Chapter 9
Iwamatsu, former member of the Himejima clan, now clan leader of the Hayashi clan sat in his reclining chair as he stared into the fire smoking his pipe.
"Well?" He asked removing the tip from his lips to speak.
"There was no doubt, father, it was definitely him."
Iwamatsu glanced over his shoulder to get a better view of his son who stood behind him. He had just returned from his visit to Akeno saying the young hybrid was well and the Devils were on good terms with her. But Iwamatsu's mind was on one Devil in particular, the Queen of Rias Gremory and friend to his niece, Asumoto.
"To think he was still alive all this time. I thought he died with his family…"
"We all did, father." Tetsuishi said sadly joining his father's side. "But to think he'd become a Devil of all things…"
"I'm just as surprised as you are about this news." The clan head sighed before taking a long drag of his pipe allowing the tobacco to fill his lungs before blowing it out a stream of grey smoke into the fire. "If my memory serves me well, that boy's family was created by the merging of a Samurai and Shinto clan to ensure their survival."
"That's the history of Shintoism says." Tetsuishi said, "Should I tell Akeno to keep an eye on him for you?"
"No. I see no reason to talk with him or Akeno about his family, yet." Iwamatsu smiled fondly, "I should be grateful he's alive. If he's still as I remember, I have no doubt he will be a perfect match for my niece."
Tetsuishi laughed, "Father, you're not planning to play match maker with Akeno and Asumoto? You're too old for that."
"I'm never too old for anything, my son. I have no doubt in my mind those two will be a perfect couple."
"A sadist dating a samurai huh? That sounds like quite a pair."
"Indeed it does."
Two days after the elimination of the Stray's, the Occult Research club were quite surprised to see Raynare, still calling herself Yuuma Amano, now enrolled as a second year student. There surprise was dashed away when remembering the meeting they had with the Fallen Angel.
To Raynare, school was boring, unless she was with her adorable Ise-kun.
Most of the ravenette's classes were the same as her boyfriend's which many were shocked about and shook their heads not able to understand why a pretty girl like Yumma was dating a pervert. They just couldn't see the good man Issei truly was.
Speaking of Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor's host was doing great. The brunette couldn't be as happy as he was now, even if Raynare was something supernatural, the young man finally got a girlfriend. A girlfriend who loved holding his hand, cuddling against his chest, and kissing those tender lips of his.
His physicality, on the other hand, was a big problem. While Issei was determined to protect those he loved, the skinny Sacred Gear user needed some serious training to prepare him for the trials that laid ahead within the supernatural world, specifically the unavoidable fight against the White Dragon Emperor. The poor human couldn't run a mile without collapsing three times and was always knocked on his back in a sparring match.
While Raynare didn't have an issue with Issei being a pervert, since she too was one by sending nude pics to tease him, his perverted nature was a big problem. When she or the others tired explaining important stuff, like the different Factions or his Sacred Gears power, he would be staring at her, Kalawarner, or Millet's boobs, which resulted in Dohnaseek or Kalawarner whacking him on the head followed by a scolding for not paying attention.
That boy's idea to have a harem was gonna him kill, she was sure of it.
So, starting this weekend, which was tomorrow, she would double her efforts on training him how to fight and use his Sacred Gear properly. If he didn't slack off or get distracted then she'd reward her boyfriend. Perhaps a French kiss, or another nude pic, or maybe she'll surprise him the next morning by sleeping naked in bed with him.
While Raynare was attending school, her fellow Fallen Angels, along with the Exorcist under there command, were working on the old church.
Why was that?
Because this former house of God was now there official base of operations in Kuoh, just as the Occult Research club was for the Devil's. After the Governor General was informed Rias permitted the Fallen to stay, he sent the necessary equipment to set up for their new base. The church stilled looked the same; old, damp, and derelict, however, the basement was filled with agents of the Fallen Angels working nonstop to set up the base as fast as they could. While bedrooms were refurnished and prison cells cleaned, new rooms such as lounge rooms, armories, training rooms, and a war room where installed for communication with Grigori headquarters and should they come under attack.
While Gremory still didn't enjoy having the Fallen Angel's around, the other Devil noble residing here, Sona Sitri, paid no mind to it since trouble wasn't occurring between the two factions, which Raynare was glad about. She still didn't like Devil's, but Sona and Asumoto were decent ones, they'd rather talk then shed blood. While she was skeptical of Rias, she knew the redhead wouldn't dare try do anything that would break the treaty between the Biblical Factions, instead the next heir of the Gremory clan could only frown and complain about her territory being home to crows.
But as Asumoto said to his master, which irritated the Devil and made the Fallen Angel laugh, stop complaining and deal with it.
A smile crossed her pretty face, if it wasn't for the Queen of Rias Gremory, had she gone through with her original plan she would have lost Grigori a valuable ally, and create a powerful enemy which definitely would have killed her. She shuddered at the thought of facing the Red Dragon Emperor. A single winged Angel like her would have been no match for him, he'd have ripped her limb from limb.
A fate she thankfully wouldn't experience.
Instead she was experiencing something else, something better than death.
Love.
