talk
Flashback
Demon
Chapter 21
"So that's why you weren't at lunch. You could have at least told me you were going to see Rias, so I could help!"
As soon as school ended, Asumoto was confronted by Akeno, who was attempting to be angry at the samurai for not notifying her of his plan with Kuroka. However, it wasn't intimidating to the former human. It was - all honesty - too cute to look away from.
"I thought it was just gonna be usual Devil stuff." Asumoto shrugged. "When Sona, Tsubaki, and Grayfia where there, I knew I had the opportunity to help Kuroka. I'm sorry Akeno."
Akeno smacked Asumoto's shoulder, still giving her pouty face.
"I'll make it up to you, I promise," he told her. "Well, as long as it has nothing to do with punishing me," he added firmly.
He was not going to let this girl take her sadism out on him.
"Oh, but I was looking forwarding to doing that for so long. Do you know how much I would enjoy hurting you just a little bit? Would you really deny me this?"
"Not a chance," Asumoto responded.
But Akeno wouldn't have it. "Ara. Ara. You're being very defiant Asu-kun. Keep this up and I just might actually punish you~" she announced to him.
"Go ahead and try, Priestess of Thunder."
But Akeno wouldn't have it. You're being very defiant Asu-kun. Keep this up and I just might actually punish you~" she announced to him.
"Go ahead and try, Priestess of Thunder."
The confident smirk and crossed arms where proof enough of the challenge Asumoto was giving the voluptuous ravenette. A big mistake he would regret once she had him tied to the bed and whipped.
"I know exactly what you are thinking," Asumoto told her grinning. "You shouldn´t be too self-confident. It could easily be that you might end up in that particular situation yourself... if you try to mess with me."
"Oh Yess?" Akeno´s smile brightened, as she practically purred this words in fake glee. "So, you promise, if you win, you will have your way with me? And I might be the one end up to be punished?" she asked curiously. "Maybe I should remind you that I am "both", a sadist and a masochist. So, you could say, I would win either way."
Asumoto nearly gulped at this. He knew she was a sadist, he wasn't aware she was a masochist too!
Akeno giggled at his reaction. While she admitted being a masochist, this trait inherited from her father was only now being thought of by the priestess. Truth be told, she didn't wanna feel pain again, unless it was done in a loving way.
And delivered by Asumoto…
"On a serious note," Asumoto said, regaining himself, "Grayfia-sama talked of a plan Azazel has." Doubling checking so nobody would hear, he lowered his voice to a whisper. "He suspects we will be attack so the former governor devised a plan to swap Kuoh with a Rating Game copy of the entire town, right down to the very landscape."
Now Akeno admitted she was more than a bit surprised. Could this even be possible? To teleport an entire town into the Dimension Gap? How could a plan like this even be hidden from the enemy? Moving an entire town would take lots of resources.
Not to mention it would take a huge amount of magic to swap the town with a fake one.
If it could be done, then she would be very impressed.
"Well, at least Kuroka can finally see her sister," she said happily.
Yeah… she could see her family again…
A twinge of pain hit Asumoto.
Akeno had her father. Koneko had her sister.
"I have no one…" he whispered-
His voice was so quiet it looked as if he said nothing. But Akeno heard him, and it pulled at her heart strings.
But it wasn't true one bit… he had her.
Asumoto remembered...
"Tou-san~"
"Hm?"
"What was mother like?"
"Well, she was kind, very beautiful, and smart, something you've inherited."
"I'm pretty like her?"
"No, son. You've inherited her smarts. You learn things quickly."
"Ohhh… Tou-san, you loved Okaa-san. Do you think I'll find someone like her?"
"Hehehe. Of course, you will son. And when you do, I'll be there to help you."
….
"But you weren't there Tou-san…"
Asumoto stood upon the hill where the old Susanoo shrine lay watching the sun set behind the mountains, thinking of the last time he spoke with his father before…
"Before the massacre began," he muttered as his fists tightened.
He still remembered the symbol those murderers branded.
The cross.
Those who attacked his family had to have something to do with the Church. But why – why would the Church attack his family? What reason was there to kill them?
Did they know about his clan and - like with the Nekomata - considered them a threat?
Did the Church know about this? Or had it been an unsanctioned operation?
Maybe if he asked the right person from the Church, he'd get his answers.
He sighed while turning his gaze onto the old shrine.
When he parted with Akeno on their travel back home, he changed course to this place. Last time he was here had been when Akeno discovered he was a Shinto follower.
