CH13: Evening Primrose
"That is the end of my report, Yukari-sama." Ran bowed respectively towards her master. "The humans possessed weapons stronger than I expected, but fending them off adequately was of no concern."
Yukari hummed, watching over the Youkai from the outside world enter through a barrier. She wore white, western-style dress with her hair hidden by her mob cap. Her pink lace parasol casually, yet elegantly carried over her shoulder fit her appearance as one of the sages of Gensokyo. She sat on a red gap, looking over the activities of youkai and human alike while Ran described events of the outside to her.
"Perhaps it is fortune that this… instigator of war between the 3 factions further pushes the Youkai Faction into our arms." Yukari commented more to herself than anybody.
"Are you speaking of the report that Azusa and Aya have found regarding the Grigori?" Ran inquired, hands hidden in her sleeves, while floating next to Yukari.
"Yes." Yukari nodded. "Yasaka knows that the Youkai Faction cannot survive should the three factions descend into war. The devil's own a portion of Japan after all, and it would not be mere speculation should Japan be used as a front. The other factions could conceivably attack Japan, seeing them as an ally of the devils, further weakening the Youkai Faction. It would only be a matter of time before they lost."
Ran said nothing as Yukari continued her analyses.
"Even should the three factions cry for peace in the name of survival, the standing agreement is that people unaware of the supernatural world should remain that way under ordinary circumstances. Without the belief of the common populace, unlike older times, the Youkai Faction will continue to struggle. Faith from other supernatural elements alone will not be enough to sustain them." Yukari concluded, almost smirking at her plan. "Here however, it is without a doubt where Youkai are strongest with belief in Youkai being universal. Yasaka knows this."
"And that's why you don't intend to intervene any more than you need to?" Ran questioned.
"Correct. The outside Youkai Faction continue to distrust me from previous actions long past. However, by building good faith through you and our outside team, regardless of my intentions to use them or not, Yasaka and her council will ignore it. They will remain wary of me, as they should, but the goodwill of our residents will ply their reluctance enough for me to constitute additional… stipulations later on."
Yukari opened another gap, wincing slightly at the tug at her very being, to look at Reimi. Currently, she was playing with some of the fairies who had made their residence right next to the Hakurei Shrine not so long ago. Sanae continued to fret over Reimu's daughter, but did nothing to stop the young girl from laughing while fairies flew around her.
Another gap opened. In it showed Reimu, sleeping as always while Kaguya sat in a chair next to her. The latter wore a lab coat, frustratingly looking over a textbook while Eirin stood next to her.
"Time continues to progress, but waits for no one to follow. Like a river, it flows, overtaking anyone who dares to stand in its path." Yukari rhetorically stated, while looking to Ran.
"You looked confused Ran. What is it?" Yukari smiled innocently.
"I apologize for asking, Yukari-sama." Ran bowed her head apologetically. "If you were further concerned over the strength of the team you sent outside, why have you not sent any further reinforcements to assist in the security?"
Yukari huffed, raising a finger as if scolding the nine-tailed fox. "I've requested for each one specifically on the team. Any more, and the Youkai Faction might have thrown a tantrum. Any less, and they might believe that I would not be taking them seriously. Some of the members may not be the strongest or even the smartest."
The beautiful, blonde haired woman opened a gap to the interior of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, showing Sakuya serving Remilia tea within.
"If I simply wanted power, any of the vampires of the Scarlet Devil Mansion would've done well. While Remilia or even Flandre would serve well as bodyguards, the restrictions of their race, as well as the affability with others would be minimal at best. With the leylines of Kyoto restricting Yasaka as well, we would need magically inclined researchers to look into separating her from it." Yukari closed the gap to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. "Requesting Marisa, whom by extension, would ask Alice brings two of Gensokyo's best magical researchers, barring very few. If it benefit her, Remilia would also lend Patchouli, who holds some affinity for both. They certainly may not be the strongest, and Marisa would be nothing to scoff at still, but their intelligence on all things magically concerned would be to their forte."
"I see. And in terms of strength, there are few who could match Suika or Aya, and even less who could defeat them." Ran began to understand. "Then what impact does Reisen have, Yukari-sama? I understand her medicinal prowess, but…"
Yukari raised a finger to her lips.
"That would be telling. It is nobody's concern. Now, we have an appointment with Byakuren to keep. It would be in excellent taste if we were to show up last, no?"
Ran sighed as she was forced to follow the whims of her master again. Yukari had already disappeared into her gap, remaining open to wait for Ran to enter. She floated in, and the gap closed behind her as she entered Yukari's realm, wondering what Reimu would think of everything had she been here.
xXx
Reisen pored over the papers she had received from Suika over a desk. Both she and Marisa had returned from the Siege of Kyoto. The lunar rabbit had been forced to remain behind in order to ensure that the devils wouldn't raise suspicions regarding why the clinic was empty all of a sudden. They were contractually obligated to assist each other at the moment, but they still naturally kept secrets from each other.
Her eyes scanned the writing on it thoroughly. Suika's narrowed eyes from earlier informed her that whatever it was prior, it was extremely important. Marisa hadn't had a clue on what it was. Both were now asleep in their rooms while Reisen was awake.
"Master's writing." Reisen murmured to herself. "I know that Yasaka-sama's orders were to help defend Kuoh and the devils, but…"
How could she spin this in order to help best suit the Gensokyo team? How to manipulate this situation for the devils to give them the most good will and leniency? When did trying to follow what both she and her master wanted about being tired of war, and wanting a more open Gensokyo become so difficult?
"For now, maybe following this would be best. Gathering more information, on top of Aya's reports, would be the most ideal."
Scouts, including Aya, had informed her that shattered remnants of Excalibur in the form of swords were moving towards Kuoh. However, these swords had disappeared and the scouts could no longer find them. Tengu scouts around Kuoh would be too obvious and easily sighted as well.
"Having Suika-san scout again would be for the best. Her mist is nearly impossible to detect, and Yukari-sama was the one who forced her out into the open during that one incident…" Reisen recalled. "The devils can't detect it. We'd need to know immediately if someone enters Kuoh. The question then becomes whether we inform Rias-san and Sona-san. By our contract, we should. However…"
A knock at her door shook her out of her tirade.
Strange, she thought. The clinic was clearly closed and the devils would have normally used a magical circle to teleport to the front entrance.
The lunar rabbit walked to the front and opened the door, eyes widening as she saw who was there.
Kiba Yuuto. Bleeding from wounds with black smoke coming out of them. The boy was gasping for air, leaning against the outside wall, smearing blood. She would even consider it a miracle the swordsman was still standing.
Professionalism overtook her as she helped the boy inside, blood coating her doctor's coat. She managed to pull the entrance to the Inaba Clinic closed, locking it while almost dragging the handsome boy into the emergency room. Immediately laying him down, she performed a quick diagnosis on him and began to work.
