A/N: Sup guys. wiErD here and I have another chapter for you guys.
Hope ya like it!
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the two stories. All goes to their respective owners.
- The Holy Intervention –
..
It's a big world.
A grassy field that reaches to the endless horizons can be seen. The light of the setting sun painted the sky in orange. Its sign beckons the end of that day. The wind brushed past the field in a gentle manner. The small grasses bend themselves in accordance with its direction like a multitude of waves similar that to an ocean.
A fluttering sound echoed as the wind flew by at the grassy plains alongside with surroundings trees. A child quickly ran towards the middle of the field. His faint breaths showed signs of gasping and desperation. He frantically ran as if he was in a hurry.
"Tia...!"
His voice was uttered in the gentle winds as the boy called a person's name.
He called repeatedly, hoping that person would hear his voice despite having nowhere to look for. The field was peaceful and magnificent but a sense of loneliness filled the atmosphere as the boy searched around for her in distress. It would seem even the area around him shows its empathy towards him.
"Tia..." The boy sounded more depressed as the hopes of finding her seemed rather slim.
Time is not infinite. He knew that well enough so he wanted to look for her one last time. His head turned around once again and saw no one in sight. He felt hopeless.
"Tia..."
He uttered that person's name again as if it's the only thing he wanted to say at this moment. His voice quivered and his eyes watered in tears as he failed to find her.
It is almost time.
.
.
"You called?"
A mature voice suddenly rang into his ears. At the same time, his tears stopped and his voice halted into a gasp as he turned his head around and faced a woman standing behind him. The angle of the distant sun obscures his eyes from seeing her at the moment until a sway of light-blue hair graced from the corner of his eyes. Joy was present on his face as he didn't take a moment and hugged the woman in tears once again.
"Tia!"
The boy launched himself towards her stomach. Her face lit up in mild surprise but softened afterward as she lightly patted his head in reassurance.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying? You did promise me that you won't cry anymore, right?"
Hinting a promise they made before, the boy slightly flinched but the sobs concealed his movement and wanted to embrace her even more. There was a moment of silence between them until the boy broke away from the hug but still retained his saddened expression towards her.
"Because... we're already parting, aren't we? W-We might never see each other again."
The boy cried but the woman simply smiled in response to him for reassurance. She simply knelt down to meet his height.
"Don't say it like that. We will see each other soon. You promised, didn't you?"
"E-Eh?"
"That I'd become your mate when you grow up. A dragon should look out for his mate when he grows up and never cry, right?"
Her response made him stop as he looked at her in wonder. She broke into another angelic smile to reassure her words. She wanted to encourage him and give him the hope for the trials that lie before him. She knew what kind of hardships he's going to face once they parted. If she only had the power to protect him, then he wouldn't have to go to this trial.
That thought accidentally slipped out from her mind as her face suddenly turned into a saddened one. The boy noticed this and could not help but ask.
"Tia...?"
Before she could even speak, a vicious gust of wind blew behind them. The sign of his departure finally came. A huge shadow loomed over to the field. It's a giant creature, one that has existed in the myths.
A crimson dragon.
Red scales covered most of its body. Several scars are seen on its body with its beige colored chest being the most prominent due to having an X-shaped scar in it. Four giant claws stomped the ground like tremor and two bat-like wings are seen on its back. Its sharp features and intimidating presence asserted the opposite of the field around it as being smooth and coated with a gentle atmosphere. For the boy and the Tia, his appearance signals the beginning of their parting.
"It's time... my child."
Its voice was uttered like a thundering sound that could scare a child if heard for the first time. The boy, however, was used to it and he saw that dragon be as one of his special family.
He flinched at his words but he understood him. Reluctantly, he finally lets go of Tia and slowly approached the creature with a saddened expression. He climbed on its back while looking back at the woman one more time.
The dragon shook its snout in satisfaction before looking back to the woman in anticipation. A few words were exchanged between the two as if they were acquaintances. Natsu couldn't hear beyond that due to their conversation being way too complex for him to understand.
Moments later, they finished but it was not long before Tia looked back at him one last time. Their eyes met as she spoke.
"Become stronger... And when you finally do, you will find me."
The boy held his tears and instead, answered with a determined shout to reassure her.
"Yes! WAIT FOR ME, TIA!"
The dragon merely released a grunted sound which soon followed by the vicious flapping of its giant wings as it began to soar into the skies, carrying the boy with him. The woman stood in her position as she watched them disappear into the horizon. She waved her hand goodbye to the boy as the day began to end.
A deep sadness cultivated inside her heart but the promise he made reassured her.
They will meet again.
And when that time comes, he will fulfill his promise to her.
..
Groaning...
His ears heard his first words as Natsu flickered his eyes open. His vision met the ceiling and the tired feeling of his body continues to float in his system, preventing him from getting up. His mind was literally lost in thought after experiencing yet another dream.
'What the hell was that?'
He wondered inwardly before the silence of the atmosphere was interrupted by the loud chirping noises of the birds from the outside. His eyes followed the source of the sound which also lets him get a look at his current surroundings. The start of a morning finally rubs the rest of his sleepiness off his body. Light penetrated through the windows as the sun rose up from the horizon. Some of it hits his eyes, prompting him to shield it with his hands since the position of the window is facing towards him.
Realization hits him as soon as he found himself in his room. It seems like he was back in the house although he didn't recall much of what happened yesterday. He slowly sits up straight and glanced about, scanning every item that he recognized to confirm that it is his room.
He shifted sideways as his feet met the floor which soon prompted him to stand up and walk his way towards the door. His hair was messy and his clothes were unruly due to its disorderly fashion yet he didn't mind.
"Fish~ fish~ fish~ I'd like to have a little bit of fish~"
Out in the corner of his eyes, he saw Happy sleeping in his cat bed in which he made it just for him ever since he stayed in the house. It would seem like he was having another dream of fishes again. A light bubble is seen on his nose, expanding and contracting in succession towards his current breathing.
Natsu somehow found it quite silly for some reason but decided to leave him for now and let him sleep further.
The pinkette dragged his feet to the hall and slowly went downstairs where he found both of his parents doing their usual chores. The place was quiet except for the sounds of the food being fried that catches his attention due to his now growing hunger.
At that moment, his parents noticed his arrival.
"Ara, good morning, Natsu!" Her mom called out in glee as the pinkette passed a friendly wave and sat at the table across where their father is sitting, reading a newspaper as usual.
The sound of ingredients boiling from the pots entered his ears and the sweet smell of the food's aroma tickled his nose. A growling sound was emitted soon after.
"I'm hungry~"
"Don't worry, breakfast will be ready soon but you should go wake up Issei and Asia too. You wouldn't want to let them get left out, don't you?"
"She's right..." Out in the corner, his father spoke up while holding his newspaper right in front of his face.
"Sure thing."
Natsu nodded and decided to head back upstairs to wake up his two siblings. His brief conversation with his parents surely made him fully awake now.
He walked towards Asia's room since it was quite near to the stairs. The cute sign was plastered on the door, spelling out the name of the person inside which slightly made him smile a bit. He lifted his right hand and gently knocked on the door to wake her up.
"Asia... It's already morning. Breakfast is almost ready."
No reply was heard from the other side. Not even a faintest sound can be heard inside despite his heightened hearing senses. He could've assumed that she did not hear him well enough.
"Asia."
He slightly raised his voice and gently knocked again. However, the same result happened.
'Strange... Asia is not a heavy sleeper until now.'
He tried turning the knob and surprisingly found it open for some reason. It was not locked as he heard a slight turn of the gear that soon gained him access to her room. The door silently creaked open and revealed the interior of the room itself.
The walls were painted pink with intricate designs all over that is something similar to every girl's room. Several types of furniture are seen around like a closet and a small study table where she usually works on her schoolwork every now and then. Items and other related stuff are seen all around.
Natsu felt like he was invading her room without permission.
However, they were already living together under the same roof for quite some time so the feeling should rather fade away now but it seems like he still hasn't. After all, Asia is still not related to their family or some sort. His relationship with the Hyoudou is long since rooted ever since.
After a few moments, his eyes finally caught to her who is sleeping peacefully on her bed. Asia had her body shifted sideways, causing her silky blonde hair to freely occupy the other side. Strands of her blonde hair scattered beautifully like the ones he would see in TV dramas where a particular actress lies on a bed in the same position to boost the show's dramatic effect.
