Warning:
This crossover contains spoilers from both series of Highschool DxD and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner Raidou Kuzunoha. It also contains uncomfortable and sensitive religious issues that are mentioned mostly Shin Megami Tensei series. Know that this crossover is simply a fictitious story born from the mind of an unimaginative author; and so, has not the slightest intention to defame or mock any and every known religions in the world. Therefore, should you wish to read this crossover, know that you are doing it on your own volition, after being made aware what this crossover contains.
You have been warned.
Now, please enjoy this crossover!
DEVIL SUMMONER DXD : RAIDOU KUZUNOHA V.S. THE SEVEN WHO ARE ONE
- PROLOGUE -
The morning had not passed, yet the business of the day had already arrived.
The light of the sun had yet to bathe everything with its illumination- yet there were already figures, moving and shifting in the shadows restlessly; passing through the black silhouettes of buildings with anticipation. These shadows grew in number, as more and more of them emerged from the buildings and into the streets with a disciplined pace.
Not long after, the sound of hurried footsteps along the dirt road, accompanied with the dragging sound of tires, as well as the hissing voice of engines, quickly filled the air- subduing the tranquility of the break of the day. The choking smell of black fumes, mingling with the mixture aroma of sweats, oils and cooking, further enriched the atmosphere of the slowly awakening city- and prepared it for the bustling activities to come.
Soon, more and more things happened as the slumbering city slowly regained its color- and its energy. More voices and sounds joined into the chaotic chorus of daily drudgeries. More scent and odor of both pleasant and repugnant experience were coming into the fold as well. And as the sun finally reached its height, proclaiming the zenith of the morning- and in turn, pushing the darkness away for the cycle of day to proceed, the form and color of the city-along with its scampering denizens- were starkly apparent for eyes to see.
This is the capital, the crown jewel of Japan in its glorious age of Taisho the 20th. It is the city of men and beasts alike, where both weak and strong are given the equal footing to thrive and be prosperous or to fall and be grinded. This is the city where men are manipulated and where calamities are beckoned in regularity.
The morning had passed, and the daily drudgery continued - oblivious to the unseen shadows that threatened its superficial peace, and consecutively, to its silent protector that kept these unseen threats at bay.
This is the Capital; a great city of men, and of beasts in disguise.
In the midst of orderly chaotic scene of daily affairs, was a sound of a regimented footstep for a nun. The clopping that the her wooden sandal made on the hard dirt ground was easily drowned into the chorus of discord that the men and women of the capital made- but its distinct tempo was easily discerned among them all, as if it's an absolute fact that every fiber and being of this holy sister were higher than the mortals around her. Passing through the streets and its lords - pedestrians and automobiles, this enigmatic nun was soon come into view.
Wearing the simple and traditional fashion of Japanese women at that time along with a simple monk's hood that covered nearly all of her head- exposing only the lower region of her face, this agent of higher beings weaved through the peddlers, workers and pedestrians alike on the brick road with relative ease. Although her monasterical garb was not an odd thing to the society at that time, it was the color of her clothing however that make this servant of the raven god to stand out among other people around her. The gloomy grey-to –black attire she wore stood contrast with the more colorful and brilliant costumes that the passers-by around her donned. This stark difference however, did not bother the ignorant citizens as they kept on engaging their daily affairs. Without any obstructions, the cleric walked with a strictly controlled pace toward her destination.
After walking through the bustling commerce area of the city for some times, and passing both Victorian-style and traditional Japanese style buildings on her left and right, the cleric finally arrived at the place of her destination. Standing before her was a 3-storey Dutch-style office building, located in one of the most bustling urbanized area in the Capital itself - the Tsukudo-Cho. The building itself housed several headquarters and business representations of local enterprises - yet none of them were in the cleric's concern, for there was only one place within the building that she was looking for.
Turning the metal knob on the door and pushing it open, the nun in black immediately rushed to the wooden stairs. Her gesture and form were controlled, yet they emanated the sense of haste and uneasiness. Arrived on the second floor, she found her destination just beside the staircase – a simple looking wooden door with a small glass panel on it. The glass panel itself was embellished with a pair of plain black writings in Japanese - one set of writing on the top, and the other on the bottom. The prior declared "Narumi Detective Agency", while the latter proclaimed the agency's famous motto: "To Cut the Gordian Knot".
Seeping from the door were inaudible chattering and the pleasing scent of coffee and toasted bread, indicating that there were people inside – and in high probability, were having breakfast at the moment. Judging with the greatest of certainty that the men within, were the men that she was looking for, the nun in black pushed the door. The soft chime of bell, fixed at the back of the door, announced her entry to the detective's office.
The Herald of Yatagarasu had come to pay her visit.
"GAH!" was the only thing that escaped from the mouth of the smooth-faced man in white when he turned his gaze to the direction where the soft ringing originated. "It's you!"
"Good morning, detective." The guest in black politely addressed the startled black-haired man…..who nearly dropped a slice of toast from his hand. "And good morning to you too, Raidou Kuzunoha." She continued while shifting her gaze toward the young man in the black uniform of a high school student.
"…" the youngster silently and respectfully bowed his head toward the nun from his seat near the center table. As was the youngster's style, his ever-present militaristic student cap was fixed upon his head. It is a mystery that such cap has never once left the boy's head. In fact, he was never seen without such headgear, as if it was simply an inseparable part of his body.
"What do you want at this hour?" The man in white long-sleeved shirt inquired as he rose from his seat behind the large mahogany desk; clearly forgetting the toast in his hand. "We haven't even opened yet!"
The man in the trimmed white suit was Shouhei Narumi, a private investigator who specialized in unusual cases, and a man with too much free time for his own good. Despite of his laid-back and nigh-slothful attitude, the man was actually a very competent investigator and an exceptionally dependable person. A man with a flair for style, rich tastes and dramatics, Shouhei Narumi spared no dime in grooming himself to be a "Modern Man", a self-proclaimed title for his extensive preferences. Unfortunately, such habit of this flashy detective caused the man to be repeatedly entangled into debts; and as consequence, generating a bad reputation upon him. However, despite of his less-than-pleasant name, Shouhei Narumi's unorthodox wit and set of skills for a sleuth were without equal, as such was displayed with the detective's ability in solving rather unworldly cases – thus making his business to be rather sought after by people from every social level.
