Mission 02: The Hunter and The Devil
Rias Gremory has seen and done many things in her relatively short life. She was the King of her own peerage, the heiress of one of the 72 pillars that ruled the Underworld, and a certified Japanophile. She had her best friend for a Queen, a charming and loyal sword wielder for a Knight, and a strong but adorable little underclassman for a Rook. She had encountered many things as a young girl, but she could honestly say that she had never seen anything like what she was seeing now.
Rias, along with her peerage, was watching the battle between the young Dante and the fallen angel Raynare through the eyes of her familiar, which she sent to watch over him, and it was in her honest opinion, an absolutely one-sided fight. Fallen angels were fierce warriors and the bane of devils. Their side had helped in devastating the devils' population during the Great War and had carved a reputation as ruthless killers. So imagine her surprise that a teenage boy was treating his fight with a fallen as if it was a joke. Honestly, it would have been funny if it weren't so pathetic.
As the peerage of Rias watched the fight through a projection from a magic circle on the floor, everyone present showed various expressions. Akeno Himejima watched from beside her King with a pleasant smile while her eyes shined with amusement while holding a tray that she had used to bring everyone a cup of tea. Koneko Toujou had a seemingly blank look on her face while sitting on one of the couches, but if you looked close enough, you could tell that she was interested in the fight. Finally, Yuuto Kiba watched the battle in awe and interest as he sat on the other couch while he kept his eyes locked on the large claymore as the boy swung it around as easily as if it were made out of foam.
After some time, Akeno looked over to her King and spoke.
"Ara ara, you were right, Buchou, it would seem that there is much more to Tony Redgrave then we have seen."
"Indeed. It appears that our friend Dante is quite a skilled swordsman, and quite strong the way he swings that sword around."
"…Toying." Koneko commented as she watched the boy smack the fallen angel's buttocks, causing the female to jump around trying to rid herself of the sting.
Rias giggled as she watched the humorous scene before her. She did enjoy it when she got to watch as someone put one of these fallen angels in their proper place. "It does look like he is enjoying himself, doesn't it…Oh dear." Rias felt a small flicker of fear for the boy as she watched him throw his sword at the fallen only for her to dodge and ready a light spear.
Akeno sighed. "It looks like he got over confident. I suppose we should prepare the transportation circle…or not." Akeno amended her statement as they witness the blade he had just thrown fly back towards its master along the same path that it traveled.
"Amazing! He can actually control the blade while it is in the air!" Rias spoke out excitedly. This was almost like watching one of the Japanese anime that she had back in her room at home.
A collection of gasps rang out in the room as everyone watched as Dante's blade started to glow red just as he swung it around and unleashed a wave of destructive energy at the fallen, who was too shocked to do anything. Rias groaned a little when she saw the wave actually miss its target, but her disappointment disappeared as she watched the wave obliterate the tops of a group of trees behind the woman. Ah well, seeing the fallen angel almost shit herself was almost as satisfying as watching her get vaporized by a wave of energy.
Now both of them happening in sequence of one another. That would be the best.
"Ara ara, now that was a rather impressive display. It would seem that he could also manipulate energy. You don't think that sword of his is a Sacred Gear, do you?" Akeno asked her King.
"Hmm, it is possible."
"That sword…is it a Sacred Gear?" The group perked up when they heard the fallen angel speak out the very question that was on their minds.
"Sacred Gear?" Dante responded and rubbed his chin in thought. "Nope, no clue what that is. No, this little beauty here is my own personal Devil Arm, Rebellion."
Everyone in the clubroom reacted differently to that statement. Rias nearly fell out of her chair, Akeno dropped the tray she held which clattered noisily on the floor, Koneko's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, and Kiba jumped straight off the couch and on to his feet at the blink of an eye.
"DEVIL ARM?!" Everyone shouted in absolute shock, and for very good reason. While it was rather rare to find someone in possession of a Sacred Gear, it was impossibly rare to find a person who had a Devil Arm considering how they're made.
A Sacred Gear is an item created by the God of the Bible as a part of his system to enact miracles on Earth. He would bestow these items on humans at birth and then allow the humans to grow and discover the power given to them. And while many of the humans who possessed Sacred Gears remained in obscurity, others had made their place in the pages of history thanks to the power they discovered within themselves.
A Devil Arm is similar to a Sacred Gear in many ways aside from two critical facts. First, a Devil Arm is created from the soul of a powerful demon rather than a creation from God. And second, a Devil Arm is earned, rather than given. You see, a Devil Arm comes into existence when a being is able to defeat a high ranked demon and then subjugates its soul, either willingly or through force, and changes its form to take on the characteristics of the power the demon wielded. Because this task is extremely difficult, the number of Devil Arms in existence is very low. As it stands, there are only four known beings who possess a Devil Arm, two of them being Satans.
To hear that this boy had, in his possession, his own Devil Arm, well, it was mind-boggling. If what he was claiming was true, then this boy was far more powerful than they had initially thought.
Just who was Tony 'Dante' Redgrave?
Kiba turned to his superior as his body trembled in shock. "B-Buchou, what he says couldn't possibly be true, could it?"
Rias herself was at a loss for words. She simply could not believe that this young man had in his possession a weapon that almost every devil in the underworld would give anything to get ahold of. For this boy to have one, much less wield it with such ease, he had to be comparable to at the least a high-class devil in terms of power. If she could get ahold of him, add him to her peerage, then it would solve all of her problems! Yes, this is what she needed! This boy! He was the answer!
"Uhhh, Buchou?" Kiba cautiously asked as he watched Rias's face almost split in two with the smile that appeared on it.
"….I want him…."
"Eh?!"
"I want him. I've got to have him!"
"B-Buchou?!" Kiba asked, a little bit disturbed by his kings' declaration.
"Akeno!" Rias suddenly shouted, making the raven-haired beauty jolt out of her stupor.
"Y-Yes, Buchou?"
"Prepare the transportation circle immediately! We must meet with him!" Rias ordered before she started pacing back and forth across the room. "Oh, this is just perfect! Dante is just the person I need. I mean, I know that my father and brother told me to leave him be, but I don't think that they would mind too terribly if I make him a member of my peerage. And I know just the piece to use on him, too. Now, all I have to do is approach him, explain to him who I am, and then offer him anything he could want in exchange for becoming my servant. But what if he wants something that I don't have? I guess I can ask father to get it after I reincarnate him. Being a boy, he'll probably ask for something like a T.V. or a car or something that most boys would want. But what if I can't convince him to join with material possessions? I could try seducing him. I know I have an amazing body. But how far would he want to go? Would he want to go all the way? Do I want to give my first time to him? Well, he is handsome, and it would be a thousand times better than doing it with him! Maybe I should change into something more seductive. The school uniform is a bit provocative in its own way, but is it enough? Maybe I should change my bra and panties?" The girl paused in her monologue as she turned to her queen and lifted her skirt up. "What do you think, Akeno? Are these sexy enough?"
"Um, Buchou. I think you may have already missed your chance today." Akeno spoke as she gestured towards the magic circle they used to watch the fight. The red head turned to look and saw for herself that the boy she was just thinking about had disappeared from the park.
"Where did he go?!" The girl asked as she scanned the image for any sign of the white haired teen.
"…He left." Koneko spoke as she munched on a chocolate bar that she pulled from somewhere.
Kiba nodded. "She's right, Buchou. After the fallen angel fled when Dante revealed his sword was a Devil Arm, he quickly packed up and left the park. I guess he headed back home."
"Ahhwwww!" Rias whined like she had just been denied her favorite toy. Akeno giggled at the redhead's childish response and gently patted the girl's head like a mother soothing her daughter.
"There, there, Buchou. You'll get your chance. Tomorrow is a school day, after all. We can have Kiba invite him her after classes end. Now, how about I make us a nice hot pot of tea. You'd like that wouldn't you?"
