PA: I am back again. I saw some spice happening in the comment section. There are a couple of thing I want to clear up real quick: from all accounts, LN, anime and manga the Devil Society in High School DxD is built off of the feudal system so their legal sense would be rather different than you or I are used to today. yes, some do use modern laws as well and even more so when dealing with humans, but try to keep that in mind as this changes a lot of things. Firstly, any incident that happens in a feudal state falls upon the ruler of that state for their inability to manage the state properly. There seemed to be some confusion regarding that and it is slightly expanded upon in the chapter.
Secondly was the conversation between Hanekawa and Rias, there seemed to be some mixed feelings in that booth. It was meant to be a moment that will be revisited at a later point but yes, Hanekawa doesn't always fully articulate what she means and it was a sort of 'open your eyes' conversation, not a 'this is your answer' conversation. The point was, you either have everything or nothing, you can't mix and match.
Now, with that out of the way, it was actually really cool to see people discussing the drama and politics in the reviews, I um, haven't seen too much of that before. I would just ask that we do try to keep that civil because frankly, I love to watch you guys engage with one another over something I've created.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or High School DxD, lets be real, most of you didn't bother to read the AN.
Naruto fiddled with his outfit for the umpteenth time, it just wouldn't sit right. He had to admit while he had missed the tailor after his fight with his mother the emergency one she called did excellent work. If only he could get the damned thing to sit right. He was stuck in front of the mirror adjusting the capping of his shoulders. They were meant to make him look a little wider, plus act as some cool extension for his ability, in short it would become a cape made of flames; which he thought was really cool. The rest of the outfit was white with blue and gold trims littered over to give a more 'formal and regal' feeling. Seekvaira sighed and came over. She stood him up straight and made the small adjustments to his shirt and shoulders.
"Better?"
"Much, thank you." He had to say she looked stunning. He had been the only one to see her since her helpers had finished getting her ready. He wasn't complaining now that he saw the finished result, but at the time he thought that twelve people helping one get dressed may have been a bit much. He also needed to be in the room for some reason. It wasn't until she was finished that he saw why. Some of them had been tailors designing her dress on the fly to match his. He uh, had to give her kudos on that; he really hadn't thought how much trouble him waiting until last minute would cause her. Still, her dress was white and when she took his arm their trims of gold and blue flowed into one another to create designs of fluttering birds. It stopped just above her breasts and hugged them tightly before flowing down to the floor, apparently it was easy enough to walk in and Naruto would just have to take her word for it. From the back of her dress was a veil of blue silk that had white stitched through it to look like flames as she moved along with the crowning touch of phoenix feathers in her hair to hold it in place.
"If your eyes are done roaming my body perhaps you can listen for when we are called?" She quietly mused as she touched his cheek.
Naruto gently took her hand. "Or we could just run away into the night and forget about this?"
"No chance. Your mother would kill me and then you for such a thing."
"You do look amazing though."
"I know, and you're welcome."
Naruto knew his siblings were in a similar situation. Both of them finishing getting dressed and waiting to be called. He heard Ravel get called and he just hoped Hanekawa had kept her dress on as she escorted the girl down. His mother and her had spent hours arguing over what she would wear. Raven wanted something long and flowing and Hanekawa wanted something short and easy to move in. They came to a compromise, and it was a simple black and gold dress that came to around her knees in length.
There was a pinch at his arm that snapped him back and he saw those pink eyes of Seeks starting him down. "Do try not to wander, everyone will be watching us tonight. Plus, I want to show you off. It isn't everyday that I can get you to actually dress up. Most of my friends see you topless more often than not."
"That is not my fault."
"No, I do believe it is."
"Can't you just use that as another method to show me off."
He watched her think about that for a moment and saw her blink, the blue makeup on her eyelids was something he hadn't noticed before. Or the faint dusting of gold dust across her cheeks. "I suppose, but I would prefer to keep such views to myself, so that I can savour them in their plenty."
"Uh-huh?"
He saw her narrow her eyes on him. "Are you saying that you don't think of me topless from time to time?"
This was bait, he knew it. But also knew he could only give one answer. "Of course. How could I not?"
"They're better than your imagination."
"People say I have a pretty active one."
"Oh I guess you don't need to feel them then?" He paused and she noticed if her giggle was anything to go by. "I'm just playing. Let us see how well you behave tonight, hmm?"
He looked her up and down and gulped. "Yes, lets." As if on queue he heard them announced and the doors opened.
Seeks leaned into him and whispered, "Don't use your cape until I squeeze your arm." He nodded and stepped out with her on his arm. He felt stiff and felt her rub his arm softly. "Look forward, but focus on me. You'll be fine my big brave phoenix." It was helping, but he could still feel the eyes of everyone on him as they slowly rounded his parents and moved to the stairs. They were listing his short accomplishments, his studies, his relationship with Seekvaira along with his peerage members and the joining of the clans. There was a faint squeeze on his arm and he let the fire inside flow to the cape. Then they announced it, him being the Azure. He could hear a pin drop in that moment. It unsettled him. He felt her squeeze again and he looked to Seeks as she smiled at him. That warm playful smile as she grabbed something from behind her back and he watched his cape wrap around her.
There was a gasp from the crowd as her entire outfit transformed. Her dress was now made of his flames the trim shone brightly underneath and showed birds fluttering through the fire over top a young version of him and her under a tree. The feathers in her hair turned a brilliant orange with a faint blue flame in the centre. He knew he was staring. Hell he was sure everyone was staring. "Now scoop me up and carry us to the stage, just below the chandeliers." He was mesmerised by her and just did as she asked. He looped an arm under her legs and supported her back before flying through the air as she leaned into him. "Spread your wings wide, let the people feel your power." He did, he let his energy out as the tiny blue embers fell from his extended wings. The people watching in awe as they crossed the room.