Of course, Natsu couldn't deny his heart starting to race after thinking it like that. However, he pushed it aside and tried to focus back on his original task.
"Asia... Asia... It's already morning."
He lightly shook the sleeping girl who only made mumbling noises in response. It seemed like she was really tired of it.
"Mmmhumm~ Neko-san~" She mumbled words which Natsu took as some part of her dream. Her expression went into a light giggle as her dream continues on. He probably might feel bad for waking her up like that.
Sighing deeply, he silently walked right towards her and brushed her locks that obscure her face. Asia slightly moved as soon as his fingers touched her face. Her lips formed into a faint smile like a pampered child.
"Hmm... Guess I'll come back later." He muttered in an undertone and tried to head back to the door until–
GRAB*
Natsu felt his hand being held back or something. He looked back and saw Asia grabbing the hand he used to caress her with her two soft hands. Her body was slightly arched from the bed due to their distance but her eyes were still closed, indicating her half-woken state. A gentle smile was plastered on her face as she forcefully pulled his hand close to her as if it was a stuffed toy.
The pinkette suppressed the grunt that was supposed to come out from his lips due to the sudden pull and immediately found himself lying the bed with her. He lost his balance and had himself pinned as Asia snuggled closer to his arm like a cat person.
"A-Asia."
This time, he tried to break free but the girl's hold is too strong for him to get away and eventually made him wondered just how much strength does she possess.
Strength aside, he immediately found himself in an awkward situation. The door is still open and someone might misunderstand that would hurt his image in the future.
No! He IS NOT taking advantage of Asia. He liked her innocence and it's purely by chance that she somehow got his arm without knowing it by herself. Then again, he sweated at the thought of Issei and their parents finding him in this position and would undoubtedly misunderstand everything. Not to mention a certain black-haired senpai that is considered to be a sadist when it comes to punishing others with pleasure.
A freezing chill overwhelmed him that it momentarily dominated his body warmth upon recalling that person.
He's not going to sit around and let someone find him like this.
However, as he was about to forcefully yank his hand out from her grasp her voice quickly stopped him.
"I-Issei-san... N-Natsu-san..."
Wait what?! She's crying?!
Woah for a second there. Just moments ago, she was dreaming about cats and now she's calling out their names in a saddening tone. Her beaming face immediately turned into a strained expression as she unconsciously sobbed in her sleep.
"Don't leave me... I... I already found a family. I don't want to go back."
She mumbled out words that expressed her sadness at the thought of being alone again. At that moment, the dragonslayer paused in his thoughts and focused on thinking solely about Asia. Even though it was already put behind her, the recurring memories of her painful past still linger in her heart. He remembered how she told him about the story of her past as a nun, only to be betrayed by the ones she tried to help for doing a blasphemous act against the Church.
Natsu didn't care if her actions were deemed bad or evil. It's the narrow-minded people who easily judged her as a heretic even though her intentions to save that devil was genuine. Asia values life and harmony between humans and supernatural beings. Whether it be a devil or a ghost, she will always reach out her hand to help them without thinking of the consequences. She was bold and strong to her beliefs to help the others but all of that was crushed when she was branded as a traitor of the Church.
Her very home banished her away and left her to become an underling in the hands of the fallen angels. Natsu could only wonder what kind of future she would've taken if he and Issei never met her in that park.
Funny...
The two of them meeting her in that place he called fate was her longing wish of a miracle by God that she prayed for so long. It did not end to what she expected it to be but her desire to be part of the family she always dreamed off was fulfilled. And she was forever grateful to it. Devil or not, she's still her and that would never change.
The only thing that's waiting for her is the future. Her new day with them began in that one decision to become a devil. It was the turning point of her life that lies ahead of her. She only needs herself to find out what it is.
Natsu softened his gaze at the sleeping blonde girl and stroke her hair once more to ease her sadness away. At that moment, she felt a warmth feeling and her face finally rested again in happiness as he continued to caress her until her hold on his arm finally loosen, indicating her to be peacefully asleep.
He faintly smiled as he silently made to the door and closed it to let her rest for a bit.
A huge breath was released from his mouth as soon as he got out of her room and only wondered.
Come to think about it, even though they're already living together for quite some time, he never actually held a long conversation with her once. He could only blame of the recent events that happened to them because of the appearance of Riser.
'I guess, this time, I might have a chance to talk to her more after all.' He noted the thought inside his head and simply went ahead to the other room where Issei was sleeping.
His room was located just beside Asia's since his room was located across them. Waking them up isn't that much of a problem when he's asked to do it. He stopped right at the door and knocked as well.
Like Asia's, the door was also unlocked for some reason.
Man, they really needed to lock their doors if they're ever going to hide their privacy from anyone. Then again, Natsu knocked a few times to show his respect but the response he got was nothing but silence however, he did hear a constant creaking sound of the bed as if someone kept on shifting their sleeping position from time to time.
Of course, it would be Issei and it's not weird since he had a bad sleeping habit same as him.
Wanting to not waste any more time, he simply opened the door and casually made his way inside.
"Oi, Issei. It's already morning! Get your ass downstairs. Mom and Dad are waiting for y–Huh?"
His sentence came to an abrupt halt, has his eyes blinked not once but twice or even more to confirm what he is seeing right now.
To explain what was going on inside his mind in simplistic terms, it would be like this,
Natsu walks in.
Door busted open.
Sees a completely nude Rias, who is beside Issei, who is unaware of it.
His hands on her boobs, Rias gives a moan.
Issei's face twisted like a perverted guy. *He's sleeping by the way.
Natsu had only two conclusions.
Issei + Nude Rias + Moans = Porn scene.
Issei + Nude Rias + Groping = Call the police.
"..."
Natsu blankly stared at the two in a completely deadpanned expression as he lost all words to say something about the situation. He didn't even bother to wake up the two even though he found them. More probably, he needed more time to process the current situation.
At that moment, Issei eventually woke up from the stimulating soft object that he was unknowingly touching. It was a rather different kind of feeling. The shape of the 'unknown' object is easily recognized from someone in his caliber in terms of being perverted.
"OPPAI!" His voice sounded heavy like he was serious while at the same, shocked as soon as his eyes finally opened and immediately got a full view of oppais in the first thing in the morning.
Now this is quite a change.
Who would've thought that he would have himself a pair of oppais placed on his hands in the morning?
'Calm down... I'm sure this is just a dream. Calm down and take a breath.'
He controlled his breathing that is speeding up due to the close proximity of the oppai in front of him. A man like him should have a clear mind before assessing the situation. Setting the little details aside, he should cherish this moment in his mind in order not to forget it.
'Wait a minute... I didn't order a pair of oppais did I?'
He then looked up and recognized whose oppais he was seeing and groping.
"B-B-B-B-Buchou!?"
A frantic scream escaped from his mouth, causing the girl to wake up as well as she slowly opened her eyes and tried adjusting her senses to her surroundings. She rubbed her eyes and sat straight. Her immediate action caused her boobs to jiggle playfully and produced a floppy sound as it rocked upward before stopping.
For Issei, a moment of seeing oppai bouncing like that is a godsend. That one alone is enough to cause him a massive nosebleed but thankfully, he's not on his red period yet and the scene was just a starting point.
"Hmm... Good morning, Issei-kun~" Unlike from his initial reaction, Rias had a rather calm expression as if everything was normal to her.
"Umm... Good morning. Why are you naked, Buchou?" Issei tried to act composed as possible, unaware that Natsu was silently watching them with a blank expression.
Before she could even speak, their attention finally lies on the pinkette standing near the door.
Silence ensued between them as Issei jaw dropped in shock at his appearance. More like his jaw suddenly lost all its joints and came dropping down together with a wide-eyed expression that signified utter complete shock.
So much that it could enter to a point of having his world turn white for a moment as soon as he was found out by the pinkette in a rather lewd situation.
After a few seconds, Natsu slowly grabbed a nearby phone and began to dial a number. He finally chose a conclusion.
"911, I got a situation here in my house."
"IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK! ! ! ! !"
