Here's the latest chapter! Hope you all enjoy it! ^.^
In a dark, chilling hallway with arch top windows build in rolls around the walls, separated by a few meters from each other, creating space for torches to be staked in the middle. A very dim light shines in from the windows, and displays a view of the outside, showing a deserted, dark land that's glowing in shady pink from the red sun glowing up at the purple skies. A quiet and soft footstep echoes around the hallway, a silhouette figure can be seen walking through the hallway. The person reaches one of the windows and the dim light shines on them to reveal it to be Kuroka.
"Kuroka," a familiar, cold voice comes from the shadows and cause the Nekoshou to stop in her footstep. She slowly turns to the right to see Vali leaning beside the window, his arms crossed, and his eyes closed. He opens his eyes to look directly at her "Explain to me why I got that kind of report from Arthur" he orders, his gaze sharpen and cuts right to Kuroka's gold orbs. Kuroka didn't back down and hold her ground, her eyes sharpen, and her slit pupils narrow dangerously.
"Did he give you the details on what Cao Cao was about to do?" Kuroka question in direct tone and receive no answers from Vali "I thought so, since he didn't witness it and just saw me strike him. Cao Cao was about to brain washed Nawin Makasha… I took that drastic action because if I was even a few seconds late, it would have been trouble." Vali's expression didn't change but, in his eyes, the glare lesson and it dims to understanding "I see…" "Glad we are on the same page" Kuroka reply with a hint of sarcasm and continue marching forward.
Vali's gaze follows her, and opens his mouth "Why are you meeting her?" "… She requested me" Kuroka reply without stopping and continue to the large concrete door at the end of the hallway. Kuroka place her right hand on the wooden handle and push it, opening the large door and enter the room.
The room within is a spacious one with few windows on the sides to lit up the room. The whole place is made of grey concrete and in the center of the room holds a large meeting table made of marble and six chairs occupied each side, they are also made of marble. At the front end of the table built a throne of clear and polish stone. The design was simple but at the same time powerful, saying that only the strongest is worthy of being sited on it. It is build on a higher layer, so the person is sited above the rest of the individual at the table, showing their superiority.
Kuroka's eyes slowly move to the right and sees a small figure standing in front of a window, staring on at the view that the deserted and dark land has to offer. Dragons from young to old can be seen souring around the skies. Some rested on the mountains while others blaze over near the ground to hunt for food. The light slowly moves to reveal Ophis standing there in her young child-like form, arms cross behind her back and the same emotionless expression plastered on her face, seemingly to rarely changed, same goes with her silver eyes that's devoid of any emotion. Those eyes slowly move to glance at the Nekoshou.
Kuroka drops to one knee and bow her head down to show the sign of respect. "Rizevim informed me that the mission was a success" Ophis start and moves her sight back to the view "It should be since it was a collaborate effort… But, I've heard it didn't go as smoothly as it should have." "Nawin Makasha unexpectedly sent his peerage after us, Lady Ophis" Kuroka answers, her tone is straight forward and calm, losing the jest and carefree tone she would usually wore.
"And exactly how did he managed to know you three would be in Sirzech Lucifer's castle?" Ophis question and Kuroka faintly flinch, knowing where this is going and her heart start skipping a beat. "Tell me…" Ophis glance back at the Nekoshou "How did they found out about your groups whereabout" "… It was my fault" Kuroka admits "I had led them to us."
A booming thud echoes around the room the moments the Nekoshou's sentence is finished. Cold sweat form on Kuroka's forehead, her wide eyes look forward to see a massive dent made on the floor just a few inches away from her. She slowly turns to the right to see Ophis's piercing gaze sets on her and she feel her heartbeats even faster, the feeling of fear starts showing in her eyes.
Kuroka quickly bow her head back, unable to keep up with the gaze of the deity. "I don't care about the details, but because of your actions, you put the mission at risk… I should kill you" Ophis utters, even though her tone is so emotionless, there's power in them and the feeling of dread start crawling in Kuroka's heart. 'I won't die here' she utters to herself, gritting her teeth tightly and slowly start harnessing nature's mana.
A faint smirk makes way to Ophis's lip when sensing the Nekoshou drawing in nature's power. The deity finds great amusement that the SS-class criminal thinks she stood a chance to fight her. "But," Ophis speak, instantly drawing Kuroka's attention "I've heard that you stopped Cao Cao from using the True Longinus against Nawin Makasha… Is that a fact?" she questions, and it took a few seconds for Kuroka to reply, trying to calm her shivering body because of the tense air looming around the room "Yes…"
Ophis turn her gaze back to the window "Even though you put the mission in jeopardy, you've awarded yourself by stopping Cao Cao… You have completed and continue to do well with the personal mission that I've given to you. Because of that, I'll allow you to live another day, Kuroka" she said. The feeling of relief comes washing down the Nekoshou's body. Kuroka let out a huge mental sigh and her heartbeat slowly lessons.
Ophis glance back at the Nekoshou "If you make one more mistake then consider yourself dead. Leave" she orders. Kuroka bows her head and gets up, heading toward the door and quietly exits the room. A smirk form on Ophis's face "She's grown attached to Nawin… Just gives me more leveraged toward her" she utters and let out a quiet chuckle that echoes around the dim room.
Vesarima
With the triumphant victory that Vesarima had against the sudden invasion from the Khaos Brigade. With the return of their leader, Sirzech Lucifer who declared their victory. The people of Vesarima cheers in relief and happiness that the nightmare is finally over. Many of the military soldiers and guards help escorted the innocents from the shelter back to the Capital and the medics are on standby at the gates and center of the Capital to tend to the wounded. Asia was with the group stationed at the center and was a immense help for the medic, using her sacred gear to tend to the many wounded that were on a verge of death or suffered hideous wounds that would require serious surgery or long medical care to heal them. Koneko and Gasper stood as backup to help the blonde move or carry the wounded to her. The young Makasha was highly praised by the end and earn immense respect by the civilians and the medics.
Rias and Issei reunite and the two along with the rest of the party spread across the capital to search for the remaining Black Knights that were in hiding. They were able to eliminate a few dozens that where sneaking out of the Capital and captured some for interrogation.
Zeoticus and Rizel head to the Gremory estate to see that their wife and the rest are safe. When they arrived, they are dumbfounded when seeing the women just having a small tea party and laughing away, fighting over Yao Makasha's attention while Ravel just sited on the couch, sighing in boredom while reading a book. The poor Makasha quickly rush towards them and start questioning about her children's safety and fortunately the two men were able to relay good news.
While the war was near at its end. Yubelluna, ordered by her king to find Akeno was able to complete her task. After scouting for half an hour, she was surprise to find the Himejima passed out at the center of a massive crater, covered in bruises and cuts, but nothing fetal to in danger her life. Yubelluna quickly took the Himejima to the hospital to get assist and the nurse and doctor quickly takes her into a room, treating all the wounds and now she's currently resting.
