"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Ddraig/ Dragons
{} - Sparda
"" - Arata
{} - Kagami
...
[Fuhahahaha! This is finally your end! Seishinryuutei!] The man dressed up in a realistic monster costume laughed loudly while two other monster looking people held a young man who looked identical to Ayato dressed in a black shirt and slacks with a red leather coat over the top.
[Heh... There's no way weaklings like you can stop me from getting to her back.] The actor-Ayato retorted, flaring his aura before flinging the two minions away as the Boosted Gear appeared on his hand.
Ayato, the Gremory group, Arisu, Georgia, Serafall, Kiyome, Kotake, Kotume, Gabriel, Irina and Azazel were all watching a video at the big hall located in the basement of the Kurozakuro residence. The programme show playing on the giant screen was a hero film called [Rise of the Knight Spirit Dragon] which was apparently very popular with teens and currently being broadcast to the Underworld. Ayato found it equally embarrassing and funny that he was the main character for the film, even though they had an actor who had the same build as him playing him although they had used CG to insert his face and alter it.
"...Apparently, it became very popular as soon as it was being broadcast in the Underworld. The hero [Spirit Knight Dragon]." Koneko spoke as she sat on Ayato's lap, swaying her tail. Ayato had to admit he was shocked at how popular the movie seemed and that there was even talks to turn it into some sort of actual 'superhero' series.
The story synopsis was that a young half devil had set up an odd jobs business in the Underworld, Ayato Sparda, and had made a pact with both a legendary dragon and a powerful Shinigami and Fallen Angel. His first, and continuous, job was to protect the princesses in hiding: Rias,Mio & Stella Kurozakuro from demons who were out to hunt her down to claim some legendary power she held. The demons were part of some cult out to revive a Demon King.
Ayato had marvelled at the toy versions of the [Boosted Gear] and [Kurokamitsu] he had been sent, impressed that they were identical to the real things and they had even added Ddriag's voice to the former and light and sounds to the latter.
"The Red Dragon Spirit Mail which appears in this show is identical to the real thing. The skills used to recreate it and the rest of your powers are amazing." Kiba commented between eating popcorn, Ayato nodding in agreement.
[Here I come, you evil demon.] Actor-Ayato spoke, flaring power while dressed in armour. He swung his sword towards the giant monster cutting it in two.
[Sparda-kun, you came.] The actress playing Rias called, wearing a dress while chained up to a cross in what looked to be a ruined church.
[Hey Princess...] Actor-Ayato greeted, using his sword to cut the chains before Actress-Rias hugged him before a loud roar caused the pair to turn towards a large monstrous being with a bony white mask over its face and a large hole in the middle of its chest.
[A Hollow Demon...] Actor-Ayato spoke surprised, taking a ready stance in front of Actress-Rias.
It had been another addition from what Ayato knew, that Hollows would be put in to teach the children how they came about as well as what to do if one showed up.
"There is the Knight Spirit Dragon with the Spirit Princess on the good side. And when they are in crisis, he powers up by the Spirit Princess' special power through a kiss." Azazel spoke with enthusiasm before he got hit by the paper fan a red faced Rias was wielding as the pair of actors on screen kissed and a crimson aura flared around Actor-Ayato's armour.
"...Excuse me, Azazel. I heard everything from Grayfia, you know? The one who sent the idea of the S-Spirit Princess to the data team for the house of Gremory was you right? Thanks to that, I...I..." Rias spoke with suppressed anger and embarrassment, Azazel rubbing his head as he countered "Who cares, I heard that since you started getting the support of the children, your popularity got higher, right?"
Ayato scratched the back of his head sheepishly as he recalled how the magazine aimed for young people in the Underworld had changed the article about Rias from 'Princess Rias' special' to 'Let's turn into the Spirit Princess everyone!'.
"... I won't be able to walk on the streets in the Underworld anymore." Rias spoke with a sigh, Ayato nodding softly in agreement as he was sure he'd get mobbed as well in the Underworld.
[You should enjoy your new fangirls, partner... Kukukuku.] Ddraig muttered perversely, Sparda sighing as he muttered {He would not just hook up with random girls, Ddraig.}
{Ah. Your Tou-san is proud that you've become so popular, Ayato-kun. I'm sure your Kaa-san would be as well if she could witness this.} Ayato's cheeks reddened at hearing his own father's words.
"But you know, I feel proud that my childhood friend is getting famous like this." Irina spoke up energetically, Gabriel smiling softly as she added "It seems that Ayato-san will be a good role model for the Underworld children."
"If I remember correctly, Ayato-kun loved heroes like this when he was a child. I also tagged along with him and we acted as heroes." Irina spoke while doing a transformation pose, Ayato recognising it as he replied "We certainly did. Irina was a tomboy back then, and I remember you were quite naughty. And now, she's a bishoujo."
"Mou! Suddenly seducing me like that! So you seduced Rias-san and the others like that...? Truly a frightening hidden power! I will 'fall'! I will 'fall' down to a fallen angel." Irina's cheeks reddened as she spoke, her wings flickering between white and black. Ayato looked concerned for his friend, not wanting her to fall only for Kotake to speak up with a grin "Join the dark side, Irina-san! We have cookies!"
Snickers of laughter broke out in the room as Azazel chuckled "Hahahaha, don't worry. I welcome all the fallen. Plus, you are a direct subordinate of Michael. I will welcome you to the VIP seat."
"Nooo! The boss of the fallen angels is encouraging me to fall! Michael-sama, please help me!" Irina shouted out with teary eyes as she started to pray, Gabriel looking at Azazel with a soft frown as she scolded him "Please don't try and encourage Irina-san to fall."
"I'm proud that Ayato-kun will be such a good influence." Kiyome spoke with a smile.