In all her life, Raynare never would have thought she'd feel love, true love. Before meeting Issei, she was cruel and mean, caring only for herself and respecting no one but Grigori's leaders. That changed however when she met Asumoto, the Queen convinced her to get to know Issei more, something she truly was thankful for. The Red Dragon Emperor's host was very kind and always did what he could to make her happy, which he did a wonderful job at. The more she got to know him, the more her cruelty melted away.
It was after being taken on a surprise date to an expensive restaurant while the sun was setting that Raynare's love for the human truly blossomed which caused the black haired beauty to wonder, was Issei a gift of forgiveness from God for the sin's she committed or a very kind person, probably the latter since God had no love for his children who fell from Heaven.
But like the saying goes; God forgives those who forgive others, and Issei forgave Raynare for her crimes from the past. So maybe, just maybe, God allowed her to be happy with Issei.
"Yumma-chan!"
Raynare smiled when the voice of her boyfriend reached her ears. She looked to the ceiling, wondering if the father of Angel's, her father, was smiling down on her for choosing the right path.
'If you have forgiven me, then thanks…Dad.'
Chess, a game of fun, a game of strategy, the very same game Evil Pieces were designed from.
This was the game played between the King and her Queen, either exchanging words for a good while, only staring at the board, trying to think one step ahead to come out victorious.
So far Rias lost a Knight, three Pawns, and both Bishops.
Asumoto lost a Rook, Bishop, and six Pawns.
Yet either were able to take the Queen or King.
Rias had to admit, the only one who could make her focus this much was Sona, but Asumoto was proving to be quite a formidable opponent, especially since this was the first time she played with her Queen.
"Tomorrow will be going to get Asia's familiar." Rias said moving a Pawn.
"Is that so?" The Samurai replied, moving his Knight closer to his King.
"It is so. I'm sure she'll find one suitable for her."
"I look forwarding to seeing it when you get back."
The redhead look at her Queen in question at what he said, "When I get back?"
"Yes." Asumoto moved his remaining Rook to take another Pawn from his master. "I'm sorry but I can't go to the familiar forest with you."
"Oh and why is that?"
"Well since I'm part of the Kendo club and representing the school in the tournament again, Murayama wants me to spend more hours after school practicing. I may be vice president of the Occult Research club, and a Devil, and a senior, but she is still my captain and I can't disobey her orders."
Ah yes, the tournament, she had almost forgotten about it due to the Fallen Angel's moving into Kuoh and obtaining Issei, something Rias was still sour about. The tournament was a big thing for Kuoh, especially for the Kendo club, since its captain, Murayama, was hell bent on seeing Kuoh win first place before she graduated high school, and while Rias didn't admit it openly, she wanted her Queen to win first place in the tournament as well.
She had watched the finals with peerage, all of them shocked to see Asumoto, the best swordsman in the school, the best swordsman in the peerage, loose. How was it that he lost to a human? Even without using his Devil powers, he should have been faster than Rika Moritsugu, it just didn't make any sense!?
But Asumoto said it himself; Rika was faster, something Rias still couldn't believe. Hopefully this time Asumoto would win.
With her decision made, she spoke, "As much as I want you to come to the forest, you have your duties to the Kendo club. But you also have a duty as my Queen, so as your master, I'm ordering you to train for tournament so you can win."
Asumoto looked his master dead in the eye and, for what must have been the first time in Rias life, smiled at the redhead. "You're order shall be delivered to the letter, master. I won't fail Kuoh, or you."
The last bell for school rang signaling the beginning of the weekend, students poured out of the building talking about plans with friends.
"I'm gonna go watch the cherry blossoms with my girlfriend." Said a third year boy.
"Can't wait to hit the beach!" Squeaked a second year girl, a few boys imagining her a swimsuit.
However not everyone would be having a free weekend, Asumoto was in the gym following the orders Rias and Murayama gave; practice until the day of the tournament arrived. Both he would follow like a soldier in the army. Sweat flew off his body with each swing he took with his bokken. His eyes stared straight ahead, his thoughts going back to last year's tournament, to the expression of Rika after she won first place.
That bitch…
He remembered her sneering at him and the Kuoh Kendo Club after the match, and even saying she was better with the sword. Which had almost started a fight between her and Murayama when she was still a first year.
Asumoto kept replaying the match over and over in his head, specifically Rika's movements; her legs were the first to move, followed by the bending of her body to lung forward, which landed a hit on his chest. This caused his eyes narrowed in suspicion when thinking about that. He wasn't sure, but he could have sworn before the duel started Rika moved, the action was subtle nobody but himself saw it.
Did she move before the duel, or had she been faster?
Lowering his bokken the samurai sighed, questioning what happened in last year's tournament wouldn't help him win this years. He had to focus on the present, not the past, otherwise he would never get stronger to beat Rika.
"Asumoto-san."
