This is a fanfic. BUY THE FUCKING MERCHANDISE!
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Akira idly listened to the footsteps that belonged to both him and the servant that was at the front. The sound bounced around the halls. Looking around, the surroundings of the clean and polished floor are given a lighter reflection by the moon in the darkened sky. The air seemed to feel pretty fresh as well, but that was probably because he had just finished cleaning himself up in his own private room in the household. That was certainly a surprise, his unannounced presence suddenly being given such accomodations.
It then just occurred to Akira. Did the moon actually shine down here? That shouldn't be the case since this was the underworld. Was it perhaps another form of magic? It was a rather small detail, yet it was slightly strange to actually think about it all of a sudden. Would it be the same for the weather then?
Unfortunately (or thankfully), Akira was unable to dwell on these thoughts any longer. His brain was interrupted when he saw the servant stop in their tracks, having arrived at a large door at the end of the hall. Watching them raise their hand, the servant knocked on a door that they had arrived at. "Sir, I have brought over Akira Kurusu as you have requested." They announced their presence to whoever was in the room.
"Send him in."
Akira blinked, easily recognizing that voice due to hearing it recently. As the servant opened the door with a small bow, the human saw that he was being gestured to step inside. Slowly, he walked over before poking his head in. Confirming the identity of the one occupying the room, Akira stepped inside what appeared to be a study of sorts. "...Lord Sitri." He eventually managed to say after a couple of seconds debating on how to refer to the man.
Thankfully, the source of light was dangling above them as the bulb emitted such a radiant glow. Though Akira had a feeling that the light was on for his sake as it seemed like it originally was a mere decoration. But that wasn't the main topic at hand as he stared at the Devil that was sitting behind a large desk. Such a room was partially lit the exact moonlight Akira had the pleasure of traveling through earlier thanks to the windows behind Lord Sitri, giving the man a slightly ominous shine (not that Akira would admit it aloud). Akira could see a fireplace to the left-side with shelving filled with books and a small table in the corner on the right.
"Akira Kurusu." The man greeted back as there was a click, the servant having closed the door to leave them both in privacy. Once again, their tone remained rather neutral, causing Akira to be unable to get a read on the Devil. They lifted a hand, gesturing to one of the two wooden chairs that sat in front of him. "Please, sit." He offered courteously.
The black-haired boy stood for a good few seconds, seeming to weigh his options. Eyes darted back and forth. The chairs even had little cushions on them, possibly indicating that they are perhaps used for long periods of use. The hand meanwhile stayed perfectly still as Lord Sitri made no indication of being impatient while waiting for Akira to make his decision. The Devil simply stared passively.
Eventually coming to a decision, Akira walked over, swiftly taking the offered seat. "Might I take a guess this has to do with my relationship with Sona-chan?" He decided to get straight to the point. The human did need his rest for later as from what he could believe, the meeting of young Devils was taking place tomorrow. Such an important event required a lot of his attention and brain power, and that could not go well if he lacked sleep.
"...Indeed." Lord Sitri confirmed with a nod of his head, face showing no emotion in reaction to Akira's immediate hypothosis. The adult merely folded their fingers together, hands clutching one another. "Now, imagine my surprise," He continued, reaching behind his desk and the sound of a drawer being opened was heard. "When my youngest came home with the young man who is the leader of the Phantom Thieves. Not only that, but said leader also boasts that they're her boyfriend." A single bottle of some clear liquid was brought out with a single glass and put down on the table.
"It would certainly catch some individuals off-guard." Akira quipped, nodding his head slightly. "And I wouldn't say boast, rather more of a statement of sorts."
Lord Sitri merely hummed, popping off the cork of the bottle. "Tell me," He began soon after, pouring himself a glass. "Your power… it appears to be unlike any other familiar I've laid my eyes on in my life. Or would it be more appropriate to dub such a summon as a puppet?" The man raised their glass up to their lips. "You did show that you are proficient when it comes to combat with such a thing after all."
Akira simply gave off a stare as the Devil took a sip. Was the man fishing for answers or an explanation for something? Oh, who was he kidding, that was easily the case since Akira was invited over for a private talk in the first place. Though with how the adult described it… "Honestly, a combination of the two would probably be a pretty good way to describe it." He revealed, holding his tongue on any further elaborations.