The morning passed and the sun was already beginning to set for the noon as the group finally went downstairs to eat their breakfast. Issei was sweating, Asia was fuming, Rias and Natsu are calm as usual – basically, everyone had a different type of expression after the unavoidable incident that happened earlier. Even their parents didn't know what to say about the odd atmosphere surrounding them. After all, Rias stepped yet again without permission from them which is why they were a little bit in shock to find her inside their house.
It's a fortunate thing that they didn't find out about the whole nude incident between the three but Asia was informed nonetheless which resulted in her current grumpy look towards Issei and Rias. Natsu was the only one who hasn't got any problem alongside with Happy who is always seen resting on top of his head.
Both of them simply ate their meals silently as the conversation about Rias' sudden visit was explained to them throughout the course of time. Of course, as liberal as their parents are, they dismissed her visit as nothing but a small matter and offered her hospitality.
As soon as they finished eating, the group began explaining behind her sudden visit.
"I-I see... I guess there's nothing wrong about it. You're always free to visit us, Rias-chan." Their mother spoke in delight after knowing the reason behind the redhead's sudden visit.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion, Mrs. Hyoudou." Rias bowed her head in apology.
"No, no, no. You don't need to do that. We're just surprised, that's all but I'm glad that you're making friends with my children here. It's probably the first time someone had to come here and visit them."
"Hn... Natsu-kun and Issei-kun are really helpful in our club activities. They're really nice people so it's natural for me to show my gratitude for helping out in the past couple of days." Rias nodded with a smile.
"I see... I'm glad. Well then, I'll leave you all to your matters. Feel free to ask anything if you want something to be done, okay?"
"Thank you, Mrs. Hyoudou."
And with that, she stood up and went over to the kitchen to wash all the plates. Mr. Hyoudou got up from his seat and followed his wife to help out as well, leaving the four alone on the table. Silence assailed in the air around them as soon as they were left alone. Everyone felt awkward for some reason until Rias decided to break the tense atmosphere between them by speaking.
"So, I guess everyone's all here then."
"Wait a moment... First off, we need to ask a few questions from you, Buchou." Natsu immediately raised his hand, prompting everyone to look at him in curious looks as he displayed a rather serious attitude which was very unusual in the first thing in the morning.
"Sure, what is it?"
"Are you and Issei already married?"
.
.
"Eh?"
Said people blinked their eyes in surprise, especially Issei who spurted out his drink out of complete shock as he looked at the pinkette in disbelief. It didn't take long for Asia to become flustered at the mention of the word and simply looked at the brunet in shock. Happy, on the other hand, rested peacefully on top of his head like nothing else matters other than sleeping beside his partner.
"W-What are you saying all of a sudden, Natsu!? I told you it's all a misunderstanding!"
It also didn't take long for the rebuttal responses to fill the room as Issei slammed his hands down on the table out of pure embarrassment.
"Ara, that would be too hasty to think about it. I'd like to take it nice and slow for now."
Unexpectedly, Rias seems to have not been bothered by it as she replied with a positive attitude about the topic. Her calm expression is in stark contrast to the rest of the group who were both panicking and blushing at her somewhat unusual reply.
"B-Buchou?"
Eventually, Issei became flustered as well at the sudden declaration as he couldn't keep his composure after hearing her words earlier. For someone like her, it sounded a bit unreal to hear her agreeing to the fact of being in a relationship with him. After all, they only had a master-and-slave relationship. Or at least, that's what he thought.
"Plus, having my precious Issei close to me would surely strengthen our bond even more, wouldn't you think?"
"Hmm... Is that so?" Natsu pondered.
"Anyway, leaving that aside, I also came here to give you all some information about what's happening in the past few days."
"Is it about that time with Riser?" Issei asked in which Rias nodded before speaking.
"Well yes but the situation isn't that much of a problem now. Nii-sama and Lord Phenex have agreed on the terms of your victory against Riser so there's nothing more to discuss that except for one thing."
"And that is?"
"Natsu's identity to the other factions."
The pinkette, on the other hand, simply quirked his brow in curiosity at the mention of his name.
"What about me?" He said.
"As you can see, Nii-sama couldn't do anything to stop the leakage of the information and was eventually spread around."
"Why does keeping Natsu's secret that important? I mean, it's not that of a big deal, right?"
This time, Happy spoke in question as he finds it confusing for them to be worrying about such a thing. His curious expression, however, was merely met with a disapproving nod from the redhead as she explained further.
"You must understand. It's not as simple as dismissing a simple rumor. Natsu is indeed a dragonslayer and his nature as one of the lost races is an important factor to all of us. And due to that, we'll be getting a lot of attention from the other factions who managed to get wind of it and eventually would try investigating as well."
It was then Rias' expression suddenly changed. Her face adopted a narrow gaze that caused the others to take her words seriously. Without even realizing it, their atmosphere turned dull and unlively.
"If things get worse, he will be subject to their experiment or any plans they had in store for him."
Happy contorted his lips into a frown as soon as he understood the situation. He doesn't know how things work out in the world around him so he's completely oblivious to the consequences that centered on Natsu's identity.
They can't blame him, though. Everything just happened so fast that led them into this situation. There were still a lot of questions left unanswered and all they could do right now is to be careful from what's to come. They wouldn't want the same situation with Asia to happen again.
Another brief silence wrapped their location until Rias spoke again.
"Anyways, that's not all the things that I wanted to share with you all. There is still some good news about what's happened, though."
"What do you mean?"
At that moment, the red-haired devil stood up in which their eyes followed suit.
"For now, let's head to the club."
It was Saturday...
The sun is already shining bright, bearing its heat down to the earth in a seemingly endless array of invisible lights. Noon had started and the clear skies indicate today's sunny weather. Most of the people stayed in their homes rather than to wander around in the heat which resulted in only a few bystanders walking in the neighborhood.
The fuming sounds of vehicles moving past by them signified the busy atmosphere of the town despite the lack of people seen on the sidewalks.
The group simply walked on the sides that consisted of different tag groupings. Natsu and Asia alongside with Happy are the ones that occupy the front while Issei and Rias cover the back of the group. So far, the atmosphere around them seemed fine as the two saw the other three having fun with each other.
"It's been a long time since we walked together like this."
Issei blurted out with a whimsical thought, unaware of the fact that Rias was right beside him who also happens to be not included in his mentioned thought earlier. The girl, on the other hand, simply gave a light chuckle as she looked at him with a smile.
"One of the days that we all enjoyed, am I right?"
"Well, yeah although they seem to be quite closer than ever." A jealous feeling was noticed from the brunet but Rias could only chuckle yet again from his reaction as if she found it amusing in some sort of way he couldn't understand.
"Jealous, aren't we?" Hinting his current feelings, Issei almost choked down on his words before trying to recompose himself.
"I-I'm not... It's just that I haven't talked much to her even though she became our family."
"Is that so? Well, your brother seemed rather sociable to the others which kinda makes him easy to talk to them. Plus, he somehow notices it firsthand, though." She noted, giving him a rather defeated sigh.
"Yeah right... He reads the atmosphere all too well but he's rather dense when it comes to girls." He huffed.
"Ara, and you're not?"
"I'm trying... Teh–why are we talking about my love-life!?"
Rias could only giggle in response which earned him a heavy blush as he found it hard for him to concentrate when talking to her like this.
Who would've thought Buchou would be such a tease?
He always looked up to her as some sort of a master and authoritative figure but judging from her current expression towards him, it seemed rather unusual. She's somewhat affectionate and acts like so much Akeno when she's on her teasing mode. He wondered if it's because of their fight against Riser that she managed to change her outlook towards him such as now.
After she's done with her laugh, she proceeded to grab his hand and smiled afterward.
"Issei is fine in the way he is right now. Whatever happens, Issei will be my Issei. Nothing will ever change that."
She spoke affectionately which got him heavily flustered all of a sudden as his eyes gazed over to hers as if he was in a state of trance just by looking at her alone. Her crimson hair fluttered around her back and a smile that radiated across her face made his heart race in the process.
Right now, they're about to enter into their own world if not for the mischievous grins coming from Natsu and Happy. Their faces showed their teasing remarks about them before puffing their cheeks as they placed their hands on their mouths before speaking.
"She liiiiikkkeeessss you~"
"W-Wait, this is not what you think–"
"Isn't it fine? I don't actually mind it."
