Chapter 2. Monster in Kuoh City (I)
She can't help but sigh as she watching her son run like there no tomorrow
Truthfully, she don't know either she should be happy or sad. On one hand, Issei become cheerful and happy just like usual when he spend time with Irina, but on other hand, she afraid that there something wrong in his mind
Yesterday he come home, barging to kitchen excitedly with big grin and start to blabber about spirit in forest of Kuoh City called Narberal
Not that troubled her, Issei always have extravagant imagination in first place. So she only said 'yes' and 'okay'. However what she didn't expect is, for him to start pulling her and demanding to come to forest with him
That actually troubled her
Despite having such imagination, but Kasumi know Issei is smart. He have logical part in his brain and he knew which thing were real and which were not. That's the reason he never claim things he imagine is real, they only his 'creation'
Kasumi actually not quite religious person, however she still believe in what people call miracle. Something can't be explained by mere words after all, so she not that realistic, enough to agree with communist belief about God not exist
What make her troubled is not something about this spirit, no. It was Issei. In last few days the boy always sulking, brooding and spend time just drawing and daydreaming in his own "lala-land".
She knew her son is close to Irina, very close in fact. Kasumi won't hesitate to accept Irina as second child if the little girl want to. Despite her troublemaker behavior and tomboyish nature but it can't be denied she is good child
Her son is always alone. She had bring him to doctor to check his mental state but found Issei is fine, the boy just have imagination beyond his peers, nothing wrong with him, in fact he also very smart despite his vivid imagination
But after lost his only friend? She really worry, what if it caused his mind to break? Scarred it? When he come home and blabber about the spirit she really tempted to bring Issei to hospital in that time
However, seeing the boy so happy and enthusiasm after sulking for few days, she can't. She can't bring herself to get Issei to hospital and see the boy back to sad again
She not tell this to her husband of course, this kind of problem need touch of woman. No offense to man but most time, a chat heart to heart is better to discussed with woman.
"Quick Mom! It here!" Issei gushed happily as he run deeper to forest
"Issei! Be careful in your way!" She yelled back while fastening her step, worried that she will lost him in forest
She pass through few trees, following her son who happily bouncing and when seeing him, he hop to the bush. She frown further at this, that boy! Perhaps she put too much sugar on his tea this morning?
She brush the bush that on her way, and when she out from there, she have to hold the gasp that threatened to out from her mouth
It beautiful...
The place...
Grassfield that clean, adorned by few flowers that growth, tree that tall and stand firm with good shape. Gentle wind that breeze and touch the field and blew the leaves. The scenery she currently see is place that people only see from TV or place for tourist!
"Issei... Where are we?" She muttered to her son who in front of him
The boy grinned, he rub below of his nose with his finger and give cocky grin "This is my secret place with Iri-chan!" He declared "But now it become Mom secret too! Don't tell anyone kay?"
She only nodded, eyes still mesmerizing the view in front of her, she too caught in there to give proper response to her son. She has live in Kuoh Town ever since she enter highschool age, her family moved to here from Osaka. But in that dozen years, never once she see place like this in Kuoh Town
She shook her head, snapped from her dazed state. While it true this place beautiful, but she not come here for this. She turned to her son who grinned at her "Issei, you said Narberal-san live in here? Where is it?" She asked gently
Her son seems remember about it too as he make 'o' expression before bob his head up, down with 'Uhm'. Then he turned his head away
"Narberal-chan! Narberal-chan! Mommy is here! Can you show yourself? Pleaaaaase?" He yelled in whining tone in last part "Pretty please with watermelon on top?" He asked sweetly to no one
"Issei..." She called, voice filled with bemusement "It sugar on top. Watermelon is too big for plate." She lectured
"But watermelon is sweet! It also taste good and healthy!" Issei replied, making her giggle at his response. Her son really cute! Then, Issei eyes widen a bit and he extend his arm, finger pointed "There it is!" He declared
Following his finger, Kasumi feel her eyes widened when see a blur suddenly appear. It come from middle of space, the wind seem gather and swirl around it like a dancer, then a white color began to formed in that empty place. They twirling in the space before a human shaped white mass with two glowing red eyes stand
Then, to Kasumi further fascination, the white blur slowly gain color. It shape twitching and began to morph. It make hair that have brown color, skin that much like her, face that she familiar with
And when it done, standing not far away from her and her son, is image of Rihan Hyoudou
"Hello Issei-kun, I see you come back." 'He' spoke gently
"You sure about this Kaichou?" Tsubaki asked as she walk on her King side
"I'm sure..." Sona nodded firmly as she keep her pace, eyes set in front "I believe in Koneko, as Nekoshu it is her nature to possess superior sensor ability. If she focus, she can sense what Ultimate-class Devil can't." She informed while shift up her glasses
Truthfully, Tsubaki quite surprised with her King decision to come to Hyoudou house. Few days ago she come to office and said one of student possibly get possessed by some unknown spirit
After that, she borrow Rias Gremory Rook, Koneko for moment to use her sensor ability to find out more about spirit that possess the ill boy. However there nothing else she could detect, other than the aura in Hyoudou Issei seems mixed with another thing
But unlike all possession, the aura is balance, they didn't try overpower or consume each other, but they seems supporting each other, it almost like they in symbiosis that providing each other help
Then, this morning, the ill boy come to their class, ignoring all whisper, he straightly go to Sona desk with blank expression in his face and said "The Spirit want to talk with you, come to my place after this school."
