Hello, everyone. It's ArtLotus here with another chapter of A Problem Devil, Born~
Since I'm in a great mood yesterday, I rush to finish this.
Daily's Answer:
enigma95: Thank you for your review, I will think about adding Kurousagi and Kasukabe but it's a risky move for me. Anyway, about Gabriel. I apologize. I wrongly typed her age. It was supposed to be 17 or 18 at least. Other than that, I hope you will see Shiroyasha in her adult form.
DanteNaru: Thank you for your review. I appreciate it so much. I didn't think I can blend in both universes when I first started.
End of Daily's Answer
So without further ado, I present to you, A Problem Evil, Born~
Don't forget to leave a review, also favorite and follow this story.
Chapter 40: Gathering of Young Devils
Flashback
It was the night of Gion Festival. Every Youkai from different clans were celebrating in the streets of the new era of Kyoto. They were celebrating near the mountain side. All the shop vendors had set up their shop and were motioning for everyone to play games and buy food along with snacks.
From afar, you could see lights lining up from the mountain side to the top of the mountain where the Youkais set up lights through shop and shop. Adding to the shops lights, the light were very brightly lit to the point people from Kyoto would have seen it and promptly joined in on the event that had taken place. This day is where Youkais coexist with humans but with a single condition. The Youkais' must hide their Youkai traits, so that the humans wouldn't suspect that the Youkais were there and would scare them thus gaining a bad reputation for the whole Youkai alike. For Youkais that weren't able to change their Youkais traits, they were allowed to spend the Gion Festival among the humans in their original form but they had to keep their behaviors under check at all times. Luckily, the humans just waved the Youkais alike that they wore costumes, much to the appreciation of the Youkais.
Two pairs of fox ears could be seen amidst the crowd of people walking back and forth to spend their quality time of games and stuffing their mouths with food. Then, a bright smile formed onto the blonde haired little girl's face with the fox ears. "This is great!" Kunou said as she watches everyone having a good time. She then looks back and grins at the two pair of fox ears amongst the crowd and promptly watches as her mother burst out from the crowd. "Okaa-sama, catch me!" With that, she runs straightforward towards the top of the mountain having since arrived at the peak of the mountain.
"Musume...wait for Okaa-sama." Yasaka frowned looking at her energetic daughter run straight towards the top of the mountain. "It's a good thing it is a straight point from here." She thought as she started to walk towards the top while looking at everyone with a smile. "Everyone is having fun. I'm glad."
Then out of the corner of her eyes, Yasaka looks at the couple of in a food booth. The girl was serving a piece of Takoyaki to his supposed boyfriend which enlightens a smile on both of their faces. Yasaka smiled watching the scene feeling the love between the two before she thought about her own love life. "I hope I can find someone that can make feel like that. That would have been good enough for me..." She thought before her eyes widen and she shakes her head, pushing the thought out of her mind.
After a while, Yasaka composed herself before fanning herself with a fan. A small blush could be seen on her cheeks as she fans her fan. "What am I thinking...?" With that thought out of the way, Yasaka then look up and realized that her daughter would be at the top already, causing her to smile in amusement. Picking up her pace, Yasaka heads straight towards the top to find her daughter.
"This is one of the best Gion Festival! We should have come here sooner!" A young man asked as his friend grins at him.
"But we already did, right?" At this, the young man laughed before he put a stake of dangos in his mouth.
"Right!"
"This is such a lovely night to be in. This Festival and the atmosphere...I like this very much." A woman said to her boyfriend, who smiled at her bright smile. "Thank you for bringing me here. This is one of the best places you've taken me."
"It's all a good day's job. Anyway, the fireworks would be shooting through the sky in a few hours. What do you want to do until then?"
"Nothing. I just want to walk with you." The girl placed her head on his arm as the two walk down the stairs from the mountain.
After a while Yasaka step foot on the last step of the stairs before she arrived at the top of the mountain and saw a red old shrine in front of her. A smile form on her face as she noticed the shrine had been cleaned and was decorated at the sides lighting the features of the shrine.
"Yeah, we can win!" A excited shout cause Yasaka to look at her right and she saw her daughter playing a game. A dart game.
With her curiosity piqued, Yasaka walks towards the game booth and she spotted someone next to her daughter holding a dart in his hand before he throws directly at one of the target which was a card of Diamonds.
Raising an eyebrow, Yasaka watches as the shop vendor handed a fox mark hair band to the young man to which he gives it to Kunou, who looks at it happily.
"Kunou?"
At her name being called, Kunou looks at her mother and she smiled brightly. She then runs towards her and envelope her in a hug before she pulls back and showed her the hair band in her hand.
"Look what I got, Okaa-sama! Izayoi-san helped me!" Kunou pointed her hand to the blonde haired man who walks to stand in front of them.
