Hello everyone. Kyoto back with the latest chapter of Hybrid's Game! I know it's been a while but we've all know that it's worth it in the end! So without further adieu I'm breaking the 100,000 word barrier! Chapter nine here we come... but before that as always... the reader responses.
Six Foot Assasin: The power scale for Naruto is accurate. As far as I am concerned the "top ten strongest" is a lame power scale to begin with. I broke down Naruto's abilities into easily understandable parts. In some ways he's stronger than a Superdevil (easily putting him into the top ten) However he also lacks in many areas. Most of the Top ten strongest would tear him apart with ease.
doomqwer: Yes… Hiashi is an asshole to rival all assholes. But let's be honest. Most Hyuuga are raised to be holier-than-thou self righteous pricks.
BrownLightning: As I've said before. Truly detailed lemons will be reserved for certain… "relationship checkpoints" so to speak. That last scene with Naruto, Rias, and Raynare was more comedy than anything in my opinion.
Shu Ouma GC: Very simple answer to your question. Most people (at least from what I've seen) don't think Issei deserves a harem. And let's be honest here… he doesn't. However many writers also want the perv paired with 'someone'. Akeno could be a good option, but in crossovers she's usually with Naruto. Rias obviously gets paired with Naruto most of the time anyway. And… that leaves very few girls who would realistically be with the idiot. Asia is really the only genuine romantic interest for Issei. Therefore you could say Asia is withheld from the harem usually because of pity for Issei's character.
Mana Cinder: The difference between a main girl and a minor girl in the paring is sometimes hard to pin down. And I've used Naruto's five available wives as a kind of rational for who is major and who is minor in the past. But if it must be broken down to the simple stuff then I'll do it. The Major girls in Naruto's harem will be Raynare, Sona, Rossweisse, Kuroka, and one of the girls from the Naruto-verse… haven't decided yet.
However Naruto's official wives (for political reasons) will mostly be devils. That doesn't mean that Rossweisse won't be a major girl simply because she isn't recognized as one of his wives by devil society. You also have to consider that some girls wouldn't want to be his "wife" in the official capacity. Kuroka for instance would have no real interest in being his official wife despite being a powerful reincarnated devil. However all of Naruto's girls… both Major and Minor will be his mates. And in that way he will be protective of all of them.
And I'm not bashing Issei. Issei bashes himself well enough without my help. I'm merely doing an honest portrayal. No… I won't kill him though. It wouldn't be Highschool DxD without the little perv…
Ooo
Ooo
Naruto grimaced, one eye cracking open as he was roused from slumber by a jarring metallic noise. A groan, followed by several choice curses left his mouth before he forced himself into a sitting position. Leastways… that's what he planned to do before his sleep fogged brain started working again. In truth he stopped just short of sitting up as not to disturb the sleeping beauties on either side of him.
"Damn it… I don't want to get up at all now…" He let his head fall back onto the pillow and turned to look at his newest lover. "Rias…"
Raynare, blanket hog that she was, had rolled over during the night and stolen most of the blanket. He guessed this had left Rias exposed to the cold night air because she was curled against him, at least… more than she had been last time he woke up next to her.
"She's so… cute when she's like this." Naruto couldn't help the smile that spread his lips as Rias nuzzled into his chest, obviously seeking greater warmth. "She's so different from Raynare. Ra-chan teases me without even trying. Just seeing her asleep half the time makes me want to wake her up and ravage her till the bed breaks. But Rias…"
-Bang!-
Naruto stiffened as the sound that woke him up was joined by something else… something that sounded an awful lot like someone's fist slamming against a hardwood door. Oh wait… That's exactly what it was. His grimace returned with a vengeance as this audacious someone continued to pound on the other side of Rias's bedroom door.
He hated it when people interrupted moments like this.
"Mmm Naru-kun… make it stop…" Rias, awakened by the din, tried to cover her ears with an extra pillow even as Raynare shifted on his other side.
A second later a voice joined the banging. "I demand you open this door at once! In the name of the Phenix family open I say! I will not be denied!"
With a suddenness that would have alarmed Rias, had she not been wide awake the instant she heard the name Phenix, Naruto leapt out of bed and summoned ten clones. These copies then rushed around the room like a chaotic whirlwind. Within seconds the scattered clothes, pieces of rope, and the odd sex toy were gone… shoved under the bed just as the door was blown nearly off its hinges.
Rias sat up quickly. Her eyes darted to where Naruto was abruptly dressed and holding a groggy Raynare in his arms. He flashed her a single relieved smile and then he was… gone? Naruto winked out of existence along with Raynare, leaving her alone in her bed room in the very instant an irate Ravel Phenix strode in.
"You have insulted me for the last time Rias Gremory! Where is he!? Where?!"
The blood drained from Rias's face. But, just as she was about to panic, she realized that her uninvited guest couldn't be talking about Naruto. She hadn't let any information leak to the devil community about her having a secret lover. She'd only just ordered Kiba to spread rumors around school. And she knew for a fact that Riser didn't have the resources to spy on her without her first being aware of it. That's why he'd given her Xuelan…
So… she took a deep breath and composed herself. Then she locked eyes with Riser's little sister and, using the most disdainful tone she could manage, answered her.
"I haven't the faintest idea who you're referring to."
The pint sized girl seemed as though she were about to combust. And given her heritage it wasn't all that unlikly. "Don't play the fool with me Gremory! I know for a fact that it was your pawn that groped me in the hallway as I came to meet you! He already did it once before if you'll recall! Now tell me where he is so that I might deal with him properly!"
Relief flooded Rias and she allowed a small self satisfied smile to curl the corner of her lips. "Are you quite sure it was my pawn?"
"Of course! Who else would have the sheer gall to touch me in such a manner!?" Ravel pointed an accusing finger at her. "Tell me! Where are you hiding the cretin!?"
"I'm not hiding him anywhere. I haven't seen Issei since late yesterday." Rias shrugged as if it didn't matter in the least. And she took no small pleasure in seeing Ravel's enraged trembling become more pronounced. "But I must ask why you're here at all. I wasn't aware that there were any changes in the wedding plans."