After that, he leaving from the class. Not even paying attention or care to the chaos he made by saying such things. If there one thing that Tsubaki found amusing and annoying at same time, it was how rumor or gossip spread in the school!
Just by saying that, the rumor about her King and Hyoudou Issei is engaged somehow exist. There also rumor about how Hyoudou Issei actually is Sona Sitri favorite boy, how the Student Council President found pleasure by dominating the boy! Then there rumor that Hyoudou Issei bewitching Sona Sitri or blackmailed her to obey his command!
Needless to say, Sona clearly not amusing. Add the fact Rias also explode into laugh hearing the rumor certainly not helping the situation
"But it could be trap. Even if the spirit seems not harming Hyoudou-san, there no guarantee it won't attack us." Tsubaki said
"I know that, that's why I bring you with me." Sona replied firmly "With your Sacred Gear, we can have elemental of surprise if the spirit attempt to overpower us."
Tsubaki seems look satisfied with that as she give brief nod to her King. Her Sacred Gear, Mirror Alice, have ability to reflect one attack, even if it level of attack capable to destroy this city, add the fact the reflected attack possess double amount of damage than the original. It was powerful weapon, one that very useful to use again unknown enemy
"We here..." Sona said as she stopped, eyes stare at the house
The house of Hyoudou Residence is quite large. It stand three-story with width that take half of academy size -considering it was school then it clearly big-. There fountain of water, followed by few flower garden around it, making the house worthy to be called epiphany of elegance
"It not bad." Tsubaki commented, and its true. While it perhaps nothing compared to Sitri Castle in Underworld, but for some student to live in here is quite thing
"I expect no less from someone who own fifth of this town shop district." Sona remarked with nod, she stare at the gate and notice there bell in there "Let call through that." She approach the red bell before press it
DING-DONG
Sona and Tsubaki waiting for moment after the first pressing the bell. Then the microphone that placed in gate let out small 'BZZZ'
*Good afternoon, who's there?*
Both Devils immediately recognize the voice that come through it as Issei voice. Sona take another step and press the button
"Good afternoon, this is Souna Shitori Hyoudou-san."
(*BZZZ* Ah, wait a moment Shitori-san)
The duo watched as the gate slowly opened by itself, another testimony that the house made by quite advanced technology and expensive one
"Keep your eye open." Sona said sharply as she give small glance to her Queen
"Hai." Tsubaki nodded, mentally prepared herself if fight broke out
They enter the house, despite their posture seems open and look vulnerable but they anything but that. They briefly began to observe their surrounding. And one of them caught their attention
"Kaichou, that flower..." Tsubaki called, gaining her King attention "I never seen it, what kind of flower is that?"
Sona take a look at flower Tsubaki pointed, she narrowed her eyes but not make any attempt to get close to it, they in unknown territory, best to not meddle with random things
The flower that Tsubaki pointed have a petal and crown that look like carnation, but instead more petal, the core in middle of it visible. The color itself is different. Instead violet, it was dark abyss, it seems like glowing, making it look like have mixture color of light-green, and the core color is red almost like ruby gem and seems shining as it reflecting the sunlight exactly like a jewel
It is beautiful flower actually. Sona herself admit it one of best looking flower she ever seen, and come from her who live from nobility, that mean something
"I don't know, I never seen one like that." She said, her voice clear told her Queen that she, herself is intrigued by the flower
"It called Unohana."
A new voice make Sona and Tsubaki turned their attention. In front of door that open now, is Hyoudou Issei, he wearing plain black short pant along with white t-shirt that topped by black jacket with gray hood, his hair that covered his left eye now more clean, allow them to see eyepatch that cover his eye
"Narberal made it for me." He said
'Narberal?' Sona thought with furrowed eyebrow, as far she recall the only one who live in Hyoudou Residence only Issei and his parent, which mean. "I take it Narberal is name of this spirit?" She said, straight to the point
Issei merely nodded as he walk toward them, his lone visible eye peering at the flower in ground. The two Devils watch intently as the ill boy walk through them as if they never there, he crouched in front of the flower and pluck it. Then, he bring it to his nose
"Unohana... It scent able to make you relax your mind, it very good flower to people who under stress since it make them able to think clearly, it also can heal panic attack." Issei mutter softly as he smell the flower
"Really?" Sona eyes narrowed, a magical flower. No wonder she not know it, it must be new species
"Want to try?" Issei respond simply as he extend the flower to Sona
"No, thank you." She won't take random things in unknown territory, who know how it will affect her
"Ok." Issei place back the flower to the garden, just when it touch the ground, a tendril made by earth, grasping the flower and plant the flower back like a new
'That... Not a spell.' Sona noted as she observe the phenomenon calmly. She not detect any incantation or flow of power in the ground 'Creating new flower, and manipulating earth... Could it be... A Nature Spirit?' She thought with surprise
Nature Spirit is believed to be embodiment of what left from Earth or Nature Deities. Be it leftover of their power or aura. While they not considered as Divine Spirit but they close one seeing they created by what left from Deity, unlike spirit like Ghost or elemental one
The problem is, Nature Spirit while not bad one but they mostly hostile at Human since their kin often despoil the earth and nature. So to see one of them this close to Human is something that surprising
"Narberal waiting inside..." He said in monotone as he began to walk while make gesture for them to follow him, if he notice small surprise of Sona behavior he either ignore it or pretend to not see
The Devils share glance to each other before the Queen nodded at her King. Sona the one who enter the house first
As they enter, Sona noted the interior of the house is build in victorian style almost similar like how Occult Research Club place. She enter the living room where Issei make another gesture for them to sit and they did
"Do you want drink or something?" Issei asked politely
"Thank you but no." Sona denied the offer in same polite manner
"You not need to be that paranoid Sitri-san, I never poison or drug the food and drink I serve."