Yasaka looks at the young man, noticing the fox mask that he wore to cover his face. She then looks down at her daughter, "Kunou, do you know him?"
"No. But he helped me to win!" At this, Yasaka smiled before she looks at the blonde.
"Thank you for helping her." The blonde waved his hand in dismissal.
"Anything for a cute girl like her." Yasaka smiled at his statement. "The name's Sakamaki Izayoi. "Since I know your daughter, Kunou. What's your name, vixen?"
"Do you know what you're saying?" Yasaka asked knowing the word was to address any female animals and since she was a nine tailed fox that word can be apply to her. But nevertheless, it was strange to be called that from someone she didn't know even if nobody had dared to call her but the person in front of her called her just that.
"Okaa-sama, he's just kidding!" Kunou laughed as Yasaka looks at her. "Izayoi-san, you're kidding right?" She turns to the blonde.
"No, I'm serious. Do you mind if you introduce your mother or help her to introduce herself?" Izayoi asked as Kunou smiled and nods before she grasps her mother's hand and looks at her mother.
"Okaa-sama, can you introduce yourself?"
"Alright." At this, Kunou smiled brightly and Yasaka looks at the blonde. "My name is Yasaka. It's nice to meet you, Izayoi-san."
"Call me Izayoi." The blonde responded as Yasaka nods with a smile. "Anyway, are you two having fun or what?"
Nodding at him, Kunou cheerfully says. "Yeah, I'm having fun. But Okaa-sama just won't have fun." She pouted as Izayoi looks at Yasaka, who shakes her head at her daughter.
"Kunou, I am having fun. With my daughter."
"Well, I want you to have fun for yourself. Not for me only." Kunou stated looking up at her mother. "Me and Izayoi-san will help you."
"Kunou...Did you forget how I told you about strangers?"
"But Izayoi-san is not a stranger! He helped me win a few games earlier. He's a nice guy. I know he is."
"Kunou, you don't know anything except his name." Yasaka frowned a little at her daughter's stubbornness.
"Why don't you trust me more?" Kunou frowned.
"Because someday you will rule. I don't want you to have a false sense of judgment on characters."
"But I know Izayoi-san is a nice guy! I know he is!" Kunou protested.
"Kunou-"
"Why can't I be friends with strangers if I know they're good?!" Kunou shouted before she run past Yasaka, who looks at her in surprise. "Why can't you just trust me more?"
"Kunou!" Yasaka shouted as she went to chase after her daughter but she was stopped by a hand on her arm.
"You should leave her alone for a while."
"Why is that?" Yasaka narrows her eyes at the blonde before she pulled her hand back from him.
"She's still a child. A stubborn one."
"What do you suggest we would do? I'm her mother, I can't let wander off like that! She'll get lost."
"Trust me. She won't do that to her mother."
"How do you know about kids?"
"Trust me. My mother taught more about kids. So, just give her some time to think about herself. Meanwhile, you have to relax. No wonder you're not having fun in the festival." Izayoi stated as Yasaka raised an eyebrow at him.
Yasaka then watches as Izayoi grabs the bottom of his mask and put it aside which was above his left ear. Her eyes widens at the face that was hidden from behind the mask.
A smile formed onto Izayoi's lips as he grasp Yasaka's right hand and kissed her knuckles, making her blush. After he pulled back, Izayoi lets go of her hand and smiled at her.
"Nice to meet you, Yasaka. As of tonight, I'll be your partner and I'll show you how you can have fun. Would that be alright with you?" He quirks an eyebrow as he waited for her answer.
"...Alright."
"Hahaha...Would you lighten up? Kunou will know what to do." Izayoi offered his hand at her to which Yasaka looks at it. "But until then, you just have to learn how to have some fun."
Yasaka looks up at Izayoi before she smiled softly and puts her hand on top of his hand. "You drive a hard bargain, Izayoi."
"Anything to make a beautiful woman like you happy."
"Are you flirting with me, perhaps? If you don't remember, I'm a mother of a single daughter." Yasaka raised her eyebrow in amusement.
"Would you allow me to be your husband for a while then?" Izayoi smiled playfully as Yasaka blushes in surprise, not expecting him to say something like that. "For all I know, I don't see the husband. So allow me to replace his place this evening to accompany his wife."
"My husband is not here." Yasaka stifle a laugh as Izayoi raised an eyebrow and smiled at her.
"Then, shall we have fun?" At this, Yasaka smiled up at him, unconsciously gently squeezing Izayoi's hand.
"We shall."