"Apologies, Mr. Narumi, for disturbing your breakfast." The Herald of Yatagarasu solemnly spoke while helping herself in a chair which the youngster in black politely provided for her; her controlled and flawless articulation perfectly masked her emotion. "However, it is – ah, thank you Raidou – a matter of great importance that I seek you immediately." She continued while gratefully accepting a cup of freshly grinded coffee that the youngster offered, in spite of his superior's mute, hand-sign protests.
"And what would that be?" Scoffed the annoyed detective, as he slumped himself back to his seat, and letting go the piece of bread in his hand into the stack of toasts that he had prepared previously. The arrival of the messenger in black had effectively vanquished the detective's appetite for a big breakfast. Not only that, he was quite indignant with his apprentice's blatant disregard of his silent orders. "It is safe to assume that you are not seeking for my service, is it not?"
"Perceptive as ever, Mr. Narumi." The agent of the three-legged raven god commented after taking a little sip of the sweet-smelling beverage. Putting aside the little china cup upon the table, the woman in black resumed her explanation.
"It is true that the reason of my visit here is not to acquire your expertise." Her speech control was not faltering even in the slightest, unnerving the detective even more. "Rather, it is your apprentice's skills that I am hoping to obtain for this request of mine."
The last statement from the Herald of Yatagarasu immediately piqued the attention of the youngster in black student uniform. The apprentice of the detective, Raidou Kuzunoha the XIV, had suspected that something like this would happen; but hearing it firsthand certainly had its effect. Although his face kept its emotionless stance, the assistant's body turned even straighter and tenser- and it didn't escape from the detective's eyes.
It was not a secret that his young assistant possessed strange powers which earned him the title of "Summoner in the Capital" – a secret moniker that only few people knew, including Shouhei Narumi himself. The detective was also aware that his apprentice was an agent of Yatagarasu himself, the enforcer of peace and balance- tasked in safeguarding the Capital from unseen threats and dangers. His meager position in Narumi Detective Agency was actually a front to disguise his real purpose. However, it was not a terrible thing since Shouhei Narumi himself was also an honorary member of the secret organization of Yatagarasu – albeit he did not possessed any special or magical ability. Not to mention that the pay he received for "baby-sitting" the summoner was very generous- very generous enough for the rather eccentric detective to clear out his debts.
"I see." The detective responded rather coolly, as if he too had predicted the where was the conversation heading to.
"I would certainly oblige such request…..however." the detective tactfully chose his words, trying to outsmart the herald's wit in diplomacy. "Raidou here is MY apprentice and My assistant. Requesting his help is by every extent, requesting for MY help….. and you know, my dear Herald, that I don't accept requests that would put my life in harm's way-let alone MY assistant's life!"
The assistant in question turned his gaze toward his mentor. Despite of his quite stern words, the assistant could very well discern the older man's concern for his well being. It was not the first time that the detective stepped in and defended his apprentice's welfare so forthrightly. It was not like that his superior too, was oblivious to the fact that his assistant, Raidou Kuzunoha, was more than able to defend himself. However, it was no small contribution in Shouhei Narumi's part that enabled the summoner to accomplish amazing feats- which involved saving the capital and its people from utter destruction- for numerous times. Despite of his rather slovenly attitude, Shouhei Narumi was a very reliable person and without his support, the summoner would certainly fail in his sworn duty. His time as the detective's apprentice had shown to the young summoner that his superior, detective Shouhei Narumi was akin to a friend and a brother, rather than a simple liaison to the society.
"And that brings us back to this conversation, Mr. Narumi." The Herald coolly replied, without any slightest hint of being taken aback from the detective's straightforward tone. It was quite difficult to discern the woman's emotion when her eyes were hidden under the shadow of her black monk's hood.
"The true purpose of our conversation right now is for me to acquire your permission, since you have the final say in this matter."
"Kh…" The detective's ploy was backfired, for it was he who was shocked. The investigator was in a fix; in one hand, he didn't like the idea of putting his subordinate in danger, yet in the other hand, he fully understood his assistant's capability. Perplexed, Shouhei Narumi turned his glare to the said youngster, only to meet his piercing gaze that was no lesser than his in term of intensity. The deep, serious look on his apprentice face indicated that denying the request of such servant of a god would surely be most unwise. Under such pressure, the detective had only one option for him to choose.
"Ch…Have it your way then." The detective relented by waving his hand in defeat, giving his reluctant approval for his apprentice to hear out the woman's request - and in the process, slumping deeper into his chair with a sulking face.
"I thank you, Mr. Narumi, for your approval." The Herald of Yatagarasu butted in by expressing her gratitude the grumbling detective, which in turn getting the attention of the two boys. "Unfortunately, the nature of my request is not in my liberty to elaborate."
"What do you mean?"
"It means that I am simply acting as the role of a messenger here, relaying only the message from the real client of this request to you."
"What is this nonsense?" Shouhei Narumi interjected, feeling slightly offended. His posture turned straighter as his temper turned sour. "Are you trying to pull our legs here?"
"Everything that I have told you is truth, and I assure you that I am not pulling some jokes on you, detective." The nun in black cleared out. "However, for the information on this request, I am afraid that your assistant has to meet the requester of this case in person."
"What!?"
"I know." The woman tried to soothe the flabbergasted investigator. "Your displeasure is-"
"MY DISPLEASURE!?" Shouhei Narumi roared while banging his palm on the desk. "You dare to say that I am displeased!? Well damn, I'm not! I am FURIOUS! You think you can just send out Raidou to-"
"NYAUW~!" a little black cat leaped across the table, tossing down a plate full of buttered toasts to the floor.
"MY BREAKFAST!" the investigator wailed as he witnessed his morning meal was ruined by his assistant's pet. Unfortunately, his misfortune did not end there as he realized where the other toasts landed on.
"MY PANTS!"