He took the stage behind his brothers and their partners who were clapping, Ruval of course let out a long whistle as they approached. He looked out over as little nets had caught some embers holding them in the air while the chandeliers had taken the colour of his flames basking the room in a dull blue glow.
He watched as Seekvaira slowly drew something around her. It was a long white staff with gold wrappings coming to a basket weave at the top where a small blue fire flickered bright. "Hold it with me, and tap twice." He did as instructed and widened his eyes as every member of the serving staff let out a roar of fire into the air. Everyone had come together on this and just left him in the dark. For that he was thankful, he wasn't sure he would remember his speech if he had all this to worry about as well. His mother gave a small bow to him and a microphone slowly started to ascend from the stage floor. He looked around at the room, there was a lot of people here, from everywhere.
"Firstly I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight to celebrate with us," he started, his voice was a little dry but he would do his best. He felt Seeks gently rub his arm to remind him she was there. "I'm not really one for showmanship myself, but it seems between my future wife and my mother that I won't have a problem with that." There were a few chuckles and a couple whistled. "But yes, I am the Azure, sorry Ruval, I win this time?" He gave a nod to Ruval who just lamented his woes over dramatically. He really did cherish his brothers. "And Riser, I hope that you'll continue to balance out my uh, 'wild ways' as mother would put it." Riser gave him a deep bow. "To my darling sister and devoted father, it is your support that allows me to keep going, along with the prodding from Seekvaira." He felt a small pinch in his arm. "I know I am meant to be your hope, but I can't do it alone. So I want all of you to join me, help me, help you make this world better than we received it. Other than that, I look forward to seeing and talking to you further tonight. So without further ado, let us begin."
He unsummoned the microphone and banners started to roll down from the ceiling showing the clans that were allied to the Phenex with Agares and the Phenex being by the stage as the children all took a bow, himself and Seekvaira included. A curtain was slowly drawn around them to allow some privacy as they descended. "Seeks are you okay, it doesn't hurt does it?" he was grabbing her all over and she lightly swatted at him.
"It's fine, truly. Stop your worrying, it doesn't hurt. I swear."
XxXxXxXx
Seekvaira felt her heart racing, yes she had planned it out with Lady Phenex but she didn't expect it to go just that smoothly especially with such short notice. As they rounded the curtain to take to the floor she maintained grip on Naruto's arm with his flames still dancing through her dress. She looked to the others, Hanekawa and Ravel rushing off to the dance floor once the band started to play. It was strange, the three brothers so different yet so similar. Each with their queen on their arm, each confident in their own ways, each tricksters, each playful. It was like their own secret little club, she thought about Rias for a moment, would she remove Yubelluna from this? How would it work then? That would change how the Underworld viewed them, The Kings and Queens of Phenex.
To be fair appearance was important. Especially for the Nobles. They had to maintain an image of perfection at all times, changes to it could upset the general public. It, well, it was something that bothered her greatly. Because she hadn't tried to stay as fit as the others her age she was on a strict diet. Things were changing now, but it didn't help that constant compulsion she had to make sure she looked as good as she always could. Her Queen piece helped a great deal, but it would not fix all of her problems. It was not so much a shallow thing, it was a station thing. If she looked weak it would reflect her house and husband to be. If she looked untidy people might think she doesn't care. So as heiress to the Arch Duke, she needed to be perfect, always, and that was a draining task. It was only in those brief moments away from the public eye, away from others watching that she could truly be, Seekvaira.
She saw Lord and Lady Phenex at the front of the line to approach the siblings. Ruval and Riser went in different directions leaving Naruto to speak to the people, and by proxy her. Rulven stepped forward with Raven right next to him, each giving a small bow before father and son shook hands. Meanwhile Raven eyed her for a moment. "You have truly grown into a beautiful woman. Hopefully your whit is enough to keep my biggest troublemaker out of too much of it."
"I will try my best, mother," she nearly froze, she'd just been a little too happy about receiving the words she had wanted so desperately from this woman that she blurted it out.
Raven though smiled through it, warmly. It was like a whole new side she was seeing to this woman and it did absolutely nothing to dwarf her beauty. "A little early, but I will allow my daughter to show such dedication if she so desires."
"I, um, thank you."
"No need to be bashful my dear, this is as much your day as it is his." Raven motioned her head towards Naruto who looked up from his conversation with his father. "Do behave for Seekvaira now."
"Yes mother."
Raven gave him a small nod before returning her gaze to Seekvaira. "You are truly a jewel tonight, and you wear your responsibilities quite openly and proudly. I have no doubt your parents are proud of you Seekvaira. Also, well done on the execution."
"No, that praise goes to you and yours. To get such a thing ready in such short notice."
"You are too kind. Now I believe that you two will be quiet busy, do you plan to stay the night or will you be returning home?"
Seekvaira put a finger to her lip in mock thought. "I believe that depends on the actions of our Azure here."
"Very well, there are plenty of others that want your attention, so we must unfortunately cut this shorter than I would like. Rulven, we need to pester our other children."
Rulven stepped back from his talk with Naruto and looked towards her with a warm smile. "You are truly a sight to behold tonight, Seekvaira. My son is a lucky man."
She looked to Naruto and squeezed his arm lightly. It was comforting, a way to remind her that he was there. "I think we are both lucky, Lord Phenex."
The Phenex leaders left and Seeks saw that long line that had formed behind them. They were going to be in for a long night. Thankfully most of them were just platitudes and assurances of working together with both the Phenex and the Agares. Seekvaira was a little put out that her parents hadn't seen them, but also thankful, she just wanted to get through everyone as quickly as possible. It did look like they were getting to the end of the clan heads as Lord and Lady Gremory approached. "Seeks, are you okay?"
She turned her face to Naruto and felt the world spin a little. "I'm just light headed. I may not have quiet thought out how hot this outfit would be after a while."
