Chapter 5
…
"" – Speaking
'' – Thought
[] – Sacred Gear
[] – Albion
{} - Metatron
…
March 21 A night of a crescent moon…
It was the dead of night when the Island Guard assault team raided an old warehouse in the harbor district. They'd received information that a criminal organization was selling smuggled weapons on the black market. Blowing the warehouse door away with explosives, the body-armored squad members charged straight in. The iron columns were rusted, and wooden crates were piled atop one another. The men in the warehouse, under the dim lighting of mercury lamps, stood up all at once. They seemed to have been playing cards, but then a tossed flash-bang grenade detonated at their feet.
The men, robbed of their vision, were then mowed down by submachine gunfire. The assault team used consecrated electrum chip rounds. This was a special anti-beast-man ammunition that suppressed the regenerative abilities of demonic flesh. Destroying the rear wall of the warehouse, the second squad of the assault team charged in, as snipers hidden in the surrounding buildings shot suspects who tried to flee out of the windows. Combat was over in less than two minutes.
Faced with two fully outfitted Island Guard squads, which had the element of surprise, the suspects were completely overwhelmed. As the cloud of tear gas in the warehouse cleared, the men were on the floor in a heap. There were seven of them. All were demons—demons without ID bracelets, who had entered the island illegally. Bullet ridden and bathed in blood, they'd collapsed onto the floor.
This level of damage was not enough to actually kill the extremely hardy beast men, but it was enough to prevent bestialization and put them out of the fight. One of the squad leaders ordered his men to put all the beast men in restraints.
Tokyo metropolitan area, Itogami City—a giant artificial island floating on top of the Pacific Ocean; established under the Holy Ground Treaty as an ideal of coexistence between humans and demonkind; an abominable "Demon Sanctuary." The leopard-headed man was a native of the "Warlord's Empire" in Europe. He had no particular grudge against the humans of Itogami City. Nonetheless, he had reason to destroy this city.
By destroying a Demon Sanctuary, the Black Death Emperor Front he was part of would broadcast to the world it was in robust health, which would surely light the beacon of rebellion toward the usurper king who held demons back from their rightful place. The plan was already in motion. This city's destiny could no longer be altered by anything those Island Guard lowlifes could do. It might play minor havoc with their schedule, but drawing their attention onto himself was, if anything, a good thing.
By serving as a decoy and throwing the Island Guard into chaos, the plan's chances of success would only grow stronger. Perhaps that, too, had been part of the lieutenant colonel's plan. At any rate, he'd get his chance to avenge his comrades against the Island Guard soon enough.
Even setting off a single bomb in the shopping district would tie them into knots. He cared nothing for how many city residents might be caught in the explosion. All this interruption did was slightly alter the order in which they'd die. Yes, this city was destined to perish either way. Maintaining his bestialized form, he leaped onto the top of a five-story building in a single bound. Even among so-called L-type beast men, the were-panther species boasted especially great nimbleness and agility. Surely there was no one capable of following him as he ran through an urban area at night. For now, it was best to find somewhere to hide and wait for his wound to heal… But before that, the man's thumb moved toward the trigger for the remote detonator. He'd set two bombs before their assault.
He'd already used the first on thewarehouse, but that left the other one he'd set in a corridor under the harbor district. The Island Guard's reinforcements, called in to aid the wounded, should have been passing through right around that moment. Use the first blast to draw in the enemy's comrades; use the second to wipe them out. It was a time-honored tactic on the battlefield. "Know my vengeance for my brethren…!" The man strongly gripped the remote control in his hand. But though his thumb should surely have touched the switch, it registered no sensation whatsoever.
With a sharp sense of unease, the man looked at his own right hand. He sucked in his breath in shock. The remote control he should have been holding in his hand had vanished without a trace. Instead, there was a chain wrapped around his arm. The silver chain, stretching out of thin air, bound his wrist like a handcuff.
"The hell…is this?!" The leopard-headed man put strength into his arm to tear it from the chain. However, even the arm strength of a beast man could not pull the silver chain apart. On the contrary, the pull of the chain was keeping the man pinned there. The next moment, he heard an articulate voice from behind him that somehow seemed to be mocking him.
"…Though incomplete, that's Laeding forged by the gods. You lack the power to break it."
"What?!" With a low growl, the man turned to face the unexpected voice. It was a small woman who looked like a child. She wore a ridiculously extravagant dress, holding a parasol in spite of it being the middle of the night. Her cherubic features gave her the look of a lovely doll. For no reason other than her looking so very out of place, the man knew fear.
"Really, using an unencrypted remote detonator over analog radio in this day and age? How cheap of you. You're lucky to have gone so long without blowing yourself up." The woman murmured in apparent ridicule as the palm of her hand tossed around a small device that looked very much like a remote control.
The man's face twitched as he beheld the sight. The device the parasol woman was toying with was the remote control for the detonator that should have been in his hand. He didn't know what trick the woman had used to get close enough to snatch the detonator trigger away without him, a beast man, ever sensing it. "A Counter-Demon Attack Mage, huh? How'd you catch up to me?" The leopard-headed man's amber eyes narrowed and glared at the woman. The woman's lips suppressed a laugh. "Did you really think you could shake me off? Highly conceited for a stray cat like you."
"…Don't get carried away with yourself, little girl!" The leopard-headed man raised his voice at the sight of the woman's mocking smile. He pulled a knife out of the belt around his waist and struck his right arm with it. By severing his wrist along with the chain that bound it, his body would be free to move once more.
"My," the parasol-wielding woman said in apparent admiration. "Hmph, for a stray cat, I have to admire your guts. One of Kristof Gardos's men, I presume? With the Black Death Emperor Front on its last legs, you sure went through a lot of trouble, crossing the sea to get here."
"…I'll kill you!" The man howled as fresh blood scattered about from his right arm. Even for beast men, who possessed great healing ability, regenerating a completely severed arm was no easy feat. However, even at that cost, he needed to defeat this woman of unknown origins here and now. For the success of their plan, someone who knew the name of Kristof Gardos—the lieutenant colonel—could not be suffered to live.
Tearing his own wrist from his arm, the man used the explosive speed characteristic of beast men to charge the parasol-bearing woman. He needed not to rely on the knife any longer.
The brute strength of a beast man was great even among demons, more than enough to tear a powerless human woman apart with his bare hand. However, that parasol woman of unknown origin made a graceful smile.
"Futile. For you, at least…" The claws extending from the man's fingertips touched her slender shoulder…or so he thought.
That instant, the woman's form melted into a beautiful ripple, like the surface of a pool, leaving only thin air behind.
"The hell…?!" As an expression of shock came over him, the leopardheaded man looked back.
The woman, still elegantly holding up her parasol, had moved some ten meters away onto the rooftop of the next building over.
There had been no sound, no sensation; not a single hair on her head had even moved.
It had happened instantaneously.
He felt like he was watching a desert mirage, but the woman's existence was certainly no illusion.
Her heart beat. She breathed. Her body was warm. She had a scent.
All of his beast-man senses, hundreds of times more sensitive than a normal person's, told him the woman truly existed.
She was, without doubt, a normal human being in possession of a physical form.
"I told you, you cannot kill me…" With a teasing smile, the woman with the parasol snapped her fingers.
A large ripple spread throughout the thin air around the man.
By the time he realized that what looked like a ripple was actually a high-density magic circle, it was too late.
A great number of silver chains emerged from the void, assailing the man as if they were sentient snakes, arresting his entire body.
"Spatial control magic…?! That's crazy! That's a trick only the highestranking practitioners of magic can pull off! How can a little girl like you…?!"
The voice of the fallen man, his entire body restrained by chains, trembled in astonishment.
But the woman said not a word, tapping her parasol with a disinterested sigh.
Looking up at the side of her face illuminated by the moonlight, the leopard-headed man made a low moan.
"I get it now…you're Natsuki Minamiya! What are you doing here?! Don't you have enough demon blood on your hands, Witch of the Void…!"
"My, my…the stray cat certainly can talk." The woman with the parasol made her statement coldly.
With a light wave of her hand, the supposedly severed hand of the were-panther appeared from the void, connecting to his arm as if forcing the two to mend themselves together.
"What are you doing?" asked the man, glaring up at Natsuki. Natsuki expressionlessly looked back down at him.
"Do not be concerned. I am not healing you out of kindness. It's just a little first aid to stop the bleeding. After all, it would be inconvenient for you to die before we've dragged the information we need out of you."
(the Next Two Days)
Ayato closed his eyes as he spoke to Metatron
'What new weapons do I have for [Heavenly Judgement]?'
{Well you have unlocked, [Gaghiel] and [Matarael] from your fight with Raynare and [Sahaquiel] from your fight with the Plant Dragon in Kyoto} Metatron explained, surprising Ayato at hearing his fight in Kyoto had increased his armoury of Holy weapons and by extension how much more he would have to learn to be able to use his new weapons.
