Welcome back folks!
Like to say thanks for all the reviews and hope you guys enjoy whats cooking, another probably short chapter here, but I figure whats one more before the Faction Meeting. Onto the questions.
Davidab931; Nope, but that person is close by and knows of the fox family and good friends with Naruto.
DavuGenesis; The castle holds many secrets and cool stuff, in fact that demon leading the two Marauders with Kokabiel was an Arch-Vile. Funny backstory to how they fit into the narrative here compared to the other demons of DOOM in this fic.
Rick12; Oh the reunion of the Himejima's will be something personal and lovely.
Guests; gonna be a no from me guys, that doesn't seem an appealing thing to write up, sounds way too convoluted. Also I'm not interesting whatever review you are demanding, you sound like scam or something. To the other rude guests, hope you find something more to your tastes…
To the chapter~
-Sixth Heaven-
"Sir, we have a problem."
The words brought Michael out of his focus, going over papers, reports, graphs and the like as the Seraph was usually busy doing his best to run the realm of Heaven in his God's absence. It was taxing work, but he wasn't Father's Most Loyal Son for no reason. His gaze shifted form his desk to one of the angels, their robes and badge denoting their station in the Fifth Heaven.
"What is it?" He inquired as he set his stylized fountain pen with a large snow-white feather attached to its spine back into its holder.
"Its best if you see for yourself, sir." The angel replied in an urgent tone as Michael nodded and got up from his study, setting a report on the annual records of Angels falling aside. The holy leader and his underling teleported away to the matter.
-Fifth Heaven-
They arrived via magic circle and viewed the scene before them. A group of angelic scientists and guards crowded around the enormous vault that took up the center of the fifth heaven as the research institutes and buildings were built around it. Michael could teel something was wrong as the solid metal doors that sealed the vault were warped and some part glowing form heat, but not torn open. Clearing his throat, the gathered angels all parted to rows and in position as Michael approached the massive vault. Walking up, he placed a hand to the bent metal and could feel a shift of power from within, like something was missing.
"Open it."
Several guard angels flew up and worked to unlock many of the seals, physical and magical as it took a moment, soon the locks came loose and the metal doors were pulled open, creaking as they did due to their distorted shape. The Loyal Son strode into the vault as he was flanked by a few angels as they all looked around to note the damage. The vault was forged for the purpose to hold the more powerful of artifacts, relics and weapons amongst God's vast collection of items that helped shape the main religion into mankind. Anything that was deemed too powerful for the mortals to handle was kept in this container for safe keeping. Old weapons used in the Great War, artifacts that could have mass impact in the human world, even other relics from other pantheons were taken if seen as an issue, which of course cause disputes here and there with the respective pantheons.
Scorch marks littered the ceiling, walls and floor. Tarnishing some items with holy fire while outright destroying a few others. Other relics were unscathed as it all was needing a proper checkup and salvage what was damaged and what could be saved. Michael's eyes landed on an empty stand, its frame heavily melted as the weapon it held was gone, teleported going off of the magic residue, there was no evidence if it puncturing the vault walls to leave. Which only meant one thing….
"Solarian is missing." Michael announced as the other angels looked and saw what he did, much to their worry. Said weapon was extremely powerful, even in Azazel's hands as it cleaved through hundreds of demons in the past skirmishes with Hell before Lucifer shaped the Devils into existence and the following war. The fiery spear was a divine weapon and could only be wielded by those of divine and godly origin, lest its raw power combust their body and collapse their mind, which could be said for other weapons of similar background, speaking of…. Michael's brows furrowed as he placed his right arm out to his side, pure light coalesced into an orb the size of a grapefruit before the sound of glass shattering filled the room and holy light grew into a shape.
Instantly all the other angels both in and outside took a knee and bowed as Michael's holy sword came into existence, the blade a white hot and gold along the handle, pommel and guard as its central gem glowed pale. The blade was called El'Druin, but to just about everyone, it was known as 'The Flaming Sword of Heaven' and the symbol of Holy Justice and Judgement that was carried out per God's decree. His outstretched hand was encased in silver armor as Michael looked to his weapon and with a thought, the blade began spinning in place as he searched for Azazel's spear. Minutes passed as his brows furrowed, this was concerning as he couldn't locate the weapon anywhere in Heaven, the Underworld or Earth.
Just what threat could possess Azazel to recall his holy weapon with such urgency that he broke through the holy vault that Father fashioned himself?
-The Hellhold-
The great demon, Naruto's unholy prowess taken form, let out a roar of challenge while its burning gaze stared Azazel down while towering over him. Azazel twirled his spear and lunged forth in a wave of white mist as Naruto charged in return. Stabbing his left arm blade at Azazel, he missed to a dodge as it rammed into the ground while his opponent reformed beside him. Turning his head in time as Solarion came down and carved into his cheek. The demon recoiled with a spin, his tail striking the Leader of the Fallen in the back and sent him flying face first into one of the pillars. Bouncing off it and into a roll, he caught himself and got up just in time to parry another stab.
Naruto's demon foot smashed into Azazel's gut and sent the golden-clad angel stumbling back, on the defensive as his demonic rival went on the attack. This form of Naruto's was fascinating, and terrifying… Gone was the handsome young man decked in black and red and in his place was a gigantic demon, not a devil, but a genuine demon as devils prided themselves on not being called their 'inferior' kin.
This demon stood tall over Azazel, the form was lithe almost androgynous and black & red all over, two sets of arms with the lower ones being smaller and the larger ones having blades growing out from the forearms, digitigrade legs ending in sharp claws, a long-bladed tail, massive spikes jutting from the shoulders in place of wings and down the spine and the head topped with large dark horns as the face was set in a skeletal visage of monstrosity.
The demon proved better as he grabbed Azazel's entire head in one hand and smashed him through several pillars face first while dragging his prey along. Azazel breaking free with a stab to Naruto's gut and a teleport as the wound didn't even bother the unholy being as they went at it trading blows. The Angelic warrior giving it his all as the Demon easily responded while the fire around them raged. The fight could be out of the holy scriptures with how intensely the golden angel was trying to smite the demon, his self-described greatest threat, as said demon easily kept up.
