Stratos263: Here it is, hope you enjoy it.
Raidentensho: Thanks. I haven't planned for [Divine Dividing] to change when he unlocks [Half Dimension] but it will for when I plan to have Ddraig's jewel incorporated but intend to keep it like Issei originally has Ddraig on one side and Albion on the other. I can see Kazuhiko not having too much trouble using [Boosts] either because [Sky Flames] should (from what I guess) would harmonize the two powers so they could co-exist.
ShadowUzumaki55: Yeah, seeing as Kokabiel is one of the leaders Kazuhiko would need some help to defeat him even with Metatron's power, after all Vali does have the Scale Mail unlocked when he beats down Kokabiel. Asia meeting Metatron I wanted to happen as Metatron can explain God's death in a way that Asia would understand without hurting her over it.
No one that Kazuhiko doesn't trust will find out about Metatron at the moment although with the big treaty meeting who knows.
Morrison512: Glad you enjoy it. The fight between Vali and Kazuhiko is going to be cool to see for more than just Vali having the Boosted Gear. I think the reason there isn't too many fics with Vali having the Boosted Gear is because it makes him OP as a rival.
ChaosEmperorNex: Glad you noticed the extras stuff I try and build in. I wanted to expand things because Kazuhiko's lack of trust in Rias so he does go out into the wider world, for Matsu and himself, to get more experience with his powers and to build his own network. I do intend to have some more Kyoto stuff happen so he may have a few more friends amongst the Yokai and the Shinto Faction which I feel are both underused in the series as a whole.
Universal Crunch: Yeah, I wouldn't want the other main characters, ORC and Council, to feel too comfortable after Kazuhiko pulls out a Holy weapon against Kokabiel and that is also why I didn't want Rias to bring him into the supernatural world as she would have probably found out everything that Kazuhiko is currently hiding back then as well.
The independent events and missions from Matsu is so I can show that Kazuhiko isn't neglecting Metatron's power as well as how he grows between the major story battles that come up as it can get overlooked. I also enjoy working out how characters will act towards each other as it helps build on their personalities and make them come out different to their canon selves. Glad you enjoy the fic and hope you enjoy the chapter.
Lightwave: I haven't thought of including him as a member of Kazu's group of allies but having a rival for Hercules would be cool. I had thought of somehow including a Greek Hero descendant or someone linked to one of Hercules' Twelve Labours just so they can get a bit of revenge for their ancestor.
San/ Guest/ Durandal and Guest: (Cause it's all on the same topic) I haven't decided on if Koneko will be in harem or not yet as Shrione Mode doesn't turn up to much later in the story and at the moment I can see Koneko being something of a little sister to Kazuhiko as well.
…
"" – Speech
'' – Thought
[] – Sacred Gear
[] – Albion
{} – Metatron
() – Phone/ Intercom
…
Kazuhiko used the pole of [Gaghiel] to block Karasuba's nodachi as they sparred in Tiamat's village in the Familiar Forest. Seraphina, Yu and Kalawarner, Mittelt and Asia watching a safe distance away as Kazuhiko spun his naginata in his hands, [Rain Flames] covering the blade, and launched a wheel of [Rain Flame] enhanced holy water at Karasuba, who jumped back to dodge and coated her sword in midnight blue flames to counter them with a grin on her face.
"Looks like you're stronger then I expected" Karasuba spoke eagerly, Kazuhiko relaxed his stance slightly as [Divine Dividing] energy wings changed as [Sky Flames] coursed along them as he replied
"Well last time we sparred, I didn't use Metatron's power... [Israfel]" Gripping both scimitars, Kazuhiko adjusted his stance for dual wielding as he waited for Karasuba to make the next move.
"She certainly has trained you well" Karasuba grinned as she charged forwards, Kazuhiko meeting her in the middle as they started to trade slashes.
"Damn… I didn't realised Kaz had trained so intensely" Yu muttered as he watched, Kalawarner nodding in agreement as Seraphina answered with a worried smile
"Kazu-kun told me once that Metatron insists on him going through the basics of each style until he picks it up and even then she spars with him so he can continue getting better with his experience using them. Even Albion spars with him to help him become a better fighter and so he can learn to better use [Divine Dividing]"
"Amazing…" Asia spoke, her gaze shifting from Seraphina onto the determined Kazuhiko, who had switched to [Sachiel] and then had covered them in [Lightning Flames], as Mittelt commented
"Riser wouldn't have stood a chance against Kazu-san like this"
"That's why when Kazuhiko-kun first trained with Karasuba, it was without Metatron's power" Tiamat spoke from behind the group, surprising them as she smiled and watched the two continued to fight even as Kazuhiko became more tired throughout as she added
"…Revealing her power would be dangerous in front of a Maou and two Pillar Clans who would be watching it." Mittelt looked down as she nodded understanding, realising that Kazuhiko would have put himself in danger if he had used his Angel side. She'd been shocked at hearing Kazuhiko was a Draphalem but quickly realised it was cool that he had both the [Vanishing Dragon] and the Archangel Metatron and yet their master knew barely half what Kazuhiko could do aside from what he had displayed.
Karasuba's roundhouse kick was mostly blocked by Kazuhiko's tonfa, sparks of [Lightning Flames] arching across her leg harmlessly, as the brunet was flung backwards by the force of it. His wings adjusted to stop himself from crashing into the ground as he muttered
"[Ramiel]" Pulling the drawstring back on the crystal bow, a bolt of [Cloud Flame] enhanced Holy Lightning forming as he took aim at Karasuba who smirked as she stood her ground. Firing the bolt, Kazuhiko watched as he shot forwards about three feet before exploding into an array of identical sized bolts which bombarded the area that the female dragon stood, soon covering it in smoke and dust.
