Judan: We are back once again with another redux chapter!
Shadow: Funny how long we were on hiatus without posting anything. And now that we're actually busy we're posting tons of them.
Judan: Shush! You can't say that in front of the slaves!
Slayer: Wait slaves?
Argentum: I believe he means viewers…
Judan: I know what I said!
Slayer: Right…
Kiryuu: You should be used to him by now.
Argentum: Should be… but we're not.
Judan: Well screw you guys to!
Slayer: Heh… you wish.
Judan: Why I outta-
Shadow: Okay enough with that. Got to finish… whatever this piece of the chapter is called.
Kiryuu: Isn't it called-
Judan/Slayer/Shadow/Argentum: NO!
Kiryuu: Okay…
Slayer: Ugh… can't believe I was too sick to do anything about this chapter last time… whelp time to end this. And as per tradition… Kiryuu mind ending this?
Kiryuu: Yeah why not? Okay we here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing but OC's and reality building concepts. Everything else belongs to their respective owners. Now without further ado…
Everyone: Here's the story!
Hello= Regular talk
[Hello]= Kuros
{Hello}= Ddraig
(Hello)= other sacred gears
'Hello'Masamune
'Hello'Murasame
Hello= Thoughts/talking to inner spirits
(J/N)= Judan Notes
(S/N)= Slayer notes
Chapter Sixteen: Paths cross in different Ways… and that Sucks!
The Demonic Blade (Ryu Shibura)
I sighed as I looked over Sakuya's injuries. "Once again you've gotten yourself badly hurt. I honestly don't know what I am going to do with you."
Sakuya huffed before retorting. "Hey I'm not that bad Ryu, besides Rodrick Ku-Sama already healed some of my wounds. And Koakuma helped quite a bit after I got here." I frowned a bit more after that, but nodded my head as I tied off the last bandage around her waist. She then got up to put her clothes back on. I couldn't help but shake my head at her while she went into the closest to change. It's strange… despite all the time we've spent together, we've actually never did anything beyond small dates and hugging.
I mean… I've already Kissed Koakuma of all people! Yes I've kissed the very shy red headed girl, whose main job is to look after the house while we're out. And when I say shy… I mean SHY; she fainted right after I kissed her. Now don't get me wrong I love Sakuya, but sometimes I can't help but think I'm slowly losing her. At first we were quite lovey dovey as some would say, but over the last year and a half we've slowly grown apart.
It's all Rodrick's fault… Shaking my head I got rid of those thoughts. The kid doesn't even know he's taking her from me after all. Thinking about it… at first it might have been what she originally told me, that despite being younger she looked up to him as an older brother. But now I'm not so sure. In fact she's actually kissed him, sure it was on accident during a training session but it still happened. Plus ever since she's been kissing him on the cheek constantly, I haven't even kissed her yet!
I've actually talked to my father about this. He basically told me to keep her close, but let her go happily if she decides to move on. And though I realize that would hurt a lot, I'd do it if it meant she'd be happy.
This kind of made me glad that I still had Koakuma. Speaking of whom… I looked over to the side of the bed and smiled at the currently sleeping demon. She was snoring very cutely and quietly as her chest rose and fell. When she had heard that her mistress Sakuya had gotten hurt, Koakuma had freaked out and spent all her energy trying to help our queen.
Shaking my head I rubbed our demon's head a bit. "Whenever I see you together you're always either hugging or petting her. And she's not even an animal Yokai or spirit." Looking up I smiled a bit while inwardly frowning. You see Sakuya was wearing the new outfit Rodrick had just given her. Seeing how the last one was destroyed I was fine with that, but I had actually given her that one.
Shaking my head I got up to give her a hug before speaking. "Only because she's rather adorable Sa Chan." She rolled her eyes at me but hugged me back before speaking again.
"Please don't call me that, it makes me feel like a little kid." I chuckled before retorting.
"Maybe that's why I call you that, after all you need to learn to just have fun sometimes."
She actually groaned before speaking. "Ugh… you sound just like Rodrick Sama." I frowned for a second but then smiled again, after all Rodrick is always looking out for all of us. Although I've noticed that he looks out for some more than others. Those being his "princesses", his sister, Mittelt, Fay, and even Sakuya. Seriously that guy was a literal girl magnet. "Uh Ryu you're spacing out here. Is something wrong?" Looking at her I smiled while shaking my head.
"Don't worry I'm just thinking about what to do next, though I do believe you should do as… Rodrick said and get some more rest. After all your wounds might be relatively healed but your energy is still quite depleted."
She sighed before nodding her head. "Fine… but only because I don't want you two to worry about me." She then promptly went around me and laid down next to Rosalia. But not before picking up her black stuffed bear from the ground. She then hugged it tightly before turning to me. "If you tell anyone about this you're dead." I couldn't help but laugh sheepishly before replying.
"You say the same thing each time I see you hug that thing. And each time I say I won't."
She sniffed before lying back down. "Sorry I guess it's a force of habit now. But on that note goodnight." I shook my head before leaving the room. But once I did I couldn't help but scowl. That bear was a gift from Rodrick as well… I guess I really am losing to him. It was actually her first birthday we were together on. I got her a necklace while Rodrick got her a bear. And though she gave him a hard time about it saying she wasn't a little girl. Sakuya still kept it even after all this time.
Shaking my head I thought back to when Rodrick first introduced me to Sakuya. I had instantly fallen in love with her. She didn't quite feel the same, that was until we worked together to take down the vampire lord that killed her family. After that Rodrick saw our feelings for one another and actually set us up. Something I'm eternally grateful for. However unlike my feelings which were and are along the lines of love. Sakuya seemed to only have a crush on me, but it did grow for a bit.
