Beyond the Outer Gates Lies... Friends in Normal Places?

I felt naked. I mean, technically I was fully clothed. And then some. My jeans survived the battle. But I already mentioned that neither my jacket or combat shirt did. So I was wearing a normal t-shirt and a... shudder... winter jacket. One I had to borrow from the stores of extra clothing the Gremory family had on hand. It didn't even reach my belly button. But I only needed it to get me from Hyoudou House to my house. Japan was starting to warm into spring, but still not enough for just a t-shirt.

"Are you ready to go, Harry-chan?" Serafall prompted.

"Yup," I agreed.

It was me, my Maou, and Akeno. I was going back to get... well, lots of stuff. And we would be using my house as a staging area, in case Miki and Gorou were at home. Akeno was going to gather up the rest of Rias's Peerage, and to get a few items Rias had stashed that only she and her Queen could access. And Serafall was mainly there as our ride. Though she did have some business to take care of on Earth. The phone 'lines' from the Underworld to the mortal world were worse than usual. We suspected the Brigands were doing something. The Devils had not been able to find or counter it yet.

Everyone else would keep preparing. Or helping stop the attacks. The three of us would only be gone for about twelve hours. If nothing else went wrong. Fingers crossed, eyes crossed, legs crossed. Though technically that twelve hours was already padded to make sure Serafall had time to recover. We'd get back to Earth at noon Japan time, everyone would be at my place by six for dinner. Then we'd share info and strategies before returning to the translocation circle as soon as Levi-tan was ready.

"Ake-chan?"

"Of course, Leviathan-sama," the raven-haired Queen confirmed.

I picked up my empty backpack, my clothing and gear for the ruined weekend left in my room in the manor. I took Serafall's left hand. Akeno took her right. All three of us began pouring energy into the circle under our feet. But Akeno and I together were providing about half of the mana that my Maou was. Then the mandala reached critical mass, and the room changed. We were back on the bottom floor of Hyoudou House and Mittelt was waiting for us. She was wearing the same style of maid uniform, but instead of a crimson dress and corset with a grey blouse, apron, and bonnet, the Fallen was dresses in black and white. Somewhat more traditional, but also subtly radiating magic.

"See you in a few, Harry-chan," Serafall touched my arm and kissed me. Both contacts lingered longer than necessary; clinging, possessive, and worried. Then she stepped back and vanished. Akeno nodded to me and then to Mittelt. Then the Queen also teleported away.

Mittelt came over to me with a sober expression.

"Is it true?" she asked quietly, "Is the Draco-perv dead?"

"I... I don't know," I said sadly. Then with dark sarcasm I added, "Unless you've verified the body, cremated the body, and then verified that the soul is in some afterlife, you can't be sure that they are dead. Case in point."

I waved my hand at her, reminding her that outside of Rias and Akeno, most of us spent the better part of a year thinking the Fallen was dead. She grunted sadly.

"And also to that point, right about now, Sirzechs and Azazel will be trading the Reapers we captured in battle, along with the Longinus shards I pulled out of them, for Ise's soul. If Hades has him. Or any info skull-head has, if Ise isn't there."

I sighed, "So like I said, don't know. To many unanswered questions at this point. I'd like to hope Ise is still alive, the Ophis took him to save him. But honestly? It could go either way. All I... all we can do right now is try to stop the assholes responsible."

I tried to brighten up a bit, and asked, "On that note, would you like to join us?"

"You know," the tiny Fallen gave me an odd look, "When you asked if I was coming to watch the promotion exam, I thought you were just being polite. But you actually forgot, huh?"

Then she reached up and tapped the back of her neck.

"Ah," I said smoothly, "Well... No, and yes. I have not forgotten about the curse rod and the hundreds of people we need to free. I'm still working on it. But to be honest, I did kinda forget that you were one of the victims. You just seem so normal here."

"I'm choosing to take that as a compliment," she said, her voice falsely sweet.

"I mostly meant it as one," I assured her, "But yes. I'm working on it. Azazel is. Raphael is. And I know some of the other more intelligent gods and monsters have at least taken a look at it. It's just... there is a lot going on."

