Welcome to the next chapter!
wtfstarftw1; Thanks for voting.
shephawk; Thanks, glad you liked it! Thanks for the vote. Yeah, her brother could do, Valerie's going to be showing up pretty soon.
Benny Farr; Yeah, thought that would be best~ Thanks for the vote.
OechsnerC; Thanks very much!
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! He is yeah, he's got a lot to deal with, but he's doing his best. Elmenhilde's moving up yeah. Glad you liked the fight! Thanks for the votes.
wellingtonlucas282; Thanks!
I await a guardian; Thanks! Yeah, to a lesser King she was worth that, Akira's quite a bit stronger than her canon King. Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah, she'd be pretty strong with her powers.
Crimson green flame; Thanks, glad you like it. Yeah, she could be interesting~ Thanks for the vote.
Silver crow; Thanks! Yeah, he managed to defeat Suou. Valerie is yeah, I know what their powers would have been if they had been in the peerage. They'll appear yeah. Thanks for the vote. Yeah, Rias and Akira are getting closer. Akira studies alot yeah, due to his Worthless he wants to be prepared against anything he might come up against. Elmenhilde will have a realization about joining soon enough. Akira knows about Augusta holding Incinerate Anthem yeah. Ravel did yeah. Serafall was quite excited to see him. Vali could do. Akira and Siegfried shall be clashing blades at some point. Thanks for the harem votes. Maybe Diehauser did yeah. They might have their own club at school. Yeah, maybe they could have those kind of abilities.
Guest 1; Thanks for voting.
Guest 2; Thanks for the vote.
Godofwar01; Thanks, yeah could be. With Aeon Balor yeah there's a few stories I think that Sacred Gear would work very well with.
Black Rose Sword; Thanks. Glad you liked their conversations. Yeah, he's very strong, he's still got ways to go yet before becoming the strongest. It's the same with Vali. He could have them. Yeah, he could have an appearance like that. Thanks for voting.
Skull Flame; She is yeah, Elmen's doing her best~ She could get interested in that. She's chasing after Walburga's mentor Augusta currently who has Incinerate Anthem yeah. They're villains from Slash Dog, pretty interesting. Thanks for voting.
Drury94; Thanks for voting.
Guest 3; Thanks for the fiancée and peerage vote.
Guest 4; Thanks for voting.
Darkwubs; Thanks for voting. Yeah, he's getting the hang of his Longinus the more he gets to experience fights with it. Lavinia could name him that yeah. Canis has a lot of things he likes to do yeah. Yeah, they'll be the main targets of Satanael and the others, so we'll see how that works out pretty soon. We'll see them more yeah. Akria will have a bar like base to go to.
Koga939; If he really wanted to, Akira could do that yeah.
Morregen; Thanks! Yeah, Akeno appeared!
Guest 5; Yeah, he could have a sense like that, either with swords or his hands.
Lightwave; Thanks for the peerage and fiancée votes.
Neonlight01; Thanks for the fiancée, peerage and harem votes.
Delta; Thanks for the vote.
AlphaOmega; Thanks for the peerage, harem, and fiancée votes.
Guest 6; Yeah, Canis is pretty strong in its ways. He could have abilities like that as he delves into Balance Breaker and beyond. Ageha doesn't in this story. Akira's going to become very powerful as he grows and ages, and gets into many battles. If he really wanted to Akira could do yeah.
Guest 7; Yeah, I've thought about using that Sacred Gear with a Half Angel before, would bring some fun and unique contrasts. Being with Vali like that would be cool. Thanks for the suggestions.
LadyElwyn; Thanks for the votes.
Guest 8; Thanks for voting. Yeah, she'd be different and fun to explore.
Iryuka fan; Thanks for voting. Yeah, they could be rivals for his affections like that, thanks for the suggestions.
darkjason78; Freed's going to be playing a role in the story, I can't spoil it yet, but there's going to be some stuff going on with him.
Guest 9; That would be pretty funny. Thanks for the vote.
Guest 10; Thanks for voting for the fiancée, and peerage of Akira's.
HolyKnightX; Glad you liked it. Suou was just so stunned that he had it that he was lost for words, maybe we'll be seeing him again and getting his thoughts on that. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the vote. Yeah, they probably would do.
Guest 11; Thanks for the votes. Yeah, they'd be cool for the peerage. They'd be cool for it yeah.
Guest 12; They probably would do yeah. Akeno and Akira will have chances to hang out yeah.
E T 2000; Thanks for the vote.
Akeno fan; Thanks for the vote. Yeah, they could be. Canis' name shall be coming up shortly. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Akira and Satanael might be fighting soon.
Black Drake; Yeah, he'll show them as he grows up many things and he wouldn't be used by them for anything. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 13; Thanks for the votes.
Blackblaze; Thanks for the votes. Yeah, it could be a situation like that with Vali's group. Thanks for the harem and peerage suggestions.
Spiralzone; Yeah, it could end up being a situation like that. Thanks for voting. Yeah, that could be an interesting way to go about it. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 14; Thanks for the vote. Yeah, Roygun could be, she's pretty fun.
Valtryek sama; Thanks for voting. Lavinia will be important to him yeah.
Guest 15; He'll gain power ups through his journey yeah. Yumi could be. Thanks for the peerage suggestions.
Guest 16; He can make any type of sword he wishes to.
Guest 17; Thanks for voting.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Finding the neko!
After the events of Akeno, a week later, Akira and Diehauser were sat in a tall building with many different areas to go in since it was one that usually was used for meeting with the Old Devils, and where they kept together, discussing many things and arranged meetings with us.
Currently, the pair were in the lobby area waiting for a meeting with the Old Devils to discuss Akira's Evil Pieces.
Sitting in mostly silence, Diehauser glanced at Akira who seemed quite calm, so he chose to speak up.