But now it seemed to be regressing because of Rodrick. And I can't even blame the guy! No he was just doing what he felt was right as always. It also didn't help that he was too nice for his own good. That guy would rather cut off his own arm than purposely hurt those he loved.
So lost in thought I didn't notice something climb onto my head. "Well how is the queen lady Ryu?" Breaking from my thoughts I sighed while realizing Itachi was on my head.
Sighing I answered him. "She's doing as well as one could expect, Rodrick took care of most of her wounds and gave her new clothes." I paused for a second before continuing. "Also now that I think of it he also gave her new knives and daggers."
Itachi snickered before saying something that kind of pissed me off. "You better be careful, he might just be trying to take her from you." At that point I couldn't help but snap at him a bit.
"As if that'll happen! I'm not going to let Sakuya go that easily Itachi!" Upon hearing my tone he quickly tried to placate me.
"Wow! Sorry I didn't mean to make you mad man. I was just kidding around is all."
Upon hearing his apology I apologized myself. "I'm sorry to; I didn't mean to snap at you like that. But… well you see… I guess I am worried about losing her to him. He's just the kind of guy that girls always go for, especially ones like Sakuya." Itachi very quickly questioned me when I said that last part.
"What do you mean by girls like Sakuya? As far as I can tell she's not like the other "princesses" that dragon boss has. Although she is rather similar to that Sona chick now that I think about it..." I couldn't help but shake my head at that. Well gently shake it, after all my familiar was still on my head.
"Itachi… what I meant was that Sakuya wants someone strong to look out for her. She may not admit it, and she may not even know it herself. But that's what she wants. While at the same time she wants that person to be someone who won't leave her. Someone who can understand her, and although I've tried I'm just not capable of that. The paths that brought us together are just too different. But Rodrick… no he can understand her, in fact he already does. In fact… I don't doubt that if he ever tried to smell her, he'd smell lavender from her."
Itachi perked up at that. "Lavender… isn't that what he said he smelt from potential mates or something? Heh… it almost sounds as if you want her to go to him just to get it over with."
I actually had to ponder what he said. Do I really want her to breakup with me sooner rather than latter… just so I don't feel as much pain? Sighing I decided to get my mind off of my probably soon to be ex-girlfriend. So I went to the communications room, where I found the rest of Sona's peerage all working diligently. Although I didn't know on what, after all most of the time we just called one another's cell phones.
Now that I think of it… just what is the purpose of this room anyway? I mean if we wanted people to call us we should just give them our cell phone numbers. Upon entering the room, Reya Kusaka looked up from a notebook and turned to me with a questioning look.
"Is there something you need Shibura Sempai?" Looking down at her I shook my head with a smile. Now Reya is a slim girl with long brown hair that ends in two short braids and matching eyes. She also wears a blue headband. And apparently she is quite skilled in barriers if what Sona said was true. As a bonus she was actually quite cute as well, and not in love with Saji. How he didn't know there were two other girls who actually were in love with him I'll never know.
But since she asked me a question I answered honestly. "I don't need anything in particular. I was just wondering how all of you were holding up in here." She nodded her head before picking up her notebook and handing it to me.
"Here we've been constantly calling everyone and writing down their current location, and even their current conditions. So far besides the few rough skirmishes here and there everyone seems to be fine for the most part. Although there was that fight with between Faylen and Izayoi Sempai. How is she doing by the way?"
I shrugged before answering her. "Well she's in bed with Koakuma at the moment. Though I think it's mostly because Rodrick ordered her to get some rest. I swear she just drives me up the wall sometimes with her stubbornness." She giggled before nodding her head.
"Yeah from what I've seen of her she's quite the fighter. But what can you do sometimes? Anyways no one's seriously injured or hurt at this moment in time. Although Ophis should be returning with her detainee soon enough. However… I think I may have heard screams of pain as she updated us on her position…"
I couldn't help but chuckle nervously at that, but before I could say anything else we heard the doorbell. Sighing I turned to her to say goodbye.
"Well that's probably Ophis; still it was nice talking to you Reya Chan." Turning around I didn't see her blush as she also said goodbye.
"Yeah well I'll be here if you need me Sempai!~" Once I was outside the room, I sighed before cracking my neck and heading to the front door. Once there I opened it to see a very evilly smiling Ophis, and a worried looking Tsuyara. Behind Ophis was her pet snake Shimi who seemed rather smug about herself. That's when before I could say anything Shimi spat out her prisoner. He was blue as if he was in a very cold space for a long time.
Upon seeing me he started begging with a strained voice. "Please… just kill me…" I couldn't help but look at him in worry and confusion, before turning to a smug looking Ophis and questioning her.
"What exactly did you do to this guy?" Ophis quickly smiled innocently before answering me.
"Well… I had Shimi eat him of course, and then I had her eat a few feared ones every now and again. Apparently there wasn't enough room in her stomach even after increasing her size. So he may have been crushed a few times. Then Shimi got tired and I allowed her inside my shadow to rest." At that point I couldn't help but let my eyes widen before speaking.
"Isn't the shadow realms temperature a few degrees below freezing?"
At my statement she tried to look surprise. "It is?! I had no idea, after all it's not like I've personally been there or anything.~" I gave her a bored look before turning to Tsuyara who also looked exasperated.
How on earth does Rodrick deal with her? With one last sigh I turned back to Ophis.
"Alright then let's put him in the basement or the dungeon as Rodrick sometimes calls it." Ophis nodded happily as the guy whimpered when Shimi ate him again. She then jumped back in Ophis' shadow. No really how does he deal with this devious little dragoness?
