What is this? An update that's actually on time?! What is the world coming too?!
Ok but seriously, I'm happy I got this out now. Though I will admit, this chapter is one of the chapters I am very nervous about. Especially since I don't want anybody to feel out of character. But hey, I was going to reach this point sooner or later.
But enough about my worries, let's get to the reviews, shall we?
angelvan105: Well we'll see Saber's Excalibur eventually, just not during this Arc.
Lance Eterna: You just may be on to something.
VGBlackwing: Oh, alright, thanks for the correction.
prisontaker: I rather not spoil anything. But you are free to guess whatever you like.
Evowizard25: Of course, remember this is also a DxD crossover. So Poor Isai and Ai are probably going to get into a lot of.. interesting situations over time.
UA1991: Already replied in PM. but thanks none the less!
Now on to the chapter!
The morning after I talked to Ai-chan. I sit cross-legged on the floor of my room as I look at the two blades set in front of me.
On my left is Excalibur, Sword of Promised Victory. On my left is Excalibur Rapidly, Sword of... Uhh... Whatever its subtitle is. Does it even have one? I don't know. It just feels like it should have one.
And so far, all I've been doing was sitting here and looking at them.
"Staring will not do anything Master." I hear Saber tell me.
"I know, it's just... Well, it's still strange that I'm looking at two Excaliburs." I say.
"Strange yes, but it hardly matters. Do you intend to take one to school?" Saber asks me, in which I only shake my head.
"No. I don't see any reason to." I told her. "I mean I could bring it for training, but fighting Devils with Holy weapons is a bad idea. At least friendly ones."
"But all you have been doing is staring at them, Master. I know you have more important things to do." She tells me.
. . . That's a good point.
"...I think I was trying to figure out if there was a way to bring both blades when I have to. And somewhere along the line. My Mind just drifted towards other things." I finally said.
"Bring both blades? I do not really see a reason to do that." Saber told me.
"I mean, I could just mainly use our Excalibur, then when the opponent least expects it. I can whip out Rapidly and take them out before they even realize what happened! I'd basically Speed Blitz them!" I exclaimed.
"I see... Well, I do not see that working on Servants. Especially the swifter ones. But perhaps it could work off some other enemies, like lower Ranks Devils or Fallen Angels. In fact, I believe you actually did that before." Saber mentions.
Yea, I did do that to a bunch of fallen angels.
"All the more reason to bring both then," I told her.
"I would suggest withdrawing from that idea for now." Saber said. "While in theory, it could work, you already have problems with keeping just one sword hidden. And I doubt you would be able to hide two."
I know that! That's why I'm trying to think of a way...
"Ugh... if only I could just summon our Excalibur at will, then I would only have to hide one sword," I said.
"At that point, You would be able to invoke its true name and wouldn't need Rapidly anymore." She counters.
, . . Ok, that's another good point.
"... Yea, for now, I'll drop it." I admit. I still held my convictions high, however. "But it's still a cool idea I want to try eventually."
But before the Saber and I continue our discussion. The ring of a Doorbell suddenly echoed across the house.
"Eh? Who would ring at this tim-" I suddenly stop mid-sentence and quickly looked at a nearby clock.
Oh... Shit.
"I-I forgot to get ready!" I scream in a panic. Realize just how possible boned I am, I scramble up to my feet and in a hurry, start to get ready for school.
"It's been 15 minutes..." Ai worried said as she waited at the front door of Isai's house.
"Yes, she is taking a normally long amount of time to answer." Archer agrees. "Very strange, but I don't think anything is wrong."
"I don't know..." She hesitantly said. A part of her just wanted to burst in and make sure she's alright.
"She probably lost track of time or she overslept." Archer reasons. "She still probably hasn't been able to properly sort through everything just yet. I can see someone like her losing track of time because of that."
Ai thought about it. She did just give Isai Excalibur Rapidly the day prior, as well as reveal some stuff to her. Perhaps Archer is right... But if Archer is right, that would mean...
"...God dammit Isai." She breathes out. She loves her friend, but yea... She can get on Ai's nerves sometimes. Even if she doesn't mean too.