She didn't know if there was any internal bleeding, but she didn't have time. Given what she knew about the devils, removing the holy element of the wounds would be integral to his survival. Reaching into the drawer was a sleeping, two inch tall Suika who was napping.
"Bweh?" She sputtered out as she awoke, rubbing her eyes.
"Suika-san. I need your help. Could you draw the holy energy out of Kiba-san? Put it into the vial where I showed you." Reisen urgently said, laying an open palm for the tiny oni to jump onto.
"Whoa, what happened to him!?" The mini oni immediately questioned rhetorically. "Anyway, I can do that. Just gimme a sec!"
The copy of Suika raised her hand towards Kiba, sucking the black smoke out of him, followed by motes of white light outlined in yellow. Reisen remained in motion as Reisen took off all of Kiba's clothes in order to take a closer look at his injures. She hadn't procured a full antidote for the holy light wounds completely erasing a devil's existence, but her half measure should hopefully suffice. His other wounds, she could accelerate his healing process using her master's medication. After that, she would need to replenish the lost blood that Kiba was losing. It would be a long night before Kiba would be stabilized, and that wasn't even taking into account that she likely had to contact Rias and Sona about Kiba's condition.
xXx
"That sword…" Kiba whispered, but his opponent had heard it. "Where did you get that!?"
The person standing across for him laughed gleefully, licking the sword as if they were a psychopath.
No, that was inaccurate. This person is a psychopath and no other word could feasibly describe them.
"You shitty devils thought you'd seen the last of me!? I'm going to pay you back for how you treated me!" The man in the exorcist coat shouted, raising the sword towards Kiba. "I'm going to kill you with this new toy I've got!"
With speed surpassing regular humans, the man he recognized dashed towards him, disappearing from Kiba's sight. His eyes widened at the sudden speed, not recalling that the fallen exorcist had ever possessed this agility before.
He cried in pain as he barely raised a hastily made sword to block the attack which grazed his arm.
"Guugh!" Kiba instinctively leapt back. "Freed! Excalibur! I'll kill you and destroy that sword once and for all!"
xXx
"Freed!" Kiba awoke, lifting his body from his sickbed, only to immediate grunt at the sharp pain that coursed through his stomach.
"Awake already?" A familiar voice he heard before came from behind him at the side.
He slowly turned to look at the purple haired doctor sitting on a chair.
"Inaba-san."
"Kiba-san." She replied, crossing her arms strictly. "I didn't expect you to be up already. Your physiology is quite impressive. Is that the devil constitution helping to heal you so quickly, along with the medication I used?"
He frowned, but answered anyway. "Devils do regenerate quicker than normal from nonlethal attacks. I remember being injured badly with…"
Dark thoughts turned to the sword he clashed against.
Reisen cocked an eyebrow and crossed her arms, clearly interested in what he had to say. However, he remained silent.
"I wouldn't hide it if I were you. It was obvious it was some kind of holy sword that wounded you." Reisen chastised, eyeing the numerous stitches Kiba had over his body. "I removed the holy element, so you don't feel it obviously, but you were in terrible condition when you came in."
Kiba could read between the lines. He owed her. Yet, he remained persistent in keeping what he knew to himself.
Reisen sighed, frowning. "If you aren't going to talk to me about it, then I'm going to call Rias-san about your situation.
This time, his eyes widened which Reisen immediately noticed.
"It seems like Rias-san doesn't know that you were attacked. So you don't want her to know." The doctor commented, while Kiba cursed at himself. "You realize that I'm obligated anyway to inform Rias-san of your condition? To have wounded you like this, whoever it was must have had some skill."
Kiba clammed up again, immediately trying to keep himself from replying.
"Suika-san and Marisa-san might have been willing to keep quiet about this, but I'm different Kiba-san. When it comes to magic, I don't delve into it as deeply as Marisa-san. I'm certain you've seen Suika-san's strength for yourself as well." Reisen began, wheeling her chair closer to the blond devil. "However, I have my own expertise as well, and I will have you explain to me your situation. I would even say that telling me would be best if I'm going to be the one treating your injuries the most. Is there something stopping you from informing the others?"
Kiba stayed silent a few seconds longer before capitulating. "I don't want to involve the peerage."
Reisen cocked an eyebrow. "I think there's more to it than that and you know it. Ignoring that even, do you think that someone like Issei-san could overlook this if he even knew a fraction of what you were going through?"
No, Kiba thought to himself. Issei was predictable. While his fellow peerage member was an outrageous and unrepentant pervert, his loyalty was impressive even when he was a human. He could already see Issei trying to butt into his personal matters if he felt it would help Kiba in the slightest. Even if he tried to push Issei away, Issei would push back harder.
He could feel himself almost slipping in the face of Reisen's words and he could have sworn that he felt more aggravated than normal. His fists clenched, which Reisen noticed immediately.
"Plus, I highly doubt you defeated whoever attacked you. What if there were more than one? That would put your peerage in danger wouldn't it? You couldn't possibly stop everything by yourself if your condition was any indication." Reisen further provoked, almost coldly.
"Shut up!" Kiba snapped, irritation now overflowing as nails dug into his skin from clenching too hard. "You don't anything about me!"
He could have sworn Reisen's eyes glowed red momentarily, but he was too aggravated to even take note.
"You don't know anything about what I've been through! My friends…!" Kiba shouted, moving to get out of bed, groaning in pain as his body refused to move.
Kiba's breath heaved over and over. His heart pounded against his chest from the sudden influx of emotion he had. Sweat began forming from his hair as the swordsman snarled at his thoughts.
"You're right. I don't know anything you've been through." Reisen openly admitted, almost causing a heel turn from Kiba as he looked at her. "So then…, would you mind telling me so I understand?"
For a moment, Kiba appeared as if he wanted to object, turning away from her and towards the white walls of the Inaba Clinic, filled with cabinets that he could only guess contained. His head felt strange, almost as something was niggling in his mind, but he ignored it.
"I… wasn't always a devil. I used to be part of something called… the Holy Sword Project." Kiba started, the undercurrent of his tone lowered to almost a whisper. "I was human, and it was a secret project done by the church, but the higher ups didn't realize this was even being done."
Now, Reisen remained silent as Kiba continued explaining himself.
"It was research done on how humans could use holy swords successfully. I was one of the test subjects. The sword…" Kiba's voice shifted into hatred. "The director told us it was to find another wielder for Excalibur. He wanted to find parts of a human that allowed them to better use holy swords over normal people."
"In other words, it was an unethical, illegal experiment." Reisen affirmed for him as Kiba nodded in acquiesce. "And you felt angry?"
"Angry wouldn't even describe how I feel. Hate is more like it." Kiba corrected for her. "That sword killed all my friends. I live my life only for revenge. To destroy the sword that took them all away. That's my purpose, as the only survivor to that experiment."
The doctor looked straight at him, but made sure to at prevent any pity from showing. How could she, when she recognized the survivor's guilt within him?