Rias nodded her head as she kept staring at the image as it started to fade away, its purpose completed since there was nothing left to watch. Meanwhile, Kiba chuckled as he shook his head, finding amusement in his King's antics. Koneko was just content with simply eating her chocolate.
- Later that night -
Rias couldn't sleep. She lay in bed under her soft red satin sheets as she tried her hardest to sleep, but her mind kept going back to the battle she had witnessed between Dante and the fallen angel. She wanted him. Oh, how she wanted him. He was everything she sought after in a servant. Strong. Brave. Skilled. And he wasn't that bad to look at either, what with his roguish good looks and dazzling blue eyes combined with a firm, sexy muscular body…hey, she was a teenage girl, she was going to look!
The fact that there was such a succulent morsel right there in front of her and she wasn't making a move was driving her nuts! The girl kept on thrashing around on the bed as she tried to get to sleep. Eventually, she threw off the covers and started to roll back and forth on the bed while clutching a pillow to her front, which was the only thing covering her nude form. But even after this, she still couldn't find rest from the turmoil of her mind. Finally, she sat up before taking her pillow and slamming it a few times on the bed as she vented her frustration.
With a final slam, the redhead came to a decision as her teal green eyes filled with determination.
"Yosh!"
Quickly getting up and dressing herself back into her school uniform, which also included dawning the most provocative underwear she had, the girl left the clubhouse's secret bedroom and made her way to the clubroom's transportation circle. As she prepared the circle and locked on to the flier that her familiar had given the boy, she went through what she would do when she meet the boy in her head.
'Alright, Rias Gremory, this is your big chance. All you have to do is formally introduce yourself to him, explain to him why you're there and offer him anything he could want in exchange for becoming a servant. Easy-peasy.'
With a silent prayer to her brother for success, the girl closed her eyes and activated the circle. There was a brief moment of feeling weightless as she was transported to the flier's location. Once she felt herself touch down in the room and the light died down, she slowly opened her eyes, expecting to see a stunned boy before her.
*C-Click!*
She was the one to be stunned as she was now looking at the business end of a large handgun. Feeling a little shocked and a bit scared, she carefully looked up above the gun barrel to lock her teal eyes with a pair of blue belonging to the boy she sought to speak with.
"So, to what do I owe the honor of having a beautiful devil girl like you coming in here at this time of night?"
Dante couldn't help but smirk as he looked into the eyes of the devil girl who teleported into his room. He had a strong feeling that he would be seeing this girl sometime soon, especially since she went to all the trouble of getting that flyer with the summoning circle to him. He might not have expected her to show up out of the blue in the middle of the night, but then again, devils were known to be most active at night. He was glad that he was sensitive enough to magic that he would wake up when something like a teleportation spell was used close by.
It might as well been an alarm clock with it appearing in his room.
Rias stood in shock for a moment before she shook her head and tried to compose herself as best as she could. A boy getting the jump on her like that was not something she was expecting.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you know what I am, considering you own a Devil Arm."
Dante 'Hmm'd as he pulled his gun away from the redhead's face, watching as she visibly relaxed now that she didn't have a weapon pointed right at her head. "So, I guess it was you who was watching me as I fought 'stripper girl' earlier."
Rias blinked, a little surprised that Dante had noticed her familiar spying on him during the fight. "Ah, yes. We were watching you as you fought the fallen angel. Anyways…stripper girl?"
"Why not. Anyone who just shrugs off their clothing in broad daylight and reveals themselves wearing leather and lingerie has to be a stripper."
Rias giggled slightly, not finding any reason to dispute his logic. It was at this moment, though, that Rias became aware of Dante's state of dress.
Or rather…his state of undress.
The devil felt her face heat up as her eyes scanned over his body bereft of a stitch of clothing. From his biceps that bulged and flexed with the slightest movement, to his rock hard pectorals that expanded and shrunk with every clam breath. His six pack abdominals that strained against his skin, and his unbelievably toned thigh and calf muscles pulsing with every step he took.
And then there was…
'Oh. My. Maou!' Rias didn't think her face could get any redder than what it was at the moment, not when she just caught a good glimpse of that!
"So…" Dante started as he sat down on the side of the bed, either unaware or ignoring the fact that a girl just ogled his entire body. "…Since you have gone to all of the trouble of coming here to see me, what can I do for ya?" He asked as he leaned over to prop himself with his elbows on his legs. Coincidentally, he was holding the handgun in his right hand between his legs, the barrel conveniently hiding his 'other weapon'.
Rias had to try real hard to recompose herself as she coughed into her fist a few times and straightened herself out. The redhead put on her business face as she prepared to give Dante her offer, even if there was a prominent blush still present on her face.
"Ahem, yes, well. First, allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Rias Gremory, Daughter of the Duke Gremory House, one of the Seventy-Two Pillars of the Underworld."
Dante hummed as he rubbed his chin with his left hand. "Seventy-Two Pillars, now where have I heard that before?"
"They are the ruling houses that govern the underworld." Rias supplied, trying to move the conversation along.
"Oh yeah, now I remember. So, I guess that makes you a noble or something, huh?"
"Yes, and the heir to the house as well." Rias answered, pleased that she didn't have to waste time explaining everything to the young man. "Now, I'm sure you know about the three factions of the bible, correct?"
"Angels, Devils, and the Fallen. Of course I know them. After all, I just encountered two of the three in a span of four hours."
"Ah, uh, indeed. Anyways, since you know about us then you should be aware of the Great War that was fought between the three factions over two thousand years ago."
"Yeah. You guys all got into one big brawl. That had to be one hell of a party." Dante commented, smirking slightly at the end.
"I'd imagine so. Unfortunately, the Great War resulted in all of the warring sides losing the majority of their numbers. This lose was even further compounded during the demon invasion that brought the great war to an end when the three faction were forced to work together in an attempt to push the demon hordes back. Even then, there were simply too many demons to fight. It would have been the end of everything if it weren't for the appearance of the Great Sparda." Rias spoke the name with great reverence, even going so far as to clasp her hands together as if in prayer. There wasn't a devil in the underworld who didn't know about the story of Sparda; the Legendary Dark Knight who appeared during the demon invasion and single handedly saved not only the human world, but also the Underworld and Heaven as well. He was known as the strongest devil to ever exist, and was said to be even more powerful than the four Maou's combined. There was even a cult in the Underworld that revered Sparda as a devil-god, and many could see reason in thinking as such.
Rias missed the slight upwards twitch of Dante's lips when she spoke Sparda's name. Unaware of Dante's reaction, Rias continued with her conversation. "Anyways, after the demons were forced back into the Abyss and sealed away, the devil population was left in ruin with over half of the Seventy-Two Pillars wiped out. The devils needed to replenish their numbers, but with our fertility rate being so low, this proved to be a daunting task, until Lord Adjuka Beelzebub created a way to reincarnate other beings into devils." She lifted her hand up and in a flash of light, a small item that Dante recognized as a red glowing knight chess piece appeared. "Through this, we have been able to recoup our numbers and insure that our society survives for the foreseeable future." She turns back to the boy as she continued. "The evil piece system is set up like a chest board. There are sixteen pieces in a set, and a high-class devil is only allowed one set. The pieces are, of course, a King, a Queen, two Knights, two Bishops, two Rooks, and eight Pawns. Devils who are given a piece become part of a Peerage. The duty of a Peerage is to protect and serve their master, or 'King', which is myself in this case. Each piece grants the bearer an increase in a specific attribute. The piece I have here in particular is the knight, which gives the bearer a boost in speed. With this, you would be able to move around the battlefield in a flash. You also get the added benefit of being immortal, if you are not already."
Rias smiled broadly, as she presented the piece to the teen. "Dante, I would like to offer you this piece, and a position in my peerage."