A smiled formed onto her lips as Yasaka recalled the past in her mind where she met and her daughter first met Izayoi. "I will never forget that moment...as do this year's moment." Yasaka looks down at her daughter sleeping with the bed sheet covering her body. Sitting next to her daughter, Yasaka then thought about the meeting that she was supposed to go. To Mount Meru, but due to Izayoi's arrival which brought her and her daughter happiness, she had decided to postponed the meeting for a later date when it was more appropriate for her to attend. But since she knew the date of the Gathering of Young Devils as Rias had told her was close, she knew that she had to get ready to bid farewell to the blonde that she had grown fond of since the day he arrived to which he promised.
She then brings her hand up to her heart, feeling it beating faster than usual whenever she would think about the blonde. She then thought about the time when she looked at a couple during the Gion Festival.
"The happiness inside me...He's the one that brought the feeling. The feeling I can't help but be unsure of..." Yasaka frown a little, thinking about if she should express her feelings at the last moment where Izayoi would leave. But when she thought about that, she was unsure of if she should express her feelings or kept the feelings deep down inside her because she doesn't know if her feelings weren't just false feelings made by her to feel attracted to the blonde. But she can't lie that she started to like him when he came into her life. But as usual, she would keep the feelings to herself. Even though she may sometimes act flirtatious whenever she was alone with Izayoi, she was trying to see if she could have the courage to confess.
"Maybe I'm just delaying myself..." Yasaka thought.
"You're just too shy to admit it, Yasaka. Admit it, you really like Izayoi-kun but you're too shy to confess your love to him. If you kept asking yourself on why you wouldn't take the first step, then you will only torture yourself. Don't be shy. If you think Izayoi-kun is the one for you then take the chance to prove it, Nya!"
Yasaka stifle a laugh as she recalled Kuroka's message. It was true. All of what she said was the truth to her even if she thought that the black haired Nekomata wouldn't know about her matter but surprisingly she did. If she could comment on Kuroka, she would say that she was observant of people around her.
"Maybe I'm just too shy to confess just like she said." Yasaka thought before she bring her right hand to her lips. She smiled as she recalled the sensation she felt on her lips during the Gion Festival to which Izayoi played a game with her and end up kissing her by winning the game.
At the flashback, Yasaka smiled softly before she prepared herself to sleep for the night, knowing that her blonde would be leaving tomorrow just after he had finished his training.
But before she could lie her head on the pillow, she turns to a direction of the east wing of her castle which was beside the room where she is. She narrowed her eyes dangerously before she slowly stands up and promptly walk out of the room, unaware of her daughter stirring up from her sleep and open her eyes.
Just as Yasaka arrived at the east wing and step down onto the grass, her eyes widen at the bodies lying on the ground in front of her. "What happened here?"
"You're just in time, Kyuubi." A voice said as Yasaka turns to her right and she narrows her eyes. "We were supposed to captured you during your trip to Mount Meru but since we've heard that you've already canceled the trip. We thought about going straight to your house." A black haired man stated.
Yasaka's eyes turns to slits as her hands were slowly engulfed in black flames.
"Why is that?"
"Because we've running out of time. We have to be on schedule, and your capture would be beneficial to our faction."
"You think you're going to capture me easily? You are hugely mistaken." Yasaka stated adjusting her footing for combat.
"Fine by us." Just as he said that, nine fox tails appears from Yasaka's back. "Go." He said as someone from behind him disappeared.
Preparing to defend, Yasaka was taken by surprise as three individual appears around her instead of one. "Wha-"
Present
Opening her eyes weakly, Yasaka caught a glimpse of her castle on fire before she closes her eyes, feeling fatigued for some reason she didn't know. Just before she closes them, Yasaka watches her daughter running up to her lastly before she closed her eyes, "Kunou…musume..." She silently mutters shedding a tear at the corner of her eyes as it slides down her cheek and onto the ground. "Izayoi-kun, help me..."
West Wing
Fire. There was fire everywhere. All around the area was engulfed in blazes of fire. "What..." Rias thought as she looks around her, noting the flames that were around her. She then looks up at Yasaka's castle and her eyes widen, seeing the east and north wing were in blaze of fire. "What happened?" She asked before she tried to remember. Suddenly her eyes widen in recognition.
"Rias-chan! The castle!" Serafall shouted as Rias looks at where she look and her eyes spotted the rising smoke coming from the castle. Knowing who were inside the castle, the two of rush towards the castle in an attempt to help.
During the sprint, Rias looks at Serafall. "You should go get Kunou. She must still be inside."
At this, Serafall nods before she instantly jumps and flies towards the castle, leaving the red head to watch her go. After she was gone, Rias look behind her and around her, "Where's Kuroka? Didn't she said that she was going to go back?" She questioned in her mind before she looks at the castle and quickly decided to head towards it by summoning her Devil wings and fly straight to the castle.
But just as she arrived at the castle, it suddenly exploded on her and the last thing she remembered was the feeling of falling down.
