Stratos263: Yep, things will pick up in this chapter.
Raidentensho: I do plan to mix the movie-verse with the book-verse for PJO portion. I haven't given much thought about Medusa given that later on, if I follow DxD canon, Cao Cao would replace one of his eyes with one of hers after losing it but I think something like a mist transfer on her appearance might work or at least Kazuhiko being civil with her and able to stand unaffected in front of her somehow.
Bob2121998: Thanks, hope you enjoy this chapter just as much.
OechsnerC: Thanks. Yeah, Kazuhiko gets a embarrassed about how many women want him although that's also mixed in with Kuroka's forwardness in trying to get a reaction from him.
Blaze: Rias isn't going to be part of Kazuhiko's harem.
Guest (Apr21): I haven't actually given any thought to who Rias is going to be with. As for Seekvaira I'll have to see what I can do.
Guest (Apr29): I've not thought to do that with either of them at the moment but can see the former occurring more easily then the latter.
reptoholic: Thanks, glad you are enjoying this. I will admit that I tend to forget about Blaire at times but I am working to change that. Also not everyone who shows interest in Kazuhiko is going to get accepted by him. As for when Kazuhiko will become independent it'll happen when the Mid-Class exams for Kiba and Akeno happens, mainly due to wanting to have Kazuhiko fighting Sairaorg in the Rating Game.
...
"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Sacred Gear
[] - Albion/ Dragons
{} - Metatron
() - Phone/ Communication Circles
...
Yu couldn't help the snort that escaped his mouth as he heard what had happened when Kazuhiko and the others were in the Underworld from the former's mouth. Kazuhiko's father was sitting with them, an almost conflicted look between amusement and disbelief at his son's recounting of his time away.
"Only you, Kaz..." Yu chuckled amused, shaking his head despite Kazuhiko's scowl at him, "...could convince a stray devil to give herself up by giving her an chance to have your babies in the future."
"It seems a little like one of your animes, to be honest." Kazuhiko's father admitted, the son nodding as he explained "Its cause I helped open the investigation again really. The whole babies thing is due to Nekoshou being near extinct and only a few left that Kuroka wants to repopulate them and so have strong children."
"And you happen to be one of the strongest young men means she's sets her eyes on you." Yu chimed in with a chuckle that saw Kazuhiko roll his eyes while his father sipped at his coffee as the swordsman asked "What's wrong with that Vali bloke?"
"Vali-chin is only interested in fighting, nyah~" Kuroka answered as she rushed in and deposited herself onto Kazuhiko's lap, hugging him for protection before Kalawarner and Seraphina stalked in to grab the ravenette before pulling her out of the room despite her protests as Kazuhiko explained to the bewildered pair, "Apparently they are trying to get her some normal clothes so she can blend in around town but she's resistant to it, despite meaning she could spend time with Koneko-san alone outside."
"You haven't, erm..." Kazuhiko's father started, nodding his head to the door only for Kazuhiko to shake his head as he replied "No, no. I only said it was possible if she turned herself in so we have to actually see if a relationship would work between us first."
"So, what else happened while you were there?" Kazuhiko's father asked with a relieved sigh, noting that Kazuhiko had only gotten through about half of what he had done while in the Underworld. About the Rating Game and even giving Akeno a chance to date him which drew a smirk from Yu as he retorted "You playboy power is spreading..."
"I'm not..." Kazuhiko grumbled as his father and Yu chuckled together before he asked "Anything interesting happen to either of you?"
"Not much really. Did some training and a few stray hunts. Oh, I introduced Miya into anime after she asked me about you." Yu spoke with a shrug, smirking at the last part as Kazuhiko rose an eyebrow at him "What did you show her?"
"Akame ga Kill." Yu answered before adding "It was what I was watching at the time but I think I may have corrupted her."
"Yeah, the rest of the peerage are corrupted now but I'm still kinda miffed that Matsu-san made a copy of the [Master Sword] for Xenovia to use." Kazuhiko replied with a nod before his father spoke up thoughtfully "I'm surprised no one thought to go a similar route to you two before..."
"It's probably not came to mind." Yu answered with a shrug, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied "I imagine most of those who came from supernatural bloodlines would have been taught what their parents knew but only expand their skills in ways that makes sense to them. As for devils, their is a good portion who look down on humans and so wouldn't think to do such a thing and others probably just see it as entertainment and don't make the link like I did."
"Anyway, what about you Tou-san?" Kazuhiko asked as he brought the conversation back to finding out what he might have missed in the human world. His father took a slow sip of his tea as if to decide how to word what had happened before he answered "Erm... Well, I've started to date one of my co-workers."
"Really...?" Kazuhiko asked in a curious and hopeful tone, knowing that he deserved some happiness of his own as the man nodded slowly and he licked his lips nervously as he explained "She... She transferred into the department from Kyoto a couple months ago but recently we ended up working on that big contract the company had. We went out a few evenings with the rest of the group working on it a couple times and got along great with her and then once we finished the contract details about a fortnight ago she confessed to me and that's about it."
