Normal talk
Flashback
Demon
Chapter 17
"You have a half-brother."
...
...
...
"What?" Akeno was speechless, she had a half-brother...and nobody told her!? She looked around seeing everyone except Azazel and Shemhazai wear surprised expressions. "What do you mean I have a brother!?" She snapped angrily. "Why haven't you told me this? Why did you seal him away? What is his name?"
Baraqiel could only look at his daughter in sadness. It was bad enough to say she had a half-brother but worse to tell her what he did...
"Tell me!" She screamed, her voice echoing through the room.
"His name is Hazael." Answered Azazel, a sense of sadness directed toward Baraqiel.
A collection of gasps came from the Church group. Clearly, they knew who this Hazael was.
"Hazael is written in the bible. He's only states to be your son." Rika said.
"That's all they know about him," said Azazel, "But there's more to him than you know." The former Governor General took a breath before explaining. "Hazael is the son of Baraqiel and the half-brother of Akeno. What nobody knows is that he was one of the few Fallen Angel to obtain the same number of wings I do, twelve."
More gasps where heard before he continued.
"Once he was a kind child, loving, and cared for his father. He had been one of the first Fallen Angels who had been born from other Fallen, after our banishment from Heaven. And his powers began to even surpass his parent's. When he joined the war however, he changed. He became cold, ruthless, caring for nothing but slaughtering people, and enjoying the smell of death. He wasn't the little boy I knew before joining the war. He was a killer, a murder... a monster. When we pulled out of the war, he attempted to take control of Grigori to continuing fighting. So, me, Shemhazai, Baraqiel, and Sirzechs fought him, it wasn't easy, but we defeated him."
"But you didn't kill him," said Akeno with a frown.
Baraqiel nodded, "I should have done it though. I should have ended him for the monster he became, but I didn't. I couldn't bring myself to kill my own son, my own child. So, I sealed him away in hopes he would see the error of his ways and forgive them. I was wrong." He remembered the look of pure hatred that his son gave him all those years ago, nearly the same as Akeno did much later.
"And now, Kokabiel's released him," Sirzechs said.
"Yes. He came after us the moment he was released and would have killed us but Shemhazai sacrificed himself to let us get away."
Rias shot a troubled look to her Queen. The fact that Akeno was the daughter to a Cadre was shocking enough, but to know that she had a half-brother was even more shocking and troubling.
She had heard the legends of Hazael, but dismissed them as tales of old but now that she knew he was real frightened her.
To know that he had twelve wings and was powerful enough to kill the vice-governor and stand against her brother, Azazel and Akeno's father was truly frightening.
Shemhazai was said to possess 12 wings himself... and if Hazeal could kill him so easily, then it gave you an idea about his frightening power.
Things were worse than she had thought. Kokabiel allied with the Old Satan Faction, stole the Excalibur fragments, took over Grigori, recruited the White Dragon Emperor on his side... and now unsealed Hazael.
What could they do against such odds!?
How could they stand against all that!?
More importantly right now, how was Akeno taking this? She clearly didn't know about this and now she found out… By the look on her face it wasn't good.
"Akeno—"
"Save it!" she cut off her father harshly. The anger she felt to him grew with each passing second. She told Asumoto she wasn't ready to face him. But to know she had a half-brother all this time infuriated her even more. It was time to face him, to pour all her anger out on him.
"Listen to me."
"What's there to hear!? You couldn't save mom and abandoned me! Now I learn that you sealed away your first-born child, your son! My half-brother! What else have you not told me!?"
Before an answer could be give, the sound of footsteps approaching was heard casing everyone to look at the doorway. In walked a large, red eyed, black dog. The Devil's and Exorcist were confused at this sudden appear, but not the Fallen Angels nor Akeno.
She knew that dog, she had played with it when she was still a child. She knew who it's master was. Tobio Ikuse, descendant to the Himejima clan, which made him Akeno's second cousin, Iwamatsu his uncle, and Baraqiel, his uncle-in-law. The dog that came in was in fact his Sacred Gear, the Longinus Canis Lykaon, which he had named Jin.
"Jin, what are you doing here? Where's Tobi-kun?"
The black dog turned its head to her, his red orbs staring into hers. After a minute of silence, Jin's ears dropped as he walked past her and stood right toward Azazel.
"Well, Jin - since you're here I assume your master got my message?" the dog nodded, and Azazel continued. "Then tell Slash Dog to come here at once. I need to speak with him."
As Jin walked out, the Governor General looked at Akeno. Her eyes widened in shock, a look of betrayal on her face. She had quickly put two and two together and realized why Jin spoke to him.
Her cousin was a member of Grigori! Her cousin was the famous Slash Dog known within the organization!
"Tobi-kun… why…?"
"He was going to tell you, Akeno. The next time he checked on you."
Checked on her? What did he…?
…
No…no!
Her eyes hardened again as she whirled around at Baraqiel, lightning surrounding her now raised hand.
"You had Tobio spy on me!?"
"It was to keep you-ugh...!"
The Cadre never finished his sentence.
He was blasted in the chest by a bolt of lightning, that sent him crashing to the floor.
Everyone stared in horror at what they just witnessed. Akeno had attacked her father!
She felt as if her heart was going to break at this revelation, at this… betrayal! How many more lies, and secrets did she not know!? Did her uncle too have such secrets he wouldn't tell her!?
Did he know about these!?
"That's enough, Akeno!"
Her arm was pushed down by Asumoto. He held a look of displeasure and anger at the ravenette. What the hell was wrong with her? was she stupid or crazy!?
"Akeno—"
But like Baraqiel, he was interrupted. But instead of a blast of lightning, he was just shoved away.
He watched her summoning her wings and prepare to wrap them around herself. She was going to leave them again!
Like hell he would let that happen!
Everyone watched Rias' Queen lunging at Akeno and roughly grabbing her shoulders, just as she teleported out of the room.