An arc of midnight blue energy burst out from the smoke, Kazuhiko forcing himself to dodge, losing a few hairs on his right side of his head as the cloud exploded to reveal Karasuba unharmed and knocking the dirt off her clothes with her free hand. Around her was numerous craters from where his attack had hit the ground, Kazuhiko heaving in large gulps of air as he muttered to himself "Damn it… She's still easily out of my league"
Before Kazuhiko could realise, Karasuba was in front of him using the back of her sword to knock the wind out of him before grabbing the collar of his clothes and flinging him towards the ground and making him create a crater around him as he coughed up some blood, his Sacred Gears disappearing as the brunet had hit his limit. Karasuba cracked the ground under her as she landed, taking a moment to sheathe her blade as she walked over to where Kazuhiko was laying.
"Well you've certainly improved…" Karasuba mused with a smirk, Kazuhiko unconscious as she crouched down to pull the young man over her shoulder before moving towards the others who were rushing towards them, resting a hand on his backside as she walked much to the ire from Seraphina.
…
"So what's Rias…?" Kazuhiko blinked as he glanced up from Super Smash Bros. which he was playing against his father, who had asked the question, and Yu. The girls, Kalawarner, Seraphina, Asia and Mittelt, had gone to get bathing suits for some swimming thing that was coming up.
"She's supposed to be the heiress of her Devil Clan…" Kazuhiko started, mashing at the buttons of his controller as he continued
"… and a High Class Devil meaning she can have a peerage, a sorta set of servant making items based on a normal Chess set, I'll probably end up getting one once I manage to promote myself to High Class as well"
"So you'll have servants at some point in the future and turn yourself into a proper Harem Master" Yu spoke with a smirk as Kazuhiko shot him an annoyed look as his father laughed as he added
"So I can expect a lot of grandchildren at some point?"
"Tou-san, Yu! I am not a playboy" Kazuhiko shouted annoyed, making the pair laugh more as he knocked out Yu's character.
…
Kazuhiko sighed as he finished singing the song, putting the microphone back onto the stand as he smiled sheepishly at his friends.
"Woo! Kazu" Takeshi cheered as he clapped with Kensuke, Kazuhiko shooting the two a slightly annoyed look as he spoke
"I'm not that good…" Yu shot him an amused smirk, Kazuhiko realising that the swordsman had settled into their class easily along with Xenovia and caused much of an uproar amongst the students.
"I wouldn't say that" Kiryuu spoke with a surprised look, glancing to Asia, Hikari, Seraphina and Mittelt looking like they had enjoyed it. Kalawarner gave him a smirk while Yu and Kiba was drinking tea and coffee respectively and Koneko was eating ice cream.
The day had been rather hectic so far with them playing numerous games of bowling and now take turns singing songs in the karaoke room they had. Asia was wearing a gothic-lolita dress like Mittelt which suited them both. Seraphina had taken to wearing a blue skirt, a short sleeved purple t-shirt and a denim jacket atop.
"I'll start with reciting some prayer hymns." Asia spoke as she stood near the microphone, Kazuhiko taking a sip of his own drink as he smiled.
"You know… the pool will be opening soon. I've got a special outfit for then" Kalawarner whispered into his ear, Kazuhiko face reddening as the thought drifted through his mind of whatever swimsuit Kalawarner and Seraphina would wear then.
"Should be nice to enjoy the pool" Seraphina added with a smile, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied
"Yeah…" Kazuhiko was surprised when his phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling it out as he arched an eyebrow in confusion as he muttered
"Message from Gremory?" Before the brunet could look at it, Seraphina had taken the phone from him, tapping a few buttons on the device before scowling annoyed as she growled
"How dare she sent that sort of picture!?" Kazuhiko's eyes widened as he noticed Seraphina's strength starting to show on the phone, managing to grab hold of her hands and stopping her as she added seriously
"I am so going to put her in her place when I see her next" Koneko arched an eyebrow at the display, Kazuhiko quickly deleting the photo of Rias in a swimsuit while rolling his eyes before checking that his phone had survived before slipping it back into his pocket as Kiryuu asked with a smirk
"Oh, I didn't know you had another girlfriend, Kazu?"
"That crimson haired harlot is not Kazu-kun's girlfriend" Seraphina shouted annoyed, Kiryuu blinking in surprise, Kazuhiko taking hold of the bluenette's hands to calm her down, as she asked shocked and eagerly curious
"Gremory sent you something…?" Takeshi and Kensuke's eyes widened in curiosity even as Hikari gripped her boyfriend's ear and Yu chuckled as Kazuhiko answered the unasked question
"Deleted it already"
"Shame…" Kensuke muttered, Kiba and Koneko looking at the depressed bespectacled young man as Kazuhiko rolled his eyes as he spoke to his friend
"Find your own girlfriend already, Kensuke" Kensuke huffed as Takeshi slapped him on the back as he added
"Yeah Ken, you'll have your own girlfriend to have pictures like that-OW!"
"Takeshi!" Hikari shouted, tugging on her boyfriend's ear to avoid him embarrassing her. Kazuhiko chuckling at the sight as he spoke
"I'm going to the bathroom…"
…
Stepping out into the corridor, Kazuhiko was surprised to see Kiba sitting on a chair nearby, looking curious as he asked "Did something happen?"