Lucy and Lenna were helping the start of reconstruction in Vesarima. With the help of the Grasher's earth magic and the Makasha's fire magic, they were able to help the people speed up the process with fixing their houses or cleared the land filled with corpses and rubbish. The two also helped clearing the countless of corpses while Rias and the rest of the party joins in later to give more aid.
For Nawin Makasha, after passing out due to extreme exhaustion. Hana and Akame took him to the hospital there for rest. Akame speed to Asia and brought the worried blonde to her brother to heal him to the fullest, ridding of any injuries outside and inside. Luckily her healing magic was able to completely repair his lungs. Hana and Akame were surprise to found out that the mark wasn't able to completely heal the lungs, instead just heal it enough to keep the Makasha alive and breathing. The rest was left for Asia to fix. After healing her brother, Asia head back to help the rest of the wounded. Hana along with Akame has stuck by the Makasha side ever since, staying with him for the days to come, waiting for him to awake.
After announcing the victory to his people, Sirzech head back to the stadium and see Ajuka along with the rest of the leaders are set free. Michael and Gabriel wanted to offer help, but Sirzech decline it, stating that if his people start seeing Angels flying around it will just cause tension and stress, something the people doesn't need after the invasion. The Angels understood the reason. Michael heads back to heaven while Gabriel ask to stay for a day to see her godchildren. The beautiful woman visits the hospital at the same time that Lucy did and the two were able to spend some time together while watching over Nawin. Irina arrived at the hospital after ordered by her teacher and quickly rush to Nawin's side, grasping his hand and cries in relief, seeing him in good health after holding such bad feelings, worry for his safety.
After the Shidou calm down and gives Nawin a kiss on the cheek. An action that surprised the four girls in the room, Lucy, Gabriel, Hana, and Akame. The Angels depart back with Juro, who arrives by the room after regaining conscious and sensing his friend and superior were nearby.
After spending a day in the Capital and visiting his godson at the hospital, talking with Yao and Jonathan, who mysteriously appeared by the Gremory estate not long after Zeoticus and Rizel, raising some question from the nobles, but the blonde man kept quiet. Azazel bids farewell to Asia and Lucy before departing back to Grago with Kailo and Akari.
Grayfia quickly reported to Sirzech after thoroughly searching through the sacred vault to see for anything else that could have been stolen, but fortunately, Cao Cao sights was only set on the True Longinus and left the rest of the ancient and dangerous artifacts, tomes, weapons, and other items untouched. Sirzech didn't take the news lightly and is furious that he could have allowed such a dangerous weapon to fall back in Khaos Brigade's hands. The very first and most powerful Longinus to ever exist. Grayfia apologies sincerely at her failure, taking it very hard on herself, but Sirzech didn't blame her and said it isn't her fault, saying "We were played, Grayfia… You couldn't have foreseen this… None of us could."
Days past by and Rias along with the group continue to help with the reconstruction. The group would visit Nawin once a day, deciding to have lunch at the room and catching up with each other with their days. All of them were concern over the Makasha, most being Akeno, who woke up a day later and has been depressed for reasons that is unknown by the group. They can only hope when Nawin wakes up, it will cheer the Himejima, if anyone can quickly bring a smile back to Akeno's face, it would be her beloved. Yao and Jonathan decided to stay in Vesarima until their Son awakes from his slumber, so the family could return home as one.
As days continue to go, the tension left by the invasion slowly dissipate. The reconstruction goes on smoothly and with the help of the military, workers, and many other hands from the Four Great Villages that send their own workers to help by the order of their leaders, the Satans. Vesarima is quickly returning to normal along with its citizens mental state.
With peace slowly setting back to the Capital, the Old Council along with Nobles and the Civilian Clan Leaders decided to hold a meeting to discuss of the resent event. This news annoyed Sirzech to a very large degree, knowing just what's to come from the Old Council. Serafall is on the same boat, rather spend the time helping her people and home rather than go to the meeting. Ajuka outright ignored the invitation. Ever since he was set freed, he's been stuck in his lab for days, working on building the rest of the defense mechanism and upgrading it to best it can be, after hearing from Rias that it helped immensely during the invasion, he's been working hard on installing it to the rest of the gate. Falbium also ignored the invitation and return to his head office, taking commend of the military base and issuing commands to all his men to help with the reconstructing on Vesarima.
Summit Building
"This is so annoying" "… I know, but you'll have to endure it, Serafall." The two Satan walk up the hundred concrete stairs that leads to a building up top of a hill that is place right between the upper lands that where all the noble's estate is built. At the top of the hill holds a sizable building shape of a dome. It's made with cement and aluminum to add extra protection. The dome is perfectly around from back, right, and left while in front it is cut open and spread to a rectangle shape for the entrance. Large glass doors and mirror are built on the entrance, giving it quite a modern look compare to the rest of the building that the civilians have while hold different style from the noble's estate which looks grander.
"Where's Grayfia?" Serafall ask, reaching the top and look forward to the building "She's already there to set everything up and welcome the councils" "I see…" Serafall moves her sight to the Lucifer and sees in his eyes, troubled "Something wrong?" "Yeah…" Sirzech sigh and turn to his friend "In the letter they sent personally to me… The Old Council wanted Nawin to be intending this as well" he informs and the look of shock and alert form on Serafall's face.
"That's not good… Did they give a reason?" Serafall ask, crossing her arms and her expression turn concern "No, just ask for him to attend" "You've been doing your hardest to keep Nawin-kun away from them… It seems Lady Luck is on your side" Serafall state, moving her head to the left to take in the view of Vesarima "Nawin-kun is still bedridden" "Yeah," Sirzech massage his temple and take a glance at his home "Having Nawin in the same room as them would spell disaster…" "I bet the Old Bats are inwardly seething by Nawin-kun's words on them in the conference" Serafall can't help but let out a snigger "That boy got guts that most soldiers could only dream of having."
Sirzech gives a stern glance at the Leviathan "It's not a laughing matter, Serafall. That's the problem with Nawin… He isn't afraid to speak his mind and I do admire him for that, but he is speaking against the Old Council, not some outsiders" "I get your concern, Sirzech, but exactly what can the Old Bats do?" Serafall question, resting her right hand on her expose hip "After the invasion, and from what I've heard, Nawin-kun has just build his name and reputation to another level. The people see him as a hero and his popularity right now is unmatched. If the Old Bats does something without good reason, they'll just receive a public backlash."
Sirzech release a long sigh, seeing the Leviathan does have a lot of good points "I guess I've just been overthinking it too much" he admits and gets a light smack on the shoulder by Serafall, earning her a glare "Look at you!" Serafall tease and smile deviously "So worried over your cute Little Brother!" she sings and start jogging toward the entrance. Sirzech stood still for a few second before a chuckle erupts from his mouth and he turn to the entrance and start making way to the building.
