For anyone who doesn't know the first chapter of the rewrite for Between Water and the Phoenix is up now, anyway onto the reviewer responses.
AnimeRocker 469: Thanks.
Stratos263: Currently I think Kazuhiko could possibly fight on par with Akeno although he has a lot more diversity in techniques then she does.
ShadowUzumaki55: Blaire will let those she trusts near Kazuhiko but she'll also be protective over him when with the other girls. Also figured it made sense for Diodora to try and meet Asia considering she's still human here and his fear of dragons will make him more wary in the future when dealing with Kazuhiko.
Sennybee98: This chapter goes into Kazuhiko working out two new techniques and hopefully I've explained how he would create them good enough that it's possible. But Kazuhiko will get the Dragon Shot just he'll add in his own brand of magic into it to make it stronger. As for him learning Half Dimension, I think it's still rather early for him to learn it but the Zero Point Breakthrough is the start for him to learn it, once he's mastered that.
withdranwnmadness000: Glad you enjoy it. As for Sayuri, I don't intend to put her in the harem although she will pop up now and again, like the next chapter and the classroom visits, to cause some trouble for Seraphina and Kazuhiko.
BANKAIZEN: Thanks, hope you enjoy this one.
xXElKingXx: Thanks and your wait is over.
Neonlight01: Yeah, Sayuri is written as a mixture of Kiryuu and Serafall so she is trying to look out for Seraphina in a weird way by checking Kazuhiko can make her happy by her own standards and even willing to teach him a few things.
Giest: Glad you enjoyed it
SargentFalco: Karasuba gets her introduction in this chapter, Kazehana I've worked out to show up at the end of the arc and Miya will show up probably the next time I have Kazuhiko go to Kyoto to help out Yasaka and the Yokai.
A Shadow In Chains: Thanks.
ChaosEmperorNex: Thank you. I figured the idea that Rias doesn't suffer any downsides from her actions with the main was a bit overdue and other writers tend to overlook it when writing with there OCs and that if anyone found out that they had lost there choice and been enslaved would make them angry at Rias when she knew it was going to happen. As for Kazuhiko, I think it would be too easy for me to make him overpowered and I intended to have him be mainly a Technique type fighter which is also why I gave him Divine Dividing as I feel it needs more skill to use then Boosted Gear. Also I prefer seeing characters grow through a story and Kazuhiko's Angel side is never used around Devils as he doesn't trust any of them to accept him for being a hybrid and using his Angel powers would make things too easy at the start. Plus it's going to be a big battle when Vali shows because his has Boosted Gear to power up his original level of strength as well. Hope you continue to enjoy this story as much as I do when writing it.
…
"" – Speech
'' – thought
[] – Sacred Gears
[] – Albion
{} - Metatron
…
Rias scowled as she waited outside Kazuhiko's home, wondering how long the brunet was going to be before they could start the morning training she had devised for him. She had been waiting for an hour now without any sign of him showing up or even making any move to get ready.
"That's it…" Rias muttered, her patience wearing out as she looked around for a sign of any humans before propping her bicycle against the fence and activating a teleportation magic circle under her feet.
Appearing in Kazuhiko's room, her eyes widened at seeing Kazuhiko was still sleeping with Kalawarner and Seraphina hugging each of his sides. Her hands going to her hips, Rias moved towards the bed only for her eyes to go wide as she found herself staring at the barrel of a pistol that Kazuhiko was pointing at her with a sleepy look in his eyes as he asked
"What the hell are you doing here?" Rias blinked in shock before frowning as she crossed her arms and answered
"You were supposed to start training today…"
"Screw that…" Kazuhiko grumbled, making Rias' frown deepen as he continued
"I don't see you training Kiba and the others still, let alone yourself… plus your training is worthless compare to Matsu's"
Rias fumed as Kazuhiko just dismissed her training before even trying it, watching him dismiss his gun before waving her away as he added "Don't try any of your devil tricks on my Tou-san otherwise I will kick your ass and at least give me a warning should you wish to barge into my home so I know to be elsewhere"
Rias gulped as she stepped back, Kazuhiko falling back to sleep in moments as she thought annoyed 'Why can't he be that protective over me?'
Feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, Rias turned away from the sleeping trio before disappearing in a magic circle only making a quick stop outside to retrieve her bicycle before heading back to her home in the clubroom.
…
A ten year old Kazuhiko smiled sadly as he walked down the corridors of the hospital he was visiting, his grandfather having been brought in due to poor health. His mother was busy with her part time job while his father was busy working at the office so it came down to him to visit his grandfather.
Reaching the doors of the ward his grandfather was suppose to be in, Kazuhiko heard a commotion further down the corridor and found himself taking interest in it as a woman wearing a set of hospital pyjamas charging towards him, long red hair flying behind her and sunken hazel eyes rapidly moving around before locking onto him. Kazuhiko took a nervous step back, hoping that he hadn't drawn the woman's attention and vaguely noticing the glint of something in her hand as she made a beeline towards him.
Kazuhiko could barely hear the voices around him as one of the woman's hands gripped his throat and slammed him back against the wall, a disturbed smile on her face as she licked her lips. A quick twirl found Kazuhiko being used as a shield between the mad redhead and the orderlies who were rushing after her, a scalpel being pressed against his throat while one arm was around his chest to stop him moving as her voice called out with a deranged laugh
"One more step and this boy will die…"
Kazuhiko could barely hear it over the sound of his own heartbeat pounding in his ears, his mouth moving despite no words coming out as he stared at the quartet of orderlies before him for help.