Cutting him off, Rias smiled further as she held tightly to his hand to show their relationship. On the other hand, Asia was only blushing madly from the intimate sight as she tried her best to stay composed as ever but her wobbling figure indicates her obvious flustered state.
"Wawawa... I-Issei-san..."
Issei couldn't know if she's jealous or embarrassed at them but the way she says her words implies her somewhat envious nature towards their situation. Although come to think of it, she always gives a jealous side whenever he or Natsu got tangled into other girls which kinda confuses him to question her feelings for the two of them.
Maybe it's because she cares the two of them as her precious brothers. After all, she is already part of the family so it's not that strange for her to act like that when both of them have their attention elsewhere other than her.
You could call it selfish but they knew that she just want to be pampered as she had no experience of having a family that she wished for. And it also made sense for her to associate with Natsu more than her due to the fact that they're both orphans who were only adopted to them.
He gazed at the sky with a deep thought.
These days...
He just wanted to stay like this. The image of all of them walking side by side is something that he wished for inside his mind. Of course, he didn't forget about Akeno and the others. He wanted a day where they could all have fun together and live happily without any troubles from their current lives as devils.
"Is something wrong, Issei?" Rias, who noticed his adrift gaze, asked curiously.
"Ah, it's nothing. Let's get going, Buchou."
"Hn..." With a nod, she walked alongside with him and continued their way towards the school.
..
..
..
Kuoh Academy is devoid of any liveliness as the lack of students wandering the halls were present. Aside from the ghostly atmosphere surrounding the whole school grounds, faint sounds of the birds chirping off in the distance were the only ones that kept the silence from bearing down on the place.
The group arrived at the gate and walked their way across the field where certain recollections were resurfaced in their minds as soon as they familiarized themselves in the place around them.
That's right.
It's the same place where they used to fight against Riser a few days back. The replicated world of their first Rating Game was their school which held many unforgettable memories that forever dug deep into their minds. The only things that set a difference between them were the blue skies and the lack of destruction.
Everyone could've assumed that it was all a dream since the place is enveloped in serenity. They just couldn't picture their school to be some sort of a battleground.
A few minutes passed and the group finally arrived at the old school building where their club is usually located. A sense of nostalgia went to some of them as they took a moment to observe its old structure.
"It's been awhile since we last visited here." Natsu blurted out.
"Aye... I wonder if Akeno is inside as well."
"Don't worry. She had some errands to do in the Underworld along with Kiba and the others. They should be back soon." Rias said.
With a nod, the group opened the doors and went inside. The dark theme of the room never changed as the thick red curtains that capture the light from the outside reflects its natural color to the room. The brightness was reduced to a minimum as if they have stepped into a different world.
Closing the door behind them, they silently walked towards the center of the room. However, what they saw afterward immediately surprised them.
"Ara, you're all here."
A familiar voice resounded from one of the couches that are facing away from the group. The lack of light made it hard for them to see through but her black hair made them recognize her otherwise. A light smile went up from Happy as soon as the girl glanced towards them with the same expression.
"Akeno!"
"Hello, everyone. It seems like all of you came late."
She greeted. Happy simply flew towards the black-haired female in joy. Akeno embraced the Exceed with open arms to show her affection. At the same time, Kiba and Koneko emerged from the other room with a stack of papers held in their hands as they went over to the main table and settled it down.
"Good day, Buchou." They greeted as well in which Rias returned the favor.
"It's good to see you all here, Akeno. I presume the meeting went well."
"Yes... Sirzechs-sama and other Satans have agreed on the terms regarding her stay in the human world. There were several things that were discussed concerning the other factions but it's nothing to worry about." She replied, prompting the redhead to breathe a sigh of relief at the news.
"I see... I'm glad."
On the other hand, the group behind her were clueless about their conversation which resulted Natsu asking about it.
"Umm, what are you guys talking about?"
Issei and Asia also joined along with his question as the two devils looked back at them to reply until–
"What a shady looking place."
At that moment, a voice resounded from the corner of the room. The others simply drew a surprised look as soon as they heard her voice, specifically to Akeno and the others who didn't notice her arrival just now.
Meanwhile, Natsu and the others shot their eyes wide open as soon as they recognized the lone woman standing in the corner with a curious look on her face towards the room's decoration. Her pale blue hair graced from her back, accompanied by her current clothes that consisted of a blue dress. The skirt reaches down to her knees in which her two identical heels are also noticed. Several frills are seen in the outer linings of the skirt and some to her sleeves as well. A white floppy hat covers her head and a small luggage is seen behind her figure.
However, what really caught their attention was her beautiful face that radiated an otherworldly aura as soon as she broke into a smile.
With a shaky finger, Natsu uttered her name.
"T-T-Tiamat?!"
"It's been awhile, Natsu."
"Tiamat-sama... If you're going to visit the human world, please do so to inform us in advance."
Akeno immediately butted in with a reprimanding tone in her voice. Everyone had to wonder just how she managed to make her way towards the blue-haired woman so fast, seeing that she was just sitting on the couch just moments ago. Happy was also left on the couch, oblivious to what happened to her just now.
"It's no fun if there are no surprises. Plus, I'd like to surprise Natsu."
The mention of the pinkette's name only resulted a mildly irritated look plastered on the black-haired woman's face.
"Please refrain your meaningless excuses. Even if you're permitted to stay, you shouldn't raise any unnecessary statements in the middle of a serious matter."
"Ara... Don't be like that, Akeno-san. I'm very well-aware of your motives but sadly, I'm not letting you have your way with him. Not while I'm still around."
And in just like that, Tiamat's expression turned extremely cold towards Akeno who seemed to be unfazed for some reason as if she was literally challenging her head on. Let it be known that they're meeting with one of the legendary five dragon kings which seemed to be regarded as powerful beings that are feared from all factions aside from the Heavenly Dragon Emperors.
Make that two by the way since one of them is the host of the infamous Sekiryuutei who is already learning to master its powers. Whatever it is, the room was full of tension, specifically to the two women who were now at each other's throats.
Their faces masked the once calm and peaceful expression they displayed with each other. Instead, they were replaced with enmity and jealousy. The others could only wonder in thought.
'What happened to the peaceful greeting earlier?'
Rias noticed their topic was getting out of hand so she decided to break the tense atmosphere between the two. She really needed to straighten up the mood since it's the Chaos Karma Dragon they're talking about here. No matter how she acts, the title she beholds is not something to be taken lightly.
"Alright, that's enough, you two... We didn't come here for any quarrels."
Sure enough, the two broke away from their intense glares as Akeno went back on the couch where Happy was while Tiamat recomposed herself and sat across them with a displeased look direct towards the black-haired devil in front of her.
A couple of sweats dropped from the group's heads as they watched their growing hostility towards each other. Natsu and the others sat on the spare couch located between the two while Kiba and Koneko occupied the other. Rias went into her usual seat on the main table and began to speak once again.
"Anyways, I suppose we should explain about the topic regarding Tiamat's stay in the human world. As you can see, she was already permitted to stay with us in order to serve as Natsu's protector in the time being. That also includes Sona and the others as well."
"Sona? I've heard that name before." Natsu curiously asked at the peculiar name.
"Sona Sitri. We met her before, didn't we? During that time in the gym." Issei recalled it for him.
"Hoh! You mean those people with that guy–uhh what's his name again?"
"Saji..."
"Ahh, that guy huh?" As Natsu tries to recall more, Rias continued on her explanation to the others.
"Sona and the others will be here soon as well but there are also some things that you should all know about Tiamat's stay here. Akeno."
She slightly turned her face towards her queen who only nodded in response before explaining further about the topic.
"Regarding Tiamat-sama's identity as one of the Great Five Dragon Kings, her presence in the human world will significantly cause a lot of attention from the other factions. It is unknown to them that she'd taken refuge in the Underworld or allied with us for that matter but it'll be a bad thing if they found out about that. So to resolve that problem, Tiamat was advised to seal most of her powers in order to avoid detection. Agreements were made from the Underworld that should a situation falls into a level of great danger, she will still have to restrain herself from unleashing her powers even if it endangers one's life. They will decide whether it's advisable for her to release her powers depending on the situation."