All eyes were on the feathers that fell around the spot the two had been standing.
"Geez, your daughter needs some serious help old friend," said Azazel, as he helped Baraqiel to his feet. He sure was glad he didn't have any children.
Didn't he?
Sirzechs shook his head.
The Priestess of Thunder had clearly left a bad impression on him and his Queen. She was acting out of anger towards her father and refusing any explanation. He hoped her hatred would be put aside. But even during serious matters like these, it apparently could not.
"As much as I'd like to say: 'I hope you can mend things with your daughter, Baraqiel-san' We can't let her actions today hinder us of what Kokabiel has started. Now that Hazael has been released from imprisonment, I see no other choice but to ally together, as we did to stop the Heavenly Dragons from destroying the world."
"Allying with Devils to stop a common enemy huh?" Sahariel said, as he tested his newly healed leg. "If it means getting payback on those who betrayed us then so be it."
"Same here. But this will decrease our numbers even more," added Tamiel. Though he did not wish to kill his own subordinates, he would have no choice since they betrayed him.
Rias gaped at her brother as if he had just gone insane. "Brother!? Are you serious?
"I am, Rias," the strongest Satan affirmed, his expression dead serious, "If we are to survive this war, then we must work together to stop Kokabiel and the Old Satan Faction. Speaking of the Old Faction, I assume you encountered their leaders?"
"I ran into Leviathan's descendant." Azazel's nodded. "Katerea still the same with talking too much. That big mouth of hers revealed that she, along with the other descendants, are involved in a terrorist group I heard whispers and rumors about. A group filled with some powerful and nasty folk with intentions I don't know, but have a good guess at."
"And what is this group's name?"
Azazel looked around the room, his frown seeming to go deeper as he spoke this new threat's name.
"Khaos Brigade."
The brief darkness that obscured Akeno's vision dissolved into a blue sky, a red pathway, and Asumoto clutching her shoulder with a deep frowning on his face, which she returned in kind.
Why did he do that!? Instead of leaving her be, he just had to grab her and get teleported here of all places - a place where Devils weren't welcome, no matter how friendly they are.
But that didn't matter.
She just wanted to get away from that man.
Asumoto frowned at Akeno. Her attitude was unacceptable, and he was sure Iwamatsu would agree. Before he could scold her for attacking her father Akeno's expression shifted into a painful one. There were tears in her eyes.
He felt the priestess grab hold and bury her face into his chest, her body shaking uncontrollably, wet spots from her tears.
Asumoto was surprised by the mood swing but nevertheless hugged her. They were right back where they had been in her house.
"I can't do it," she sobbed, refusing to loosen her hold on Asumoto. "I just can't face him. Not after all those things I heard. The secrets of knowing I have an evil step-brother. My cousin not only being a part of the very group of species I hated, but ordered to spy on me."
It was too much!
She could feel her heart slowly breaking with the discovering of all these secrets.
Why did he do that!? Why did Baraqiel have to order her cousin to spy on her!? She was safe in her uncle's care, he wouldn't let any harm come to her. He would give up his arm if harm was to fall upon his niece.
"I've been lied to by everyone…" she mumbled, the light in her eyes dimming.
"Are you sure about that?" asked Asumoto, his own anger at her for attacking her father subsiding immediately. "You are still letting your hate cloud your judgment. You're doing the same thing you did to Raynare yesterday. You shut out everything your father said. Did you not hear anything about Hazael? He became a dangerous murderer. He had to be sealed away. In fact, you didn't even give him a chance to explain why Tobio was spying on you! It probably was to make sure you're safe."
"I don't nee—"
"Protection? Of course not. You're the Priestess of Thunder for a reason. What you need is to listen and not jump the gun. You attacked Baraquiel before he could explain why he made your cousin spy on you. Plus, you did it right in the middle of a meeting with Devils. They are trying to form an alliance against Kokabiel and the Old Satan Faction and that might be the only way to avoid a new Great War. And your behavior endangers everything. Can't you put aside your hatred for the greater good of peace?"
The great good of peace?
Akeno looked away, her bangs shadowing her eyes from the swordsman. Of course, she cared about peace... but her hate for her father…
The lies she learned could not stop her anger from being directed toward him…
"Akeno, can I ask you something?" When she didn't reply to Asumoto he continued, "What—"
"Step away from her!"
Asumoto pulled away from the priestess and whirled around at the voice. Standing before them was a young man in his mid-thirties, dressed in priest robes. Within his hands were flaming talismans.
The priest´s eyes flickered to Akeno, a disapproving look on his face. "Did you bring this Devil with you, Akeno?"
"Hold, Yugo! This Devil is not our enemy!"
Coming up from behind the trip was a familiar spiky haired brunette with scars.
"Tetsu-kun!"
Tetsuishi smiled fondly at Akeno, before addressing the priest. "Lower your weapons Yugo-san. This Devil is a part of the Gremory household."
"But—"
"Actually, I was just leaving," Asumoto said. He turned to Akeno. "Look, why not stay with your uncle for a while and tell him what's going on? Maybe he can help you better than I can."
That wasn't true. He was the one to comfort her, twice, and talk to her about her problems.
But he was right. She needed time away from Kuoh.
Away from the Fallen Angels, to think things over and talk about it with her uncle.
"Ok," was all she could say before quickly hugging him.
A little surprised by the action, Asumoto nevertheless returned the hug. "See you later, Akeno-chan."
Chan? - where those two forming a closer bond? Thought Tetsuishi as he watched them separate and bid a final farewell, before Asumoto set off down the path away from the compound.
"Come, uncle is waiting for us."
His cousin followed without question.
It was good to have Akeno home. However, the circumstances for being here were not pleasant ones.
Oh, how he missed the days when they were younger... and she would always ask piggyback rides through the forest, pretending she was riding a horse.
Such fond memories, memories he would cherish and talk about with her when given the chance.
