DISCLAIMER

The following is a fan-based

FICTION

High School DxD, New, BorN, Hero and other products related to the DxD Series are all owned by Ichiei Ishibumi, Miyama-Zero, Fujimi Shobo and TNK.

Please support the official release.

Chapter 15: Dining and Denying

My head was hurting so much…

Seriously, why did Grayfia went ahead with that stupid idea of hers?

I had expected to be granted a quick leave once the talks concluded, which happened around dinner-time, but Azazel decided that accepting the 'humble offer' from Sirzechs to spend the dinner at the mansion was a brilliant idea.

I barely held the groan building up in my throat as the minor hangover I was experiencing continued to knock at my poor brain.

Baraqiel was giving me quite the disappointed look but kept himself from lecturing me about accepting alcohol in general, while the Governor-General of Grigori was enjoying my current suffering from the way he was sending gloating smiles my direction.

Vali was silent, but strangely enough seemed to be purposely avoiding even glancing at me during that particular instance.

To make things a little more complicated for my cover, among the people dining in that very room were the 'second-in-command' to Grigori, Shemhazai, Sirzechs Lucifer and someone I was fairly familiar with back at Kuoh Academy.

Rias Gremory looked particularly tense at the fact this dinner was more important than any previous ones, fidgeting in her chair but surprisingly keeping a good composure about it all.

I was offered a teacup by one of the butlers, the servant stating that it contained something to help with my current suffering. I saw a maid approaching Grayfia too, the woman surprisingly looking just a little annoyed by the hangover rather than truly in pain as I was.

I quickly drunk the content and the effect was almost immediate. My mind regained some more perception over the situation and my logical side was restored to full, my approaching migraine vanishing instantly.

I blinked and looked back at the teacup. "That was… interesting."

"I know, right?" Sirzechs asked with a smile. "It's something Ajuka developed a few centuries ago to solve the deadly hangovers the stronger blends of alcohol available in Hell cause. That man is sure a genius in everything."

I nodded in agreement at the praise directed at the Beelzebub of the Four Satans. In the Canon Ajuka is rightfully considered the smartest individual in the universe and incredibly powerful, very close to Sirzechs in terms of strength, and the few inventions mentioned in the series were quite an appetizer for the modernity he brought to Hell.

I had yet to fully study the list of objects and innovative upgrades the Devil brought to this part of the world, but I was quite interested to find out what differences there were between Earth and Hell.

"A pity the little nerd couldn't join this delicious dinner." Azazel commented, finishing to eat the first dishes right in that exact moment. It was curious how both individuals were researchers but the Fallen Angel considered Ajuka the nerdiest. "Speaking of him, Hekishoku-kun."

I turned to look at him. "Catch!"

Frowning I saw nothing being thrown at me but, just as I opened my mouth to question what was going on, a sudden weight slammed on my stomach and forced me to fall backward with the chair.

The leader of Grigori chuckled, Baraqiel sighed tiredly and the rest of the table looked quite intrigued by what had just happened.

I slowly went to pick up the chair and pull it up, giving a deadly glare to the smug-looking man.

"R-Really?"

He snorted. "Get up and don't whine, I know that I didn't hit you that hard." I complied as he continued to speak. "By the way, check that box out too."

Frowning as I returned to my seat and started to inspect the curious smooth box made by black wood, eyes fixed on the small piece of paper seemingly glued to its top. It looked like a seal but… I don't remember any that looked like that one.

"Uh… what is it?"

Azazel smile widened. "It's a gift from the bottom of my heart."

At those words I slowly stood up. "I think I will take a quick leave. I suspect this is a bomb-"

"As much as that would actually make sense, I can assure you this isn't the case, Hekishoku-san." Shemhazai interrupted calmly, nodding reassuringly at the rest of the people by the table.

The Governor-General huffed at the two indirect jabs given with such precise succession but let his friend speak.

"This is a little creation from our research team and before you ask yes, the reason we are giving you this for the occasion is because it was discussed in the talks and the Satans are aware of what it is."

… "Any other details? That explanation was vague-"

"Sadly it was decided to not give you any other information about this gift. Consider this a reward for your good service in Grigori."