"AS I WAS SAYING!" The added stress and power in the woman's voice quickly eliminated the comical condition that was happening in the room- which consequently returned the boys' focus toward her.
"Your displeasure is perfectly reasonable." Her tone softened once again. "I am aware that you are concerned with your apprentice's well-being. Rest assured that no harm will befall him, for the requester of this case is one of Raidou's closest allies."
"Again with being cryptic." The detective scoffed downheartedly as he pulled the bread from his stained trousers. "Why can't you just tell us who he or she is?"
"Please forgive me, but the prohibition of disclosing this client's name is still within the boundary of the client's request, and as a well known patron to our organization, such decision of this client is well respected and upheld."
"Figures." The detective sourly responded, tossing the ruined bread into the bin behind the desk. "There is not much that you can tell us about this client, huh?"
"Like I said, more information will be available from the client in person." The herald explained further. "The requester had specifically asked for a meeting in the old Catholic Church at Harumi-Cho. Knowing that you are a student, I have taken the liberty in setting a scheduled time for you, Raidou. You can meet this client after your school is finished."
"…." Raidou pondered for a while at the spot beside the detective's desk, standing there after handing a clean cloth for his superior for cleaning his soiled trousers. The youngster in black gakuran had several reservations on the nature of the request, which was absolutely devoid of any significant information. In spite of the herald's claim on the client's being one of his friends, Raidou was quite distressed at the fact that he utterly had no idea at this mysterious client. His guts and his brain warned him a possibility of a trap- but knowing that the Herald of Yatagarasu was a very trustworthy person, the young summoner decided to give it a try. Still, he wouldn't go to meet this client unprepared.
"Hmph." The apprentice bowed his head slightly, showing his acceptance of this case. Shifting his sight from the woman, he met the cat's emerald eyes – finding meaningful glare from its glowing stare.
"Very well. Be safe in your task, Raidou Kuzunoha." Said the agent in black, as she watched the young man rushed to the exit. Slinging his bag on his body and grabbing his signature black cloak along with his sheathed sword, the young summoner opened the door and walked out.
School day passed rather quickly and uneventfully, since the capital was still under reconstruction. The grand city was recovering, and thus requiring every available manpower to contribute in the restoration effort. For that reason, classes were quickly concluded as both teachers and students moved into the streets to help those in need - with exception for Raidou, who had left earlier under the pretense of visiting a sick relative.
Passing the streets with scorched ruins and tumbled buildings along the way, Raidou witnessed the citizen's resilient struggle to rebuild the city. Despite of the hectic air all around the city, none could never truly forget what had befallen upon the once mighty capital of Japan. It was at that one night, the great city was reduced into kingdom of ruins by a catastrophic wild fire. Nearly thousands of lives were burned to death, while another thousand suffered unparalleled miseries. The great fire of Capital, or widely known as "The Greatest Calamity of Japan" had put an inerasable scar on the land, and in the hearts of the people. It was uncertain if such wound could be healed or forgotten.
The destruction of such mighty city would certainly break the spirit of its people and leave them to die in desolation. However, such thing did not happen to the citizens of the Capital. Despair did befall upon them, but it did not linger. The people from every level and background united and remained steadfast and strong in such difficult times. Enduring hardships with the hope of seeing their beloved city returned to its former glory, these people toiled tirelessly.
Even in such testing times, the citizens were still able to put on hopeful smiles on their faces- as if they were all unfazed by the fact that there was a towering task ahead of them. Rebuilding a once great city into its former glory was not an easy undertaking, especially when it lied in ruins. Still, for a better future, they labored and they struggled, as an evidence of their indomitable spirit as human beings.
Walking beside the youngster was his trusted familiar, which was in the form a black cat.
"I don't like this, Raidou." Said the familiar; its speech was exclusively discerned by selected few only, making his conversation with his master to be safely indiscernible by passersby. "I don't like this at all."
"I understand you concern as well, Gouto." The detective's apprentice, now cloaked in his black cape, replied. "I too, am uncomfortable with this arrangement, even though the herald said that the client is my friend."
"So why didn't you say anything about it?" The familiar's green eyes flared questioningly toward his master.
"I just felt that this is something worth to look about." The young man explained to his trusted companion and friend. "Besides, it's our agency's number one rule to-"
"-never disappoint any client." The cat finished his master's sentence, earning a raised brow from the youngster. "Yes, I know it well. But that doesn't mean that I have to like it."
"Fine by me." Raidou smirked. The two continued to walk along the road silently for a few minutes. This time it was Raidou's turn to break the silence.
"Look, Gouto. Don't worry. We are just meeting a client, that's all. Maybe the herald is right; maybe this client is one of our old acquaintances." He reassured his familiar. "Besides-"
Raidou slid open his cloak a little, creating a small opening for a cat to see what lay within his mantle. In no time, the cat's eyes expanded to the size of street lamps as he saw the items that his master wanted to show. What the cat saw was a white vertical shoulder holster with its straps ran across the youngster's chest and shoulders. On one of the straps, the one that spread across his chest was a bandoleer that held a neat set of metallic tubes. Each of these tubes had a ring on its upper end, and emanated an eerie glow of green. Along with these tubes were his trusted revolver and his katana, strapped on both sides of his waist.
"I've come prepared."
"As expected for a Kuzunoha." The feline familiar smirked. It was clear that the young summoner had prepared himself for a possible confrontation. As an experienced fighter, and most importantly, a devil summoner, the 14th bearer of the name Raidou Kuzunoha was virtually inseparable from the tools of his profession.
"Come." He said as he re-concealed his weapons under his cloak. "Let's not make this 'client' wait for us any longer."
"Right behind you, Raidou!"
Harumi-Cho.
It was the only part of the city that truly integrated with the westernization, which was evident in the structures that occupied such area. Instead of buildings bearing the traditional style of Japanese, one would only find houses, shops and landmarks that closely resembled to those in great cities in Europe, such as Paris and London. Structures made of red bricks instead of wood planks, shrubberies and other kinds of plants grown in stone cubicles, and tiles set so orderly into pavements - were some of the examples to be found in this urbanized area; factual proofs that the western culture thrived in this part of the Capital.