Dante stared at the girl before him and the evil piece she was offering as he rubbed his chin in thought. This devil was offering him power in exchange for eternally changing him from what he is into a reincarnated devil, as well as binding him in servitude forever. Was the benefits of such a deal truly worth it? He'd have to see what all he could be getting with this package.
"So, you're asking me to give up my freedom and my current existence to become your servant devil for all eternity, all in exchange for a little boost in speed. Sounds kind of like a raw deal to me."
Rias was a little taken aback by the response, and indeed, it did sound like she was getting the better end of the deal when he put it like that. It seemed like she was going to have to go with the barter approach after all to get him to join.
"What if I add something to the deal, then?"
This peaked his interests.
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
"Well…" Rias began as she tapped her chin. "What if I give you anything you could want? Money, a luxury car, a large screen television, just name it."
Dante hummed as he found the ball of this negotiation back in his court. Indeed, the offer now sounded much more tempting, but he wasn't going to jump at it so quickly.
"Anything I could want, huh? Well, I could take you up on it…"
Rias' face brightened as she thought that he was going to accept.
"…but…"
And it faded again.
"…I'm pretty much content with what I got, you know. I mean, I have a way of getting money through my work, which I enjoy doing, mind you. The T.V? Where would I put it in this small room?" Dante gestured to the space around him, which was indeed limited with the furniture filling most of it. "And the car? For one thing, we're underage, so I wouldn't be able to drive it even if I had it. Also, something like that would stand out. People would start asking questions, and I don't feel like trying to explain just how I ended up with an expensive vehicle in my possession, understand?"
Rias pouted a little, as it seemed that he still wasn't going to take her offer. It frustrated her that she couldn't convince him to join her, and she wanted him as if she wanted nothing else in the three realms. It was time for desperate measures. Since the material possession route failed, she would turn to seduction. The problem was how far would she be willing to go? She certainly didn't mind showing off what she had to the boy if that is what it took to get him to agree, but what if he wanted to do more than look? Would she be all right with him touching her?
It looked like she was going to have to test the waters here.
"…What if I…were to offer you something else?"
Dante's eyebrow rose as her regarded the girl. "Like what?"
Rias took a deep breathe before she slowly reached up and undid the bow around her neck and pulled it off. She then moved on to the corset as she unfastened the neck clasp and the button just underneath her bust.
Dante eyes widened in surprise as he watched the girl begin to unbutton her blouse from her neck down to her torso where the corset was still closed. Rias then took the two loose parts of her blouse in her hand before she took a deep breath and pulled the garment open to expose her breasts, which were confined within a very provocative black satin bra that was almost see through, allowing the boy to make out the distinct outline of the girls nipples.
Dante's eyes were fixated on the two round orbs held back only by a thin garment as his mind was busy processing the scene before him.
After a moment of silence, the girl finally spoke up.
"…If you join my peerage, I'll let you see me like this when ever we're alone…I-I-I'll even let you touch me." She silently cursed herself for the stutter.
Sure, she had no problem being affectionate with people she was familiar with, hell; she was perfectly fine with being nude around her own peerage. But this was someone she didn't really know too well. And besides, this Adonis in the flesh was walking around naked himself.
Yeah, the Greek God had nothing on this guy.
Dante's eye's widened a little as he leaned back and let his gaze soak in the image before him. "So, the exclusive right to look and touch in exchange for my soul, huh? You really are a devil, Rias Gremory." The boy commented as he stood up and started walking towards the girl.
Rias saw Dante advancing on her but stood her ground as the white haired boy came to a stop in front of her before leaning down towards her face as he smirked.
"Then perhaps you wouldn't mind if I sample the goods you are offering, right?" He said as he started to lean in towards her lips.
Rias' eyes widened as she realized what his intention was. Dante was going to kiss her, right there, in his room, him naked, and her with her top open. If anyone were to walk in on them now, it would have definitely been an awkward scene to behold.
'What?! But-but this is too soon!' She cried out in her head, but try as she might, she just couldn't seem to voice her protest towards the boy's actions. Nor could she move her arms to push him away. There was just something about the boy in front of her that enchanted her, making her want to feel his touch and experience the bliss of his kisses. Almost unconsciously, she let her eyes flutter close and parted her lips ever so slightly as she awaited the inevitable. She could feel his hot breath flow across the sensitive skin of her lips, giving her a pleasant shiver. But, just as she was expecting their lips to make contact, she heard him chuckle.
"Perhaps not just yet."
Her eyes shot open as Dante leaned back and moved away, giving Rias some room.
"Wh-wha?" Rias asked, dumbfounded by the unexpected turn of event.
"It looks like you're just not quite into the idea yet." Dante commented as he turned and walked back to his bed.
"Wha-what do you mean 'I'm not into it yet'? I…I was offering myself to you just a second ago?" The redhead asked, not understanding how the boy before her came to his conclusion.
Dante merely pointed over his shoulder towards her. "You're shaking."
Rias looked down at herself, and, just as he had said, her body was indeed trembling. Surprised with this, she looked back up and spoke out, trying to save face. "O-Of course, I'm shaking! A-Any girl would be in this situation."
"Hmm, perhaps…" Dante said as he walked up to his bed and sat back down. "But, can you honestly tell me that you were fully prepared to go through with it at that moment?"
Rias opened her mouth to speak, but found that she couldn't answer the question, because, deep down, she knew that she wasn't ready to perform such intimate acts, especially with someone she barely knew.
Dante took the silence as the answer to his question. "I thought so." The teen returned the pistol back under his pillow from where he pulled it out when Rias appeared in his room before climbing back into his bed. "Well, it's been a very pleasant evening, but tomorrow is a school day, so if you don't mind I'd like to get some sleep so I can be somewhat attentive in class."
"B-B-B-But what about-"
"Your offer? I'll consider it. You do make a compeling offer, but I also have things that I am obligated to do, not to mention I haven't seen everything that goes along with becoming your servant."
Rias was confused by his statement, both about his obligations and the servant bit. "What do you mean? What kind of obligations? And I just told you what becoming my servant entails."
Dante sighed as he brought his hands up and rested his head on his palms. "Well, you see, I have this job that I do every now and then and being tied down like that would kind cut into it. I'll give you the details about it some other time." Dante quickly said as he saw that Rias was about to ask. "The other thing is that even though you told me what my role would be, I know nothing about the other servants you currently have. I assume you already have a few pieces, right?"
Rias nodded, now understanding what he was getting at. He was saying that he didn't know who else was in her peerage and if he could get along with them. "You are correct. I do have several pieces in my peerage. I have a Queen, Knight, Bishop and Rook that are active."
"Hmmm, so that means you got four of your sixteen pieces in use. Tell you what, how about we have a little meet and greet after school tomorrow. I'd like to get to know them."
Rias beamed at the thought. "That is a wonderful idea. I'll have Yuuto Kiba stop by and bring you to the clubroom after classes."
"The other 'Prince of Kuoh', huh? So I guess he is one of your pieces?"
"He is my other Knight, and a very skilled swordsman." Rias commented, not at all afraid to brag about her peerage.
Dante quirked any eyebrow. "Oh really? I might have to have a little spar with the guy to see how I measure up."
"That can be arranged. But for now, I'll let you sleep. We are going to have quite a busy day tomorrow, you and I."
"Sure, I look forward to it."
"Well then, I bid you a good night, Tony Redgrave." Rias said as she bowed and prepared to leave via teleportation.
"Dante."
"Huh?"
The young man put on a charming smile. "Call me Dante, It's the name all my friends and family call me."
Rias stood there for a moment as she thought about what the boy had said. He was giving her the name that he reserved for those who were close to him, which means he already saw her as someone close to him.
The thought actually made her…happy.
"Very well, if that is what you wish." She said as she bowed. "Well then, goodnight and pleasant dreams…Dante."
"Same to you…Rias."
Straightening up and nodding with a smile, the redheaded devil vanished in a red magic circle. Now alone, Dante closed his eyes and chuckled as he get tried to get some sleep, but not without voicing one last thought for the night.