"Akira, remember..."
"Yes, lets do our best, to show them that I have a right to my Evil Pieces."
"Exactly. We just have to show them, they might try and resist, but we've also got some people backing us. They can't keep trying to push us back, we'll have to push forward."
"It's a shame...it has to go this far just for me to receive my Evil Pieces."
Diehauser gave an unfortunate nod of his head.
"Yes, that is true. But once they're yours, what are you going to do?"
"Isn't it obvious Uncle?" Diehauser drew a blank as Akira beamed towards him. "I'm going to give those like me, cast away, and forgotten, a place to call home. People threatened for just existing, people that have ideals like me to make real changes within different societies and give rights to those that don't have any, sometimes no one would be there for them. If it wasn't for you, no one would have bothered hearing me and would have cast me aside, I want to be like you Uncle...and hear and be there for those that might not have anyone else."
Diehauser was proud of him, and thought his intentions were noble and kind like he thought Akira was.
Just then however, they both heard a "Nyaaa!" coming from the right hand side.
Bursting out of a door, was a small white haired cat girl, who's eyes shed tears as a fear was within the girls eyes, something Akira could see clearly.
He saw a white tail and cat ears, seeing her in distress enough that as some of her outfit was torn, she cried.
He saw loneliness, fear and she looked to be in pain.
"Hey!" Akira called, and ran closer. "That's enough!"
Seeing the fear in her eyes, he couldn't stay silent.
"Get lost kid, don't interfere half breed brat."
One of the guards detaining her tried to silence the cat girl with a hit, but Akira intercepted, and kicked the man so hard in the face he went flying backwards.
"Don't attack her! She's no threat to you!"
"You little shit!"
The other tried to attack Akira, only for Canis to suddenly appear from a shadow, and hold a sword to the man's fist, stopping him long enough for Akira to kick his legs, and then knock him down.
He turned towards the cat girl, seeing the worry in her eyes, so he approached her, and bent down, patting her head.
She flinched, her eyes going up, and saw Akira smiling at her.
"It's okay, I wont hurt you."
The girls eyes met with his own.
He himself adopted a kind smile towards her.
She didn't know him, but his smile made her feel...
It was interrupted when more guards came out and went for the cat girl.
She cowered in fear, while Akira got in front of her.
"Don't come any closer!"
The cat girl looked on as Akira defended her, but she saw more coming, she didn't know what to trust, and turned, running away as fast as she could.
As Akira was going to be attacked, Diehauser showed his power, and disabled them quickly.
"Wow Uncle, you're super strong."
Diehauser showed a half smile, looking behind Akira, and saw that she was gone.
"It seems she's gone."
Akira turned, and looked at the small ripped cloth, which he picked up.
"That girl...she was scared...Uncle, who was she?"
"Hmm...I don't know the full details, but I did hear of a Nekomata incident recently, it happened a little before you came to the Underworld...I guess she was being held here..."
"Incident huh..."
Diehauser showed a small smile.
He could see Akira's inquisitive nature, and desire to help shining through.
Akira himself felt determined to understand what had just happened, and if he could...help that poor girl.
Two days later Akira went around to different places of the Underworld, in the hopes to be able to find the girl. After hearing her situation from Diehauser, how this girl was being threatened with death, for something that she didn't have control over, he couldn't stand it, and wanted to help her out.
When Akira couldn't find anything, he ended up going to the Grigori. Diehauser was busy dealing with the Devils, and Akira recalled him meeting up with Devils later on to discuss more about Akira's future and his Evil Pieces.
For now, he met up with Vali and Lavinia. Since their first meeting, Akira and Lavinia had met a few times, and grew a little closer as time went on. He even saw that his dog was being petted by Lavinia as he stayed happily on her lap.
"My, so you're searching for this neko girl?"
"Yeah...I just identify with her case, you know? Being someone rejected from others, and sentenced to die for circumstances beyond...her control. I just can't simply stand around and do nothing when such injustice is going on. Plus...I saw her fear...I couldn't stop after seeing that."
Akira replied to Lavinia, who tilted her head side to side.
But then she adopted a wide bright smile for the young boy.
"I think it's so sweet, you have such a big heart~"
Akira smiled lightly.
"Thanks. I just want her to be treated fairly, and to not suffer because of others trying to harm her. Whatever went on, from what I've heard the previous Devil she lived with killed by her Onee-sama...I don't know what happened with her Onee-sama, or why she did it, if she had a reason."
"I'm surprised you can't find her."
Vali spoke up as Lavinia casually petted her head to Vali's slight annoyance.
Akira nods in agreement and explains.
"I can grasp her movements and it feels like I'm getting close at times, but it seems that someone's interfering with my investigation, as each time I feel as if I'm getting close, something always stops me. Either some natural blockade, or Devils simply running by me, or something else like that. Of course, I don't have the evidence for this, but it is a feeling that I have that these people are trying to stop me from reaching her, though they're also having some trouble finding her."
Lavinia cutely spoke as she places her hands together.
"Maybe it's Va-chan, because she's jealous that you've found a potentially cute neko to have and hold forever and ever~"
Vali twitched an eyebrow.
"That doesn't make sense. Why would I be jealous of anything like that?"
Lavinia giggled.
"Well, maybe it isn't, but it could be that someone is trying to stop you. Hey, I've got some Investigation Magic skills, maybe I could help out~"
"Y-You would?"
Lavinia nods, and moves closer to Akira.
She then lightly pets his head affectionately.
"It's because you're so adorable that I want to do such things. Plus, fellow Longinus solidarity you know?"
Akira gave a humble smile on his face towards her.
"Thank you very much. If there's anything that I can do..."
Lavinia giggles, waving her hand cutely.
"That's so sweet! But right now, I haven't got anything major, you haven't come across Augusta, right?"
