Hope you enjoy the chapter, Readers!
Tourney Arena
"Really Issei?" Nawin stare blankly at the brown haired who's holding a large box of popcorn's same goes with Rias "You two are perfect for each other" he mutters turning to the side while Akeno who is sited beside him take a few bites of popcorn from Rias's box. "Say ahhh" Nawin turns back seeing Akeno holding a couple of popcorns in her hand "Akeno…" "Ahhhh" he sighs and open his mouth allowing her feed him "There tasty and sweet your favorite".
Nawin chew and glance at her curious "How did you know that?" "I know of your secret sweet tooth Nawin-kun" she grins making him blush a bit "Oh ho! The ever stoic Makasha has a sweet tooth aye!" Issei chuckle with Rias and Akeno giggling.
Nawin cross his arms staring at the battlefield to see bloods are already splattered on the dirt ground and wooden walls from the previous battles. "NOW FOR THE MAIN EVENT! THE CHALLENGER ELISE THE BLOODY WILL FACE AGAINST BRONWEN ESCALO THE THIRD SEAT OF DIVISION NINE!" The announcer shouts causing the crowds to erupt in exciting cheers for the most anticipating match on the card.
"Elise the Bloody quite the name… wonder what she did to earn the title bloody?" Issei questions "It can either be because of her fighting style or reputations" Rias replies taking a few popcorns "It's sounds like a bloody good name aye Nawin!" Issei jest.
The Makasha gives Issei the blankest stare possible hearing his ridiculous British accent while the two girls just sweat drop "Issei… you really are mildly retorted aren't you?" Nawin respond making the girls burst in giggles while Issei whole body twitches "Fine, I deserve that now that I think about what I just said" he retreats his previous comment in a cool way.
"Bronwen Escalo interesting names they have here" Akeno comments out "Onii-sama did say this place devil is different in somewhere compare to us. I already catch their accents is much fancier and old compare to ours which is more relatable to the human's" Rias replies "Also Shigemi has older age style architecture compare to Vesarima. Looking at the buildings it feels like we're in an old medieval fantasy kingdom or something" Issei utter looking at the distance seeing couple of small villages spread on the clean color filled land.
Nawin looks at the civilian's clothes style seeing it having rich designs that is far from simplistic compare to the human world or even Vesarima 'I guess only the richest are present here or just can afford to come here… a lot of them sure wears rich almost Victorian style clothes'. "When is this main event going to start?" Issei groan already bored making Rias pets his shoulder "They probably got some delays, so stop complaining it will begin in a few".
Nawin sighs leaning back on the wooden chair "Should have brought a manga or a book… Rias you got any?" he asks turning to the crimson haired who shakes her head "Sadly no since we left in such a hurry I didn't have time to pack much" Nawin sighs hearing the answer and turn to the battleground 'Hope these two are more entertaining than that letdown Cain…'.
To the right Nawin notice something catching his attention and it's a large platform floating at the end of the arena with four golden knights guarding at all end directions and at the center shows two thrones underneath a rich design shade cloth roof and sited on them are two individuals 'That must be the queen… though not sure about the other woman' and not to surprise by the Makasha, he sees Emyr standing beside the two woman's, looking down at the battlefield with a calm expression 'Mhm'.
"I wonder why they would allow someone new who just graduate from the academy to go up against a third seat soldiers… if you ask me it seems a bit extreme" Rias utter out looking at the fighting card showing some information about the two individual "Mhm, say that to your brother putting Issei against one of the strongest pawn in the world and me against Sairaorg" Nawin shoot back.
Rias rub the back of her head while sticking her tongue out cutely "Look at the bright side though, you and Sairaorg pulled out a match of the year contender" Nawin raise an eyebrow "Oh we did?" "Yep! Lots of people love the match and it's considered one of the best and chaotic match the judges have ever seen" Rias inform happily.
"And hey we did pass our match" Issei respond "I didn't saw your match and being honest I find it hard to believe you could actually beaten Beowulf back then… my guess is that he let his guard down and went easy on you which led to his defeat" Nawin replies making Issei gets up and glare at him "What! You think I couldn't take him down?!".
"Issei calm down your drawing attention" Rias orders making the brown haired sighs sitting back down. Nawin glance at the Hyoudou "Issei don't get the wrong idea, but back then you were weak and still couldn't control your power… it's hard to believe a novice like you could take down an experience and powerful pawn such as Beowulf" "Well I'm sorry that I'm not a prodigy such as yourself Nawin" Issei replies sarcastically.
Akeno sighs deciding to the join the conversation "Issei you know as well as us that the win you got from Beowulf was a fluke. He either underestimated you or went easy because of Sirzech-sama orders" she said making Issei look at her with surprise, but they can see in his eyes that he also agrees.
"Beowolf is known as one of strongest pawn in the underworld… a person at that caliber losing to a new devil like you, it's very hard to believe though if you went against him now then there's a chance you could defeat him, but back then… no way" Nawin state making Isssei look at him surprise and a bit happy 'He actually believe that I could defeat someone like Beowulf…'.
Rias smile and poke Issei's nose making him turn to her "All better?" She asks teasingly making him blush turning to the side "Yeah" he replies in a cool way making her giggle "You're adorable as always Issei" she kiss his cheek before turning back to the battleground while Issei blush take a handful of popcorn and gobbles it down.
"You know I think Rias might be the dominate one in that relationship" Nawin whispers to Akeno who laugh softly hearing that and turn to him smiling "I say you may be right Nawin-kun" she giggles laying her head on his shoulder making him smile wrapping an arm around her.
"NOW TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT TO BEGINNN!" The announcer shouts "YEAHHH!" "GO BLOODY YOU BETTER WIN!" "LIKE HELL! MY MONEY IS ON THE THIRD SEAT!" different comments explode from the loud crowds. "NOW FIRST SHOWING IS THE THIRD SEAT OF DIVISION NINE… BRONWEN ESCALO!".