"Things are definitely about to get interesting."
- Kuoh Academy -
- The Next Day -
The classes had been rather dull, as usual, for the white-haired hunter as he waited for his escort to arrive. The last bell had sounded and now all the students were either heading home, going to after school clubs, or were just milling around as they talked amongst their friends. Dante himself was just reclining back in his seat with his feet propped up on his desk with his eyes shut. For most students, this would earn them a harsh reprimand from the class rep, but sense the class rep was a girl, and one of his adoring fans, he got away with it quite often.
Cool rebel for the win.
"Ah…Redgrave-san, there you are."
Dante opened one of his eyes to see a blonde-haired boy about his age walk into the classroom, his blue eyes fixed upon the one he had called out to.
"Kyaaa! It's Kiba-kun!"
"Kiba-kun! Kiba-kun is here!"
The effect of his appearance was immediate as all the girls in class squealed and ran over to their object of affection while the boys grumbled and glared at their second most hated enemy and muttered about having to deal with both 'pretty boys' now in the same room.
Kiba Yuuto just chuckled as the girls all gathered around him, all smiling and blushing at their 'First Prince of Kuoh.'
"Hello, ladies. You all are looking rather lovely today." Kiba said as he walked through the large group of amorous girls.
"You look better." Murayama spoke as the boy who held half of her admiration walked by.
"I'm sorry the class isn't cleaner." Katase spoke up as Kiba finally passed through the group and walked straight up to Dante.
"Hello, Redgrave-san. I'm here to pick you up, as promised."
Dante cocked an eyebrow. "Oh, you finally made it, huh? Alright, let's go." The boy then stood up and started to follow the blonde out of the class. Meanwhile, the girls were all watching in shock at what they were hearing.
"Did Kiba-kun just say that he was picking Dante-kun up?"
"He did."
"So…does that mean that they are…dating?!"
"Could this…could this be…B.L.?!"
"KYAAAAAAAAAA!" The girls all let out a fangirl squeal as their imaginations went to places best left unsaid.
Kiba and Dante face faulted hard when they heard this before they quickly got to their feet and spun around to straighten the situation out before the girls could start to spread rumors around about their sexual preferences.
"Girls, it-it's not what you think! I'm just here to escort Redgrave-san to the Occult Research Clubhouse. Rias-buchou asked me to."
"Yeah, seriously. Kiba and I are as straight as an arrow. We are not into each other or guys in general." Dante added in, wanting to make sure that there was no misunderstandings.
"Awwwww." The girls responded in disappointment that one of their secret fantasies wasn't real, though inwardly they were relieved that their two 'Princes' liked girls instead of boys, and thus they still had a chance to bag the two for themselves.
The boys in the classroom just tried their hardest to ignore the on-goings of the girls in the class. The mental image of those two in that situation made them feel a little nauseous and they wanted to be rid of it as quickly as possible.
- Minutes Later-
"Man. Just where in the world do those girls get ideas like that?" Dante asked as he scratched the back of his head. The two boys had just walked out of the main building and were starting to make their way across the schoolyard to the old school building where the Occult Research Club was stationed. They were still reeling from the insinuation that the two of them were 'batting for the other team'.
"Ah-hahaha. Girls certainly have a vivid imagination, now don't they?" Kiba chuckled as a small sweatdrop appeared on the side of his head.
Dante sighed before he turned to his new companion, hoping to strike up a conversation and take his mind away from the image the girls unintentionally planted in his head. It was pretty disturbing, even for him.
"So, from the way that you said that you came to get me, I can assume that Rias told you about her little visit last night?"
Kiba rose any eyebrow at Dante's casual use of his King's name, but shrugged it off as one of the boy's quirks since he heard that the white-haired boy didn't really care for honorifics, even though many teachers and the student council have tried to drill it into his head.
"That's right. Shortly after school ended my fellow club members gathered into the clubroom and Buchou told us about her little late night meeting with you. She told us that you were interested in meeting us as a part of your consideration for her 'proposal'." Kiba responded.
"And that is when she asked you to retrieve me?" Dante's question got a nod in return as the two finally made their way to the old school building. Kiba, being the courteous man he is, opened the door for his guest, who thanked him in turn, as the two walked into the building. As he walked down the hallway, Dante took note of the age of the building. The old, worn hardwood floor that 'ta-tonk'ed with his every footstep. The dull and fading painted walls. The old wiring that ran across the ceiling to every outdated light fixture. Everything about the place reflected the age of the building. Still, he couldn't help but feel it was appropriate for a place for devils to set up shop in, especially if the front of their operation is a club called 'Occult Research Club'.
As the two made it to the stairs that would take them to the second floor, Dante noticed a nearby door that appeared to be barred with heavy chains and seals. He pondered upon the significance of the locked door and what it contained, but shrugged it off as something that wasn't too important at the time.
Wouldn't stop him from asking about it later.
A quick trip up the stairs and the hunter found himself in another long hallway. Kiba took the lead and guided him down the hall until they came to a pair of large oak doors.
"This is it. The Occult Research Clubroom. The others should be waiting for us inside." Kiba spoke as they came to a stop in front of the doors.
"Is that so?" Dante replied before smirking. "Well, I guess we shouldn't keep them waiting for too long, right?"
Kiba chuckled. "Indeed. So, shall we?" Having said that, the blonde pulled the doors open and walked in with Dante a step behind.
"Buchou. I brought him."
Dante looked around the inside of the clubroom and he could say he was honestly impressed with the décor. The whole place just shouted occult as the room was completely decorated with all manner of supernatural objects. There were several bookshelves filled with books ranging from occult literature to actual spell books. Small desks contained lit candles, crystal balls, replica human skulls, bronze goblets and anything else that one could think of when they think about the occult. Hell, there was even a giant pentagram drawn in the center of the room.
And then there were the items that he wasn't expecting, like the pair of large, plush couches sitting on either side of the pentagram, along with the large, mahogany desk sitting in front of the windows on the other side of the room.
And sitting behind that desk with a smile that would light up the room was Rias Gremory herself. Standing at her side was another girl with black hair done up in a long ponytail, who was giving the young hunter a charming smile as well. The only other occupant in the room was a petite, white haired girl sitting on one of the couches with a plate filled with sweets, which the girl was quickly but steadily shoveling into her mouth.
"Thank you so much, Kiba." Rias said as she stood up and walked out from behind the desk, her raven-haired companion following behind. "Welcome, Dante, to the Occult Research Clubroom. I'm so happy you could come."
"Well, I certainly couldn't keep such a beautiful woman waiting, now could I?" Dante said flirtingly, earning a slight blush from the redhead, a giggle from the ravenette, a glare from the whitehead, and an exasperated sigh from the blonde. Ice officially broken with the group, Dante gazed around the room as he spoke. "I must say, thought, you guys certainly have the whole 'Occult' feel going in here."
Rias smiled again. "But of course. It is important to keep up appearances, after all. Well, now that you are present, I would like to formally introduce you to my peerage." Rias then turned to the others and began the introductions. "This is Akeno Himejima, my queen and vice president of the Occult research club." She said as she gestured to the for mentioned person.
Akeno gracefully walked up and bowed to their guest. "It is a pleasure to finally meet with you, Tony Redgrave. Buchou has been talking about you nonstop since she woke up this morning."
"Akeno!" Rias cried out in embarrassment.
"Ara, Ara. Ufufufu." The girl just responded by laughing into her hand.
"Nothing but good things about me, I hope." Dante said with a smirk directed at the blushing red head. He then turned his attention back to the ravenette and put on a charming smile. "But, it is certainly a pleasure to meet the famous 'Second Great Lady of Kuoh Academy' that everyone talks about. After seeing you myself, thought, the rumors certainly do you no justice."
