Yukiko opened her eyes, looking around in the apparent endless void.
"Okay, this is new, dreaming about absolutely nothing." She said into the void.
{"So, this time my host is a smart mouthed girl."}
"Wha?" Yukiko looked around, frantically searching for the owner of that voice. "Who said that?"
Suddenly, Yukiko was frozen in a pillar of ice, before it suddenly shattered, the area becoming a frozen tundra. A loud roar resounded, Yukiko's eyes searching for the source of the sound, widening once she found it: a large, white western dragon was standing before her, it's eyes like shining topaz gems.
"Wh-Whoa... you're a big dragon..." Yukiko gulped, nervous.
{"Yeah. And you're a small mortal."} the dragon returned, mist flaring from its nose.
"So, care to tell me who you are, or am I supposed to guess?" Yukiko huffed.
{"Very well, though you should already know my name."} The mysterious dragon started. {"Hear me, mortal! I am Köri, the dragon of snowstorms!"} The large dragon roared once more, causing the snow to flurry again.
"Great. I'm Yukiko. Glad to meet you."
The dragon... laughed? It was hard to tell. {"In all of the millennia I've been alive, this is the first time I've had a host named Snow Child. How ironic."} Kori said before continuing. {"Since you are strong enough to awaken me at such a young age, I'll praise you. But even so, you still have yet to prove yourself worthy of using my full power, even with the recent act of selflessness you committed."}
Before Yukiko could respond, the area around them began cracking apart. "Wh-What's going on!?"
{"It appears someone is trying to wake you, so we'll stop here."} Kori said, raising a single silver claw to Yukiko's forehead. {"I look forward to watching your growth, my host."}
The world finally shattered apart, returning Yukiko to the conscious world.
~Yukiko's Room: Grigori Headquarters~
"...pens next, Lady Yukiko." a familiar voice muttered above Yukiko's still sleeping form, before Yukiko's eyes shot open, spotting Mittelt standing next to her bed in her usual gothic lolita dress, holding a large bucket of presumably water. Just as she poured it, Yukiko bolted out of her bed and into a nearby corner, barely missing getting soaked.
"Mittelt." Yukiko called to the fallen angel, who looked as though she was surprised by what she just saw. "G-Good morning, Lady Yukiko, ehehehe..." Mittelt laughed awkwardly, hoping that Yukiko ignored what she just tried to do.
It didn't work, however, since a cold, white aura could be seen raising off of Yukiko in waves. "Don't act like this is normal. It'll only make your punishment worse for you." Yukiko said, her aura creeping back up, solidifying around her hand like an icy glove.
"W-Wait! Yukiko, I was just trying to wake you up on the orders of Governor Azazel, but you weren't waking up, so I-"
*Slap!*
About 20 minutes later, Azazel opened his office door, revealing Mittelt, who was holding an ice pack against her swollen cheek, and Yukiko, who stood next to Mittelt, her hair up in a ponytail, wearing black training shorts, a white t-shirt, and running shoes, while adjusting a pair of black fingerless gloves on her hands. Looking at her, anyone could tell she wasn't happy.
"Oh, good morning, Yukik-augh!" Azazel began, before being punched in the gut by Yukiko.
"That," Yukiko said, removing her fist from Azazel's stomach, "Was for telling Mittelt to pour water on me."
"Whelp... I deserved that..." Azazel wheezed out, recovering. He forced himself to stand straight. "Okay, with that out of the way, why don't we go to the field so you can show me what your Sacred Gear can do."
Yukiko sighed in slight annoyance. "Fine," she turned to Mittelt. "Hey, Mittelt. Get Mako for me and tell her to come to the field. Oh, and bring anyone you think might be interested in training." Mittelt nodded before leaving the room.
In a matter of minutes, both Yukiko and Azazel stood in a grassy field behind Grigori HQ, Yukiko in a fighting stance.
Azazel smirked at Yukiko. "Good. Your stance is quite above average. Now, let's see if your defensive ability is as good as your offense!" before Yukiko could react, Azazel disappeared.
