Welcome to the next chapter!
shephawk; Yeah, it's going to be rather interesting~ Lavinia and Valerie could do yeah. I could see Gasper doing something like that. Asia coiuld do yeah. Valerie surely is yeah, thanks for the suggestions!
Benny Farr; Yeah, would be.
wellingtonlucas282; Thanks very much!
Morregen; Thanks! Valerie is yeah, she's doing her best. Elmen and Ravel have and we'll see Kuroka and Koneko take that step soon too. They have yeah~ Very fearsome haha.
OechsnerC; Thanks very much! I'm glad that you're enjoying it!
ShadowUzumaki55; Valerie is yeah. Valerie is doing her best. He has yeah, he's managed to gain a good few people for his peerage. Lavinia has yeah, we shall see what happens with her pretty soon.
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, they did do. They will join together yeah. We will see what happens. He cares about all his peerage members and couldn't leave her side. Yeah, Akira does know a decent amount about Longinus', but also consulted with Azazel about some stuff he didn't know about Sephiroth Graal. She wouldn't be at risk from healing people, she's done that in the main series and she's fine with it. Just the bigger stuff like bringing back the dead she couldn't do safely. Azazel surely was. Akira did yeah, he reassured Elmen about her worries and insecurities. Akira doesn't know about it yet, but he will do soon enough. He would enjoy anyone being in the peerage. He and Zekram will have an interesting dynamic we will be exploring in the future. We will see what happens with the Evil Dragons. Thanks for the harem suggestions. She could be yeah. Thanks for the suggestions. He would be related to someone important within that world. Yeah, he could do that in Fairy Tail.
Godofwar01; We haven't ever seen Valerie actually fight, she's only ever been a healer in every fight she's been in, I think Lavinia is pretty well rounded with her magic and her Sacred Gear.
Guest 1; Yeah, she could be quite like that, thanks for the suggestions! She does seem to yeah.
Weebshitt; Yeah, looks like it.
Akeno fan; He will be soon enough. Glad you liked it. Lavinia will do yeah. We'll see what happens with Vali soon enough.
Guest 2; Maybe he will do soon. Yeah, maybe he could do. He might do. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 3; Yeah, could be like that.
Guest 4; Yeah, we'll see Akira's different powers as the story goes on.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Kuroka's comeback!
Sometime had passed since Valerie became a member of the peerage, and it seemed like she was settling in rather well. Akira though kept wondering about Lavinia. He had heard from her, until a few days ago now, and because of that, he felt something was amiss, but got assured by Azazel that she was with trusted allies.
Even then it didn't make him stop thinking about her.
What she was currently doing, and hoped that she would be okay. He didn't doubt she could handle herself, he just knew that Augusta was someone that was underhanded.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Akira right now was training with Diehauser. Wanting to always improve and become stronger, having a training partner like Diehauser made sense to Akira, who also was training Canis at a distance, having him fight some guards, and perfecting some techniques so he and Canis could work together all the more.
Coming at him with a myriad of slashes, Diehauser deflected the attacks with his demonic power, and closed the gap, swinging for the older man with a fast movement, but the blade missed by a few inches.
"Not bad, Akira. You're improving all the more."
Diehauser complimented, getting behind Akira, and unleashed his demonic power.
Akira turned and slashed through it via Worthless, only to see Diehauser on top of him with his fist coming out.
Surrounded by demonic aura, the fist came to strike Akira's body, when he blocked with a wave of swords erupting from the shadows. The tips of the blades sharply aimed for Diehauser, but with his incredible speed, he avoided them before being stabbed in different places.
"Not bad Akira, that's right, keep me on my toes, keep me guessing, but don't forget to come at me with your powerful strikes. Remember that the enemy will also have counters for you, especially if they're aware of your abilities. If you're on an even playing field, or fighting someone stronger than you, it could lead to a situation where the enemies could do some good damage. But you can also do damage to them as well."
As Diehauser landed on the ground, he saw the swords had obscured the vision of Akira from his eyes, and the boys presence had also been erased. Diehauser thought it probably was Akira's doing that he was able to conceal himself so well.
He went to make a move, when he felt something below him moving.
He looked to see that from the shadows, a large sword was coming out. Thicker, and sturdier than anything Diehauser had seen beforehand, he managed to vanish before the blade come get close to him, reappearing on the ground.
But that didn't help as Akira jumped out of the shadow behind him, masking his presence as much as possible.
For the trained Diehauser however, he was able to predict Akira's movements, and turned to see the blade coming for him.
"Good, that's really good. You've improved so well, you're faster and stronger than the last time we fought."
Akira watches as Diehauser avoids the slash, then places his hand on Akira's chest.
Using demonic power, he unleashes it, and sends him flying backwards.
However, in doing that, Akira allowed a blade to come from the shadow, which Diehauser avoids, but receives a cut to his clothing.
Surprised and happy to see that, Diehauser looked over to see Akira panting.
"I think that's enough for today."
Akira nods, and causes his blade to vanish into the shadows.
"Yes, I think you're right."
Akira calls over his Longinus, with the puppy running towards him, Akira bent down and stroked behind the dogs ears.
Diehauser moves closer to Akira, his arms folded.
"I'm sure you're aware, but Kuroka's being set free today."
Akira nods a single time.
"I'm glad that she is, a long time coming."
Diehauser lets out a laugh.