"I get it," she nodded, relaxing as little, "I'd just rather get rid of this unwanted tattoo. Sooner rather than later."

'Lash, are you thinking what I'm thinking?' I immediately 'turned' to my smarter partner.

'Quite frequently, whether I like it or not,' she answered, once again slowing my perception so we could talk.

'Would it work?' I ignored her.

'It is an interesting idea,' she admitted, 'However there are two factors you are not considering.'

'Namely?' I prompted.

'Firstly,' Lash explained, 'No small number of the victims of the Himejima clan are Devils or supernatural entities of a similar disposition. Creating a 'laser tattoo removal' spell using Light magic might remove the curse seal, but it would also destroy them in the process.'

'Crap,' I conceded silently.

'Secondly,' she added, 'The magic of the Himejima clan's curse rod is not simply Dark magic,as evil as it may be. Simply burning off the seal with Light may not be sufficient.'

I didn't physically nod but projected the action to her.

'That said, it is a concept that is not without merit,' she mused, 'So far all the research we know of has focused on destroying the rod itself, or neutralizing the magic. No-one has considered the physical aspect. The seal is as much a physical brand as it is a permanently connected spell. Perhaps tackling the brand is just as important. We should be sure to mention this to Azazel when we return to Hell.'

And then time returned to normal, Mittelt none the wiser.

"What was that?" she demanded.

"What was what?"

"You looked like you were about to take a bite of an apple, and got a unripe lemon instead," she answered, "Just for a second, excited and then sour."

Okay, maybe a little the wiser.

"You gave me an idea about the rod's brands," I offered, not seeing a reason to lie, "And then I realized that the cure might be even worse than the curse. But still something to work on."

"Happy to help, especially if it gets me free faster," she smirked.

"You'll still be serving here for a long time," I reminded her.

"Yeah, but at least I could go on vacation with the group," she sighed wistfully, "And having a light at the end of the tunnel is always better than darkness."

"Then I should get moving," I said gently, "The quicker we deal with the Chaos Brigade, the sooner I... we'll have time to devote to fixing this."

"Just... just take care of yourself, okay, kid?" she instructed.

"What, you worried about me?" I teased.

"You saved me from the Himejima. You stood with me when I had to explain to Azazel and got my punishment. And I've heard the stories. You're my best chance of getting rid of the brand. So yeah, I don't want you to die. At least not until you fix this."

Mittelt waved at her neck again. I chuckled and we started to walk out.

"Gorou should be at work, but is Miki here?" I asked when we reached the stairs, wondering if I should veil myself.

"No, she's out shopping," the Fallen maid confirmed, "She won't know you were here. And I'll tell her I took care of your fuzzy terror today, so she doesn't surprise you."

"Great," I said in relief, "And Mittelt..."

"I'll take care of them," she said, "I guess that's another reason I can't help you guys."

"Knowing the Hyoudous, and my house, are safe will be a load off my mind. Rias's too."

"Text me when you guys are ready to leave," she told me as we reached the front door, "I'll make sure the way is clear. Later, kid."

"Later, Mittelt," I waved to her. Then jogged to my front door, just in case any other neighbors were looking.

I went inside, and deactivated my wards, but not my alarms. So anyone could get in, but they couldn't surprise me.

I started in the library. Grabbed my laptop and its power cable. My three grimoires on imbuing, too. I glanced around and then shoved them into my backpack, deciding there wasn't anything else I needed from here.

I went up to my room. The first thing I did was get my duffle bag, and sort through the gear I kept in it by default. I removed the pillow and the cloth blanket, I wouldn't be alone or camping out. I did keep the reflective blanket. A few more items came out to make space.

I got more clothing. Both general use like undies, socks, and t-shirts. But I also folded my best slacks and dress shirt into the mix. Just in case something involving 'nobility' or 'high society' happened while I was down there. I just tossed my jewelry box in wholesale. I was only wearing two rings at the moment (one of them my promise ring) plus my earring. And I figured even if I had too much stuff I could lend gear to my friends. Or just go full crazy Hal Jordan on the Brigands.

