Ch 3: Meet the Clubs!
"Perhaps you could explain to Hyoudou-san what exactly a Campione is? His circumstances as a Devil have left him with scant opportunity to truly study up on the myriad of powers that walk the realms…a situation only made worse by his less than enthusiastic attempts to rectify such a situation."
"Hey, I do plenty of studying! It's just all of you on the student council have these insane standards! Even Saji has been turning to the Dark Side, he's earning 80's and 90's on all his tests now!"
Bassaym decided to ignore the interplay-an action that he could see becoming habit rather quickly-and instead thoughtfully hummed to himself.
"I don't mind starting there. Although bear in mind most of this knowledge is probably tainted with my own bias, or made from my own conjectures. And you'd be surprised how many different interpretations of the title and powers of a 'Godslayer' there are, even among our extended family…"
Issei cocked his head at that, confusedly asking, "Soooo…maybe try to generalize?"
A snort from the 8th Devil King.
"I'm going to have to. Long story short a Campione is a normal, unassuming Human who-through either great skill or great luck-has killed a Heretic God. Heretic Gods are abstract thoughts and beliefs given form, immortal beings who's personas and powers can change alongside Humanity's perception of them. These manifestations occasionally rebel against a new or altered understanding of them and appear in our world, or are summoned by complicated and often expensive means."
Bassaym's expression turned cold, surprising all present as they had only ever seen him be friendly or at least non-aggressive, even when they had been harassing him at the school gates.
"A Heretic God only has one goal if they willingly incarnate. Punish those who dare to forget or alter their legends. Brainwashing, torture, rape, massacres, widespread calamities…these sociopathic deities don't care who or what gets in their way, only acting according to the 'Curse of Madness' that afflicts them upon their incarnation, a state of affairs since the first Gods ever existed."
All shifted uncomfortably at the sheer disgust and hatred that radiated from the young man…before he let out a heavy sigh, his mood returning to a more peaceable one.
"Getting back to the Campione…we were once Humans who took down these Heretic beings, more often than not dying in the process. But some undetermined amount of time ago, the Goddess Pandora created a ritual that allowed that Human to return to life, now granted a portion of that God's power. We become stronger, faster, have access to unnatural levels of raw magic power…it's an extensive list, but suffice to say we become something along the lines of a Superhuman."
Issei had been nodding along with Bassaym's explanation until now, cocking his head-while absentmindedly petting Koneko, who had placed herself in his lap-before suddenly asking, "Wait, what's the difference between a normal God and a Heretic one? And what do you mean by a portion of their power? Is that those Authorities Hanakai-kaichou was talking about?"
"The difference between them? The 'Supernatural' Gods are…well, for lack of a better word, 'real'. They're singular beings who aren't beholden to any Human ideal and can make decisions or change their personality outside of what people think of them. Most importantly, they can actually die, permanently. Heretic Gods can't. Destroy the Heretic Divinity in this realm and they merely return to the Domain of Immortality from whence they came, free to return whenever their will is strong enough or they are summoned."
Bassaym paused for a moment, surprised to see most of the gathered students-aside from Lilith, surprise surprise-somewhat downcast.
"Is…something wrong?"
It was Chiaki who carefully replied, "Well, it just seems so…futile. You're fighting an enemy that can't ever really be defeated, it sounds like. Isn't that…saddening?"
Bassaym cocked his head at the Kitsune, caught off guard by her question-
-before he darkly chuckled.
"On the contrary. I welcome it."
Another round of wary stares were sent his way, the Campione noticing that and quickly changing the subject with, "On the matter of Authorities…an Authority is a portion of the Heretic God's legend ripped from their being and gifted to us by Pandora's ritual. These Authorities form the core of our strength, indomitable powers matched only by that of other Gods. They can be practically anything, from simple effects like the ability to control lightning all the way to the bizarre, such as being able to travel through time and history. Just bear in mind an Authority often warps or alters itself into a form that suits the Godslayer it answers to, giving it special conditions or effects."
Issei gave a low whistle, noting, "Wow, so these 'Authorities' are kinda like Longinus Sacred Gears, right?"