"Yes. Things might have a transition period, because even with her being released, she did kill a Devil. Circumstances aside, she is still a strong girl, and someone that can be dangerous. At least, that's how the Old Devils would view her."
Akira could understand that.
Even now, he was viewed under such lenses.
"Even if she is, I know Kuroka-san's a good person, that she is someone that wishes to do good things. She can be mischievous, but she's also capable of great good, we've heard of it when she did what she did for her family to live."
Diehauser certainly did understand where Akira was coming from, and he felt something's similar.
"Yes, that's certainly true. Either way, I should be going, and we'll have her here soon."
"I'll go and tell Koneko-chan, so she isn't shocked. Though, I'm not sure how she's going to respond, she still has a lot of feelings inside of her. She went through a lot after all. I know Kuroka-san did what she did for her sake, but Koneko-chan still went through a good deal."
While understanding both sides, Akira wished to help both sisters out with their feelings. How difficult it would be for them to deal with this situation, and hoped they'd be able to come together somehow.
Standing before Akira within the living room, Valerie, Elmenhilde, and Ravel lined up. Koneko sat off to the side together with Canis Lykaon who was having a staring contest with her.
Akira hummed.
He was going over in his head about various situations they'd want for in a battle. Since now he had peerage members, and his group was growing, he kept thinking about the best place to start.
"Akira-sama, what are you thinking about right now?"
"Well, I know right now there's only four of us, five including my Canis, but I've been thinking about formations that we can have. Like, because Valerie-san is our healer, therefore she is one of the most important parts, she would have to be protected because if she's taken out, then we could have that chance as well."
Ravel nods her head.
"Yes, Akira-sama. That's right, we have to think of strategies like that."
Valerie raises her hand.
"Erm..."
"Yes, Valerie-san?"
Encouraging her to speak up, Valerie nods and continues.
"Because I am the healer...would it best if I wore a nurses outfit?"
Akira almost face faulted, while the others stared in surprise.
"N-Nurses outfit?"
Elmenhilde asks in surprise, Valerie nods with a peppy face.
"Yes, because it would signify that I am the healer."
Ravel folded her arms, her eyes looking the young girl up and down in a curious manner.
"Nurses outfit huh, I didn't know you were into such things..."
Ravel murmured, while Valerie furrowed her brows.
"Not good?"
Ravel tilted her head to the right hand side.
"I don't really have much thought about it, if that's what you wish to do then that's fine."
Valerie pursed her lips, and gave an intrigue look to her.
"I thought it was a good idea..."
Akira lightly laughed.
"If you wish to wear a nurses outfit, you can if you want Valerie-san."
Valerie claps her hands together.
"Yes, it would be good~ I have been studying the Japanese, because our King is half Japanese, and I have come across cosplay. It seems really intriguing, how people can bring to life their favourite characters, dressing up at them. I've seen some really good ones, they're so interesting that I simply can't wait to see if I could come up with such good cosplays~ I already dress Gasper up in cute clothing, so maybe we could do even more~"
Akira was surprised that she was this into cosplay.
Though he thought that it was a cute quality for her to have. Which he also thought made sense since it seemed why Gasper wore girls clothes was in part due to Valerie wishing to see it.
"I've always wanted to cosplay as Willow."
Elmenhilde confessed, her hands shaking with anticipation.
Valerie turns to Elmenhilde who nods her head.
"Willow?"
"Yes, she's apart of a Vampire show I'm watching. Speaking of...geez, she's got addicted to Magic. And...ooh Willow, she's made mistakes...but, she's doing her best right now. Akira-kun, you understand, don't you?"
Akira slowly nods.
"Yes, she's going through a journey in her life."
Elmenhilde nods a single time.
"Though seeing Willow being so strong is quite the sight to behold, she has such powerful skills. Like the lightning blasts, they are awesome~"
Ravel lets out a breath, happy to see that Elmenhilde was having quite the good time.
"Akira-sama, I think the next peerage members we should work on finding would be...what's the word..."
"Tanks?" Ravel blinked at Akira who sheepishly rubs the back of his head. "I've been playing online lately, a suggestion of Iryuka-sans actually."
"Iryuka-sans really into online gaming? I didn't know about that."
Akira scratches his cheek.
"Yes, it seems that she is. But, that's what I think would be good, someone that can protect Valerie-san while she's healing. Of course, also teaching Valerie-san to defend herself. But definitely first should focus on healing and recovery speed. The faster an ally can heal, a faster they can go back into battle."
At Akira's words, Ravel could understand quite well.
"Yes, that is true Akira-sama. Recovery speed is what Valerie-sama should work on first. Speaking of, Elmenhilde-sama, if you don't mind, I'd also like to do a series of tests to see what specialties' you have, so Akira-sama and I can build on your strengths."
Elmenhilde shrugs.
"I don't mind if that's what's best for the peerage."
Akira claps his hands together.
"Great, but with everyone here..." His eyes glance towards Koneko. "Koneko-chan, you're aware of who has arrived?"
Koneko bows her head.
"Yes, I know...she's here now."
"Yeah, we'll be seeing her within a few seconds..."
Just then, the door opened, revealing Kuroka who spoke "Shirone, I'm here nyaaaaaa~" something that made Koneko look on with many emotions.
Some weren't happy, and some were, she truly didn't know what she was supposed to feel right now, she had much that she wished to say.