Although there were many things to be marveled in this place, only one structure had the privilege to be called "The Pride of Harumi-Cho". It was a relic of the past, which had endured many ordeals . Built by the Portuguese Evangelists in the times of war, demolished by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the times of the purging, and then rebuilt again by the surviving faithfuls in the times of reformation, the old Catholic Church in Harumi-Cho was a symbol of steadfastness and perseverance – a timeless edifice of unyielding faith. Tested through tribulations, only to passed them all and emerge even stronger than before, the church became a beacon of hope, an oasis for the weary- where the lost were rejuvenated in faith and in spirit, and most importantly, a place where the Almighty Father is to be found. When the great catastrophe transpired, it was the only building in the capital that stood unscathed, thus further reinforcing its reputation as 'The House of God'.
At this turbulent time, many people turned to The House of God, searching for redemption and salvation. Like sheep looking for their shepherd, these lost flocks seek for a sanctuary from another catastrophic event that the Church had viewed as "The Judgment of the Righteous". Seeking protection from the Wrath of God, these fear-driven people fell into the line of the faithful. However, their faith might not be repaid in the way that they had hoped for…..
After Journeying with a tram, and then passing few blocks on foot, the young summoner and his trusted companion finally arrived at their destination. It took them one full hour to reach the parish since the tram service was congested with passengers. Due to the fact that the capital was under reconstruction, the owner of the tram service had rendered such transportation to be free of charge for everyone during such troubled times- as part of his contribution in rebuilding effort. Although such move truly benefited the people, it made the services to be always crowded with people, thus making the tram services to be even more sluggish than before.
"This is it." The little advisor said to his young master. Both the summoner and the familiar were now standing before the large wooden gate, ready to enter and meet the mysterious "client". "Be always on your guard, Raidou."
"Right." The summoner nodded, taking heed of his familiar's advice as always. Readying himself for the possibility of a confrontation, the young summoner pulled out one of the metallic tubes into his hand. The handle of his sword was now no longer cloaked; giving entry for the fingers of the summoner's other hand to wrap around the clothed grip. Pushing the door aside, Raidou entered the church - only to immediately find that a person was already waiting for him inside.
"Welcome, Raidou Kuzunoha. I've been expecting you."
Raidou Kuzunoha had been expecting an ambush from a certain mechanical dark summoner who used to pretend as his acquaintance when in fact, was his rival. It was the reason why the summoner decided to come with his arsenal equipped. Instead of the bearded face of his rival, Raidou found an all too familiar face to be ignored.
"Took you sweet time arriving here, didn't you?" the young man, who was no taller than the summoner himself, said condescendingly. Dressed in cream-colored vest over a white long-sleeved shirt, along with white long trousers and white leather shoes, the man, who was the mysterious client of Raidou, looked like a young European intellectual. His short blonde hair was trimmed neatly, and tucked nicely in a white British flat cap, which stood perfectly upon his head.
If the client's costume was flawless, then his features were heavenly. In his angelic countenance, were his golden eyes and his beautiful smile; both radiating unworldly attraction. The haughty expression that he wore did not diminish the divine charisma that he emitted. Normally, this very attractive young man could be easily perceived as an average foreigner who had come to Japan in order to quench his intellectual thirst of the mysterious beauty of the east. However, this stranger had certain appeal emanating from his composure and bearing, as if he was from a royal lineage. Likened to a sun, the stranger's aura dictated an unseen yet utter authority over everything, as if it was his sole right to be superior to the others. The blonde's unearthly personality of authority compelled both fear and adulation from lesser and higher beings; demanding them for a bended knee before his supremacy.
Yet, despite of his glorious and ever-present quality of superiority and completeness, one can find truth behind the blonde's allure through staunch conviction and unclouded mind. As Raidou was trained and experienced to combat the bizarre and false charm of the unworldly beings, the young summoner was able to discern dark and malevolent aura seeping out from this 'client'.
'He doesn't have that leather briefcase that he used to bring this time.' Raidou commented in his mind after taking a quick scan on the
"Louise Chypre?" Gouto exclaimed in dismay, beating his master from uttering the same words first. "What are you doing here?"
"Why, my dear Gouto." The blonde young man chuckled, clearly comprehending the words coming out from the familiar's mouth, and amused by its reaction. "Where would I be if not in my Father's house?"
Raidou could only shake his head lightly at the irony in the client's statement.
"Still, I must thank you for coming here. Personally, I was fearful that you won't show up." The blonde young man continued as he fixed the position of his brown tie on the collar of his shirt.
'Yeah, right' was the first thing that popped out in both Raidou's and Gouto's mind. Although their mouth didn't tell such response and their faces remained unchanged; to their surprise, they found the blonde to be laughing at their silence- as if he could understand what had transpired in their minds.
"…..putting pleasantries aside." The cat coldly spoke to stop the giggling of the blonde; the familiar was clearly offended at the client's successful attempt in reading his and his master's mind. It had become a habit for the familiar to act as his master's mouth. Inspite of Raidou's repeated protest, the familiar's practice of speaking in his master's stead still continued even now.
"What's with these clandestine acts? It's so unlike you, Lord Morningstar." The cat continued, with a strong, cynical emphasis on the last words.
"Lord Morningstar? HAHAHAHAHAHA!" The blonde young man laughed so heartily, that in between of his cackles- a feral growl escaped from his mouth. "Oopps, sorry about that, but-HAHAHAHA! That's a name that you never heard every day! HAHAHAHA!"
He continued to laugh without any slightest hint of being offended, and consequently, puzzling both the cat and his master. The laughing continued for several moments without any interruption. It was considered to be extremely rude in intervening with a person's happy moment, and it would certainly be unwise to do so when the one in such moment was a demon lord. The young summoner understood very well that the wrath of the demon lord was not to be incurred, if one still valued his or her own life.
"Haha, But seriously-haha." The Blonde was finally calmed down, ending his laughing fit with one final snort. "Just call me by my real name, would you? For old time's sake?"