"Yeah. Something did." Kiba replied, Kazuhiko sitting into the chair next to him as he sighed and asked
"What's up?"
"Kazu-kun. I wanted to give you my gratitude. Thank you." Kiba replied seriously, Kazuhiko looking surprised as he thought it was an odd time to bring it up as he replied
"…It's alright. Your comrades got justice now for that madman so it doesn't really matter"
"…Kazu-kun." Kiba spoke with teary eyes, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as he retort
"Don't look at me like that… It's weird and you should only do that with your girlfriend, if you ever pick one"
"Kazu-kun!" Kiba spoke surprised and embarrassed, Kazuhiko moving to get up as Yu left the room and called over to them
"Hurry up you two before Takeshi tries to sing!"
"I should really stop him before he tries murdering another song" Kazuhiko muttered to himself with a shudder at hearing that heading over to his friend.
…
"How dare you send that sort of photo to my boyfriend!?" Seraphina spoke enraged, Rias blinking surprised from behind her desk as Kazuhiko and the others entered for the usual Devil duties, Yu, Asia and Kalawarner along as usual to enjoy the time with the others when not on contract.
"That photo was for Kazu not for you as his master I'm allowed to spoil him" Rias replied calmly, trying her best to avoid feeling nervous as she leaned to try and catch Kazuhiko's eye only to see him unimpressed back at her before she deflated as Seraphina countered
"I'm his girlfriend!"
"What did you think, Kazu?" Rias asked, giving Kazuhiko her best seductive leer as the brunet retort
"The swimsuit would look better on Sera-san…" Seraphina blushed as she turned back to Kazuhiko with a mischievous glint in her eyes, Rias frowning at how he hadn't said anything about her own figure while Akeno quietly giggled into her hand drawing an annoyed look from her [King].
"I guess we'll have to go swimsuit shopping soon" Kalawarner chuckled as she looked to Seraphina, the two bluenettes sharing a nod and smile as they took seats at one of the sofas as Kazuhiko asked Rias
"Any contracts come in…?"
"Yes… This one seemed to ask for you specifically" Rias spoke, returning back to normal duties as she handed a piece of paper to the brunet who nodded and headed to the magic circle as he spoke
"I'll see you later…" With that the magic circle activated, whisking him away to wherever his contract would be as Xenovia walked into the room.
…
Opening his eyes, Kazuhiko was curious as he looked around the high class hotel room he was standing in before his looked surprised at who summoned him as he spoke "Kazehana-san?"
"Ufufu… I'm flattered you remembered me, Kazu-kun" Kazehana spoke with a flirty smile as she walked towards Kazuhiko as he muttered to himself
"Kinda hard not to…"
"So what reason would you want to summon me?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Kazehana's smile growing as she leant closer to his face as she replied
"Well… I wanted someone to show me around town and thought of you… So let's go have some fun~" Kazuhiko blushed at seductive tone Kazehana was using as she wrapped her arms around his neck as he nervously replied
"Erm… Alright then…"
"You'll have to change into something more formal for what I want to do" Kazehana spoke happily, looking over Kazuhiko's school uniform for a moment as he nodded and replied
"Alright give me a minute"
…
"You know that there's been quite the following for you since you defeated Riser and did that modelling?" Kazehana asked amused as they sat in a private booth in a bar, a glass of wine in her hand as she leered at him, now in some more smart-casual clothes to avoid garnering any accusations of being a Highschooler. Kazuhiko warily looking over his own glass of wine as Metatron and Albion told him not to drink much, sipping slowly at it during their conversation, as he replied with a sigh
"I guess I should have expected something like that to happen… Is that why you summoned me?" Kazehana took a long sip of her drink, Kazuhiko suddenly aware with how close she was sitting next to him as she brushed her leg against his as she replied
"Something like that… You're a lot different to any guy I've ever met, you know…"
"Well I was born human…" Kazuhiko countered, Kazehana's smile growing as she continued
"That may be it, but you still stand firm on your believes even though you aren't human anymore. Most new devils abandon at least some of them to adjust to the differences" The conversation lulled at that moment as the pair sipped at their drinks, Kazehana refilling her own glass as she asked
"So, what is your favourite colour?"
"Eh…?" Kazuhiko blinked surprised at the sudden change in topic as he answered
"Blue… How about you?"
"Well before it was purple but I think I could enjoy blue as well" Kazehana spoke with a smile as she looked into his eyes, Kazuhiko blushing as he tried to avert his eyes as he asked
"So… What sort of work do you do in the Underworld?"
"I model for fashion magazines quite often but otherwise I enjoy myself at parties" Kazehana replied, Kazuhiko nodding in understanding as he sipped his drink as she asked
"So what is it like being the servant of the Gremory princess?"
"It difficult… I don't know if it's the dragon aura but trouble keeps trying to find me… Just a few days ago I had to fight and kill Kokabiel" Kazuhiko replied with a sigh, Kazehana looking at him surprised and awe as he continued
"Not helped that Gremory tries to seduce me despite already knowing my opinion of her"
"So the rumours were true about that…?" Kazehana mused, Kazuhiko arching an eyebrow as she continued
"There was rumours that you defeated Kokabiel from those who were reinforcements but most of the other Devils weren't sure as it was quite a guarded secret by the Maou…" Kazuhiko nodding in understanding as he replied
"He was going to destroy my hometown and my friends so I couldn't let him get away with that…" Kazehana looked at him impressed, her cheeks tinged pink as she looked him over and commented with a leer
"Definitely not like the other Devils… You're much better. To choose to fight one of the leaders just to protect your home and those close to you, I must say you are impressing me more and more tonight" Kazuhiko's cheeks reddened as he retort
"I'm nothing special…"
"Oh, and modest too…" Kazehana quipped with a seductive smile, Kazuhiko trying to stop blushing as he retort
"I'm already dating"
"Oh, I don't mind sharing Ka-zu-kun~" Kazehana seductively whispered into his ear, only making Kazuhiko's face darken in colour as his blush intensified.