She knew Kuroka was coming, as did the others, as Akira had told them as much, Diehauser had gone to get her, while dealing with the stuff to do with the conditions of her release, while Akira quickly explained about Kuroka to Valerie beforehand, so she was aware of who this was.
"Kuroka-sama! Geez, you scared me!"
Ravel yelled, panic ensued within her for a few brief moments, recalling what happened when they first met.
Kuroka placed a hand over her heart.
"Ooh my, Phenex-chan. I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you jump, and back then, didn't mean to frighten you either, desperate times, desperate measures, you know what I mean nya?"
"Y-Yes, I remember. Akira-sama told me that you apologized, and I understood the situation. Forgive me for reacting to you like that. I knew you are coming, but I didn't expect...but maybe I should have expected such an unexpected entrance..."
Kuroka waved her hand side to side.
"Naah, it's all good. I get it, I was a bad cat. But I'm out now nyaaa~" Kuroka's eyes went towards Koneko who was struggling for some words. "Shirone, I've come back, not gonna say hello to Onee-sama?"
Koneko looked at her, before standing up, and walking away, to the sadness of Kuroka.
When Koneko left, Akira also saw his black dog go after her, he could guess what Canis was up to.
Akira however spoke up, wanting to make Kuroka feel welcomed.
"Welcome back Kuroka-san, I'm glad that you've been set free. I wish I could have come, but it was a meeting for people such as my Uncle."
Kuroka grins, and does a thumbs up towards Akira.
"No worries about that, Diehauser-chan already informed me about it."
"Even then, it's good that you're here Kuroka-san."
"Yeah, it seems that I'm being left in the care of the Belial now nyaa. Which is fine with me. The Underworld still thinks I'm a danger, but I don't have to die or be in some damp prison or anything, so that's something." Her eyes glanced towards the direction Koneko went in. "So...what did I miss?" Her eyes landed on Valerie, and tilted her head. "Another cute girl has joined? Well, it seems that someone's been busy while I've been away~ I did hear from you about a cute girl~"
"Yes, this is Valerie-san, she's apart of my peerage, as are Elmen-san and Ravel-san."
"Ooh my, I've missed a good bit then nyaaa~"
"Yes, but you're back now, which I'm glad to see~"
Kuroka flashes her usual teasing smiles.
"That's true, which means now I can be affectionate~"
Kuroka rushed over to Akira, and affectionately nuzzled his face, to the annoyance of Elmenhilde and Ravel. Even Valerie seemed to be slightly annoyed with Kuroka's actions, but she wasn't entirely sure why that was. For the other two, it was obvious why they were, seeing Kuroka, in their own words, pulling ahead by being quite sensual.
"Aah, that tickles Kuroka-san~"
"Ararara, does it really tickle? I'm happy nyaaa~"
Kuroka purred as she continued with her nuzzling.
Akira lightly petted the back of her head, though he wondered how Koneko was feeling.
A little later on, Akira went to check on Koneko, and like he thought, he found his little black dog with the girl. Though they didn't see eye to eye all of the time, Akira could see that she was relieved to have his presence.
However, he saw Kuroka there as well, trying to speak with Koneko. She was being casual, but to Koneko, it wasn't something that she was receptive too, and kept keeping her head down while Kuroka did her best being her usual playful self.
"Shirone, don't you want to speak to me? You've been ignoring me."
"...No."
Kuroka furrowed her brows.
"Not even a little bit? This is a reunion between sisters."
"...I'd rather not."
Being distant so she didn't have to reveal her heart to her sister, Kuroka wore a troubled expression on her face.
Akira could see that Koneko had many emotions inside, so he did his best to try and help them out.
"Kuroka-san, could you come and help me with something?"
Kuroka turned towards Akira, and bowed her head, murmuring "Alright." and went towards Akira's side.
Koneko looked up, and saw Akira's kind face.
Because of his previous actions, she knew that he'd be able to speak with Kuroka and express what she was feeling.
Kuroka was still troubled, but did as asked, and left together with Akira, while the black dog stayed with Koneko.
When going to a different room, Kuroka folded her arms.
"I don't know what to do Akira-chan. Help me."
"I will, but first tell me how it's gone so far."
Kuroka sat down on the armrest of a chair, and did explain what happened.
Akira quietly listened and understood the problem.
"I thought that if I was like how I was back then, maybe she'd want to speak to me. I could make her laugh, not that it means anything now nyaa. That doesn't work anymore, does it?"
"It seems not, Kuroka-san."
"Then what do I do? I want to be apart of her life, but she wont let me close."
Akira could understand how hard this way for Kuroka as well, so he tried his best to help her.
"Kuroka-san, what you have to understand is, this was deeply traumatizing for her. She understands the reasons, I told her everything that you told me about it. I believe she does understand why you did what you did, for her sake, and to protect her. But deep down...she still feels a lot about that time."
"But I-"
"I know, you wanted to keep her safe. What you did, was to help her. But after you left, she went through a lot. With the Old Devils, and being unsure if she would be killed or what, she's had it rough."
Kuroka nods slowly.
"...Then what do I do Akira-chan? I don't have the answers...I'm not good with these things Akira-chan."
"I'll help both of you for sure, and try to see if she's willing to speak with you. But the rest has to come from you."
"From me...what do I say? What do I do?"
Kuroka wished to know.
She didn't want to make a mistake.
