Welcome to the next chapter!
shephawk; Yeah, it's going to be pretty fun~ I'm sure a lot of people are going to be shocked, and invested to see more about her growth as a character. That would be pretty funny yeah.
Morregen; Thanks! Glad you liked it! He could do yeah. He does yeah, and he'll gain more pretty soon~ Here's the next chapter!
Benny Farr; Yeah, it's complete!
wellingtonlucas282; Thanks very much!
Koga939; Glad you like them! He could do yeah~
OechsnerC; Thanks! Here's the next chapter!
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, he's got his Evil Pieces, now he can begin reincarnating some people~ Yeah, he's got a few people already willing to join his group. Ravel's parents are yeah. Glad you liked the fight between Akira, and David with Freed. Yeah, he could do. Lets hope they can do yeah~
Silver crow; Thanks. He did yeah. Valerie is yeah. In time he'll become more accustomed to wearing such things. Yeah a lot of people showed up to see him gain his Evil Pieces. Yeah Roygun surely did. Koneko does yeah. Lavinia did yeah. We'll see what happens with them in the future. Valerie and Akira will have chances to speak this chapter. Yeah the peerage could do. Yeah during that part with the Exorcists, Akira and Vasco will have some moments between them. Vasco could do yeah. Serafall could do. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Yeah, they could do. Maybe she will.
Waifu man; Yeah, he'd know them from when he was young. That would be pretty funny, thanks for the suggestions.
Godofwar01; Not needed, that's just how it ended up. Yeah, it would be interesting to see.
Weebshitt; Thanks! Yeah, she's the Queen~
ItsDannyz; He could do yeah, Zekram Bael is one of the reasons Akira's suffered in the past.
tizianog98; Thanks very much! Glad you like the story! Yeah, Akira could do something like that in the future.
Akeno fan; Vali will be important to the story. He has yeah, he's got Valerie and will begin having some others in this chapter. We'll be seeing what's going to happen with Satanael, and Augusta, pretty soon. Yeah, Akira and Valerie will be having some fun interactions.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
New peerage members!
Valerie laid peacefully within her bed, Akira hadn't left her side, and was waiting for her to wake up.
After Akira had finished reincarnating her, something strange happened.
A grail had come from an unknown place.
It soon became evident that it was from Valerie.
Akira examined the grail that was beside her, seeing the beautiful gold colour, the more he stared at it, the more he knew it had to be Sephiroth Graal.
The fact that it was, surprised Akira.
But he was also happy to see it so up close and personal.
More than that however, Akira managed to save this girls life, and that was something Akira was happy about doing.
Ravel walks into the room, and sees Akira still beside Valerie.
"Akira-sama, it's been a good while, why don't you go and get some food? I can watch over her."
"Are you sure?"
Ravel nods a single time.
"It would be my honour, my future King."
Akira chuckled, glancing at the sleeping Valerie.
"...Alright, I'll go and get something to eat, I'll be right back."
Ravel nods, and Akira walks off, leaving the Devil alone with the Vampire girl.
Ravel sat down near the bed, and began reading a book.
As she did, Valerie soon opened her eyes.
Her memory was foggy of what happened, and therefore, when she saw Ravel, she saw a Pure Blooded Devil, and that in her mind was potentially a dangerous enemy.
That made her feel nervous and afraid, more over she couldn't even see Gasper anywhere which caused even more worry for her.
She stayed silent, seeing that Ravel hadn't noticed her yet, and quickly searched around for anything to help her out.
When she saw a golden chalice, her eyes and body were drawn to it.
Like they were apart of her being.
Because she was drawn to it, as her hand grabbed the grail.
Ravel noticed Valerie awake, so she adopted a kind smile.
"Hello, my name is..."
"W-Who are you?" Valerie worriedly demanded, thrusting the grail at Ravel who gasped and fell backwards. "W-What are you doing? Where's Gasper? I-I'd like to know please!"
Ravel thought for someone in worry, she was still rather polite.
And the fact that she was capable of even being threatening at all was difficult, since Valerie seemed to be quite a nice girl.
Ravel did her best to calm the situation down.
"Please, calm down. It is okay, my name is Ravel Phenex, I'm Akira-sama's future peerage member, and, and we are..."
While she spoke, Valerie noticed that the cup was filling with a sparkly liquid.
She didn't entirely know what this meant, but she thought that because she might be in danger, she'd do her best to find Gasper and protect herself.
"T-This cup is filled with...a-acid, and if y-you don't tell me where Gasper is...I'll use it on you!"
"T-That cups got acid in it?! That's the power of the Sacred Gear?!"
Ravel yells with worry, not overly familiar with Longinus' like Akira was, and wondered if there was some truths to Valerie's words.
Valerie briefly paused, and thought "Sacred Gear...this is a Sacred Gear, so that's why I feel attached to it..." before turning back to Ravel, renewed with energy to find her friend.
"Y-Yes, it has acid...a-and it will be used...I will u-use it…!"
Valerie was scared.
She didn't know which way to turn, and she wasn't one for violence.
But in a strange world, she didn't know what else to even try.
If she could try anything at all.
Ravel didn't know what it was, she couldn't take the chance that it actually was acid that she had, something that she didn't want to have to deal with if she was honest with herself.
"Please calm down! Don't throw acid at me!"
Ravel panics as Valerie stands up and shakes her hand at Ravel, who in turn backs herself to a wall.
The young Phenex watches as Valerie gives her worried eyes.
But then the door opens, and Akira comes in, seeing the scene before his eyes.
