Chapter 10: Pater R.R.C.
He saw her.
She looked around her middle twenties. Her rich features glistening more than the crowd of strangers, with European characteristics if his hypothesis was correct. Which it obviously was, since he's been wandering around earth since the 15th century.
She loves company. Unfortunately, the woman just sat alone at the bar counter, a palm under her chin, her finger tracing circles in the corner of her half empty cup of alcohol.
Even if her face was distorted by the emotions of disinterest, for him, it didn't ruin her unmatchable features.
There weren't words to describe her beauty. Her beauty would refresh the eyes of any man like a crystal-clear pool of water would to a desert wanderer.
He left the Underworld to celebrate his ascent in society. He was turning into a celebrity amongst the Devils, especially those of low and middle-class ranking. A good friend of his had offered him to start a party at his manor, but he kindly declined. He would prefer to count the clouds or watch the grass grow.
Or so he thought. He doesn't know how he suddenly appeared inside a bar. It was loud. He hates loudness. It was full of people, happy, drunk and unconscious. He hates to be surrounded by unknown faces, especially those without manners. He just stood there, like a nail stuck in a chunk of wood.
Heavens. This generation truly has a horrible taste in music.
But by a miracle, he found a reason to endure this annoying building. He found her.
He slowly approached her. Timid steps muffled by the scandalous music. He looked at different places every time the woman shot a wary glance at his direction. She, however, decided to play his game.
He's so nervous. This is a different age for him, and he still can't grasp the culture of these youngsters. He was the old geezer of this room, yet, his appearance screamed nobility around the disco, and he looks like someone in his early thirties. It's the curse of being a Reincarnated Devil.
How should he greet a new face? Handshake? Kiss the back of her hand? Bow?
Doesn't matter. He decided to pave his own way.
"You're beautiful," he said gently.
The flattered woman blinked, caught off guard, before chuckling. It made his skin crawl in a good way. "Smooth,"
He didn't respond back. Her voice was beautiful, heavenly, like listening to the serenades of an angel.
"You're not from here, are you?" The woman stated, eyeing his way of dressing, "Those clothes of yours, I haven't seen them before. They don't mix in a place like this either, are you from a wealthy family perhaps?"
He ignored her voice laced with amusement, "I'm afraid not,"
The corners of her mouth stretched, "Nervous much?" She didn't wait for his response. She spun around to face the silver-haired man properly. "You look like someone who can hold a drink."
"Pardon me?"
She flagged down the bartender, "By the way, what's your name?"
"…" He silently took a seat beside the alluring female to his right. Surprised at how this conversation went. "My name?" He repeated, his voice intertwined with confusion.
The woman rolled her eyes, the smile still portrayed on her face, "Yes you goofball."
Nodding in gratitude at the barkeeper, he grabbed the freezing glass and took a sip, shuddering at the sensation of the strong liquid running down his throat. It was a pity they didn't serve wine here. He finally answered, "My name is…"
"Are we there yet?" The chestnut girl asked, impatient.
"Not yet, my angel." Touji smiled after seeing his daughter pout, giving her hand a small squeeze. "We're getting there, just be patient, alright?"
"Fine…" Irina reluctantly agreed, jumping away from each crack she saw disfiguring the pavement, a cheap way to distract herself from boredom.
Looking away from his pride and joy, the Exorcist frowned, glancing up to meet with the first character of the celestial alphabet. The full moon glared down at their diminutive presence with her gentle light.
Touji sighed. He remembered that day when he'd met with that gray-haired Devil. He never knew that a teenager of hell would wander around the public park of Kuoh. When he saw him with his own purple eyes, he was somewhat surprised, and he was honestly going to leave him hanging around, and mind his own business.
But when he'd noticed that Belial was awkwardly approaching Hyoudou, then he knew something was strange. He'd promptly invoked his role as an Exorcist, ordering his squad to stay in the dark while he advanced nearer to the bewildered target. He'd won the fight that day, and boy, a huge reward waited for his efforts.
There's the slight chance that Issei Hyoudou carries a Longinus Sacred Gear inside his soul. When the Devil had left with his relative, he'd contacted their commander, or how he prefers to call her, their Saint. He'd received approval from her, and just like that, his plan bloomed into action.
"Note to self, ask for Masaomi's progress after ending this visit," The chestnut-haired man nodded firmly, he'd sent one of his Exorcists to keep an eye on the headmistress of Kuoh long ago, and thus far, he hasn't heard any dangerous moves coming from the gray-haired Devil. So far so good. But he couldn't lay his guard down.
"Poor children," Touji thought, after accidentally turning on the television. The flat screen was conveniently on the news, showing off the unfortunate case of the missing students of Ryoukuu high school. The worst part is that there are no clues that could benefit the professionals on moving on the second phase, they're stuck on the first step, and it's unlikely that they'll ever move forward, "I hope the Lord helps them."
He lifted his gaze upwards once again, distracting himself by watching the piled-up stars, twinkling and dazzling across the polar night, like scattered moon dust in the sky. He was worried that his plan would splinter like wood. He'd been studying his script for this moment—he'd tried to guess the excuses and question coming from the couple.
"Here we are!" Irina cheered, jumping from her spot excitedly, breaking Touji from his trance. "Issei! Issei!"
"Irina keep your voice down," Her father scolded lightly, "Some people are sleeping at this hour."
Irina looked down, "Sorry."
Caressing her hair to comfort her, he lifted his other hand and softly knocked on the door, waiting for an answer inside the house.
Touji pursed his lips, "Are they sleeping already?" He hoped not.
Irina peeked at the window, noticing the curtains trying to hide the light. "Nope! They're still awake! The lights are on! Try again!"
Touji hummed, once again knocking. "Hello? Mrs. and Mr. Hyoudou? Are you both awake? Hello?"
"Daddy! Keep your voice down!" Irina chided her father. "You're going to wake up the neighbors!"
Touji winced, "I'm sorry, sweetie."
Irina smiled, patting her father's leg, "It's okay."
Suddenly, they heard the door being unlocked, making Touji sigh with relief while Irina squealed happily.
The door opened, showing a male and a female, both of them carrying natural brown hair and wrinkles around their faces, proof that they're adults and a married couple living on these streets for who knows how long.