"Lucky she has you huh?" Archer chips in, his usual tone irritating the Young Master. "She is truly blessed."
"Quiet you." she sharply told him. "You should be a proper Servant and keep your unnecessary comments to yourself."
"There is no such thing as a 'proper' Servant," Archer told her. Sounding slightly unamused. "Pretty much every Servant has something strange or unusual about them."
"Well, I'm sure any Servant would be better than you when it comes to annoying the crap out of me." She told him.
"Maybe, but can you really blame me? You're just so fun to mess with." Archer said, dropping that little 'act'.
Ai-chan stood silent for a second... but a small twitch in her hands.
"Archer..." she was about to say, but after a short thought, she just closes her eyes and sighs. "Whatever, forget it. It clear I won't win."
"Ah, finally becoming wise Master? Got to say, I'm impressed." Archer said, but Ai couldn't tell if he was kidding or not.
Then Ai could hear Isai's front door unlock, with the door flung open, Ai couldn't help but take a step back in surprise,
And there was Isaiviel, she was breathing Heavily, with damp, slightly dripping Hair. Her school uniform and overall appearance are disheveled as if she literally just put them on a few moments ago. She also looks like she just ran a mile, it was good that didn't smell like that, however.
After recovering from the shock. Ai, take a moment to blankly stare at her best friend.
"...What?" Isai let out.
"...What do you mean What? You look like a mess!" Ai told her. "It as if you just have gotten ready!"
"Well, that's because that is how it is," Isai said. Ai just stares at her again.
"... At least fix your clothing!" Ai tells her. "Seriously, weren't you going on about how you wanted to keep this cute image yesterday? This is anything but cute!"
"...Eh, I'm sure I can still pull it off while looking like this." She said. And Admittingly, Ai couldn't help but agree with her. But she wouldn't say that out loud. "Besides, I can fix myself up a bit along the way."
Ai mutters to herself a bit, though no one could make out what she's saying. Before walking up to her friend.
"Uhh.." Isai couldn't help but let out. But Ai just straightens Isai's clothing a bit.
"It isn't perfect, but it'll do." She Isai to no one in particular. "Let's go, I don't want to be late."
"Uh, sure?" The young white hair women said. "Keiichi-kun isn't with you today?"
Ai shakes her head.
"No, I plan to head to his place after school, you can come too if you like." She told me. At first, it looks like Isaiviel was going to say she wants to go too. But then she stops.
"Right... I have to train with Yuuto today, and I need to get back to it." Isai told Ai. "You can go by yourself right?"
Ai nods at her. She can understand Isai wanting to get stronger.
"That's fine." Ai said, "Just thought you should know."
"Well alright then," Isai said. "I sure Keichii-kun is fine anyways."
Yea, Keiichi is not one to get himself into trouble.
Funny enough just as we were leaving the house, I could hear someone shout.
"H-Hey! W-wait up...!" An exhausted voice let out. A voice that Ai knew all too well, and one she didn't like.
...Still, she rather not cause any problems at the moment. So she going have to put up with him for a bit.
They both turn to see Isai running up to some. And when he joins this group. He breathes hard and has her hands on his knees.
"Just... Made it." Issei breaths out. "Don't... worry, Aisa is coming... too."
The two only look at the boy, not sure what's going on.
"Ok... What is it?" Isai asks him.
"g-give me a minute..." He said
"You didn't have to run." Isai points out. "We would have met at school anyways."
"B-but this is important!" Issei gasps. Ai doubts this.
"Pretty sure your definition of important is very different from ours," Ai told him.
"D-don't doubt me until you've at least heard what I have to say!" He argues. He isn't wrong, but that wouldn't stop Ai from doubting him.
"Yea, we should at least hear what he has to say." Isai agrees with him.
"I didn't say I wouldn't hear him out." Ai points out.
"Right..." Issei said, who took his hands off his knees. "So your not going to believe this. But Rias tired to sleep with me last night and-"
"We don't believe you." Both Isai and Ai said unison.
"Wha- Wait! I'm not kidding! She actually did!" He protests.