"Ravel-"
Before he could fully get the words out, she began standing up, and turning towards him, hurriedly got her words out as she approached him speedily.
"Akira-sama help! She's threatening to throw acid at me from her Sacred Gear!"
Confusion came over Akira, as he watched Ravel hide behind him.
"It's not acid Ravel-san, don't worry about it."
"Really?"
Ravel hoped that was true, having some kind of sacred acid thrown at her wasn't something that Ravel had planned to have.
"Yes, her Sacred Gear couldn't produce acid. The sparkly water, is most likely some kind of healing power. Her Sacred Gear...probably could be defined best as the ultimate recovery Sacred Gear, it's got a lot of things about it that even I'm not fully aware of."
He gave Ravel a brief comfort, before turning towards Valerie.
The girl looked unsure, so Akira tried to make himself appear less threatening as humanly possible.
"Hello, my names Akira Belial, it seems that things are still a bit hazy for you?" Valerie slowly nods, the fog clearing more as she began recognizing Akira's face and voice. "I'm sorry if you became worried, I just stepped out to get some food. Are you hungry by chance?"
Valerie felt her stomach rumbling at the mention of food, and did think having something to eat would be good at that moment in time.
"...A little, but...Gasper. Is...Is Gasper well?"
The clear worry for her friend transmitted to Akira, who probably would feel the same if he was in her situation.
"Yeah, Gasper-sans recovered, and...well, it seems Gasper-sans a little scared right now, apparently his eyes have been causing some troubles for Rias-chan and keeps freezing her in place...which Akeno-san took advantage of and drew on her face~"
Ravel held back a snicker, as Valerie was grateful to Gasper being okay.
He then pulled closer, seeing the girl looking unsure.
"I was able to get your name from Gasper-san as he ducked in and out of hiding and speaking to me, it's Valerie-san, right?"
Valerie nodded.
If Gasper trusted Akira to say her name, then she could do the same.
She couldn't sense any evil from Akira, unlike those that had been around her before, and had tried to attack her, or being horrible to her due to the heritage that she had.
"...Yes, Valerie Tepes, that's my name. Can I see Gasper?"
Akira nods his head.
"Of course, though afterwards, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you about a few things?"
"Like, what?"
Valerie wondered, Akira pointed behind her.
She looked and saw Devil wings emerging out of her, shocking her briefly.
But then she remembered what he said about turning into a Devil.
"I...became a Devil...you saved my life."
Recalling the events, and how if without Akira, her body would have been destroyed by David, and his apprentice Freed, but he did come and even if she was a Devil, she and Gasper were still alive.
"Yes, you're a Devil now. My Bishop, my first Evil Piece usage in fact, it was an interesting experience. But yes, that, and the fact that you have a Longinus. Would it be okay if we talked after seeing Gasper-san?"
Valerie didn't have a problem with that, and thought it would be best to do it right now.
"...Yes, it would be okay. Now we can go?"
"Yes, lets go and see Gasper-san, I'm sure you'll be happy to see each other."
With that, Akira took Valerie to go and see her friend, while Ravel watched with keen interest.
When they did see Gasper, Akira saw Gasper and Valerie hug like siblings.
It brought happiness to Akira's heart, that they could be together like this.
Even Rias murmured "It's nice, they can be together all the time." with Akira mentally agreeing, seeing such a nice bond between them.
"Gasper, are you okay?"
"Y-Yeeees! I-I woke up her-here, and it was a little s-scary, but I am okay..."
Valerie placed a hand over her heart.
"I'm glad, it seems that we're both Devils now."
When she said it, Akira wondered how she felt about it deep inside. It wasn't an easy transition he was sure.
Gasper nodded slowly, looking towards Rias, then towards Akira.
"Valerie...I am...g-glad that you're okay...!"
"Yes...I am glad you're okay as well. But Gasper, remember about your eyes, you have to try your best to control them."
Gasper nods slowly, shyly and sadly.
"It's hard..."
Akira walked over, and peered into Gasper's timid looking eyes.
"Your Sacred Gear, freezing time is quite an amazingly strong power."
Gasper became shy, and hid behind Valerie, who nodded in his place.
"Yes, that's right, it is. Being able to freeze time at anything he looks at."
Akira tilts his head, before nodding.
"I see. Well, you don't have to worry Gasper-san, we're going to help you."
Gasper peaked out from behind Valerie, looking towards Akira.
"...You're not mad?"
Akira shook his head as Rias moved closer.
"No, neither of us are mad Gasper, it's okay that you can't control your power yet, that's what we're here for. We'll all do our best to help you."
Valerie looked on, seeing the sincerity within the faces of both Devils.
It was an odd sensation, something that she hadn't witnessed before.
But, she did like that even though they knew little about them, both Rias and Akira wanted to help the young Vampire's out.
After spending sometime with Gasper, Valerie sat down with Akira, and some others, including Koneko who curled up to him like a cute cat, Elmenhilde who looked over Valerie as a fellow Vampire, Ravel sat close by to Akira, and finally Diehauser stood at the doorway, watching how Akira was going to handle this.
"So where would you like to begin?"
Akira asked, seeing where her head was at in this moment of time.
Valerie hummed, looking down at herself.
"I suppose...with the fact that I'm a Devil now."
"Yes, that would be a good choice to begin with. Right, you're apart of my peerage now, my Bishop. You were on the verge of death, you remember that, yes?"
"I do...Gasper and I, had just escaped, and we were targeted by Vampire hunters."
Elmenhilde could relate with that, and held up her hand.
"Girl, same."
Akira glanced at her, seeing that she was giving off curious eyes.
