechs from finding out before I plan to have it revealed and that Matsu knows Kazuhiko will probably have to interact with people who could sense it even suppressed later on as she knows about the engagement between Rias and Riser.
Currently I've got few things I need help with, firstly is should Asia become a Devil, I'm currently on the no side at the moment given Kazuhiko's dislike of Rias. Secondly, should I let Raynare or Mittelts live or die? I had a moment thought of forcing Raynare to take the Bishop position if Asia stays human. Lastly is what or who should I have for Kazuhiko's familiar? This won't be Tiamat given her obligations to leading her clan but I'm open to other ideas.