"Yes. It will be a good publicity for our group." Asia spoke up, Xenovia agreeing with a nod.
Ayato still felt shocked at how successful the show was supposed to be and while embarrassed he was at least pleased that it would help him raise his and Rias status. He was broken form his thoughts as two soft mounds on his back. Akeno's rested her chin on Ayato's shoulder, whispering into his ear in a stimulating voice "Seducing Irina-chan is okay, but I'd be troubled if you don't keep your promise with me."
Ayato gulped quietly as Akeno rubbed her cheek against his, noting that Asia was unhappy and Rias' eyes were twitching. Koneko was pinching his thigh slightly making him wince in pain as he replied "I-I didn't forget Akeno-chan... W-When do you want to go on our date?"
Akeno beamed a smile at him, tightening her arms hold on his body as she replied "Our next day off is fine right? Ufufu, my first date with Ayato-kun."
...
"So we've got the school trip coming up. We need to decide on our group." Kiryuu spoke as she looked at Ayato and her friends: Asia, Xenovia, Irina, Kotake and Kotume. The school trip was coming up for the second years. This year they were going Kyoto and Ayato was embarrassed that he had forgot about the trip with all that had been going on around them.
"Who are you going to make a group with, Ayato-kun? You'll need at least two others." Kotume asked as the rooms they would be staying in could hold three or four people.
"I don't know at the moment." Ayato answered, he would partner up wit Genshirou and Yuuto if they were in the same class but they weren't.
"Anyway while there do you want to stick together with our groups?" Kotake asked, Ayato smiling as he nodded "Yeah, that would be good."
Asia beamed a smile as she hugged Ayato suddenly, Kiryuu smirking as she pressed her glasses up and spoke "You guys sure became more 'closer' after the sports festival ended... You guys are talking twenty-four seven while sending the glares of love..."
"Hehehe. Well, Asia and I are always together, so it was bound to happen." Ayato replied embarrassed, Asia then feeding him a Vienna sausage as she added "Yes. I will always be with Ayato-san."
Ever since the kiss with Asia, Ayato had started to see the blonde as more a single girl then a little sister. He'd also had decided that he always wanted to stay with Asia and take care of her. Asia had also become slightly bolder and insistent on giving him a morning kiss on the cheek each day.
"Well, that's how it is, so we will pair up with you, Ayato, and whoever you work with. I can't leave Asia to other guys since she is pure and can't decline other people's requests. And that way, Xenovia-chi, Irina-san, Kotake-san and Kotume-san will all feel better as well, right?"
Xenovia nodded, having stopped eating her especially large bento, as she spoke up "Yeah. I also want to be with Ayato."
"It will be more fun with Yukio-kun." Irina added between bites of her bread, Kotume nodding in agreement as Kotake smirked at Ayato "Maybe we can sneak off for some private time."
"Let's move as a group. Kiyomizu-dera! And Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji are waiting for us!" Kiryuu declared while her glasses reflected the light, Ayato nodding in agreement as he added "I'd like to visit Tenryuu-ji as well."
Ayato mentally rolled his eyes as he heard Ddraig chuckling perversely [I hope there are sexy shrine maidens worshipping me there.]
...
After school that day Ayato found himself frowning in confusion as he wondered where Azazel was although with all of the recent meeting for the fallen angel governor, the silvernet figured that he was busy with some leader duties.
"If I remember, it's about time for the school trip for the second years." Rias spoke while drinking some green tea elegantly, breaking Ayato from his thoughts as he asked "Where did you and Akeno-san go last year, Buchou?"
"We also went to Kyoto. I went to Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji and other locations with Buchou." Akeno answered, Rias nodding her head as she continued "Yes. But there are only a limited number of places you can visit within three days and four nights. You should think of going everywhere and make a plan beforehand and move accordingly. If you don't include the time to eat and for sight seeing, you will regret it. You will mainly transport using Buses and trains, but lots of time would be wasted while you are travelling on transport."
"It was bad that we didn't think about transport duration. Buchou wanted to go everywhere, so we lost time to go to the Nijou-jou which we were planning to see last. So she was stomping on her foot at the train station." Akeno added with a small laugh, Ayato chuckling himself as Rias' face turned red.
"Mou, you promised me you won't say that remember? I was in high spirits. For a Japan lover like me, it was Kyoto that I admired so much. So I had my eyes taken by the town and souvenir shops more then necessary." Rias spoke up, getting misty eyed at her memories of Kyoto as Ayato asked "I guess you didn't go to Kyoto before the school trip... Also you could have used some transport magic circle to help at times you were running late."
"You don't understand Ayato. It's good because you visit Kyoto for the first time on the school trip. And transporting using a magic circle. I won't do something tasteless like that. It's the Kyoto I long for, so I wanted to walk around with my own feet and feel the breeze with my own skin." Rias rebuked with sparkling eyes, pointing at Ayato as she added "I don't want to hear about you using Sonido especially when your Spirit Chain still recovering."
"I won't do that Rias." Ayato replied with a smile, only to be surprised as Akeno kissed him before realising that she was supplying some of her magic to top up his own. Relaxing into the kiss, Yukio responded with ease as he wondered how long it would take for his Spirit Chain to repair itself.
"Akeno!" Rias snapped out annoyed, the kiss ending soon after as the ravenette smiled to her [King] and replied "I was just ensuring he wouldn't run out of energy, Rias."
Rias continued her glare on her friend for a moment before deciding to change the topic after finishing her tea, "The trip is also important, but we also need to discuss about what we will do for the School Festival."
"Ah, the school festival is also coming up. Our school doesn't really have much time between the sports festival, school trip and school festival and they occur consecutively." Yukio spoke as he remembered that the festival was coming up, sighing as he added "Thinking about it, second years like us will be busy at this time of year."