He gave her a small nod and looked down the rest of the line. "I'm sorry everyone, but we will be taking a small break after Lord and Lady Gremory to do a wardrobe change. As much as I might not like to admit it this cape is not good for dancing with you all." She heard some disappointment, but for the most part people seemed to understand. They had been on fire in the same spot for nearly an hour doing meet and greets with small discussions to open up broader trade agreements and political alliances. It was tiring for herself and she figured that Naruto would be bored out of his mind but he still seemed as switched on as when they started. She felt a flash of fire over her as the sweat that had started to pool in pockets of her dress quickly vanished before her energy started to come back to her. She spared Naruto a glance and saw him give her a small wink.
Honestly, she didn't need his help, but she was grateful for it.
They turned to Lord and Lady Gremory and gave them a smile causing them to approach. Lord Gremory was the first to speak up, "Lucky us, huh?"
"There is no luck involved. The Phenex never forget their friends, Lord and Lady," Naruto replied quickly and gave them a small bow.
Seekvaira was not far behind him. "The Agares share the sentiment. We take great pride in remembering how we got to where we are."
"Such well spoken children, mayhaps we should have Rias spend more time with you in order to broaden her manners?" Lady Gremory spoke.
Seekvaira didn't like where this was going. Lord Gremory rubbed his beard before giving a nod. "It would do her well. Speaking of, she has been pestering me lately about the marriage contract."
She really did not like where this was going.
"Is there something wrong with the contract in place?" Naruto questioned.
Seekvaira watched the Lord and Lady carefully. It was rather bold of them to try and corner him like this.
"She brought up an excellent point, would it not be better for the Underworld if a Gremory, with the Power of Destruction were to carry the child of the Azure. The chance of those two powers mixing along with our control over magic could make for a very bright future." Lord Gremory was good. He was attacking at the very point that Naruto brought up in his speech.
Seekvaira kept her smile in place but she felt tense. When Naruto gently put his hand atop hers she relaxed and felt her hand slowly relax the death-like grip she had on his arm. She would apologise later, maybe.
"I can see your point Lord Gremory," Naruto started and she felt her heart freeze. "Though sadly I have no answer to give you here as I am not involved in that contract. If you want to bring this matter to my parents I am sure that they will be able to give you a proper discussion after talking it over with the Agares clan so that we can all find a place where we feel happy about moving forward together."
The two Gremory seemed to think it over and shared a look with one another. "We may have to do so in the future, for now though, do enjoy your night and we look forward to the change you will bring." Lord Gremory gave a small bow.
His wife followed after him while speaking, "Until we see each other again."
Seeks waited until they vanished into the crowds before looking to Naruto. She was impressed, he wasn't pressed at all. He quickly and politely shut them down while affirming that it was not such a simple matter as him saying yes. She supposed that she could give him a small treat as she leaned in against him. He held her a little tighter. "This way mum will ask your opinion on it. I figured that was better than them trying to cut you out."
"You are learning. Now, can we please get changed."
"Yes, as soon as I remember how to move my legs. I think I'm stuck."
"You're not the only one."
XxX
Hanekawa needed to get outside. She asked Ravel to come with her, which she was thankful for. She was tasked with protecting Ravel tonight. That was clear. I mean, it made sense, with her ability to tell what people were thinking it would be real helpful, but she needed a break, there were so many feelings and emotions in that room that it was starting to get to her. It was like everyone was yelling constantly. As she stepped outside with Ravel and the doors closed behind her she tightened her grip on the young heiress and narrowed her eyes. There was someone else here. She quickly looked around to see that dirty old man that was talking with Naruto yesterday.
There was nothing but dirty thoughts about every woman that walked past him. She was just glad that Ravel was not involved. Hanekawa watched as he slowly rose his hands. "I don't mean any harm, just came out here to escape the looks inside." He was already seated and out of view from the main hall. It lined up, but it still didn't sit right with her. She didn't trust this man.
Hanekawa looked to Ravel. "Go to Lady Phenex and stay with her. Quickly now." She would have to praise the girl at a later date. She just nodded and ran off without question. Hanekawa watched her enter and cross the hall, once she was standing by Raven, Hanekawa could let out a breath.
"Trust me, I don't want to get on the wrong side of the Phenex."
"The thing is, I don't trust you."
She saw him shrug. "Must have good instincts then. Normally my charm gets people to let their guard down."
"You're a creepy old man that wants Lady Phenex to step on him."
"Oh? A mind reader perhaps. That would explain why you're guarding the young heiress. A smart move."
"Would rather be with Naruto," she muttered out and leaned against the railing. She understood that tonight was meant to be all showy and stuff, but like, she just wanted to cuddle with him was that wrong? She'd let Seek-Seek join in too, but this was too much, her head hurt.
"I'm sure most of the young ladies in that room and even some of the older ones would want to trade places with little miss Agares."
Hanekawa knew this man from somewhere. She had sensed him before. She'd thought that when he met with Naruto, but now that she was with him for a while, yeah she remembered feeling him. "I've met you before."
She felt him tighten his defences. "I was here yesterday."
"No, before that…You're a fallen, aren't you?"
"Guilty as charged I'm afraid. Don't worry, I didn't attack you guys, I was there to punish those that did, but you all cleaned them up pretty well. That's what I was talking to the young lord about yesterday."
"Hmm, thank you then."
"What for?"
"Without you I wouldn't be his knight." It felt a little weird but she did feel grateful for it.
He felt uncomfortable. "Well, you're welcome I guess."
"So what did you and Naruto talk about?"
Surprise and defence. "Oh, not much. Mostly the usual I'm sorry it won't happen again shtick." Deceit.
"You're hiding something."
"Really? I thought I did that pretty well. Didn't even let it show outside."
"You don't need to," She answered tiredly. Sometimes this ability was a real pain. She saw so many things and felt so many others that she didn't want to.
He let out a small hum. "Well how about this, you tell me how your ability works, and I'll tell you what we talked about?"