"I wouldn't say I know how you feel exactly, Kiba-san." Reisen started, getting Kiba's attention. "But I also know the feeling of being a survivor. I've been a runaway once before, then I had to kill others in my life so I could remain free."
Her thoughts drifted back to the Lunarian War. She didn't explain how she had to kill fellow Lunarian Rabbits.
"I wonder at times what the last thoughts of those I've had to kill were." Reisen gave a wry grin. "Strange now that I'm in the business to protect life."
Kiba chuckled sardonically. "Yes. So, will you tell Buchou?"
"I will, because I'm required to from our contract. But that doesn't mean I can't hold specific details back until she specifically asks. Or lie. Patient confidentiality is almost a binding contract in of itself." Reisen compromised, which Kiba looked appeased at. "Just know that it would do you well to mention it, sooner or later. They'll catch on eventually."
He nodded. "I will. Thank you. This was… almost relieving in a way."
"You should rest for now. Going by your regeneration and my medicine, you'll need at least a full day before you can move again. Plus, Rias-san will no doubt visit you. You should think of something to say to her when you have time." Reisen stated before heading towards the doors leading outside of the operation room.
Kiba remained silent as he watched the doctor exit the double-sided doors.
The soft pillow on his head however, didn't stop the niggling, unusual feeling of his mind as he closed his eyes to sleep.
xXx
"My tiny clone lemme know what happened. Figured you'd want some privacy tho'." Suika said bluntly, already waiting outside for Reisen. "So? What'd he say?"
"If I had to put it simply, he has genuine hatred for the Excalibur, a legendary sword. He's supposedly the only survivor of an illegal experiment done by the church, one of the three major factions, and suffers from survivor's guilt." Reisen diagnosed.
"I recognized what ya' did ta' him. I don't like it, but I know why ya' needed ta' do it." Suika glowered slightly.
Reisen looked away shamefully. "I know…"
"Hey, whoa, my bad. Didn't mean it like that." Suika raised her hands into the air, indicating no aggression. "It's just that Marisa and I probably woulda' done things differently, but who knows if it'd be for da' best. There's a reason why ya' got relegated ta' one of Gensokyo's best interrogators. Maybe that's what we really needed here."
Suika's consolation did nothing to assuage Reisen however.
"Sorry, I just feel a little guilty. Doing this to someone somewhat similar to me… I ran away from the Moon so I could survive, then Master took me in. When I entered Gensokyo, I was no longer a Lunar Rabbit, but an Earth Rabbit instead." Reisen expounded, looking down towards the floor. "But it doesn't erase the feeling of having to kill Lunar Rabbits, just so I could live on. Some of them, I even recognized and knew from the time before I ran away."
"That why ya' got sent back? Cuz' ya' couldn't handle bein' on the front lines?" Suika inquired, though Reisen shook her head.
"No. My abilities allowed me to get information we needed in the war. I couldn't afford to be killed on the front with my power to sense and manipulate waves. That means making others more susceptible to questioning and interrogating from either apathy, or irrationality from manipulating their brain waves. Even information from some of the people I knew." Reisen clarified.
"And Yukari's someone who would value information." Suika finished for her, sighing at her old friend. "Just because I don't like it, doesn't mean I don't know why ya' guys did it. If it weren't for the two of ya' and a lotta others, there wouldn't even be a Gensokyo. I'm old enough ta' know that. Don't feel bad 'bout it, alright?"
The rabbit smiled softly. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."
"Course. Just givin' credit where its due. We've all done things before we're not proud of. It's life. I'm sure Eirin's the same, so don't worry so much 'bout it. Gensokyo's still up and runnin' thanks to everyone like you." Suika pat her gently on the head, despite Reisen being taller.
Reisen couldn't help being embarrassed, blushing at the almost affectionate way she was being pet by the Oni. It felt funny, seeing Suika extending her arm all the way up to her head.
"Anyway, ya said that Kiba kid was similar to ya' right? What's our plan?" Suika asked, confusing Reisen. "Don't look like that! I'm not as smart as Yukari or anythin', but I've been around the block. Just wanted ta' ask what ya' wanted us to do now."
Reisen still looked perplexed.
"Ehh… how do I explain it?" Suika tilted her head, rubbing the back of it with her hand. "Of the three of us here, I'd probably say that yer' the most level-headed and pragmatic. That's what we need. Marisa and I are pretty impulsive and it's hard for me to fight my nature. We kinda just do what we want and for the most part, it turns out alright. We don't really think of how it is for others or the consequences. Here, we're not really suited for big strategies or things like that unlike you. Isn't that what Eirin is trainin' ya' up for? In case she's gotta leave and do somethin'?"
Reisen's eyes widened. "That's true. Master started training me, but I always thought it was more for necessity than anything else. She has started delegating more tasks to me recently."
Suika nodded. "Right. Yukari's hashin' things out, but Eirin might head back up to the moon to find out why they even started the war in the first place. Plus, Eirin's way more familiar with the politics up there, along with a couple a' the leaders."
"I admit, that slipped my mind. Yorihime-sama and Toyohime-sama. It seems strange that they would start a war, if they were the leaders. Master would know more than me." Reisen confessed, giving a small smile. "I suppose, that makes me one of her students, doesn't it? Not including Kaguya-sama."
"Right! So have confidence in yerself! Yukari doesn't like her, but Eirin's a good sort." Suika beamed, petting Reisen on the head again like she was a good girl. "If ya' can't do that, then at least have confidence in that master of yer's. She won't lead ya' wrong. We'll be here to help ya' too, so don't feel like yer' alone."
"Right. Thank you, Suika-san." Reisen nodded more confidently.
"Ahh, just Suika is fine with me. Makes me sound so stiff. We're comrades now!" Suika waved off the honorific uncaringly.
"Ahh, eh-hem." She cleared her throat. "I admit that I used my power to ascertain more information from Kiba-san, but it shouldn't hurt him and I was careful to avoid letting him see it. For now, the plan I have in mind is to have you scout out the entirety of Kuoh with your mist. We need to figure out who and where these attackers are. Marisa-san is still asleep, but both she and I will keep an eye on Kiba-san while I contact Rias-san. I'll take first watch for now and let Marisa-san know the situation later. It'll give me time to speak with the devils as well."
"I can do that. Doesn't seem like anybody can detect me." Suika grinned, giving a thumbs up. "Anythin' else?"
Reisen shook her head. "The light element that you removed from Kiba-san. I haven't fully completed my analysis of it, but I believe it would help me comprise something of it to help treat wounds involving it. I expect that if anybody uses a divine element of their attacks against any youkai, having this would be immensely useful to us."
"My clone's still got it, so just ask her fer' it." Suika pointed her thumb back towards the bedrooms. "I'll start spreadin' myself around then. See ya' around Reisen!"