The samurai turned his head at the speaker to find the vice-president of the student council approached him. A woman with an expression and personality as serious as the student council's presidents you probably couldn't tell if she enjoyed a good joke or not and while her body wasn't as voluptuous as Rias or Akeno's, Tsubaki Shinra was nevertheless still very pretty, especially in the eyes. Yes she had long straight black that extended all the way down to her knees with split bangs but many woman in Japan had that hair color, the reasons her eyes were the most noticeable trait about her was because she had heterochromia eyes, the left eye being violet and right being light brown. In front of those mismatched eyes, that stared into the silver ones Asumoto, were blue, semi-rimmed glasses with square lenses which added to her beauty.
"What are you still doing here? School is over and Rias-sama may need you."
"Ah, you haven't heard Tsubaki, but I've been given orders by Rias and Murayama to practice till the day of the kendo tournament. If Rias needs me for something important, she'll call." Asumoto answered his fellow Queen.
"I see." Tsubaki said adjusting her glasses, "Even so, you should stay by her side as her last line of defense should anything happen to her."
"No harm will come to her. The Fallen only wish to assist Issei and the Church has no business within this town. They abandoned the church years ago if you recall." When Tsubaki didn't reply he resumed his practicing. "More importantly, is there a reason why you came here?"
"I was told by Sona you weren't with your peerage and so took it upon myself to go in search of you. I admire your determination to prepare yourself for tournament, spending all your days and nights here won't help you become a better swordsman. May I suggest you practice three to four hour each day?"
"Or," Asumoto said stopping once more to face his fellow Queen with an enthusiastic grin, "you can spar with me like we use to."
The suggestion to spar caused Tsubaki's brow to twitch. "I think you mean another victory by your hands."
It was true what Tsubaki said, during the first and second years of high school and before that, Tsubaki and Asumoto had always spared together to hone their swordsmanship with Asumoto always defeating her, couple times in front of their masters, and through these spars the two Queen's became friends. In fact, Tsubaki was the only Devil he considered a friend. The other Devil's he knew were not friends, only people he was on good terms with, save Rias, Diodora, and Zephyr.
Asumoto's grin switched to one of amusement, "Don't be like that Tsu-chan-"
"Don't call me that." Tsubaki interrupted with a frown at the old nickname.
"-I'll go easy on you, I promise."
The dark haired heterochromia stared at the young man for a long. She knew when the samurai made a promise he'd never break it, even for a sparring match with her. Even if he went easy, Tsubaki would never land a hit on him, his skills were much greater than hers. Either she could lie and say she had stuff to do with Sona, or she could be the good servant her master raised her as and help him practice for the tournament.
"Tsu-chan, I know you wanna help me."
"Ok. Just-just stop with the nickname."
"No promises." The annoyed look Tsubaki gave made him chuckle, "Kidding. Just kidding."
Asumoto returned the bokken where he got it before taking position in the center of the room. He summoned his katana while Tsubaki summoned a naginata. A smile crossed the samurai's lips. "Ready when you are."
Tsubaki answered the samurai by charging him swinging the pole arm wide to stay out of range. Asumoto backpedaled to dodge the strike and dodged once more when Tsubaki tried stabbing his head. Zipping pasted the blade he moved in to close the gap but rolled out of the way when the pole arm was twirled wildly. Tsubaki struck again, going into a flurry of swings and stabs that kept Asumoto at a great distance.
Asumoto had to give Tsubaki credit, her mastery of the naginata had improved greatly. Come to think of it, this had been there first sparing duel since last summer. Perhaps Tsubaki had been training herself in the art of polearms to keep up with Asumoto's skills, something which excited him. If she was this good on the offense, how good would she fare at defense? Storing the thought into the back of his mind, he refocused his attention on the duel. From the way the duel was going he had two options; either keep defending himself till Tsubaki tired herself out, or try slipping past her guard and land a solid hit on her. Either one would suffice, however the latter would end the duel quicker.
People think fights are entertaining, which is hardly true. In any type of fight, fist, sword, or gun, no matter how flashy someone could be it wouldn't matter unless they end the battle quickly, which is the first rule of fighting in fact, you gotta be quicker than your opponent to win, and most importantly, live to fight another day.
And it was this rule that saved Asumoto's life many times during fights.
Deciding the second option, Asumoto lifted his left food and swung his body like a door opening to the right in order to dodge a slash by the naginata before counterattacking by lunging toward Tsubaki to stab her, but the blade was parried by the staff. He swing his blade to the left, but was blocked this time. He disengaged to try moving behind and hit her but even that was prevented by Tsubaki's twirling of the her weapon forcing Asumoto to duck and then roll out of her range when she tired bashing the pole into his head.
Get back on his feet he raised his blade in a high defense position, studying Tsubaki's stance. Her legs were spread apart with the blade angled downward to the left.
Maybe he was going too easy on here.
Readjusting his feet, he waited for a minute before charging again, waiting to see what Tsubaki would do. As he neared she moved the naginata to face toward Asumoto and when he was close enough thrusted it forward.
A mistake on her part however.
Seeing the simple move, Asumoto spun his body preforming a powerful swing that knocked the blade aside leaving Tsubaki wide open for attack. However the black haired Queen back peddled to gain distance and bring her naginata about to block the incoming attack.