Akira shakes his head.
"How come you want to find her?"
Akira curiously asks, so Lavinia replies with a soft smile, but also an undertone of sadness.
"Because she's involved in the disappearance of someone that I care for."
Seeing her face dip into sadness, Akira also felt saddened for her as well.
"Oh...I'm sorry Lavinia-san."
Lavinia lightly petted Akira's head.
"Don't think anymore about it, it's really fine." Akira wasn't so convinced as he could hear in her voice the pain and sadness that she felt. "For now, we could find this girl...hmm, have you got anything of hers? It would make it easier to find her."
Akira thought about it, then he recalled something that he had gotten.
"Well, I did find this." Akira pulled out a piece of cloth. "It's from her clothing."
Lavinia took the cloth, and brought out a wooden stick.
Akira guessed the stick was enchanted or something.
She wrapped it around the cloth, and moved it towards Akira.
"I'm not sure how the Devils would feel if I came to the Underworld, Devils part, but with this, I think it will work. I'll show you how to work it, so you can do it yourself~ Though whatever you do, be careful, or Va-chan will get upset. Because she has a cute crush-"
"Quiet Lavinia!"
Lavinia stuck out her tongue in a cute manner.
"Well, it's okay Va-chan, don't worry about your feelings, they'll come out in time~ It's okay to feel love and acceptance of those that you love. I think it would be cute if you got together." Vali's face became embarrassed, though tried to hide it the best she could, as Lavinia continues with a giggle. "Just think, you and this adorable boy could find one another, and end up being together forever and ever~"
Vali huffs, as Akira accepts the wooden stick.
"Thanks for this, Lavinia-san."
Lavinia shook her head.
"Not at all, hope you find her~"
"I'll do my best~"
Lavinia gave a shining smile, as did Akira.
Vali could see the positivity between them, making her feel as if they shared such a trait of being able to stay positive, it was something that she did quite like about Akira and Lavinia.
Akira returned to the Devils part of the Underworld, and thanks to Lavinia's teachings of the technique, he grasped the technique that she was speaking about. Though he couldn't be compared to her since she had more experience, he used what he learned, and the spell she enchanted to guide him towards the area he hoped the girl would be in.
With his faithful dog beside him, he continued through the Underworld.
But he felt as if he was being watched.
The stick, with the cloth on, did begin activating after a good long while of Akira travelling through the parts of the Underworld he thought would be best for him to hide in.
He remembered Lavinia said it would work at close range, and from what he could see, it was pulling him in a certain direction, towards the woods.
He went inside and began moving forward.
The dog beside him wagged his tail, Akira looked down and nodded.
"Yes, I sense it as well."
He murmured, feeling the auras of some Devils close by.
However, he also sensed something else…
No, he didn't…
It kept going like that, where he'd sense it, but something would then block his senses.
When Akira came to a clearing, he saw a young girl huddled in a corner of a hollowed out tree, she had some blood on her, and she looked afraid.
"Hey there... It's okay, I'm not going to hurt you..." Catching the wounds on her body, Akira summoned a vial of Phoenix Tears Ravel had graciously given to him. "Here, these are called Phoenix Tears, they can heal wounds if you pour the liquid inside over the wounds." Akira placed the bottom within a shadow, and had it appear near the young cat girls shadow. "There, use that, okay?"
The girl looked at Akira.
Then towards the vial.
She took the vial slowly, and looked over it.
She found it odd that he'd help her, but remembered how he protected her.
She took the vial, and poured the liquid over her wounds, the wounds she had were beginning to heal up, surprising her.
Akira looked happy to see that, while the girl looked back towards him.
"...Why did you help me?"
She spoke up.
Her voice sounded so soft and yet without much emotion either.
"Because back at that building, I saw you in pain and afraid, I couldn't allow it. I...can understand, how it must feel to suffer because someone else wishes for you to end up dead for something you have no control over."
The girl listened intently to the words, and she couldn't detect deceit, if anything, it sounded genuine to her at least.
"...But you don't know me."
Akira placed the stick he had down and peered at her.
"You're right, I don't. But I couldn't stand by and hear that you were in danger of something you didn't even do. Like you...people fear me too, and they want me to...disappear too."
The girls eyes peered at the young man.
She felt his words were genuine.
The way he spoke didn't seem to have any deceit within.
However, as Akira spoke to her, he heard and felt some powers coming around.
Akira could feel they were being surrounded, so he quickly summoned a sword from a shadow, and made a stance.
"I don't want to fight! I want to discuss peacefully with you for the matter regarding this girl. Stand down immediately, we don't have to fight."
Akira spoke up in a strong voice, one that said that he'd negotiate, but he wouldn't give into the demands either and would fight if they were going to attack.
The auras coming around Akira, he felt the hostile auras, he looked towards the girl, seeing an enemy attacking, so he leapt forward, getting before her, and defended from an attack, slicing the power in half.
The girl looked shocked, as Akira twirled around, and cut across newly appeared man's chest, just enough that he would drop to the ground. The blades black coloring came into the girls eyes, as more jumped towards Akira and the girl.
"Get back, I'll deal with these."
Hearing what he said, she did just that.
She left, looking back to see Akira beginning to slice down some of the enemies that left no choice as they were going for the kill as well. She also saw the black dog zipping in and out of different shadows, and used the blade attached to his head to cut down the enemies.
She also saw that he was making sure that no enemies bypassed him by placing up a wall of swords, with Worthless surrounding them. The aura of his Belial blood allowed him to create an impenetrable wall of very strong blades, and an aura that can make most powers worthless before its might.
But some managed to come around and came for her.
"Blades, come forth!"
She turned and ran away, as Akira causes the swords to slice into them, stopping their progression, allowing her to get away.