"Akeno-chan, why did you bring a Devil from the Gremory clan here?" asked Yugo, his face casting a suspicious look at the clan heads niece.
He didn't hate Akeno for her heritage, on the contrary, he was worried.
"He was brought accidently. He tripped and fell before I came here."
Not the best lie, but it was better than telling the truth.
But the priest still cast his skeptical look upon her. Her answer didn't sound convincing, especially since he saw the Gremory servant hugging Akeno. Why were they doing this and more importantly, what where they talking about?
He wouldn't get the answer by just thinking about it and he was sure Akeno wouldn't tell him the truth. So, he returned his gaze back to the path ahead. He let it drop.
At last the trio reached the doors with the Hayashi clan compound. They bowed at the tori and proceeded in through the doors.
A feeling of nostalgia filled Akeno as she looked around. The cherry blossom trees were starting to blossom, and children played with each other as their parents watched over them, all of which she recognized.
When they noticed her, they waved their hands and smiled, some shouting: "Akeno's back!", causing many to spread the word that their clan leader's niece had returned. The moment their children spotted the ravenette they stopped the game they were playing and rushed toward.
"Akeno-nee-chan!"
Akeno dropped to her knees, arms open wide to embrace the children in a tight hug. If there was one thing she loved more than her sadism it was children, especially the babies. Before moving to Kuoh, she would take care of them, playing games, read stories, or her favorite thing to do, use her magic to entertain them.
She loved the children dearly and would die to protect them.
Just as her mother did for her.
"Oh, my goodness! Look how big you've gotten Kiki-chan!" The priestess exclaimed as the little brunette jumped into her arms. Her eyes flickered to a little boy with snow white haired. "And Shirou-kun, I hope you've been helping your mom like you promised me before I left."
"Akeno-nee-chan! Akeno-nee-chan! I know the whole English alphabet!"
"That's amazing Usui!"
"Alright children that's enough for now. You can play with her once I'm doing talking with her."
Akeno's eyes flickered to her uncle. The clan head of Hayashi smiled fondly at her, his pipe in his mouth, which Akeno frowned at.
"Uncle, I told you, no more smoking."
But Iwamatsu simply laughed. "The taste of tobacco will never leave me child. Come, let us talk in my room. You too, Tetsuishi."
As they walked through the compound, more and more clansmen greeted Akeno, glad to see her back. At last they reached Iwamatsu's room.
"So," The Hayashi's clan leader said as he took his seat, fingers interlocking together and peering over them at his niece, "you've told me Kokabiel took over Grigori, stolen three Excalibur fragments and allied with the Old Satan Faction."
Akeno nodded, prompting a sigh from Iwamatsu.
"Is there anymore I should know?"
"Yes. The Vice-governor is dead, and the White Dragon Emperor was with Grigori and defected to Kokabiel's side."
Great… just great. This seem to go from bad to worse.
First Grigori is under new management, then Old Satan Faction returns and allies with Kokabiel, Shemhazai is killed, and now the White Dragon Emperor betrayed Azazel to fight alongside the warmongering idiot of Grigori, who was going to destroy the peace - all just so he can kill more Devil's and Angels.
It truly baffled him why Azazel never locked Kokabiel away in Cocytus. During his few encounters with the governor general during these peace times, the Fallen Angel's leader wanted peace - so he could continue researching Sacred Gears.
Yet if he wanted peace, he should have taken precautions for it and lock up those Fallen Angels who wanted to continue the war.
Instead he lets them roam free and look what has happened because of that. They go rogue to cause mischief among other Factions, and now have commenced a coup d'etat on Grigori to have a war against their old enemies.
He always heard about Azazel having a hidden sinister side to him. Perhaps that side died after so many years of peace or was kept under great control.
"That Azazel is a friendly guy, but a bad leader," sighed Tetsuishi. "I met him once. Probably the nicest guy I could know but always having the vice-governor do the work."
"Not true," said Iwamatsu, "he's actually a capable leader. I think he was just taken by surprise by Kokabiel's actions. Though I'm more surprised he wasn't able to take back the organization."
"He was outnumbered. Plus, he had the White Dragon Emperor on his side so that explains why the takeover worked flawlessly."
"And released my half-brother."
Father and son turned to Akeno, theirs faces filled with surprise and confusion.
They weren't deaf, they heard exactly what she said but that couldn't be true.
Akeno had no step-brother, only her father, Tobio, her aunt, and themselves.
"Akeno… there must be some mistake. You don't have any siblings."
Akeno had listened to each word carefully and could tell he wasn't lying. The surprise was quite evident, enough to proof that her uncle had no knowledge of Hazael. Guess her half-brother was a secret only her father, Azazel, and Sirzechs knew about. That meant, she didn't need to hear more lies.
"Akeno… who told you this?" asked Tetsuishi, wondering who in the world would say she had a brother.
"I will tell you at the meeting," she simply said.
They, along with her aunt, and the other clan's heads, would know of this terrible truth during the meeting.
"Speaking of the meeting," Iwamatsu replied, "the clan heads should be arriving by tomorrow. You get some rest, I'm sure today has been hectic for you Akeno-chan."
'You have no idea how hellish it has been, uncle…' she thought somberly as she rose to her feet and exited the room.
Strolling down the hall she couldn't help but smile at passing by familiar faces.
Turning a corner, she halted in front of a doors and smiled wider. She knew what lied beyond the door, her bedroom.
Last time she was here was the day she left for Kuoh. As she grabbed the wooden handle she began to wonder if anything changed.
She slid open the door, walked inside, and scanned the room. From top to bottom, left and right, it still - surprisingly - looked the same. There wasn't a speck of dust found anywhere on anything. Nothing was moved in, out, or rearranged either.
She inhaled a breath of air before sighing. It still had that same fragrant flower smell still floated around.
It was almost as if time had stopped in here.