"That's great." Kazuhiko spoke with a smile and glad for his father, who relaxed as he added nonchalantly "It's nothing serious at the moment but we've been out a couple times."
...
That evening saw the Gremory group, plus Yu, Kalawarner, Seraphina, Astrid, Asia and Kuroka back in the Occult Research Clubroom so they could continue with their Devil contracts. Kazuhiko had just returned from his second long contract of the evening which was acting as a butler for a bunch of young women for a couple hours while the first had been a clothing model contract in the Underworld by the same company that he had first been the first time he had such a contract.
"I'm exhausted..." Kazuhiko muttered as he slumped onto the sofa next to Astrid, the blonde dragoness blushing as she got a subtle nod from Kalawarner before she spoke "You can lie down on my lap, Kazuhiko-sama, if you want..."
"Thanks." Kazuhiko spoke with a sigh, moving so he could lay his head on her lap as he grumbled "I suppose I should have expected that I'd become more popular in the Underworld with the movie and the Rating Game against Kaichou but I didn't think it would be this much, even with Albion's influence."
"Well, it was going to happen sooner or later, regardless." Kalwarner chuckled from where she sat on the opposite sofa with Ravel, helping the blonde look through the requests coming from the Underworld. Ravel nodded in agreement as she added "Kazuhiko-sama is attractive and has a good personality already."
Ravel blushed after saying that, realising what she had said as Kazuhiko offered her an amused look while Kalawarner and Seraphina chuckled. The latter was with Kuroka and was helping Asia, Mittelt and Koneko with homework although the older Nekoshou was just enjoying spending time with her sister in a normal setting.
"Thank you Ravel-chan. I suppose I should add you to the list of dates I've got to before we start back at school." Kazuhiko retorted teasingly, Ravel lighting up even as her face darkened in its shade of red.
"I-If Kazuhiko-sama w-wants to..." She started embarrassed, stumbling over her words before clearing her throat and adopting a more regal air as she continued "I'd be more than happy to go on a date with Kazuhiko-sama."
"Ufufufu... Who gets the first date then, Kazu-kun?" Akeno asked curiously, having only arrived back in the room moments ago. She lent over the back of the sofa so she could look down at Kazuhiko, who looked up at her for a moment before shrugging as he answered "I suppose you should be first given that Sera-chan and Kala-chan still need to take out Kuroka-san for normal clothes. So, tomorrow?"
"Fufufu..." Akeno giggled happily, clasping her hands together as she spoke "Tomorrow is fine for me."
"No sign of Matsu-san either still?" Rias asked from her desk, smiling pleased for her childhood friend as Kazuhiko nodded as he replied "I've not heard anything off her either. So, something important must be going on in the Greek Faction."
"Maybe I should contact Onii-sama about it..." Rias mused to herself, "It might help with diplomacy with them in the future."
...
Matsu hurried through the halls of Olympus as she made her way towards her ancestor's forges, hoping to find the God of the Forge to run an idea by him before she returned to Kuoh for help. The situation that had suddenly arose revolved around the sudden disappearance of Zeus' [Master Bolt], the bolt of forged lightning that was his symbol of power just like Poseidon's Trident or Hades' Helm of Darkness. Such a theft had sent everyone in Olympus and the Demigod camp into a hive of activity as they searched for it.
'The only way someone could get the [Master Bolt] would be to have access to Olympus which aside from us select few only leaves the other Gods and Goddesses here.' Matsu thought with a frown as she knew she could easily find the divine weapon with her technology but retrieving it would require someone powerful if a Deity was involved in some manner and there wasn't many 'Children of the Gods' she knew well enough to trust with aiding her.
'Hopefully, old man Hephaestus will back me up with letting Kazu-tan to come in to help.' Matsu thought as she entered the forge rooms of Olympus and walked amongst the Cyclops who operated and worked there.
"Lord Hephaestus!" Matsu called as she knocked on the door of the God's private forge, waiting for her to be allowed in. A few minutes passed before the God called back through the doors, "Enter!"
Matsu pushed the doors open only to be blasted by the intense heat of the forge inside as she entered, closing the door behind her as she focused on her ancestor. Hephaestus was a muscular man despite his deformed depiction by the myths, mainly due to the harness of straps he was wearing that allowed him to stand up properly. Short hair was hidden under a bandanna while googles rested atop, their multitude of lenses designed for the finer work he would need to do with any of his projects. A leather apron, loose pants and boots finished his look while gloves covered his hands as he brought the hammer down onto the piece of metal he was currently hammering into shape.
"Sorry to interrupt you." Matsu started, Hephaestus ducking what he was working on into a large tank of water before he replied "Its fine, Matsu. With everything going on, doing this is more to calm myself then something important."
"I think I can track where the [Master Bolt] is..." Matsu started, Hephaestus looking interested as she continued "... but I'd prefer to bring someone outside of the faction to help retrieve it."