Valerie herself looked astonished.
"You...are also a Vampire? Yes, I can see...I'm surprised to see another one of our kind with Devils."
Elmenhilde folded her arms.
"Indeed, though how we met is a different set of circumstances. Maybe you've heard of me, Elmenhilde?"
"Elmenhilde...erm, I did hear that a betrayer of Vampires called Elmenhilde did go towards the Devils."
Elmenhilde let out a cute whine, while Akira placed his hand on top of her head, Koneko murmuring "You're with us now, you'll be fine." which Elmenhilde appreciated a good deal.
Collecting her thoughts, Elmenhilde spoke up once more.
"Though I'm surprised that the Vampire's allowed you to go so easily?"
Valerie shook her head.
"It wasn't easy, it was rather difficult escaping from them. But Gasper, and I couldn't...we couldn't take the treatment that we had anymore. Originally, I wished to help Gasper escape, and I'd stay behind to make sure that it was possible, but he helped convince me to go as well. It was a difficult decision, but I followed my heart and ran for my life, to see if I could find a better life out there, somewhere."
Replying truthfully, Akira could understand that.
"I'm sorry that you've been through so much. It must have been difficult, but know that you're safe here, no one is going to try and hurt you."
The sincerity of his voice made Valerie feel good about herself.
She did feel a little bit safer.
Though because she didn't know them that well, she still felt a little on guard, something Akira understood perfectly.
"Thank you...though I didn't expect to be turned into a Devil. And I have a Sacred Gear? That's surprising to me."
"So, by your words, I take it, you didn't have any knowledge on that before today?"
Ravel asked with keen interest.
Valerie nods her head.
"Yes, I didn't have a clue I had a Sacred Gear at all. I don't even know what the Sacred Gear is. It looks beautiful...and I'm drawn to it, like a magnet if that makes sense?"
Akira could get that, he knew of people awakening their Sacred Gears at different times in their lives, and not knowing of it fully would also make sense.
"Yours is special, it is apart of the Longinus class of Sacred Gears. I also hold a Longinus Sacred Gear."
As he said it, he revealed Canis to her.
The little dog let out a cute bark, Valerie was astonished to see such a Longinus in the form of a cute puppy.
"This is my Longinus, he and others like Canis, are called Independent Avatar Sacred Gear type. Basically it means Canis here has his own instincts, and can fight independently from me, or with me depending on the situation."
Valerie looked at the black dog that excitedly wagged his tail.
Canis went over to Valerie, who moved her hand down.
She hesitated at first.
But then she fully stroked his head, and gave a soft smile feeling the softness of the fur, and the energetic look on the dogs face.
"Amazing, so we half breeds both have Longinus'. I must confess, I entirely don't know much about Longinus', but I do know enough that you have to be at least a little human for the chance to be born with them."
Akira inclines his head.
"Yes, that's true. I've also heard that it can be a double edged sword using that Longinus, but I don't know all of the details. So if you don't mind, I know a Fallen Angel that will help study your Longinus, I wouldn't want you to be in danger."
Valerie tilted her head side to side, Akira seeing her eyes being on the ground for the most part.
She probably was coming to terms with what happened with her.
That's what he thought.
"Yes, if you think that's best, I don't have a problem with it. I also don't wish to be in danger with my Sacred Gear."
"Great, then we can do that later on. For now, you can relax. It must be a hard transition to what your life was before, and what it is now. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I'll try and answer anything to the best of my ability."
Valerie gave an appreciative smile.
"Thank you...so Akira-san, may I ask you a question then?"
"Yes of course, what is it?"
Valerie wondered how to word this, wringing her hands together in a cute manner.
"What's...expected of me, as your servant now? I mean...do I serve you tea, or...do I have to go...shopping perhaps? Should I wear a maids outfit?"
Elmenhilde began nodding, only to be stopped when Ravel looked towards her inquisitively.
Akira let out a laugh, finding it genuinely interesting how Valerie viewed being a servant.
"No, you don't have to do any of that. Being my servant...that's going to take a little time to answer. Though boiling it down, as long as we do the important things together like having a fight with a strong enemy or something, everything else, is up to you. Like, having hobbies, and finding out your passions in your new life. If you have any goals, it'll be up to you what you wish to do."
Valerie found that to be quite surprising if she was honest with herself.
Valerie looked at Akira curiously, as the young man continues.
"Sometimes there will be some duties that we have to do as my peerage, either hunt Stray Devils, or take care of tasks my peerage have set out, or perhaps help other people like yourself."
"Like me?"
Akira nods and explains.
"Yes, to help those that need help. It is a goal of mine. To help those that might not have anyone, or can't turn to anyone else for help, I was quite the same for a good long time, being hunted, and having no salvation, I don't want others to go through that if I can help it. That's why I want to make sure your Sacred Gear is safe to use, I'll even ask Azazel-san about Gasper-sans and see if there's anything to be done about that."
Valerie liked the idea of what Akira said.
Exploring that, and helping her find her own identity, finding out what she wished to do and what she could want, it was a good thing for her indeed.
When Akira went towards the Grigori together with Valerie and Ravel, with the others deciding to stay back at the house for the time being, decided to make sure Valerie was safe and sound for the time being. Akira thought it would be the best thing for them to do.
When they arrived, Azazel gave a hearty laugh, and peered into the boys eyes.
"Haha, so you've been gathering Longinus', have you?"
Azazel greeted them with a hearty laugh. Valerie went behind Akira, and hid in a cute manner.
"Well, I didn't know at the time she had one."