She plopped herself onto her bed releasing another sigh. It was so good to be home, to be away from the Fallen Angels.
Although it was still day time, this entire day was exhausting. She would play with the children later, for now she needed rest.
Rolling onto her side, she pulled the blankets, which where still violet, over her, and shut her eyes, her mind still shocked that she has a step-brother.
"We have the Red Dragon Emperor. That's got to count for something."
Those were the words Asumoto heard - spoken by Raynare - as he returned to the clubroom, with everyone being still where they were when he left.
Guess Akeno's departure didn't stop them from going off topic.
"On the contrary, it doesn't. Vali's more powerful than Issei. He'd need years of training to reach his level," Azazel said with a shake of his head.
"The White Dragon Emperor may be strong, but there´s no way he could defeat any of the Four Satans or Grayfia-sama," Rias claimed.
"You must have not been listening before Gremory. He killed Penemue in single combat and she was a Cadre!" Tamiel said, his heart still aching over the loss of his fellow Cadre and friend.
"Vali was stronger than her. He is in fact one of our strongest fighters in Grigori," Baraqiel stated before noticing Asumoto. "You, Queen of Gremory, where is my daughter?"
He took his place beside his master, while answering the Fallen Angel's question. "First of all, my name is Asumoto. Second, she went back to her uncle to inform him about what Kokabiel has done."
"Speaking of Kokabiel, I've spent too long here. Grayfia and I must return to the Underworld if it comes under attack. However, there is something I must do," Sirzechs announced, before addressing his sister. His face bearing a very serious look in it. "Rias-chan, though it might be too soon, I am granting permission to use your first Bishop."
Rias gaped at her brother in shock. He was going to allow her to use him!? If he hadn't said it with such a serious tone this could have been a joke.
"But what about the other Satans, the Great King Bael house, the Archduke Agares house, and the great devils? Shouldn't you all consolidate on this decision before it´s made? You said yourself I'm not strong enough to control Gasper."
"Under normal circumstances you'd be right. But since Kokabiel has taken control of Grigori and planning to start a war, we're gonna need all the help we can get. This will also allow you to connect better with Gasper-kun and help him control his Sacred Gear."
"Wait… you had Rias lock up her Rook!?"
The strongest Satan's eyes flickered to Asumoto.
"I'm surprise you're asking this question, Asumoto-kun. I though you knew Gasper had to be locked up."
"I do but I though Rias did this."
"She did it, on my orders. Gasper couldn't control his Sacred Gear making him very difficult for Rias to help."
That was partly true. But it was also because she couldn't control him. Kings had to maintain a strong control over their servants. Otherwise they'd rebel and become a Stray, like Kiba's hell bent vendetta to destroy the Holy Swords.
Sure, he could call the Satan's decision to lock the boy away was stupid and have more confidence in his sister to help Gasper. Or he could drop it and focus on the here and now, which he chose.
It was good to hear Gasper would finally get to be released. Out of everyone within the Occult Research Club, the dhampir had the closest connection with Koneko since both where first years at school.
But if they released him, would it make a difference in the war? Could they help the shy boy control his power while Kokabiel made plans to destroy Devils?
Guess he'd just wait and see.
"Oh? You had one of your sister's servants locked up because he can't control his Sacred Gear? Perhaps I should look into this one personally."
Rias glared at the now former governor-general with distain. "Not a chance, Azazel! I refuse to—"
"Of course, you can."
"Big brother!?"
"Azazel has been researching Sacred Gears for years. He knows many things about them. So, I am granting him permission to look into Gasper-kun's Sacred Gear and help him control it. And I will not argue with you on this Rias. That's final."
Rias knew when to shut up. The look Sirzechs sent her way was not as an elder brother, but as the leader of the Underworld. She'd never seen her brother this serious before, and it quite honestly scared her.
But she understood his reasons why. War was brewing, and he would not waste his time arguing with her over this tiny matter. They needed all the help they could get to stop Kokabiel's war as quickly as they could.
"What about you, Church girls?" Azazel asked Rika, "Will you tell the Vatican of what is transpiring?"
"Do we look stupid? Of course, we will inform the Church. This a serious matter that it and Heaven can't ignore. Kokabiel´s actions are something the Pope needs to be informed about. But we will not tell them of our involvement with working alongside Devil's and Fallen Angels. Won't we?"
"If it means saving the world from destruction, then I shall be silent in our alliance Saint Rika-sama," Xenovia said, drawing herself to her full height.
As much as she hated working alongside the Churches two mortal enemies. She would go through with this to ensure peace would continue.
Irina, though reluctant, nevertheless nodded in agreement. Her eyes flicking every second to her childhood friend. It disgusted her to see that Fallen with Issei, but he had made his choice and she was too late to save him.
'If only I hadn't moved to England…'
"Well, as fun as this is, we all must be going our separate ways. Issei you stay with us, I have some questions for you. The rest of you, return to base and inform the others of what has happened here. I'm off to check out a Sacred Gear," Azazel ordered his Fallen Angels, each one departed in a flutter of feathers like Akeno had.
The Fallen Angel and human trailed behind the group as they made their way down the stairs to the first level. Keeping a good distance away so nobody could hear them.
"So, kid," started Azazel, "I've heard many things about you from Raynare-chan. Imagine my surprise when I found out she hooked up with you! Ah, and I thought she'd never find herself a boyfriend, but she did and it's none other than the Red Dragon Emperor!"
"Uhm. T-thanks," Issei said, as he scratched his rosy red cheeks bashfully.
"But seriously, Issei. What are you able to do with the Boosted Gear?"
Azazel was interested in learning what this boy could do.
"Well… I can transfer power to my friends if they need it. I can unleash my power into a concentrated blast called Dragon Shot…"
"What else?"
Issei looked to the ceiling, trying to remember what else he learned under Raynare's tutelage. "Oh, there was this time where Raynare-chan said I need real combat experience so—"
Issei stared at the rundown facility. Its windows were broken, moss covered the walls, and many pipes were rusted and falling apart.