"Let him go Fudo-san and let's get you back to your bed"
"Don't worry kid you'll be fine" One of them spoke, doing little to reassure Kazuhiko as he felt the scalpel press more against his throat, making a small amount of blood dribble down his neck.
"Don't lie to him…" The woman countered, Kazuhiko shuddering as she licked the side of his face as she added with a hum
"So innocent and pure…" Kazuhiko shuddered again, feeling her pull on him and making them walk away from the orderlies before them.
{Kazu-kun!} Metatron spoke concerned, making Kazuhiko gasp as he woke up, panting as he stared at the ceiling of his room before he mentally cursed 'Damn Gremory… I thought I had buried that but her intrusion this morning must have brought it back'
"Are you alright?" Seraphina asked concerned from where she lay next to him, Kazuhiko nodding before noticing Kalawarner's concerned look as he answered
"It's just a bad dream… Just go back to sleep, I'm just going to get some water"
"Are you sure?" Kalawarner asked, Kazuhiko offering her a smile as he nodded as he replied
"Yeah, I'm sure…"
Kazuhiko slipped out of the bedroom, feeling bad for lying to them as he leant against the wall in the hall as Albion spoke with a frown [So that's why you don't like redheads]
'Yeah…I barely made it out of that alive because she nearly slit my throat, if it hadn't been for Minato-jiisan sneaking up behind her I'd probably be dead now' Kazuhiko mentally replied, hearing Metatron speak sadly as the brunet moved to head downstairs
{I can't believe a human can be so frightening and disturbed…}
…
"Here's your green tea, Kazu-san" Asia spoke with a smile, Kazuhiko smiling thankfully back before barely suppressing a yawn which his father noticed, asking with a teasing smirk
"Didn't get enough sleep last night, Kazu? I hope Sera isn't keeping you up at nights"
"Yuuki-san…" Seraphina replied embarrassed, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as he explained
"Just had that dream again…" His father's face dropped at hearing that, an awkward silence in the kitchen for a few moments before Asia asked
"What dream…?" Kazuhiko noticed the curious and concerned look from Mittelt as he answered
"The reason why I can't stand redheads…" Seraphina's eyes widened at hearing that, Kalawarner arching an eyebrow while Asia and Mittelt's concerned looks grew before Kazuhiko waved it off as he added
"Don't worry about it…I usually get the nightmare around this time of year"
"You can't just try and wipe it under the floor like that" Mittelt spoke with a frown, Kazuhiko sighing as he saw the other girls nodding in agreement before explaining to them. Kazuhiko couldn't help but smile as Seraphina hugged him tightly, Kalawarner smiling sadly while Asia and Mittelt looked slightly jealous at Seraphina's action while shocked at what had happened to the brunet.
"So that's why…" Kalawarner started, Kazuhiko nodding in answer to her unspoken question before she noticed the time as she smiled and stood up as she spoke
"I best get going…"
"See you later, Kala-san" Kazuhiko replied with a slight smile which was soon copied by Asia, Mittelt and Seraphina before they continued eating there breakfast.
…
"Its good weather today, isn't it Kazu-san, Sera-san? We are playing softball for physical education today. It's my first time, so I'm excited." Asia spoke with a happy smile as she, Kazuhiko, Seraphina and Mittelt walked to school.
"Yeah…" Seraphina spoke with a smile as she held Kazuhiko's hand; her eyes trailing back to him as she remembered what he had said when his father had went to work
"Please don't tell Gremory about this, otherwise she'll go out of her way to try and fix it… and last thing I need is her trying to butt more into my life"
"I'm stuck with track today again" Kazuhiko spoke with a soft sigh as he noticed the male students around him grumbling due to him walking with the three girls.
"Mornin' Kazu" Kensuke called as he rushed over to him, Takeshi walking with Hikari behind him as the two groups greeted each other as they continued on there way.
"So, tell me you are coming to Akumacon?" Kensuke asked eagerly, Kazuhiko blinking surprised at forgetting about that as Seraphina asked curiously
"Akumacon?"
"It's a convention held in one of the nearby towns, usually loads of people turn up to buy cool anime and manga stuff, they even have a few panels for stuff like cosplay competitions and voice actors they get to come" Kazuhiko explained, turning back to Kensuke as he asked
"That's not till next month though?"
"Three weeks actually…" Kensuke spoke while pushing his glasses up as Hikari added
"Maybe Sera-san, Asia-san and Mittelt-san can come along as well, I'm going with Takeshi" The three girls looked thoughtful before nodding and starting to walk ahead with Hikari as they spoke in hushed tones.
"I guess I'll have to pull out my old Kirito cosplay" Kazuhiko spoke with an amused smile, Takeshi chuckling as he retort
"I can't believe you're going with that one again, last year you nearly got swamped by people… I on the other hand am going as Ness"
"Well last year you or Kensuke didn't dress up so who are you taking on Kensuke" Kazuhiko asked, turning to his glasses wearing friend who grinned as he answered
"Uryu…In his Quincy uniform"
"That'll be interesting to see" Kazuhiko spoke curiously, stretching his arms over his head as he yawned
"Is Hikari going as someone or…?"
"She hasn't told me yet… anyway are you hoping to run into that babe of an Asuna cosplayer this year as well" Takeshi spoke with a curious smirk, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as Kensuke added
"You two looked like a proper couple in most of the photos that were taken and I swear she was going to kiss you in that last photo"
"I'm taken remember guys… and the last photo was a near kiss one as well so if it looked like she was going to kiss me then she was playing her part right" Kazuhiko spoke with a roll of his eyes while his two friend smirked at him.