Akira continued fighting, flying through the different techniques that he had to cut down the enemies. His time on the run gave him skills that seemed to surpass even those that were hunting down the young cat girl.
"You little bastard!"
"Don't get in the way half breed!"
The enemies yelled, Akira didn't retort, instead he simply flew through them, leaving cuts on their bodies, and dropping them down to the ground one after the other.
When he dropped them all down to the ground with the assistance of his black dog, he breathed out of his mouth a few times.
"That takes care of them. Now..." Akira glanced towards the stick that he had, seeing that it had been destroyed. "...So, my suspicions are true, someone is trying to stop me from finding her. Is it because it is her? Or, is it because of me? Either way, I guess that I'll just have to try harder. But now I can't sense that girl, whoever's trying to stop me is making it like that, and the girl could be being chased...damn it."
Akira sighed, and walked on, trying to find the girl.
But in the end, he wasn't able to find her.
It seemed that she had escaped, but at least, he was glad that he could defend her from such wild attacks.
When Akira returned home, he had tried to find the girl for a good while, but in the end he couldn't find her. It felt like he was being blocked, and it was rather annoying. But he didn't give up, and was having some of those Diehauser trusted search for her while he returned home to deliver some news to Diehauser himself.
However, he also remembered that day, someone was coming to see him so he went to go and see her as well.
He went towards the living room area, and saw the same silver haired girl that he came across on his travels. Sitting together with her Grandmother he presumed based on appearance, and Diehauser who sat across from them.
"Sorry I'm late, I had some stuff I was doing, lost track of time. Uncle, I also found that girl, but she got away."
He casually began, despite being only around five minutes later, he apologized and walked forward towards them.
"I see, so what happened?"
"Eeh, a fight broke out, some Devils tried to attack the girl, they attacked me, and I disabled them. I made sure to record it, so they can't say I attacked them first."
Diehauser nodded slowly, though did have worry that some Devils attacked Akira.
"I see, well done my boy. I'm glad you're unharmed." Akira nods, as Diehauser approaches him. "I'm sure you've seen her, but there's a girl here that wishes to express her gratitude towards you for what you've done for her."
Akira's eyes turn towards the two new people in the home.
When she saw him, she became rather happy, and moved closer towards him, her nerves growing within her as she approached. She remembered him clearly now, seeing his face again brought her happiness.
"Hello, my name is Rossweisse. It's a pleasure to officially meet you."
Akira heard what sounded like a bit of a country dialect within her voice, something he found cute.
"Hello, my name is Akira Belial, it's a pleasure to meet you. So my Uncle said something about you wishing to thank me?" Rossweisse nodded with shyness. "Really, that's very kind of you, but you don't have to thank me for it."
"B-But, you saved me, and you didn't know me, s-so I thought it would be good if I rewarded you somehow..."
Akira pulls closer, and smiles softly.
"I don't want any reward, knowing that you're fine is reward enough for me."
As he said it, Gondul began speaking, looking between the situation of Rossweisse and Akira, being able to see that Rossweisse seemed to have some red on her cheeks, and she also thought it would be nice if Rossweisse had a friend that was her own age.
"He's such a nice young man, isn't he Rose? Handsome, and looks to be quite strong as well."
Rossweisse looked sheepish as Diehauser laughed.
"I was surprised when we received word from the Norse. It seems you've done a lot I'm unaware of Akira."
Akira lightly smiled, and pulled forward.
"It was quite the time, and I met a few people on my travels. Never thought that I'd ever meet some of them again."
Gondul looks on with wise old eyes, before shooing them away.
"Go and have fun, Rose, you're always preoccupied with studies, go and have a good time with this handsome young man. Who knows, maybe it could lead to even more?"
Rossweisse continued to look embarrassed, Akira on the other hand shrugged his shoulders, and began walking off together with Rossweisse following.
Going towards Akira's bedroom, he sat down on the bed, while Rossweisse perched on a chair. She had her hands clasped together, she looked rather shy all of a sudden, something that Akira didn't choose to comment on as he didn't want to embarrass her, instead he tried to make her feel at ease.
"So you're from the Norse. That would make you a Valkyrie, yes?"
"Training to be a proper one, but yes that's right. Though recently...I wasn't able to fulfil a certain duty in my family, because I wasn't compatible with certain types of Magic, and...I've been studying really hard. What about you?"
Akira didn't even know where to begin with that.
He had a lot that he could speak about.
"I came here, after my Uncle found me. It's been a whirlwind ever since. Been dealing with all sorts, recently had to fight against a guy that could control flames from a Shinto God, that was an interesting time~" Akira replied earnestly. "So, as a Valkyrie, what is it that you do exactly? I have to admit that I don't know much about the Norse, and what their practices are."
Rossweisse clapped her hands together, and proceeded to explain about the Norse to Akira.
As she did, she seemed to become more relaxed, which he was happy about.
Even hearing her enthusiastic voice, it was something that filled Akira with delight.
"...As for me, I think that maybe I'd want to work for Odin-sama. It would be an interesting thing to do, though I have heard that it can be tough dealing with his antics. Plus he keeps mentioning about my lack of boyfriend."
"Lack of boyfriend?"
Rossweisse turns her head, her eyes going out of the window, hiding what she had on her face, and that was sadness.
"B-Because I throw myself into my studies, they think it is okay to say that my age equals the number of years I haven't had a boyfriend! I mean...having a boyfriend at my age anyway would be a bit weird...I don't even think about such things..."
Akira adopts a small smile on his face.
"Yeah, I guess it is odd that they'd say that. We are still kids, there's plenty of time for that. Even I can relate, the Underworld have been saying they wish to pair me off with another clan to get married."
Rossweisse adopts a small smile on her face.
"Yes, I know the feeling. But really? They wish for you to get married?"
Rossweisse was a bit surprised they'd want someone so young to get married all of a sudden.