{You've got to a good level with the current weapons so we'll focus on these new ones for now so you can use them should the situation arise} Metatron added with a smile,Ayato nodding in understanding before Albion added
[You've got pretty good in our spars as well so I don't have to hold back so much] Ayato sweatdropped at hearing that, his spars with Albion turned out into big battles with the white dragon's love of destroying the surroundings and he even used Ayato's style of magic against him so they could come up with better ways to use the Flames.
"Aren't you going to help them?" Mittelt asked curiously, Ayato opening his eyes before shaking his head as he replied
"Gremory got them into that mess she can get them out of it… Did you find a familiar?" Mittelt nodded eagerly at the question, quickly drawing Ayato's attention to the black snake that was coiled around the collar of her shirt as she spoke
"This is Kuro… Is that your familiar?"
"Yeah, this is Blaire" Ayato spoke while petting Blaire's head, the direwolf sitting up proudly as Mittelt looked at her with a large smile giving the brunet the feeling Blaire wouldn't have accepted his refusal very well.
"Yuuki-kun? You're bleeding. Are you alright?" Rias asked in concern as she rushed over to him, Ayato holding his hand out to stop her as he arched an eyebrow at how she, Akeno and Koneko were now in there gym uniforms before noticing the sizeable blood patch on his shirt and blazer from where Blaire had bit down, not to mention the other scratches and dirt that covered him from his fall, as he rolled his eyes and retort
"I'm fine…"
"Grrrrrr~" Ayato smirked as he saw Blaire in an attack stance before him, glaring at the others devils, minus Mittelt, while growling lowly until Rias backed off. Koneko glared at Blaire as the latter's ruby red eyes focused on her, Kiba and Akeno sweatdropping as the direwolf barked at her.
"I've never seen a Direwolf that act like this before" Satooji spoke surprised, drawing confused looks from Rias and the others as the redhead asked
"Then how come it seems to be protecting Hosokawa-kun"
"I have Albion remember I'm practically part dragon" Ayato muttered, Satooji shrugging as he added
"That's probably it then."
With that Kazuhiko performed the familiar contract, enjoying the fact that Rias and the others had to stay away lest Blaire try and bark and glare at them for getting to close before.
…
Matsu laughed at hearing what had happened with Kazuhiko getting Blaire, the latter who was lying down by his feet snoozing, as they sat in Matsu's lab with Seraphina smiling amused as she set a bowl of water down for the direwolf.
"So Blaire glares at any other devil that you don't trust…" Seraphina spoke, a smile on her face as she ran a hand through Blaire's thick fur much to her enjoyment.
"Yeah… Gremory nearly had a fit considering I had to fight Blaire to begin with" Ayato spoke with a smile as Matsu chuckled
"I wish I had seen that… Oh, your guns are finished now so here you go"
Matsu brought out both of the former exorcist pistols, Ayato taking hold of the mostly white pistols, the grips a royal blue in colour, and looked them over as he tested there weight. Part of him was surprised how light they felt but realised that the guns didn't need bullets or even a clip attached to them given Matsu's additions to them.
"Also I've added a little extra to them so if you put both guns together, you'll find out what" Natsuki added with a victorious smirk as Ayato did just that and making the pair of guns glow before they formed into some sort of hand cannon which looked like a mixture of a flare gun and a sawn-off shotgun. The barrel hadn't lengthened but had widened and now had two which were set side by side, the grips that had seemed a little slim for pistols fit perfectly in his hand now with how the rest had changed.
"That Hand cannon mode will allow you to charge up for bigger attacks although it will fire slower then using the twin pistols" Matsu explained, Ayato getting up and taking practice aim with the hand cannon as Kazuhiko asked
"How do I split them then?"
"Just take both hands onto the grip and pull them apart there, the grips being touched together make the pistols shift into the Hand cannon and back" Matsu explained, tapping a few buttons on her computer and turning some lights on in the corner to show a makeshift shooting range as she added
"I figured you'd need the practice as well"
"I owe you so much Natsuki-san" Ayato spoke with a smirk, splitting the Handcannon before taking a moment to aim them both down the shooting range and taking a few practice shots as Matsu turned to Seraphina and asked curiously
"How did your folks take to meeting Ayato-tan?" Seraphina blushed as she glanced back at Ayato, watching him start practicing with his pistols before turning back to Matsu as she answered
"Well, Kaa-san really likes Ayato-san and Onee-san must like him because she tried to steal him from me while I was there… I kind of said something embarrassing in front of him as well…" Seraphina trailed off at that point, since Ayato had left her mother's house he'd not mentioned about her outburst at her sister and a slight awkwardness had been around them when they had settled for bed that previous night.
"Don't worry about it…" Natsuki spoke with a relaxed smile, patting her on the shoulder as she continued
Ayat-tan probably understands that you were just staking your claim on him… At least Albi-tan will have told him about how protective Dragons are of there mates so don't worry about it, Sera-tan" Seraphina jumped slightly as Blaire rubbed her head against her thigh, smiling at the affection the direwolf was giving her to calm her worries.
Matsu turned her attention to her computer as it let out a few beeps, moving to look at what had caused the alarm as her face turned confused as she spoke "What's another Devil doing sneaking in this territory…? Ayato-tan can you look into this?"
"Yeah… Where's the Devil?" Ayato asked curious slipping his pistols into the twin holsters that were set the back of the belt of the slacks of his battle outfit as Matsu frowned as she answered
"He's heading towards where Asia-tan, Mitt-tan and Kala-tan are at the moment…Oh no, Diodora Asaroth…"
"Who's that?" Ayato asked with a frown, moving over to Matsu who continued
"Diodora, from what I've heard from my Devil contacts, has a fetish for nuns and sisters of the church and enjoys breaking there faith"
"He's after Asia then" Seraphina spoke with a gasp Ayato gritting his teeth and started to leave; waving his hand so that Blaire could travel back to the familiar forest as he spoke "Let Kala-san know that I'll deal with them if he make any move on her"
"I'll come to Ayato-san!" Seraphina spoke seriously as she rushed after him, Natsuki nodding in understanding as she picked up a headset that was lying on her desk.
…
A blond haired young man smiled darkly as he watched Asia sitting and chatting with some of her friends from school, taking a moment to ponder what he should do as he spoke to himself "Ah, my precious Asia… I can still make you-"
He stopped as he saw Mittelt and Kalawarner join the group, the latter setting down several milkshakes before taking her own seat and watching amused the talk between the girls.
"A Fallen Angel and a Fallen/ Devil hybrid…?" He spoke shocked, his eyes narrowing slightly in anger as he wondered aloud
"How can she be friends with a Devil and a Fallen Angel…? I thought the Fallen were going to take her Sacred Gear. Oh well… Nothing I can't deal with"
"Really…?" Ayato spoke seriously, the blond young man freezing at feeling a pistol being pressed into the back of his head as Ayato continued
"What are you doing in Gremory and Sitri Territory, Devil?"
The blond turned surprised that Ayato had snuck up on him and was pointing a pistol at him as he answered while putting his hands up in surrender "Ah… It's nothing bad I assure you."
"Then why did you sneak into this area… and what are you doing staring at my friends?"
"Oh I was only checking on how my Asia was doing…" The blond replied with a peaceful smile, Ayato scowling as he shot back
"Your Asia…? Asia-san is her own person, Devil"
"The name is Diodora Asaroth… Not that a Middle class Devil like you would know me, Stray-kun" Diodora spoke with a false smile, Ayato chuckling as he retorted
"I know who you are you sick bastard… We are not letting you have Asia-san"
"We…?" Diodora asked with wide eyes before Ayato hopped to the side as Ayato was thrown forwards by a punch to his back by Seraphina who spoke seriously
"He means me… And if you target Asia, I will kill you"
"What?" Diodora spoke shocked, getting back up to see Seraphina with her dragon wings out, and indigo [Mist Flames] still fading from where they had hidden her from view, before looking between her and Ayato, who had activated [Divine Dividing], and started to shake in anger as he shouted back
"How dare you get in the way of me and my love? I am the little brother of Maou Beelzebub"
"Love…? You don't know the meaning of the word." Ayato growled, holstering his pistol before starting to crack his knuckles as he walked forwards and spoke stoically
"This is your one and only warning, Asaroth… We see you anywhere near this territory or Asia again and neither of us will hesitate to kill you, the Maou be damned. Now leave!"
Diodora gulped nervously at feeling the power coming from both Ayato and Seraphina before scowling and activating his Clan magic circle under him and soon disappearing in a flash of dark green light.
"Aya-san, are you alright?" Seraphina asked after a few moments, seeing Ayato take a deep breathe after a moment as he answered
"I'll be fine… I just have to rein in the protective instinct from Asia-san's Dragon Affinity and the Evil destruction instinct from Metatron" Seraphina looked at him in concern at hearing that, moving to hug Kazuhiko to reassure him as they both hid their wings.
"You'll be alright once you get use to it…" Ayato relaxed as Seraphina rubbed her hands over his back, taking a long breathe as she smiled.
[Metatron are you alright?] Albion asked with a hint of worry, Metatron gulping nervously before she answered
{I-I never thought I would want to slay a Devil so much as just now}
[I know what you mean, that kid is one sick puppy to target women of the church] Albion added with a scowl.