A new feminine voice caught both Devils attention. They turned and see a figure stepped from the kitchen. And the moment they laid their eyes on her, only one thing crossed in their minds
Beautiful...
The woman that stand in front of them is beautiful entity. Smooth, tender looking, and snow white colored skin. Long black raven hair that tied into high ponytail and resemble the sky when in night. Gentle and kind pair of black eyes. She clad in simple blue light dress that reveal small part of her chest and shoulder. Despite her chest size is not buxom like Rias or Akeno, but Sona won't hesitate to call this woman more attractive than them
It because her appearance is perfect, her figure very matched to each other, making her almost look like a creature that match simply to express word called 'beauty'
'No wonder he never look at Rias and all woman in school.' Sona thought with small amount of envy as she stare at Narbarel. She only knew few person who matched her beauty, this spirit easily can categorized as top twenty most beautiful woman in Underworld "You are Narberal I presume?"
"Yes, I am." Narberal admitted with nod and gentle smile "I detect small amount of annoyance from you. Is this form inadequate? I can change into something else if you wish to." She offered
"Not need to do that Narberal-san, I'm fine with your appearance." Sona said politely 'She can detect it? Am I that obvious? Is she an empath? Or she just good in reading person? I need to be more careful.' She thought warily
"If you say so..." Narberal smiled kindly and Sona inwardly feel calm seeing her smile. She didn't know what is it, but there something about this spirit that make her feel safe somehow "Well, then shall we get to point?" She asked as she take seat on Issei side
"Very well." Sona nodded as she straighten her posture "But first, I want to ask. How you know my real name?" She asked, she never tell this spirit her real name, perhaps she can detect her aura and know her Devil but this is something else
"Shitori... It very close to Sitri, isn't it?" Narberal asked back simply "If you are Devil then your name must be it, I merely make assumption in first place but judging by your response you just confirm it."
"I see..." Sona remarked, this spirit quite sly to trap her like that "Very well, I will go straight then. What your intention with Hyoudou-san here?"
Narberal blinked, apparently seems taken back by the question while Issei face remain blank, not even show any sign he care and judging by his visible eye that look clouded, Sona can tell the boy mind right now not in this World
"If you ask does I have malice intent toward Issei-kun here, then I assure you, your worry is misplaced." Narberal spoke softly, her smile seems wider than before, she appear to be happy that Sona ask the question "I never have any intent to harm Issei-kun or anyone in this city."
"And why's that?" Sona continue to ask
Narberal let out hum and began to ponder, then she let out small sigh "I just want to rest in here and charge my power so I can go back to my homeland." She informed
"Charge your power?"
"You must be know Sitri-san, as a High-class Devil, you have your lesson about us, spirit. Despite my kin is not like elemental spirit, soul or ghost, but we still can be categorized as spirit. Our existence depend on "believe" of the people, if people believe us to be exist then we will exist.
"Originally, I merely a small consciousness in part of forest at Europe continent. I'm not a spirit, only a fraction of power that almost act like... I believe modern people call it AI. I simply a AI that has no purpose and barely exist.
"That, until I meet Issei-kun here." She send smile of gratitude to the boy who still look blankly at Sona and Tsubaki, despite his eye gazing at them but Sona can tell the boy not looking at them now "Issei-kun here got lost in forest when he walk on his own year ago during Christmas and New Year vacation. And when he got lost, he not panic, he not show any sign of fear nor worry. You know what he thinking?" She asked to Tsubaki and Sona
Sona merely shook her head in response and Narbarel smile widened, one can tell she very amused and happy just by remembering the memory
"He only thinking, 'Where the spirit that guide people who lost?'."
Sona and Tsubaki blinking their eyes, apparently not expecting that. Both of them send bemused look to Issei who blink his visible eye, as if he just snapping from his stupor and glanced back at them
"It really exist." Issei said in small monotone, complete with the nod and blank face "Narberal here is proof of that."