Half of the crowd cheers as a figure walk in the arena from the gate showing a young handsome man with slender and fairly muscular body, average height with quite a melancholic appearance. The man has a fairly short silky black hair, pale white skin, grey eyes with small slit-shape pupils, his facial expression is void of any emotions and it seems like it rarely changes. He wears a long white jacket that looks like it's been made with a special flexible materiel instead of a usually heavy leather like, the design of the jacket has two coattails below and a high collar, behind a jacket shows an interesting design of nine black shape diamonds going from up all the way down, since he keeps the jacket zip means he doesn't wear anything beneath that and for below he wears a long loose black shorts with black combat boots that is cover with silver metal armor.
"Oh he's so handsome" "Yeah he's dreamy" Nawin sighs hearing these comments coming from gushing teen girls who are seated with their families. "AND THE CHALLANGER ELISE THE BLOODYYY!" "YEAHH GO GET HIM GIRL!" "I'M BETTING MY MONEY ON YOUR SWEET CHEEKS!". 'Oh' Nawin raise an eyebrow seeing a breathtaking beautiful teen girl walking out from the shadows.
The girl has long dark brown hair that is tied into a pony tail with long bangs falling down from the sides of her shapely face with a long bang falling down to her nose, soft tan skin, fierce maroon color eyes, slender hourglass figure. She wears a long high collar red cape, tight white tank top with a metal breast plate covering her bust and the top of her back, on the right arm she wears a two-piece armor one is on her hand that goes up to the elbow while the other is on the shoulder that goes down above the elbow, the glove have spiky hand design making it look like a dragon's claw.
On the left arm she wears a silver arm warmers and white finger-less glove, for the bottom she wears a long silver light leg-plate armor that goes all the way up to her knees where there's a red short skirt with a thick leather belt wrap around to keep it in place.
"Damn she looks hot" Issei comments making the three nod "I'll say this… she does look badass and have a great sense of style" Nawin says looking at the girl who's looking at her opponent with anticipation. "THE BATTLE RULES IS SIMPLE THE FIRST TO BE KNOCK OUT OR FORCE THEIR OPPONENT TO SURRENDER WILL WIN… NOW… READYY!... FIGHTTTT!" the announcer shoots a pistol signaling the battle has begun.
The whole arena goes quiet looking at the two individual closely. "I must win this!" Elise announce holding a crimson scabbard that's straps around the belt and pulls out a rather plain looking short broad sword. "What in the world..." "Is she actually going against Bronwen with that pathetic plain sword?" "The girls asking for a death wish… hope the Queen won't get mad".
Nawin glance behind at all the whispers and comments before turning back to the match seeing the determine girl holding the sword tightly and slowly getting into her stance. "Well… are we starting?" Bronwen comments impassively. Elise charge toward the black haired and swings the sword making the other lift his hand up ready to block it, but suddenly Elise disappear and reappear on top of him striking her sword down.
Bronwen in a blink of an eye redirect his hand upwards and grabs the brown haired wrist surprising her along with the crowd seeing his speed. "The results will still be the same Elise, but I guess no matter how many times I say this an imbecile like you won't get it" he comments throwing Elise to the ground "Uh!" she rolls back and send her left hand down to push it up making her backflip landing on feet.
Elise eyes narrow looking at the stoic Bronwen 'I need to find a way to get through his defense even though he's in a normal stance I can clearly see his defense are well up… like always'. Elise smirk and hold her sword up pointing at the third seat "You call me an imbecilic Bronwen… I don't know what's your problem and why you've distance this much, but I will get your respect maybe then you will start acting normal" she said making the other raise an eyebrow "You always expect everything to be so simple and easy like it can be handed to you in a silver plate" he retorts.
"Hmm" Elise turn serious "If I have to start all over again to earn your respect then, so be it I've train my hardest to finally unlock this and it's going to help me show you and everyone just how powerful I really am!" Bronwen pupils widen a slight bit hearing that.
"… Scream Blood Queen!" Elise command making the sword glow bight crimson and start to change shape. When the glow dies down it shows a sleek medium size sword, the hilt grip has a gentle black and red wrapping while at the end it bends backwards, with a pommel shape overlap two times and there's a crimson crystal dangling from its base. The guard is shape like a V covering three inches of the blade, with blood splatter design and at the base of the guards there is a long red string wrap around the hilt. The blade is straight, colored black with a crimson edge.
"Whao! How did a normal sword change into that weird looking one?" Issei question with surprise "Yeah and I can sense powerful magic aura around the blade compare to the previous one which had none" Rias comment. Nawin pupil's narrow examining the sword closely 'Almost similar to Cain's when he tried to attack me with those gloves that appeared out of nowhere'.
"Well… seems like an imbecile like you can reach that level… but the question is can you control it?" Bronwen question impassively. "Uhm" Elise gets to her stance seeing fade green aura surrounding the man. "Blood… Slash!" Elise swings her sword firing a destructive crimson energy blast that flows out of the blade. Everyone in the crowd are completely glued at the battle and see Bronwen lift his right hands while the left is still resting in the pocket.
The crowd either gasp in shock or grins seeing Bronwen stopping the energy blast with only his right hands. "Tsk" Elise click her teeth seeing this before firing another one that speed straight to the first one making it blend with each other causing the blast size to expend.
Bronwen eyebrow twitch slightly feeling himself sliding back. 'I got it!' Elise smirk and fires another one that slam into the main one making it even more bigger "Um" Bronwen eyes widen and bring his other hand out to try and push the violent blast back.
"Wide open!" a voice erupts from behind making Bronwen turn to see Elise standing there with the blade pouring in crimson magic "Blood…" she smirks making the black haired eyes widen "Slash" Elise fires a large energy blast that hits full force to the Escalo's back and clash with the other blast in front causing a massive crimson explosion.