Collective forms of surprises went over to the group as they shot their eyes wide, looking at Tiamat in disbelief.
"Is she that really powerful?" Issei asked.
At that moment, a green blow from his left hand suddenly shimmered. A familiar voice was heard as if it was listening to their conversation.
[It's more than anyone could imagine. Dragons are extremely powerful beings since the time of man. Even you partner should be aware of how much power you currently have despite you being in your initial stage.]
"Ddraig!?"
[Sealing your powers in order to avoid detection is quite a risk, Tiamat... Are you really that determined to stay with the boy?]
Soon afterward, the direction of his question falls to the blue-haired woman who only crossed her arms and glanced away with a sharp remark.
"And what about it? Don't get ahead of yourself, Ddraig. I still haven't forgotten what happened 400 years ago."
For some reason, her voice sounded really hostile and everyone could only blink their eyes in disbelief at her sudden change of tone. They didn't expect that to happen to her so it's really natural for them to display a rather shocked expression. A momentary silence assailed in the air and the lively atmosphere died down immediately as the group became unsure of what to say after that reply just now.
Even Ddraig went silent for some reason. At first, they could've assumed that he dismissed the reply easily, however, the green glow on Issei's left hand continued as if he was still listening. And due to that, everyone felt heavy all of a sudden. Moments later, Rias sighed, wanting to break off the awkward atmosphere between them to continue.
"A-Anyways, leaving that aside, you should know what would happen once your powers have been sealed, right?"
Her eyes darted over to the dragon queen in anticipation who immediately changed her expression as soon as she left her gaze from Ddraig and to Rias. A nod was followed by her reply along with a renewed gaze.
"Yes... Prior to most of my powers being sealed, I won't be the same as I am being a dragon king. My powers will be hidden at the most form of discretion in order to avoid the other factions from getting suspicious."
Rias simply nodded at her explanation.
"In a sense, she would likely be that of a high-ranking devil at her weakest. However, make no mistake on judging her powers as of now. She is still one of the dragon kings and her power is no laughing matter no matter how you look at it. Understand?"
She looked at the others for confirmation, prompting all of them to nod in unison.
A few seconds later, the doors opened as Sona and the rest of her peers arrived at the scene to meet up with them.
"Pardon, my intrusion." Sona bowed along with her members before approaching the other peer with an expectant look.
"You're late," Rias spoke.
"It seems like it. I suppose you were just finished concerning about the Chaos Karma Dragon's situation."
"Yeah..."
On the other hand, Natsu and Issei blinked their eyes in surprise as soon as they saw Saji amongst the group.
"Haaa! You!" Simultaneously, the three pointed each other accusingly after recognizing each other.
"You're that stupid idiot from last time!" Natsu shouted.
"Who you calling idiot?!" Saji retorted.
"Don't come closer to Asia, you bastard!" Issei shouted.
Without even realizing their current atmosphere, the three had gone into a brawl as Natsu and Issei began fighting with Saji with really annoyed faces. Rias and Sona once again sighed after seeing their servants fighting each other once again.
The atmosphere lit up again in joy and the two parties celebrated their reunion from the long separation.
Issei walked alone towards one of the windows of the old building. Apparently, the whole party was held just outside with several foods being served around in the corner. Night descended and Issei simply wondered just how fast time passed although it didn't matter much due to him being a devil.
From what he could remember, devils live for a really long time so his sense of time is not that similar to what he had been when he was still human.
He rested his arms down on the hill with one supporting his chin as he looked down. There he saw familiar faces of his friends and acquaintances talking to each other. Pretty much most of them are devils like him with the exception of the other two.
He smiled at the transition of the atmosphere as he stared at them with a relieved look.
[You seem quite a bit off to not join the others, partner.]
A familiar voice suddenly put his attention back to his left hand which is now glowing in green at the middle as it speaks.
"Geez, if you're going to speak, at least give me a hint of something. You're giving some kind of a heart attack."
[Hah, it would be a shame if my host died because of that.] His tone is really hard to distinguish from the brunet's point of view since you don't actually see the dragon's real appearance up close. He can't tell exactly if he's mocking or just feeling amused at his reply earlier. There were only some instances where he encounters him in his dream though most of it are vague.
"Leave me alone..." Came the retorted reply.
Issei ignored the tease and simply reverted his normal attitude towards the small crowd below with a wondering expression.
[Well, this isn't too bad at all. I've been in the hosts of many Sacred Gear holders but this is the first time I've been in the host of a devil.]
He took a different topic to ease their mood.
"Ha? You have never been held by a devil before?" His eyes lit up in curiosity.
[It seems like it.]
"Well, I was a human before so technically, you were still hosted by a human, though."
[Not really, I've awakened in your devil form. Most of the previous wielders were all human when they unleashed my powers but yours is different. You tapped my powers while being a devil and draw out my consciousness.] He explained.
"Hmmm? Is that so?" Issei hummed as if the whole thing was new to him.
[Anyway, I was just asking you, partner.]
"About what?"
[Why aren't you joining with them? You don't look like the type of guy who wouldn't join in this kind of party. Something in your mind perhaps?] As soon as he said that, Issei only answered with a bitter smile.
"Well, I guess somewhere between that line."
[Hmm... It seems like there are lot of things in your mind right now.]
"Yeah. And so with little answers in them. I can't help but feel uneasy because of it."
[Hoh? How so?]
"Well, I just had a feeling that something might happen soon. Considering that Tiamat is also here with us, we might encounter some enemies soon enough." He answered in a worried voice which also got the dragon's attention.
[That's how it is, partner... The world is just full of enemies that want to kill you for no reason. Better train yourself up if that happens.]
"Oi, is that supposed to cheer me up? I've been killed once, you know."
An amused laugh escaped from the dragon's mouth which got him slightly shocked as a result. After all, he didn't expect a dragon of all times to actually react such a thing. If he were to be unsealed from his Sacred Gear, the earth would've rumbled in his laughter.
However, a sudden thought went past his mind and asked again.
"Now that you mention it, Tiamat seem to know a lot about you, Ddraig. Did you two met or something a long time ago?"
[I wouldn't say met but rather an acquaintance. It's been a long time since we last saw each other along with some of the dragons in the past.] He corrected.
"Heeeeh... So there are other dragons too?" Issei sounded curious. His face lit up in curiosity, taking his eyes away from the group below and towards his left glowing hand which continued to speak.
[That's right... Dragons are amongst of the powerful beings that existed in this world. Some of them exceeding far beyond than God Himself. There are several dragon kings that governed a group of dragons under its will while others took in infamous names in due to their achievements and their power towards the world.]
"I assume that you're one of the latter." Issei guessed.
[I wouldn't deny that. A long time ago, I was just a rampaging dragon that caused destruction to anyone who opposed me. Eventually, the world began to fear me and named me as the Red Dragon Emperor.]
"You sounded like you were proud of it."
[I am... Dragons are a proud race. We like to value our pride and show our strengths against anyone. And eventually, putting them to fear us and worship us like the gods themselves.]
The conversation was really nerve-wracking for Issei by the way. He didn't know if it was the fact that Ddraig was talking about himself as one of the most powerful dragons in history or just that he was beginning to realize just how much powerful of a being is sealed in his Sacred Gear that he can use for his own good.
At first, he regarded his Sacred Gear to be as something normal like the others but with Ddraig spilling out his story as one of the Heavenly Dragons makes it a really valuable asset. It's no wonder why Rias chose him as her servant.
"And Tiamat?"
[She is a dragon king. She had her own ways and values towards our brethren but her power is not something to be taken lightly of. As she was one of the Five Great Dragon Kings, her reputation and power are same as that of mine.]
"It seems like you two weren't in good terms with each other." He noted.
[I wouldn't deny myself for that. In fact, she held a grudge towards me.]
"Did something happen between you two?"
At that moment, Ddraig remained silent. Issei's left hand is still glowing which indicates Ddraig's presence. It wouldn't sound like he was dodging the question. Rather, he was hesitant to say something about it.
"Ddraig?"
[Sorry, partner... I just had a memory of the past.] His tone was sober as if he was feeling regretful all of a sudden.
"What is it?"
[I can't tell you right now, partner... It's not something you would easily understand at this time but I can only say that it's somewhat related to your brother.]