"And Sona holds the exact same power as you." Lord Sitri simply pointed out. Gently swirling the liquid in his cup, he put it down for a second. "There's hardly any need to be so… withdrawn around me, Akira Kurusu. Especially when it comes to your powers of a… Persona. Serafall was more than willing to explain to me the events of what occurred at the meeting of the Four Factions, including how my youngest obtained such abilities." He paused for a brief second. "Though she did conveniently leave out the fact of you confessing and Sona accepting such feelings… Did you know she's never truly accepted or wanted to get to know any of the other boys for arranged marriages?"
"...You're dancing around what's really on your mind, Lord Sitri." Akira blinked a couple of times before tilting his head slightly in an inquisitive action. "All you have done is stated facts and moments that have already happened while making your own observations. So why don't we cut to the chase once again? This is about the relationship between Sona-chan and I, and I think we both already know the supposed several problems with a Devil and a human being together. So please, would you kindly, truly explain why you wanted to meet up in private?"
Finally, there was a change in the adult's face. "..." An amused smile, very small but still visible to Akira's observant eyes, formed. "I am simply curious, Akira Kurusu." They stated. "Why announce it to us? You could have simply waited and convinced the council before telling me. But instead, it seems you purposefully mixed around a few steps. Why is that?"
Akira blinked in surprise, not expecting something like that. His eyes flickered up in thought, piecing together how he should express his answer. Eventually, the words formed in his head. "Call me old-fashioned." Akira shrugged his shoulders casually. "I honestly thought it best to meet the parents first." Before Lord Sitri could respond, the human pointed a finger. "Though I have to ask, what do you think of it all? Me desiring to be by your daughter's side?"
Lord Sitri stared for a few moments, taking another sip from the glass he had put down seconds ago. "I am quite unsure." He said, standing up. Turning around, he looked out of the window. "You seem to already know the circumstances as to why the Pillars tend to make arranged marriages. While we don't know if your relationship would work out with Sona in the long run, you will be affecting my family in the long run. The Sitri name, those who work and are protected by it, all of them shamed and cut off just by your relationship alone."
"..." Akira stayed silent. While he did know about that, he honestly didn't know what to do about that should the situation rise. It would be something that he would have to also add on when he would have to… convince the council.
"On the other hand," Lord Sitri continued. "So far as I have seen, I don't think I would mind."
Akira couldn't help but do a double take upon hearing the Devil's words.
"Surprised?" Lord Sitri's gaze flickered over to Akira, seeing the human in the reflection of the window. "I would expect you to be. I'm guessing that you require an explanation?" Seeing Akira wordlessly nod, Lord Sitri looked back out to the scenery. "The first reason is that you are the leader of the Phantom Thieves, a powerful figure, recognized by the other Three Factions. You may be already aware, but we Devils are fascinated by strength. Must I elaborate on the subject of Rating Games and how they're related to such a concept?"
The human shook his head, already having a pretty good idea.
"Second," The Devil continued. "Is that you are a very good and inspirational influence for my daughter which, once more, benefits the Sitri family. This was far more than evident with how Sona slightly stood up to me earlier as well as the moment when you managed to snap Saji out of his moment of depression."
Akira thought about it for a quick second, nodding his head in agreement. He could see that being the case.
"As for the final reason… Times are changing, and the council needs to see that rather than be stuck in the past and focus on the old days." Lord Sitri sighed, turning around. "You have seen many pieces of technology we Devils have incorporated into our lives, yes? Human creations, not Devil. We merely took their ideas and added our own little bit of magic to the items. The reincarnated pieces? Not created by the older council, but the newer generation members. But the elders claim that they are our own, because of the finishing touches the Devils have put on to perfect the craft. They would have had to continue living with candle and torches rather than lights, to have nothing but pure-blooded Devils despite our numbers if it weren't for humans. You humans… adapt. Yes, there are still plenty of issues that are still going on. But in the past, your race grew up from the days of using stick and stones for houses and hunting in the wild for food. Your minds saw a problem, and thought up of, worked on, created ideas, solutions. Humans are, in a way, the future of Devil-kind."
