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Chapter 23: Search & Rescue & Destroy (2)

The infiltration started with some careful planning.

The Gremory Mansion had a very intricate underground section which still had the old prison quarters once functional during the Great War. Our first objective was to rescue Millicas and deprive the Khaos Brigade of the capacity to impose any demands on the Four Maou.

Thankfully there were some sensors within the combined forces, Le Fay being able to perceive the magical pattern of at least fifty magicians concentrated in a single area while Kuroka used her Senjutsu form to discern the presence of those capable of hiding their magical cores' imprint.

The pace was slow, but steady and cautious. While the enemy forces guarding the young boy was fairly distant, the presence of traps set along the way was something incredibly possible.

Just as few meters were made, we had to take a stop while the youngest of the Pendragon siblings started to disable some Silent Bombs wires that were well-hidden behind some old parts of the walls.

A painstakingly half-an-hour later and we managed to get through a dozen of traps without triggering any of them and don't alarm the terrorists. But while silence was advised, some individuals decided that it wasn't time to be quiet right in that moment.

"So you have been taking care of my sister since a month ago?"

Shoulders sagging and a strong desire to hit a bed and get some sleep away from the annoying woman deciding to latch onto me, I merely nodded as Kuroka hummed thoughtfully.

"But from my understanding you accepted fairly easily, if not eagerly, the role of older sibling." The Nekoshou pointed out and I glanced her way at that accusing tone.

Her voice was soft, still annoying but not as painfully as before. While she was uncaring of breaking the little rule of keeping silent, the powerful Yokai was careful to not raise her voice too loud, knowing that alerting the forces of the KB now would have been a terrible idea.

Yet it was the concerned brow that intrigued me, the idea that she was slowly showing the worries a big sister should have for her imouto. Maybe it was the fact that technically now we shared a similar title or maybe it was because Koneko was chatting with Kunou and distracted from hearing the half-whispered words from Kuroka.

"She was closed in herself." I sighed sadly. "You should tell her about-"

"I will tell her when the time is right." The young woman butted in quickly, unwilling to even mention the reasoning behind her 'Stray' state. "Just like I will tell her about other private things."

At the mention of 'private things' I knew she was referring to their… familial origin. While Koneko's memories of her childhood were mostly dominated by the presence of the older Yokai with some partial fragments about their mother, Kuroka was the only one that knew what kind of monster their father was.

A scientist that devoted his whole life and existence to the creation of Super-Devils, going so far to try and use his own daughters as specimens for the 'Greater Good'. A scumbag, one that Fujimai, their mother, had tried so desperately to bring out from that delirium he had fallen into.

All in vain, I thought grimly, as both Nekoshou ended up surviving alone in that harsh circumstance, fending off as the oldest of the two was forced to enter in a Devil's peerage and suffer the abusive attitude from such individual. All for her sister.

I blinked and sighed. "I… I can't be the one telling you what to do." I started to say, gaining her attention quickly, a confused frown on her face. "But the more you will keep this secrets from her, the more the impact those will have on her will be."

A blink, then two. "You mean I should… just tell her. She is still so young and she doesn't trust me." She said while squeezing a little her hold. It wasn't painfully tight, quite an attempt to draw more warmth if I had to be honest.

Those corridors were damp and cold, I could feel a brief shiver coming from her and I found myself questioning why she hadn't brought up her magic to keep herself warm.

Another sigh. "Then pick a time when you will tell her. She is 15? Then tell her on her 16th birthday. In the mean time, try to build your relationship with her. It will help."

The Neko blinked in surprise at that response, thinking silently about it as she slowly tilted her head and let it rest on my shoulder. "Why would she trust me then? I am still a criminal and-"

"I might tell her about some shady aspects of the Devil's judiciary system. Just don't bite off the hands offering in the process."

A soft giggle, it sounded fairly genuine. "You know how to give a girl some interesting ideas."

Narrowing my eyes, I turned once more to look at her and tensed up the moment I felt her warm breath on my neck.

Now, this is an incredibly troublesome kitty to deal with, isn't she?

'She is fairly annoying, but highly determined in her pressure on you.'

"It would take a bite to mark my claim. A. Single. Bite." She remarked, her tone oddly blank in this situation. "But it wouldn't be correct- no, it would be fairly disappointing to waste… such interesting fellow."

I felt my face exploding in a blush, my mind going in full panic mode as I tried to regain control over the situation and-

"We are near."

We both blinked and turned on Kuroka's free side to see a smiling blonde wearing witch-like clothes. Le Fay's smile was one of understanding, devoid of any possible teasing undertone anyone would assume at seeing this spectacle unfolding.