"Eh?" Issei suddenly felt dumbstruck.
[Listen to me, partner... I want you to keep this a secret between the two of us. You must not tell anyone about this, especially to Natsu.]
"Wait... How did you know–"
[Trust me on this, Hyoudou Issei... Both you and Natsu will play a huge part of something big in the future. When that time comes, I want you to stay beside him no matter what.]
It was then, Issei stopped talking and thought about what he just said.
[Is that clear?]
"O-Of course..." He reluctantly answered in response.
[That's good... At least, I won't let my same mistake happen again... I'll give you as much as power as you want. I'm leaving it all to you once that happens, partner.]
And in just like that, the glow on his left hand slowly disappears. His presence waned and the atmosphere returned to its normal state.
"OI OI OI! ! ! DON'T JUST GO LEAVING ME LIKE THAT! ! !"
Without realizing it, Issei shouted in annoyance towards his left hand. Ddraig just literally left him after that talk with him.
Him.
Tiamat.
And Natsu.
It doesn't make any sense.
Just how come his brother was connected to them in the first place? There's a lot of questions he wanted to ask to Ddraig but it seems like he wasn't responding to him anymore. What's left him mostly puzzled is his last question towards him. More importantly, he could recall a few things that Ddraig had said to him earlier.
"Gaaaaaaah! ! ! I don't really get it anymore!"
Their conversation just piled him a lot more questions more than ever before.
And so the night continues.
The gathering party eventually ended. Rias and Sona along with their respective peers parted ways and returned to their homes. All the members of the Occult Research Club along with Tiamat departed from the school and walked their way towards the Hyoudou Residence.
Some additional information were shared amongst them about Tiamat settling in the house as her means of home for overlooking Natsu. It shouldn't come as a shock for Akeno and the others who were present a while ago at the school since it's been already decided by the Maou a few days back although Akeno seems a bit displeased because of it out of jealousy.
As of right now, she, along with Kiba and Koneko serve as her bodyguards in the meantime until her settlement on the house. After that, they will be freed from their positions and be placed back to Rias' peerage.
Of course, Natsu and the others could only feel nothing but utter surprise from the decision of her stay in their home but they seem to agree with it afterward much to Happy's joy. Although they need another explanation for their parents once they reached home.
It didn't take long for them to reach the house and eventually made their way inside.
.
.
.
"And that's how it happened." Natsu and Issei finished their conversation with their parents after talking about Tiamat's stay. They formed a buyable excuse regarding her origin and the reason behind her decision to stay within the house.
It all started with Tiamat being a foreigner overseas that served as a teacher in Kuoh Academy to help the students. The reason for her stay at their home is to help Natsu, Issei, and Asia in their academic studies by becoming their tutor, providing some special lessons and guidance to improve their grades in the future. Of course, her background was reinforced with a small paper slip from the student council which serves as proof of her affiliation as a teacher in the school.
They might have to thank Sona and the others for that.
"I-Is that so? But letting Tiamat-san stay here is a bit unexpected. We didn't prepare enough time for your sudden arrival."
"Oh don't mind about it, Mrs. and Mr. Hyoudou. Sorry for the trouble I've caused you."
"You don't have to worry about it, Tiamat-san. We understand your circumstances so we'll at least provide you some shelter in the time being."
"Really sorry." Tiamat bowed yet again in sincerity.
"You don't need to feel sorry about it. Anyways, we have a spare room beside Natsu's. Please use it as long as you like. You don't have to feel reserved. It really feels better to help someone in need so we'll be happy to lend a hand."
"Thank you very much. I won't forget your gratitude."
And in just like that, the conversation ended in Tiamat's stay in their house from now on. The group helped along in carrying her stuff towards her room and settled it there before heading back downstairs.
"Then we'll be heading home as well, Buchou." Koneko and Kiba called out.
"Wait a minute. We'll be having a short celebration for Tiamat. Stay for awhile." Rias responded with a lifted arm towards them in which they nodded before settling over to the living room.
Mr. and Mrs. Hyoudou provided some drinks and other food for the group to celebrate her stay. The rest of the members simply sat in their respective seats and carried out their little party inside the house.
Of course, there's still that growing hostility between Akeno and Tiamat whenever Natsu was involved. Luckily, Tiamat had most of her powers sealed so her powers are not that strongly felt even to normal humans. Nevertheless, this is the first time they'd saw Akeno lose her composure when facing her.
It's really obvious that they hate each other.
"I see... Then I'll leave my children in your care, Tiamat-san." Mrs. Hyoudou bowed.
"Hnn..." Came the polite nod as the parent went back to the kitchen and let their guests get acquainted with the house.
As soon as she disappeared from the corner, the atmosphere immediately shifted within the group.
"Amazing. My parents bought that excuse like it was nothing." Natsu commented in an undertone.
"Well, they're quite carefree with their lives but I'll feel bad for betraying their trust from now on," Tiamat replied worriedly, unaware of the surprised looks from the rest of the group.
"Ara... So a dragon has her code of honor." Rias voiced out.
"That's really surprising." Kiba smiled.
"Shocking..." Koneko muttered while burying her face in a pillow.
"Well anyways, you will be living with Natsu and the others from now on. I trust that you take care of the other two as well for my request as their president." Rias spoke with a slight hint of seriousness present in her eyes that is directed towards the blue-haired woman.
"Of course..."
"That's good to hear."
The group began their usual talks with each other in addition to Tiamat and the Hyoudou couple. Since Tiamat becomes a resident of the Hyoudou household, she too, began to help out various types of chores around the house. It would seem like she's knowledgeable in terms of household chores and other human activities despite being a dragon. Despite being a guest, she was already eager to help with the Hyoudou couple with their work inside the house.
On the other hand, members of the Occult Research Club settled again on the living room with Akeno and the other three present amongst them. They were just talking about the Hyoudou siblings.
"So you guys have been living together for that too long, huh?" Akeno asked while sitting beside Natsu, discreetly showing her seductive advances towards him as soon as Tiamat had gone to the kitchen to help out the Hyoudou couple.
"Well, not that long. I just happen to be adopted, remember?" Natsu clarified.
"Oh, so you're an orphan too, Natsu?" Happy asked in curiosity as it was his first time ever hearing his partner's history.
"Yup... But I do get along with Issei as soon as I settled here. Things happened and we're still the same."
"Yeah although you tend to pick a lot of fights with the other kids in the neighborhood which is why we don't get a lot of friends back then." Issei snorted.
"Hahaha... What can I say? I like fights." Natsu says so proudly.
"Natsu-kun surely is a bright kid back then." Akeno smiled affectionately.
"Yeah!"
"Ara... It seems like everyone is having fun." Calling out from the kitchen was Mrs. Hyoudou and Tiamat carrying plates in their hands which are piled with glasses and two pitchers to share amongst the group. Several snacks were also given and everyone simply dug in to satisfy themselves.
"Oh, I forgot to get the syrup. Tiamat-san, can you fetch it for me. If possible, bring a few more plates for everyone. It seems like we're still short on plates here."
"Understood, Mrs. Hyoudou." Tiamat bowed and glanced back to the kitchen.
"I'll help too." Natsu got out from his seat and followed the woman from behind.
They reached the kitchen as Tiamat opened one of the drawers beneath the sink where the syrup is stored. Natsu, on the other hand, grabbed a few plates from the other section and prepared it as well.
"You don't have to help me, Natsu... I can do fine by myself, you know."
"Well, I just can't lay around while you're doing all the work, Tiamat."
"Geez, what a meddlesome person you are." A troubled sigh was released from her mouth as she looked at the pinkette who gently placed the plates on top of each other.
"That's just a part of me, Tiamat. I just like to help anyone as much as I can, no matter how small or huge the task is."
"Your kindness is way too big... It's no wonder why that black-haired woman is fond of you."
"Oh, you mean Akeno-san? She's a good friend. She's a bit of a weird person but she's actually nice and protective when it comes to her nakama although she's a bit sadistic from time to time but I like her nonetheless."
Crack*
A sharp sound was heard, prompting him to stop and turned towards the source. His attention landed on the Tiamat beside him who unintentionally broke the syrup in her hand, spilling its contents and some of its broken glass parts down on the floor.
