New chapter coming right up! Enjoy!
*Warning* Dark Elements are involved in this chapter. This might be some people's cup of Tea.
Disclaimer: High School DxD is owned and created by Ichiei Ishibumi, Illustrated by Fujimi Shobo and published by Dragon Magazine
"I can't think of anything. Not even a blessing from Gods that would be effective enough on it's own." Scáthach answered as she shook her head.
"What if they were stacked?" Daniel asked with a serious look on his face.
"A Human body wouldn't be able to withstand that amount of Magical force running through there body. They would be crushed if there body could with stand it, and if they could I doubt they'd be able to move much due to the pain. The Fallen would've been able to withstand it though." Scáthach answered Daniel's question to which he sighed out in annoyance.
While everyone thought they had run into another dead end, Yasaka knew the tone of Daniel's sigh wasn't like that.
It was one which confirmed a thought that Daniel didn't want to have confirmed. "You know what it was don't you?" Yasaka asked.
"Yeah." Daniel sighed out as he rubbed his head. "We're dealing with a Homunculus. An Artificial Human created through Alchemy."
The Born Again Fate of DxD - Chapter 15: The Church's tracker.
(Friday 25th May - Afternoon)
When they all arrived back at Yasaka's Mansion for what they planned to do next, Daniel pulled Killian to the side. As Scáthach and Yasaka talked to one another over something, Daniel and Killian were deep within their own conversation. "When do you want to start tracking down her scent?" Daniel asked his brother.
"Are you sure I'd even be needed for this one? I mean some of these Youkai might have a better sense of smell than Lina." Killian countered as he looked a little out of his depth.
"Have you said this to Lina?" Daniel asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, he most certainly hasn't." Lina answered as the gem on Killian's right forearm appeared. "While I'm not questioning a Youkai's tracking skills. It is also possible that there are too many familiar scents for them to follow. They could easily lose the scent or become distracted with familiarity."
"And besides. I'm a Wolf and I am a Hunter. One I have begun to track a scent, I don't lose my prey." Both Daniel and Killian could feel the pride emanating from Lina's voice as she finished.
"You'll still need a guide though." Kunou stated from behind Daniel, causing him to jump slightly.
"Gah! Don't sneak up on me like that." Daniel groaned out as he pointed at a smirking Kunou.
Killian and Kunou meanwhile were both struggling to hold back their laughter as Scáthach and Yasaka joined them. "We've decided to split our search groups. The more ground we cover, the easier it should be to recover the children." Yasaka informed everyone.
"Agreed." Daniel nodded in agreement as Killian brought his hand up.
"I'd prefer to stick by Danny. Lina seems confidant that we'll be able to track down the kids quickly." Killian stated as he pointed his thumb at Daniel.
"Lina?" Yasaka asked in confusion as she tilted her head to the side.
"Oh sorry, it's the name of my spirit within my Sacred Gear." Killian informed Yasaka as he nervously rubbed the back of his head in slight embarrassment before showing Yasaka the gem on his right hand. "I forgot that you didn't know about her. Sorry."
Scáthach held back her laughter as Yasaka raised her eyebrow. "Okay... If that's all then, it's settled. Me and Kunou will be joining you three while I have five other teams look around Kyoto and the surrounding area."
"Meanwhile we can follow what lead Lina can give us." Killian exclaimed out as he held up the pillow cover he had taken from the young Lina joined in.
"You can count on me." Lina added as the Gem glowed.
(Katsura River)
In the south west of Kyoto, the search party lead by Lina's tracking abilities had lead them to a sewer entrance on the banks of the Katsura River. "Are you sure it leads in there Lina?" Killian asked.
"I'm positive. Despite the strong smalls coming from this place. That girl's scent was here, and it was recent as well." Lina replied as her gem glowed.
As they looked down into the dark entrance of the sewer in front of them, Killian turned to face Daniel. "Danny, could you create a light source for us."
"Trace on." Daniel exclaimed out as he manifested multiple copies of the Sword of Light, Claíomh Solais. Handing a sword to each of them, only Kunou didn't receive a sword. "Sorry kiddo, but I doubt Lady Yasaka would like the idea of me handing you a weapon such as this." Holding the sword above his head it's light shined brightly as he lead the group into the sewer.