The moon's light shining on the building gave off an ominous feeling, which caused the pervert to feel only more nervous than he was before.
Why was he nervous? Because he had to go into that building and do something.
He turned to Raynare, her expression set in its usual serious way when she would train him. He understood she was trying to help him, but was this necessary? Was what she making him do truly supposed to help him?
As if reading his mind, the Fallen spoke to him. "This is necessary for you Ise-kun. You have next to no experience in a real battle. So, you need this to show you what it's really like."
That wasn't true, he knew what a battle was like. He saw them in those anime he watched with his friends. And he had experienced fighting Raynare and the other Fallen to increase his speed, power, and stamina.
However, they all kept saying they were only training him. That he needed to understand what it was like fighting to stay alive.
"I know but…" His eyes shifted to the third person. "Why is he here again?"
"Because," said Asumoto with crossed arms, "I'm here to bail you out if anything goes bad. Your girlfriend wants you to kill the Stray Devil inside that building, so you get hands on experience in real combat."
Yup. That was why Issei was at this facility with Raynare, to find and kill the Stray.
An hour before arriving, the Fallen Angel had walked into the clubroom with Issei and requested to kill any Stray that was in the town. This surprised everyone, and Rias was reluctant to let them do this since it wasn't their responsibility to exterminate Strays. But after some thought she approved, but only if Asumoto would go along to provide aid should it be needed.
As for the Stray, Izumi had kept a watchful eye on it and last saw it going to this building. The report said it was once a Bishop. So, it would possibly be skilled in magic. The reason it could be possible, because not every reincarnated Devil followed the trait of the piece they became.
Such as a Rook focusing on melee combat or a Knight being a healer.
So, this Bishop could possibly use magic or maybe something else.
"Tell me Isse, have you learned anything being the owner of the Red Dragon Emperor?"
Issei brought his left hand up while answering the swordsman´s question. "Well… all I've been able to do is boost power, transfer it, and just recently release it in a blast of energy."
Asumoto shot the pervert a half smile. "Well you just gotta keep training until you have mastery over it. The more practice you do with what you've learned, the better at using and controlling it you'll be. How do you think I become the best swordsman of Kuoh? By practicing daily. You keep practicing and you'll become one of the strongest beings in the Supernatural world."
Issei firmly nodded. Like Kiba, he had disliked the samurai for having so many girls following him. But after getting to know him better, he started to slowly warm up to him.
Asumoto actually hated having these fan girls follow him around and ask him on dates. And he didn't see himself as the most popular student in the school, that title belonged Rias.
Rias…
Issei loved Raynare deadly, but Rias Gremory…
Her tits where huge!
Even Raynare's chest wasn't that big! He loved Ray-chan's boobs a lot, but how could any man not get distracted by a woman with 99-centimeter fun bags!?
Apparently Asumoto was one of those men who did resist.
How could this man be so calm around such beautiful women!? Rias, Tsubaki, Akeno, Katase, and Murayama where all busty, but Asumoto showed no sign of attraction toward them.
Does that mean he's into young girls, like Koneko!? No, he showed no attraction toward her or teachers either, so that meant…
"Asumoto-san, are you attracted to men?"
The question caused the samurai to halt in his tracks, a light breeze caused his ponytail to sway.
"Ise-kun, darling - don't ask such stupid things," Raynare interrupted, hoping Asumoto wouldn't attack them. Her fears were confirmed when he whirled around with a stern expression.
"Why would you ask such an idiotic question. Is this because I'm not dating anyone in high school, is that it? Well how about I tell you something pervert."
Asumoto closed the distance, his silver eyes staring into the fear filled brown of Issei's. "I am not gay. I'm straight. I'm not dating because I haven't found anyone I like yet. You can tell that to rest of those brain-dead idiots at school."
Not found anyone he liked huh?
What about Akeno-san?
She and Asumoto where always seen together at school and in public. Rumors were spreading, saying they were secretly dating - while others said if they weren't a couple now they would be eventually.
Even Issei admitted those two would make a cute couple together. They were some of the few people to wear their hair in a ponytail, which is said to be nearly extinct.
"Issei, are you sure you can handle taking on a Stray and more importantly, taking a life?"
Though he wasn't in Rias peerage, Asumoto wanted to make doubly sure that Issei was ready for this sorta of thing.
The Boosted Gear wielder nodded profoundly like a solider ready to complete a mission. But he couldn't fool Asumoto, the swordsman could sense he was unsettled with killing.
To make Issei experience a life and death situation seemed foolish. But Raynare was right, Issei had lots of time training. Asumoto was sure he could handle this opponent but that wasn't what he was thinking about.
The question was if he had the stomach to take a life.
Issei never had the choice of sparing or taking a life. And if he did kill this Stray, how would he take it? Would he feel uncomfortable and have nightmares about it? Would he be wretched with guilt? Or would he feel nothing?
He would see when Issei confronted the Stray.
Storing his thoughts to the back of his mind, he focused on the task at hand. Going to the chained doors, he kicked them down with the Rook trait emanating a loud crash that echoed through the dark, smelly building.
The smell was of swear water and…
"Corpses," said Raynare with disgust. "It's been eating people."
"Yeah." Asumoto inhaled a breath and yelled into the darkness to get the Stray's attention.
"Listen up Stray Devil! Your executioner as come to deliver justice! Face your death with honor or die begging like a shameful coward!"
His declaration was answered by a loud cackle, which soon was followed by the silhouette of a woman, only her yellow eyes shined in the shadows.
"Well, well, well. A tasty morsel has walked into my den. I shall enjoy eating you all, especially the handsome brunette."
Issei blushed at being called handsome.
"You're up Issei, show me what you got," Asumoto said as he stepped back to let Issei fight the Stray. Hopefully they could wrap this up quickly, so he could get back to the game he had been playing with Koneko.