Ravel blinked then perhaps for the first time really looking at Rias, realized that she'd barged in unannounced into her future sister-in-law's bedroom. It didn't help that Rias was currently naked with a case of bed head that was… to put it lightly… monstrous.
"I er... uh…" Ravel flushed with embarrassment. "A thousand apologies Gremory-san! I will be waiting outside!"
Rias watched Ravel duck out of the room and slam the door… still smiling. After a moment thought she turned her attention to the corner of the room where she could still feel Naruto's presence, the mating mark on her shoulder pulsing ever so slightly to show he was nearby.
"She's gone now."
Naruto's form faded back into view and she recognized the telltale signs of a high level invisibility spell being dispersed. Rias idly wondered how he'd been able to cast it so quickly… then remembered he was part vampire and dismissed the thought. Of course he'd be able to cast illusions with ease.
Her mate groaned and paced across the room to her. "Damn it… something's happened."
"Probably Riser making a fuss about the delay," she muttered. "Nothing to worry about I hope."
"Can't be too careful." Naruto leaned down and kissed her on the forehead then straightened. "I'm taking Ra-chan back to my apartment. I'll be back in a few minutes. Don't do anything rash until I get back."
"Right…"
"And…" he added. "…you might want to go a little heavy with the makeup today. We don't want Ravel thinking you're seeing someone."
Rias nodded once and slipped out of bed. "See you soon then."
He grinned. "Ja-ne…"
In a flash Naruto vanished, taking Raynare with him. Rias watched the spot where he'd been for a moment before moving to her dresser. She pulled out a fresh change of clothes and quickly dressed. Then, thinking it would be a good idea to look presentable, brushed her hair. It only took a while and by the time she finished most of her peerage, with the notable exception of Koneko, had joined her unwanted guest in the main room. Akeno was brewing a pot of tea, Kiba was sitting by the window sharpening one of his swords, and Issei was on the couch across from Ravel.
He looked miserable.
Rias drew in a calming breath as she took a seat next to her pawn. She crossed one leg over the other and folder her hands in her lap, giving the youngest member of Riser's family her best diplomatic smile… one that was tempered with only a hint of hostility.
Ravel met her eyes and blushed. "Ah… Gremory-san. I apologize for barging in like this. It won't happen again."
Foregoing speech Rias waited as Akeno finished brewing the tea with a quick fire spell. She continued to wait, enjoying Ravel's embarrassment as her queen brought them their cups. Eventually however Rias decided to respond and she did so in a scathing tone she usually reserved only for Issei when he was in full Perv-mode. "What do you need from me to come without an invitation at this time of day? I thought the wedding had been postponed."
The youngest daughter of Lord Phenix flinched and shifted in her seat, staring into the cup of tea Akeno had placed before her. "I feel the need to apologize again, not for my poor timing, but for the news I'm bringing. My parents thought it would be better for me to deliver the news."
"News? Explain."
Ravel swallowed audibly before continuing. "The Elder council has decreed that the wedding will be held three days from now."
Rias was glad she hadn't reached for her tea yet. Because she would have spilt it all over herself in shock. "WHAT?! What right do they have to get involved?!"
"I..I'm only the messenger… but I have a guess."
"And?!"
"Well, not long ago Diodora Astaroth, the heir to the Astaroth family was murdered. He was the sole heir of his family since his older brother took the mantle of Satan Green. Also… your close friend Sona Sitri has three times avoided arranged marriages, either through skill or through cleverness. And not two days ago the heiress to the house of Amon fled her family estate and sought asylum with the Egyptian pantheon rather than marry the man her parents had chosen for her. I believe the Elder council is scared that pureblood devils will disappear if they don't take action. And your… resistance… has worried them."
Rias abruptly stood and turned away from Ravel, her hands balling into fists even as she imagined blowing the Elder council to pieces with her family's power of destruction. This… this was unacceptable! How could she escape this bloody engagement if those old fossils interfered!?
She was so close to getting out of it too! All she needed was a few weeks breathing room to get everything ready! But this? Ridiculous! Her luck couldn't be this bad! Not after everything that already happened!
"I'm sorry. I know it's hard for you…"
"WHY… why do you care?" Rias turned on her heel, glaring at Ravel. "Not long ago you acted like I was a stubborn child for trying to put off this sham of a marriage!"
Ravel recoiled from her. "I.. I didn't mean it. I just… This was just an arranged marriage! It's not supposed to be so problematic!"
"Well I'll remind you of that when your parents tell you to marry someone you despise."
"I…"
"Get out."
"But.."
"I said get out. You delivered your message! Leave!" Rias didn't bother to watch Ravel teleport out. All she saw was red… Those purist bastards were ruining everything! It was like they knew how close she was to escaping!
Akeno's voice broke her out of her thoughts. "Welcome back Naruto-sempai…"
Rias glanced up just in time to see him appear in a flash of golden light. Raynare was gone and he no longer looked like he'd recently woken up. Just seeing him again made her heart flutter and… Damn it! She was his mate now! She was going to spend the rest of her life with him! Not that arrogant cretin of a Phenix!
"Rias-hime! What happened?!" Naruto darted over to her, leaning down to look her in the eyes. "What did she say?!"
She growled low in her throat and pushed forward, letting her head fall on his broad chest. "The Elder council is cracking down. They ordered the wedding to take place three days from now…"
"W..why!?"
"They know I'm trying to get out of marrying Riser and they're obsessed with preserving those few pureblood families that are left. That's why."
"Can we stop this?"
"No… unfortunately not. The Elder council has more authority than my brother does. If they demand the wedding takes place early… that's exactly what will happen."
Naruto almost snarled, his eyes flashing crimson. "Three days… three days?! How are we supposed to fake having been seeing each other in only three days?!"
"We can't."
"T..then what do we do? I'm not going to let that bastard have you so we have to figure something out!"
Rias shook her head. "We could fake being together with the time we have left, but there wouldn't be enough back-story behind it. If we were questioned about it… which we will be… our story would fall apart. Three days just isn't enough time to make it seem convincing."
"Those assholes better stay away from me once I've taken up the mantle of my family. My uncle has flayed people alive for less." Naruto snarled. "Is there any way out of this? What about a rating game? Is that still on the table?"
