Chapter VI: Devilish Encounters and the Path of the King
After her stress-ridden morning, despite its illuminating nature, Artoria was more than willing to simply enjoy the sun's caress. Her school bag beneath her head, she lounged in the morning sun forgetting all her troubles. The sky's beauty was more than enough to enthral Artoria attention as she watched its ever-changing clouds drift by. The day's warmth seeped into her body and all, at last, seemed right in the world.
Even Ddraig was more than willing to simply enjoy relaxing after the day's hecticness. It was good to simply pass the time and not concern themselves with the troubles of the supernatural. Mysteries she had long thought impossible to solve had finally been answered. Her path was decided and its current step was to simply calm her nerves and mind before truly taking her first steps.
Of course, lunch came all too quickly and the peace she had found was soon shattered. Footsteps neared her relaxed body and for a moment Artoria thought that perhaps the perverted duo had thought to try their luck with her. Thankfully, she noted that it was only a single pair of footsteps and they lacked the inelegance she had come to expect from most of the students. Propping herself up, Artoria was unsurprised to find Kiba standing near her.
He looked somewhat abashed at having interrupted her relaxation but he clearly held no intention of leaving. As her gaze fixed upon him, Artoria could not quite deduce the emotion she felt upon seeing him. His honour, at least when sparring, could not be doubted but a part of her wondered whether that had simply been a rouse to enter her confidence. Yet unless Kiba's swordsmanship outshone hers by several magnitudes, something she doubted, Artoria found it unlikely he could fake such a chivalrous blade.
However, no matter how much of the sword's way he followed there was no denying his identity. He was a devil, a creature that thrived on the misfortune of humanity, that stood against all that was right. She had seen the truth of devilkind, had seen the indiscriminate butchering Viser had committed. Man, woman and child were treated as nothing more than cattle to be played with and murdered without care. She could not allow herself to fall into complacency, she had a duty to uphold. The way of the sword did not prelude goodness, history and myth alike were filled with individuals who had defiled its path to reflect their own twisted ways.
"I would not have thought you the truanting type after all your words about swordsmanship." Kiba's tone was light and joking yet all the same Artoria found it hard to take his words at face value. It was just simply too easy to forget that behind that chivalrous facade was a devil.
"And I would think asoul-sucking devil would be happy to see me tarnish my immortal soul." She said to the blonde-haired monster with a light glare.
"So we're just going to end our little charade?" Kiba released a light chuckle as he slumped down beside her. "That's a shame, I was rather enjoying our little sparring sessions. I suppose you now understand why I don't join the kendo club?"
"I don't know, I would have thought you could get most of my members to sell their souls to you if you just offered them a date." Her words seemed to have the opposite effect on Kiba. As rather than become defensive, he merely gave a smile at her words before ruefully shaking his head.
"You do realise that's not how it works?"
"And I would trust your words why?" Artoria hand toyed with the blades of grass at her side as her gaze drifted from the devil beside her to the great blue sky above. A flock of geese flew through the sky, their formation riding the winds with ease.
"You'd instead trust the words of a Fallen Angel? I at least was once human, I still feel the same way I always did. I still feel friendship, loyalty, companionship. Those terms mean nothing to them. They are beings magnitudes removed from humanity; they see us as little more than ants to be toyed with." Artoria noted his tone shifting the more he spoke. Yet her intuition failed her as she could not detect the deceit in his words. Frustration mounting, she broke her gaze with the sky and turned narrow eyes towards him.
"Then both of your factions do little for humanity. I find it concerning that you know I've been in contact with the Fallen Angels. Spying on me?" The thought bothered her more than she'd expected. The idea that they had simply stood by and watched the Fallen Angels attack her.
"You can't expect to walk around the way you do and think the supernatural will pay no heed to you. Even as a simple human you excel to such an extent that devils will want you. Once you include your minor sacred gear and the dragon blood inside you, well you're going to have to pick a side, before something bad happens."
"How did you know about the dragon blood? Not even the Fallen Angels know that."
"We can't give away all our secrets." Kiba paused for a moment, he then spoke with clear and obvious concern. "Hyoudou I would not push you so much if I did not have your best wishes at heart. But you simply do not have the full picture and the Fallen Angels are playing you for a fool. They aren't the good guys, join the Occult Research Club, not as a devil but just as a member. Let the president protect you." He may have thought his words would comfort her yet all Artoria could see was both an underestimation of her and a desire to have her for his master.
"I don't need protecting Kiba, if you've been watching me you know I was able to kill that devil without breaking a sweat."
"Artoria, that stray devil was a nobody. Inconsequential, any of us devils could have killed her without difficulty. You have talent don't get me wrong, but you're human. That talent is just a beacon for stronger people to try and recruit you, forcibly. There are magics that I don't understand, that you have no hope of understanding that could bind you to their will. Please, I don't want to find you as a corpse on the street one day, or worse bound to some devil using you however they please."
"You underestimate my resolve Kiba." Her tone cold, she rose from the ground and started to walk away.