Akira replied with a playful tone.
"Still, Sephiroth Graal, it seems the half breeds are in the running for most Longinus' possessed in this generation." Azazel walked forward, but Valerie gave a worried stare. "Relax, I'm going to help you study your powers."
Akira saw Valerie was still nervous, very understandably so.
He wished to assure her that everything was fine, so he turned towards her.
"Valerie-san, I know he seems...lets say eccentric, but you don't have to worry, I'll be here every step of the way with you. We just need to find out more about your powers, and what's safe, and unsafe for you to use."
Azazel nods his head a single time.
"Yes, he's right. The Longinus you wield can be very dangerous if used incorrectly. It could bring about such hardships for you, so why don't we get that Longinus sorted out for you?"
Valerie looked towards Akira.
Seeing his smile for her, she felt more at ease, and simply nodded, then walked together with Azazel.
Getting to the area that Azazel wished to begin, Valerie who was clutching the grail within her hand after Akira explained to her how she'd be able to summon her Longinus based on his knowledge and own experience with his own, placed it on a table, while Azazel began running some tests.
"Hmmm...indeed, it does seem to be the genuine article. This is the Sephiroth Graal. You made the right decision in bringing her here. Sephiroth Graal's powers are indeed amazing, but from study and research over the years, it is possible to overuse the power which would be bad for your new peerage member."
"How bad are we talking?"
Ravel asked, with Azazel scratching his head.
"I couldn't possibly say with certainty, there's varying reports and other things I've witnessed before myself. But I heard that overusing the Longinus can lead to those that possess Sephiroth Graal to begin communing with the dead."
"S-Speaking with dead people? I can do that?"
Valerie's eyes widened, so Akira placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, we're going to understand your Longinus all the more."
His words brought comfort to her, and his kind eyes made her feel more at ease with herself with each passing moment.
Valerie gave Akira an appreciative look.
"Yes, you're right."
"Exactly." Azazel continued. "This might take sometime, so if you want Akira, I'm sure Vali would want to have some one on one time with you."
"Yeah, I'll go find Vali-chan soon. First lets see how Valerie-san is."
Azazel inclines his head.
"Alright, that's fine with me."
"Also, if you don't mind, we do have another Sacred Gear that I'd like for you to take a look at."
Azazel became intrigued.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, but he's...very shy about meeting people, and his eyes have a tendency to time freeze people. Though, from what I can gather, depending on the power of Gasper-san and the power of those being frozen, the time that people are frozen, can vary."
Azazel strokes his chin in thought.
"I see...then I'll work on that as well, give me the data you can, and we'll go from there."
"Right, thanks Azazel-san."
Azazel waves his hand in a carefree manner, and begins getting to work.
As he does, with Akira beside her, Valerie does what's necessary to make sure she doesn't go overboard with her Longinus and what she can and can't do safely. As he didn't want to hurt her, or cause damage to her, this was the best way of ascertaining the information.
However, while they were doing this, Satanael happened to be walking by.
When he saw the Longinus of Valerie's, his eyes focused sharply on it, before swiftly moving along so it didn't seem he had taken an interest.
"To have even that Sacred Gear within my grasp, and in my sight right now. The boy...he's gathering strong people. But don't worry boy, soon your precious Lavinia is going to be shown to you...then you'll have no choice but to come to me. And you've sweetened the deal with this reveal of a Longinus like this. The endless possibilities that this Longinus of hers has...thanks boy, you've made my plans excel even more. Now a little more time, and I'll be ready to make you yield to me. First, I need to get my hands on that sword..."
Leaving with his cold thoughts, Satanael wished to make some impression on the boy, before enacting his plans.
Akira had sometime afterwards, while Valerie was getting checked over, so he did go and see Vali. Though he could still see Valerie from his position, and whenever she became nervous, she'd look over towards him, he'd reassure her with his eyes, and a smile, so she'd be able to keep getting some tests done.
"Another Longinus, it seems that we've found a good few of us. Still no Sekiryuutei."
Akira laughed.
"The Sekiryuutei, I wonder who that's going to be?"
"Whoever it is, I do hope they're strong and capable."
Akira could see why Vali that due to them being rivals, even he wouldn't mind having a fight with the Sekiryuutei, whoever that was going to be.
"I'd love to fight any of the Longinus' to be honest, to see what they can do with their Sacred Gears, and how well they've adapted. Even the True Longinus, lets see how strong that Sacred Gear can be haha~"
Vali adopted a small smirk on her face.
"I had a feeling you'd say something like that. So, even True Longinus, yeah I wouldn't mind having a fight against that either."
As she said it, she heard a ringing.
She looked to see what it was.
Vali brought out a small piece of paper with some magicians symbols carved into them, and laid it on the table.
"Lavinia's calling."
Akira smiled, and watched as her hologram appeared.
When seeing them, Lavinia waved energetically.
"Lavinia-san, how goes the Witch hunting?"
Lavinia gives off a cute smile.
[Well, it's going as well as I can expect, but she is slippery. Still, had a little bout with her before, but she had some minions get in the way. However, I'm hoping that it wont be too long before I can get to come back to you both, especially you Va-chan~]
Lavinia teased Vali at the end.
Vali sighed.
"Don't need to rush."
Akira smiled softly, seeing that Vali was playing as if she didn't care one way or the other about it, but she did really want Lavinia to come back soon.
[Ooh Va-chan, you're so sweet, but I'll doubly rush so we can all be together~]
Vali turned to the side, while Akira leaned forward.
"So, have you found out anymore about Glenda-san?"
