Sorry for the delay with this chapter, not sure if its been writer's block or being lazy but hope this makes up for it.
Stratos263: Hope you enjoy the fight.
FateBurn: The Balance Breaker is a good one, in my opinion, and is partly based between Armor of the Master from one of the Kingdom Hearts games and Seraphimon from Digimon.
DdraigTrueEmperor9: Thanks, glad you liked the last chapter. Miya, Chiaki and Minoru will show up again in the future as part of Kazu's strong ties to the Shinto Faction along with his friendship with Yu. Wanted the talk about Balance Breakers to happen more as a sign that Metatron and Albion think Kazu is ready to train in that direction, even with unlocking Metatron's so quickly. Your right that he won't become a Stray because of his dad and friends getting into danger because of it. At the moment, I'm not sure on what side I fall in regards to Rias as I like her character for the most part but she just makes stupid mistakes that could have screwed everything up for her relationship with the main, both Issei and OC, at the start. As for Kazu regaining his freedom it will happen and the way he'll do it will show at the end of this arc, as an idea I figured would work due to having already beaten Riser and Kokabiel in battle. I think the only real way that an MC could be paired with Rias when it comes to the canon start is when Rias makes up for that beginning especially when she could have easily just approached before Raynare targeted the MC.
Raidentensho: Thanks. Hadn't thought of that idea for Metatron's Balance Breaker but hope you enjoy what I have put together for it.
The Storm Master 567: Thanks. I can see the leaders all being shocked when the truth comes out about Kazu but it should bring some funny reactions from the others.
ShadowUzumaki55: Glad you enjoyed it.
jharrell819: Thanks. Not sure what that means though.
Syareoo: Thanks.
Morrison512: Thanks.
Wacko12: Hope you enjoy this.
Chaos Genesis: Thanks. Hope you enjoy it.
Universal Crunch: Thanks. I hope I've done justice to Kazu's dad's response to meeting Lord Gremory which is part of this chapter and show some difference between how devils react differently to what Kazu was put through when he was reincarnated. As for Vali, he will be getting powers similar to another anime character to help along with Boosted Gear being in his hands, the latter being more an amplifier for his powers anyway should balance it.
Guest: Is there a reason why to take out Akeno of the harem?
DarkChaosDragon00: Same question as above.
Planet511: Your wait is over.
Code Zero: Thanks. The questioning will happen soon about his Draphalem status and I think I will end up using something similar to what you've put for his response. Also like your idea for how they could start to make up as well some point in the next few arcs depending where I think is best. As for the talk between Kazu's dad and Lord Gremory what was discussed comes up in this chapter.
Also thanks for your response to Elliminist01, that is the sort of emphasis I wanted to show given that in canon Issei just goes along with things cause his perverted side makes him blind in regards to Rias' ulterior motive with reviving him and as far as I remember in the Light Novels there isn't a point when Rias gets confronted about it or even tries to make up for what she did at the start.
Elliminist01: Now if you don't like this fic then go read something else. As for Kazu dislike for redheads, one as a kid tried to kill him, even if she was psycho, and Rias actively lets him die at the hands of Fallen Angels just so she could take away his choice in joining her peerage and changes his species by force. Not to mention that Kazu nearly suffered from the same issue that Issei has in canon about becoming close to other girls and disliking Fallen Angels cause of what Raynare did, the former solved by Seraphina and the latter by Kalawarner. After that, Rias then doesn't bother to inform him about his change, as would be her duty as his King, and the supernatural world meaning that Metatron and Albion step in to do it instead and she only tries to introduce him to it all a week later after another Fallen Angel attacks him and because Seraphina is seen as a threat to Rias losing Kazu. Also he's been forced into living a double life to keep his friends and dad, before he knew, away from the supernatural world to protect them from the dangers there. Also about Kazu coming across as a jerk or ass, he hasn't really received any sort of apology about what happened to him from Rias and she still partly harbours a fantasy of seducing him as well as leaving out important details like her engagement to Riser.
...
"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Albion/ Dragons
{} - Metatron
...
Michael and Azazel stood together as they looked over the glowing and floating from of Ascalon, the Angel Faction's gift for the Devils. They were both working on it so that a Devil could use the blade without being injured by the holy sword.
"Looks like this is nearly finished" Azazel spoke with a small smile, Michael nodding softly before both of their eyes widened at feeling a familiar pulse of power. They both turned to face the direction, Michael frowning slightly as Azazel asked
"Worried about her host?"
"Of course… She is my sister after all" Michael replied seriously, Azazel rolling his eyes as he retort
"I wouldn't worry… She's in good hands"
"What do you know, Azazel?" Michael asked as he turned to the Fallen Angel, Azazel giving a mischievous smirk as he replied
"Oh not much really…" Michael frowned at hearing the evasive answer, wondering what Azazel was hiding from him before they both turned back to work on Ascalon.
…
Gabriel walked away from the Shrine haven't completed her part in preparing Ascalon for when the Devils would receive it. She wore a pure white sundress that clung to her figure with tan sandals so she could blend in with the humans.