"E-Eh, Tiamat?" He asked, causing the woman to snap herself back to reality and blinked her eyes in mild surprise of her actions.
"Is everything alright?" It was then, Mrs. Hyoudou came to the kitchen to check what happened and saw the unfolding scene before her.
"A-Ah, I'm really sorry... I was careless." Tiamat sincerely apologized yet again for her actions but she let it slide for now and decided to clean away the spilled contents along with the shards to prevent any accidents.
"Anyways, go get Tiamat some first-aid just in case of a bleeding."
"Yes, mom!"
As soon as she finished cleaning, Mrs. Hyoudou proceeded outside the throw away the shards while Natsu led the dumbfounded woman close to one of the tables and took out some medkit box from the shelf and prepared some bandages for her.
"Hey, you should be careful in holding things, Tiamat." Natsu lightly scolded but the woman was eerily silent.
"Of course... Sorry."
"Geez, even if you're a dragon, you should be wary about how you carry some objects or you might end up crushing them and get injured in the process."
"..."
Her hand slightly gained some small cuts and Natsu wrapped some bandages around it to let it recover. Even with her powers sealed and reduced into a level to that of a high-ranking devil, her regenerative powers are not that proficient from what she was in her full power. She ought to watch herself from now on. Even a simple thing could injure her body just like this one, however–
Her thoughts wavered and her attention was somehow clouded as soon as she heard his opinion towards his friend. Although it may not relate to her in many ways, she couldn't shake an uncomfortable feeling that welled up inside her the moment he spoke about his view on Akeno.
It was the reason behind her little accident back then since she was completely surprised.
But even so, she just couldn't accept it and stay composed for too long. It made her angry just by hearing it in his own words. If her powers were unsealed at this point, she might've accidentally leveled the entire neighborhood in just that one emotion.
"Tiamat?" The voice of the pinkette sends her back again from her thoughts.
"It's nothing... I'm fine now. You don't have to worry about me, Natsu." Tiamat inched herself farther away from him.
"Hey, I'm not done yet with the wrapping."
"I'll do it myself. I don't want to trouble you that long." Once again, she tried to distance herself from him but–
"Wait, Tiamat! I said wait a minute, Tia!" This time, he stopped him by grabbing her injured hand, finally causing her to stop from exiting the kitchen although there was another reason why she stopped in the first place.
At that moment, Natsu failed to realize of the name he blurted out earlier from his dream and called it to her without noticing it.
"Tia...?" A small mumble was heard from the woman's lips.
As if reminiscing an old memory, she looked back at the pinkette with a gentle expression. On the other hand, Natsu felt dumbfounded of what he said to her earlier. More importantly, he said it to her in which she also had the same initial words as that of the person he used to call in his dream.
Instinctively, he drew his hand away from her, letting her go before speaking frantically.
"U-Uh, sorry! I didn't mean to–umm..."
"Where did you learn that name?"
"Eh?"
He blinked his eyes as soon as she asked him. Her eyes demanded an answer as if she was serious about it. Then again, he doesn't get the name before and had been floating around in his mind due to his recent dream earlier. From all he knew, he never called someone like that except to her by accident.
"I-I don't know... I didn't mean to call you like that. It's just that–you have the same name but I don't know really. I swear!" He didn't know how but he felt like he needed to apologize. He shook his head out of embarrassment but Tiamat was simply unmoving from her position.
A few seconds of silence, she breathed out a contented sigh.
"I see..."
"Huh?" Natsu raised his head in confusion at her reply. Tiamat lightly shook her head, shadowing her face before whispering something that faintly caught his attention.
"It looks like it's still not gone after all..."
"Tiamat?"
"Nothing... Thanks for your concern, Natsu. I'll take it over from here." In just like that, she sported a smile as if the situation earlier didn't mind her a bit.
"E-Eh? Are you sure?"
"Hnn..." She nodded. Natsu reluctantly went out of the kitchen and headed straight back to the living room with the others. His mind was suddenly flooded with multiple questions regarding her.
"Did something happen to Tiamat?" Rias and the others began to ask as soon as he returned.
"A-Ah, nothing happened. She was just adjusting herself in the house since it's her first time settling here."
The group looked at each other for a moment before finally dismissing the thought and went back to their usual routines. Natsu silently joined in while having Happy sitting down at his lap, pleading most of the time to feed him in which he does while also dealing with Akeno as well.
The night seemed to go on pretty well for them.
..
..
..
A few hours later, the group eventually began to talk about Natsu and Issei's childhood which then led their parents to pick out their picture books and showed it to the others. Tiamat already joined in as soon as she finished her chores and joined along the flow. On the other hand, the two boys somehow felt embarrassed since looking at their childhood seemed a bit weird when shown to others.
"Hmm... Looks like you two are inseparable." Kiba complimented as she saw a photo of the two small boys grinning at the playground.
"That's right... Oh, and look here. They sometimes fight each other." Mrs. Hyoudou pointed another picture of them yanking each other' hair.
"Ara ara..." Akeno mused.
"Ah, come on! Stop looking at our pictures!" Natsu and Issei shouted.
"Why not? I think it's good to let others see your childhood, don't you think?" Their mother replied.
"Even so, looking at them is a bit..."
"Oh, and here is Natsu's first birthday. He ate most of the cake that day, though."
"Oi!"
Among the others, Rias and Asia were somehow fascinated at the sight of the two small brothers in the book that they all lost words to say anything towards it. Everyone could easily tell just how happy they were to see their pictures.
"H-Hey, Buchou..." Issei tried to snap the redhead back to reality but–
"Little Issei, little Issei, little Issei, little Issei..." She muttered in an undertone.
"PLEASE STOP CHANTING MY NAME!"
Meanwhile...
"Asia... Are you alright? Do you need some food?"
"Haah... Haah... Natsu-san~"
"Please stop making such erotic sounds!"
The two girls couldn't even hide their secret desires that even Akeno and the others could easily notice it just by looking at their faces.
"Ara, ara... Looks like I got another rival. Fufu."
The sadist queen smirked underneath her breath but she also noticed a small click on the blue-haired woman's tongue as soon as she spoke about the pinkette once again. Kiba and Koneko could only watch in amusement as different sides of the group continued on before them.
"Everyone seems a bit worked up right now."
"Energetic..." Koneko muttered before taking a different picture book in curiosity. Kiba also took the same action and tried sifting through their picture book until one particular photo caught his attention.
His eyes slightly narrowed at the image background of the two brothers along with a mysterious looking boy at the center. It would seem like Natsu and Issei had another friend but what really caught the knight's attention was the sword located at the back of the three. It looks like an ornament at first glance but his eyes already confirmed its true nature.
At that moment, his hands slightly trembled in which Koneko noticed before disappearing.
"Hey, Natsu... Issei... Where did you two find this?" The sudden interruption of Kiba called the two back as he showed the photo in his hands towards them.
"Ah, that. From what I remember, we did meet a boy back then. He was a nice guy but he transferred away overseas before we could even play that long with him." Natsu replied.
"Oh, yeah... I remember that one. Isn't it that one who lives in the church a long time ago? We did come often in that place to play with him." Issei followed.
"I was not talking about the boy. I was talking about the sword behind you three." Kiba corrected.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Issei asked but was ignored as Kiba somewhat drew an unnatural expression as he looked intently at the sword in the photo.
"To think that I would encounter something like this."
"What's wrong, Kiba?"
"This sword... There's no mistaking it." It was then, they noticed him finally spacing out all of sudden away from their conversation. Kiba had a rather serious expression before handing the photo back to Issei.
"You really have a nice family, you two."
"Huh? Where did that come from?"
The brothers looked at each other in confusion as soon as Kiba stood from his seat and went to the bathroom. Both of them did not really know what happened but something must've bothered him to get him all that silent and serious apart from his reserved attitude towards his friends.
And thus, the night continued.
The streets of the town are already deemed empty. Only the lights of the nearby street posts lit up the dark road and the chilling cold wind surrounded the atmosphere like an invisible blanket. The clear skies made way for the solitary moon to shine its illuminating light down, giving enough light for any bystanders to guide their way through the thick blackness of the night.
Members of the Occult Research Club gathered around in a small abandoned factory located not far from the residence since they recently got an emergency call from Sona about some Stray Devil lurking around in the area.