[Unfortunately, this old woman isn't saying. But, we have a plan set, and it should be enough to cancel out her teleportation circles this time, so she can't run away again.]
Akira did worry for Lavinia, and hoped that Augusta didn't have some kind of trap laying in waiting for her.
"I see, then I hope it goes well, and please stay safe. When you come back, you can meet my new peerage member Valerie-san."
Lavinina clapped happily.
[Yes, I can't wait~ Aah, I bet she's cute~] Lavinia paused, and looked towards the right, speaking to someone on her side. [It seems that I have to go, take care you two~ I'll be back soon~]
"Yes, take care Lavinia-san, see you soon."
Akira softly smiled, as Lavinia cancelled the call, leaving Akira and Vali to themselves.
Akira's eyes went towards Vali.
Though she wouldn't admit it, Akira could see the worry in her eyes.
"Vali-chan, you don't have to hide your worries, you know? I'm worried as well."
Vali shook her head.
"Lavinia is stronger than the Witch, and with backup, she should be fine."
"She is, but I still am worried. I don't know why, but I can't shake the feeling..." As he said it, he saw a man named Kokabiel walking by, who glanced towards them harshly. "...something could be wrong. While I do believe in Lavinia-sans capabilities, something inside me is telling me that something might not be right about this."
Akira didn't know why, but a feeling inside told him that something wasn't right.
He hoped that he was wrong, and that Lavinia would soon come back to them.
Returning back from studying Valerie's Longinus for the time being, Ravel went back to her home to help finalize the deal between Phenex and Belial with Diehauser going with her.
Akira had gathered some information from Azazel, and learned some stuff that Valerie could potentially do, and when Elmenhilde saw the data, she gasped.
"Geez, if the Vampires had this on their side, they'd easily be able to dominate the other faction, and then other beings around the world if grown to be strong enough. Good thing you left and are with Akira-kun now."
Valerie gave a semi cheerful, and semi worried look.
"I'm glad too~"
Elmenhilde could only nod, as Akira petted Elmenhilde's head.
"Seems like there's much she can do, but for now, lets take it easy. No resurrecting the dead Valerie-san~"
He joked, but she took seriously, and began shaking side to side.
"N-No! I wouldn't do something so careless!"
Akira lightly laughed.
"I was kidding, mostly. Though we shouldn't resurrect the dead, don't want to put you through so much."
"Y-Yes, also Akira-san...may I go and spend time with Gasper? He becomes frightened if I'm not with him."
"Sure. Have fun."
Valerie gave a genuine smile, as she walked off with an escort to make sure she was fine.
When she left, Elmenhilde turned towards Akira.
"Akira-kun, it seems that you have quite the powerful servant now, don't you?"
"Yeah, seems so. I never expected to find such a Longinus."
Elmenhilde fiddled with her fingertips.
"...Then you wont need me?"
Akira raised a brow, then sat down beside her.
"What makes you say that?"
Elmenhilde shuffles on her feet, her hands wringing together.
"...That girl, she's a strong Vampire, with such a powerful Longinus. You wouldn't need me around, would you?"
Akira began understanding what was being said, with Elmenhilde and how she felt.
He gave her a reassuring pat on the head, something that made her lightly smile.
"Elmen-san, don't say that. Yes, she's got some amazing things about her, but that's not all I'm looking for to join my peerage, and I'm sure that you would be a very useful member to my group, you know?"
"Y-Yes?"
Elmenhilde let out a cute call, with Akira nodding his head.
"Yes, that's right. I'd be happy and honoured if you became apart of my peerage Elmen-san. Valerie-san has her skills, and you have your own. We're all different and unique, so don't worry about what Valerie-san has, she and you are different and unique people."
Elmenhilde felt good about what he said as she leaned towards him, allowing her hand to be placed on his right thigh.
"Then, you'll turn me into your peerage member?"
Akira nods, stroking the top of her head.
"Yes, I'd happily turn you into my peerage member Elmen-san. That wont ever change, no matter who joins my group."
Elmenhilde smiled, and hugged him tightly.
He did the same thing back, and stroked the back of her head comfortingly.
"I was worried, but it seems to be for nothing after all. I get to be with you Akira-kun. After everything that has happened, I was unsure of what to do, how to proceed, but I was able to find my path again. Because I stayed with you and the others, it makes me feel so good Akira-kun. I'd love to be with you always."
Akira felt really touched by that.
From how she began with the Vampire ways drilled into her, she had become a respectful, kind and wonderful girl that he was happy that he knew, the girl that he had sensed she could be from the moment that they met.
"Yeah, I'd want that as well Elmen-san. To be with you always is good to me as well."
Elmenhilde happily hugged Akira even tighter, and stayed together with the young boy, who in turn was happy to have Elmenhilde in his life. Even if she wasn't the strongest, it didn't matter to Akira, he knew he could help her in that department no problem, he was just happy that he had met someone as wonderful as she was.
A small time later, Akira had gone to visit Kuroka and made sure that she was fine.
Going through various checks, Akira went into an isolated room, glass separating them, but they could hear the other as they spoke.
"How are they treating you, Kuroka-san?"
"Well, it could be worse, I get three meals a day nyaaa~"
Akira was glad about that.
"I heard some news before coming here, it seems that the papers are being finalized, hopefully you'll be released pretty soon, maybe in the next few days."
Kuroka placed a hand on her chest.
"That's a relief, it can get pretty boring in here, you know?"
Akira believed her, it probably was pretty boring where she was.
"I know, but now with what we've gathered, and how we can see Naberius had been acting, it seems that even the Old Devils have to hold their hands up, they can't wriggle their way out of this now."