Bassaym paused for a moment before rapidly flipping through the many books he had stacked next to him, alighting upon a specific term before replying, "Huh. That's not a bad analogy. Just bear in mind that an Authority cannot be taken from it's wielder, unlike a Sacred Gear. And an Authority has to be earned, it isn't something you are merely born with. Other than that, I think it's a fair comparison."
Setting aside the tome Bassaym turned to Momo, asking, "If you don't mind me asking, Hanakai-san…what is your species' view on Campione? While I know we tend to keep out of each other's business-different areas of influence and all that-I imagine there's been conflict or alliances in the past."
Momo nodded, carefully replying, "My apologies in advance, Terrance-san, but I'll confess that the exact details and history of the Campione and Supernatural aren't well known to me. All I can say is that Godslayers are considered…something of a boogey-man among the older generation of Devils, beings that are viewed with fear, respect and no amount of superstition, due to the constantly shifting numbers and membership of the Godslayers."
Bassaym sighed, muttering, "Great, so much for being on good terms then…"
"You would probably be better off asking Sona-san or Gremory-san if you're interested in information like that, or perhaps Ephemera-sensei. Those two are the heirs to important Devil families and Ephemera-sensei is highly placed in Heaven."
"I'll do that then."
The room yet again fell to silence before Issei slowly asked, "So...can you tell us what sort of Authorities you have, Terrance-san?"
The young man merely chuckled, glibly replying, "Sorry, but that's information I like to keep close to the chest. Besides, I'm here to complete my education, not fight."
He cast a despondent gaze at the stack of books 'gifted' to him.
"...A lot of education."
The two girls of the student council chuckled at his dry delivery before announcing, "While I apologize for having to cut this meeting short, Terrance-san, I have a fair deal of other work to begin. If you wish, I can ask Sona-kaichou and Gremory-san to contact you at your earliest convenience and they can give you more in-depth knowledge about the Campione's history with our species."
"That's no problem at all, Hanakai-san, Kusaka-san. I appreciate you taking the time to explain things to me regardless and would happily speak with your superiors as soon as possible...and thanks for the miniature library, I guess."
Both girls smirked...and the moment stretched.
…
…
"Umm...are either of you going to get up?"
Chiaki turned an alarming shade of red and leapt to her feet as if burned, the Kitsune bowing her head and rapidly saying, "M-m-my apologies, I, um...forgot I was doing so?"
Bennia was far more open in her response, merely crossing her arms and snuggling into the Campione's chest, smirking as she announced, "Don't wanna."
"Bennia-san? Please get off the Godslayer's lap."
The Reaper turned to Momo, flashing a grin and asking, "Oh~? And how are you gonna make me do that?"
Momo didn't bat an eye.
"I'll tell our King that you've been painting her favorite chess set a different color every week while she's been gone."
Bennia was on her feet in record time, Bassaym fighting down the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Yeah...this place is definitely insane."
"Hey, Terrance-san, have you decided on whether you want to join any clubs or not?"
Bassaym gave Issei a questioning look as they left the student council room, Koneko and Kunou claiming the boy's arms as Lilith just bemusedly stared at the duo.
"What kind are offered here? I wouldn't mind taking a look around, now that you mention it."
The boy beamed, quickly explaining, "We've got all sorts! There's the kendo club, the chess club, the animal rescue club, the-"
*RING*
Issei's explanation was cut off as his phone rang, prompting him to give it a confused look as he glanced at the display-
"Oh crap! Koneko-chan, we're supposed to be at the ORC for initiation day! Sorry, Terrance-san, but we've gotta go!"
Bassaym just waved a hand, replying, "No worries, I'll just take a look around myself. Catch you later?"
"Heck yeah! I'll have Bennia-san send me your number later and we can hang out!"
Bassaym grinned, looking forward to the prospect of actual friendship-
"We'll compare our favorite pornos, decide on the best voice actress is-OW! Koneko-chan, why?!"
The Godslayer just sighed as the white-haired girl mercilessly twisted the boy's fingers with a pout on her face.
"And just why, exactly, did I expect anyone normal at this school?"
"Er, anyway! See you later, Terrance-san!"
With that the boy ran off, Koneko following in his wake...followed shortly afterwards by Kunou and Lilith, albeit the Dragon was moving at a far more sedate pace.
"K-Kunou?! W-wait up, I'm supposed to-"
"I'll be fine! You show Terrance-san around the different clubs!"
