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FICTION
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Chapter 67: Pacing things up
Two days passed lethargically for Kunou and Koneko ever since Lith had given them part of her power during their last spar, both girls having been forbidden from training for a full week as their Magical Cores were far from stable enough to sustain any sudden alteration of medium- and high-caliber.
Of course, there was a collective annoyance from both at having to endure a full seven days away from something they have been doing for a long time now and… they had some trouble in trying to find something to fill the temporary void of time in their daily lives.
Reading, studying even more, playing with tabletop games and… even trying to apply some physical-based training to their schedules. Everything failed at first, especially the last one as, without magic to keep their bodies revitalized while doing mere jogging, push-ups and sit-ups, they couldn't keep up with the pace and the rhythm of the basic training.
Koneko was the first of the two girls to find her temporary hobby, deciding to learn from her sister about Fuinjutsu.
The Japanese Sealing Art isn't certainly something as powerful and flexible as the one shown in Naruto, nor was it as known as in that Anime, but it was still a powerful skill to add to her repertoire, especially since it offered her the chance to integrate some novelty to her fighting style.
Currently learning the simplest part of the Art, the storage seals, what she could currently do well were the principal scrolls, capable of containing about 2Kgs of objects, the highest-quality scroll being capable to actually seal only 50Kgs at best.
Something that would allow her to bring Phoenix's tears and other 'surprises' without the risk of being utterly hindered by the weight or have to be careful about the integrity of some of the objects.
Kuroka knew enough to be considered a decent Sealing Specialist, but not enough to bring some incredibly powerful seal to the counter. Most of those being actually family secrets of the few Devils and magicians that specialized in the mostly-obscure arts, their composition unknown to everyone except those.
Kunou took a little longer to pick something to do to spend her newly-created free time and… I had to admit that the result had been quite a shocker when I first noticed it.
It all started earlier on the second day while I was preparing some lunch alone in the kitchen. Akeno had called a little while before I could start to prepare to say that she was going to turn up late because of some unexpected situation back in Kuoh Academy that required her assistance. Nothing terribly worrying, she had reassured, but the scope of the even would have required a large group led by Sona.
Something that still concerned me for a while but soon ended up shrugging this silly fear away as I knew that there was hardly anything truly worrying that could have happened at the school. Plus, it was just a day before I would have returned to school with Kunou and Koneko, thus if the situation had any lasting problem, I would have dealt with it closely.
Returning back to the kitchen and my increased burden, just as I finished put on my usual apron, I was greeted by the kitsune, the girl asking a very specific request.
"Can I help?"
At that time, this unexpected question would have easily put a halt to my pace but… I was pressured by the little time I had to prepare everything for lunch. So, knowing that some help would have given me the chance of properly get things done quickly, I accepted her support with a smile.
Kunou was inexperienced in working in a kitchen, having been given food prepared by servants back in Kyoto and by me ever since she came to live in Kuoh Town. I was expecting her to have some difficulty early on, having never tried this before, and so I decided to give her the simplest tasks for the various dishes.
Mistakes were made here and there, but with some attention and precision, the quality of the resulting plates was very similar to the normal standards.
The best part of that day? When a giddy and happy-looking Kunou took bites of her partly-burned omelette, showing a bright pride in the fruits of her hard-work. It was cute and it became even cuter when she started to flaunt that some of the plates were made by her.
Akeno smiled widely and nodded proudly at the younger girl, praising that her first attempt was incredibly good. The others by the table shared this very thought and the blonde looked ready to explode in multiple adorable squeaks at the positive attentions she was receiving.
The span of time between lunch and dinner saw my training plans interrupted on a few occasions as both the Himejima and Kunou decided to spend some time trying out making cakes and other sweet treats.
Koneko was more than happy to 'sacrifice herself for the greater good', becoming the unofficial taster of the resulting food coming from incredibly-active oven. Yet that amusing sight became a little awkward when Lith and Ophis came to the 'rescue' and devoured everything that was presented to them, making things rather ethic in the kitchen for some time.
Dinner came and this time the kitsune was once more relegated to secondary tasks, a little more than her first try and… the nervousness and hesitation had mostly vanished by then. I was impressed by how receptive she was of the instructions and how she was smart enough to go beyond some of the tasks' descriptions to add her little input.
Some of those were legitimately interesting, while others were rebuffed because of… unique flavor-clashing.
Dinner was forwarded to the living room and once more Kunou basked in praises from the table, a glowing smile plastered on her face for the entire duration of the meal.
With both Kunou and Koneko put out of commission training-wise, I decided to see how Xenovia and Gasper were faring ever since the first lesson.
The dhampir was… incredibly happier than before. Most of his shyness had gone away, only some aspects of his introversion persisting right now.