"That impossible." Sona replied in obvious disbelief "I can understand if you come to exist from a whole village who believe in your existence. But there no way, Hyoudou-san here by himself create you. The Thaumaturgical System not work in that way, how could possibly a belief of single human able to feed you enough to turn you to real spirit?"
"Trust me." Narberal sounding exasperated just like her as she shake her head "I still wondering the same thing until now. Issei-kun here not just believe I'm exist, but he knew. It as if I'm part of legend that already alive for long time, he know I'm exist, not believe. Straight for four days he keep wandering in forest and waiting for me to appear and help him, he not eat, he only drink one bottle of water in that four days, he waiting as if I will come and help him."
Sona don't know how to respond to this. The story is downright ridiculous. The idea of some spirit formed just fomr one belief. But it not that ridiculous, it still could be happen, if you use logic and theory, this phenomenon actually can happen despite it not common. It almost like someone who praying to God for miracle, keeping his/her faith stubbornly and in the end he achieve the miracle. No, it more easier to accept seeing this 'Narberal' actually exist in first place, granted she merely a drone perhaps but the foundation already there in first place
"You must be have large amount of faith and imagination Hyoudou-san." She said as she stare at Issei with new light who look at them plainly
The boy tilt his head a bit, then small smile crossed to his face, it was gentle and sincere smile "Thank you." He responded
Sona blinked, surprised at the sudden gratitude and seeing the boy smile. In school never once she see him smile, he merely have dazed look or scowling sometime. Nonetheless, she return the smile and nod to him
"Your welcome." Sona said plainly before turned to Narbarel once more "Let just say I believe in your story, why you here then? Right now you already ascended into spirit, so why you still with him?"
"It like you said before Sitri-san, the thought of one person belief able to make a mere small consciousness like me ascend to spirit is impossible. I maybe gained form, but it only for moment, I'm not mature yet. I need more energy so I can exist longer to make people believe in me
"Only one person who believe in my existence, and it Issei-kun. So I decide to come with him, bind myself temporary to him, I need to contract him further so I can become mature spirit."
"You do realize you leeching him right?" Tsubaki asked bluntly, eyes narrowed as she caught Narberal seems flinched at the accusation "Binding yourself to him, make you as his temporary familiar, you drain energy from him. Granted you not take his soul or spiritual energy, but you leech to his mind, the more you close to him the more he infatuated to you."
"I'm the one who in fault." Issei spoke, cutting Tsubaki comment "I'm the one who believe Narberal to be exist in first place, she never ask for this." He said. Despite his tone merely casual, but the Queen can see gleam in his amber gold eye
"And I'm grateful for that Issei-kun." Narberal said to the boy as she sigh softly and glancing at Sona "Trust me, I regret what I did, I really am. But what else I can do? I want to exist." Narberal stated sadly "I just want to live, want to have purpose... And Issei-kun here give it to me... What is wrong with that?"
The moment she said that, Sona knew she lost in this debate. The way Narberal spoke and expression she have, she can judge this woman is sincere. She truly want to live, want to exist. There no way to rebuke it, not without painting herself as the bad person in front of Issei
"Of course, I did not simply feed on Issei faith. I give him something in return." Narberal smile kindly to her "Tell me Sitri-san, did you take a look at Issei grade lately?"
Sona quirked her eyebrow. Actually she did, after confirming that Issei being contracted by spirit, she began to look for Issei data, investigating the boy properly to know what she will face. She began to dig on her memory about Issei grade lately and found something
"Hyoudou-san here recently have his grade in practical P.E rise up." Sona said as she glance at Issei for second before returning to Narberal who smiled "I take it, you the one who responsible for that?"
"Exactly..." Narberal nodded positively "As you two know, Issei here have illness. In exchange of staying with him, I heal his body. Give few months and Issei-kun will have his body healthy like normal person."
"That equal trade I guess." Sona commented, what Narberal did indeed could be considered fair "Not mean to offense you, but just for precaution, you wouldn't mind if we check on Hyoudou-san condition by our own method right?"
"Sure..." Narberal nodded
Sona glanced to Tsubaki who caught the silence command. She stand from her seat and walk toward Issei, the boy seems understand what she about do and stand as well, allowing the Devil to check on him
"Excuse me." Tsubaki said as she rise one hand, palm extended and touching Issei chest. She noted despite the boy is skinny but there muscle exist in there, slim and quite hard.
Prana flow through her body, surging toward the boy body. There small glow of power that surround Issei body for moment as Tsubaki do her job. The boy merely silence and seeing the girl with curious look as he tilt his head to side a bit like a children
After a moment Tsubaki retract her hand and the light died. She take one small step back and look to Sona then give her small nod, indicating there nothing wrong with the boy
"Sitri-san, if I may ask, why you care to Issei-kun?" Narberal asked "He quite outcast in school, people barely even aware he exist."