…
"Oi Matsu-san… What was all the rush about?" Kazuhiko called as he, Seraphina and Mittelt stepped into Matsu's shop after just finishing school. Mittelt was instantly attracted to look at the weapons while Seraphina and Kazuhiko walked over to the desk that Matsu was sitting at with her laptop open before her.
"I've got something important you three need to know, Mitt-tan you should come over here as well" Matsu explained, ushering over the blonde as she turned her laptop around to show them a picture as she started to explain
"That is Riser Phenex… He's the third son of the Phenex Clan of Devils and he's also engaged to Rias Gremory against her will. It looks like the heads of the Clans are trying to move the marriage forwards"
"So?" Kazuhiko asked in a deadpan tone, Mittelt and Seraphina looking surprised as the former spoke
"That unison could make an insanely strong Devil" Kazuhiko turned to the blonde about to ask what she meant only for Matsu to answer
"That's right Mitt-tan, The Phenex are similar to the Phoenix and as such have the same abilities… High Level Regeneration and Fire and Wind Magic combine it with Gremory's [Power of Destruction] and well…"
"Great… what has this got to do with us?" Kazuhiko asked sarcastically, Matsu rolling her eyes as she explained
"Ria-tan hates this douche and will try and fight her way out of the engagement which means…"
"A Rating Game, so…? If she loses she'll have to marry him. I'll ask again…" Kazuhiko spoke, scratching his head as Seraphina spoke up concerned
"If Riser marries Rias he can command her peerage as she could do for his… also he could force you all to live in the Underworld and then we couldn't meet up without him trying to give you orders that if you didn't follow would get you killed or labelled as a Stray"
"Right…" Kazuhiko spoke with a frown, clenching his hands as he added
"I guess I'll have to get stronger then… I don't trust Gremory to be able to win it herself with the others, no offense Mittelt-san." Mittelt frowning as she spoke annoyed
"I can handle some fried chicken devil"
"He's right Mitt-tan" Matsu spoke with a sigh, turning the laptop around to face her as she continued
"He's won eight out of the ten Rating Games he's been a part of and the two losses were to Clans the Phenex has close ties with… Even if you could get stronger quick enough you'll still have to deal with Riser's regeneration"
"I'll ask Kala-san to help me get better with it" Mittelt spoke annoyed, her frown lessening as she noticed the thoughtful look on Kazuhiko's face as he tapped the desk with his fingertips.
[Kazu, have you got a plan? I mean fighting a Phenex isn't going to be an easy task] Albion asked aloud, Kazuhiko leaning against the desk as he muttered a few words under his breathe
[Yeah…With that we could handle that brat but with his peerage…]
"Kazu-tan, you're thinking of learning to do that, right?" Kazuhiko nodded as he looked at Matsu's grinning face, Seraphina looking curious as she asked
"What's 'that'…?"
"I'll have to work out the details for it but I should be able to recreate something that works like the [Zero Point Breakthrough: First Edition]" Kazuhiko spoke thoughtfully before sighing as he added
"Only problem is I have no affinity for Ice Magic myself so I can't copy it the normal way"
{We'll work something out, Kazu-kun} Metatron spoke quietly to him as Mittelt asked
"Have you got the information about Riser's peerage, Matsu-san?"
"Of course" Matsu spoke with a grin, tapping away at her laptop to bring up the details.
…
"We are back!" Mittelt called as she and Kazuhiko walked in from handing out leaflets, more so Mittelt could get a grip on it while Kazuhiko could get away from the clubroom.
"Oh my good work. I will make some green tea now." Akeno spoke with a smile, Kazuhiko moving to pet Blaire's ears before taking a seat next to Seraphina as he replied
"Alright…" Akeno's smile grew slightly at hearing that, not noticing the absentminded tone about him as he noticed the dazed expression on Rias' face. Blaire growling lowly as Akeno set down the cup of tea on the table moments later before taking her seat again.
"Buchou we've returned" Mittelt spoke as she stood in front of Rias' desk, Kazuhiko frowning at how she hadn't reacted before he gave a look to Blaire who offered him a sly smile before she padded off towards Rias' desk, stopping next to Mittelt before barking loudly and making Rias jump as she cried
"Kyaa!"
"Buchou, we have returned" Mittelt spoke, Rias taking a moment to calm herself down as she shot a glare at Blaire only for the direwolf to turn up her nose before hurrying back to Kazuhiko.
"I-I'm sorry. I was dazed for a second. Good work Mittelt, Yuuki-kun" Rias spoke with a fake smile, Kazuhiko silently sighing as he realised that Matsu was right about the Gremory-Phenex marriage being moved forwards as Rias moved from her desk and looked around to check everyone was there before she added
"Now, let's have Mittelt make her debut as a Devil"
"Yes, Buchou" Mittelt spoke with a grin as she saw the magic circle glowing brightly in response to someone wanting to make a contract. Rias smiling as she looked at the magic circle as she commented
"Looks like someone is calling for you, Mittelt so do your best" Mittelt nodded eagerly before standing on the magic circle and disappearing in a flash of light.