They're an average family unknowingly raising a son that has the capabilities of killing a God.
"Mr. Shidou?" Issei's mother uttered, surprised at seeing him at this hour. "Is something wrong?"
Touji smiled at her confusion. "Good Evening, Mrs. and Mr. Hyoudou." He offered a small wave, followed by his daughter. "Nothing's wrong. I know that my visit must take the both of you by surprise, especially when the moon is already in the sky. I just wanted to discuss something with you… If it's not too much to ask."
The coupled shared a look, before addressing their unexpected guest. "Of course not! Please, come in." The brunettes moved aside, allowing entrance to the Chestnut-haired family into their humble house.
The girl didn't waste her time. Giggling, she rushed into the room and jumped towards the stairs, her voice calling the name of her first best friend, not even taking her shoes off and leaving them at the entrance.
"Irina!" Touji called out desperately, seeing the girl ignoring his voice he faced the couple and bowed, embarrassed. "I… apologize for my daughter's antics. She rarely acts like this in other people's houses."
To his surprise, the Hyoudou family laughed at his concern, "Everything's fine. There's nothing more beautiful than seeing the smiles of children."
Touji sighed, relieved, followed by a soft smile, "I couldn't agree more with you, Mr. Hyoudou," He cleared his throat, nodding at the table, "It wouldn't be a bother if we take a seat while we go further with the conversation? I've been walking for too long, and keeping Irina in place is tiring."
Mr. Hyoudou chuckled, "We don't mind," He faced his wife, "Dear, would you mind serving some food for our guest? He must be hungry after that long walk."
"Right away!"
"Please, don't," Touji politely refused, listening to the suppressed noise coming from the second floor, "I'll not be staying here for too long. This should take around ten minutes. Fifteen if questions are going to be asked during the talk."
"At least let me pour you some tea, Mr. Shidou," Ignoring his protests, the woman bolted towards the kitchen's doors, "Meanwhile you two can go ahead and talk!"
"Well, you heard her," Issei's father said, dropping to his seat with a yawn, "I guess this is important? That would explain you visiting so late."
"Right as rain," Touji said, carefully sitting on another chair, fingers intertwined together, "I don't wish to waste your time, so I'll make this as quick as possible."
The bespectacled man raised a brow, but he chose to stay quiet, letting the Exorcist fill all the holes.
"My daughter, Irina, and my wife are leaving Kuoh," Touji began, watching how the eyes of the brunette slowly widened, "They're departing for England to start a new life from there, and my princess is no longer going to attend your son's school. There's a slight chance that she's never coming back and to Japan."
Before he could reply, the doors opened, revealing Mrs. Hyoudou with two glasses of teas for each hand. "I'm sorry for taking so long, but here's your tea, Mr. Shidou,"
Irina's father accepted the drink, "It wasn't necessary, but thank you," He pressed the glass over his lips, tasting it, "Hmm. What a faint taste… Chinese tea?"
The woman also took a sip from her drink, humming. "Yes, I hope it's good."
"Ah, that'd also explain the smell of lightly smoked kippers," The Exorcist carefully blew some steam away from his tea, "It tastes amazing, Mrs. Hyoudou."
The woman blushed slightly at the compliment, using a hand to cover her cheek. "You flatter me with your kind words, Mr. Shidou."
"Is there a reason for why your family's moving away from Kuoh?" The man with eyeglasses interrupted their conversation, recapping their previous exchange. "Are you not satisfied with our town? I quite like living here."
"What? Why?" His wife asked, a look of sadness overwhelming her features. "Are you leaving Kuoh?"
"I'm not leaving," Touji assured them, "Only my daughter and wife are moving to England. Meanwhile, I'll stay here for reasons."
"Reasons? What kind of reasons are you talking about?"
"…" Touji went silent after that, his eyes glancing downwards at the beverage between his hands, spotting his reflection staring back at him. "…Confidential information."
He couldn't say it. He didn't want to involve an ordinary family in the business of the Supernatural World. It was already problematic that the child, Issei, has a Sacred Gear locked on his body. It just made the family already involved in the mayhem, albeit indirectly. When they'd told him about Devils and Angels being a thing he felt his heart stop beating for a second. Just imagine how these two innocent bystanders would react after listening such a thing.
"I… see," Mr. Hyoudou sighed, a somber smile breaking on his face. "So, you're here to let Irina and Issei enjoy their time together while it lasts?"
"In a week they're going to the airport," replied the exorcist, "The reason why I decided to bother you is a different story."
"And what would that be?" Mrs. Hyoudou asked, putting her empty drink back on the table.
"Mr. and Mrs. Hyoudou, if your son had the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of another country, would you allow him to?"
No response came from the couple, taken back by the offer that a good friend of theirs had suggested just seconds ago. They still could hear the giggles and chit chat coming from above them, and that's the only sound that could only dispose of the profound silence sinking around them.
"I… what?" The father shook his head, baffled, "Are you giving my son the chance to go visit England?"
"Stay in England," Touji corrected him, a smile slowly sprouting from his lips, "If I have the rights to share my opinion. I think it'd be a great idea; not everyone has the chance to see a new world before their eyes."
"We don't have much money to pay for that kind of travel," Mrs. Hyoudou said, pursing her lips, "My son doesn't even speak another language, only Japanese."
"If money is the main issue then don't worry, everything is going to get paid, you don't have to supply us with a cent," The chestnut-haired man assured them. "My wife can teach your son to speak the native language of England; it's just matter of time for him to speak it fluently."
"What about school?" Mr. Hyoudou wasn't convinced about this at all.
"He could study with my daughter at the Catholic school she's enrolling in," Touji responded coolly, "They're going to mesh together excellently."
The Hyoudou couple shared a long and concerned look. Every time they had a question, the exorcist would counter the words with a perfect answer, he's a professional for this type of things. Involved with the church had helped him to negotiate and gain the confidence and hearts of multiple groups of people.
But the married couple shared the same thought. They didn't want Issei Hyoudou to leave forever. If it was a vacation of weeks or even a month, maybe they'll reluctantly accept and help their son pack everything important for the lengthened travel and enjoy the stay. But that wasn't the case. Touji has different plans for their child—he wants Issei to have a different way of living, a new life full of many unforgettable experiences.