"No matter what people said, Hyoudou-san is student of Kuoh Academy." Sona answered firmly, glasses adjusted and there stern look in her violet eyes "I can't have students of my school possessed by spirit, school is place where people learn, not to be attacked by mythical creature. Even if they bad one like Perverted Duo, they still students nonetheless."
Ah..." Narberal make understanding face and she nodded at Sona while smile gently to her "I see, you really reliable person. Truly it wasn't wrong for you to become Student Council President."
"Thank you." Sona replied, she give small and polite smile at the compliment. For some reason now she feel quite comfortable talking with this woman "Then let talk another thing, hypothetically speaking, let just said I believe everything you said until now. What you going to do after knowing we approve your presence?"
"I will remain to stay with Issei-kun." Narberal answered "Until I can exist by myself, I will do nothing other than helping him. I have no any intention to do anything in first place."
"How long you need to have your power charged?"
"In next few months, perhaps until this summer vacation if there nothing hinder me."
"I see..."
Sona began to ponder what she going to do. This far, she sense no lie in Narberal words. She hiding something, obviously she can tell that but she being sincere and genuine about Issei well being and has no malice intent toward the Kuoh Town.
Nature Spirit, is kinda rare to find one that act not hostile toward Human and Devil. She actually have no problem anymore after hearing the story, but of course she won't just accept it like this, no. It still need further investigation but for now she already get the main objective why she come
"Sona Sitri-sempai."
Sona broke out from her thought when hear Issei calling him. She stare at the boy who look to her blankly and inwardly wonder why he call her
"Yes, Hyoudou-san?"
"Issei..." Issei said, voice still bland but there intent in there "Call me, Issei."
Sona quirked eyebrow at the request, but she still grant it as she nodded "Very well, Issei-san then."
Issei nodded back, appear to be satisfied "Tell to all your friend to call me that." He informed "I, did not like to be called by my last name."
"I see... Any reason for that?" Sona asked, this is quite new actually
"Here." Issei in response merely give some paper to Sona instead answering her question
The Heiress of Sitri clan allow her eyes to blink once before she take the paper. The moment she gazed on it, her eyes widened
It was drawing of her. Standing in middle of blue flame that blazing below her, she clad in black elegant dress, her Devil wings extended out as she stare at the side, both her palms touching middle of her chest. Behind her is a castle, old castle that look like one in Underworld has, the sky is violet like in Underworld followed by yellow big moon that shine brightly
"Is this how you look at me Issei-san?" Sona asked, she actually flattered. The drawing is good, magnificent even, she can tell despite it just made by pencil and colour pencils this picture going to hit if it being sold. Add the fact she look so elegant and beautiful in there
"Devil." Issei responded with nod of confirmation. Sona don't know either that insult or compliment
"Thanks for the picture, I will keep it." Sona said, and she mean it. The drawing is good after all, many students want Issei to draw picture for them but the boy not acknowledge their request, she dare to claim that she is the first student in Kuoh Academy that Issei draw
Issei nodded in response and continue to speak "I want to know about Hell."
Ah... So that's it. The boy wish to know further about Underworld, she rised one eyebrow at the statement "Are you bribing me with this picture?" She asked
"Yep." Issei answered bluntly in nonchalant manner as he bob up, down his head
Sona and Tsubaki sweatdropped, for some reason the way he speaking seems too bland and to the point. The Queen turned to Narberal who giggling
"He blunt person isn't he?"
"Quite so." Narberal confirmed
"Well... Where we began then..." Sona muttered as she rub her chin
"I will make tea, it seems both of you will be in here for moment." Narbarel said as she stand and go to kitchen, this time none of the Devils attempt to reject her offer
"Issei-san, if I recall your mother work as housewife right? Where is she?" Tsubaki asked curiously, she can tell his father probably still working and come home at night but not his mother
"She go shopping with neighbor." Issei answered
"Alright then Issei-san. Before I began, what you know about Devil?" Sona asked
In response Issei merely pull another paper and push it to Sona. The Devil of Sitri clan took it and instantly sweatdropped when seeing it
Unlike all his most drawing, this one made with cartoon design, where there countless little black creatures with horns, tails and bat wings floating, cackling madly. Below them is sea of flame that burn people that draw in comical manner
"Are you thinking I'm kind of person like this?" Sona can't help but asked as she give the picture to Tsubaki who let out small smirk at the drawing cute style
"At first." Issei answer bluntly make Sona left eye twitch once
"Well... *sigh* with your imagination I won't be surprise, you must be painting us as-" Sona paused as Issei give another paper, she took it and when she see it, she instantly freeze
Unlike the first picture that drawed in cute and chibi manner for fun, this one is exact opposite
The... The... The thing, she stared now, is the most grotesque and disgusting creature she ever seen. Black like dark abyss is it main color, it body is big. It upper part resemble a tree, with a countless tentacle that sprout to all direction. It bottom part is mockery of humanoid body that mixed with goat and tree, having five legs that have thick, and stubby legs to carry it weight
Through it dark and giant body, she can see countless small things, only to notice that things actually hand, a human hand that sprout out, followed by mass of dark tendrils. It had no face, had no nose, only black, and five mouth that open wide with long disgusting colored tongue slither out from it
Around it, is death. A mountain of corpses, fresh dead body, she can see many corpses have their body tore apart, organs spit out from the hole in their body, some only left in head and spine. Many of those corpses actually grabbed by the dark tentacles that throw them to that monster mouths to be eaten
"I call them Black Goat... A creature that eat any disposed body in Hell that not used anymore." Issei said, breaking the silence as he stand and point his finger to the creature hooves "It size actually only fifteen meters despite it look big, it hooves however, look strong like how I draw. It can kick away small mountain like a rock, it also always hungry so you really have to restrain it firmly so it not go wild, concept alpha or things like that doesn't exist. Only it creator have absolute control over it."