…
After Devil duties that evening Kazuhiko and Seraphina had returned home, the former currently lying atop of his bed, pondering on the same topic he had been since Matsu had told him about Riser and how he could recreate the [Zero Point Breakthrough: First Edition]. Seraphina had went to take a bath
'So we're agreed that I should make it as a flame so it's easier for me to use' Kazuhiko thought, Metatron first to respond to him
{Yes… From there it's just a matter of finding the right traits that would provide the effects we need to create sealing ice}
[Well obviously it should be something like Freezing or Sealing as the main trait] Albion added, Kazuhiko shaking his head as he countered
'Problem is sealing or freezing Riser isn't going to stop the ice from breaking afterwards and the ice is suppose to be pretty much unbreakable and can't be melted unless all seven Vongola Flames are applied to it'
{Maybe we could add in a way for the ice to use any magic used on it to strengthen itself from breaking?} Metatron asked curiously, Kazuhiko nodding in agreement as Albion spoke
[Hmm… What about Stillness? I mean that's literally putting a pause on anything it touches and water would turn to ice without any heat being generated…]
The trio was distracted by the flash of light that filled the room, Kazuhiko frowning at seeing the Gremory magic circle appearing on the floor of his room as he sat up.
'For God's sake we nearly had something' Kazuhiko thought enraged as Rias appeared from out of the magic circle before he asked
"What the hell are you doing here, Gremory?"
"Make love to me." Rias spoke with a desperate tone as he moved towards Kazuhiko, the brunet thrusting out a hand as [Cloud Flames] erupted on instinct and forming into a rope sized [Cloud Dragon] which shot and restrained Rias in a provocative manner, her arms stuck above her head and legs tied together as Rias tried to put on a sultry smile as she added
"I didn't know you were so kinky"
"Don't misunderstand, Gremory. This is so you can actually explain to me why you're being such an idiot" Kazuhiko spoke as he stood up, Rias frowning as she asked sadly
"Yuuki-kun, aren't I good enough?"
"Yeah…" Kazuhiko replied casually, shocking Rias who felt her eyes starting to tear up as he continued
"I don't go for redheads, especially desperate ones who are trying to get out of engagements by losing there virginity and that's even before having to deal with the rest of your baggage"
"H-How do you know…?" Rias spoke shocked, her eyes widening after a moment before she whispered
"Matsu…"
"Obviously… You don't keep me in any sort of loop so how can I ever learn to trust you. It is earned not given, Gremory. Matsu earned my trust from helping me since I found out about what you forced me into and she would never withhold anything important that would be coming up soon" Kazuhiko explained, crossing his arms as he looked down at Rias who muttered sadly
"I thought about all sorts of things, but this is the only method left. If there is evidence, then they can't complain about it. The only person close to me who is able to do it with me is you." Rias' eyes widened in shock as Kazuhiko laughed running a hand through his hair as he retorted
"Oh Maou… You are such a stupid spoilt princess. Kiba won't touch you because he's a pure Knight so that leaves me from your group and you even thought you could seduce me like some pervert even though you know I don't like redheads" Rias shook slightly as she realised how stupid she had been and how desperate she looked to Kazuhiko as she lowered her head, missing Kazuhiko sitting on his desk chair as he tapped his foot against the floor as he asked
"Now are you going back home or do we have to wait till someone comes to get you?" Another flash of light filled the room, Rias sighing sadly as she muttered
"It's too late…"
Kazuhiko turned his critical gaze onto the magic circle, recognising the Gremory symbol instantly and wondering who was coming to get Rias before being moderately surprised at seeing the silver haired woman dressed as a maid appear from it and arching an eyebrow as her gaze shifted between Kazuhiko and the restrained Rias before speaking to the latter as if scolding a child
"Are you trying to break the agreement by doing something like this?" The silver haired maid's gaze turned to Kazuhiko as he dispersed his [Cloud Dragon] as Rias retorted while rubbing her wrists
"If I don't do things like this, both Otou-sama and Onii-sama won't listen to me."
"Both Sirzechs-sama and the master will become sad after they find out that you tried to give your purity to some lowly person like this." The maid replied, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as he muttered
"Who said I wanted her purity…? I don't even like her and this stunt hasn't done much to make me think any better of her" Grayfia looked at Kazuhiko who was stretching his arms out to the sides before turning back to Rias as she spoke
"Anyway, you are the next heir of the Gremory household so please don't try and show your skin to a man, even more so if you are in the middle of this situation." With that she turned to look over Kazuhiko before bowing her head as she spoke
"How do you do? I'm a person that serves the Gremory household. My name is Grayfia. I will be your acquaintance from now on. Also thank you for stopping Ojou-sama from doing something so foolish"
"Like I said before I don't like her… I'm Yuuki Kazuhiko, the unfortunate [Pawn] of this spoilt brat" Kazuhiko replied nodding his head in Rias' direction only to get another raised eyebrow from Grayfia who asked Rias
"So this is the rebellious [Pawn] with the [Divine Dividing] and host of the Heavenly Dragon, Albion"
"Yeah that's me" Kazuhiko replied casually with a small wave, Rias frowning as she spoke
"Grayfia, let's go back to my room. I will listen to what you have to say over there. Akeno can also attend, right?"
"The "Lightning Priestess"? I don't mind. It's a must for high-class devils to have their "Queen" by their side all the time." Grayfia spoke with a nod, Kazuhiko frowning as Rias approached him and started
"I'm sorry Yuuki-kun…"
"Just get going Gremory…" Kazuhiko replied with a dismissive wave, Rias looking sadly at him before going back to Grayfia who activated a magic circle underneath them and transported out of his room. Kazuhiko waited for a few moments before finally relaxing, turning his gaze to the ceiling as he asked aloud
"So what were you going to say before Gremory burst in here?"
[… I can't remember…] Albion replied sheepishly, Metatron frowning as she spoke
{Albion, you can't just forget what we were working on!}
The door opened a few moments later, Seraphina stepping in with slightly damp hair and wearing a long white shirt that reached down to her thighs, the top couple of buttons open and was slightly transparent from the water from her hair which showed off the purple lace panties she was wearing underneath.