"I can't believe you can create Claíomh Solais. Is this how you told Mor it's location?" Scáthach asked Daniel as she examined her copy of Claíomh Solais.
"Yeah, with every sword I trace I can also view it's history. And I knew where it was hidden." Daniel informed Scáthach as Kunou tugged on Daniel's sleeve. "What's up kiddo?" Daniel asked.
"There's something in that direction." Kunou stated as she pointed down a hallway to Daniel's right.
"I agree with the little Kit. The girl's scent also leads in that direction" Lina stated out as Kunou looked over at her mother.
"Can you smell that as well Mother?" Kunou innocently asked her mother as she held onto her nose.
"I do." Yasaka replied as she placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
Seeing the look on Yasaka's face, it seemed like this was something terrible. "What is it that you smell Kunou?" Daniel nervously asked.
"It smells weird, but it also smells a lot like Iron... Lots of rusty Iron." Kunou answered as Daniel and Scáthach's eyes widened in horror.
Daniel knew that this heavy smell of Iron could only mean one thing. "Yasaka... I think it's best you get your daughter out of here." Daniel's voice sounded hollow as Killian looked at his brother in confusion.
"Agreed." Yasaka replied as she grabbed a hold of Kunou who along with Killian didn't seem to understand what was happening.
"This is gonna be tough." Scáthach stated with a morbid tone.
"Let's just hope it's not as bad as we think it might be." Daniel replied with the same tone as Killian snapped.
"Okay, can someone tell me what's happening?" Killian asked as he received sorrowful looks from both Scáthach and Daniel.
"Killi. The smell of rusted Iron, matches the smell of Blood." Daniel replied as he faced his brother. "And most likely we won't be walking into a pretty sight."
"He's right Pup." Lina stated out in agreement. "While I still hold the Girl's scent. It's still overpowering my nose right now. I need you to leave this place as well."
Killian looked between Lina's gem and Daniel in shock at this news. "It's your call Killi. But you might not like what you see." Daniel stated with a sad look on his face.
"I'll stay." Killian replied as he steadied his nerves. Before he followed Daniel and Scáthach further down the
When the trio walked into a large opening with the sewer they came upon a sight which etched itself into their minds. Lying around them were the mangled remains of the missing Children. But there were four more kids than the ones missing from the Orphanage.
Spats of Blood covered the areas around the bodies as it appeared the Children put up a small amount of resistance. But more shocking was the fact that each body appeared to have a different part missing, some were missing their eyes, other their arms, their legs, some even had their chests cut open.
Their bodies were layed out in a circular pattern, there was what Daniel thought was a pentagram. However on a closer look, he noticed it was something else. It was a Transmutation Circle for creating a Philosopher's Stone, again just like from Full Metal Alchemist. 'Oh fuck no... There souls have been ripped out of their bodies. But these wounds tough... They were caused after death.' Daniel thought to himself as he collapsed to his knees.
The scene though became too much for Killian to take any longer. "Oh dear God in Heaven." Killian spoke out in horror as he could no longer hold back the feeling in his stomach and threw up.
Scáthach was silent as she walked over to one of the bodies. It was of a little girl, she appeared to be the youngest one there.
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph... Why would they create something like this! What kind of monster could do something like this." Killian stated out as he was now able to hold back his stomach a little bit better. However Daniel was now becoming worried about Killian's state of mind.
Rubbing his brother's back, Killian looked up at Daniel with tears in his eyes. "I've failed these children Danny." Killian stated out in sorrow. "The Church was meant to protect them like we were when we were kids."
"I know Killi, but at least we've found them now... So at least we can make sure we give them a proper burial." Daniel replied as he brought his brother up to his feet.
"You're right, I need to be stronger for these children..." Killian nodded in reply as he psyched himself.
"It's alright Killi... I understand." As Killian and Daniel began to pick up the children, Scáthach called out to them.
"None of these children appear to be the missing Youkai." Scáthach stated as he held onto one of the children.
Looking at the children once more, Daniel began to count them. "She's right. The numbers don't add up." Placing a hand on Killian shoulder he looked over at his brother. "We might not have been able to save these kids. But we can still make a difference."