Issei reluctantly stepped forward. He felt scared, but had to fight it down. He couldn't act like a coward in front of his girlfriend and senpai!
Throwing his left arm forward, Boosted Gear appeared on it, the gauntlet covered his whole form arm while the gem banished the darkness with its bright flash revealing the woman within the shadows.
Issei needed one look before a gleeful expression came over his face.
She was hot!
Long curly blue hair ending at her shoulder and a very curvy figure concealed in a skimpy blue dress.
80-76-99…
Damn those hips where wide!
And those thick thighs…
"Enjoy what you see, boy?" the Stray asked as she stretched one of her legs out. "I'll let you touch them…"
T-t-t-touch them!?
Issei wanted to do more than touch them… he wanted to spread them wide and eat that—
"Issei Hyoudou, you better not be thinking of that girl lewdly!"
The cold steely voice of Raynare pierced the air like a knife thought hot butter. Emitting a shiver from Issei.
Asumoto wished he could slap that boy upside the head. The battle hadn't even begun, and he was already ogling her body, what an idiot, he was going to get himself killed.
The Stray laughed again. "Enough talk. Time to die."
Then she started to grow, her dress bursting into pieces exposing her tits to the trio.
"B-Boobs…" Issei muttered eyes glued to the Strays erect nipples. So, distracted he was by her chest, that he didn't noticed the transformation of her legs becoming octopus tentacles, which he would have been violently wacked by, had Raynare not thrown a light spear that severed it in half.
The Stray's scream broke the pervert from his trance on her chest.
Remembering why he was here, he began powering up his Boosted Gear, while at the same time dodging the tentacles that tried to hit him.
It continued in that way for a short time, with the mutated Devil´s tentacles hitting at him and him evading every time.
After the tenth boost, he aimed directly at the Stray's face, not her bountiful chest, and released his newest attack.
"Dragon Shot!" he shouted.
A large red beam shot from his palm and obliterated the Stray's head.
Now that was quite a show, Asumoto thought. Though both Raynare and Issei had flaws they nevertheless where skillful fighters and with more training they could become much stronger.
"Not bad kid. Not bad at all," Azazel praised when Issei finished telling his story. Being able to boost ten times and unleashing it in a powerful blast with just two months of training was very impressive, this kid would be a great asset in taking back Grigori from Kokabiel.
The little group had reached the first level and walked all the way to the end of the hall, to a set of doors with caution tape over it. As they drew near, a great power could be sensed from within the room.
This Bishop was powerful but very unstable.
"You said his name is Gasper and had to be sealed away because he can't control his Sacred Gear. Who exactly is he?"
"You are right, Rika-san. His name is Gasper Vladi, and he's my first Bishop. Gasper's a half vampire who had to be sealed away because of his Sacred Gear."
"Ah. So, he's a Dhampir!"
"Precisely, Irina." Rias nodded as she slid her fingers along the door frame.
No doubt, Gasper was hiding in his coffin because he could hear them.
"Now I must warn you all, especially you Azazel, he is very shy and if he's frightened it could set off his power accidentally," she told everyone, before nodding to her brother who removed the seals with a wave of his hand.
Once done the caution take was torn down by Kiba and Asumoto.
Rias stared at the door, before taking hold of the handle - paused - then gently opened the door.
The light from the hall shimmered into the dark door. There was only a bed with a coffin sitting on it and in that coffin, was a lump hiding behind the blankets shaking uncontrollably.
A sad smile grazed her lips as she stared at the lump. She was right in her guess; poor Gasper was hiding from them all.
"Gasper-kun. It's time to come out," she said in a gentle tone, not wanting to frighten the boy.
"Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
Issei winced at the high pitch scream that came from beneath the blankets.
"The seal has been removed. You are free to roam around anywhere you like. Let's leave this room together."
"Noooooooooooooooooo! This place is gooooooooooood! I don't want to go outside! I don't want to meet peopleeeeeee!"
Rias sighed before gazing at her brother for help. She knew he had to go. But couldn't he help her just a tiny bit? He was the one to have Gasper sealed after all.
Understanding his sister's look, the crimson Satan stepped forward and with a gentle hand, removed the blanket off the lump. Cowering within the coffin was the one they kept talking about, Gasper Vladi.
He had silver blonde hair and pink eyes that glowed like lamps. The most noticeable thing about him however, was that he was wearing the female Kuoh uniform!
Issei, Asia, and the Exorcists were quite surprised by this revelation.
"He's just a child…" whispered Rika.
"I think an explanation is needed for why he had to be sealed. He is the possessor of a rule breaking Sacred Gear called Forbidden Balor View."
Ah so that's why he was sealed away. Forbidden Balor View was indeed a powerful Sacred Gear and to manifests itself so soon within this child must have been a horrible experience.
"Oh ho. Forbidden Balor View. A Sacred Gear that can stop time itself. No wonder this boy is so powerful." Azazel had heard about this one, but to see the real thing was truly extraordinary. As he studied the boy's features he noticed something in the boy's mouth as he wailed. "Are those fangs I see? Forbidden Balor is possessed by a Vampire? Interesting."
"He wears girl clothes…"
"Is that a problem pervert?" the tiny Rook muttered while glaring at Issei who quickly shook his head.
"M-m-m-m-mmmmmm-Maou-sama!" squeaked Gasper in terror.
"Relax Gasper-kun, I won't hurt you," the Maou said softly. He knew how to handle children since he was a father. "My sister, and her friends, are here to help you. Come on out."
"Noooooooo! For me the outside world is impossibleeeeeeee! I am scared! I am scared of the outside! In any case, even if I go outside it would only cause trouble for otherssssss!"
"I was afraid this would happen," Asumoto sighed.
"Gasper had a rough childhood and because of that he's very scared to meet new people." Rias explained to those who didn't know him before staring the Fallen Angel leader in the face. "I pray for your sake, Azazel, you won't harm him."