"Oh? So you've come to the same conclusion as I have, that another God is involved in this theft somehow...?" The forge God asked curiously. Matsu nodded as she explained "The amount of people allowed into Olympus is small and for someone to get into Lord Zeus' chambers to get it would have needed to be either supremely lucky or have a Deity's assistance to get in and out if not getting handed the [Master Bolt] in the first place."
"You're correct about that..." Hephaestus spoke with a thoughtful hum before asking "Who would you bring in?"
"There's a friend I've been helping out since he became aware of the supernatural world." Matsu started to explain, a look of realisation and amusement on the Forge God's face as he retorted "Ah! The Draphalem; Justice Dragon Emperor then..."
Matsu's brief look of surprised disappeared as she assumed correctly that her ancestor had kept an eye on what was going on around her as he asked "Are you sure that the young man will be able to handle a God?"
"He's probably not at that level yet but he doesn't have to actual defeat a God just hold off long enough for back up to come if he does confront them." Matsu answered, Hephaestus nodding in agreement as he spoke "Alright. I'll go talk to Zeus about it but you'll need to prep the Draphalem for having to prove himself."
"Alright then." Matsu replied with a smile, disappearing in a magic circle to head back to Kuoh.
...
Kazuhiko looked amused as he waited in the entrance way for Akeno to come down ready for their date. He was dressed in a pair of black cargo pants, comfortable sneakers, a white t-shirt with silver tribal marks rising from the bottom in the form of a dragon with spread wings and a checkered, blue, grey and black hooded jacket that had shirt cuffs at the end of the sleeves. He had seen Kuroka being dragged out by Seraphina, Kalawarner and Koneko to go shopping dressed in a snug fitting black sundress with a wide violet belt that was apparently Kalawarner, causing the brunet to wonder how the blue haired Fallen Angel would have fit into it.
{You shouldn't be thinking about another woman when your about to go on a date with another.} Metatron gently chided, Albion letting out a chuckle as he replied [It's fine. She should know that Sera and Kala are both higher on the totem pole compared to her. Plus she's not here at the moment.]
'It's fine, Metatron. I'm not going to do something like that when the date is actually going on.' Kazuhiko thought back to the Angel, glancing to where Blaire was fidgeting nearby as he frowned and asked "Are you alright Blaire?"
Blaire bobbed her head as she mumbled "...I want to spend time with you as well..."
Kazuhiko's eyes softened at his familiar, wrapping an arm around her as he replied "Alright. Once this is over with, we can go somewhere quiet and talk if you want."
Blaire nodded once more as she nuzzled closer to the brunet to hug him back. The moment was ruined as Matsu burst into the entrance way from the door that lead to her lab, looking around frantic before locking eyes onto Kazuhiko as she moved to grab him.
"Sorry to ruin the moment but I need Kazu-tan to come with me." Matsu babbled quickly, trying to pull him along only for Kazuhiko to resist as he asked concerned "What? What's wrong, Matsu?"
"I need your help to stop a war on Olympus." Matsu answered with a serious look, Kazuhiko gulping as he nodded "Alright then. Shirohime! Blaire can you...?"
"I'll let Akeno-san know that the date is pushed back." Blaire spoke with a glint in her eyes as Kazuhiko allowed himself to be pulled along by the young woman. The serpent dragon darting down the stairs and wrapping herself around his outstretched arm before the pair and Matsu disappeared into a magic circle that had a ring of Greek symbols around the edge.
...
Matsu and Kazuhiko appeared in a white entrance way that had the doors behind him, the latter looking around to see where they were as the former moved to stand in front of the gold gates that blocked them from travelling further as she spoke "Welcome to Olympus."
The gates opened behind her and the two Spartan-like gold guards stood to attention as Matsu ushered Kazuhiko to follow her as she explained "This is the public entrance. Only those with permission can transport directly in and that's only on their own."
"That's understandable, I suppose." Kazuhiko replied as he looked around the hallway that they were walking in. It was a pure white with pillars lining the sides with marble covering he floor. There didn't seem to be anything to indicate where someone was supposed to go as Matsu lead him through the almost maze-like hallways and corridors as he asked "So what's so urgent that you needed me to come with you?"
"Well, war is looking to be ready to break among the Gods here as someone has stolen Lord Zeus' [Master Bolt]. His main weapon and symbol." Matsu answered, Kazuhiko looking shocked as she added, "There is very few ways for someone to have stolen it and they mostly rely on the assistance of another Greek God as its rare for Demigods and others to be allowed inside. I mean you are only allowed as I convinced Hephaestus to convince Lord Zeus to let you search for it and he's going to want you to prove you can get it back in the first place and I only can come and go because in some ways I'm still one of Lord Hephaestus' apprentice."
"Right... Why would someone steal the [Master Bolt] though?" Kazuhiko asked, only to get an answer from Metatron as she appeared from a burst of [Mist Flames], {Symbols and weapons of Gods house a potent portion of their power within them. Someone stealing one would be able to tap into a lesser portion of the power it houses and most such weapons easily dwarf even some of the strongest holy or demonic weaponry humans wielded in legends.}
"Damn... So, whoever stole this is going to have part of Zeus' power." Kazuhiko spoke to himself as Matsu nodded "That's why I need your help. While most Demigods of the faction could handle the thief who stole the [Master Bolt], they wouldn't be able to handle an empowered one and whoever helped them."
"Alright." Kazuhiko spoke with an agreeing nod before Albion spoke up [I hope you don't expect us to do this without some sort of reward.]
Matsu grinned at Albion's words, turning to Kazuhiko as she replied "Don't worry. Once we resolve this issue Lord Hephaestus will assist me on making something appropriate for you, Kaz-tan."
"Fair enough." Kazuhiko spoke with a nod, flexing his magic to change his clothes into those he had used for the movie and his gloves. Matsu smirked at seeing the new outfit, pointing a finger at him and causing Greek symbols to form over the clothing as she spoke "Those are already reinforced to be stronger but they weren't up to [Rating Game] standard. My enchantments should last for now but I'll need to make my own version of them when this is over with."
"I figured that already, Matsu." Kazuhiko replied as they approached a giant part of white doors, Matsu looking to him as she spoke "This is the Council Room. Be prepared as the Gods are likely to want to test you despite my recommendation that we involve you."
"Alright. I wouldn't be surprised if they had me fight one of their champions." Kazuhiko spoke with a nod as the doors opened to admit the pair.
...
The inside of the Council Room was a large circle with a raised platform in the shape of an upside-down U with twelve thrones equally spaced out upon it and in each Throne sat a God or Goddess. Kazuhiko blinked as he looked at the assembled deities, Matsu's lips twitching into a smirk as she quietly explained "The Greek Gods commissioned the 'Percy Jackson' books to help renew faith in the Greek Pantheon but none of the events actually happened until this incident started."
"So, someone copying the books or...?" Kazuhiko asked quietly, turning to the Zeus, a black haired man with a beard, blue eyes and wearing blue pinstripes suit, and Hera, a beautiful woman with licorice-black hair, brown eyes and wearing a white gown with peacock feathers cloak, as the former spoke "So this is the one you want to help us, Matsu Sahashi?"
"Yes, Lord Zeus." Matsu spoke with a bow, signalling an arm to Kazuhiko as she introduced him "This is Kazuhiko Yuuki, the [Justice Dragon Emperor] and Draphalem. Someone that I've guided and helped since he became aware of the Supernatural world."
"Well, you certainly picked a hottie." Aphrodite spoke as she leered over Kazuhiko, making him blush. Aphrodite had a body that surpassed all of the women he had seen that was garbed in a dangerously low cut, tight white dress with long golden hair and eyes that seemed to shift colour constantly.
"Aphrodite, calm yourself." Zeus ordered, making her pout as she sat back in her seat. He let his gaze shift over the others as he spoke "Does anyone have anything to say regarding this?"
"I think its a good idea. He would be independent of any preexisting bias or swayed by any of us." Athena chimed in logically. She was a beautiful woman with storm-grey eyes and curly brown hair and was wearing elegant flowing grey robes, Greek battle armour and an Imperial Gold helmet on her head.
"Do you not think that my Hunters could do this job easily, Athena? We have no need for this boy." Artemis retorted with a glare. She was a tall and well-built woman with shoulder-length raven-black hair, and striking silver-grey eyes and wearing a pair of black leggings with a silver tunic and leather armour over the top.
"Now, now. I think we should at least test the boy to see if he could be helpful to us." Poseidon spoke in an appeasing tone. He was a tall, handsome man with black hair, a neatly trimmed black beard, a deep tan, and sea-green eyes and wearing a pair of leather sandals, khaki Bermuda shorts, a Hawaiian shirt with coconuts and parrots all over it, and a fisherman's cap.
"I agree. My descendant wouldn't opt to waste our time, especially with such a important problem we have, with something who wasn't capable of helping us." Hephaestus spoke up. He had changed from earlier into a white shirt, brown pants and leather gloves and boots on.
"Then bring forth Heracles and have this whelp dealt with." Ares retorted arrogantly, several of the Gods, Artemis one of them, nodding in agreement. Ares was a huge, muscular man with a belligerent attitude and a vicious sneer. He typically wears black jeans, combat boots, a black leather duster, and a red muscle shirt under a bulletproof vest with a knife strapped to his thigh.
"That's fine with me. I'll happily prove myself able against this Heracles." Kazuhiko spoke up son after, drawing glares from Ares and Artemis while Athena carefully hid her own smile as she noted the calmness in Kazuhiko's stance and words while Poseidon smiled more openly at seeing the same thing. Zeus raised an eyebrow at the young man while Hera looked intrigued by the young man and Hephaestus looked approvingly to Matsu.
"I think that is a grand idea." Zeus spoke as he let his face set in a interested look as he added "Whoever wins will be part of the trio sent on the quest to find my weapon and return with it and the thief."
...
It took about half an hour for Heracles to arrive, giving Kazuhiko enough time to warm up while ignoring the lustful stare of Aphrodite aimed at him while Matsu looked amused from where she stood next to her ancestor. Heracles stood a two-meters tall with a well-built body, shoulder-length gray hair and wearing Greek armour that showed off how muscular he was.
"So, this is the pipsqueak I have to beat to go on the quest?" Heracles asked as he stood opposite Kazuhiko, exuding arrogance and overconfidence while the brunet looked calmly back at him.
"Begin." Zeus commanded, Heracles charging forwards with an eager grin as he threw one fist at Kazuhiko's head. The brunet's hand moved to catch the fist only for Heracles' smile to grow as his Sacred Gear: [Variant Detonation] activated and released an explosion. Heracles used Kazuhiko's surprise at seeing that to bring his other fist down onto Kazuhiko's head, another explosion triggering soon after and concealing the brunet's form.
"Heh. Guess that's over with then." Heracles spoke with a grin as he turned to walk away, Ares chuckling as he retorted "What a waste of our time. I knew the whelp wouldn't stand against him."
"I wouldn't be so sure." Athena spoke with a knowing smile, the smoke cloud dispersing to reveal Kazuhiko was unharmed aside from a few scuff marks on his clothing and in his [Limit Break]. Kazuhiko cracked his neck as he spoke " [Variant Detonation], huh. Was that the best you could do?"
Heracles let out a growl as he charged back at Kazuhiko, only to be surprised as the brunet ducked under his heavy punch and slammed a [Lightning Flame] covered palm strike into the Greek's chin, ignoring the explosive counter that released due to his flames. Heracles' head snapped back from the strike before Kazuhiko struck a fist covered by the same flames into his stomach and sent him skidding back as he thought 'He's got some sort of magic resistance as well considering that flame fuelled punch would have taken out either Hyoudou or Saji before.'
Heracles charged once more and started to throw heavy punches at the brunet who dodged and weaved around them with apparent ease as he threw several of his own punches back, making the hero descendant growl angrily as he tanked the strikes.
"He's holding back, isn't he?" Hephaestus asked Matsu, getting a nod from her as Kazuhiko sent Heracles flying with his next punch as he had used [Sky Flames] from his elbow as a booster.
"I won't let you show me up in front of the Gods!" Heracles roared, an aura forming around him as he shouted "Balance Break!"
The aura around Heracles glowed before transforming into numerous missile-like objects that formed on his forearms, shoulders and around his shins while two large missiles formed over both of his hands. Heracles grinning viciously at Kazuhiko as he added the name of this form, "Detonation - Mighty Comet!"
"I suppose I should stop holding back against you as much." Kazuhiko answered calmly, Ares looking angrily as Kazuhiko as muttered "Shi, Cambio Forma."
Heracles snarled and launched several missiles at the brunet as the [Vongola Gear] formed over his hands, feeling that Kazuhiko wasn't taking him seriously as he could sense the fact he had a Sacred Gear himself. Kazuhiko countered as he unleashed a wave of [Storm Flames] with a swipe of his hand and destroying the missiles between them.
Kazuhiko followed by gathering an orb of [Rain Flames] in his hand, deciding that he should try and overwhelm Heracles' magic resistance as he aimed at the Hero descendant and tried one of his newer spells, "Leo Rugiens: Rain!"
The orb of azure flames flared larger as it turned into a large lion that charged forwards towards an angry Heracles, opening its maw and releasing a huge blast of flames that he easily shrugged off despite being unaware of the additional effect of the [Rain Flames] trying to work on him.
"You think its funny to mock me with such a construct!" Heracles roared, firing one of the giant missiles on his hands at Kazuhiko. The brunet moving to grab the missile before he muttered "Snow Sealing!"
The icy white flame flared into existence over Kazuhiko's hand, making ice form over the missile much to Heracles and the Gods', sans Hephaestus, shock. The hero descendant watched as the brunet dropping the missile once the ice had fully formed over it before the former had to tank another blast of flames from the blue flamed lion, even as he fired more missiles at his opponent.
Kazuhiko used [Comet Flames] to dodge the barrage of attacks, landing a few punches on the bulky Greek and finally making him spit up blood before he spun and struck the side of his head with a [Lightning Flame] enhanced kick. The kick sent Heracles towards his flaming lion which pounced only to explode as a missile destroyed it.
"Are you mocking me!? Am I not good enough for your [Sacred Gear]?" Heracles roared as he stood up, blood leaking from his mouth and an angry bruise starting to from on the side of his head. A pulse of power coming from him that let him restock his collection of missiles as Kazuhiko rose an eyebrow at him "I suppose I could show one of them to you if you're desperate to be beaten already."
"[Divine Dividing]" Kazuhiko intoned clearly, the large wings appearing on his back much to the Greek's shock before Kazuhiko disappeared in a burst of speed and Heracles found his face slammed into the ground by the hand that had grabbed the back of his head, forming a large crater under him at the same time that Albion roared out, [Divide!]