Wow… had it really been that long ago?
Before Akeno arrived, he never forgot to come here and try praying to the God of Storms.
He didn't blame her for his absence at the shrine – it was just things had become so hectic lately. The Rating Game against Riser, the tournament... and now Kokabiel's plan to restart the war.
Speaking of Kokabiel why hadn't he commence his campaign against Hell? Was he trying to gather more forces to overwhelm the Devils?
If he gained more allies from Khaos Brigade… Asumoto speculated.
No – he could forge all the alliances he wanted. The Four Satans, as well as Grayfia, and other noble houses could stand against the might of Kokabiel and his goons. Not to mention the Fallen Angels who were still loyal to Azazel... and it was clear that Heaven and the Church would move against them as well. What that warmonger was doing was suicidal, he was going to see the destruction of his own race by fighting.
One question that Asumoto had to ask himself... why did so many Fallen have to join his cause? What reason did they have for betraying Azazael? Did they not see they would be marching off to their deaths? Those who sided with Kokabiel would be shown no quarter, they would be reduced to nothingness.
Had he promised them that he could somehow gain the power to win against all their enemies at once? And if so, how?
If – that was the question that plagued the samurai's mind. Kokabiel had Excalibur fragments but what else would Kokabiel try to steal? If he got his hands on a top tier Longinus like the True Longinus or Annihilation Maker, they would have a tough fight.
Or worse… if he somehow managed to convince the Infinite Dragon God to crush his enemies…
No! If Kokabiel tried to ask for Ophis help, his offer would obviously be rejected. The second most powerful being in existence wouldn't get itself involved in something as petty as this. It didn't care what beings weaker than itself did. Nevertheless, Asumoto had to consider all the possibilities of what could happen. If, and that was a big if, the Cadre did indeed manage to get Ophis to help, then nothing would stop Kokabiel from achieving victory.
When the war dose finally happen there would be no turning back. There would be no flight - only fighting. And with that fight, would be either victory or death.
Asumoto turned his gaze back to the sun, watching the last of its light fade behind the mountains, blanketing the sky in darkness.
With it finally set, Asumoto turned for home.
On his journey he passed familiar faces, students of school, teachers, and clients from his Devil duties. With how small the town was, it was easy to recognize everyone who lived here.
"Asumoto-san."
And visitors he met from time to time.
Such as the Exorcist approaching him.
Rika, accompanied by Irina greeted the Devil.
"Rika-san. Irina-san. What can I do for you?"
"We've been looking for you," Irina answered. "We thought you'd be with Rias-sama, but you weren't, so we have been searching all over for you."
"What for?"
This time Rika answered, with a sigh. "We have searched for the Holy Swords every day and found no sign anywhere, even with Koneko-chan, and Kiba-kun's assistance. Our search has been in vain."
"O Lord! Why do you deny us what we seek!?" cried Irina, her hand clasped together in one of her many attempts to pray to Heaven.
This surprised and troubled Asumoto greatly. They still didn't find the missing Holy Swords? Did that mean Kokabiel lead them on a wild goose chase? Had he lured them here for no reason?
No, there had to be one. Irina and Xenovia both had Excalibur fragments with them! Meaning he could take their Holy Swords whenever he wanted to.
Speaking of Xenovia, where was the blue haired Exorcist anyway? Shouldn't she be with them?
"Where's…"
"Still searching for the swords with Koneko-chan," Rika answered.
"I hope Kiba's behaving. He better have taken my order seriously. Each Faction has something important to them and those swords are important to the Church. He is directing his hate on an object instead where it should be, directed toward the man behind the project, Valper."
Rika brushed a strand of hair out of her face, "You are right, Asumoto. If he doesn't let go of the past, I fear his revenge will consume and destroy him."
"I fear that too. But…if that is his destiny, then we can do nothing but let it run his course."
"H-How could you say that?" Irina gasped.
"Because, Irina, we each have a destiny about us. If Kiba is to extract revenge and fail than that is his destiny. If I am to die in the coming war than I will fulfill my destiny."
"Don't say such a thing Asumoto-san! I think anyone can make their own destiny!"
Anyone can make their own destiny huh? Could that even be possible?
"There is something else I should inform you about," Asumoto told them. "We have a new ally on our side. It is someone who had been in Kuoh for a while, but without anybody knowing."
"Who are you talking about Asumoto-san?" Rika asked.
"Her name is Kuroka," he answered.