Akeno handed Rias a sheet which was then placed on the table. Yukio looking it over to see that the idea for the Occult Research Club would need to be submitted to the school council soon.
"That's why we need to discuss about the school festival now and prepare for it. if decided before hand, the third year and first year members can prepare for it while all of you are away. There are so many members this year so it will be a big help." Rias spoke, Yukio nodding in understanding as Asia spoke eagerly "School festival! I'm looking forward to it!"
"Yeah. I enjoy high school events too. The sports festival was also great." Xenovia spoke with her eyes sparkling, Ayato mentally chuckling as he remembered how she had won the events she had been in and earned the attention of the sports clubs who were trying to recruit her.
"It will also be my first time for these sorts of things so I'm looking forwards to it. I sure did transfer in at a good time! This is also the guidance of Michael-sama!" Irina chimed in next, making a praying pose.
"Last year... Was the haunted house, right? I heard it looked realistic and was a hot topic amongst the students." Yukio remembered aloud, having not managed to enter it himself due to visiting the other clubs.
"Yes. We did use real ghosts after all, so it should have been scary." Rias spoke as it was nothing, Ayato looking surprised as he asked "Couldn't something have gone wrong then?"
"Not really. I requested it to the Yokai which don't cause harm to humans, to have them do the role of scaring people. Those Yokai were also troubled because they didn't have a job, so it was good for both sides. Thanks to that, it was a great success." Rias answered, laughing with Akeno who added "We were scolded by the student council afterwards. Sona-kaichou who was a Vice-President at the time yelled at us by saying 'Using the real thing is more then just ignoring the rules!'"
{A very clever idea though.} Kagami spoke up amused, Ddraig chuckling in agreement as Sparda shaking his head as he countered {Rules are in place for a reason, you two.}
"Then will it be the haunted house again this year? Or should we do a circus show involving a Vampire-in-a-box?" Ayato asked with a joking tone at the latter idea, Gasper pouting as she started to hit his head as he cried out "Sempai is a meanie! You always use me as a joke!"
"Sorry Gasper, it was just a joke." Ayato replied embarrassed, Rias thinking to herself before she spoke "Maybe we should do something new..."
She was interrupted by the group's phones ringing at the same time. Everyone sharing serious looks as they understood what it meant as Rias took a breath before speaking seriously "Let's go."
...
The Gremory group, Kotake, Kotume, Georgia and Irina stood outside of an abandoned factory in the town, the sky getting dark as the sun had already set. There were several presences within the dark factory and they were mixed with hostility and killing intent.
"Gremory group, huh. You guys came fast." A male voice spoke, the owner appearing from the darkness and wore a black coat. From the darkness around the man black abnormal shapes of monsters started to show themselves, a hundred of them with all humanoid appearances within the factory. Rias took a step forward and asked in a cold tone "Khaos Brigade. I presume you are from the Hero-Faction? Hello. My name is Rias Gremory. I'm a High-class devil which was asked to look after this town by the Three Great Power Alliance."
The man smirked at Rias' introduction, replying within moments with a disgusted look at the assembled group "Yes, I do know you, Sister of Maou. Our aim is to purify you devils and to save this town."
Ayato knew that the man in front of them was from the Hero Faction of the Khaos Brigade as they had been making small scale assaults on the town recently. There were other incidents as well though where they attacked each of the factions' important locations.
Two other people appeared next to the man, both easily noticeable as humans. One had sunglasses while the other was wearing a Chinese native outfit. The black monsters would be the Gremory group's opponents as well and were strong enough that low class devils couldn't fight them, meaning that only mid-class and high-class could.
Ayato's gauntlet flashed as he activated his [Balance Breaker], his scale mail armour appearing over his body as he stepped in front to act as the vanguard and took a ready stance with Rebellion. He was still keeping the warnings he had received in the front of his mind to avoid using his Shinigami or Hollow power, leaving him with Sparda and Ddraig's powers to use. The silvernet passed Ascalon to Xenovia, who made a ready stance while Georgia did the same with Red Queen on Ayato's other side.
The vanguards were Ayato, Kiba, Georgia and Xenovia where the two males stood at the very front and the two females provided support as well as attacking the enemy. The middle-guards were Irina, Koneko, Gasper and they would support the vanguards and protect the rearguards while also taking care of any enemies who managed to get by the vanguards. The rearguards consisted of Rias, Akeno, Asia, Kotake, Kotume and Gasper. Rias as the leader and would provide supporting attacks with Akeno, Kotake and Kotume and Asia would be providing healing aura to those who took damage.
"... Another Sacred Gear possessor." Kiba spoke from where he stood next to Ayato as the black coat wearing man created white flames from his hands.
"This is a problem. Lately, we have been fighting Sacred Gear possessors." Rias spoke with a sigh, her eyes filled with determination.
Ayato charged forwards the moment the man with flames shot them, changing Rebellion into Cerberus and throwing one of the nun-chucks at the fireball to freeze it. A punch sent the shards back at the enemies, the people avoiding it while the abnormal creatures were hit and disappeared into the air when they were defeated.
Ayato switched back to Rebellion as he came to a stop, he knew he wouldn't be able to move as well inside the building without his Shinigami and Hollow powers and had more chance demolishing the building instead.
"Be careful with the Seishinryuutei's power! We will get killed from a single attack! But he won't be able to move as freely within the factory!" One of the main enemies shouted, Ayato frowning under his helmet before changing Rebellion into Nevan - in its guitar form - and fired a bolt of lightning at them. The bolt disappeared the moment it was about to hit the enemy, the shadows of the building stretching and devouring the attack.