Unknown to either, Kalawarna watched the fight from high up in the rafters, donning a lovely white silk gown and fashionable sandals that she got from a Blood Makyr after her finding out a massive secret, who she left as this fight she was watching had her concerned.
Azazel was growing worried as he fought against Naruto, finding himself on the losing side despite his best efforts, he wasn't sure how to describe it, but he felt his powers were weakened and draining. So distracted by his gnawing thoughts of not being at the height of his former power that he left himself open, which Naruto took advantage of. The lower arms smashed fists into Azazel's gut in rapid fire shots as his upper hands grabbed his to prevent him striking with his spear. A fierce strike of triple headbutts stunned Azazel as he wavered while Naruto's tail whipped and struck his legs. Azazel was forced to his knees and wrested his spear out of Naruto's grip, managing to bring it up in time as Naruto's arm blades came down with a snarl.
As if watching in slow motion, the blades smashed and carved into Solarions shaft and releasing sparks, its owner's glowing eyes widening in shock and horror as his precious weapon was cleaved in two. The shockwave of power released from the broken spear could be felt through the castle and snuffed out the flames around the fighters. So stunned was Azazel that he was too late to notice Naruto's lower left-hand clenching to a fist as a sharp bone pike jutted forth from the forearm.
"AAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!" Azazel's scream of agony echoed through the entire Hellhold, sending lesser demons scattering as his broken spear slipped from his fingers. The pike had pierced through his armor, under the sternum where the ribs met and out his back. Naruto then lifted Azazel off the ground, still impaled and dangling him on his arm like a fish on a spear as he looked up to the wounded governor trying to free himself.
"I offered you clemency, and you spat in my face. I would kill you here and now if you weren't still useful to your home and allies. To think a mad letch like you was once one of Heaven's finest." The great demon spoke with a mix of annoyance and boredom in his unholy voice as Azazel teleported himself, now a few meters away and kneeling with a hand over his glowing wound. Radiant white blood, the holy essence of an angel, seeped through his fingers as he glanced to the injury. Worse, he noticed his golden armor start to crack and corrode, tarnishing the gaudy metal as his whole form glowed bright. With a pained groan, Azazel was back to his normal Fallen self, his energy spent as it looked like he couldn't hold his former form for long since he lost a bunch of his grace upon his fall so long ago. Naruto's own wounds has quickly healed over in small bursts of fire as if he was never injured at all. His own demon form engulfing in fire and condensing down as he returned to normal as well.
"Now that the temper tantrum is passed." Naruto appeared before Azazel, picked his sorry ass up, dusted him off and with a wave, called his broken spear to his hand before stuffing them in Azazel's coat pocket. With another, the trophy cases for Kokabiel's remains and Kalawarna's former wings came to and shrunk down as they were also put in the Fallen's coat.
"Do yourself a solid and clean up, you're embarrassing yourself. Now go home, we're done here." Naruto quipped as a mirror was summoned and opened to Azazel's lab back in the Grigori HQ as Naruto turned and walked away. Swallowing his broken pride after being easily manhandled and with one hand clutching his deep wound, Azazel turned and limped to the mirror.
"This isn't over, you parasite, I will destroy you and all traces of your filth. Starting with your corruption of Kyoto and the Yokai…" Azazel muttered out as his paranoia and fear were boiling over ever since Naruto ripped him a new one. Unfortunately for him, Naruto's hearing caught his ramblings as he turned heel and stalked after Azazel. The Fallen felt a firm hand on his shoulder just as he reached the mirror and was turned around as he screamed in agony.
Naruto's arm had shoved its way into Azazel's body through his wound, pushing organs aside and making ribs crack as his hand gripped around the heart of the dual haired man. His other hand grasping Azazel's jaw and leaning close to speak into his ear while Azazel was in horrendous pain.
"The shiver of deaths cold embrace, consuming all as even you are so close to the reaper…" Naruto's voice took a softer tone, almost enchanting with how soothing he spoke while up to his forearm in Azazel's chest. Naruto pulled back a bit as he watched Azazel's gaze get foggy and tears welling up while blood bubbled from his mouth and nose, his arms weakly trying to pull Naruto's arm out of his chest.
"You really don't know when to stop do you? How about I just send you on your way before my place really starts messing with your head. And for the formal record, Kalawarna is mine." Naruto eyes shimmering red and black and voice shifting to demonic as he yanked his hand free and threw Azazel through the mirror like a ragdoll. Smashing through many of his priceless experiments strewn throughout his lab and outright destroying a bunch in the process. With a finger snap, Naruto had the mirror slam shut and vanish just as assistants came into the room to try and help the mortally wounded boss of theirs. He looked to his bloody arm, the mix of white angel essence with the normal human blood covering his limb as he let out an annoyed exhale through his nose. Summoning two glass vials in his other hand. The blood and essence flew from his arm and separated before filling the containers up as they were capped and put them away in his magic cloak. He looked around to the fire damage and broken pillars and floor from their fight as he put two fingers in his mouth and gave a sharp whistle.
The resident Master Carpenter of the castle, a ghastly looking man that was dressed for the profession, appeared before him with a bow. Naruto just dropped a fat purse of gold in his bony hands as the demon groaned out and called a bunch of other humanoid demons to assist him in repairs.
"Naruto!" The young overlord paused his walk and looked up to see Kalawarna flying down from her hiding spot, her new beautiful wings folding up as she landed and looked at him in worry.
"Are you ok, I came as soon as I felt Azazel and your presence flare up." She asked, approaching him as she looked him over, the spot where Azazel's spear pierced his side covered by his tunic. "I'm fine, Kala, just a disagreement with your former boss." Naruto answered with a smile, raising a brow as she was focused on his chest. Her hands touched exposed skin and parted his clothes, showing more of his crystalized flesh. For his part Naruto just let her examine, his cloak and tunic top slipping off to show off his torso to his hips. The blue haired angel's eyes took in the sight she was greeted with.