Oh, a trade? Lady Phenex says she shouldn't give anything for free, so this would be good right? She would be getting something in return for giving something. She'd be happy with that right? "I just hear things like: deceit, arousal, surprise, honest, protect. But like, if I focus it I can see what they're thinking about."
"Oh?" Surprise, curious. "Well, try focusing on me."
She did. It was blurred for a moment before she saw it clear as day. He hadn't lied, but they had talked about a lot more. Azazel, this man, wanted to do something to make it up to Naruto. Naruto gave him some strange thing that she didn't understand and he looked really happy about it. Said it would be a challenge but he was looking forward to it. Building something for Naruto. She pursed her lips. "You're building something for his arms?"
He tapped his nose. "Spot on. There is a bit more to it, but that is all technical stuff that I don't want to bore you with. That power of yours though is really strong. Can you turn it off?" She shook her head. "Well, if you don't mind, when Naruto comes to visit me I could have a look to see if we can't fix that for you." She snapped her gaze to him with a small snarl. "Don't worry, don't worry. I won't do anything if you don't want me to, and I'd make sure you could turn it back on."
She relaxed, that actually sounded nice. She could get peace and quiet and no longer have these fuzzies constantly.
"It seems like the idea isn't completely unwanted."
Hanekawa narrowed her eyes on the man. "Why?"
Confusion. "Why what exactly?"
"Why are you offering to help?"
Understanding. Regret. "I want to say sorry. I fancy myself a bit of an inventor so when I see situations that are like yours or Naruto's; a little part of me gets really excited trying to think of a way to help you guys out." Honest. Excited.
"I think I get it, you are helping yourself by helping us, right?"
Guilt. "More or less. Oh, might be time for me to move on, it seems you have company."
Hanekawa watched as vanished in a cloud of black feathers just as she felt that warm aura she was so used to wash over her. She turned around as Naruto stepped out with a glass in each hand. His fire cape was gone, now it just looked like he had these strange metal cappings on his shoulders. "I thought I felt you out here." Concern. Relief.
"Yep, yep. There's too many voices inside."
"Tell me about it." He was tired. He came to lean against the rail next to her and handed her one of the drinks. "Only a few more hours left."
Hanekawa slumped on the rail and let out a groan as she took the drink. She wasn't a big fan of this bubbly drink, it tasted weird but if she had enough it made the fuzzies less, then a whole lot more. "Do we have to?"
"The event? Yes. But if you want to go to bed early to get away from it all I can let mum know; she'll understand."
She let out a small sigh. "Nah, I'll be okay. Just need to clear my head."
He gave her a nod. "Okay, well, don't push yourself and if you need to escape for a bit just let us know. I won't say I understand what it is like, but I bet its rough."
"Mmm," she sipped at her drink and her nose scrunched up. She didn't like it. "Thanks, but you should be inside. It's yours and Seek-Seek's night."
"We might be the stars, but you're a part of our family too. Don't forget that Hanekawa." She blinked when his hand touched the side of her face. "Don't be scared to be with us, Seeks won't bite."
"Nya-haha, maybe. I just need some air first, go, I'll catch up, yep."
She watched him eye her for a moment before she felt a wave of despair from him as he approached the doors. She held back a giggle, he was good at pretending to be happy, but she'd always be able to tell. Still she couldn't wait to get out of this clingy dress.
XxX
Serafall watched as the young Phenex went to collect the Agares heir. This would probably be her best chance to speak to them. Had she made a mistake? Yes. She didn't know that there would be fallen angels trying to get the jump on some devils out late that night. That wasn't something she could plan for and she knew that she could have handled it better. Namely sticking to her oath of staying out of clan politics instead of using the Azure to cover up the attack. She just didn't want the people to think she could make mistakes. They might think less of the Maou then, but this blew way out of her expectations.
She agreed with the promotion to Duke. They had helped her settle a lot of foreign difficulties with their mercantile methods. Though she also knew that the family was much more akin to a Mob family than anything else. Well, not really. Everything they did was legal. Maybe it was just the aggression that they held when securing trade contracts and property. Still that did not help her situation and she had the choice. She could play nice and things would go away or she could cause a storm, the other Maou thought that particular train of thought was wrong and she had to agree. Conversation with the Yokai have just started up again thanks to Naruto Phenex and the Phenex giving them both financial assistance and medical supplies...Well the Phenex were in talks with the Yokai, everyone else, not so much.
They also had the backing of the Agares and by proxy the Bael. It was, difficult. So she had to apologise. The deal said tonight or in a public venue aired to the Underworld. She figured tonight would be better. It was a more relaxed setting and everyone was having fun. Tensions wouldn't be as high and everyone would be safe from retaliation tonight. Tomorrow would be a different story.
Still, it didn't sit right. She was just doing what she thought was best, but it did go against her oaths. Serafall didn't think that anyone would have taken them that seriously. She was seeing that was wrong. People took her words very, very seriously. She'd have to be much more careful about what she said in the future. What she swore to uphold and what integrity she promised to protect. Though the inquiry into her actions this past year had her worried. She didn't think she had done anything wrong. Then again she hadn't thought that this would end up how it did. That is what bothered her. What were they looking for? Would they plant something if they didn't find it? Who was doing the inquiry?
These were all questions that ran through her head as she slowly started to approach the young heirs. She took careful note that the cat, Hanekawa, was absent. Sona had told her that Rias complained about it being able to read her mind and that was something she didn't want to tempt right now.
Though, it wasn't until her father sat her down and asked who she would hold accountable if her position was reversed with those from the Phenex. From their viewpoint she is the reason that the heirs were hurt, they were out on her orders after all. Their failure, which she also swept away mind you, was her fault as well. When Azazel had told her what happened from his view point she couldn't be too angry with them, they were fresh barely out of school, with some of them still in it. She guessed that the reason she felt like it was shitty was because she was the one that would look shitty from it.