"The infamous Stray devil?" she questioned. "Wasn´t she considered the most dangerous known Stray? Why should someone like that be on our side?"
"Yes, the Devils claimed she was crazy - that she had killed her master for no reason and that she was driven insane by her powers," Irina mentioned as well.
"I know," Asumoto said. "But as it turned out, the entire story had been a lie all along. In truth Kuroka´s master had been performing experiments on her sister, who is my friend Koneko by the way, to use her powers for his own gain. These experiments were threatening to kill her. So Kuroka killed him to protect her sister. She had been pardoned by the Satans, now that the truth was revealed."
"I see," Rika said. "So this Kuroka is on our side now. She will be a major help by what I heard about her."
Irina made a sour face as well as she listened to this story.
"Yes," Asumoto said, "so don´t attack her when you meet."
"Don´t worry, we won´t," Irina said. "And we will tell Xenovia as well."
"You where Issei's childhood friend?" Asumoto suddenly asked as he began walking back home, motion the duo to follow. All he knew of the girl was that she was an agent of the Church and Issei's childhood friend.
"Yup!" Irina said, a big wide smile appearing. "I've known him since we were children. But you already know that since that's what childhood friends mean. Hehe. Anyway, I moved to England when I was 10 and began training as an Exorcist at 13."
Teaching children to kill people at such young ages disgusted the samurai. Yes, he lost his family when he was young, but he wasn't trained to kill people nor sent off on missions to stop a Cadre Fallen Angel from starting a war.
He sure was lucky to be a follower of Shintoism.
"And how is life in England?"
"Cold. Foggy. People think I'm European because of my hair."
"But you're Japanese like myself and Issei."
Irina chuckled. "They don't know that. What about you? I've heard you took on Riser Phenex's peerage and defeated Rika-sama in the tournament."
"Oh, I'm nothing special. I was reincarnated as Rias Queen and trained myself to be the best servant I could be. Which I did eventually." `Or better said, I trained myself out of my own pride,´ he told himself. It was not as if he had been particular devoted to Rias - or even trusting her at all - in the past.
But that was something between him and Rias and there was no reason to talk with the Exorcists about it.
"Yes, I did take on all of Riser's peerage, including Riser himself," he continued.
Irina was in awe, she never knew how strong this man was until now. Taking on a whole peerage and the third son of the Phenex Clan and defeating them must be quite the feat to accomplish. Could he possibly possess one of the Longinus Sacred Gears?
"As for the tournament. I'd very much like to speak to you about "ours" Rika. Particularly your attitude. Why where you being so rude to us? I thought you Church folk's where about peace and love?"
Rika smiled with amusement. "Didn't you hear what I said before when I first arrived? I only pretend to act that way to hide my true feelings."
"That's the stupidest excuses I've ever heard…" The samurai said with half lidded eyes. "Who pretends to not be who they are when they have nothing to gain from it? Whatever. Anyway, I do have something I must tell you. During the tournament, in our final duel. I heard a voice in my head."
The Exorcists gave their full attention to the samurai after hearing that.
"It was instructing me on how to defeat you. I guess you could say I cheated… but you did as well by using your Exorcist skills."
"Rika-sama!? You were using your powers to cheat in the tournament!?" gaped Irina at her senpai's actions.
The Saint's lips pursed together. Did he really have to bring that up? "Ok… so maybe I lied about that attitude change… in truth I let my arrogance get the better of me, since I never lost a duel. After your victory I realized I wasn't as skillful as I prided myself to be. But that's not important. What of this voice you speak of?"
Ah – so she was arrogant in her skills. Now she had a change of heart when he defeated her. Seeing that she wanted to focus on what he was talking about he obliged.
"Well like I said, a voice appeared in my head. I doubt it was a Sacred Gear. If it was I would have felt the power. I think it was something else."
"Have you heard the voice before?"
"No. Nor have I heard it afterwards the tournament. I just don't know what it was."
Asumoto's knowledge of the supernatural was vast and after he became a Devil it even expanded. He knew all the factions and species, and many Sacred Gears. But he just couldn't understand who or what it was that spoke to him.
If he heard it again, hopefully he would be able to ask it questions. If it was even possible to communicate with this `voice´.
When he eyes glanced at the crosses the woman wore, the massacre of his family flashed through his mind. He wasn't sure if these two knew what happened the night his family died. If they had any idea who exactly could be responsible.
But it wouldn't hurt to try.
"Do either of you know of an event four years ago?" he asked them.
"What do you mean?" Irina asked.