"Very well….Lucifer." It was Raidou's turn to speak. "What's with the secrecy?"
"Of all the people, my dear summoner, you should know better." The blonde, or rather Lucifer sighed. The tone of his words indicated a slight disappointment. "You surely know what had transpired in the Capital, don't you? And when I say that, I mean the real thing."
The young summoner immediately understood what the demon lord was hinting about. As soon as his mind processed the thought, memories of past incidents resurfaced once more – and they were as clear as sparkling water for Raidou to recall. No one could ever forget the great fire in the Capital, but only a few had the knowledge of the truth behind such calamitous event. In truth, there was series of unnatural events, orchestrated by a group of dark summoners, which goal was the complete and utter destruction of the Capital, along with the lives of its citizens. This series of incidents, which Narumi dubbed as "The Case of The Lonely Spirit", would certainly achieve its end, if not for the timely intervention from Raidou and his friends. Although it was generally viewed that a certain group of dark summoners was responsible for causing the near-destruction of the Capital, Raidou knew too well who the central figure in this case was, and why He brought such devastation upon the land.
"You know it, don't you?" The demon lord managed to tell that the summoner understood what he was saying before. "Then you surely know that there are agents of my Father, The One who is responsible for all these things and The One who should never be prayed to, are still roaming on this land." He spat, clearly disdainful of his 'Father'.
'And yet here we are, convening in the house of your Father.' Raidou thought to himself. Such thing could be considered hilarious, if the speaker was not the ruler of the inferno.
"So?" The cat responded with a question. "It's not a problem for you, isn't it? I mean, surely a demon lord like you can easily dispatch few angels?"
"And risk the open war with my Father's forces on earth? No, thanks." Lucifer scoffed. "Although I do not like humans, I do not wish to see my Father's desire in wiping humanity to come true. That's why I am traveling in this form presently."
"And you think it will work?"
"Probably not." Lucifer plainly replied. "Still, thanks to Raidou here, the angels are getting quieter this time."
"What do you mean?" The cat demanded an explanation.
"Don't you see, familiar?" Lucifer spoke impatiently. "Just whose magnetite power do you think it is, that exerted dominance and authority over those pathetic ignorant fools that I once called as my 'brothers' and 'sisters', after my 'Father' was driven out from this mortal plane?"
"….It was Rai-"
"Precisely! All thanks to your master, that I am able to walk upon the earth once again; unharmed and undisturbed from my Father's supporters. Hell, it even gave me a window of opportunity to set this meeting."
"I see." Raidou bobbed his head slightly at the statement. It was quite a weird scene with the prince of lies praising the young mortal for his power. But then again, the 14th bearer of the name Raidou Kuzunoha was anything but normal mortal. Since the young summoner was able to challenge the opposing ideals of both the demon lord and his 'Father' with his own brand of justice, Raidou Kuzunoha had become a very interesting persona that was coveted by Lucifer himself.
"So that's the reason why I can't summon you lately. I thought it was the summoning tube that was broken." The summoner recalled the problem he had encountered in summoning the light-bringer before. "Poor Dr. Victor, he was at loss when your tubes did not respond to anything he had done."
"I do not feel sorry for that fool." Lucifer immediately responded with a disinterested tone. "Or for you in this matter, my boy. You know very well that-"
"You are not a cur to be summoned at will."Raidou repeated the demon's old words of advice in the same dry tone. "That you agree to fight with me because I am too interesting for you to be ignored."
"I just want to say that I do not like to be put alongside with your other 'friends', especially when one of my Father's ilk is in one of them." The demon lord replied with a false astonishment, while pointing at the summoner's chest- the place where the summoning tubes were located. "But, that will do as well. I am flattered that you remember everything that I have told you, Raidou."
"So why are you calling me here for?" The young Kuzunoha straightforwardly inquired. For Raidou, one thing to be always remembered when encountering the prince of lies is that his words mean a little, be they praises or warnings. It would certainly wise to be always wary and distrustful on the demon lord's ensnaring and enticing promises.
"Always the one to be straight to the business, eh Kuzunoha? So very like your predecessors." The demon lord quipped, clearly amused by the youth's brazen attitude. "Well, if you say so, then I will not withhold any more of your time."
Right after the last word of his sentence left his mouth, the unimaginable happened. Within a blink of an eye, the haughty features of the demon lord turned 180-degrees – into an expression that both Raidou and his familiar would have never dreamt on witnessing by themselves. What dawned on the flawless face of the Morningstar was embarrassment, which was hinted by the reddening cheeks and nervous-looking eyes.
"Well….It's kind of embarrassing. " The demon lord said nervously while toying with his tie. It was clear that the fallen chief of the angels was frustrated with the conflicting emotion between his vanity and his need of an aid. "But I am desperately in need of your help to return to my home."
Such statement of the fallen one instantly punched the mind of the summoner and his familiar into confusion.
"Huh?" Raidou and Gouto simultaneously cocked their head sideways, signifying their inability to comprehend the demon lord's request.
""Wait…..That doesn't sound right." Lucifer muttered after pondering a while on his own words. "What I mean is that I need your help in getting back to my domain."
"What do you mean?" Gouto immediately blurted out, expressing the infuriating confusion that the demon lord had made. The question he brought up was also the question that hung in his master's mind. "You're the lord of hell, aren't you? Why can't you go back to you own dominion? We have seen you do it numerous times, even when you were still under Raidou's contract."
"My dear cat, this domain that I am talking about is not the horrendous place that my Father sees fit as my home." The fallen one made clear his point. "The domain I am talking about is actually a not-so-horrendous kingdom located in a different universe."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that this domain of yours is in another dimension, does it not?" Raidou speedily answered, which made the demon lord to have the widest grin upon his face.
"Now I truly see the reason why the Herald of Yatagarasu spoke so highly of you." The demon lord praised. "Yes, this realm that I am talking about resides in another dimension, and currently…I am having a trouble in returning there."
"What would be the problem?" The young summoner inquired. It was almost his nature to get to the bottom of a case; having full understanding on a matter before rushing ahead has proven more productive and less life-threatening, a lesson Raidou painfully learned during his quests. "Has this ever happened before?"