She took a breath in and closed the final stretch of distance. They were the people of honour so she gave them a slight bow, they returned a much deeper one. "Lady Leviathan, it's an honour." Seekvaira was always polite but she wasn't fooled, behind those pretty pink eyes of hers was the crafty mind of a shrewd diplomat.
"I'm glad to see the Maou out there mingling with others. I was a little worried people would be scared to approach you."
Naruto's comment caught her off guard. He genuinely seemed happy to see them. What made it worse is she knew very little about how he thought. If it were Riser, she make a guess that he was trying to disarm her before they started talking. That might be the case here, but, she couldn't be sure. She gave her magical-girl smile and said, "It is a good excuse to get away from paperwork, the people are pretty nice too."
She watched him relax a little. His shoulders losing some of their tension. That was good. A smile that was rough, but warm worked its way onto his face. "When you're like this it is easy to see why people call you the heart of the Underworld." A compliment? It actually made her stir a little, it didn't sound like the regular whitewash she was used to getting, this wasn't good.
"Not for long from what I hear and see. You two had great control of the crowd tonight." Naruto gave a small laugh at her words before looking to Seekvaira.
"That would be this wonderful woman beside me, and my mother. I just did what I was told."
Seekvaira quickly moved to interject. "He is just being modest, Lady Leviathan. Without his ability to control his fire the event could have been rather unclean."
Serafall shivered. "That sounds like a lot of paperwork waiting to happen. Speaking of," she paused and eyed the two. Seekvaira's eye muscles tensed slightly while Naruto still appeared relaxed. What the hell was wrong with this kid, couldn't he understand the situation? "I wanted to apologise. The sortie for Kuroka Toujou…I could have handled that better. There has been a lot of pressure on me because of that situation, but you two have been pretty quiet about it, and I thank you for that."
Seekvaira bowed her head. "We thank you for your hard work and wish we had only been able to succeed with the given task, outstanding circumstances aside, I believe we may have."
Serafall watched Naruto, he didn't seem to agree with Seekvaira; that was something she'd file for later. "Can I speak freely?"
That was a surprise, and not one just for her if Seekvaira's rapt attention on him was to go by. "I, um, sure."
Naruto gave her a nod and linked an arm around Seekvaira's waist before looking over to someone and mouthing something to them. "Come with me," he said softly to them. Neither of them argued and quickly walked with him and followed him outside. Serafall narrowed her eyes on the white haired cat-girl she found waiting. Well, not really waiting, but leaning against one of the rails with a heavy look on her face. She watched the girl, it seemed she wasn't all there, talking to herself, scratching at her skin. Then her nose twitched and every strange sight vanished and she turned and smiled; until they met eyes. Serafall watched her face shift between fear and anger. It was something that the young Maou was not used to seeing.
Then again, this was a situation that she was not used to. This conversation had gone off of any rails that may have been used to guide it and now she was alone with the three people that nearly died, one of them did, under her orders. They were all so young. "Guilt."
Serafall looked at the cat-girl. "What?"
"You're feeling guilt."
She looked between the three and saw an awkward expression on Naruto's face, Seekvaira was watching everything intently. Serafall wasn't sure who the biggest threat was anymore. "Lady Leviathan-"
"Call me Serafall."
"Serafall," Naruto started again, "I brought you out here so we could speak freely, but also so I could lend some more weight to my words I guess. Hanekawa here can read emotions and minds if she focuses hard enough."
The young Maou nodded. That was a scary power to have. There were of course rumours sprouting but she could understand wanting to keep it a little under the wraps. It also seemed that not all of the information she got from gossip was wrong either. "I see. I'm not quite sure I follow though."
Naruto nodded. "I think you were set up with the Kuroka Toujou situation," he paused and gave time for the information to sink in.
"That is a serious accusation."
"I know. That's why I wanted to do this privately, I, um, also haven't shared these thoughts with Seekvaira, so if she rips me apart mid-conversation please forgive her." Serafall watched him give the young heiress an awkward look. Yeah, not the wisest move bud, but he'd learn, probably.
"Have you told your mother yet?"
"Um, no."
"Then I will forgo maiming you, for now, my dear."
That was stressed heavily. Yeah this boy was in trouble for sure. But Serafall had to admit, he was pretty good at removing the tension in the air. She felt a little more at ease now. "So, I guess I'll ask what makes you think I was set up?"
"The Amy family is well known for their abuse of servants. I'm pretty sure you're aware of this?" She nodded. It wasn't something she was proud to admit, but not everyone used the peerage system for the betterment of everyone around them. Some used it just for perverse fantasies, the Amy were among that group. "While we were pursing Kuroka Toujou, myself and Hanekawa were able to capture her."
This was news. She looked to Seekvaira and saw her grip tightening on his arm. "I do hope you plan to explain yourself?"
"She wasn't bad," Hanekawa got out drawing eyes to her. "She's not like me. She has control. There was something that she really wanted to protect, so much so she was ready to die for it."
"So I let her go."
Serafall rose a brow at that. Seekvaira was in a different boat though. "You let her go?"
"I did."
"Why?" It was the question that Serafall wanted to ask, but Seekvaira was just faster to the point.
Naruto sucked in a breath and looked at Seekvaira. "I already had some information going into the sortie. The Youkai had asked me to check on her, they thought something wasn't right. The Amy were picking up a lot of books relating to breeding and Senjutsu and alarms started to ring. So I was already looking at doing something, but the reason I let her go was pretty simple. I saw signs that her younger sister, Shirone Toujou was being held prisoner and subjected to injections of Senjutsu based energy to try and awaken something similar to her sister," he paused and waited for Serafall to nod before continuing, "I investigated further, it would appear that only Makibuta Amy, the king of the peerage, was drawn into the fight. The rest were left alone, after private talks with them, they didn't agree what was happening and are willing to testify against the Amy if granted protection, but, I believe that Makibuta was killed to protect Shirone…Which I can understand the feeling and if I was in her position I would do the same."
"So, you are condoning Regicide?"