Then he tilted his head slightly at Sona who stare at him, the gesture look innocent, look like a mere act that children do, no malice intent exist in his face or visible eye
"Is creature like this exist in Hell?" He asked curiously
"Ah..." She snapped from her dazed state. Eyes blinking once, twice before the light returned to there, quickly she regain her composure "Well, no... As far I know there nothing things like this." She informed
Issei looked disappointed as his face scrunch to scowl and he sit back
'What the heck was that?!' She didn't know what just happen. But for moment Sona truly terrified. She truly afraid to the ill boy in front of her
The thought of High-class Devil like him afraid to boy who ill and considered to have some mentality disorder is laughable. Had someone said that Sona will kick the person out from her office
But now... After that moment... After staring into that lone, golden eye...
She not foreign to fear... Her parent and sister has teach her about that... But what she just felt... Is not fear that taught
But pure and genuine fear
'What I thinking?! Snap out of it Sona! You are Heiress of Sitri clan!' She slapped herself inwardly. She is High-class Devil! She have to act properly! She let out sigh, trying to calm her nerve and it work
Perhaps it just her imagination, yes, that's it. Merely a moment of weakness. She brush it off and set back her Student Council President facade "Issei-san, I will tell you what necessary about Underworld. First, what you must know Devils is no longer like the one older story said, that is old generation of Devils who thwarted during Civil War and-"
How she going to regret her decision in future
"Well, it been nice to chat with you Sitri-san, Shinra-san." Narberal said as she stare at the duo who now stand in front of the gate
"Same occur to you Narberal-san." Sona nodded to the Spirit "I must say it quite pleasant to chat with you and Issei-san." She give look to Issei in here
"Ah..." Issei eye flutter away to other direction for moment before refocused to her "Thank you."
Tsubaki who watching can't help the twitch on her lip. For some reason Issei Hyoudou remind her a lot to Koneko Toujou, the way he speak. What their character again according to otaku? 'If I recall they called Kuudere.' She chuckled inwardly at the word
"We will take our leave then, thank you for your time." Sona said as she give polite bow
"No..." It was Issei who speaking rather Narberal, prompting everyone to turn to him "Thank you, Sempai..."
There no more hollow or blankness in his voice, it was pure and genuine emotion. He really mean it, he really feel grateful toward her
Hearing this Sona smile to him "Call me Kaichou in school, I hope you body get well soon Issei-san."
"Hai."
"Very well, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow Issei-san."
Issei watched the Devils leave. He stand in gate for moment until both of them out from sight before go back, closing the gate and enter the house, Narberal right behind him
As soon he enter the house, he turned and see Narberal give him look. It was look that spell 'I'm disappointed to you!'
"Sitri-san is good Devil, Issei-kun." Narberal spoke sternly "Must you intimidate her like that?"
"Intimidate?" Issei asked flatly, head tilted to one side "I don't know what you mean."
"Of course you not." Narberal grumbled as she take seat in sofa and sighed. She knew well how scary Issei could be, there something about him that make people edge away from him, perhaps it because his power, Sacred Gear at Annihilation Maker level is something that can't be predicted after all "Seriously Issei-kun, Sitri-san seems not like evil person. I feel bad that I have to lie to her."
"It for the best." Issei simply said as he pour tea down to his cup "Among five plans I prepared, this one is the most effective and easy to do." He sit on chair and drink the tea "Using your nature as Creature of Love, and have you explaining things make her feel comfortable and easy to believe in us. Add the fact Vocal Charisma already influence her in first place, it only make her compel to us further."
"I don't like it." Narberal protested "I knew she Devils and have ulterior motive but-"
"Calm down, it not like we will keep using it on them." Issei cut her as he remove his eye-patch and throw it to table, leaning back in sofa to relax "It just so they left us alone and we can focused back to our project."
"After what you did I doubt they going to leave you alone." Narberal deadpanned "They going to keep an eye to you."
"True, but it will only for moment." Issei shrugged "And it will only be Sona Sitri who keep an eye to me, Rias Gremory have her own problem with her fiancé." He explained "However, just in case to make sure she not check on me, I will have distraction prepared for her."
"Distraction?" Narberal asked
"According to one of Wormy." He open his palm and reveal a small worm with wing that he use as spy "Rias Gremory and her peerage going to hunt Stray Devil in abandoned estate near outside town."