"I've lost the scent though." Lina stated out. "This room is a dead end."
"It's not though." Daniel replied as he looked at the jewel on Killian's hand. "Don't forget this monster we're dealing with is a master with Alchemy. So they'll cover their tracks by blocking the hallways."
'Structural Analysis.' Placing his hand on the wall Daniel felt the room for changes. "They've made changes to this room. So while we have our lead to their hideout further down from here. I think we have other things to take care of first." Daniel finished as he moved over and picked up one of the dead children. "Once we've looked after the kids, we'll plan our attack."
"We'll only get one chance at this. You know this right?" Scáthach stated out as she picked up a child of her own. "Because I want to gut the bastard who did this."
"Agreed." Killian added as he narrowed his eyes. Daniel was silent in his own reply as he spotted another black feather in the corner of his eye just like earlier that morning.
(Evening)
Once the bodies of the deceased Human children had been taken back to the surface, their bodies were returned to the orphanage for resting.
But with little rest, Daniel, Scáthach, Killian and the Youkai soon planned out their assault. "This is a map of Kyoto's sewers like you requested." Yasaka stated as she placed a large map that covered the entire city. "We've over lapped multiple different layouts of the sewers Kyoto's had throughout the city's history. Every pathway and open space area will be marked here."
"This is how we'll smoke them out." Daniel stated as he pointed to the room they had found the children in earlier. "We'll start at the same place from this afternoon."
"The map confirms the other passageway I sensed earlier out in that room. The Homunculus who's helping covered that corridor, should be nearby so if we follow the pathway down and bust through the covered up walls. It should lead us on the right path to the Fallen and Homunculus." Daniel finished to which he received a silent nod of agreement from Scáthach, Yasaka, Killian and the six captains of the Youkai guards.
"Me and Danny will take the lead on this. I know that it's the Youkai children who we're trying to save now but... I've failed once with my own children, and I refuse to fail any more." Killian exclaimed as he tightened his fights.
"I understand. With your Sacred Gears's help you've already helped getting us this far. It's only fair that you both take the lead on this." Yasaka nodded her head in agreement as she replied.
"We'd best get ready to head out. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can save those children." Scáthach stated out before she left the room.
Yasaka noticed a strange look in her eyes and thought it would be best to ask Daniel if she was fine. "Have you noticed anything strange with Scáthach recently?"
"Yeah... I noticed it when we found the kids." Daniel's answer caused Yasaka to raise an eyebrow at him.
"Do you know why she's been acting like this?" Yasaka asked once more.
"It's not my place to tell but... Scáthach used to have a daughter called Uathach. My guess seeing the condition we found the children struck a cord with her." Daniel replied as he pulled out his phone. "Sorry but, I'm gonna have to make a call."
"Are you calling Sera or someone else?" Yasaka asked as she kept her focus on the maps in front of her.
"I'm calling Azazel. I need permission to kill the Fallen who has been involved in this." Daniel stated to Yasaka before he left the room. She didn't object this time.
Once outside, Daniel found a quite enough place on make his call. Opening his phone, Daniel selected his contact number for Azazel. He didn't have to wait long for him to pick up the call. "Hey buddy. How's Kyoto?" Azazel spoke as he answered his phone.
"It's not going well, we found the kids but there wern't any survivors." Daniel replied with a serious tone which Azazel picked up.
"I take it that, that's not all." Azazel nervously stated.
"Yeah, the day after we arrived a fifth Youkai child was taken and we found that one of the beings behind the kidnappings was a Fallen Angel." Daniel answered as he heard a crashing sound from Azazel's end.
"Dammit!.." Azazel shouted out through the phone. "I'm sorry to hear that. I haven't assigned anyone in that area and I know for a fact that Shemhazai and Baraqiel wouldn't do anything like this behind my back. This only leaves Kokabiel as the one who sent whoever is in Kyoto."
"I'll need your blessings to destroy this Bastard, Azazel... I know you may not like it but it has to be done. I can't show any mercy from what I've seen. And as harsh as this is going to sound, you're lucky I'm even making this call." Daniel firm tone stated to Azazel that he would have no choice but agreeing with.