"I feel like there is more to that and-" I turned to Azazel. "Was my identity-"

"You are still a mysterious being of unfathomable potential, brat." The man replied instantly with an annoyed edge.

I sighed in relief, at least I didn't have to worry about that… yet.

"Indeed it is quite curious that you wish to keep your face hidden even after the impressive feat you managed to obtain last week." Sirzechs said with a curious glint in his voice. "One would think that the one that faced quite a large number of Magicians and protected the daughter of Yasaka-san would have bragged about this."

Blinking, I hummed quietly. "I'm fine with my anonymity."

"That is so strange. Forgive me, but don't you crave anything like money or… women." I sighed at his words, the man getting nervous instantly as he noticed his wife staring at him with an odd look.

"I'm quite content with my life and… I will be honest and say already that I don't want to use fame or glory to replace some honest hard-working." I admitted with some minor hesitation. "I also think that I would risk those around me if my real name was attached to what I do with Grigori and… that is not fine."

"A noble soul." Zeoticus commented. "It is a rare trait from someone young."

"And also quite familiar, dear." Venelana nodded in agreement. "Why, I do remember a young man many years ago trying to accomplish the same but ending up becoming quite well-known everywhere."

I frowned at that curious statement, then I saw the brunette turn at Sirzechs and I connected the dots as the man sighed at that comment. "It was because it was also convenient in avoiding some pretentious marriage contracts and, from how things turned out to be, I think I got the best deal possible."

For some reason Grayfia was giving attention to Millicas, the boy confused as his mother patted his head with a minuscule blush visible on her cheeks.

I returned to stare at Sirzechs and I found him staring back at me with a suspicious look.

"By the way, Hekishoku-san, what is your relationship with my wife." I could feel him focus his energy, channel it to add pressure on me. There was Killing Intent for fuck's sake and I had to stop a moment to avoid hyperventilating.

My mouth was drying up and I felt my throat tensing up, no words could leave my mind and I felt a little chocking.

This was the power of a Satan?!

Just as suddenly it happened, it also disappeared quite quickly and I found myself bringing my breathing back to normal.

"Owie- Gwayfia-chwaa-n~!" The maid had a small scowl as she continued to pinch strongly Sirzechs' left cheek.

"You should be doing that to him, dear. After all, this is my Otouto we are speaking of."

…

…

"O-Oneesama?" Rias was the first to recover from the words leaving the silver-haired woman's mouth and the girl's eyes darted between the now composed Grayfia and me, busy with having my hands pressing on my mask to try and silence the nagging coming from Azazel-

"How did you do that, brat?! I want the full story now."

-Vali's smug air while looking my general direction, Baraqiel's curious look and Shemhazai's interested expression.

"Hekishoku-kun and I came to a small agreement during our moment of… little-thinking." The maid started with slow but calm tone. "We decided to address ourselves as siblings for the sake of some common ground."

"So you..." Sirzechs looked confused for a moment, then realization struck. "You wish to compete with me to whom is the best older sibling, isn't it?!"

… "No."

The dry reply quickly deflated the Lucifer, the man staring at his now empty plate. "Oh."

The woman turned to look specifically at me and smiled tentatively. "May I address you as Otouto, Hekishoku-kun?"

I mean, you did previously but… wasn't that just alcohol speaking and…

Dangit, this escalation wasn't really planned.

A blink, then two and then I sighed. "I… I wouldn't mind if you did, Grayfia-neechan."

Grayfia smiled at that.

…

"BWAhahahahahahaha!" The boisterous laugh from Azazel was the catalyst of my sudden blushing, the man looking positively entertained by my answers and the rest of the table looked quite surprised but not unhappy about what had happened.

Millicas' eyes went wide at this development and he looked at the silver-haired woman questioningly. "Mother, does that mean that Hekishoku-san is my… uncle?"

"Surrogate uncle. Yes." The maid answered quickly and curtly and I groaned even more at the situation.

Sirzechs slammed his closed fist on the table. "I demand proof of how this happened!"

As if on cue, his father revealed the silver-colored camera. "I have recorded it."