Much to my relief, we were standing in the front of this little squad and thus only the female magician was aware of this scene.

"Really? Then I guess we should prepare for some fun." The dark-haired Nekoshou pointed out, then smiling right at me. "And maybe some fun too afterwards to deal with the… stress of the fight."

"Please don't." I replied adamantly, the lewd comment being rebuffed instantly much to the young woman's annoyance, a pout plastered on her gorgeous face while the descendant of Morgan Le Fay looked a little red in hers.

"U-Uh, Kuroka-sama-"

"Relax a little Fay-chan, it's not like I would really jump his bones right now." The Neko sported a lying smile. "But I've to admit, now that I think about it, it wouldn't be a completely terrible idea."

"Please don't." My tone was now pressing her to stop, drawing more giggles as the poor fellow magician blushed a storm.

Much to my relief the situation didn't escalate any further as a light coming from the end of the corridor showed that we were indeed nearby the place where Millicas was being hold.

Kuroka detached from my arm and walked forward. "I hope you are not going to disappoint me, Heki-kun. I don't wish to think less of you, not now that you made such a good impression on me."

"I think my objective is to not get you impressed about me." I dryly rebuked and she sighed, her smile surviving if not widening at my words.

"Then I'm sorry to announce you that you truly failed that one, darling."

Goddammit.

She peeked at the door and giggled, rushing inside and forcing all of us to follow behind as the battle began.

Most of the magicians, those that were away from the entrance, were caught unprepared as our group rushed in. Kuroka chopped the necks of the two cloaked figures by the entrance, disabling any chance of the various individuals there to be alerted of our presence.

From a moment of stillness, the world exploded in fire, thunder and beam of lights as the room was lit by our attacks.

The operation has truly began!

Sirzechs continued to stare at the monitor that showed the aerial perspective of his family's house.

The attack had been unexpected, a terrible situation that had brought him away from the brief diplomatic reunion with Michael. The Angels were unaware that his sudden retreat back to Hell was caused by a crisis of this proportions, but the Lucifer wouldn't deny the possibility that they suspected something had happened to get him that much worked up.

The man could hardly find relief at the fact his son was being used as a hostage in that predicament, his heart swelling in anger at the despicable attack but managing a composed front before his subordinates and the other figures in the headquarters.

Falbium was coordinating with Baraqiel the current state of the infiltration, the Asmodeus being the best in dealing with Military Affairs differently from the redhead, but also the one with the least emotional attachments about the situation.

He was the perfect individual to face the ongoing crisis and the former Gremory believed in his capacities to successfully plan this whole operation.

Ajuka was missing from the board, the man having mentioned the fact he had to 'check few things' with his parents about why Diodora was given so much free rein over the family's funds. While the Beelzebub had been spending time away from his family, he was particularly shocked to learn that his estranged brother was the main cause of the home invasion against his friend's house.

But it was Serafall that got him the most worried.

The current Leviathan had taken into herself to bring there to safety both Sona and Rias after the news of the attack had reached them, dodging any calls from Sirzechs as she got their siblings out of Kuoh the quickest possible.

The young woman was someone that could be as much as cheerful as competent enough to deal with Diplomatic issues and not only got them there, but also decided to be the one to interrogate his little sister about the matter, telling him how she will keep the most impartial and objective point of view over the questions she will ask to the girl.

It was the least she could do, she said before bringing his scared Rias in the interrogation room, sending just some messages about the current status of the situation that she was obtaining from the younger redhead.

As much as the girl's fault was minimal, the gravity of the situation didn't allow any chances of properly get her out of that predicament.

It certainly didn't help that Azazel, the man currently speaking with Falbium, had been adamant about giving a just and proper punishment for the girl without any unnecessary leniency from their part.

And while the first words coming from Serafall told him how his baby sister had only 'allowed' things to happen without taking an active role in any negotiations about Asia, but only accepting Raiser's offer to shred the marriage contract, the situation was big enough that her minimal punishment would still be devastating on her.

A death penalty has been promptly denied for several reasons, something that the Governor-General of Grigori agreed on by the basis that the girl was too important to her family and Hell itself and too young to be taken in account for something of this magnitude, considering the minor role she had during this ordeal.

But Sirzechs wasn't delusional enough to hope in any trick he could pull, he knew that things were now going to get more difficult once the operation concluded as Zekram Bael would demand some serious actions to be taken to make sure a situation like this never happens again.