"That, I don't know." The devil-in-flesh dejectedly sighed. "As for your second question, it's a no. I don't have trouble in traveling to my infernal domain in that world previously. This problem, whatever the cause was, emerged just recently."
"Do you have any idea on anything that might be causing it?"
"What else if it's not my Father's plots?" Lucifer exclaimed in anger, his teeth gritted furiously. "It must be His damned works that prevented me from going back to that world, I feel it in my guts- and don't you dare thinking that it was my power that was failing. My power never fails!"
"Calm down, I don't say anything like that." Raidou tried to reduce the tensing emotion of the demon lord. He decided to change the subject of the conversation before the infernal lord decided to unleash hellfire upon him. "Is there anything of value for you in that world?"
"Apart from my rather vast kingdom, with untold treasures stored within it," The demon lord deadpanned, yet his tone is a prideful one- as if he was showing off the unfathomable richness that he possessed. Still, his anger successfully distracted. "I have a quite number of indispensable allies, supporters and followers there. I don't like the idea of leaving them all unsupervised and especially, unshielded from my Father's merciless devices.
'Lucifer's now concerned about his subjects? That's…..new.' Raidou thought to himself after taking in the information. Having a good knowledge on the demon lord's two-faced nature, Raidou instantly put a healthy amount of doubt on Lucifer's words. One thing that is true about the king of hell is that he never treats his subjects as his equals, let alone worrying about their well-being. The demon lord may bless those who follow him abundantly, but in his eyes, these followers - be they demons or mortals - are no higher than expendable pawns in his eternal conflict against his Father.
Even though he suspected of a hidden agenda lying within the demon lord's request, Raidou Kuzunoha decided to play along for a time being; acting as a good do-gooder while secretly uncovering the devil's hidden intention along the way.
"I see, and I assume that you want me to investigate this case of your inability to return to this kingdom of yours." Raidou, who already knew where the direction of this conversation would be headed to, wittily deduced what the demon lord's wishes. "And should I encounter the source of your problem, I am to remove this problem for you."
"By my beautiful ass, Raidou, you sure you do not want to be one of my generals? With such strength and acumen, you will be certainly welcomed in my ranks!" Lucifer jokingly exclaimed, as he was gleeful at the summoner's keen insight. "Jokes aside, yes, I want you to do those things for me, and I will be eternally grateful if you are willing to do so, my wonderful summoner!"
"Raidou!" The familiar interjected before even Raidou could utter his reply. As the youth turned to face his little friend, he found the cat's scathing glare looking directly to his eyes.
"You can't be serious in accepting his-"
"Hush, Gouto!" Raidou rebuked the cat rather sternly. "I haven't said my consent in this case yet. Besides, demon or not, Lucifer here is a client, and you should know better that we do not turn down clients, especially when they are referred from the Herald of Yatagarasu."
Knowing that he was unable to outwit his master or change his mind after he had made his decision, Gouto reluctantly admitted defeat.
"Kh….Have it your way then." Like Raidou, the familiar was distrustful at the demon lord's request, and knew that it was likely another wily ploy for him to achieve certain goals; making his master simply as his little pawn in his game. The familiar genuinely had concern for his master's safety; but knowing that he was not an ordinary youngster or human in this matter, the familiar believed that the young summoner had already planned for something to pierce Lucifer's false promises and counter his hidden agenda.
"Wonderful!" The devil clapped his hand joyously. "It's settled then."
"Wait." Raidou interrupted Lucifer's joyous but premature presumption with his hand raised. "Before I say anything about agreeing on taking this request, I still have one question that bothers me right now. "
"Oh? And that is?"
"How am I going to travel to this other dimension?"
"Raidou, Raidou, Raidou." The demon lord scoffed in slight disappointment, while crossing his hands and shaking his head left and right. "Why do you ask me such question? I believe that you already have the experience on travelling through dimensions first-hand. You should already know it is possible."
"I know that travelling between dimensions is possible." Raidou responded dryly without losing his cool. "All that I want to know is how you will do it?"
"I won't." Lucifer answered back plainly. "But your superior – REAL superior, The Herald, will do it for you."
"But how?"
"Don't worry yourselves with the boring technicalities, my boy." The devil waved his hand disinterestedly. "Besides, the Herald of Yatagarasu will handle all the specific stuffs...but, If you really want to know about it , then I will reveal it a little for you. Surely you are already familiar with the Akarana corridor?"
The young summoner nodded, indicating his knowledge on the subject of the talk. Akarana corridor, the bizarre, everlasting realm that served as intermediary between timelines and realities, is well-known among devil summoners and mystics alike for its usefulness in travelling to different possible histories of the world. Although such place is deemed as means to mend the past mistakes, there are set of strict rules that regulated against the any wanton intervention on past events. To violate such rules of Akarana corridor would penalize the violator into a bodiless and voiceless spirit, who is doomed to wander aimlessly in its vast misty tunnels and platforms for all eternity. Such is the fate of the future inheritor of the name Raidou Kuzunoha, Raidou Kuzunoha the Fourtieth, as the price of his blatant infringement of the law during the Souless God incident.
Even though Raidou understood that the Akarana corridor is a means of travelling between timelines, it was still unknown whether the mythical tunnels of the corridor could lead to different worlds or not. Still, If Lucifer's claim about voyaging between dimesions was true and that the Herald of Yatagarasu had also the knowledge on this thing, then such thing was not impossible to happen.
"So I take it that you understand what I am saying here." Lucifer inquired.
"Only vaguely." Raidou replied. "At least I get the big idea on travelling between dimesnions."
"Then what say you? Do you accept my request?"
Raidou tilted his head as a sign of acceptance; this silent gesture boosted the demon lord's morale even higher.
"You are indeed the best, Raidou!" Lucifer exclaimed as he suddenly appeared right before the summoner, making the distance that stood previously between them to be effectively non-existent. In a suprising turn of event, the demon lord grabbed the boy's shoulders in a very friendly manner, which was an extremely disturbing experience for both Raidou and his familiar. Never in their life would they witness how gentle and amiable the infrenal ruler of hell could be toward a mortal.