"Even knowing how Rias tends to act. This sounds too farfetched for me." Ai bluntly told the poor boy.
"I don't want to be mean... But Ai-chan is right. I'd like to think I'm an idealist, But their things even I can't believe, and this is one of those." She honestly told him.
Issei just hangs his head low. For some reason shock that they didn't believe him in something so unbelievable.
"But it really happened..." Issei quietly said... Before an idea pops in his head. "Then how about we all go ask Rias herself? Who else can confirm but the person I'm talking about right?"
The two girls look at each other.
"I don't know... we rather not be late for classes," Isai said, with Ai agreeing with her.
"Well, Rias can easily deal with that. I'll even ask her to do it." He offers. "Seriously, I'm not lying. Why would I even make this up?"
"...To impress us?" Isai guesses. Issei just stares at her for a second. "Ok yea that was dumb to say. Yea... I don't really see any reason for him to lie to us."
"But can you really believe that he almost slept with Rias of all people?" She questions.
"I mean yea, I can't see that ever happening." She agrees with her friend. "But again, why would he lie to us? We should at least ask Rias to confirm."
"It sounds like a Waste of time," Ai said. "And I rather not waste time just to be late for class."
"And Rias can make sure we don't get into trouble. Right Issei?" She said toward him.
"Yea! And again, I'll even ask her." He suggests.
... Two again one huh. Ai was not pleased with this.
"Let's just do as they say, Master." Archer suddenly says.
"What?" Ai replies back.
"Issei probably going to just keep insisting over this and It would get annoying over time." Archer reasons. "Just get this over with, and if Issei does indeed waste our time. Just beat him up or something."
Well, Ai couldn't help but agree with Archer, plus another excuse to beat up Issei is always nice.
"Fine." She lets out. Giving in. "... Alright, let go ask Rias."
"Wait, does Asia know?" Isai suddenly asks.
"I mean, I told her. But I'm not sure if she believes me or not." He admits.
The two girls doubt she does... But then again, this is Asia, she's not dumb, but she does trust Issei a lot. So maybe she does?
Speaking of the Devil, the person in question finally caught up.
"Y-you didn't need to run like that Ise." Asia let out. "You kind of left me behind..."
"...Oh shit! Your right! I'm sorry Asia...!" Issei said when he realizes his mistake.
"It's fine, but please don't do that again." She said, with Issei nodding.
"So did Issei tell you about Rias?" Isai asks the ex-nun.
"... Yea... I was going to ask Rias about it today." She admits.
"See Ai-chan? Asia reasonable enough to actually ask Rias about it!" Issei said, in which he only got the harshest of glares in return. Issei then meeps and hides behind Asia.
"I'm not your Friend. If you call me Ai-chan again. I will painfully make sure that that's not the case." She told him. And the way she said it made it clear that this wasn't a threat, it was a promise.
"Anyways!" Isai said to bring Ai attention back to her. "Let's go shall we?"
As the four of them walk to the club...
"Something... feels strange." Ai couldn't help but say. "Like something about to happen... But I'm not sure what."
"Really? It feels pretty normal to me." Isai told her friend, with Issei and Asia agreeing.
"Yea, maybe it's just you?" Issei suggests.
"Maybe..." She admits. But in a few moments, she would realize just how right she was.
So they walk towards the club's door and open in...
To find that there a lot more people here than they originally expected it to be. Most of the newcomer were girls to be in fact, but there was one guy that they've never seen before. But the way the man held himself made it clear that he was the boss around here. At least to all the unknown girls... He even had two of them very suggestively wrapped around his arms...
Ai had a gut-wrenching feeling from this. One she knew all too well, as well as hated with all her being.
But she has to remain calm, at least for now...
It didn't take long for the presence of the four to be noticed by everyone in the room. The reactions were pretty different.
Rias and the group, seem to be expecting us, but at the same time they were all tense and nervous, but that wasn't because of them, that is most likely due to the new people.
The girls vary at times, but for the most part, it was... confusion? But they probably quickly realize they two of these four were actually human. The guy on the other hand, he took a quick glance at them, stared for a second, and then turns his attention back to Rias.