"Then what of Murayama and Katase? What will you do if someone takes them to get to you? Or your family? You can't be everywhere no matter how skilled you are, would you really put them at risk?!" Frustration rose within her at his words, he insulted not only her honour but her ability to defend those she cared for; her patience could only take so much. Tone sharp, Artoria replied.
"Kiba, while I recognise your concern, the trading of further words is useless. It seems only my blade will demonstrate my resolve. A spar with no holding back, if you win I shall join your ORC as a human but if I win you shall owe me a favour for me to call in at any point." He began to reluctantly nod in agreement only for his eyes to widen somewhat in surprise. Turning, Artoria noted that another had walked upon them without either of their notice, so engrossed were they in their discussion. Artoria had not met them, but there was no mistaking the crimson blood red hair and the inhuman charm they possessed. It seemed Rias Gremory had decided that any deal involving her servant needed her presence.
"Why don't we spice up the odds a little." Her grin was vulpine as she spoke and at once Artoria felt hesitance seek to lay its claws within her. It was one thing to make a deal with one who obeyed the code of chivalry it was another to trust a devil's word. "Here I was just wondering where my little knight went when all of a sudden I stumble upon this little gold mine of a deal. What if instead of my faithful knight here, I shall owe you a favour? I am the younger sister of a Satan, after all, there isn't much I can't do." Rias' words were tempting, but was that not in the nature of a devil's deal? To make one feel like there was no other option. Artoria was certain that she could defeat Kiba and yet would simply making a wager be playing Rias' game. And yet Artoria's curiosity bested her.
"And what would you want in return?" Rias' smirk at her words held no humanity, the idea that anyone could think her human was ridiculous. Still, if Gremory or her brother could get Artoria Excalibur's scabbard then could she afford to waste time? The scabbard would grant her full access to her Boosted Gear and any day she wasted risked her meeting a foe beyond her current power.
"If you lose you join the ORC, as a member of my peerage, as a devil."
"Very well, I will fight Kiba simply give me the name and the place." The way of the king was to sacrifice everything for her people, she would not allow hesitation to risk the lives of those she swore to protect.
"This evening after school outside the old school building. As a little favour for agreeing I'll make sure Sona overlooks your little truancy episode. I understand you've had a rather busy twenty-four hours." With her piece said and looking far too pleased with herself, Rias left along with Kiba.
Letting out a breath and steeling herself Artoria began to mentally prepare herself for the fight ahead.
"Now this will be interesting partner, any reason for risking so much?" Ddraig's deep guttural tone did little to hide the thrill he felt at the upcoming battle.
"As she said the favour of the younger sister of Satan is simply worth too much. I cannot hesitate in my quest."
"Surely it's a bit too close to making a deal with the devil?"
"I'm a king Ddraig, dragon blood fuels me. Some small-time Devil will not defeat me. If I'm lucky Rias will be the key for me to finding Excalibur's scabbard."
"She may well be and if not her then her brother will likely know. Are you going to reveal yourself?"
"Chivalry dictates that I do. I am not some nameless knave, I have a duty to my name. I will not hide behind obscurity like some craven. Those I defeat will know why and I shall honour them."
"Heh, can't say I agree with the whole chivalry thing partner. But you're right, a dragon does not hide, a dragon has nothing to fear." Releasing a slight chuckle at Ddraig's words, Artoria made her way back into the school ready for the afternoon.
The remainder of the school day passed Artoria by with surprising swiftness. Murayama and Katase inquired as to where she was in the morning, but she waved away their concerns and told them that she simply had issues that cropped up.
Finally, upon the day's end, Artoria left the school building. Murayama and Katase followed her to the school gates and she smiled at the pair before waving them off. As the two walked away, her thoughts turned towards Kiba's words. Neither girl was skilled enough with the blade to combat the supernatural and little could change that. Her parents too were at risk, and despite her contentious relationship with them, she had no desire to see them at the feet of some monster like Viser.
Yet even as her mind recalled Viser anger filled Artoria, not towards Viser but towards herself. For her to so quickly think of only her friends and family when it was her duty to defend all. Sentiment could not hold her back, she was the sword to defend humanity and any hesitation or selfishness would see humanity's defeat.
Turning from the school gates, Artoria began her walk to the old school building. Although she had yet to see it herself, she had heard from her fellow students that it was rather ostentatious. Curious, her feet led her down towards the back of the school, past the tennis courts and the kendo club, until she eventually found herself standing before the building.
It was ostentatious, of that, there could be no denying. It stood tall, although it was noticeably smaller than the current school building. Its architecture was clearly of European design, with wooden boards protecting ornate glass windows. The building's wooden exterior was painted a tasteful cream white that contrasted well with the surrounding treeline.
It even had a small clock tower of all things standing proud atop the roof. How the devils thought that it was usual for a club, a minor club at that, to lay claim to such a large building was beyond her. She was surprised none of the other students had complained although perhaps they thought such things usual for an eccentric and rich foreign student.
As Artoria neared the building, she was unsurprised to find what seemed to be the entirety of the ORC waiting for her. What did confuse her, was the attendance of the entire student council body. She had yet to meet their members, but it was hard to mistake the infamous school council president. Sharp eyes filled with cunning surveyed her, and Artoria could not help but recall her past's myth and the difficulties that Le Fay caused her.
"Artoria! So glad you could make it. I hope you don't mind but I wanted to introduce the future member of my peerage to my oldest friend, Sona Sitri."
"Your pride is ill-suited Gremory, I would have thought you more careful considering the fate of your brother's namesake."
"I would not decry arrogance in others Hyoudou considering who you wish to cross blades with. But such is the way of humans; little dogs yapping loudly, unaware of the nearing wolves."
"Rias stop enjoying tormenting Hyoudou and Hyoudou do not speak to your upperclassman in such a fashion." Sona's words cut through the pair even as Artoria and Rias broke away from one another. Although Artoria noted the shine in Rias's eyes, no doubt finding thrill in mincing words. It seemed none had the desire or intention to take her seriously. That was more than fine.
"Really Sitri? You would continue your veneer even here?"
"It is no veneer Hyoudou, I am the school council president and I will not see my school fall to disorder."
"You both truly see humans as little more than games for your ego. Not even yesterday I was forced to end the life of one of your kind and you stand here today as the owners of this land, without care. Husbands, Wives, sons and daughters alike dead, strung up by the innards like some parody of art and all you care for is what entertainment a single, mildly interesting human can give you. An extra piece for your collections. I would say we are like pets to you, but no owner of a cat or a dog would stand by as others of its kind are brutalised in such a fashion. No, we are insects and you merely collectors, unless they prove a unique or interesting specimen you do not even consider them.
Devils, owners of human land? I do not recognise you, you do not even understand the concept of noblesse oblige. Caught up in your little games, parodies of Greek gods. Let this spar begin, let me show you what your actions have brought upon yourself. Ddraig, Boosted Gear!" Her words rippled through the devils as shock fought against indignation. But hearing the name of a Longinus was enough to halt their replies.
"Let's go partner, show them the dragon you really are." Scale mail grew across Artoria's left arm even as she drew and summoned her light sword in her right hand.
"Allow me to introduce myself truly. As you have been revealed to me, honour dictates I reveal myself to you. I am Artoria Pendragon, King of Britain, the Once and Future King and rightful wielder of Excalibur and the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig!"
At her proclamation, the devils standing in front of her fell silent. Finally, she was ready to show what humanity could do, what it stood for. To show that humanity would not be the playthings of false gods. They would stand tall and bring about a new age, an age of good. Yet even as she readied herself to fight with all that she had, Artoria was not ill-prepared for the laughter that broke out at her words. The devils themselves turned at the sound, only to realise it came from one of their own number.
It was only then that Artoria noted that concern had replaced Rias' once amused eyes and even a hint of anger. The one who had laughed was none other than Kiba. Indignation filled her, if any devil were to laugh at her words she would never have expected Kiba. Despite his nature, she had thought he a kindred soul, a man who believed in honour, had felt her resolve upon crossing blades. Her pride warred with her sense of chivalry to charge the devil, she resisted, but her tongue would not be held back.
"Do you find my statement amusing Kiba? You dishonour me and my resolve? I would have thought you of all devils would have at least respected my dream."
"Oh but I do Hyoudou, or should I call you Pendragon from now on? I more than most know that humanity needs protecting from the supernatural. In another life perhaps I would have joined you on your quest, but you had to take that name didn't you? You had to claim that sword." Confusion slowly gave way to dawning horror within her the more Kiba spoke. "Truly this is fate or perhaps the Karma of devil hood. You introduced yourself to me, Pendragon, I shall return the favour; I am Kiba Yuuto, devil, knight of Rias Gremory and sole survivor of the Holy Sword Project."
Author's note:
Think this is my quickest update, and the next one should be pretty quick too as I had to break the chapter in two because it was getting pretty long. So once again I have about half of the next chapter written. Seems being in quarantine does wonders for my productivity and momentum.
Well, times are getting tough for Artoria, Excalibur has quite the bloody history and Kiba is not the most rational fellow when faced with it. Looks like we're finally going to see Artoria fighting a devil with a bit more oomph. But yeah Artoria's done hiding, she's got her destiny her path and she's fighting anyone who would threaten humanity. It'll be interesting to find out how Khaos Brigade and her get on. There are some similarities, heroic reincarnation, wanting to protect humanity and Longinus users. Way off yet though got to resolve the Fallen Angel arc soon, but that should clear up in the next two to three chapters unless something unexpected happens.
Once again hope everyone is staying safe. Anyone currently suffering big time has my deepest condolences. The news paints a pretty bleak picture and I hope you're all doing well. Hope what limited entertainment I can offer you in the form of my writing helps alleviate any your troubles.
For those of you who want to read a bit more of my work that isn't just fanfiction. I've put together a site for my short stories. If you find yourself running out of things to read then I hope they can give you something to fill the time with. The name of the site is alaya13, the same as my pen name. I've started work on a web novel which I'll be posting at least weekly on there to keep me occupied. I'll give more information on that when I post the next chapter here.
Anyway, that's enough from me. Stay safe and look after yourselves,
Alaya13