"Not exactly what you're expecting in your tastes of men, heh?" He commented with a chuckle to lighten the mood as he could sense she was confused and worried. Her hand slid over the spot where Azazel's spear pierced Naruto's waist all the way through, leaving a very faint scar. His hand came around her wrist just as she was going to dip into the waistband of his pants.
"Sorry, that's wifey's territory." He let out a smile as she looked to his eyes and then back to his body, noting just how much of him was crystalized as she felt Gabriel's magic signature alongside Lucifer's on the Latin & Enochian runes carved into his flesh.
"Does it hurt?" She asked after observing him some more, watching how the crystal glimmered and glowed with power through his body while the normal flesh was pale. Naruto shrugged as his clothes slid back on and he answered.
"It did at first, but that was a lifetime ago. In all fairness, it's become a part of who I am and I wouldn't change it to return to what I once knew." Naruto admitted as he then remembered she wanted to tell him something earlier before Lucy did her thing.
"By the way, what did you want to talk to me about?" Kalawarna blinked and remembered what she wanted to say to him, her hand going to her necklace as she swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Yeah…. I don't want you to get the wrong idea, but I was there that night." She began.
-Flashback to the night of Naruto's death-
Kalawarna came back to her hotel room from dinner as she was stationed in London, nothing big just making sure no monsters are roaming about and harming humans. She spent a bit of time just reading a book before deciding to do a bit of stargazing. A small walk later and she got onto the roof of the hotel with a small blanket in hand. Finding a good spot she sat down with a cheap bottle of wine and took a swig.
She was about halfway through her drink when she sensed something, a flare of dark magic caused her to look where it came from. Corking her bottle and setting it down, Kalawarna got up and unfurled her wings as she shot into the sky. She found the source and landed on the roof of the church of the city. Breaking open a locked door, she snuck in through the top and hid among the rafters in the main chamber as she watched the ritual below.
"What the hell?"
She watched as they seemed to be at this for a while, dragging a small blonde boy with whiskers on his cheeks to the altar. The pile up of ashes around the ritual circle was evidence that the boy wasn't their first sacrifice. He was put in place and the robed humans began their work as the whole thing started up again. Now Kalawarna didn't really care much for mankind, it was more of a neutral feeling as they shared the same world and had larger numbers than the supernatural. But she did have a conscious and so she summoned magic into her hand to form a Spear of Light and aimed to skewer the guy in charge.
The church shook as the ritual was a success and she could hear the wail of energy filling the whole place, making it shake more as some parts fell and she was thrown off balance. The whole church exploded from the ritual going haywire as Kalawarna was thrown back and crashed into a building across the street. Pulling herself out of the wreckage of a room, she was greeted to the sigh of demons swarming out where the ritual was once held. She spotted a family of four about to be ripped to shreds and acted, throwing a spear that impaled the large demon as she flew in and cut down the smaller ones, saving the family of humans.
"An angel of the Lord!?" the wife asked incredulously upon seeing Kalawarna's wings.
"Now is not the time to have a revelation, go, get to safety, get as far away from here as you can!" She gave them an order before moving to avoid a demon's lunge and beheaded it with her spear. The family didn't need to be told again as they hightailed it while their savior fought off some demons while thousands more poured into the city. Unknown to Kalawarna, her wings flickered back to the pristine white they once where before she fell like so many of her peers, the shift was fleeting as they were back to black just as Raynare, Dohnaseek and Mittlet arrived on the scene to help their friend.
"What the fuck is all this, Kala?" Raynare demanded as the four were cutting a swath through demons as chaos consumed the city, and they knew the Angels would arrive fast as they could, holy warriors of the church held best they could but were slowly succumbing to the horde.
"Some church pricks were sacrificing kids to the Underworld for some dumb plan of theirs, didn't quite get the chance to ask them why. End result is they opened a fucking portal to the parts of the Underworld where the demons roamed and allowed them to enter here!" Kalawarna yelled back as they were all busy cutting down demons of varying sizes. It went for hours as the four took some good hits and were managing themselves when rays of holy light bathed the city. The four pulled back to higher ground as they saw Angels sailing through the clouds down to exterminate the demon invasion, and leading the charge was Michael. Clad in his silver and white hooded armor and his sword in hand as his blue/white flaming wings streaked through the night sky.
"We should get out of here; some might blame us for this." Mittlet commented as the other three agreed, While the treaty between the factions held, it was rough at best and the Fallen ended up getting the worst stick, vilified by both Angels and Devils, not that Azazel could be bothered to do anything to change that. Course the Devils were caught up in their Civil War to help with the situation as it fell to the Angels to clean up. One by one they took off into the night as Kalawarna was about to leave, only to spot something. Kneeling to pick it up, she examined the amber gem that was the size of a peapod as it rested in her hand. It held power, but she couldn't exactly figure what type of power. She pocketed the item in her jacket before taking off as she flew under the cover of night.
-On the night of Naruto's return-
Kalawarna landed before the smoking remains of the manor that Naruto had burned down, giving a look of distaste at the sight of a horrific ritual and slaughter. No humans had come to examine the remains yet as she looked around for her desired target. The gem she picked up before leaving London decades ago during a demon invasion was now fashioned into a necklace that rested on her striking cleavage by a silver chain. Said jewel was glowing as she figured it was acting like a compass, guiding her to this place, but she was just a bit late.
"Damn it, I missed him." She muttered before taking off to head back to the Grigori. What she didn't know is that Naruto was hidden under a genjutsu under a nearby tree leaning against it as he watched her arrive and then fly off. His purple eyes taking in her appearance as he was intrigued as to why a Fallen would be searching for him. The clone dispelled as the information was passed onto Naruto, who was elsewhere.
-Sometime in the 1960s-
Kalawarna was at a local bar owned and operated by the Grigori as she took a drink from her glass of brandy. It was a slow day as she had no assignments to handle, that and Azazel was really getting into the whole weed and pot brownies culture that was the craze this decade as he managed to hotbox the entire Grigori HQ one time, the smell made her nose wrinkle and so here she was. Enjoying a drink and just munching on some spicy wings while listening to the music from the jukebox.