She wanted to be with her sister, and to be happy, now that she'd have the chance to do that.
"What she wants, isn't for you to go back to how it was and act as if it didn't happen, she wants to understand you and your feelings, as well as her own. You, more than anyone, can help her with that. Being siblings, you have a special bond that no one else could ever have. Show her Kuroka-san, the depths of your feelings for her, you might be surprised to see that deep down, she feels the same. She's scared of what might've been, and circumstances aside, how you and her left one another's lives for the time that you did. So come together, and be honest with her. Say what you really feel Kuroka-san. It's the best thing you can do."
Kuroka placed a hand on her chest, and smiled softly.
"You have a way with words nyaaa."
Akira lightly chuckles.
"Thanks. But what I said, is what she's told me before. She's confused, she doesn't know if she can trust you. So, show her, she can. Be there for her, allow her to see that you are doing what you can to become sisters again."
Kuroka gently smiled, and pulled closer and closer.
She then leaned close, and kissed his cheek, catching him off guard.
"Thanks Akira-chan." Kuroka blushed as she hugged him. "Akira-chan, you know one of the conditions of me getting out, is that I have to stay with the Belial family from now on. Which means, we'll be together, Akira-chan."
"Yes, I heard."
"It's great, because I get to be with Shirone, and hopefully we'll one day get back together. But Akira-chan, if you're a good boy, perhaps I'll let you tame this naughty cat~"
She winked, surprising Akira as she licked his face, drawing a blush from him.
"Kuroka-san..."
"Think about it Akira-chan, there's rumours you're building your peerage out. Since I have to stay with Belial, why not be apart of a cute boys peerage? We can then have cute kittens~"
Akira did a spit take.
"W-What?"
"Ooh yeah, my goal is to repopulate my species, you better get ready Akira-chan, because when we're older...you're in for a huge treat~ I've already decided, someone from Belial, as well as having the power of a Longinus, yeah you're my cute boy Akira-chan~ My kittens need to be strong and cute, so that fits the bill Akira-chan~"
Akira felt honoured in a way, though seeing her mischievousness, he didn't know what she had planned.
But, he was glad that she was cheering up more and more.
A little while later, Akira came back to Koneko after his conversation with Kuroka, seeing the black dog still with Koneko, which he mentally thanked him for.
"Excuse me, can I come in? The door was open."
Akira called, with Koneko's eyes looking towards him.
She held some relief within them, giving a single nod.
Akira then walked closer, and sat down beside her.
"Koneko-chan, with Kuroka-san back now…"
Koneko's eyes peered into Akira's own.
When she did, he saw the worry within her gaze, and the unevenness that came along with Kuroka now being back in her life.
"...Akira-san, I don't...I don't know how to feel. That was the first time I saw her...and my mind kept going back to what happened...I know deep down...she did what she did...to protect me, but it's...I don't know, I still feel hurt and….and..."
Seeing her beginning to tear up as her voice became dipped in more emotion than Koneko usually ever showed, displaying the difficulty of the situation for her.
Akira brought the girl into a hug, and lightly stroked her head comforting her.
He felt her cling to him for dear life.
"It's okay, Koneko-chan. Everything's going to be okay, I'm here now."
Koneko rested her head on his shoulder, while she felt warm from the hug. Accepted and felt good within herself.
She felt like she could rely on Akira, after everything he did not only for her, but for others as well.
It felt good to be within his embrace.
"...Akira-san, I don't know what to do."
"That's okay, you don't have to know yet, let it come naturally. Kuroka-san is here now, you don't have to immediately decide on anything. What's important is that you decide on your own terms and whatever it is that you decide, then I'll support your decision."
"Akira-san...what do you think I should do? I don't know..."
Koneko was in turmoil, Akira understood that and he wished to do his best to help her out.
"I wish I could help you, but only you can decide. If I was in your situation, I'd find it hard as well. But what I can say is, maybe hear her out. Listen to what her story is, and then you can go forward with whatever you want to do. That's how I'd do it, to gain as much information as possible before making any decisions."
Hearing what he said, it made sense to Koneko.
That perhaps she should at least hear Kuroka out, before doing anything.
"Yes Akira-san...I just need sometime to think about it. Could you tell Onee-sama that?"
Akira nods, petting her head.
"I just need to take Valerie-san to the Grigori, then I'll be back soon. I'll tell Kuroka-san to give you some space."
Though he did wish that they'd be able to speak, he knew that he couldn't force it.
It would come naturally to Koneko that eventually she'd wish to speak to Kuroka.
A small time later, he was practising with Vali, as Valerie was having some more tests done by Azazel to do with her Longinus. He wanted to make sure that Valerie was safe and sound, since he was in eye shot of Valerie, and if needed, then he could come over immediately to help her out.
Ravel was sat close by, together with the black dog resting on her lap, which she stroked, as she looked between the two Longinus users, and then towards Valerie who was still getting her situation sorted out.
But as Akira and Vali fought one another, a thought came to his mind.
"Still not heard from Lavinia-san?"
Akira asks Vali, who shakes her head.
"No. Azazel said he's heard from those he sent with her, and they haven't found anything yet, I guess Lavinia is concentrating on her work."
Akira sighs and slashes right as Vali tries to come for him, deflecting the young girl and made sure that she returned to a place that she didn't come for him.