What about them? Are they going to stay behind? Lose the thing that brightened their lives each morning? Their only purpose in life? Escape from Issei's memory?
"Mr. Shidou," He began, each word passing through his head, supporting his final decision, "We appreciate how you want to bring our son, Issei, into a new world with different possibilities," He paused, sighing, here it goes. "But I'm afraid we have to deny your proposal."
Irina's father eyes widened as wide as the gap between two minds—he immediately took another sip from his tea, trying to camouflage his astonishment. "I-Is that so?" Touji had said after setting down the empty half cup. "May I know why you'd decline? Is something disturbing you?"
"We don't want to just fade into our son's memories." Mrs. Hyoudou responded, supporting her husband's selection. "If we accepted this, we would never see him again."
"Of course, you could see him," Touji waved off their concerns, "Technology is the key to this solution, there's nothing to worry about."
"There's a difference between having your child behind a flat screen and having him between your arms." She growled slightly, offended by his laid-back words.
"I think you don't see the big picture," Touji commented, "Your son has the privilege to go to a different country and learn something unique that Japan doesn't have. Isn't the objective of a mother and father to make their children happy no matter what?"
"Touji," Mr. Hyoudou adjusted his glasses, "It seems you aren't aware of a situation that has been bothering us for a long time."
Mrs. Hyoudou gasped behind her hand, "Dear you wouldn't…?"
"Am I missing something?" The Exorcist was disoriented, "Did something happen to Issei Hyoudou?"
"Thankfully, nothing happened to my son," Mr. Hyoudou said, "We had trouble producing a child. We failed twice. I slowly started losing hope because of the misfortune that fell upon us, but once again, for the third time, my wife got pregnant. I instantly dropped to my knees and prayed to the nearest shrine to the hospital. The rest is history."
…
"Mr. Hyoudou, I'm so sorry for—"
The brunette rose a hand, silencing him. "Save it. The memory hurts, I admit. But I'm still happy with having a son running around the house."
"…" Concerned, his wife interlocked hands with her husband, squeezing it.
Irina's father blew air from his nose. Disappointed at the turn of events. "Then the answer is a no, then?"
The couple mutually nodded.
"Pity," The Exorcist sighed, slowly getting up from the chair, bowing. "I respect your answer, and hopefully, you'll think about this subject deeper. I hope that our relationship remains intact after having this conversation."
"Of course."
"Well then," Touji dusted himself up, gesturing at the roof, "You wouldn't mind if my daughter stayed here for the night? Since she only has seven days before her departure, I think It'd be great if they share their last night together."
"Not at all," Mr. Hyoudou moved away from his seat, coming closer with their retreating guest with a hand lifted, finishing their talk with a handshake "Thank you for paying my family a visit."
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Hyoudou," The light-brown-haired man accepting the gesture wholeheartedly, "I'll pick up Irina in the morning."
The brunette just nodded and opened the door for him, catching Touji muttering a fast thank you and disappearing from their eyesight.
…
"She's not going to be pleased…" Touji sighed out, walking away from the Hyoudou's house while snatching his phone out of his pocket, "Nonetheless, I have to inform her."
Using his thumb, he began digiting the phone number that he burned into his mind. He couldn't lose this contact by any means, this is his boss, after all.
Cleansing his dry throat, he moved the device closer to his ear, patiently waiting for the responder to pick up the phone while going towards his sweet home.
[Hello?] He heard the voice of a young foreign girl, answering the call, [Touji, can you hear me?]
"Affirmative," Touji responded, smiling after listening to the relieved sigh coming from the girl, she's such an angel.
[I'm so glad,] He could feel how she smiled from cheek to cheek, [How is life treating you, Touji?]
[So far so good, my Lady,] Touji replied, a small grin breaking on his face, [My back hasn't started to ache yet, our Lord indeed hears my prayers!]
He heard her trying to stifle her beautiful giggle. It was a blessing to talk with someone like her. Imagine how he feels when he accomplished entertaining her boss, [Oh please! You're still not old, Touji! Brighten up!]
A short laugh flees from his lips, "You really know how to bring anyone's spirits up, my lady," He frowned, ready to deliver the lamentable news, "But as much as it pains me, I'm not here to socialize."
She noticed the change of atmosphere behind her phone, plus his language altering was another giveaway, [Did something bad happen, Touji?]
The man in question stopped under a bright and charred lamppost, sighing and rubbing his temples, "It's about the boy with the Sacred Gear," he started, noticing that he'd captured her complete attention, "I failed the mission. The target's parents ditched my offer away. I'm so sorry."
An extended silence soon cropped up after that. Touji adjusted his collar, suddenly feeling how it tightened around his throat, impatiently waiting for her response.
[…I still don't know what the bad news is…] She openly admitted, her innocent question baffling the Exorcist.
"We lost someone that could be useful for the church!" Touji exclaimed, glancing down to spot his shadow under the light of the streetlight, a hand forcefully sliding across his hair.
[So?]
"He has a Sacred Gear,"
[So?] Her voice slowly meshed with amusement.
Unfortunately, Touji was blinded with shock to notice it, "A Longinus Type!"
[Hmm…] The girl on the other end hummed, he could sense her head tilting to the side, as she studied the reasoning of Touji intensely, [Nope! I still don't understand the problem!]
Touji groaned, followed by a facepalm, finally giving up on bringing some sense in that head of hers, "Sometimes I believe you don't take my uneasiness to heart…"
She giggled, [Touji. 'Tis alright. I realized something like this would happen. It's a pity, yes, but, nothing to worry about, okay?]
He grumbled, once again resuming his walk, "I still think it'd be great to have him in our ranks."
[You act as if we'd wage another senseless war against the Devils and Fallen Angels.]
"We never know, my Lady."
[By the way, I have something to tell you,] The girl behind the phone said, completely ignoring Touji's previous words, ['Tis confirmed. I've been granted the authorization to join your squad in Kuoh!] She paused, [That's how you pronounce the name of the town… right?]
"What?" The chestnut-haired man blurted out, "But, that's impossible! You're an important figure there in the Vatican! A Cardinal! I highly doubt that Vasco and Ewald just passed you the seal of approval so quickly!"