"EEEHH?!"
Bennia-from where she was lazily floating overhead in random orbits-snickered before playfully saying, "Eheh heh, looks like you get to show your crush around, Chiaki-chan~..."
The Kitsune promptly blushed crimson while Bassaym made a point of staring intently at a blank wall.
"B-Bennia-chan, don't be so crass! And it's my duty to watch over Kunou, so, er..."
Evidently losing her train of thought the girl fell silent, Bennia just watching with a knowing smirk.
"Well...I don't mind it if you go after your friend, Chiaki-san. It sounds like you have some kind of responsibility over her?"
Bennia-smelling an opportunity-floated downwards and draped herself over Bassaym's shoulders, smirking as she said, "Yeah, Chiaki-chan. You go run after your Princess, I'll show Campione-kun around the campus...maybe even that special spot behind the gym storage unit-"
"Y-you'll do no such thing!"
Chiaki inwardly smacked herself for being so bold and confrontational, quickly rallying with a cough to clear her throat.
"What I mean is, you-an established prankster-can't be trusted to give Bassaym-san a proper tour! I'll come along to ensure that he knows the correct version of events."
"Yes! That sounded good, right? Both professional and authoritative?"
Bennia had a different train of thought.
"She's SO transparent about wanting to get to know him."
Bassaym merely coughed-feeling a bit awkward-and somewhat sheepishly asked, "While I don't mind that at all...is it alright if I call you Chiaki-chan? It seems like both fate-and our peers-are intent on making sure we spend as much time as possible with each other..."
Had her ears been exposed, they would have been standing straight up in shock.
"T-t-that is perfectly alright with me, Bassaym-san! I-in return, may I call you Bassaym-kun?"
The Godslayer grinned, offering a hand as he replied, "I would be all too happy if you would, Chiaki-chan. And sorry about never asking you this earlier, but what's your last name?"
"Oh! It's Julieanne, Chiaki Julieanne."
She quickly put her tiny palm in Bassaym's own larger one, briefly indulging in the warm and pleasant sensation of the handshake.
"Is...is this flirting? Am I flirting?! N-no, of course not! This is just being normal and friendly!"
The two released their clasped hands while the Kitsune puffed out her smallish chest, happily stating, "Then follow me, Bassaym-kun! It would be my pleasure to show you around the school in greater detail!"
Chuckling, the Godslayer offered a dip of his head before replying, "Then I leave things to you, Chiaki-sama."
The girl brightly smiled at the friendly interaction, spun on her heel to begin the tour-
-and gave a yelp of panic as Bennia stuck out her foot, tripping her mid stride.
"Heh heh...thank me later, Chiaki-chan. This is sure to get Campione-kun's imagination and libido churning~!"
It was an accepted fact that the Kuoh academy female uniform had a dangerously short skirt. And it was an accepted-if hotly contested-fact that no matter how many complaints were brought before the administration the uniform never really changed.
It was this fact that afforded Bassaym a clear view of Chiaki's underwear as she fell flat on her face, sky-blue panties covering a shapely and cute butt before he blushed and averted his eyes.
"Yup. This place is insane."
…
"Oh well, at least crazy looks good. That's a view I'm not going to forget anytime soon."
It had taken Chiaki a few minutes to get over her unintentional flashing of Bassaym-and no shortage of violent pinching of a certain Grim Reaper's cheeks-before the trio had gotten underway.
"So what kind of clubs might you be interested in joining, Bassaym-kun?"
The Godking thoughtfully tapped his lips before replying, "Not sure. A lot of them sound interesting though. Are either of you in clubs, Bennia-chan, Chiaki-chan?"
The Grim Reaper gave a negligent wave of her hand as she continued to float through the air-Bassaym was assuming she was doing something to keep herself hidden, on account of the general lack of people gawking at her-and lazily said, "Nah, I'm more the one that goes around causing trouble for the clubs, if you know what I mean~!"
"Funnily enough, I do."
Chiaki puffed out a cheek and glared at petite girl, admonishing her with, "You know, Bennia-chan, if you would just put half the effort you do into pranking into your studies, you would be an ace student!"
"But then I would half the time I have to mess with people! That's no fun!"
"The fact that you're idea of fun is making other people miserable or inconveniencing them is hardly anything to bemoan the loss of!"