At her brief recollection, Rias looks at the castle again. "I have to get both Serafall and Kunou out!" She said in her mind before she tried to stand up but she winces at the attempt. When she was about to try standing up once again, a resounding scream sounded off at the east wing of the castle, causing Rias to look up at the sound before the sound of explosion followed up after the scream.
"Do you think I would let you get away with her?!" A shout pierced the night sky as Rias's eyes widen at the enormous burst of energy that exploded at the east wing of the castle. Gritting her teeth, Rias tried to stand up but she couldn't as she was too tired to stand up. "Serafall! Kunou!" Rias thought as she grips the ground and tried to stand up again.
Suddenly, Rias heard something and she briefly looked up to see a piercing backlash wave tore through the entrance of the castle and the earthly paved road towards the street of Kyoto. Then, another wave appears following up after the first one before the sound of a tornado pierced the night.
Rias then stared eyed wide at the tornado that tore everything towards the entrance and the paved road heading to streets of Kyoto. But then, a single energy wave suddenly slash its way from the opposite side, facing the entrance backwards. Rias watches as the energy wave hits the top north side of the castle, slashing it into two before it explodes accordance to the flames that were already engulfing both the east and north wings of the castle.
Breathing, Rias stands up from the ground with a wince and looks up at the blazing castle, deciding that she should stay on ground and not fly due to the flames rising up above the sky. "Who could have done this?" Rias thought as she looks at the direction of the east wing and started to charge towards the east wing as fast as she could. Unfortunately, the south side of the castle that had the entrance was already blocked off by a wall of fire from the castle's woods. Deciding to head to the east wing at the north side, she looks at her left and right as she runs, seeing bodies lying on some part of the castle ground. But sadly, she didn't saw Serafall or Kuroka bodies amongst them. Looking at the direction of east wing, she sprints towards the direction, a deep sinking feeling of anxiety appears at the bottom pit of her stomach as she sprints.
"Who...Who attacked us?" Rias thought ignoring that her clothes had burn marks and that the ends of her kimono were already burned to a crisp, leaving the ends of the kimono to stay slightly above her knees. "In the middle of the night, who would attack us?" Just as she thought about that, she suddenly stops and looks up before she raises her hands to summon a shield to defend her against the toppling of a few blocks of wood engulfed in fire from the top of the north wing.
Wincing at the feel of heat that sting at her face, she thrust her right hand to the fire, sending a shot of energy blast at the fire, destroying it and making a small crater in the ground. A pair of devil wings appears on her back as Rias jumps at the edge of the small crater and rush towards the east with her wings.
But as she came nearly at the east side, a bright light appeared in front of her and she stops, shielding her eyes from the light before it dies down. Letting down her hands, Rias saw that the flames around the castle had disappeared and it was instantly replaced by ice that froze everything in place except the area outside the castle walls.
Rias looks around before she lands on the ground and decided to run towards the east wing by foot. She shield her eyes from the icy mist that follows up after the bright light and continues onwards before her eyes spotted a silhouette a few distances from her. She then slowly heads towards the silhouette, coincidentally appearing out of the icy mist and she was instantly greeted by a horrible sight.
"What..." Rias looks at the destruction which involves the east wing walls to suddenly disappear and was completely destroyed along with the grass that had grown around the east wing. She then saw the long crater that cuts through the entrance straight towards the streets of the Kyoto. After a while, Rias looks at her right and saw a white haired woman standing in front of her with her back facing her. Holding up her hand, a magic circle appears over her palm as she aims to attack the woman.
"Rias-chan, don't!" A voice interrupts the red head as Rias looks at the edge of the wood pavement of the east wing and sees Serafall with her kimono having burn marks at the sleeves and skirt. She then looks at the bundle that was in the black haired's arms. She sigh in relief seeing as Kunou wasn't injured at all but she was unconscious in Serafall's arms.
"Serafall. Then, who...?" Rias turns her attention to the white haired woman who turns around to face her and the red head couldn't her believe her eyes as she stared at the woman that has similar traits such as Shiroyasha. Then, realization struck her as she lets down her hand. "...Shiroyasha? Is that you?"
"Yes, it is me. I apologize if you didn't recognize me at first but this is my true form." The now-looking adult Shiroyasha responded calmly with a small smile. The adult looking Shiroyasha appeared to be an elegant looking lady with silvery white hair that flows all the way down to her waists. Rias could see that her hair was glowing in the night. Kanzashis bells at the ends of her kimono. Her small black horns that she had before were much bigger now.
Having her suspicions been clarified, Rias then asked the question that she's wanting to ask since the tragedy at Yasaka's own castle happened.
"What happened? Who did this?"
"The unknown group for now." Shiroyasha answered looking displeased, confusing Rias.
"Shiroyasha, why do you..."