"Gabriel-sama! Please let me guide you around" Irina called as she hurried down the stairs, the voluptuous blonde turning to the exorcist as she replied
"Thank you Irina-chan" Her smile grew at feeling the pulse of familiar energy, turning to look in the direction it came from as she whispered happily
"Onee-san…"
"Gabriel-sama?" Irina asked curiously, Gabriel shaking her head free of thoughts about her big sister and what it would be like to see her again as she turned back to her escort as she spoke
"It's alright, Irina-chan… Please lead the way"
…
"Awww~ Look at Rias" Sirzechs spoke with a smile as he, Grayfia and Serafall watched the video his father had taken while watching Rias' class. Rias and Sona were sitting red faced at one end of the table trying to endure the embarrassment.
"So-tan looks so cute~" Serafall gushed as the video showed Sona making notes of her class as the teacher spoke.
"Onee-sama, stop embarrassing me!" Sona shouted embarrassed, hiding her face in her hands while her friend Rias did much the same. Neither noticed as the three elder Devils stiffened at feeling a pulse of power turning to look in the direction it had come from before sharing a serious and curious look between them before Grayfia nodded and moved to head outside to try and get a better feel of it while Sirzechs turned back to Rias as he spoke formerly
"Rias, the other Maou and the Great King have decided that you have improved enough to unseal your other [Bishop]"
"Really?" Rias asked surprised, Sirzechs nodding with a smile as he explained
"Due to Yuuto-kun gaining his [Balance Breaker] and with Kazuhiko-kun being so strong they believe you've got the appropriate people to be able to start controlling his power" Rias nodded resolutely, glad that her other [Bishop] would be free now.
…
The large ball of gold energy slowly opened, fragments falling away in feather shaped pieces of energy as they shaped into five pair of large gold feathered wings. Inside was a medieval suit of silver armour that Kazuhiko now donned, under which were pure white cloth visible around the spaces in the armour on the arms and legs. Silver knee high boots with gold edging along over the knees, elbows and edges of the shoulder guards and hip guards each inscribed with angelic runes. The chest plate had a high collar edged with gold to protect his neck. The helmet was open faced, revealing Kazuhiko's eyes glowing with power while a small golden angel wing sat atop of each ear.
{Balance Breaker: Celestial Magistrate Aegis} Metatron called as the rest of the gold fragments dispersed, leaving Kazuhiko to float as he took a calming breathe as the archangel spoke
{Now we shall take the fight to them. My [Balance Breaker] augments your natural power and also removes the limiter I placed on the Holy weapons. As well as increasing your Holy Magic}
'Right' Kazuhiko thought as he held his hand out and created a circular shield of gold light to block the zombie dragon's fireball as Metatron added
{You have also unlocked another weapon as well}
"[Castiel]" Kazuhiko muttered, holding his left hand out to the side as a large claymore appeared in his grasp. The grip was long enough to easily use it with both hands, gold in colour and a silver shield set on the flat of each side of the long three foot double edged, foot wide blade to act as a cross guard.
A beam of light fired from the Zombie Dragon's mouth, Kazuhiko swinging the claymore upwards to cut the beam in half with ease. The halves flying off harmlessly into the air as Kazuhiko shot forwards, swinging his sword only to miss as the zombie dragon dodged the attack.
The dragon turned back quickly to try and bite Kazuhiko only to miss as he shot into the air, a slight smirk forming as [Castiel] changed into [Sahaquiel] with but a thought as he quickly drew and charged a pair of [Cloud] infused kunai before throwing them at the zombie dragon's head. The kunai multiplied till they numbered in the dozens before they exploded the moment the first hit the zombie dragon's body, Kazuhiko not wasting any time as he dove towards the smoke cloud.
Several fireballs shot out from the smoke cloud, revealing the zombie dragon had several small scorch marks along its body. Kazuhiko destroyed them with a Kunai hitting each before diving towards his opponent, switching to [Sandalphon] so he could swing the war hammer down, with a burst of holy flames to accelerate it, onto the zombie dragon's head forcing its mouth closed before it could fire another blast of flames.
{The control rune is on the back of the neck. It's also powering the zombie dragon up as well} Metatron spoke up, Kazuhiko mentally nodding as he switched back to [Castiel], moving to be above of the neck as he twirled the wide bladed claymore in one hand which was soon enveloped in golden energy before he swung to cleave the head from its neck through the black glowing rune.
The head fell away while the rest of the body shook before starting to fall while Kazuhiko kept a ready stance in case something else happened before relaxing as Metatron spoke up {Good work Kazu-kun}
Dismissing his weapon first, Kazuhiko released his Balance Breaker, with Metatron's help, and switched to using his [Sky Flames] to keep him aloft as Albion spoke up [Better check on the others]
With a nod, Kazuhiko flew back towards where the others were.
…
"Tch!" Lance grumbled as he let his hand fall from his earpiece, looking shocked at where the zombie dragon dropped from the sky after Kazuhiko had defeated it along with getting the order to retreat as he brought his sword to block Miya's again. Miya smiled softly in relief at Kazuhiko's victory, focusing back on Lance as she pushed her advantage and unleashing several strikes which the knight, before her, blocked.
"Shut up, Georg! Just cause your pet got destroyed doesn't mean I can't finish the mission" Lance barked at he jumped back, Miya frowning at hearing the familiar name as she focused on flaring Yawarakai-Te's aura as she launched a slash of holy energy that Lance countered with a blood coloured demonic wave before grumbling
"Fine…" Pulling a white looking ball from out of his armour, Lance smirked at Miya before throwing it and revealing it was a flash grenade as he called
"We'll settle this another time, Miya Asami" Blinking her eyes, Miya looked around to try and spot Lance only to realise he had gone before frowning and sheathing her sword.