"Daniel. I give my full permission to finish this traitor of the Grigori. It seems my methods aren't being effective." Azazel stated down the phone to Daniel.
"I'll try to see if I can get any more names for you." Daniel replied but before he ended the call, he heard Azazel asked him something.
"Can... Can you tell me what happened? When you found them?" Azazel asked with a nervous tone.
"It's for the best if you don't know Azazel." Daniel answered but before he could end the call Azazel spoke out.
"Please Daniel." Azazel pleaded with Daniel who prepared himself for his reply.
"I'll spare you the heavy details..." Daniel took a deep breath as he prepared himself. "But the ten children we found, they all died from having their souls ripped out of their bodies."
There was a hitch in Azazel's voice as he asked. "What?... Why would someone do this?"
"That's the part that both angers and scares me... They died in the creation of a Philosopher's Stone." Daniel solemnly answered.
"Why in Father's name would they use Children for that?" Azazel asked once more, his voice raising in anger.
"Two reasons. The first is the high level of life force left in their bodies." Daniel answered once more. "And the second is their magical potential. I checked the kids once we moved them. They each had high magical potential and a high amount of circuits, meaning they could've grown up to become powerful mages or magicians. And since they were young enough they hadn't naturally aligned to a magical origin. Those Kids are essentially raw magical ore ready to be shaped under the right teacher."
"I haven't even told my brother what had happened to the kids... I don't think he'd be able to take it the truth that these Kids haven't even fucking died! They're still alive! Trapped and suffering right now." Daniel finished as his eyes began to swell up.
"You seem to know quite a bit over this." Azazel sighed out in response but Daniel could tell that he was effected by this was well. Daniel not knowing how to react began to softly and drily chuckle.
"I read about it in books but... Never thought I would've seen it with my own eyes. I never imagined it would've seen anything this horrifying, something this sick." Daniel stated as he stopped chuckling. "I'll be destroying that Stone once I find it. Something like that should remain theory and not practical. Besides it might be the only way those Kids will be able to pass on."
"See that you do that." Azazel replied before he ended the call.
With the call with Azazel over, Daniel took a deep sigh as he put his phone back into his pocket. "So, they're suffering right now?" Scáthach called out to Daniel.
Turning to face the Queen of the Shadow lands, Daniel couldn't look her in the eye. "I'm not 100% positive on that and I can only guess at what they're experiencing but I truly believe that they're still alive and most likely scared beyond belief. However with their bodies dismembered they can't return back to them."
"Why is that?" Scáthach asked as she growled. Not towards Daniel but in general.
"Because their bodies are no longer whole. But if the Stone is destroyed... I hope they'll immediately pass on. But I'm honestly only guessing at this stage." Daniel replied.
"Was it the Homunculus who done this?" Scáthach asked as she looked away from Daniel.
"They're the only confirmed suspect capable of performing the Transmutation." Daniel answered.
Scáthach softly sighed as she moved over to Daniel and put cupped his chin with her hands, forcing him to look at her. "You're a good brother Daniel for not telling Killian this..." Scáthach softly smiled at Daniel who looked back at her with a pained expression. "But that Homunculus is fucking mine to dismember." Scáthach stated as she let go of Daniel.
"I have no issues with that. I have permission from Azazel to destroy the Fallen so you can deal with the Homunculus all you want." Daniel replied as he began to lead Scáthach back into the Youkai palace. "Just make sure you dismember the body when you do." They didn't spend long inside as the finished their plan of attack.
"Alchemists believe in the law of equivalent exchange. It's only fair we do the same to it was well." Daniel stated out one last comment as they re-entered Yasaka's mansion.
However the paired failed to notice Killian hidden away from their sights. He had heard every word they said to one another, along with Daniel's part with his call with Azazel. "Forgive me Lord. For I shall be performing a Cardinal Sin on this night. Tonight, I shall be seeking out someone's blood and acting on vengeance. Please forgive me for what I'm about to do."
(Katsura River - An Hour later)
Arriving back in the room they had found the children earlier this evening Daniel placed his hand on the wall. "According to the map, That wall should have an opening for a corridor." Daniel stated as he poured mana into the wall. "Structural Analysis."