"Yeah...it's annoying, I think they're doing it for two reasons."
"What reasons could they have to marry you off?"
Akira held up his fingers, and began explaining.
"One, being because of my connection Uncle Diehauser, and the Worthless ability. That being in another clan would probably be beneficial for that clan, even if my blood, in their eyes, is tainted by the human in me. Two being my Longinus, they probably think that the power, or aura of the Longinus would pass onto my children. If not, then at least the Longinus would be in that clans family as well, that's the reasons I believe that they'd have for even allowing someone like me to marry a Pure Blooded Devil."
Rossweisse could certainly understand.
Rossweisse's face turns sour.
"That's horrible."
"Yeah...you can say that again. To be honest, I'd rather marry someone because I loved them, not because our clans say so. My Uncle isn't for me marrying anyone, even if the Underworld pressure us, but I don't want to cause trouble for my Uncle, so I'd probably accept until I see if we're compatible, then decide if we are or not to get married. Of course her feelings would matter as well, if she didn't love me then I would make sure that we didn't get married."
"Even if you liked her?"
"I couldn't ask someone to marry me if they didn't love me. And I'd hope it would be the same coming from whoever the girl is as well."
Rossweisse adopts a small smile on her face.
"I think that's rather lovely to hear. As I thought, you are a kind person, now speaking with you only confirms it for me."
"Thanks...plus, if I like become super strong, then they'd have a hard time telling me what to do~" Akira joked at the end, something that made Rossweisse release a giggle. "So I've heard Norse Magic's are really interesting. I myself know some Magic's, and some Exorcist techniques."
"Magic's huh? I'm surprised, what Magic's do you know?"
Akira tilted his head, and got into deep thought.
"Well...I know some elemental Magic, some defensive spells, some tracking spells, holy spells. I also have my demonic power of course. I've learned a good deal of other types of Magic and how it works, you know so I can make it Worthless. In the case of my clans trait, knowledge is power."
Rossweisse released a giggle at what he said towards the end.
"Oh yes, that would make sense. But still, that's quite a good arrange of Magic for someone so young."
"Thanks very much...Ooh yeah, a friend of mine also taught me the basics of Investigation Magic, though I only learned that, today haha~"
Rossweisse gained a refreshing smile on her face.
Speaking to Akira was really quite the treat.
Akira also felt the same thing, and was enjoying Rossweisse's company more and more.
To the point that she was someone that Akira was really enjoying being around.
The same for Akira himself.
They talked for a good solid two hours before anyone came to disturb them. During that time, the conversations flowed more and more naturally.
The next day, Akira finally was able to track the cat girl down once more.
With Lavinia's help, it was possible to find her.
His little black dog laid on top of Akira's head, sleeping away happily, something Akira found to be adorable.
Elmenhilde and Ravel decided to come with him, he didn't mind and found it good to have some others come with him.
"Elmenhilde-sama, it is rather curious that you're able to lay on the bed of Akira-sama."
Ravel observed back at the home before they left, deciding to bring it up now.
Elmenhilde looked towards her, running a hand through her hair.
"I don't see a problem with it, I've even slept in his bed several times. It is a comfort for me now."
Ravel did a spit take, while Akira raised an eyebrow.
"Y-You have?! T-That's not good!"
She argued, with Elmenhilde giving a keen observant eye.
"It's not? But, because of the feelings I've had for a while now, I have thought it would be best if I did it this way, wouldn't it? Laying in bed next to someone like this boy, and his such addictive, sensual blood that makes me feel hot inside..." Ravel looked worried as Elmenhilde wiped her lips. "Either way...it doesn't matter all that much, does it?"
Ravel looked on with mild curiosity.
But then she turned towards Akira, and diverted from that conversation all together.
"By the way, how is Akeno-sama settling in?"
Ravel asks, so Akira explains.
"Yeah, we meet up from time to time, I think she's doing really well, adjustments have to be made of course, because the Underworld is a different place to that of the human world, but she's doing very well."
"That's a relief. I'm sure when Rias-sama gains her Evil Pieces, she'll probably think about making Akeno-sama her Queen or at least a member of her group. Speaking of, heard anything about your own Akira-sama?"
"Uncle is meeting with them, I think we'll gain the answer pretty soon."
Akira explained, while Elmenhilde furrowed her brows.
"Vampires can also make something like a peerage, though usually it is frowned upon by other Vampires of noble status. Usually, it is exclusive to those that are below nobles, that wish to gain power quickly."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, I wouldn't mind telling you some more if you'd like?"
"Sure, thanks Elmen-san~"
Akira was quite excited to hear more about Vampires. He knew some, but from Elmenhilde he learned more and more.
However, as they talked, Akira saw out of the corner of his eye, something moving through the forest, and his tracking spell was becoming more alert.
He turned fully, and saw that there was a cat eared girl with white hair, and a rather small body, even smaller than Elmenhilde, moving towards a large tree.
He remembered her, he was happy she came towards his place, so he stuck his head towards her, while Ravel and Elmenhilde also turn towards the cat girl.
"Hey cat girl...I've found you..."
Before he could finish, the girls eyes went towards him.
When he saw said eyes, he saw pain and sadness within them.
"...You found me...I was...hoping that...you would..."
He couldn't stand seeing such a sight of her being in a situation like this.
Ravel looked on, intrigued.
"So she's come here? Even though she escaped detainment...maybe she didn't have anywhere else to go? It seems really sad all of a sudden...Akira-sama, can we do something?"
"We can do something Ravel-san, lets go and see what we can do."
Akira walked towards the tree.
Ravel and Elmenhilde stood close by.
As he arrived, he saw the girl looking down at him, so he cocked his head.
"I'm glad I was able to find you, I was extremely worried about you."
Akira expressed as sincerely as he possibly could.