"Ara, Ara." Akeno held a hand to her cheek as she smiled happily at the boy. "My, my. You're quite the flatterer. I think we might have to keep this one, Buchou." She returned to her normal posture. "And it is quite an honor to finally meet the rumored 'Second Prince of Kuoh' as well, Redgrave-san."
"Please, call me Dante."
"Ahem!"
The two turned to an irritated looking Rias as she tapped her foot impatiently. "If you two are done flirting with one another, I'd like to get this moving along."
"Oh my, is Buchou jealous that I'm garnering all of the attention of the boy who she's had her eye on for so long? Ufufu."
"Akeno!"
"Ufufu."
Rias sighed as she tried to ignore both her queen's teasing and the raised eyebrow on Dante's face as he glanced at her from the side. Finally composing herself, she gestured to the next person in the room. "And the one setting on the couch is my first rook, Koneko Toujou."
Dante turned to the girl who had somehow managed to materialize a piece of chocolate cake on her plate and was eating it as quickly as she could.
Seriously, just where the hell did she get that?
"Ah, the 'Mascot of Kuoh' is here as well. This place is just full of celebrities." Dante commented as he walked up to the petite first year. "Nice to make your acquaintance, then." Dante said as he held out a hand to the girl.
"…Pleasure." Koneko muttered before going right back to eating.
'Okaaay…not the social type.' Dante thought as he slowly retracted the offered hand.
"Don't mind her, Dante. She's always like that to new people. She'll open up to you eventually." Rias said as she moved to the last person in the room. "And of course, you already meet Kiba Yuuto, my first Knight and your fellow title holder."
Kiba smiled as he stepped forward. "Even though we already meet, it's nice to make your acquaintance, Redgrave-san." At least this one offered a hand to shake.
"Like I said, Dante is just fine." Taking the offered hand, he gave it a shake. "So, I hear that you use the sword."
"Ah, Buchou told you as much, I see." Kiba responded with a chuckle. "Yes, I'm a sword wielder, and I hear that you are as well. Perhaps we can have a friendly spar some time."
"I'm sure we can work something out." Dante said with a grin as he released the hand and stepped back again before turning to the redheaded king. "You got yourself an interesting set of servants here, Rias. Seems like a fun bunch to hang with."
Rias clapped her hands together while she smiled beautifully. "I'm certainly happy that you think so, Dante. And yes, they are all precious servants that I would never trade for anything. And now that you have officially met my peerage, perhaps I can go into further detail all of the duties of a servant. It could help you in your decision."
Dante reached up and scratched his chin in thought for a moment before shrugging. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to listen. I got time to kill anyways."
Rias clapped her hands together as she lit the room up with a beautiful smile. "Wonderful! Why don't we both get comfortable while I have Akeno make us some tea. Akeno, if you would?"
"Of course, Buchou." The ravenette responded before taking her leave of the room to perform her task.
- A Half Hour Later -
Dante took a large sip to polish off the cup of tea that Akeno had given him while he listened to Rias finish her detailed explanation of the duties of a servant. While he was not fond of tea, having a taste for more harder beverages despite the fact he was underage, he had to admit that Akeno could brew a mean pot when she wanted to.
"So let me summarize what you just told me so that we are on the same page. The primary role of a Servant is to protect and support the King while gaining power and prestige for themselves and you. They do this by making contracts with humans and fulfill their wishes before receiving payment in one form or the other. As they gain more contracts, the Servant gains power, which they use to fight to defend their King both in real world combat as well as in these organized fighting tournaments called 'Rating Games.' Am I right so far?"
A happy nod was his answer, which prompted him to continue.
"After your servants gain enough power and prestige by gaining enough contracts and wining a few rating games, they can then take a test that will allow them to increase their standing in ranking of class. By having your Servants gain ranking, you, by proxy, will have your reputation increased because you are responsible for their training and operation. Did I nail it?"
Rias clapped her hands in joy. "That is exactly right! I'm so glad you can understand everything so well. You're going to make a wonderful servant."
Dante raised an eyebrow. "I would be provided that I actually agree to become one."
"Oh…ah…of course." Rias had the decency to blush after forgetting one of the important parts of resurrecting new devils; they had to make the choice willingly.
After regaining her composure, the redheaded devil leaned forward and put on the most adorable smile she could make. The fact that she was pushing her breasts together to make them look bigger had nothing to do with any attempt to influence the boy's decision.
"So, will you accept the terms and become my newest Knight and Servant?"
Dante took on a contemplating look, only allowing his eyes to dip down for a brief moment as he thought the offer over. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke.
"Well, I must say that the offer is very tempting, and the perks are not bad, either…"
Rias's face filled with joy as she fully anticipated his acceptance.
"…however…"
And her hope came crashing right back down.
"…I'm not so sure I'm ready to be in such a commitment. I mean, you are permanently turning me into a devil, something that can't be undone. I kinda like how I am right now. Not so sure I want to change that on a whim. Besides, I have things I am committed to right now, like my job."
As if waiting for that exact moment, his cell phone chimed, alerting him that he had received a message. Pulling the item from his pocket, Dante flipped the phone open and read the message.
"Speaking of which, it looks like I'm on call tonight." Dante said as he closed the phone back up while he stood up from the couch before pocketing it. "Well, it's been a pleasure meeting and talking with you all, but I got run. I'll see you guys' later, okay?" The boy said as he walked towards the door.
"Ah. Wait, Dante. What about-"
"The deal? Hmm, I'll think it over." Dante said as he reached the door.
"Um, Dante." Rias spoke up just as the boy opened the door to exit the clubroom. "Before you go, could I ask just what is it that you do for work?"
"Oh, that." Dante stepped out of the room and turned to the group as he started closing the door while flashing them a grin. "I'm a Demon Hunter." And with that, the door closed with a click.
The club members stared at the door in silence until Rias finally broke it with a single comment.
"You know, that actually fits him."
- Abandoned Theatre House -
- Later That Night -
"Alright kid, here is the place."
Dante found himself standing in front of a large abandoned theatre house in the dead of night while outfitted in his trademark hunter outfit, Rebellion firmly strapped to his back and the handles of a pair of handguns poking out from under his red coat. Standing by his side was an older, obese man wearing a dress shirt and vest under a green overcoat with dark dress slacks, a red scarf around his neck, brown leather gloves with rings on different fingers, leather dress shoes, a bowler hat and black sunglasses. The guy was puffing on a cigar as he gestured to the building.
This man is Enzo, Dante's contact for his work.
"Our client was trying to renovate this old theatre when his crew stumbled upon an old reliquary buried under the stage. They say they found this glass orb with some black smoke flowing around inside it and one of the morons decided to drop the damn thing and broke it. That smoke just happened to by a bunch of lesser demonic spirits that were sealed in the thing. They got out and started killing the poor bastards. The guys who survived hightailed it right out of there and no one has come near the place since." Enzo paused to take a drag of his cigar. "The client wants use to go in and get rid of these demonic squatters so they can continue their work. Their paying us good money but they'll start deducting if the building gets damaged from the fight, so try to keep collateral to a minimum, alright kid?"
"Yeah, yeah. I got it. No going wild in there. I hear ya." Dante waved the man off as he started moving towards the building. Upon reaching the front doors, the young man paused shortly as he looked it over, as it to measure the barrier before him. With a grin, he lifted his right leg and launched a sharp heel kick at the slabs of wood, sending them off their hinges and clattering into the interior.
"Hey! I said keep it minimal!" Enzo yelled at the silver haired boy, who simply flicked a two-finger salute over his head as he disappeared into the dark building.
"I'm taking it out of the punks pay." The man muttered to himself as he took a heavy drag of his cigar to calm himself.