The wooden arena shook, the dirt ground creak, the birds flies out from the pine trees from the sonic boom the explosion created, while the audience stares at the cloud of smoke swirling in the middle of the battleground with shock and awe. "Damn is he still alive after that?" Issei question wide eyed at the sudden massive explosion "Likely" Nawin respond making the three turn to him "That Bronwen... he's very powerful being able to stop that kind of magic blast with just using his hands".
"You have grown much stronger since the last we battled… I have to say that was impressive" a stoic voice ring around the arena as the smoke cloud suddenly swirl and dissipate showing Bronwen standing in the same position with the front of his jacket being cut all the way showing his lean-build body which was barely damaged.
"No way" Elise utter in complete shock seeing only a light cut scratch on the black haired chest that goes down to his stomach. Bronwen look at her unfazed from the attack "My turn" he states making the girl go on full defense. Bronwen take one step forward and disappears leaving a static noise "Kau!" Elise cough up feeling a winding impact on her stomach "You're slow" she looks up seeing Bronwen looking down at her blankly.
Bronwen brought his hand back making the brown haired falls to the ground shocking the whole audience. "You're still weak… nothing has change and it never will" Bronwen mutter with disappoint dripping in his stoic tone.
The third seat turn and begin making way out of the arena. "That's harsh" Issei comments hearing the Escalo words "Feel sad for the girl… she looks like she really wanted to prove to him and every one here of her skills" Rias said sadly looking at the unconscious girl with pity "I guess even third seats are powerful though I hope the girl can face herself after this hard to admit, but an embarrassing defeat" Akeno state with sympathy toward the girl.
"AND THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH BRONWEN ESCA- WHAT?!" The announcer gasps in shock making everyone turn and is met with wide eyes seeing Elise slowly getting up, using the sword as support. Bronwen stop and slowly turn seeing Elise on her feet again looking at him with fire of determination in her eyes "I-I'm not going down t-that easily!" she exclaims letting go of her stomach and gets back in stance.
"Mhm" Nawin leans back on the chair examining the brown haired girl closely 'Interesting…'. Bronwen let out a deep sigh "You are like a fly not knowing when to get lost, but you can be crush easily" green aura slowly forms around the black haired while crimson aura explodes around the brown haired.
Elise suddenly grin making Bronwen raise an eyebrow "What are you smiling about Elise?" "Nothing… just this!" suddenly beneath Bronwen the ground glows crimson making him look down "Fooled you!" Elise speed forward and deliver a surprise clothesline knocking the black haired to the ground.
"I'm not done!" Elise yell stopping and jumps back, over Bronwen and swipe the sword making the blade glow crimson and launches a condense magic that form into a tangible blood crimson net. Bronwen eyes widen feeling the net fall down on him and sticks at the end of each sides restricting him to the ground.
Elise kneel down at the right end and stabs the net with the tip of her blade "Blood Fire… Eruption" with those words leaving her mouth. The blade from the sword suddenly glow crimson creating fire orbs along the outside length of the net from both ends. When the orbs finally reach Bronwen the crowd are met and felt a devastating fire explosion that shoots up to the clouds.
"Holy shit!" Issei shouts, but nobody could hear him as the explosion noise booms around the arena with everyone looking at the flames with awe while some starts to sweat from the heat. "My, my, she sure has grown a lot for the past few months" Emyr glance back hearing the Queen soft spoken words that have happiness clear in that comment "Yes… she has gotten much stronger and was able to achieve this all by herself" he responds before turning back to the battle.
"Huh… Huh… Huh" Elise take a couple of large breaths while resting at the far end of the arena. "Damn t-that took a-a lot out of me" she mutters leaning against the stone wall while looking at the flame slowly raining back down to the ground causing it to burn the dirt though luckily none of it reached the crowd.
'She's done for' Tairex suddenly state with a bored tone causing the Makasha to raise an eyebrow 'Well that was clear from the very beginning… though she did show some potential' 'Were you planning on recruiting her Nawin-kun?' Sairex questions 'Perhaps… but she doesn't have what I need, though she may be a good recruit for Issei, but that depends entirely on his decision and if he has the eyes to see a good talent'.
Elise stab the sword to the ground and slowly slid up the wall to stand on her feet "Come on Elise" she mutters to herself and use all her strength to stand up still, before taking the sword out from the ground and slowly walk toward the depleting smoke.
"That all?" a familiar voice rings around the arena shocking Elise and the crowd, suddenly green outline can be seen inside the smoke before a violent wind explode inside of it causing the dust and smoke to blow away showing Bronwen standing up with hands in the pocket while the jacket has been completely destroyed leaving his upper half expose causing lots of ladies and the girls from the crowd squeals or blush.
Elise is completely shock seeing only some bruises and small burn marks is shown on the Escalo's torso and back 'T-that's it?... something isn't right! That last attack should have burnt his whole body, but he only receives a pathetic small burn marks! What is going on?!'.
Bronwen grab his right shoulder and move his head to the left to crack his neck "If you're done, then it's my turn" he state calmly causing Elise to go on full offense. "This single move will put you to the ground" Bronwen state bringing his right up and points the index finger at her.
A green orb form on the tip of Bronwen's fingertip making Elise along with all the knights and Emyr eyes widen 'What is he thinking of releasing that here?!' the captain thinks ready to stop the battle. Elise curse and quickly throw her sword to the air and when it falls down to her view, she kicks it at the pummel sending the sword straight toward the Escalo at accelerating speed.
Bronwen pause and dispel the blast to swipe the sword to the right direction causing it to go straight toward the crowds. "Nawin!" Issei, Rias, and Akeno shout out seeing the sword speeding toward the Makasha who eyes slowly widen. Emyr lean forward ready to speed toward the black haired, but he along with everyone is met with astonish seeing dozens of shadow weapons appear in front of Nawin, blocking Elise sword causing it to fall down which he caught.
Nawin sighs dispelling the shadow weapons and feeling the whole arena eyes are now on him 'Great… I just revealed one of my main abilities' 'It's better showing that then the alternative Nawin-kun and you know it' Sairex reply calmly while taking a sip of green tea from the mindscape.