Double checking to be sure, Daniel smirked when he received the information he wanted to her. "Right here." Daniel stated as he marked the wall with Clarent.
"Lina!" Killian called out as his body begame engulfed in light.
"BALANCE BREAKER!" Lina cried out as the light faded over Killian revealing his arms, legs and torso and head were covered in a golden light. When the light faded he stood in the bronze armour of Lupa Capitolina. While the armour itself didn't cover Killian's entire body, it did cover most of his vitals as allowed him to be more flexible for combat. Surrounding the edges of the armour was golden brown fur. His helmet was in the shape of a Wolf's skull that left his lower jaw exposed.
"I'll let you have the honours on this one." Daniel stated as he motioned his hand towards the blocked passageway.
Killian didn't reply as he wasted no time and without prior warning to the others, he punched the wall with all his might, re-creating the opening back into the pathway behind it.
"I've got the scent once more." Lina called out. "500 meters straight ahead then take a left turn." As it didn't take long for Killian to burst through without the other following after him.
A heavy feeling of unease washed over Daniel as he, Scáthach, Yasaka and five of her strongest guards ran after Killian. As they ran they could hear the Roars of Killian and two others. He had already begun fighting the two culprits.
As they entered another clearing Daniel was the first to arrive. Killian appeared to be widely swinging his claws at the Fallen Angel and the Homunculus. At first glance Daniel seen that it was a girl, while she was small in stature, her face appeared to be that of an 18 years old. But that wasn't what shocked him the most.
'White hair, Red eyes and a pale complexion. These are the traits of Homunculi of the Fate Series. But their use of Alchemy is similar to full Metal Alchemist.' Daniel thought to himself as he looked around the room.
Seeing the five Youkai children alive, tied and gagged, Daniel noticed the alchemical formula they were lying around. 'That looks like a human transmutation circle! Are they attempting to create a Youkai Homunculus.' Daniel thought in a panic.
"Grab the kids before they start the transmutation!" Daniel shouted out. "Whatever happens don't let them active that formula!"
Not asking any questions, Scáthach burst forward and attempted to grabbed all five of the children. However the female Homunculus slammed a single hand on the ground creating a wall to block Scáthach's advance. However her action left her exposed as Killian landed a solid punch, sending her crashing into a nearby wall.
From her action alone, Daniel noticed two things. The first was that the Fallen Angel had run away through another passageway with Killian's attention no longer on him. And the other was that the way the Homunculus had used her Alchemy.
After witnessing the small girl use Alchemy, 'There was no circle created through a clapping of hands. It's nothing like Fullmetal Alchemist.' Daniel thought to himself as Yasaka used the opportunity of Killian's distraction with the Homunculus to grab the children.
"I want you and your brother to go after the Fallen. We shall deal with this bitch." Yasaka exclaimed as she created a small ball of blue fox fire in her right hand.
Throwing the small ball of flames it easily destroyed the wall of dirt the Homunculus had just created moments ago. The facial expression on the Homunculus was of shock as Scáthach quickly rushed towards her and began her own assault. "Go already!" Yasaka shouted out as she rushed towards the Children.
"I aint leaving!" Killian growled out with a ferial tone. "This bitch needs to fear the bite of Rome's Capitoline Wolf!" Killian exclaimed as he continue'd his onslaught on the Homunculus.
Daniel looked at his brother with some worry but knew that now wasn't a good time to start hesitating. "Yasaka prove cover for both Scáthach and Killi. And what ever happens don't let that bitch touch either of you!" Daniel shouted out before rushing down the passageway the Fallen Angel had run off through.
He didn't hear any reply as he kept running through the passageway. Luckily for him, there was no split corridors but unfortunately it had lead him back outside. Scanning through the night sky, Daniel wasn't able to find a clear sight of the Fallen Angel. But he could still feel it's presence.
"Trace on!" Daniel called out as he created Fail-not in his left hand and three swords in his right. Knocking the three swords in place, they each transformed into three sharply jagged arrow with multiple blades bursting out from it's spiralled core. "Run, run, run. Hound of the Red Plains! HRUNTING!"