"Do… do either of you know something about the slaughter of a Shinto clan at that time?"
""The slaughter of a Shinto clan"?" repeated Irina, disturbed by the question. "No. We've heard no such thing of it."
Rika shook her head as well.
"No - sorry Asumoto," she said.
Asumoto pursed his lips then turned his gaze back head. They didn't know of it. So that meant he had to talk to someone higher up within the Church ranks, and if not them, then the Angels. That meant of course if the Faction of Heaven was even responsible... and not just some rogue group who was carrying their symbols.
"Here's to our new Governor General!" the voice of an Fallen Angel announced.
A roar of cheers was the answer to the tall, muscular, eight-winged Cadre who had made the announcement.
"Oh Man! I can't wait to kill some Devils!" he exclaimed, after taking a long swig of his ale and slamming the glass down.
The Fallen's name was Zion, and he was eager for war. All his life he had waited for the moment to restart the war. He wanted to get back at those filthy Devils and pathetic Angels for slaughtering so many of his comrades in the war.
He had hoped that after their take over, Kokabiel would immediately attack. Instead four days pass with no order to do it.
Why where they waiting? What reason could they have to wait? They had the numbers and would easily over power the Devils.
"It's best we plan this out, Zion," said another Fallen, with a bald head and blonde beard. "Will be going against two Factions, as well as some powerful beings." This one had been far less optimistic about their chances as he heard about the restart of the war. But he too had decided to go along with it in the end.
"We have Khaos Brigade! As well as Hazael! Those Devil's don't stand a chance against us!" Zion retorted.
"Maybe not," the other Fallen replied. "But we will eventual have to fight Heaven as well. And don´t forget the Fallen Angels who have sided with Azazel and his group."
"These fools will get what is coming to them soon enough," Zion exclaimed. "That coward Azazel had been holding us back long enough."
"Yeah," a third Fallen, this one a young woman, spoke up from one of the neighboring tables. "Always tinkering on his blasted Sacred Gears, while those Devil filths and the Angel´s lapdogs from the Church were still killing our people. And he was doing nothing against it. Hard to believe that we called that man our General Governor for so long," she said.
"Once he was the most sinister among us. But now he has become obsessed with those things."
"You say it," Zion replied. "But now this Sacred Gears will finally be useful and aid us in our war."
"That's right. With these Sacred Gears we will crush all who stand in our way," she admitted.
After the takeover Grigori was alive with action. Fallen Angels on patrol, executing practice drills if they are attacked, planning their assault on the Devils... and looting the teach building for Sacred Gears that could be used to obliterate their enemies.
Sacred Gears weren't the only things within the building. Their where blueprints for other schematics, such as cars with weapons, a machine that created copies... and, which all the Fallen saw as useless, a gender-swapping gun.
The copy machine was the only real value their new Governor General saw suitable. With a hundred of those, they could not only repopulate their race, but created a clone army that could crush every faction and take over the world.
Before such a thing could be created however, they would need the creator himself.
Sure, many within the technology department could create the basics of the machine. But Kokabiel was specific that only Azazael himself could make the perfect version. Once they crush the Devils, they would make plans to find, capture, and force him to make the clone machine. If he refused, then they could always find a Sacred Gear that controlled minds and use it on him.
"Remind me to thank our former governor for the all these Artificial Sacred Gears he left for us to use!"
The sarcastic words of the Fallen who shouted it where met with roars of laughter.
"So that's it then?"
"Is that a problem, Rias?" Sona asked her.
"… no."
"I think this works for us. Does anyone else have questions?"
"No.
"Nope.
"Nah."
Asumoto nodded as his eyes looked at the gathered group around the couch of the Occult Research Club.
The weekend had come at last and Rias had called Akeno, Issei, Raynare, Kuroka, Rika, Irina, Xenovia, her peerage, and Sona's peerage to a meeting about making battle plans if - or rather when - they would be attacked.
With so many people in the room, they had to move maps of the town and the school from the desk to the table for everyone to get a better view.
Most of the planning was done by Rias, Sona, and Asumoto. Once or twice someone, such as Raynare, Kuroka, or Irina, would join the conversation to give a suggestion.
Of course, Rias idea for a 'plan' was to fight them head on! And Sona said that was a foolish plan, if that could even be called one.
In the end the three agreed on a course.
"Rias, I understand your reluctant about this idea, but think of who or if we may face when we are attacked. It could be a group of Cadre or it could be the White Dragon Emperor or Hazael and Kokabiel. Maybe even Samael, if Khaos Brigade or Kokabiel should manage to release him."