"Yeah, I guess that she is. Still, I hope that she's okay."
As he said it, Kokabiel happened to be walking by.
When seeing Akira and Vali, he turned up his nose briefly, but then he thought about something, so he walked over towards them.
"Azazel's current pet projects."
"We have names."
Akira spoke in a dismissive tone, Kokabiel showed a small smirk.
"Forgive me. So, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here visiting Vali-chan, what are you doing?"
Kokabiel's eyes turned downwards in slight annoyance.
"Nothing that concerns you. Though, it seems that your friend hasn't come back, hope she hasn't run into trouble."
The way he said it ticked Akira off.
The same for Vali.
"I'm sure she's fine, she can handle herself very well."
Retorting to Kokabiel in a way that made him understand that Akira nor Vali took kindly to the way Kokabiel spoke about Lavinia, Kokabiel himself looked on with half slit eyes, before his face turns upwards.
"That's good, you Longinus users should be capable of doing at least something. Though if it was up to me, I'd not have you people around. This is a group for Fallen Angels."
"Well, it's a good thing Azazel is in charge and not you then, isn't it?"
Vali replied with a dismissive tone.
Kokabiel tightened his hand.
But knew he couldn't do or say anything, so he turned his head to the right hand side.
"If that's how you think, then I'll certainly not stop you."
With that, Kokabiel turned and began walking away.
Akira looked on as Vali folded her arms.
"I don't like him. Gets on my nerves."
Vali revealed, Akira nods.
"Neither do I. Same with Satanael, they have far too sinister auras for me to like. The way they speak, you can feel that there's some hate within their words, and their actions as well. Though speaking of, I haven't seen Satanael, what's he doing?"
Akira couldn't trust the likes of Satanael.
Something about the way he looked, gave Akira the impression that something far too sinister was happening.
"Hmm...now that you mention it, I haven't seen him for a little while, I do know that he usually does a lot with his class."
"Class, huh."
Vali nods and explains.
"The Satanael Class, filled with different students of Sacred Gear users. I heard that they were troubled people. Though I don't know fully what goes on in their, Azazel said that he and other Fallen Angels do their best to help those that are troubled."
Akira nods.
"I can see Azazel-san doing that. Satanael, not so much. Same with Kokabiel."
Vali agreed.
Akira then thought about what Kokabiel said, and how he was mocking about Lavinia.
Even though his mind said that she would be fine.
He couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong, and Satanael wasn't anywhere to be seen…
He shook his head, while still thinking cautious thoughts.
"Hmm, I hope Lavinia-sans safe."
"She's strong, I'm sure if she was in trouble, she'd contact us. Perhaps she's simply busy and that's why she hasn't contacted us yet."
Akira hoped that was the case.
But he had a bad feeling something wasn't right.
He hoped that Lavinia was okay after everything going on.
Later on, Akira returned back to the Belial castle. He heard from Ravel about Koneko staying in her room, with Canis by her side. He also found out that Kuroka had been unusually quiet, he thought that it was because Koneko was on her mind.
So he went to see how Koneko was.
Going inside once being invited, he saw that Canis was still with her, sitting beside her, and giving her comfort. Even if they were still at odds at times due to being like cat and dog, they could come together like this.
Akira's eyes went over her, before petting her head.
"Koneko-chan, everything okay?"
"Yes Akira-san, I've just been thinking about Onee-sama."
"And?"
Koneko furrowed her brows, and thought deeply about what was going to be said next.
"Akira-san...before that...I want to ask...about your peerage...with Ravel-san, Elmen-san...and now that you have Valerie-san as well...is it okay if we speak about it too?"
Akira's face softened.
"Of course. We can talk about anything you like."
Koneko was glad for the distraction, and focus on something that she had wished to speak about for a good while now.
"...I've thought about it for a good long while, and you, Akira-san, are someone that I really like being around. Your goals...I really like. Wanting to help good people...to give them a better life, than they would have without you and others help. Without you Akira-san...I might have had a hard time, but with you...endless possibilities are before me. That's why...if you want me...I'd want to...become apart of your peerage..."
Akira placed his hand on her cute face, and delicately stroked her face kindly.
"I'd be overjoyed if you became apart of my peerage Koneko-chan."
Koneko's tail swished side to side, while she looked into his eyes with her big bright ones.
"Also...Akira-san, I have another request."
"Hmm, what's that?"
He asked curiously, so Koneko leaned towards him.
But when she tried to speak, she couldn't find the words.
"Akira-san...will you...I mean...can I..."
"Can you, what?"
Koneko developed a small redness on her cheeks, shaking side to side, and buried her face into his collarbone, something Akira thought was rather cute.
"...Onee-sama, I...I am unsure of what to say about her...but, I want to understand more about her..."
"Koneko-chan, no matter what becomes of your talk with Kuroka-san, just know I'll be here for you. Both of you. As I said when Kuroka-san was first captured, you can feel what you feel. Harsh things happened to you, of course Kuroka-san didn't intend for these things to happen, but they did, and now you both have a chance to go forward, to work through your feelings, together."
Koneko appreciated his words.
More than that, she also felt good about what Akira was able to say to comfort her.
"...Yes, thank you."
Koneko snuggled against him happily.
Whenever she was with Akira, she felt good inside of her chest.
She felt calm and comfortable with him, like she would be able to many things with him beside her.