Her necklace started to glow as it drew her attention.
"This seat taken?" Her eyes widened at the smooth voice and turned to see Naruto, wearing clothing fit for the time, not the hippie stuff, just jeans jacket and shirt with gloves and boots. He gave a friendly smile as Kalawarna nodded and replied.
"No, go ahead."
"Thanks." He took the seat next to her at the bar as the tender came over. "I'll have something fruity." He ordered as Kalawarna nudged over the basket of wings in offering while his drink was being made.
"Names Naruto, so what's a lovely woman like yourself doing all alone in here?" He asked and picked a leg to eat.
"My boss is a manchild who'se busy getting high. I'm Kalawarna by the way." She returned the greeting with a small smile as she could sense he meant no ill will. She also knew he was the same boy form the ritual that almost destroyed all of London centuries ago. Giving a once over as she had to admit he grew up to be a handsome one.
"Ouch, yeah he's quirky I'll say that." The duo would chat for a bit as Kalawarna would find herself making a friend in Naruto.
-Present Time-
Kalawarna reached behind her neck and undid the clasp to her necklace as she offered it to him. Naruto held the small amber stone between his index finger and thumb and could feel its energy. The crystal was pure chakra, condensed from its energy state to a solid gem as he could tell it was his own chakra. Possibly the last of his chakra from his previous life unchanged. He also could feel that it was damaged, must be an overload of power from her arrival to the Hellhold when she was saved from certain death. Clenching his fingers around it, he channeled a bit of power through it before handing it back to her.
"There you go, good as new." He smiled.
"Wait, you're not mad?" She asked, confusion all over her beautiful face.
"No, why would I be?"
"Ignoring your ridiculously hot body, I could have saved you from all this!" She motioned to his crystalized flesh as her tone made it obvious that she blamed herself for being unable to stop the ritual and his change. Naruto gave a small sigh as he sensed her guilt. Her gaze looked away from his as her arms were folded over her chest. She didn't expect him to pull her into a hug as her head rested on his chest. She couldn't describe it, but she felt safe in his arms as her bitter mood diminished a bit, getting comfty as she listened to his heartbeat, arms sliding around his torso.
"Look Kalawarna, I appreciate your concern and blaming yourself for my current well-being wont undo what's already happened. The past is the past and to be honest, I wouldn't go back and change it if I could, well besides preventing all the innocent death and destruction. I've already made peace with my changes and what's become of me, I'm not that little boy you tried to save long ago anymore. Now I'm just a big dork you currently like with a fancy castle you can call home." He said as he got her to smile at the last bit, always lighting the mood to uplift spirits. They separated as she caught him giving her a one over.
"If it makes you feel any better, I got to avenge all those they sacrificed." He admitted.
-Flashback, somewhere in the Underworld-
"AAAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!" the robed priest howled in agony as Naruto's hands held his head, thumbs gouging his eyes as the young blonde held a twisted grin. Taking joy in torturing his victims before the man's head crumpled under the pressure of his grip with a meaty crunch. It was a few years after the incident as Naruto had amassed a small following of demons while keeping out of the Underworld's more civilized parts and avoiding the Devils. He dropped the headless corpse as he turned his gaze to the next prisoner as a demon pushed him forward. The demons under his command helped him locate those responsible for the whole ritual as he took it upon himself to repay their kindness, all of them lined up and bound in chains. His bloody hands wrapped around the human's neck and started to crush it despite his pleas and struggling while other demons helped themselves to the free meals Naruto left for them.
-Back to the present-
"It was very therapeutic. Nice dress by the way." Kalawarna smiled and gave a twirl as it looked great on her while her wings flapped a bit, his compliment warming her heart a bit as she liked it.
"Thanks handsome, I got it after my time with….." She trailed off, eyes widening as her mind came back to the huge revelation of just who she got down and dirty with earlier and helped her break away from Azazel's clutches. Naruto just gave a small chuckle to her look as she was at a loss for words. Sliding an arm over her shoulders, he took a stroll with the blue haired beauty as he began.
"You obviously have a lot of questions, and I'm more than happy to answer some things. Lucy's already left the building as she's got her own things to do. Only a select few know of her return and some of her friends too, my wife and daughter included. They had a hand with helping create this beautiful place around us as its their new home, not just mine and yours…" He started to explain as Kalawarna would soak up the information like a sponge as he answered any question she asked.
-A few days later at the Vatican-
It was Sunday as a limo pulled up as Rias and her peerage got out, all dressed in their Sunday best of dresses and suits since she reached out to Naruto to help arrange a meeting with the Pope for a few reasons. She knew he was reliable and had connections, but honestly didn't expect it to be that easy, then again it was Naruto. Asia had a small smile as while she was a devil, she still felt good about being back home even if it was just part of the past. Rias led the group to the heavy doors of the basilica as the gang took note they were being watched by guards, they were Devils in the most holy territory of the church. The guards stepped before them as they got close and were about to apprehend them.
"Settle down guys, they're with me." A voice spoke up as everyone turned to see Naruto leaning against one of the pillars finishing his cigarette as he put it out. The blonde was dressed in a black suit with a dark purple shirt and tie with slacks, snakeskin dress shoes with silver tips and black leather gloves and steampunk sunglasses. His shoulder length hair was done into a messy bun as he smiled to the group as the guards nodded and backed off. Naruto produced a small, long black box from his jacket and popped it open to reveal a set of small silver badges, all the size of their thumb and each was one stylized. First was a crescent moon with a pitchfork, second was a small dove with lightning behind it, a cute hello kitty icon, a sword and shield paired together, a goblet with golden liquid and finally a dragon egg. Gasper wasn't with Rias's group, so he didn't get one. Each member took their specific pin as Naruto spoke up.