He didn't want to frighten her anymore, he didn't sense any hostility towards him or anything from her.
All he could see was the fear on her face, and in her eyes.
It was clear that she had no intentions on fighting.
"...You really came for me..."
"Yes, that's right. Are you okay?"
The girl went to nod, when she felt something.
Akira did as well, and turned his eyes around to see who was approaching.
Three Devils came in close.
Dressed in attire that meant they served directly under the Old Devils, Ravel recognized it, while Elmenhilde looked worried for Akira.
Ravel watched on, quite curious to see how Akira would handle this, as she began contacting Diehauser, knowing that would be the best.
In the meantime, Ravel knew Akira would be capable of keeping himself, and others safe as well, she just knew it.
Akira twisted his hand towards the shadow, with a black katana like sword beginning to come out.
"Excuse me, but-"
"Quite scum!"
One of them yelled, Akira rolled his eyes as the three approached.
"Hand over that little cat, right now!"
"Or else what?"
Akira asked, showing no willingness to move, or be intimidated.
Another one stepped forward, rocking a dark grin on his face.
"Or else, we'll also kill you half breed!"
Akira didn't even need to think about it, he could clearly see the intentions of these people were to attack this young girl, so Akira fully revealed his black blade, and twirled it around in his hand, readying himself to fight the enemy.
He glanced at Elmenhilde, who was recording everything, which he was thankful for. The black dog also leapt off his head, and stayed close to Ravel and Elmenhilde, acting as their bodyguard in case they attacked, also keeping his eye on the cat girl so Akira could concentrate on defeating the enemy before them all.
"I have to remind you, you're threatening violence against me without giving me an explanation on what and why this is happening. I'll be contacting my Uncle. You might not be worried about my status, but someone like my Uncle, who's the Rating Game Champion, who also has connections, I suggest explaining your actions."
The Devils sneered, and laughed.
They didn't take him seriously, and felt like they could kill him if they desired, not liking the idea of a Half Breed telling them what to do.
"Yeah right, Devils don't like you being here."
"We don't want your kind here."
"Give us a good chance to get rid of you, getting in the way of Pure Blooded Devils."
The trio made their intentions known, so Akira did as well.
He vanished from sight, surprising both the Devils, and the young cat girl.
He reappeared to the right hand side of one of the men, his black blade at his neck, completely taking him by surprise.
"I suggest making a good choice."
The man's hand tightened, and he looked quite enraged, so Akira watched as he summoned a spear, fuelled with demonic power, and thrusted it towards Akira.
"Here's your choice brat!"
Akira sighed.
"Fine, then here's the consequences."
The boy vanished, appearing on the other side of the man within seconds, and his blade dripped with blood.
The man had to take a moment to register what happened, but then felt pain erupting through him, so he dropped to the ground, a slice mark across his back, but not enough to kill, only to disable as he knew Diehauser would want him to do that.
"You little shit!"
One of the other men fired off a strong burst of demonic power for Akira.
But the boy held up his blade, and used Worthless to erase the power, before swinging his sword forward, as he moved forward. The speed of the blade was surprising, but the Devil dodged it and came to the right hand side.
He summoned more demonic power, shooting it for Akira.
The cat girl looked astonished as a black blade came out from the shadows, acting like a barrier, and erased the power before Akira kicked the blade out of the shadows, sending it for the man who couldn't dodge at such a close range, ending up having a deep gash on his left hand side, bringing him down to the ground.
The last one growled, and fuelled his fists with demonic power.
"You little bastard!"
He charged Akira, who dodged out of the way several times, avoiding the attacks all together, and then vanished.
Upon appearing towards the right, the man's fist whipped around at Akira rather fast.
"Calling people names, is rather rude."
But the boy dodged, and countered with slashing the area around his fist. The demonic power vanished, along with a slice appearing on his flesh, making him grimace in pain.
"You little-"
"Goodbye."
Akira delivered a hard kick to the man's upper body, sending him flying away.
Landing on the ground harshly, Akira took several blades from the shadows around the man, and had them pin him, and his comrades, down to the ground to the point that they wouldn't be capable of escaping.
With Akira finishing the job against Devils that didn't hold much power, he turned towards the cat girl, and moved closer.
Ravel and Elmenhilde walked over, as Akira got to the cat girl in the trees.
"I don't know what happened with you personally beyond what I've heard about your Onee-sama I believe, but I also have to deal with the Old Devils so I know what its like. I can see that you don't have an evil heart, so will you come down so we can sort this out?"
The cat girl wasn't sure.
She didn't think Akira was bad, in fact it was a reason she stayed, because she felt like he was genuinely trying to help her.
However, she didn't know what was going to happen to her.
As she was contemplating it, Diehauser arrived, and his eyes turned towards the downed guards. Having received the information from Ravel beforehand, he didn't need an explanation on what was going on, so he went towards Akira.
"Akira, everything okay? I came as fast as I could."
Akira waved his hand a single time, to dispel any worries that Diehauser would have.
"Yes, everything is fine, though they wish to take care of this small girl." Akira directed his hand towards the cat girl. "Uncle, I can't see why she needs to die because of someone else's actions, which I am unable to believe without proof, because I've seen the way some Devils operate, and twist the truth."
Going on his own experiences, and what has happened until then, Akira could vision a situation where the truth being told wasn't the actual truth. It could be, but from what he saw of this white haired cat girl, he couldn't see any evil in her eyes nor in her heart either.
"I can't say one way or the other. However, I do know that this girl is someone that escaped. But from what I can see, she is rather frightened. Hm, Sirzechs-sama also contacted me Akira, and this girl is someone that needs to go towards him who wishes to help her."
"Is there anything we can do to help Sirzechs-sama?"
Diehauser liked that.
Even though Akira didn't know this girl, when he saw someone in need of help, then he wished to do it to the best of his ability.