"They took Yasaka. They captured her." Shiroyasha narrowed eyes as Rias's eyes widen.
"What? B-But how?"
"I'm asking the same question myself when I first came to see Kunou unconscious because she wanted to get her mother back." Shiroyasha castes a sad long glance at the unconscious Kunou. "She didn't stand a chance against her. It's a good thing that they didn't hit her harder than they did. Although, Yasaka...She was unconscious so she didn't fight back when all of this started."
"How can they...? To knock her out cold would mean..."
"We're facing a powerful opponent." Shiroyasha looked at her before she glance the other way hatefully. "If only I've arrived sooner..." She mutters clenching her blue fan tightly as Rias looks at her sympathy.
"What are we going to do now? The Gathering between Young Devils is tomorrow, and what about Izayoi-kun? How are we going to tell him?" Serafall asked worriedly, knowing that the blonde wouldn't be too happy about the tragedy that had occurred in his absent.
"You two will attend to the Gathering. I will talk to him about this. With this kind of destruction, he surely would have noticed." Shiroyasha answered her worries.
"But we can't let you talk with him alone, Shiroyasha." Serafall said as Shiroyasha cast a smile.
"Don't worry, if you mean he is going to hurt me to vent out his frustration, then he won't do something like that. He'll be pissed off I can assure you, but he won't vent out without having self-control of himself. If he is the type of person I expected him to be then there won't be any problems. Hopefully, he'll understand."
"Shiroyasha..."
"In the meantime, you two help the other Youkais that are still stuck in the building. Since Serafall had distinguished the flames, we won't be able to see the death count increasing." Shiroyasha commanded as both Serafall and Rias nods.
A frown made its way on Rias's face as she looks at the destruction around the castle once again.
"How can this happen at a time like this?"
~Time Skip~
Next Day
~Underworld~
Breathing a deep breath, Rias looks up at the mirror and saw her reflection which showed her in a glittery red dress courtesy of the Gathering of Young Devils today. A small frown reflect against the mirror as Rias couldn't help the sadness that washes over entire being, feeling slightly guilty for not staying over at Kyoto to help with Shiroyasha and to comfort Kunou who had already assured her of her wellbeing. But she knows that the fox princess did that to make her go the Gathering because she was one of the Devils that were supposed to attend the event no matter what as do the other Young Devils of her generation.
"I hope I can act what happen in Kyoto wasn't something." Rias thought with a sigh before she straighten up her posture and looks at the mirror and fix her appearance in whatever way she find uncomfortable to see.
After a while, she felt satisfied and blows a deep air, knowing that she had to mask her sadness over the event in Kyoto. Breathing a deep breath, she slowly releases the air before she looks at the mirror with determination in her eyes.
"I can do this." With that thought, Rias exited the dressing room and she was greeted by Akeno, who smiled at her.
"Are you ready, Rias?"
Nodding at her question with a smile, Rias responded. "Yeah, as ready as I ever be."
"When's Izayoi-kun going to arrive? Do you know? I mean, he is the Prince of the Gremory Clan and the husband of our dear Master."
Giggling at her statement, Rias kept her smile. "He'll be here, but I don't know when. He never told me when he would arrive."
Cocking her head to the side, Akeno looks at Rias in slight confusion before she smiled. "Alright then. If we would depart for the gathering, the path is straight ahead." She motioned her hand at the hall as Rias smiled at her and both of them left their spots towards the gathering to meet up with the rest.
Gathering Hall
"I've never seen Satan-Class devils gathered in one place like this." Kiba explained seeing Sirzechs, Serafall, Beelzebub and the other Satan-Class devils on top of the stairs in front of him.
"It's really an incredible sight." Xenovia commented in agreement.
"Make sure not to offend anyone." A voice interrupts them as the ORC group looks at their right, seeing Rias walking up to them with Akeno next to her.
"Buchou!" Issei smiled as Rias put her finger over her mouth.
"Keep your voice low, Issei. We wouldn't want anyone attention right now, would we?"
"Hai..." Issei rub his neck sheepishly.
"Good evening, Rias." Sona greeted as she, Tsubaki and Saji walked up to the ORC group.
"Good evening, Sona. How is your training camp going?" Rias asked.
"So-So." Sona walk up to stand in front of the red head as Saji walk up to Issei.
"Hey, Hyoudou. How are things going?" Saji greeted as he punch his fist at Issei's chest before letting it down.
"Okay, I guess. What about you?"
Saji lean his head forward, "Me? Actually, your teacher's been helping me." He replied with a smile.
"Welcome! Sona-chan!" Came the greeting of Serafall who runs past the guests around her before coming to stand in front of her little sister.
"O-Onee-sama." Sona looks surprised at her appearance.
"Good evening, Serafall." Rias greeted with a smile as Serafall smiled back at the red head.