"I don't think so. The Elder council wouldn't allow it. I would have to challenge Riser to a private game overseen by someone in authority… for instance my brother or one of the Satans. But it would be political suicide for one of the Satans to go behind the council's back."
"And there isn't any other way?"
"Well…" Rias bit her lip. "I could reveal that we've already lost my virginity to you. But then we'd be throwing all my hopes on Riser's reaction. He might be disgusted and dissolve the contract. But there's just as big a chance that he wouldn't care."
Naruto closed his eyes, attempting to calm himself. "So a fifty-fifty chance or nothing at all?"
"In essence… yes."
"DAMN IT!" Naruto exploded, dark crimson energy pouring off him in a wave. Rias braced herself for it then gasped as it washed over her. It was hot, unbearably hot… and she tasted the acrid tang of metal in the air. Glancing to the side she saw her peerage shudder, Kiba and Akeno visibly shaking. She swallowed hard and pushed forward through the thick miasma to grab her mate's hand. Naruto's crimson eyes abruptly faded back to blue and the evil aura subsided.
"Naruto…"
"Sorry Rias-hime." He turned away from her. "It's just that I can't stand the thought of Riser being close to you, much less touching you."
Rias smiled sadly. "I guess it's no use being angry right now. Come on… let's see if we can figure something out. If worse comes to worse I can try to delay the wedding in other ways. A bride does have the right to demand that everything is perfect."
He growled low in his throat, obviously not liking the idea of her pretending to go along with the wedding even if it was to buy time. "You know they'll come for you tomorrow. A distant cousin of mine on my mother's side got married at the Lucifer estate. The bride is usually taken two days before the wedding to be properly prepared."
"Then we have one day to plan. Or… half a day technically."
Their eyes met and Naruto knew that there was nothing they could do. A day... Twelve hours might as well be no hours. Neither of them had the connections to stop a decision made by the elder council. Perhaps if he was a known entity he could rally the support of his family. The house of Lucifer might have been small, but it still held an enormous amount of influence among the old devil families. However no one outside a few knew who he was.
And due to the method his family used for choosing their heirs most of his family only knew that he existed... not that he was next in line to lead the family.
"It's hopeless." Naruto stalked away from Rias, pacing the ORC room with his head down and his hands clasped behind his back. "What to do.. what to do? If the wedding can't be stopped by honorable or legal means... then I'm left with no choice. I've mated Rias-hime. Even if I have to spit in the Elder Council's face I'll end this."
He closed his eyes. "It's settled then."
Naruto turned back to his mate. "We're going to go along with this for now. Practice your acting Rias-hime. Try to make it seem like you've resigned yourself to your fate. I'm going to get ready."
"Ready for what?"
His lips drew back in a feral grin. "Why... to crash this wedding of course."
ooo
ooo
The Gremory Estate was magnificent. Truly a testament to the power and influence of the ancient family. Riser knew his own family home was huge by the standards of many devil families. However in comparison to the castle that was situated in the center of the Gremory family's lands... it was not so much. The main entranceway alone was as large as the Phenix estate's main hall. Which was indeed impressive.
And the castle's main hall was titanic. A third of the Phenix estate could have fit snuggly within this great chamber alone.
Riser grinned. Lord Gremory, despite the many and vocal protests of his daughter, had gone all out on the wedding preparations. The whole hall was draped in finery befitting the richest kings and queens of the mortal world. Upon entering the hall through massive double doors the first thing that drew the eye was the carpet. A huge red expanse of cloth that stretched the length of the hall. Next to be noticed would be the tables already laden with delicacies.
Riser's experienced eye noted no less than thirty maids moving to set out additional food and or catering to guests. Maybe if he was fortunate he would bring home more than a bride. The Phenix family was always open to more attractive servants... especially that one girl. The dark haired one with the violet eyes. Oh... he'd love to welcome her into the fold... so to speak.
After the tables and the army of milling maids was the dance floor. He'd made sure to request a more modern layout for it. He was no fan of classical dancing... nor did he have any intention of giving Rias any opportunities to show him up this night. No... his prize wouldn't be allowed to spite him even in defeat.
And last, but certainly not least, was the main attraction. The stage. The raised platform was the centerpiece of the whole thing. And it was here that he stood. However... the setting for his long awaited wedding was nothing in comparison to the which he now waited for.
"After years of waiting... and months of fighting a uphill political battle... I've finally won. Reminding the Elder council about the lack of new Purebloods was the right thing to do. And to think they mandated the wedding take place? Heh... Now Rias can't challenge me to a duel. Not that she'd win if she did. Her peerage is incomplete and far too complacent."
"You look pleased."
Riser glanced up just as his father stopped by his side. He chuckled. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be? Everything is going just as planned."
The current Lord Phenix released a long sigh after hearing his response. "I suppose so. However with all this success I can't help but think something unfortunate is coming. It's just a feeling... yet I've learned to trust my intuition son."
"Whatever. There is no exit for Rias now. All of her positioning is useless now. The Elder council demands the wedding take place and that's final. At this point only a second ruling by the Elder council or all four Satans could stop this."
"I hope you're right."
ooo
ooo
"Are you in?"
"I'm in. No one has noticed the switch yet."
"Good. Have you seen the target yet?"
"Yes..."
"Can you take him out?"
"Probably... but I'll need ten minutes. He's doing his rounds. Once he leaves the main hall he's fair game. Do you want me to kill him or just knock him out?"
"Whichever is easier. Breaking up the wedding will cause more problems than offing a guard. Just get it done clean."
"Right... Ra out."
Naruto lowered the magical communicator and turned to face the room behind him. Alright... Is everyone ready?
"Ready as I'll ever be. I've always wanted to interrupt a wedding... but I never thought it would be such a high profile one." Kalawarner smirked and did a twirl, letting the long ball gown she was wearing flare out around her. "I do look gorgeous as a Devil don't I?"
"You really do." Mittelt flashed her companion a grin as she admired her own dress... though she was wearing the guise of a maid. Not that she minded. She tended to dress in a similar fashion regardless. "So how are we going to do this Naruto?"