"I was right, I am going too easy on you." Asumoto said with a smirk. He pulled his blade away from Tsubaki's and it disappeared in a burst of light. "Nevertheless, that was fun. I haven't had a good spar in years. Perhaps we can do more."
Tsubaki smiled, she didn't to admit it but she too had enjoyed there duel. "As long as it doesn't interfere with my duties as vice-president, then I will help you prepare for the tournament. And speaking of being the vice-president, I must return to Sona. We can do more practice tomorrow after school. Farewell for now, Asumoto-san." Tsubaki bowed and departed.
Alone once more, Asumoto continued practicing for five more minutes before grabbing his backpack and heading for home. While he could teleport but would walk like he always did. As he approached the entrances, a familiar miko was standing there patiently with her hands folded in front.
"What are you still doing here, Akeno?"
"I could say the same thing."
"I've been practicing for the kendo tournament."
"Is that why you aren't with Rias-san?"
"Yeah. Anyway you never answered by question; what are you still doing here?"
The ravenette's smile grew bigger, "I've been waiting for you."
"For me?" Asumoto asked cocking a brow.
"Yes. I was hoping to spend some time with you after school. If Rias doesn't need you."
"Of course not. She won't need me for where she's going."
"And that is?"
"The familiar forest. She's going with the others to get Asia a familiar."
"Oh, she's getting a familiar?" Akeno asked.
"Yup. I'm curious which one she'll get. A fox, a unicorn maybe, horse, or perhaps a dragon? Someone as innocent as Asia is sure to have familiar's approach her." Asumoto looked to the sky, noticing a flock of crows. His eyes stayed on them, there black wings flapping as they circled above the school. At times Asumoto wished he was a bird, then he could fly away. Fly to anywhere in the world, anywhere away from Rias...
"Akeno, please follow me." Asumoto said and started walking away from the school. He glanced over his shoulder to see if Akeno was following, which she was, with a confusing expression though. But who wouldn't be when just suddenly being asked to follow someone.
The shrine maiden followed the samurai down many streets until reaching the outskirts of town. She looked around trying to notice anything unusual, but could see nor feel anything foul. She knew Asumoto wouldn't betray here, but couldn't understand why they were here?
"Why are we here?" Akeno asked in confusing.
"I will show you." Asumoto said as he looked to the sky. The sun was still two hours away from setting, leaving the sky still blue and clear of clouds making it perfect for flying. Asumoto licked his lips before giving a long sharp whistle. There was a second of silence before a loud screech rent the air from high above.
Looking up Akeno could see something approaching fast, she squinted her eyes to get a better look of it but she could only see a silhouette due to the suns brightens. However, the screech sounded very familiar. As the mysterious creature drew closer the black haired beauty at last saw what was flying toward them.
It was a hawk, a rather large one at that and from its features and color scheme she could see it wasn't a hawk from Asia. No it hailed from the America's, a Red-tailed hawk! She'd heard stories and seen pictures of these magnificent creatures, but never would she get the chance to see a real one this close before. She watched the bird of prey flap its wings once before landing on Asumoto's forearm who smiled.
"Izumi," Asumoto introduced as he stroked the hawk's head gently, "my familiar and oldest friend. I've known her since I was a child, before I became a Devil. On my tenth birthday, she was given to me as my own familiar, father said she'd stay by my side forever. He also said it was my mother's name. Rias was quite surprised to know I had a familiar already, a familiar that I could never replace, huh Izumi?"
The hawk chirped in agreement before turning to look at Akeno, her eyes bored into the ravenette tilting her head side to side like a curious child.
Akeno stared right back, violet staring into brown. Learning about Asumoto having a familiar before joining Rias was quite a surprise for the shrine maiden. Slowly she raised a hand cautiously brining toward the bird, hoping it wouldn't snap her fingers off. Her hand was inches away from Izumi's face who continued to tilt her head and stare until she hopped onto Akeno's hand chirping happily.
"She likes you. Though I'm surprise since she isn't that trusty with new people. But since she trusts you that means she'll protect you just as she protects me, won't you girl?"
Izumi swiveled her head toward her master and answered with another chirp before moving up Akeno's arm to sit comfortably on her shoulder who stifled a giggle with her hand.
Asumoto watched the priestess pet his companion, his smile never wavering at the touching scene. He whistled again and Izumi took flight, her wings flapped a couple times before soaring above the pair. "Izumi can't speak or transform but she is still helpful."
"If she's helpful, why didn't you have her assist you in hunting the Stray?"
"I was till you and your cousin showed up to help. I wish Izumi could stay with me, but now that I'm a Devil, she has to stay in the familiar forest but at least she can be summoned anytime. She always obeys me. Only me." As soon as he said that, Asumoto began to whistle slowly which made Izumi start descending down toward her master slowly. Suddenly he gave a sharp whistle that caused Izumi to flap her wings and zoom high into the sky before whistling again, the hawk dived toward a tree screeching loudly before digging her talons into the tree bark and scratching it up bit by bit.
Akeno was in awe at Izumi, each whistle was a command she knew to follow to the letter with talons so sharp and powerful they could rip a person's face off making her very dangerous.