Raynare shifted when hearing Samael mentioned. She, like Asumoto, knew who this being was.
"Who's Samael?" Issei asked, not understanding why so this guy's name caused trouble.
"I'm not surprised you don´t know of him. Considering you're the least knowledgeable person of the supernatural world in the room," came the voice of Ddraig within the gauntlet. "I will tell you, as well as those who know of him already."
The Dragon cleared his throat before continuing,
"Samael was the perpetrator that influenced the first humans - Adam and Eve - to eat the Fruit of Knowledge and was cursed by God. He also is like the hybrid girl."
"Don't call Akeno that!" Issei scolded the dragon but it was ignored.
"He's a hybrid Fallen. But he isn't half human, he is half Dragon."
"So that's who it was…" murmured Xenovia. She always wondered who the snake was that corrupted Adam and Eve, now she knew. If she ever encountered him, she would sever his head.
Issei was surprised to hear this. He knew Akeno was part Fallen but… a Fallen Angel Dragon hybrid… where their other hybrids like that within the world?"
"From what you just thought it's hard to say. Hybrids are a rare species, but it is possible for mix breeding to occur, that's the Shinto girl is who she is. Her mother was human, and father Fallen. Anyway, I must warn you, all of you, that God's curse upon Samael is dangerous, especially to my partner since I'm part of him. This curse is deadly to Dragons and snakes. Not even the Infinite Dragon God and Great Red can stand against it."
The Red Dragon's words were right. Samael was a hybrid of a Fallen and Dragon and indeed have powers that could affect Ophis and Great Red.
"But that isn't possible?" Asumoto asked. "How could the two most powerful beings in existent be affected by a simple hybrid?"
"Think what you want human, but it is true. So, I leave you with this piece of advice. If you fight him, keep my partner as far away from him as possible. His curse is deadly, and no cure can fix it, not even the nun's Twilight Healing."
With that the Dragon returned to his slumbering with its host mind scape. Leaving everyone to ponder his warning.
Keep Issei as far away from Samael as possible… that shouldn't be too hard.
"Right well anyway. Out of everyone within Grigori and their known allies, those are the four I can say I fear," said Asumoto to break the silence and keep the conversation going. "Their power is beyond any of ours put together. None of us could stand a chance against them, I doubt even Slash Dog could."
"Don't just Tobi-kun by appearance, Asumoto-kun," Akeno reprimand the samurai. "You forget, that he is one the strongest, if not, the strongest being in Grigori before the coup. Tobi-kun said he's the only one powerful enough to take on the White Dragon Emperor."
If he was, perhaps having Slash Dog here would greater the odds in their favor. But he said he had other business to attend to, so they would have to manage without him.
Thinking of Akeno's cousin brought a curious question to the samurai's mind, could he stand a chance against Sairaorg in battle?
"This strategy will work perfectly for us," Said Rika with satisfaction.
"Then it's settled," Rias said in a finalized tone. "When we come under attack, and we will, you all know what to do."
One by one the supernatural beings trooped out the building, while Rias gathered the maps up.
"Asumoto, may I have a word with you?" she said to him.
The brunette stopped at the question his master gave and moved out the way to allow the others to leave.
As soon as Sona departed and shut the door, Asumoto spoke.
"So, what's up?"
Rias took her seat behind the desk and folded her hands together. Her expression was serious meaning whatever she about to ask was important.
"Asumoto," she started, "be honest, do you still not trust me?"
He didn't say anything at the question, only staring at the woman who reincarnated him. Was this really a good time to have this conversation?
"Please Asumoto, I need to know. Do you still not trust me?"
Did he?
Did he really still not trust her? Did Asumoto even trust her to begin with?
"You want my honest answer, Rias?" he finally asked. When she nodded he answered. "Yes. I still don't trust you."
"Why?"
"Rias, you planned to have Issei join you without asking. Your idea of "recruiting him" was to have him murdered so you could force him into servitude under you. Sound familiar? Perhaps destiny has it you find dying boys begging to live."
This comment hit right home. Rias actually flinched.
"We have already talked about what happened back then," she said.
"But I am not talking about "me" right now," Asumoto replied. "It wasn´t just some `unlucky´ coincidence in this case. You "knew" that Raynare was walking around in Kuoh, you "knew" who she was and what she might "possibly" do. You could have passed her up, confronted her and warned her not to harm Issei. You could have reminded her that Kuoh is under your protection, including its citizens, Sacred Gear users or not... instead you decided to - well, sit on your ass - hoping for him to die. Who in his right mind would ever trust someone like that? You might not have left "me" intentionally to die, but this entire thing proofs that you would have been perfectly "capable" of it."