Oh yeah! We're on a role! Now let's get to the line break!~
The Void King
I sneezed as I killed another foe. Huh… wonder if anyone talking about me? Taking my sword out of the head of my latest kill, I swung Masamune down getting rid of the blood on her.
'Yeah thanks for that, I really don't like the feeling of blood on me. It's just gross you know?'
[Really? I've never really minded the feeling of blood on me.] I couldn't help but snort before giving his response a retort.
You're a void forbid dragon Kuros. Of course you don't really care, although I was human once and do care. And besides Masamune looks prettier without blood on her anyways.
'Why thank you Ro Kun!~ At least you know how to treat a lady. Unlike someone over here!'
Kuros quickly spoke up with a weak voice after that. [I'm sorry…] Shaking my head I turned to the others of my team. At the moment they all looked fine albeit a bit tired. Well except for Freed who just wanted to keep hacking away at things. Although the person who looked the worst was Kiba, but that should be expected after the beating he got from the Jersey Devil thing.
"Ding Ding you got a call." Snapping me out of my thoughts was my phone. So quickly I took it out to see that it was actually our communications room calling me. Coming to a decision I turned to everyone.
"Okay everyone take five while I take this call." Everyone sighed in relief before finding somewhere to sit in the park we were in. I then answered my phone. "Hello this is Rodrick."
Upon hearing the other person's voice I smiled. "Hello Ro Kun this is me Ophis. I was just calling to let you know that me and Tsuyara are fine, and we have put our "guest" downstairs. We are now on our way out."
"Okay then so I guess you defeated Diodora and Arthur then? That's good to hear." When I heard Ophis suck in some air through her teeth I frowned. "Okay what happened?"
I heard her give out an airy sigh before answering me. "We were interrupted by the guy who killed Arthur the uh… first time now I guess. He stopped us from destroying Arthur's body and teleported away with it. I'm sorry for failing you like that…"
I couldn't help but shake my head before consoling her. "No you didn't fail Ophi Chan. You were just caught off guard is. Besides based on what Le Chan told us this guy is extremely powerful. Speaking of powerful did you get a good look at his sword? Maybe get a name from him?"
After a moment she answered me. "No… He didn't tell me his name only insulted me and Tsuyara, sliced one of my regular snakes to ribbons, and left. But I was able to see his sword; it was like Le Chan described it. But it also had a bunch of strange red runes going up its back. Plus the edge… well it was jagged, but not in a broken way. it was if the sword was made to look like that."
'It can't be…' Masamune distracted me for a moment but I shook it off before speaking to Ophis again.
"Well thanks for that, I'll be sure to try and use it. Anyways can you check on Le Chan before leaving again? I'm sure she'll want to know what happened."
"Of course!~ Anyways it's good to know that you're okay and I hope to see you again soon. Mwah! Bye now Ro Kun!~" I chuckled before blowing her a kiss as well. I was more than happy to see her fully embrace her true self. Though her exuberance would take some time to get used to, it was still an enjoyable part of her.
But seeing how there was stuff to do I gave her simple goodbye. "Bye to you to my Ophi Chan.~" I then hung up the phone before sitting down. Then crossing my legs and closing my eyes I went into my inner world. There I saw Kuros and Masamune playing with a three month old girl.
Wait what?! Looking on I couldn't help but let my eyes widen. For I knew that same girl was Masarune. So with absolute confusion I walked up to them, and though I noticed that Masamune looked distraught about something. I had to question them on Masarune's unnatural growth.
"Okay what happened to the three day old baby? And why is she now three months old?" Kuros who was in his human form looked at me before answering.
Although it wasn't what I expected. [Do you know how quickly things move in your mind kid? Ten times faster thanks to your elder dragon mind. How do you think you learn things so fast? There's also the fact that Rune Chan here is half elder dragon. Meaning that for the first year she ages a bit faster than other humans. However once she's eight years old she'll slow down… a lot… Kind of like Ophis now that I think about it.] I couldn't help but blink at that.
Suddenly a lot of things make more sense. Like how Ophis still looks fourteen years old, despite being over four thousand years old. And also how Masamune gave birth so… wait that doesn't make any sense!
"Then why did it take so long for Masamune to give birth to her? Granted it was still faster than normal but…" He snorted as he bounced Masarune on his knee.
[That's because it takes a long time for dragons to be born. There is also the fact that we kept talking to you that entire time, which means we were connected to the outside a lot more. However Masa hasn't been talking to you, meaning her time was connected to you mind instead of the real world.]
I couldn't help but still be confused and I stated it as such. "I still don't think that works like that. Plus isn't she only half dragon?" At that point he cut me off.
[I don't know! That's just how it's working, not like this has ever happen before! This is just the way it's working so deal with it!] Letting out a large breath of air I decided not to think about this anymore. So with that in mind I turned to Masamune.
"Okay so what was that from earlier then? It seems as if you're familiar with the sword that guy used, but seeing how we're in another world different from our own… I really don't see how that's possible."
Looking at me she sighed before answering me. 'Rodrick I have a confession to make…' I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as she continued. 'That day you found me in the forest… well it wasn't as accidental as you think.' Now that was shocking and I couldn't help but speak my confusion.
"What do you mean not as accidental as I think? That doesn't make any sense!"
She smiled sadly before explaining. 'Well the truth is that while my old user had died two months before we met. I was there because I quickly sensed out the closest person who could actually use me. So there I was waiting for you to find me.'
I couldn't help but shake my head. "And just why didn't you tell me this when I first found you? I mean obviously you've had other users so why is your last one so important?" She looked me straight in the eyes before answering.
'Because all of my previous users were always killed. My last one wasn't.' I couldn't help but open and close my mouth at that. Because really… how would you react upon finding out that the girl you considered an older sister… Actually had a horrible history of her partners dying.
After a few moments I recovered. "So… any particular reason why they kept on dying? Because that seems like an important bit of information." She nodded her head before answering me.
'Yes… now I'm sure you know about my origin story, about the two master sword smiths and the lake?' I nodded my head as she continued. 'I cut nothing even when it touched my blade, while the other guy cut everything up. Well that story isn't entirely accurate. You see after his loss Murasame was angry with my creator, Masamune. So he attacked him with his sword he had just created also known as Murasame. Masamune defended himself with me, but in the end both ended up killing the other.'
She gave out another sigh before continuing. 'Ever since that point we've been locked in a struggle always trying to outdo the other. And unfortunately… our wielders have always paid the price. In some ways our conflict is like Ddraig's and Albion's. But my last user had enough and hid himself not wanting to get involved. Originally I was angry, but soon realized that I actually liked not having to fight with that annoying blade. Eventually he died of old age, after that I searched for someone new. And that was you.'
At this point I couldn't help but rub my temples as I figured everything out. "Okay let me get this straight… you've had a blood feud with this sword for hundreds of years. But your last user didn't want anything to do with it so he hid himself. However you ended up liking the peace, so when he died you decided not to tell me. In doing so you believe that I wouldn't have to fight, and you really didn't think you'd have to tell me in another world. But the reason why you're telling me this now is because our has Murasame am I right?"
Masamune clapped his her hands before nodding. 'Yes! You truly are smart Rodrick! Anyways I hope you're not too mad with me, I just thought all of that wouldn't be important in this world. I would've told you after you got used to me in our old home. But alas it was not to be… Though how our enemy managed to not only find Murasame, but turn his user into a Abysswalker is beyond me.'
I couldn't help but sigh again before speaking once more. "No it is fine… besides it's not like you expected to find your old rival here." As soon as those words left my mouth I felt myself embraced in a bone crushing hug.
'Oh thank you Ro Kun! I can't tell you happy I am to have someone as nice as you as my wielder!~' At her words I couldn't help but think of a retort while turning purple.
You should be thankful that you have someone who won't die by your hugs! Thankfully she ended her hug of death after a few seconds. This left me time to breathe as I heard Kuros snickering in the background. Thanks a lot you useless lizard.
Shaking my head I decided to get to know my enemy more. "So… what exactly does Murasame do then? Because based on what I know he just cuts everything to ribbons." Masamune grimaced before answering.
'Truthfully I wished that were the case. Because not only can he cancel out my cutting power, but Murasame can also attack multiple times in one strike. However unlike me who is all about precision he can't control anything. So much so it makes it so if his wielder isn't careful, they could end up killing themselves using Murasame. In fact… this is why he's had over sixty users, while I've only had ten.'
She paused for a second after that before continuing. 'Well eleven now including you. Anyways he's pretty much my antithesis in almost every way. The only issue is that he has a constant cutting edge while I choose how sharp to be. And as you know he can cut through Caliburn so he's pretty strong.'
I frowned at that while trying to think about what I can do against him. Well… besides Masamune I also have other weapons so I can use those to my advantage. Not to mention my claws are almost as good as she is. Shaking my head I let out a quick breath before speaking to her again.
"Well I think I'm just going to have to wing it when I face him. Hopefully we'll be able to win without me dying because really… that would suck." She giggled before nodding her head. She then gained a sly smirk that was all too familiar to me. Masamune then wrapped her right arm around my shoulders, before speaking with a devious tone.
'So… what was all that with Sakuya earlier eh? Don't tell me you've already decided on a sixth girl?~'My eyes bulged as I pushed myself away from her.
"What in the hell gave you that idea?! Besides she's with Ryu and I didn't match them up just to break them up over me." Masamune scoffed before folding her arms under her chest.
'You two… both of you think of each other in one way, while your feelings for the other are actually something else entirely. I saw it when you first met, I saw it when you saved her from Faylen, and I saw it just now when she defeated Faylen. If you would actually sniff her I'd bet you'd smell lavender.' I was about to retort when Kuros spoke up.
[She's right you know! And as I've learned never underestimate the feelings of the opposite sex. If you keep this up she'll leave your knight and jump into your bed. Besides you've already stole her first kiss so what's the big deal?] I could feel my face grow hot as I explained the "big" deal.
"Okay… first off me "stealing" her first kiss was completely accidental. I had just learned to flow into her Chronomancy and we ran into each other. Secondly she already loves Ryu and I'm happy for them. And thirdly she's more like a sister to me anyways."
Masamune rolled her eyes before retorting. 'As I said you think of the other in one way. While you feel for the other in a different way, trust me you'll see the truth soon enough.' Shaking my head I had enough and just left my mind. Opening my closed eyes I looked around to see my group talking to each other. Although there seemed to be tension between Xenovia and Kiba.
It would appear that I'd miss something as Saji cried and put a hand on Kiba's shoulder. "Oh Kiba San! How your tale moves me! All this time I've thought that you were just some pretty boy prick, but you're actually a good person trying to avenge the deaths of your friends! Now let me tell you my dream in return." What he said next pissed me off. "My dream is to get Kaichou pregnant and marry her!" As soon as he said that my rage broke slightly and I walked up behind him. Heck even Shirone looked rather angry at his declaration.
Everyone who saw me backed up as I put a hand on Saji's shoulder. Although Shirone was only nodding her head, as to let me know I was doing the right thing. So as Saji stiffened, and overwhelming fear seemed to grip him, he turned around slowly. He paled even further as he saw my smiling face.