Ai couldn't help but be awestruck in the worst way, she knew this guy silently judged them for a second, Only to dismiss us as nobodies. She can't help but feel her gut feeling was right.
"Well, this is going to be fun." She could hear Archer sarcastic words echo in her head.
Before she could do anything, she felt a hand press on her shoulder, turning to it, revealing it was Isai, she had a frown on her face, clearly, she didn't like this man either, but she only shook her head. As if saying 'It's not worth it.'
Ai then remembered what Isai told her yesterday. So this was the thing that Rias didn't want her and Isai to get involved in...
"So you know you can't say no right?" The man said. "Both your bother and father approved of it."
"Just because they want me too doesn't mean I will." Ai hears Rias reply. She could tell that Rias's usually playful and sultry, as well as tense and full of worry. She was on the defensive of this. Just who is this man?
"But my dear, you clearly don't have a choice in the matter." Ai could hear the man say. Anger building up more and more he heard this man, she didn't know what was going on, but she knew it wasn't good.
"Wait. What's going on?" Issei couldn't help but ask. This did indeed catch the intention of the man.
"Oh, so Rias didn't inform all of her peerage of this?" The man couldn't help but say, laughing a bit. "A slight mistake on your part isn't it?"
"... Issei and Aisa are still new, so I did not have time to inform them." Rias answers. "But my answer is still no. I'm not marrying you."
"M-Marrying?!" Ai, Isai and Issei all let out, Asia could only gasp in shock.
Akeno sadly nods her head.
"Rias's Brother and Father arranged a wedding between her and Riser Phenex. Clearly, she doesn't approve of this but..." Akeno sadly said.
"We have to continue the line of PureBlood Devils somehow. As PureBlood have been steadily decreasing." The now named Riser answers. "Rias and I are PureBlood Devils, so it only makes sense for us to wed."
...Forcing something to do something against there will... Now, Ai doesn't really care much to Rias. But still the idea of being forced to marry this... Revolting excuse for a living being?! And for such a stupid reason!?
Ai felt the pressure in her shoulder increase, she can actually see her best friend visually upset by this...
"You're going to marry this jerk?!" Issei shouts. "Y-you can't! I mean look at him!"
"Don't worry. I don't intend to ever marry this man." Rias assures her pawn.
"Again, both your father and brother already decided on this." Riser points out. "You can't go against their wishes."
Rias bites her bottom lips slightly. It seems that what Riser says is true...
"Bullshit!" Issei said. "Buchou doesn't have to marry an ass like you if she doesn't want too! I won't let it happen!"
"Issei..." Rias quietly said.
"Oh? And what can a weak Reincarnated Devil like you do?" Riser mockingly asks.
"This weak Devils is going to kick your ass that's what!" Issei shouts at him. Summoning his Sacred Gear.
Riser looks at Issei for a second. Again, judging the boy.
"An admirable spirit, I'll give you that." He says. His words were... surprisingly honest. Not that made him better in Ai eyes "But you have no hope again me... If you truly want to fight me. You'll have to go through one of my pawns first."
With those words and a wave, one of the girls approach Issei... The first thought that came to Ai mind as that Issei could probably take her...? She doesn't look that special after all.
...She can't help but feel weird for rooting for Issei of all people. But if it means that the man gets taught a lesson then...
[BOOST!]
Suddenly flowing with power from his Sacred Gear, Issei charges at the pawn, screaming as loud as he could.
"This won't end well for him." Ai could hear Archer suddenly say. But Ai barely got enough time to react to Archer's words before...
Issei met a swift, yet extremely brutal knee to the gut. You can even hear one of his ribs crack, and sent crashing into the wall, then falling on the floor with a thumping sound. The rip breaking was a sound that made most of us, and even some of Riser's peerage cringe.
"Issei!" Ai could hear most of Rais's Group yell, hell even Isai yelled... Ai was in shock... She knew Issei wasn't that strong. but she didn't think he was weak either...