"Miya-sempai!" Yu called as he, Minoru and Chiaki rushed over to her and the latter asked
"What was that guy?"
"A Hero descendant" Miya answered, Minoru frowning in thought before speaking up
"Well at least they didn't get the data, right?"
"Of course" Miya replied, giving the trio a small smile as Minoru added
"Looks like Yuuki-san unlocked a Balance Breaker to win against that dragon"
"Knew Kaz could beat it" Yu spoke with a smirk.
…
"Thank you for the help, Kazuhiko-kun. You have helped save a lot of the Shinto Faction's information and secrets that could have been used against us" Kikyo spoke with a nod, Kazuhiko and Yu smiling as the former replied
"I was happy to help, Mikage-san… The Shinto Faction has been willing to protect the information on me so people can't use it, it was only fair I help protect the information on your members as well and whatever that Khaos Brigade group wanted."
"Well, if you ever need any help please feel free to contact us and we'll offer what we can, even if it's just to help protect your Tou-san should your secret cause too many troubles for the Biblical Factions" Kikyo spoke with a serious look, Kazuhiko nodding in understanding as Yu spoke up
"I'll see you later, Kaz… I need to fill in Tou-san with a report about what happened." Kazuhiko nodded in understanding before turning to Matsu who grinned as she answered his unasked question
"Should be a couple days for me to get the equipment ready for both you and Yu-tan… but I'll let you know when they are ready"
"Right, thanks Matsu-san" Kazuhiko replied with a nod before moving to leave.
…
"So what did you and Gremory's Tou-san talk about?" Kazuhiko asked curiously as he sat down opposite his father with Seraphina and Kalawarner on either side. The trio quickly noting the annoyed look on the man's face as he retort
"Do you know, he actually tried to make it seem like it was an honour you joined that girl's peerage was it? Oh, he doesn't condone that her plan would have killed you if you didn't summon her to bring you back but not the fact you supposedly 'joined' when you summoned her. I swear if you hadn't told me what happened, he wouldn't have cared to bring it up at all."
"Most Devils are somewhat like that…" Kalawarner started with a sigh. Seraphina nodded in agreement as the former continued
"For them humans are just people who they make contracts with, a means to show how successful they are and even the Low Class Devils are more focused on trying to advance to High Class to get their own peerage. Most of them were humans as well so it's just a sign of how easily they lose some of their morals" Kazuhiko looked down at the table only for Seraphina to take hold of his hand as she spoke soothingly
"You're not like that remember…"
"He also attempted to try and convince me to let that girl, Rias, move in here. Even said that if I didn't have the room he would be happy to renovate this place so there would be" Kazuhiko's father snorted, his son rolling his eyes at the blatant attempt at buying his father's agreement. His father taking a moment to finish his drink before he continued
"Even when I pointed out that Kazu doesn't like the girl, he just counters that they need to spend time together so they can find some common ground and living together would help with that"
"Sounds that he, at least, wants you both to get along" Kalawarner spoke thoughtfully, Kazuhiko nodding with a frown as he added
"It probably looks rather bad for them to that I don't act at least cordial with Gremory." Kazuhiko's phone beeped alerting him of the text message he'd just received, quickly fishing his phone out of his pocket so he could read it.
"What's wrong?" Seraphina asked, noting the curiosity on Kazuhiko's face as he answered
"Gremory wants to meet tomorrow after school for something important… No detail on what yet."
"I guess we'll have to come along then" Kalawarner spoke curiously, Seraphina nodding in agreement as Kazuhiko's father snorted
"No consideration in Devil Society… Bloody girl ain't winning herself any points" Kazuhiko nodded in agreement before moving to get up only to feel his strength drain out of him as Metatron called
{Kazu! Don't move quickly, the strain from activating the [Balance Breaker] is catching up on your body}
Seraphina and Kalawarner moved to grab him before he could fall, Kazuhiko panting as the former asked "Are you alright?"
"Just need to rest…" Kazuhiko answered with a nod, his father ushering them out so they could set him down on his bed in his bedroom.
…
"What happened?" Kalawarner asked concerned, resting her head on his shoulder as Seraphina looked at him in concern as she moved to lie on Kazuhiko's other side as he explained about the mission with the Zombie Dragon.
"You actually unlocked Metatron's [Balance Breaker]?" Kalawarner spoke shocked and awed, Kazuhiko nodded as Seraphina added
"Do you think any of the leaders could sense you?"
"I don't know… but the fact they aren't knocking down the door or didn't show up while I was fighting is probably be a good sign…" Kazuhiko replied, being cut off by a yawn before he continued
"…that they haven't connected Metatron's power back to me…" Seraphina cut him off with a soft kiss, smiling as she spoke
"Go to sleep… You'll need your rest for whatever happens tomorrow" With that Kazuhiko drifted off to sleep, Seraphina and Kalawarner sharing reassuring looks before settling down for the night.
…
After school the next day saw, Kazuhiko, Yu, Seraphina, Asia, Mittelt, Kalawarner Ravel and Blaire joining Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Yuuto in standing outside a room on the ground floor of the old school building that looked sealed and had a large 'Keep Out' sign on the door.