"You're doing me a great favor, noble Kuzunoha!" The Morningstar squeezed the summoner's shoulder with a little added strength, but not strong enough to cause discomfort. "You shall know that I am very generous to those who please me, and right now, my friend, you are delighting me!"
"..." Raidou was still stunned by the demon lord's action, and so did the cat.
"Oh, cheer up, my boy! It's not like going to another world is a bad thing." The demon lord misinterpreted Raidou's silence as a reservation in accepting his request. "Besides, you would probably like the place. It feels rather...homely for you, in my opinion."
"What do you mean by that?" The summoner finally ended his silence.
"Hehehe, you'll see it soon, my dear Raidou."The demon lord grinned as he coiled his arm around the boy's neck, and led him toward the exit. The two walked amicably like old friends. "You'll see soon enough."
-Few weeks later-
It was just another regular day for students in Kuoh Academy, especially for the second year students of Class XII-C. In the said classroom, some students were huddling together on several desks, chatting about familiar things in their lives - such as music, movies, love interests, etc. Few were already sitting on their seat, scribbling on their notes and waiting for the class to commence. And finally, there was the infamous perverted trio, a three-man brotherhood of porn aficionados, on the farthest corner on the back of the classroom, dabbling into heated discussion on depraved subjects of lust and lechery.
TAP...TAP...TAP...TAP
The sound of soles clopping on the pristine marble floor echoed throughout the corridor, as it accompanied the sweet soft chime of the bell that signifying the end of the recess and the commencing of the classes.
"Guys!" a male student, identified by his black blazer on his torso and the black ribbon on his collar, exasperatedly called out to his classmates as he arrived at the door of the Classroom XII-C. "The teacher's coming!"
That singular warning was enough to send every student in that classroom that were still not in their proper seat, to be on their feet and back to their rightful places. In short moment, the disorganized condition of the classroom reverted into its orderly state.
TAP...TAP...TAP...TAP
The sound of the footsteps was getting louder and closer.
The anticipation for the teacher's arrival finally ended when the homeroom teacher for the Class XII-C entered. Miss Yakumo, a middle-aged woman dressed in a modest chocolate blouse over a white turtle neck and a skirt of the same colour, walked into the center front of the room- gaining view of the entire classroom, as well as getting the attention of the students.
"Students." The homerrom teacher with a black tied bun hair addressed her students with a joyous voice. "Today we are having the honour of our newest member of the class!"
"New student? At this semester?"
"Is the new student a boy? Or a girl?"
"I hope that the new student is a boy. A smart, handsome gentleman!"
"Screw that! This new student better be a girl – a big breasted cutie!"
The students' murmurs of eagerness soon filled the classroom with cacophony of voices. The buzzing noise of the students' chatting created a small tick mark on the teacher's head.
"Settle down, people!" Ms. Yakumo ordered the students to tone down the volume of their voices. "I know that you guys are probably curious on this newcomer, just as I am. However, please keep it to yourselves. We don't want to give a bad impression to our newest friend in his first day of school, do we?"
"So, the newcomer is a boy." The mutterings of both disappointment and excitement rose once again from the students' mouth, plunging the class into disorder once again. This time, a bigger tick mark appeared on the teacher's head.
"Okay, that's enough!" The benign and cheerful visage of Ms. Yakumo turned sour with anger. Her soft speech transformed into furiously assertive ones, indicating her utter displeasure at her students' unruliness. In short time, the students complied quickly to their homeroom teacher's order. It is an unsaid truth that the kind and soft-spoken Ms. Yakumo, when driven to the edge of her patience, is even fiercer than the raging tiger; the studentsof class XII-C knew it well, and they certainly had now wish to prove it now.
"Ahem, well then." The darkened face of the teacher turned bright once more, as she regained her cheerfulness. "Now, without further ado, please come in, Kuzunoha-san!"
Without delay, the awaited individual entered the room after the permission was given. As the newcomer made his way into the room, the students of class XII-C finally had their curiosity satisfied, only it was not in the manner that they had hoped for.
Instead of an average boy in the standard male uniform of Kuoh Academy, the students saw a student with outlandish fashion. Dressed in black gakuran and long trousers of the same color, along with the old student cap upon his head, the new student looked like blast from the past. The boy, lean and tall, had a quite interesting feature. He had a fair complexion, with thick sharp brows above his eyes. Although he was not overly handsome, the new student had a smart, calm look on his face and it was enough to be considered attractive. Yet the most prominent thing about his appearance was his sharp edged mid-ear sideburns that latched on both sides of his face.
"What is he wearing?" one of the student quickly remarked at the newcomer's attire. It didn't take too long for others to follow suit.
"He looks like a country bumpkin in that uniform."
"Is that his sideburns? Eww, gross!"
"I don't know. It's kinda cute!"
More remarks kept on piling up until noises reigned once again in the classroom, and it would certainly drown the entire room into disorder if not for the homeroom teacher's immediate intervention.
"Enough! Whoever speaks will report to the detention room! And anymore noises will result all of you to be having pop quiz right here, right now!" The teacher threatened with a fearsome visage of a demon, the product of having too many tick marks on her head. This time, the threat quickly took effect for the terror of detention and sudden tests were better motivations for the students to keep quiet. Satisfied at the result of her threat, the teacher spoke once again.
"Now, Kuzunoha-san." Miss Yakumo, who was back in her kinder self, spoke to the new student. With a warm smile returning to her pretty lovely face, she gave the chance for the boy to speak. "Would you kindly introduce yourselves to the entire class?"
"Thank you, Yakumo-sensei." The boy responded while bowing his head curtly to the teacher. After doing that, he turned to the students, his classmates-to-be.
"My name is Raidou Kuzunoha." He introduced politely. "I am pleased to meet you all. I hope we can be friends."
- To be continued. –
[Insert Raidou Kuzunoha theme song here]
Stay tuned for the next episode of Devil Summoner DxD: Raidou Kuzunoha V.S. The Seven Who Are One!