'So something to do with controlling shadows...' Ayato thought as he looked at the man who was wearing glasses, wondering about the man's Sacred Gear.
Kiba went slashing forwards with godspeed, his holy-demonic sword swinging down at the same man only for the shadows to devour the sword. The blade of Kiba's sword came out from Kiba's shadow, the blond dodging quickly before stepping back and speaking while narrowing his eyes "The ability to release things it devoured form a shadow to another shadow it wishes... It's not a direct attack type. It's a defensive type which changes the flow of an attack. It's a troublesome type of Sacred Gear."
Ayato's eyes widened in realisation as the air vibrated and he felt his aura coming from the shadow within the building, noticing that its target was Asia as he started to spin the Devil Arm in its scythe form to build up lightning. Xenovia noticed as well in between slaying their creepy combatants and moved to protect her.
"Hell no!" Ayato shouted as he fired the lightning at the approaching attack, making both explode as they cancelled each other out.
"I won't let you lay a finger on Asia!" Xenovia shouted as she immediately acted as Asia's shield and started to guard her. It had been a group decision to protect Asia as she had barely any combat ability and was the team's healer.
Ayato frowned as inside of the blast he saw something glowing with a blue light, his eyes widening at seeing the native costume dressed man holding a bow made out of light. He would have mistaken them for being a Quincy like Shinji if not for his senses telling him that it was light and now Reishi.
{That's a Sacred Gear.} Sparda warned, reminding Ayato that a Sacred Gear with the ability to use light would be dangerous to all of the devils among their group. An arrow of light was released, surprising the group as it changed direction mid-air.
"If it's a light-attribute attack, then leave it to me!" Irina called as she fired her own light attacks in response to cancel the light-arrows out. Akeno and Kotume soon launching spears of ice from both of them while fire spears came from Kotake as they all tried to strike the light-user. The shadow under the man stretched to devour them only for the ice to come out of Rias' shadow while fire came out of Georgia's, both easily dodging the attacks.
A shadow appeared around the light-user and started to create a wall which then had arrows of light and fire attacks come out of them.
"Lucifer!" Ayato called, the Devil Arm appearing on his back between the jets of his armour. The silvernet draw two swords from its wings and started to slash away at the attacks, frowning at how they could attack from within the shadows as well.
"Gasper-kun! Did you get the data of it!?" Kiba asked without taking his eyes off the enemies. Gasper had been using a device the whole time which could determine Sacred Gears answered "Y-Yesssssss! I-I got it! The flame Sacred Gear is called [Flame Shake]! And the defence-counter type Sacred Gear, [Night Reflection]! Lastly, the light-attack Sacred Gear is [Staring Blue]!"
"Gasper. Once you finish, drink my blood." Ayato called.
"Y-Yes!" Gasper replied nervously. Ayato had decided it was for the best that Gasper to carry a small bottle of his blood with him so he could use his Sacred Gear anytime he wanted to. Normally in a battle inside of the town, they had Gasper turn a section of his body into a bat and made it fly in the whole battle area so they could find hidden enemies. Koneko helped him with using her Senjutsu to search for 'Ki' in the areas.
Ayato frowned as Gasper used his eyes on the enemy, one of the monsters jumping in front to act like a shield to keep the Sacred Gear users amongst then from being stopped.
[Damn... They figured out how to avoid Gasper's ability.] Ddraig commented, AYATO mentally agreeing as he figured that the Hero Faction already knew about his, Asia's and now Gasper's powers and that the [Staring Blue] user was there due to them predicting that devils would be their opponents.
"The stronger we get, the more likely we would become their 'target', and the methods to take us down would be researched thoroughly. Probably something like that, I think." Kiba spoke with a sarcastic smile.
Ayato nodded as he remembered what Sairaorg had said before "no matter how much power you have, you will lose if you get trapped. They will aim for the slightest opening with full power."
Ayato knew that if there was a slight opening that they would try and take advantage of it which could be especially dangerous with the light user around who could take advantage of the devil's weakness. He could tell that Kiba was thinking the same thing as he was looking at the light-user as well, who was being protected by the [Night Reflection] user. There was also plenty of grunts in front of them meaning that defeating the [Night Reflection] user would be hard, even if he started transferring his power to others.
"I will give the order to the vanguard team of Ayato, Yuuto and Xenovia. Ayato will take on the flame-user. Yuuto, you aim for the shadow-user! And Xenovia will eliminate the grunts to make the path for the two of them! Middle-guard and rearguard will support the vanguard with all their powers! We will eliminate all of the grunts!" Rias spoke seriously, everyone nodding as they replied together "Roger!"
Xenovia shot forwards and started annihilating the grunts as Kiba and Yukio spotted their targets. Kiba closed the distance with god-speed and started to slash away at the wall protecting the light-user, the blade of his holy-demonic sword being devoured. Ayato had to dodge as the blade came out of his shadow as he headed towards the [Flame Shake] user.
"Ayato! Dodge that and shoot a Dragon Shot to the shadow!" Rias ordered, Ayato nodding as he fired his [Dragon Shot] into the shadows, seeing them being gobbled up by them.
"Yuuto! The shadows are connected so the Dragon Shot would come back at you! Cut the Dragon Shot in half inside the shadow and make it explode before it appears!" Rias directed, Kiba following her order as he replied "Roger that!"
"Guwaa!" A loud explosion sounded out of the shadows along with the scream, the shadow-user being blown away from the attack.
"I tested to see what will happen if the attack explodes inside the shadow, but it seems like he couldn't take care of it and returned the explosion back to him. Even though he can change the direction of the attack, it seems he can't change the impact of the attack." Rias spoke with a victorious smile on her face.