Time Skip
Lots of murmurs and whispers echoes around the dim lit room. The only light source in the large and round room is the chandelier lit with candles hanging right at the center of the ceiling. There are two layers up of floors in the room. The first layer sits the nobles and the second highest layer sits the Old Council with the Civilian Clans Leaders joining them. There are four luxurious chairs made of high quality fabric and steel place at the center of the room, it's perfectly place at just the right position, so the people sited can look at all the individual in the room. Most are sited in the center and spread out enough to have their personal space, away from the stairs that leads to the higher layered floor.
Grayfia stood beside the large glass door with her eyes close and her hand rested on the front of the maid skirt, patiently waiting for her husband and Serafall to arrive. The murmurs dies down when echoes of footstep can be heard in the hallway, making everyone set their sight at the door. Grayfia opens her eyes and turn to the door, grabbing both handles and pulls them to show Sirzech and Serafall.
Three red eyes at the second layer, sited right at the center, narrows when seeing a third individual is missing among the Satans. Grayfia moves to the right to allow Sirzech and Serafall to enter the room. The two takes sit at the royal chair, the sides being kept empty, reminding of the two Satans not attending the meeting. Grayfia quietly shut the door and returns to her post beside the door.
Sirzech didn't miss the heated stare he got from the Old Councils from up top. The three are sited in middle and with the Satans sited at near center of the room, they are practically facing each other. "Welcome, all" Sirzech gives a formal greeting, getting comfortable in his sit, crossing his arms and sited back, clearly not hiding the fact he isn't fond of having this meeting. Same goes with Serafall, who have her right leg rest over the left while her head leans on her right arm that rested on the chair's armrest.
"Since some of us are still unnerved about the resent attacked…" Zeoticus speaks up, sited at the center of the noble's role with Rizel at his right while the rest of the nobles are sited back, hiding in the shadows. "Why don't we make this short and get to the point" he suggests "Yeah," Rizel cross his arms and turn his head to the side "Some of us still have lots to do after the recent event that transpired."
"Very well," one of the Old Council, sited in the middle speak, his rugged and deep voice fill the tense and quiet room. "Let's address the state of Vesarima, first of all… Clan heads" the man turns to the Civilian head clan members "How has the reconstruction been proceeding?" "With your generous donation of gold… We are able to rebuild our family homes and make it even better than before!" one of the man said in pleasant tone. Serafall almost wanted to scowl at the exchange, seeing right through it. "Indeed, our family and us owe you greatly for the help, Lord Jurin" a woman inserts, her tone loyal and passionate.
"Yes… Very nice for you all" Rizel speak up and turn his head to the right to look at the back of the Clan Leaders row that spoke up "How about you Clan heads donate some of those money to the peasants… Folks that actually needs them" he suggest and receive scowls and glares from some of the Clan Leaders. "We aren't here to argue… Like always" the Old council at the middle named Jurin raise his hand and interject before more words could be thrown in. He turns to look at Rizel, his piercing red eyes connects with the Phenex dark sapphire orbs "We will be offering help to the peasants, but they come afterwards" "You won't have to bother" Zeoticus speaks up, his eyes remain close while the rest turn to him "I've donated a large fortune to the peasants and my subjects are helping them with rebuilding their homes. You not need to bother your time with those lowly peasants as you liked to think of them… Council" he said with a faint of sarcasm hidden in his tone.
"How mighty kind of you, Lord Gremory" the member of the Old council at the right spoke, her silky and smooth voice holds a much more noticeable sarcasm in it, not hiding it like the Gremory did. "Shall we move on?" Sirzech suggest, wanting to get this over with and the last thing he wanted is the already tense room to have even more tension added. "I liked that" one of the Clan's Leader speak and turn their green eyes to Sirzech "We've heard news that the True Longinus has been stolen from the Sacred Vault… Is that a fact, Lord Lucifer?" "Regret to say that it is true" Sirzech answers directly "You let a powerful weapon such as the True Longinus to be taken!?" one of the other Clan member shouts out, not hiding his anger "How can you allow such a thing?!" "The enemy was able to sneak into my palace and stole the weapon" Sirzech reply, his composure didn't break and answers with calm tone.
"Your guards couldn't have stopped them?!" another one joins in, blasting the Lucifer. Sirzech slowly opens his eyes and stare back at the Clan Leaders with piercing and powerful gaze that freeze the two men cold "The group that snuck in conceived of a SS-class criminal, Kuroka, a descendant of King Arthur, Arthur Pendragon, and the Leader of the Hero Faction, Cao Cao… You think trained guards would be able to stop such a group?" he questions and receive silence from the two.
"Have you begun taking action on taking it back?" a Clan Leader ask and receive a nod "I've sent Hunter to follow the trails the Khaos Brigade army left behind. Until she's return we don't know where their base is located, but to just put it on notice now… The chance of us retaining the True Longinus are slim. The only reason I received it at first because Cao Cao was foolish enough to challenged me" "I see…"
"… You were off battling Rizevim Lucifer, correct?" Jurin question and whispers rings around the room, talking about the Former Satan. "Yes, I and Serafall kept him and his partner away from Vesarima for safety reason. If one of them where to have gone unhinged then it would have put Vesarima in great danger" Sirzech informs, keeping the part that Nawin helped him by teleporting Rizevim out of the Capital a secret. The Lucifer plans to not mention the Makasha to give hope that the Old Council won't bring him up either.
"So, you were stalling him?" Zeoticus ask his son "Yes, Rizevim wasn't planning to fight seriously… So as much I would have liked to end his life, it wasn't possible for that moment" Sirzech answers. "If you two are planning on having a battle to the death… It better be as far away from Vesarima as possible" Rizel comments "I agree with that completely" Sirzech reply "I and Rizevim will settle it in the future… I'll make sure of it."
Serafall inwardly frown when seeing the woman from the Old Council smirking at that claim, clearly showing she doesn't believe in Sirzech. She grits her teeth and just turn to the side, deciding to ignore it and withhold from throwing comments that will erupt in an argument. "With Vesarima still standing, you've done well, Sirzech" Jurin commends and Sirzech just nod as a response, really not caring for the man's praise.
"There's one thing I like to bring up!" one of the Clan Leader speak up, standing up and set her sight at Sirzech "While I was evacuating my Clan to shelter… We've witnessed a bloody Hydra appearing out of nowhere! Do you have any idea of that outrageous sight?!" she shouts. Sirzech inwardly grits his teeth while maintaining his calmness outside 'Looks like it can't be avoided' he utters and notice all the three Old Councils red eyes glows in knowing and set sight on him, waiting for an answer.
Serafall glance at her friend along with Grayfia, who opens her eyes to look at her husband, knowing he always tries his best to keep the young Makasha away from the Old Council's clutches. Sirzech release a sigh and takes a few second before answering "The person responsible for the Hydra's sudden appearance is Nawin Makasha" he answers and immediately gets a big reaction from the nobles and especially the Clans Leader.