A little bit afterwards, Akira saw Kuroka at the doorway, so he ushered her inside.
Akira then murmured "I'll leave you two alone, I'll be outside if you need me." and walked off, Koneko and Kuroka stared at one another.
It felt uncomfortable for the pair of them.
Koneko didn't know what to say.
Neither did Kuroka.
Kuroka remembered Akira's words, and exhaled slowly, trying to speak, but Koneko did first.
"...I'll be joining Akira-sans peerage. Very soon."
Kuroka blinked at the sudden announcement, but then giggled.
"Aww, it seems that the neko sisters like the same boy after all~"
Koneko didn't comment.
In fact, she didn't even look towards Kuroka, and kept her unsure eyes on the floor.
Kuroka folded her arms, and her face became serious.
"Shirone...Akira-chan talked to me, and I...I want to express some thoughts to you...things I didn't get to say at the time...things that I...I wanted to speak to you...about...what happened, I know...what I did caused a lot of...I'm not good at this...ugh...okay, Shirone..."
Koneko watched Kuroka do her best to be serious.
She usually wasn't, and would rather be playful.
But she made a genuine effort, so Koneko did to listen to her and what she wished to say.
When Kuroka finished, Koneko looked down at the ground.
She didn't speak for a minute, as she processed Kuroka's words.
But when she did begin processing some information, Koneko spoke directly to Kuroka with her eyes locking together with the young woman's own.
"...I know, what happened...you were protecting me…you saved me from our previous Master, who was a horrible person."
"Yes...that's right, but I...I hurt you, didn't I Shirone?"
Koneko nods her head.
"I am grateful...for what you did. I understand...the man that was our Master...was a monster. I understand it all...but, lots of things have happened since then…with the Devils...what happened when they wanted me to die...I was scared Onee-sama. It was thanks to Akira-san...that I began feeling safe again."
Kuroka nodded in understanding.
She could feel herself becoming emotional at Koneko's words.
Hearing the fear in her voice.
Seeing it in her eyes, and reflecting that on her face that was slowly breaking away from the stoic nature that she had, to one of expressing her feelings all the more.
"I know nyaa...Shirone, I'm not asking you to forgive me, right away, or even at all. I understand...I hurt you...I caused a lot of problems for you...so, if you'll let me, I'll do my best to be here for you. I...I want to be in your life Shirone...Thanks to Akira-chan, we can be together everyday….if that's something you want. If not...then I understand..."
Koneko watched Kuroka bow her head, and begin walking away.
Seeing her big sisters words, and declaration, even her dedication, Koneko felt deep down that Kuroka was truly making a big effort.
That she wanted to make their relationship better.
Acknowledging what happened in the past, and how it made her feel, she wanted to do it again, she wanted to try again from a clean slate, while also keeping what happened with them for the to overcome.
"...Onee-sama, you saved me...yes, lots of bad things could have happened, some did happen...but, you did what you thought was best...to protect me. I don't know what's going to happen...but, you wanted to try, so we could, become close again...if you try hard...then I will too. It might take sometime...but, I don't want to waste any opportunities."
"Shirone...yes, lets try hard."
Kuroka gave a relieved smile at that, and moved closer to Koneko.
She didn't hug her, knowing Koneko wasn't ready for it yet.
But she did show that she wanted to be close to her always.
Akira, from outside of the door, heard everything, he was happy that this was the beginning of their journey of becoming closer with one another, to finally being together, and maybe, they'd be able to move on from what happened.
While neither were to blame, there was a lot to begin working through so they could come together, and this, to Akira, felt like they both had taken their first steps to become close once more.
So, he left them alone to speak and have some real conversations together.
Akira went down the stairs, and came across Valerie who was in the middle of looking through different outfits online. It seemed that she had taken the cosplay thing to heart, Akira also thought now would be a good time to see how she's doing.
He moved to her right hand side, and sat down as she looked towards him.
"Valerie-san, how's it going?"
"I'm good, just looking up some cosplay. Have you seen some of the images online? There are some really cool artists out there."
Akira chortled, nodding a single time as he continued on.
"Yes there really are some great ones out there. However, I also want to speak about something regarding your Sacred Gear, if you don't mind?" Valerie shook her head, giving him the go ahead so he continued. "I got a report from Azazel-san about your Longinus, apparently it seems that your Sacred Gear has some very unique aspects. I heard from him saying that yours is a subspecies."
Valerie nods her head, and summons her grail.
With keen interest, she stares at it in wonder.
"Indeed, it seems to be such a case. Though, I'm not entirely sure what that means."
"Subspecies?" Valerie nods. "Subspecies are Sacred Gears that have taken on a unique characteristic because of the thoughts and feelings of the wielder. Sometimes it is saved for Balance Breaker, but others, like you, can have them in their normal state. Sometimes, the Subspecies gain a new power as a result of that as well."
Valerie slowly nods, as she stares at her Sacred Gear, and thinks about the power that she has gained with her Sacred Gear.
"I am honestly surprised, I never thought that it would be such a special thing."
"It is, and there's plenty that can be done with it. But, so far, nothing has happened? Not hearing any voices?"
Valerie tilted her head, then shook it.
"No, I haven't heard anything of the sort. Though it could become a possibility, Azazel-san said that if I don't overuse it then I shouldn't have such negative effects."
Akira nods.
He wondered what the limit was, but they had plenty of time to discover this.