…
Kazuhiko sniffed at his clothes as he reappeared in the clubroom, the faint scent of wine and alcohol on him as he noticed everyone looking at him as he realised he'd been gone for about three hours with Kazehana's contract.
'I'm glad I had the chance to use [Divine Dividing] to reduce the effects of the wine' Kazuhiko thought to himself as he remembered having to help Kazehana back to the hotel room she was staying at as Albion chuckled
[I didn't know my power could be used like that, Kazu… I seem to be learning more about my power through you then my previous hosts]
"How was your contract?" Kiba asked curiously, Kazuhiko rubbing his temple as he replied
"It was alright… Took longer than I expected" Kazehana had took him to several other bars after the first one, trying to get him drunk which probably would have happened if his dragon side made him more resistant to it and Albion's power allowed him to divide the effects any alcohol he had was halved. Near the end he had to piggyback a drunk Kazehana home, his enhanced strength making it easy, before letting her rest in her bed in the hotel room he had first appeared in.
{I can't believe she would let herself get into such a state} Metatron commented with a huff, Kazuhiko frowning slightly as he mentally replied
'I don't think she was as drunk as she acted… I mean she signed the contract easily and she wasn't slurring her words at all'
Koneko frowning as she looked him over and muttered "Perfume and wine… Sempai what was you doing?"
Seraphina and Rias looked at him accusingly at hearing that, the latter speaking up first as she stood up from her seat at the desk "What were you doing Kazu?"
"Yes, please tell us what that contract was about?" Seraphina asked through gritted teeth, Kazuhiko blinking as he explained
"I was just taking some woman back to her hotel room after a night out drinking. I ended up having to carry her back 'cause she had trouble walking."
"Well as long as she didn't try anything with my Kazu…" Rias commented as she started to calm down, Seraphina turning her glare onto the redhead as she asked angrily
"Your Kazu…!? He's my boyfriend!" Rias shrunk slightly under Seraphina's gaze, Akeno giggling as she hugged Kazuhiko from behind as she spoke
"Ufufu aren't you becoming popular Kazu-kun" Kazuhiko tried to avoid the blush spreading along his cheeks as Kalawarner leered at him as she added flirty, making his blush darker
"I'm sure she must have enjoyed feeling your strong arms around her"
…
"Yu's right the Dwarves of the Nidavellir should have the magic crystals and jewels you need" Matsu spoke with a smirk as she watched Kazuhiko and Yu get changed into their battle outfits as the former asked
"Cool… So is there anything specific that we need to know not to get on the Dwarves bad side?"
"Not that I think of… Only issue you might have is if Loki, God of Mischief, notices the transporting in and messing with it but I've made adjustments to hopefully avoid that." Matsu spoke as she signalled to the waiting magic circle for them as Yu nodded as he mused
"Just have to be respectful and polite then"
"Yep" Matsu spoke with a smile, turning her attention to Kazuhiko as she added
"Good work with Kokabiel, both of you…"
"It was nothing" Yu spoke up, Kazuhiko nodding as he added
"I had to stop him from starting a war or destroying the town, the amount of innocent people he was going to kill just cause of his stupid intentions was ridiculous"
"We best get going, hero" Yu spoke with a smirk, Kazuhiko rolling his eyes as Matsu chuckled as she spoke
"Good luck."
Kazuhiko and Yu nodded as they disappeared in the glow of the orange magic circle.
…
The magic circle faded to reveal the two young men standing in the entranceway of a large cave, torches lining the walls and a stone door several feet away with a large bell hanging down from the ceiling with a rope that attached that reached the floor.
"Think this is the place?" Yu asked curiously, Kazuhiko frowning slightly as he replied
"Not sure…"
(You're in the right place…) Matsu's voice spoke up from their earpieces, making the pair blink in surprise as she continued
(That door before you is the entrance into the Dwarf Kingdom… I contacted them before so they'll let you in. Only thing you need to do is come to an agreement about how to get the crystals from them) Kazuhiko nodded in understanding as Yu spoke up
"So we'll have to do something for them to get their agreement to let us go for the crystals"
(Yep. Dwarves may be greedy but they stick to an agreement they make with someone) Matsu answered as Kazuhiko moved to pull on the rope, making the bell ring loudly before a gruff voice called out
"I hear ya! I hear ya!" The stone door split in the middle, both sides disappearing into the wall before a four foot man with a thick light brown beard and hair as he looked over them.
"So ya the Dragon brat, eh?" He spoke annoyed, Kazuhiko nodding as he tried to reply only for the Dwarf to interrupt
"Well come on then you two… Can't stay out here all day" Kazuhiko and Yu shared a look before heading inside, the stone doors slamming behind them as the Dwarf lead them down stone steps, passing a sympathetic looking Dwarf who was sitting near a battle axe as the Dwarf leading them grumbled about outsiders and tall idiots.