Kazuhiko let go and landed in front of the lying form, Heracles' [Balance Breaker] disappearing with him losing consciousness. He dismissed his [Sacred Gear] and [Limit Break] as Shirohime returned to her dragon form as he walked towards the watching Deities before asking "So, have I proven myself worthy enough or not?"
Zeus broke out in thunderous laughter at the question, looking approvingly at Kazuhiko.
...
The meeting had finished soon after that, Zeus had agreed to let Kazuhiko lead the trio who would hunt down the thief and retrieve his weapon. Ares and Artemis hadn't looked too pleased about the declaration and Heracles had been taken off to recover elsewhere while Matsu transported herself and Kazuhiko to 'Camp Half Blood'. The camp looked much like how the books had portrayed it: a large open field full of various houses and training areas although it had much more developed training area and the dorms for each God/Goddess' children was larger.
"Come on. I need to introduce you to Chiron first so he can pick the other two members to travel with you." Matsu explained as she lead Kazuhiko towards the big house, the brunet catching the looks of the various people around heading to the large tent that seemed to be a mess hall for their evening meal as he retorted "Just tell me there's no Poseidon child called Percy."
Matsu chuckled at hearing that glancing back to Kazuhiko as she replied "Don't worry, Lord Poseidon hasn't named his recent children Percy due to the books."
Kazuhiko relaxed slightly, having someone with a name identical to those in the book would have made him think that someone had planned this out too the point of ensuring what happened followed the story exactly. Although that was out the window now that Matsu had brought him into the mix.
"Chiron!" Matsu called, drawing Kazuhiko attention to the Centaur standing before a large house with double doors. Chiron was a middle-aged man from the waist up, with thinning brown hair, bushy eyebrows, intense brown eyes and a scruffy beard with his lower half being that of a white stallion. He was wearing a white short sleeved shirt that had the top button undone and a light tan blazer over the top.
"Matsu..." Chiron greeted sternly, looking to Kazuhiko for a moment before he added "I've just heard from Lord Dionysus about what is going to happen. Have you briefed him about how we do things here?"
"He's read the books." Matsu answered with a grin, Chiron nodding pleased as Kazuhiko turned his gaze to where a pair was sparring. One was a young man, tall and with broad shoulders and wielding a roman gladius and circular shield that was both bronze in colour. He had dirty blond hair and sky blue eyes and was wearing an orange t-shirt and tan slacks with brown boots.
The young man's opponent looked like she had stepped out of a catwalk runaway. The young woman stood a little shorter then Kazuhiko himself with a lean figure and larger then average bust. She had chocolate brown hair that fell down to her hips in a single plait with a metal ring securing it near the end with short bangs parted at the front and honey brown eyes. Her orange t-shirt was knotted under her bust showing off the faint muscles on her stomach with black shorts had a pair of holsters for twin pistols strapped on her thighs and belt. She was also armed with a pair of knee high boots and slim gauntlets that were both made of a mixture of red scale-like metal with bronze accents and a green jewel on each side of her ankle and the back of her fists, Kazuhiko knowing that it was a [Sacred Gear].
At the moment the brunette was winning, using her gauntlets and boots to parry sword strikes and attempts by the blond to use his shield as a blunt weapon. She even managed to get a few strikes past his guard that left the blond wary to strike out once more against her.
"Ah yes. They are deciding who will go with you and Perseus." Chiron explained to Kazuhiko, the brunet looking towards Matsu who smiled impishly as she answered "He's the current descendant of the original Perseus."
Kazuhiko nodded in understanding as Matsu turned to the centaur and asked "Where is Perseus anyway?"
"He's getting ready as we speak." Chiron answered, Matsu nodding as the centaur turned to the pair sparring and calling out "That's enough Arnold, Lara. I've decided that Lara will accompany Perseus and our guest on the quest."
The pair stopped sparring and the young woman, Lara, smiled pleased before taking notice of Kazuhiko and Matsu as Chiron added "Lara, gather what gear you need for a few days and return here so we can explain what you'll be doing tomorrow."
"Right Chiron." Lara replied, dismissing her gauntlets and boots before running off towards one of the dorms while Arnold walked off disappointed back towards the forge off to one side. Chiron headed back into the house behind them to prepare whatever debriefing they would have to do.
"Oh yeah, before Lara comes back you should know her full name." Matsu spoke up with a smirk as she looked towards Kazuhiko, "Her name is Lara Croft."
"Seriously!?" Kazuhiko asked surprised, looking between where the brunette had gone and Matsu, who was nodding as she replied "Uh-huh."
"Which God is her divine parent?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Matsu smiling as she answered "Probably not the one you think she is... She's a daughter of Aphrodite."
"Really...? I would have said Athena myself..." Kazuhiko replied, Matsu nodding as she explained "Lara wants to prove herself more then a pretty face and so trains herself rather hard. I'd say she's almost as much as a training nut as you are, especially with that [Sub Species] [Twice Critical] she has."
"What does it do?" Kazuhiko asked, aware that the original one only doubled the user's strength once for a certain time limit.