Bassaym chuckled and bemusedly asked, "I'm sensing some history here, have you two known each other for a while?"
The Kitsune sighed and dryly explained, "Just a few months, actually. My master attended the primer school for Kuoh and knew Hyoudou-san from past events. From there I became familiar with Gremory-san and Sitri-san's Peerages, including Bennia-chan."
The Reaper gave a Cheshire grin and began circling the other girl in playful orbits.
"And I was her first girlfriend for a few months~!"
Silence fell as Bassaym blinked at the two in surprise, Chiaki slowly turning a hitherto unknown shade of red that would have made strawberrys jealous.
"B-B-B-Bennia?! Y-you said that would be between us!"
The blue-haired girl cackled merrily and hugged herself, obviously milking the situation for all it was worth.
"Ahh, my poor, lonely Chiaki-chan...so serious, so loyal...so much so that she didn't want to confess to her master and cause a rift to form between them-"
Chiaki made a wild grab for Bennia and missed.
"-but in her darkest hour of confused adolescence, in swooped Bennia! And since Bennia was such a nice and 'friendly' Grim Reaper, she happily dated the cute little Chiaki and made sweet, tender-"
"NOOOO!"
With a herculean leap the Kitsune tackled the Reaper to the ground, one hand covering her mouth while she frantically looked around to the blankly staring Bassaym, unshed tears causing her eyes to water as she hysterically sobbed, "I-it was a phase, Bassaym-kun! Just a phase, I'm not a degenerate who went behind her master's back in a clandestine relationship!"
...Bennia took the opportunity to make a very clear, very explicit 'scissoring' motion with her hands and fingers, causing Chiaki to let loose one final whimper of resignation.
Bassaym had to take a moment to both process the heavily erotic image that the Reaper painted for him and then file it away for later 'perusal' before shaking his head, crouching next to a Kitsune that looked like she was on the verge of a breakdown.
Listening to his instincts-which as a Godslayer had never lead him astray-Bassaym reached out and gently rubbed Chiaki's head, right about where her ears would be if they were exposed.
To his relief, that action seemed to go a long way in causing the girl to relax a bit.
"Your secret is safe with me, Chiaki-chan. And trust me, I don't think any less of you for having feelings that may or may not have ended up being true or just the result of hormones. I'm not much older than you and I can vividly remember puberty...Hell, one could argue I'm still going through it. So no worries!"
A great deal of tension left the Kitsune's body at the 8th Campione's words, said Campione then looking at Bennia with no shortage of exasperation that felt oddly natural, considering the fact that they had met scant hours ago.
"And can you stop trying to give your friend a heart attack? Please?"
The Reaper rolled her eyes and muttered what sounded like 'Okkkkaaayyy'.
It was hard to tell, seeing as how Chiaki was still holding her mouth shut.
Nonetheless the violet-eyed girl got off the amber-eyed one, Bassaym asking, "So obviously the whole girlfriend thing didn't work out...but you still seem pretty close regardless."
Chiaki nodded, now appearing shy as she explained, "Well, I didn't really feel that way about Bennia-chan, at least not entirely, but she was really nice anyway and I could always talk to her, so..."
The Reaper jumped upwards and glomped the Yokai in an enormous hug, happily stating, "So we stayed the best of friends!"
Bassaym and Chiaki smiled-
"With benefits~!"
"YOU ARE THE ABSOLUTE WORST!"
"If she's in right now, I should be able to introduce you to probably one of the more 'normal' friends I have, Bassaym-kun...maybe the only normal one."
"I resent the implications of that!"
Bassaym chuckled and playfully nudged an indignant Bennia, stating, "It was less implied than it was boldly stated."
He received a few good-natured pokes in the ribs for that comment.
Politely knocking on the door of a shed that resided near the outskirts of the campus-which bordered what seemed to be a small park-Chiaki announced, "Miyo-chan! Are you in there?"
"Chiaki-chan? Come on in!"
At the soft voice that answered the Kitsune strolled inside, happy smile on her face as Bennia and Bassaym followed.
"Hi, Miyo-chan! Oh, are you the only one here right now?"