Yu and Kazuhiko shared a look of confusion before focusing back on the staircase with lit torches on either side. Reaching the bottom of the staircase, the pair could only look in awe at the cavernous underground city before them
"Wow…" Yu muttered, Kazuhiko nodding as they noticed the steampunk vibe of the underground city before them as they heard a snort from the Dwarf as he called over to them
"Come on you brats! Can't keep King Dvalinn waiting"
"Sorry" Kazuhiko spoke as he and Yu moved towards a Victorian looking bronze coloured open top car as the Dwarf muttered to the blond Dwarf sitting in the driving seat, who waved them over with a friendly voice
"Come on lads! Plenty of room for ya here" Kazuhiko and Yu headed to jump into the back seats, noticing the guard glaring at them for a moment before he headed back as the driver chuckled and started to drive
"Now let's get you to the Royal Offices… First time I've met regular people you know…"
…
"I can't believe he could talk for that long about random stuff" Yu spoke amused, Kazuhiko pinching the bridge of his nose as they entered a large reception area of the Royal Offices.
"I know… At least we know some more about Dwarven culture and why people assume there isn't any female Dwarves" Kazuhiko replied with a sigh as they started walking towards the large desk with a male looking Dwarf sitting behind it with horn rimmed glasses and ginger hair held in a bun as they looked down at whatever they were working on
"Names?" A gruff female voice spoke up, Kazuhiko catching Yu's surprised look at the first female Dwarf they had seen as the former spoke formerly
"I'm Kazuhiko Yuuki, the Hakuryuukou. My boss Matsu-san made an appointment with the King" The female Dwarf's eyes widened in shock as she looked up at them upon hearing Kazuhiko use his title, Yu smirking at the surprised reaction as the female Dwarf looking over some paperwork before her as she spoke
"O-Of course, Mister Hakuryuukou… I-I will see if His Majesty is available right now" With that the Dwarf made hurried walk towards the doors behind them as Yu spoke to him
"I didn't expect that reaction…"
"Neither did I… I hope Matsu-san hasn't been spreading the news of our battle against Kokabiel" Kazuhiko replied with a sigh, Yu looking around curiously as he retort
"That probably would do it considering he was one of the leaders of Grigori and you killed him"
"You and Sera-san helped" Kazuhiko countered with a roll of his eyes, Yu smirking before the Dwarf came back and spoke
"Please follow me, His Majesty will see you now" The two followed and soon found them lead into a spacious office with a large ornate desk with a comfortable chair behind it and two plush chairs on the other side. Sitting in the chair behind the desk was an elderly Dwarf, Dvalinn, frowning as he looked over paperwork, a smile forming on his face at seeing the pair as he spoke
"Ah, come in! Take a seat, you've come at an opportune moment so I can avoid this paperwork" Kazuhiko and Yu chuckled at hearing that, taking the seats as Dvalinn spoke up with a grin
"I'm honoured to meet the Hakuryuukou and his friend…? Matsu-san told me you boys were after some material from out mines."
"That's correct, sir" Yu started politely, Kazuhiko nodding as he added
"We'd like to make a deal for the Luminous Crystals, Mithril and Magic Amplifying Crystals that we need"
"Of course… I remember now" Dvalinn spoke with a click of his fingers before he continued
"I'll be happy to get our miners to gather enough of those material for you but like Matsu has probably told you there will be a deal involved. Now, recently the mines have become infested by giant Salamanders and we've been unable to deal with them without 'em blowing up on us"
"Sounds like Dodongo hunting, then?" Kazuhiko spoke with an amused look to his friend, Yu rolling his eyes as he muttered
"You would bring that game up in this situation"
Dvalinn looked amused at the two friends' banter as he continued "What I'd like for you to do is go in there, find and destroy the queen of these giant geckos so the mines can be reopened. I take it that you're happy to do this?"
"Of course… Quick question, do you know how they got into the mines in the first place?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Dvalinn frowning as he nodded
"That damn prankster Loki came waltzing in wanting us to bow down to him and join his forces against Odin-sama. Obviously I told him to bugger off and he cursed us saying that he would force us to beg to follow him or some other rubbish like that… After that the overgrown lizards started showing up. Oh! No offense to you Hakuryuukou"
[None taken…] Albion spoke aloud with a slight smirk, Dvalinn jumping slightly in his seat at hearing the dragon as Kazuhiko chuckled
"Alright… I take it that you want us to bring some sort of sign of our victory against the queen of them once we find them" Dvalinn nodded as he answered
"A pair of Valkyries are here on orders from Odin-sama to help us, one's even his guard, so they will give us all the proof we need when you complete the job" Picking up the phone on his desk he quickly made the request to his secretary, putting it down after a few moments before smiling to Yu as he spoke
"I must say I'm surprised your Dwarven is so good…"
"Matsu-san put a translation spell on me to save the confusion… Works as good as Kaz's [Language] ability" Yu answered with a smile, Kazuhiko glad he didn't have to act as a translator as Dvalinn nodded in understanding.
The doors behind them opened, Kazuhiko and Yu looking back to see two young women. One had knee length straight silver hair and light blue eyes. Her attractive figure was garbed in a set of Valkyrie armour which consists of a white breastplate with gold and pale blue accents and matching, fingerless gauntlets, boots, hip guards, and wing-shaped hair clips. Underneath her breastplate she was wearing a black leotard and black thigh high stockings poking out from her boots while a pale blue cloth wrap underneath her hip guards, all of which are clad with pink lacing along with her hair clips. Sheathed on her hip was a sword while her hands held a silver spear in her right hand.