He remained silent during Lord Sitri's speech. Hands were up, fingers covering his mouth as Akira listened to the Devil. Closing his eyes, he processed what had been revealed. It was… surprising for a Devil to be thinking this way in his opinion. "That is…"
"Surprising?" Lord Sitri helped supply. "That though I am a Devil, I view humanity so highly in regard?"
"...And what about Lady Sitri?" Akira asked, dodging the question.. "What's her opinion on this matter between Sona-chan and I? She didn't seem very happy during dinner."
"Ah, yes, that." Lord Sitri wore another tiny smile, this one looking rather fond. "She married into the Sitri name and was met with scorn when it first happened. As time passed and she proved to be valuable, she was eventually accepted. Hence why she was… rather unhappy. My wife is simply looking out for her family." He placed his glass down. "I believe that is all I wanted to speak to you about. May your plans and discussions with the council go smoothly tomorrow."
Blinking, Akira eventually rose up. Before turning around, he saw Lord Sitri raise his hand. Seeing this gesture, Akira did the same, grabbing onto the outstretched limb as they both shook in a sign of mutual understanding. He then began to walk towards the door. Reaching it, he grabbed the knob. But before twisting the orb, he turned his head over. "Good night, Lord Sitri."
The Devil looked at Akira. "...Good night, Akira Kurusu." He said with a small nod of his head after a second of silence.
Nodding back, Akira exited the study, determined to find his room and sleep like a rock.
TakeABreak
Morgana (carried by Futaba), Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, along with Rias and her Peerage, all walked through a corridor. While the type of scene was familiar too many times to the Phantom Thieves, the area was completely different despite such a similar looking scenery.
They had reached the Old Royal Capital: Luciferd ("Lame." Futaba drawled out aloud as a comment). This was the location as to where the important meeting was happening for the Devils. The actual meeting however wasn't until a few more minutes, but it was best for them to arrive early rather than late after all. Sona, her Peerage, Akira, nor Ryuji were seen yet though, a detail that had their attention.
"Where do you think they are?" Haru voiced out in curiosity. "Akira-kun would have definitely been here by now. Is he perhaps taking his time with Sitri-san? They both seem to want to make sure everything is in order before arriving."
"My mind is more on Ryuji, if anything." Ann shrugged her shoulders. "He's always been cutting it close when it comes to arrivals. Remember the Hawaii trip, Makoto?" She looked over to the brunette.
"Wait, Hawaii?" Issei voiced out before Makoto could state her thoughts. "You've been to Hawaii? How? When? Why?! Wait, let me rephrase one of those questions. How did you guys get so lucky?!" Each time he ended a sentence, his hands jolted as if he had been shocked with electricity, the robotic movement helping emphasize his surprise.
"It was a part of the second-years school trip, as you may experience soon after the summer break, Issei." Makoto explained to her fellow brunette. "Though enjoyable, I wouldn't say it was under the best circumstances." She sighed. "Selected third years had to accompany the teachers and act as chaparones due to some of the staff needing to stay back for damage control due to the incidents happening at the time."
"A school trip?" Xenovia asked curiously. "That kind of stuff happens with school?" A hum of interest escaped her lips as she pondered. "Curious. I've never experienced a school trip of that sort before… At least, the concept is foreign to me in that kind of regard."
"I cannot say that I am surprised." Yusuke responded this time. "All education systems differ across the globe."
"Don't worry, Xenovia." Asia tugged on the blue-haired girl's sleeve to snap her out of her funk. "Since we're in second year, I'm sure we'll be able to experience this school trip oursevles when we get back after summer break."
"Ah yes, Kyoto." Kiba mused. "I forgot about that." He chuckled sheepishly soon afterwards. "I've been so nervous about the upcoming meeting that it slipped my mind."
"Speaking of meeting," Akeno giggled before clearing her throat to gain their attention. "We're approaching the point of interest soon, so be on your best behavior everyone."
"Akeno's right." Rias added in as they started to go around a corner. "Since we're meeting other young lords, we must try and stay calm. These guys will be our rivals going forward. So we don't want to act unseemly."
"It appears the number of your Peerage has increased. I suppose congratulations are in order on obtaining another member so quickly."