Unleashing Hrunting upon the hidden Fallen Angel, Daniel followed the red trail of light that it had left in the sky above as it honed in on it's prey. Soon The Arrows began to swing and sway through the sky above the Katsura River. He had found his target.
And Cut!
Updated Character Facts:
Name - Daniel Cole
(Known in the Underworld as Daniel Lucifuge)
Age - 28
(Previous Life -28 at time of death)
Height - 188cm/6ft 2ins
Race - Human
Nicknames - Dan-tan - by Serafall Leviathan,
Danny - by Killian Cole,
The Silver King of Archers - Azazel.
Hair Colour - Silver Grey
(Previous Life - Brown)
Eye Colour - Blue
(Previous Life - Hazel)
Equipment - Gáe Bulg,
Caladbolg,
Fail-not,
Moralltach,
Beagalltach,
Honjō Masamune,
Gáe Buidhe,
Black Keys,
Excalibur,
Excalibur Destruction (Secace),
Excalibur Mimic (Galuth),
Excalibur Rapidly (Laevatein),
Excalibur Nightmare (Coreiseuse),
Excalibur Transparency (Red Hilt),
Excalibur Blessing (Galatine),
Excalibur Ruler (Caledfwlch),
Clarent,
Gáe Dearg,
Hrunting
& Countless other Sword, Spears and Bows.
AN - Daniel can create these swords after witnessing Excalibur Transparency or Red Hilt's history.
Abilities - Projection and Tracing,
Reinforcement,
Structural Analysis
and Unlimited Blade Works
Relatives - Sirzechs Lucifer (Father),
Grayfia Lucifuge (Mother),
Millicas Gremory (Little Brother),
Rias Gremory (Aunt),
Zeoticus Gremory (Grandfather),
Venelana Gremory (Grandmother),
Killian Cole (Blood Brother),
Euclid Lucifuge (Uncle).
Affiliations - Kuoh Academy (English Teacher & Class 2-B Homeroom Teacher),
Occult Research Club (Adviser)
Status - Alive
Ranking - Academy Teacher
(Previous Life - Teacher)
This chapter's Q&A!
1) Is there a reason why you won't put another girl in Daniel's harem? There is a reason I'm not expanding Daniel's harem. And an old proverb is the simple reason for this. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Now there are also a number of other factors in play and I'll explain my reasoning a bit better as I go through each one. The three main girls that have been requested to be added have been Gabriel, Lavinia, and Kuroka.
For Gabriel I do see the potential for comedy gold between her, Sera and Daniel. However the four major issues for me in this scenario for me would be 1) Gabriel's childlike and innocent personality. 2) the damage it could do to Sera and Daniel's relationship. 3) Gabriel isn't involved in the story much in cannon and 4) is for what I have planned for Daniel in the future it wouldn't be possible.
For Lavinia, she will be part of the story and will be introduced soon. (Can't confirm how soon since I've yet to begin the chapter) but within the next two arcs at the very least. However her exclusion is for a different reason. She'll be paired with Vali in this story as I find their relationship hilarious to read in the light novels.
For Kuroka it's down to a few factors as well. The first is like in cannon she'll be chasing after Issei but will still flirt with Daniel from time to time. The second is that I'm not a huge fan of Kuroka as compared to the other girls in Daniel's harem and the last reason is Koneko's relationship with Daniel. Kruoka will be trying to get into her good books and hooking up with someone who isn't wouldn't be the wisest thing to do lol.
I hope this will be able to help better understand my reasonings
2) Why have the Alchemy act like FMA? It feels like you're adding another Fandom into the mix. I understand but it's not another crossover element being fully added. Just a similarity I've used since Alchemy isn't fully explained much within Highschool DxDverse. I just simply used it to have something comparable for the other readers to help understand a little easier instead of creating a new system of alchemy. I also done the same in this chapter with the Appearance of the Homunculus matching ones of the Nasuverse.
So that's all for this chapter folks. If you have a question do feel free to post a review or PM myself. If I don't answer your question on next chapter's Q&A I will try to reply via PM. No spoiler question though. they won't be given full answers. But anyway thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you've all enjoyed it. Till next time!