[Ah, you don't sound excited about meeting me,] She pouted, [That's not nice, Touji.]
"Please, don't think like that, it's just… I have everything under control. Does the Vatican truly need to send a special figure to such a humble town?"
[Oui!] The girl chirped.
Touji released an exhausted sigh, putting an end to this senseless feud. It's impossible to win a discussion against her. In fact, it'd be easier to train a blind chimpanzee to defeat Vasco Strada in his youth, then convincing the girl, "If that's your wish…"
[In a few weeks I'll depart to Kuoh! I have to go now, and the same applies to you. You must be tired after a long night. Rest well, Touji. You've earned it,] And like that, she ended the call.
"…" Silently, Touji took a quick peek at his phone's screen to see what time it is. Grunting, he pocketed the device.
"What're you trying to do?" He asked no one in particular, glancing up, coming face to face with the perfect midnight velvet, wrinkled by Van Gogh's starry night. He's worried, what's she planning? He'd talked about this with her before, but he took it as a mere joke, nothing else. But that had changed when the girl had received the thumbs-up from the remaining Cardinals.
Perhaps she wants to talk with Hyoudou's parents? Give it a shot to see if she can convince the couple in lending Issei to the church? Doubtful. When she hears the reasons behind their refusal, she's going to stop and apologize. She doesn't like to force people unless it could greatly benefit multiples parties at once. Knock multiple birds with one stone as she says.
All he knows is that she's not coming to make sure he's doing his job with a grade of five-stars. She believes in his capabilities as a leader. She's coming for a different purpose, a goal that perhaps could be for the greater good of everyone.
And when he says, everyone. He refers to everyone.
The matter of the Hyoudou bounded him with a wave of uneasiness—he couldn't help it. Seeing a free Longinus User who doesn't have any relationship with any faction is something difficult to overlook. Plus, this Devil also has the same thought: recruit him.
"But the Devil thinks he's already tied up around my finger," Touji mused, a finger scratching his chin, chuckling in the middle of the night, "Well, he doesn't need to know that the boy, Issei Hyoudou, is not a member of the Church now does he?"
"Still nothing?" Danhauser asked, sitting on the couch as he continues watching Tobio's trying to invoke his Sacred Gear. He was excited, but seeing Tobio struggling on summoning the Longinus Artifact killed him from the inside. The suspense was real, even if he knows the blessing that the God of the Bible bestowed upon Tobio's soul.
Tobio sighed and shook his head, "Nothing," he responded, pinching the bridge of his nose, he doesn't know how many times he did the same steps over and over again, it was frustrating him now, "Are you sure I have this Sacred Gear thing?"
"Absolutely," Danhauser nodded, not giving up. "Close your eyes and concentrate. Imagine the strongest thing that comes to your mind."
Tobio frowned, "That's really it?" He received a small nod, "Sounds easy to unlock something powerful."
"He's right, though," Siegfried said, moving closer to the group, Bova following from behind, "It's the easiest method to unseal your Sacred Gear. This is coming from someone who also has one, mind you."
Tobio's eyes widened slightly, "Is that a dragon?"
"Yes, he is," Danhauser replied while Bova nodded at him.
"…" He shook his head, not wanting his brain to explode from thinking of the same thing for too long. He turned to Siegfried, "You have a Sacred gear, too?"
Siegfried merely summoned his silver dragon arm, waving his mechanical limb at the stunned Longinus User, "I do."
His eyes jumped to the Herculean figure of Bova, "I…see,"
Seeing his stare, Bova scowled, "Something wrong?"
"No, nothing's wrong, it's only that a damn dragon that speaks Japanese perfectly is looking down at me with those crimson eyes," Tobio expelled air from his nose, "Nope. Nothing wrong at all," He faced once again the silent Devil, "Okay, so I imagine something powerful enough to call out my Sacred Gear?"
"Exactly," The reply was short but enough to confirm Tobio's curiosity.
The brunette sighed, "Here we go…" he eyes closed, taking deep breaths, he focused.
Danhauser, meanwhile, pursed his lips. He has an idea of why Tobio can't summon his Sacred Gear. His grandmother, Ageha Ikuse, used two Budhha Seals, each one for a different purpose. One of them to seal his Sacred Gear, and the second to erase Tobio's memories, including his parents.
"Even in your coffin, you're tweaking my plans in your favor, huh?" He clenched his teeth, slowly folding his arms as he kept staring at Tobio wrestling with himself. Maybe with the help of his mutated Knight and the aid of his Longinus, together, they could destroy the powerful spell? He could use Worthlessness, too. But he doesn't know how that type of magic works, at all.
…
Suddenly darkness emerged from the floor; charcoal etched the whole room and thus earning many gasps from the four individuals.
Immediately, Bova and Siegfried took defensive stances, their eyes following nothing in particular.
"Okay… I think this is bad," Danhauser's eyes darted to different directions. Luckily, since he's a Devil, his eyes are enhanced with night vision, allowing him to see in the dark perfectly. This shouldn't be happening; he remembers how Issei conjured Boosted Gear: a light appeared and illuminated the whole Occult Research Club… not this!
Apparently, by arcane magic, the blackness formed from Tobio's sheer imagination began to take shape. All of it condensed into a medium sized orb of darkness floating in the center of the room.
The three stared at the ball floating in the middle of the room. Every time it touched the floor, it would slowly bounce back to the sky, defying gravity with its mere presence, and not a single sound or whisper came from it.
Tobio opened his eyes, greeting the silent group, "All right I think it worked, where's my—whoa," He stopped, finally spotting his well-payed efforts. "So… this is my Sacred Gear, yeah?"
"It seems so," Siegfried responded, rubbing his chin, "Interesting, I haven't seen a Sacred Gear like this before…"
"It looks like an egg," Bova commented, moving his face closer to the black sphere, "A weird looking egg…"
Danhauser's eyes widened, "That's it!" He snapped his fingers, accidentally calling everyone's attention. "That is because Tobio's Sacred Gear is in egg form!" Thanks to the dragon's words, now he remembers everything. He doesn't remember what chapter he'd read it, but a girl that works for the Governor, Azazel, was ordered to gift Tobio an egg that could help him hatch his Sacred Gear.