Kuroka let out a cute laugh.
"I see, so even those old guys are seeing their error huh?"
Akira nods.
"Yes, that's right, they have to admit that in your situation, while killing him was something they still will always contest to being wrong, they can see that in your situation, there was little choice left."
Kuroka gave a relieved look.
"Then after this, I can come home to you nyaa~ Speaking of, how's Shirone?"
"Koneko-chan...she's kept up to date with what's going on with you, she knows I'm here right now, I think she's still in the middle of processing it all. She's aware of what was going on, but it did leave her still having some hard feelings. I'm sure you've got a lot to talk about when you come back."
Kuroka gives a slow inclination of her neck.
"Yes...I think you're right about that nyaaa...lots to talk about...but, lets go into some positive stuff~"
Akira nods, and did just that.
While they spoke, Kuroka showed a good hearted smile on her face, she couldn't wait to get out now so she could be with those that she loves and cares for.
After seeing Kuroka, Akira went towards the Phenex to finalize everything so Ravel could go ahead, and join his group, making sure both clans would benefit, along with agreements about various things to do with the clans officially joining between the union of Ravel and Akira.
Ravel seemed keen, Akira listened to what the Phenex's were saying, adding his own thoughts to them, and then speaking about the future of Akira, and his goals, and how they'd coincide with Ravel's own.
Diehauser silently watched as Akira was able to handle this by himself, seeing him grow up so much, was a sight to behold for Diehauser.
Diehauser could see that Akira's strength was already great for his age, but now seeing how he handled himself on a political stance, how he was capable of dealing with anything that was going to come up against him, and he knew that the Old Devils would be shocked one day as he could see Akira being charming and charismatic enough to gain much support, and all he'd have to do, is be himself.
"...So that's it?"
Lord Phenex asked, Akira inclined his neck.
"I think so, that's it."
Lord Phenex claps his hands.
"Yes, with everything agreed, I am glad that we have come to such an understanding. Let our relationship between clans grow for years to come."
Akira smiled, turning towards Ravel.
"That's it Ravel-san, everything's done. If you want, we can get the peerage on the way."
Ravel adopted a wide smile.
This was something she had wanted for a good while now.
She wanted to be with someone that could truly make waves, and with Akira, she knew he'd be the one to do it. Having seen it with Kuroka, Koneko, Elmenhilde, and now seeing it with Valerie, having seen it with Vali as well.
Many peoples lives he's touched and she knew this was only the beginning.
"Yes Akira-sama, I can hardly wait. I don't mind doing it now, if you'd like?"
Akira smiled, and revealed his Evil Pieces.
He gave Ravel ones he thought would be the best, with Ravel holding the Evil Piece to her chest so the ritual could take place.
Once confirming everyone was willing and happy to begin, Akira began activating the demonic power necessary.
He then did the chant, and the Evil Pieces Ravel held sank through her clothes, and into her chest.
As it did, the power spread through her being, and made her shiver.
"This is amazing Akira-sama, we'll be together always."
Ravel said with renewed excitement, showing that whatever come, they were going to have a great adventure now.
Ravel then hugged Akira tightly, who in turn hugged her right back.
This was it, he was now building his peerage more and more.
He would be able to be with them always.
To fulfil his, and their goals as well.
Also, to even have his own little family, he wondered if his Mother, and Uncle felt like this as well when they first reincarnated their first servants.
Later that evening, Akira returned back home, with Ravel now his peerage member, she thought it would be a good idea if she stayed at the Belial house, so a room was set up for her.
While getting that prepared, Akira saw Elmenhilde speaking with Valerie in the living room.
He was happy for them, and was glad to see that the two Vampire's were able to get along, even if they had different styles of upbringing.
But then Valerie received a call from Gasper, she left the room, so Akira entered instead.
"Valerie-san, is she doing well Elmen-san?"
Elmenhilde paused, her eyes going towards Akira.
"Yes...I believe that she is. She seems happy, and content for the most part, though I get the sense that she's still holding back a bit."
Akira smiles strongly.
"I see. Well, I'm sure in time, it will be something that she'll get used to more and more until it will be familiar to her." Akira moved to the side of her. "Speaking of familiar, Elmen-san. Ravel-sans just become apart of my peerage."
Elmenhilde furrowed her brows.
She didn't show any emotions on her face, other than being happy for Ravel.
"I see, I'm happy for her. This is something that she's wanted for a good while now."
Akira nods, and pulls out his box that contains his Evil Pieces, summoning them via magic.
"And I was wondering, if you'd like to do the same thing?"
Elmenhilde gasps, placing her hands to her chest.
"...Akira-kun, you'd want...to have me in your peerage?"
"Didn't I say it before?"
Akira asked with some confusion.
Elmenhilde nods, and explains.
"You did...but I...Akira-kun, is it good, to use a piece on me?"
"Of course, I think you'd fit very well in my group, Elmen-san. But, it's up to you, if you'd like to join my group."
Elmenhilde ran a hand through her hair, and peered into his eyes.
"Truthfully, I never thought that I would even consider joining a Devils peerage, much less doing anything else with a Devil...but, Akira-kun, with each time I see you, you're always helping someone. Me, Vali-san, Kuroka-san, Valerie-san, and the list goes on. You do these kind things, yet often people don't treat you kindly. I mean those that don't know you."