"I -... I would never," Rias stammered.
"You "did"," Asumoto growled at her, "how deluded are you? If your plan had worked, you would have added him to our little group. You would have told him the same bullshit about `caring about your servants´ and `treating them like family´," his voice was now dangerously low, "while in truth you would have been perfectly able to keep him from dying in the first place... but decided instead to "let him get killed"."
"I..." Rias was now out of words. She truly didn´t know what to say.
"And worse," Asumoto continued. "You ordered us all to do "nothing" as well. You knew what had happened to me. You were there when I died... and you "still" forced me to just stand by and do nothing when someone else could be killed like that. You dare..."
"Asumoto, I... I am sorry. I didn't realize... I didn´t think about how this would make you feel," Rias exclaimed as regret began to swell inside her chest.
Because of her plan for Issei to die at Raynare's hands and reincarnate him as her servant, Asumoto still didn't trust her. Guess she'd have to do like the saying goes, 'The past can't be changed, but the future can.'
"I won't do anything like that ever again. I promise."
A thin line was upon Asumoto's lips.
Asumoto's features softened at her words. At least she was sorry, but it would take more than words to make the Devil convince him.
"Then I'll have to wait and see if you're true to your word." Giving his final say he departed the room to... find Akeno at the stair way, which surprised him.
"You're still here?" He asked.
"You sound as if you don't want me here."
"No. No. I enjoy having your company Akeno. I just thought you'd be with your father."
In the days before the weekend arrived, the shrine maiden had made some efforts to converse with Baraqiel. While they were short and uncomfortable for her, she knew these talks where more than enough for Baraqiel. Especially since he was also usually busy helping with preparing defenses for the Underworld and sharing vital information on the traitors he knew, specifically Kokabiel, and Hazael.
"He's busy today."
"I see. Tell me Akeno, when you said Slash—I mean your cousin, is the strongest member of Grigori do you know why that is?"
Akeno smiled. "He is one of the top fighters in Grigori yes. Which I'm really surprised, even more so since he's a human."
Asumoto's answer was a surprised expression. So that's why he didn't sense any light or dark magic in him.
"Yup. I was lucky enough to sit down and talk with him. You could image the surprise I have with the stories he's told me and missions he's sent on. Tobio-kun said he's more of a… behind the scenes fighter but will fight on the frontlines if need be."
Guess that explains why he dressed like someone form the military. He was basically a black ops agent for Azazael.
"Do you know what his Sacred Gear is?"
"Canis Lykaon."
Asumoto nearly tripped down the stairs at Akeno's and stared at her in disbelief.
Canis Lykaon!? That was one of the thirteen Longinus! Another one. The cousin of Akeno, a powerful fighter, and wielder of a Longinus as well… just like the two Dragon Emperors.
"Now I really wished Tobio was here to help," Asumoto sighed as he ran a hand through his hair while Akeno stifled a laugh.
"Ara. Ara. Are you saying the Priestess of Thunder isn't helpful enough?" the ravenette asked as she purposefully pressed her breasts against his arm.
"You mean the same `Priestess of Thunder´ who didn´t dare to make any move against her half-brother, when he came for a visit?" he teased her back.
"That's not fair Asu-kun." Akeno pouted. "You can't compare me to someone like Hazael like that."
"Not fair? You are right, it is not fair. But we have people like that against us," he said grimly. To think that we could take them without help from stronger fighters on our side would be crazy."
He said it would be crazy, but his mind said suicidal. While they did have Kuroka, who's power was said to rival an ultimate class Devil, they needed more powerful people. Like one of the Satans to help protect Kuoh. Even if the four Asumoto feared weren't part of the attack.
Perhaps he could ask for help from Sirzechs or even Azazel. If not... then they'd have to make do with what they got and hold fast until someone, anyone, could help.
He looked out from the balcony he stood upon, eyes fixed on the horizon.
Out there was the enemy.
Out there was some of the strongest beings.
Grayfia, Azazel, Sirzechs, and so many others where over that horizon waiting for Kokabiel to strike.
When the war loving Cadre approached him with the offer to betray Azazel and fight Sirzechs, Vali couldn't turn down such an offer. It was just too promising.