"The question is, why give Tobio an egg if it was going to turn into one when he summons it, anyway?" He glanced down at his feet, trying to find an answer for this, "Could it be because of the Buddha spells created by his grandmother? Hence the reason why Azazel did that? Did my mutated Knight Piece indeed hijack Ageha's hard work?"
"Master!" A loud voice suddenly stopped him from monologuing. Further, he was pulled back to the real world.
"Yeah?" Danhauser blinked, seeing Siegfried sporting a look of annoyance, "Did you say something?"
"I did," Siegfried said, calming down, "I'll repeat it once again, any ideas of what this is, master?"
Danhauser looked away from his red eyes, steadily focusing on the ball of darkness, "No, but I think this is not the real form of the Sacred Gear."
"How can you tell?" Tobio questioned.
Danhauser shrugged, "Gut instinct."
Knowing that he's not going to answer more than that, Tobio jumped to the next question, "Then what should I do?"
"Touch it," Bova suggested, folding his arms.
The newest member blinked, "Hold on a second, you want me to feel something that we don't know anything about and has the possibility of hurting me badly?"
"Yes."
Tobio turned to Danhauser, wearing a pleading look when he made eye contact with his boss, "Please tell me you don't agree with what he said."
"I actually agree with Bova. Huh…"
"…" Tobio stared for a while before turning to the silver-haired boy, "I'll go out on a limb and guess that you agree with these two?"
Siegfried merely shrugged.
Pursing his lips, Tobio moved firmly to the rounded object; he quickly peeked at the globe shaped in darkness, he couldn't see his reflection, but it was like…water? Or like an Oil ball. Or a unique element that can only be discovered in the Supernatural World?
"Let's just get this over with," Tobio muttered, slowly lowering his hand over the object. Resistance stopped him when his fingers were inches away from the pitch darkness, but by using force, he slammed his palm on it, immediately regretting his actions, he was about to fetch his hand back, but stopped, slowly getting used to it.
"…It feels wet," Tobio observed how his movements produced ripples around the pitch-black orb, "It's like giving gentle pats to a pond's surface…"
Out of nowhere, it began to twitch at Tobio's touch, making the latter move away from it. The other three stayed away from the ball of darkness, how it moved violently, as if a random creature was locked inside and tried to break free from its prison. The rough gestures slowly turned into delicate stirs, gently landing softly on the floor.
"It's like a block of clay getting molded and reformed by someone," Siegfried spoke for everyone, "It's taking its true form."
Just as the swordsman implied, the no longer a ball began to alter itself to that of a quadruped canine with short, jet black fur across its body. Its ears in a droopy style while its tail is small, but pointed and its triangular nose following the color of coal excellently.
Cuddling in Danhauser's room, or more particular, on the floor, was a puppy made of complete darkness. His eyes closed as its snores continue echoing around the cave, not paying a single mind to its surroundings.
"A dog," Bova voiced out his thoughts, head tilted to reflect his curiousness, "Your Sacred Gear is a dog?"
Bova's gruff voice made the puppy's ear twitch, slowly, the creature began to rouse up, stretching its small legs and jaw, showing off its needle-like teeth.
The Sacred Gear blinked, its bright red eyes scanning the individuals staring back at him. When its eyes landed on Tobio, almost instantly, it began wagging its tail in content, barking with a jolt of happiness after perceiving its partner in the flesh.
"Someone's happy," Danhauser watched how the animal sprang toward Tobio in bounding steps that were almost like jumps. As it slowly approached its destiny, it's back legs swung outwards, and it almost lost its balance. Then it leaped up, pawing with its fore paws for attention, and its wet tongue licking furiously at Tobio's out-stretched fingers.
"That's adorable," Danhauser admitted, breaking into a small smile, "He already likes you."
"Yeah," Tobio chuckled, letting the puppy continue to wet his five digits, keeping a firm arm wrapped under the creature to make sure it didn't fall harshly to the floor.
"So, what is its name's going to be?" Danhauser asked, ensnaring everyone's attention, except for the canine, "I mean it's your dog, and typically, you give a name to it."
Tobio hummed, slowly glancing down at the small dog doing its work proudly, "Jin. Its name is going to be Jin."
Jin barked, broke from its master's embrace and started running a marathon across the room. It was definitely a baby, all that unlimited stamina spinning around its veins serves as a nod to Danhauser's previous theory. It was in constant motion, wagging, wriggling and jumping. It was a living store of pent up energy waiting to release itself on the world.
"Jin it is then," Siegfried's eyes followed the energetic canine, "I'm confused. I have never seen a Sacred Gear that has a dog as its prime weapon."
"Neither did I," Bova agreed, "I knew a few, and they never had a dog."
"I heard of the Sacred Gear," Danhauser added his two cents, "And I'm somewhat disappointed that you two have forgotten about what we talked about regarding our futures squad mates."
Siegfried frowned, trying to remember their previous conversation, then it hit him. "This… this is a Longinus Gear, correct?"
"Bingo," Danhauser nodded, "This is one of the thirteen Longinus capable of slaying a God, this is Canis Lykaon."
"Slaying a God?" Tobio repeated, gaping, "How can Jin slay an omnipotent being?"
"That's a Longinus Sacred Gear for you," The gray-haired devil responded, shrugging, "They're unique, and most contain a powerful creature inside, yours, for example, houses a dog." He drawled, "However, your Sacred Gear is far more unique than others. It's an Avatar-Type Sacred Gear. In other words, Jin has its own mind."
Danhauser knows the remaining Avatar Type Sacred Gears and their respective possessors. The frightening, powerful purple flames that could incinerate even someone who's strength is that of a Satan. The Holy Cross where the King of Jerusalem, Jesus Christ was crucified. Incinerate Anthem, wielded by the Sadistic Witch, Walburga, of the Hexennacht Faction.
And the last one, the one that reduces the temperature to an exaggerated margin. It can forge ice sheets and alpine glaciers, lock a small country in a dome of ice in the blink of an eye. In the wrong hands, it could freeze the entire world, once again birthing the Age of Ice. It embodies the elemental attribute of Ice. Its name is Absolute Demise, at the disposal of the Magician Girl Lavinia Revi, of the Grauzauberer Association.