"Lara's allows her to double anything up to the number of armour pieces that it takes the form of. So at the moment she can only do four and she can trigger them as and when she needs them." Matsu explained, "Once she hits her limit of [Boosts] and time they take effect, Lara has to deactivate her gear and wait for a time before she can use it again."
"Does she have a time limit between [Boosts]?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Matsu shaking her head as she answered "Nope, they are just preloaded for her to use."
[That is a rather useful version of my rival's most basic power] Albion commented aloud, getting a nod from his host and Matsu.
"Welcome back, Matsu." A young man called, the pair turning to see he had burgundy coloured hair that was short and wavy and green eyes. He was wearing a black top that had only the right sleeve and a pair of brown slacks that sported Greek armour over the top and winged sandals. On his back was a large circular shield while on his right hip was a harpe sword, a sword with a sickle protrusion along one edge near the tip of the blade.
"Hello Perseus. This is Kazuhiko, he's here to help us with retrieving the [Master Bolt]." Matsu replied, Perseus offering a friendly smile as he held his hand out "Nice to meet you, Kazuhiko, and thank you for agreeing to help us out."
"It's fine, Perseus. I don't mind stepping in to help especially to avoid a war from happening." Kazuhiko replied with a smile and nod.
...
Once Lara had returned, dressed in a rather iconic blue tank top and dark brown shorts, Chiron explained what was going on once more so the trio knew what was they were doing before handing things over to Matsu who had set up some equipment in one of the empty rooms of the big house.
"Right then." Matsu started as she looked over the scanners, "The [Master Bolt] has been sensed entering the [Realm of the Dead]."
"So, just transport us there and we'll grab whoever stole it." Kazuhiko spoke only for Perseus and Lara to shake their heads at him as the latter spoke "You can only transport in or out from there with Lord Hades' approval or an exceptional skill with magic to avoid the defences."
"I'm good with magic, Kaz-tan, but Lord Hades' defences are beyond my level." Matsu explained, Kazuhiko frowning in thought before asking "What about the Poseidon pearls?"
"That was plot armour to lead to Percy fighting Ares." Matsu answered before Perseus spoke up "But the Persephone's Flowers do exist..."
"That's right." Matsu spoke with realisation, turning back to the screen and tapping away to search for those instead as Kazuhiko asked "My Greek mythos isn't that good but wasn't she only supposed to be imprisoned in the [Realm of the Dead] for six months of the year, given she's the Goddess of Springtime and Flowers."
Lara nodded at his words, offering a pleased smile at his knowledge as she explained "That's right. During the Spring and Summer she's free from the [Realm of the Dead] and, during that time, she plants special flowers around for those who visit her during the other half of the year to be able to return to the Human world easily."
"Got them." Matsu spoke, three spots appearing on the screen that showed a map of the USA, "There's three in the country right now... but we should hold off till tomorrow morning to begin."
Lara and Perseus nodded at hearing that, Kazuhiko agreeing when he noticed the time and realised that there was a thirteen hour time difference between America and Japan. Plus a part of him wanted to explore the camp a bit more and give Seraphina a call to ensure Blaire had passed on what had dragged him away before his date with Akeno.
...
(Hey, Kazu-kun. What's this I hear about you being dragged off to Olympus by Matsu-san?) Seraphina spoke through the phone, Kazuhiko smiling as he replied "Hey, Sera-chan. I'm glad Blaire explained things to you guys. Its just Matsu-san wanting me to help avert a war."
(Only averting a war, huh? Well, Akeno is a bit annoyed but she can't exactly complain against that.) Seraphina replied amused, Kazuhiko shrugging as he countered "Just tell her I'll make it up to her when I come back. Shouldn't be more then a few days."
(Of course.) Seraphina replied with a chuckle, (Is there anything you want me to pass on to Azazel?)
"Yeah, just tell him someone is taking the idea of the first Percy Jackson book as their own plan here from what I know so far." Kazuhiko answered, turning at the sound of a twig snapping to see Lara with a tray of food in her hands as Seraphina replied (Really...? Well, make sure you look after yourself, Kala-chan and I won't be able to give you a proper welcome home if you get all beaten up.)
Kazuhiko coughed suddenly at the seductive tone of his lover, catching the amused look on the brunette's face as if knowing what had happened as he replied "I'll do my best to avoid getting hurt then. Bye, Sera-chan."
(Bye Kaz-kun.) Seraphina replied warmly before ending the call and turning to Lara, who held up the tray as she explained "I figured you might be hungry, despite the time difference and given the talk about why Heracles is sulking."
"Thanks. The Gods wanted to see if I was good enough to help and I won." Kazuhiko explained with a shrug after accepting the tray of food and putting it atop of a large tree stump that was perfect to be a table.
"Ah... That would do it." Lara spoke knowingly as the pair sat down on opposite sides of the stump, "Heracles has always proclaimed himself as the strongest on camp aside from Chiron and Lord Dionysus. For someone to come along and beat him so soundly... Not that he doesn't deserve it with how arrogant he acted."