I went down to the basement, to my lab. Loaded every potion on my shelves into my bags, as well as most of my ingredients. I looked at the two incomplete staves. And I left the test one. I just loaded the purpleheart blank into my carrying case. Then all my tools, both magical and mechanical. Finally the mythril bars.

My two bags full to bursting, I went back to the main floor. Put my stuff on the gaming table. And went to the front closet.

There was a canvas duster inside. My backup. Like the one I wore before Susan gave me my first leather duster. Cheaper, and not as well enchanted. But better than nothing. And a reminder of my past and that my still somewhat tenuous financial status.

Then I sat down and opened the wooden chest on the floor of the closet. I took out my sewing kit and set it to the side. I removed four jackets, the order I was currently working on. I gave them a quick once over, then set them on top of the box of thread, needles, and clamps.

I took out another cardboard box at the bottom of the chest. I took the lid off, and double checked the contents. There were another four coats. Double layers of white suede, with a another two layers of black silk lining. The outside of each had stripes of blue and cyan, giving the coats the impressions of 'ice' and 'Tron'. They weren't dusters, but longer jackets that would cover halfway down the intended wearers' thighs. These were complete, and I was checking the charge. I made them for a certain group, on a whim. Part of me hoped they would order coats. Two had the older versions of my coats, but I thought they might want a full matching set. Or maybe I would just give them away as a gift (and self-promotion). Now I had decided on the latter, given the current circumstances.

I did a bit of reorganizing, getting everything as well packed as I could. Then I sat down in my chair and took out my phone.

"Moshi-moshi, Dresden-kun," Nanoha answered quickly, almost desperately, "Are you okay? Is everyone okay? Are you really stuck in Chicago?"

"Moshi-moshi," I replied, "I take it that means the principal got Sona's message?"

"Yes," she confirmed, "He said that the Occult Research Club, Student Council, and you went to America for some reason, and were trapped by the massive snowstorm. But I'm not sure I believe that. The news says the Midwest is starting to dig out, but the principal said he isn't sure when you will be back. What's really going on?"

"Do you really want to know?" I countered, "There are some things that, once you know them, you can't unknow them, and they will change your life."

I remembered Kendra telling me that Takamachi-sensei's family had deliberately kept her in the dark about the supernatural world.

"I..." she hesitated, "You are a wizard. I've seen the fliers handed out around town by Gremory-chan and Shitori-chan. And I had a friend when I was younger who was not Human, though she looked it. I know there is something more going on. But... but I'm not alone and so I have to consider Fate, too. I'll take your advice on this."

"Then I will just say that you aren't wrong. We aren't in Chicago. We are someplace else, dealing with certain issues with Sona and Rias and their families. And if you can help the principal... I don't want to say 'cover for us', because that makes it sound bad. But I can't think of a better way to phrase it."

There was a pause.

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that Gremory-san's plane was damaged in the storm," Nanoha said, "It's unfortunate that it will take so long to repair. I might not agree with their choice to wait instead of taking a commercial flight. But I understand that the wealthy have security and social issues. It is just a shame the rest of you can't get back because of it."

Then very seriously she said, "All of you take care of yourselves, okay, Dresden-kun?"

"Thank you, sensei," I told her, "We'll do our best."


I settled down to wait, but not twenty minutes after I got off the phone with my Math teacher, there was a knock at the door. I stopped petting Mister, to my lord's annoyance. I stood and jogged to the door. It was not who I was expecting. One highly familiar and admittedly welcome person, and her two less familiar companions.

"Hello, Kendra," I greeted the kunoichi. Then I inclined my head to the other two Youkai, "Kurama-san. And it was Bob, right?"

The kitsune samurai and both Tengu women were in casual street clothing, but each also carried a heavy backpack on a climbing frame. Bob and Kurama both nodded to me. But Kendra... well, she knew better than to look me in the eye, but she wouldn't even look at my face.

"Come in," I offered, stepping to the side, "You can put your bags in the dining room, and have a seat wherever you like."