"There are things we can do. However, first we have to cooperate with the Maou-sama's, I know for certain that Sirzechs-sama doesn't want the death of this girl."
Akira had grown to know Sirzechs.
While finding him a bit odd at times, he knew Sirzechs was a good man and if he said that, then he knew he'd keep his word.
"If that's the case, then I know Sirzechs-sama will do his best, and we can too."
Diehauser nods, as Akira looks up at the cat girl.
He went to move towards them, when more agents showed up. Wielding weapons and demonic power, Diehauser took a step forward.
"Excuse me, but I have already contacted those Old Devils, to discuss about this girls fate. Now if you'd like to lower your weapons and we speak civilly with one another, otherwise I might have to become involved."
Even though he was the Champion, some Devils had thought he wasn't strong.
However, one flare of his demonic power, the Devils all stood in place, worried about the power that he had, and how they wouldn't be able to win against him.
Akira turned towards the cat girl.
Spreading his Devil wings, he takes himself to the sky, and parks himself before the young girl.
Akira reached his hand out towards her.
"I know you're scared, but we wont let anything happen to you."
The girl looked at how, without even knowing her, Akira was already willing to defend her.
She didn't quite get it, but it was the first time she saw a Devil wanting to keep her safe.
"...If I went, what will happen?"
For the first time, she spoke up.
Akira flew to the side of her, and sat down on the branch.
Ravel and Elmenhilde watched on as Akira spoke up.
"I can't say, I don't know the future. But what I do know is that Sirzechs-san is a good man, he said he'd fight for you, then he will, and so will I. After that, I don't know, but we'll make sure that you're safe, okay? This isn't your fault, so we want to make sure nothing happens to you. You've been through enough."
When he spoke, Ravel could hear the powerful words, and how deeply he cared for those around him. Even those he didn't know. This girl, was practically a stranger, yet he was willing to help her because she needed it, Ravel thought it was rather beautiful.
Elmenhilde was reminded of when she met Akira, and how he came for her as well. Saving and protecting her, even when she was attacked.
The cat girl herself became perplexed, and tilted her head side to side curiously, and Akira's mind, cutely.
"...You said they didn't like you before...Why don't they like you?"
"Because...I'm not something they want. They don't want me around beyond for my powers for the Underworld. Besides...I can't stand by when someone who hasn't done anything wrong is punished, you're an innocent girl."
The girl was surprised.
She thought she'd be written off almost immediately.
But no, she wasn't at all.
She felt like her decision to come towards the place of the person that helped her, was the best decision that she made.
"...If I went now, would I...be able to see you again? I haven't...seen a kind Devil...like you...before."
Akira smiles.
"I'll make sure of it."
With that, the cat girl leaned closer, and took his hand within her own.
She trusted in him.
She could see his kind eyes, and his demeanour being something that was very approachable.
They then came off of the tree, Diehauser walked closer, and smiled to himself.
"Akira...he really is a kind young man. He's willing to protect everyone that needs him, they never even have to ask, even if they never said thank you, or acknowledged it...that's the kind of young man Akira is, one I'm proud of."
Diehauser thought fondly, as he moved to Akira's side.
He gave him a soft smile, before looking at the cat girl.
"Well done Akira, you really have a kind heart."
Akira gives a single nod.
The girl then turned towards Akira, and moved closer.
"...I realized, in the times we met, I didn't say my name."
Akira turned, and bent down towards her.
"You're right, so what's your name?"
"...To be honest, I want a different name because this one reminds me of the past, but my current name is Shirone."
The newly named Shirone expressed, having a difficult pained look on her face.
Akira was glad to finally put a name to a face, staring at the young girl, before beginning to pat the top of her head.
"Nice to meet you. I didn't say my name either, did I? My names Akira Belial."
The girl thought that his name, and the pat on the head, felt rather comforting.
Even though she didn't know him…
The fact he went above and beyond for her...she felt like, she could trust him in the end.
A few days after that event, Akira casually sat around his living room, wondering what was going to happen with the cat girl Shirone. Akira also thought about the other things going on in his life, with the Underworld, and various things to do with that.
However, in the middle of his thoughts, Akira heard a noise coming from the entryway, so he turned.
What he saw was the small cat girl Shirone stood there.
"You're okay. I'm relieved."
Akira began, with the girl moving closer.
She sat down close by, and peered at him.
"...Yes, I've been allowed to live. Thanks to everyone...I get to live now. Though, I was offered a choice by Sirzechs-sama. To live with the Gremory, or to live with the Belial. ...I hope it isn't an inconvenience, but I chose to live here."
She didn't say much of the reasons why, but it was clear to Akira and those present, including that of Diehauser who was stood at the entryway without making any sounds, why she was wanting to stay there, and no one had a problem with it.
Akira adopted a small smile on his face.
His hand comfortingly petted her head, the girls large eyes went towards his own.
"Yeah, that's okay with me~"
Shirone didn't show it much on her face, but she was glad to hear such words directed towards her.
"...Also, I have another request."
"What is it?"
The girl didn't speak for a few moments, collecting her thoughts so she could convey them as strongly as possible.
"...I'd also like, if I had another name."
"Another name huh?"
"...Shirone, it...brings me sad memories of my Onee-sama, of my past...I'd like something else...I'd like...something new...to make...a new life without Onee-sama...something that says a lot...about me..."
Akira believed he understood her mentality behind such a decision.
Wanting a new life, a new her, it was something he easily could think of being an ordinary thing for her to want.
"That's okay. Got any in mind?"
"...No, but if you do, I wouldn't mind if it….came from you."
She confessed at the end.
Though she made it seem like it wasn't such a big deal, in actuality it was a deal to her, to be named by someone she was growing to trust more and more. Though with few interactions, she saw not once, but twice how he put her safety above his own.