"I suspect you will send Golem to there to confuse them?" Narberal guessed 'Wormy... He can pick better name though, why the heck he have to pick name from Spongebob of all cartoon?!' She deadpanned inwardly
"Yes." Issei admitted "I will send Golem to kill the Stray Devil and have it attack Gremory group afterward, I'm sure with Koneko Toujou ability, she will said this creature is one she never felt."
"And it will make her chase enemy that never exist in first place." Narberal rub her chin, that actually good plan. Yes, it will make Rias Gremory turn her attention away from Issei, and it left them only with Sona already could be categorized as no-threat class
"Which Golem you going to send?" Kasumi asked
Golem... They are mostly creature that Issei create without mind. They are drone, a puppet, monster that obey only his command. In some case, sentient creation like Narberal can command them but it only when Issei grant it, or when he not the one who make decision
Of course that so simple name actually not Issei idea, no, in first place Issei want to call them Pyped, a welsh language for Puppet but Narberal shot it down since the boy already named many creature with abnormal name
"So, which one you going to send?" Narberal asked curiously, she take sip of the tea while eyeing the boy who began to drawing again
"Alastor."
*PFFFFTTT*
She spit out the tea in instant when heard which Golem Issei pick. Of all Golem, must she chose that one?! "Issei-kun! You sending Alastor to them?!" She asked, her cup slammed to table and she stare at the boy with wide eyes as if she can't comprehend what the boy thinking
"Don't worry, the Stray Devil will be killed." Issei reassured calmly while still focusing on his drawing
"That's not what I'm worry about!" Narberal exclaimed with twitched eyebrow "Issei-kun! Alastor is dangerous! He can destroy half of this town if he let out!"
"I don't think Rias Gremory and her Peerage won't be able to beat him. Judging by how they hunt their last Stray Devil, Alastor is suitable to dealing with them. He will push them, yes, but they won't lose. I can see Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima have huge amount of energy, if they serious they can beat him."
"Issei-kun, having large power doesn't mean victory assured!"
"You worried too much Narberal." Issei replied, he glanced to the woman who scowling at him through his hair that frame over part of his left face "Rias Gremory is sister of Sirzechs Lucifer, I'm sure she can handle it. She is sister of Maou for some reason. Beside, Alastor also not the worst I created." He said in dismissive tone as he resumed his drawing
"They only children Issei-kun." Narberal spoke softly with voice of sadness
Issei paused in his drawing, he lower down his pencil and tilted his face to meet Narberal. The Spirit feel chill to her spine when she see the heterochromia eyes that leering at her. She still remember once in past that eyes not there, it not even exist, the eyes she see once was filled with kind, dreamy and curiosity
But that eyes no longer exist... Replaced by these eyes that show nothing but blankness
"I guess I can't blame you... It was your nature to be gentle and kind..." He spoke, his tone is soft and filled with nostalgia, he also smiling. But then, his smile gone and his face turned to dull, flat, lifeless, almost like a puppet "But I'm not you... To me, they are nothing but stranger." He continued coldly
Hours later
Rias was in her own way in abandoned estate that believed to be nest of Stray Devil. The estate is quite big, stand five stories tall with size of Kuoh Academy, apparently it used as one of Devils that live in this area before the town handed to her and Sona
She already told her Peerage to split, they already pin point their target, with Koneko ability they can sense where the monster resting. Right now, it in hall room, and there four entrance to get there, they will strike it from all entrance to ensure it can't escape
Afrer a moment of walking, she press her hand on her ear, small magic circle with Gremory symbol appear the moment she did that "Everyone in position?" She asked
(I'm here Buchou...) Akeno responded
(I'm here.) Kiba also replied
...
...
...
...
"Koneko?" Rias called when noticing the Rook not responding "Koneko? You there?" She asked, dread feeling filled her stomach for moment. Does she get caught?! Does the Stray Devil luring them in first place?!
(I-I'm here.) Koneko voice come much to Rias relief albeit she sound shaking (B-Buchou, there something in there.)
"Something?" Rias asked as her eyes narrowed
(T-The Stray Devil is killed!)
"What?!" Rias demanded in surprise, she can tell even Kiba and Akeno also have similar reaction like them "Koneko, explain more clear!"
(I see the body... The thing I detect is not Stray Devil but...)
"Can you see the culprit Koneko? Is the one who responsible still there?"
(It still there, I can't see it since it behind the Stray Devil body but...) Koneko gulped, Rias can sense there fear in the cat girl voice, which make her worry, few able to make Koneko fazed like this (I-It dark... When I detect it from outside, I can tell it evil creature in instant but the closer I get to it... It become more overwhelming.) She said with whispery voice
"Koneko, shut your sensory ability now." Rias commanded, voice filled with seriousness. There foreign creature in their territory and whatever it is, it dangerous enough to make Koneko afraid like this "Everyone, we approach it at same time, ready?"
(((Hai.))) Her Peerage chorused
Rias take deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the incoming battle "3... 2... 1... Now!"