"Well, that's about what I expected." Riser casually said. "A weak Devils will always be weak after all."
The pawn seems happy with the outcome as well.
"...I'm... not done yet." We could hear Issei gasping out. Slowly pulling himself up. "I won't let Rias marry someone like you...!"
"A-are you stupid?!" Isai suddenly let out. "Did you not see what just happened?! You can't win!"
Ai was sure that Issei knew this too...
"I don't care" Issei replies. Bring up his Gauntlet again.
[BOOST!] [BOOST!]
"I don't care if it's stupid. Buchou deserves far better this man." Issei let out.
"He's an idiotic fool. There no way he can beat her as he is right now. He might even get himself killed if he keeps trying." Archer harshly said. There was... no sympathy in his voice. but something was weird about his tone.. for a second. It almost felt like he hated Issei far more than she ever could. But she was sure that it was just here. As the feeling left the second it appeared.
" . . . " Ai merely stares. Her feelings...are very conflicting about all of this.
Before Issei could ready himself for another attack, the pawn came at him again. Going for a punch right into his jaw. and consider what happened last time she hit him... Rias and her peerage just might interfere at this point...
Ai didn't really know what just happened. One second, she was watching as Issei was about to get his block knocked off. And the next, she was standing between Issei and Riser's pawn. Her hand firmly holding back The other girl's arm. Ai's hand shaking a bit.
Ai stood there for a second, shock by his own actions...
"Ai-chan...?" Isai quietly said.
"What...?" Even Archer is surprised. "Master, what are you thinking?!"
"I don't know." Ai honestly told him.
". . . Stop it." Ai finally to both the Issei and pawn. "You've already proved the point that your scumbag of a King was saying. No need to keep going further. And you"
Her head tilts towards Issei.
"Don't go trying to fight something you know you can't beat, you'll only end up hurting yourself and the others you care about. I mean, didn't you learn from your encounter from Freed?" She criticizes him.
"..." Issei... and well, Everyone even remotely knew Ai wasn't sure what to say.
"... So you do care about him!" Isai finally said, breaking the silence. "And for a bit there, I thought you would hate Issei forever."
"I don't care about him," Ai said, firmly denying her friend's claim. "But I do care about some of the people around him."
"Sounds like something a Tsundere would say..." Rias quietly said.
Ai did her best to ignore that comment, but a slight bit of anger did rose from her words.
"While her choice of words could be better, She's right" Ai could hear Riser say to his pawn. "No need to keep going, you've done a fine job."
The pawn was hesitant at first, but she eventually nods at her King. Backing off when Ai let go of your hand. Asia quickly rushing to Issei's side to heal him.
"You, human." Riser said. "Getting in the way like that despite not fully knowing what could happen. A bit foolish in it it's self, but also brave. What is your name?"
"... That's none of your concern, is it? After all, I'm just some 'lowly human'." Ai told him.
"...I suppose so." He agrees, getting no response from her. "As for the boy. I can respect a piece who willing to stand up for there King like that."
He then turns back to Rias.
"So I'm willing to make a bet." He told her.
"...What bet...?" Rias asks him.
"Perhaps given enough time, your little peerage may become strong enough to properly face mine... So 2 Weeks, I'll give your peerage 2 weeks to train. Then we shall have a Rating game. If I win, we will wed immediately. But if you win, we will have the wedding called off." Riser offers.
Rias looks at the man, crossing her arms.
"I don't have much of a choice if I want to stop this wedding now do I?" Rias said. "Very well, I accept, I was going to try to get us a Rating Battle anyways."
"I'm happy to hear that then, I expect our wedding to be grand." Riser told her. "I shall have a Rating Game set up for us in the meanwhile."
"But also, I would like to arrange a live viewing for the two humans as well, since that can't actively partake in the Rating Game," Rias said. Making both ai and Isai let out an 'Eh?' Didn't she want them not to get involved...?
Then again, Isai and Ai would only be there as spectators... So technically there still not involved, at least with the Actual Rating Game.
His eyes glance at Ai for a second.
"I will see what I can do, but I make no promises." He said... At this moment, Ai had an idea... It... was a very risky plan, but maybe she could pull it off...?