It wasn't difficult to pinpoint the notable growth in the young boy's personality to the presence of Valerie and the interactions the young blond would have with the Belmont on a daily basis. While his appearance still held some feminine charm, his clothing choice was slowly changing as he came to visit that very day with a pair of jeans instead of a skirt.
Progress was being made and I think it had to do with the presence of Mathias.
Why was I sure it was the heir to the Belmont family responsible for Gasper's change of clothes? The fact the dhampir was eager to praise the young man whenever he wanted.
I was quick to think it was a childish hero crush… of the platonic degree, nothing romantic on that front.
Xenovia did seem a little more at ease in her posture and mannerism, her wording having somewhat 'matured' from her stiff formality into a kind of attitude that best fitted with someone her age and… time.
The blue-haired girl was close to Gasper and the two picked a seat on one of the larger couches, keeping close to each other and showing familiarity to each other.
"I see that you both have… improved since last time we talked together." I said with a happy smile, something that both replied with a quick nod.
"It's been tough but… I think I understand how much I was doing wrong now." The human girl admitted with a sheepish look.
"And I think… I understand that sometimes even pants can be… comfy." The dhampir continued on the same line while staring briefly at his jeans.
"Mathias said that skirts would leave me defenseless from… perverts." He gave a squeamish look just for a moment at the idea of being subjected to that kind of attention. "This is why I… will put an effort from now on to… put some more boy-related clothes." The boy concluded with an exhausted sigh.
The human female smiled and patted his back. "I think that you look good, Gasper." She praised while smiling brightly.
Something that… made the blond blush a storm and stutter in return. "I- Uh, t-thank you, Xenovia-chan." He bowed his head multiple time, much to my surprise and… intrigue.
Could it be that someone-
Is crushing on his newest but also densest friend?!
Now that was a… curious development. I knew that Gasper had latched onto Xenovia but… to this extent? It was odd and… worth of further research!
But not now, I reminded myself as this wasn't the proper time to address this juicy subject.
"So, I think you both are curious to know why I called you here and… it has to do with your second lesson." I clapped my hands together once. "This time, I think I've planned some important objective to gain and… it will not be as easy as it was with the first task." I mentioned, causing the two teens to appear confused and… slightly unnerved.
"A-And that is?" Gasper asked quietly, his eyes wide open as he braced with whatever I had in store for them.
I smiled. "First thing first, I will tell you the new arrangements." I turned my eyes to stare at Xenovia. "You are going to Kuoh Academy."
She frowned at that simple statement. "I thought you said that I shouldn't be trying to-"
"Be a student, that is still going to be a limitation." I interjected with a sigh. "But I managed to get a job for you to stay within the school's borders and interact with the other students there."
I paused a moment, picking up a few papers I had prepared for the occasion. "This is your… new job application, courtesy of the school's principal and the student council."
I handed these to the girl as she started to read them, her eyes widening moments later as she snapped her attention back to me with a questioning look.
"You… want me to be a teacher's assistant?" She asked with a surprised tone.
"Not just 'a teacher', it will be Mayumi-sensei. It's the woman that was 'harmed' by Irina a week or so ago and… she would require assistance to do her normal workload." I sighed and nodded. "That is why I decided to forward you the opportunity to make experience with… your first job."
There was some silence and then… she nodded. "I understand but-"
"Why?" Gasper interrupted with a confused and blunt question. "I-I mean, it will be good to have Xenovia-chan around more but…"
"The reason is actually part of your newest test, something that frequency in school will help you to achieve." I blinked, my smile widening as the two grew impatient with my mysterious tone and… I dropped the bomb. "From now on, you both will have to make… five friends within the Kuoh Academy."
There was more silence, this time the Dhampir and the human girl keeping themselves from intervening with some of the questions fluttering in their minds. And I wasn't done yet.
"The task itself isn't something to do in a mandatory fashion alone and without advice. There isn't even a time limit and you are free to ask for any issue about the test-"
"C-Can it be someone that we already know?" The blond tried to spot a saving grace… but it was all for naught.
"Nope, new friends. There are numerous student at school and I think it will be easy to find someone that could join your friends' circle." I replied with a calm and understanding tone, while also sparing a stern glance towards Gasper's direction much to his chagrin. "And after this lesson, there will be only a few more that I will have to give before 'passing' you from this 'class'."
The swordswoman frowned. "I thought it would have been longer-"
"It depends all on your growth." I interjected without hesitation. "Your progress is being noted and the plans are going to be flexible by the way you both adapt to the circumstances given."
"So… w-we just have to make… five friends?" The boy was paler than before I told them about the test. "Isn't that… a little excessive?" He asked with a nervous tone.