It's funny, how the Stray Magician that manipulates Fire and the Legal Magician that controls Ice are, in a way, indirectly, enemies. It's like Ying and Yang.
"What does the dog do then? Fetch the newspaper for you? Hump your leg?" Bova grunted, watching the dog slowly move back to its owner.
"It can summon sharp blades from its body. Also, it can turn itself into a sword," Danhauser explained with a chuckle, "Befitting for a Knight."
"That's why you turned me into a Knight?" Slash Dog asked facing his new Master.
"Not really," Danhauser lied, he couldn't say he knew that he had Canis Lykaon, or else they'd get suspicious, "My Knight Piece was mutated, hence the reason why I used it on you." He suddenly clapped his hands, "Well, let me end this by congratulating you on unlocking your Longinus Gear."
"And already attaining Balance Breaker," Danhauser let a breath escape from his mouth. Tobio's case is an oddity. From the day he'd left his mother's womb, he'd already awakened his Sacred Gear, thus instinctively triggering his Balance Breaker. There's not a correct answer for such anomaly, but Danhauser believes it to be a mere "bug" in God's system.
He wished to tell him about his Balance Breaker, but he's afraid that his family would find out. Since the reason for a Sacred Gear evolving into the Illegal Move is because of the absence of God of the Bible and the Four Original Satans. For now, it's better to stay quiet and not start a mayhem in the Underworld. Who knows how the Devil's population would react after hearing such announcement?
From what he'd read from the Slash/Dog Light Novel, this creature, Jin, is far more divergent from the other thirteen Longinus Gears.
Canis Lykaon is crowned as God. A fake God. The Heavenly Dog whose purpose is to consume the sun or the moon during an Eclipse, a tale similar to the Evil Dragon, Apophis. Archenemy of the Chinese God, Zhang Xian, was the being that shot an arrow at the Dog of Black to eradicate it from this world, but ultimately failed.
Jin is a Tiangou or commonly known in Japan as Inugami.
"Sieg, I need you to train Tobio in wielding a sword," Danhauser ordered, eliciting a nod from the silver-haired Knight. He turned to the recruit, "The one with the silver hair is called Siegfried, the dragon is called Bova Tannin, and you already know my name. Welcome to my group you two."
Jin barked contently, sitting beside its master like an obedient dog.
"Well, I have to go now," Danhauser announced, slowly walking to the exit of his room, "Make sure you guys close the door when you leave."
"Wait!" The brunette called, stopping the Devil from his tracks, "You know about my family, when are we going to talk about it?"
"One of the seals survived, it seems, his memories are still blocked," Danhauser sighed like a slight spring breeze, opening the door, "Right. Don't worry, I'll tell you everything I know, but for now, I need to go to school."
Nothing else to add he walked away from the room, leaving the three males and the dog alone in Danhauser's room.
"So, you want to train now?" Siegfried offered, "Unlike master, I don't have any sorts of arrangements."
Tobio sighed and shrugged. Sae must be getting embraced and yelled by her parents, so visiting her isn't an available option, "I guess so."
"I'll go with you three," Bova invited himself to the party, "My dad is not going to pick me up for a while, perhaps I could entertain myself seeing a sparring between two swordsmen while I wait."
No one objected, they only turned to the door, letting Jin pass between their legs and be the first one to run outside the room. Its barkings echoing into and down the halls, as if the dog was chasing down a car.
Tobio smiled tiredly as the canine ran off, "You know, for something that is capable of killing Gods, he's a little dumb."
"Prince Belial? What're we doing here?" The Phenex girl asked as her eyes kept darting carefully around the building.
"Didn't you say that you wanted me to train you?" Danhauser said, sparing her a quick glance before taking a sudden stop.
The girl nodded strongly, "Yes, I did!" Ravel affirmed, her tiny fists close to her chin, "But, w-why do we have to be in a building like this?"
Belial rested his hands on his waist, "This is a gymnasium, we cannot practice hand to hand combat or demonic power outside of this building."
He was surprised how the young blonde girl asked him to train her on manipulating both demonic powers and the terrifying flames of the Phoenix Bird. Of course, the first question blurted out: why not ask her brother, Riser, to train her? She didn't want to annoy him, that was the main issue with her, which he doubts that Riser would find her adorable sister an annoyance.
Even Ruval could also be a tempting offer, but like Danhauser, he's also an Heir of his Housecarl. Maybe he's occupied just like Lord and Lady Phenex and is doing his best to keep the famous Phoenix Tears rolling and sailing around the Underworld. Perhaps Ravel's Clan is one of the most richest Houses around the Government of the 72 Pillars.
Something that had peeked Danhauser's curiosity was seeing an empty chair in his class, especially when it belongs to the infamous Bael, Sairaorg. At first, he'd begun to worry. He'd heard that the coma that Misla would fall into had come to pass, he knew it would shatter the Bael's heart, and turn him into a mess of salty tears. The thought still stuck in his head.
He just wished Misla still doesn't face that curse, yet.
"Ah, I see," Ravel now understood, "Again thank you for helping me, Prince Belial."
"You know that you can call me Dan, right?" Danhauser said, curling an eyebrow at her diminutive figure, "No need to act so formal in school."
"E-Eh?" Ravel squealed, suddenly playing with the corners of her dress to hide her shyness, "B-But, you're helping me! The least I could do is treat you with respect…"
"You don't have to," Danhauser assured her with a small smile, "Glad I could lend you a hand in this."
"…" The girl just hummed quietly at his words; her eyes still lingered on her shoes. She could feel his gray eyes watching her small figure.
"Anyways," Danhauser clapped, "Honestly? Out of all the creatures around the world, we, the Devils, have the easiest method to invoke our inner powers. If you're a quick learner, you'll be able to wield your flames faster than a fast food drive-in window. Are you ready?"
Ravel giggled, bobbing her head happily, "Yes! I trust you! Don't fail me, okay?"
"Don't worry," Danhauser waved off her concerns, "Once we're done here, you'll leave this place and gloat of your amazing pyromancy skills to your family." His smiled stretched slightly, dropping on one knee to be the same height as his apprentice. "Now, first of all, you need to have your mind clear."