"Nawin Makasha was able to tame a Hydra!" one of the noble comment, highly impressed "Amazing! The boy is really a prodigy!" a Clan Leader insert with pleasant tone "Still… That was reckless of him to bring out a Hydra" a stern voice from a noble man assert, silencing the others. Serafall snap her sight at the old man "Is that so? The boy slayed four fully grown dragon with the Hydra… Dragons that could have caused more devastation in the Capital… You ought to be thankful that we have an ally like him, noble" she retorts in sharp tone, successfully silencing the old man, who glares back at the Satan as a response.
"Speaking of Nawin Makasha" Jurin speaks, gaining everyone's attention "Where is the boy?" "We requested you to bring him here, Lord Lucifer" the woman adds in, smiling in an ominous manner. Sirzech looks up to the three "Along with summoning the Hydra, Nawin Makasha and his sister battled against the two descended of Lucifer. After that he head to my castle to try to stop the group led by Kuroka from taking the True Longinus… He passed out after they escaped and is currently still asleep in the hospital" he answers.
"I see… Seems like the boy is committed to serve Vesarima, his actions speak it" Jurin state "Even though he is disrespectful" the woman adds "Yeah, just because he is hold as a high regard, it doesn't mean he can pull a stunt like he did at the conference!" one of the Clan Leader speaks out with distaste "He honestly should be punished for that insult" a noble woman insert. "Punished?" Serafall speak up before Sirzech could "Punished the boy that helped you and your family to live for another day? What a petty reason for you to hold against the boy, because he simply spoke his mind" she snaps and the noble quickly and quietly backs off when feeling the powerful aura of the Leviathan aimed at her.
"Lady Leviathan is right" a Clan leaders speak up "Nawin Makasha, although he can be brash, he has done good for Vesarima and has helped with the invasion. We can ignore the little stunt he pulled in the conference" he speaks and some Clan Leaders nod in agreement along with some Nobles including Zeoticus and Rizel. "… I agree" Jurin said, surprising Sirzech, Serafall, and Grayfia "The boy has done good by Vesarima side… Even though he may dislike us and some people in this room for reasons unknown… The boy is a special one and has become a beacon to our people. We can let that stunt from the conference slide, but I suggest you warn him to not be too reckless because he won't get a pass next time, Lord Lucifer" "I'll relay that to him" Sirzech reply simply and stands up "Is that all?" he questions and receive a nod "That is all… The meeting is at its end. For now, let us all return to our duties to continue helping Vesarima and its people recover from the dreaded incident that Khaos Brigade has brought to us" Jurin announces and everyone, except the three Old Council stood up and nod. Sirzech was about to turn around and leave, but halt when Jurin's voice is heard "Lord Lucifer, this action from Khaos Brigade can't go unpunished. Immdaitely relay the results to us when Hunter returns from her mission" "… Understood."
Hospital
"We're back" Xenovia opens the door and quietly announce "Got lunch" Yuuto walks in, carrying two large bags that's filled with metal boxes that holds delicious foods prepared by the top chief in the Gremory estate. Xenovia enters and slide the door close before turning around to see all the Occult members are present along with Akame, Hana, and Lucy. "Thanks for retrieving lunch, Xenovia, Yuuto" Rias said with a greetful smile and accept the lunch box her Knight offers "No problem" Yuuto reply with his own smile and moves to the rest.
"Thanks" Issei takes his own box and heads to Rias, who's sited by the window and takes a sit beside her. Xenovia grabs a few lunch boxes from Yuuto and head to the bed. Sited near the sleeping Makasha is Akeno, who makes herself comfortable by siting on the bed, next to the Makasha while Akame and Hana has a chair pulled over and sited beside the bed. "Here you three" she passes the boxes and all of them take, uttering thanks.
Lucy, Asia, Koneko, Gasper, Kokoro, and Elise are sited on the large black carpet that's set-in front of the bed, chatting together in circle. Yuuto drops the bag at the middle of them and takes the remaining ones for himself and Xenovia. Xenovia pulls the two chairs forward that are set on the other side of the bed and takes a sit on it with Yuuto joining, passing the last lunch box to her "Thanks."
Everyone opens their lunch box and immediately dig in after a long day of helping around the Capital. "Uhhh, my back hurts" Lucy grunts, first to strike the conversation after a minute of silence "From lifting stuff?" Xenovia ask, taking a spoonful of pork curry rice in her mouth "Yeah" "I feel you, though it is a good workout" the knight reply, looking at the bright side "That is true, like lifting weights in the gym" Kokoro agrees.
"Well," Lucy place the spoon down and rub her left shoulder "I can't start gaining mass because that'll just messed up my fighting style that I've been building. Teacher Serafall trained me to be an agile fighter liked her, so my exercise involves lots of cardio, ropes, reflexes, and many more" "You've built a better physic compare to the first time I've seen you, Lucy-san" Yuuto compliment "Glad you've noticed! Makes me happy that the grueling training I went through paid off" Lucy reply with a grin.
"By the way," Kokoro bring the spoon out of her mouth and point it at Issei "Have you seen your Teacher, Issei?" "No, actually" the Hyoudou takes a sip of a cup of water and place it down on the table placed beside the window "I asked Sirzech-sama yesterday about her whereabout and he told me that he sent her out on a scouting mission. She's currently tracking where all the Khaos Brigade army came from" "Alone?" Asia ask "Hehehe," Issei chuckles "Don't worry, Asia-chan. After being trained by her, I know that Hunter-sensei is not a person who can be beaten down by just a regular army" he said with confidents.
"I've actually heard one of the guards mentioning that she singlehandedly took out three massive battalions at the South Gate" Elise informs in eager and many are surprise by the new information while Issei nod, not fazed by the news "Seems about right," "Seems like she's gained your respect and admiration, Issei-kun" Yuuto points out with an amusing smile "If you've seen her battle… You would as well, Blondie" Issei reply and continue to dig in his lunch while Yuuto finds that comment intrigue before taking a spoonful of fried pepper chicken in his mouth.
Rias stays silence as her friends exchanges conversation. She glances at Akeno, seeing her quietly eating from the lunchbox, her eyes just continue to occasionally glance at the sleeping Makasha. For the past days, Rias tried to get an answer out of the Himejima on why she's been acting so down, but all she got was a weak smile and was told 'Not to worry'. Rias finds it hard to believe that only Nawin is the result of this weird mood that Himejima has been in. Rias knows there's more and it had something to do with the person that she fought 'Yubelluna found her in a destroyed forest with no corpses around… She was fighting someone, and they must have fled. Whoever it was they must be powerful to leave Akeno laying there defeated' Rias thinks.
Rias turn to Hana and Akame, seeing them quietly eating their lunch while entertaining themselves with a book and phone. Book being for Akame and phone for Hana, who's looking to be playing a game on it. The two haven't really left the room since day one, leaving only to go take a shower at her family estate and eat there before returning here, staying by their King/Master sides. 'Nawin-kun may not be rushing to recruit more pieces in his peerage… With seeing these two, I have a feeling he looks deeply into the person's loyalty traits. Loyalty is what he most valued. Seeing those two for the past months, seeing how they follow Nawin-kun without an ounce of hesitation, seeing them ready to do anything to keep him safe. Hana and Akame's loyalty toward Nawin-kun is unquestionable.'