"Uh… h-hi Boo-ooker san… Yo-you're done are y-you?" I nodded my head before speaking.
"That I am Saji… that I am… Now I couldn't help but overhear your little dream. So tell me… what reason do you have for me not to kill you?" His mind seemed to race before he slumped over.
"I got nothing… well besides being part of Kaichou's peerage that is." I nodded my head with a thoughtful look at that. Because he did have a point, still as you may know… when it comes to my princesses I'm not a forgiving person.
'Or a certain maid right?' I ignored Masamune before I finally decided on what to do with Saji. Because honestly… what he said could be taken as rape in a way. In other words… he said the wrong thing and I'm definitely not letting that go.
So with a malicious grin I spoke to him calmly. "You are correct, which means I won't kill you… but let's just say we may need an ambulance after I'm done with you." I then got out some of my throwing needles while twirling them before speaking again. "Just so you know… this will hurt… a lot…"
What happened next can't really be described, for the violence was just too much. Suffice it to say… Saji's screams were heard all over town.
Oh yeah! We're on a role! Now let's get to the line break!~
The Red Emperor
Okay now that last fight was pretty impressive even for Sakuya's standards! It had gotten me pumped up!
Plus I was able to catch a glimpse of Sakuya's sexy black underwear before turning away. Wait bad Issei! Please don't judge me! I saw it before I could turn away, and there is still some pervertedness in me I admit it! I'm seriously trying to change, but Sakuya is a very beautiful girl so I can't help it sometimes. Not that Chirno and Ravel aren't beautiful, although Aika and Irina are pretty nice to look at as well… No get you head from that place Issei!
{Get it together partner! You are the leader of this little group! So you can't be fantasizing over the pretty girls around you!} Taking a few breaths I calmed down enough, to actually start thinking about what I should do next.
Alright so I doubt that there are many feared ones left. After all we haven't heard any screaming or roar's in a while. Which is good since we're still kind of tired especially Aika. Upon thinking of her I turned back to my classmate. At the moment she was actually talking to Chirno, and apparently they were getting along rather well. But she did have a very tired look on her face. So after a brief thought a small smile came to my face as I made a decision.
So I stopped and turned to everyone. "Alright let's stop here at the moment. We're all tired and I think we've dealt with most of the Lendopo Diren. Not to mention our last rest break was interrupted." Everyone nodded their heads happily before we all sat down near another building. Upon sitting down Chirno very quickly came over to me and sat down on my lap. That's when two unexpected things happened…
The first thing was what sounded like some girl screaming in pain. However there was also something quite familiar about it. Thankfully I had Ddraig to clear up my confusion.
{Partner… that wasn't a girl. That was Saji screaming in pain for some odd reason. Ahh poor Vitra… I feel so sorry for you right now…} Before I could ask him what he meant by poor Vitra Irina spoke up to me.
"Issei Kun! There's some girl in trouble!" Looking at her I shook my head before speaking.
"Actually Irina that was Saji crying out in pain. Why though… if I had to guess he somehow pissed off Rodrick. Now just take a rest okay?" She looked at me for a moment before sighing and nodding her head. And that's when the second surprising thing happened. Aika came up to me and leaned on to my right shoulder. But before I could question her I heard Irina grumble and walk over to me. She then sat down and leaned on my left shoulder. At that point I couldn't help but question them both.
"Um… not that I mind this too much… but I have to ask what you two are doing?"
Of course Kiryuu answered in her blunt way. "We like you enough to take a nap on you; I thought that was obvious enough." Irina seemed to blush at her words but didn't disagree. So instead of freaking out because of Ravel and Chirno, I decided to just accept this. After all Chirno was with me and she seemed fine with everything at the moment.
{Lesson number one always refer to your actual girlfriend or in your case girlfriends judgments. At least that's what all my successful partners with harems did.} I couldn't help but agree with Ddraig before realizing something.
You know… while the technical term is harem… but now that I think of it… that is a rather demining word for this. So thinking for a bit I tried to come up with an alternative like Rodrick did. Although I couldn't take princesses because he already had that. What do you think Ddraig?
{Well… I've got nothing, all my previous hosts just said harem. But I think any girls you get will appreciate the change. It'll definitely make them feel a bit more special at least.} I nodded my head before just settling back down, and just getting comfortable with the three pretty girls cuddling with me. Said girls were also talking amongst themselves. Though it was mostly Aika asking questions about the supernatural. Although apparently Rodrick already told her that polygamy was fine.
I swear… if I didn't know better I'd say he was trying to set us up or something.
"Hey Issei Kun, can I ask you something?" Blinking I turned to Irina before nodding my head. "How exactly did you meet Booker San, and just why did you join his peerage?" I couldn't help but bite my lower lip a bit at that question. Mostly because our first encounter… well it wasn't all that great.
I got the crap beaten out of me after all…
So I gave her an abridged version. "Well I met him when he found out I had the boosted gear. Apparently his sacred gear spirit Kuros sensed it. He then asked me to talk to him later, and I agreed seeing no harm in it. We then talked and he told me about the supernatural, and then he asked me if I wanted to join. I eventually agreed and that's pretty much it. Although my first sparring session was against Ophis, and she beat me black and blue. That definitely wasn't fun…" Both Chirno and Irina giggled at that while Aika spoke in confusion.
"How did Ophis Chan beat you black and blue? She's like what? Four seven? Unless you withheld food from her, I don't see how the small cutie could hurt you very much."