"Kazu-san, are you alright?" She asked concerned, her smile growing at catching Kazuhiko's wandering gaze over her figure before shaking his head and answering
"Yeah… It was just Gremory being more of an idiot then usual" Seraphina frowned at hearing that, moving towards Kazuhiko and wrapping her arms around his waist as she asked
"Want to talk about it or…?" Kazuhiko ran a hand through her hair as he replied
"She was just trying to get out of her engagement with Phenex" Seraphina frowned at hearing that, resting her head on his shoulder as she hummed happily at his hand running through her hair.
…
"How do you know about Buchou's engagement?" Kiba asked surprised as he, Kazuhiko, Seraphina and Asia walked to the clubroom. The brunet rolling his eyes as he retorted
"How do I ever find out anything that Gremory tries to hide?" Kiba smiled sheepishly as he realised he'd forgot about Matsu as he asked
"I didn't know Matsu-san's network was big enough to find out about that"
"Well the whole idea of a literal Super Devil with both Clans' abilities from the union is almost bragging material for both Clans" Kazuhiko countered with a shrug as Asia asked curiously
"Buchou is getting married?"
"Not sure about that yet, Asia-san" Seraphina spoke with a slight smile, part of her still angry at the redhead for trying such a stunt with her Kazuhiko even with knowing what her fiancée was like.
{Looks like Grayfia is here as well} Metatron spoke, Kazuhiko blinking as he spoke
"Well looks like we have visitors…"
"...For me to realise this presence, only when I came here..." Kiba spoke with a serious face as he opened the door, sparing a glance to Kazuhiko and wondering how the brunet had picked up on Grayfia's suppressed aura easily as they entered.
Inside the room, the mood was deathly quiet; Rias had a disturbed face while Akeno was smiling with a serious intent. Koneko and Mittelt were sitting on chairs in the corner quietly so they wouldn't get involved with what was going to happen and Grayfia raised an eyebrow at seeing Seraphina and Asia enter behind Kazuhiko, the latter holding onto his shirt while the former was holding his hand and whispering comforting words to Asia.
"Looks like everyone is here… Before we start the club, there's something I need to tell all of you." Rias spoke seriously, Grayfia speaking up during the pause
"Ojou-sama, do you want me to explain the situation?" Rias held her hand up to reject Grayfia's offer, Kazuhiko finding himself enjoying the fact Rias was nervous as she started
"The truth is..."
At that moment, Rias was interrupted again by a orange magic circle glowing on the floor that Kazuhiko recognised as the Phenex Clan's symbol, Kiba muttering the name before flames erupted from the magic circle and showing the silhouette of a man behind them who used one arm to disperse the flames as he spoke
"Fuu. I haven't come to the human world for a while."
Kazuhiko instantly recognised Riser Phenex, partly from his gigolo appearance of a casually worn red suit that showed off too much chest and partly due to the bad boy look he was trying to pull off.
"My lovely Rias. I came to take you." Riser spoke, Kazuhiko's smirk growing slightly at seeing Rias look back with half closed angry eyes which seemed to be ignored as Riser continued
"Then Rias, let's go and take a look at the ceremony hall. The date of the ceremony is decided so we need to check it before then." Riser grabbed Rias' arm only to lose it as Rias shook him off as she spoke in a pissed off tone
"…Let go of me, Riser."
"Now you know how I feel Gremory" Kazuhiko muttered just loud enough to be heard, Rias' eyes widening as she, along with the other Devils, looked at him while Riser asked in a displeased voice
"Huh? Who are you?"
"Hmm… Oh I'm just a [Pawn] of Gremory here… Don't mind me" Kazuhiko replied with a wave of his free hand as he guided Seraphina and Asia over towards the others.
"Hmm. Ah, okay." Riser replied without a care, Kazuhiko frowning slightly as he caught the Phenex ogling Seraphina, his hand tightening its hold on hers as Riser asked
"What's a pair of non devils doing here?"
"They are with me…" Kazuhiko replied coolly, Riser raising an eyebrow in curiosity before waving it off as Rias added
"It's none of your business why they are here"
…
"The tea made by Rias' [Queen] is superb." Riser spoke in between sips of the cup of tea, Akeno had made for him as she replied with a serious smile
"Thank you very much."
Rias was sitting on a sofa with Riser next to her with an arm carelessly wrapped around her shoulders much to Rias' distain as she kept shaking it off only to have to fend of other touches from Riser. Kazuhiko was fully enjoying watching Rias getting annoyed at Riser's antics.
"Ummm, Kazu-san, did something good happen?" Asia asked curiously, Kazuhiko shaking his head as he quietly replied
"Just Albion telling me a joke"
"...Not the time for that" Koneko spoke stoically, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow to her before Metatron spoke up
{It seems like Matsu was right with how bad he was, Kazu-kun}
'Yeah…I didn't doubt her info for a second considering how right she usually is' Kazuhiko mentally replied, Albion speaking up eagerly soon after
[Oh, I just remembered what I was going to say last night]
"Stop it already!" Rias spoke with an angered voice as she stood up, glaring sharply at Riser who was smirking in response
"Riser! I told you before! I will not marry you!"