"What are we gathered here for Gremory?" Kazuhiko asked, Rias facing them with a slightly ashamed look as she started to explain
"We're here to release my other [Bishop] whose power is dangerous and uncontrollable. I wasn't able to completely control him with my own power either so the higher ups ordered me to seal him." Rias knew she wasn't winning any more points with Kazuhiko who then asked
"So the Maou decided to seal this guy just cause you couldn't control him…? How in hell do they expect you to actually help him control his power if he can't get the chance to train with them?"
"They didn't want to risk the chance of one of the Pillars being destroyed. With the loss of half of the Pillar Clans from the civil war, the Maou have been wary in regards to servants with uncontrollable powers" Ravel answered studiously, Kazuhiko frowning in thought as Rias added
"That's right… they were worried that if his power went off at the wrong time it could make trouble for my peerage and those around." Kazuhiko crossing his arms in thought as the redhead and Akeno moved to start taking off the tape as the former added
"All day, that [Bishop] lives here. For the time being, his powers are loosened deep in the night, and if it's just in the old building, he can exit the room, but the kid inside refuses to do that." Rias knocked on the door before starting expanding her magic circle so she could release the seal.
"Is the person a hikikomori?" Mittelt asked, Rias sighing as she nodded before Akeno spoke up
"The kid inside has been the biggest earner among the servants. Through a computer, the kid takes special contracts from humans. Frankly, it's a person who doesn't want to meet us. Those type of people negotiate in a different way, and make relations differently. They solve things through the computer. In the dealings through computers, amongst the new devil servants, this kid grabs enough numbers like those of a superior rank."
Everyone looked surprised at hearing that, Kazuhiko impressed at the other [Bishop] could handle all of his contracts through a computer as Rias spoke, the seals carved into the door disappearing
"…Now then, I am opening the door."
"Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!" A high scream came from the room, Kazuhiko and Seraphina gritting their teeth and covered their ears to avoid hurting their hearing. Rias didn't look surprised as she sighed again and entered alongside Akeno as she spoke to the occupant
"Good day to you. It's nice to see you all energetic."
"W-W-Whyyyyyyyy?" The same voice cried back, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow at the feminine voice despite Rias' reference of the other [Bishop] being male.
"Ara ara, the seal got removed, you know? You are able to go out now. Now, let's all go out together?" Akeno spoke in a gentle tone, before the voice called back
"Noooooooooooooooooo! This place is gooooooooooood! I don't want to go outside! I don't want to meet peopleeeeeee!"
"Poor guy…" Seraphina spoke softly, Kazuhiko nodding sympathetically while noticing Yu arching any eyebrow while Asia and Mittelt shared concerned looks and Xenovia and Kalawarner looked questioningly. Yuuto was smiled bitterly and Koneko was letting out a sigh as the only ones to know all about what was going on with the other [Bishop].
Kazuhiko moved forwards, leaning to look into the room to see it decorated almost like a girl's room with stuffed dolls and plushies as well. The oddest thing in the room was a coffin sitting in one corner of the room.
'A coffin…? Does that mean he's a Vampire?' Kazuhiko thought as he looked past where Rias and Akeno was standing to see a first year girl with golden hair, red eyes and doll like features sitting on the floor and looking as if she wanted to escape from the amount of shaking her body was. Kazuhiko blinked as he remembered that the other [Bishop] was supposed to be a guy as he asked
"Wait…He's a crossdresser?"
Rias turned her head and nodded as she replied "Appearance-wise, this kid looks like a girl but without a doubt he is a boy."
"Fair enough…" Kazuhiko spoke with a shrug, Rias blinking in surprise before remembering that he probably had saw people cross-dress while at anime conventions given some gender bended characters.
"He has a hobby of dressing in female clothes." Akeno spoke calmly to the others that was gathering at the doorway, the blonde boy looking warily at Kazuhiko as if expecting another reaction.
"Isn't it a bit weird to have hikikomori cross dresser especially one so suited to girls' clothes. I mean they are for showing off in most cases." Mittelt asked confused, only for the blonde boy to refute
"B-B-B-But, girl's clothes are super cute."
"I agree" Kalawarner spoke with a smile as Seraphina cooed
"Oh~ he's like a doll"
"B-B-B-By the way, who is this person?" The blond boy asked, pointing at Kazuhiko and the others behind him, Rias smiling as she answered
"These are new servants who came while you were here. The pawn, Yuuki Kazuhiko; The knight, Xenovia; and like you, the Bishop, Mittelt. Their friends are Seraphina, Kalawarner, Asia, Ravel Phenex and Blaire"
"Nice to meet you" Everyone introduced responded, only for the boy to cry fearfully
"Eeeeek, the members increased by a lot!"
"Please, can we go out? Okay? It's alright for you not to be sealed anymore, you know?" Rias asked gently, the boy shaking his head vigorously as he replied
"Noooooooo! For me the outside world is impossibleeeeeeee! I am scared! I am scared of the outside! In any case, even if I go outside it would only cause trouble for otherssssss!"
"Gremory, it's probably not wise to force him to leave especially if his power is uncontrollable at the moment. Who knows what could set it off and putting him in an uncomfortable position will just make things worse" Kazuhiko retort with a sigh, Rias looking embarrassed as she replied
"Ah, you are probably right. He possesses a Sacred Gear that when he's excited, the time of everything in his field of vision can be stopped for a fixed interval of time."