Meanwhile, Dante was casually walking through the foyer of the theatre and offhandedly admiring the antique decor that the theatre house possessed. It looked like the kind of place a bunch of old rich dudes would enjoy hanging out in. Passing by the deteriorating ticket booth, Dante calmly walked into a long hallway that led to the auditorium while idly noting the various construction material laying on the floor. From the way some of it was scattered about, he could tell that the workers had left the project in a hurry. Finding a pair of doors at the end of the hall, the young hunter casually pushed them open to reveal the grand interior of the auditorium with the stage located down on the bottom level. It only took him a minute to make his way down through the rows of seats and back up a small set of steps to find himself on the large stage. Moving towards where a large hole had been carved open in the woodwork, he noticed the remains of glass nearby.
"That's got to be the orb. Well, what's left of it." Dante remarked as he glanced around the stage to see if he could spot anything out of the ordinary. Not seeing anything else, he moved towards the curtain separating the front stage from the back.
"Hello! Pest control. Got a call about some nasty demons running around. Anyone seen them? They're ugly as hell so you can't miss them." Dante called out as he brushed the curtain aside and entered the backstage. It looked like the crews hadn't gotten to this part yet as most of the original items were still strewn about. The sound of ropes straining caught his attention, causing him to glance up into the rafters to find a large collection of human sized marionettes hanging about in various possess.
"Just hanging around, huh boys?" Dante remarked as he saluted the human sized puppets before heading towards a nearby table. He didn't seem to notice a pair of glowing red dots appear up in the darkness that were spaced apart like eyes.
Dante walked over to the table and found a replica of a human skull amongst the collection of knickknacks. Picking it up, he couldn't help but ham it up.
"Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him Horatio…" Dante played out the part as he moved dramatically as if he was before an audience before immediately going back to a casual stance. "He and I used to play pool every Saturday night. Bastard cheated, too." The hunter finished as he threw the fake skull over his shoulder and moved on. The skull bounced across the floor a couple of times before coming to rest just as a pair of wooden feet lightly touched down.
Meanwhile, Dante had found a large ornate mirror propped up against the wall and was having a bit of fun posing in front of it.
"Dante, you are one handsome hunter." The boy said with a smirk as he winked at his own image. It was at that moment that he caught sight of two red glowing dots in the mirror that put him on alert before the glint of steel made him jerk to the side just as a throwing knife flew through the air where he was just standing before imbedding itself in the mirror, shattering the glass into thousands of pieces.
"Whoops! Well, that's seven years bad luck." Dante remarked as he turned his attention to his attacker. The assailant was a marionette dressed up in red Shakespearian clothing with a pair of glowing red eyes staring right at him. The puppet was frozen in a throwing position before going limp, straightening back up and reached into its clothing to pull out a pair of daggers.
"Don't see that every day." The hunter remarked just as several more figures descended from above. Soon other marionettes wearing various outfits befitting the Renaissance landed before the boy and quickly armed themselves with various blades. Dante smirked as he eyed his opposition. "Well now, looks like the cast has finally assembled." He said as he reached under his coat and pulled out his handguns. The two weapons were a pair of custom M1911 semi-automatic packing .45 caliber magnum rounds. The only clear distinction between the two was the color and the engravings on the side. His left gun had the engraving 'Ebony' and was colored black while his right had 'Ivory' and was silver.
Insert Music – Public Enemy – Devil May Cry OST
Dante twirled the two guns in his hands before bringing them to bare on the enemy in front of him.
"Show time, boys."
*BANG!-BANG!-BANG!-BANG!*
The first puppet jerked violently as three bullets tore into its body, leaving gaping holes that leaked black smoke as the body collapsed. The sudden attack spurred the other puppets into action as they lunged mechanically at the hunter with blades arching in wide swings. Dante leaped into the air as the blades came down. Twirling his body in midair, Dante unleashed another volley of lead that hit three puppets who crumpled to the floor in heaps. Landing back on the floor, he turned to see the remaining marionettes turning around as if someone was pulling their strings. Obviously, the demonic spirits were trying to imitate the puppets they have possessed. This just made them easy targets for the hunter.
"Seriously guys, you're making this too easy." Dante remarked as he leveled his guns again. But just as he was about to squeeze the trigger, he found himself surrounded again as even more marionettes suddenly fell from the rafters above and armed themselves with their hidden blades.
Dante chuckled despite the dangerous situation. "Now this is more like it. Let's put on a good show."
As a couple of puppets lunged, Dante pointed his guns in their direction and fired off several rounds. The bullets tore through the fragile bodies, shredding the possessed puppets into kindling. Having dealt with the most immediate threats, the hunter began taking shots at the various enemies around him, aiming both pistols in their respective directions, his left hand on his left side and vice versa, and simultaneously scoring hits like a true marksman. With every report of his firearms, another puppet dropped to the floor. However, it seemed that for every puppet that fell, another would drop down from the rafters to take its place. That was fine by him. More fun this way.
"These guys are like cockroaches." Dante remarked as he continued to gun down his foes.
*CHIKA!-CHIKA!-CHIKA!-SHING!-SHING!*
"Whoa!" Dante exclaimed as he suddenly leaned back in time to avoid a pair of pendulum blades that flew through the air where he was just standing. The blades barely missed him but ironically found another target in the form of two puppets standing on the other end of the stage, who suddenly found themselves a head shorter. Dante turned towards the source of the attack to see a marionette bare of his blades, but not for long as he drew a new pair from its clothes. The one right beside it suddenly started twirling its own set in its hands-
*CHIKA!-CHIKA!-CHIKA!-
-and flung them both in succession.
-SHING!-SHING!*
This time, Dante was able to see the attack coming, and executed an aerial spin to avoid the flying blades by jumping between them in midair. The hunter landed as the blades embedded in the wall behind him.
"That was a neat trick." He commented as he leveled one of his guns and blasted the attacking puppets into kindling with a burst of gunfire. Some motion in the corner of his eye drew him to another puppet who started spinning its torso around like a top; its arms extended out from the centrifugal force while it charged the boy. Dante waited until the marionette was about to strike when he ducked low and to the side, but not without leaving a foot in the way for the puppet to trip over. It was rather comical to see the puppet tripping up, slamming into a couple of its comrades along the way, and ending up in a heap of tangled limbs. Three bullets to the head kept them from coming back up.
"Is that all you got? I don't even have to pull out my sword." Dante remarked as he continued his one sided slaughter.
"SKREEEEEEEEEE!'
"Guah! What the-?" Dante was shocked to find himself suddenly suspended in the air by red strings; his body looking like it was a hanging marionette. Oh the irony. Looking to his left, he found on of the puppets with its mouth wide open, obviously the one that let out the loud shriek. The puppet then made a move to stab its helpless victim only to find him not so helpless as the hunter simply raised Ebony and blasted a hole in its head.
"Alright, enough hanging around, I got work to do." With a grunt, Dante rotated his body hard to the right and shredded the strings holding him. Landing on his feet again, the hunter surveyed the room and found that the puppets had finally stopped raining down from the ceiling. There were only about eight left.
"Time for the climax." Dante said as he showed off his expertise with the handguns as he started juggling the weapons like a pair of nunchakus. As the weapons spun around his body, they fired a spray of bullets in all directions, littering the remaining enemies with so many holes they looked like Swiss cheese.
Music Fades Out
The guns finally went silent as the bodies of the puppets crumbled to the floor and all became still. As the black smoke finally disappeared, Dante took stoke of the stage and smiled before spinning around in a flourish and bowing to an imaginary audience.
"And the rest is silence."
- Streets of Kuoh –-
-Half Hour Later –-
Dante was walking down the street as he made his way home from the Theatre, his sword in its case and guns holstered. He had just finished listening to Enzo as the man scolded him for leaving so many holes in the building after his last move to take down the possessed marionettes. He grumbled about his share of the money being cut for the damages, but there wasn't much he could do about it but just accept it and move on. There was still plenty of demons out there to hunt so he wasn't too worried about his pay. It was the lecture he could do without.