The blond hybrid let his eyes flash purple with the power of his devil heritage. "I've planned the entrance all out. Don't worry about it. Since all of you are too weak to fight high class devils you're going to be there for... mostly cosmetic purposes. The only one with a hard role is Ra-chan and she's already finishing her job."
"W..what about m..me?"
"You're going to be our little surprise Hinata. If I'm underestimating Riser, although I doubt I am, you'll be our trump card. I've done my research. He has his regenerative powers but the instant he gets hit with holy magic... he goes down hard."
"Okay..."
"And what will I be doing while this is going on?"
Naruto turned his attention to the Valkyrie standing in the corner, already in her full ceremonial armor. "Well that's the fun thing. You're the only one besides myself who stands a chance fighting against high class devils. You'll make sure that Riser doesn't fuck with everyone if he gets passed me. Plus you have connections to the Norse so the Satans won't dare make a move until they know what you're doing there."
"Right. So I'm the deterrent for the Satans? Wonderful."
"Don't be so glum Ross. The Satans probably won't do anything either way. Remember everything they do is measured by the political consequences." Naruto rubbed his hands together, grinning evilly. "Now... on another subject."
"You... You won't get away with this brat!"
Naruto raised one eyebrow and everyone in the room turned to stare at the man chained to the wall on the other side of the wall. He was tall with long silver hair and hazel eyes... eyes that burned into him with the fury of a thousand suns. But Naruto wasn't worried. Not at all...
"Really? I think I'm about to get away with it in about ten minutes. Besides my dear uncle... I think the old man's armor looks pretty fucking awesome on me." He grinned. "No offense but you're just a little too... pale. Yes that's the word I was looking for. You're just too pale. Your skin tone clashes with the armor. Now I on the other hand..."
"I'll have my revenge on you for this boy..."
"Yeah yeah. I know that. Good luck getting passed my mother to do it. Seeing how I was able to take you off guard I think you must be getting rusty. Mom would tear you limb from limb." He grinned as a thought occurred to him. "But hey... Listen. I know this is probably pretty humiliating for you. I understand that. Trust me. So as a little thank you I'll just erase the memories of this encounter."
The man stiffened, his eyes going wide in fury. "YOU DARE! I AM RIZEVIM! THE HEIR OF LUCIFER!"
Naruto rolled his eyes and turned back to his little group of servants. "So... This is going to be a little... dangerous I'll admit. Riser shouldn't be much of a problem. As soon as I start my part of this all his attention should be on me. That being said I'll have to focus my attention on him. The rest of you will need to be ready in case the Gremory house guards decide to intervene."
Mittelt raised a hand, her face showing more than a little unease. "Not to be a um... coward or anything. But me and Kalawarner aren't exactly made of the strongest stuff. I hear the Gremory run a pretty tight shift and their security might be more than we can handle."
"You have a point. But once I reveal my heritage none of the guards will dare make a move. Besides... I have a hunch that they don't want this wedding anymore than we do."
The two fallen shared a confused look while Hinata's eyebrows drew together in a dark V. It was honestly more cute than anything. But eventually the shy angel spoke up. "Um... why do you think that Naruto-kun?"
"Mainly because Rias-hime is the golden child of the Gremory. Sirzechs is the Crimson Satan. He's not around the house very much. But Rias has told me a bit about her family and holdings. The Gremory's servants adore her."
"Would they help us?" Kalawarner asked, seeming hopeful.
"No. I wouldn't go so far as to say that. But I doubt they'll interfere once they know what we're here for. Plus... Me and Rias are mated now. There's no way they'd support her marrying Riser when she's bonded to someone else. It would be borderline torture."
Rossweisse sighed and crossed her arms over her silvered armor. "You devils sure take your mating seriously. The Norse seldom adhere to such stringent rules. Though... admittedly I wish they did."
Kalawarner nudged the Valkyrie with an elbow, snickering lightly. "At least the Norse aren't like the Olympians. They took the whole 'incest' think to a whole new level. They put old human royalty to shame."
"Okay you two. Enough of that. Mating for devils isn't like marriage. Figured you'd know that Rossweisse."
"Well... I know the history of the three biblical factions going back more than a thousand years, but that doesn't mean I'm well versed in your culture's more intimate parts." She shrugged sheepishly. "Sorry..."
"Whatever." Naruto drew in a deep breath, giving each of them a hard look. "Now one more time before Ra-chan makes her move. What are your roles?"
ooo
ooo
Rias was waiting.
Waiting for anything.
Anything at all.
"You don't seem pleased my dear. Is something the matter?"
Flicking her eyes to the side Rias felt a wave of revulsion rise within her. Riser was standing there in his brilliant white and gold suit, looking every inch the pure blood devil. He simply oozed smugness and satisfaction. It was the kind of aura only those who truly believed in their own superiority could produce. She wanted to splatter that smug face against the back wall. Every instinct demanded he die for seeing her like this when she belonged to Naruto... and Naruto alone.
Just knowing that he'd picked out the dress she was wearing was all but unbearable. But she answered none the less. It was expected after all. There were important people watching and listening... devils she couldn't afford to alienate just yet.
"Well?"
"This dress is too tight," she muttered in a voice that would easily be interpreted as embarrassment. But one that Riser would know as anger. He'd had the dress made too small on purpose and they both knew it.
"I'm terribly sorry for that my dear. Please just bear with it a few hours longer. I'll have it off you in no time..."
He grinned and it required more than a little self control to stop herself from breaking his face. A well placed gravity spell would be perfect. She'd see the bones in his jaw shatter like glass... "No... no just be calm. Naruto has something planned. trust him. He's your mate. He's a Lucifer. There's no way in hell or heaven or anywhere else that he'd let you down."
Rias drew in a long breath and closed her eyes, envisioning the way in which she would burn this dress before she and Naruto removed any trace of Riser's filth from her. She could imagine more than a few ways in could be done. And none of them involved anything less than a few hours in her bed with her mate.
This gave her some small comfort.
At least enough to brush Riser's lewd comment without trying to maim him.
Riser though... He frowned when he realized she wasn't letting him get to her. She guessed it would put a dampener on his fun to know she wasn't lost in despair. But the way his hands balled into fists sent an unpleasant thrill running up her spine. "What would he do to me after the wedding if it isn't called off? I almost don't want to think about it."