{Oh my… That's sounds like [Forbidden Balor View]} Metatron spoke shocked, Kazuhiko's eyes widening as he looked at the boy as he mentally wondered
'Time Manipulation through eyesight.'
{It's a unique Sacred Gear in its own right} Metatron started only to be interrupted by Albion's comment
[And damn right dangerous to anyone who can't control it]
{True. It has a limit for how long it can freeze time on targets and the range he can hit them based on the user's skill and power. I would not be surprised if it became recognised as a [Longinus] in its own right given that it was never intended to be distributed by the [System]} Metatron spoke, Kazuhiko's eyes widening at hearing that as he mentally asked
'Why would it be classed as a [Longinus]?'
[Time Manipulation is as much an overpowered ability as my dividing power and the Sekiryuutei's doubling power. In that regard [Forbidden Balor View] breaks the rules as much as any of the [Longinus] is capable of] Albion explained.
"Because he can't control his Sacred Gear, by the orders of the Archduke and Maou, Sirzechs-sama, he was sealed." Akeno added, Rias hugging the blond from behind as she spoke to everyone else
"This boy is Gasper Vladi. He's my [Bishop]. For the time being, he's Kuou Academy's 1st year. Also, before being reincarnated he was half human, half vampire."
…
"Forbidden Balor View?" Mittelt spoke shocked, Rias nodding as she answered
"Yes. That's the name of the Sacred Gear Gasper possesses. It's very powerful." The group had moved back to the clubroom to continue talking about Gasper.
"To stop time, isn't that close to breaking the rules?" Yu asked curiously, who caught Kazuhiko's nod as Rias answered
"Yes, that's true. But Kazu's halving power and Sekiryuutei's doubling power are both against the rules too, you know?" Yu and the others nodded in understanding as Rias continued
"The problem is that he's not able to handle it. Because of that Gasper had been sealed till now. Unconsciously activating his Sacred Gear was seen as a problem."
"How'd you make Gasper-san, who has such a powerful Sacred Gear, into your servant, Gremory? I doubt a normal piece would work for him" Kazuhiko asked curiously, figuring that Rias had had a [Mutation Piece] to use on the blond half-Vampire. Rias brought out a book from a mid-air, flipping its pages till she found the right one and presented it to Kazuhiko as she answered
"It's a mutation piece."
'So like my [Pawns] then.' Kazuhiko thought as he looked over the page explaining [Evil Pieces] as Kalawarner asked
"…Mutation piece?"
"It's different from the usual [Evil Piece], bodies that clearly require more than one piece to be reincarnated can be reincarnated in one piece and it's a piece that can make such a phenomenon occur." Kiba answered before Akeno added
"Buchou possessed that piece."
"Usually, for high-class devils, 1 in 10 devils possesses a single piece. It's an irregularity born when the evil piece system was created, it's kind of like a bug but it seems like it was kept for fun. Gasper-kun is the one who used that piece." Kiba explained further, getting nods from the others as Rias added
"The problem is Gasper's ability."
"Buchou, what do you mean?" Asia asked innocently, Rias smiling as she answered her
"He possess a rare ability and it seems his Sacred Gear's power increases when he's unconscious. Maybe because of that, every day his power is increasing. From the previous conversation we can say, in the future, there's a possibility he may attain Balance Breaker."
"Wait… He's naturally getting stronger each day?" Kazuhiko asked surprised, Rias putting a hand on her forehead as she answered
"Yes. It's a critical situation. However, because my evaluation was accepted, it seems I was judged that I may be able to control Gasper now by the people that evaluated me. Maybe because I made Yuuto attain Balance Breaker and Kazu being as strong as he is."
"…Uh, e-e-even though I don't want you to talk about me…" Gasper's voice came from the cardboard box next to Kazuhiko's feet, making the brunet saddened at how scared Gasper was of the outside world that hiding in a cardboard box made him feel safe.
"Judging by ability, maybe after Akeno and Kazu he would be next. Even though I say half vampire, he's from a pure-blooded vampire family with a good lineage, and has a powerful Sacred Gear because of his human half. He's well-endowed with the abilities of vampires, and he excels in human magic wielded by wizards as well. If not so, then he probably wouldn't have been made a bishop with just one [Evil Piece]." Rias spoke, Kazuhiko looking impressed at the box as Mittelt asked
"Buchou, vampires are weak against the sun, right? Is he gonna be fine outside?" Rias nodded in response as she answered
"He possess the blood of a special vampire known as Day walker which can move in the day, so there's no problem. However, he may dislike it."
"I hate daylighttt! It's better if the sun disappeareeeeeed!" Gasper shouted, Kazuhiko sweatdropping as he muttered
"Bit of an understatement, Gremory…" Looking down at the box, Kazuhiko asked
"Gasper-kun, you don't attend class either, right? If you don't learn to control your power you could hurt any of us here by accident. Also if you don't attend class then you'll have trouble opening up to others."
"No! I am fine inside this cardboard box! The air and light of the outside are a natural enemy to meeeee! Please let me remain a boy who lives in a cardboard boooooox!" Gasper screamed back
{It must have been terrible what happened to him.} Metatron spoke in a concerned tone, Kazuhiko mentally agreeing as Seraphina asked
"Doesn't he need blood? He's a vampire, right?"