"Good evening to you too, Rias-chan. How are you? Are you holding up well?" Serafall asked as Rias's eyes widen slightly before they soften.
"Thank you for asking but I can handle it." At her response, everyone stared at her and Serafall in slight confusion.
"Mind if we join in? We can't be the only ones in the hall." A voice said as everyone looks at Asuka dressed in her red dress while wearing white gloves that reaches her wrist.
"Asuka-san." Asia smiled as she walks up to the brown haired and she gazed in awe at her dress. "You look beautiful, where did you get it? I mean, where did you buy it from?"
"Someone gave it to me." Asuka answered as Xenovia looks at both Leticia and Sala who were both wearing their usual clothing. For Leticia, she was consisted of a black collared shirt with a grey tie with an emblem of a cross. She wears a red overcoat over her black shirt. She also wears a white mini skirt with a red hem and attached to it are four belt-like straps that have white equally-armed crosses at the end of each. She also wears striped black and grey thigh-highs and black boots to complete her outfit.
"Can you wear that, Sala? Isn't that too revealing?" Xenovia asked with a raised eyebrow as she looks at Sala who was dressed like a woman of Arabian Nights, which was her usual attire in Little Garden.
"I don't see why I can't wear it, Xenovia. Even if it's revealing but it's the attire that I always wore in my world." At her answer, Xenovia nods in understanding before she smiled.
"Sorry if I offended you."
"There's no need."
"Anyway, how was your training?"
"It was satisfying to fight against the Vampire Princess."
"Vampire Princess?" Xenovia asked as she looks at Leticia. "You're a princess?"
"Yes, sorry if I didn't inform anyone of that information yet."
"No, no. It's okay, I didn't expect that you came from royal blood. I'm surprised."
"Don't be. You will know me as myself and nothing else. So please don't address me differently."
"I won't, Leticia." Xenovia smiled to which causes Leticia to smile back. "Where is Shirayuki-Hime and Pest? They should be here right?"
"They'll be here with their new attire." Leticia smiled amusingly as Sala smiled along. The action caused Xenovia to stare at her in slight confusion.
With Sirzechs
"Michael should arrive soon." Sirzechs stated with a small frown as Azazel responded.
"I put Baraqiel in charge of the security and according to him, Odin should be heading this way." Azazel explained
"Baraqiel is protecting him?" Azazel stood up from the support beam and said to Sirzechs.
"Just in case. There are many Norse gods who do not approve of Odin's alliance with the devils."
Sirzechs narrow his eyes, "It seems there are always people like that in every group."
"The problem is that Chaos Brigade are recruiting those people." At this, Sirzechs sighed before he looks up after a while.
"Do you have Baraqiel to check the surroundings around the area?"
Quirking an eyebrow at the question, Azazel nods. "Yeah sure. Why is he a bodyguard for Odin?"
"Because the last thing I want this ceremony to be ruined is the appearance of that being."
"You mean..." At this, Azazel looks down. "Yeah, that would be the last thing or the last moment we would be able to live in this world."
"Even with the combination of the Four Great Satans, we were still not a match to the Three-Headed Dragon. That being is truly a being of its own level." Sirzechs frowns, thinking about the Three-Headed Dragon which caused him to tighten his fist in frustration.
"Sirzechs-sama..." Grayfia called as Sirzechs looks at her and smiles reassuringly, loosening his fist.
"Sorry, I can't contain myself."
"You're too attached to the past."
"What can I say? I'm the one that sent Izayoi to fight it in the first time-"
"Thus far he saved thousands of lives in the process. Don't blame yourself for that is not your wrongdoing. You knew that he was your only option to go with and you chose it. Although you sent him to the Underworld at first, he knows the danger that the being posed and had taken up upon himself to fight by his own will. It is not your fault." Grayfia assured as Sirzechs smiled in appreciation, grateful that her wife was able to comfort him at the moment.
"Thank you. But couldn't I feel bad for the three others that weren't able to do the same thing? I mean, the one that landed the most damages was me."
"Sirzechs-sama, it is not nice to belittle your comrades. Even if you did land the most damages, did that stop the Three-Headed Dragon?"
"No..."
"I apologize for my rude comment."
"No. It's alright. It's thanks to you that I was able to feel good than before." Sirzechs smiled to which caused a blush to appear on Grayfia's cheeks.
"You're welcome, Sirzechs-sama." Grayfia bows her head while hiding the blush presented on her cheeks.
"Anyway, are we forgetting someone on the list that is supposed to be here? I mean standing with us in the ceremony." Azazel smiled knowingly as Sirzechs looks at him and let out a smile.
"He would be here soon. I've already talked to Rias and she said that he is going through a training course at the moment for the past five days."