"Man, Enzo really laid into me back there. Doesn't he know that when you hunt demons, you must do it with style? It's just too boring to kill them normally." The boy muttered as he came up to an intersection a few blocks from his home. As he got closer, he noticed something that caused him to stop. The air around him started to become hazy and distorted, and he could feel a strange energy around him. It reminded him of when that fallen angel chick tried to kill him a couple of days ago. Then he noticed something ahead of him. There were two figures standing in the middle of the road, and he could recognize one of them. Watching the interaction for a moment, his eyes widened when he saw something one of the figures did before he pulled Ivory from its holster.
"Oh hell no, you black-winged bastard!"
- Moments Earlier—
Miyoko was walking down the dark street as she was returning home from one of her friends' houses after spending an evening playing around. She was wearing a casual blue spaghetti strap sleeveless top under a yellow fleece jacket and a short white skirt with matching tennis shoes. As she walked, she thought about what the two of them had talked about while she was visiting.
- Flashback – An hour ago -
Miyoko was lying on her friends' bed, kicking her feet back and forth, as she held a red sheet of paper in her hands, studying the item carefully. As she stared at the paper, her friend came in carrying a try with two cups of tea.
"Catching up on some literature? I bet it's pretty steamy."
Miyoko giggled, not at all embarrassed by her friend's accusation. "Normally you would be right, but not this time, Aika-chan. Just looking at something I found in Dante's room earlier."
Her friend, Aika Kiryuu, set the tray down on a small table and plopped down next to the girl. Aika was a second year student like Issei with light brown hair styled into twin plaits on either side of her head that flow down past her shoulders and are tied with a pair of green bands. She wears a pair of thick red-rimmed glasses over her lidded yellow eyes that glint whenever she smirks. She was currently wearing a large brown sweater that extended down to her thighs, hiding her modest c-cup bust and everything else from view.
Aika leaned over and examined the paper in Miyoko's hand. "Your wish will be granted. Didn't think he was into this kind of things. For that matter, what are you doing grabbing things from his room? Better yet, what were you doing in there in the first place?"
Miyoko just shrugged. "It looked kind of interesting. I guess it's some kind of good luck charm. As for why, I was looking for him to see if he wanted to go out for the evening. He wasn't in his room, though."
Aika's glasses glinted as the girl smirked. "So, you finally making your move, huh? I was wondering when you were going to stake your claim to him."
Miyoko blushed as she thought about her long time crush on her housemate. "Well, I've been dropping plenty of hints. The fact that I grope him every morning should have clued him in. I think he's just likes playing hard to get. There are so many girls who like him, including you."
"Yeah, but unlike the others, the two of us are willing to share. It helps that there is an attraction between us as well." Aika commented as she leaned down and planted a kiss on Miyoko's cheek. "And when you finally do get him, you can invite me over for a hot and steamy threesome. There is no way I'm passing up on Dante, especially when he is packing like he is."
"You and your scouter sense. It still amazes me that you can accurately calculate a guy's 'Prowess' just by looking at him. Then again, Matsuda can do the same with girls and their sizes."
The two girls descended into giggles at the thought of their mutual crush and their plans for him.
"By the way, Aika-chan. You're not wearing anything under that sweater, are you?"
The girl's glasses glinted again.
"Nope~!"
- Flashback End -
A small giggle escaped the girls' mouth as she thought about her friend's brazenness. She was right, though. She was tired of waiting and was ready to make a move on the white haired heartthrob. She just needed the opportunity.
"A rather lovely night, don't you think, young lady?"
Miyoko abruptly stopped when she heard a voice speak out in the darkness and started looking for the source of the voice. As she searched, she noticed a tall figure stepping out of the shadows into the light of a light pole. The individual was a middle-aged male with short black hair and dark blue eyes wearing a pale violet trench coat with a white dress shirt and matching ascot, black pants and dress shoes and a black fedora. The man finally came to a stop directly under the light and looked directly into the girls' eyes.
"A perfect night for death, if I do say so."
Miyoko took a step back in fear. What did he mean?
"Wha…what are you…?"
"I'm sorry, my dear, but I have to inform you that as of this moment your life is forfeit. It's nothing personal and I have nothing against you, but you have something that is too dangerous to just let be."
Miyoko was both confused and terrified. What did this man mean? What could she possibly have that was dangerous?
"What are y-you talking about? I-I don't have anything dangerous. I'm just a teenage girl."
"Yes…a teenage girl…with the power to kill angels."
Suddenly, a pair of black wings sprout from his back, shocking Miyoko to her core.
"Don't blame me for this fate, little girl. Blame God for giving you a sacred gear."
The man raised his hand and a long stick of blue light flashed into existence. The man stood poised to throw it like a spear and end her life. Miyoko found herself rooted on the spot, trembling in fear and hoping for a savior.
'Someone…help me…Dante!'
"Be good and die!"
*BANG!*
"Guah!" The man shouted as the spear of light suddenly exploded into sparks. He staggered back while clutching his hand as he tried to make sense of what just happened.
"Wha-What just happened?"
"I do believe the lady isn't too keen on your advances, buddy."
"What?!" The man said as he turned to find a silver haired teen in red and black clothing with a guitar case on his back holding a handgun that was pointed right at him.
"Don't you know there is a law against guys sticking long pointed things into unwilling girls?"
"Dante!" Miyoko cried out in happiness and relief that her crush had just saved her. Though she did have to wonder where he got a handgun.
"Yo, Miyoko. This douchebag bugging ya?"
The man snarled. "Who the hell are you?"
"The names Dante. I'm the guy who's going to be kicking your ass tonight." Dante said with a smirk.
The man grunted before forming another light spear in his hand. "Brave words coming from a coward who resorts to guns in a fight."
Dante shrugged. "Hey, you use the tools you got. But, if these aren't to your liking…" The boy proceeded to holster the gun before grabbing the guitar case on his back. "…I think I have something more to your taste." A flick of the wrist and Rebellion was free. The large claymore flipped end over end until Dante grabbed the hilt and held the sword over his shoulder.
The man's eyes widened when he noticed the sword, since a certain colleague of his had been ranting about it and the boy who wielded it for the last two days. "That sword…the hair…Hey! You wouldn't be Tony Redgrave, would you?"
Dante twirled the claymore in his hand before holding the blade to the side. "That would be me. Nice to know my name precedes me. Who's been talking'?"
The fallen grinned as he produced another light spear. "Raynare told us about you after she returned from her failed mission. From what she explained, you have some skill with a blade. I've been hoping for a chance to battle you."
"Is that so? Well, I certainly don't want to disappoint you."
Settling into a battle stance, the fallen angel's grin grew. "It's only proper that I give you my name before we dual. I am the Fallen Angel, Dohnaseek. Let us have a wonderful match." Then, the angel dashed forward.
Dante brought up his claymore in time to block the straight thrust from Dohnaseek's spear; the two weapons created sparks from where they were connected. The two combatants pushed against one another for a moment before disengaging. What followed was a shower of sparks as the two engaged in a dance of blade and light as one either attacked or defended against the other. Slashing, hacking and thrusting, Dante and Dohnaseek moved fluidly from one action to the next in their deadly dance.
"I must say, your skill with that sword is impressive, for one so young." The fallen complimented as he swung his spear at the teens head.
Dante ducked under the swing before thrusting Rebellion at his opponent, who parried the attack as he jumped back. "Thanks. You're not so bad yourself."
Miyoko, meanwhile, was staring at the scene in wonder and confusion. Why did the guy try to kill her? Where in the world did those wings come from? Was he even human? Why is Dante carrying around guns and a large sword? Where did he learn to fight like that?...Why hadn't she jumped his bone already?
Eventually, the fallen angel disengaged from the battle by taking to the air, giving himself plenty of space.
"Your skill in close range combat is remarkable. Now, let us see how you fair while you're defending from long range attacks." Dohnaseek spoke as he readied his spear for a throw, and throw he did. The light spear was sent screaming at the teen, who waited until it was close enough to batt it away with his blade.