"By the way, Rias" Xenovia calls out, snapping the Gremory out of her thoughts and turn to the blue-haired Knight "Yes?" "Where was Sona and her group during the invasion?" "Oh," Rias grabs a napkin from the table and tap on her mouth to clean some rice stuck on her lip, before answering "She and her group were helping the Civilian Clans to a secret underground shelter outside of Vesarima. She wanted to come aid us in the Capital but with many Clan Leaders ordering for her help, not trusting the guards to be enough, she had to go along with it and guide all of them to safety" "Clan Leaders are able to order her around like that?" Issei ask "Kaichou told me she had too… The Clan Leaders will hold bad opinion on her and express them in one of the meeting they have once a mouth. She doesn't want to hurt her family or her own reputation" Lucy answers, not looking pleased by the Clan Leaders action towards her King, who she considers a close friend.
Yuuto finish his lunch and seal the lid back in "After all of this… I wouldn't mind having a normal life when we had back to Kuoh" he speaks, throwing the empty box back to the bag "Meh, I'm indifferent either way" Xenovia answers with a shrug "I'm with Yuuto" Kokoro place her empty lunch box down and start stretching her arms "I don't mind having a month of just normal life. Waking up, going to school, go to my fight club and train my students, head back home, hit the showers, and collapse to my bed" she informs to the amusement of others that are listening.
Rias let out a giggle and smile "I'm with you there, I need to catch up with all the new manga I've bought. Also, need to finally watch some anime that has caught my eyes that released last month" she said, sighing in dishearten while the rest look at her in highly amusement, finding it funny that the Gremory is taking those things so seriously. Issei chuckle and bump his shoulder with Rias "Don't worry, once Nawin wakes up we can head home, and we can watch all the anime you want" he promises and gets a bright smile from Rias "Sounds lovely!"
A sudden deep groan emits in the room that silence everyone, their eyes widen in realization and all snap their head to the bed to see Nawin's face twitching and slowly, his eyes opens to reveal the normal and warm brown orbs. Everyone held their breath, watching him slowly sits up. Akeno is the first to break out of the shock "Nawin-kun!" she cries out in relief and wrap her arms around the Makasha's neck, giving him a hug.
Nawin didn't react to the gesture, his eyes and expression shows he is still in a daze, not registering where he is at or the people in the room. A familiar smell of wisteria invades Nawin's senses and his eyes gradually glows in light. He brings his arms forward and wrap around the shaking Himejima's waist while resting his chin at her shoulder, a faint smile tug on his lip "Akeno…" he whispers and feel the Himejima hug tightens.
The group smile at the heartwarming reunion. Rias sees a joyful smile form on Akeno's face when hearing the Maksaha utters her name. She smiles to herself in relief, happy that her friend has finally snapped out of the depression state and its all thanks to Nawin 'You really are her world, Nawin-kun.'
"Akeno…" Nawin whispers, stroking her back affectionately "As much as I love your hugs… I'm utterly starving right now" he informs. Immediately, Lucy, Asia, Hana, and Akame push their lunch boxes forward to the Makasha "Here you go!". Nawin looks startled at the gesture while Rias, Akeno, Issei, and the rest start laughing.
A few minutes past, everyone has settled down and all just stare at Nawin wolfing down all the lunch boxes set in front and beside him. "Wow…" Kokoro utters "Not eating for a few days straight would make any person hungry!" Elise reply with a big grin "I haven't seen him eaten like this for a while" Lucy notes with a smile of reminisce "Please don't choke, Onii-chan" Asia begs.
Akeno grab a jug filled with water and pour it on a plastic cup. "Here, Nawin-kun" she speaks, offering the cup and Nawin takes it, immediately drinks it all and bring it down, sighing in pleasure "For lunch box foods… That was good" he states "The Chef from Gremory's family actually prepared it, Nawin-senpai" Xenovia informs "I see… That explains it."
Issei scratch his head and a look of realization pop on his expression "You know… This is like the third time now that after a big battle you come out of it passed out and spend days recovering compare to the rest of us" he points out "Wow… He's right" Yuuto assert "Yeah, Issei has point" Xenovia agrees. Nawin chews on a chicken and open his eyes to look at the Hyoudou "Perhaps I contribute to these big battles more than you?" he inserts "Really?" Issei gives a dull stare at his friend "Just woken up and you already start roasting me?" he ask and the rest giggle in humor "Then stop giving me an opening to do so" Nawin simply reply and pass the empty cup to Akeno, who takes it and place it on the table, beside the bed.
Nawin glance the at the left to look at his team "You two alright?" he asks with a warm smile. Hana pumps her chest and grin "We are doing great!" "Thanks to you" Akame adds. Nawin nod "You two done a good job" he said which made the girls smile "They informed us of what happened" Akeno speaks, making Nawin turn to her "My brother is currently in a meeting with the Councils discussing about the lost of True Longinus along with this invasion" Rias informs "How exactly did Sirzech acquired the True Longinus?" Nawin ask "Sadly I don't have an answer to that, you'll have to ask him yourself, Nawin-kun."
Nawin glance forward and see Koneko being quiet the whole time, seeing that she's in deep thought, wearing a faint sadden expression, and he knows exactly why 'I'll have to speak with her privately'. "Are you hurt anywhere, Onii-chan?" Asia ask, guided to the side of the bed by Lucy "No, I'm good Asia… Just tired" Nawin reply with a smile and brings both his hands down on both blonde's head and give them an affectionate ruffle. "You should be proud of Asia-chan, Nawin-kun" Akeno informs, catching boy's attention "She did something?" he asks and look at Asia to see a faint blush spread on her cheeks, clearly embarrass "She's been working tirelessly healing all the civilians and soldiers to full health. She singlehandedly helped the already thinned medic core to cure all the injured people in a day" Rias informs "I-it wasn't a big deal!" Asia speaks, wailing her arms around.
"Little Asia is so humble!" Elise comments with a giggle "Yeah, Asia-chan you were amazing! Many lives would have been lost if you weren't around" Issei inserts. Nawin moves his hand from Asia's head to her shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze "Well done Asia, you've done me proud" he said and the girl smile brightly. "Same goes with you, Lucy" Nawin turn to his other sister and gives her a affectionate flick in the forehead "You've grown very strong and without you by my side in the battle against Vali and his sister, I would have had a hard time… Keep getting stronger" he said and Lucy response with a grin and nod "Of course! I'm no where close to my full potential!" she exclaims.
Akeno along with the rest smile at the sibling's scene, just seeing how much the three loves each other and care for one another, it's a very heartwarming moment. Nawin leans back to rest on the bed and Akeno grasp his right hand, making him turn to her "Hmm?" "Aren't you going to ask how I've been?" she ask, "Oh no…" Nawin's eyes widen in knowing and turns to Rias "Was she depressed again?" "Very" almost everyone in the room reply. A bright blush form on Akeno's cheeks before she hangs her head down to hide from embarrassment.