"If you want to twist my words like that, Seeks, sure. But I know for a fact that I'd rather be a failure as a subject than a sibling."
Serafall could agree with that line of thought, but this situation was difficult. Responsibility to the state or to the family. That was always a difficult line to walk. "And, hypothetically, if I were to agree with you, you'd want me to revoke the upcoming bounty on Kuroka?"
Naruto shook his head which confused her. "Like I said, I believe you were being set up. There was only one viable escape route for Kuroka to take and it just happened to have a band of fallen angels travelling through it? My mother always side that something is only a coincidence because you can't see how you're being played."
"Lady Phenex is wise, also ruthless, when it comes to politics. I take it that you have a plan then?"
"I do," he paused and looked to Seekvaira, "I know you joked about it, but I would like to recruit Kuroka into my peerage while maintain her bounty status, maybe even raise it a little, in order to find out who is trying to take down the Maou."
"Really?" Seekvaira questioned to which he just nodded. "Arh, fine. But please do consult me about these things in the future and not before a Maou."
"Thanks Seeks, I knew you'd understand."
Serafall felt good that they weren't angry at each other, but this was still a difficult position to be in. "You know that I can't allow that, right?"
Naruto gave a light cough. "I know, but you said we were talking hypothetically. I know that a Maou could not sign off on something like this, at least not publicly. But you have to admit, if the bad guys were to hear of lets say an SS-Rank stray Devil… They'd probably try to recruit it, hypothetically of course."
Serafall had to admit, she wasn't really in any danger here. Everything that was said was just theory, no actual talk of action here, well at least she could deny that there was, as she was sure they would. "Hypothetically, it is a decent plan. There are some rough edges to work out, like how would you unsure she stays loyal."
"It appears that we wouldn't have to. Sibling over Subject. I heard that Shirone Toujou was found and taken captive. I could promise her safety in the Phenex household where she would have a constant security detail but still be able to live a relatively normal life."
Serafall frowned. "There is a problem with that hypothetical, Sirzechs saw that some of the guards were getting antsy and is keeping her captive in the Gremory Household."
"Rias?" Seekvaira asked, to which Serafall gave a slight nod. "Of course it is."
"That's even better." All the girls turned to face him.
"I would like to know what you mean by that, Naruto?"
The blond wasted no time in replying to his stern wife. "Seeks, you've made it pretty clear that you don't want Rias to swap her contract to me, right?" She nodded, "Well, you could put the stipulation that you will consider her appeal favourably if the Gremory family is able to care for and protect the Nekoshou in their care as it would be in poor taste for the Phenex, who are working on an alliance with the Yokai, to be in bed with someone that can't treat them well. This would allow us to wash our hands of having her on our person constantly, but still being able to keep a close eye on her."
Serafall had to admit it was decent. Definitely showed signs of being put together quickly but those could be hashed out. She eyed the blond Phenex, they'd probably get along fine, so long as she didn't lose her seat as Maou. "This is all hypothetical, but it isn't going to do much good talking about this if I lose my seat as Maou because of this inquiry, will it?"
She gauged their reaction. Seekvaira seemed to know what was going on but Naruto just shrugged. "No big, I'll tell my mother and that'll be the end of it really."
"Really?"
"Yeah. The Phenex just want the Maou to pull their weight, no offence, but the majority of you guys have been slacking lately."
"Some taken."
"I didn't say you, what, there something to feel guilty over?"
"Nope, no comment!"
Serafall shared a look with Naruto before they both gave a small laugh. "So, we good?" He asked and she gave a nod. "Cool, um. If you're not busy the day after next, around lunch time, wanna meet up in Kyoto?"
Confusion quickly flooded her. Was he? No, but maybe? "Are you asking me out?"
She watched Seekvaira sigh and rub at her temples. "I do not believe that is his intention. We have a meeting with the Yokai's Minister of Foreign Affairs."
"Exactly. I figured you could come along and open a direct dialogue. It might help speed some things along."
O-of course that's what it was. "That makes sense. You have my thanks and I'll see about clearing my schedule."
"Make sure you do, we can finish our hypothetical conversation then." Serafall rose a brow at the young Phenex. "What, you think I'd let Kuroka go without having a way of tracking her?"
"Smart, I assume I'd be given that location if things took a turn for the worse?" Serafall questioned.
"We'll never know now." He answered back with a smile.
Oh, he was fun. Much more fun than most of the other heirs and heiresses she had to deal with. This could be an interesting partnership of sorts. "We'll, I think I've taken up enough of your time tonight, I'll be seeing you both soon enough."
"See ya Serafall."
"Please forgive him Lady Leviathan, we both wish you a good evening."
Serafall had a small laugh, spared a look at the quiet Hanekawa who was watching her intently, before heading inside. Ruval was standing by the door and opened it as she approached. "I trust you all had a good conversation?"
"It was quite pleasant. Thank you for asking. Now I think I might need to speak to the other Maou before I retire for the night." She nodded to the older Phenex brother before heading back in. Ugh, now she had to be all prim and proper again…She kinda missed talking to the kids already.
xXx
Naruto stretched himself out. The rest of the ball had gone well. He had been forced to dance so much that he was sure his healing factor kicked in at some point to fix his feet up, but it was fine. He had also endured the seething gaze of Seekvaira as just about every heiress in attendance wanted to dance with one of the three brothers. He looked over to Seeks, her and Hanekawa had passed out leaning against one another on some chairs in the corner of the room with Ravel. The three had been busy tonight and it seemed to have worn them out completely. "I see someone talked to a few very important people tonight," Ruval mused.
Naruto turned and gave him a sly smile. "Don't think I didn't see the way that some of those devils were trying to get your attention, Ruval. Or the group that dragged Riser over to the corner to recite their poetry."
"Please, don't remind me."
"I thought it was sweet."
"They rhymed Riser with minds of."
Naruto gave a shrug. "I mean, it works?"
"Yes, but the rest of the sentence is what is disturbing."
The older brothers shared a laugh before Riser slowly joined in. It wasn't long before their parents were done seeing the final guests off, Lord and Lady Agares, who gave their daughter a soft kiss goodnight. Lord and Lady Phenex slowly approached the trio. With Riser and Ruval having sent their peerages to bed shortly before the end of the night as everyone was starting to grow tired. "You three certainly appear to have enjoyed yourselves?" Raven started with a sly smile on her face.
Ruval threw an arm over Naruto's shoulder. "Well apart from Riser's group of poetic fangirls, it would appear that our Naruto here got some solo time with Lady Leviathan."
Seeing his mother rise her brows Naruto let out a sigh. "It was not solo. Hanekawa and Seeks were there, but long and short we came to some agreements. You are probably not going to like all of them, but it works out for what I wat to do and what works best for us financially, and politically if we don't go belly up."
"And that is?"
"The removal of the corruption from the Underworld. Remember how I said that the Sortie for Kuroka didn't feel right?" He saw his mother nod and pressed forward, "well I explained all of my thoughts to Serafall and she agrees. She will deny and overlook some of the actions that I'll be taking in the next couple of days. In return the Inquiry will find nothing on her worth reporting, but if you were to keep any incriminating stuff I said nothing about that. She'll also be using a contact of mine to help establish a talking point with the Yokai while I attempt to plant a spy in a criminal organisation, which she will try to protect and back up the claims regarding my spies origins." He saw his mother eye him for a moment. "No paper, no contract. I thought it was too risky."
"Smart. This could ruin you both."
"I'll be cluing the Yokai in on it as well. Together, from three sides, we should be able to cover all our bases. I'll just need to draft up what I'm going to say to sway them."
"This spy of yours?"
Naruto knew this was coming. "Kuroka Toujou." He didn't need to look at Riser to know he had a mile wide grin.
"Can you trust her?"
"I believe so. She chose Sibling over Subject. Just like you taught us." He looked at his mother who appeared to be in thought for a moment before slowly nodding.
"I will make the preparations then. Also, what is this I hear about the Gremory trying to change a contract?"
"I take it I'm not good enough now that everyone knows Naruto is the Azure?" Riser spoke up, there was a small bit of disdain in his voice.
"Seekvaira thinks it might just be a tantrum from Rias that her parents are acting on. Which brings us back to Kuroka. Rias has the girl's younger sister. Sirzechs was a head of me on that, but it works in our favour. I already brought it up with Seekvaira and Serafall. It will allow us to make sure she is kept safe, out of harms way and most of all, not on our hands. I mentioned to Seeks that she could bring up looking favourable on the change of contract if Rias could look after and protect the Nekoshou for a number of years to go in line with our favourable position with the Yokai so as to not reflect poorly on us."
He saw his brothers nod in line with his thoughts while Raven still appeared to be in thought. "Good, that gives me enough to work with. I will speak with Seekvaira when she is free and we will find a way to stall them and make this work in your favour."
"Also, I'm not a fan of them breaking a contract with my younger brother, make them work for it."
Naruto watched their mother look over the brothers before sighing to herself. "I want a full explanation before you leave for Kyoto. I guess I got what I sought when I taught you to rely on one another. Though hell help whichever Devil tries to claim your baby sister. I can not imagine what torture you boys will put them through." The brothers all took a pensive stance as they circled around each other.
"So, how are my boys doing tonight?"
"Plotting the death of Ravel's first boyfriend." The three bothers responded without looking up. "Tears could help prolong it." "No, we'd be wasting money, I can just heal the damage." "Slow burn with ice?" "Ow, nasty. I like it." After a moment or two they pulled away and looked at their nervous father and their nodding mother. "We've got a plan." They answered in unison.
"T-that's great. It sounds like you all had a good night?"
"Riser has a poetry fan club."
"Ruval got hit on by some old hag."
"Naruto seduced a Maou."
Rulven looked at the three who glared daggers at each other before laughing. "They are your boys Raven."
"Indeed they are, Dear. Now, excuse me, but boys I believe you have people waiting on you?"
Riser and Ruval both nodded and teleported away leaving Naruto standing there looking at his predicament, how was he meant to get them both back at the same time. He knew if he moved either one the other would probably wake up. Whichever one woke up and wasn't being carried was going to be angry. Rulven walked up and rested a hand on his shoulder. "If only you could be in two places at once huh?"
Naruto froze, he'd been in a position like this before. It was a long shot, like really long, but it was worth a shot. He brought his hands together and focused his demonic power. Split evenly four ways, taking his shape, giving it form and consciousness. It was possible, complicated but possible. Scrap it, four was too much, he'd just go for one. He just needed one. There was a sudden shift in his gut and he creaked an eye open to see a second him standing by his side checking themselves over. "Well shit," the three males said, Naruto's father included.
"Hey, dad, can you go over there, with me and tell them something?"
Rulven gave him a curious look before doing as asked. He then watched as his son vanished in a pyre of fire before the original crouched down and rubbed his head. Damn, it hurt like a bitch. It was only a few seconds but fuck. Experiencing nearly everything twice at a slightly different angle. He wondered how the dream him did it so well. As for what his father said, apparently his mother had gushed over Seeks calling her mother earlier. That was good to know, it was always difficult to tell if Raven actually liked someone that wasn't her child. "So, uh, what was the point of that."
Naruto slowly stood up and made another clone. He could feel his reserves getting low. After his showmanship earlier and the long night they were already a little tapped, but this was very, very draining, creating them that is, maintaining them was nothing. "It was something from a dream. When the clone dispels I learn everything it did. It's not up to the level from the dream as I think I could only have four, at least at the moment, but they'd all be pretty weak. The dream me used hundreds at a time. Still it solves the lesson issue. No tears needed mum. We are upping my training though, using these guys for lessons and control while I do the sparing."