"I don't do it for recognition. Why I do it, is for people like you and me, people that have others turn their backs on, so they don't have to be alone. To go down a dark path because the world rejects them. With me, they don't have to feel rejected, isolated...alone. In my peerage or not, I want to be that someone, like my Uncle was for me. Many people don't have someone like my Uncle coming to help them. So that's what I want to do for others."
Elmenhilde's face turned up more and more.
"Yes...that is true. Akira-kun...I want to be of use...I want to help people...before I met you, things like that, might not have crossed my mind...but, I want to try and do my best..."
Akira stroked the back of her head.
"If that's what you've decided..." Akira pulled out one of his Evil Pieces, presenting it towards Elmenhilde. "Then, I'd love to have you in my peerage."
Elmenhilde held the Evil Piece to her chest as Akira guided her to do so.
Then he activated his demonic power, reciting the chant to turn her into a Devil.
When the Evil Piece sank through her clothing and into her chest, she wriggled around as she let out a cute moaning sound.
"That's it, you're apart of my peerage, Elmen-san."
Elmenhilde jumped to her feet unsteadily, and bowed her body.
"Y-Yes, I shall not let you do-" As she said it, she slipped and fell forward. "-oooooooooooooown!" She fell against Akira's upper body, with him smiling down towards her. "S-Sorry, I'm so clumsy!"
"Haha, don't worry, it's a cute quality to have~"
Elmenhilde blushed, as she looked up towards Akira, who in turn smiled down towards her.
A small time later, Akira went to check on Valerie to see if she was okay.
He went towards her room, and knocked on the door.
He waited for a good few moments, and eventually he heard [Please come inside.] so he did just that.
Finding Valerie curled her legs up to her chest, and her head on her knees, Akira gave a concerned look.
"Is everything okay Valerie-san?"
"Yes..." She lifted her head to meet his gaze. "...To be honest, I don't know. Everyone...seems really nice. It's something hard to get used to. In my old life, not many people were nice to me, only very few exceptions, Gasper being one of them. I guess...I'm not used to people caring about me. I really...like it here. Everyone is so keen to help me adjust, and to give me advice, and I get to see Gasper all of the time. Everything's really great, so I don't know why I feel like this..."
Akira crinkled his brow, and edged closer towards her.
Sitting down to the right hand side of her, he saw her eyes on his own.
"I can get that. Questioning, is this even real? Are they really being nice to me? What do they want?"
Valerie nods.
"I'm sorry..."
Akira adopts a kind smile on his face.
"You don't have to be. This is an entirely new world to you. I'd be like you...hell, I was like you when I was separated from everything I knew. People chased me too, wanting to end my existence, for simply existing."
"...For being a half breed, people can be truly cruel to beings like us, can't they?"
Akira nods a single time.
"They really can be. I also questioned a lot of stuff when I was on the run. Will I ever meet good people? Will anyone ever accept me? Am I destined to be on everyone's must die list forever? Will my parents be alive? Things like that always ran through me, it can be a scary time being thrust into the unknown. That's why I want to do what I can to help you. Whatever it is that you need me to do, I'll do it. If it is spending more time with Gasper-san, that can be easily arranged. If you'd like to speak more to Elmen-san, since she knows the Vampire side of life, that can be arranged as well. I want to help make the adjustments as easy as possible for you."
Valerie's lips curled upwards.
His words truly came from a place that made her want to feel as comfortable and safe as possible.
It was something she hadn't expected, but it was something that she truly did admire quite a bit.
"You're really so nice. I honestly believed at the time we met that you were nice. When I chose to be apart of your peerage, it seems that my instincts were right. I am happy that I came to this group. But Akira-san, I have to ask...what happens now? You said that I could do anything...but what can I do? I've been thinking about it, and I honestly don't know what path my life is going to take now."
Hearing that, Akira slowly nods as he speaks up.
"If you don't know what that something is yet, I'll help you figure that out. Perhaps you'll find a hidden talent you never got the chance to explore with the Vampires? Elmen-sans told me about how you would have been treated by others, as outcasts, as lower than dirt. I know that feeling very well, many Devils have seen me like that. Or maybe they even are afraid of you for what you could possess."
"Yes...it was a very difficult time. But, now that I'm away...I can truly do anything I want...I can find new things for me to explore. I can...discover new things about myself...as well?"
Akira smiled brighter, nodding strongly.
"Yes, that's right. You can do as you believe is best."
Valerie never had the opportunity to explore so many new possibilities.
It was honestly something that she found to be amazing but still wasn't entirely sure, so she wanted to try small things first.
"...Akira-san, there is something I have always wanted to try."
"Hmm? What's that?"
He saw her give a semi shy, but cute expression on her face as her soft hands wrung together.
"Hehe...it sounds strange, but chocolate ice cream. Can we try that together?"
"Chocolate ice cream? Alright, I'll be right back~"
Valerie watched Akira disappeared, and come back within a minute with two bowls of chocolate ice cream.
She took a spoon he had, and had a bite.
"Ooh, I didn't know it could taste like this."
"You like?"
"Yes, I love it so much. Is there anymore things that we can try?"
Akira developed a wide grin, and placed his comforting hand on top of her head, something that made her smile more.
"Valerie-san, we've got so many things for you to try. There's a whole world of cuisines for us to taste."
"Ooh, yes, I can't wait to begin~"
Akira was glad that he could become closer with his Bishop.
At first she seemed to have kept herself inward, not wishing to engage with anyone, but now she was opening up more, and was able to feel a little safer as time went on, something Akira was very happy about, wishing he could give Valerie a very good life, as like him, she had been through a lot because of something she couldn't control.