The man might have softened just a little after so many years, but he wouldn't condone any light punishment for Rias, especially since she was related to him by blood and any hint of ill-applications of the law might cause some major issues to their family's image.

His sister had dug herself a troublesome grave, one that will be difficult for her to get out from and one that his big brother could hardly do anything about it, both for legal and personal reasons.

If she had refused, if she only had checked upon the current investigation Lord Phenex had launched upon hearing his heir's terrible accusations… things would have gone incredibly different.

It had all been possible because… of a stupid mistake. One that had put his son's and his wife's lives in jeopardy.

Gritting his teeth, one of the strongest people in Hell couldn't help himself but stare powerless as the rescue attempt continued.

Hopefully Hekishoku and Sougyoku will prove to be as effective as Azazel bragged them to be.

Millicas has been forced to crouch in that dark spot of the cupboard for a while now.

His mind was confused, his body shaking in fear as things have happened so suddenly for him to understand. Bad people, the ones that were now guarding him and keeping him in that small and cold place.

Tears had stopped to fall sometime ago, his mind failing to grasp the accurate quantitative as he couldn't think of how much time he had been there now.

As it been hours, a day, maybe two?

The boy was scared, this was the first time he had to deal with a dangerous threat so suddenly and… he was starting to lose hope now.

He had heard little from his captors and no one had yet come to try and save him.

Was it because they had moved him? Was he still back to the manor or-

SLAM

His entire body stopped shivering, his eyes widening at the loud noise that preceded some fighting ongoing, his heart beating a little faster as his mind could only provide with a single explanation with what was going on outside.

Someone was battling with his captors and… that meant that someone was trying to save him!

His skin regained some color after thinking of this, the chance of be free from that cramped place was… relieving.

But soon the fight stopped and… there was some brief silence. Then small footsteps approached and Millicas frowned at the curious lack of weight and… the small door creaked open.

A familiar mask appeared, similar to Hekishoku-nii but… a dark yellow. Gold?

"Are you Millicas?" The feminine voice asked, bringing him out from his silent study and making him nod nervously, the door fully opening and revealing… someone interesting.

Taking his hand and pulling him out of that gloomy spot, the young Gremory was further shocked to be pulled in a warm hug from the girl and his face heated up quickly at the sudden intimacy.

"U-Uh?"

"Shh, Niichan says that when someone is scared, one should give them hugs. And you are scared."

I am scared, his mind agreed to his savior's statement but… it was still somewhat weird. Like… why was the embrace this comfy, why her shampoo was this delightful and… why was his heart beating so madly.

Was he still scared? Was that why he felt like he wanted to be in that hug forever?

His mind felt burning at the idea of that moment lasting permanently but, much to his dismay and quick relief, her arms unwrapped around him as she turned to the other masked figure approaching them.

His mouth opened, ready to greet the familiar figure from Grigori but-

"Niichan!" The female called out loudly, shocking the boy as he connected the dots quickly.

This was the imouto of Hekishoku-nii? That means that they were related?

Leaving the confused Gremory behind, the girl rushed in front of the sighing young man and accepted some head-patting. The happy sounds leaving her mouth were enough to draw Millicas out of his musing, the boy approaching as he nodded at the man and… he frowned as he got his full attention on himself.

"Millicas, were you hurt? Why is your face red?"

...Uh…

"Uh..."

"I think it's because he was warmed up after being at the cold for so long." The masked girl said innocently, much to the boy's chagrin. "He was scared and shivering so I hugged him."

"Oh? Is that so, Kogane-tan?" The member of Grigori stated with a curious tone and getting a nod from her.

So that is her name? Kogane...-tan? His mind registered that name for later and-

"So that explains a lot. Millicas, I hope you truly are uninjured as we need to move you out now before things get-"

"I'm sorry, Hekishoku, but I can't let you do that."

T-That voice! The boy remembered the smiling young man, the one that led the attack on the house. B-But where was his voice coming from.

"I admit I wasn't expecting Grigori to spare some of their good men for this situation but… I guess I should enjoy this pleasant surprise the best way possible."

"What do you want, Astaroth? You lost your hostage now and your words are empty." There was a 'tsk' and the noise of someone being pulled closer.

"But that is the thing, Hekishoku, that little Millicas isn't my only hostage. You see, I came here expecting for his mother to be with his father and- Oh my, Grayfia-san, it's good to see you too today and… aren't you as dazzling as usual?"

"You shall suffer for- Gah!"

"M-Mom!" The boy exclaimed, causing the cruel man's voice to laugh at his visible distress.

"Is the little child afraid of losing his mommy? Well, there is a small chance of her surviving this ordeal but… it will be an interesting price."