Nawin shakes his head and let out a hearty chuckle before wrapping his arms around Akeno's waist and pulls her in "Come here," he speaks in loving tone and Akeno looks at him to be met with a kiss, surprising her before she quickly returns it and wrap her arms around the Makasha's neck. The two pulls back and smile "Better?" he asks "Yeah…" Akeno reply, grasping the Makasha's cheek with her right hand. The negatives thoughts and Raynare's words that's been plaguing in her mind is push away by the kiss and just the love shown on the Makasha's eyes when looking at her, it brings warmth and ease in the Himejima's heart and mind.
Issei cough to get rid of the sudden weirdness of everyone watching their friends kissing. He turns to his girlfriend "Rias, did you get the result on the star rating the judge gaves for the tournament matches?" he ask, "Oh right!" Rias beams and snap her finger to summon a scoresheet "Grayfia has given it to me this morning" she informs. "Oooh! Read out from top to bottom!" Lucy request, curious to see how well her matches faired.
Rias was about to announce until she spot Issei sneaking from the side to take a glance "No, Mister!" she pulls the sheet to her chest and takes a step to the side "Wait! Your match is first anyway" she said and Issei pouts, taking a sit back by the window. Rias giggles and scan the sheet while everyone looks at her, all mildly interested in the result.
"First Match is Issei vs Taiki… The match got 4 Stars" Rias announce and Issei pumps his right hand up "Hell yeah!" "Congratulations, Issei" Elise applauds "His last match was 3.5 stars, right?" Kokoro ask "Yes, so well done, Issei" Rias smile at her beloved "Hehehe, thanks." "Next match was Irina vs Akari… Hmm, it got 3.25 stars" she announces, "Why so low?" Xenovia ask, not too happy with her friends match scoring so low "It was a good match at the beginning" Issei adds "Probably because of the sudden brutality Akari shown and my interruption" Nawin speaks "That took a point or two down" "Nawin-kun is right, also 3.25 isn't bad, just slightly above average" Rias informs.
"Kailo vs Alis…" Rias pause for a few second when reading the last name before giving the result "Got 3 stars… A Mediocre match" "Lots of explosion and not really a lot of pure fighting" Kokoro shrugs "Make sensed" "I'm surprised they would rate the match considering what happened to Alis Bethen" Xenovia grimace "The judges only focus on the match, Xenovia… Not what happened next" Akeno inserts calmly.
Rias turn to the sheet to move forward "Next match was Lucy vs Lenna" she announce, and lots perk up, especially Lucy herself "… It got 4.25 stars… A contender for match of the year" "Wow! Congratulations, Onee-chan!" Asia exclaims and claps "The highest yet" Yuuto state with a smile "You two did put on a wonderful performance" Akeno inserts "It was interesting, with Earth and Fire clashing… You two crafted a good match in the end" Nawin comment "Yeah! I really did enjoyed my match with Lenna" Lucy assert with a joyful grin, happy with the rating of her very first match received.
"Juro vs Michael got 3 stars, another standard match" Rias reads "Speaking of Michael, has anyone seen that guy?" Xenovia ask and all shake their head "After he helped in the invasion… He just sorts of disappeared" Issei comments "He was always a mysterious and weird person" Nawin assert "Next" Kokoro speak, wanting to continue "Right."
"Nawin-kun vs Lock… 4 Stars" Rias announce and turns to Nawin, seeing him shrug "I honestly expected it to be lower" "Really?" Kokoro ask, slightly baffled "The match may have been one sided and short, but you and him put on a clinic when it comes to close combat" "I agree, some of those punches and kicks were hard to watch and listen, but incredible" Xenovia insert "I guess" Nawin reply without much care.
Rias scan down to the next match, and her eyes widen slightly "Looks like you put on another match of the year candidate, Nawin-kun" she informs and immdaitely everyone listen closely "Your match against Akari got 4.75 stars" "Whao!" Elise utters in awe "So close to a perfect 5 stars!" Xenovia exclaims "That was an excellent match" Yuuto gives his opinion and lots nod in agreement. "What you think?" Issei turns to his friend "Do you consider the match with Akari better than Sairaorg?" "Your match with Sairoarg scored 4.5 stars, but your personal opinion is really what matters" Rias adds.
Nawin close his eyes and think back at the two matches, comparing them "Personally… I do feel like my match with Akari was better in some level… Reasons being we were out there to beat one another to a bloody pulp instead of it being a friendly competition, which is what me and Sairoarg had" he explains truthfully. "That last visual of you giving Akari that sickening headbutt at the end will never be forgotten by the audience… That's a memorable moment, for me anyway" Akame gives her comments "I agree completely" Xenovia joins while the rest nods 'Oddly enough I didn't wake up with a massive headache after that… Something I was prepared for…' Nawin notes and an image of Kuroka flashes in his mind.
"W-what about the last one, Buchou?" Gasper ask "Oh, right" Rias turn back to the sheet and is no surprise to see what it shows "Just like I expected… Issei and Lucy, your match didn't get rated" "It's make sense," Yuuto speaks up "It was interrupted by the start of the invasion." "Aw man" Lucy pouts, same goes with Issei "And we were having a kick assed match too!" he asserts.
"The match was getting better near the end" Elise shines in, trying to cheer the two up "Though I've noticed the audience was not as loud for it compared to Nawin and Akari's match" Kokoro insert. Rias throws the sheet away, it glows in crimson and burst into flames "It's to be expected… They were screaming from the top of their lungs almost the whole way through Nawin-kun versus Akari. It was a match that many wanted to see and most hyped for" "Along with that huge climax that made all of them scream for their lives… It's understandable why they were utterly exhausted by the next match" Xenovia points out.
"Now can we drop about the tournament?" Nawin speak up, dryly "I really don't feel like being in a conversation involving anything close to fighting… I've done plenty of those for the past weeks." Lots are surprise by this sudden comment from the Makasha "Alright," Rias speaks "With you awake, we should head to my home. Your Mother and Father has been anxiously waiting for you before they depart home" "Good… Now can you all leave this room" Nawin request, again surprising the group, but Rias nod and heads to the door, signaling everyone to follow.
"Go, Akeno" Nawin ushers then turns his head forward "Koneko, can you stay behind?" he asks, surprising the young girl and the rest except for Rias, Akeno, Asia, Hana, and Akame, all their eyes glows in knowing. Akeno, seeing the reason behind this, didn't complain and leaves the bed, heading to the door and is the last to leave, sliding the door shut behind her.