"You know, stripper girl try the exact same thing when she tried to kill me and it didn't work too well for her then. 'Think you should try something different."
"Very well, try this then." This time, the fallen summoned two spears at once that floated in midair. A single gesture of his hand sent them flying. Dante had to move as he blocked one while dodging the second. A second later, two more spears were flying, and he dodged and parried again. The next moment, it was three spears headed towards him. Leaping into the air, Dante rotated his body to avoid the spears as they flew around him.
"Impressive moves, Redgrave. Now try this!" Dohnaseek threw his hands out and out of nowhere; over a hundred light spears appeared around him. Dante's eyes widened a bit at the display as Dohnaseek smirked as he raised his hand and lowered it at the teen. The spears started to rain down on the hunter, who entered a stance that looked like he was preparing to stab. Just as the first spear was a mere three feet away, Dante thrusted Rebellion forward at an insane speed, deflecting the spear. That wasn't the end, however, as he pulled back and thrusted again at the same speed, his arm and sword blurring to the naked eye. He kept this up as the spears continued to rain down, each stab deflecting a spear. It was so intense that the air began to spin around the space where the sword cut through the air, even the blade itself looked like it was multiplying as the assault continued. The blade even began to glow hot from the friction, making it glow red. It was quite the sight to behold. Finally, the last spear flew into range and was deflected by one last strong stab, causing the weapon to fly end over end above the hunters head and through the air before embedding itself into a brick wall just behind Miyoko, who was staring at Dante in absolute awe.
Dohnaseek hummed as he regarded the teen. He was honestly impressed by the display he had put on. "That was an impressive move, young man. Do tell what that was."
"That, my friend, was Million Stab. Good for intense deflections, savage impalement, and makes instant coleslaw, swiss cheese and fries." Dante remarked with his ever-cocky smirk.
Dohnaseek laughed, the boy was proving to be most amusing. "Well, Redgrave, you are indeed a worthy foe. Sadly, I must retire for the night, as I have other business to attend to."
"What, you leaving already? Come on, the party was just getting good." Dante remarked as he twirled Rebellion in his hand.
"Fear not, warrior, for we will have our battle, just not tonight. Now I must bid you adieu. However, it is not in my character to leave a job unfinished." Dohnaseek stated as he raised his hand with his palm up, curling his fingers save for the index and middle finger.
Behind Miyoko, the light spear that was embedded in the wall began to glow brightly and vibrate. Dohnaseek suddenly flicked his fingers upwards, and with that, the spear dislodged itself and flew through the air…right at the girl's back.
*SQUELCH!*
"KYAAAAAAAAH!"
Dante's eyes widened as he heard the scream before spinning around, and what he saw made his heart nearly stop.
Miyoko was standing there with a light spear run clean through here stomach. She was standing there staring at the bloody weapon as blood began to leak from the corners of her mouth. The spear then disappeared, allowing a large quantity of blood to flow out. Miyoko dropped to her knees as she looked up to see the shocked look on Dante's face before she completely collapsed to the cold ground.
Dante stared at the still form of his 'sister' as white-hot rage began to boil up within him. Spinning back around, Dante was ready to deliver vengeance upon the angel but was meet with the sight of several black feathers floating gently to the ground, the fallen nowhere in sight.
"Now my business is concluded. We will meet again, young warrior, and when we do, we will have the battle we yearn for." Dohnaseek's voice echoed in the night before fading away, the angel having left the area. Dante gritted his teeth in anger. How dare that bastard do such thing. He had kept his attention completely focused on him that it allowed the fallen to do such an underhanded move. Oh, the next time they meet, he was definitely going to finish what they started.
A wet cough brought him back to the real world and he remembered that he need to do something.
"Miyoko!" Dante shouted as he ran to the girls' side, throwing Rebellion to the ground as he ran. Reaching the injured girl, Dante dropped to his knees as he gathered the girl into his arms.
"Hold on, Miyoko. I'm going to help you. Just hold on." Dante pleaded as his mind ran a thousand miles a second, trying to think of a way to save her.
"D…Dan…te…." Miyoko weakly chocked out, her body growing cold as she raised her hand towards her crushes face. Tears leaked from her eyes as her vision blurred.
'I'm…I'm going…to die… Just like this….I'm going to die…No…I haven't gotten the chance…to tell him…how I felt…I don't want to die…Somebody….please….help me….'
Unseen by the two, the red flyer Miyoko had in her possession fell from her pocket. The red paper settled to the ground just as the puddle of Miyoko's blood grew enough to make contact with it. A second later, the magic circle began to glow.
Dante was startled to see a bright red light suddenly shine next to them and he glanced over to see what it was.
"This is…" Dante muttered as he recognized the item.
Suddenly, the entire area was bathed in red light as a large magic circle appeared on the ground before them, and from that circle came a very familiar redhead.
"Rias!" Dante shouted as the heir of Gremory opened her eyes to see the sight before her.
"Dante?" Rias questioned before looking down to the girl in his arms. A gasp escaped her mouth as she covered it with her hands. "Oh, my!"
Dante suddenly realized that his friend just might be able to help the poor girl.
"Rias, I beg you, save Miyoko, please."
Rias regarded him for a moment before taking stock of the situation. The contract that Dante was given had been activated, meaning he was now bound by it. However, it had been Miyoko's blood and wish that had led to the activation, which brought her into it as well. The girl was wishing to live while Dante had invoked the terms verbally. They both had equal responsibility in the contract, and the payment was high for a life, especially with what it would require her to do.
"I can help her, but the cost will be high, Dante, for both of you. Are you willing to pay the price for this wish?"
Dante took a moment to think about what Rias had just said. As a paranormal investigator, he knew what the girl was asking for. Under a normal situation, he would have declined all together, however, this was the life of someone he cared greatly for, and he knew what he needed to do to save it.
"Whatever it is, whatever you ask of me, I will pay it. Just save her, please."
Rias breathed deeply as she closed her eyes and then opened them, her expression shown as all business.
"So be it."
- End Mission 02 –
[Author's Notes]
…
Okay, I got nothing. I don't have a damn excuse good enough for this one. Two years. Two. Damn. Years. Since I updated this thing. Hell, since I updated any of my fics.
That is sad.
And I'm ashamed.
Feel free to verbally assault me with your harsh words. I won't fight back.
…
Okay, enough with the self-criticism. On to the notes.
This chapter had been a bit of a hurdle to overcome. I got stuck at a few places as I tried to figure out where to go with it. I had once gotten on a real good flow going once with it, but then Microsoft decided to do a random update that just pops out of nowhere without any warning and I found that I lost days' worth of work. Naturally, this put me off writing for a while since I felt sick over it. But, I eventually got back on it and worked through. I've been bouncing back and forth between this fic and some others, as well as entertaining a few ideas for new ones. But, I need to do something with what I got. I hope to get the others updated sometime soon, but can't promise anything right now, especially with work demanding most of my attention.
Now, we have gotten to see some interaction between Dante and Rias, as well as her peerage. Dante knows exactly what she is and what she wants, but is not really willing to give up his existence to become a devil, even now. What's going to happen now that he is in debt to the she-devil that is Rias Gremory? Who knows? She is asking for a high price and he will have to pay it. One way or another.
Dante in debt. Why does that seem familiar?
Now, as for the name swap. As you can see, I changed Issei's name to a more feminine name. At first, I thought that the name Issei was co-gender; however, after researching a bit more, I found it was strictly a boy name. Thus, after reading a few past reviews and request, I changed the name to Miyoko, which has a similar meaning to Issei. I'm going to go back and update the last chapter so it will also reflect the name change. In a weeks' time, I'll pull down the above AN. Hope it didn't cause too much annoyance for you guys.
Now that I got his chapter out of the way, the other chapters should flow a bit better and the story can start moving forward. Here is hoping that the can come out soon. No promises though. I do have a life.
Peace.