She waved goodbye, exiting into the night while Reisen looked to the bedrooms.
xXx
The morning began as Reisen called Rias about Kiba's situation. As expected, the redhead had reacted with shock and horror as Reisen described Kiba's status, though she did not explain what she learned about Kiba's past. Only that he had been badly injured and that she had helped him. Mere seconds later, the heiress had teleported herself into the clinic along with the rest of her peerage, plus Asia and Sona.
"This will be an unpopular opinion, but only one person can go in at a time." Reisen firmly said which Rias clearly wanted to object to.
"Can we send Asia in first to heal Kiba?" Rias asked, but Reisen shook her head in refusal.
"He's under heavy medication and painkillers at the moment. I would be careful to heal with magic, and have no idea what consequences there could be." Reisen informed her. "He'll need to stay one more day before I clear him for release. Afterwards, you can feel free to heal him."
"Then I'll speak with him first. Everyone, stay out here until I come back." Rias ordered as she went into the medical room.
"Reisen-san, what happened to him?" Issei asked first, worry clear on his face. "How could something like this happen?"
Reisen shrugged. "I'm not sure. The wounds I treated had holy energy in them. Removing them took a lot of effort, not even counting the amount of blood he lost, or the amount of stitches and sutures I had to do from internal bleeding. That wasn't even all of it."
Issei looked sick at the description she created, but she pressed onwards.
"I can make speculations, but without information from him, it's all theoretical." Reisen sighed, though that was partially a lie. "In accordance with our contract, I've treated him to the best of my ability. But this incident doesn't ring well if there's an intruder in Kuoh."
Every one of the devil's reactions, barring Asia, were mixed. Issei grit his teeth together in anger at someone attacking a friend. Akeno frowned with displeasure while Koneko's and Sona's eyes narrowed. Asia's eyes widened, hands covering her mouth at the terrible wounds that Kiba suffered.
"Actually… something you said interested me, Inaba-san."Akeno looked at her straight in the eyes. "We didn't question it before, but you said you were able to treat the holy energy that Kiba had suffered. Issei's case was weaker, but this proves that you're capable of treating devils inflicted with wounds of holy weapons."
"Is that something to worry about?" Reisen questioned, unsure of where this was going. "As a doctor, something like this should be within my capabilities, shouldn't it?"
"Actually, no. Holy light energy is so dangerous to us that we've been unable to look into how to treat it for years." Sona shook her head. "If it hasn't been told to you already, weapons dealt to us by holy weapons are much more effective. While stronger devils can resist it, weaker devils can be completely eradicated by them. The aftereffects last a long while as well, preventing regeneration and healing. For a doctor who can remove the holy energy from wounds, it would be no exaggeration to say that you would be a prized commodity within our community. Devils would quite literally, use any means possible or even kill others simply to have your expertise, whether through coercion or force."
Reisen internally slapped herself. She didn't know that healing this conflicting energy would be considered such a big deal. She wasn't even as proficient at it as her master. She needed samples of the energy, then needed to filter it into different forms for research and study in order to create something to fend off the holy energy. That was why she needed Suika to gather it for her, given her low sample count. Her results so far only led to the completion of a half-baked pill which only helped the body fend off further damage. With more time and more to work with, she'd likely be able to make something better.
In comparison, with the right equipment and minimal time, her master would've easily created something within days to treat holy light damage.
"The only other way are through magical means or objects, either of which are either incredibly rare or expensive." Sona pushed up her glasses. "You don't appear as if you understand the magnitude of what you've done."
"No." Reisen answered truthfully. "I just did what I know how to do. There are others who are better than me."
"Whoever taught you then must've been very skilled." Sona hypothesized. "I don't say this in arrogance, but you're very lucky that your skills were shown to us instead of anybody else. I would like to consider us more reasonable than the… average devil. I would even encourage that you do not reveal your abilities to anybody else at the moment, lest you be targeted."
Was Sona protecting her? This was unusual and not something Reisen had thought would happen at all. Her cynical part wanted to say that this was just an act to let them into her guard, but the sincerity looked genuine. The brain waves and body movement indicated so as well.
"Then I appreciate the warning." Reisen smiled softly at the unexpected consideration for her. "Why did you want to tell me this though? Wouldn't this put more suspicion on yourself as well?"
"It is my belief that both parties of a contract fully understand the backgrounds of the other. This is how I've always worked, and it has rarely failed me." Sona reasoned to the both of them. "You can also consider it my repayment for helping Rias out of her marriage. My hands were tied on that matter, and I'd like to thank the Inaba Clinic for assisting her."
"Ahh." Reisen let out cutely, holding the back of her hand to her mouth. "It's no problem. Suika and Marisa-san were the ones who did all the work."
"No way! Without you guys, we would've lost against that stupid fried chicken!" Issei objected fiercely. "Besides, now you helped us out again. I don't know what's going on around here, but there's no way we can leave things as it is now!"
"Then moving forward, what are you planning to do?" Reisen asked, hearing the door behind her open.
"Whoever attacked my precious servant is going to pay." Rias cut in, furious at the situation. "I'll send my familiars throughout the city to see who's here. If you happen to see anybody suspicious, please let us know Inaba-san."
She almost ordered more than asked, though Reisen paid it no mind.
"I understand. Then we will let you know if we find anything new regarding this." Reisen answered back more formally. "Now, would anybody else like to see Kiba-san?"
Rias shook her head, just as Issei and Koneko stepped forward.
"One. At a time." Reisen enforced, stopping Koneko from moving further. "That is what I said, and what I will stand by."
Koneko pouted but didn't argue as Issei went through.
"Go ahead Issei." Rias remarked, smiling at him. "I have something to further discuss with Inaba-san."
Issei nodded happily, going through the doors, clearly eager to see his friend.
"For now, we'll set up a scouting perimeter. Whoever did this was strong enough to take on Yuuto while remaining hidden from us." Rias turned and gave a neutral expression towards the hidden rabbit. "Your medical work is impressive… Actually, impressive probably doesn't even describe it. Phenomenal might be better. There's no sign of any of the holy light energy within him."
Reisen remained silent, not wanting the others to know that it was actually Suika who was gathering the holy light energy for her, rather than her own skills.
"Rias, Akeno and I have already spoken about it with her." Sona informed her as Rias nodded.
"We'd like to talk to you further about it later if possible." Rias professed, frowning. "But for now, I'd recommend that you don't reveal that you are able to remove holy energy to anybody. I'm sure Sona has already said, but there are other elements in this world that wouldn't treat you… kindly if they knew what you could do. Please, keep it a secret."
Reisen nodded in agreement, having received the same words from Sona more thoroughly. Once again, she sensed the same sincerity through her brain waves and body language.
"We'll be leaving for now. Koneko should be able to teleport Issei back. Thank you for helping to save Yuuto, Inaba-san." Rias and Akeno bowed respectfully to the doctor. "Let us know if he improves. Would you mind letting Koneko in just this once? It shouldn't hurt him, right?"