"You devils start getting nauseous and become ill around holy stuff, when near churches and anything that involves holy communion, these little trinkets will put a small magic blanket of protection so you don't suffer those effects and can still do what you used to." He gave a small wink to Asia as she smiled and everyone put their pins on their uniforms as they looked good on them too while they saw a thin layer of magic form over them and vanish. He put the case away and took them to the doors as a slot opened and a priest stared back at him.
"I'm here to see Francesco." Naruto stated his purpose as the man narrowed his eyes and asked.
"And what business would you have with our Holy Pope, young man?" He looked over Naruto and then Rias and her friends as he knew what they were. Naruto cleared his throat as his eyes shimmered a bit behind his sunglasses.
"I am a monument to all your sins." His voice came out distorted and demonic as Rias's friends were taken aback by such a change. Rias of course already had seen Naruto in his demon form before, and she thought it was awesome. The man's eyes widened as he recognized the phrase and shut the slot, some locks were heard being undone as the doors opened and the young clergy member welcomed them in.
"My deepest apologies, my lord, we hadn't known you would arrive today. Please wait here while I let Pope Francesco know you are here." The man promptly bowed his head and ran off as Naruto took off his glasses and tucked them in his breast pocket.
"Um, excuse me Mr. Uzumaki, how do you know the pope and can talk to everyone here so casually?" The ex-nun asked as she never saw them react like this around others, not even Dulio or Griselda.
"Simple, I helped put him in power." Naruto shrugged as he led the gang through the church. Soon enough they were with the pope in his office as it was a spacious room suited to his tastes with the man in question being a kind and elderly individual decked out in the white robes. Rias and her friends took seats or stood around the office while Naruto's seat was at the side of his desk.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Your Holiness." Rias smiled to the old human as he returned it.
"Of course, anything to help a friend of my friend here." He gestured to Naruto, who was munching on a small bowl of communion wafers. "I'd like to get to the main focus about the Excalibur fragments that were stolen by a rogue agent of the Grigori and his sect of followers." Rias began as the wizened man nodded and leaned back in his seat. While others were focused on the Pope, Akeno noted Naruto's eyes rolling when the Grigori was brought up.
"Truly a misfortune to be deceived by agents of chaos under the guise of peace. Governor Azazel had contacted me earlier and assured me that the rogue Cadre Kokabiel had been dealt with. My friend here also collected the sword and brought the vile Valper into custody for us as well." Pope Francesco spoke as he turned on the TV on the wall to show security footage of the creature that captured Valper show up in one of the Vatican jail cells deep under the basilica as it puked up Valper and then melted away into the stone cracks. His trial was recorded as the man was spouting nonsense and clearly lost his mind as he was then beheaded by a Church executioner dressed in ceremonial armor from the Crusades. The TV was turned off as the group looked to Naruto.
"Wait what was you who saved us?" Issei asked as they all wondered who Skullface was as the powers he displayed were unknown to them.
"Yeah. I'm a bounty hunter, was doing my job. Speaking of…" Naruto snapped his fingers as the four cases holding the fragments of Excalibur appeared in his upturned hand. The Pope nodded and pressed a button under his desk as the doors opened and some priests walked in to collect the weapon as Naruto pulled his hand back a bit.
"Lose them again, and I will destroy the holy weapon for good, am I clear?" He addressed the four priests with a stern look as they bowed in understanding and took the cases before filing out of the office.
"You have my eternal gratitude for preventing a war from breaking out, Gebel. If I may ask, what of the mad priest Freed?" Francesco asked.
-Couple days ago in the Hellhold-
Freed was guided to a large coliseum deep under the castle, a place where demons could fight it out and work out aggression without upsetting the higherups. Leading him was Naruto as he led him to the edge and looked to the ex-priest. Freed, still scared out of his mind, but having some bite, decided for one last jab.
"Whats this, you gonna put on a big gay show for me, fucking freak?" He chortled as his old body was only going cause Naruto stuck him with a shot of adrenaline. What happened next shocked Freed as he smiled and lunged in, forcing a kiss with Freed as his long tongue shoves down the clone's throat. Freed could feel pure pain as the strong muscle tore a hole through his inner neck and chest causing internal bleeding, torn muscles and a ruptured esophagus. Pulling back as he retracted his tongue, Naruto then threw Freed down to the stadium grounds below while cleaning his mouth and tongue with some water.
Freed landed and broke some ribs as he heard the gates opening and looked in horror to see several big and burly demons stomp out. Their gazes focusing on him as they let out harsh roars and charged. Freed spotted a bronze dagger in his agonizing pain and made to grab it but was too late as the Hell Knights descended upon him. Their thick and clawed fists beating him to a bloody mess as they broke his brittle body and ripped him apart. The last thing he felt was his head being ripped from his shoulders and crushed in the hands of one Knight as they proceeded to feast on his corpse. Naruto just watched the whole thing and walked away.
-Back to the meeting-
"He's been dealt with."
Francesco nodded as Naruto's answer told him all he needed to hear. Just as Rias was going to bring up Asia and Kiba's misfortunes from the church, the door slammed open as Xenovia and Irina were there, the former looking upset as she caught wind of devils in the holiest of places.
"Exorcist Shidou and Quarta, what can I help you with?" The old man asked as he wasn't bothered by their entrance as the two walked in. Xenovia's hard gaze lingered on Asia as she shied away while the others watched her for any sudden movements. The two were sparring when they got word so they rushed here.
"We heard that some devils got inside, more importantly, why is she here, her very presence defiles our order!" Xenovia pointed to Asia, who looked down in shame as Issei's arm came around her. Francesco held a stern look as he replied,
"This meeting was set up between myself and the sister of the current ruler of the Underworld to clear grievances and resolve the theft of Excalibur. You two were to call for backup when the situation proved more troubling than we assumed which you neglected, do not presume to demand answers from me, Ms. Quarta." He spoke in a firm tone as Irina felt a bit ashamed with how Xenovia was upset, bit grouchy since the loss of Durandal as they were working on reforging it again. The Swordswoman turned to Asia as her friends came around her in defense.