Emyr eyes flash with interest seeing the Makasha standing up, holding Elise sword tightly in his right hand 'You just keep getting more and more intriguing… Nawin'. "You should watch where you deflecting… Bronwen" Nawin state with clear displeasure before throwing the sword back to Elise who jumps up catching the sharp weapon just in time before landing down on her bottom.
Bronwen eyes narrow not please by taking insults from anyone especially from an outsider. Nawin take a sit back down and glance at Elise 'Really kid?' 'Mhm just trying to make things a bit more interesting… plus I don't mind seeing the Escalo receiving some cuts'.
Elise gets back up and grabs a hold of the sword handle causing a large surge of magic coursing through her body "W-what?!" she mutters surprise feeling her magic stamina has increase back to almost full.
Bronwen immediately turn to Elise feeling her magic increased back 'Impossible…' he notes before glancing at the Makasha seeing a smirk form on his lips 'So… an outsider decided to help the imbecile'.
Elise gets to stance as crimson aura start pouring from the blade and surrounds her "Awaken" Bronwen eyes shoot up full hearing that word along with the Queen and Emyr who immediately disappear "Blo-" Elise is stop when Emyr appear in front gripping her right wrist tightly "Elise… I say that's enough" he states smiling down at the girl who look up surprise before turning angry and yells at the captain "What?! I'm not even done yet!".
"I say you are… you have showed me and everyone here just how powerful you are just look around" Emyr said making the girl turn to see the crowds cheering for her "Well done Elise!" "That was sure one hell of a battle" "You are amazing!" "You make a fine princess!". Emyr turn back to her "You have proven yourself fitting to be my new third seat… so you don't need to use that around here understand?" he states with slight seriousness making Elise nod hesitantly still not very pleased at how the battle has ended.
Emyr turn to the Escalo and smile "Good battle Bronwen… I can see why your captain praises you so much, I'm honestly surprise why you haven't been made a lieutenant yet" Bronwen glance blankly at the captain "He has his reasons… if that is all captain I'll be on my way" with that said the black haired disappear in high-speed leaving a static noise.
Emyr sighs rubbing his forehead "Didn't even bother shaking your hand to end the battle in a positive note" Elise tap the sword handle making it glow in crimson and reverts back to a plain looking short broad sword "Why do you guys never get along?" Emyr ask turning to the brown haired who shrugs sheathing her sword to its beautiful crimson leather design scabbard.
"You two used to be best friends back in the academy days" Elise click her teeth turning to the side "I don't know ok!" she shouts back making the captain look at her with worry "Sorry… but like I said I don't know ever since he's been promoted to the third seat and I've been adopted by her majesty, things have gone downhill for us" she replies calmly.
"Sir you can't enter the arena!" The two turn to see the guards stopping Nawin and the others from entering the battleground. Nawin sighs not in the mood to deal with annoyance "Get lost" The two guards are suddenly sent flying back crashing to the other side of the arena wall causing them to slid down the wall unconscious.
"Emyr I'm done waiting around, create an audience with the Queen, so we can finally discuss with her about our task" Nawin stop in front of the captain who raise an eyebrow a bit surprise by the sudden request. Rias walk in front of the group and bows "Sorry about Nawin sudden request, but we've been here almost half a day and would like to begin the search for the creature soon" she said respectively.
Emyr smile "I see, don't worry I can understand why Nawin is getting annoyed since I have been dragging the meeting with the queen for a bit too long, but don't worry. I spoke to her majesty earlier and have fresh news to give" he informs. "What news Sir Emyr?" Akeno ask tilting her head. The Captain passes four special invitations to Rias who takes it and examine "We've been invited to have dinner with her majesty?!" she reads out surprise.
"Yes, so for the rest of the evening you can spend exploring around Shigemi and get something more suitable to wear for tonight's dinner" Emyr advise "Also behind the invitation there's a map leading to the Queen's Castle or as we all call it Grand Castle where the Queen and her family lives".
Nawin notice the strange floating platform has left 'Great…' "I see, well it will be an honor having dinner with the Queen and her family" Rias replies with gratitude. Elise look at the group confuse "May I ask who are you four and what's your business here in Shigemi?".
"Is our arrival that secretive Emyr? Seems like no one here is informed a single thing about us" Nawin ask getting annoyed with the same question they've been getting from people. "Only us captains are aware of your arrival Nawin and the reason behind this is probably because if words got out that the Queen has request help from outsiders the noble families will start an uproar which her majesty doesn't feel like dealing with" Emyr answers calmly.
"Does the Nobles have something against devil's from Vesarima?" Akeno questions "It's nothing personal like that it's more like the sake of their overgrown pride… the nobles fund their resources and gold to all the Division's, so if they see outsider's doing a task that should be given to the division" Emyr respond.
"I guess that make sense, I would be quite angry having someone I don't know doing a task that my group would be able to handle, but I'm guessing they are too stubborn to see why the Queen needs our help correct?" Rias cut in making the blue haired nod.
"What exactly are you guy's specialties that will help us in catching the Nightwalker?" Elise ask curiously crossing her arms "I'm the leader of this group Rias Gremory nice to meet you also almost forgot to say this, but that was an impressive match you had" Rias smile bringing her hand up which Elise takes and shakes, smiling with gratitude "Nice to meet you Rias and I'm glad you enjoyed it".
"I'm Issei Hyoudou I guess you can say I'm more of the brawler of the group" Issei said rubbing his head while grinning sheepishly making Elise giggle "I see". Akeno smile "I'm Akeno Himejima a second commend of this group and specialize in lighting magic" "Pleasure meeting you Akeno" the two shake hands.
Everyone turn to Nawin seeing him a few meters away from the group and is looking up the sky with a serious expression plastered on his face "Nawin" Akeno calls out making him turn to them "Yes?" "Introduce yourself to Elise" Rias said a bit confuse wondering what's going through the Makasha mind. Nawin walk back and shake the brown haired hands "Pleasure meeting you and good battle you put up… names Nawin Makasha" he said simply making Elise nod normally and smile.