Reisen glowered at her, but eventually decided to acquiesce. Part of her wanted to pay back their warning and sincerity, along with wanting to let a friend see an injured loved one. After all, she had several situations similarly back during the Lunarian War.
And with that, the other devils plus Asia disappeared in a flash of crimson, magic circle beneath them denoting the spell used. Koneko walked through the doors, leaving Reisen alone momentarily.
After a few seconds, Reisen sighed. She didn't know how her master dealt with things like this on such a regular basis. Likely, it was because she was infinitely smarter than her. She wished she held even a fraction of her knowledge and wisdom.
"Brain of the Moon… huh?" She whispered to herself.
Could she really live up to her unsaid status as a student of Eirin Yagokoro?
Reisen slapped the sides of her face with her hands. Now wasn't the time to start doubting herself after Suika's talk with her. She needed to pull herself together. Luckily, no one was there to watch her embarrassingly give off a murmured, yet enthusiastic "Okay," while smacking her cheeks.
She reentered the room where she kept Kiba, whom was already laying down in hospital gowns along with Issei and Koneko.
"How're you feeling Kiba-san?" Reisen asked, to which he gave a polite smile.
"It still hurts, but now that I'm better, I can at least say this." Kiba responded, looking at her seriously. "Thank you for saving me. Without you, I would've died without having avenged my friends."
"I see your lighter wounds are already gone, leaving just the heavier ones." Reisen commented, scanning his body for damage.
"I never thought I'd ever see you look like this Kiba." Issei remarked, looking over the damage dealt to Kiba. "You just seemed so… strong when I first saw you. Especially after all that training we did."
Kiba gave a sardonic chuckle. "I just let my guard down, Issei-kun. Koneko-san, don't look so worried."
"Yuuto-senpai…" Koneko muttered.
"I'll be fine." Kiba stated, politely smiling to the both of his friends. "The person who did this to me…"
"You know who it wa-! Ow ow ow! Hey!" Issei shouted, but was quickly stopped by Reisen pulling on his hair.
"No shouting in here." The doctor sternly mentioned. "Was it someone we knew then?"
Kiba nodded. "Freed Sellzen."
Issei's eyes widened at the name.
"Wait… That's that exorcist with Raynare!" He realized as Koneko looked to Kiba for an explanation.
"I see you remember him. I've already told Buchou most of what's happened."
"But I don't get it. What could he be doing here? I punched the shit out of him at the church. Then we captured him, didn't we?" Issei asked, thinking of reasons how the insane exorcist could possibly be back.
"He must have escaped." Koneko bluntly answered.
From what Kiba had said earlier, Reisen theorized, Freed had something to do with the oncoming conflict. It didn't seem to be a coincidence that reports from Azusa and Aya detailing about the Excalibur shards being stolen would suddenly arrive here in Kuoh and Freed was wielding one. Freed didn't do subtle, from what she heard from Marisa and Suika. If he was here, it was meant to stir chaos somehow. The Grigori were a likely suspect, based off stolen reports from them, but they were incomplete and Reisen suspected that they didn't have all the information either. She needed additional details. Details that she hoped Suika could bring her.
"Hey, Kiba. If it's been that dangerous being alone, maybe Koneko and I should stick together with you." Issei suggested. "That way, it won't be so easy to take all of us on."
"No." Kiba said almost sharply.
"What? Why not? Look what happened to you!" Issei almost shouted, but a strict look from Reisen halted him.
"It's none of your guys' business. I'll handle this myself." Kiba insisted, the polite smile on his face vanishing in an instant.
"It is our business! What if you end up back here again? What if you're not as lucky and you die?" Issei asked, moving closer to almost grip Kiba's gown, but thought better of it. "I don't know what's going on, but I want to help you. We don't even have to tell Buchou if you don't want to."
Koneko shook her head in agreement. "I'd be sad… if you left. Yuuto-senpai."
Kiba remained silent for a bit, as if ruminating the pros and cons of allowing them to join.
Eventually, he sighed. "Fine. I see I can't argue with you both. You'd probably just try and find me anyway."
Issei grinned at him at his response while Koneko was more muted, but expressed the same sentiments.
"I'll have to get out of here first, but it would be a little lonely without you both at least." Kiba said, laying his hand on his stomach, looking up at the ceiling.
"Then we'll just visit you every day until you can leave!" Issei exuberantly declared.
"I'll only be here for one more day. Or at least, that's what Inaba-san says." Kiba turned to look at the medical professional for clarification.
"That's right. One more day and strictly no strenuous activities for at least another." Reisen glowered at him. "I don't think you'll follow that suggestion regardless, so I'll warn you to at least not push yourself. Your devil regeneration may be strong, but it's no substitute for rest."
"See? You'll be out of here in no time Kiba!" Issei pat him lightly on the shoulder enthusiastically. "I've even got some new books to show you for tomorrow!"
Kiba appeared confused. "Books?"
"Ye-"
Before he could even continue, Koneko bashed his face with her fist, knocking him into the wall.
"Hentai." She solemnly stated.
"No violence in my clinic." Reisen glared at Koneko, who looked unrepentant at her actions.
xXx
The next few days passed without incident. Kiba was eventually released from the Inaba Clinic. Issei and Koneko were as good as their word and began following their fellow devil to keep him protected. Marisa manned the front desk of the clinic, tinkering with some bottles while Reisen remained in the back, looking how to repel holy light damage with the sample. The evening sunset glowed through the windows and the clinic neared closing time, but had time for last minute visitors.
The door suddenly opened in the front, almost slamming open as Suika came in with someone in tow.
"Hey guys! Look who I found flyin' around!" Suika enthusiastically shouted as both Reisen and Marisa came to the front.
In her hand was a tall figure with brown eyes and long, navy blue hair. Her maroon top exposed her cleavage and her matching miniskirt exposed her thighs. Behind her were 2 black, feathered wings almost reminiscent of Aya's. She was weakly struggling against Suika's grip, but Marisa recognized her.
"Oh, it's you. Kalawar-something. Yer' still alive?" Marisa off-handedly insulted as Suika dragged her roughly.
"Hey stop! What're you doing to me?" Kalawarner cried out, as Suika threw her to the floor roughly. "Ow!"
"Didn't think you'd be stupid enough ta' come back. Didn't cha' cause enough trouble last time?" Suika snubbed, laying her hands against her hips.
"I told you! I'm out here spying for Azazel-sama! I'm not here to kill anybody! It's not like last time!"
While her denials would be suspicious, Reisen couldn't sense or even see any lie emanating from Kalawarner. It was strange, given her previous actions of aggression towards the devils, along with the clinic team.
"Hold on Suika." Reisen stepped forward. "She might be telling the truth."
"I am!" Kalawarner argued, hope almost glimmering in her eyes, despite the glare. "I'd never be able to win against you monsters anyway."
"Then how does that explain what ya' did last time?" Marisa questioned, tone casual, but body language reflected her preparation for an escape attempt.