After her brutal assault on the tree truck, Izumi returned to Asumoto's outstretched arm who stroked her head. "As you can see, Akeno, Izumi is someone you are lucky to have on your side." He moved closer to Akeno to allow her to pet his hawk. If Izumi could smile, she would be right now from the love she was getting, instead all she could do was ruffle her feathers and chirp.
"Asumoto, you sure it's ok for the Fallen Angel's to be here?" Akeno suddenly asked with a tiny frown.
"I see no problem with it." Asumoto replied with a shrug, "There only here to help Issei control his power. As you know he is destined to face the White Dragon Emperor, Albion. Who his host is though I'm not sure and which Faction he's allied with isn't known either. Still, Grigori should be grateful to get the Red Dragon Emperor. Had Rias planned better she instead would have obtained a Longinus Sacred Gear. Her plan, which I say was rather stupid, was hoping the Fallen Angel's would kill him so she could revive him as a servant." His brow furrowed in anger, "Devils are greedy, Akeno, they only want power. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Not all of them. You don't want power, nor dose Kiba or Koneko."
"You're talking about resurrected Devils, I'm talking about those greedy selfish purebloods. Very few Devil purebloods I've meet care for their servants, while the others care only about themselves and their title. And I think I've already told you why I won't become a Stray. If I haven't, then it's because I don't wanna be hunted down nor become some hideous monster. However, I doubt I would become one with the control over my Devil powers."
Akeno had to admit that plan Rias had was stupid, she was going to force Issei to become a Devil, give him no choice in the matter. She was sure had it been Sona or even the redhead's brother, they'd have offered him to become a Devil. For someone who's supposed to be smart and beautiful, Rias Gremory didn't have much in the former. She probably forced Kiba and Koneko to become Devil's too. If someone was resurrected as a Devil but wanted to die, would they take away that second chance to live?
Possibly.
Maybe.
"Still," Akeno said her frown still on her face, "I don't like the idea of Fallen Angels' living here."
This caused Asumoto to send a questioning look to Akeno, "You don't seem to like Fallen Angels."
"Just as you don't like pureblood Devils."
"Touché." Retorted Asumoto, "But why don't you like them?"
A long silence followed after the question until the ravenette replied, "There not trustworthy."
"From the way you say that, I suppose you've had bad experience with them."
"Yeah…" Akeno said in a quiet tone, something that didn't go unnoticed by the Queen. He looked to his familiar who looked back at him, both thinking this hatred for Fallen Angel's ran deeper than Akeno made it sound, perhaps he would ask about it, but not yet. Shaking his arm a little, Izumi took off into the sky releasing a cry before vanishing in a burst of light. "Come on, let's have some tea." He offered with a smile.
"So that's what you got." Asumoto said to Asia as he walked into the Occult Research club via teleportation circle.
After introducing Akeno to his familiar yesterday, he took the shrine maiden to his house to have a cup of tea and a game of chess, which Asumoto won of course, but helped lighten Akeno's mood. He would speak with Akeno about her hate for Fallen Angel's but now wasn't the time. Once they got to know each other more then maybe he would bring the topic back up and hopefully get a solid answer then. When the next day came he was summoned by Rias and was now watching the second year blonde Bishop sit on the couch playing with a tiny blue dragon, a sprite dragon to be exact. Those types of dragons were very protective of their masters, specifically female masters. The samurai was quite impressed the former nun was able to obtain something as rare and powerful as that, he also found it quite adorable to see her playing with the baby dragon."
When the dragon noticed Asumoto it started to growl at him and crackled with electricity.
"Rassei no, Asumoto is a friend." Asia scolded the dragon unaware, "I'm sorry, Asumoto-san, Rassei doesn't like other men."
"I can see that." Asumoto said taking the seat opposite of Asia studying the sprite dragon's features. Its body was tinier than most baby sprite dragon's and possibly be a tasty meal for Izumi if she was here. In fact the red tailed hawk had almost eaten Koneko's familiar, the cat Shiro, and Rias bat. If she saw Asia's baby dragon…either Rassei would get peaked or Izumi zapped by lightning. After those near death incident's, which he scolded the hawk for, he make sure to never summon her around the other familiars.
"For one so new in the Devil life to obtain something as rare as a sprite dragon is very impressive if I say so myself."
Asia blushed at the compliment while holding Rassei back from hurting her senior.
"As am I." Said Rias from her desk looking over paper work. "Unfortunately, things would have gone a lot smoother had you been there."
"Oh and why's that?"
"We had some slime trouble." Rias sighed, remembering the horrible incident from last night at the forest with a frown. "That stuff ruined our clothing and—"
"You don't have to say anymore, Rias. I can guess what happened. Anyway what's the plan today, contracts? Passing out fliers?"
"Well for you, I have a contract. Personally given to me by one Kiyome Abe."
Kiyome Abe, brunette with hair style like drills, captain of the tennis club, and beast tamer. A nice girl Asumoto got along with well and frequently took contracts for her.
Asumoto smirked, "So what's she need help this time?"
"She didn't say. Only to meet her at the gym as soon as you arrived." Rias replied handling the paper to her Queen.