"Since he's a half vampire, he doesn't thirst for blood as often. If you supply the blood for him once every 10 days then there's no problem. Though it seems he originally didn't like drinking blood." Rias answered with a nod only for Gasper to scream back
"I hate blooooood! I hate fish tooooooo! I hate liver as welllllll!"
"…A good-for-nothing vampire." Koneko commented, Kazuhiko sweatdropping while Gasper cried back
"Uwaaaaaaah! Koneko-chan is a meanieeee!"
"For the time being, till I come back, Kazu, Mittelt, Koneko, Xenovia, I'll leave Gasper's training to you. Akeno and I will be going to the meeting place for the top of the 3 factions. And Yuuto, it seems Onii-sama wants to hear in detail about your Balance Breaker so accompany us." Rias explained, getting nods as Akeno replied
"Yes, Buchou."
"Kazuhiko, sorry but, I'll leave Gasper-kun to you." Kiba added, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied
"Alright then. I'll have a go, Kiba. Well, since Sera-chan, Kala-chan, Yu, Asia-san, Mittelt-san, Koneko-san and Xenovia are here too, we'll try and think something up. Probably"
"Gasper-kun, you should start getting used to the outside, you know?" Akeno spoke across to the cardboard box only to hear in response
"Akeno onee-samaaaaaaa! Please don't say stuff like thaaaaaaaat"
"Ara ara, that's troubling. Kazu-kun, I'll leave it to you." Kazuhiko gave a nod in response before the trio left, the brunet taking a moment to think of a plan only for Xenovia to speak up first
"Yeah. Then, Kazu-sama, shall I thoroughly discipline him? A weak man is no good. And also I wanted to face off with a vampire since childhood. Leave his treatment to me." Kazuhiko blinked as he watched Xenovia pull on a rope attached to the box to get Gasper outside.
"Eeeeeeeeek! N-N-N-No way, I don't want to fight against the user of the holy sword Durrandaaaaal! I-I'll be destroyeeeeed!" Gasper cried out in response, Xenovia only continuing to drag the box as she replied
"Don't scream, Gasper. If you like, shall I prepare a cross and holy water, and also attack you with garlic?"
"Eeeeeeeeeek! Garlic, noooooooooo!" Gasper screamed back, Kazuhiko shaking his head as Seraphina and Kalawarner stifled smiles as he muttered
"Better stop her before she does something dangerous"
"Yeah that's a good idea" Yu agreed as the pair stood and moved to head after them.
…
Kazuhiko sighed in relief as he stood in front of Xenovia, Gasper being stopped from running by the brunet holding the collar of his clothes as he spoke "Xenovia, you can't just use Durandal like that! Gasper-san needs time to adjust to being outside before we can start any sort of training and using a holy sword for that is overkill."
"Let me go, Kazu-saaan!" Gasper cried, Kazuhiko glancing back to the half vampire as Xenovia asked
"Why can't I? 'A healthy spirit starts from a healthy body' and it would help him."
"That may be in the case of you but such a thing doesn't work for everyone and you could make him more scared then trying to help him." Xenovia took a moment to think on what Kazuhiko had said before lowering her head as she realised that she might cause more trouble as she replied
"I guess your right..." With that she dismissed Durandal, Gasper relaxing slightly with the holy aura disappearing. Kazuhiko turned to the blond and crouching down to his level before he spoke
"Gasper-san, I'll let you go if you will at least try and stay outside. I understand you're more comfortable indoors but keeping yourself away from everyone else will not help you in the future. Now we can try this thing my way or I can let Xenovia try her way."
Xenovia perked up at hearing that, Gasper looking more scared as he quickly nodded in agreement and said "A-A-Alright, K-Kazu-saaan. I'll try."
With that Kazuhiko let go of Gasper's collar, letting a smile form on his face as he stood up and saw Gasper nervously look around.
"So, what's the plan for training him?" Yu asked as he approached, Kazuhiko pondering for a moment as he watched Seraphina, Asia, Mittelt and Ravel move to talk to Gasper before replying
"Probably should have target practice so Gasper-san can learn to use his Sacred Gear without accidentally hitting us."
"So using your [Mist Flames] then?" Yu suggested, Kazuhiko nodding as he watched the girls getting to know the newly released [Bishop].
...
"Right so now you're more comfortable outside, we'll work on some target practice" Kazuhiko spoke to Gasper, getting a nervous nod as the brunet continued
"What I want you to aim at is this"
"Kuri~" Gasper's eyes widened as he looked at the floating brown ball of fur with four green clawed feet and large yellow eyes as he exclaimed
"A Kuriboh?"
"Yep. He's made out of [Mist Flames] so you can't hurt him. Now, what is more important at the moment is that you can learn to activate your Sacred Gear at will rather the hitting the target so take your time" Kazuhiko explained, Gasper nodding as Kuriboh moved to avoid Gasper's Sacred Gear from affecting the others. Kazuhiko kept an eye on Gasper, who was trying to focus on activating his power, while looking around at the others.
Asia, Mittelt and Koneko were sitting around talking about something or other, Xenovia and Yu were sparring a good distance away to avoid distracting Gasper and Ravel and Seraphina was standing on either side of him to watch and encourage Gasper training.
Kalawarner's arms wrapped around his waist from behind as she hugged him tightly to her body and asked "How long do you think he'll need to learn?"