Ayato grinned at her before finding himself shocked at having to dodge a arrow of light, this one a green colour. He dodged another from the other direction, frowning as he couldn't sense anyone there. Rias looked at the shadow within the factory before speaking "Looks like there is one more enemy. Using the shadow as an intermeditary, the enemy is attacking from outside which is the safe zone. Even if we took down the shadow-user, looks like the ability will still remain for a short while..."
Ayato frowned at not having sensed any hidden enemies as the shadows perished, Gasper speaking up as he looked at the device "A-Amazing! The data came out just from the attack now! That was the [Staring Green]!"
"I will take care of that one then. Koneko, follow me. You can search the enemies' location with 'ki', right?" Xenovia asked, Koneko nodding as she answered "... Yes, Xenovia-sempai."
With that the pair left for the factory, Ayato turning his attention back onto the flame user as he charged forwards, the man firing more flames in response as he shouted "Damn Seishinryuutei! Burn!"
"If you want to burn me, then bring a dragon or fire-bird." Ayato called, swinging Rebellion to cut the flames in two with relative ease before smashing his fist into the man's stomach. A cry from over where Kiba was told Ayato that the light user had been defeated as well.
"Ngggggh!" The shadow-user screamed as he got back to his feet, some sort of black being starting to cover his body as the shadows spread even more and started to cover the whole factory. Ayato took a defensive stance at the sudden chill he felt, also sensing a weird power coming from the shadows as Sparda muttered {A Balance Breaker...?}
A light appeared under the shadow user's feet and a magic circle was formed, Ayato frowning at not recognising it. It appeared similar to the devil and fallen angel ones he had seen but the symbols on it were wrong. The shadow user was enveloped by the light and disappeared.
Ayatowaited for a few moment before relaxing dismissing his sword and armour as he spoke with a sigh "Phew. Looks like it's finished."
"Good job Ayato-san." Asia spoke, healing him despite the silvernet having no wounds. Looking around Ayato realised that most of the remaining monsters had vanished when the shadow-user had disappeared. Gasper was over by the remaining Sacred Gear users and using his vampire power as he moved his fingers in a circle and spoke "Go to sleep~ Go to sleep~"
Rias and Akeno were making a magic circle so they could send back the two captured men to the Underworld and the group was waiting on Xenovia and Koneko to return.
"We defeated him. We beat him us quiet a bit, but we didn't kill him." Xenovia explained once she and Koneko returned with a man carried over the former's shoulder. He was soon put to sleep with the others and the three of them were set on the magic circle and sent to the Underworld.
"Now the transmission to the Underworld is done. Well, we probably won't get any information this time as well." Rias spoke with a sigh. Ayato nodding in agreement as he remembered that those they had captured apparently had their memories connected to the Hero Faction erased. They still sent them in the hopes of someone remembering something but the chances were high that they wouldn't.
Ayato was at least pleased to send them alive, even if the basic rule was to 'kill terrorists without any exceptions' he'd not like the idea that they were all mind controlled or indoctorated grunts.
Since the Diodora incident, Ayato had learnt that he could use his [Balance Breaker] armour for about two hours a day in his weakened state and that he didn't have a limit of how many times he could call on it during the day. It unsettled him slightly that such an improvement had came from going [Hollow Juggernaut Drive] but the downsides were much too harsh on him.
"It's hard not to be able to move as fast as I use to or even being able to use Hado. Also battling without breaking as much things as possible is something really harsh for our team whch is the super-attack type." Ayato commented to himself, Kiba making a bitter smile as he replied "It can't be helped. We have powerful abilities, so if we don't fight while suppressing out powers, then this town will collapse. You recovery is going smoothly though, last I recall, and its best not to put yourself under too much strain."
Ayato nodded in response, there had been concern that using his Shinigami or Hollow powers would hamper his slow recovery and his father was charged with keeping a check on his spirit chain.
"If we think of this as a rule for the Rating Game, then it would become a good experience. We did suffer once with this." Rias had pointed out, reminding the others that there were different types of Rating Games and that other rules could come into play in them.
"But it certainly ha become troublesome." Kiba spoke with a sigh, Ayato looking curious as he asked "what do you mean, Kiba?"
"I mean that there are those who use special techniques amongst the Sacred Gear possessors who are sent to us. If we say it in a way of devils, then it means those who specialise in techniques and support-types started showing up. The ones sent first were all either power or wizard types... Have they started to grasp hold of our battle styles." Kiba explained, getting a thoughtful look as Yukio replied "Now that you mention it, it has seemed like they're probably probing out weaknesses to see what they could take advantage of."
"... Sensei also did say it. That there are many unknown things about Sacred Gears." Koneko added, Rias agreeing with her comment as she spoke "Yes, that's why they devoured the power of Sekiryuutei and Holy-demonic sword using the ability from just before. They must have realised that if blocking the attack is impossible, then you can just do it with a different method."
"U-Umm there is something I feel suspicious about... Can I give my opinion?" Irina asked, Rias instantly answering "Yes, please."
"I think the actions of the Hero-faction are 'weird' if they came to research about us or to defeat us." Irina started Xenovia looking curious as she asked "Weird?"
"Because if they really are planning to defeat us, then I think they would have made battle tactics after two or three battles. Then they would attack us seriously in the fourth battle, right? But even in the fourth and fifth time they attacked us, nothing changed. I did think they are just being very cautious but... How should I put it...? It seems like their bosses are doing some kind of experiment."
"Experiments? Do you mean about us?" Akeno questioned, Irina tilting her head as Georgia mused "We have only encountered Sacred Gear users... in terms of human opponents."