Koneko stood in front of the bed, her eyes set on the ground and her arms forward, hands softly grasp each other, clearly, she's nervous. Nawin stare at the Nekomata for a few seconds before opening his mouth "How much do you know?" he first asks. Koneko slowly looks up, staring back at the Makasha's brown orbs "Not much… Just that my sister was there and helped stole the True Longinus" she answers, her tone quiet and soft, but instead of the emotionless tone that is often heard, now she's completely free and not hiding her emotions. The tone of desperate and sad is what came out from the Toujou's voice, wanting to know why her sister is allied with a ruthless and mysterious group such as Khaos Brigade.
Nawin moves to the side of the bed and drops his legs at the edge "Want to sit?" he ask, petting a space next to him. Koneko nod and walk toward the bed then plops down next to the Makasha. The two stares forward to the view of Vesarima "What do you want to know?" Nawin ask "… How is she?" Koneko ask, a question that caught the Makasha off-guard a bit, but this speaks volumes that even now, after being abandoned, Koneko still cares for her older sister.
A faint smile form on Nawin's lip and he brings his right arm up to wrap around the girl's shoulder, pulling her close to him, comforting her "She looks fine and gave Hana some tough time, so that should speak for itself" "Yeah, Hana told me that… She was a bit upset" Koneko reply and Nawin chuckle fondly at his familiar, easily picturing her moping on the defeat, but he knows that given more time, Hana will become even stronger than she is currently. "Did she hurt you bad, Nii-chan?" Koneko ask and looks up, showing her adorable face and shining golden orbs to Nawin, who smile in response "That's the interesting part, Koneko" he speaks and looks forward "Your sister… She is very interesting… I honestly felt like she was holding back against me, almost like she didn't want to fight me."
The look of shock strike Koneko's face when hearing the comment "W-what?" she utters "I'm as puzzled as you are, but" a picture of the shear horror on Kuroka's face when she strokes a fist at his chest flashes in his mind "I get the feeling that she never wanted to harmed me" "W-what about when she stroke you with a Senjutsu channeled attack!" Koneko ask in loud tone, not fully convinced "That could have killed you, Nii-chan!"
"Indeed, it could have and being honest… I was probably dead for a couple of minutes there before Hana was able to pull me back to the land of the living" Nawin whispers, deciding to leave the fact about the mark's also being the big reason he is even alive right now. Koneko just stare at a person she considered a brother with the look of disbelief and shocked. Anger start to surge in her and clench both her hands tightly "It's like s-she's trying to ruin my life… Abandoning me and she almost took you away" Koneko whispers in sadden tone "No, Koneko" Nawin shakes his head and looks down at the girl "That isn't true, because that strike was meant to Grandma… I teleported in front of her to take the blow and I saw it… The moment Kuroka realized her fist stroke my chest, the look of horror form on her face."
Koneko is just in a state of confusion and distraught "When I saw that looked… I knew she regretted it and it gave me this belief that she never wanted to hurt me. When she was fighting Hana, both were using Senjutsu, then when I came… Kuroka stopped using Senjutsu and fought me in normal terms" "B-but why?" Koneko asks and sees Nawin shakes his head "I regret to say I don't have an answer to that, Koneko… Her reason is a mystery."
Koneko moves her head down and stare at her hands "… Even though my sister may have done terrible things in the past… Deep down I know she's a good person… She just makes mistakes like everyone else" "I agree," Nawin whispers and gently stroke Koneko's shoulder "I think she's a good person too, but is currently in a bad place. So," Nawin retract his arms and stand up to kneel in front of Koneko, looking at her right in the eyes "It's up to you and me to pull her out of that bad place."
Sparkling tears form around Koneko's eyes, a beautiful and genuine smile spread on her face. "Yes… I want my Big sister back… Even though she may have abandoned me, even though there's a little part of me that still hates her… It doesn't change that she's still my Big sister and has raised and protect me when I was young and defenseless. Hearing what you told me Nii-chan, it gives me hope that there's still good inside her." Koneko brings her arms forward and hugs the Makasha, who returns it wholeheartedly "Please help me bring her back" "Of course, I promise that someday, you two will be reunited again" Nawin whispers, stroking the young girl's soft white lock.
Time Skip
Instead of teleporting like Rias suggest, Nawin decline saying he preferred walking to the Gremory Manor, claiming he wants to see how the reconstruction is going. So, the group are currently through the main street of the Capital. The street that reach all the way at the North gate to a large castle made of iron set on the front of the hills, the hill where all the Nobles and Satans manors are built. The Iron Castle is the main base of the military forces of Vesarima.
"Look, it's the Black Flash!" "He's finally awake, that's fantastic" "Yeah, I still can't believe he stood on top of that Hydra!" "The Princess of Gremory sure has Lady Luck on her side to recruit such a person" these comments are whispered and uttered from the civilians as the group stroll toward the hills. Nawin wasn't paying much attention to them and instead examine the once broken building and see some of them are still in reconstruction while others are already done and looks better than before.
The Makasha remember the street that they are currently walking in is the area where he saved Koneko from a battalion of Black Knights and some Giants. He remembered this area being completely destroyed and he is glad to see that most building are already back. Guards, workers, and civilians are all working together to get it done. Some children help their parents with the little things like carrying the material and getting them the tools. Seeing all of this going on, seeing the smile on the civilian and children face made a faint smile form on Nawin's own face.
Akeno, who's walking on Nawin's right, holding his hand. She notices the smile and is curious "Something on your mind?" "I'm just happy to see the terror of the invasion has left the people's mind" he answers. Rias glance back and smile when hearing the answer "You've been out for five days, Nawin-kun. With Onii-sama words and the Four Great Villages giving hands on the reconstruction, the people of Vesarima have calmed down and now focuses on just getting back to normal" "Great to hear."
"Why are we helping these peasants? I rather be stationed with the group that are helping the Civilian Clans… At least I'll get a decent paycheck there" a comment rings in Nawin's ears and he halt, turning to the right to see two guards taking a break, leaning on a building and drinking a bottle of water. "I agree, but orders are orders" "What a joke."
The group heard these comments "Jackasses" Xenovia hiss, openly glaring at the guards that are oblivious to it "No honor at all… These men aren't even worthy to be called Guards" Elise shakes her head "I should teach them a lesson" Issei said, a frown etched on his face "How can they be so heartless… Not enjoying helping the people they sworn to protect?" Asia whispers in sadden tone. Rias was about to speak when seeing Nawin breaks from the group and stride toward the guards 'Oh no…'
The guards halt when they see a shadow looming over them and turn to see Nawin standing in front, his stoic brown eyes staring at them. "Oh hey! If it isn't the famous Black Flash!" the one on the right said with a surprise tone "Finally woken up, aye?" the other one question, smirking in a cocky way that Nawin finds displeasing. "I am very much awake… I decided to take a stroll to see how the civilians are coping after the invasion" "That so, well you should head to the east to the Clan District, that's where all the Civilians Clans houses are at" the one on the right said, pointing at the east.