"With the introductions out of the way, I will need to head out now with Elise since she's now the new third seat for my division I will need to show her the barracks and meet the other members" Emyr state making everyone turn to him while the brown haired nod "I see… well then I guess we will start exploring the grand castle" Rias said "Um you can't just explore the Grand Castle Rias it's very guarded and a handful people have free passage to it" Elise replies sweat dropping making the Gremory blinks.
Emyr chuckle softly "I think you mean our capital city that surrounds the Grand Castle. It has a name Rias… Lilios" he informs making her nod "Oh I see Lilios… nice name and with it being a capital the in Shigemi I'm positive there will be lots of shops and Inn's for us to look at?" she questions "Don't worry there's plenty of that and you still have plenty of time before the dinner, so go enjoy yourselves and explore… now we must move I'll see you all later" Emyr and Elise leaves the now empty arena.
"So what now Rias?" Issei ask casually with arms behind his head "I guess we should first book into an Inn and take a short rest then we should find some tailor shop that sells clothes suited for tonight's dinner with the Queen" Rias replies making the brown haired grins "Hehe Rias you really are incredible already having everything laid out for us to do… you make a great leader" he compliment making her look at him surprise and blushes "T-thanks Issei".
Akeno turn to the Makasha "Nawin-kun do you like the plan?" she asks seeing him looking back up the skies "Hmm… yeah it's fine seems like Rias got everything figured out" he said casually not really listening making her look at him a bit confuse. "Well let's head back to our horses and make way to Lilios!" Rias said energetically making Issei pump his fist in the air "Yeah let's move!" Akeno giggles "Ufufu aren't you two just full of energy!" Nawin glance at the three before looking down at the hydra seal.
Shigemi: One of the Main Roads
"Well… this is some disturbing sight" Hana blocks her noise and take a deep breath of the rich smell on her green short-legged kimono instead of the blood stench coming from two mutilated corpses in front of her. "Hmm, so the creature must have killed them when they were passing through this deep forest… perfect place for an ambush and there won't be any witnesses" Hana looks to the right end seeing a bright light shining at the exit from the deep forest.
"Poor sods they stood no chance at all… looks like the creature attack them from behind and sliced their heads off like butter" Hana examine the bloody corpse closely seeing the head laying inside the carriage while the body is laid on a bloody grass. "Why would the creature just attack civilians randomly? It must have an agenda or these two were just at the wrong place at the wrong time".
"Gark!" Hana hears a teeth cringing shriek explode above the forest "Oh great there must be a harpy nest nearby, this blood stench would get their attention". Suddenly three harpies shot down the leaves from above and proceed to attack the hydra.
"Really?" Hana comment blankly before softly blows her lips causing a narrow stream of green flame envelope the whole harpies making it shrieks in pain and falls to the ground leaving nothing but a burn corpse "Idiots you are way below the food chain to me" Hana state looking at the ugly face woman's with long black hair in a large brown feathered bird body with freakishly large claws on their feet's, long wings, and there's a long feather tail shooting out from their tail bone.
Hana rub her hair and slid it down making it flow down to the back gently "There's next to no clue here… the creature didn't bother feasting on them, it's more like a hit and run situation" she sighs looking around the road hoping to find some kind of trace or clues.
"Graa for Satan sake!" Hana in frustration slash one of the trees down with her sharp claw "I swear when Master find that creature I'm going to eat it up" she mutters before taking a deep breath. "Hmm?" Hana look through her palm seeing dried blood stain on one of the tree trunks.
"Well looks like I do have a trail to follow" Hana kneel down examining the stain closely and see it leads all the way up to the tree's branch "So it must have travel through branches… Huh the cretin just made things much easier for me" Hana smirk and jumps up the trees then proceeds to follow the trail stain.
Time Skip
"Interesting…" Hana notes looking at the dark cave sticking out on a small land in the middle of a large clean lake "Looks like one of those sacred lakes that no one knows" she jumps down landing on the grassy land.
"Well with the lake being this clean and pure I doubt there will be any topielec or other creature looming in the bottom" Hana notes taking a slow step to the water "Ah, what a comfortable water to walk on compare to the familiar forest ones, probably because those were always filled with those damn topielec" she mutters then proceeds to walk slowly on the water.
Hana jumps out of the water and walk forward the rocky entrance "Well, well, well, looks like I just found my trail again" she stops in front of the cave and spot some blood stain at the right side of the dart stone wall. "Damn it's sure dark in there" Hana blinks and lean forward inside the cave seeing it complete pitch black making her sighs "Well one of the benefit of being a hydra is that you can see in the dark" Hana's red eyes glow brightly as she proceeds entering the dark cave.
Water drips down from the spiky ceiling falling down to the cold hard stone ground. The chilling air softly breeze fast Hana who shivers and pulls the Kimono arm sleeve fully down covering her whole arms. "Shit" Hana curse making a cold cloud flow out from her mouth. It seems the further the hydra step into the cave the colder it gets.
Suddenly a harsh cold breeze blast past Hana making her stop and lift a right hand up to block the cold from her face "T-that's too cold!" after the breeze stop Hana take a deep breath and blows a fire stream around her making the temperature immediately increase up. The green haired release a happy sigh "Much better… goodness why is this cave so cold" she fires another flame stream forward showing a dead end making her blinks "What? That's it!".
Hana fires another flame up top allowing her to look at the surroundings, which only shows rocky walls and small pond filled with cold water and some dead fishes. "No…" Hana's slit pupils narrow and quickly turn behind and is met with a gigantic dark figure stuck on the wall looking down at her with its glowing crimson eyes.
"RAAAARW!" The creature let out an earth shattering roar sending the hydra flying back smashing into the rock wall causing some of the spikes from above to fall down. Hana throw a right hook making the rubbles explodes out allowing herself to be set free "Cheap shot" Hana looks up seeing the creature climbing through the upper wall heading the exit "Like I'll let you escape!".