"I… It sounds bad, but the orders we got were mixed up!" Kalawarner tried to answer. "We thought they were from Azazel-sama, but they weren't! We were tricked! They were from someone else!"
Marisa and Suika turned to Reisen for her opinion. The latter nodded her head. She appeared to be telling the truth, from her experience and powers.
"Then what was supposed to happen?" Reisen asked, eyes narrowing at the fallen angel.
"We, were told to initially keep an eye on sacred gear users in Kuoh. But eventually, we got orders to kill them all instead by taking it for ourselves using the sacred gear extractor! They were supposedly from Azazel-sama, but ended up being tricked!" Kalawarner spoke quickly, sweating furiously while glancing at Suika every once in a while.
Marisa had no doubt she remembered Suika's power. Someone being punched into the air without coming back down likely left a strong impression at least. If Kalawarner didn't see that, then maybe someone told her.
"Then who was the one who tricked you? And what are you doing here now?" Reisen inquired further as Kalawarner looked away at the question.
"I… I can't say. I'm not supposed to say." Kalawarner whispered quietly, before realizing what she said and picking up her pace. "B-But, what I said was right! I'm here to spy for Azazel-sama about people trying to disrupt the peace! In fact, I was going to meet him before you caught me!"
Almost as if right on time, a knock from the front of the door reverberated throughout the clinic. Reisen internally cursed. She had forgotten to move the sign in front from 'Open' to 'Closed.' She didn't think Suika had anyone follow her, but Reisen felt her nerves flood with anticipation. Marisa was much the same as Suika continuing holding onto Kalawarner who complained about her grip.
Reisen moved and slowly opened the door, peeking through it to see several figures. There were three figures in total, two of whom Marisa recognized immediately, but not the third.
The first, whom was clearly in the front, wore a pale gray trench coat over a white dress shirt. The man was middle aged with short black hair that covered his ears. He appeared gruff, looking formal with black pants, gloves, and a black fedora to add.
The second was an attractive young woman with violet eyes. She looked young, Reisen noted, but so did many of the residents of Gensokyo. For all she knew, this person was centuries old. Black straps wrapped around her which Reisen could see barely covered anything. It outlined her enormous breasts, along with gloves that ran up her arms with small lengths of chains.
The last was a tall man, looking to be in his mid-twenties. His shoulders were broad, and he slumped slightly, but exuded confidence. Black hair with golden bangs covered his head and a black goatee covered his chin. He gave the appearance of a laid-back man, especially with a gray yukata covering his figure, but his power seemed undeniable regardless of his look. In comparison to the other two, he seemed in another league of his own.
None of them looked aggressive. In fact, the first two looked downright frightened to even be here from what Reisen could see. The man with the fedora's hands twitched, as if wanting to reach for a weapon, but realized the futility of it. The woman gave the impression of wanting to run, but was only held back by the reassuring presence of the yukata man.
"Good evening." Dohnaseek, the man in front, greeted nervously. "We've noticed you have one of our comrades. We'd like to explain our situation inside. Would you mind letting us in?"
Despite the cooling air, Reisen could almost taste the anxiety from him. If not from his body and sweat, then the increased brain activity certainly indicated it.
"Huh? Aren't cha the guy I punched outta existence? Ya' actually lived? Coulda' sworn I caved all yer' ribs in." Suika tilted her head, grinning as she laid a fist against her face. Her grip on Kalawarner hadn't eased at all, though the latter looked much more relieved with her comrades' arrival.
"Yes." The man lowered his fedora embarrassingly. "I would appreciate not having that happen again. I was sent flying over 200 miles and wouldn't like the same treatment. Now please, may we come in?"
Suika looked over to Reisen questioningly, as if asking for permission. The latter nodded her head.
"Come on in then. Lock the door behind you and turn the sign." Reisen requested as the three figures came in and did just that.
"It's getting' kinda crowded." Marisa noted. "Should head to the living room if we're gonna chat."
The clinic residents all nodded in agreement while Suika let go of Kalawarner. She tumbled onto the ground ungracefully but verbalized no further complaints.
"Come this way then." Reisen offered, leading all the visitors deeper into the clinic to a rather modest room. There were several seats, barely big enough to comfortably seat the men. Nonetheless, they ignored it as the fallen angels sat on one side and the clinic team on the other.
"So. These the people you were talkin' 'bout?" Suika pointedly asked Kalawarner, who looked in fear of the former from being addressed.
"Y-Yes. You know the two of us already. Dohnaseek, Raynare. Our leader is the one and only, Azazel-sama." She introduced her, lastly stopping on the man dressed in a plain yukata who simply waved at them.
"Yo." He simply said. "I heard you gave some of my subordinates a rough time."
"Yeah? What about it?" Marisa practically provoked, daring him to try and start a fight.
"Well, it's their fault for misinterpreting my orders so badly." Azazel waved off nonchalantly, but Reisen could see the alertness in his body language. "Anyway, like these guys said, I'm Azazel, Governor General of the Grigori Organization and faction."
The man himself? A shock, but she couldn't show that.
"Alright then Azazel-san. In that case, I'm Reisen Udonge Inaba, doctor of the Inaba Clinic." She bowed politely in her seat, but not subserviently.
"Marisa Kirisame, Ordinary Magician." She beamed proudly at her self-proclaimed title.
"Suika. Nice ta' meet'cha." The oni grinned, though Azazel turned towards her.
"If Dohnaseek's injuries and accounts, along with all of my subordinates words were any indication, you're clearly an oni, Oni-san." Azazel teased, chuckling a bit. "Your physical strength is no joke, and I'd guess to even say you were holding back."
Suika looked unashamedly unapologetic. "Haha, yep! I didn't think he survived ta' be honest. Good for you!"
The words didn't comfort Dohnaseek by any means, though he nodded to at least acknowledge her words.
"You're much stronger than you appear, Azazel-san. Why are your subordinates here with you? The gulf between you and them is incredibly vast. It seems strange to bring them along." Reisen stated bluntly, but even her phrasing was worded much nicer than what her comrades would've stated.
What wasn't stated was how useless they would be in an outright conflict against herself and the others. That was simply how much weaker his tagalongs were compared to him.
Azazel shrugged casually. "It's just punishment. They should've gotten suspicious when orders they supposedly received from me changed from 'observe' to 'kill' all sacred gears users found in Kuoh. A missive just to double check would've been a smart thing to do, but they got overzealous."
Reisen cocked an eyebrow. "Punishment? How so?"
"We don't even want to be here. Don't think we haven't forgotten how outmatched we were." Raynare scowled weakly. "If I had any say in this, I'd never want to see you people ever again."
Reisen was slightly taken aback. "I see. An interesting punishment then."
Kalawarner looked to have the same opinion as Raynare, looking away ashamedly from the clinic residents. Dohnaseek could only tilt his fedora lower, hiding his eyes from them along with his muted distress.
"Anyway. Come on everyone. We're going to apologize to the people here." Azazel chortled, brooking no argument from the others.