A look of determination flashed on Ravel's face—he found it adorable, "Mind clear… Mind clear, okay!"
"Now raise your hand…" Danhauser trailed off, watching how the blonde girl followed his instructions, she raised her hand to shoulder level, "Your palm should be facing outwards, too."
"Oh! Sorry," The Phenex apologized, doing as exactly as Danhauser told her to do so.
"Okay, I want you to keep your eyes closed," Danhauser commanded, seeing how her deep ocean eyes completely disappeared from eyesight, "Great, is your mind still blank?"
Ravel merely nodded.
"Good. Here…" Danhauser pressed a finger in the middle of her palm, "…Is where your spell is going appear. I want you to focus and channel your power in the center of your palm, got it?"
"Got it," Ravel repeated, her eyes still closed, "I need to imagine a flame, right?"
"Correct," Danhauser nodded, patting her shoulder to comfort her, "You can do it, you're a Phenex."
"R-right," Ravel stammered with her vision still surrounded by darkness. She took soft breaths, slowly letting them go out from her nostrils, as she directed her pyrokinesis to her arms and slowly around the corners of her hand, hesitantly wavering around her palm. The image of an orange wisp of fire nailed in her mind.
"Can I do it…?" Ravel thought, biting her trembling lip, "What if I fail? What If I accidentally burn something? What if I burn the building? What if I burn him…? No! I can do it! Yes I… can? Or will I ruin everything?"
The girl shook her head firmly; her palm began trembling as if she was freezing from the air conditioner. Panic slowly started to replace her confidence, shattering the latter like glass.
Danhauser noted her random spasm, steadily surrounding his hand with Worthlessness, "Ravel… Just think of a small flame, nothing else."
Unfortunately, the girl had locked herself in her inner world, her eyes filled with fear. In the grip of silent panic, squirming, drowsiness, heart racing, brain on fire, brain nerve cells firing like clusters bombs exploding in her brain, turned her brain into a mental ocean of conflicting disasters, brain frozen, brain feeling like it's seized up, shrill scream, frozen in panic, almost threw up, brain feeling like it's been pickled in brine, arms—
It stopped. As if time had begun to coagulate into itself, as shapeless as the rain. Her vessel of power dissolved from her spirit, something warm resting on her wrist.
Skeptical, she opened her eyes, those beautiful deep blue eyes blessing the world, glancing down at her wrist, two fingers were checking her pulse, but that's not it. She could feel demonic magic pouring from them; a pitch-black aura surrounded them, is that his Clan Trait?
Finally, she heard his sigh, making her shudder internally, her eyes still locked where his fingers were once before, now replaced by a gray symbol? His Housecarl symbol?
"…" A heavy silence settled over them, thicker than the uneasy tension in the atmosphere. Ravel anxiously passed her thumb over the small tattoo on her wrist, "I feel empty," she mumbled, disturbed by the sound of silence, "Is… is this your Belial House Trait…?"
"It nullifies powers," Danhauser kept it brief, looking down at the nervous child, ignoring the ambiance, "You'll get them back in a few seconds."
Faithful to his words, the Belial's symbol began withering up, chipping apart around her wrist and slowly getting blown away by the air like a pile of ashes.
She didn't smile in relief; she just gulped, "They're back…" Ravel quietly announced, uncomfortable shuffling from her place, no answer came back, "I—!"
"What happened, Ravel?" He asked, freezing her mouth, his eyes still trying to melt her skull, "You imagined a small flame, right?"
"Y-yes…"
"Then why were you acting like that?" Danahuser questioned, "You already had it pictured."
Her gaze cast downwards, "I-I began to panic," She admitted, "My mind began fabricating ugly thoughts… I'm sorry."
She felt an unexpected weight on her head, startling her, finally daring to look up she found the hand of her trainer, softly ruffling her golden locks.
"I understand. No one's perfect, right?" His voice wasn't like any ordinary voice; it gave her a glow inside. But the look in his eyes was not so friendly, another reason why she'd been nervous during her first meeting him outside his classroom. "But, you really need to imagine a flame and nothing else. Who knows, maybe those ugly things you were unintentionally sketching may have come to reality."
That was a big issue about how Devils cast their abilities. Since they depend on their imagination, they need to keep a mind sharp and clean and think what they want to turn into reality. If they started to have an outburst of hysteria, their brains are going to take off on another trajectory, thus accidentally inventing something that they'll soon regret.
She was still a virgin on this; Danhauser understood that. Unlike her, he was more excited than alarmed.
She winced, but soon smiled kindly at him and nodded. "I-I'm not causing problems, right?"
"Nope," Danahsuer shook his head, giving one last pat before retracting his hand, "Wanna give it another shot? If something wrong goes, I'll just use Worthlessness."
Her blue and innocent eyes widened, nodding enthusiastically, "Yes! This time I will not fail! I promise!"
To say that her orbs were blue was like saying that the sun was mixed yellow orange. True, but not accurate to capture the burning resolve. Nonetheless, he chuckled at her change of attitude, "I know you will," Danhauser nodded, folding his arms and looking down at her questioningly, "You do remember the steps, right?"
The girl doesn't need to be told twice. Immediately, she shut her eyes, lifted her arm above shoulder level and made sure her palm was glaring at the endless roof, "Imagine a flame, correct?"
Danhauser was impressed, but he masked his expression. He almost felt envious of her, "Right."
She squinted her already closed eyes, slowly capturing the frame of a minuscule flame fanned by the breeze, flashing their brilliant red to the sun, charring the afternoon in their radiant glow.
A silent gasp escaped from her mouth. She could feel it. She felt it. A sudden warmth tingles her palm as if the sun decided to land in her hand just for fun.
"Open your eyes," She heard his calm voice, she could feel how a tiny smile cracked on his face, "Something tells me that you'll love what you're about to see next."
She obeyed, albeit hesitation told her otherwise, but she disregards it. When her orbs stood wide open, she spotted a glowing ember leaping and twirling in an intoxicating dance; it was as small as the tip of a birthday candle.
Ravel, once again, gasped, quickly leading her hand out to protect the exposed flame from the puff of wind.
"Congratulations, Ravel." Danhauser started, giving her a rapid nod, "You can now extend your mastery over fire."