Wait, what?!

"Lord Gremory, it's the utmost need for Grigori to obtain a copy of that video-"

YOU WILL NOT!-

"I will make sure to provide one then. I hope this is for research-" BAM

Zeoticus' head landed on his empty plate, a conspicuous bump forming on top of his head as his wife retreated her still-smoking fist. "Forgive my husband, he is quite extreme with his recording hobby."

Grayfia nodded. "I understand the plight." The maid agreed, bringing her own smoking fist close for her to blow over as Sirzechs was posing just like his father, even the large bump on the back of his head was there too.

The Governor-General of Grigori paled a little, letting out a nervous chuckle. "I-I think that I will wait for a while to a-sk, uh?" He turned to see who was tugging at one of his shirt's sleeve, my hand grasping tightly as the man looked confused.

"W-What do you want, brat?"

I didn't reply, merely lifting my free hand up and letting some electricity dance around my fingertips. He frowned, a little uneasy at the little light-show, and looked at the rest of his friends.

Both Baraqiel and Shemhazai blinked and turned away from him, some sweat rolling off the leader of the Fallen Angles and… then he looked at Vali.

"V-Sougyoku-kun, I request your help with-" The holder of the Divine Dividing Sacred Gear stood up and approached, taking hold of the other sleeve and… Azazel's eyes widened as he felt his energy halved.

Vali turned to his fellow masked ally and nodded. "You may proceed, partner."

I nodded respectfully at him. "Thank you for your support, partner."

As the man tried to plead some mercy, several volts quickly superseded his attempts electrifying him for a while and then-

Thud

The man's face landed perfectly on his plate, smoke leaving his body as I nodded at the fitting payback.

Meanwhile Rias Gremory continued to chat amiably with her nephew, Millicas glancing only briefly as this strange things happened around them and… This was actually fine. For both, this was how dinners normally devolved and they had long accepted it.

I yawned quietly as I continued for my slow walk back home.

Once Azazel had woken up from the punishment I had administered to him and having been reprimanded by Shemhazai for being overly-unruly during the dinner, the Governor-General decided to merely have me shifted back to where I left Earth, back in the now-dark alleys where once there was the teleport seal.

The bag with my things was still there and I didn't waste time to change back to my normal clothes, starting to quietly wander out of that small place and back to the main street.

There were few lights still working and the path was hardly visible at this time of the night and thus I decided to not invest too much time looking around.

There was no one wandering like I currently was and that meant less annoyances to deal on my way back home.

But just as I turned one of the corners I had to take to reach my house, I found myself staring at a very, very bad sight.

Several meters from where I was currently standing, a little black-haired goth girl was looking my way, patiently waiting… for me.

I blinked once, then twice as I tried to find a way to avoid this particular confrontation with Ophis, unaware about why she would approach me of all people and now of all time.

So I decided to go for something simple, turning towards the main street and crossing it, my objective being the parallel sidewalk and, much to my relief and dread, the girl didn't decide to teleport on that section of the road to block my path but she wasn't even where I had seen her at first.

"You are Hekishoku." She stated with her calm voice.

I ignored her and continued to walk. The girl followed from behind, continuing to speak while doing so.

"I wish to recruit you and Vali Lucifer to my group." She muttered blankly. "I wish for you to-"

"I'm not interested." I interrupted with the same calm the Infinity Dragon was displaying and she hummed at my words.

"I can offer you money, power, a chance to revenge or even lust." I flinched at the very idea that this being was genderless to begin with. Just like 'she' could be a little girl, 'it' could turn in an old man. That very image wasn't enticing and refusing such deal was actually easier than I had thought.

"I'm content with what I have."

The humming ceased. "Everyone wants something more." She said with such certainty. "What is that you crave the most? What is what makes your heart quiver in need?"

I stopped, waited few moments and slowly turned around, one hand still holding the medium-sized box from Azazel as I addressed the little girl.

"I wish to have my own peace from your petty war, Ophis." I stated sternly. "I wish for you to not disturb my 'silence' because you are not strong enough to retake yours."