"Does it please you, witch. To be back under the roof of out holy father and staining the very ground you walk upon, perhaps I should smite you in his name to cleanse your dirty soul?" She started as everyone frowned at her tone and demeaning words as Naruto set his snack down.
"Exorcist Quarta, that's enough!" Her boss spoke up with a warning as Xenovia took a step forward, she didn't have her sword, but she didn't need it to cleanse a sinner from this world, she was a trained killer as were all exorcists to strike down unholy beings. Her sparring weapon would suffice. Just before she could make a move as she was getting tunnel vision about getting rid of the traitorous nun, Naruto spoke up.
"If you're going to kill her, stop monologuing and be done with it." Now all eyes were on him as Asia looked ready to cry while Issei glared at him. Naruto's gaze was focused on Xenovia as he can smell her conflicting emotions, one hand she firmly believed that striking down Asia was the right choice, but the revelation of God's death still shook her.
"What's making you hesitate? Can't muster up the strength to strike down such a pure soul? Or is it because the moment you lay a hand on her, your life is forfeit?" He asked as Xenovia looked to Naruto, who motioned to Issei.
"Mr. Hyodou is willing to throw hands if you so much as touch a hair on her head, and I doubt you'd be willing to take a Boosted Gear enhanced haymaker to your face followed by a beatdown. Not to mention if you also try to kill him and her friends, Rias here will torch this whole basilica to the ground to protect her friends. Every single soul here will be snuffed out and all that blood will be on your hands. Let's also not forget the outbreak of another war if you do go through with it, are you willing to risk it all just to enact a mercy killing that's not needed, Daughter of Griselda Quarta?" Naruto went on as he painted a gruesome picture for everyone in the room, letting them know just how one simple act could spark the war they all wanted to prevent. The silence allowed them to pick up commotion outside as a woman's angry voice could be heard amongst others trying to stall her. Her accent was English, and she was pissed.
"Where the fuck is that old codger!"
"Ma'am please, he's in a meeting!"
"And I don't give a damn, that rat bastard owes me a definite fucking explanation!"
The sounds of people getting tossed around were also heard as heels echoes along the polished floors outside. Naruto glanced to Francesco as he started to sweat and get nervous as he looked back to Xenovia while everyone was now focused on the door. Of all the group, Asia recognized the voice of the woman the most as she missed her ever since she left the Church years ago. "Mom?"
"I'm sure the mother of Asia Argento will hunt you to the ends of the earth and personally send your soul to Hell for the sin of Treachery for harming her little angel." Naruto added as the door to the office shattered open with a kick as a weapon was thrown. Everyone dodged out of the way as Naruto put a hand on Francesco's back and pushed him onto his desk as his other hand snatched the holy spear mid air as it would have plunged into the Pope's chest.
"Dominique, you look delicious as ever, take it you heard the news and wanted answers?" Naruto asked as he cracked a smile to the newcomer. The tall and stunningly beautiful blonde woman wore a black bodysuit and heels with white sleeves and chest with a gold trim, a nice cap and glasses as her golden blonde hair poured down her back with her bangs covering her left eye. She held her hand out as her holy silver spear yanked itself from Naruto's hand and back into hers as she rested it on her shoulder.
"I knew I smelt sulfur & mint when I entered the city." The now named Dominique strode over the sprawled teens and with her spear, she moved Naruto's hand off her former boss and picked him up by his robes.
"When I left this place and the service of our order, you swore to me you would watch over and protect her, was that a lie, Father Francesco?" Her voice was low as her blue eye glared to the old man, Francesco took a drink form his glass of water as he cleared his throat and answered, eyes locked on the furious blonde ex-nun before him ad he gave an apologetic smile.
"I can assure you, Dominique. That was never a thought to cross my mind. But you know how the Church follows the word of Michael in our Holy Lord's absence. I had no choice but to excommunicate Asia when we found out she healed that devil, the outcry from such a revelation would shatter the Church. My hands were tied." He explained as he truly was sorry for what he was forced to do, casting out such a gentle soul because her kind nature turned away no one no matter their background. The blonde woman's eye narrowed as she let go of the Pope and glanced to Naruto.
"Remind me to break Michael's nose next time I see him." She muttered as he gave a light chuckle.
"Now, who might you lot be?" Dominique asked just before she was enveloped in a tight hug from Asia, who muttered 'mommy' into her chest as the blonde hugged her back and a smile formed on her face.
"I missed you so much, Asia." She said in a soft tone as Asia looked up.
"Why did you leave?" The older woman just smiled as she tapped Asia on the nose and moved to sit down on a couch while everyone was picking themselves off the floor.
"Well, I happened to fall in love, but it's a bit complicated than those stories I used to read to you of knights and princesses. I'll tell you all about it later, lets resume this meeting, ok?" She replied as Asia was surprised about hearing her mom finding someone special and nodded as she sat next to her when everyone got back to their spots. The meeting would conclude after an hour as everyone was soon in front of the Church entrance as it was time to say goodbye.
Both Kiba and Asia had received formal apologies from Francesco himself for what had happened to them. Xenovia also apologized for her behavior as it was unbecoming of a woman of the cloth to demean others. Rias was personally happy that the whole thing could be smoothed over and that new connections could be made with the humans.
"Well, that seems to be your ride, Lady Gremory. It was nice meeting you and your friends and I wish you a safe return to your home." Pope Francesco smiled with a small bow to the teens as their limo pulled up. He turned to leave only to pause.
"Oh, I almost forgot." He reached into his robe and pulled out a small package of cream color and twine, with a wax seal of a lamb on the front. He passed it to Asia who was interested as it smelt like cherry wood, "An old friend of ours wished to express his concerns about what had happened and wanted to gift you something that was once his. May your pure heart never sway, Asia Argento." With that, the leader of the Vatican walked off flanked by his men as they returned to their roles. Naruto spotted Issei taking off his pin to hand back as he held out a hand to turn him down.
"Keep it, I'm not one to take gifts back, plus you and your lady friend have some catching up to do. Can't have some arbitrary rules hold you two from enjoying each other's company." He motioned to Irina as Issei and the others kept their pins, Asia smiling as she looked to Dominique who smiled back.