"Nope." I replied flatly. "I know that you are still recoiling from your social inabilities, but teens your ages should be capable of making friends with a group in their school." I explained quickly, then I turned once more to glance at the girl. "By the way, how are you doing with Durandal, Xenovia?"
She tensed at the sudden question but… she managed a nod before properly answering. "I've been having an easier time using it and… it feels less frustrating." Her comments were restrained but I could see the relief at the fact that she was finding her own success with her training.
"That's good to know. I advise you to keep training as… it will be important." I replied with a cryptic tone much to the young woman's curiosity.
The girl didn't ask more but that very intrigued frown would persist even after lunch and dinner.
The visit then returned to simpler topics, swinging between Xenovia's discoveries allowed by the snickering dhampir while Gasper mentioned that Valerie was making a slow recovery and that her speech was regaining some more integrity as time passed with the therapies.
My own training had been stepped up during this time, my plans focusing on improving my grasp over the Kaioken and the Twilight Joker, to extend my endurance and my capacity to produce energy without straining my muscles too much.
The schedule hardly allowing me any minor pause mid-regiment and I found myself questioning my sanity more than once. There were times that… I felt nostalgia about the past, when I was being trained by Azazel and Baraqiel.
It was tough but… surprisingly rewarding as the results promised were… unquestionable.
If I continued down this path, I will incredibly develop steps further than Rizevim and other Super-Devils!
But while Hoitsu found resolution and confidence in his stable life, someone else in town was trying to find the balance of his whole being.
Vali was in an incredibly foul mood.
The scowl in his face deepened by what had happened mere hours earlier as he discovered the true annoyance of having an old relative that didn't want to murder or torture him.
Lilith was a powerful woman. Period.
There wasn't anything that the young host of the Vanishing Dragon could say about the raw power and experience his great-grandmother would display in… a rather absurd manner.
When he had first met her as she dragged the incredibly-maimed body of the annoying bastard himself, she decided to spare him some time and engage in some chirpy conversation with him.
It was an odd situation, something that the Lucifer would have hardly expected to happen with a member of his family, except his cousins and his aunt.
They talked about… everything, from the time his father decided to attack him for his potential to the way he ended up siding with Grigori and form a rivalry with Hoitsu Sakakibara, and the silver-haired young man found himself questioning the sanity of the woman that was Lilith Morningstar.
The woman was… understanding. Incredibly wise and attentive with her attitude towards him but also playful and giddy to meet one of the youngest members of her family. It was odd to have someone to smoother him with such effort and intensity… while also being mindful of his annoyance and disinterest in engaging in anything remotely intimate.
That wasn't the problem.
The real issue was presented by the terribly foolish idea of his of… sparring with the redhead.
The motherly figure was more than happy to accept the challenge and she seemed to be quite relaxed and accommodating of his attacks… until she stepped up 'just a notch or two'.
The resulting beat-down was partly-expected and wasn't exactly what left him a sore loser from that engagement. It was what the woman then said, trying to explain to him why he had lost that 'simple fight'.
"You seek power for the sake of power." She had mentioned with a dull tone. "It's a faulty reason, one that doesn't bring the worst out of you when the necessity rises. You need someone to care and trust about." Her lips closed, displaying a tiny smile as he snarled at her voice as he left his flat.
In his mind, a storm of emotions and doubts besieged his attention. While Lilith knew more than enough to make her words worthy of more than a few considerations, Vali couldn't find within himself the willingness to endear the opportunity of… befriending someone.
There were allies, surrogate (and distant) family and… Hoitsu.
No matter how much Albion wanted to have his host fixed on Ddraig's current holder, the Lucifer's attention was locked onto the unique human.
His growth was unmatched, something that the silver-haired Devil had started to get close to ever since the fight with that deranged angel. Utter training, a devotion to learn, improve and fix flaws within his own fighting style and attitude in battles.
Zealous over his reasons, a milestone that flexibly expanded the more he came close to it. It enticed him to go for more, to strive for more and… then what?
The woman's words repeated in his head, causing him to close his eyes in annoyance as he turned the corner of the mostly desolate road. He expected to enjoy a simple day outdoors without having to deal with the usual cast of fools now living in Kuoh but…
Thud
His eyes snapped open as he found a brunette falling to the ground. The girl was wearing spectacles, her hair tied in braids on each side and she was wearing… the Kuoh Academy uniform.
He sighed as he noticed the panicking expression painted on her face and… he proceeded to stop her fall by grabbing both of her hands with his own. He pulled her up, her golden eyes widening in surprise as she was put back on a normal posture while… Vali walked away without muttering anything.
Why waste air around someone that meant nothing to him-
"H-Hey wait!"
Much to his minor surprise and immense dismay, the girl had indeed recovered way quicker than he had hoped for and she rushed towards him. The brunette walked fast and reached him in mere moments and-
"T-That was a cool save!" She complimented with a big smile. "And to think someone this hot was walking around town- what's your name, oh friendly hunk?" She asked with a strange expression on her face.