I felt the need to tremble, knowing that a bad reaction from her would see me dead instantly.

Yet Ophis gave a wide-eyed look as I turned around and continued for my walk back home, this time the being didn't gave slow chase but… said those last words before vanishing completely.

"You are interesting, Hekishoku."

I shivered as the words sank deep in my brain and I was glad that I didn't meet anyone else on my wandering.

In front of my doorstep, I pressed the doorbell's button momentarily, just enough to wake up the two guardians I had left behind in case they had fallen asleep.

I heard something crash, some 'eeping' and then loud footsteps and the door was opened by a red-faced, disheveled-clothed Issei Hyoudou.

I blinked at the following surprised outburst.

"S-Senpai. You are back!"

I nodded, curious about what happened to him. "I am and… I suppose you and Asia were sleeping until now, weren't you?"

"We were just a little tired and- Kunou-chan said that she usually sleep in your room-"

"I'm her official pillow." I interjected. "But I think I am fairly interested in how you two were sleeping there."

"W-We weren't doing anything wrong- just sleeping in the long couch-"

"Are you both clothed?" I asked curiously.

"Yes, but-"

"Then I'm fine with that." I nodded at him.

"We're sorry if- Wait, you are 'fine with that'?"

I shrugged. "You were just cuddling, I don't think that is a grave crime against humanity."

He relaxed a little. "Oh." He blinked. "Oh."

"Maybe you should tell Asia-chan that she doesn't need to rush anything to prepare herself?"

The blonde has to be in a panic right now, poor girl.

He nodded. "I probably should- Wait, you're right!" He rushed back inside and I sighed tiredly while entering inside, closing the door behind me.

I heard some rumbling in the living room and I slowly ventured there to see what was going on.

The brunet was chatting with Asia, the girl looking still fairly tense, and she noticed me entering, eyes widening.

"S-Senpai, we didn't do anything wrong."

"I know, there is no need to worry nor apologize." I raised my hands up to gesture both to calm down. "It's normal for two teens to cuddle together while sleeping."

"B-But we were supposed to watch Kunou-chan-"

"Ise said that she is in my bedroom, so there is no need to watch over her right now." I assured both of them once more. "Plus I think it would be fine if you stayed today."

… "Y-you mean spend the night there?"

"It's very dark outside and I would be irresponsible to let you both walk back home this time of the day. The only thing I've to ask you both is to call Issei's parents to confirm this."

The blonde blinked. "Oh." Then she smiled. "Thank you, senpai."

I nodded but, just before I could leave the room to see if Kunou was awake or not, the former nun stopped me by grasping at my arm. "Uh, Asia-cha-!" I stopped, eyes going wide open as I noticed the pout on her face.

"Senpai, why didn't you tell us that Kunou-chan had fluffy tails."

...Oh, I did forget-

"Answer!"

I blinked at the miffed blonde, the boy looking at the exchange from afar, knowing that intervening would be the worst thing to do in this scenario. "I… might have forgotten to tell you about it?"

Her stare intensified and I did feel a little nervous at the anger she was conveying in those orbs of hers.

Then, just like nothing happened she let go and looked away, her slighted expression still present on her face and making me tense a little.

"Wait, are you mad about it?"

She literally glared at me. Asia Argento, the sweetest soul in this whole series, was giving me a glare.

I think I died twice in that split second and I was quick to pull her in a hug. "I'm sorry-y!"

The blonde didn't reply, but she did accept the embrace and completed it. We stood there for a while and then… she melted.

"See-npai, next time you have to tell us about that." She pressed her face on my shirt. "Fluffy tails!"

"I'm sorry, Asia-chan. Next time I will tell, okay? Will you forgive me this time?"

She hummed a little and then she nodded. "Just this time."

"Thank you, Asia-chan." I said while ruffling her hair a little, causing her to giggle. "Now, go back to cuddle Ise or he might starve for affection."

Both blushed madly at my teasing but I decided to not press this advantage, merely bidding them a goodnight as I ventured right to my bedroom.

I peeked my head to see how was the situation inside and I looked just in time to see the little Kitsune yawn adorably while sitting on the bed. Her eyelids were close to drop but she seemed to look more awake the moment she spotted me, a small smile finding its way on her face.