Hana runs toward the creature and jumps up delivering a drop kick hitting the creature right at the back sending it flying out of the cave and crash at the lake. "Ha!" Hana jumps up from the cave and take a large deep breath "Flame bomb!" she shouts releasing a gigantic fire ball down at the water.
Hana slowly lands on the edge of the land, when suddenly a large hand with long black claws grab her face. Hana face was fully covered, so she was unable to see what the creature appearance looks like, then she felt herself flying up and is thrown down to the ground with such force that the impact creates a massive crater causing the land critters to scatter away.
When the dirt smoke clears it shows a groaning Hana laying in the crater in an uncomfortable position "Uhhh" she moans in pain which turn into a scream when a fist is slam down to her stomach "GAHH!". Hana felt a barrage of hard fists pummeling down her body. "BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM," the land shake with every punch delivered "RAAAARW!" the unknown creature roars and for the final blow slams both its hand to the hydra making the whole small land crumble to the lake with Hana on it.
The lake ripples as the crumble land slowly descend down underwater while in the middle of all the crumble earth and trees show a heavily bruise Hana who shakily open her eyes to see the blue light shining down 'N-need to get out of h-here!'.
Hana tries to move her bruise body, every inches she move the pain worsen 'Need to move!' she grabs a half cut tree branch and dig her nails onto it crutching back before shooting herself up. A large splash explodes from the water showing Hana flying up before crashing to a tree and hangs on the branch which snaps causing her to crash to the ground.
Hana cough out some water and lean back on a tree trunk "Shit…" she cusses seeing the creature is long gone "Lost it… damn it was fast" Hana grips her heavily bruise stomach wincing in pain "Strong too, but I wonder why it didn't want to get the job done".
Hana look forward seeing some fallen trees "It was in a hurry… so it didn't want to risk me finding out what it looks like, huh" she smirks slowly leaning up against the tree and stands on her feet "It will take lots more than a simple barrage of punches to kill me...".
Hana looks at the ring her master gave which she wore in the ring finger "Master…" she whispers causing the white diamond on the ring to glow brightly as golden aura start pouring out from it and flows around her body. After a minute Hana looks down seeing all the bruises are healed.
"… I'm sorry master, but I will make it up by completing this mission and bring you the monsters head" Hana clench her right hand tightly looking at the ring before turning forward at the broken trees "You're not getting away from me beast!" Hana take one step forward and disappear in green blur.
Lilios: At The Entrance
"Ugh!" Akeno along with Rias and Issei are startled seeing Nawin suddenly gripping his head tightly. The Makasha quickly move his right hand up making the three unable to see his glowing golden eyes. 'Hana…' 'Huh so the hydra used it… she must have gotten into a tough fight' Tairex comment dully.
"Nawin-kun!" Akeno was about to get off the horse and help, but the Makasha raise his left hand up stopping her "No… it's fine Akeno don't worry just a sudden headache" he lifts his head up and turn behind giving her a smile with his eyes already turned back too normal.
"Are you sure? You sounded really hurt Nawin" Rias question with worry tone "Yes I'm fine it's just I've been pushing myself too much lately" he replies and look forward "You can drop it after all we're here" hearing that make the three turn forward seeing a large concrete gateway that's is place in front of a beautiful white bridge build of a sleek, but tough material with the railing built in pure gold.
"How rich is this place!... looks like everything is made of gold" Issei exclaim as the four ride their horses through the bridge with some guards nodding and welcoming them in warmly. "I can see why Vesarima needed resources from here, looks like Shigemi people have plenty for themselves" Nawin comment.
"Wait why is this area so rich looking unlike the area we just passed?" Issei ask turning behind seeing a grim looking small town that is built in the bottom. "I think that's the poor district… no that's too harsh it's more like the normal district where devils who aren't rich or poor lives" Nawin replies before Akeno continue "I'm sure you notice the houses there aren't built in these type of rich materiel or even look the part".
Issei nods "Yeah it was more simplistic like wood and sturdy plain concretes though there was a boat port" "Well the richer and royal family lives in the higher hill here, so there can't be a port build that's why it's built on the ground where the peasant lives… I did spot some expensive looking ship which must belong to the riches up here" Akeno respond.
"Explain why we have to cross a lot of brides to get here" Issei said looking up to see the tallest building in the center of all the rich houses and markets is the Grand castle looking like it's been built by gold and hard orange tiles acting as the roof which seems to glow in bright white for a few second making him blink 'Huh?'.
Nawin stop the horse seeing heavily armored and armed guards stopping them making him get off the horse "What is your business here lad?" one of them ask "We're the Queen guest here's the invitation for proof" Nawin hands it to the guard "We're going to be staying in one of the inn's here for a couple of days".
"Hmm" the guard examine the invitation closely then look at the Makasha "I see well then you may enter, but don't go causing any trouble understand lad?" Nawin nod taking the invitation placing it in his jacket pocket before getting back on the horse "We're here to solve problem not cause it" he responds passing the tall gateway that is heavily defended with archers on top keeping an eye on them.
"First we should find an Inn" Rias suggest looking around "I'm sure there will be some good one's in the heart of Lilios" Nawin replies. "What a lively place" Issei utter with intrigue seeing lots of kids wearing fancy dresses running around laughing, painters drawing couples or the beautiful sunset, shops having merchant advertising their newest equipment.
"Vesarima is way more populated compare to here though not as beauty… not even in the same league" Issei comment looking at the beautiful building designs "You've only been in one district at Vesarima Issei, so really you only have explored five percent of what is to shown there" Rias informs "Oh, so there's a side in Vesarima like this?" he ask a bit surprise "Well, it's kind of similar to here, the district we visited for the spa was at the bottom where all the normal devil's lives, you haven't really explored the location where my family lives… it may not hold a beauty like Shigemi, but it's much cleaner and richer compare to the other districts" "Oh I see".