Well, only time would tell.
"Well then, I shall see you dear in 2 weeks." Riser said, and with those words. A bright Red Flash appears for a second, but then it was gone, so was Riser and his peerage.
After a minute or two, Everyone left in the room sights in relief.
With the whole ordeal over, the pain from her arm taking the full force of that attack head-on, She could help but clutch it a bit. It was... painful, to say the least.
"Just what were you thinking?!" Ai heard Rias burst out at her. "I'm sure Isai told you to not get involved!"
"She did." Ai replies, "But I couldn't just stand there and let the pervert get himself or possibly others hurt... Honestly, I wasn't really thinking when I did it. I kind of just reacted."
Rias face softens a bit on hearing her words...
"That is... Kind of you" Rias admits "But do you know how much trouble you could have gotten yourself into by that simple act? You're not even in my peerage!"
"Now Buchou," Yuuto said. "All she did was what she felt was right, and it did work out didn't it?"
"I... Suppose so." Rias said, sighing a bit. "But don't do something so reckless again!"
"Technically, I'm not in your peerage so I don't have to listen to you." Ai points out. "But... I understand. I'll try not to get into any more trouble."
Rias gave her a satisfying nod of approval.
"Ai?" Ai could hear Issei call out to her. He actually looks serious for once. "I... uh...just wanted to say... Thanks for helping me. I just got so mad, and I wasn't thinking right at all..."
"..." Ai for silent for a moment. "Don't act like this is the first time this happened."
"Right... But seriously, thanks." He genuinely said.
"Okay!" Akeno suddenly claps her hands together. "Well, all that said and done. Let's focus on the matter at hand right?"
"Training," Koneko said, With Rias agreeing.
"If we want to stand any chance of winning, we all have to get stronger." Rias said, "Especially you Issei, in fact, you'll be our Secret Weapon."
"Eh? Really? How? Didn't you see just what happened? Kind of had my ass handed to me there." Issei told them.
"Trust me Issei, once we're done with you. You'll understand why." Rias assures him.
"Uh, that's great and all..." Isai said, making her presence known again. "What am I going to do while you all train?"
"You're going to join us of course," Rias said, in which she only got a confused look in return. "Even if you not partaking in the rating game. We can't neglect your training now, can we?"
"That... is true," Isai said. "Alright! So we're going to the dojo then right?"
"Not... Quite." Rias told her. "I have a better idea. I suggest you and Ai get ready for a rather long field trip."
"A... field trip?" Both Ai and Isai ask.
"You'll both find out.~" Rias giggles. "Oh, also, I hope both of you kept those cheerleader outfits."
These words made Issei perk up.
"Cheerleader outfits...?" He couldn't help but ask. Getting far more interested then the two were liking.
The two human girls exchange worried looks. She's not actually planning to...?
But before Ai could response. Her phone suddenly rang. Causing everyone to look at her.
She quickly pulls her said phone and looks at it.
"It's a text... form Keiichi-Kun?" Ai questionably said.
*
FROM: Keichii-kun
Uh, hey Ai. It's me, I know I don't text or call much. But when you see Isai, can you tell her to meet me at my place? It doesn't have to be now. I can wait till after school, but it's something I really need to talk to her about as soon as possible.
P.S: Also, seriously, get her a phone or something! I know you have more than enough money to do that. It will get very annoying very fast if I have to keep contacting you just to talk to her.
*
This... This made Ai suddenly very worried.
*
TO: Keichii-Kun
I'll make sure to tell her.
*
She replies back, then shows the phone to a pretty curious Isai. Who in turn gasps a bit.
"...Uh, Rias. May I excuse myself form school for today? This... This is really important." Isai asks.
"...For what reason?" Rias asks.
"It's... Holy Grail war-related I'm pretty sure. Though I can't confirm anything just yet." She promises.
Rias thought for a moment. She knew how big the Holy Grail war was to these two...
"...Very well." Rias said.
"Great!" Isai said. "Then I'm going to go, I'll see you all tomorrow!"