As representatives of the underworld, they have to eliminate them in order to protect the innocent people.
Tiamat also went along with them just to see how devils actually fight around in small scale battles against their former allies. Additionally, she served as a protector in case of a dangerous turn of event.
"This is the place."
Rias answered as they all stood before the large doors of the factory and waited. Silence enveloped the abandoned area and the faint gusts of air swoop past them as time goes by.
"Yosh! It's time to kick some stray devil ass! Let's go!" Issei summoned his Boosted Gear in response while the rest also brought their powers in preparation for a battle.
"I'm all fired up!" Natsu shouted as he flared his fists in flames.
"Are you really okay using your powers just yet? You still haven't covered the two-week rest from your fight with Riser." Akeno asked worriedly.
"It's fine... I'm examining his powers on a regular basis. There are no abnormalities regarding his powers for now." Tiamat answered.
"I didn't ask you." Came the retorted reply.
"Okaaayyy... That's enough. We still have to focus on the job." Rias broke the two women apart from their glares and proceeded on the planning of the attack.
"Alright... The information of the Stray Devil is already handed out to me. The name of the devil is Pyre who can manipulate fire and create clones of himself from his body. He betrayed his master and had been terrorizing on this part of town just recently. I'd like all of us to stay on guard. Just because he's alone, his powers and cloning ability will make it hard for us to defeat him."
"Well, in that case, we'll just have to burn him up so he can't use his abilities from the start, right?" Happy suggested with a cheer.
"I doubt it would work, considering that he already knows us by now. Pyre can detect any person with a huge load of power from a distance. The moment we stepped in his territory, he might've started cloning enough of himself to confront us." Rias explained.
"I-Is that so? Then, this is going to be hard." Happy replied. The others nodded in response.
"But this is sure strange... I can't detect anything inside that factory." Rias said.
"Your president's right... I can't sense any presence lurking inside like it was empty." Tiamat answered with the same suspicious look towards the abandoned factory in front of them.
"If Pyre is inside, we can sense his movements or his clones but nothing seemed to surface inside."
"Maybe he's planning an ambush," Asia suggested.
"Might be but Pyre is not a type of devil who would ambush his opponents. He's a bit of a battle maniac and would not hesitate to challenge anyone who stands in his way."
"Your orders, Buchou." Akeno looked at the pondering girl in anticipation.
"Guess, we have no choice... I'll have Akeno to accompany Natsu, Issei, Koneko and Kiba inside just in case of an ambush. Tiamat and I will remain outside to prevent his escape while also protecting Asia. Is that clear?"
As soon as Rias laid out the plan, everyone nodded except for one.
"What's wrong, Kiba?" The president looked at the knight in worry. His expression was unnaturally somber and lost. It was as if he was thinking of something. However, he changed his expression as soon as the attention of the group was beginning to shift towards him.
"A-Ah, it's nothing, Buchou. I understand the plan." He gave a sharp reply before lining up with the other three together with Akeno as they faced towards the door in anticipation.
"It's barred from the other side... Should we bring it down?" Issei suggested in which everyone nodded.
Koneko proceeded to place her hands towards it before using her brute force to bring it down.
"Ey..." Came the emotionless shout.
Crash*
Due to her overwhelming strength, the doors were easily detached from their hinges and plunged straight down to the ground inside. The light of the moon soon occupies the interior, faintly lighting the dark place inside. The five proceeded inside as their shadows also moved up front. Small clouds of dust lingered inside from the crash but they were able to concentrate their senses and tried to locate the Stray Devil.
As soon as they walked inside, the group steeled themselves, hoping for an ambush or some sort but nothing came about. They waited for a few seconds to anticipate the threat but nothing happened again.
More importantly, the place was eerily silent and the further part of the room was immensely coated in darkness despite having the light of the moon shone from the entrance.
"This is strange... No one's here." Issei finally spoke to break off the tension.
"Yeah... I can't smell anything in here. The place is too damp." Natsu replied.
"Not to mention, there is no presence inside," Akeno added.
"Maybe he fled..." Koneko answered.
However, just as they were about to close the situation, something caught Issei's attention as he glanced over to the corner of the factory. His eyes narrowed towards it in suspicion. The place was too dark for him to ascertain the mysterious sight but a faint sound of dropping liquid and a small light from the moon made him slowly realize it.
"Wait... Is that... blood?"
The others also stopped and tried to look. It didn't take long for them to realize the same thing but as soon as they discovered it, they slowly recognize the bigger picture hidden behind the small patch of blood lying on the cold floor.
"What the–"
Finally, the light of the moon outside began to show the darkened areas and the five could only shot their eyes wide at the horrendous sight.
Located in a couple of pointed steel beams lies a dismembered body of Pyre sticking in each of its tip. Excess blood dripped down from the dismembered body parts while also painting the beams in deep red. The walls behind the beams were smeared in blood. Judging from the sight itself, it would seem like he was slammed multiple times before being mutilated in the process.
Natsu and the others could only hold their mouths in disgust while they tried to restrict themselves from looking away. This is something unacceptable even to the devils themselves. Only a mad murderer or a crazed maniac could ever do such a thing. Vandalizing a corpse was never an acceptable norm even to both humans and supernatural beings.
"Just what in the world happened here?"
At that moment, a sound of footsteps were heard from the distance across the entrance. Their eyes shifted towards the thick darkness before narrowing in suspicion.
"Oyaa... It seems like I had some late visitors." The voice was discerned to be female judging from its light tone.
"Who's there?!" Akeno moved into her stance along with the others as the mysterious figure approaches them.
"It looks like you were also trying to exterminate this Stray Devil... Too bad that I came in first, nya~"
Koneko could only widen her eyes in shock as soon as the person made its appearance to the angle of the moonlight in front of them.
The figure appears to be that of a woman dressed in a black kimono. A set of large golden beads tied unto a yellow obi occupies her waistline. One noticeable feature was her pair of cat-like ears that protrudes upward from her head. Her hair is jet-black which had split bangs that showed her forehead. Her eyes also featured a cat-like appearance along with its hazel gold color.
An evil smirk escaped from her lips as she greeted the group with expectant eyes. The white-haired kouhai could only stutter from her position as soon as she recognizes the identity of the woman right in front of her who also noticed as well.
"It's been a while, Shirone~" She spoke an unusual name but Akeno and the others knew whom she was referring about and spoke her identity as well.
"Kuroka!"
..
..
..
Meanwhile, on the leveled area where the church was buried from its recent battle, two cloaked figures walked on the crumbling ground, examining the non-existent structure in wonder. Only the statue of a broken cross lay standing in the midst of the rubble. The two walked towards it before kneeling before it and left a prayer.
Moments later, the two unhooded their cloaks and revealed their faces to the outside world. One consisted of a chin-length blue hair with a green fringe located on the right side while the other wore a long pony-tailed chestnut hair that reaches down to her feet as soon as he unveiled her hood.
"What a terrible sight. A house of God reduced like this." The blue-haired woman contemplated.
"This used to be my home so I'm a bit sad of how it turned out right now."
"We hoped to find anything that could lead us to the Excaliburs but I guess nothing could be done to this place anymore."
"Not all of them. It's a good thing I came by to this place since I kinda knew it a lot."
A chuckle escaped from her companion's lips.
"I see... Anyway, we should keep moving. We ought to be careful from now on since we're in enemy territory."
"Hn..."
"Let's go, Irina."
"Yes, Xenovia!"
A/N: And there's the start of the new arc. Thanks for reading. I hope you like it. Anyways, I wanted to announce that I would be making a 10k word chapter in this story from now on due to the fact that I won't be updating this a lot often as of now. That's why I wanted to make each chapter long so you guys can make the wait worth it. Well at least, I hoped for that. It's really up to you all if you liked the chapter or not but I do need some criticisms from time to time so don't hold back.
Leaving that aside, it seems like more characters are showing up. As what I told you a few chapters back when I voided the poll, I would want the selected girls to be showed up quickly in this arc. Oh, and before you could even ask, Kuroka is not YET part of the Vali Team which makes her a stray devil so she's entirely alone in this arc. But she will have friends eventually.
Once again, thank you guys again for waiting and I'll see you all in the next chapter.
- wiErD SpeCtrumz blacking out... … ...