Nawin sighs rubbing his tired eyes "Nawin-kun are you alright?" Akeno his current state "Yeah… just need some sleep hopefully I can get some after finding an inn" he replies. "Hmm, look like lady luck is on our side… look there" Rias point to the right making the three turn to see a written Inn sign "That… looks way more welcoming compare to the other district inn's" Issei comment.
"I don't care what it looks like, if it has a bed I'm all for it" Nawin stop the horse in front of the Inn and place the straps around a pole "We will need to buy some food for these guy's" Akeno smiles petting the beautiful creature making it softly purr "Yeah they will be in our care until we complete the nightwalker task" Rias said petting her horse.
While the girls were busy petting the horses, Nawin and Issei enters the Inn to be greeted with a candle lit lobby room that have couple of couches spread around each ends and a big bar at the right with some business dress devil drinking, then there's a long staircase leading up to where the rooms are at "Refreshing scent" Issei comment breathing in the wonderful smell "Good evening gentleman's" A cute blond girl who looks like to be an early teen greeted them at the reception desk.
"Thanks for the warm welcome, so we like to book two sweets room please" Nawin gets straight to the point leaning his elbow on the desk looking at the girl intensely making her blush a bit "Um of course just for the two of you?" "No we have our girlfriends outside" Issei inform making the girl nod "Ok… um how long are you four planning to stay?" she asks "Around four days" Nawin replies making her nod looking down at the booking list to see the available rooms "That would cost you around four thousand gold" "What!" Issei exclaim at the crazy amount of gold.
Nawin raise an eyebrow 'What is this London price?' "May I ask why it cost, so much" he ask the girl kindly "Well the sweets are 500 per night sir, it's the highest and riches room we have" "It comes with an added bonus such as free room service, free breakfast, free laundry cleaning?" Issei question "Yes all of that and a free spar!" she adds in happily.
'Just seduce her brat' Tairex said smirking the whole time 'Back off Tairex, I'm not in the mood'. Nawin sighs and place his right hand above the wooden desk and in a blink of an eye a pouch full of gold coins appear surprising the girl and Issei "There that should pay for everything" he states.
The girl nods taking the pouch and begin counting the coins "Do you always have that much money Nawin?" Issei ask curious making the other glance at him "My family is very wealthy even though we don't look like it. My mother likes to live a normal and doesn't really spend the pile of money's she has, so she gave a wealthy amount to me and some to my little sisters".
"Man your father is lucky to have her! She got the looks, cooking skill, personality, and wealth" Issei said a bit dreamily making Nawin turn to him giving a dark glare "If you ever fantasize about my mother then I will send an electric current to your head powerful enough to make your eyes and brain explode" Issei immediately shiver and backs away "N-no I-I would n-never" "Mhm good".
"Ok Mister can I have your name sign here same goes for you" The girl passes the two sheets of paper which Nawin and Issei signed "And that is all your room number is 101 and 102 also here's your keys" she places the keys down at the desk and collect the papers "Thank you" the two replies taking the keys.
"Issei go get the girls while I go find our room" Nawin advise making the other nod "Sure". The Makasha makes his way up the stairs and when reaching to the end is greeted with sign "Left to the sweets… alright" he takes a left turn to see couple of doors "Mhm these doors are well spread out from each other's, must be missives rooms the sweet".
The further Nawin walk down the hallway the darker it gets and quickly he notices something causing him to stop and looks at his hands seeing dark aura creeping from the shadows and flow around the fingers of his hands "Weird" he mutters clenching his hand making the aura swirl around it smoothly "My power… it's rising back up again".
The shadows around the hallway start forming into dragons that stare at the Makasha with its glowing red eyes. Nawin shake his head residing all the dark, shadow aura back to him "So… that's the reason why I'm so weak here". Nawin turn to the right seeing the door numbered 101 and beside it at the right is 102 "Right at the end of the hallway" he comments putting the key in and twist it.
"Nawin-kun!" a voice ring about the hallway making Nawin turn to see Akeno stopping beside him "Did you seriously paid 4000 gold for this room!" she asks in stern tone "That's a bit too much Nawin" Rias stop beside, crossing her arms "In Vesarima you could booked one of the most popular and famous Inn for a lower prized".
Nawin raise an eyebrow pushing the door open making the three turn and gasp seeing how humongous and spacious the room is, the decor is rich fashion, the living room have large space with couple of comfortable looking sofa and chairs with dining tables that fits for whole family place outside the large kitchen, golden chandelier place above the living room, and there's an spectacular view at the end of the living room which instead of concrete is made of pure glass showing a lengthy view of Shigemi colorful land and the lower district.
"I say this was worth the price" Nawin comments a bit surprise himself by the exquisite room. Akeno walks in with Issei and Rias doing the same, but the two are stop by Nawin blocking the doorway giving them a stern look "You two have your own rooms, so go there" he states then shuts the door at their faces.
Akeno burst in giggles seeing that "Ufufuf, Nawin-kun that was so mean" "Mhm, it's been a long trip getting here, need some quietness and not annoyance already dealt with that for the past few days" he said taking off his boots and falls down on one of the couches "Oh why didn't you kicked me out?" Akeno ask leaning at the side of the couch smiling down at him "Hmm, you're an exception" Nawin respond calmly and poke Akeno's noise making her giggle "I'm glad".
Akeno peck the Makasha lips and leans back up to take a look at the view "Never thought a place like this would exist… such beauty this land holds" she mumbles with slight fascination. "I'm guessing you're one of those girls who once have a dream about being saved by their prince charming in a wonderland like this?" Nawin utter out making her turn to see him getting comfortable at the couch eyes close.
"A lot of us girls would have one of those dream when their young" Akeno hold her cheek fondly remembering how she and Rias would read fantasy books and dream about being in those world and story. Akeno shake her head and smile "But I already found my prince charming" Nawin open his right eye to look at her with amusement "Oh really… being honest I don't really see myself as prince charming, I don't really have that stunning look, you would see in the movies".