The other young woman appeared slightly older, blood red hair falling in shoulder length spikes, chocolate brown eyes and was wearing a similar set of armour to her partner.
"You wanted to see us, Dvalinn-sama?" The silver haired young woman spoke, the Dwarf nodding before signalling to the pair of young men as he answered
"Yes Rossweisse-san… These two young men will be helping with the clearing of the mines. This is Kazuhiko Yuuki and his friend Yu" Rossweisse looked at the two, Kazuhiko blinking in surprise as her redheaded partner had closed the distance quicker than any could have expected and was posing in front of the brunet as she spoke
"Nice to meet you Kazu-kun. I'm Freyja, one of the Valkyrie guards of Valhalla" Rossweisse frowned and silently sighed at the actions of her partner for the troubles the Dwarves was experiencing, noticing that Kazuhiko was warily looking at Freyja as he spoke
"We should make a start before more show up in the mines" Dvalinn and Rossweisse nodded in agreement, Yu smirking slightly at his friend's actions while Freyja pouted childishly at being ignored as the quartet made to leave the office.
…
The entrance to the mines had numerous rail tracks leading into it for the mine carts that the Dwarves used. Kazuhiko, Yu and their two Valkyrie escorts walking around one set of tracks as Freyja kept giving glances to the brunet as she spoke "So… What have you come here for?"
"We need some materials for some stuff" Yu spoke up, noticing that Kazuhiko was working on using [Mist Flames] to create a modest sized dragon which he sent into the cave as Rossweisse asked curiously
"What's that?"
"Oh, that's a scout… I want to see how many there are inside and work out our route so we can avoid getting lost or ambushed" Kazuhiko replied as they continued walking, Rossweisse looing curious at him as she asked
"A scout? How did you manipulate flames like that and what's with the colour?" Kazuhiko arched an eyebrow at hearing that, catching Yu's smirk towards him as Freyja spoke with a frown
"Don't try making a move on Kazu-kun, Rossweisse… Just because you've never had a boyfriend"
"That was by choice…" Rossweisse shot back with gritted teeth as she tried to avoid the others' gaze, Kazuhiko and Yu sharing a confused look before the former spoke up
"Now is not the time for this…"
"He's right. The Dwarves need us to clear this cave so they can continue using these mines" Rossweisse spoke with a nod, the quartet starting to walk again as Yu held up one hand as he spoke
"Ghost Lights" The numerous balls of blue light formed above them, Rossweisse nodding in appreciation while Freyja looking curiously at them before noticing Kazuhiko was taking the lead with one of his pistols in his left hand.
[Looks like the first level is clear] Albion spoke to him, Kazuhiko taking a moment to relay the information to the others as they continued walking, reaching a fork in the tunnel to see the a small Mist-Dragon floated above the right tunnel as he spoke
"This way then…"
…
They managed to travel down three levels before they ran into their first giant Salamander, which had turned out to be a seven foot height, six foot long lizard with dark green scales on its back and orange underside.
Kazuhiko dodged the plume of flames launched at him by the giant, but currently blind, lizard, having took several [Storm] bullets to its eyes. Yu quickly charged forwards with Mugen cut through its side to finish the monster. Both managed to put a safe distance from the giant Salamander before it exploded, Rossweisse putting up a defensive magic circle to protect the mine walls and them.
"W-Wow that was quick" Freyja spoke as she looked at Kazuhiko and Yu as the quartet started to walk again as the former shrugged as he replied
"You get use to moving that fast…Although I'm surprised they can be taken out so easily"
"Yeah… I guess Loki-dono wanted these to lull people into a false sense of security before they blew up" Rossweisse added, Yu nodding in agreement as he spoke
"That certainly sounds like a trickster God"
The quartet continued walking for a few minutes before reaching a large cavernous room with several huts set up around the edges while numerous Salamanders wandered around the middle of the room.
"Looks like this is the living quarters for the Miners" Rossweisse spoke as she looked around, Kazuhiko doing a quick mental count before he muttered
"There's about thirty in there…" Yu nodded in agreement, catching the thoughtful look on his friend's face as he asked
"You have a plan, Kaz?"
"Yeah, I think so… Rossweisse-san, Freyja-san can you cover the walls of the room with enough defensive magic so we don't cause a cave in"
"Oh! I can do that" Freyja spoke, bouncing eagerly as Kazuhiko looking around before nodding as he started to explain
"I think if we hit a certain few we can trigger those ones to blow up the others around them" Rossweisse's eyes widened in realisation as she added
"That would work… they are rather crowded in there that we should only need to destroy a few to start a chain reaction. The Dwarves will have to rebuild but this way we can proceed quicker to try and find the queen."
"That sounds good." Yu spoke with a nod, Kazuhiko turning to Rossweisse as he spoke
"Let's hit them from above so we can avoid the explosions ourselves… Yu stay back here with Freyja-san in case any of them notice you"
"Alright" Yu spoke with a nod, holding Mugen at the ready as Kazuhiko activated [Divine Dividing] and Rossweisse spread her wings as they both flew up to near the domed roof.
"Allow me to do this…" The silver haired Valkyrie spoke, pointing her spear down at the Salamanders and making a dozen magic circles appear before her as Kazuhiko spoke
"Alright then Rossweisse-san" Rossweisse's eyes briefly flittered over [Divine Dividing], wondering what the Hakuryuukou would want with helping Dwarves before focusing back on the magic circles and releasing a beam of magic from each which triggered dozens of explosions below them. Kazuhiko fired [Storm Bullets] from his pistols at any stray Salamanders that had avoided injuries from Rossweisse's attacks.
"Looks like that cleared them up" Kazuhiko commented once the smoke started to clear to reveal the chamber empty, Rossweisse nodding as they flew down as she spoke
"Let's try and work out which way is quickest to the queen"
"How about we draw the queen into here?" Kazuhiko asked, glancing to the approaching Freyja and Yu as Rossweisse looking curious as he continued
"I mean this room is big enough for us to have enough room to fight her, plus we would have an advantage by setting up a trap here."
"That makes sense" Rossweisse spoke with a nod, Yu nodding as he asked
"So one of us has to be bait?"
"Yeah… I'll do that" Kazuhiko replied, Freyja frowning as she spoke
"Why you? Can't you send one of those scouts of yours?"
"I'm the fastest as far as I can tell… My scouts are easily destroyed and can't really attack themselves" Kazuhiko explained to the two Valkyries, noticing Yu nod in agreement as he added
"So you're going to draw it in so Freyja-san and Rossweisse-san can hit it hard with some of their magic and my own Sacred Gear can add to it"
"I don't like such a risky plan but it would be harder to fight the queen in one of the tunnels where we would be at trouble to move around" Rossweisse spoke with a slight frown before nodding as she spoke
"Kazuhiko-san, please draw in the queen for us but be careful and don't take any risks" Kazuhiko nodded with slight smile at the stern tone she was taking with him, giving her a smirk as he replied
"Yes dear…" Yu and Freyja chuckled at hearing that, Rossweisse's face turned red and eyebrow twitched as Kazuhiko shot off down one of the tunnels, his energy wings surging with [Sky Flames] to increase his already impressive speed.
"He's showing his playboy tendencies again" Yu chuckled amused, drawing the two Valkyries' attention to him in curiosity.
…
Kazuhiko knew he had to be careful as he manoeuvred through the tunnels at high speed as he mentally asked one of the questions that had stuck in his mind 'Metatron…Why do you have so many Japanese weapons in your Sacred Gear?'
{Erm… Well…} Metatron started with an embarrassed tone, Albion smirking as he replied
[Metatron loves anything to do with ninjas…]
{Albion!} Metatron shouted in embarrassment, Kazuhiko looking surprised as he replied
"Really…? Wow, I wouldn't have guess. Does that mean you like Naruto? Believe it."
{Don't say that! That show doesn't work with a ninja who wears orange} Metatron retort with a cry, Albion smirking as he asked
[Really I thought any colour would work for a ninja's clothes. Believe it.]
{Well it does! How can a ninja be stealthy while wearing such bright clothes?} Metatron replied with an annoyed look to the dragon as Kazuhiko commented amused
"You would probably would easily be able to cosplay as Naruko minus the whiskers, Metatron. Believe it."
[I wouldn't mind seeing Metatron act out the results from the 'sexy jutsu'] Albion spoke with a smirk, Metatron's face reddening as she shouted back embarrassed
{No way Albion!} Kazuhiko's face was red in embarrassment, about to retort himself about the dragon going too far as realised he was heading towards a dead end with two lizard like eyes staring at him.
"Oh shit…" Kazuhiko muttered, barely managing to force himself to stop as his feet slammed into the queen lizard's head, making it cry out in pain as Albion muttered
[Definitely have its attention now]
{Obviously Albion} Metatron retort with an annoyed look at the dragon as Kazuhiko started to rush back to the others, the giant Salamander queen crawling quickly after him. Kazuhiko dodged a jet of flames the queen had aimed at him.
The queen Salamander looked to be squashed in the cave, its body being much bigger than the other giant Salamanders Kazuhiko had seen, as it's crawled after him. Kazuhiko looking back to see its yellow eyes focus on him as it tried to snap its mouth at him.
'This thing is faster than I thought' Kazuhiko thought, taking the tight right corner at speed so he could reach the room that Yu and the others were waiting in.
Entering the room a few minutes after, Kazuhiko ascended to avoid a blast of flames that had been aimed at him, his eyes picking up Yu with Mugen ready while Rossweisse and Freyja had several defensive magic circles before them to block the flames and protect Yu. Kazuhiko quickly turning in the air before charging at the head of the queen, [Lightning Flames] covering his hands, as he threw a punch which closed the mouth of the queen and stopping the flames it was firing.
[Divide!] Kazuhiko shot back up into the air at hearing the call from his wings, Freayja and Rossweisse soon changing their magic circles and firing off a barrage of icy coloured energy that created large patches of ice wherever they hit.
"Triple Illusion!" Yu shouted, enveloping himself in a pale blue aura as he swung his sword for his attack
"Netherworld Insects!" The insects charged, attempting to bite into the thick hide of the queen as Kazuhiko frowned as he noticed it trying to back into the tunnel it was partly in.
"Lightning Dragon!" Green sparks of [Lightning Flames] arched from both hands as he shot off a large serpentine green dragon towards the queen and started to wrestle with it as it worked on pulling the giant salamander more into the room.
"Good idea Playboy-kun" Freyja called up to him, Kazuhiko's eyebrow twitching as he shot an annoyed look at Yu who smirked back at him as the brunet shouted down to them
"Damn it Yu! What have you been telling them?" Rossweisse found herself stifle a small smile as she turned her attention back to their opponent, Kazuhiko's Lightning Dragon was coiling itself around its body and making the lizard roar in pain at the discharges of green electricity that ran through its body. The queen took in a deep yet shaky breathe, Rossweisse and Freyja quickly bringing up defensive magic circles as ducked back behind them.