Raynare's eyes twitched, but bowed for forgiveness.
"Please, forgive us. We didn't mean to try and kill you or the devils here."
The others echoed her apologies.
"I've honestly heard more sincere apologies from my enemies, but it's good 'nuff for me." Marisa giggled teasingly, giving some mercy to the fallen angels.
Their eyes brightened for a bit. However, the fear never left them. Reisen had a feeling that wouldn't evaporate for a long time, if at all.
"Good job everyone! Was that so hard? At least you guys are alive and not dead!" Azazel clapped his hands as he cracked a disarming smile.
The other three fallen angels looked a bit more relieved, though their overall troubled demeanor remained.
Reisen couldn't help but giggle before clearing her throat. "Now then, what does the leader of the fallen angels want with us?"
"I've gotten reports of a new third party in Kuoh town, other than the devils from these three. The three of you, supposedly." Azazel began. "I've heard you guys are allied with the devils here as a third party."
"That's not inaccurate, yes." Reisen affirmed for him.
"I'll get straight to the point then. To put it frankly, I'd like your help solving an issue that the Grigori aren't in a position to. And it could affect the entirety of the supernatural world."
"A-Azazel-sama!?"
The others looked shocked at his ease of disclosure.
"This is rather sudden. Would you mind telling us what the issue is?" Reisen inquired, looking for any signs of deception while gathering more information.
Azazel huffed, leaning forward with a hand on his face. "We've got a traitor within the Grigori looking to restart the Great War using weapons they stole from the Church. Our internal relations have been trying to find out who it is, and we have. But our turncoat has moved to Kuoh, which is devil territory. Officially, the Grigori aren't allowed to be here and he's still affiliated with us."
Reisen pursed her lips as she analyzed what he said. "In other words, your hands are tied because this traitor is now on foreign territory."
"You got it." Azazel confirmed. "It's our problem, but without a lot of bureaucracy, I can't just send my forces in to stop him. It'd take too much time to get the approval I need. Even if it got expedited, I can't send someone too strong or too many, otherwise the other factions will get snippy. The devils and heiresses stationed here are too weak to handle him."
"Then why have you not asked the devils for their cooperation? Surely, they can send someone stronger on their side for assistance." Reisen questioned, thinking of alternative measures to Azazel's problem.
"I considered it, but it's likely they get stalled by the more radical side of the devils who might want to push for war. Each of the three major factions are split down the middle between people who want to restart the Great War, or sue for peace. Requesting someone as well makes us look weak and it might actually be enough for the warmongers to start attacking us because of our perceived weakness. We need someone who's a third party, strong enough, yet uninvolved from the politics of the three great factions. An Oni and a skilled, human magician would be enough I think."
He paused for a bit, before continuing.
"The heiresses here, Gremory and Sitri, have direct lines with the leaders of the devils, the Satans. But even they have to get permission to send someone stronger unless it's an absolute emergency. This might constitute it, but then people could shout that it's favoritism or an abuse of power. The current Satan powerbase can't afford to weaken when all of us are trying for peace, instead of this ceasefire we have."
Once again, Reisen absentmindedly wondered how the likes of her master or Yukari-sama navigated political minefields to their own advantage so easily. She already wanted to give up, yet knew she couldn't. Suika and the others were counting on her. She couldn't let them down now.
"And the Angels and church?" Reisen asked broadly.
"They've already sent two exorcists, but the same problem applies to them. Send anyone too strong, and tensions get real high from the other faction. The two they've sent are definitely too green to handle our traitor." Azazel answered, almost as if he expected this. "Kuoh is such a political shitshow. I have someone unaffiliated in mind to help stop this, but he'll take some time to arrive."
The doctor remained silent for a bit, letting the information stew before replying. "To summarize then, each of the three major factions can't send a reply quick or strong enough to handle whoever your traitor is without major repercussions. If your traitor were to use weapons for the church, it would implicate the Grigori and the Church in a conspiracy against the Devils, causing another Great War to emerge. To rectify this, you've sent a third party who may not arrive in time and you're looking for us to either help stall the traitor long enough for him to arrive, or have us stop him ourselves."
Azazel shook his head in approval. "You catch on quick. That's the gist of it."
Reisen hummed as she analyzed the situation with what she knew. Yasaka had also wanted them to protect the devils in order to prevent another Great War and getting them involved in the crossfire. Azazel was now merely reinforcing her orders. Based on her abilities, this didn't seem likely to be a trap either. Intentional or not, his subordinate's reactions to her were genuine and they didn't appear to have anything to hide. The same applied to Azazel, though he was much more confident in his interactions.
Suika and Marisa both looked to her for her decision while Reisen ruminated for a bit. She couldn't find anything particularly suspicious. While the man himself begged wariness from her, his interactions at least appeared candid and didn't trigger her internal red flags.
"Before we accept…" Reisen started as Azazel began smirking roguishly. "We'd like some more information. And anything you say to us might have to be told to the heiresses due to our contract."
"Reasonable enough, and they'll get note of it soon anyway. What do you need?"
"The name of your traitor for one. Who are we looking for? Does he have any allies?" Reisen requested as Azazel's grin gave the slightest downturn of a frown.
"Kokabiel…" He looked wistful, almost sad even. "He's a 12-wing cadre of the Grigori. He's been ramping up aggression without my consent. We've been comrades for a long time."
Azazel then refocused, looking more serious than before. The difference in attitude almost caught Reisen aback.
"As for his allies, he has a couple. Some other fallen angels he's persuaded or that've been loyal to him. Enough to be a threat. Rogue exorcists as well to use the stolen weapons from the Church. Excalibur." He continued as the hidden lunar rabbit memorized his information. "It's in pieces, but even they're more than enough to take down medium or high class devils."
Like the heiresses, he left unsaid.
"My scouts have told me that the two exorcists the church sent are going to meet with the heiresses to receive permission to search for the Excalibur shards." Azazel reached into the innards of yukata, pulling out some posters seemingly from within, despite there being little space to hold such a thing. "These are them. The one with blue hair is a bit more proficient with her sword, but Kokabiel has centuries of experience over her. The other is just a body. If nothing gets done, she won't survive."
"So you say. And why are you so confident that we could perform any better?" Reisen asked.
Azazel shrugged nonchalantly. "Oni-san hides it well, but she's much stronger than any old regular Oni. I can tell just by looking at her. And I've had my dealings with Oni before."
He turned to Marisa, who looked slightly disturbed. "As for you, the magical energy flowing from you comes off in spades if you know what you're looking for. You have a lot of it, enough to win against Kokabiel."
Finally, the raven haired man looked to Reisen. "I can't tell what you are. You have some kind of illusion over you, but doctors for the supernatural are always some of the best ones. No doubt you've got some other tricks you won't say either. I'm confident that the three of you combined can at least hold off Kokabiel until my contact arrives if worst comes to worst."