Nawin's eyes twinkle in an unknown emotion "I see, then where are we right now then?" "The peasants district of course!" the left one said with a chuckle "Should be easy to tell" he adds, in mocking tone. Hana shakes her head and sigh at the idiots, if she was given the order, she would have transformed and eaten the two. Akame looks displeased but continue to just stares at the scene, knowing what's going to unfold and find no objection to it since people like them has given her great deal of trouble in the past
"Do you enjoy being stationed here?" Nawin ask and the look of disgust cross on the two-guard's face "Not really, we rather be in the Clan District and helping out there, at least we'll get the money and praise we deserved" "Yeah, working here isn't even worth it" they reply. Some civilians nearby heard this and either grimace or scowl in anger and glare at the two.
"Shouldn't you to be satisfied already by helping your people?" Nawin question, his tone holds more power and force behind it, but the two guards seem oblivious to it. "Look, buddy" the right one start getting angry and takes a few steps forward to stand right in front of the Makasha. "At the end of the day it's all about money, we aren't someone holy like that blind girl who healed everyone and ask for nothing in return… And being honest, that was stupid of her, what is she? Trying to act like an Angel?!" he said and look at his friend who nods in agreement "Yeah, what an idiot."
Nawin's eyes flash red for a second and the guards notice it then feel chills creeping down their spines. "If that is how you really feel than take off those armors then head back to the military base and ask for resignation because you two aren't worthy to be called Vesarima's Guards… You two are a joke" Nawin state in a sharp tone, then turns around, striding back to the group. The Civilians smile at the Makasha words, along with the group. The guards however look furious "Asshole!" the right one shouts and throws a water bottle at Nawin.
A black blur burst from the side and stop behind Nawin, catching the empty bottle. The dust clears to show Yao standing there, surprising Nawin and the group. The Mother of three glare darkly at the guards and the two freezes in terror when seeing a demonic image of a large black wolf standing behind Yao. It's wild black fur hovers up, it's red slit eyes glows brightly, its sharp teeth in display, and its tail wrap around Nawin in a protective manner.
Yao drops the bottle to the ground and opens her mouth "Scram!" she shouts and immdaitely the guards retreats as fast as their feet could carry them, screaming in terror. Yao turn around and a smile break in her face when seeing Nawin "My baby boy" she whispers and brings him into a hug. A bit caught off-guard by the sudden gesture, Nawin quickly compose and returns the hug, a smile tug on his lip, feeling the familiar warmth in the hug, a warmth that only his mother could ever provide. "Hey, Mom" Nawin whispers "Sorry to keep you waiting" "Don't be… I'll wait as long as it need be for you to get better" she replies and pulls back and cup Nawin's cheek, smiling "I'm proud of you" she said, making the smile on Nawin's face widen slightly "Thanks, Mom."
"So that's why you ran off" a familiar voice state and everyone turn to the right to see Jonathan along with Zeoticus and Venelana walking toward Yao and Nawin. "Nawin," Jonathan smile and stop in front of his son, placing a hand on his shoulder "Looking good for a person who fought through two battles against opponents equal to Ultimate-class" he jests heartedly and gets a chuckle out from Nawin while Yao shakes her head at the childish comment. "Hey, just like you said, don't go down until the fights are over" Nawin recites, making Jonathan smile "You did good, Son" he asserts in a proud tone.
"I hope you gave these praises to Lucy and Asia too" Nawin said and the parent chuckle "Too much praise actually!" Lucy informs running to them with Asia "Onii-chan and Onee-chan deserves way more" Asia said "Humble as always" Jonathan chuckle and ruffles his youngest child golden lock. Yao notice Akeno coming towards them and she smile when seeing the light on the Himejima's eyes "You finally snap out of the depression, Akeno?" she ask and the young girl blush in embarrassment "Sorry," is the only thing she whispers "The moment Big bro woke up" Lucy speak, wearing a teasing grin "She snap back to her old self!" "Young Love" Yao assert with a hopeless smile and watch Nawin wrap his arms around Akeno's shoulder, pulling close to him, earning a smile from the girl.
Rias and the rest smile at the heartwarming family scene along with the Civilians who are in awe seeing the whole Makasha family together, it was a sight they won't be forgetting, seeing the Black Flash with his whole family, seeing the warm and genuine smile on his face.
Zeoticus cough and smile at the family "I'm taking that you all are planning to leave soon?" he asks "Yes, is there something wrong with that?" Jonathan ask, noticing that the Head of the Gremory is withholding something "I've actually gotten word a few hours ago that many nobles have gathered and decided to have a party to celebrate our victory over Khaos Brigade" he informs and takes a glance at Issei, Lucy, then Nawin "And all the tournament contenders have been personally invited by the nobles."
"Will you be going, Lady Yao?" Venelana question, standing beside her husband, holding his arm. "It's really up to my kids" Yao reply and turns to them "I don't mind either way" Lucy reply, shrugging "Sounds fun! It would be a nice way to end it here before returning home" Asia assert with a bright smile. Nawin sighs, honestly not really caring about this party, but he knows that his family and the group deserves to have a fun time after what they had all been through, and he didn't want to ruin it "Sure, why not" he answers and the rest smile "Alright then, guess we'll be going" Yao reply and Venelana along with her husband smile.
Issei turn to Zeoticus, holding a look of curious "Um, what kind of party is it? Will it be like the one we had celebrating after defeating Riser?" "Not exactly, this is more… Grand since almost all nobles and their family will be there, this will be a Masquerade Party or Masquerade Ball if you'd like to call that" Zeoticus informs. "Wow, fancy" Xenovia comment "We had some of those in Shigemi, it's quite fun and you'll be surprise by how many interesting conversations you'll have in them" Elise inform, quite excited for the event. Nawin cross his arms, looking quite pleased "I actually like that, at least I can hide behind a mask and won't be bothered throughout the night by people seeing who I am" he states "Indeed, it would work to your liking" Zeoticus reply with a chuckle.
"The ball is happening tomorrow night, so I would suggest all of you go shopping for masks and appropriate clothes for the event" Venelana state and turn to her husband "I'll be taking them to my personal tailor to find their attire for the ball, Dear" "Alright, I'll head back to the manor and start setting up for tomorrow" Zeoticus reply and the Gremory crest glows from below, teleporting him away.
Venelana turn to the group and smile brightly "Please follow me and by the end of the day you all will have a beautiful dress to wear for the ball" she promises. Rias's eyes sparkles at the idea of getting a new dress and immdaitely appear beside her mother "Let's go everyone!" she said with excitement. The mother and daughter giggle and holds each other hand before dashing off to the west, leaving everyone startled. "Guess we should follow them" Issei chuckle and start heading west with the group.
Akeno sees the Makasha family follow and notice Nawin hasn't move yet, making her turn to see him staring at the civilians. She grasps his hand to gain his attention "Ready?" she asks with a beautiful smile "… Yeah" Nawin reply softly, and the couple moves forward, following the rest.
Here's a quick news for the Readers! This arc is coming to a close real soon! The next chapter will mark the end of this arc!
Tune in for the next chapter: The Masquerade Ball! Memory Of The Dance!