"You are back, Niichan." Her tone was soft, but happy and I nodded with a big smile of my own.

"Just returned and… I hope you spent a good day while I was away."

She nodded and then started to tell about her day as I went to the small bathroom connected to the bedroom to change in my Pjs.

Koneko and Akeno did pass around to visit, both staying until dinner-time, mentioning some important thing they had to do before going home but still playing around with Kunou.

The little Kitsune was actually the reason why both Issei and Asia looked more comfortable with each other, having been slowly mentioning how they both looked like a happy couple and how I would approve of it.

It was strange to know that 'my approval' was actually a relevant point to give it a try for the two teens, but I guess that after having been their lives' Cicero for a little while now they could have found my acceptance a good way to see if something could actually be tried or not.

The result was spectacular and I did praise the little girl about it.

Once I was under the sheets, Kunou snuggled closer and as she tried to close her eyes her nose picked something wrong.

Eyes snapping wide-open and causing me to look concerned at her reaction, I saw her sniffing the shirt of my Pjs for a little longer… then she frowned.

"You… stink."

I blinked, confused, then I remember and looked up. "Oh, that is the wine..."

Her golden eyes snapped right onto my face at that comment. "Wine?"

"I was offered a glass of strong red wine. Early today and… I guess the scent remained until now."

She squinted her eyes annoyed. "Will it go away?"

"Tomorrow morning I will take a bath and I will be fine." I carefully caressed her fox ears and she looked happier. "Don't worry."

She hummed quietly and snuggled back, once or twice looking disgusted by the bitter smell of the alcohol and causing me to curse inwardly at not having gone for a quick bath before going to bed.

Sadly I was incredibly tired after a full day spent by the Gremory Mansion and thus I decided to push the solution to this little inconvenience to Sunday.

I sighed in relief at the idea that tomorrow was going to be a day to rest and recover, maybe even plan for the rest of the remaining month before the Raiser Arc started and… I closed my eyes and let my consciousness slip away to properly fall asleep.

But just as Hoitsu began to rest together with Kunou, someone blinked curiously as they continued to watch the house from afar, intrigued by what they have just seen before vanishing away, promising to visit once more, this time in the morning.

He was just… interesting.

AN

There is a peeping tom! But who are they? (Wink Wink)

So, little crackish at the end of the first part of the chapter and I did it willingly. I know it was anime-sque and… this is kind of a story with some Anime logic until a certain point and those moments will not be a normal thing (worry not, maybe I will still do some Omakes with that style).

Ophis is trying to recruit MC and Vali and, while writing her 'Jehova' tactics against MC will be hilarious, I think I will cast some surprise at how Vali will react to the recruiting attempt.

Future milestone 1: 626 Followers and Favorites. (Someone asked to put a little Stitch EE so… why not?)

Future milestone 2: 696 Followers and Favorites.

P a treon . com (slash) socialistbukharin

REVIEW Q&A!

Lambda38: There we go, buddy. :)

robocoaster: The camera was safely destroyed behind the scenes.

Guest 1 (Chapter 14): Mask is a simple, blank one completely green and with just the holes for the eye. Very simple and cheap, this latter bit will be important a little later.

User may be a smug prick: The blend of Wine was of the Hellish kind. It was like being hit by Vodka (and I mean being hit) so yes, some stuttering was actually planned. Still, quite an interest branch of knowledge to be accustomed to. XD

vongolaseiza012: Thank you and to answer your question and then correction: 1) It's been a while since I've seen Season 1 but I don't think it is the case. 2) I know, I mistook the honorific there but once I realized the mistake I just decided to roll with it so, yes I know it is a mistake and thank you for bringing this up. 3) The house has several magical-seals that act almost silently in hiding particular 'smells' and hide 'energy pattern'. The house itself is actually lacking any major defense as those would have been difficult to hide with the seals. I hope I was exhaustive there. :)

RedBurningDragon: It would seem this was of the latter kind.

Guest 2 (Chapter 14): It's quite the paradoxical kind of beverage ain't it?