"Wh-Where'd he go?!" she panicked before taking a deep breath. 'Calm down. He wants me to panic, so I won't.' She thought to herself. 'Now, since I can't track his movements with my eyes, I'll follow his magic aura.' Closing her eyes, Yukiko's white aura appeared around her as she focused on Azazel's.
'...Behind me, now!' Yukiko's eyes shot open as she quickly turned around and raised her arms. Just in time, too, because a second later Azazel appeared, his leg crashing into Yukiko's arm, breaking her guard.
"So you blocked it. Good. Then that means your physical defense is pretty good. And since you already punched me in the gut earlier, I have a basic idea of your ability to throw a punch." Azazel stated as he walked away from me. "Now comes your defense against magical attacks." Turning around, Azazel summoned a barrage of Light Spears, whose appearance was so sudden Yukiko's reaction was to dodge.
"Geez!" She rolled out of the way, narrowly missing a Light Spear, before standing up once more, fiercely glaring at Azazel. "How about a better warning next time, huh?" Yukiko asked sarcastically as she side stepped yet another spear.
(Vali P.o.V.)
I yawned as I walked onto the field, Makoto following behind me. "Mittelt, what was so important that you had to... hmm?" I paused, noticing the figures sparring on the field: Azazel throwing Light Spears at who I can assume is Yukiko, who was just barely managing to evade them. "I see... she's training with him..."
"Well, yeah. But... why? She's barely been here for a day. What made her think this was a good idea, training with someone she hardly knows?"
Mittelt looked at the pair on the field intently, and I noticed each time she flinched seeing Yukiko get hit.
"She'll be fine, midget. Stop worrying about those stronger than you." I attempted to ease the girl's worries, but I don't think my words had that effect, because she seemed more upset than a few minutes prior.
"You may be favored by Governor Azazel, but that doesn't mean I have to take your insults, Vali!" I turned my focus to the fallen angel. "Look at her, Mittelt. She's fighting your Governor. Without a problem, I might add."
"That may be what it looks like to you, Vali, but her stamina's dropping really fast." Makoto informed the pair. Vali's eyes narrowed as he focused on Yukiko, noticing her breathing becoming more erratic.
[It would seem that even though she has a wealth of magical power to access, on top of being physically gifted, her endurance leaves a bit to be desired.]
'You're right, Albion.' Vali thought with a smirk. 'So let's change that.' He began walking over to the fighting pair, masking his presence.
(3rd Person PoV)
"Annnndd... stop." Azazel said suddenly, just before Yukiko's fist could reach him. Yukiko retracted her fist from in from of Azazel's face, standing on guard. "Okay. Considering that you could not only dodge and block my attacks, but you could also counterattack, I'd say your reaction speed is pretty fast. However, your current problem is your stamina. Your lack of stamina, to be precise. You've noticed, too, right Vali?"
'What?! Vali actually showed up to watch this?!' Yukiko began to panic, glancing around to find the white-haired youth as her hands began to play with her ponytail. Azazel took notice of her actions and decided to poke fun at her. "What's this? Yukiko acting nervous at the mention of Vali? I wonder what that could mean..."
Yukiko quickly snapped back to Azazel, her cheeks dusted pink. "Azazel! I thought that talk we had was confidential!"
"What's this about a talk?" Vali asked, standing right next to Yukiko, who jumped in surprise. "What the Hell!?" she jumped away from the youth, looking startled as she regained her defensive stance. "Never do that again." Vali chuckled at her actions.
"Cute. You think that with power like yours you can give me orders."
The girl's face reddened quickly, out of anger or embarrassment we'll never know.
Yukiko threw a punch at Vali. However, he caught the fist, and in one swift movement, had the Fallen youth's fist pinned behind her back as she struggled to get away from him.
"Hmph. And here I was going out of my way to offer assistance with your training..." He said, causing Yukiko to stop. Azazel nodded in agreement. "Of course. That's probably for the best, anyway."
Vali released the girl, watching as she began to rub her wrists. "Hey, since we're on the subject... I spoke to a dragon last night. She said something about 'Being her Host'?" This made both Azazel and Vali raise an eyebrow.
"Hoh? Interesting. So, Yukiko, did you get the dragon's name?" Azazel was curious. But since he knew what her Sacred Gear could do, the options were limited.
"Yeah. She said it was Köri."
["No wonder her aura felt so familiar!"] Vali's white wings materialized, surprising everyone.
"You recognize this dragon's name, Albion?" the white-haired youth asked, seeming intrigued. [Indeed. She was one of the few dragons that gave me trouble, besides Ddraig."] Hearing that, Vali smirked. "So you mean to say Yukiko has the potential to become incredibly strong?"
["Indeed. But it would be better to hear the answer from the source. Wouldn't you agree, Gray-One?"] Yukiko's twin wrist guards materialized, their topaz gems shining, earning Yukiko's attention. {"So you were awake, Albion. And didn't I already tell you to keep your color-name thing between you and the Welsh Dragon? It's an embarrassment."}
["Y-Yes, well, I apologize, Köri."] Witnessing the exchange between the two dragons, both Makoto and Yukiko couldn't help but laugh.
{"What humors you, Snow Child?"} Köri asked her host, who was smiling. "I'm sorry, Köri, but listening to you scold Albion reminds me of a married couple. It just seems surreal, seeing two creatures of a mythical existence bicker like this."
Hearing her host's reasoning, Köri laughed as well. {"She has a point, Albion."} she agreed with Yukiko, who nodded proudly.
Azazel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Anyway, since you're listening, Köri, care to give your input on how to go about training Yukiko?"
{"Well, Governor, we dragons grow best fighting other, more powerful, dragons. That should be more than enough information, since such a dragon is already close to her."} The topaz gems flashed with each word, with Azazel nodding in agreement. "Well you heard the dragons, do your thing."
And at those words, Vali smirked, before holding his hand out. "Balance, Break!" On his command a bright light flashed in front of the group, with Yukiko and Mittelt shielding their eyes. After the light died down, Yukiko looked back at Vali, but instead of seeing the white-haired youth, she saw white full body armor embedded with sapphire gems.
["Vanishing Dragon, Balance Breaker!"]
That announcement made Yukiko's expression become one of surprise. "W-Wait, the Vanishing Dragon? Then that means Vali's-"
"That's right, Yu. He is the White Dragon Emperor, or Hakuryuukou." Makoto explained to Yukiko, who was staring at the armored Vali.
"I'm glad to know you've heard of Albion, Yukiko. That means you know of his legend, and the fate of his partner." Vali announced, his trademark smirk not seen through his visor.
Yukiko nodded quickly. "Of course! I had most mythologies drilled into me growing up with Rias."
"So those Devils were good for something. I suppose that I should thank them for educating you." Makoto muttered.
"Anyway, following what Köri said, sparring with Vali here should help you build your stamina. So brawl until your heart's content!" Azazel exclaimed as he lead Makoto and Mittelt away from Yukiko and Vali, with Yukiko looking confused.
"Eh?"
"That was the plan, Azazel." Vali said as he formed two balls of white draconic energy in his hands.
"Eh!?"
{"Yukiko, I highly suggest you start running."} Köri spoke through her gems, getting her host to sprint as fast as she could away from Vali, who began shooting balls of draconic energy at her.
~2 Hours Later~
Yukiko laid out in the field, which looked more like a warzone than the field it once was. Her clothes was now dirty and torn in places. Vali stood above her, hovering in his armor, barely any scratches on him.
"For your first real fight, you did well." he removed his visor to reveal an accepting smirk.
"Yeah, right!" Yukiko scoffed, using her magic to send a spear of ice towards Vali, who simply deflected it by swiping it away from himself with his claws. "You're only saying that because it's not you that got your ass handed to you!" She sat up and pouted, frustrated with herself for failing to defeat Vali.
The Hakuryuukou sighed as he landed next to Yukiko, kneeling down and resting his hand on her shoulder. "I mean it, Yukiko. Most of my other sparring partners don't last half this long. Good job keeping me entertained for so long."
What Vali doesn't know is that the instant he put his hand on Yukiko her body began heating up, her cheeks becoming a dark shade of red. Hence why she turned away from him.