Everyone snapped their heads around in surprise at the sound of a familiar voice. Most of the Devils had frowns on their faces as Riser and his Peerage were all standing behind them. Accompanying them meanwhile were both Ravel and Ryuji.
"Dude," Ryuji looked at Riser with a flat gaze. "Your tone and the way you phrased that made you sound like an ass. Aren't you supposed to be - like - good with chicks or something?""
"Says the one who is yet to be in a relationship towards the one with a harem of women who actually love him." Riser didn't even bother looking over to the human while dryly responding back. He then sighed before standing up straight. "Greetings Rias, it has been a while since I last saw you and your Peerage."
"Riser Phoenix." Rias greeted back courteously, but with an icy tone. "It hasn't been long enough."
"..." Riser nodded a couple of times, slightly averting his gaze downwards and to the side. Such a response caused a few of them to blink in surprise a few times. "Perhaps." He managed to say audible enough for only them to hear. "Might I speak with you in private?" The blonde Devil straightened himself up once again.
As Rias opened her mouth to retort but her eyes were glaring, Ryuji immediately stepped between them. "Whoa! Hold on, Gremory-san! Before you say anything, just hear him out." His hands were held up in a peaceful gesture before pointing over towards Riser. "Now, as much of a jerk he is-"
"-I'm standing right here, Sakamoto-"
"-I think he may have some words he has to say." Ryuji continued on, seeming to ignore Riser's comment.
"..." Rias and the others stared in disbelief. "...Sakamoto-san, this is Riser we're talking about. You've seen how he acted before the Rating Game. During my celebration?" The red-head seemed to remind the human.
"Look, I know it sounds insane-"
"-Yes, admit that. That will clearly help."
"Dude, you're not helping either, shut up." Ryuji turned his head over to the male Phoenix, shocking everyone in the corridor (minus Ravel, who was simply exasperated by this entire interaction). "As insane as it sounds," He reset his sentence. "Just give the guy a chance."
"..." Rias blinked owlishly at Ryuji's request, suspiciously eyeing the human before glancing at Riser. "Are you sure you didn't charm Ryuji?"
"You really think I would put in the effort to try and charm such a brute?" Riser deadpanned, ignoring the irritated look that was shot at him. "...Does that mean you accept my request or not?"
"...Akeno, take them to the meeting area. I'll catch up with you guys." The red-head cautiously ordered, walking down the hall in the direction from where they came, Riser following shortly while telling his Peerage to do the same. Soon enough, there was silence between the groups.
"...So, Ravel-chan," Futaba awkwardly got out when they started to move again. "Interesting seeing you with your brother again."
"Despite the events that transpired between the two of us, he deeply regrets his actions and wishes to make up for them." Ravel revealed in a manner that seemed incredibly simple. "Though I'm not exactly sure what to say about the bond between him and Ryuji-san now…"
"Yeah… I have to agree with that." Ann added slowly. "Out of everyone we've met so far this year, I did not expect you and Riser to be so… whatever that is."
"Dude admitted that he was wrong as well as being an asshole." Ryuji said, ignoring the glares from Riser's Peerage. "He's at least trying to be better now. All the guy needs is a reminder and someone to point out his shit."
"In any case, what is he doing here?" Kiba pointed out. "This meeting is mainly supposed to be for all the upcoming heirs and heiresses for the Pillars and Riser isn't one of them."
"Unfortunately, that is something entirely mysterious to us as well." Ravel folded her arms. "Early this morning, we received a notification that all upcoming Devils with Peerages must attend. For what reason though was unspoken."
"Hmm… something must have happened for such an unexpected demand." Makoto put a hand to her chin. "The question is though, what exactly would that be?"
"Well, whatever it is, this place is going to be a whole lot more crowded."
Eyes lit up as another familiar voice was heard. "Yo, Akira-senpai! You got here before us?!" Issei exclaimed as they approached the black-haired human that was walking away from a crowd of Devils. "How've you been?"
"How did everything go with Sitri-san?" Haru followed up.
"While only a small handful of events transpired when Akira-kun accompanied me home," Sona walked up next to the mentioned boy with folded arms. "The magnitude behind such was rather tense. He almost ended up fighting my father if it wasn't for my intervention."