Asumoto took the flier and teleported to the gym. He spotted Kiyome speaking with a minotor, a beast with the head of a bull and body of a man, he was also leaning on a large axe. The moment he spotted the samurai he locked eyes with him. 'I have a pretty good idea what Kiyome wants for.'
"Asumoto-san." Kiyome greeted with a smile.
"Hello Kiyome-san. Who's your friend?"
"This is Alec and as you can see…." Her eyes flickered to the minotor who gripped his axe, a look of excitement filling his eyes, "he likes to fight." Then she bowed to the Devil, "Asumoto-san I'm so sorry to ask this of you, but could you entertain Alec? I promise your reward will be beneficial."
Asumoto was right, this minotor wanted to fight him. If he wanted a fight, he'd give him a fight. "Alright. How much of a beating can he take?"
"Not sure. Just please don't kill him. I still need to tame him."
"Whatever you say, Kiyome." Asumoto replied, motioning for the European monster to follow him while summoning his katana. Once they were a good ways away from the beast tamer Asumoto bowed to the minotor before taking a fighting stance, "Alright big guy, you ready?" His answer a loud battle cry and swinging of the axe around. Asumoto smirked, "Let's do it."
Kiyome winced, the fight was over before it began. Poor Alec never stood a chance against Kuoh's best swordsman. It wasn't the defeat that Kiyome winced at, but how he was defeated, and that was from a swift hard kick between the legs. No man could withstand a kick to the groin, not even a Satan class Devil. Alex winced in pain clutching his crotch as tears flowed down his face like a river.
"Asumoto, that wasn't necessary." Kiyome scolded while comforting the hurting monitor.
"Sorry Kiyome, but in a fight you have to end it as fast as possible." Asumoto said before bowing to Alec. "Apologize Alec-san, I shall make it up to you with another spar, which I promise will have no nuts cracking. As for the reward Kiyome, I require none. Though I'm glad to be of service to you. By the way, have you heard of anything unusual?"
"Other than the fact that Issei has joined the Fallen Angels who are also living here in Kuoh, no. Why do you ask?"
"No reason. Wouldn't want anything bad happening in Kuoh." Asumoto replied with a shrug before bidding farewell to the fellow brunette.
"I'm home!" Asumoto called aloud and was soon greeted by a black cat jumped into his arms. "Hey you, enjoying the lazy life?"
"You know I am. Nya!" Kuroka purred in affection as she was scratched behind the ears. "Though I'm surprised you're home later than usual."
"Business, Kuroka, business. We were doing contracts until getting an emergency call about a Queen ranked Stray running amuck near town. And like always he stopped another Stray, though it wasn't easy to defeat."
He was right, this Stray was tougher than he looked. He seemed to always be able to counter there attacks, until they managed to cut off his legs and obliterate him. Though victorious the battle wasn't without its cost, Kiba's arm was broken and Asia almost died protecting Asumoto. Though the act of brave, it was foolish too since she had zero combat experience.
"But since you're here talking to me that means you won. Which means more cat nip for me. Nya!"
Asumoto snorted in amusement as he entered his bedroom laid on the bed sighing in content at the softness of the bed, Kuroka snuggled up beside him. Now he could get a good night—
A bright red light filled the room making Asumoto jumped off his bed ready for action but relaxed once when he realized when seeing the Gremory symbol within the magic circle. He glanced at Kuroka who left the room to not be detected before facing the circle. He frowned when he saw it was Rias herself standing there, a look of distraught on her face. Why was she here, how did she get here? He never let anyone, save Kuroka and Akeno, into his house. She better have a good explanation about this.
"Rias is there a reason you—hey!" His sentenced was cut short by Rias suddenly tackling him onto the bed a desperate look on her face. Her arms pressed against his shoulder to prevent him from moving. "What the hell!?"
"Asumoto, please take my virginity!"
…
…
…
"Excuses me?"
"I've been thinking about it a lot and realize this is the only way out of it."
"Out of what?"
"I know this isn't the best decision but it's all I have left." Rias began to hastily unbutton her shirt and toss it aside exposing her white bra, "Asumoto, please I need you to have sex with me."
"Why?" He asked, irritation filling him at Rias's action.
"I'll explain everything once you've taken my virginity."
Asumoto frowned, his stare focused on her eyes instead of her chest. Rias wasn't being clear and it wasn't make him happy. "I refuse." He stated bluntly.
"You must Asumoto!" Rias voice rose in slight worry. "If you don't I—"
"Will what?" Asumoto questioned a hint of anger in his tone, "You come into my house and want me to sleep with you! But for what purpose!? What the fuck are you talking about?"
"I told you Asumoto, I'll explain everything afterwards but please Asumoto, take my virginity! That's an order!"
Asumoto was silent while Rias continued stripping. She was ordering him to have sex? She was ordering him to sleep with her for unknown reason. If Issei was in his position the pervert would jump at the chance to fuck the hottest girl in school.
But not him!
"Get off me!" He shouted shoving the redhead off the bed while trying to get his pants off and crash to the floor, his face filled with anger. "What is your problem!? You've entered my house unannounced, tried to rape me, and haven't told my why you're doing this!? And you have no right to order me to fuck you! I can sleep with whoever I want!"