'What was it then, Albion?' Kazuhiko mentally asked, tuning out the argument between the two Devils as Albion replied
[We add in a Reverse trait that activates upon the freezing and sealing finishing… So that anything destructive that hits it gets turned into a reinforce ability]
{That might work actually… Freezing/Sealing plus a delayed Reverse ability… Would mean that the Ice after freezing would be able to protect itself from other attacks, if we add in that it can only be melted by the seven flames combined it should be near impossible to destroy unless we melt it} Metatron added thoughtfully, Kazuhiko mentally nodding in agreement as he asked
'You have any idea how much magic I'll be using up when we learn to make this Flame let alone how I can combine the seven originals to melt it'
{Well given the abilities and complexity of the [Snow Flame] I wouldn't like to say but it will be more then any single Flame uses when you fight as for combining them its just a matter of using the seven factors within close proximity to the ice} Metatron spoke uncertain, Kazuhiko raising an eyebrow as he asked
'I had a feeling you would say that… and [Snow Flame]?'
{Well it relies somewhat on the principle of the [Rain Flame] just several levels above it plus any water in the air around it will probably turn to snow upon contact} Metatron answered with a smile, Albion grinning like an idiot as he spoke up
[I think I've worked out how to recreate the [Zero Point Breakthrough] as well…]
'Wait... seriously? I mean if I could learn that I'd be able to handle most Wizard types easily' Kazuhiko asked surprised, returning to his senses at feeling the increase in demonic magic in the room as Riser declared with flames around him
"I will take you back to the underworld, even if I have to burn all of your servants."
Kazuhiko yawned, he'd felt stronger killing intent during some of his jobs with Matsu, so he wasn't concerned about Riser making declarations like that even more so with Grayfia in the room. Kiba and Koneko looked to be getting ready to fight and even Mittelt gave him a worried look before Rias made a stance against Riser, her red aura coming from out of her body.
"Ojou-sama, Riser-sama, please calm down. If both of you were to continue, then I won't be quiet about it." Grayfia spoke calmly, breaking the intense atmosphere in the room while Riser calmed the flames around him as he spoke
"…To be told that by the [Ultimate Queen], even I would be scared... I definitely wouldn't want to fight the people from Sirzech-sama's group, which is said to be made up of monsters." Rias calmed down soon after, Grayfia checking that there wasn't going to be a fight starting up again as she spoke
"Everyone such as the master, Sirzechs-sama and the people from the house of Phenex knew it would become like this. To tell you the truth this was to be the last discussion meeting. Everyone knew that it wouldn't be solved, so they decided to make a last resort."
"Last resort? What do you mean Grayfia?" Rias asked confused, Grayfia quickly answering
"Ojou-sama, if you wish to push your opinion forward, then how about you decide it by doing the [Rating game] with Riser-sama?
"...!?" Rias was speechless at hearing that, Kazuhiko smirking as he mentally asked
'What were you saying Albion before the douche tried to act big?'
[What I was going to say is that with the help of my power we can recreate it… As you know [Divine Dividing] can half an opponent's strength and add it to your own, right? Well you can also [Divide] other things and with the stance the kid takes in the show… its all a matter of dividing whatever is between the gap in the hand sign and turning it into a vacuum that can draw in the rest of the magic within a short range of you and keep dividing that… I'll have to check a few things but it should be possible to absorb the magic attack and use the magic to top up your own]
{Won't you have issues with the time limit between [Divides] Albion?} Metatron asked curiously, Albion shrugging as he responded
[I don't think so… I mean the time limit is solely for when it's being used on someone else and none of my past hosts ever tried to create a technique like this]
'Albion, check whatever issues you think I might have and let me know if it's possible or not… Metatron can you help him with it'
[Alright]
{Of course. Oh and Gremory just agreed to the Rating Game} Albion and Metatron spoke, Kazuhiko's smirk growing before Seraphina whispered
"Is everything alright? You kept zoning out there"
"Yeah…Just running something by Albion" Kazuhiko whispered back as he squeezed her hand reassuringly and making Seraphina blush until Riser called
"Hey! Why is that Devil ignoring my cute servants?"
Kazuhiko blinked at that turning to see Riser scowling at him while a bunch of girls behind him frown at being ignored as Rias spoke "Yuuki-kun already has a girlfriend… and he's not the type to stray from her"
Seraphina smiled victoriously at seeing some of Riser's servants looking wistfully at hearing that, Riser frowning at noticing the reaction from his servants as he retorted "Well it's to be expected from a lowly being to not think very big"
"Well you would know about being lowly… I mean only a raging pervert would want a harem as their peerage. I even feel sorry for your little sis there having to deal with your antics" Kazuhiko spoke as he smirked and moved away from Seraphina and Asia, Riser looked angrily, while Ravel flushed slightly at being recognised, at the brunet as he roared
"How dare you? Heroes love women. That's a saying in the human world, right? A good phrase indeed but this is just a close relationship with my servants. Even you get adored by Rias, don't you?"
"I don't like Gremory in the first place… Plus the phrase is 'Women love Heroes' and last time I checked you aren't a hero…" Kazuhiko retorted, not noticing Rias' frown before a growing smirk appeared as Kazuhiko continued
"…You are nothing but a Yakitori who thinks his powers and status, give him some right at getting whatever he wants and the whole world does not move like that"
"Yakitori!? You low-class devil! Don't get ahead of yourself! That's not the way you talk to a high-class devil! Rias! You have to educate your servants!" Riser shouted getting more pissed off by the second as Rias shrugged her shoulders and muttered
"Like I care… Yuuki-kun doesn't listen to me half the time anyway"
"Mira. Teach this punk a lesson of where his place is." Riser shouted, a short staff wielding girl jumping out of the crowd and twirled her weapon as she replied
"Yes, Riser-sama"
Kazuhiko smirked as he summoned a pistol in response to Mira's charge, dodging the attack before grabbing the staff with his free hand and pressing the barrel of his pistol against the underside of Mira's jaw as he spoke "You would be dead if I was taking this seriously girl"
Mira shook where she stood, her eyes glancing between what she could see of the pistol and Kazuhiko's serious eyes as she tried to free her staff from his grip. Kazuhiko pushed when Mira tugged again, staggering back at the lack of resistance before finding her staff thrust into her own stomach as she was flung back. Taking a moment to look over the rest of Riser's peerage he saw several surprised looks as he dismissed his pistol and stuck his hands into his pockets as he muttered "I take it she's your weakest, Yakitori"
"Yes… Mira is my weakest [Pawn] and has plenty of battle experience…" Riser replied with a scowl, not noticing the look of hope that was on Rias' face as he continued
"Rias, how about we have a match in 10 days? We could do it now, but that wouldn't be interesting."