…
"I can't believe that he would come here just for Asia" Kalawarner spoke with a frown as Ayato nodded, glancing over to where Seraphina, Asia and Mittelt were playing on a board game while they sat in the clubroom. It was an odd evening with the elder Devils of the group all being out for one reason or another so Kazuhiko felt it a good time to have explained what had happened before with Diodora.
"I know… I threatened to end him if he tries anything to get close to Asia-san again" Ayato spoke with a frown as he scratched Blaire behind her ears as she lay across the length of the sofa he was sitting on, Kalawarner smirking sultrily at him as she replied
"I'd have liked to see that…"
"Seen what?" Rias asked as she entered the room, Ayato giving her the briefest of glances while Blaire glared at the redhead before he answered
"Nothing you need to know Gremory"
Rias frowned, partly from Ayato's dismissive response and partly from Blaire's continued glare at her and hadn't been helped by the direwolf reacting the same way with Akeno, Kiba and even worse Koneko. It urked her more that Blaire seemed comfortable with Kalawarner and Mittelt while Asia and Seraphina were the only other people aside from Ayato who seemed to get affection from the direwolf.
"You should let me know seeing as I am your [King] and this is my territory" Rias replied, only to get Ayato to scoff as he retorted
"Yeah like you've really been doing your job protecting your territory in the first place" Kalawarner smirked at seeing Rias' face turn red in embarrassement, Blaire snickering on his lap before Ayato sighed annoyed at seeing the glowing magic circle respond to the one on his left hand.
"Looks like I've got another contract… Blaire why don't you go watch the girls" Ayato spoke, making Blaire frown before nodding and moving to go sit down next to Asia and nudging the blonde for attention as Ayato disappeared in the red magic circle.
…
Blinking as he left the magic circle, Ayato was slightly surprised that he was standing in a store room with ingredients about and a middle aged man in a chef uniform standing before him as he spoke "I'm Ayato, how may I help you today?"
"Oh great! I need you to help out with serving customers in my restaurant" The chef spoke with a relieved look as he held out a waiter's uniform, Ayato nodding in understanding before accepting the uniform and going to get changed.
A few moments passed before Ayato returned from behind the boxes he was using to get changed, now dressed in black slacks and smart shoes with a long sleeved white shirt that had a black bowtie around the collar and a black waistcoat over the top and buttoned together by three buttons.
"Is there anything else I need to know before I can start?" Ayato asked curiously, the chef shaking his head before leading the brunet into the restaurant.
…
Matsu frowned lightly as she looked at the information she'd just recieved from her friend on her computer, closing a few windows which had her latest projects inside as she murmured to herself as she read "From what I've heard in the Underworld, the marriage is going to be moved up although given how Gremory doesn't like him she'll have a fight on her hands…and given his records it'll be a tough one"
"…Looks like Aya-tan's got another fight on his hands…" She thought aloud to herself with a slight sigh befre a smirk worked its way onto her face as she added
"Oh well I should at least warn him about what's going to happen soon otherwise Ria-tan will keep him out of the loop again"
A beep alerted Matsu to something unknown being in the town, a window opening to show a video of the Old School Building and a phoenix sitting on one of the branches looking into the clubroom.
"Looks like I've found a target to test my new camera drones on" Matsu spoke with a mischevious tone, rubbing her hands together before starting to tap away at the keyboard and making the camera drone she was watching move closer before it fired a red beam of energy at the phoenix and destroyed it.
"Looks like the [Storm Flame] Generators are working in them" Matsu spoke gleefully as she leant back on her chair, knowing she was ruining the person who was viewing the clubroom stalking before she tapped a few buttons to switch cameras so she could see Ayato and the others going through a small meeting before they headed home for the day.
…
Ayato frowned as he watched the wooden target's legs explode from the Kunai that had hit the ground before it, tightening his grip on the silver kunai with an orange grip and a hoop end in his hand before throwing it at another target and watch the kunai and target explode on contact. Ayato frowned slightly at having only hit the shoulder of the human shaped target, the explosion leaving a good chunk of the torso, head and left arm in tact.
{Looks like you've got a good grasp on [Sahaquiel], Ayato-kun} Metatron spoke with a smile as she stood next to him, watching Ayato unsheathe a new Kunai from the orange bracers that were set on his arms. The blade was unsheathed by Ayato hooking his middle fingers into the hoop of the Kunai before pulling it out.
"I still find it hard to unsheathe these Kunai the way you showed me and then I can't seem to keep hitting them in the right places" Ayato spoke with a frown, taking a moment to aim and throw the blade at another target only to miss and cause an explosion to erupt behind it when the Kunai hit the ground.
"See" Ayato added, Metatron drawing her own Kunai before showing him the grip she was using. Her fore and middle fingers and her thumb holding the end of the small blade of the Kunai as she spoke
{You'll get use to it… Just make sure you release the Kunai at the end of your wrist's flick, or you arm's swing for more power, and it will at least hit the target.} Metatron flicked her wrist, launching the Kunai straight into the centre of the target, which promptly exploded.
{It is all a matter of practice, Kazu-kun but I know you'll get it soon} Metatron spoke with a smile, Ayato taking a calming breathe before throwing another Kunai and making the arm of another target explode.
"I hope you're right, Metatron" Ayato spoke as he watched the range of targets revert back to an untouched state before preparing to start his throwing practice with [Sahaquiel] again only for Albion to comment
[Take a break for now, Ayato… If you keep trying while you're frustrated you'll only piss yourself off more and it'll be a waste of time]
Ayato sighed as he relaxed and dismissed the Angelic weapon, moving to rub his temples with his fingers before turning to see Albion waving him to hurry after him. Complying, the brunet moved to catch up with the dragon in human form as Albion started to speak [You've made great progress with our powers, Kazu… Any of my other hosts would've buckled under the strain of what you've had to learn so just having trouble with one of Metatron's weapons doesn't mean the end of the world]
"I know but I feel like I'm letting Metatron down if I can't use them at least to a decent level" Kazuhiko replied, Albion nodding in understanding before looking seriously at his host as he countered
[Kid, you've got my power, Metatron's, your Devil,your Angel,Blazer,Dragon,Vampire,and Soul reaper sides side to learn to use not to mention those Flames, Two swords and Thirteen Beast Vassals . If you didn't have trouble in some areas, I'd think all that had happened since Metatron woke me was a dream and I'd be stuck with a pervert like Hyodo.]
Ayato chuckled at the thought of Hyodo having to deal with Albion, not noticing Metatron watching from a few feet away with a bright smile on her face as she approached the pair as she added {It's nice to see you laughing Ayato-kun…}
Ayato blushed as he scratched the back of his neck sheepishly as she continued {…You are making amazing progress so why don't we end our training early tonight}
[Yeah Ayato, you'll need your energy especially if Sera intends to go through with her declaration to her sister] Albion added with a smirk, Ayato's blush darkening as he retorted
"She was just stopping her sister from making advances on me… Neither of us is really ready for that anyway" Albion and Metatron shared an amused look as Ayato disappeared from the mindscape he usually trained in as he remembered meeting with Tiamat and Sera's Family.
(Flashback)
[Wow… They really went to town with making devils stay away from here.] Albion spoke up impressed, Ayato nodding before noticing Seraphina was leading him towards the ground and drawing the attention of the numerous humanoid dragons around them as they landed in the middle of the village.
The pair looked around after dismissing there wings, Seraphina's smile growing as she saw the black haired young woman rushing towards them before hugging the bluenette tightly as she spoke "Sera-chan, you're back!"
The black haired young woman pulled back, turning her gaze onto Ayato as she looked him over before continuing "Looks like you've found a good guy"
"Y-Yeah… Ayato-san is great…" The two young women went into a hushed discussion, Ayato scratching the back of his head in confusion before a mature voice spoke from behind him
"Its nice to see that you've made Sera-chan so happy, Ayato-kun was it?" Ayato jumped, turning to see a beautiful woman in her early thirties with thigh length midnight blue hair in a single low ponytail. She had yellow eyes and was wearing a purple evening dress which showed off her six foot tall buxom figure and tanned skin.
[Hello Tiamat] Albion spoke aloud, Tiamat smiling as she nodded and looked over Ayato who spoke
"It's nice to finally meet you Tiamat-san, I'm Ayato Hiryu" Tiamat's smile grew at the respect Ayato was showing her, Seraphina bidding her friend farewell as she moved to stand next to the brunet as Tiamat spoke
"Nice to meet you too, Ayato-san. It looks like you've got a good host, Albion… although I smell something pure mixed in with the devil,vampire,Blazer,Shinigami scent he has."