Rias looked up at her servant, she never heard him yell at her like this before, and it scared her. "Asumoto-"
"Get out." Asumoto hissed in anger, his eyes narrowed and fist trembled with unyielding rage at his masters attempted rape.
"Please listen-"
"GET OUT!" He roared in furry, demonic energy bursting out like a volcano erupting. His glare stayed on the red head as she hurriedly grabbed her clothes and departed with a mixed expression of fear and sadness. Asumoto sighed angrily and plopped himself on the bed glaring at the spot Rias had previously been. That bitch...how dare she order him to sleep with her, and for what reason? She gave zero explanations on why she was doing this.
Suddenly another light filled the room, this time silver in color and from it came a young beautiful woman wearing a maid outfit with long silvery hair tied in two braids and red eyes that glowed like red lanterns. This woman knew Asumoto and he knew her. The Strongest Queen, Grayfia Lucifuge, maid of the Gremory house, Queen of Sirzechs Lucifer, and also his wife and mother to their son, Millicas.
"Grayfia-sama…" Asumoto greeted, his tone still filled with anger.
"Asumoto-san," The female Queen greeted with a bow, "Was Rias Gremory here?"
"Your sister in law was here…and tried to rape me." Asumoto tried not to yell at woman but was finding it difficult.
Grayfia sighed. So this was what Rias's last resort was, to try and have someone else take her virginity. She truly was desperate to get out of this situation if she tried to sleep with her Queen. The silverette bowed to the young man, "I was trying to find and stop her before this could happen but it seems I've arrived too late. I'm truly sorry for Rias-sama's actions. She is going through something difficult right now."
"Then perhaps maybe you can explain it to me, Grayfia-sama?"
"I would rather you wait till tomorrow. It will only increase the anger you already feel right now."
Doubtful of her word the samurai nevertheless nodded, "Fine. But she better have a damn good explanation for it."
Giving one final bow to the younger Queen, Grayfia departed in a slivery burst of light leaving Asumoto to his anger.
"So let me get this straight," Said Akeno after sipping her cup of tea, "Rias just suddenly appeared in your room and ordered you take her virginity for unknown reasons? Then Grayfia came asking where Rias was and apologized for her actions?"
She had come to visit Asumoto in hopes of maybe seeing Izumi again, but instead found him in a very unpleasant mood. He looked as if he was about to wreck something if someone didn't talk to him, which of course she chose to do and listened to what happened last night. Of course she was shocked by the events but kept a leveled head to process the information correctly.
"An apology I won't accept unless it's from Rias herself." Growled the samurai, brow furrowed. His anger at Rias from last night still roared inside him, never ceasing to die out.
Akeno looked at Asumoto sympathetically, seeing him this way made her want to hug him but knew it wasn't smart with how angry he still was. But who wouldn't be if someone broke into their house pleading for sex with unknown reasons. Why Rias did what she did better have a good explanation, unless she wished to feel Asumoto's wrath once more. Hopefully once this situation blows over, and Asumoto wasn't angry, she could spend more time with him.
The times the two spent together were some of the best Akeno experienced. Eating lunch together, helping each other with homework, walking around the town enjoying the scenery, and her personal favorite, hearing the stories Asumoto had confronting Strays and how he exterminated them. One of those stories was about Asumoto cutting up a Stray piece by piece and how it begged for mercy, which Asumoto never showed to anyone. Just the thought of seeing him slaughter a bunch of Strays made her blood run hot.
She truly enjoyed being around him, he was kind, charming, and merciless. But what about him, how did Asumoto feel? From the times spent together he occasionally smiled from time to time, he also showed her his familiar, always paid for the times they ate together, as well as allow her entrance into his house. Which meant he liked her.
As a friend of course.
"Which I'm sure she'll give when she sees you again." Akeno replied finishing her tea and heading for the door, "Well I shouldn't keep you waiting for Rias. Tell me what happens afterwards."
"I will do so. Your company was needed Akeno. See you later." After shutting the door he locked and looked over his shoulder, "You know the drill, don't go out until I come back. Though know you you'll just sleep all day."
"Of course I will. I have nothing else better to do anyway. Nya." Kuroka said with a wave of her paw. "You go have fun."
Not interesting in giving a verbally reply, Asumoto only nodded before teleporting to the old school building where the others were already gathered along with Grayfia. Upon seeing Rias he glared at her who quickly looked away from him, guilt residing within her for her actions at what she tried to do.
"Asu-"
"Save it." He interrupted coldly. "When I have the answers I want then I'll maybe consider accepting your apology."
"There's no need for such words, Asumoto. Rias-sama is apologizing."
"Which I said I may accept after I know why she did that."
"W-what did Buchou do?" Asia asked, a little terrified by Asumoto's tone.
"Patients. Once our last guest has arrived all your answers will be given." Replied the silverette.
This caused Asumoto to send a questioning look to Grayfia, what did she mean by that? His answer was the appearance of an orange magic circle with flames spewing out of it.