"Not sure..." Kazuhiko started with a concerned look towards the Dhampir as Seraphina pointed out
"I guess it depends on how long Gasper-kun takes to find the trigger to activate his Sacred Gear, I mean Gremory said that he only activated it when he was scared before"
"Should we just scare them then? I mean it would help him activate it" Ravel asked, Kazuhiko shaking his head as he replied
"No... While scaring him would help activate it, he needs to learn to be able to find how to trigger it on his own. If we scare him, he probably wouldn't notice how it activated and considering he doesn't have a physical manifestation with his Sacred Gear like [Divine dividing] or [Twilight Healing] he needs control first to avoid potentially lethal accidents."
Ravel nodded in understanding, turning back to watch Gasper staring at the Kuriboh that was waving its front paws at them.
"Oh, hey guys!" Saji spoke as he approached the others, Issei next to him asking surprised
"Wait.. Is that a Kuriboh?"
"Saji, Hyodo, what's brought you two here?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Saji smiling as he replied
"After hearing that there was a hikikomori servant whose ban had been lifted, we came to see it a bit."
"Ah. He's over there practising with Kuriboh" Kazuhiko replied, signalling towards Gasper as Kalawarner let go of her hold on him.
"Oh! Wait, it's a girl, huh! Not to mention blonde haired!" Saji spoke happily, Issei leering as well even as Kazuhiko rolled his eyes while Kalawarner and Seraphina shared amused looks as the Draphalem spoke up
"That's a guy cross dressing." Saji and Issei both looked completely dejected at hearing that as the former spoke
"Well, this is swindling. More like, since he's wearing girl's clothing, it would be to show it to someone, right? And since he's a hikikomori, it's too much of a contradiction. It's quite difficult."
"That's right. It's an incomprehensible cross dressing habit. Also I can't say anything about it suiting him." Issei added, crossing his arms in annoying as Kazuhiko rolled his eyes as he asked
"What are you two doing then, Saji, Hyodo?" Saji and Issei signalled to the cotton gloves and small shovels they were holding as the former spoke
"It's as you see. It's the maintenance of the flower bed. It's been Kaichou's orders since a week ago. Hey, recently the events in the school have been many right? And also, next time Maou-sama and the others are coming here as well. It's the job of the pawn of the student council, me, to make the school look beautiful." Saji puffed his chest up at that, Issei rolling his eyes as he added
"We just got odd jobs today for the Kaichou."
[Azazel's here] Albion spoke, the group turned towards the direction of the sound at sensing someone approaching. Kazuhiko frowning as Azazel spoke with a smile
"Heh. The servants of Maous' family's devils are playing over here."
"Azazel...!" Kazuhiko replied, Azazel giving a small wave to him as he continued
"Yo, Hakuryuukou, Kalawarner, Mittelt. It's been some time since that night." Everyone else looked between Kalawarner, Mittelt and Kazuhiko and Azazel before taking ready stances to defend themselves. Xenovia holding her sword while Asia and Ravel moved to stand behind Kazuhiko who was still relaxed, Saji and Issei both bringing out their Sacred Gears as the former of the pair stammered
"Yu-Yuuki, by Azazel you mean-!"
"Relax everyone. I've come in contact with this guy plenty of times and he's relatively harmless."
Azazel smiles bitterly at the other devils' posture, even as Seraphina relaxed at not feeling any killing intent from him.
"I don't feel like fighting. Hey, thaw your postures, Low Class devil-kun. You should somehow know that even with the bunch gathered here, you wouldn't win against me, right? Even I don't plan on bullying low class devils. Since I was taking a stroll, I came to visit the devils place. Is the holy demonic sword wielder present? I came to see him." Azazel spoke, none of them relaxing as Kazuhiko answered
"He isn't here, got a meeting with Lucifer. Shouldn't you be waiting till after the meeting to ask to meet with him?"
"I probably should... but seeing such a unique Balance Breaker would be interesting for my research." Azazel replied, disappointed at not finding Kiba around. He approached closer to the group before pointing to a certain tree behind them as he spoke
"The vampire hiding over there." He continued towards where Gasper was hiding, Kuriboh sitting on his head, as Azazel added
"You're the possessor of the [Forbidden Balor View], right? If you can't use it properly, then it will become a thing that causes harm to others. As a support type Sacred Gear, if you can supplement the deficient aspects, it should be fine but….. Now that I mention it, the research of sacred gears by devils didn't progress much. If you invoke it via the 5 senses, if the sacred gear's owner's capacity is insufficient then, it will move naturally, and it will be extremely dangerous."
"You could try and avoid being so creepy with him, Azazel" Kazuhiko spoke up just as Azazel started staring into Gasper's eyes, making him tremble.
"Of I was just checking his Sacred Gear..." Azazel replied, turning to the rest of them before focusing on Saji's Sacred Gear as he asked
"Is that [Absorption Line]? If you're practising, try using it. Connect it to this vampire, if he invokes it while you're absorbing the sacred gear's excess, it would probably run less wildly. Don't know why you didn't use [Divine Dividing] on him already Yuuki-kun?"
"Didn't want to overdo dividing his strength and wasn't sure I could focus on just the Sacred Gear" Kazuhiko replied, Saji looking unsure of what was going on as he asked
"…M-My Sacred Gear, it can suck the power of the opponents Sacred Gear as well? I thought it simply absorbs the opponents power and weakens them….."