The newly named Miyo-chan turned around from where she was crouched on the floor, smiling up at the Kitsune before cheerily saying, "It's good to see you, Chiaki-chan, Bennia-chan...and who is this with you?"
Bassaym felt his eyes widen slightly as he beheld the girl before him. Long, pale-white hair styled into twintails while smooth, alabaster skin framed an extremely beautiful face, all soft features and gentle curves. But easily the most striking thing about the girl was her eyes, mismatched orbs of bright turquoise and soft yellow that positively sparkled with reflected light.
"Sweet Jesus, it really does seem to be the case that everyone on this campus is some kind of divine beauty. I better start putting an ice pack in my lunch or I'll have to walk over hunched most of the time..."
Snapping himself out of those thoughts, the 8th Campione suddenly realized the snow-haired girl was staring at him with a bit of suspicion and discomfort, her nose flaring slightly as if she was smelling him.
"Oh, this is Bassaym Terrance! He's a new 3rd year student and one of my, well...friends? Yes, he's a friend!"
Miyo didn't seem to hear her as she just warily edged away from the boy, eyes rapidly darting between her friends and the unfamiliar stranger that was giving off a bad vibe, much like a nervous cat would.
Bassaym was just starting to feel unwanted when Bennia seemed to catch why Miyo was being so quiet, snickering before telling the other girl, "You can relax, Miyo-chan~! Campione-kun here is a pretty swell guy!"
Mismatched eyes blinked, body stiffening up in sudden fright.
"C-Campione?! H-him?!"
Quietly sighing to himself as Chiaki winced at Miyo's obvious fright, Bassaym made to speak-
"Yup~! And get this, Chiaki-chan is super in love with him already! And he tried to hide it, but I totally saw him get all flustered and embarrassed when he saw her panties, so he feels the same way~!"
-and instead choked on air, an action reciprocated by the Kitsune in question.
Miyo just blinked in confusion, a great deal of her tension vanishing as she asked, "...Is that true?"
Chiaki regained her wits and shouted, "NO! I mean, it did happen, but that's not what happened!"
Bassaym was resigned to merely pinching the bridge of his nose, realizing that asking his newfound Grim Reaper friend to hold back on the innuendo and jokes was going to be like asking water to not be wet.
"Bennia-chan is just...being her usual self, Miyo-san. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of club do you run here?"
While still seeming somewhat tense, the girl nonetheless replied, "This is the Animal Rescue and Shelter club, Campione-sama. I mostly take care of animals that are either homeless before giving them to a proper shelter or nursing them back to health, if they are injured...there used to be four other members, but three graduated and one decided to not rejoin, so..."
Miyo's heterochromic eyes suddenly widened, her voice frantic and apologetic as she said, "O-oh, forgive my rambling, Campione-sama! I doubt you would be interested in such...a..."
Her words trailed off as Bassaym suddenly frowned, walking past the now wary girl with purpose in his stride.
"...Is there something wrong with this little guy?"
Chiaki and Bennia edged around Miyo so they could get a look at what had drawn the Godslayer's attention...and were met with the sight of him crouched over a small calico kitten, swaddled in blankets and cautiously watching all of them.
Nervously swallowing, Miyo quietly explained, "Y-yes, Campione-sama...he doesn't like to put pressure on his front right paw, but I haven't been able to figure out why, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it. Y-you need not concern yourself over such a trivial matter, Campione-sama, I imagine that...you..."
All three girl's eyes widened as Bassaym's aura seemed to...shift, for lack of a better word. And then, just because they weren't already transfixed enough, he began to make odd chuff noises as he gently placed a hand in front of the kitten, the small creature immediately focusing it's gaze on him.
For a few seconds nothing happened-
-and then the little being darted froward, sinking it's teeth into the Campione's finger and drawing blood, Miyo stiffened in panic as she fully expected the Godslayer to grow angry at the kitten...and was left flabbergasted as the young man merely smiled, creating a rumbling noise in his throat that sounded oddly similar to a purr, of all things, allowing the cat to continue it's hold on his digit.
A few more seconds passed in this manner, blood lightly trickling down the Godking's skin-
-and the kitten abruptly released it's hold, meowing softly before allowing Bassaym to gently pick it up and turn to a bewildered Miyo.