Recalling what she knew of his peerage reminded her of his obsession with women. And women as his sex toys in particular. "He's rape me without a second's thought wouldn't he? He's so used to getting his way it wouldn't even occur to him that it's wrong. Nor that my brother would obliterate him from the face of the earth in retaliation. Tsk... A fool with power and privilege is twice the fool because of it."
Rias glanced to the side as her 'husband' to be strode off to mingle with his guests, likely seeking out someone who would puff up his ego.
She didn't mind. Every second he was away was another second she wouldn't have to spend in his presence. A win-win if ever there was one. "I wonder when Naruto will show up. Before I left he said that the hero always arrives at the last possible second... what did he mean by that? Will he show up during the vows? It would be humorous."
"So... you're Rias... Sirzechs has told me all about you."
Rias almost jumped as a silky feminine voice sounded right by her ear. She whirled around and came face to face with... Well she almost thought she was looking into a mirror. But no. The woman before her wasn't her reflection. Merely very similar.
Tall... with crimson hair only a shade darker than her own. Pale skin that matched hers almost perfectly. And eyes that seemed to shift between blue and deepest purple. She looked...
"Oh my... Is she one of Naruto's relatives? She looks like a Gremory."
"Kushina Lucifer..." The woman held out her hand. "An old friend of your brother Sirzechs."
Rias hesitantly took the proffered hand and shook it, slightly in awe of how beautiful the older woman was. She reminded her of herself... just taller and far more mature. Then her brain finally connected the dots. "Wait. Kushina Uzumaki... Naruto Uzumaki. Uzumaki is Lucifer... She's Naruto-kun's mother! She sent the letter about me marrying Naruto!"
Suddenly feeling a little overwhelmed Rias drew her hand back and looked Kushina up and down once more, noting the gorgeous crimson ball gown which had gilded black armor added as accents around the shoulders and hips. It certainly was a dress fit for a Lucifer.
"Um... you're Naruto's mother?"
Kushina just grinned, showing off abnormally sharp teeth. "Oh yes. I suppose you received my letter. It is good to finally meet you in person! Honestly it's rare to meet a younger devil who's so interested in our history."
"Eh?" Rias blinked owlishly for at least five seconds before she understood. "Oh... she's covering up my mistake. How stupid of me. I shouldn't have mentioned Naruto when others could be listening."
"Yes... I know it's odd. But I'm curious as to how things worked back then."
"Well I'd be happy to talk about it in depth now that we have the chance... Shall we?" Kushina offered a knowing smile and nodded for the two of them to move towards the edge of the raised dais. Once they had left the immediate area of the mingling guests Kushina's lips turned down into a noticeable frown. "I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry. I know what it's like being forced into an arranged marriage. Back in my early years I must have escaped dozens of them before my husband came along."
"It's okay."
"No.. No it's not. I... I should have found my son earlier. If I had maybe this would have turned out differently. With the elder council involved and demanding the wedding take place... There's nothing we can do. Barring some kind of 'miracle' you'll be married to that idiot Phenix by the end of the day."
Rias smiled. "Really, It's fine. I..."
Kushina's eyes abruptly narrowed and her voice came out in a low hiss. "How can you say that? I've see the way that arrogant brat looks at you. he's eyeing a piece of meat. If he looked at me like that I'd have removed his vital organs and t..."
Rias stepped forward and hugged Kushina, surprising the older woman. "It's fine." She giggled. "Don't worry. Naruto has a plan."
She pulled back, leaving a stupefied Kushina to gape at her. "Y..you met him?"
Rias nodded.
"W..when?"
She shrugged slightly, glancing around so that no one could overhear what she was about to say. Once she was sure it was safe she continued. "Less than a day after I got your letter."
A vulpine grin almost split Kushina's face in two. "Oh... that little scamp. Can't believe it. Guess that's his devil's luck at work. So you two..." She trailed off and wiggled her eyebrows. Rias felt her face turn scarlet. "Oh.. oh you have!"
Rias resisted the urge to slap a hand over Kushina's mouth, instead settling for "S..shush.. Before someone hears us!"
"Fine..." The grin never wavered. "But you must give me details."
"Well I suppo-"
Rias cut herself off the instant she heard the click of dress shoes behind her. It was a good thing too. because when she glanced behind her Riser was standing there. His cocky smirk had returned and he was eyeing both her and Kushina with something that could only be interpreted as his 'rape face'.
"Why hello there. This Riser Phenix is surprised to see a Gremory whose name is unknown to me. Are you perhaps a cousin of Rias?"
Kushina's expression went from wide grin to death grimace in less time than it took to blink. "I'm married and I'd be out of your league even if I wasn't." Then with a finality that shocked both Rias and Riser, she walked away.
Riser just watched her go for a moment before turning to Rias, his face a mask of confusion. It would have been funny if she wasn't so shocked herself.
"Who the hell was that?"
Rias decided to take this rare opportunity to make him sweat. She smiled thinly and, getting over her revulsion, patted him on the shoulder sympathetically. "That... was Kushina Lucifer, the mother of the heir to the house of Lucifer."
Riser's usually tanned complexion went white as a bed sheet. "What is a L..Lucifer doing here?"
"A childhood friend of my brother Sirzechs I believe." Rias almost smiled when Riser's what remained in Riser's face drained away. "I guess she doesn't like you..." She turned on her heel and walked past him, unable to stop her lips from curling upwards. "...the feeling is mutual."
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"Badass armor, check. Girls in position, check. Guards around the estate perimeter down for the count, check... Well. We're inside. Now we just wait for the signal."
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It took longer that Riser would admit to get over the shock of accidently insulting a member of the house of Lucifer. It was time he would have liked to spend mingling with his guests, currying favor with the other Pureblood families, or antagonizing his bride to be. Now there wasn't any time left at all. The meet and greet was over and it was time for the main event to begin.
Riser forced down any irritation he felt at being so thoroughly put down and turned his eyes to where the Satans were standing. Currently only two were in attendance. Sirzechs was there of course, but Ajuka Beelzebub was present as well... He would be the one presiding over the wedding and giving them his 'blessing'.