But all the former Grigori leader did was shrug, not at all bothered by the threat from the girl. "Relax Gremory-chan, I can assure you I will not do anything of the sorta."
Still uncertain of his word, Rias rounded on her Bishop, her features softening to not scare him. "Gasper-kun, we have ourselves a new friend in our group who'd love to meet you."
Asia stepped forward and bowed, her angelic features shimmering in the dark room. "Hello Gasper-kun. I'm Asia Argento, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Since ancient times, the followers the Shintoism guarded Japan from all kinds of threats, be it Devil's or Youkai. They protected their land, and in that time long ago their numbers were in the thousands. In every town there would be a shrine or clan belonging to the way of Shintoism.
Overtime however, things changed. Their numbers began to dwindle, not through war, but through the way of Christianity.
This strange religion was being spread all over world like a massive tsunami, and those who once worshipped Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, Susanoo, and many other gods began to worship one God, a God written within the pages of a book.
That book was known as, The Bible.
It was shameful to watch those who devoted their lives to the Gods give up the path of Shinto for Christianity. But there was little they could do, since even they could not force the people as a whole to follow their faith... even if at least some of them probably would have wanted to if they had the chance.
Of the remaining clans, five became the greatest of them all. Five clans which had endured much hardship before, during, and after the Great War.
Five which had each tamed one of the five Sacred Beasts.
Five that became great families.
They were the Nakiri, Kushihashi, Doumon, Shinra, and Himejima family—the Five Great Families.
This however didn´t mean that this `families´ always went along well with each other or under themselves. Akeno´s story was one of the best examples.
And their leaders, as well as the smaller clan leaders, filled the largest room in the Hayashi compound, chatting amongst themselves, waiting, wondering what this emergency meeting was about.
Sitting at the front with the clan heads between the Hayashi and Himejima clan leaders was Akeno. Aside being related by blood to two of them, she would address the crowd of what she learned at Kuoh.
She hoped these men and women would listen to her.
Sending a sideways glance to her uncle, he nodded to her before clearing his throat to speak, causing the room to go quiet.
"My fellow Shinto's - Old and new. You've been summoned here to listen to most troubling news," started Iwamatsu, he could hear whispers among the gathered people but carried on, "my niece, Akeno Himejima Hayashi moved to Kuoh town. But she was surprised to discover the town was in Devil territory owned by the Gremory family and occupied not only by the heir of that family but also the heir of the Sitri house, along with their peerages."
"Hayashi-san. Why are you telling us this? You told us this already," said the Nakiri clan head.
"Indeed, I have, Nakiri-san. But there is more."
"Like the fact that Fallen Angel's also occupy the town?" added the Kushihashi clan head. "That too was told to us. Perhaps you should just skip to why we have been called here."
In one point he was right, they were wasting time here.
"Then allow my niece to take the floor and explain why this emergency meeting was called," Shuzaku said, motioning a hand toward Akeno who nodded at her aunt before stepping forward.
She bowed to the clan heads before speaking loud and clear for all to hear.
"Honorable leaders of the clans. I come before you with grave news. The Cadre Fallen Angel Kokabiel has stolen three fragments of the Excalibur sword, and committed a hostile takeover of Grigori, killing the vice-governor general in the process and becoming the new governor general. Worse is that he has formed an alliance with the Old Satan Faction and planning to restart the war."
The moment she finished the shock and anger she knew would happen began at once. More than a thousand angry voices filled the room
"Bastard! He should be executed!" shouted a Doumon clanswoman.
"Why didn't Azazel stop this!?" a sub clan leader questioned with the shake of his head.
"I always knew those Fallen where trouble!" someone of the Himejima clan roared, emitting many agreements.
"Not that the Devils are any better," another member of Doumon added. "If they hadn´t invaded our land and stayed in the Underworld where they belong, all of this wouldn't be our problem."
"People lower your voices!" ordered Shuzaku with a commanding tone. "We are just as troubled as you are but what will we do know that we know?"
This was the moment she'd been waiting for. She would make them listen and try to convince them. Inhaling a breath Akeno answered her aunt's question.
"We fight!"
Everyone looked at the hybrid. Both Shuzaku and Iwamatsu were quite bewildered by their sister's daughter's words. What in Heaven's name was she thinking saying something like that? Going against Grigori would possibly wipe out the whole Shinto Faction.
"I think your time in that Devil controlled town has made you lose some sense, Hayashi-chan," retorted the Nakiri leader with a slight laugh.
"But we must fight," continued Akeno, "Kokabiel is threatening to destroy peace. We must form an alliance to—..."
"Are you mad woman!?" roared Doumon's clan head in furry. "Why should we ally with those filths?!"
Akeno had been afraid of something like this occurring but she still had to talk, she needed to try and convince them!
"Doumon-sama! Everyone! Please listen to me! I know Devils are greedy and care only for themselves, but we have a common enemy! We must stop Kokabiel! He is threatening to bring more death and destruction to the world!"
"So, let him!" said the Doumon clan leader with a scoff. "He has no quarrel with us! Let him destroy the Devils, one less enemy for us to worry about!"
"And if we let him do so what then? What happens if he sets his sights on us!? What if he wishes to destroy Japan!?"
"It was the Devils who made Japan a target in the first place with their greed and arrogance, claiming Kuoh for themselves like this," another Clan Head fell in. "If we were stupid enough to trust them, they would for sure only use the chance to steal more of our land."
"Even if they tried that," Akeno pleaded, "would it not be better to take that risk, than letting parts of Japan and many people being destroyed for sure. The people living in Kuoh are not responsible for Devils controlling their town. Are we not the guardians of this land, sworn to protect it - all of it - from all who would harm it!? Kokabiel is a madman who must be stopped by any means necessary! He will kill anyone just, so he can enjoy his thirst for war! I know it sounds ludicrous, but we must do what we can to ensure peace continues to thrive throughout the supernatural world! Even if it means joining allies with our enemies!"