'Huh? My body...I'm so hot...What's happening to me..?'
{Well. Here's something I thought I wouldn't have to see again. Well, at least until I had my first hatchling.}
'Hatchling? What do you mean?'
{I'll explain, just get away from him before he-}
"Yukiko, are you alright? No head trauma?" Vali interrupted. Hearing Vali call her name sent a wave of pleasure down her spine, making her moan loudly before she covered her mouth with her hands. "N-No! No problems here!"
{Says your name...} Köri sighed as her host embarrassed herself.
Yukiko suddenly sprang off of the ground and onto her feet. "Anyway, th-thanks for sparring with me today!" Immediately after she finished speaking she ran off in a hurry, leaving Vali shocked, before he sighed. "This girl... she's a peculiar case..." He said to himself.
Yukiko's room
Yukiko sat on her bed in a meditating position, her twin arm guards active with the topaz gems pulsing yellow light.
'So what were you saying earlier Köri? Something about Hatchlings?'
{Glad you remembered. But as I was saying earlier, you could be dealing with a phase in every young dragon's life: Puberty.}
"!" Yukiko couldn't believe what she was hearing. "N-No, you must be mistaken. I mean, I'm not even a dragon!"
{Afraid that even if that is the case, you seem to be experiencing the symptoms of going through your first heat, probably caused by that sparring session with Albion's host. It could also be affected by my attachment to your soul, thus making you dragonic in mind, at the very least. Anyway, I can't tell you what's causing it, but I can tell you how to live with it, at least until you become better accustomed to it.}
Yukiko sighed. 'Well, it's better than nothing. What do you know, Kori?'
In what felt like half an hour, Kori explained to Yukiko what she knew about the female dragon's heat cycle.
"So let me get this straight, this 'Heat Cycle' occurs every three months, and lasts for a solid week. Correct so far?"
{"That's right."}
"Okay. Also, my body would react the strongest around a member of the opposite sex that I have affection for that has beaten me in a fight."
{"It sounds to me like you understand the basics of what I told you. Good, you should be able to-"} Suddenly there was a knock on Yukiko's bedroom door.
"Hey, Yu."
"!" Hearing Vali's voice seriously startled her.
{Calm down, Child. Just tell him to go away if you don't want to speak to him now.} 'R-Right... easy enough...'
"Yukiko, would you mind letting me in? I would like to speak to you."
"U-Um, just a second!" Scrambling to her feet, Yukiko opened her door. "How can I h-help... you..." She was quickly silenced when she noticed Vali standing outside her door, a towel hanging around his neck, resting on his bare chest, with his hair dripping water onto his chest.
"So, can I come in, or is this a bad time?" Vali asked, watching Yukiko's face redden. "From the looks of you, I must've interrupted your rest. That explains why you ran out on the training earlier."
'Look at him! He's like an Adonis!' Yukiko thought, before she realized Vali was looking at her. "Huh? Oh, um, you can come in." She stepped to the side, allowing Vali to enter. As she closed her door, however, she caught a whiff of a peculiar scent.
'His scent... it's intoxicating...' She thought as her body heated up once more.
"So, Yukiko," Vali began, facing the girl in question. "I want to apologize for pushing your limits like that earlier. If I had known you were unwell, I wouldn't have been as rough." He admitted, watching as Yukiko began breathing heavily. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need to lie down?" He moved to help her to her bed, but Yukiko backed away from him.
"D-Don't touch me right now!" Yukiko cried out, struggling internally to keep herself from mounting the white-haired youth in front of her.
[I had a feeling this was what was happening to her.] Albion said to Vali, who seemed curious. 'What do you mean?'
[It appears that Yukiko is going through heat, much like your first heat a few years ago.]
'I see...that would mean that...'
[That appears to be the case. She seems to view you as a suitable mate, Vali.] This revelation made Vali's eyes widen. 'Are you certain Albion?'
[I am. However it doesn't hurt to have another opinion.]A sapphire colored gem appeared on the back of Vali's hand. ["Köri, your host. Is she-"]
{"It should have been obvious. Look at her."} Köri said, a topaz gem appearing on Yukiko's hand. Vali looked at Yukiko, noting how red her face was and how unsteadily she was breathing.