"...Are you giving me a handicap." Rias asked with a frown, Riser shrugging as he countered
"Are you against it? Is it humiliating? [Rating Game] isn't something simple that you can win with only your feelings. If you can't use your servant's power to the fullest, then you will lose immediately. So it's not weird for you to train with your servants for your first [Rating Game]. No matter how much potential you have, no matter how much power you have, I have seen devils who lost without using their power to the fullest countless of times." Rias kept quiet and listened to Riser's words, Riser putting his hand on his ground and summoning a magic circle underneath his peerage as he added
"10 days. If it's you, then you should be able to improve your servants." Riser turned his gaze to Kazuhiko before smirking
"Don't be a disgrace to Rias, Rias' [Pawn]. Your hit is Rias' hit."
"Last time I checked I wiped the floor with your [Pawn] so don't be surprised if I do that to other pieces during the game" Kazuhiko snorted back, Riser frowning slightly before looking back to Rias as he added
"Rias, the next time we meet will be at the match." With that Riser disappeared along with his servants as Kazuhiko thought
'Looks like it went how Matsu-san thought it would… So I've got ten days to train at least that's something…'
"I'm going" Kazuhiko spoke, giving a nod to Seraphina before leaving the room, Rias quick to call out after him
"Wait!" Grayfia raised an eyebrow at the sight while Seraphina, Mittelt and Asia quick to hurry after him, the former knowing that Kazuhiko would likely try and get a start on his training while the latter two was out of concern.
…
Kazuhiko, Matsu, Seraphina, Kalawarner, Asia and Mittelt sat around a table in Matsu's laboratory, group about to start planning what they were going to do for the ten days so Kazuhiko and Mittelt could get stronger.
"So what's the plan, Kazu-tan?" Matsu asked curiously, Kazuhiko taking a sip of tea before answering
"Well Kalawarner can you train Mittelt to get stronger with her Light Magic…oh, and can both of you go with whatever Gremory is planning so you can make sure she actually trains herself otherwise she deserves to lose…" Mittelt and Kalawarner nodding in understanding before the latter asked
"I take it you're not coming along with us then, Kazu-kun?"
"No… Sera-san, can you get in touch with Tiamat-san and see if she could offer me some training during the ten days… hopefully, if she accepts I can get strong enough to handle the Riser and his [Queen]"
"I'll go ask now then" Seraphina spoke with a shocked smile, soon disappearing in a blue magic circle as Mittelt asked
"Why are you going to go after Riser and his [Queen] during the game?"
"Well the Phenex are known for having Phoenix Tears which is a powerful healing item so obviously they'll take some in with them. With Riser able to regenerate from almost any wound the next obvious choice for the person to hold them is the [Queen]" Kazuhiko explained, tapping the tablet computer lying on the table to bring up Yubelluna's details as Kalawarner nodded as she added
"And if Akeno and Yubelluna get into a fight then Akeno will lose from tiring before her opponent will… unless Akeno gets stronger or lands a lucky blow. But why are you going after Yubelluna…?"
"[Divine Dividing]" Matsu spoke with a knowing smirk, Mittelt and Kalawarner's eyes widening in realisation as Kazuhiko nodded
"I plan to drain Yubelluna's power from her… Phoenix Tears heals wounds but can't deal with stamina so they become useless. Afterwards I can use the absorbed power on Riser and then even start dividing Riser's power so I can keep strengthening my attacks… Worse comes to worse, I'm going to train an new idea for a Flame that'll completely stop Riser from doing anything" Matsu grinned at hearing that, knowing what Kazuhiko meant as Asia spoke with an asking look
"I want to help too, Kazu-san"
"Asia-san, you'll be coming with me and Sera-san if Tiamat-san agrees… I'm going to need some healing so I can get as much training in as possible before the game." Kazuhiko replied with a smile while Asia nodded with a serious, yet cute, expression, Matsu smiling as she spoke
"I guess I can keep an eye between you the two groups and keep Kazu-tan informed what's going on with Gremory's training"
…
Kazuhiko checked over what he had in his duffle bag, making sure he had everything he would need during the training trip before slinging it over one shoulder and leaving his room, catching Seraphina outside his door in purple spaghetti strapped top and a pair of comfy jeans. Kazuhiko was wearing a short sleeved white shirt over a blue jumper and black jeans.
"Are you ready?" Seraphina asked with a smile, Kazuhiko smiling as he nodded and replied
"Think I've got enough stuff so I can last ten days at yours"
"Asia-san is downstairs already with Mittelt-san and Kala-san so we can head out soon" Seraphina spoke with a smile as they started to walk down to the living room so see the trio dressed in comfortable clothes. Kazuhiko's father had accepted the lie told to him about them going on some club trip in the next town over for the next ten days so it would be fine for him, Seraphina and Asia to go to Tiamat's Clan for his training.