I couldn't help but laugh and pat her on the head for her innocence. "Oh my dear Aika Chan… Ophis is the infinity dragon goddess. An elder dragon to be precise, you see she's been alive for… I think around five thousand years? Also don't call her short… she really, and I mean really hates that. Along with Shirone and Lefay now that I think about it…" Chirno huffed at that before speaking.
"I know how they feel… I mean I'm nineteen yet look at how short I am! I even look like a freaking thirteen year old! Curse you stupid fairy genes…" Aika looked over at Chirno with a raised eyebrow before turning to me, well as much as she could. Seeing how she was still leaning on me.
"Okay I guess that makes sense… but where did Booker San find Ophis? And who's Shirone?" I was about to open my mouth to answer her when I realized something. I actually didn't know how the two of them met. I just never thought to ask.
So I pretty much said as much. "Truthfully… I never actually thought to ask them that. They just seemed to always be together. But now I'm curious and might just ask later, as for Shirone… that's a story even I don't know. But apparently that's Koneko's real name or something." Aika rubbed her chin in thought before nodding her head.
"Well I guess that does match her, plus based on what I saw earlier she's a Nekomata or something. So how does this whole peerage thing work? I mean it sounds useful especially since you seem much stronger than the average human."
Irina actually spoke up at that as well. "That's right… you said you were part of his peerage but you still feel human. And as far as I know only devils have peerages, also those who join get turned into them as well." Nodding my head I told them about the draconic piece system. About all of its benefits and the differences between it and the evil piece system.
In the end Aika hummed in thought before speaking again. "So eventually you'll get a set right?" I nodded my head at that before she continued. "Then how about letting me join? After all being able to use magic, and having powers like that seem like a good thing to me. Although I will have to hide everything from my friends and sister…" She seemed to get lost in thought at that before shrugging. "Ah well I'll have to do that anyways thanks to what has just happened. So what do you say?"
For a second I hummed in thought before shrugging. "Well I don't really see why not, after all it's not like I have hundreds of people lining up to join."
She grinned at that before asking more questions. "Great! Now what piece do you think I could be, and also who else do you have in mind?" I thought for a bit before answering both questions.
"Well I think either a Rook, queen, or pawn. Because of your sacred gear and sword skills, and as Rodrick said I should give people the boost they actually need. As for anyone else… well Ravel wants to join later. But she's with Rias' devil peerage right now, in order to pay her family back because of something which happened a bit ago. As for others… I'll just have to wait and see." She nodded her head in acceptance when Irina spoke up in confusion.
"Wait Ravel was the other girl sitting on your lap yesterday right? What exactly happened that incurred a debt?"
With a sigh I answered her. "Look I'll be honest with you two… this isn't the first attack, or even the third our enemy has sent our way. The first was at a conference between the Christian faction and the Norse. The second was actually against Lefay and her family. And the third was during a rating game where Rias' father sacrificed himself in order to save Ravel's mother. Unfortunately despite everything, Ravel and her mother are the only ones from the Phenex clan still alive. Same with Lefay as well, she's the only true Pendragon left."
When I was done explaining all four of us became slightly depressed at the sad tale. I mean my poor Ravel and even Lefay had it rough. Heck even Rodrick had it pretty bad, what with the death of his unborn sister, brother, and even parents. I was actually beginning to feel quite lucky that my parents were still alive. I even visited them as much as I could, but Rodrick usually kept all of us busy.
Of course these last few weeks have been really busy, and I haven't had the chance to see them. I should probably stop by when this is all over. Shaking my head I decided to simply talk, and about an hour later we began to move on although Chirno whispered to me a few things.
"You know… I actually like Irina and Aika San. So if you want to add them to our little group than I'm all for it.~" I couldn't help but shake my head while patting her on the head.
"Yeah but I just want to focus on you and Ravel right now. Maybe after a bit we can discuss this with them, although Irina will probably head back to the Vatican after this. Still it was good to see her… as for Aika that's really up to her and Ravel." Chirno sighed and shook her head but still smiled. So I guessed that I said the right thing at least. Eventually we ran into a few more Lendopo Diren but we took care of them and burned the bodies.
Things were going good, but I couldn't help but feel as if something bad was going to happen at any moment. Then again it could be Rodrick's paranoia rubbing off on me. With that thought in mind I had Ddraig feel out anything that could be a threat. That was when he felt a weak presence following us.
{Well it seems as if we do have company. Though he was able to hide his presence pretty well, I'd be careful about this one partner. On another note I guess Rodrick's paranoia is useful sometimes}
I couldn't help but snort at the last one. Yeah… never telling him that. But thanks for the heads up Ddraig. With that I stopped, much to everyone else's confusion especially when I started speaking out loud.
"Whoever you are I suggest you come out, I'm not really in the mood for any cloak and dagger shit at this time." Hearing some chuckling a figure came out of hiding as I turned around. He was slim and was wearing a red kimono top with red pants. On his feet were black sandals that also wrapped around his ankles. His top was also opened showing off a black turtleneck shirt. However his whole head was wrapped up in black bandages except for his eyes. This instantly put me on edge, because like Faylen he had black sclera.
Only his pupils were glowing green, a sign that this guy was an Abysswalker. I also saw two strange curved swords on his back. They were about two and a half feet long each and had six inch handles with no guards. He also had a quiver of arrows across his waist. However I saw no bow that he could use on him. Then finally he wore gloves with metal studs on the knuckles. Spiked metal studs…
Knowing this would end up in a fight I got out Grimoire and pointed it at him. "Okay one chance to walk away before this gets ugly Abysswalker." Everyone upon hearing my words everyone quickly got out their weapons, and joined me in pointing them at him. Although Chirno was pointing an ice spear at him seeing how she didn't have a sword.