Though to be honest it wasn't needed. Devil weddings tended to be less formal even than non-religious human weddings. Which was to say they could go pretty much any way imaginable. And all the arrangements had been left to his mother and Rias' parents... Therefore he expected a fairly relaxed ceremony.
He didn't have the patience for a more involved exchange of vows anyway.
"Ladies and gentlemen..."
Riser shifted on his heel, glancing around only to find Rias already standing next to her father. The head of the Gremory family had his hands raised, beckoning the guests to take their seats. Riser made his way to the man's side and gave the crowd of noble devils a proud grin as the lord Gremory continued.
"...we are here today to celebrate the union of two young devils... pureblood from noble families going back thousands of years. My daughter... Rias Gremory... and the son of my long time friend... Riser Phenix." He smiled, casting his eyes over the assembled devils while Ajuka Beelzebub strode up behind him. "Now... before I get carried away lord Beelzebub has a few things to say."
Lord Gremory bowed out, but not before giving Rias a short kiss on the forehead... one that Riser noted she was quite uncomfortable with. Then he was gone. Ajuka took his place between bride and groom, his serious eyes taking in the magnificent hall and the guests below.
"Lords and Ladies, heads of houses both old and new... I am Ajuka Beelzebub and both Lord Phenix and Lord Gremory have asked me to preside over this union. However before we begin I would like us all to..."
Riser tuned Ajuka out. He wasn't interested in listening to whatever nonsense the man was required to spout before marrying them. Instead he focused on Rias.
His bride, oddly enough, was looking right back at him. And... for some strange reason she was smiling. Though he noticed it wasn't a nice smile. It certainly couldn't be called a loving or affectionate expression. It was instead the kind of look he tended to give those he saw as being below him. A condescending smile. A malicious smile.
He scowled and her smile grew.
There was something in her eyes that hadn't been there before. It wasn't just defiance. No... there was open enjoyment there. As if she had something over on him. As if she knew something he didn't!
"What is she up to?"
Riser felt something like unease building in the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. Every instinct he possessed was shout that something was about to happen.
And in the instant he turned his eyes away from Rias... something did.
Without warning the doors to the great hall opened. Not with a crash. Not with a bang. But without a whisper. Utterly devoid of sound. Mute...
Riser's eyes went wide and he took an involuntary step back as he stared into the abyss. And then fire was everywhere. Inky black flames that writhed and danced like tiny demons. As one they rushed across the stone tiles of the great hall, a great wave of fire that turned everything it touched to ash.
The wedding guests scattered, leaping aside, running for the exits, or opening their wings and flying high above the deathly silent inferno. Riser could only stare as everything... The tables, the chairs, the cake, even the decorative statues and suits of armor were burned away. The screams of the maids and the shouts of alarm filled the hall, yet the fires still made no sound.
...until they finally met the edge of the platform on which he, Rias, and Ajuka were standing.
Then the flames stopped.
Yet that wasn't all they did. In addition to ceasing their terrible march forward the flickering black fire died down... almost becoming a second carpet... to cover an entire half of the great hall. There it lay in wait, seeming to ponder its next move.
Riser was to shocked to speak.
But he did manage to turn his head to where Ajuka was examining the flames with a critical eye. The Green Satan's face was set in a curious scowl and, even as Riser watched, the man bent down to stroke the flames with one hand.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
All eyes were suddenly locked on the great doors again... as a figure stepped through.
Six feet tall, blond hair, shifting purple eyes, and golden hair that seemed to drift on a non-existent breeze. The young man was decked out in armor the likes of which Riser had not seen since he was a child. Crimson and gold, forged of bloodstone and true Mythral, enchanted by the greatest sorcerers the underworld had ever known. It was armor that every devil in the room knew. Famous armor... Infamous armor.
The armor of the one true Lucifer.
"You know... It's almost disappointing. I came here thinking it might be difficult to stop this wedding. Guess I was mistaken."
The man's words finally broke Riser out of his trance. He all but leaped forward to the edge of the stage, voice cracking like a whip. "WHO ARE YOU?!"
The blond intruder grinned, showing off long fangs. "Oh me? Interesting you should ask. The name is Naruto... Naruto Lucifer. And I think you have something of mine. Or should I say... you are trying to take something that is not rightfully yours to take."
Riser's lips twisted into a feral snarl as his mind connected the dots. The abrupt change in behavior Rias had shown, the presence of an actual Lucifer before the ceremony, even the terrible premonition of danger just before the doors had opened.
Rias hadn't been able to break the engagement.
So she'd found someone to do it for her.
"Clever little bitch..." He turned to glare at Rias. But she didn't even notice. Her eyes were fixed upon the intruder with something he recognized instantly as adoration. "So this is how it is? It seems that no matter what I do there is always something or someone in the way of what I want. No matter... So the idiot is a Lucifer. He doesn't look much older than Rias. Beating him into submission will be simple. Besides the Satans would be obligated to help me should a fight break out.
A hateful grin twisted his lips upwards and Riser chuckled low in his throat. Then he addressed this so called 'Lucifer'. "I suppose you're here for Rias? Well I'm afraid she'd alreadypromised to me. Now do yourself a favor boy and leave before I have you executed for interrupting such an important marriage."
The blond's smile was every bit as contemptuous as his bride's had been. "Sorry... but that isn't going to happen."
"Well..." Riser's eyes flicked to the side where dozens of Gremory and Phenix house guards were waiting by the sidelines. "...I think it's time to take out the trash. Guards! Apprehend that man and remove him from this place at once!"
The servants of the Phenix didn't hesitate to fly forward, at least until the black fire beneath them erupted upwards. There was no chance to escape. No chance of stopping it. Dozens of purple chains rose up from the fire and tore through their wings, wrapping around them before pulling them screaming into the black inferno.
The blond heir of Lucifer didn't so much as blink, nor did his eyes leave Riser. And after a few moments the black flames died down again, leaving nothing behind that could suggest there had been guards there in the first place.
Naruto laughed and the sound filled the hall. Then he shook his head and smiled a wicked smile. "Nice try. Anymore cannon fodder?"
Riser gritted his teeth at the loss of so many servants. True they were readily replaceable but that didn't make them expendable. The death of twelve personal guards was in and of itself an insult to him... and his house! "He's stronger than he looks. Whatever kind of spell that was... it was fast. I wouldn't be able to evade it, though I'm immune to fire and I heal from any manner of wounds. He could still pin me down if I allowed myself to get in range."
He couldn't allow this to continue though. His public image would suffer immeasurably if he didn't deal with this upstart here and now!
"It seems like I need to ask for some assistance." Riser turned his eyes to Ajuka Beelzebub, who was still staring into the flames. He decided to go with cautious approach instead of simply demanding the Green Satan's help "Lord Beelzebub?"
Ajuka didn't immediately respond. And when he did it was as if he were speaking to himself. "These flames... They seem to be self sustaining. They burn without heat on command yet can reduce stone and mental to nothing in seconds. Impressive. Very impressive. These are indeed the flames of Lucifer. No doubt of that..." A slight smile curled the corner of his lips. "I didn't think I'd get to see these again within my lifetime."
Riser grimaced. That was simply wonderful. Figures the head of the Underworld's technology and research division would be fascinated by... "Wait... what does he mean by 'again'?"
"Excuse me Lord Beelzebub... but what do you mean by that?"
Ajuka glanced up at him. "Simply that these flames can only be used by Lucifer himself... or one of his chosen heirs. And since the current head of the house of Lucifer is unable to summon these flames I had believed the ability lost."
"So..."
The Green Satan turned his eyes to the blond figure standing in the sea of fire."That must of course mean that the Lucifer before us... is the true heir of Lucifer. Fascinating..."
Dread.
Riser abruptly realized he was out of his depth. He turned just in time to see Naruto snap his fingers... and half a dozen figures strode in through the double doors behind him. All of them were women, but his eyes were drawn towards two in particular. First being the maid who'd caught his eye earlier... save now she looked nothing like a serving girl. And the second was a stunning woman with long silver hair and silver armor in the style of the Norse Pantheon. A Valkyrie.
"Well?! I'm waiting Riser! Your move!" Naruto shouted from the other side of the hall. "Or are you a coward as well as a weakling?!"
"Damn it! What do I do?! The heir of Lucifer? What the hell?! None of my servants or peerage would stand a chance against him and yet the Satans wouldn't dare make a move on him. Not when he's a Lucifer. And certainly not if he has backing from the Norse gods. Fuck... he's come for Rias..." A wicked idea sparked the beginnings of a smile. "Oh that's an idea. Hostages never go out of style..."
"What is your business her boy!?"
Both Riser and Naruto's turned as an elderly man, though it was rare to see any devil who showed signs of real aging, stepped up onto the platform with Riser. He was tall, bald, and dressed in a traditional black suit. He was also scowling.
Naruto titled his head to the side. "And... who are you?"
The man's black eyes narrowed to slits. "I am Alovarem Amon... of the house of Amon. I serve on the Elder Council."
"Oh. You're one of the old wind bags who thought up this sham of a marriage? That is interesting. Well... sorry old man. But it just isn't going to work out."
"Y..you disrespectful brat! Just because you may claim to be a Lucifer means nothing. The old devil faction was defeated more than a century ago. Your family name give you no power to stop this marriage, regardless of your reasons!"
Naruto's smile fell and his eyes, which had up until a moment ago been purple, shifted to a deep molten gold. And his hair, itself a golden blond, pales to bright silver. Then he was walking forward. His steps disturbed the flames, sending streamers of inky fire into the air with each stride towards the raised dais. When at last he stood only twenty feet from Riser, the councilman, Ajuka, and Rias... he came to a stop. His eyes were far more intimidating up close.
They were eyes many older devils had seen before. The golden eyes that only main line descendants could lay claim to. The eyes of a Lucifer who was coming into their power.
"You... You think that just because you come from a great family that you have the right to dictate the lives of others. You believe that your age and influence give you the right to tell someone how they must live their life. It sickens me!"
Naruto's hands balled into fists and he looked around the room, eyes falling on each face in turn. "You all came to this wedding... knowing full well that it was an arranged wedding. And most of you probably knew that Rias had attempted to get out of it. Hell! I bet some of you even knew how much she hates Riser's guts! They didn't like each other even as children!"
"And how do you know that boy?!"
Naruto ignored the councilman, instead continuing his speech. "And yet you allow it anyway. You ooh and ah... and talk about how nice it is that the 'purebloods' will stay in power while other devils are treated as second class citizens because their blood isn't as pure!" His voice raised to a bellow. "Well let me REMIND YOU! Lucifer himself was once an angel! Our most hated enemies! And yet you idolize him! You treat him like some kind of deity! And likewise everylast devil in this room is descended from someone who was once an angel! Gremory, Phenix, Beelzebub, Astaroth, Sitri, Amon... All of them are tainted bloodlines. None of us are pure!"
Throughout the room devils were shaking their heads, either in disagreement or some other platitude. Naruto didn't care. He pushed forward, his flames rising higher with every step until he too was standing upon the platform.
"So... tell me dear councilman... Tell me what right you have to tell Rias who she must marry."
The head of the house Amon drew himself up to his full 6'3 height and leered down at Naruto, his lips twitching into a snarl. "I have every right! This wedding is for the good of all devils! It... -SMACK!-
Naruto backhanded the councilman across the face, sending him flying across the hall. The man's body only stopped when he hit a wall nearly eighty feet away. Naruto turned his cold gaze to Riser. "The good of devil kind he says. What good is it? Will the Phenix regeneration not manifest unless your blood is pure? Will the power of destruction only choose to awaken in those who don't taint themselves with the blood of other races? NO! Even Sairaorg Bael, a pure blood, does not possess the power of destruction! And I, the heir of Lucifer, possess my ancestor's power despite only being half-devil!"
Every last devil in the hall, from servant to Satan, shivered as they felt an oppressive weight fall on their shoulders. Intent... killing intent so thick that it manifested as a physical force. A black and red aura the surrounded Naruto like a miasma. When he spoke again his voice was human no longer.