"So, the blonde had recovered and started to train, huh? But two weeks? What could he possibly train for in that time period? He's already overpowered as he is." Azazel quirked an eyebrow at Sirzechs before he shrug his shoulders. "Oh well, that is his business and not mine." Sirzechs smiled at him. "He is the Gremory Prince after all. You know, everyone was training hard because of him and your sister." He looks up at Sirzechs. "I can tell they are improving but one of them might seem too enthusiastic on training."
"Koneko?" Sirzechs asked as Azazel nods. "If she wants to be powerful, she needs to become herself, correct? Release the hidden power she has inside her."
"Yeah, but the fact still remains; she doesn't want to no matter what. She's afraid that she'll end up like her sister." Azazel frowned.
"I'm afraid so."
"But who can we blame? It's not the kid's fault that she was traumatized." Azazel shrugs his shoulders as Sirzechs slowly nods.
With ORC group
"We are to wait in this room until the ceremony begins." Sona explained as she, Rias and the rest of their peerage walks along the halls towards the said room.
"The other young devils are here, too. I hope nothing bad happens." Rias frowned as Sona voices her agreement.
"Yes." But just as she said that, the wall beside them exploded and everyone shield their eyes at the rising smoke from the explosion.
"It looks like you really want to die, Zepel." A young woman exclaimed crossing her arms as she stood across from a man.
"You stink of virginity! What's wrong with saying the truth? You shitty bitch!" A green haired man said to the blonde female.
"What's going on?" Xenovia questioned looking at the two young devils through the hole.
"A fight?" Saji asked.
"Don't they know that this is gathering for young devils alike? Shouldn't they be taking care of themselves than to make such scenes?" Asuka asked as Leticia looks at the two young devils facing off each other.
"Maybe they are each other nemesis? They seem to hate each other pretty much."
"As I thought." Rias exclaimed with a cross of her arms as she looks at the two young devils in front of her, unaware of the devil that appear out of the hole in the wall.
"When young devils gather, this usually happens." A voice said as everyone looks at the owner of the voice.
"Sairorg." Rias called.
"I'll say my greetings later." Sairorg stated with a raise of his hand before he walks towards the two young devils. "Stop, you two. Princess of the Agares Family, Seigvaira. Problem child of the Glaysa-Labolas Family, Zephyrdor."
"Who you calling a problem child?! If you keep talking like that, I'll-"
Then, Sairorg begins to crack his knuckles with his left hand. "This is sudden, but this is your last warning. Anymore and you'll have to deal with me." Sairorg said as his expression changes seriously, which caused Seigvaira to look at him and decided in her mind to stop.
"Tch, you incompetent fool of the Bael Family!" Zephyrdor shouted as he aimed a punch at Sairorg before he was instantly sent to the other wall where the ORC group was nearly standing. When Zephyrdor flew past the group, the wind of the force pushes Asia back and a hand stops her from possibly falling.
"Are you all right?" A green haired man asked with a smile as Asia looks at him.
"Oh. Yes."
"A-Amazing." Issei commented as he looks down at the knocked out Zephyrodr that lifelessly sit against the crater in the wall.
"He is the leader of the next Bael family, Sairorg. He is my cousin." Rias informed her peerage.
"I see."
"He is indeed powerful if he could do something like that." Xenovia stated looking at unconscious Zephyrdor.
"And he is also number one amongst the young devils." Rias stated surprising her peerage.
"Seriously." Sairorg said before he turns to Rias and her peerage. He then looks around the room before he looks at Rias. "Where's your husband?"
"Why do you ask?"
A smile curved upwards on his lips as Sairorg crossed his arms, "What else? I can feel he would a worthy opponent to fight against."
"Oh, answer me if I'm wrong but I don't feel that your judgment is right. See Izayoi-kun doesn't have an equal. He's still searching for it."
"Really? Is the Three-Headed Dragon his equal?"
At the statement, Rias's eyes widen before she dangerously narrows her eyes. "I would ask if you did not speak about that name again to me. That name almost caused his death but he saved thousands of lives on that day, you should be grateful that your life was amongst them."
"Did I tick you? Sorry, cousin. Forgot about that sensitive topic that's been the topic of the year." Sairorg stated as he holds up his hand in dismissal. "Well, if it's true on what you say then feel free to show him at me. Then, we can settle the difference between me and him."
"I wouldn't count on that."
"Whatever you say, cousin. I'll make him anyway if he ever comes, one way or another." Sairorg smiled before he turns around and left, leaving Rias to glare behind his back.
"I'll show him next time."
"Haha..." Issei laughed awkwardly before he looks at Rias. "Buchou, where's Izayoi-senpai? I thought he would come with you together."
"Yes, why isn't he here with us? Is something wrong with Izayoi-senpai?" Asia asked with a small frown as Rias smiled reassuringly.