She quickly says goby and rushes out of the room... It's very clear that she's in a hurry.
"Are you not going with her?" Archer asks.
"...She'll be fine by herself." Ai said.
"Right... So before anything else." Issei cuts in. "What's a Rating Game?"
... Oh right... Guess she'll have to explain that to Isai later.
Sofia cautiously turns her head around, making sure no one has seen her. She wants to make sure that no one has followed her, after all, this would be all for nothing if something did.
Granted, most likely this would be for nothing regardless. But it doesn't mean that the possibility of obtaining something didn't exist. If she was lucky, maybe she could convince her to help somehow.
She was currently alone in an empty lot of an abandoned warehouse. at the dead of night, it was eerie quiet. To the point where it unnerved her greatly. Thought she was always a bit unnerved whenever she visits her.
Still, this never deterred her. And she takes a deep breath and goes in the warehouse.
Or, what looks to be an abandoned warehouse. As once she goes inside, she was Greeted by books, books everywhere. But it wasn't messy looking. As every single book was neatly placed on large Bookshelves that hugs the walls of this 'warehouse' In fact, you could easily mistake the bookshelves for the wall. Sofia certainly wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.
Bookshelves not only covered the wall, but there were lined up and made to look as if this place was some sort of huge library.
"God, how and why does she have so many books?" Mordred asks, mostly to herself.
"I don't know, and frankly I don't care." She replies. "It's not like it actually matters in the end."
"Yea yea, I get that. But seriously, not only does she have so many books, but somehow no one knows about this place. Don't you find that weird at all?" Mordred said.
"Bounded Fields can do that." She mentions.
"You know damn well there no bounded field here," Mordred told her Master.
"Look, hopefully, we won't be here for too long. We just go, talk to her a bit, try to bargain over some info, and leave." She said.
"Please, without proof, she not going to tell us anything," Mordred said.
As the two were talking Sofia was searching around the place. Looking for this mysterious person. Luckily, despite the size of the place, it wasn't hard to find her. As the person in question was quietly sitting on a table in a more clear area of the building. Drinking something she most definitely made herself.
The person in question looked to about a teen around 15 to 16-year-old with light skin. She had long Platinum hair and deep, ocean blue eyes, Thought the eyes themselves seem to lack any sort of spark or light in them. Her dress consisted of a complex, two-piece layered Dress with what was mainly a Silver/Blue design, with the frills being a slightly darker shade of blue. Despite the dress being a two-piece, It showed little to no skin, with only her hands, feet, head and neck is visible... Speaking of feet, she mainly wears black flat dress shoes. Frankly, she was quite beautiful, but at the same time, It was like she was looking at a doll.
"Oh my, it's been a while hasn't it?" The women said, despite her expressionless demeanor, her voice and tone were soft, yet somehow perky. She turns ever so slightly to look at her Guest. "Come now, don't be a stranger, have a seat. I'd be a rather rude host if my guest wasn't confirmable no?"
She gestures at the empty chair at her table. Sofia reluctantly accepts the women's offer and sits in the chair she was offered.
Funny enough, Sofia didn't notice until now, but on the table was a slice of strawberry cheesecake with a glass of Water.
"... You knew I was coming." Sofia concluded. Why else would she have one of her favorite desserts out and waiting. She didn't bother to eat.
"What can I say? I have my ways." She said, taking a sip from her own drink. "Do you like lemonade? It's my preferred drink so-"
"Cut it out Lucinda, you know very well I'm here," Sofia said, crossing her arms.
"What? Can't a girl catch up with a friend as they relax a bit?" The women now known as Lucinda wonders. "I even put all my effort to make the cheesecake by hand. It was very hard."
"Your cooking sucks, you know that." Sofia calmly points out. "This thing is probably as hard as a rock."
Just to prove her point, she took a fork that came with the cake and tries to stab the cheesecake... only for the fork to snap as it came into contact with the 'food.'
"Well... No one is perfect." The women admit. Frowning a bit. "But fine... since you clearly don't care about me enough to stay and chat. Let's get right too it."