The girl, however, didn't hear his words, "Dan! Look! Look! Fire! I made fire!" Ravel squealed, getting on tiptoes to brush her spell over Danhauser's face.
Belial recoiled his head, making sure it didn't rub the tip of his nose, chuckling, "Great. Now just keep training harder until you can throw torrents of fire in your enemies' faces."
She retreated her hands from Danhauser's eyes, moving it closer to her, pouting, "It's small, though…"
He once again patted her head, trying to cheer her up, "Don't worry, when you grow up and practice more, it'll grow."
She blew off her small flame, dusting her palms by using the corners of her skirt, "If you say so…" Her eyes stared back at his, "Thank you so much. If it wasn't for your help, I might not have succeeded…"
"Not really," Danhauser waved off her praising, "You did all the work, I just stood there. You're a quick learner, that's a rare virtue that you don't see nowadays."
She brought her small fists near her chin, flashing her infectious smile that shined like stars in the dark sky, "Thank you…"
Danhauser smiled back, slowly raising a hand to rub his neck, "How about we go to the tree and rest for a while, huh?"
Her smile turned into a grin, "I'd love that!"
Danhauser wishes to know the secrets of True Form.
Danhauser always saw True Form as the Balance Breaker of many mythical creatures, but strong emotions only trigger a Sacred Gear's Balance Breaker, or how Issei unlocked his, by groping Rias' tits, which he theorizes may be because of the strong emotion 'lust.'
But it seems that True Form could also be activated by emotions, such as Gasper Vladi when he set in motion something that could be nominated Balance Breaker yet it isn't. It all happened when the Dhampir heard Georg declaring Issei's fate by Samael's poison. The darkness belonged to him, not from his Sacred Gear, the multiple eyes, however, those are from his Sacred Gear. It could also be said that Gasper's True Form fused with his Balance Breaker, thus awakening the conscience of the King Fomorian, Balor of the Evil Eye, just a small portion of it, though.
He still couldn't grasp the concept, and he wouldn't dare to try and activate it without knowing at least some data of such an unstable power. Danhauser speculates it may have to do with mastering your House Trait; that's easier said than done. Sirzechs is a prime example of this. He, who mastered the Power of Destruction to the point that everything it touches, gets annihilated, no matter the will of the object or character.
He already has his choices; he knows who to ask the one million dollar question. Someone who's age perhaps shares the same numbers of Japan's half population.
Calcabrina Belial and Malacoda Malebranche, his mother and uncle respectively. He could ask his brother, Diehauser, too. Any of the three are perfect to answer his intense desire to know unexplored knowledge.
"For starters, I should train more, I feel like I'm slacking off a little," He hummed, walking side by side with the former Marshal of France, Gilles de Rais, the man who'd stood outside of the school gates to pick him up, much to his chagrin. Curiosity tempts him. How come Gilles would be the one to take him out from the Academy? Couldn't his uncle at least fetch him?
"Hey, Gilles, no offense, but…" Danhauser trailed off, seeing how the Frenchman didn't offer a quick glance at his presence, something's wrong… "But why did Diehauser send you to pick me up?"
Still not looking down at him, Gilles scowled, "We have a lovely visitor today," he growled, his voice no longer carrying the same teasing tone.
"…" Danhauser just listened to the muffled laughs coming behind the doors they're slowly approaching, "I see…"
Finally, the pair entered the main room, and everyone inside the area turned to greet the newcomers. Danhauser knew four of them, the fifth one, however, was an anonymous face. His two Knights and Bova weren't present, either.
A man who appeared to be in his twenties with silver hair swept back and a strand hanging in his face, gracious, deep green eyes looked at the two newest arrivals. He's tall with a remarkable figure, his attire looked like that of an aristocrat, almost magician-like, with a button up high collar.
"Ah, so the child has finally come," the man said cordially with a Germanic accent, slowly rising from his seat, "I hope school was pleasant? Or was not? Typically, children around your age complain about going to such a magnificent place. Little do they know that school progressively changes people into the person they said they'd never become."
The gentleman moved toward him, while Gilles just scoffed and retreated to his master's side, letting the man close his distance between him and Danhauser, "Ah, I remember. I haven't introduced myself yet, correct?" He laughed, "Forgive my manners."
Danhauser just stared warily. The man's right hand is pressed horizontally across the abdomen while the left is held out from the body, he bowed, "Friendly greetings to you, Prince Danhauser. I am Rudiger Rosenkreutz," Pater R.R.C. smiled warmly at the stunned Devil, "It's refreshing meeting you outside of your coffin."
"…Ah?" Danhauser's jaw dropped slightly, sparks in his brain, desperately trying to connect the dots and instead just causing a short circuit.
Rudiger intentionally disregarded his bemusement, the friendly expression still glued on his face, "If it doesn't cause inconvenience, I'd prefer to continue this exchange in a different location, privately," His eyes flashed, "We have important matters to discuss. I am overwhelmed with delight to meet you."
Guest Reviews:
Koihime: Thanks for the kind words!
Tail: Perhaps, who knows? You'll find out. Good day!
Dxd: Just because it's dxd doesn't mean that you necessarily need to build a harem, lol.
Sano: Thanks for reviewing!
Let's be honest. Rudiger making a scene was bound to happen. Yes or Yes. Or what? Haven't you seen my username? I'll enjoy writing the fellow, and hopefully, my enjoyment is going to be contagious toward all of you. By the way, there's an imgae of him in the wiki, just if you want to see his appareance.
We also had Touji paying a visit to the Hyoudou's and talking with an unknown face, don't worry, she's a canon character, not an OC, what a breather, right?
Tobio unlocked his Sacred Gear and along the way, his Balance Breaker, in my defense, that's how Tobio's lore is written, lol. Check his wiki if you guys don't believe me. By the way, Jin has an appearance, just type in google: Slash/Dog Jin, and you'll find it, just a tip to help you mold the picture, I think there's one for the dog, too.
This chapter was longer to write, since, uh, let's just say that I'm trying to make my story feel more… richer. I still think I've failed, but, I'll keep doing my best, Thesaurus is watching over me.
Well, I have nothing else to say here. Good day and cheers.
Next Chapter: I.N.R.I.