[I figured we couldn't fool you, Tiamat...] Albion started, Ayato looking sheepishly as Metatron spoke aloud
{It's nice to finally meet you, Tiamat-san… I am Metatron}
Tiamat looked surprised at Ayato at hearing Metatron speak up, her gaze turning to Seraphina to see her nod with a smile before focusing back onto the brunet as she spoke "Amazing… so you are both Angel, Blazer, Shinigami, Vampire and Devil. You certainly was lucky to meet with him Sera-chan. Let's go see your Kaa-san Sera-chan. Ayato-san you can explain everything once we're there"
Ayato nodded in understanding, Seraphina taking hold of his hand with a blushing smile as they started to walk while Tiamat lead the way. Tiamat's smile grew at seeing Seraphina relaxed and holding Ayato's arm as they came to a stop before a cream coloured house.
"This is it" Seraphina spoke with a nervous smile, Ayato giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before the door burst open and a buxom young woman rushed out, aqua blue hair falling down to her knees and dressed in a spaghetti strapped purple top and a black miniskirt.
"Sera!" She called as she hugged Seraphina tightly,Ayato blinking surprised at the response from the younger who was blushing embarrassed
"Onee-san, stop it!" Looking between the two Ayato noticed the similarities between them, hearing Albion chuckling in his mind as he commented
[Looks like Seraphina still has some growing left to do] Ayato blushed in response, taking a calming breathe before turning back to the pair at hearing Seraphina's sister speak with teary eyes
"But I haven't seen you since you left to woo your mate" Tiamat chuckled as Ayato's face reddened, coughing into his hand as be spoke
"I am here you know…"
"Sayuri-chan, you should stop embarrassing her" Tiamat added amused, Sayuri turning to look at Ayato with a gleam in her eyes before she dove at him
"Brother-in-law!"
"Gah!" Ayato called as he was knocked onto his back, Sayuri's hands probing over his body and even grabbing his crotch and she muttered pervertedly
"Fufufu…Such a strong sexy body...I may have to steal you for myself"
"Onee-san, stop it!" Seraphina called embarrassed as she rushed at her older sister.
"Sayuri-chan stop molesting Sera-chan's mate" A mature voice spoke from the doorway, Sayuri pouting childishly as she got up off of him but not before having another grope.
"Th-Thanks" Ayato spoke as he got back up with Seraphina's help, noticing the smiling woman standing in the doorway with royal blue hair held in a bun, dressed in a purple sundress with a white cardigan over the top.
"It's nice to meet you" Ayato spoke with a bow, Seraphina's mother smiling as she spoke to Seraphina with a thumbs up
"Such a respectful young man…good choice, Sera-chan" Seraphina and Kazuhiko blushed embarrassed before the group headed inside.
…
The group had settled into the living room, Seraphina and Sayuri sitting on either side of Ayato on one sofa while Tiamat and Seraphina's mother, who was called Ageha and was actually Tiamat's little sister, both taking an armchair each as they listened to Ayato explain everything he had been through since his introduction to the supernatural world.
"Well it seems like you have certainly been through quite a bit, Ayato-kun…" Tiamat spoke with a caring look, Ayato shrugging as Ageha added with a bright smile
"Well your children with certainly be strong… Soul Reaper Blazer/Dragon/Angel/Vampire/Devil hybrids… I can't wait to spoil them"
"Kaa-san, it's too early to talk about that!" Seraphina spoke embarrassed, burying her face into Ayato's arm as he added embarrassed
"Y-Yeah we've only known each other for a short while so please don't talk about that sort of things" Ageha smiled regardless, sharing a look to Tiamat who was shaking her head while chuckling before Sayuri asked lecherously
"So you've not sampled Ayato-kun's sausage yet, Sera? Shame maybe I should go teach him a few things" Sayuri caressed Ayato's bright red eyes before Seraphina pulled him away from her and shouted
"Kazu-san's virginity is mine so you can't have it Onee-san!"
[I think this is the first time you've been speechless and Sera being so bold] Albion spoke while Kazuhiko gaped at Seraphina who flushed embarrassed as she covered her mouth with her hands while Sayuri grinned deviously.
{I… I can't believe Sera-chan said something like that} Metatron spoke embarrassed while the two sisters continued to bicker, Seraphina all but sitting atop of his lap to stop Sayuri from getting closer to him.
'Neither can I.' Ayato thought, doing his best to avoid any bodily reaction as Seraphina moved around atop of him as she continued to argue with her sister.
"Stop it both of you…You're letting yourselves down in front of Ayato-kun" Ageha spoke sternly, Seraphina and Sayuri stopping with embarrassed looks before settling back down as Ayato sighed silently in relief.
"Sorry Kaa-san" Both sisters spoke in sync, Tiamat chuckling quietly as the conversation was continued on a more normal route.
…
"Kazu-san, would you hold out your hand to me?" Tiamat asked, Ayato nodding as he held out one hand to her, Tiamat tapping a finger onto his palm before a blue magic circle with a dragon face at the centre appeared on his hand before fading as she spoke
"There you'll be able to come here whenever you like with Seraphina and see us now with our Clan seal. I added a little more so anyone you trust can be transported with you through it"
[We best get moving before Gremory notices us gone] Albion spoke aloud, Ayato sighing annoyed as he nodded and added
"I guess I better head back to my group before they notice I'm gone"
"It was nice to meet you, Ayato-kun" Ageha spoke with a smile, Ayato smiling as he nodded before Sayuri added in an alluring tone
"Come back soon Ayato-kun" Seraphina glared at her sister again, Ayato rolling his eyes as he was lead outside by the others before he spoke
"Thank you Tiamat-san. Ageha-san, Sayuri-san it was nice to meet you as well. Sera-san, I'll see you later"
"I'll see you soon then" Seraphina spoke with a smile as she hugged Ayato and then pulled him into a long kiss, Ageha smiling as she watched the pair while Sayuri pouted.
"If you ever are in need of help then don't hesitate to call us, you are a part of our Clan now and we look after our own." Tiamat spoke with a smile, Ayato's smile growing as he nodded
"I will Tiamat-san." Taking a few steps back from the group, Ayato activated [Divine Dividing] before taking to the air and saying his farewell. As he ascended higher, Ayato looked around so he could pick up the demonic signature of his [Mist Clone] as Metatron spoke up
{There… Looks like they are rather far away Ayato-kun}
"Nothing I can't handle" Ayato replied, taking a moment to focus his power into his wings before shooting off towards where his clone was, trails of light behind him. He could pick up the magical barrier that concealed Tiamat's Clan's home coming up, the blue seal on his right hand glowing brightly and allowing him to pass through the barrier with ease.
(The Next few Days)
Seraphina,Stella,Yukina and Ayato was invited to meet Dimitrie Vatler,the Direct Descendant Of the First Primogenitor.
"…That aura just now, Regulus Altairyu, eh…? How unexpected. It seems coming to confirm the rumors of an Hybrid having consumed the Fifth Primogenitor was very much worth my time." So spoke the aristocrat from the Warlord's Empire, completely lacking any concern despite having suddenly attacked Ayato. The upper deck of the cruise ship Oceanus Grave was huge.
As the night breeze made the edges of his coat flap around, a look of pleasure came over his face.
"…You know about Regulus Altairyu…?" With a bewildered look, Ayato glared at Vattler's innocently smiling face.
Though he looked like a young man in his twenties, he was an Old Guard vampire through and through, a monster who had lived many times longer than he appeared to be.
Of course, he possessed a far greater amount of memories than Ayato.
Vattler had to know a great deal of things Kojou did not. And it was likely that knowledge concerning the Fifth Primogenitor, in other words, Ayato himself, was no exception.
"It's the fifth Beast Vassal of Cordelia Sakamaki, the Michaela Blood, yes? I'd heard it is quite wild and difficult to control, but you've tamed it rather nicely. The spirit medium's blood must have been very nice, indeed." Ayato wordlessly scowled his face at Vattler's casually delivered words.
"Michaela Blood," Cordelia Sakamaki…the ring of those words unsettled Ayato's psyche, bringing a headache that was difficult to endure. Though he must have met her sometime in the past, Ayato could not recall even a shred of it. Ayato's memory had been stolen, as if sealed by a powerful curse.
"What relation did you…have with Cordelia?" Ayato asked while he endured the fierce headache with no apparent cause.
Behaving like an actor onstage, Vattler put his palm to his own chest, a yearning in his narrowed eyes.
"Did I not say that at the start? I love her. I swore my eternal love to her."
"Swore love…? Aren't you part of the First Primogenitor's clan?"
"Well, yes. But our primogenitor is not the sort who cares much about that kind of thing, you see."
As Vattler spoke, his grin exposed his white canine teeth. "If the 'blood' is strong, it's all good. Strong blood families survive, regardless of who their ancestors were. Is that not how it is with vampires? So, shall we speak fondly of love, Ayato Hosokawa?"
"Wait, wait, wait, why is it like that?!" Ayato hurried to fend off the approaching Vattler.
"Mm?"
"Isn't Cordelia the one you swore your love to?!"
"But she no longer exists. You consumed her, did you not?" Ayato swallowed his breath with an "urk" at Vattler's casually tossed had no memory of that night. He couldn't remember what happened. But Ayato, who had been a Hybrid of Fallen, Devil, Soul Reaper Blazer, Human, & Dragon until but a few years prior, had gained the power of the hybrid vampire known as the Fifth Primogenitor right around then.