Suddenly, Yukiko pushed Vali onto her bed, sitting on top of him just over his hips. "Vali, I feel so hot... it burns... make it stop..." she said pleading, leaning in for a kiss.
Köri sighed. {"Forgive me, Child."} The dragon said, and before either of the two could react, Yukiko's hand rose from her side and punched her own face, knocking the youth out. She fell against Vali's chest, who sighed and rolled her off of him. Standing up, Vali sighed. "Great. First Kuroka, now her..."
["Seems you have that effect on women, Vali."] Albion spoke up, his host leaving the room. "It appears so. But that won't deter me from my goal."
Hours later, Yukiko woke up, her head in pain. Groggily walking over to her mirror, Yukiko yawned. "What time is it..!" Glancing at the wall clock, she gasped upon realization. "It's that late!? I gotta go meet Penemue!" In a matter of seconds, Yukiko quickly changed into a simple white t-shirt and jeans with her white sneakers, before grabbing her black jacket and running out of her room, heading to Penemue's office as fast as her legs could carry her.
"Penemue, I'm here! Sorry for being-" Bursting through her grandmother's office doors, Yukiko was shocked, witnessing Penemue laying on her desk, receiving a back massage from another Fallen Angel she didn't recognize.
"Is that you, Yu? You're late, you know that, right?" The older Fallen Angel scolded as she ushered her masseuse away and began to sit up, getting the youth to rub her forearm sheepishly. "I-I know, grandmother, and I apologize. It's just, after training with Vali earlier, I-"
"I knew it involved him." Penemue muttered. She reached for her glasses, her aura spiking in pressure, shocking Yukiko. "What did he do to you, my Dear?"
"I-It isn't what he did to me...but what I did to him." Yukiko said, confusing Penemue. "I'm not sure I follow. Can you explain what happened between you two?" She asked. This question caused Yukiko's face to redden, this fact not going unnoticed by Penemue, who smiled faintly.
"Oh, I see~ That's what happened, huh? I understand then. You just lost track of time with him. Well, I apologize for disturbing you two~"
"Huh? What are you talking about, grandmother? What do you think we were doing?" Yukiko looked confused, her face still red. "Oh, you don't have to hide it, my little Snowflake. It's a part of growing up." Penemue returned, walking over and hugging her grandchild. Yukiko reddened once more, remembering what happened between her and Vali before she blacked out. "R...Really?" She gulped, not completely believing her grandmother. Letting Yukiko go, she pet the youth's head with a comforting smile. "Of course. This just means you found a partner whom you find attractive. That's all." Hearing this made Yukiko sigh from relief. What was said next, however-
"So, I take it you're no longer a virgin then? When can I start expecting great-grandchildren?" Penemue teased, causing Yukiko to stop and replay their conversation, before it all clicked into place, resulting in her becoming a stuttering mess.
"Huh!? N-No, that's not- we didn't- I mean, m-maybe if he…" Yukiko stopped, steam visibly rising from her face. "I'm wrong, Snowflake? Then do tell what happened between you two. Now I really want to know."
Yukiko sighed. "I… may have forced myself onto him…" she muttered, causing her grandmother's eyes to widen out of shock, before she smiled once more. "Oh, sweetie…" Yukiko looked up at the older female, ready to be scolded for her conduct.
"...It may not be the same thing I meant earlier, but that's just a part of you growing up." Penemue explained, making Yukiko confused. "I mean, you're still a Fallen Angel, and majority of us Fell because of our lust anyway. Seeing as how you're still an adolescent, you're just now learning how to control yourself around the other sex, so things like this are bound to happen." Yukiko was shocked. It seemed like she was worried over nothing.
"Oh, but I'd go apologize to him if I were you. Don't think you want to sour a relationship just yet." Penemue continued, regaining Yukiko's attention. "Right." Yukiko turned to leave, but stopped herself in the doorway. "But what about our plans for tonight?"
"We can reschedule, Snowflake, so don't worry about me. Go fix your Vali problem!" With a smile, Penemue used magic to lift Yukiko out of her office and into the hallway.
Determined, Yukiko began running through the halls with a smile, trying to sense Vali's signature aura. "...There!" Finally pinpointing Vali's location, Yukiko rushed through the halls over to him, surprised by the lack of people in the halls the closer she got to Vali.
'Wonder what he could be doing all the way over here…' She thought to herself before spotting the white-haired youth standing around the corner, his back to her. Smiling, she went to call out to him, but stopped when she heard a voice she didn't recognize.
"...ding to plan, nya." an unknown feminine voice said, surprising Yukiko. 'That doesn't sound like Vali… Who could be with him?'
"Arthur's still dealing with the minor Greek gods, but- oh? It appears you have a guest, Vali, nya."
The white-haired youth turned around, surprised to see Yukiko, though his face didn't show it. "Yukiko? What are you doing over here?"
"Th-The same could be asked about you." Yukiko returned, her cheeks burning as she looked at Vali, noticing the violet magic circle near his ear, before it blinked away. "A-Anyway, I came to apologize for my behavior earlier. It was-"
"Tell me, Yukiko." Vali stopped the female, getting her to look at the white-haired youth. "Are you going to hold back on me during our sparring sessions now?"
Yukiko blinked in surprise. "Of course not!" Her response made Vali smile faintly. "Good. In that case, water under the bridge. As long as you give me a good fight, I don't care what you do. Got it?"
This made Yukiko even more surprised, before the brunette began to giggle lightly. "You're an unusual one, Vali." She said with a smile. Vali returned the smile with a smirk. "Likewise, Yukiko." He replied before beginning to walk off. "Now, it's getting late. Go get some rest, Yukiko. I'm going to need you at your best for sparring tomorrow."
Watching him disappear, Yukiko sighed. "Is all he cares about really just fighting?" She said to herself as she walked back to her room with a small smile.
~10 Days Later: Training Field~
Yukiko dodged Vali's armored kick aimed at her face, countering by grabbing his leg and slamming him overhead into the ground, getting him to cough. As she went to punch his prone form, Vali recovered, flipping into the sky away from the brunette before launching a series of draconic blasts at Yukiko, who used her own magic to create a barrier as she rushed toward the Hakuryuukou, activating her own Sacred Gear.
{Mimicry! Divide!} Her Sacred Gear sounded off, causing Vali to stagger for a second as his power was cut in half while Yukiko's was replenished. Unfortunately for him, all the girl needed was a second, since the moment his power was staggered, Yukiko was close enough to him to send her magic encased fist into his helm hard, shattering the jaw armor, before it reformed. Returning the strike with a blow to her abdomen, Vali used his magic to fire a beam of energy at the fallen angel, trying to create distance between them judging by how he backed away from Yukiko, who tried her best to block the magic wave with her barrier.
The two descended from the air, Vali's armor cracked in some areas, while Yukiko's barrier was no longer present, steam rising from her tattered clothes.
Panting, Vali released his armor. "Another great session, Yu. Really got my blood pumping." Vali admitted with a smirk. Yukiko smiled, falling on her butt. "Really? That means I've been getting better!"
'Do you feel it, Albion?' Vali asked his partner as a sapphire gem appeared on the back of his hand. [Yes. Her power has peaked. It appears she is on the verge of a transformation.]
'Yes… but what kind of transformation?' Vali thought to himself, before noticing Mittelt, wearing a sleeveless variant of her usual gothic lolita dress, arrive, carrying a change of clothes for Yukiko.
"Geez! Lady Yukiko, this is not the way a young lady should present herself! It's a good thing I went to your room beforehand, otherwise…" Mittelt grew quiet, her cheeks slowly reddening. "A-Anyway! Th-this was on your bed for you. It seemed pretty important, based on it's font, so I thought you should see it as soon as possible." She continued, handing Yukiko an envelope addressed to her.
'This is Aunt Grafiya's handwriting… I wonder what's so important that she had to write to me?' Yukiko thought to herself.
Curious, the brunette opened the envelope, retrieving the contents: a card with two words on them. Reading the card, Yukiko's face flashed a myriad of emotions, the most prominent being a combination of fear and rage.