"Rias, may I spend some time with my mom? I promise to be back this evening." Asia asked with a hopeful look as Rias thought for a moment and nodded in acceptance. "Sure, just be sure to be safe." She smiled as Asia thanked her with a hug as the peerage was getting in the limo while Dominique turned to Naruto.
"So how are the kids?" He asked.
"They're doing well, Roxas is taking care of them as they're starting to teeth." She answered as Naruto helped the two keep their relationship secret, as all three knew of Zekram and his old friends. Dominique then reached into one of her sleeves and brought out a crystalline orb the size of a kiwi that looked to be carved from amethyst.
"I have a gift for Lady Annabelle. I'm positive our lovely queen of music will enjoy the vile prisoner; he was quite the annoyance." She spoke as Naruto plucked the orb form her head and could feel the presence of a devil trapped within. Pocketing the item as Dominique was guided away by an excited Asia as Xenovia and Irina followed. Issei too as Rias let him as Irina held his arm. Naruto brought out the wooden training sword Xenovia dropped earlier and with some magic, transformed it into a beautiful scarlet rose glowing with power, a gift.
"Lucy sends her regards and congrats, Rias." He handed to rose to the young woman as she accepted it with a smile. The limo driving off as Naruto summoned his ride and also left the holy city as it was a good day.
-Los Angeles-
The night life was abuzz in the city of angels as a black vintage corvette was speeding down the street, the back license plate reading 'FALL1N1'. The car was a personal favorite of one Luise Cypher, or Lucy as her friends called her as the new identity helped with a second chance at life free of burdens. It was quite refreshing to be amongst mankind as the former ruler of Hell had come a long way from being the bitter and vengeful Demon Lord that fashioned the Devils for the sole purpose of waging war against Heaven and God.
The blonde babe of a demon was dressed in a tight pantsuit that hugged her figure and fashionable heels as the devil did wear prada after all. The only accessory gracing her hands was a single silver ring with a black gemstone on her left middle finger. Said item was very precious to Lucy as it was from Lilith, someone she missed and searched for. The radio on the car was playing 'Ain't no rest for the wicked' as her fingers drummed to the music and sped past a patrolling officer. The sound of the sirens going off had her glance and adjust the rearview mirror with a smile. Pulling over as the cop walked over and spoke over the loud music.
"Hey, cut the music." He ordered and made a gesture as she gave a quick and sassy 'sorry' and did that while flashing a charming smile.
"You know why I pulled you over?" he asked as Luise held a look before answering.
"Well, obviously you felt the need to exercise your limited powers and punish me for ignoring the speed limit. It's ok, I understand." She grinned with a light giggle while looking up to him. "I like to punish people too, or at least I used to."
"License and registration." He motioned to the glove compartment as Luise sighed, "Coming right up." Pulling a roll of cash from her breast pocket and starting to peel off dollars. The cop blinked in bewilderment,
"Are you trying to bribe me, ma'am?!"
"Yes of course." She grinned and held out several large bills, "Is that not enough?" As his expression was still the same and pulled more. "Well then take more, its only money."
"Its against the law, ma'am." Luise just chuckled at that.
"You people are funny about your laws, aren't you?" She looked back to him and pointed to him with cash still in hand. "You break the law sometimes, don't you?" Her eyes full of humor as something about her gaze compelled the officer to respond, an urge to confess as he cracked a smile.
"Sometimes, I put my siren on and drive really fast for no reason at all, just cause I can." While Luise nodded in encouragement.
"Right? Why wouldn't you? It's fun! Feels good to get away with something, doesn't it?" she asked in a cheery attitude.
"Yeah." The cop smiling and nodding along as that happy feeling melted and he blinked in confusion with his smile gone.
"It's ok officer, people like to tell me things. Those deep, dark, naughty little desires that are on their mind. It's a gift, must be something about this beautiful face? You're tempted to keep it, aren't you?" She held out the money as he nodded.
"Well, what are you waiting for, permission? Take it, buy yourself something pretty, you deserve it." The sum of cash slid from one hand to another as she started her car up.
"If you don't mind, I really must be on my way."
"Oh yeah, of course. Hey, have a nice evening." The officer gave a huge smile with a pat and point as he walked to his vehicle.
"You too officer. You too." She uttered as the music kicked back up and she sped off. Soon enough she pulled up to a tall tower building with the word LUX shown from the top. She got out of her car and walked up to the entrance of the club as her employees greeted her.
"Ms. Morningstar." She smiled and tossed her keys to the valet and walked past the long line of people wanting in as the bouncer nodded and let her through. She also went by Lucifer Morningstar, pretty on the nose but everyone in the city and beyond thought it was just a stage name of a public persona gig. Her smile widened as she entered the club and took in the sights and sounds of debauchery and sin. Humans just having the time of their lives as music blared from the speakers, dancers on stage and poles and drinks and drugs being served all around. She made her way around the crowds and got to the bar at the end, already a tender serving her gin as she winked and walked off. One would think all this fun would be attributed to Lust, Greed and Envy, but it was the sin of Pride that filled the humans as Luise soaked it all up with content as she entered a secret elevator while sipping her drink.
Up in the lavish penthouse of the building that was Luise's personal home away from the Hellhold, a trio of prisoners woke up. Raynare's vision was blurry as she sat up in the couch and looked around, both confused and astonished by the environment around her, was this death? She spotted Mittlet on the large bed and Dohnaseek in the chair. The ping of the elevator barely registered as she asked herself.
"Is this Hell?"
"No, my humble abode is not my former kingdom, I hear its changed immensely by the Devils after the Great War and their Civil War." Luise's voice caught Raynare's attention as the woman was at her personal bar pouring a drink as her gin was all gone. The fallen angel the noticed her hands and legs were bound by strings of light and so were the other two, an ancient angelic spell that only the higher classes knew. Luise came over and sat down in a recliner as she took a drink and examined her three prisoners with interest.