Raven eyed him tensely. He knew what she was looking for, but he didn't have anyway to show her. "Very well. But for now, you need to go to bed, and take those two with you. Whatever you do we do not wish to hear it."
"Mum, come on!" But his words fell on deaf ears as his parents walked away after picking up Ravel. That left him alone with probably his two biggest sources of emotional conflict. Him and the clone moved forward and picked them up bridal style. The halls were quiet and it was Hanekawa that stirred first in the clone's arms. She looked at him and then the clone before curling back up and going to sleep. Sometimes he wondered what exactly went through her head. She would just accept whatever he did without question, she never argued, even when it came to at least starting the day clothed or being clothed in public areas. Then again, he didn't really question anything she did…apart from the clothes. That was a common question.
Still, she had died on his watch. That was unacceptable. Everyone was so quick to tell him that there was nothing he could have done, but there was. They could have captured Kuroka and fled before the fallen got there. They could have stayed together, he could have finished off glasses. He should have. He knew he wouldn't make that mistake again. He would make sure his opponent was fully subdued before moving on. The thing is, she did not resent him one bit for letting her die. If there was anger, even a tiny flicker he would understand. But no, she was fine with it, she was actually partly happy it happened.
And that made him feel sick and mad.
Then he had Seeks, she questioned nearly everything he did. Not out of malice, at least from what he could tell. Well, that again was mostly, peerage members always seemed to be a heated topic so did Yokai and marriages. That he understood now, and ran most things by her f-no he didn't. He hardly ran anything by her first. Now thinking on it, he deserved her being angry so often. Regardless he was getting off topic, most of her questions were just to understand his thought process and how he got there, at least that's how it appeared to him.
She had gotten seriously hurt because of him as well. It was because of these two that he was pushing himself so hard, he could still picture the fallen holding a limp Seekvaira in his arms, it was nearly enough to make him give in to that fire inside. He knew the fire was dangerous, he wasn't sure how he knew it, he just did. But it had also saved Seeks. It was why she was alive. He needed to be better.
Thankfully though, Seekvaira didn't stir until he reached his room. She reached up and touched his face as he opened the door and the clone filed in behind him. Seeks was placed gently on the bed, and Hanekawa into her favourite pile of clothes. Seeks sat up and looked at him. "Help me get undressed."
He let out a tired sigh. "Seeks, you don't have to, your half asleep."
"I am not sleeping in this dress, I have something else to change into."
Now she was being stubborn. He moved forward and she stuck her arms out. Inwardly sighing he picked her up and turned her around to pull the zipper down. "Is that good?"
"Mm, now turn around."
With her now sorted he moved into his closet and got changed, putting this outfit away, hopefully never needing to wear it again, before putting on a pair of light tracksuit pants. He waited and heard her unzip a bag before zipping it back up again and took that as his queue to leave. He wasn't sure what he expected Seekvaira's night ware to be, but this wasn't it. A pair of cloth shorts that barely came to mid thigh, only just able to be seen under the stupidly large t-shirt of a Gundam, RX-0 if he was correct, which he wasn't sure at this point. They had all started to look the same. Her long hair though was pulled up into a bun on the back of her head. She stared at him with half lidded eyes before crawling onto the bed and lightly patting next to her.
Tired as he might be he wasn't about to refuse. The clone dispelled and he got the memories of carrying Hanekawa back and the amount she squirmed on the trip. He watched Seeks take her glasses off and put them on the nearby table. He didn't know why she insisted on wearing them. Her vision was perfect. He figured it must be a 'look' she was going for. He heard her let out a sigh before she shifted closer pressing her butt against him. "There is no point in doing this if you're on the other side of the bed."
He snaked an arm around her waist and shifted behind her, resting his face near her neck. "I think I might love you, Seeks."
He felt her stiffen before she wove her fingers into the hand at her waist. "You'd better, because I love you, you buffoon."
She drew his arm up under her shirt. It was slow, tense, before she finally placed his hand on her breast. He gave it a testing squeeze, they were much softer than he thought they'd be. He tested the other one, just to make sure, before she grabbed his hand again and started dragging it down. They slipped under the line of her shorts, there was nothing else. He could practically feel her smiling at his nervousness. She slowly drew his hand back out from her shorts after he had felt around a bit and more than confirmed what he needed to.
Seeks rolled over and faced him. A strange expression on her face. "Better than your imagination?"
Naruto took a breath in, it was full of her scent. This close he couldn't help it. "I don't know, I didn't get a good look."
"Ah, well at least one part is honest. Now which side do you want to cuddle, my butt or my face?"
He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, she stiffed. He was about to pull away before he felt her push back against leaning into it as her arms snaked around his neck. He heard her breath, he felt her heat, her heart. The way her fingers twirled into his hair and the way her back arched into him. All of these tiny sensations amplified by the darkness, the proximity, then, she bit him. He pulled back and blinked as she held his lip with a wide smile. After a moment she let go.
"You didn't answer my question."
He blinked at her a few times. "That was my answer."
"Hmm, I must have missed it. Can you give it again?"
Naruto let out a small laugh, this woman might just be the death of him.
PA: And there we have it. Remember if you have burning questions to send me a DM, I'll get back to you real quick, if I don't reply to a comment it is likely because it will be explained soon, unless there are serious cases like at the start of the chapter. Also, I can probably give you guys a sneak peak of what Naruto's peerage will eventually look like.
King- Naruto (Naruto)
Queen- Seekvaira Agares- Devil (High School DxD)
Rook x2 (1 mutated) - Male-Yokai.
Knight- Hanekawa Tsubasa- Yokai(?) (Bakemonogatari)
Knight- Fallen Angel- Female (High School DxD)
Bishop- Kuroka Toujou- Yokai(High School DxD)
Bishop Mutated- Magician- Female (High School DxD)
Pawn x4- Male- Demon.
Pawn x4 (1 mutated)- Male- Dragon.
Other than that, take care everyone, be good to each other and I'll see you next time space cowboy.