"I see, then I'll give it a think over."
"...Yes, that would be best."
Akira's lips curled upwards, and ended up softly petting the top of her head, with Shirone's eyes going up towards Akira's own.
Seeing a kindness beaming down at her, she felt something inside of her chest.
It was warm, and it made her feel…
It made her feel, something that she hadn't really done since her elder sister had disappeared.
But more than that, though words hadn't been exchanged, the girl felt deep inside, the head pat was a symbol of how he'd stay beside her. He wouldn't leave her, which was something that she cherished a good deal. After hearing his own story, it was clear the values Akira had when it came to protecting people, so she easily could move to a conclusion what kind of person he truly is.
As that was going on, a young black haired cat girl showed a fearless smile as she stared at the opponent before her, the area around them was bathed in fire, the ground was burned to a degree that it was clear a battle had been raging on for a good while now.
"What the hell do you want, Witch? Attacking me, you aren't with the Devils, you're a human from what I can see. So, have the Devils brought in humans to find me?"
The young girl demanded as an old Witch came flying towards her.
Flames of purple bathed around her skin, and her hands concentrated more flames.
"I have no interest in your past connections with Devils Kuroka. All I'm interested in is your power. Killing your Master put you on my radar. You're sneaky, but I found you."
"Great for you, seems that I'm popular lately nyaa. So what do you want?"
"Well, it seems you're a criminal of the Underworld. You can't return."
Kuroka scoffed.
"No, I didn't realize."
Sarcastically saying it, Kuroka continued giving off a fearless smile, even though she felt tired from everything she had to do lately.
The old Witch Augusta showing a dirty grin.
"If you're in such a pickle, you have little to rely on. Now, come with me."
"Nyaaa, not interested."
Augusta laughed, a deep dark chuckle that even made Kuroka feel a nervous bead of sweat roll down her cheek.
"I wasn't asking dear." Kuroka scowled as Augusta menacingly held her hand out, magical circles spreading through the air as did purple holy flames. "Your power is something of interest to us, your Senjutsu, coupling up with the powers we're creating, you'll be a fine specimen. A good first test subject, you'll gain great power if you do come with me, you'll have to forfeit your will, but that's only a small price for someone who has no options in life anyway."
Kuroka growled.
Seeing how Augusta was speaking and how the evil dripped from her voice, reminded her of her former Master, something that she felt was quite sickening.
"You cheeky bitch, I already killed one bastard for trying to do experiments, I guess I'll have to do you too."
Augusta sent out her flames, so Kuroka dodged, but some managed to catch her tail, and made them burn.
Kuroka managed to put out the flames, but the intensity of them were something that damaged Kuroka, and make her grit her teeth in pain.
"Damn you, no ordinary flames are they...?"
"That's right, these flames are my Longinus, something that you'll come to know of if you defy me. Now come with me, or suffer through flames of holy destruction."
Kuroka tightened her hands, and fired off several projectile blasts for her.
But Augusta created circles of defence with her magic, being able to block each and every attack.
"Are you working with Naberius or something?"
Augusta let out a cackling laugh.
"No, I'm taking advantage of a situation, something I'm sure you're accustomed to as well."
Kuroka frowned.
But then something came to her.
"Taking advantage of a situation huh? I might as well do that as well nyaaa~"
The old Witch raised her brows.
"What do you mean?"
"Sorry old timer, but I'm not interested in being your specimen, so goodbye."
Kuroka showed a smirk on her face, then she moved her fingers in a manner where she produced a thick layer of poison around her.
The poisonous mist spread quickly, and neared Augusta.
"Kuroka, don't think this will kill me!"
Augusta quickly dispelled it with her advanced knowledge of spells.
But when she did, Kuroka had vanished.
Tightening her hand, Augusta's purple flames danced around her. Creating huge crosses in the sky, and on the ground, burning the very earth around her.
She was enraged, and her objective, was solely on finding Kuroka right now.
"...You are an annoying one girl, but you can't escape, no matter where you go. I'll find you. Then, you'll become the perfect test subject for our new powers to be birthed."
Full of anger, Augusta's flames surrounded her as she made her intentions known, she wasn't going to allow Kuroka to get away, no matter what.
Even if it was to the ends of the earth, Augusta would chase the young girl down.
End chapter!
So this chapter focused on the introduction of Koneko/Shirone! It seemed that she was trying to escape her fate, and eventually she managed to find her way towards Akira, after he had saved her, she took a chance with him, and it paid off for her.
Meanwhile, Akira and Rossweisse officially met one another again, and began speaking, slowly becoming closer to one another. Lavinia also helped out Akira, tracking down Shirone, even being able to see that Vali might have some feelings for Akira, but hasn't admitted anything about it yet.
Then at the end, it seems Kuroka's in some trouble with Augusta becoming interested in her power, and coming after her. So we'll see what happens with them next time!
Now onto fiancée's! Thanks to everyone that's voted, it seems in the end that Iryuka just nudged it out, so she'll be the fiancée!
Now onto the peerage itself! Lint will be the remaining Knight! As for the Rook and remaining Pawns, I've got some ideas on who they'll be, like perhaps the Rook might be Bova, but I haven't decided yet fully. So suggestions still welcome.
Well until next time, thanks for reading!
Akira's peerage.
Queen; Lavinia.
Rooks; Koneko, undecided.
Bishops; Kuroka, Valerie (mutated).
Knights; Irina, Lint.
Pawns; Elmenhilde (one piece), Rossweisse (three pieces), Ravel (two pieces), rest undecided.
Akira; Vali (fem), Rossweisse, Irina, Elmenhilde, Ravel, Lavinia, Rias, Akeno, Isane, Xenovia, Koneko, Asia, Ophis, Kuroka, Serafall, Valerie, Lint, Iryuka,