Upon seeing this, the Abysswalker chuckled before speaking. "Wow… to be honest I don't know why I'm surprised by this response. After all that Chronomancer girl did kill Faylen. Although he wasn't actually using his full abilities against her. No he was always to prideful to do something like that. But as we can see he paid the price. By the way all of us Abysswalkers thank you for that.~ You see… we never really liked him all that much. He not only creeped us out, but he was also a complete ass as you no doubt knew." He then gave an involuntary shudder.
I actually faltered at that for a moment. Okay… I wasn't expecting a response like that. Shaking my head I continued pointing my sword at him, while at the same time questioning him. After all if there's another Abysswalker running around, then there had to be another Darkwraith. This was an absolutely horrifying thought, especially after me and Jing's epic loss against Dust.
"So… let me guess you're the Abysswalker for another Darkwraith right? Just how many of you guys are running around?!"
He paused and rubbed his chin before answering. "You know… I actually have no clue. I just never thought to ask that question you know? After all I just need to do my job and then I'm golden. No point worrying about any extra people I've never met, especially if they're on my side you know?" I couldn't help but just look at the guy blankly after that explanation.
Just what is wrong with these Abysswalkers and Darkwraiths? And why does this guy sound Russian?
{I have no idea partner… but they do all seem a bit… insane. Not counting Dust who is completely insane. Thankfully we had that Hunter Infinium guy last time.}
I sighed while agreeing with Ddraig before continuing my interrogation. "Alright then… who are you specifically and what Darkwraith made you?"
At my question he grinned with his eyes before answering. "Now that is something I can answer! Well you see I am Weiss Stukov. And my master is the eighth Darkwraith Jin'wolo or hollow wound. Bet you can't figure out what powers he has. Anyways despite you seeming like an okay guy… I have to kill you and your three girlfriends. After that I have been ordered to take out your Phoenix girlfriend. Sorry for the inconvenience, you really do seem like okay people."
We blushed a bit at his girlfriend comment, but I was still angry. "If you think I'm going to let you lay a finger on any of them… then you're dead wrong!" At my words I noticed from the corners of my vision that Aika, Irina, and Chirno were blushing a bit more.
"Oh well then I guess I'll take care of you first. Now face the power of a true Abysswalker!" That's when he took both swords off his back and literally vanished. I couldn't help but let my eyes widen while looking around for him. However it was thanks to all the sneak attacks from every girl that I've ever peaked on, that I felt it coming. So acting on instinct I swept my sword to the side, however I heard a clang as my blade hit something. That's when Weiss reappeared with a surprised expression.
"Wow… you actually managed to block that. You have good instincts dragon emperor. Perhaps this will be more interesting than I first thought." Gritting my teeth in anger for multiple reasons, such as him threatening my girls. I pushed him back before swiping at his stomach. For a second I smiled before frowning again as the wound I did create vanished.
At that point I couldn't help but yell in frustration. "Every single void damn time! Why do all my opponents have healing factors!" Weiss actually looked at me in pity before speaking.
"Wow… I guess you do have a point there, sorry about that. But all of us Abysswalkers and Darkwraiths have at least some kind of healing ability."
I couldn't stop my left eye from twitching as I heard that. Well that's just great… no wonder they wanted Dust to test out that bullet thing on Ravel. They wanted to see if her healing ability was like theirs. That's when I realized something about his master's name. Jin'wolo… Ingato wolo poldo, the same poison they put on their dark maker bullets. If the names are connected that means I can't allow myself to get hit.
Sighing at yet another annoying enemy, I shook my head before focusing on the fight again. However before I could strike at him again he vanished. Well at least now I know he actually turns invisible. Feeling another attack coming from my left, I blocked it and he became visible again. However he then jumped back and vanished once more.
Ugh… this is going to get annoying real fast.
Oh yeah! We're on a role! Now let's get to the line break!~
As I continued to let my senses work in over drive I noticed Irina, Chirno, and Aika were all back to back. A good idea as we had no idea where this guy would come from. I myself could only tell where he was attacking within a two second time interval. That's when he attacks and lets his presence be known. Not that it was on purpose; no he just can't conceal his aura while attacking.
Still he wasn't exactly a challenging opponent, no just more annoying than anything else. Unfortunately as soon as I heard the twang from a bow, listening I jumped to the left. I then looked at the spot I was at before, only to see an arrow embedded in the ground. I couldn't help but growl while also wondering how he fired the arrow off. That's when we all heard sound of a bow rapid firing, letting out my senses I blocked what I could while dodging. Behind me the girls were doing the same, but they weren't as fast as I was.
They can't keep this up forever… neither can I actually. Just where is he?! Looking I tried to find anything that could give away Weiss' location. However my focus was split when I heard a yell of pain. Looking behind me I saw an arrow in Aika's thigh. I then saw Chirno run up to her and then create a cocoon of ice around them both. But just seeing Aika get wounded in general… it enraged me.
"For that when I get my hands on you Abysswalker I'll tear out your throat!" In return for my threat he became visible again, although he was laughing. However I was now able to see his bow, and it was actually the two swords put together by their handles.
Eventually Weiss spoke to us all. "Sorry but you don't stand a chance! I've yet to even use my more devastating abilities. You all should feel lucky that I'm more of an assassin, and use more subtle skills to win. But if you want I can start using flashier moves and obliterate this whole area." I grimaced at that because while his "flashier" moves would be easier for us to see and avoid… I kind of don't want my town to be blown up.
That's when he disappeared again, and I saw a flaming arrow hit Chirno's ice cocoon. The whole thing shattered revealing a shocked Chirno and Aika. I also saw the wound on Aika's leg still bleeding although the arrow was out. That's when Weiss appeared again.