"Uhh, who are you?" Mittlet asked.
"I should be asking you, Azazel's leadership that bad that you 4 struck out and tried stealing a few toys to bolster your chances?" Luise asked with humor as Raynare blinked and looked around.
"Where is Kalawarna?" Raynare might be a bitch to humans, but she did care for her three fellow fallen, even if she didn't show it.
"She's with a good friend. Let's get back on topic, what's a small cell of rogue fallen angels doing attracting the attention of devils and going about stealing and killing some of the old man's toys?" she asked as her focus was on Raynare, who felt the urge to come clean.
"I-I wanted to leave with my friends as the Grigori is in a downward spiral and Azazel wasn't doing anything." She admitted as she let out a breath and came to her senses.
"Hmm, I see, that messy, eh? Sounds like Azazel all right…" Luise swirled her drink and drank some more as her gaze shifted to Dohnaseek.
"And what about you, Donny? I heard you had a bit of a personality shift over the decades. You were quite the stubborn and serious one last I remember and always at Baraquiel's side. What changed?" She questioned as said fallen seemed to perk up at the name 'Donny'. He glanced to Raynare and Mittlet before exhaling from his nose. Welp, no reason to hide it anymore.
"I was undercover, not for Azazel, but for Baraquiel, though he did not know." He told as Raynare and Mittlet looked to him in surprise.
"Oh, do tell, I love a good spy story." Luise snickered.
"It was a while ago when Kokabiel approached me about breaking away and reigniting the Great War. He was always a bit loose, but it seems he was fed up with Azazel's lack of leadership and that of the big deal, we got it the worst. He wanted to put us on the map as the top dogs, yet he was too blind to realize we're vastly outnumbered and outgunned. Seeing an opportunity, I joined his group in the hopes of getting him when he let his guard down, Azazel was too much of a coward to step up so took it into my own hands to do what needed to be done." Dohnaseek explained as Luise held her hand out and his hat flew off his head to her. She reached into the apparel up to her elbow as angelic runes flickered and shattered along the brim and body of the hat and pulled out a dagger.
"Oho, now this is a treat, you've been carrying this around all this time in your hat, how'd you steal one of these?" She asked while balancing the blade tip on her index finger. The weapon itself was made of gold and silver with a pearl in the pommel and the blade itself spiraling from base to tip. It was an archangel blade and only reserved for Archangels, Lucifer wasn't one anymore, so that left Michael.
"I didn't steal it, I forged it." Dohnaseek clarified as he sounded a bit offended about being accused of theft of such a holy weapon. "Of course you did, Donny. I'd never doubt your skills in light-forging. I bet you had this ready to assassinate Kokabiel when the time was right, clever play as he would be destroyed by this down to his very soul." She commented and tossed the dagger up and caught it again as she twirled it around her hand. Now Dohnaseek had his suspicions ever since waking up; the bands of light binding him and the others, the casual poise and tone of this woman, how she called him Donny instead of Dohnaseek like any other angel including Michael. Seeing her play with an Archangel Blade was the final clue, part of him was worried, but the larger part was relieved at figuring her out.
"Is it really you, Lucifer?"
Luise paused playing with the knife as Raynare and Mittlet were now both looking at her in fear, they never met Lucifer during their time in heaven as it was long before their time, but the stories about him were well known and how much of a monster he was after his fall. Luise smiled as she set the knife and hat on the glass coffee table and straightened in her seat.
"What gave it away?"
"Of all the angels I knew and served under, you're the only one to call me Donny. And we both know Michael isn't one for light-cuffs." He replied and held his hands up as they were still bound together by the wrists. Luise snapped her fingers as the binds on all three dispersed and she took another drink.
"Oh come off it you two, I'm not the same big bad boogyman you heard in records. I've changed." Luise clarified as all three relaxed, well tried to.
"B-but you died." Mittlet stammered.
"I did, I got better." Was Luise's simple and short response.
"Wait, if you're alive and here, then that means…" Raynare trailed off as her eyes widened, God would never allow his traitorous child to roam free among mankind doing as they pleased.
"That Father is dead, yes, that is an astute fact considering I personally snuffed his life out. Honestly, I'm surprised you never noticed; this Sacred Gear program of his glitching out now and then, a holy maiden healing a devil without harming him, the fact he's never answered your prayers and Michael will leave you hanging since you already fell. I am aware Michael and Azazel are doing their best to keep it all under wraps, but come on, you should have figured it out sooner than later." Luise finished her drink and set the glass aside as she stood up.
"So we can't go home?" Mittlet muttered as she looked ready to cry, there were few fallen that did want to return to heaven, and doing good deeds seemed like a good idea.
"I'm afraid so, even if you could, Michael wouldn't allow you back as you've already proven you can't remain pure and have already sinned. Which brings me to your current predicament." All three Fallen looked to her with questioning gazes as she added,
"Azazel does not know you three are alive, he found out your teammate is, and it almost cost him when he tried to demand her return. I bet he will be extremely furious if he found out you three were still kicking. I offer you a good ol' fashioned deal; Walk out of this building and see how long you can survive with all three factions gunning for your heads, or, cast aside your tarnished loyalty to Azazel's little cult and come work for me and I will have you under the protection of a close friend of mine." Luise offered her ultimatum as Dohnaseek, Raynare and Mittlet looked to each other and weighed their options. One hand: certain death as they'd be hunted for as long as they could live. Other hand: swallow their independent pride and become servants to Lucifer and this mysterious person she held close. With a nod, they decided and gave her their answer.
"Excellent, oh and apologies in advance as this might sting a little." Luise smirked as she moved her arms as red lightning and energy radiated from her hands aimed at the three.
Woot Woot!, another solid chapter. Hope you all enjoy and please leave a review and as any question you want to or reach me via PM. Side note; you guys think I'm going too slow with the plot, like I know majority of canon DxD takes place within a year, then again I don't think I need to visit every arc. Anyway, that's enough about my thoughts. Hope y'all are having fun.
Hell is Fun21 signing out~