Sofia highs a relief, happy that she didn't have to go through this women's usual habits for once.
"I assume you have the proof of the kill?" She asks as if expecting something.
"Nope." Sofia answers. Lucinda only frowns
"Oh, pre-tell what happened?" She asks her 'friend'.
"I blew the shitty devil to Kingdom come." Mordred Answers for her Master. "It was nice to see the bastard got what was coming to him."
Lucinda frown deepen.
"Well then, you know the rules, no proof, no reward." She simply answers.
"Oh come on, we know your powers! We know you know that he's dead!" Mordred yells at her.
For a brief second, Lucinda smirks.
"Sorry, but regardless of whether or not I know if he's dead. I currently have no means to physically prove it." She simply answers. "As such, I will not give you any sort of reward until you bring such proof."
Sofia couldn't help but get slightly upset. As long as she says it while that dumb power of her is active, she can't deny it... The life of a mercenary is indeed a hard life, especially if you have to put up with her.
Well, at least she pays very well.
"... Fine. Maybe there something else I can do instead?" Sofia asks. "I still really need that money and info."
"Hmm..." Lucinda ponders for a moment, smiling. "Perhaps... I need you to go to Japan for a little bit in about 3 weeks time. As I'm more than sure something... rather interesting is going to happen there soon. Make sure to report anything you see or hear."
"Japan?" Sofia questionably asks. "Why Japan?"
"A gut feeling if you will." She said. "Also, I've heard that one of the Rulers recently went to Japan. So perhaps it would also be in your best interests to go visit. After all, there only one reason why a Ruler would go anywhere."
"...Servants," Sofia said.
"Oh seriously?! Maybe Father was summoned there!" Mordred said. Sofia doubts that.
"...Well alright. I'll do this job of yours." Sofia said. "But why don't you go yourself?"
"And what? Get thrash around by some Devil? I would rather be safe and sound right here. I'm not a fighter after all." She told her. "I doubt I could even beat your average joe in a fight, let alone something like a Devil."
"... Fine, but your paying for the trip." Sofia told her.
"That's fine." She said. "Shall we shake on it?"
Lucinda extends her hand out, with Sofia grabbing it and shakes.
And with that, a new deal is made...
"I still say there something very wrong about her. She has to be planning something" Mordred said. Yes... Sofia can certainly agree... Something about her just feels so wrong, yet at the same time, so right. Sofia could barely understand it herself. So she usually just chooses to ignore it.
"Of course she is. It probably the only reason why She asking us to do anything." Sofia said. "But I don't really care. As long as I get what I want in the end."
Sofia quickly made her exit.
Lucinda just watches her 'friend' leave. Her eyes never showing any hint of emotion.
"Such a shame..." She said, sighing sadly. "If only she knew that we're all but mere pieces in this horrid little game."
A/Ns: This chapter was well... We get introduced to a new Character, Lucinda. Lucinda is going to be... interesting to say the least. She probably going to be by far the hardest character to write in terms of OCs by far. But hopefully, I was able to properly show her personality.
Honestly, I wasn't really planning to introduce her so soon. But thinking about it, I thought I will be best to show her sooner than later.
Some people are also probably got confused on just what Lucinda did during the chapter also. So I'm going to explain just what she did here, as it's... not that simple. But for those who rather figure it out for yourself then having me tell you. This is your chance to stop reading!
Okay, so Lucinda's power. Basically, whatever she uses this ability of hers, whatever she says is the absolute truth. As in, she is right no matter what. You can't deny it, and you can't argue against it. Trying to argue or deny it would be like trying to deny the gravity exists. It is highlighted Like this. So if you see Lucinda words have an underline, that means she invoking her power.
That said, there a noticeable drawback with it. That is that she can't just make things up or make flash claims while using it. For example, Lucinda would not be able to say 'Ophis is Stronger then Great Red.' because if you know enough about DxD, you would know that's complete and utter bull.
And that's all I can really say about it for now. Technically, it's not the only power Lucinda has, but I rather not reveal any of the others so soon.
Anyways, that's all for now, as well thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter. See you all in chapter 20!