"Everything's fine, Asia. Nothing is wrong with him. He is just attending something important for the past week."
"Oh, really? I never thought about that..." Asia looks down before she looks at her King. "Is he alright? Did his wounds healed?"
At the questions, Rias couldn't help but smile in reminiscing, recalling Kunou asking her father if he was fine. "...He's alright, Asia. Although, he made his wounds worse when he suddenly woke up at the middle of the night and started to fight with Youkais." She said as she covered her mouth from a laugh while Asia stared eyed wide at her.
"Really? Senpai...Why couldn't he sit still?"
"Well, he felt stuffy in the room and he slept for a long time so he went out to get some fresh air in the form of fighting."
"Senpai..." Asia giggled.
"Anyway, you two should introduce yourselves to some guest here. Make some friends." Rias encourages before she felt a wave of nauseas hit her suddenly. She then clutches her head and wince at the headache that suddenly reveal itself to her. But her action wasn't unnoticed and both Asia and Issei looks at their King with worry.
"Rias-san? Are you okay?" Asia asked looking at the way Rias winced just by holding her head.
"I think I should go to the restroom. Maybe I can rest my mind there. If you don't mind, Issei. We'll be at the restroom." Rias looks at Issei, who nods.
"Alright, Buchou."
Nodding at him, Rias walked away as Asia followed her to the restroom, leaving Issei to stand alone to watch the red head and the blonde left.
"Hope you're alright, Buchou."
~Human World~
Night
Sitting on top of the wall around Hyoudou's residence, His Highness sat silently while watching the night sky. After a while, he heard the door opening and he side glances at Rin who walked out of the house with a hop in her step.
"Have you taken care of them?"
Rin looks up at His Highness and nods happily. "Yep! But what do we do with them?"
"It'll serve for a purpose. Hyoudou Issei is part of a club full of Devils, and amongst them are people that we knew in Little Garden."
"Knew? Who?"
"The Vampire Princess, Leticia Draculea. And also, Sala Doltrake, leader of One Horn." His Highness let out a small smile.
"Leticia Draculea." Rin slowly nods before she looks up at His Highness that had stand up from his sitting position.
"Amongst the members of the club, there is one that I'm more interested on." At this, Rin stare at him in curiosity. "Sakamaki Izayoi..." His Highness smiled before he frowns. "Sadly, you will not be present in the gathering. What luck..."
Suddenly, Maxwell appeared in front of the house gates along with Aura. At the appearance of the two members, His Highness jump down onto the ground with one foot gently before he looks up at his Community.
"We will stick to the plan, understand?" His Highness asked as Aura smiled, knowing what she would be doing.
"Hai!" Rin answered with a smile as Maxwell shakes his head.
"Even though we may be alliance with this group but we have our own agenda being here. This lowly-group wouldn't stop us if we make our own move. A move from Little Garden." His Highness then turns around and started to move ahead. The other members followed behind him with Rin following next to him. When all four of them walk as a group, they suddenly disappeared out of thin air in the bright night, leaving the empty streets of the neighborhood.
Restroom
After arriving to the restroom, Rias occupied one of the rooms while Asia waited outside of the restroom.
Rubbing her temple, Rias wince at the headache. Suddenly, she felt nausea and she opens the toilet lid and hurled her mouth forward, releasing the food she had eaten earlier. After a while, Rias tear a piece of tissue from the roll of tissue situated next to the toilet before she covered her mouth with it. "What's happening to me? Why am I having these problems?" She contemplated her thoughts before she shakes her head. "Not now...Not during the Gathering. I have to endure it." She thought determinedly before she stands up and and closed the lid of the toilet.
Walking out of the room, Rias walks towards one of the sinks and promptly washes her hands just as the sound of the restroom door opens, revealing a worried Asia.
"Are you alright, Rias-san? How is your headache?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. My headache's gone." Rias responded as she wipes her hands with a single tissue from the roll of tissue beside the sink. After she cleaned her hands, she throws the tissue into the dustbin next to the row of sinks and walk to stand in front of Asia who was standing in front of the door.
"Are you sure? Maybe I can heal your headache."
"If I have a headache, I'll see you, Asia. But right now, we have important matters to attend to and we mustn't be late." Rias smiled as she and Asia walk out of the restroom and walk straight back to the hall where the young devils were gathered.
"What's happening to me?"
To Be Continued…
That's the end of Chapter 40. How do you like it so far? As you all would think, this had been time skipped and I hope this story isn't too rushed for you. Because for one thing, ORC group trained for 20 human days, and sadly that's your hint.
Anyway, how's the chapter for you? Do you like it or love it? The Drama and intense suspense?
Leave a review, favorite and follow this story if you will. I would appreciate it if you did.
Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!