The only thinkable possibility was that Ayato had consumed the primogenitor, merging with and consuming the preceding Fourth Primogenitor, seizing her abilities and very being. For Ayato, a supposed Hybrid of Fallen, Devil, Soul Reaper Blazer, Human, & Dragon to consume a vampire…he imagined it must have made an abominable sight. However, there was nothing in Vattler's tone of voice that suggested he was scolding Ayato. Indeed, his smiling face seemed to be praising Ayato when he licked the corner of his upturned lips.
"…However, I dedicate my love for her to you, the inheritor of her 'blood.' Having sworn my eternal love to her, my conduct is very natural, is it not?"
"I'm tellin' you that logic's all messed up! So, what, anything goes if it's the same bloodline?!"
"But of course. That you inherited the power of the Fifth Primogenitor means that she accepted you. Compared to that, the two of us being men is but a small, trifling thing."
"It is not trifling. It's a big problem! And would you stop using your tongue like that?!" Ayato yelled at the young aristocrat's provocatively flicking his tongue.
Then, pushing the thin-tempered Ayato back, Yukina stepped in front of him, instrument case in hand. "Duke Ardeal…there is something I must ask you." A mystified look came over Vattler at the unexpected and unbidden intrusion.
It seemed he had not taken more note of Yukina's existence than that of a pebble until now.
"And you are?"
"I am called Yukina Himeragi, Sword Shaman of the Lion King Agency. I have come tonight as watcher of the Fifth Primogenitor."
"Hmm…I see. Miss Sayaka's colleague, then?" Vattler looked down at Yukina, murmuring at her formally identifying herself.
"Incidentally, Ayato's body carries the same scent as your blood… Were you the spirit medium for Regulus Altairyu by any chance?"
"…?!" Yukina's entire body awkwardly stiffened at Vattler unexpectedly hitting the mark. Ayato's expression froze solid as well. Ayato had inherited thirteen Beast Vassals from the previous Fifth Primogenitor. However, they had not recognized Ayato as their master, making them uncontrollable, a dangerous situation that continued even now.
Among them, Regulus Altairyu was the only one he had managed to tame. At the end of many twists and turns, Ayato had finally managed to bring one Beast Vassal under his control through sucking Yukina's blood. Of course, they had not been so careless as to speak of the fact he'd sucked on the blood of the girl watching over him to others, but…
"You mean…you can tell even that from the smell of blood…?!" Ayato was heavily taken aback as he responded with his question. He felt a penetrating gaze from behind. He knew the source without even bothering to look back. It was Sayaka Kirasaka, glaring at Ayato with hate-filled eyes. But THat bloodlust didn't Affect Ayato at All.
Sayaka had called herself a specialist in curses and assassination. Certainly, that level of bloodlust was more than sufficient to put a killing curse on a person or two. "No, I lied. I just wanted to say it." Vattler's smiling face looked quite satisfied, as if he was quite pleased at rocking Ayato and Yukina onto their heels. "But well, you see, if you are indeed a candidate for being Ayato's 'blood companion,' that makes you my rival in love. As a show of respect, I shall make an exception and answer your question. What do you wish to ask?"
"There's a lot wrong with that preamble. She's no candidate or your love rival!" Though Ayato refuted him in earnest, Vattler let the words slide past him as if not listening whatsoever. Yukina made a heavy exhale, a sharp look on her face as she gazed directly at Vattler.
"Please share with us your reason for visiting Itogami Island. Or is it your objective to establish an unseemly relationship with the Fifth Primogenitor?" Even Yukina's provocative manner of speech did not cause Vattler's smiling facade to crumble. Indeed, his brows rose in apparent pleasure.
"Of course, that is very much my objective. Ah, but I am remiss, there was another matter as well."
"So you did come for that!" Ayato muttered in annoyance. Yukina, shrouded in a hostile aura, glared at Vattler as if trying to intimidate him.
"And this other matter is…?"
"I had to make somewhat proper arrangements. I thought, if this Demon Sanctuary is indeed the territory of the Fifth Primogenitor, I must first make a proper greeting. After all, this might be somewhat troublesome for you." As Vattler spoke, he gracefully snapped his fingers.
On that signal, a horde of servants emerged from the ship interior one after the other. The food wagon they hauled in was filled to the brim with various dishes. There had been food brought into the assembly hall for the party, but it felt shabby compared to the exquisite cuisine here.
"…What do you mean by 'troublesome'?" Yukina asked without even glancing at the food that had been brought out. Vattler, engaging in bad manners by picking up a slice of raw ham with his fingers, made a smile.
"I've heard of the Black Death Emperor Front. But weren't they wiped out years ago? I'm sure their leader was assassinated…," Ayato murmured as he vaguely recalled an old news story. Ayato remembered it from back in his Junior League days, so it had to have been a pretty big incident.
"Yes. I killed him. Though he was an elderly beast man with a somewhat troublesome special ability." As Vattler tilted his wineglass, he answered with a casual smile. Ayato silently stared at the young aristocrat before his eyes. In spite of his current frivolous behavior, he felt keenly that this was an important figure in the world at large.
"Gardos is a survivor of the Black Death Emperor Front. Or, to be more accurate, Gardos serves as the new leader for the remnants of the Black Death Emperor Front. He has an illustrious career as a terrorist, after all."
"Wait a sec. You mean your reason for coming to Itogami Island is related to this Gardos guy?" Ayato asked as he suddenly felt a bad premonition. Vattler made what seemed like a nod of admiration.
"Your quick wits make this easy, Ayato. Precisely. It has been reported to me that Gardos, and his Black Death Emperor Front subordinates along with him, have infiltrated this island."
"…What would European radicals come all the way to this island for?"
"Who knows…? They surely have something in mind." Ayato grated his teeth at the young aristocrat's feigning ignorance. Having silently watched until now, Sayaka suddenly spoke to Ayato in a businesslike tone
"The Black Death Emperor Front is a beast man–supremacist group. Their objectives are the complete rupture of the Holy Ground Treaty and striking down the First Primogenitor who rules the Warlord's Empire…"
Without thinking, Ayato made a peevish look at Sayaka's cold attitude, which seemed to be saying, You didn't even know that? "That's got even less to do with this island."
"No, senpai. That is incorrect." Yukina rebuked Kojou in a small voice.
"Quite so," said Vattler, making a mischievous wink.
"Itogami Island is a Demon Sanctuary…a city established according to the Holy Ground Treaty. To them, that is cause enough to create an incident here. The Black Death Emperor Front does pride itself on its symbolism."
"Wha… What kind of one-sided logic is that?" Ayato said with a low groan.
"Having said that, Japan is not the only nation with a Demon Sanctuary. It's natural to presume that they have some other reason to come to Itogami Island in particular."
"Some other reason…like what?"
"That I do not know." Vattler made a careless shake of his head. His voice was oddly buoyant. "If I was to venture a guess, hmm, they might be searching for a way to defeat a primogenitor, as killing the First Primogenitor is their final objective."
"…And what, you're fine with that?" Ayato made a sigh with a dumbfounded look. Primogenitors were the oldest, most powerful of all vampires. If the Black Death Emperor Front obtained the power to defeat that primogenitor, it meant they posed a threat to the existence of all other vampires as well. Vattler should have been in as much danger as anyone. But…
"I don't really mind… Well, that's what the old man would say. In light of various circumstances that concern me, I can say no differently." Opening his arms wide as if it was someone else's problem, Vattler let out a laugh rich in meaning. Yukina glared at the mysterious, young aristocrat with a very serious look on her face.
"Do you intend to assassinate Kristof Gardos?"
"Not at all. I intend nothing that is so troublesome. In the first place, my Beast Vassals are not oriented toward such delicate work. Their specialty is more along the lines of burning cities to the ground." Vattler slipped away from Yukina's cross-examination like an eel.
"Proud of it, huh?" Ayato muttered with a quiet sigh. However, it was the blunt truth that vampire Beast Vassals weren't oriented toward precision attacks. If Vattler wasn't minded to do battle with the terrorists, that was a relief…but the moment Ayato allowed himself a sense of relief…
"But you know, if Gardos's side should come to try and kill me, I will be forced to engage them. I would be exercising self-defense. Isn't that so?" As if sneering at Ayato for lowering his guard, Vattler spoke, seeking his agreement.
That was when Ayato, too, finally realized what he was up to. Vattler, who had slain the leader of the group of radicals known as the Black Death Emperor Front, was a target for their revenge, so to speak. Surely the remnants of the Black Death Emperor Front were awaiting their opportunity to take revenge upon him even now. If Gardos did truly obtain the power to slay a primogenitor, he'd go straight for Vattler. Vattler, too, sought this.
"So you came to Itogami Island to taunt the terrorists to draw them out, huh? Coming aboard this ridiculously conspicious ship too…"
"No, no…my primary objective was to meet you, my beloved." As Vattler spoke those words, he turned an insistent look upon Ayato. Ayato's voice grew ragged.
"Like this is the time to kid around. If you wanna wage war, do it in your own country. Don't bring trouble to other people's cities!"
"Of course, I wish such trouble may be avoided. Should the CounterDemon Agents of this city capture Gardos, I have no complaint. It would be nice if I was saved the trouble. That, of course, is if they can catch him." With a small shake of his head and a shrug of his shoulders, Vattler made an exaggerated sigh. Then, he turned a handsome, smiling face toward Ayato that made him shiver.
"But the nine Beast Vassals that obey me… Should danger befall me, their master, who knows what they might do? Sinking this island is no great concern to them. That is why I thought I should apologize to you…in advance."
"Wha…?!" This time, it was Ayato who exclaimed.
(The Next Day)
"Oi Matsu-san… What was all the rush about?" Ayato called as he, Seraphina and Mittelt stepped into Matsu's shop after just finishing school. Mittelt was instantly attracted to look at the weapons while Seraphina and Ayato walked over to the desk that Matsu was sitting at with her laptop open before her.
"I've got something important you three need to know, Mitt-tan you should come over here as well" Matsu explained, ushering over the blonde as she turned her laptop around to show them a picture as she started to explain
"That is Riser Phenex… He's the third son of the Phenex Clan of Devils and he's also engaged to Rias Gremory against her will. It looks like the heads of the Clans are trying to move the marriage forwards"
"So?" Ayato asked in a deadpan tone, Mittelt and Seraphina looking surprised as the former spoke
"That unison could make an insanely strong Devil" Ayato turned to the blonde about to ask what she meant only for Matsu to answer
"That's right Mitt-tan, The Phenex are similar to the Phoenix and as such have the same abilities… High Level Regeneration and Fire and Wind Magic combine it with Gremory's [Power of Destruction] and well…"
"Great… what has this got to do with us?" Ayato asked sarcastically, Matsu rolling her eyes as she explained
"Ria-tan hates this douche and will try and fight her way out of the engagement which means…"
"A Rating Game, so…? If she loses she'll have to marry him. I'll ask again…" Ayato spoke, scratching his head as Seraphina spoke up concerned
"If Riser marries Rias he can command her peerage as she could do for his… also he could force you all to live in the Underworld and then we couldn't meet up without him trying to give you orders that if you didn't follow would get you killed or labelled as a Stray"
"Right…" Ayato spoke with a frown, clenching his hands as he added
"I guess I'll have to get stronger then… I don't trust Gremory to be able to win it herself with the others, no offense Mittelt-san." Mittelt frowning as she spoke annoyed
"I can handle some fried chicken devil"
"He's right Mitt-tan" Matsu spoke with a sigh, turning the laptop around to face her as she continued
"He's won eight out of the ten Rating Games he's been a part of and the two losses were to Clans the Phenex has close ties with… Even if you could get stronger quick enough you'll still have to deal with Riser's regeneration"
"I'll ask Kala-san to help me get better with it" Mittelt spoke annoyed, her frown lessening as she noticed the thoughtful look on Ayato's face as he tapped the desk with his fingertips.
[Kazu, have you got a plan? I mean fighting a Phenex isn't going to be an easy task] Albion asked aloud, Kazuhiko leaning against the desk as he muttered a few words under his breathe
[Yeah…With that we could handle that brat but with his peerage…]
"Ayat-tan, you're thinking of learning to do that, right?" Ayato nodded as he looked at Matsu's grinning face, Seraphina looking curious as she asked
"What's 'that'…?"
"I'll have to work out the details for it but I should be able to recreate something that works like the [Zero Point Breakthrough: Second Edition]" Ayato spoke thoughtfully before sighing as he added
"Only problem is I have no affinity for Ice Magic myself so I can't copy it the normal way"
{We'll work something out, Aya-kun} Metatron spoke quietly to him as Mittelt asked
"Have you got the information about Riser's peerage, Matsu-san?"
"Of course" Matsu spoke with a grin, tapping away at her laptop to bring up the details.
…
"We are back!" Mittelt called as she and Ayato walked in from handing out leaflets, more so Mittelt could get a grip on it while Ayato could get away from the clubroom.
"Oh my good work. I will make some green tea now." Akeno spoke with a smile, Ayato moving to pet Blaire's ears before taking a seat next to Seraphina as he replied
"Alright…" Akeno's smile grew slightly at hearing that, not noticing the absentminded tone about him as he noticed the dazed expression on Rias' face. Blaire growling lowly as Akeno set down the cup of tea on the table moments later before taking her seat again.
"Buchou we've returned" Mittelt spoke as she stood in front of Rias' desk, Ayato frowning at how she hadn't reacted before he gave a look to Blaire who offered him a sly smile before she padded off towards Rias' desk, stopping next to Mittelt before barking loudly and making Rias jump as she cried
"Kyaa!"
"Buchou, we have returned" Mittelt spoke, Rias taking a moment to calm herself down as she shot a glare at Blaire only for the direwolf to turn up her nose before hurrying back to Ayato.
"I-I'm sorry. I was dazed for a second. Good work Mittelt, Hosokawa-kun" Rias spoke with a fake smile, Ayato silently sighing as he realised that Matsu was right about the Gremory-Phenex marriage being moved forwards as Rias moved from her desk and looked around to check everyone was there before she added
"Now, let's have Mittelt make her debut as a Devil"
"Yes, Buchou" Mittelt spoke with a grin as she saw the magic circle glowing brightly in response to someone wanting to make a contract. Rias smiling as she looked at the magic circle as she commented
"Looks like someone is calling for you, Mittelt so do your best" Mittelt nodded eagerly before standing on the magic circle and disappearing in a flash of light.
(Couple of minutes Later)
How do you do? I'm a person that serves the Gremory household. My name is Grayfia. I will be your acquaintance from now on. Also thank you for stopping Ojou-sama from doing something so foolish"
"So this is the rebellious Hybrid Fifth Progenitor with the [Divine Dividing] and host of the Heavenly Dragon, Albion"
"Yeah that's me" Ayato replied casually with a small wave, Rias frowning as she spoke
"Grayfia, let's go back to my room. I will listen to what you have to say over there. Akeno can also attend, right?"
"The "Lightning Priestess"? I don't mind. It's a must for high-class devils to have their "Queen" by their side all the time." Grayfia spoke with a nod, Ayato frowning as Rias approached him and started
"I'm sorry Hosokawa-kun…"
"Just get going Gremory…" Ayato replied with a dismissive wave, Rias looking sadly at him before going back to Grayfia who activated a magic circle underneath them and transported out of his room. Ayato waited for a few moments before finally relaxing, turning his gaze to the ceiling as he asked aloud
"So what were you going to say before Gremory burst in here?"
[… I can't remember…] Albion replied sheepishly, Metatron frowning as she spoke
{Albion, you can't just forget what we were working on!}
The door opened a few moments later, Seraphina stepping in with slightly damp hair and wearing a long white shirt that reached down to her thighs, the top couple of buttons open and was slightly transparent from the water from her hair which showed off the purple lace panties she was wearing underneath.
"Aya-san, are you alright?" She asked concerned, her smile growing at catching Ayato's wandering gaze over her figure before shaking his head and answering
"Yeah… It was just Gremory being more of an idiot then usual" Seraphina frowned at hearing that, moving towards Ayato and wrapping her arms around his waist as she asked
"Want to talk about it or…?" Ayato ran a hand through her hair as he replied
"She was just trying to get out of her engagement with Phenex" Seraphina frowned at hearing that, resting her head on his shoulder as she hummed happily at his hand running through her hair.
…
"How do you know about Buchou's engagement?" Kiba asked surprised as he, Kazuhiko, Seraphina and Asia walked to the clubroom. The brunet rolling his eyes as he retorted
"How do I ever find out anything that Gremory tries to hide?" Kiba smiled sheepishly as he realised he'd forgot about Matsu as he asked
"I didn't know Matsu-san's network was big enough to find out about that"
"Well the whole idea of a literal Super Devil with both Clans' abilities from the union is almost bragging material for both Clans" Kazuhiko countered with a shrug as Asia asked curiously
"Buchou is getting married?"
"Not sure about that yet, Asia-san" Seraphina spoke with a slight smile, part of her still angry at the redhead for trying such a stunt with her Kazuhiko even with knowing what her fiancée was like.
{Looks like Grayfia is here as well} Metatron spoke, Ayato blinking as he spoke
"Well looks like we have visitors…"
"...For me to realise this presence, only when I came here..." Kiba spoke with a serious face as he opened the door, sparing a glance to Kazuhiko and wondering how the brunet had picked up on Grayfia's suppressed aura easily as they entered.
Inside the room, the mood was deathly quiet; Rias had a disturbed face while Akeno was smiling with a serious intent. Koneko and Mittelt were sitting on chairs in the corner quietly so they wouldn't get involved with what was going to happen and Grayfia raised an eyebrow at seeing Seraphina and Asia enter behind Kazuhiko, the latter holding onto his shirt while the former was holding his hand and whispering comforting words to Asia.
"Looks like everyone is here… Before we start the club, there's something I need to tell all of you." Rias spoke seriously, Grayfia speaking up during the pause
"Ojou-sama, do you want me to explain the situation?" Rias held her hand up to reject Grayfia's offer, Kazuhiko finding himself enjoying the fact Rias was nervous as she started
"The truth is..."
At that moment, Rias was interrupted again by a orange magic circle glowing on the floor that Ayato recognised as the Phenex Clan's symbol, Kiba muttering the name before flames erupted from the magic circle and showing the silhouette of a man behind them who used one arm to disperse the flames as he spoke
"Fuu. I haven't come to the human world for a while."
Kazuhiko instantly recognised Riser Phenex, partly from his gigolo appearance of a casually worn red suit that showed off too much chest and partly due to the bad boy look he was trying to pull off.
"My lovely Rias. I came to take you." Riser spoke, Ayato's smirk growing slightly at seeing Rias look back with half closed angry eyes which seemed to be ignored as Riser continued
"Then Rias, let's go and take a look at the ceremony hall. The date of the ceremony is decided so we need to check it before then." Riser grabbed Rias' arm only to lose it as Rias shook him off as she spoke in a pissed off tone
"…Let go of me, Riser."
"Sir, I believe you're hurting my master. Please kindly remove your hand from hers." Ayato spoke out as he grab onto Riser's hand.
"""""!?""""" Everyone including Grayfia had their heart stopped as they saw Ayato grabbing Riser's hand.
"What do you wan- " "!?" At first Riser was pissed as a Low-class Devil just touched him, a High-class Devil. But he lost his words when he saw the person grabbing his hand.
'It's that boy from the time!' Riser quickly let go of Rias's hand and shake off Ayato's hand.
"Y-Y-You!?" Riser pointed Ayato with his index finger and back away from Ayato a bit.
"You two know each other?" Rias asked as she stands beside Ayato.
"Tch. No, I've never seen him before." Riser look away and dusted his hand at the part where Issei just grabbed nim.
Ayato smirked at Riser's denial, but kept quiet.
Grayfia then decided to introduce Riser to Ayato , not knowing that he already know who the former one is.
"Hiryu Ayato-sama, this is- "
"Riser Phenex right? I've heard things about him." Ayato not waiting for Grayfia to finish.
Both Grayfia and Riser widened their eyes after hearing that, but chose to remain quite.
Rias sits down on the couch while Riser sat next to her. He set his hand on Rias's shoulder, but the latter keeps on shaking his hands off. Feeling disgusted. But that doesn't demotivate Riser at all… He just keeps on touching her hair, hands and shoulder.
Ayato's right eye twitches as he witness his master being harass by the High-class stalker. One side of him admire Rias for not being explosive… yet. The other side of him really wanted to beat the crap out of that stalker.
"The tea made by Rias's Queen sure taste wonderful." Riser praised Akeno's tea.
"Thank you very much." Akeno smiled but her voice carries thorns in it, but Riser is just too stupid to notice it.
Veins started to pop out from Rias's head as she can no longer takes it. She stood up from her seat and shouted at Riser.
"Stop it already, Riser! I said it before and I'll said it again, I will not Marry You!"
"I heard that before. But Rias, that won't do, you know? I think the situation of your household is quite serious." Riser smirked and continue to talk with a smug on his face.
"The newly produced Devils—. The ones like your servants, the reincarnated Devils, are expanding in terms of strength but that would make us, the High-class Devils with old history background, lose our place. There are old nobles who gets close to the reincarnated Devils because they are very powerful. Well, that might be alright. The newly produced Devils are also important for our future. But we can't allow the pure-blood Devils to go extinct right? You and I were chosen in order to prevent the pure-bloods from going extinct. My house is safe because I have my older brothers. But there are only two siblings in your house. And your brother is someone who left the house. Then there would only be you, Rias, who can inherit the House of Gremory."
"Besides, both your father and brother are afraid that your household will become extinct. We lost a great number of Pure-Blood Devils in the last war. The only solution for a Pure-Blood Devil to prevent themselves from going extinct is to join the clans together and produce the children of Pure-Blood Devil."
Riser continues further, "Rias, I will remind you again. You are the future heiress of the the House of Gremory, if you don't take a husband, the House of Gremory will go extinct in your generation. Are you trying to crush the household that has been continuing for a very long time? Because of the past war, there is not even half the number of Devils who were referred as "72 pillars". This marriage has the future of the Devils on the line."
Ayato listened the whole conversations, absorbing the information and combining it with the knowledge he had.
'I can see the situation they're in now… In a summary, the Pure-Blood Devils fear the increase number of Reincarnated Devil, while their number either remained the same or decreasing… If I remember correctly, out of the 72 Pillars, only 34 remains. Which is a pretty bad state…'
"I will not crush my house! And I am willing to take a husband!" Rias said it out loud, while taking a quick peek at Ayato . The latter however did not notice, as he was processing the information. But Grayfia caught Rias's action…
"Ah, as I have expected from Rias! Then let's go- " Riser gave a smile after he finished his tea.
Rias didn't let him finish what he was about to say and told him.
"But I will never marry you, Riser! I will marry someone I acknowledge. Even Devils from the old noble house have the right to choose!"
Ayato smiled after hearing his master's resolve. Riser on the other hand gave and unpleasant expression. He stood up from his seat. His eyes became sharper.
"…You know what Rias. I too am a Devil who carries the name of the House of Phoenix behind me. I can't have that name get tarnished. I don't even want to come to this tiny old building in the human world! I am the proud Phenex who resembles and rules fire and wind! However fire and wind in this world is filthy! For me, someone in a High-class to visit this disgusting place… I CAN'T STAND IT!"
Fires started to appear on Riser's body. There killing intent and hostility from Riser causes everyone in the room to get into fighting stance. Except for Ayato and Grayfia.
"Rias, I will take you back to the Underworld, even if I have to BURN ALL OF YOUR SERVANTS!"
"DON'T YOU DARE THREATEN MY SERVANTS!" Rias shouted loudly at Riser. Red aura appear from Rias body.
Riser ignored Rias and increase his demonic power. The fire started to cover his body, going around his back and form a wings of fire. He then raises his right hand up while the fire started to accumulate and coat on his hand. He then brought his hand aiming at Rias's servants. He shot out the fireball big enough to engulf the group of servants. Grayfia was about to interfere, but something stopped her…
Ayato grinned and step forward. Opening his hands and bringing them to his side as if he's going to give a welcome huge to the fireball. His eyes widened while the pupils constrict.
"Ayato!"
""Ayato-kun!?""
"Ayato-sempai!?"
Everyone was shock when they saw Issei stepping towards the fire. Completely forgetting how strong he actually is. Even Riser widened his eyes seeing Ayato's action. Everyone misunderstood Ayato's action, as they all thought that Ayato was shielding Akeno, Kiba, Hana, Maria, Erza, and Koneko.
"Hah! At least there is one Devil eager to Die!" Riser laughed.
Within a second, the fireball collided with Ayato. However, instead of exploding when it touches Issei, the fireball started to shrink.
"!?"
Everyone widened their eyes as that witness the fireball shrinked… They were surprised even more as they found out what causes it to shrink… Ayato is inhaling it! NO! He's Eating it!
*Sluuuuuuuurp~*
"Hahhhhhhh~" Ayato sighed and showed a disappointing face after he finish eating the fireball.
"Riser-sama, I don't want to say this… but you fire… they taste horrible." Ayato said it bluntly.
"You! How dare you disrespect me! You lowly servant! Do you even know who you're talking to!?" Riser is furious as he had just been insulted by Ayato .
"Not much. But I do know that you are stalker."
The room was silence for a few minutes.
"!?" Everyone then widened their eyes. Riser, a stalker!?
"Who's the stalker here!? You, a Low-class Devil should know you're place and shut up!" Riser denied.
"Ayato what do you mean when you said Riser is a stalker." Rias ask Ayato directly completely ignoring Riser.
"It was last month I think, I caught him stalking Buchou through his familiar. I believe that it was a red feathered chicken. It was sitting on the tree brunch just outside this window." Ayato pointed at the tree just outside the window. He also set the bait, waiting for Riser to bite it as he just insulted Riser's familiar as a chicken.
"It's not a chicken! That's a phoenix you idiot!" Riser shouted at Issei without thinking, not knowing that he just took the bait.
Ayato grinned when he heard that.
"!?" Riser quickly cover his mouth with both his hands
Rias unconsciously wrap her hands around her body and look at Riser with great disgust. Everyone is looking at great disgust.
"I am not stalking! It's called observing!" Riser countered. Finally admitting that the information being true.
Ayato decided to add in a few thing, "Or… observing someone without asking for their permission."
Riser send a death glare at Ayato trying to send a message to him telling him to shut up. Ayato just ignore that death glare.
Grayfia step into the conversation again.
"Lord Gremory, Sirzechs-sama, and those from the House of Phoenix knew it would turn out like this. Everyone knew that it wouldn't be solved peacefully, so they decided to make a last resort."
"Last resort? What do you mean, Grayfia?" Rias raises her eyebrows.