"Well, hopefully I've knocked some sense into him then." Kazuhiko replied before he took a bite of steak and savoured its taste. Lara caught how the young man's gaze drifted over to the glares of a group of young men nearby as she spoke up "Sorry about them... It's annoying but most don't seem to take no as an answer."
"It's fine. I suppose being both a daughter of Aphrodite and having a dragonic [Sacred Gear] just enhances the allure for men, not to mention you are gorgeous." Kazuhiko mused aloud, Lara looking surprised with a light blush on her cheeks as she nodded and asked "How...?"
"Matsu explained about your heritage and I have a bit of experience about dragon stuff... Actually, how much has Matsu said about me?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Lara frowning in thought as she answered "Not much. Just that you're something no one has ever seen before and that you defeated Heracles rather easily."
"I suppose that's true." Kazuhiko spoke with a chuckle, letting his gaze shift momentarily to the glaring men as he explained "I'm what's known as a Draphalem, a Dragon/ Angel/ Devil Hybrid, although I was just a normal human several months ago."
Lara stared at him in surprise at hearing that, having not expected that the young man had been human in a relatively short time ago. She was about to ask only for a arrogant male voice to draw their attention, "What do you think your doing talking to my girl?"
"I've told you dozens of times I'm not your girl, Curtis." Lara retorted with a sigh of annoyance as she and Kazuhiko turned to the disturbance, seeing a group of guys crowding behind a tall, muscular young man with slicked back blond hair, grey eyes and an arrogant glare on his face.
Kazuhiko sighed as he put down his cutlery, knowing he wouldn't get any more peace as he spoke "Who she talks to is up to her and, honestly, its on illegal for me to talk to her regardless what some brat things."
"Why you..." Curtis snarled, throwing a punch at Kazuhiko only to stare unnerved at seeing the brunet's head hadn't moved an inch despite his strike hitting his cheek as the Draphalem retorted "I defeated Heracles without my full power. Do you think you and your gang of idiots stand a chance against me?"
"Great Flame Commandment: Storm Flame Emperor!" Kazuhiko spoke as he held one hand in the air. [Storm Flames] flared into life and spiralled up his arm before gathering into a giant fireball that looked like a miniature, blazing red, sun that saw the gang to back up at the pure power within the flames as they all started to look nervously towards their leader who was sweating. Lara smirked openly at seeing Curtis and his gang being put in their place as well as the pure power that Kazuhiko was displaying with complete ease an attack that could destroy one of the dorm buildings.
"Now, scram." Kazuhiko ordered, the gang running away as the brunet twitched his hand to dismiss the attack before turning back to finish his meal.
...
Author's Note
First things first I'd like to point out or reiterate that the books and movies exist in this verse with the former being something the Greek Pantheon commissioned to try and boost the faith in their faction. So that means outside of Chiron and the Gods most of the demigods will be different although a few share traits with those in the book. Perseus is based off his Fate/Prototype version and Heracles should be obvious given his future role in things. As for Lara Croft, I kinda just thought it would be a funny to have someone sharing her name with what's going to happen and her version of [Twice Critical] I've seen in another fanfic but can't recall it off the top of my head.
Can't think of anything else to add at the moment so I'll just say hope you enjoy the chapter and leave you with Kazu's updated powers.
Magic:
Vongola Flames: Sky, Storm, Rain, Sun, Lightning, Cloud, Mist.
Snow: Sealing [Icy White flames which give off snowflakes]
Limit Break: Hyper Dying Will Mode
Holy/ Heavenly Flames:
Lunar: Purification [Silver Flames with a white core]
Meteor: Penetration [Dark brown Lightning]
Comet: Acceleration [Pale blue Lightning with white edging]
Asteroid: Protection [Dark grey/brown stone coloured flames]
Solar: Concealment [Gold Flames with a white core]
Star: Restoration [Pure white Flames with a yellow core]
Aurora: Refraction [blue/green coloured flames]
Heavenly Judgement weapons:
Sachiel - Tonfa [Based on the Recoil Rod: Megaman Zero Games]
Shamshel - Chains/ whips [Based on General Kevin Yeegar: D. Gray Man] - enhanced cutting power
Ramiel - Crystal Bow - Lightning firing
Israfel - Twin Scimitars [Based on Gerudo Guards' swords: Legend of Zelda Orcarina of Time]
Sandalphon - Fire manipulating War Hammer
Gaghiel - Water manipulating Naginata
Matarael - Poison creating Trench Knife
Sahaquiel - Explosive Kunai
Liliel - Eight Chakram [Based on Oriha: Sekirei]
Zeruel - Golden Gauntlets and Greaves [Based on Gold Fist: Megaman BN Games]
Castiel - Wide bladed Claymore [partly based on Sword of Exoricism: D. Gray Man]
Arael - Twelve crystal doves [Orbitars from Kid Icarus: Uprising]
Others:
Divine Booster - portion of Ddraig's power - costs a small amount of lifeforce to activate/ use