"What do you want?!" Hekishoku yelled finally, causing the man on the other side to sigh annoyed.

There was a pause, then he spoke again. "I think the best way to properly solve this little issue is… if we spared some chat privately, Hekishoku. I want you to come here and join us all for some good, old mingling. Face to face. No one else but us good friends."

The masked figure snarled but… bowed his head. "Fine then, I hope you have prepared your grave because I am sending you to your Maker."

"So much hatred from a scumbag like you, I wonder how Asia would- Oh, are you angry, aren't you?" The man chuckled loudly, drawing another snarl from the member of Grigori as the young man turned towards the entrance of the large room.

"Remember to remove your silly mask and cloak before going upstairs. This isn't a masked ball after all."

"I am going to deal with that bastard." I stated loudly, proceeding to walk towards the main door.

"Brat, don't you dare-" I stopped and turned, causing Baraqiel to stop with his order.

"Sir, I either go and follow his instructions or he will cause another War. There is no other way around it."

The bulku man frowned, closed his eyes and finally sighed. "Just… be careful. And take the tears with you."

I nodded and started to slowly make my way towards the section of the underground with the staircase that led to the upper floor.

Surprisingly enough, I saw nor dealt with any possible traps lying around, managing to make my way safely to the white staircase. Before making my first step up, I followed the orders and pulled off my mask and cloak, putting them on the ground as I slowly started to make my way up and-

My body tensed quickly as I saw the cloaked figures jump from their hiding spots, the color of their clothes different from any of the other magicians and, the fact they were all rushing towards me with only a single one waiting at the end of the stairs, I knew whom I was dealing with.

"By the way, have fun with my peerage, Hoitsu Sakakibara!"

Keeping quiet, I dropped in my Senjutsu form and engaged against the first group of women before me, ready to pave my steps in red to deal with this bastard.

The final act of this terrible situation has just began!

AN

A wittle chapter for the next one. What I can promise right now? Two battles back-to-back in the same chapter. How is Diodora calling him and why did he ask the MC to drop his disguise? The Khaos Brigade has a terrible plans in store for him, something Ophis ignores about.

Little emotional moment with Kuroka and quick explanation why there is a drastic difference between her and Akeno in their scenes: While the MC has spent more time with the Himejima, she is incredibly bad in this kind of situations and both share very little in common right now; Kuroka is a big sister that went to make some extreme gesture to protect Shirone-tan, getting branded as a 'Stray' just to avoid his Master to experiment on her and her sister. Also they did have an abusive father in Canon and that is why I will work on developing her relationship with MC starting from a something he can provide and she seriously needs, kind affection.

Also some overview over Sirzechs and the others, the fact that Rias and Sona are now in their headquarters but only his sister is being interrogated and… serious Serafall? We are talking about someone that deals with Diplomatic affairs in Canon, I think we can all see why she would be the more level-headed to deal with the situations while trying to be helpful where she can. Impartiality yes, but cruelty is a big no-no.

Alas a quick reminder that Rias didn't actually 'offer Asia' to Raiser, but rather she let him take her to join Diodora's peerage. Add to the fact she was unaware of Asia being affiliated to Grigori, that the contract Raiser showed her looked genuine and that she 'gave her blessing', she didn't gave her up.

Was it still wrong? Yes. But do Devils pull this kind of crap once in a while? Yes to that one too.

Strangely enough, I think Koneko and Akeno are examples of that since they were both brought to Rias and then made part of her peerage.

Lastly for someone that didn't read/watch Diodora's section of the series properly: The man himself states that when he is fighting Issei, his power had been boosted by a fraction of Ophis' own energy. So if the fight with him sounds a little… weaker than the one he has with Issei in canon, it's because he is… nerfed.

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REVIEW Q&A!

Vongolaseiza012: Ophis was bored. :)

Evyplayz121: Raiser is trying to get the lordship of the Gremory Clan, while Diodora muses over the possibility that, if Ruval dies, the heirship would either go to Raiser (but that would be a terrible political move, acquiring too much power) or it would go to Ravel. Also he isn't completely cliché as a villain as his shock at losing was because he had been boosted by Ophis. He expected himself to be able to fight Sairaorg just with his power boosted and nothing more. Also about the assault, there were Magicians and the two Devils' peerages uniting in the assault.

Shallowords: I plan to introduce some more characters, some female ones too, but while it might seem like I am doing extra-bonding with some it's because some needs extra attention for the friendship to be realistic. But no, if there is a harem for MC it will not be a… Issei's one.