"Mittelt, pack me a quick change of clothes. I've got to go talk to Azazel and my grandmother." Yukiko said in a commanding tone as she rose from the ground. "Understood. I'll meet you at Lord Azazel's office." Mittelt bowed before leaving. Yukiko quickly removed what remained of her clothes, changing into a white t-shirt and jeans. Facing Vali once again, Yukiko bowed. "Thank you for the match, Vali. I'll be back." She said, before running back into the building, leaving the card in the grass. Picking it up, Vali chuckled as he read it.
"Looks like things are getting interesting, Albion." He said, using magic to burn the card, it's words slowly being eaten by the flames, now reading:
ser Phe
Yukiko slammed open Azazel's office doors, surprising the older Fallen Angel.
"Azazel! Call Grandmother to your office. I need to-!" Stopping, Yukiko was surprised to see not only Azazel and Penemue, but also-
"Aunt Grafiya!" Suddenly being called out, Grafiya smiled when she saw her niece, who suddenly embraced her.
"I'm happy to see you, too, Yu." Grafiya said, petting her niece's head. Letting her aunt go, Yukiko beamed. "Guess what? I'm a lot stronger now! Look!" She stepped away from everyone, revealing her six wings. Grafiya was impressed, however her awed look quickly became one of concern.
"I'm glad you became so strong, Yu. Sadly, the same can't be said about your sister…" Grafiya announced, getting Yukiko's attention. Putting her wings away, Yukiko's expression became serious.
"What happened? Is Rias okay? That damn bird didn't do anything to her, right?" Yukiko asked, getting a nod from Grafiya. "Not directly. He pushed the engagement date up, so Rias fought against it, and him, in a mock Rating Game for her freedom. In the end, she lost, so the engagement is proceeding as normal. In fact, the engagement party is tonight. I came to inform you of it, seeing as you're Rias' sister." The silver-haired maid announced, getting a look of frustration from Yukiko.
"I don't understand. Why tell me now? Why not when she issued the Rating Game challenge?" The youth Fallen Angel asked. Grafiya sighed. "That was because she wanted to respect your wishes, Yukiko. She wanted you to be happy, so that - on the off chance you didn't come back - you could remember something she did for you that brought you your happiness." she explained, making Yukiko sigh in turn. "Rias, you idiot… didn't I tell you I'd come back for you? This is exactly why I said that!" The Fallen Angel began pacing the office, getting a worried look from her grandmother.
"What are you thinking, Snowflake?" Penemue asked. Yukiko stopped, looking at the older Fallen Angel. "Simple: I'm showing up for this so-called 'engagement party', and I'm busting my idiot sister out. I can't take out my anger towards Sirzechs on her. It isn't fair. Besides, if I was in a similar situation, I know that Rias would do the same thing for me." Hearing her niece's resolve, Grafiya smiled once more. "I'm glad to hear that. If that is the case, you'll need this." Handing Yukiko a slip of paper, Grafiya looked toward Azazel and Penemue. "It's an escape route. Only for emergencies, in case you get mobbed by the other guests that disagree with what you're doing. It shouldn't come to that, but you can't be too sure. Call it my intuition, if you must." She explained, getting a nod from Azazel and a look of appreciation from Penemue.
"Well, while I'm thankful for this, aunt Grafiya, I have one thing to do before I can go deal with that damn bird." Yukiko said, bowing. "I'll see everyone later, after I release Rias from her engagement." With that, she left the office, unsurprised by the waiting Mittelt that stood outside of the room.
"Lady Yukiko, your bag." Mittelt said as she handed Yukiko the emergency kit she asked for. Yukiko pet the younger Fallen Angel's head, getting a smile and a faint giggle from Mittelt. "Mittelt, thank you for aiding me in my time here. I really appreciated it." Yukiko said, shocking Mittelt from her stupor. "Y-You're welcome, Lady Yukiko. Um, if I may ask, why are you saying that so suddenly?" Yukiko's facial expression quickly changed from one of appreciation to that of solemn acceptance. "I'm… Heading back to the Underworld tonight. Depending on the results of my venture, I may end up staying there." Yukiko explained, making Mittelt look at her, tears forming in her eyes.