"He says he stepped on something sharp and it's still in his foot, likely why he won't put pressure on it. I'm paraphrasing, obviously, but that's the general gist of things. You have a pair of tweezers or something like that around here?"
While the white-haired girl desperately wanted to ask just how Bassaym knew that, she held her tongue and instead retrieved a pair of stainless-steel tweezers with startling swiftness, returning to the Campione's side within an eyeblink.
"C'mon, Little guy, girls love a brave man~!"
Miyo giggled as Bassaym carefully picked up the kitten's injured leg, holding it out for her as she carefully eyes the kitten's pads...and scowled as she had to squint, her eyes-while restricted to a Human's level as part of her act-were rather awful compared to what she was used to.
"You don't have to hide behind your disguise, Miyo-san, I'm aware that...quite a number of students here are of Supernatural origin."
Miyo only paused long enough to glance back at Bennia and Chiaki, the Reaper merely shrugging while the Kitsune let her ears and four tails spring outwards with obvious relief.
Following suit Miyo gave a brief shake of her body-as if working out a muscle kink-and a pair of snowy cat ears alongside two tails of the same color sprung outwards, her mismatched eyes narrowing into slits as she once more held out the pair of tweezers, far more sure in her movements than she was prior.
"Ahh, there it is...and with a little yank-"
Happily holding up the instruments with a light purr in her throat and a swish of her tails Miyo cheerfully announced, "Splinter removed! The poor thing must have steeped on a piece of rotted or broken wood..."
She deposited the tool and offending debris on a nearby tray, Bennia and Chiaki kneeling down as Bassaym set the kitten on his feet, the rescue gingerly setting weight on it's paw and taking a few tentative steps, quickly walking normally as it rubbed it's body against Bassaym's ankles, purring loudly as it did so.
Chuckling at the action and gently scratching the critter under it's chin the Godslayer turned to an openly curious Miyo, who's ears were swiveling and twitching in his direction, as if to get a reading on him from as many angles as possible.
"That's way too cute for her own good."
Putting that thought aside the Devil King merely grinned and asked, "So, Yokai, I'm assuming? Nekomata?"
Feeling far more at ease than she was before Miyo jutted out a hip and placed her hand on it, one finger touching her chin in a faux contemplative gesture.
"Hmm...well you're close, Campione-sama~!"
Bassaym's eye twitched, quickly interjecting with, "Please, just Bassaym or Terrance is fine, I'm not sitting on a throne right now."
The Yokai easily nodded, replying, "Easy enough to do, Terrance-san. And I'm actually a Nekoshou, not a Nekomata."
"Nekoshou?"
Bennia glomped the catgirl in a hug and explained, "A Nekoshou is pretty much a super version of a Nekomata~! And that's not the only thing about Miyo-chan that's super, eh hehe~!"
Without missing a beat the Nekoshou slapped away Bennia's hands that had been crawling towards her decently sized bust, cocking her head in Bassaym's direction and asking, "If you don't mind me asking, Terrance-san...how did you know I was hiding my Yokai features? Just because there are many Supernatural people here didn't mean I was one of them. More importantly, how did you communicate so easily with that little one? As a Nekoshou I have something of a kinship with felines and he was being most uncooperative..."
Bassaym seemed to debate something for a moment before shrugging, replying, "One of my Authorities has to do with animals. I can 'talk' to them as if I were conversing with a Human as a side-effect. That's how I was able to tell you-and Chiaki-chan-were different from Humans, your animal side was easy to discern."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than Bassaym's eyes widened, frantically adding, "Er, sorry! That came out wrong, I didn't mean to imply that you were animals! I, er...words fail me?"
While Chiaki didn't seem upset in the slightest-as a matter of fact, both she and Bennia seemed amused at Bassaym's frantic apologies-Miyo was just staring blankly at the Godking...and abruptly fell into a fit of giggles, holding her sides as she haltingly said, "T-there's no need to-heh heh-apologize, Terrance-san! I don't think we took offense!"
She regained control of her mirth and met the Godslayer's gaze, ears twitching happily and tails waving leisurely.
"So why did you, Bennia-chan and Chiaki-chan show up? Not that I'm complaining, but isn't this a bit out of your way?"
Bassaym sat himself on the edge of a counter, casually replying, "Well I'm actually thinking of joining a club. I don't have any responsibilities outside of school and I'm living on my own, so I have time. Not to mention I like animals and it sounds like you need members, so...would you mind if I joined?"