"I would have won and you know it." Akira cheekily grinned while tapping his knuckle against her shoulder.
"That is debatable." Sona replied, flicking the hand as a response. "Though the meeting is happening soon. I hope you are prepared to talk to the council."
"..." Akira's lips curved down as he took on a thoughtful expression. "I do… Doesn't mean that they'll like what I have to say."
The expression on Sona's face immediately screamed for an explanation right there and now.
"Oh look, Gremory-san and Riser Phenex are coming." Akira said to change the conversation.
Unfortunately for her, Rias and Riser had arrived to greet their familiar associate. "Ah, Akira-kun, you made it." Rias observed.
"So you're the leader of the Phantom Thieves…" Riser folded his arms. "...I can't decide if I should be flattered with all the effort you put in to defeat my Peerage and I or humiliated."
"Both is always an option." Akira offered.
"It would be best to take it as a compliment, Phenex."
Turning their heads, they were all approached by a handsome looking man with black hair and violet eyes. With his body being tall and muscular, almost all of the Phantom Thieves were immediately on guard due to their impression when it came to the stranger Devils of the Underworld.
But that wariness seemed to disappear when Rias' face lit up with joy. "Sairaorg!" She exclaimed pleasently. "It's good to see you." She added up.
"Sairaorg." Riser nodded his head. "I'm surprised you went out of your way to address me, let alone give a compliment after the events of Rias' celebration."
"That's in the past." The one known as Sairaorg shrugged his shoulders. "Besides, it seems that you two were able to… iron a couple of things out."
"While I still haven't entirely forgiven Riser for his attitude and how he had treated me in the past," Rias huffed, causing the blonde Devil to sigh and almost seem to roll his eyes in exasperation. "He did put in effort and has seemed to reflect upon his actions, so it's a start." Seeing the confused expression on the humans (and cat), and the newer members of her Peerage, she then realized something. "Oh, right. Everyone, this is Sairaorg, my mother's cousin."
"Pleasure to meet you all. Especially the humans who helped train Rias and her Peerage." Sairaorg smirked. "After hearing your achievements, I really wanted to see each of you in person."
Stunned at everything that had been going on, Issei stared slack-jawed at the sight of Sairaorg. After being poked by Asia a couple of times, he snapped out of his stupor slightly. "Wow, looking at him makes me want to do push-ups." The brunette commented, slightly dazed, still regaining his bearings.
Everyone in the group stared at him in exasperation. Well, all except Sairaorg and Akira who all seemed to take it in stride. "You do look pretty buff." Akira added in for clarification as Saiaorg snuck a glimpse towards him.
"And that… impressiveness," Sona slightly had trouble to find the potentially correct word for the situation. "Is only shared amongst all of the many families." She gestured to the crowd who seemed to be stared and murmuring due to the humans' presence. "There's Seekvaria, next in line to the Agares family, Zephyrdor of the Glasyalabolas, and even Diodora of the Astaroth family being a few examples."
"What, you and Gremory-san not included?" Akira asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Unfortunately, I cannot say that we are exactly in the same… strength category as some of them." Sona shook her head.
"Hey, don't put yourself down like that." Sairaorg snapped his fingers. "The Devils that you mentioned have more years of experience and time to improve compared to you two. You both are still teenagers in school. But I'm sure that when the time comes, you'll be able to at least hold your own against us."
"...He's a pretty nice guy, huh?" Futaba whispered to Koneko, who was nodding in agreement. "Totally thought he was going to be a jerk like Riser." Looking over and seeing both mentioned Devils looking at her, the blonde glaring, she hid behind Koneko. "Whoops, forgot about your enhanced hearing."
"Hm." Sairaorg grunted before looking around. "Though it's strange. It's not just the next in line here. I see several other young lords of the families attending as well." Folding his arms, he frowned as his face scrunched up in thought. "I can't exactly figure out why though…"
Soon, a door opened. Somehow, all conversation ceased as there was a single Devil who bowed. "Thank you for waiting patiently. This way, please, young lords." They then looked up. "As well as you, Akira Kurusu, sir."