"Ojou-sama, if you wish to push your opinion forward, then how about you settle it by having a Rating Game against Raiser-sama?
"!?"
Rias becomes speechless hearing Grayfia-san. She seems to be very shocked.
Ayato went on and put on his thinking cap again.
"Rating Game… where did I hear that word before…" Ayato muttered out loudly.
"It's a game that is played by the Devils with peerage, and they compete by making their servants battle." Kiba explains as he heard Ayato's mutter.
"Oh right, it's like a chess play right? Yea I remembered." Ayato used his right hand gently hammered his left palm as he remember what Rating Game is.
He then turn his head and look at Grayfia.
"Grayfia-san, if Buchou wins in the Rating Game?"
Grayfia widened her eyes a bit but remained in a calm posture.
"If Ojou-sama wins, she can do whatever she likes."
Riser added with a smirk, "That is, if she wins."
Ayato look at Rias... "Buchou, can you hear me?"
"!?" Rias look back at Issei, with great surprise.
"Ayato… is that you? Are you talking in my head?"
Ayato nodded.
"Buchou, take that deal. That is your ticket to your freedom."
"A-Are you sure!?"
Ayato nodded again.
"Hey brat, is there something wrong with your head?" Riser asked Issei.
Ayato ignore him and continue.
"Remember what I said last night. I will always stand and fight beside you. I will shoulder all your burden."
Rias started to blush as she remembers the scenario. She shook her head and look at Grayfia with a determinations in her eyes.
"Grayfia, I accept that offer. We will settle this in the Rating Game."
Grayfia widened her eyes, as she sees Rias's eyes were full with confidence.
'Hiryu Ayato-sama must have done something…' Grayfia thought.
"What about you, Riser-sama? Will you accept and participate in the Rating Game?"
Riser just closes his eyes and smirk.
"Hee, if Rias is accepting it, I don't mind. Since I'm already a matured Devil and I have already participated in the official game. I have already won most of the games. Even so, you still want to play with me, Rias? You've never even participate in an official games before. You have little to zero experience in the real Rating Game. You're chances of winning me is very slim. Hahahahaha!"
Riser's arrogant started to get into his head.
"Don't you dare mock my master, Riser-sama. I won't forgive you if you say it any further."
"!?" Riser look at the source of that threatening voice. Who dares threaten him!?
Ayato is currently glaring at him with both his pupils and irises constricted. He's mad… really mad. A very strong pressure bursts out from him, causing the others to back away a bit. Even the proud Riser is shaking a bit as he felt those pressure coming from Ayato.
"Ayato-sama, please calm down a bit. Also, please remember your current position." Grayfia said it calmly.
Ayato quickly lowers his power as he remembers his current position, a servant of Rias Gremory, a Low-class Devil.
Riser then added two cents, "T-That's right! Know your place you Low-class! There's no way you have enough power to threaten me!" His pride and arrogant blinded him.
Grayfia however said it out bluntly, "No Riser-sama. The power that Ayato-sama gave out exceeds yours. I'm only saying that to protect you."
"!?" Riser looked at Grayfia with a shocking expression.
'A-A Low-class like him!? Exceed my power!? I-I-Impossible!'
Grayfia looks at the group and decided to take her leave. But before she do so, "Ojou-sama, I will be the one in charge of the game between the two household. Is that okay?"
"Yea, I'm fine with it." Rias answered.
"Very well, I understood. I shall inform the two households then." At that moment, Grayfia teleported away.
As Grayfia is no longer in the clubroom, Riser look at Rias, her servants and then smirks.
His smirk really pisses everyone on the room.
"Hey, Rias. Don't tell me these are your servant."
Both Ayato's and Rias's eyes twitches after hearing words.
"What about it? What's wrong with my servants!?" Rias asked.
"Hahahahhahahahahahaha!" Riser started to laugh and he said, "This match will be a laugh. You only have 4 servants? And you still wish to participate in the Rating Game? Only your Queen, the Priestess of Thunder and that Pawn over there can fight on par with my adorable servants."
Riser then click his fingers, which causes magic circle to appear and glow on the floor behind him.
A total of 15 woman appear from the magic circle.
"Now do you see Rias, these are my cute servants." Riser introduced them proudly.
'Total of 15… they don't seem any special to me…' Ayato started to analyse his opponents. There are only two servants in Riser's peerage that caught Ayato's attention.
The first one is a busty woman with a long, wavy purple hair that falls all the way down her back and matching eyes. The right side of her front hair falls over her breast and covers her right eye, while the left side falls near the top of her skirt.
Her attire is a dress consisting of navy blue tunic top with gold accents and a pale blue skirt with open sides, and black shoes over matching thigh-high stockings with garter belts. The top reveals much of her cleavage, and is held with a gold choker with blue and red jewels. Over this, she wears a white overcoat with black and gold accents and matching pauldrons. For accessories, she wears a black headband with a red-orange jewel over her forehead to keep her long hair in place, and wields a staff-like scepter in battle. She wears purple lipstick, matching her eyes and hair.
The second one is more interesting. She is a young girl with a long blonde hair and dark blue eyes like Riser. Her hair was tied in twin ponytails with large, drill-like curls, and have blue ribbons keeping them in place. The front of her hair has several bangs hanging over her forehead, with a V-shaped fringe hanging over the bridge of her nose. She's wearing a long, pink dress with white frills and a magenta bow in the front.
*sniff sniff* Ayato sniffed the air. He then decided to ask Riser one question that's bothering him.
"Hey stalker."
Riser scowls as he heard Ayato gave him a nick name. "Don't call me a stalker you Low-life! That is not the way a Low-class Devil like you to talk to a High-class Devil like me! Rias, did you even discipline your servant at all!?"
Rias just look away and said, "Like I care."
"How about fried chicken then?" Ayato said it with a serious face. He changed the nickname.
The room is in a complete silence.
"Oh, oh. Womanizer! Fried turkey? Either Grilled Turkey or Grilled Chicken..." Ayato started to give Riser different kinds of nickname.
"Pfft- " Rias's back was facing them as she accidentally let out a laugh. She covered them up with both her hands.
Even Akeno, Kiba and Koneko find it hard not to laugh. But Riser is really really piss at Ayato for embarrassing him in front of his servants. He really wanted to kill Ayato at that spot.
"How dare he!? Speaking to Riser-sama like that!"
"Does he have no manners!?"
"He needs to be teach properly!"
Riser's girls started to get angry at Ayato, for disrespecting their master.
Riser ordered one how his servant coldly. "Siris, do it."
A tall young woman with long black hair with dark blue tint and brown eyes. Her hair features five thin ponytails going around her head, which are held up by a gold hair accessory on top of her hair. She's wearing a white top with black accents modelled after Chinese cheongsam, red shorts and armored with knee-high boots and matching gauntlets. There is also a diamond shape on the chest area which gives a view of her breast and cleavage.
Ayato notice the servant that is walking towards him, called Siris has a giant Zweihänder mounted on her back. It has a black blade with silver edges and has a black hilt with a red handler.
Ayato deduce that she is one of Riser's Knight.
Siris brought her right hand to her back to reach for her weapon. Ayato just stood there, not moving at all. Waiting for the Knight to strike.
Within two seconds, Siris brought her Zweihänder down to strike Ayato. Rias and her servants are shock seeing Riser trying to kill Ayato.
"Stoop!"She shouted, but a little late.
*BAAAM!*
A sound of a sword hitting the floor was heard.
Eh? But Siris's Zweihänder never touch the ground… Everyone in the club all most had their eyes fall out upon what they witnessed.
What Ayato did, brings both surprise and shock to everyone!
H-H-He stop that giant Zweihänder with just a FINGER!? Ayato's left index stopped Siris's Zweihänder from reaching him. Siris tried to put more force into the Zweihänder, trying to push it down. Issei just push forward his left hand, and that causes Siris to take a few step backwards.
"You're gonna need more than that to cut me, grilled chicken." Ayato smirked as he saw Riser's unpleasant facial expression.
"Tch." Riser made a sound with his tongue and he turned to look at Rias.
"Rias, how about we have a match in 10 days?"
"Are you giving me a handicap?" Rias asked him.
"Are you against it? Is it humiliating? Rating Game isn't something simple that you can win with only your feelings. If you can't use your servant's power to the fullest, then you will lose immediately. So it's not weird for you to train with your servants for your first Rating Game. I have seen Devils who lost without using their power to the fullest countless of times, no matter how great their potential and power was."
Rias didn't complain and listened quietly to what Riser's said.
When Riser directs his palm towards the ground, the magic-circle starts to glow.
"10 days. If it's you, you should be able to improve your servants."
He then looks at Ayato.
"Pawn of Rias. Don't be a disgrace to Rias. Your blow is Rias's blow."
Ayato stayed quiet and think about Riser's words.
"Rias, the next time we meet will be at the game."
Saying that, Raiser disappears in the light of the magic circle along with his servants.
"Oh, I didn't get to ask grilled chicken why did he made his sister as one of his servant…" Ayato muttered to himself as he just remembered his unanswered question.
To be Continued