Miyo blinked in shock, frantically replying, "E-ehh?! Y-you want to join, Terrance-san?!"
"Sure do. Are you alright with that?"
"O-of course! That would be fantastic!"
Lost in excitement Miyo eagerly wrapped Bassaym's arm in her own, unintentionally pressing her assets against his limb as she asked, "So will you be able to attend everyday after classes? Are there certain hours you're unavailable? Do you know anyone else that may want to join?"
Caught off guard by the deluge of questions Bassaym could only blink, also distracted by the two soft mounds enveloping his forearm and pulling his brain in two separate directions.
...He missed the way Chiaki briefly scowled at the interaction-more specifically, two interactions-and how her tails and ears bristled at the sight.
Naturally, Bennia didn't and immediately grinned as she saw an opportunity to create her own brand of mischief.
"Thank you again, Terrance-san! I look forward to seeing you the day after tomorrow! And good luck in your search for any other clubs...just so long as you don't forget that you signed up here first!"
Chuckling to himself the Campione leisurely waved, replying, "I won't, Miyo-san. Have a good day and take care."
The Nekoshou only slipped him a flirtatious wink as she skipped back inside the club room, Chiaki bristling-literally, as she still had her ears and tails exposed-at the interaction. Just because Miyo was her friend didn't give her permission to seduce her new friend right in front of her!
Deliberately raising the volume of her voice Chiaki stated, "So, Terrance-san, is there any other club you would like to visit? I mean, since you're obviously going to so friendly with everyone you meet?"
Immediately recognizing that he must have offended her-somehow-Bassaym quickly stated, "Are there perhaps any martial arts clubs? Sorry if this is cutting into your time, Chiaki-chan, I really do appreciate you showing me around."
The earnest reply caught the Kitsune off guard, her demeanor suddenly shy as she clasped her hands behind her back, eyes averted as she stammered out, "O-oh, i-it's no trouble at all, Bassaym-kun! And yes, there's a mixed martial arts club meeting just now a few buildings over. Let's go!"
Quickly grabbing his hand and yanking him forward the Kitsune moved forward at a rapid pace, eagerly explaining the layout of the campus as she went.
"...She's so easy", was Bennia's thought as she floated after them.
The sounds of an authoritative and domineering voice echoed throughout the dojo dedicated to the Mixed Martial Arts Club (or MMAC, as Chiaki had described to Bassaym), almost a dozen students sitting in a variety of positions as a young woman strode back-and-forth in front of them, raw energy and purpose in her motions.
"Some of you are beginners! Some of you are familiar with one art or another! Some of you may be masters! Allow me to disabuse you all of one notion that I no doubt believe you have! This club means business. In the changing rooms, in the sidelines, anywhere else in the campus! You may fraternize, chat, pursue whatever relationships you want! But in here? On this mat? You will give your all! I do not tolerate slackers, nor goofers, nor fools, nor lazy sacks of flesh! Am I understood?!"
"Yes, Ymmeri-san!"
Bassaym raised an eyebrow as he watched the initiation with rapt attention, admiring the way it's obvious leader drew the gathering's attention.
...It made sense, considering the Draconic nature she was exuding.
"Surprise surprise, another Supernatural student. I'm starting to wonder if they make up the majority in here..."
Or perhaps it was a simpler reason, said reason being that the girl was very beautiful.
Long, dark-violet hair that almost bordered on midnight coloration stood in stark contrast to her pale skin, red eyes that straddled the line between being crimson and maroon while a bountiful chest that almost matched Ephemera's strained against her uniform.
She was quite eye-catching...and if the way Chiaki was slightly huddled behind the Godslayer, also rather terrifying.
"That's Ymmeri-san. She's the daughter of one of Dragon King Tannin's closest advisers and a full-blown Black Dragon who learned to take Human form at the young age of fifteen."
Chiaki carefully peeked around Bassaym's back.
"...And she's also really scary..."
Bassaym thoughtfully hummed as he watched the woman stride to-and-fro, wrapping up her speech as she did so.
"I can see that. Those eyes of hers are certainly nothing to sneeze at..."