"Seriously, it's because of this, that recently the sacred gear owners don't try to know the power of their sacred gears well enough. The [Absorption Line] holds the power of one of the legendary 5 dragon kings, the [Prison dragon], Vritra. Well, this was found out thanks to recent research. That thing can connect to any object, and can scatter that power. If it's a short time, it's possible to separate the line from the owner's side, and connect it to some other person or object." Azazel replied with an amazed expression on his face.
"The-, then, the line on my side….for example I can connect it to Hyoudou, Yuuki or some other person? And then the power will flow into them?" Saji asked confused, Azazel nodding as he replied
"Yeah, if you grow, the number of the lines will also increase. If you do that the output of absorption will increase many times as well."
"..." Saji looked quietly as he Sacred Gear at hearing that, Kazuhiko realising that Azazel had slipped into a teacher mode as the Governor continued
"In improving the Sacred Gear, the fastest way would be to drink the blood of the host of dragon gear although probably not Kazu's here. If you let a vampire drink blood, then they'll gain power. Well, do the rest yourselves." Kazuhiko glared at hearing that, guessing Azazel at least had some idea about what he was hiding before Astrid called sternly
"Azazel-sama, you shouldn't be here causing problems before the meeting!" Everyone turned to her while Azazel smiled sheepishly as he spoke
"Sorry Astrid-chan, just couldn't wait for a chance to meet the holy-demonic sword wielder"
"Sorry for Vali - Our Sekiryuutei for coming into contact with you on his own accord. I am sure you would have been surprised, right? Wh-at, he's an unusual guy but he doesn't think of settling the rivalry between red and white immediately." Azazel spoke as he turned to Kazuhiko, who nodded before retorting
"Its fine. I expected him to come after me sooner or later, at least he didn't try and pick a fight then"
"I'm sorry for Azazel-sama causing trouble for you, Kazuhiko-san" Astrid spoke with a light blush on her cheeks, Kazuhiko shaking his head as he replied
"Its no problem... At least Gasper-kun will be able to control his Sacred Gear better now" Astrid gave him a formal bow before leaving after Azazel.
Everyone else relaxed once the pair left, Saji sighing as he moved towards Gasper as he spoke
"...For the time being, shall I use my sacred gear on the new face-kun over there. In that state, let's try using his sacred gear and practice. In exchange for that, next time, I will have you help me out with the flower bed."
Everyone nodded at hearing that and with that they started up Gasper's training. Saji connected the tongue of his [Absorption Line] onto Gasper so he could suck out the excess power.
After that Kuriboh became the target of Gasper's aim, stopping it for a few minutes and making Kazuhiko lose control of the [Mist Flames] that made it until the time stopping was over. Another thing that had been picked up was that the closer the target to Gasper the longer it was frozen for and the inverse was true as of Gasper's inexperience with his Sacred Gear, only certain things in his field of vision were stopped and it was still impossible for him to invoke it consciously although accidental activates had hit Kazuhiko and the others so they got to experience what it was like to be stopped.
Each time it had happened, Gasper would yell out apologizing and would have to be caught by Kazuhiko so they could bring him back and explain that it was alright due to being accidents.
"How is it? Is the practice making progress?" Rias asked worried, when she returned with sandwiches for the group without Akeno or Kiba.
"Buchou, this is tasty!" Asia spoke between bites, Kazuhiko nodding in reluctant agreement as Rias replied
"Fufufu, Thanks. The ingredients weren't a lot so I was only able to make simple ones."
"Tasty!" Saji and Issei let out with a groan as Kazuhiko and the others explained about Azazel appearing, Rias responding with
"I hear Azazel has substantial knowledge about Sacred Gears. Advice about Sacred Gears…. Maybe he had spare time to give advice to another person." She pondered for a few moments as Issei spoke up
"Rias-sempai's back, We should be going back to working on the flower bed." After taking a couple of sandwiches each, Issei and Saji left to work as Rias spoke
"Saji-kun. Thanks for going out of your way to keep my servants company. You have my thanks." Saji's face reddened at hearing that he replied
"I-It's alright. You're Kaichou's precious friend and I saw some new possibilities regarding the Sacred Gear. But I have to work on the flower bed as well, so..."
"Later, Yuuki. Work hard."
"See ya, Yuuki"
"Yeah, thanks you two." Kazuhiko replied as Saji and Issei left, Rias turning to where Gasper was resting under the shade of the tree and saying
"Gasper, you can still continue on right? After getting sucked by Saji-kun, your power has been regulated to a perfect level, for the remaining time I will also keep you company in the training."
"I-I'll do my besttttttt." Gasper stammered in response, moving to stand back up again so they could continue practising.
...
Author's Note
First off Metatron's Balance Breaker: Celestial Magistrate Aegis let's Kazu access his weapons without vocalizing which one he's after also the weapons gain a boost in power as well. As for the new weapon [Castiel] - yes I did get the name from Supernatural - its based on the Sword of Exorcism from D. Gray man. In regards to Lancelot, he'll show up again given that I plan to expand the Hero Faction a bit to balance out things. Hopefully Kazu talk to his dad about what the latter and Lord Gremory talked about show a difference in how Devils and Humans are morally different in Kazu's recruitment. Also we have the introduction of Gasper and the beginning of his training which I think make sense to have a bit slower.
Anyway hope you enjoy the chapter.