All that the current White Dragon Emperor's host truly wanted to do, was fighting the best of the best to show he was just as powerful. And now that a war was coming, he would get that chance.
"Ah. The White Dragon Emperor."
The silver haired boy glanced over his shoulder to see none other than the Fallen besides Azazel to have twelve wings.
Hazael, son of Baraquiel, was said to be very powerful. How would he fair against the twelve-winged Cadre? Vali asked himself-
"I've never had the privilege of meeting any of Albion's hosts until now. How does it feel to have the power of a Heavenly Dragon inside you?"
How did it feel? Vali had one answer for that.
"It feels exactly how it should. Powerful."
Hazael snorted with amusement. "Tell me White Dragon, why did you betray Azazel. What reason do you have to be on our side?"
"My reason," said Vali, a look of excitement filling his eyes, "is to fight the strongest beings in existence. Sirzechs Lucifer is said to be the Strongest Satan and his wife, the Strongest Queen. Those are just two of many people I want to fight in this war. Including the heir to the Bael family - the Strongest Youth - Sairaorg and my rival the Red Dragon Emperor.
Hazael looked at the boy with less interest now. That's why he was on their side? So, he could fight beings stronger than him?
What a stupid reason. The White Dragon was powerful, he could sense that, but the boy was no match for Sirzechs, or even him.
At least Kokabiel's goal was worth supporting. Even though it required restarting the war, it meant the complete takeover of the Underworld, and more importantly, the liberation of Heaven. And with that, Hazael thought, exactly the thing he had wanted all along.
Yes. Once they eradicated the Devils they could free Heaven from the strict rules of their light side brethren.
Soon... he thought - very soon - true paradise will be achieved for all in Heaven... and for the ones who right now no longer resided in it. But all that would change when they succeeded. The Fallen would take back their place in Heaven and change it into what it should have been from the beginning. The war Kokabiel had started would bring them into a position, where it would be possible for him to realize his livelong goal. So, he was following him.
Silence was the only sound emulating between the two as they walked the streets. Kuroka's eyes flickering every second to her sister, her emotionless face staring ahead.
It wasn't long till the news of Kuroka being cleared of her crime started an uproar within the Underworld.
While some where satisfied to have someone like Kuroka back on their side in these times of need, most where outraged by the excuse that she formed a magician pact with Rias Queen. And, knowing this would happen, Sirzechs gave an order, or rather threat, that should anyone try to steal Kuroka or murder her, then they, along with their house, would be erased from the history of the Underworld.
That threat was enough to end the argument. Nobody would dare challenge the Strongest Satan, unless they wanted a swift death.
Tempting as it was to go to Hell and say 'fuck you' to all those idiotic kooks and flip the bird, she had more important things to focus on. Such as fixing the bond with her baby sister.
"Shirone," she said breaking the silence, "I'm impressed with the achievements you've accomplished in your training. Keep this up and you very well might master Senjutsu in no time."
Koneko resisted the urge to punch her sister at that last remark about breasts. She didn't need to use magic for such perverted ideas. They would get bigger when she's older!
"Come on Shirone, can't you take a joke? Nya~"
Koneko made a 'Hmph' noise at her sister's question which prompted the elder sister to sigh.
"Shirone. Look, I love you ok? I just… it's difficulty showing it after so many years of being on the run. I don't know if things will be what they use to but I'm still grateful to have you back."
Koneko chewed the inside of her lip as she listened to her sister's words. Unsure of how to respond.
Then at last, after a moment of silence she found what to say.
"I know… I should be saying sorry. All these years I hated you because of a false belief of you going mad from using Senjutsu. Now I see I was wrong and that you were just doing what an elder sister should do… It… It's all my fault this happened. It's my fault we were separated!"
She didn't mean to raise her voice, but the guilt she felt towards herself for locking away the memory of Kuroka saving her couldn't be avoided this time.
"I…" She tightened her fists and looked away, refusing to show tears. "I should have done something! It's my fault you were branded a criminal! My fault for fearing Senjutsu!"
The briefest look of sadness flashed across Kuroka's face. Did Shirone really feel this way about herself? She blamed herself for thinking she went crazy? That she had been the one to cause her to become one of the most wanted targets in the Underworld?
It most certainly was not!
Slowly, she reached a hand out and placed it upon her shoulder, making the younger Nekomata look back.
Kuroka forced as much of a gentle smile as she could. She wasn't good with this kind of stuff, but for her sister she'd do her best to comfort her.
"Shirone, it wasn't your fault. You remember what I said the day my name was cleared? I was panicking and enraged that you were being used as a test subject making me not think straight. All my attention was on saving you. I didn't stop to think of telling the Satans of what was happening. In fact, I should be sorry. I was the one who killed our master in a desperate and rage filled attempt to save you and didn´t think about the consequences afterwards."
"Kuroka…"
"I won't let any more harm come to you."
Then she pulled Koneko into a hug. Her hands gently rubbing her back.
The younger cat-Yokai was a bit surprised. Her sister had not actually hugged her in years. In the short time since her return, she had kept a distance. Like she had said, it was not easy after being separated for years.
"Stop blaming yourself," Kuroka said to her.
Koneko than began to hug her back.
"Thank you, Onee-san. am glad that we are back together too."
East. The direction he kept his eyes focused on.
East was where he would go.
East was what he so long desired after losing the Civil War.
Out to the East was…
"Lilith…" he said loud...the name of the capital of the Underworld.
His eyes flickered to the left. Beside him was the descendent of Asmodeus, Creuserey, his eyes narrowed like always. "The Old Satans are coming to liberate you."
Yes, they were coming to free the old capital from those peace-loving false Satans.
His fist tightened in anger at thinking of those four idiots.
How dare they use the old Satan names as titles! It was a disgrace to those loyal to him, Shalba! The true Beelzebub!
He had wait for thousands of years to see it again and now, thanks to this alliance with the Fallen Angels, along with their spy on the inside, he could finally see that glorious city once more and walk its streets once they crush the new rulers.
If he were a weaker man, he'd be weeping at getting to go back to Lilith. But war had turned him into a battle-hardened warrior. With the intention of finding and killing every single one of nobles who sided with the Anti Satan Faction, especially that traitorous bitch Grayfia.
How could someone as powerful and merciless betray them, for a man of all things!? She, along with all those who also betrayed them would burn!
However, as much as he wanted to kill that silver haired bitch, he would stay his hand from spilling her blood. Unless he wished to face the wrath of Euclid Lucifuge.
Perhaps he could convince her to come back to their side, if not… then he'd have no choice but to kill her.
Hopefully her brother would understand, hopefully.
"Just you wait Falbium…" Creuserey growled, "I'll find you and kill you…"
"That is if our spy hasn't done it yet," a new voice added in.
Katerea, beautiful and deadly, joined her fellow Satan's while pushing her glasses into place.
"He has been working long and hard to help exploit a weakness in their defenses, as well as remove key figures. That's why our invasion was postponed. I heard the Satans refused the noble houses demands to launch an offense by themselves."
"A stupid move," said Shalba. "Those Lord and Ladies of their houses are such fools for siding with the enemy. They only wished to save themselves from being slaughtered. Like that coward Allister Bael."
Katerea laughed. "I heard he exiled his wife for giving birth to a defected first-born son, whom he called a failure for not having the Bael clans Power of Destruction. And yet the same boy has become such a strong and handsome young man."
"As have I," Shalba said with a tug at the lips.
He could already image that fool begging to be spared by joining the Old Satans. He would give him none.
"What of our spies in Kuoh?"
"They say Azazael has devised a plan to teleport the whole town into a Rating Game."
Beelzebub's eyes briefly widened. Really? He never expected less from the tactical genius Azazel, but it would fail.
"Tell our spies to find a way to sabotage that plan. If our allies wish to achieve their plan then it must be done in the human world, not in a Rating Game."
"What of our plan of attack?" Creuserey asked, his patients running thin at the fact they hadn't attacked yet.
"Hehehe… you're so impatient to die aren't you, desc—"
"Will you shut the fuck up with those titles!?" The black-haired Devil yelled as he rounded on the Fallen. "We have names you idiot!"
But Kokabiel merely chuckled at the Devil's outburst. "If you wish to ruin your plan then go ahead and do so. But know that you will die without my help."
"Enough Creuserey!" Shalba ordered. "We have a war to fight."
"Yes," Kokabiel agreed as his red eyes swept over the three Satans.
Three…
He didn't show it, but he was mildly surprised the fourth didn't show up to aid in this battle. What plan did Lucifer's son have? Why did he not wish to seek revenge on the Anti Satan Faction?
Did he not know of this alliance? Or did he not care?
Perhaps once this war was done, he would pay a visit to him.
For now, he had some Devils to slay.
"Now," Kokabiel said, his eyes filling with excitement, "we have our war!"
End
And now, after waiting so long, you guys can finally enjoy some bloodshed!