Note (contains spoilers!):
As you can see, this is my new project - Devil Summoner DxD: Raidou Kuzunoha V.S. The Seven Who Are One – a crossover between Devil Summoner Raidou Kuzunoha series and Highschool DxD series. You may also notice that there are elements from the manga Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha V.S. The Lonely Marebito in this project of mine. It is quite true that the manga itself has already completed in Japan and not fully translated yet in English. I confessed that after chapter 8 of the translated manga, I only read the raw version, the untranslated chapters, with no idea whatsoever on the things said in them. However, from the pictures depicted in them, I think that I maybe have an understanding on what's going on in that manga. So for the sake of this project, I beg for your forgiveness, since I am only using rough (or crappy and misinterpreted) knowledge which based on my assumption after reading on things I don't fully comprehend with. However, be rest assured that the elements that I borrowed from the video game series are legit, (or maybe, I can't be so sure on that).
You may also notice that Louise here is rather out of character. I am aware that he supposed to be a quite gentleman, with a tad bit prideful tone in his speech. I apologize if you are uncomfortable with Louise being strangely OOC, but that's just me portraying him to be very jubilant, especially with the (probable) aftermath of the Lonely Spirit Incident (Manga series); that and the fact of Louise being the scheming magnificent bastard as he always is.
You may ask why did I choose to do this, and I will simply answer: why not? There are already many crossovers for Highschool DxD, few of them are with the Shin Megaten series. I like the ideas on those crossovers of using characters from Devil Survivor series or from Nocturne. Abel and Hitoshura are awesome in their respective ways, but why is there no mentioning about Raidou Kuzunoha? Surely to avid fans of Shin Megaten series, I don't need to tell you about the exploits of Raidou Kuzunoha; and considering his profession, putting him in the realm of DxD would be fitting for him.
Then another question after the previous one will be why did I choose the world of DxD? Why not other stories with less echhi stuffs? To that question, the answer is also why not? Putting aside the echhi stuffs, the world of DxD has angels, fallen angels, devils and deities with weapons that are able to transform into iron man suits. Combine them with Shin Megaten Raidou Kuzunoha series, what do we get? The answer is in two words: COMPENDIUM TIME! And that's the reason I choose the world of DxD.
Of course, you may wonder why Raidou Kuzunoha? Why not the samurai guy from the Shin Megami Tensei IV? Why not Serph or Seraph? Or Aleph in this matter? Indeed why not if you asked me. As an enthusiast of Shin Megami Tensei series, I love those protagonists because, you know, those games are AWESOME! (Screw all Final Fantasy series after FF-IX! Shin Megami Tensei series are what you are looking for if you are gamers seeking for dark RPG's with thick elements of deep philosophical and religious issues). Those characters are equally (insanely) powerful – thus, making them winners in my heart, and I would love to make crossovers for each one of them. However, what makes Raidou to be the first focus in my crossover is simply because of the opening scene and theme song in every of his games. That catchy theme song and that classic feeling for an opening scene simply stole my heart. Therefore, have no other reason why I chose Raidou Kuzunoha to be my first Megaten-Highschool DxD crossover.
Then, there is this question that you might ask: Will Raidou survive in that realm where angels, devils and fallen angels could turn into gundams and constantly locked in a battle for dominance? If you are thinking about Raidou in the very beginning of the first game, then I will say no. But in this crossover, the Raidou that I am talking about is the Raidou after numerous gameplays on both games, who already at his maximum level, has his stats maxed out, attains every possible items, titles and fusion demons, is equipped with the best of the gears, and has his demons in the entire compendium to be totally loyal and maxed out in the terms of stats, levels and skill-sets (Yes, I am THAT dedicated). This Raidou that I am talking about is the summoner capable of driving godly beings from mortal plane, especially in the later series of his tale. And so, if you are asking whether this Raidou will survive in the realm of DxD, the answer is obvious, isn't it? But have no fear, for there will be challenges for the summoner, especially after what he had done in the manga series, the old Enemy would certainly be not forgiving nor forgetful of what the youth had done.
You may wonder how strong the characters in Shin Megaten: Devil Summoner Raidou Kuzunoha series compared to those in Highschool DxD series. I am afraid to tell you that my assessment of comparing the power of the characters from those two will be most subjective, and therefore will not result in a fair answer for you. However, in my personal opinion, I can only tell you that the characters in SMT series, especially the demons may not look fabulous or desirable compared to those in DxD series. However, what they lack in outer appearance, they make it up in their inner qualities, such as magical, power, physical strength, etc. Also to be noted that the demons in SMT: Raidou Kuzunoha series are modifiable according to our wishes as the players. To conclude my opinion, the demons of SMT are simply demons, not models.
Finally, I must tell you all my sincerest apologies for my utter tardiness. I realize that balancing the work in real life and new releases for my stories, is a hard thing to do. However, I love my imaginations very much, and to see them unrealized in any form (in this case, in writing) and then lost from my memories are certainly sad thing for me. Yet, I cannot fathom the fact that I am having a hard time on continuing them in a definite pace. And so, when writing this crossover, I received an epiphany, which sounds like: "What if these crossovers of mine were not destined to be completed in my hands? What if such role was destined for somebody else?"
Thus from such epiphany, I realizes that maybe among of you readers are destined to complete my stories (Yes, I mean my entire crossovers). Therefore, from now on, I am giving the chance for everyone who feels challenged to adopt my stories for their own. This doesn't mean that my stories are over, for I will still update them from time to time. You may modify the stories to your own liking, for I have no rules to limit your wildest imagination. If you wished to use any parts of my crossovers into your own crossovers, then be my guest. The only thing that I ask should you adopt my crossovers is that you inform me of your stories, so that I may read them, comment on them, and if possible, put my fave on them.
And so, is my note. Thank you for your attention, and stay awesome.
P.S:
-. Shin Megami Tensei: Raidou Kuzunoha V.S. anything belongs to Atlus (=Awesome).
-. Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha V.S. The Lonely Spirit belongs to Atlus and RA-SEN (=Double Doses of Aweseome).
-. Highschool DxD belongs to Ichiei Isibumi.