Azazel then looked at the three of them as a whole. "I also have a personal request. If you can't do it, it's fine, but I thought I'd at least ask."
Reisen raised an interested eyebrow, but gestured for him to continue.
"If there are any fallen angels you could spare, I would appreciate it. I'd understand if you had to kill them, but we're a dying race. So, I'd be grateful if you could let them go if they surrender or withdraw." Azazel solemnly requested. "Especially Kokabiel. We've known each other for a long time and he's a very good friend... We don't see eye to eye on everything, but I still don't want to see him killed for his poor decisions. If you can do this, I'd consider it a huge favor for down the road. You can ask me anything you want, within reason."
The lunar rabbit turned to the two other combat oriented members of the team. Each nodded with certainty. Azazel was good at disguising it, but his desperation for his race oozed out. He was persuasive and hit lots of sympathy points, Reisen admitted to herself. On top of that, the favor from the leader of the Grigori was no laughing matter. That alone for something most Gensokyo residents were typically skilled at, nonlethal combat through the form of spell card duels, made the decision easy regardless of whether Azazel intended it or not. All of them were familiar with holding back to match the level of an opponent.
"You're lucky that you asked us then, Azazel-san. As it turns out, we're intimately familiar with nonlethal combat and we're confident we could spare as many as we could." Reisen declared confidently. "We accept your request for our help with Kokabiel and his allies in exchange for a personal favor from you."
She reached out with a hand in agreement which Azazel shook firmly.
"We've agreed then." He smiled sincerely. "Thanks. I appreciate it. I've even got some more information for you to help you out. "
He continued providing the clinic team with what he knew, starting with what shards of Excalibur Kokabiel had in hand. Each provided different abilities to the wielder, such as illusions, increased speed, or even invisibility. Each of them were things the team had already seen from other people, but they thanked Azazel regardless for the details.
"Finally, if we're going to keep contact with each other, I'd like to keep someone here if you could spare the room." Azazel asked, much to the shock of everyone. "It'd be easier that way, and they could relay to me anything you need."
Reisen's eyes widened. This was unforeseen! She thought Azazel would allow them the total freedom to solve the problem without any hindrance. In fact, he probably thought he was helping them by having someone stationed. Instead, it would actually hinder them from communicating with the Youkai Faction due to fears of getting caught. To deny him now would be suspicious! Was this his plan all along?
He didn't look any different from before as he waited for her answer. She had no choice.
"I don't think we'd mind as long as it's only temporary. We still have a contract with the devils, and a fallen angel in our home, especially one they're familiar with as an enemy, might cause aggression." Reisen replied tersely as she clapped eyes on each of her companions.
Suika looked interested while Marisa's eyes widened.
"That's fine. It'll just be until the end of this thing anyway. You're free to tell the devils everything as soon as we're out since they'll know the truth eventually and I technically shouldn't be here." Azazel scratched his head from behind. "Anyway, Raynare. You'll be staying here for the meantime."
"W-What!? Why me!?" She all but protested.
"I told you, its punishment. You attacked an uninvolved civilian, even though he might have had a sacred gear. As the leader of my task group, you disobeyed my orders and the standing agreement. No civilian involvement, even if they might have a sacred gear. Granted, it's a Longinus. Boosted Gear, but the rule still stands." He bluntly answered. "As for the others, they get a little more leniency since they were just following what you said. Do you guys know what that hunk of junk, sacred gear extractor was even for?"
"Umm…" "Kalawarner began. "To steal the sacred gear for ourselves?"
Azazel gave a suffering sigh. "No. It's so that people who had sacred gears, but didn't want to be involved with the supernatural could have it taken away. Then I'd get to research it. It was supposed to be a win-win situation, but sacred gears are too integral to a soul, so it would've killed them. You got lucky the Inaba Clinic stopped the three of you before you killed another innocent civilian who clearly didn't want their sacred gear removed. I was going to scrap that extractor anyway."
The other fallen angels dropped their heads, as if ashamed for their lack of thought.
"So that's that. Use Raynare however you need, but please keep her alive." Azazel stood up from his chair, preparing to leave. "Again, thanks for your help."
Dohnaseek and Kalawarner stood up as well following him as Raynare remained seated. The latter bit her lip, almost to the point of bleeding, but remained silent as everyone began walking out. The door to the entrance of the clinic opened, ringing a bell, then closed.
"Well, looks like ya' get ta' stay with us 'till this thing blows over!" Marisa enthusiastically said, reaching into her apron pocket. "Here!"
She handed Raynare, who looked absolutely dejected, a piece of paper.
"Wha?" She barely muttered out before she started reading it. "What is this?"
"The list of groceries I want 'cha ta' buy fer' us! I was gonna do it earlier but…. Eh…." Marisa laughed sheepishly, scratching her head bashfully. "I got kinda lazy."
Suika began laughing boisterously at Marisa's antics while Reisen's hand met her forehead, closing her eyes from embarrassment.
"You know what. I'll do it. Anything to keep away from you monsters as long as possible." Raynare openly stated, flashing pink as more modest clothes formed around her. A short black dress covered the majority of her figure along with a small, light purple jacket covering it.
"We need ta' prep a room for ya' anyway. 'Sides, yer' gonna eat with us now, so might as well make yerself useful." Suika pointed out unabashedly.
Raynare could only nod miserably, shoulders slumped as she left from the front of the clinic. The bells rung, signifying her exit while the clinic team remained seated.
"So uhhh. Yeah, that was a thing." Marisa commented somewhat awkwardly. "Governor General eh? What a title. Are we gonna tell Rias?"
Reisen shook her head. "I don't know yet. I'll have to think about it."
"Could be useful ta' us though. That Azazel guy, for all he was punishin' Raynare, looks like he cares 'bout the people workin' under him." Suika responded, patting Reisen on the back supportively. "Don't worry about tellin' Rias or not. 'Sides, Reisen won't lead us wrong. Right?"
Reisen nodded confidently. "Right. I won't let us down. We still have to let the Youkai Faction and the others know what's going on here. We'll have to be more careful with Raynare around, and I was initially fearful of being spotted making communications with them. However, if it's just Raynare, this likely won't even be an issue."
"No kiddin'! She looked like she was about ta' wet her panties or somethin'!" Marisa laughed enthusiastically. "We're not that scary, are we?"
"It was pretty funny!" Suika joined the laughter as well, bellowing in enjoyment. "Anyway, I should go and follow Raynare, just in case things go wrong. I'll see ya' guys 'round later for dinner!"
Reisen nodded, bidding the oni a farewell and a parting smile.
Her thoughts continued ruminating. It was true that Gensokyo residents were exceptionally skilled in nonlethal combat. In fact, they were likely the best at it from having to continuously hold back so many of their abilities. Sure, spell cards were a representation of each person, made into a combatable form. To manifest each ability took control and effort. It hadn't been too long since she'd seen battle, but maybe a few rounds with Suika and Marisa would do her some good to make sure she hadn't gotten dull.