A silence fell over the audience, everyone still looking at her. Her heart was beating every second. Hoping, praying, they would listen and ally with the Devils.
Just then a long sigh broke the silence, it sounded old, very old. Possibly the oldest person in the whole room, the clan head of the Shinra rose her head speaking for the first time since arriving at the meeting.
"You are absolutely right young Akeno-chan. We are the guardians of Japan, sworn to protect it from evil. However, a decision like this must not be made hastily. While it's true we can't linger on deciding, we must also not rush into this. Debate on this later, we will. But for now, if you have any more information please share it."
Of course, there was more. She still had one final thing to say…
"I have a half-brother."
"She has a half-brother!?" shouted Shuzaku in surprise.
"But how can you be sure that you do? Who told you this?"
"My father." She growled the name out.
"What!?" Everyone shouted in unison, Shuzaku, Iwamatsu, and Tetsuishi sharing the same look with one another.
Impossible!
Inconceivable!
When did Baraqiel have a son!?
"He was born long before me," continued Akeno, deciding to reveal what was told about Hazael. "His name's Hazael, and he was sealed away."
"And Kokabiel released him."
Akeno nodded. "Worse, is that he's the only other Fallen to have Twelve wings. He also killed Grigori's vice-governor."
More murmured filled the room, angry murmurers.
"Azazel has truly fucked up this time…"
"Kokabiel should have been locked up too."
Just then a member of the Himejima clan rose up, an angry expression on his face.
"We lost many good people because of a Fallen Angel living with us."
"Then leave," said the Kushihashi's clan head with a stern expression. "It was your former clan head´s fault for Shuri Himejima's death! Suou broke the ancient traditions by not only killing her, but exiled Akeno-chan, and tried to kill her too, twice! Shuri's daughter may be part human, but she is still a part of the Shinto families. So, don´t try to blame the Fallen or someone else for the mess your own family had created."
Many within the crowd agreed with Kushihashi's clan leader.
The death of Shuri Himejima and what followed afterwards, was an incident known to all within the Shinto Faction.
Though her marrying of the Fallen Angel Baraqiel wasn't approved, the clan heads nevertheless allowed it. Since it wasn't a crime to marry the one you truly love.
When assassins tried to murder Akeno at the Hayashi compound, Iwamatsu brought this - as well as his previous murder attempt on Akeno's life - to the attention of other clan heads. That and the identity of who he knew was responsible.
It was only after being questioned and threatened, that Suou Himejima revealed that he had as well ordered Shuri to be killed. Because he believed Baraqiel hypnotized her and was using her to know secrets of the clans. It was an outrageous claim, that he did not even managed to show any proof for at all.
Of course not, since such proof did not exist. As much as Baraquiel had failed his marriage and his family in the end, Iwamatsu knew that none of these accusations were true.
It had only been Suou´s own bigotry and paranoia talking. Or maybe worse, it had only been an excuse he had invented to justify his own crimes in the end.
It didn´t matter anymore anyway.
As for Akeno, he down right hated her for being a hybrid and refused to acknowledge her as part of the Himejima clan.
When word got around of Suou's lies and crimes, the clan heads called for his immediately removal as leader and his execution. Even going so far as shamming the Himejima family as a whole by calling them 'A group of family murders.'.
It was only thanks to Shuzaku taking the mantle as clan head, that she finally restored relations with the other clans and the Himejima´s to the honorable position they had before. At least to some degree. The stain of Suou´s actions was still there, as one could see right now.
"Well I think it is clear to everyone that this Hazael is a great threat. Knowing that a second Fallen has twelve wings is most disturbing." Said one of the sub clan leaders as he stroked his beard.
"I think my niece forgot about something else." Said Iwamatsu with a grim expression, "The White Dragon Emperor is allied with Kokabiel."
A shuttered rushed through the room at the name. Even the Shinto Faction, who mostly kept out of conflicts knew of the creatures that could kill Gods. They though it was hopefully before, now it was hopefully! They were lucky Grigori didn't have both Heavenly Dragon's but even one was enough to obliterate entire armies and level mountains with the sweep of their hand.
"Nakiri-sama." Said a sub clan leader, his face filled with terror, "I think I can vouch for everyone here that we have come to a decision. While it's true that we must defend Japan against those who threaten it. I will not throw away my entire clan facing the White Dragon Emperor."
"I do not mind joining forces with the Angels and their Fallen counterpart, but I refuse to align my clan with Devils." Doumon's clan head added.
"As do I." Said another.
"Akeno-san is part Fallen, but she still is human and while I will beside her, I refuse to do the same with true Fallen Angels. Azazel is responsible for this mess." The Kushihashi's leader said with a shake of the head.
"My answer is undecided." Shinra's clan leader answered.
"I second Doumon's decision." Nakiri's leader added.
More and more priest and priestesses gave their answer saying, "I'll fight" or "I won't" or "I cannot decide".
Akeno looked around as a heavy feeling filled her heart. She had high hopes the clan leaders would join forces to help prevent another great war from happening. Even she, as much as she resented Baraqiel, would work with him to stop Kokabiel's plans, but it was clear what the answer was going to be.
So much for debating on the decision later.
Akeno's shoulder was squeezed gently making her look to Shuzaku, a sad expression on her face.
"I'm sorry, Akeno-chan, but the clan leaders have made their decision. We won't ally with the Devil's to fight against Kokabiel." She then turned to address the gathered Shinto's, "Many of you wish to fight but we won't get involved unless we are attacked. Nevertheless, we shall prepare ourselves for when that occurs."
She was sadden-no-devastated at what their decision. All that talk, all that preparation, was for nothing. These people would rather not get involved in conflicts like they always do. If Kokabiel decide to turn his attention to them, then they would see the error in their way of deciding not to help till it was too late.