"You may not be my prince charming" Akeno stop beside the Makasha and sits herself down on him straddling on his hips, leaning down near his face "But you are my dark prince" she states sexually with a slight twisted smirk. Nawin raise an eyebrow at this behavior and start seeing the obsession side of the Himejima creeping out a bit 'Her personality has change a bit after returning from Azazel's training… she's definitely have a tougher and more violent persona compare to before'.
Akeno slowly bring her hands on Nawin's face and hold it softly "Hmm" she hums leans down right in front of the Makasha face and licks her lip. Nawin notice the raven haired eyes glowing bright yellow, before slamming her lips to his with passion and aggression.
Nawin deepens the kiss and push the raven haired back making her squeak and quickly smirk seeing her on the bottom and the Makasha on top who smirk back at her "I'm the dominate one here Akeno" he said and bites her neck causing a loud moan to ring around the room.
Nawin eyes glow red and lock it with Akeno's yellow ones "Mhm" he smirks and kiss her one more time before pulling back "Now's not the time and" suddenly a knock came from the door. "Huh" Akeno sighs before sending a dark look to the door causing Nawin to chuckle as he stands up "Don't blow up the door Akeno remember we aren't here to cause trouble" he said "Yeah I know Nawin-kun it's just…" "Yes I know" he smiles lightly then walks to the door.
The person knocks again "Yes, yes, we heard it the first time" Nawin call out with annoyance walking toward the door and opens showing the girl from reception who immediately blushes causing Nawin to raise an eyebrow and look down to see the shirt is cut wide open showing his lean build body.
Nawin eyebrow twitches and glance back at Akeno seeing her giggle sending him a seductive smile 'Sneaky girl'. Nawin turn back to the blond "Is there something you need Miss?" he asks causing her nod "Y-yes I just received a mail from division five knights" she pass the envelope to him "They said I need to give it to you urgently" "I see… thank you" Nawin smile making the girl nod and leaves.
Nawin sighs closing the door "Emyr sent you a letter?" Akeno ask "Yeah wonder what it could be now" he respond opening the envelope and unfold the letter. "Mhm" Akeno tilt her head seeing the Makasha reading the latter twice "Something wrong?" "No it's just our dinner with the Queen will be around nine at the night, so he just wanted to warn us about the thugs that comes out at those times" Nawin replies crushing the latter and throws it up making it burst in red flames.
Akeno yawns stretching her arms up "Sleepy?" Nawin ask taking his jacket and shirt off "Not sleepy just a bit tired from that long journey" she replies rubbing her eyes. Nawin nod tossing the clothes to the king size bed "What are you doing?" Akeno ask tilting her head to the side "We're gonna go out soon to get you three clothes for tonight".
Nawin walk to the sparking clean bathroom "I don't need to get one like you three. Grandma bought me my own suit for these special occasion". Akeno sees bright light shine from the bathroom making her sit up curious then it quickly changes to surprise seeing Nawin walk out wearing a black suit, there is a special custom made design like a higher collar and red skull button design which is kept open, showing a dark blue button shirt, black long pants and black oxford shoes with red soles.
"Oh my, Nawin-kun… you look stunning" Akeno comment with a slight blush making the him chuckle "Thanks Akeno glad you like it". Suddenly a loud knock boom from the door "Hey you two it's time to go out! It's almost seven!" Issei voice ring from the outside. Akeno stands up "Well I guess it's time to move" she comment making the Makasha nod.
Time Skip
"So only you girls need to get dresses I see" Issei grins as the four are currently walking down a quiet street trying to find some tailor store "I'm surprise you actually packed the suit you wore for party we had after defeating Riser" Nawin comments looking at the Hyoudou wearing a brown and white suit.
"I just saw it and thought it was a good idea to packed it" Issei reply dusting the jacket "Being honest I'm glad I didn't bring any of my elegant clothes since it gives me an excuse to buy some new ones" Rias grin looking around trying to spot some tailor shop.
"You do have the money for that" Nawin comment blankly making Issei also turn to him "So, do you Nawin" "Mhm your dating her Issei, I'm positive when you marry her the Gremory wealth will pass down to you" Nawin shoot back making the two suddenly blush at the word marry. Akeno giggle seeing this "Oh I hope I be your maid of honor Rias" she comments making the crimson haired grin at her gleefully "Of course I would like no one else, but you to be my maid of honor Akeno" the two girls hug each other before speeding forward to find a tailor shop.
"Yeah Nawin do you want to be my best man in the wedding" Issei ask with a devilry grin which he seems to be getting from Rias mischief personality. "Hell no" Nawin reply simply making cloud of depression rain down on the Hyoudou. "Oh I see!" Issei shake his head and point at the Makasha with fire in his eyes "You are acting like a protected brother to Rias!" he accuses.
Nawin turn to Issei giving him a weird look "I honestly wonder what goes through that brain of yours sometimes" "Admit it!" the brown haired shouts. Nawin sighs "Fine what about this" he starts catching Issei attention "If you beat me in the battle we promise to have… then I'll be your best man at the wedding".
Issei expression turn surprise hearing that before it quickly turns into a smirk "Fine… I'm not planning on thinking that kind of future yet with her until I know it will be a safe future, that is rid of Akumi's, Khaos Brigade, and Sayomi" Nawin smile hearing that "Seems like you're not so ignorant anymore" "I know the dangers that's lurking in the shadows Nawin… even an idiot like me would notice it" Issei replies being unusually serious.
"All of the group knows, but we all enjoy our time together as much as possible and don't let it affect us, it gives us strength… being together and fighting by each other sides like family is what keeps us strong!" Issei exclaim making Nawin eyes widen a bit before a small smile grace his lip. "Keep believing in that Issei… no matter what" he replies before turning around and resume walking trying to catch up with the girls while Issei grins, following beside.
Next Chapter: Meeting the Queen