"That's right... It feels like they are experimenting on Sacred Gear possessors... It's just my gut feeling so I can't express it properly... They are sending their forces apart from this town which belongs to the other factions, so maybe they are just sending their forces to places where the ones with strong abilities are at." Irina explained, Kotume's eyes widening as she realised and spoke up "...Balance Breaker..."
"...A sudden change." Koneko added, everyone's face turning serious as they understood what she meant before Kotake asked "But can they reach Balance-Breaker just by fighting us?"
"The Sekiryuutei whose descended from the Dark Knight Sparda and also is part Shinigami and Hollow, the one who controls holy-lightning, Holy-demonic sword, Holy-sword Durandal and Ascalon, the one who controls holy-fire, the one who controls holy-ice, the time stopping vampire, Nekomata senjutsu-user, a member of the Lucifuge Clan, a wielder of the Power of Destruction and also an exceptional healer... Kotake, from the enemies' viewpoints, I think they see us as irregulars and as very powerful opponents. More than winning or not, to humans fighting us is something not normal." Rias explained with sharp eyes, Ayato grimacing at how it made them seem like rare monsters from some RPG that gave a lot of EXP.
"But you can say that their methods are too forced and messy." Kiba pointed out before Irina continued "It feels like even if dozens or hundreds of their allies are killed, it would be okay as long as one of them reaches Balance-Breaker. We have so many opinions about them now, so I think they know that we are getting a grasp of their true aim."
The group decided to leave the topic for now as they couldn't conclude what the Hero Faction was up to beyond attaining Balance Breakers. With that, the group headed back to the base through a magic-circle. Akeno started to hum and sing while preparing to go home, Ayato smiling as she looked really happy.
"Ara, Akeno. You seem to be in a good mood. Did you find something which satisfy your S-personality?" Rias asked, Akeno offering a big smile as she answered "No, that's not it. Ufufu. It's tomorrow. I can't help myself from smiling. The date. Tomorrow Ayato-kun is my boyfriend."
Ayato smile turned nervous as the atmosphere changed immediately and the girls were directing their killing intent at him.
...
Ayato took a calming breathe as he stood outside of the convenience store near the station, the place where he and Akeno had agreed to meet. He was dressed in black jeans, a red shirt and a black jacket as he nervously waited for his date to appear. It was nearly ten o'clock when Akeno arrived wearing a one-piece with cute frill on it.
"A-Akeno-san..." Ayato spoke amazed, Akeno smiling as she asked "I'm sorry, did I make you wait?"
"N-No." Ayato replied, feeling his heart race as he looked at her. Akeno had her hair down and with her cute clothes and boots made her seem like a normal yet beautiful highschool girl to him now. A part of him had expected her to arrive in sophisticated clothes that a mature woman would wear but her current appearance had disabused him of that notion.
"I... I feel shy if you look at me like that... Do I look weird today?" Akeno asked cutely, Ayato shaking his head as he replie "No. You look gorgeous today, Akeno-san."
Akeno smiled embarrassed, happy at his opinion, as she replied "Today Ayato-kun will be my boyfriend for the whole day... Can I call you Ayato?"
"Y-Yeah, that's fine." Ayato replied, not use to Akeno acting shy with him as his face reddened as she gave him a large bright smile as she replied joyfully "Yay! Thank you, Ayato."
[Fufufu... That's some killing intent.] Ddraig muttered amused, Ayato glancing about until his eyes landed on a crimson haired person who was wearing a hat and sunglasses like some sort of private detective and was looking at them from behind a telephone pole. Alongside the redhead there was a blonde person wearing geeky glasses and had teary eyes and a small built person who had cat ears and was wearing a wrestler's mask. Georgia was dressed in some sort of office suit, Kiyome was wearing a large sombero and Kotake and Kotume had their hair in twin tails and were wearing sailor fukus. Ayato gave Kiba a deadpan look at seeing him with just a paper bag on his head only to receive an apologetic wave from.
{I can't believe they would follow you.} Sparda spoke with an exasperated sigh as Kagami chuckled in agreement as Ayato thought 'I can't believe they've come to spy on us.'
"Ara ara. For checking on whether we are having an affair, they sure have too many people to check up on us." Akeno spoke with a small laugh, approaching Ayato as if she wanted to show their closeness before hearing a dull sounding crack behind them. Ayato glanced back to see an angry Rias had made a crack in the telephone pole.
"S-Shall we go then?" Ayato asked, slightly unnerved that the redhead had done it as Akeno nodded as she replied "Yes."
With that the pair headed towards the town for their date.
...
Three hours later had saw the couple going inside of brand clothes shops with Akeno asking for his opinion on clothes like a ordinary girl. They had both bought crepes from a booth and walked around the town while holding hands, Akeno's grip telling Ayato that she was relying on him. Akeno had also not used her normal "Ara ara" and "Ufufu" in her speech either which had further seperated her 'Onee-sama' persona from her true personality.
"Akeno-san! Let's go to the aquarium and game center. We should properly enjoy ourselves today." Ayato spoke with a bright smile, Akeno looking shocked at first but soon it was replaced by a bright smile that matched his as she replied "Yeah."
Ayato's mind froze at how cute Akeno was today for a moment as they walked to the aquarium only for Ddriag to point out [Hahaha, just accept it Ayato.]
...
"There are so many weird looking deep-sea fish aren't there." Akeno said with enthusiasm after the couple left the aquarium. Ayato nodded his agreement as they went to the game centre to have some more fun, only just now realising that for the whole date they had been holding hands. They had looked very much like a real couple to those around them as they laughed and pointed out funny looking fish.
Although, Ayato also couldn't miss the bunch that was being lead by Rias who was following them around with an intense pressure in the air.
Akeno confirmed their presence after the group came out of the aquarium, an adorable mischievous face forming on her face before she pulled him along which soon turned to them running. Yukio looking surprised as Akeno turned to him and said "Let's shake off Rias and the others!"