"You're all a bunch of hypocrites... A gathering of children playing a game, throwing the other children out when they don't want to play by the rules you choose to make up..." Naruto swiveled on his heel to face Ajuka. "Well if your little game means so much to you all! Then tell me Green Satan... what are the laws that the first Lucifer put down regarding devils who are already mated?"
Ajuka blinked several times before shaking his head. "Ah.. Sirzechs would know better than I. I know that a mated pair may never legally be forced to part unless one of them has committed a crime punishable by life in prison or death. And..."
"No... That's more than enough." Naruto took three short steps to the side and reached out for rias. His hands, now tipped in razor sharp claws, sheared through the white of her wedding dress to expose her shoulder. Then... using the pad of his thumb Naruto rubbed at her skin.
Everyone watched, anticipating what was about to happen even as it did. Only a few seconds after Naruto started... a strange white power began to lift of her skin, revealing to the entire hall a deep crimson spiral etched into her flesh.
Ajuka was dumbstruck and the assembled devils, even the lords of Gremory and Phenix, were no better. Only Riser managed to gather the courage to speak.
"YOU DARE! YOU MARKED HER AS YOUR MATE?!"
"I did." Naruto's arm circled around Rias, who in turn wrapped hers around him. "She is mine now. I won't allow anything or anyone to separate us. Not you. Not the elder council. Not my bigot of an uncle Rizevim. NO ONE!"
Rias gave Riser a Cheshire grin and leaned up to kiss Naruto.
Riser's face turned red with fury. Ajuka was smart enough to step to the side as the third son of Lord Phenix threw out a wave of brilliant yellow flames. Naruto didn't bother moving. He merely held up his hand... and the fire was drawn into his palm. Then he closed his hand, snuffing out the fire just as a child blows out candles on a cake.
"Sorry about that, but I suggest using something other than magical fire. Seeing how I can just absorb it..." Riser didn't respond with words. Only another burst of fire, this time the flames burning almost white. Still the effect was the same. Naruto rolled his eyes, brushing off the attack with ease. "Is that all you can do Phenix? You're a high class devil aren't you? I brought my trump card thinking you might at least provide some challenge. Guess I was overestimating you."
Riser leapt forward and threw a flaming punch at Naruto's face.
"Ha! That's more like it!"
Naruto gently pushed Rias aside and intercepted the punch, absorbing the fire and then delivering a crushing blow to Riser's throat. The Phenix stumbled back, choking as his regen factor repaired his trachea. But Naruto didn't relent. The instant Riser moved back Naruto stepped inside his guard. Blood flew as an elbow slammed into Riser's face. The older devil managed to block the follow up strike to his solar plexus, but he was quickly being overwhelmed.
"This is the extent of you skill?! Throwing fire around like party favors? I haven't warmed up yet and you're falling apart!"
He didn't even see the knife until it was too late. All Riser knew was the sudden agonizing pain drawing lines up and down his torso. Logically he knew the damage wasn't permanent, yet at the same time he'd never been torn apart like this. Never in his life had anyone managed to both negate his magic and crush him in hand to hand combat. The knife was simply overkill.
Naruto's grin vanished and he flung the knife away from him in contempt. Instead he held out his hand and pointed one finger at Riser's face. "Hiding behind your regeneration! PATHETIC!"
Riser cried out as a blinding flash of light seared his flesh, stopping his regeneration in its tracks. He staggered backwards, holding his hands out in front of him to ward off whatever power had just been used on him. He didn't understand! What was that flash!? Why did it hurt so much!?
"Weak... That's what you are... Weak!"
A foot crashed into Riser's kneecap.
-SNAP!-
Riser howled and went down on one kneed, only to find Naruto's fist an inch away from his face.
-CRACK!-
He was on his back. His mind was reeling. Naruto was standing over him, one armored boot planted firmly on his chest.
"You think you're so superior. That you are above everyone else. Well allow me to let you in on a little secret. You don't even deserve Rias. You've had everything handed to you on a silver platter Riser. None of your power has been earned. You... are... trash. Worthless."
Naruto's heel started to grind into Riser while the Phenix struggled. "I was going to destroy you. I wanted to cripple you, break your spirit just as I have your bones. But you know what? I changed my mind. You're not worth the effort."
Naruto turned his attention to the rest of the hall, still with his foot on Riser's chest. "Let this be a lesson to all of you. I don't care what family you may come from. It doesn't matter to me. If you cross me I'll make you pay ten times over." He glanced back down to Riser. "As for you... remember your real place Riser."
"Naruto-kun?"
Taking Rias's hand Naruto smiled again and left Riser lying on the floor. "Come on Rias-hime. This wedding is over." Rias nodded and he motioned to the girls waiting by the great hall's doors. They promptly disappeared using their respective magic circles. Naruto in turn activated his own and prepared to leave the Gremory Castle.
"Wait!"
Naruto and Rias turned just as Sirzechs stopped in front of them. "Yes? What is it?"
Sirzechs sighed. "You understand that this isn't over. I won't stop you leaving... however you have gone against the Elder Council. There will be consequences."
The demonic tone faded from Naruto voice as he laughed darkly. "Let them come. I'll be waiting..."
"I hope you know what you're doing."
Naruto chuckled and gripped Rias' hand tighter. "Oh... I think I do. Don't worry your old head about it." His eyes shifted over the Crimson Satan's shoulder to where his mother was standing, grinning like a fox. He winked at her before grinning at Sirzechs. "Rias is safe with me. Just make sure your father doesn't get any funny ideas about taking her from me and we'll get along fine."
The magic circle under him activated, bathing the room in red light. "See you another time Crimson Satan..."
And with that... Naruto and Rias were gone.
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And that's a wrap! Chapter 9 is done! The battle between Naruto short and sweet as it should be! Roll credits!
However... before I check out for now a quick poll for all of you! It's a Naruto/Dragon Age: Inquisition crossover. No he will not be the Herald. That role will go to the "main love interest" So the poll is basically who will be the herald and the main pairing of the story. All of them are redheads from various anime/books/shows.. so choose wisely!
And please don't choose one girl over another simply because one has better tits... I didn't put this poll up just so everyone would automatically choose Rias!
And don't forget to review!