That request seemed to get the attention of everyone in the room as Akira started to walk, being the first one to enter the room. Some were confused while others were suspicious. Even the Devils, except Sona, that were conversing with the Phantom Thieves had raised eyebrows. But eventually, all the other young lords started to walk into the auditorium, leaving the humans and Peerage members alone.
"...Anyone up for cards?" Ryuji offered, holding up a deck.
"This is the reason you asked for them?" Ravel questioned.
TakeABreak
They didn't know how much time had passed.
Outside of the auditorium, the Phantom Thieves and Devils were busy occupying their time with the deck of cards Ryuji had brought along. While some Peerages sneered and scorned their attitudes to the situation, saying that they're a disgrace, some other Devils were curious as to what they were playing and even asked to join in.
Unfortunately, some games resulted in the Devils being at each other's throats, claiming one was cheating or purposely sabotaging the other. Other games even got physical, requiring both races to pry the combatants off one another.
"There's absolutely no way you were able to become tycoon for every round!" One Devil roared as Makoto and Haru were holding them back by the arms. "You have to be cheating!"
"It's not my fault you don't know when to play your pairs and triples!" The other argued, being anchored to the ground by Koneko holding the back of their pants. "You deserve to be a beggar after that poor display of tactics!"
"This game is fascinating…" A third put a hand to their chin, ignoring the bickering that was going on above them in favor of staring at the cards. "Staying at the top is incredibly risky yet rewarding at the same time… But you may want to stay among the lower classes and perhaps even tip the scales in another favor to interfere with those on top. Then eventually take the tycoon position for yourself and snatch victory… Almost like luring the enemy into a trap… I'll have to introduce this game to Lord Zephyrdor."
"Okay, you are clearly overthinking this." Ryuji deadpanned.
Suddenly, everyone snapped their heads around when shouts and yells of absolute fury roared out from the closed doors of the auditorium. Many of the Devils' hairs stood on end, possibly feeling the anger seeping out from the room. "W-what do you think is going on in there?" One stammered out, cursing themselves for showing such a pathetic display.
Another Devil frowned. "I don't know… But I can tell that those were the elders' voices. Whoever made them angry… I kind of pity them for having to face their wrath."
The Phantom Thieves, Rias' Peerage, Sona's Peerage, and Riser's Peerage all looked at each other, having a bad feeling that they knew who made the mentioned elders angry.
Several minutes later, the doors opened as all of the young lords seemed to be a combination of stunned, excited, furious, or nervous. "Whoa… what happened in there?" Saji asked, standing up as Rias, Sona and Riser approached them. "What's with your… reactions? Are you guys okay?!" He peeked over. "Akira-senpai, what did you do?!"
"Your leader is crazy." Riser sighed in exasperation while shaking his head while using his hand to help support it. "Brave… But seriously crazy." He eyed the Phantom Thieves.
"I… I can't believe he actually said that… That he actually…" Sona's eyes were wide, still exactly trying to process what had occured. "I mean, when Akira-kun said that he had a plan, I didn't think that…"
"Of all the things to say… to the elders of all Devils…" Rias swallowed.
"Yeah… sorry, I didn't think it would have created a reaction of that magnitude." Akira had a sheepish expression. "Are… are you all going to be okay?" He frowned in concern looking over all of them, giving Sona support as she was slightly weak to the knees.
"Yes, yes, we should be… Just need a couple of moments." She leaned her weight onto Akira.
"Can someone please tell us what we're missing here?!" Ryuji exclaimed.
"I'll tell you guys when we have a bit more privacy." Akira said, gesturing around them with his free hand. "But just know that I am going to be pretty busy this summer."
"Oh, why might that be?" Yusuke questioned.
"I'm participating in the Rating Games against the other young lords to prove my strength in order to be able to date Sona and have her and her family suffer no repercussions for doing so."
"I'm sorry, you're doing what now?!" Ann shouted.
Hoo boy… These next chapters (whenever they come) are going to be… Well, they're going to be something hopefully.
But yes, Akira will be participating in the Rating Games as a challenge against the Devils. Unfortunately, I struggled with putting the debate into actual words entirely, so what's why you all ended up seeing the "end results" of the meeting. But still, what could Akira have said or done to earn such fury yet reluctant acceptance to his offer?
No flames please.