"Wow that was rather weak and pathetic ice fairy." She growled at him before standing up, and summoning a bunch of ice lances and sending them after him. The Abysswalker laughed while making his bow turn to swords again and slicing up the lances. "Again as I said weak and pathetic." Seeing how his back was turned I decided to go a bit stealthy myself and got out what me and Rodrick named a shadow knife. I then tossed it at my shadow; however the knife disappeared in the ground before reappearing right in front of his face.
His eyes actually widened but he was able to move out of the way. Although he ended up with a thin cut on his left cheek. Reaching up he wiped off the blood and looked at it before turning to me.
"Well… I guess you do have some cheap tricks up your sleeves." He then smiled again before recreating his bow, although where the string came from I had no idea. Weiss then got out another arrow before notching it and aiming it at me. However this time there was a dark energy coming from the arrow head. Scowling I brought my sword up as he fired it at me.
That was a mistake on my part, because as soon as it touched Grimoire the arrow exploded with dark energy. It was enough to throw me across the asphalt as a crater appeared where I was before. Eventually when I stopped bouncing across the ground I could only lay there and groan.
"""Issei!""" As Aika, Chirno, and Irina called out to me I regained my bearings, although my head was still pounding. I then tried to slowly stand up but ended up falling, thankfully I felt an arm around me. Looking up I saw Irina looking at me in worry.
"Are you going to be alright?" I smiled before nodding, that's when I heard our enemy fire his bow at us again. However instead of trying block it like last time, I grabbed Irina and jumped out of the way. We were still caught up in the explosion, but this time I was able to right myself in mid-air and land on my feet. Although I was crouched down and Irina looked dizzy. However I wasn't paying attention to her as I looked back at our enemy. He seemed to be smirking although it was hard to tell with his bandages.
This is not going very well… but it's so strange! This fight is moving a lot slower than my other battles… yet I can't see to gain any ground on him. What's going on here?! Growling I summoned my boosted gear aiming to try and over power him. However that's when Irina spoke up from my arms.
"Um… Issei Kun you can let go of me now." Looking down at her I realized I was still hugging her. She was also kind of red and I was holding onto her pretty tightly.
So with a sheepish chuckle I let go while apologizing. "Sorry about that, I just became focused on Weiss." She nodded her head but kept on blushing, but I couldn't focus on her and turned to my enemy. He was already readying another arrow, but I wasn't going to let him fire off another one of those dark arrows.
Let's go Ddraig! Getting a roar from him I heard a single boost before I used it to increase my speed. I then promoted to Queen and charged at the Abysswalker. With my new found speed I was behind him in a second. However much to my surprise he was already aiming his bow at where I was. But as he fired I ducked and slashed upwards at him, however he had already split his bow again and managed to block me. Growling in frustration I began my assault as I let my boost counter go up.
However every time I struck at him one of his swords was there to block me. Just what is going on here?! Not even dust was able to read my movements like this! As I prepared to attack again he disappeared causing me to pause and once again try and look for him. This isn't fair… Closing my eyes I decided to try and listen for movements instead. Unfortunately I was unable to hear anything. Okay… what would Rodrick do in this situation…
{He's not a good example partner. After all his sensory abilities are better, not to mention he could probably smell him out if he really wanted to.} I scowled while agreeing with Ddraig as he boosted again. That's when I heard the twang of a bow, growling I jumped out of the way only to have the spot I was at blow up. Weiss finally spoke again after that.
"You know I can keep doing this all day long! Really I can! I have nowhere else to be right now, and you just don't have the skills necessary to kill me. I'm the worst kind of opponent for you right now. So just give up and die it'd be easier on everyone."
I couldn't help but snap at his disembodied voice. "Ain't gonna happen pal! I still have promises to keep and people to protect. And besides you haven't hit me yet either! In fact! I could dodge you all day asshole!" He hummed for a second before speaking again.
"You're right… you can avoid me with the training you've received. But can your injured girlfriends?" My eyes widened as I heard him fire again, however this time I knew where he was aiming. So using all my boosts, I moved in front of Aika and Chirno as another dark arrow appeared. However this time I didn't dodge and it exploded on me. The three of us were then sent flying away, when I eventually hit the ground I rolled for a bit before stopping completely.
There was ringing in my ears, but I could make out Weiss' muffled laughter. I also heard Irina calling out to us, and then I heard Chirno and Aika reply with okays. But I could hardly move and my chest felt as if it was on fire. But when I gripped my chest, I felt something wet and moved my hand in front of my face. It was covered in steaming hot blood. My first thought was that my dragon side was really starting to affect me. Since I now had the blood of a real dragon running through my veins.
My second was oh crap I'm bleeding… don't judge me… I was in a state of shock. However as the pain started to become unbearable my vision started to flicker. And though I heard the cries of worry from everyone, even Ddraig, I couldn't really understand them. Eventually however I fell unconscious and darkness consumed my mind.
Judan: Ah there we go… Issei has once again got exploded
Weiss: Always fun to watch… Though why did you make me Russian?
Judan: Meh… works better since I wasn't going to do anything with your original name.
Slayer: Yeah I always did wonder why you gave him a name that had implications for ice in it.
Argentum: It was weird seeing how it never went anywhere.
Judan: Well I'm fixing it now!
Shadow: Yeah this is better.
Weiss: Okay… but why Russian?
Judan: Meh… I'll explain later.
Shadow: Ugh… fair enough…
Argentum: Yeah… we should end this though. So Weiss… mind ending this?
Weiss: Sure! Now then this has been a Dark Guard production now signing off…
Everyone: Goodbye!