'Great just what I needed. The immortal douche of the Phenex clan.' Asumoto though as he frowned at the circle while crossing his arms. The flames soon dispersed and out stepped a blonde looked to be in his twenties, he wore a red suit casually exposing his white dress shirt with was opened to show his chest.
"Ahh, it's been a while since I came to the human's world." Said the third son of Lord Phenex as he dispersed the flames. As soon as his eyes landed on Rias a grin broke out upon his face. "Rias, my darling, it's so good to see you!"
"Riser." Rias greeted with a frown.
"Come now, Rias-chan, don't give your finance that-"
"Excuses me?"
Riser frowned when hearing someone interrupt him and looked to the speaker. The Queen of Rias Gremory gave a questioning look to the pureblood Devil.
"I'm sorry. But did you really just call her your fiancé?"
There was a moment of silence before Riser spoke, surprise within his tone. "Oh? You didn't hear? Rias-chan is my fiancé. We are to be married. And I have decided to wait no longer, I want to marry her now." He drew closer to Rias and wrapped an arm around her, who glared hatefully at the blonde. "Dose that bother you, half-breed."
Ignoring the purposeful jab, Asumoto replied, not to Riser, but to his master, who he frowned at. "So, this is why you tried to rape me? So you could try breaking off the engagement with Riser Phenex?"
"Rape?" Riser repeated in amusement at what he just heard.
"Yes. Rape. Your whore of a soon-to-be wife tried to rape me so she couldn't marry you. And as you can see, I am not happy about that." Asumoto replied his glare never leaving Rias who couldn't bring herself to look at her Queen.
Riser, after hearing this chuckled. "You actually tried to fuck one of your own servants to try and stop this from happening!? Rias-chan, this is inevitable. For the greater good of the pure-bloods, we are to be married. Our families decreed it long before we were born. Stop fighting and just accept it."
"I won't!" Rias said breaking free of Riser and glaring at him. She wanted to be as far from this scum as she could. "I told you and everyone else I won't marry you! I don't want to be your wife!"
"But you have no choice, Rias-chan. I just both our families decreed it before we were born." Replied Riser casually trying to get close to her again.
While the two purebloods argued, Rias servants listened, save one, who simply looked at his hand as if it would grow a sixth finger. So now he knew why Rias wanted to sleep with him the night before; to break off the engagement to Riser Phenex. Asumoto couldn't care about the troubles Rias had, it was her problem, not his. She could find her own way out of it.
"Asumoto, can you make some tea?"
Silver eyes blinked when hearing his name being addressed. "Huh?"
Rias scowled at her Queen for not listening, "I said can you make us some tea."
A part of him wanted to defy the order and give a snarky reply, but even he wasn't stupid enough to so in front of the Strongest Queen. So, without a word, he headed to the kitchen to prep the snacks. He kept replying the words Riser said about Rias being his fiancé over and over again in his mind. As arrogant as he was, Riser Phenex was right in this needing to happen so the Purebloods could survive. There so few left after the Great War and Civil War that they had to rely on reincarnating people to strengthen their numbers until more Purebloods could be born.
After ten minutes of making tea and cake Asumoto returned to find Riser and Rias making serious faces before Riser sighed saying something about not wanting to face the Strongest Queen, which no Devil would dare to do unless they wanted a swift death.
As he drew closer he heard Grayfia's calm voice clearly, "Rias-sama, if you wish to push your opinion forward, then how about you settle it by having a Rating Game against Raiser-sama?: That caused Asumoto to halt in his tracks. A Rating Game? First sex, now a Rating Game? Either her parents wanted to embarrass her more by making her lose her first game or were just plain stupid, probably the former.
"Of course I'll accept!" Rias declared smiling fearlessly at Riser, "I'll blow you away!"
"AH! Such arrogance!" Asumoto shouted, "If you're fighting Riser in a Rating Game then you must be desperate as hell to go this far so as to not be his wife. But Rias, I don't think you realize your parents are doing this on purpose so you can lose more respect by losing your first Rating Game."
Rias rounded on her Queen for saying such a thing, "I'm not going to lose Asumoto! I'll show you, all of you, that I'll win my first Rating Game."
"Tch, like hell you will. You don't seem to realize the stakes here. If Riser accepted, which he will, will crush you. Whatever you do won't change the fact's that you're to be his wife."
"How-How…" Rias looked shocked at her Queen for taking Riser's side, "How could say that!?"
"Because unlike you, I'm not stupid!" Asumoto shouted, "There was no way you can defeat Riser! He's had more experiences than us, which adds to being more skilled than us, and most importantly, he outnumbers us!"
"Skill, numbers, and experience, won't stop me, Asumoto, I'm going to fight for my freedom! I'm going to win no matter the cost!"
Stupid. She was stupid! He tried to warn her, to make her stop and just accept what life threw at her but instead she chose to defy it and acted arrogant like always.
"Bold but foolish. You will lose, and I won't be a part of that."
Rias watched her servant turn and head for the door, "What do you mean?" She called to him just as his hand touched the doorknob. She watched him, waiting to see what he'd do, what he'd say.
"Because I'm not fighting in your Rating Game." And he left leaving the whole room shocked by his decision.