He blinked, his eyes lazily locking onto hers before pulling away and ignoring her. She blinked, a small pout appearing on her face as she continued to walk beside him.
"Hey, while you are a hot stud, I remind you that good manners are still a thing, you know?" The girl huffed, arms crossing near her chest. "It would also be courtesy if you introduces yourself first."
"I'm not interested in dealing with-"
"And why is that?" She interrupted with some anger dripping from her lips. "I don't think I said anything completely inappropriate since I've interacted with you and what I'm asking is just some speck of respect!"
He blinked and glanced her way, his stare silently bore onto her and made her shiver just for an instant… before she blushed and smiled giddily. "Oh my, is that what you are interested in~? Silently ogling the innocent bod of a lovely school girl-"
"You are incredibly annoying." He commented with an irritated voice. "I'm not interested in sparing some words with a complete stranger that is incredibly crass and infuriating."
She froze for a moment before nodding slowly. "L-Look, there is no need to be that rude. I just wanted to- Eep?!"
It happened suddenly, the filthy fiend appearing from the nearby alley and wrapping an arm around the girl's neck, in his other hand a small knife that was poised over her throat. "Y-You better g-give me your money!" He tightened his hold over the scared brunette. "Or your friend is going to-"
Crunch.
The punch was thunderous, the attacker's nose cracking at the 'meek' intensity and bringing the man away from that constricting hold. The girl fell on her butt as the man tripped backwards, hand dropping the blade as it went to press on the bleeding spot on his face.
His eyes were wide open, his face pale as he stared at Vali with a terrified look and… then he started to run away on the opposite direction the fastest possible.
The Lucifer spared some thoughts about giving chase and kill the bastard before he could poise any other hindrance during any future walks of his but… his stare lowered to the still grounded girl.
She had a pained expression on her face, her hands pressing onto a… cut now present on her leg. Glasses from some bottles, she fell onto some and… the cut looked rather interesting. It wasn't as shallow as he would have expected at first sight and… she should really need someone to look at the injury.
He blinked, mind conflicting about whatever or not should he interfere and lend her a hand but…
The girl was annoying, why would he decide to help her after she had given him so much trouble? It was also her fault that the homeless man decided to cause a scene and…
The brunette sniffled, her eyes sporting some tears that slowly rolled off her cheeks. Yet her stare wasn't even gracing him once, her attention directed at the wound as she hopelessly tried to stop the bleeding by applying her hands onto it.
It was… an interesting situation, one where the girl should have asked him to help her, maybe nag him more but… then again-
"I'm not interested in sparing some words with a complete stranger that is incredibly crass and infuriating."
He did mention that he didn't care for her to that simple extent, she surely knew that he wouldn't help even if it would have still been common sense to ask about. She was… stubbornly clinging by her ground, giving her best to ignore the smartest choice and…
She was a moron that dejectedly resisted at the simplicity of reality and stood her ground against him. An utter moron that let out a quick sob, biting down any other noises caused by the pain she was suffering.
...Goddammit.
A fool that was carefully picked in a bridal-carry as he rushed towards the closest hospital in town. Her arms latched over his neck as she helped him in the rather annoying position, keeping quiet as he rushed away from the area and right where she could get some proper help.
He blamed the way his rival had unknowingly rubbed off on him with his altruistic personality, with his hero-like need to save those close to him and… those that were weaker than him.
What an incredibly irking situation he was supposed to deal with!
But while Vali was interested in the objective at hand, the brunette continued to smile eye-to-eye, her mind's gears spinning furiously as she felt like she scored big time.
It would seem like Aika Kiryuu found a 'proper man' that knew how to press her buttons. One could wonder what will happen when… she will have to reward him for his kindness~.
AN
Ladies and gents, here is the female pervert in person. Aika Kiryuu is there to… seduce VALI!?
Who wrote this?! I swear to God that this wasn't.
Feminine giggles echo through the house.
Ambar? Goddammit, stay in your story and… Oh no! I need to check if she- no- if she did touch these too it… it's all lost!
NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
(Yes, this is a shameless plug for Golden Month [It's NSFW and it isn't for kiddies so… not in the usual forums]. I'm bored and I don't known what to put in here and… Ciao!
P.S. Almost forgot. Happy Thanksgiving Day for those that live in the old US and A!(Just like good Borat would say). Remember to stuff yourself with food, regret it in the following few hours and then sleep full and easy to heat up.
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REVIEW Q&A!
CodeZerone: Vali will have his own problems… like the one above.
Mighty Magneto: Nope! Only head-patting and hand-holding allowed! (Which is sacrilegious to an extent but… DESU VULT!)