Upon walking into the dojo as Ymmeri had been delivering her 'welcoming' delivery, they'd been treated to a glance from the young woman who then proceeded as if nothing at all had occurred.
...At least, that was what an outsider would have thought. In the moment their eyes had met, Bassaym had been treated to the prospect of facing down a Dragon that had just taken a very intense interest in him, Ymmeri's eyes flashing with what one could only call predatory glee.
"Never a dull moment, it seems..."
"That will be all for now. Return in two days time and be prepared for a grueling appraisal of your skills...or lack thereof."
With that the gathering was dismissed, all but two other students-a wild looking boy and disinterested girl-scurried out of the building, Ymmeri watching them for a second before boldly proclaiming, "Well, Cazador? Are you going to merely watch from afar or speak to me in person?"
Even as he felt Chiaki nervously gulp and try to huddle even further behind him, Bassaym couldn't help but smile.
"Well well well, seems my reputation-and nickname-precedes me.This should be interesting..."
Leisurely walking forward with a friendly smile on his face, Chiaki quietly following in his wake-Bennia having disappeared sometime when the two weren't looking-the duo approached Ymmeri, the two other students who had stayed behind startling at his sudden approach and obviously not as composed around a Godking as the Drake was.
Obediently taking his place between the two strangers, Ymmeri took a moment to stare down an unconcerned Bassaym, eventually announcing to the group, "Allow me to make one thing clear. I don't care who or what you are-"
She shot a significant glare at Bassaym, who merely winked back.
"-in this club, I make the rules. Ansel, as a werewolf I know you tend to respond to a pack leader. Try me, and I'll make sure you understand that I'm the Alpha here very thoroughly. Are we clear?"
While the boy's face twisted in displeasure he nonetheless growled back, "Crystal."
Turning her gaze to the girl, she warned, "Morael, as a Fallen Angel I know your kind tend to be ambitious and power hungry. I welcome that drive, but direct that energy towards challenging my authority and I'll clip those wings of yours faster than you can say your prayers."
The girl merely shrugged, blandly replying, "Of course."
Ymmeri turned her head towards Bassaym.
"And here we go."
The young woman took two deliberate steps towards the Campione, her height and proximity causing Bassaym to look up slightly in order to meet her gaze.
"Let's get one thing straight, Godking. I don't care what kind of power you think you wield, what titles have been bestowed upon you. You are not the leader of this club."
If she expected Bassaym to become angry or disagreeable, she was sorely disappointed as he merely nodded with a disarming smile. As a matter of fact, she seemed slightly thrown off her game as she awkwardly stood for a moment, eventually turning her gaze to a cowering Chiaki, dryly asking, "And you, Chiaki? Are you here to join, or merely as the Godslayer's attendant?"
Before Bassaym could interject the Kitsune hesitantly replied, "U-umm...attendant?"
Bassaym blinked in surprise at the answer while Ymmeri merely gave a dry exhalation.
"Well, I suppose he chose wisely in that regard..."
Chiaki blinked in open shock.
"Oh, erm...thank you?"
Ymmeri had already dismissed the Kitsune, telling her, "If you are not here to participate, kindly remove yourself from the floor."
"R-right!"
Hastily complying with the Drake's command Bassaym was left to shake his head in exasperation, Ymmeri announcing, "Now that the more mundane peers of ours have left...shall we start practice in earnest? I'm curious where you all lie along the martial spectrum."
A moment passed before a vicious smirk came to the girl's beautiful features.
"You, Campione. You'll go first."
Bassaym couldn't hep the smile that came to his face at the openly challenging tone.
"About time I got a little exercise in. Let's see if this girl is all talk or as good as she implies she is~."
The other three occupants of the dojo just gulped, noticing the charged atmosphere between the two, a single thought echoing through their minds.
"I hope the dojo is still standing once they're done..."
It's the end of another chapter in which two new charatcers were introduced.
You know what that means, right?
Time for y'all to go look up some hentai. I'm simultaneously testing your dedication to no-nut-November and making up for the fact that I have shit drawing talent.
For Miyo, on E-hentai look up [Skyfish poco] Konekone Koneko, and my idea of what Miyo looks like is the white-haired beauty, obviously.
For Ymmeri on Danbooru, use ID:1632808
Happy searches, and may you all resist the bad influence that is me.