"Though Akira-san, what does it mean to overuse? I don't really understand."
Akira hummed as he thought about it.
"Well, I presume it means using the more powerful aspects of it, like bringing dead people back."
"Yes...I was surprised, that my Sephiroth Graal can do such things as well. But, it sounds scary, doesn't it? It is a power that many would want."
"Yes, but it is your power now, and no one is going to try and abuse such a power. They'll have to go through me first."
Valerie adopts a cute smile on her face.
"Thank you, Akira-san. But hmmm, I don't know what I'm supposed to do with it. Should I use it? And if so...how should I use it? When?"
"I think that's something for you to decide. If you wish to unleash such a power. It's a strong power, maybe use it when you truly need it, I wouldn't want any unnecessary danger for you."
"I see...only when the time is needed...yes, that does make sense. Though, if you asked Akira-san, I would use it for you. You are my King, and I believe that you would make the right call. I haven't known you long...but hearing the stories from the others, and how you did your best for them, protecting them, and me as well...if you asked, then I would do it."
"That's really sweet of you, but I wouldn't ever want to put you in danger of corroding your mind and spirit."
Akira was thankful for the gesture, but he couldn't endanger her like that.
Plus since she didn't have control over the power, he didn't know what would happen if she attempted to do it.
"Even then...if you do need me to do anything like that Akira-san, I shall do so."
Akira gave a gentle smile.
"Thank you Valerie-san."
Akira smiled, and continued to converse with her for a good long while about many topics.
He was glad that she was adjusting more and more as time went on.
When Akira heard Koneko call for him, he immediately went towards the living room. He saw that the young cat girl was sat there on the couch, and her big eyes were on him as soon as he entered the room.
"Koneko-chan, I got your message, is something going on?"
Koneko shakes her head, moving her hand towards him, so he got close and took her hand in his.
"...Akira-san, if it is okay, I would like to become your peerage member now."
Akira smiled gently.
"If that's what you want, then I don't have a problem with it. But what about Kuroka-san?"
"What about me nyaaa?"
Kuroka appeared towards the right hand side, her eyes going for his in a cute manner.
"Well, I was wondering, where you're at currently..."
Koneko looks towards Kuroka, who does the same thing.
"We are talking, we haven't decided much yet. But Onee-sama also said that she wishes to be with you."
Akira looks to Kuroka, who gives a big affirming nod.
"Yup, that's what I said nyaaa~"
Akira wore surprise on his face.
"You do huh? What decided this?"
"Well, it is because you and Shirone are close, and what you did for me...I liked it. For the first time in...forever probably, someone cared about me. Someone went out of their way for me, and Shirone. No one ever did that nyaaa."
Akira gently smiled as Kuroka embraced him.
"If you wish to become apart of my peerage, then I'd certainly welcome you both."
Koneko pulls up, and hugs him around his waist.
"...Onee-sama can be challenging Akira-san, is she okay to have on the group as well?"
Akira looks towards Kuroka who gives a light hearted grin.
"Well, I'm sure Kuroka-san would fit in fine within our group."
Kuroka showcased her smile, and lightly pressed her lips against his cheek.
When seeing that, Koneko frowned, Akira blushed lightly.
"See Shirone? I knew he would be fine with it."
"Even then Onee-sama...do not flirt with Akira-san."
Kuroka grinned even more than before, and poked her finger in a teasing manner.
"Arara, what's wrong Shirone? Does this boy belong with you?"
"...Yes, I am...Akira-san is..."
Koneko couldn't finish.
She blushed hard, and looked left to right, unable to keep her eyes on Akira.
Kuroka thought it was quite cute, and smiled softly.
"It is all good Shirone, we can share Akira-chan."
Akira looked bewildered, as the girls leaned closer.
Understanding what was next, he brought out the Evil Pieces.
He placed them towards the girls bodies which they took, and held to their chests.
"Alright, here we go."
With that, Akira started the process.
With the chant, and then the demonic power being started.
The girls looked and waited until the Evil Pieces responded to Akira and his power.
Soon, the Evil Pieces sank through their clothes, and into their chests.
When it did, the both purred cutely. Koneko shivered, while Kuroka looked excited.
"And that's it, you're both my servants now."
Koneko latched onto Akira tightly, and Kuroka did the same thing, even licking his cheek affectionately.
Now that he had gained them, his peerage was building out even more, and he couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
A small time later, Akira was beginning to get into bed, as he spoke with Rossweisse via a hologram about his day. What happened with Ravel, and with Valerie, Elmenhilde, Vali and Kuroka and Koneko among other things. It was something that they both had become accustomed too.
[Seems like it's been a long day.]
Akira stretches his arms above his head, nodding.
"Yeah, quite busy and difficult. But, I think...the sisters are going to be able to overcome their feelings. While neither were at fault for what happened, it was that Naberius, the situation was hard on both of them, but with this...I think they'll be getting back on track."
Rossweisse adopted a small smile on her face.
[I'm glad, it sounds like they might be able to put their issues together and work to overcome the feelings they have for that time. Well, I have to go now, speak to you tomorrow. Good night.]
"Night Rossweisse-san~ Have pleasant dreams~"
Akira hung up the call, and began preparing to get fully into bed.
Akira soon placed his head down, as his black dog came up to his side, and let out a little whimpering, Akira could understand what the dog was feeling immediately, so tried to offer some comfort.