As that was going on, Lavinia was on her own quest to hunt a certain woman with Incinerate Anthem. Her investigation had taken her towards a half sunken ship that was east off the coast of Japan, a fair distance away.
It seemed that Lavinia was having some doubts about this as she walked forward across the deck of the ship. Together with some people that Azazel had brought over for her, Lavinia moved at a good pace through the area.
She then felt something heading from the right hand side, so she raised a hand, and developed a protective barrier before the attack could reach her. She saw a large flaming sphere for the young woman. But the barrier held together, and stopped the attack all together.
"These flames, you aren't using that Longinus of yours, Augusta?"
Lavinia called out, as a cackling could be heard.
"Ooh my, is that anger in your voice, Lavi-chan?"
She waited for a few moments, before Lavinia caught the sight of someone appearing from the sky.
Flying via a broom, the magician that Lavinia had been searching for, came down.
It was the elderly woman in her sixties, Augusta herself.
All around her, flames of a purple colour appeared, burning brighter and brighter within the air, as she landed on the deck
Augusta stared on, her eyes going towards Lavinia's own.
"Don't mess around, Augusta. Today is the day that you're being taken down."
"So, you've been searching for me? If I had known sooner, then I would have baked you a cake."
Lavinia sharpened her brows.
"...If that's some sort of joke, then you can take it somewhere else. Where is Glenda?"
"Glenda can't be here, but she sends her best, from the depths of hell!"
As she yelled it, a twirling flame came towards Lavinia.
However, her ice doll countered the flames, and clashed violently together, causing the attacks to cancel one another out.
"You can't defeat me if those are the strongest your flames can become."
Lavinia expressed with her eyebrows furrowing repeatedly.
"These aren't the strongest, but I thought that I'd test you out, Lavinia. But you teamed up with the Devils? That's such a sad sight to see."
Lavinia raised a questioning brow.
"Devils?"
Augusta raised a hand to her mouth.
"Oops, I meant Fallen Angels."
"No you didn't, you said Devils. What Devils are you speaking of?"
Augusta began laughing.
She showcased a very scary and dark smile on her face as the flames became intense around her form.
"He's so cute, isn't he? That little half breed boy."
Lavinia's eyes widened as she felt something hit her deep inside.
"...What?"
"Isn't he cute though? Remember, when you were together~ Lavinia-chan, you have been such a bad girl, becoming close to such a sacrifice. That power the child has, it really is magnificent."
Realizing the truth, Lavinia put on a disgusted expression.
"You've been after...Aki-kun? That's why you appeared that day...all along, you've been after him?"
"Hehe, that's correct. At least, partly correct. An Independent Avatar type, similar to mine, and yours. The three of our powers together, we could create many. Become the strongest, the best group imaginable, but I have a bad feeling you aren't going to cooperate so easily."
As Augusta said it, ice spread from around Lavinia.
Rather quickly, the ice became wild and deadly, looking as if she was going to freeze the entire area around her.
"If you take even a step near that boy, then you're going to regret it..."
"I think you'll be the one regretting your actions, Lavinia."
However, before she could launch an attack, she suddenly heard another laugh coming from behind her.
She turned quickly, and saw descending from the sky, was Satanael, his silver piercing eyes going towards Lavinia harshly.
"Satanael...so you've betrayed Azazel as well?"
Satanael looked on, producing a blade from space, and showed a long sword with a dangerous aura escaping said blade.
Pointing it harshly at Lavinia, the ice Princess herself saw the people that came with her, dropped their stances for Augusta, and turned them towards Lavinia.
"Who did you think planned out the entire situation? The people going with you, Azazel tried to have some of his own come, but I swiftly ended their existences and replaced them with my own men before you even left, you didn't even have a clue of the swap did you? Ever since I saw the boy, I've felt great power. His Devil, his human sides, combining together. And you, with your ice Princess. Unlike Azazel, I have no interest in waiting around for the condition of human feelings to create evolution, what I want to see is forced evolution. An evolution that is my own design, to create new Longinus', I need some of the older generation, don't I? So Lavinia, come quietly with me, and I might spare that boys life. Otherwise, I'll make sure his and your existences end."
Lavinia gritted her teeth.
Looking at each of their eyes, she could see the pure joy of Augusta, and the pleasure within Satanael's eyes as well.
Worried for what could happen in the future, Lavinia tightened her resolve, and she chose, to fight
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Lavinia unleashed the power of her ice, and it encompassed the ship they were on within moments, catching many people up within the ice.
However, Satanael stopped her ice with his blade added together with Augusta's purple flames.
Understanding this, Lavinia was going to do her best to fight…
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with Valerie beginning to adjust to her new life, learning about her Sacred Gear, and by the end, beginning to come to terms with things going on around her, and wishing to try different types of food and expanding out more. Ravel's family also made the arrangements with Akira, so she officially joined, as did Elmenhilde. So, we'll see Koneko doing the same thing pretty soon. Kuroka also appeared, with her getting on pretty well in prison and should be out pretty soon.
But at the end, it seems that Lavinia's been caught in some trouble. We'll see what's going to happen with her soon.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Akira's peerage.
Queen; Lavinia.
Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.
Bishops; Kuroka, Valerie (mutated)
Knights; Irina, Lint.
Pawns; Elmenhilde (one piece), Rossweisse (three pieces), Ravel (two pieces), Le Fay (two pieces).
Akira; Vali (fem), Rossweisse, Irina, Elmenhilde, Ravel, Lavinia, Rias, Akeno, Le Fay, Isane, Xenovia, Koneko, Asia, Ophis, Kuroka, Serafall, Valerie, Lint, Iryuka,