Ayato nodded as he ran along with Akeno, who was leading the way. He blinked as he swore they ran past Keiko who smiled at him. Ayato pulled Akeno into a small alley, the pair watching an identical copy of them both leading Rias and the others off to the red light district of the town.
"Ufufu, looks like we lost them." Akeno spoke with a giggle as they walked out of the alley, sticking her tongue out to Ayato who chuckled as he replied "I think Nee-san helped out with that."
"Geez, trying to make love to a woman at noon. You sure know what to do Sekiryuutei-brat." The pair heard turning to see an old man wearing rough clothes and a hat, behind him was Ayato's aunt, a man with a good build and a diligent woman with silver hair and wearing armour.
"Wha?" Ayato asked confused, glancing around to see a couple normal hotels about as the old man spoke "Hohoho, it's been a while. It is I. I came here from the far North."
"Odin-dono? Why are you here?" Ayato asked surprised, recognising the eyepatch now he had a better look at the old man.
"Odin-sama! I would be troubled if you wander in a p-place like this! You are a G-God so please act proper!" The silvernette shouted at Odin, Ayato frowning at hearing that and attempted to correct them only for Odin to reply first "Let me, Rossweisse. You are a Valkyrie who has to take care of Heroes, so you need to learn about these kind of places."
"I am a Valkyrie who has no appeal aftall all. You two also shouldn't come here during noon. You two are high school students correct? Go home and study." Rossweisse lectured, Ayato's scowl growing more as the man approached Akeno, who was looking shocked as she spoke "...Y-You are..."
"Akeno, what is the meaning of this?" The man spoke pissed, Ayato clenching his fists as Akeno countered with a sharp glare "... It's none of your business! M-More than that, why are you here!?"
"That doesn't matter! Anyway, get away from here. It's still too early for you." The man replied, grabbing for Akeno's arm only for Ayato to grab the man's wrist before hand. A glare adorned his face as he shouted at the trio, his aunt looking nervous by the whole scene as Ayato's features turned more demonic, "They are just normal hotels you bunch of idiots! Bloody hell, take a look around before you start spouting rubbish like that. Who the hell are you anyway to try grabbing Akeno like that?"
The man pulled his arm free of Ayato's grip as he looked around with a look between shame and anger on his face, Odin chortling amused as Rossweisse flushed embarrassed as the man answered "I'm here as Odin-dono's escort today. I am one of the leaders of Grigori, Barakiel. I am also the father of Himejima Akeno."
Ayato's glare didn't lessen as he stood in front of Akeno, his aunt coughing into her hand as she spoke "Let's take this somewhere more private, Ayato-kun. It would not do to start a fight in the street like a common thug."
{As much as I hate to agree with her, you're about moments away from [Devil Trigger]-ing subconsciously, son.} Kagami spoke as he appeared in between Barakiel and Ayato, keeping a stern look focused on the Grigori leader as he added {It still doesn't allow you to try and manhandle your daughter like this, Barakiel, after how long you've been out of her life for.}
...
"Hohoho, so I have come to visit." Oding finished, laughing loudly in the VIP room of the Hosokawa residence. He was just visiting the town while he had business in Japan as it was much safer than other places due to the control the three Biblical Factions had on it.
Everyone in the Gremory group and Azazel was gathered and Ayato and Akeno's date had been cancelled after meeting Odin's group. Akeno had been disappointed but was more troubled with meeting her father today and had become upset, not even stepping forward or smiling and always seemed to keep her gaze away from Barakiel.
Barakiel, Ayato knew from Azazel, was a warrior-type of man who was also very serious. He was also on the same level of strength as Azazel but in terms of single attack power he was the strongest amongst the Fallen Angel.
"Here is your tea." Georgia served the tea to Odin, Ayato rubbing his cheek after Rias had pinched it hard and said she needed to discuss something with him very seriously afterwards.
"You don't have to worry about me. But, it seriously is huge~. Those ones are also huge~" Odin spoke with lecherious eyes directed towards Rias, Akeno and Georgia, Ayato glaring at the god protective of the trio as his dragon instinct reared.
"Mou! Odin-sama, you can't look at them with such a perverted gaze! She is the sister of the Maou Lucifer-sama and the other is younger sister of Lucifuge-sama!" Rossweisse spoke sternly while hitting Odin's head with a large fan. The old geezer massaged his head with his eyes half open as he countered "Geez, you are so hard headed. Sirzechs' and Grayfia's sisters are famous for being beauties with glamorous bodies, so it can't be helped if I end up wanting to stare at their breasts. Oh, this one here is my escort Valkyrie. her name is..."
"My name is Rossweisse. I will be under your care during our stay in Japan. Nice to meet you all." Rossweisse interrupted the old man as she greeted the group. She had changed out of her armour into formal looking suit that made her lok like a cool beauty.
"She is a virgin girl where her 'Years she didn't have a boyfriend equals her age'." Odin added with a lecherous face, Rossweisse starting to panic as Ayato thought with a frown 'I can see why with such a personality.'
"T-T-That has nothing to do with this! I didn't choose to not have a boyfriend! I didn't choose to still be a virgin! Sob!" Rossweisse blurted out, falling to her knees and starting to smack the floor.
"Well, the business world of battle maidens is also having a hard time. Even if there are thoe with looks, they are mostly those who are not outstanding. Lately the number of heroes and yuusha have decreased, and the Valkyrie squad has minimised because of the lack of funds, so even this one was at the corner of the room until before she became my escort." Odin explained while nodding his head.