"What!? N-No! If that's the case, t-take me with you!" Mittelt cried, surprising Yukiko. "I already swore to serve you, so you can't leave!" The younger Fallen Angel then wrapped Yukiko in a hug, further surprising her. "Mittelt…" Yukiko muttered before returning the embrace. "Do speak like that, Lady Yukiko. If you don't come back, then I'd… I…" Mittelt then began to cry into Yukiko's shirt. The pair stood in the hall for a short while like this, before Mittelt released her superior, her eyes red from crying.
"Promise me." The younger Fallen Angel stated, gazing into Yukiko's eyes. "Promise me that you'll return to Grigori." Yukiko flashed a quick smile. "Of course! Once I'm done, I'll be back here like nothing ever happened."
With that, Yukiko prepared a magic circle. Stepping into it, she noticed Mittelt bow. "I'll be awaiting your return, Lady Yukiko." The younger Fallen Angel said, wiping a remaining tear from her eye. "Right. I'll see you later, Mittelt." Yukiko returned, being swallowed up in a flash of light.
~Hyoudou Residence~
The light faded, revealing Yukiko standing outside of the Hyoudou house. "Hmm… weird. I could've sworn I set it to bring me to Asia. Maybe she's with the perv?" She thought aloud, knocking on the front door. When the door opened, Yukiko wasn't surprised. 'Thought so.' She thought to herself as she took in the form of the blonde in front of her. "Oh! Yukiko!" Asia suddenly cried as she pulled the brunette into a hug. "H-Hey there, Asia." Yukiko chuckled, surprised by the blonde's actions. Releasing Yukiko, Asia stepped aside, motioning for Yukiko to come in, which she obliged.
"So, is the Perv here?" Yukiko asked, noticing how Asia's cheerful demeanor quickly saddened. "Issei's upstairs, but he's recovering from his injuries in the Rating Game." Asia said, shocking Yukiko. 'Still? I know he fought hard for Rias, since that's his nature, but to still be unconscious… what did he do to you, Issei?' Yukiko thought, honestly worried for her perverted upperclassman. Leading the way to Issei's bedroom, Asia opened the youth's door, allowing for her and Yukiko to walk inside. Upon seeing Issei's unconscious, beaten form laying on his bed, Yukiko gasped.
"...He fought his hardest for her, you know." Asia said, bringing Yukiko from her thoughts. "I heard about it from Yuuto. He stood up to Riser for Rias. And you, if I remember correctly." This information really surprised her. "M-Me? Why?" Yukiko asked. "Apparently, Riser said some really bad things about you, calling you a "Mutt" and his plans for you once he and Rias are married." Hearing this, Yukiko grew angry, clenching her fists.
"Asia." Yukiko seemed to growl out, scaring the blonde. "Y-Yes!?" She squeaked. "I'm gonna go put that damn bird in his place. But before I do, promise me something."
"O-Of course! What do you need?" Asia asked. Yukiko placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "Promise me, no matter what, you'll stay by Rias' side." Suddenly saying something so serious, Asia was shocked, before smiling softly. "I'd stay with her, even if you didn't ask me to. Thanks to Issei and Rias, I get to enjoy school life and make friends. It's only fair that I stay with them." Asia returned. Yukiko returned Asia's smile with one of her own. "Great. That's all I need to hear." Walking away from Asia, Yukiko shut her eyes as she created a magic circle underneath her feet, her expression becoming one of determination.
'Riser Phenex. You put your hands on my sister and struck down my senior. Mark my words, you will pay for what you've done!' She thought. Suddenly opening her eyes, her iris' flashed topaz yellow, before she was enveloped in a bright flash of light.
Much apologies for the long wait everyone. Putting this chapter together took waaaaaaayyy longer than intended. Anyway, you can probably guess what's going to happen in the next chapter, unless you have no background knowledge on DxD.
*Ahem* Sorry. I'm bad at writing end notes. Please leave a review!
Next time: Dragon of Ice vs. Bird of Flames