"That's good…" Kazuhiko spoke with a smile as they headed downstairs and found the trio sitting in the living room in their comfortable clothes, smiling at seeing Kazuhiko and Seraphina as Kalawarner spoke up as she got up
"Looks like we're all ready then"
"Let's head out then…" Kazuhiko spoke, being interrupted by several knocks on the front door as Mittelt retorted sarcastically
"I wonder who that is…" Kazuhiko scowled as he opened the door to see Rias standing there with a surprised look on her face as she asked
"You're coming along for the training…?"
"I'll pass… I have got other better plans already, Gremory, then having to deal with you for ten days" Kazuhiko replied as he stepped out of the doorway, Seraphina and the others filing out of his house before he locked the door behind him as Rias replied annoyed
"But you need to get stronger, Yuuki-kun?"
"I can handle myself Gremory and training with you would only hold me back, especially when you should be focusing on yourself if you even want a hope of a chance at beating Phenex. You both are as bad as each other" Kazuhiko shot back, Rias scowling as she shouted back
"I am nothing like Riser!"
"Really? Then what skills do you have beyond those you inherited because as far as I've seen you only have the [Power of Destruction] and that I doubt you've trained beyond basic control… just like Phenex" Kazuhiko shot back, Rias looking shocked and enraged at him as he turned and walked towards Seraphina and Asia as he spoke
"Let's get going… otherwise I'll just waste more time here"
"One thing, Kazu-kun" Kalawarner spoke with a smirk as she quickly approached Kazuhiko, wrapping her arms around his neck before kissing him. Rias scowled as she watched Kalawarner kiss her [Pawn], feeling jealous when she realised Kazuhiko was returning the kiss as her face flushed bright red, also angry at herself for feeling that way about the person who had just compared her to Riser. Asia and Mittelt turned red out of embarrassment and annoyance while Seraphina smiled slightly forced at the scene before remembering she had the next ten days with him, even if he was going to be training for the most of it and Asia would be there.
"Wow…" Kazuhiko gasped breathlessly as he broke the kiss, Kalawarner smiling alluringly as she spoke
"That's for good luck…"
"Thanks… Good luck for your own training Mittelt-san, Kala-san" Kazuhiko replied after managing to regain his senses, Kalawarner and Mittelt nodded with serious smiles on there faces. Kazuhiko moved to stand between Seraphina and Asia, a royal blue magic circle appearing underneath there feet as Kazuhiko wrapped an arm around Asia to protect her from the seal as Rias shouted angrily
"You better come back for the [Rating Game], Yuuki!" Kazuhiko didn't respond as the magic circle glowed brightly and transported them away, Rias crossing her arms under her breasts as she huffed and muttered
"How dare he compare me to that bastard…? I'll show him I'm better then Riser" Kalawarner smirked at hearing that, realising that Kazuhiko had lit a fire in Rias to prove her own strength then just to train her other servants.
…
"Did you have to say that stuff to her?" Seraphina asked, Kazuhiko smirking as the pair, Asia and Tiamat walked through the village, the blonde looking around in awe while Tiamat smiled interested as she listened in to Kazuhiko response
"Not really but this way she'll at least train herself for the [Rating Game] if not just to prove she's better then Riser… Also if I do fall in the game, Gremory can provide a good distraction for Mittelt-san's light magic"
"That is a very good back up plan, Kazu-kun" Tiamat spoke up, Seraphina blinking in surprise before Asia spoke
"This place is beautiful…"
"Why thank you, Asia-san was it?" Tiamat replied with a bright smile, the blonde nodding with a smile as Tiamat continued
"A lot of care has been put into this place to make this place best for those who live here" Kazuhiko, Seraphina and Asia looked around as they arrived at a grassy plain with stone pillars sporadically set around it, Tiamat continuing forwards as she spoke to Kazuhiko
"I'm afraid I'm too busy to teach you myself, so I have arranged one of my first students to teach you instead"
"Don't worry about it… Honestly I'm grateful that you would allow me to train here in the first place" Kazuhiko spoke with a smile, the group coming to a stop near one of the stone pillars before looking up to see a figure sitting atop of it.
The figure, a young woman, jumped down from the pillar landing in a crouch before the quartet before standing up with a sheathed nodachi in hand. She had long light grey hair that was tied in a ponytail and grey narrow eyes and was wearing tight black leather top, miniskirt and stockings and a grey haori over her shoulders.
"Tiamat-sama…" She greeted with a nod, Tiamat offering her a nod in return as she replied
"Karasuba… I'd like you to meet Yuuki Kazuhiko; he's the one I've asked you to train for the next ten days"
"Nice to meet you Karasuba-san" Kazuhiko spoke as he stepped forwards, Karasuba smiling sadistically as she replied
"Well this will be fun…"
'Oh shit…' Kazuhiko thought to himself nervously, a shiver running through him at the sadistic smile on her face even as Seraphina and Asia moved to hide behind his back as Karasuba's smile grew.
…
Author's Note
Yes, Karasuba is Kazuhiko's teacher for the ten days of training... Tannin will have his work cut out for him later on. Also hope you enjoy how Kazuhiko deals with Rias' attempt at seducing him as it seems pretty stupid of her to try it even with knowing he doesn't like her in the first place.
Hope the explanations make sense as well with Albion and Metatron helping Kazuhiko come up with his new techniques [Snow Flame] and [Zero Point Breakthrough] but both will still need training with so he can use them without any problems or a massive drain. I also wanted to have Rias to actually train herself for the Rating Game rather then believe she's strong enough already which is why Kazuhiko rips into her and compares her to Riser.
Anyway hope you enjoy this chapter and feel free to leave your reviews.