"No you don't!" Kazuhiko growled, his [Lightning Flame] dragon slamming a clawed hand onto the head of the queen and forcing its mouth closed as he called out
"Aim everything you can down the mouth when I let it open again Yu! Rossweisse-san, Freyja-san I need you to make a barrier around the queen" Yu smirked in understanding, Rossweisse and Freyja staring at the brunet in shock before looking around to see the queen was being pulled loser to the middle of the room.
"He's making sure we don't get injured… No idea how big an explosion the queen is going to make" Rossweisse and Freyja nodded in understanding, numerous defensive magic circles starting to spread around to form a dome shaped barrier around the queen with a space in front of Yu so he could attack as he declared
"Fourth Illusion Style!" Yu's aura exploded as he met Kazuhiko's eyes, a swift nod from the brunet signalling to him to start building up energy as he gripped Mugen in both of his hands and raised it over his head. Kazuhiko's Lightning Dragon opened the mouth of the queen Salamander with a clawed hand on each jaw, electric chains shooting out from the dragon's body to stop the rest of the movement.
"Exploding Spirit Cut!" Yu shouted as he unleashed his attack, the wave of pale blue energy unleashing an explosion which was quickly contained in the two Valkyries' barriers which sparked with [Lightning Flames] as the remains of Kazuhiko's Lightning Dragon strengthened them.
When the explosion ended the barrier was covered in cracks while inside had a large crater, the quartet sighing in relief as they gathered on the ground as Freyja spoke "Looks like the queen made a much bigger explosion"
"I figured as much… The queen would have probably been Loki's backup to stop the Dwarves from using the mines for a while" Kazuhiko explained, earning a nod from Rossweisse and Yu as the latter added
"Guess we can head back now then and tell Dvalinn we're done"
"Yep" Kazuhiko replied with a smile, stretching his arms over his head as they started to leave.
…
"Well, looks like you had an eventful time with the Dwarves" Seraphina spoke as she enjoyed cuddling up to Kazuhiko as the romantic movie that they had been watching ended, the brunet nodding as he replied
"Dvalinn-sama seemed to be eager that I say I'll visit at some point but I didn't promise anything. Matsu-san seems ecstatic now she's got stronger links with the Dwarves over materials. How was your day?"
"Oh, Kala-san and I had to take Xenovia-san clothes shopping… You know I think she's in awe of you still after she found out about Metatron" Seraphina spoke with an amused look, Kazuhiko sighing softly as she added
"She kept referring to you as Kazu-sama even though I told her you weren't one for formalities and Kala-san wasn't much help with teasing her about 'appealing to Kazu-sama preferences' and other stuff"
"I guess I should have expected that with Kala-san after she found out" Kazuhiko replied softly, Seraphina melting into the kiss that she got soon after as she wrapped her arms around the back of his head. They parted slightly out of breathe, Seraphina breathily adding
"We even managed to get the swimsuit shopping done early…"
"Shame…" Kazuhiko muttered softly, disappointed that he would have to wait to see what she had gotten as Seraphina smiled sultrily as she cooed teasingly
"You'll get to see it soon enough, Kazu-sama…" Her kiss cut off Kazuhiko's groan at being referred formally, Seraphina moaning softly as she felt Kazuhiko's arms encircle her waist and press her tighter against him as he returned it.
"You should have waited for me to get back before letting the make outs start" Kalawarner spoke with a mock pout of disappointment as she moved to sit on Kazuhiko's other side as Seraphina broke the kiss and retort
"You were taking too long…"
"Oh so what were you talking about?" Kalawarner asked, resting her legs over Kazuhiko's right one and snaking an arm around his waist as she pressed herself against his side.
"Just the clothes and swimsuit shopping we did today" Seraphina answered, Kalawarner giving Kazuhiko a mischievous look as she huskily whispered into his ear
"Oh, did Kazu-sama want to see us all wet and wearing very little" Kazuhiko tried to suppress a shudder as she placed slow kisses across his neck and jaw as she added
"Maybe I should just take a bath with you next time, what you think Sera?" Kazuhiko found him unable to turn to the bluenette Dragon as Kalawarner sealed his lips with her own, Seraphina rolling her eyes as the Fallen Angel's antics as she cuddled into Kazuhiko's side as she replied with a blush
"That would be a good idea"
"You should have seen him flirting with Rossweisse-san" Yu spoke amused from the doorway, Kazuhiko shooting a glare at his friend as Seraphina and Kalawarner's grips tightening on him as he rebuked
"I didn't flirt with her…"
"Looks like someone's been a bad boy" Kalawarner spoke, licking her lips as Seraphina's eyes turned possessive as she added
"We should punish him properly"
"Damn Yu" Kazuhiko shouted at his friend as Yu chuckled and started up to his room.
…
Author's Note
Hope you enjoy Rossweisse's first appearance in this story as I wanted to introduce her earlier than normal and Loki's plans looked to be the best way to bring her in. Loki's plan will probably be familiar to most people reading it and figured it was a good idea/ reason for complicating what Kazuhiko and Yu went there to do. Also figured that Kazehana should make another appearance and have some fun with Kazuhiko and just get him in trouble in general with the other girls.
^^: I really can't seem to think what else to put here at the moment so hope you enjoyed the chapter and next one will be the beginning of the Treaty Arc.