"During the time when Geezer will be staying in Japan, it's decided that we will be your guard. Barakiel is a back up support member from the fallen-angels side and Reika will be from the Shinigami side with Byakuya soon coming to assist as well. I also have been busy lately, so I only have limited times I can stay here. During then, Barakiel would be looking after all of you in my place." Azazel added with a laugh.
"I look forward to working with you all." Barakiel spoke up, his eyes narrowing on Ayato for a moment.
"Geezer, don't you think you came a bit early to visit here? The date of your arrival should have been a few days ahead. The reason for your visit this time is so you can talk with the Japanese Gods, right? Michael and Sirzechs would be the middlemen and I would be sitting with you in the meeting... right?" Azazel asked after sipping at his green tea.
"That's about it. And in our country there is a bit of trouble... Actually there is a troublesome lad who is against my ways. I thought I should move things faster before he does something. That's why I want to discuss several things with the Japanese Gods. Until now, we were basically unsociable to each other and we didn't have any connections." Odin explained with a sigh while stroking his beard.
"When you mean trouble, do you mean that you have the Vanir after your head? I beg you so don't start the 'Ragnarok' by yourselves, Geezer." Azazel spoke with a sarcastic smile, Odin replying easily "I don't care about the Vanir... Well, there is no point discussing it. By the way Azazel-boy. It seems like the Khaos-Brigade are increasing the number of those who can use Balance Breaker. Scary it is. But I heard that those are a rare phenomenon?"
The Gremory group looked stunned in shock at hearing that, glancing to each other for a moment before Azazel spoke "Yeah, they are rare. But there is some idiot who used the most quickest, yet most scariest and easiest way by force to make the rare phenomenon happen. That is something that one who is knowledgeable about Sacred Gear would at least think of once, but it is something no one could do because you would be criticised by each faction. It's definite that you would be heavily criticised whether you succeed or not."
"What method is that?" Ayato asked, Azael smiling bitterly as he answered "Rias' report and what you all worked out is basically correct. The plan in which you will eventually succeed when you do it a lot. First you gather humans who possess a Sacred Gear by force. It's basically abduction. Then brainwash them. Next you send the Sacred Gear possessors to the place which has strong foes gathered... the crucial places where superior beings resides in. You continue that until you have someone who reaches Balance Breaker. When they reached it, you summonn them by force through a magic circle."
"These are things no factions can do even if they thought about it. If I, who has an alliance with the angels and devils confronts them and do the same things at the crucial locations, then that will signal the start of a war. So no one wishes for that. But they were able to do it because they are terrorists." Azazel added seriously.
"That's similar to what my training with Tannin and Sparda was like for Bankai." Ayato spoke softly, Azazel smiling wryly as he replied "Yeah, but you are a powerful hybrid of Devil, Shinigami Blazer, Hollow,Fallen Angel and Dragon at that point Ayato. You are easily tougher then a human, you know?"
"Obviously... but still there was a few close calls." Ayato pointed out, Sparda appearing as he clarified {The trial for the Bankai was about recognising the right part of yourself out of all those swords. The fight we had for three days was just to distract and determine your willpower and resolve.}
{I approved of the trial before Sparda even tested you as well, son.} Kagami added aloud, Sparda soon disappearing as Reika's eyes widened at hearing that. She was aware that Ayato had attained his Bankai but not the manner that he had been tested to gain it. The others of the ORC looked at Ayato with impressed expressions at hearing that as well.
"Either way, it's the terrorists [Khaos Brigade's] way to abduct humans like that and brainwash them to make them reach Balance Breaker." Azazel pointed out, Yukio frowning slightly as he asked "What kind of people do these kinds of thing?"
"The regular Hero-faction members are the gathering of the great legendary yuusha and heroes-sama. Their physical bodies don't even hinder against angels or devils. They also possess Sacred Gears and legendary weapons. On top of that, they have reached Balance Breaker and on top of that they have a pushy Longinus which can even slay a God. From the reports, Hero-faction has a strong will not to lay their hands on Ophis' snakes, so in terms of their power enhancement its still unknown." Azazel answered.
"What are they going to do by increasing those who can use Balance Breaker, now that's the problem." Odin spoke up, drinking green tea soon after as Azazel asked "Well, this is something which is still being investigated, so nothing will start even if we discuss it here. Geezer, are there any places you wan to go?"
"I sure want to go to the Oppai-pub!" Odin answers, moving his fingers with a lecherous face, Azazel smirking as he replied "Haha, you sure have good taste, Chief God-dono! Hell yeah, let's go there right now then! Young girls from my organisation opened up a shop in this town for the VIPs recently. I will invite you there then!"
[Haha, you should go with them too, partner] Ddraig loudly cheered, Yukio flushing in embarrassment while Kotake and Kotume sighed exasperated and embarrassed as Odin responded "Uhohoho! To be expected from Azazel-boy! You sure know your things! Prepare me a big breasted one right away! I'm going to grope many of them! Ddraig's host you should come with as well."
"I don't think so." Rias spoke with a stern look, pinching Yukio's cheek as he waved his hands and replied "I haff no 'tention of going along."
"Follow my lead shitty-geezer! Welcome to Japan! Do you want to untie their kimono obi? That is something you must do at least once when you come to Japan! I will show you the Japanese-style!" Azazel jeered happily, Odin quick to reply enthusiastically "I can't wait for it~ I can't wait for it indeed~!"
As both Odin and Azazel left the room, Rossweisse went to follow them as she spoke "Odin-sama! I...I'm also going!"
"You stay here. It won't be a problem if Azazel is with me. You could stay put in this house." Odin replied, Rossweisse frowning as she countered "No! I'm going!"
The pair's conversation continued down the corridor as Rossweisse followed the pair of perverted leaders, leaving Barakiel and Reika behind as they both sighed.
...