"I know boy...I'm worried about Lavinia-san too."
The dog whined as he curled towards Akira, who stroked the top of the dogs head.
However, in the middle of that, the door suddenly opened, and revealed Vali surprisingly being there.
He was stunned to see that she would come to the Devils part of the Underworld, but knew that if she did, then she'd have a good reason.
"Vali-chan, what's wrong?"
"Aki...Lavinia, she's missing. Satanael...it seems that he came back, and used his class to help steal a few items from the Grigori. Azazel's confirmed...The Witch Augusta she was going after...she's got her, and those agents that Azazel sent with her, have betrayed him, or been killed, possibly even both depending. Point is...Lavinia's gone."
When he heard that, his eyes fell down to the floor.
Lavinia, the kind, gentle magician that had been so helpful and kind to him from even the moment that they had met, was now in the clutches of an evil Witch that wishes to cause much problems for Lavinia.
He had to do something.
He had to save her from Augusta and Satanael.
As that was going on, a chained up Lavinia, she had a special device on her wrist that stopped her from being able to use her Longinus to its full effects, and Lavinia also noticed that Augusta had gone to great lengths to make sure that she hadn't been killed yet.
Satanael, while not on Azazel's level of intellect, also had a great mind and used it for evil ways. And he used that to make sure that Lavinia couldn't escape the situation that she was in currently.
"Don't look angry Lavinia. You live, because the boy isn't within our clutches. But soon, you and he shall be reunited, in death. In fact, I'll be sending the request to the boy pretty soon. If he knows what's good for you, then he's going to come alone, and with that Longinus of his. And then, you'll both end up like Glenda, deceased. Besides, you got your own, didn't you? You managed to take out a good number of our forces, and nearly killed Augusta if I hadn't been there."
Lavinia tightened her eyes.
She refused to show her fear right now.
So she went with her convictions, even if she wasn't entirely sure if Glenda, her guardian, was dead or not.
If this was a ploy for them to play with her, and break her. She didn't know either way, and decided that she wouldn't allow the enemies to defeat her mentally.
"Lavinia, aren't you going to say anything? Your little friend is deceased, and so shall be the others-"
"You wont get away with this...you think you can beat Aki-kun that well...do you?"
Lavinia tried to show bravado, and show that she wasn't going to back down for even a moment.
Satanael didn't seem threatened, and simply folded his arms in an uncaring manner.
"He's a child, I wont lose to such a being."
"That child as you call him has survived a lot more than a monster like you. Never underestimate him."
Lavinia spat out at Satanael.
But the Fallen Angel remained unconcerned, laughing off what Lavinia said with a wave of his hand.
"He's strong, but still young and by the time I'm done with him, he wont know what's hit him. He'll be coming here, and you'll see him briefly. I've made sure that he'd come for his friend Lavinia."
"...So that's what it is, use me as bait to get both of our powers. Also after Va-chan are you?"
Satanael laughed in a despair inducing way for Lavinia.
However, Lavinia wouldn't allow Satanael to win and kept up her strength in the face of such a monster.
"You can be thankful, you're going to be the reason you both shall die. And after you're both gone, I'll be going for Sephiroth Graal, then the Hakuryuukou's power. Hahaha, that boy has a unique talent of bringing powerful people to his side, doesn't he? After their powers have taken...I'll be going after the Longinus', all of them. They shall fall under my power, then the next stage of my plan is set in motion."
Lavinia wanted to scream, and shout.
But she remained calm, as she had to make sure that this situation was dealt with in a timely manner.
"You have a grandiose plan, but even you can't fight the Three Factions, not to mention others that would target you. Think about it, Diehauser-san will kill you if Aki-kun comes to harm. Azazel will kill you if you do this to the Longinus possessors, not to mention Va-chan who he's grown close to."
"Hah, I am not concerned. God made such strong tools, I am giving them back to those that deserve them, not the humans like you. And that boy, is only the beginning. Soon, you shall be gone, and so shall here. say your goodbyes when you see him."
Satanael had a menacing look, only equal to his evil looking face.
Lavinia wouldn't, couldn't stand for it, and gave harsh eyes.
"Then you don't know that child at all. You just watch Satanael, you will lose! He will kill you!"
Satanael laughed, while Lavinia felt anger, and fear at the same time, with him leaving.
As he did, a small girl that looked around Akira's age walked out, the Witch Walburga showed a dark look on her face as she pulled closer.
"Don't have a sour face, you'll be okay. You have a beautiful face, so it shouldn't be frowning like it is. Say, can I become Demise girl next?"
Lavinia scowled towards her, while Walburga let out a laugh, as she moved away from the area.
Lavinia felt like she was doing that to try and drive the despair within Lavinia even more than she already felt.
"Aki-kun..."
If Akira did come, then she and he could die.
She could see that Satanael believed he had planned everything out.
One way or the other, this was soon to be over.
She just hoped, Akira and the others would be fine.
End chapter!
So this chapter focused upon Akira helping out Koneko and Kuroka with their relationship, with both being able to get advice from him. Valerie is also doing her best to adjust to what is happening, and is becoming closer to the others.
And by the end, they also decided to join his peerage! But while that was going on, Lavinia has been captured, and Satanael has begun his plan together with Augusta. But, Akira and the others aren't going to take this so easily, so we'll be seeing what happens between them next time!
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,