She sprung forward, opening the door in instant, her Peerage follow her act as they enter from three different side
The first thing they see is the room totally destroyed. Splinters of wood splattered everywhere, broken furniture, floor that carved out as if monster just jam their limb in there
The second is blood... Blood and piece of flesh scattered to almost everywhere. Rather than hall room, it more proper to call it massacre room, the disgusting smell that invade their nose make them have to hold the urge to gag
Third, a massive body that laying in middle of the room. The Stray Devil have bottom body of lion that mixed with horse, two front leg possess claw while the one behind have hooves, it also have tail that look like snake. Just looking by it, it clear this creature bigger than five meters
And the last, their target. It was...
To call it monster would be understanding, it would suit the creature they see very well
Standing and feast upon the upper part of the Stray Devil, is a monster that stand firm two meter. It have gigantic deformed large arm in grotesque manner, it large enough to grip adult man body, and rather than fingers, it possess claw that look sharp enough to slice anything, and there an eye, a giant eyeball that glaring at the Stray Devil it consume with red sclera and dark pupil.
Head... Rather than having it head on top part, it placed directly on side of it right hand. The head itself is mixed with it left arm that giant as well, albeit it had no claw but there giant, executioner blade that wetted with blood
It legs also grown, while true it sill could be called as Human leg but the nails on it legs is too sharp to be called nails anymore. Only short and tattered jean that protect it modesty
As if noticing their presence, the single giant eye turned to them, and as soon it did, the monster stop eating the Stray Devil and slowly stand, revealing a monstrous looking face that glued to it left arm, one can notice by it face the monster is a male at least
"What kind of thing that... Give born to this?" Kiba muttered with horrified face as he take a full look to the monster appearance
"I'm Rias Gremory, Heiress of the Gremory clan from 72 Pillars of Underworld!" Rias barked, eyes filled with seriousness as she stare at the monster "I demand you to identify yourself!" She ordered, red colored aura swirl around her slightly as she express her power
But the monster not fazed. It not even show any sign of care or understanding. In response, the monster merely grab the dead corpse of the Stray Devil with his massive claw, then he flung it to Rias as strong as possible
Seeing this Rias jumped away, allowing the dead body to crashed to the wall behind her and destroying it in instant. She rolled to balance herself and about to prepare to strike back
Only for the monster appear in front of her, sword already raised and flung down
'He fast!'
The only thing that saved Rias from cleaved into two is Kiba speed. The Knight already dashed the moment the monster throw the corpse to her, with speed that make him only blur in human eyes, he reach his King and just in time to pull her away, saving her from the massive sword that slice the floor into two and it path
"Buchou!"
Thunder roared in air as they lunged to it target from multiple direction. The monster turned around and just in time to be strucked by the wave of thunder, sending him to the wall and break through it like it soft twig
"Buchou are you okay?" Kiba asked as he help his King stand
"I'm fine Kiba." Rias responded as she prepare herself and inwardly cursing for dropping her guard "Akeno got him."
"I did, fu, fu, fu." Akeno giggle a bit as sadist gleam appear in her eyes
However, their conversation being cut as another crashing sound appear. From the hole, the monster stepped in, he appear to be fine, rather than harmed, if one look closely they can tell it not even wounded and-
"Is that electric surround him?" Kiba asked with astonishment
"Ara? Is that mean he just absorb my attack?" Akeno asked as well as she eyeing the yellow thunder that sparkling around the monster
The deformed face of the monster bare his sharp teeth, slimmy drool and saliva dripped from his lipless teeth. His giant red eye on his right shoulder glaring at the group of Devils in front of him
"RRRRAAAARRRHHH!"
"Incoming." Koneko said aloud as she take stance. The whole Gremory group also brace themselves as they see the monster charging to them with deranged roar
Well! New chapter already out! It take a lot to make update in 24 hours I hope you love this chapter!
In here, we see more about Issei ability, where he display cunning, sly and manipulative personality. We also see he not 'good' guy. Yes, I decide to make this Issei not affiliated with 'Light' side
There reason why I did this will be revealed in future later of course, not this soon.
In here, you can see how something strange happen to Sona but she decide to ignore it or oblivious to it. This is one of thing I planned in future, some of you maybe protest that Sona can't be caught that easy! However if you look carefully at what Issei said, you will understand, and how she fell to his trap.
Anyway, not much to said in this chapter, save for new monster! And another glimpse of Issei past of course, a part where his parent found Narberal! What? No matter what Issei still a child! There no way he going to keep it as secret! Not to his parent at least
And Alastor! A monster that take appearance of G-Virus beast from Resident Evil! Originally I want to make some kind of demonic knight that look like monster but I notice people going to have hard time imagining it, so I change the appearance
Make no mistake, Alastor is not weakling monster, in Canon Leonardo able to make countless monster with Middle-class Devil strength and he only a boy. Issei here, not just have superb imagination but he already grown up now, his imagination and logic brain make the thing he creat more... Savage. Anyway, Alastor data will be displayed in next chapter
Next chapter will be Gremory group vs Alastor! And we get a look more about what Issei doing!
This is it for now. Please give Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD