More meetings and a little adventure… I just want to go home though
Part 1
MC's POV
After teleporting us, Grayfia-san led the way out of the building we used as an arrival point.
I can only make a guess here, but in case something when wrong, this distance from the meeting place was going to be enough to buy time for important people to flee the scene. There could be several reasons, but I couldn't care less.
Two particular things were taking my full attention. First, the scenery around the Underworld, and second, Grayfia-san's appearance that I could appreciate better now we were walking to the mansion of the Sitri household.
The Underworld was less exciting than I originally thought, I mean, there were weird-looking trees here and there, but other than the sky which looked different colored than the one I am used to, this just looked like a foreign country. Urakyoto looked more wondrous to me.
That said, I might be slightly partial to one side considering my precedence. However, you can't blame me here; I was expecting the flying islands I read in the Canon. Sadly none of them were in sight. Perhaps a closer look into one of the cities might change my mind later.
Now, in the case of Grayfia-san, she looked like I imagined, a beautiful young woman. She was slightly smaller than Kaa-san but still tall overall. With silver hair and red eyes, her hair is long enough to reach her back which she keeps in two long braids at the front with even longer twin braids in the back. Her blue and white long-sleeved French maid outfit also stands out a lot.
Maids are life.
Well, she was an attractive woman so there is no way that she will look bad. This is why attractive people are unfair. Wait, Kaa-san is beautiful too, given that I have some resemblance to her, perhaps I will be good-looking!? No way, genetic always screws up at times like this.
Having nonchalant thoughts I kept myself distracted from the uncomfortable silence that the two young-looking women created.
Even though I expected this after the comment from before we teleported, this was hard to take.
Even when I tried to push a topic of conversation like-
"Should we take the opportunity to look around later? There are many places that seem interesting around here". I asked my silent Kaa-san.
"Why here? I can take you to more interesting places later". Kaa-san sourly muttered.
Aaaargh, why are you making this so hard? And you had even told me before how you wanted me to be stronger before leaving Urakyoto to look around just the other day, although we are in the Underworld right now.
As expected, the third party here did not take her words nicely.
"Nora-kun, I could give you a tour if you want, there are many interesting places to look around here and I could take you to sightsee given you agree to it though". Grayfia-san offered 'kindly'.
Why are you acting so different from your Canon self all of sudden? I know that as a maid, and as the queen of the peerage from that overpowered Maou, you don't have much free time to spare.
You were supposed to be very thorough about your duties too.
I am not such a fool to believe that this is a sudden rush of affection and you took a liking to me. This was to get back at Kaa-san's comment from before; she would get angry if her son took someone else's side during an argument.
Any kind of answer will piss off the other party. This is a too high-level ordeal for me.
...
...
My salvation came in form of the Sitri household's mansion.
Never in my life, had I felt such an appreciation for a building, seriously.
A large western-styled mansion, that pretty much explained what I was seeing. We had finally arrived after a few minutes of walking.
Kaa-san, true to her desire to leave as soon as possible asked to be taken to meet the requester. I, being concerned about her possible reactions, of course, follow along, but against all probabilities-
They got along surprisingly well, thanks to my sacrifice (?).
...
...
"Isn't he cute? Isn't he soft? Look look!" Kaa-san exclaimed while raising me, in my cat form.
This was a nightmare.
"Kuh! You win this time; now let me pet him too". A slight dignified voice spoke.
Kaa-san, in a rare moment of 'open-mindedness', handed me to the person who asked her that.
"He is the son I am proud of!" Kaa-san declared brimming with pride.
I would be happy if the reason for those words was not this... hellish situation.
The worst is that I kind of enjoyed being cuddled as of late; my pride being crushed long ago might have something to do with it though.
Now with me in the hands of the other party, I began getting petted all over... not bad lady, you got talent.
In the room we were taken, only three people and I (In cat form) were talking (I'm being cuddled though).
Grayfia-san is currently placing tea of some probably expensive blend on the table while peeking over here often. Kaa-san is smugly crossing her arms in a satisfied manner while observing me. And the remaining party who has me in her arms, Venelana Gremory is... well, petting me.
I was a little surprised at this but I decided to stop caring since I already met Maid-san. It was a certain possibility how she is here. After all, it was either her, the crimson-haired Maou... or that crimson-haired Princess.
But really, what's wrong with the high specs of the people I have met so far. I must be looking plainer and plainer every time one of these high spec individuals shows up.
Venelana Gremory has flaxen hair that reaches slightly below the shoulder and purple eyes. I think the purple eyes were one of the features of her family, the Bael. She is wearing a purple-colored strapless dress that reaches her knees. Although it has a simple-looking design, it fits her perfectly given her sensual figure.
This lady here, as easygoing as she looks cuddling me is kinda scary. You should not consider her outer look, but inside of her head.
When Kaa-san entered the room, she immediately asked for the details of the request, and when I thought that perhaps we would have the second coming of Grayfia-san in our hands... this woman, Venelana just brushed off the hostilities and started a different topic.
Changing topics for a while with a smile on her face, she led the conversation until Kaa-san was more or less calm. Then, as a critical hit, she started talking about her children, and while this could've been ignored by Kaa-san, they somehow started talking about who had the most adorable child. It was insane how the topic got there.
Out of nowhere, Venelana-san got pictures of her children when they were smaller. This was the starting point of a competition in that area, which I only won after changing into a cat after Kaa-san urgings.
It was scary how they became friends that quickly.
You should never underestimate a devil, not to mention a female devil noble who has dealt with all kinds of troublesome people. Even if Venelana-san looks like this, she has lived much longer than I can imagine.
I think she is scary, but I am grateful for her efforts.
She might have not done this for Kaa-san's sake, but she was having fun. From what I can tell while she is near me, there are not many people she can call friends.
That said, they are not talking about the job. I have an idea why the topics did not touch the heart of the matter so far, and I think it was because of me.
The Gremory lady is abstaining from talking while I am present.
It makes me slightly curious what they will talk about, but I can ask Kaa-san the details later.
Nevertheless, we are supposed to be in the Sitri household property, however, I have not seen any of the members of the family here so far. Did they leave for today? Too bad, I was kind of curious about the appearance of the parents of that Student Council President and Magical Girl.
Maybe I should leave for a while to see if they start talking about the topic. Yes, for that reason.
It is certainly not because while I was lost in thought, I was passed to Grayfia-san's hands and then to Venelana-san's a couple of times. Yeah, it is not.
Part 2
Asking for a breather was easier than I thought, making me think that the idea of waiting for me to leave to start the real topic might be true, although I truly did not expect to meet these two here.
Who was the idiot that said something about them not being here? Ah, that was me all along.
Grayfia-san had guided me to another room, but there were already two people (devils) inside.
I immediately wanted to change locations, but the Maid-san just closed the door behind my back leaving me with the two of them.
Without noticing me, the two seemed to be absorbed in a game of chess.
"Sona-chan, that's not fair!" One of the two people (devils) complained.
Blue eyes, with long crimson and having a strand of hair standing strong on top of her head (called ahoge). Different from her buxom figure in the future, the current she is just a child. Using the word beautiful would not fit the current her, but rather cute. She was wearing a light pink dress, Rias Gremory.
"It is not unfair; the rules of the game say that you can do that, Rias". The other person (devil) reasoned.
With black hair styled in a short bob cut and violet eyes, wearing purple framed glasses, another person (devil) different from her adolescent version in the canon. Now a child wearing a blue dress with a few frills, like her friend, beautiful did fit to describe her child form. The word cute is what fits her the most. Sona Sitri.
"Ehh? Why are you calling me Rias? I like it more when you call me Rias-chan..." The young Rias exclaimed.
What the heck? I am meeting too many canon characters at once.
Is it because I spent so much time living secluded with Kaa-san that these meetings came all at once?
"We need to act more befitting to our role as heirs of our clans and families. I certainly do not do it because I am feeling shy when you call me like that in public". The young Sona replied while she avoided eye contact with Rias.
Little girl, your true thoughts just leaked.
However, I did not expect I would witness the child version, no, the loli version of these two.
The description from their respective sis-con brother and sister were true, they are adorable.
So far, the canon characters I met were extremely similar to their counterpart in the novel, only appearance-wise though, but this time I got to see a new side from these two.
Seeing new sights seems like a goal worth pursuing. Doing that should be fun.
Nevertheless, these two sure got absorbed in their bickering. They still have not noticed me. They just continue to talk among themselves.
"To begin with Rias, you need to learn more about the game before you-". Sona, no, Sona-chan was going to lecture Rias-chan when she turned her head my way and made eye contact with me, she immediately stopped talking.
Widening her eyes in surprise, she just stared at me without saying a word.
Now I feel bad. I wonder if I scared her. Imagine if suddenly you find a stranger staring at you inside the room with you, and you don't know how he got there... yeah, scary.
"What is it? Sona-chan, you just suddenly went-". Rias-chan spoke after noticing her silent friend; turning her sights my way... she also stared at me with wide eyes.
Well, this is awkward.
"...Hi there". I said while raising a hand.
The first one to recover her bearings was... Sona-chan.
Wait... Should I use '-san' for these two instead of '-chan'?
"...Who are you? Are you-". She started questioning me but was interrupted by Rias-chan.
"It's a Youkai! Look Sona-chan! He has a tail and cat ears". Rias-chan excitedly exclaimed.
Hmmmm? Tail? Cat ears?
Moving my hands on top of my head to confirm that, I found two soft cat ears.
I had forgotten to hide them after the whole cat-form-and-cuddling situation.
The funny thing is how I got used to having them in this life. When I just became aware of them, I couldn't help but be conscious of them and feel every little movement, but nowadays I just accept them as a normal part of my body and don't pay too much attention to it unless I focus on them or feeling their changes.
Quickly hiding my Nekomatas traits with Youjutsu I turn to face the two girls in front of me.
"Awww, the ears are gone". Rias-chan muttered with mild surprise and disappointment.
Glad that you are at least having fun.
"Rias, wait... I have never seen him before in the mansion, and you did not bring any servant with you having a similar description. You can't carelessly approach him". Sona-chan warned while taking Rias-chan's hand and backing off.
Oh... so she had a good head on her shoulders since a young age.
"I know, I know... It's just that it is really rare to meet a Youkai in the Underworld". Rias-chan replied.
She was always carefree compared to Sona-chan, but from the signal of danger I am feeling from one of her hands... she must be gathering her demonic power in case I am a suspicious person.
That is not a bad idea.
However, this room is not that big so I could reach them rather quickly if I tried. Instead of facing an unknown person, you should call for help, little girls.
While those two backed away, I wondered what to do to dispel this atmosphere.
"If I say that I am not a suspicious person. Would you believe me?" I tried asking just in case.
I could see both of them shaking their heads.
Yeah, figures.
...
...
Things were awkward for a while until my silver-haired savior came.
Grayfia-san, the cause of this situation, just nonchalantly came carrying a tray of snacks and tea for the young girls and me. That was why she had left after dropping me here.
I had my complaints, but the snacks were good and no harm came to me. However, I kinda feel like I was being tested somehow but the feeling was faint.
After clearing my identity as a guest, the two girls apologized.
Not much they could do about it; I was pretty suspicious to suddenly appear in the room out of the blue, not to mention that I never let them know of my presence until they found me.
With that out of the way, Grayfia-san just left to take care of her duties, whatever those were.
I was left alone with the girls alone again, and without much to do, I joined them in a match of chess.
Currently, I was sitting on a sofa by myself; a table was in front of me, placed on top of it there was a chessboard. On the other side seated on a sofa too, Rias-chan and Sona-chan were facing me.
The sitting arrangements came simply because of their somewhat shyness to sit close to a stranger like me, and while Rias-chan was curious about my traits as Youkai, she became focused on the game as soon as it started.
They were taking turns playing with me, considering that they play with each other often.
Thankfully for me, I knew my way somewhat in chess, although I was far off from being a pro, I had experienced a good number of matches so I could put up a fight.
At the moment, I was facing Rias-chan.
"Hmmm, if I move here then the match will finish quickly, here too... and here too". Rias-chan's mumbled while paying attention to each of her pieces.
While I think I was somewhat bullying her, I could not go easy on any of them, because when I tried it before they got mad, although they were frustrated when they lost too. It made no sense. But I just followed along with their instructions.
To be honest, I am mostly relying on strategies from people I played with in the past so this is not my victory.
"No good, I am almost out of moves". Rias-chan bitterly commented.
Oh, the guilt.
By Rias-chan's side, Sona-chan seemed to pay attention to the board too.
This game is close to finishing so she might be trying to learn about my strategy to use it during her turn or to prepare a countermeasure.
Talk about a hard worker.
Having time to spare, I started to look around the room but quickly lost interest. Everything looked luxurious, but there was nothing that I found interesting.
I wondered if there was a library around here. Although I had tested somewhat the ability to understand a good number of languages, I would like to see how it would fare with books written in devil tongues. He (?) mentioned that I would understand all languages here, but He (?) is rather unreliable sometimes.
Even the other ability that he gave me is too hard to use often.
Going back to the library, if I ask the girls, they would not deny me that information, right?
I can't deny the possibility of them doing it for reasons like preventing me from reading some important family-only related books though.
"Excuse me; do you have a library around here? I am curious about what kind of books you have here". I tried asking.
"Library, is it? We have one but-". Sona-chan answered while looking at the board.
She must be worried about interrupting her friend's match.
Said friend though-
"That's right! I forgot. The book I told you about before... I had left it there for you to read later but we can go now to look for it". Rias spoke as vigorously stood up.
"But, what about the game?" Sona-chan inquired in a concerned tone.
She does care about it huh.
"Let's leave it like for the moment, we can continue after coming back. I will show you the book first, I am sure you will like it". Rias-chan cheerfully said after thinking for a short moment.
Not like I mind, but it has already been decided that we are coming back to play again huh.
"*Sigh* Very well, follow me, Shiki-san. I will lead you there". Sona-chan exasperatedly said.
She sighed at that but still followed Rias-chan's idea to go there. I could only sigh at that too.
...
...
At the library, I opened different books to test if I could read and it worked perfectly.
While I tested that on a few more books I could not help but listen to the pair's conversation.
"This is the book! It became pretty famous in the human world recently. The Author, Kuroneko has also published several light novels and mangas too, and I have read all his works. I am one of his fans". Rias-chan proudly explained.
*Dropping book noises*
The devil duo turned to the source of the sound.
"Are you ok?" Rias-chan asked worriedly.
While she did not say anything, Sona-chan was also looking at me who dropped the book on his foot with concern.
Ouch! It was quite heavy.
"I am ok! I thought the book was going to be lighter and it slipped off my fingers when I was reaching for it". I answered.
"*Sigh* Do be careful. They can be pretty heavy". Sona-chan commented after she heard that I was fine.
Rias-chan also stopped looking this way and kept cheerfully telling her friend about the book.
Back to me though, what I had said was a lie. I can break regular wooden logs if I want to so this book was nothing. I dropped the damn thing after I heard what they were talking about.
Kuroneko is the creative (it isn't) pseudonym I chose to publish my original stories, only my original stories. The light novels and manga are supposed to be published under another pseudonym, one that certain four-tailed nekomata and nine-tailed fox were supposed to manage. However, this was... damn, Kaa-san and Yasaka-san had a hand on this. They are not letting me prepare a stage where I hand them all the money I make with those.
I hardly deal with the people working in those areas, I only write the manuscripts. The closest thing I had to do with the publishing process was during those meetings regarding the manga adaptations.
Those two, I would eventually found out. Were they even trying to hide it?
Besides, I am surprised that one of the copies ended up here, not to mention that it was the novel I created and not some of the ones I copied. Well, I do recall Kaa-san mentioning how it became popular with kids before.
Nevertheless, it ended in Rias-chan's hands and now she spreading the word.
Rias-chan, good job!
Such a good kid is spreading the word about my book; I should reward her by... Hmmm... giving her a sign? She does like the book. Wait, I recall this girl liked Japan a lot so perhaps giving her Japanese sweets would be a better idea.
As I keep having random thoughts I continued to hear them speaking.
"It is unusual to listen to you talk so much about a book these days, perhaps I should buy one too". Sona-chan muttered while opening the book to take a look.
Once again, Rias-chan good job!
Now, this girl will buy one too and she will spread the word as well. Sweets for Sona-chan too.
Like this, more and more people (devils) will come to know about it. Should I make a manga version?
Well, I am happy that people liked my work so I will just leave it at that for now.
"Rias, there is no such a thing nearby..." I could hear Sona-chan's troubled voice.
Wait, what? Wasn't she defeated by Rias-chan's sales pitch and started reading the book?
"There is, I heard the maids in the mansion talking about it. Let's go and take a look". Rias-chan argued.
What happened to your sales pitch?
"Rias, I don't think you should believe in those rumors. It is true that we have a big forest just outside of the mansion, but there is no treasure to be found". Sona-chan explained and added. "This might not be our main residence but I know that there is no such a thing".
You tell her, girl! And then, start reading again... then get hooked and buy the bo- wait... What are they talking about?
"Sona-chan, let's just take a look... Please?" Rias-chan begged pitifully while putting her hands together, and lowering her head a bit... even her ahoge seemed crestfallen.
The heck, how do you do that? Can you move it on your own? How unrealistic... No, never mind. This is Highschool DxD world; my previous world's logic won't work here.
"Rias, you... *Sigh* Let me ask you this. I just did a quick read and don't know many details, but your sudden urge to go and check that rumor. Was inspired because you read this book after all?" Sona-chan inquired using a stern gaze to question Rias-chan while pushing her glasses.
"Urgh... Nooo?" Rias-chan replied while avoiding eye contact.
It does sound like your bespectacled friend said if you act like that little girl.
Although, I never thought about what kind of influence it might have on people who read it. Well, I did not even think it would sell this well either.
At her answer, Sona-chan narrowed her eyes.
"So, you don't want to 'look for treasures' because the book is about that particular theme then?" Sona-chan asked.
Her question sent Rias-chan into a panicked state.
"Eh? Uh... maybe?" Rias-chan replied after the pressure that the gaze of Sona-chan was releasing made her answer honestly.
You gave up too fast missy.
"You also said that we should go alone? You know that it is reckless to do so". Sona-chan continued questioning Rias-chan.
On the other hand, Rias-chan was not sure what to answer; her eyes were darting left and right in hopes to find some help.
Oh no, this was no good.
I try to turn my head again to pay attention to the book in hopes that I don't get involved. But my green eyes met a certain pair of blue eyes, and the effect was as I expected.
She opened her eyes wide and seemed to regain her vigor, heck, even that damn ahoge was standing proudly.
With a beaming smile, she started to talk.
"We will not go alone, he will come with us". Rias-chan proclaimed as she pointed me at me.
What about asking me first?
"Shiki-san will? But he never said that". Sona-chan argued, finally lowering the hand that was raising her glasses.
Her stern gaze softened and her tone was filled with suspicion.
Turning to me, Rias-chan included me in the conversation by asking me something which did not give me the freedom to turn her down.
"You are coming with us, right? Great!" Rias-chan said in a high-spirited voice without waiting for me to answer anything back.
"Rias... *Sigh* I am sorry that you got dragged into this. Would you mind coming with us? I am not sure about that 'treasure', but going to take a look is the only thing that will calm her down now that she is like that. The forest is not far, a few minutes' walk if we go at a normal pace". Sona-chan asked. She was exasperated at her friend's actions, but Sona-chan still decided to convince me to tag along.
As loli, she might look, but she does have a responsible personality. She also wanted me to come along though. Well, I don't have to think too deeply about this.
They are both nice girls, and we might become friends in the future thanks to today's meeting.
Coming here today, I thought of taking advantage to form a good tie for the sake of Kaa-san and Yasaka-san, but I don't think my conscience would stand using these two for that.
Due to my lack of response, Rias-chan came closer to me and waved her hand in front of my face.
"Are you ok? Are you not feeling well?" The crimson-haired girl asked with eyes filled with worry.
Even though she might act somewhat spoiled, she does put others well being first. She does stick to her nature in the canon.
While not saying anything, the bespectacled girl was looking at me the same way.
"No, I am fine. Lead the way, I will follow you". I said with a slight smile to dispel their worries.
I am supposed to be the adult here.
"Great, I will take you there then". Rias-chan exclaimed cheerfully while taking my hand and Sona-chan's hand, then dragging us away.
I could only smile wryly at that.
While being dragged I turned to look beside me and found someone with a similar expression.
We both laughed at that.
I might be an adult, but I could not help to remember those times when I was a kid and could play around. Those times of pure freedom are slightly foggy in my memory but the feeling is something I won't forget because it was before 'that' happened.
Childlike innocence is something you lose real quickly. Even in this new life, I did not use my time to play around like the child I look like, but that is why I think that I could play along with them for now, eventually; this will become a fond memory.
I am doing this because I was slightly nostalgic about my past. Yet, instead of the feelings of the past, I would like this to be a memory of the present.
I don't know if I will meet them again after all. Not that I would be against it.
...
...
After getting out of the mansion, we were walking to the location of the 'treasure' mentioned by Rias-chan.
Talking about the way I refer to them, it is something they decided after we started to play chess.
Rias-chan was quite eager to be called by her name in a close manner, thus she became Rias-chan, while she wanted to call me in the same manner. At least while we play, I think if something official comes up, I might need to use the whole 'Gremory-sama'.
Regarding Sona-chan though, she was more reserved, calling me 'Shiki-san'.
Well, she did allow me to call her by her name, as long as I did not use '-chan'. Mentally I will use that though. She looks like a loli after all.
I think that this is mostly because she is a shy girl, but her education as a noble might have something to do with it.
Nonchalantly having such a thought kept me busy for a good part of the way.
As we entered this forest, the little girls were in high spirits (Sona-chan denied it when Rias-chan pointed it out). There was a slight problem though. Rias-chan was not completely sure of the place we should go.
One thing is to hear about a place but another one is to be able to get there based on hearing rumors about it, particularly in this situation. It was a rumor, so the weight of the information was somewhat weak.
During the stroll, Rias-chan and Sona-chan still kept a high tension talking about this and that, but now they are tired and don't feel like talking too much.
Just in case, I thought that I should lend a hand to these two.
I can't exactly cure wounds at the same level as Kaa-san but restoring fatigue is simple enough.
"Wait you two, I think we should take a rest". I spoke to make them stop.
Both of them did not even question what I said and stopped.
Adventures and the like are not always sunshine and rainbows, but you can't expect that two children will know about it. Traveling around requires a lot of stamina, which these two are lacking. But that is ok.
At times like this, you would normally want to go back, but the two friends-and-rival duos are quite stubborn and won't back down that easily.
That is no good. But with me here, things change for a bit.
I walk closer to them, enough to reach them with my hands.
When treating someone, you can raise the efficiency by making contact with wounded areas, which is mostly the case with normal Senjutsu users.
However, Kaa-san goes beyond that with her long-distance healing. While the efficiency would drop somewhat that way, she is skilled enough in her craft to make the difference almost nil.
In my case, I can barely treat someone a few meters from me and it only works on fatigue for now.
In this opportunity, I went with regular fatigue relief with physical contact. No need to make an extra effort when there is no need to, although I will only touch one place, their hands.
Extending my hand, none of them reacted to my gesture. Well... that was awkward.
"Would you lend me your hands for a moment?" I asked in a slightly embarrassed tone.
When the other party doesn't react and leaves you hanging... It's kind of embarrassing.
While the cautious Sona-chan did not move her hand, the curious Rias-chan did it without thinking much about it.
Upon contact, I started sending strands of Ki into her.
The crimson-haired little girl widened her eyes as soon that felt the changes; she glanced at her hand then to my face with a surprised face.
"Amazing... Is this a youkai's technique?" She asked while still maintaining a surprised expression.
Finishing the process, I released her hand.
"That's right, although I did not do anything complicated, just relieving you of your tiredness. This should make it easier for you girls to keep moving forward". I explained.
I once again extended my hand to Sona-chan, who took it this time after briefly hesitating.
I repeated the same process as before.
The bespectacled girl just blinked in wonder in response to the feeling of Ki.
Done with the process, I released her hand.
Both of them kept opening and closing their hands, the lingering feeling perhaps was still there.
I do recall how I reacted when Kaa-san used it the first time so I understood their reactions.
"Say there... Have you heard of the Evil pieces?" Sona-chan asked after a moment of silence.
Sure have.
"Ah, that's not fair; I also wanted to tell him about it". Rias-chan protested.
Yeah, this is going to be a sales pitch of joining their peerages.
At times like this-
"Shouldn't we continue walking? We don't have all day". I suggested while trying to change the subject.
"I guess so". Rias-chan easily agreed with me.
Ah, so gullible. She is so naive and adorable now. To think that she becomes a buxom onee-san type in the future. Life is such a mystery.
"Hmm, you are right, but let's continue this topic when we get back". Sona-chan said with her narrowed eyes while she adjusted her glasses.
This one knows that I wanted to change the subject, smiling bitterly at that I started to think what to say later.
...
...
Walking for a little more, we came before a vacant space. A small wooden hut was located just in the middle.
For some reason, I felt slight discomfort at that sight.
I raised my alertness somewhat and started to look around. With no luck, I spread my Ki around to sense the surrounding space.
I think I caught a presence but-
"This has to be the place; it is just as the rumors said". Rias-chan excitedly exclaimed.
Without any sense of danger whatsoever, she headed to the hut.
"Wait, Rias. I don't recall a building like this being here before. Let's go back, this is a bad idea!" Sona-chan said, trying to convince her friend. The unease of her tone made me anxious along with her words.
But said the friend did not stop so she went after her and as Sona-chan grabbed Rias-chan hand to stop her-
A magic circle appeared below them.
As soon as I saw that, I dashed at them as fast as I could.
The situation looked really bad, but I could worry about that later. Because the feeling I got from the magic circle was somewhat similar to the one were used before coming here.
I felt a chill at that possibility.
I could've dashed the other way and go to a safe place, that would've been the most rational choice. However, I have never been the rational type. They are good girls, and I don't want anything bad to happen to them so I was not going to abandon them.
At that moment, I was not thinking about their status as canon main characters, no, I knew it at all along, but I kept denying it. I was treating them as if they were only characters of the light novel, but they were not. They were people (devils) of flesh and blood.
When a crisis strikes, many curious things happen, like now, when even though a great number of thoughts coursed through my head, the time outside moved slowly.
One step, two steps, I kept getting closer to them, but it looked in slow motion to me. Nevertheless, I made it. I managed to get a hold of them.
Taking them by their wrists, I prepared to flee somewhere else at full speed, but sadly, the magic circle activated at that time. Without any other options, I pulled out something concealed in a secret pocket of my sleeve and crushed it.
As I hoped that it worked, the light of the magic circle blinded my vision.
I glanced at the possible culprit this time and saw a young woman with a maid dress, but there was something eerie and uncanny about her, there was some sort of strands of black smoke coming out of her, but before I could observe more, the scenery completely changed.
...
...
We were now standing on some sort of forest, I think (the trees in the Underworld have some differences to the ones I have seen so far), but it was not the same place that we were before.
"Are you girls ok?" I asked the devil duo.
Both girls were slightly out of it but recovered quickly.
"What happened?" Rias-chan asked while glancing around.
Well, Rias-chan seemed ok.
"A teleportation magic circle sent us somewhere". Sona-chan answered to her clueless friend.
Sona-chan also seemed fine; she even took off her glasses and started to wipe them in a composed manner.
Sona-chan is the cool type huh.
Confirming their safety, I continue to glance at our surroundings.
Now then, what to do?
I used the token Yasaka-san gave me before, or rather, gave us since Kaa-san has one too.
They are made of wood, carrying several enchantments engraved. The one I broke was made easy to be destroyed to accomplish its job.
Considering the nature of the request this time, we came somewhat prepared for a couple of situations, one they included getting separated and in trouble, a truly ordinary possibility, but worth preparing for. We even have one that can track each other's whereabouts.
That said, the token is not all-powerful since the further the distance, the less accurate the location it will point out.
It is quite complex so making one is hard, Yasaka-san wanted that we carefully kept them in one piece if possible.
Thankfully I had these tokens with me. They were originally prepared in case that the people who wanted to harm Kaa-san showed up. Although they were not used for their true purpose, they still will do the job.
The one I broke is a type of token that lets the other know of possible danger, but it only works as a warning since it won't tell you what happened.
Kaa-san is the only one I can truly trust out here so I can only wait for her. I do wonder how she is doing. Hopefully, she won't be flipping tables because she got angry.
?'s POV
At the previous location of Nora, Rias, and Sona. A young woman could be seen standing still while looking at the fading magic circle. She was wearing a maid outfit but had an uncanny presence.
The uncanny about her presence was the strands of black smoke coming out her.
She (?) kept staring for a while longer before speaking to herself.
"This was somewhat different from how he said the plan would go. That child was not supposed to be here. Hmmm, there isn't much that can be done now. Using too much power just now broke the concealment magic so they will be able to track me if I stay any longer. I should leave this body or they might catch me. However, I won't make it easy for them". The maid (?) muttered in an emotionless tone of voice.
With a wave of her hand, the magic circle was destroyed.
With that done-
She (?) fell forward, like a puppet whose strings were cut, she did not move.
The smoke was no more and silence returned to the place.
Part 3
3rd Person POV
A little after Nora left the room guided by Grayfia, the remaining parties, Saya and Venelana, continued talking about their children for a while.
However, the atmosphere changed when one of the parties decided to speak about the subject they intended to originally talk about in the meeting.
"Now that we are alone, I would like to explain the reason why I want to ask for your services this time". The flaxen-haired woman, Venelana, spoke in a serious tone of voice.
"You could've talked about this with my son here, although he might not look like that, he is very talented in my craft so he can offer good ideas sometimes. However, since you waited for him to leave, I assume that this won't be something easy to deal with". The black-haired woman, Saya asserted.
"It's simply because the topic is not particularly of good influence for children". Venelana argued.
Saya thought about the mental age of her son and could not help but smile wryly at the other's party consideration. She was thankful of course, but she was wondering how Venelana would feel if she told her about Nora's circumstances after she took the precaution of him leaving. Then again, it was just a thought, that was her son's secret and she would keep it for him.
"I see. Then do explain to me what it that you want from me". Saya said in a dry tone.
Even though she found talking with Venelana enjoyable, much more than with that maid, it was important to separate private matters from work.
Having dealt with different factions a couple of times in the past already, she knew that going straight to the point was important to avoid falling into the other party's pace. Although she slightly forgot how she fell into the other woman's pace after arriving at the room, proving once more that she could be quite careless.
At her words that sounded somewhat harsh, Venelana did not change her expression since she did her research about the other party's attitude when dealing with Non-youkai requesters.
"Have you heard of the 'Devil Sleeping Disease'?". Venelana raised a question.
Raising an eyebrow at that, Saya contemplated for a moment before answering.
"I have heard of it, it's a disease that causes devils to fall into a deep sleep which is similar to a coma. The origin is not something I know since I do not deal with devils that much". Saya replied with a frown on her face.
Even while not getting involved with the devils that often, Saya had heard about it, but only that. Since it was mentioned just now then this request is most likely related to it.
"That's right. Although the causes are not completely clear, there are several cases where devils get sick because their physical state excessively deteriorates. The reason I called you is that I want you to deal with someone who recently fell victim to that disease". Venelana explained with a pained expression.
As Saya expected, the request had to do with the disease mentioned before.
The question was, why did Venelana need Nora to leave if that's all the request was about? The only possibility was that there was more to it and-
"As you might've guessed, there is a troublesome aspect in my request, besides treating the person (devil) in question, access to the patient will have to go through rather unconventional methods, you could say that going as far as being in a secretive manner". Venelana clarified.
That sounded 'troublesome' indeed, but there had to be something else.
The lady in front of Saya was from the Gremory house, a devil household with great influence. To say the words 'secretive', makes you wonder, secret from whom?
"You should elaborate some more, I don't plan to accept if you start hiding things from me". Saya declared while narrowing her eyes.
Venelana could see how displeased was the woman seated in front of her so she described all about it.
There was no need to hide it if this would cause the other party to leave, Venelana did ask for her presence for a reason.
The story of why it had to be done like that was rather simple in structure, but it took a long period of time to explain.
It all started when her younger brother who is the Lord of the Bael household, banished his wife to the countryside because she had given birth to a child that did not have the Bael clan's distinctive Power of Destruction. Venelana, who had a great relationship with her sister-in-law tried to bring her into the Gremory family but was prevented from doing so by the Bael clan.
Since the birth of the child, Venelana's nephew, both were shunned in the clan, having no allies in that family had made her life harder. But tragedy stroke when her sister-in-law had a sharp decline in health until she fell into a coma.
During that time, she tried different methods to aid her but most of them were prevented by the Bael clan.
...
...
Concluding the explanation both women remained silent.
The first to break the silence was Saya.
"I understand the request, and I accept. However, there is something I find problematic in all this. I am not sure if I can treat it, although I would need to meet the patient before being completely certain, and from what you explained, that is a very difficult thing to do". Saya spoke.
Her reason for accepting even when the request seemed complicated is for pure sympathy. She feels bad for that woman. Although as a doctor she hardly ever turns down treating a patient, there are cases where she does it. Mostly because she cannot treat them or she knows other people who are better than her at treating that particular case. She was by no means almighty, she knew several people who specialize in treating unique cases and she will not hesitate to send a person to them if she believes that they might do a better job.
"That is something I have taken care of. Through trial and failure, I found a way to create a secure route secret from the Baels where I can give some help to my sister-in-law and nephew. Regarding your acceptance to treat her, I am extremely thankful. I am also aware of the difficult challenge it represents. There are no known effective methods to treat that disease, but I have to keep trying for the sake of not only my sister-in-law but my nephew too". Venelana spoke.
Saya was not found of devils, but she has to admit that she could get along well with Venelana.
She had heard before of how friendly and kind the Gremory were, but she refused to believe any of that due to her extreme dislike of devils. Now, she had the chance to witness how wrong she was. Her son helped her to make the right choice in coming here.
While she was thinking of her son, she felt something on her sleeve. Quickly taking it out, she saw the wooden token given her friend to keep an eye on Nora (she was told that), sending a signal that she did not want to see, a signal that meant that her son was in trouble.
At the same time, the door opened and a flustered maid entered to inform something to Venelana.
"Venelana-sama, we can't-". The maid stopped mid-sentence after noticing Saya.
"You can speak in her presence". Venelana urged the maid to speak.
Saya was not interested in what the maid might have to say because she had to find Nora, but before Saya could stand up-
"Rias-sama, Sona-sama, and Nora-sama are missing. Grayfia-sama found some traces of their tracks and she is on her way to look for them". The maid explained in one breath.
Saya could not believe that it was that simple, her child would not make use of the token for something like getting lost or just to play a prank after hiding somewhere.
"Is that all?" Venelana could tell that there was something else going on.
"Well..." The maid still found it hard to speak about the rest in front of an outsider like Saya.
"That's her child who is missing too; you can speak without minding anything else". Venelana reminded.
The maid seemed to finally leave behind any restrain and-
"We found several of the staff suffering from effects of brainwashing, after learning this, Grayfia-sama started to investigate the situation in more depth. She also sent staff to confirm the safety of the children but they were not found in the room they were left playing together. We searched everywhere and did not find them. Grayfia-sama started questioning the staff but none of them had any recollection of seeing them leave. She immediately sent me here to report while she went along some others to search the surroundings". The maid reported in no time.
Saya could see how Venelana bit her lips in frustration; even she was tightening her fist pretty hard.
She was feeling a great deal of worry, but above all, she felt rage, at herself, at the devils, and everyone responsible for this.
However, she kept it to herself. It was no time to lash out. She is not supposed to blame others like that.
Doing her best to calm down, she started to think rationally.
Nora has a certain level of strength, if he was kidnapped in the mansion, he would've done something besides using the token.
They did not mention any kind of damage due to a fight, and if it had happened they would've been able to hear about it sooner.
Meaning, they left the mansion peacefully on their own or with someone else. The last statement was not possible for Nora.
He would not go with strangers like that.
So they left on their own, but if Nora agreed to that, he would only do so if he did not notice anything dangerous.
So they probably were unaware of what was happening in the mansion at that time.
Saya tightened her fist stronger.
Then, Where... Hmm?
She remembered something that she missed due to her rage.
There was another token.
She hastily brought it out.
The token was supposed to display a simple 'map' to find something if the distance was close. If the distance went more than a certain point, it could still point a vague direction to follow.
There was no 'map' after she activated the token, only an arrow pointing to a certain direction, meaning that Nora was pretty far.
She thought of going alone, but one look a Venelana made her hesitate. As fellow mothers, they should help each other.
"Venelana, listen to me". She called the flaxen-haired woman.
Part 4
Checking the token, the feature of the 'map' did not display anything more than an arrow pointing vaguely south of my location.
The distance between Kaa-san and me must rather wide, but at least not enough to lose the signal entirely.
I guess that help will take some time to arrive. The question is what to do in the meantime.
Turning to the two devils, they were each displaying a different reaction.
Sona-chan kept frowning while wiping her glasses. I originally thought that she was keeping her cool, but she has been doing that for a while now, enough to clean the glasses several times over. This was perhaps her way to calm herself down.
In Rias-chan's case, she looked crestfallen after understanding the situation we were in. She probably feels guilty because she thought this was her fault. Her emotion measuring device, the ahoge, was expressing her mood pretty honestly by laying down. I still don't understand the logic behind that.
To be honest, I would not be too hard with the girl. I am the adult here and I let this happen given that I happened to help them to keep going forward back then. I was overconfident because this was the residence of the Sitri household so I did not expect this to happen. Besides, there was someone like Grayfia-san around, not to mention Kaa-san.
But thinking about it, this whole situation looks way too bizarre to be a coincidence. That maid at the end looked abnormal too, although getting answers can wait until we are safe.
I turn to face the two girls.
"You two, I know that this looks bad. However, help will come pretty soon. In the meantime, we should be careful of our surroundings. We must work together to get out of this one so collaboration is important". I spoke slowly for them to take my words more easily.
I am not sure if I am capable of reassuring them with a motivational speech so I won't try that. Sadly my charisma is pretty low; using words was never my forte. Nevertheless, I can at least explain to them what they can do to ease their anxiety.
"I am a Youkai, and while I am not a master in every technique. I can at least use some of them. I can sense my surroundings to a certain degree. What can the two of you do? I heard that devils can fly, is that true?" I inquired.
While I converse with them, I began to scan around us using Senjutsu.
I am not sure how the abilities of the two are at this age. While I remember that they were competent magicians, that was a story from the Canon. They are much younger now so I don't think they would be able to do the same. Now, I need to consider them to be different beings that from the light novel, they are not characters to me anymore.
I should only use my knowledge as a reference and not a fact.
Interrupting my distracted self, they finally began talking after sharing a look. Sona-chan was first.
"I can fly but not too fast, I am still practicing. I can use the innate ability of the Sitri Clan which consists of Water Manipulation. However, the current me can't muster any offensive abilities when there is no much water around. I can still create some with magic but it would take some time". Sona-chan explained after finally putting her glasses again.
Flying will be handy. Her Water Manipulation could be useful too, but as she said, there is no much water around to control.
"I can't fly yet, but I can use the innate Power of Destruction from my family for strong attacks. Ah, but I can't control the power very well". Rias-chan timidly said after thinking for a while.
She has high firepower but no mobility, basically like her friend but backwards.
Judging by her tone, she must still feel guilty. It is odd to see her so meek given how bold her canon-self acted.
"Rias-chan... You don't have to blame yourself for anything that happened. It was not your fault. I don't blame you for this and I know that your friend here doesn't either. You might've rushed at that time but that does not mean that it would've been different if you hadn't. Listen, I need your help now, the help of the cheerful Rias-chan". I tried coaxing her gently.
She was looking down when I started talking but at the end, she seemed to regain her previous vigor.
"If Nora-nya thinks so then I will lend you my help, I will make up for my mistake. Thank you for trying to cheer me up". She said while slightly smiling.
Glad that it worked somewhat, kids have to be full ofenergy and not depressed. However, she still considers it her fault. I wish I could do a better follow-up, but her current look is enough for the moment.
Now then, it is just in time because I caught something coming this way during my scan.
Whatever it is, it felt disgusting.
I had to cut my scanning because the feeling it gave off started to make me sick.
Extending your Ki like that is a double-edged sword at my current stage. You can get easily influenced by strong or particular presences.
Just to confirm, I will take a look using a certain ability I have been practicing.
Back then, He (?) kept telling me to see but I could do nothing, but now I have learned to use that ability to 'see' somewhat. As I am now, I can only use it for a few seconds even after practicing for long periods.
I could only come up with the idea of seeing through things, and in this case, I can use it to ignore the numerous trees between that and me. That way I will be able to identify what my Senjutsu detected.
I immediately used it. Not only I was able to ignore the obstacles in front, but I could also zoom what I am seeing. Similar to clairvoyance's remote viewing. There might be more it could do, but I lack the imagination to properly think anything else.
My eyes caught sight of a strange figure, it looked like an over-grown black hound.
I was not sure how to express what I saw, it was pretty big, forget about eating my hand in one bite, this one could eat my head with those jaws. Almost two meters tall and four meters in length, black all over, and with shining red eyes that carried a vicious glint, his tail looked pretty long, close to one meter. Around his body, strands of black smoke kept leaking. Overall, I can conclude that it was bad news. Really bad news.
Cold sweat covered my back as I imagined that thing close to me and-
The vision of the black hound got cut, and a sharp pain assaulted my eyes, a small groan almost escaping my mouth.
I quickly cover my eyes due to the pain.
Noticing my actions, the girls panicked.
"Shiki-san, what happened?" Sona-chan asked worriedly while she came closer to examine me.
"Are you ok, Nora-chan?" Rias-chan questioned in a concerned tone while she put a hand on my head and slightly rubbed it to ease the pain.
Although it's heartwarming to receive their concern, there was no time to waste.
"Listen to me, you two. We need to move now. There is something really dangerous coming the way I was looking just now. We must avoid that at all cost". I uttered in a slightly stern tone.
Maybe they understood the seriousness of the situation from my tone of voice, after sharing a glance for a moment and nodding, both of them quickly starting walking in the other way I was looking... is not what happened. Before walking away, they each took me from one hand and pulled me, taking me with them.
I felt slightly embarrassed but also grateful since I used that ability for more than I should've had. It puts a strain on my body, or rather my head and I can't move very well for a while due to the pain. I must be grateful for such mild side effects this time, they can come at random whenever I exceed the limit, and they can be even worse than this.
I am glad for their help since I planned to ask for their assistance. However, they did it without me mentioning anything. I should give them thank you gift after we get out of this one. I wonder if a signed book would make them happy.
...
...
After a few minutes of walking, I felt much better and could walk on my own again, but not all was good news because we ran out of luck by finding the damned creature in front of us.
How absurd, it was at a considerable distance, how did it catch up so fast? We didn't see it passing near us either.
Damn it.
The devil duo beside me is getting paler and paler at the sight in front of us. None of them is saying a word.
What an irony. I liked dogs in my previous life, and dogs were supposed to be the man's best friend. Now, I am a Nekomata, technically a cat.
Dog and cats do not get along that well.
We are truly out of luck.
Ah, ah... Can I go home now?
*GRooooWL*
The black hound started growling as I thought that. I will take that as its answer to my question. Probably meaning... No.