"Thank you, Dresden-kun," Kurama said. They walked into the main room, and I closed the door behind them. They dropped their bags where I asked, and then Kurama and Bob sat somewhat formally on one of my sofas. But Kendra turned and not quite ran back to me. She instantly dropped down to the deepest and most formal dogenza I had seen outside of an anime.

"I beg your forgiveness, Dresden-kun," she cried out, her forehead pressed to the floor.

"Hell's bell, Takako," I reverted to her real name in surprise and worry, "What is going on?"

"I'm responsible," she said, not moving, "I split your staff. Your staff that exploded, injuring you and stopping you from protecting Hyoudou-kun. You told me I shouldn't meddle, because wizards aren't like magicians, but I..."

I went down on one knee and and touched her shoulder to interrupt her.

"Kendra, stop," I told her kindly, "I checked my staff, and as far as I could tell, it was fine. If I was really worried, I would have replaced it by now. And it's not the first staff I've had destroyed in battle, that's why I'm trying to make a better one."

"And more importantly," I said more sharply, "Circe is the one who attacked me. Cao Cao is the one who attacked Ise. You don't get to lessen that. You don't get to take any responsibility away from those two."

"So on your feet soldier," I ordered, "We need you at your best."

I extended my hand. She took it and I pulled her up. Kendra briefly put one arm around me in a tentative hug.

"I'm glad you are okay, Harry," she told me.

"I'll add you to the list," I said, "Now let's talk about how we are going to make these fake Heroes and their allies pay."

She nodded. And behind her back but visible to me, Kurama and Bob shared small grins.


Serafall was the next to arrive. She had Momo, Tomoe, Ruruko, and Saji with her, as expected. Unexpected, but also welcome, was the last member of that party, Yoshimo Shiro. While Kendra had gotten used to him during our training arc, Kurama and Bob geeked out over the retired exorcist as much as their boss had.

Then Akeno arrived. With still more people I hadn't been told about. She brought Lasciel, Gaspar, and Irina, sure. But she had two more fighters I had not met before. But Shiro had.

"Quarta-san, it is good to see you," he greeted the woman, "Being an Angel suits you."

"Yoshimo-san," she smiled and shook his hand, "I am happy to see you looking better."

"Yes," Shiro looked at Tomoe, who looked away, "I have my foolish granddaughter and her kind and fair new master to thank for that."

"Oddly, the blessing of a Devil suits you," she agreed, "Or perhaps not so odd, considering how you always handled your duties."

"And it is unusual to see you awake, Gesualdo-kun," Shiro addressed the other Angel, "I would not have expected to see you."

"The Devils are our allies now," the young (though still older than my current biological age) man shrugged, "So if I can protect the innocent Devil civilians, it is my job."

"And sampling Hell's food has no relevance," Griselda needled him. The damned handsome Angel whistled casually.

"Maybe I should offer introductions," Irina piped up, "This is my and Xenovia's mentor and Gabriel-sama's Queen; Griselda Quarta. And this is my senpai twice over and Michael-sama's Joker, Dulio Gesualdo. Oh, and those names are western order, I guess."

"Lady Quarta, Dulio, these are the Leviathan, Serafall Leviathan, Momo Hanakai the Sitri Bishop, Tomoe Meguri the Sitri Knight, the Sitri Pawns Genshirou Saji and Ruruko Nimura. Then this is the wizard Harry Dresden. That is... Kendra Senju... Sorry, I forgot your real name and your friends."

The ditzy Ace faltered when she got to the Youkai.

"I am Takako Senju," Kendra took over, "Though thanks to an errant comment to the wrong wizard-who-shall-not-be-named, I am now frequently called 'Kendra'. These are my comrades Kurama and Bob."

"I thought you were going to the Underworld alone," Serafall said suspiciously to Dulio, "And were going to accompany Az-chan and Sirzechs-kun to meet Hades."

"That was the plan," the young man admitted, "But when Mi... Lord Michael..."

He reverted and tacked on the title when Griselda glared at him.

"... heard that there was this chance to meet and get to know Dresden, he decided to send me here instead," Dulio continued smoothly, "And the Lucifer and the Governor-General said they didn't need me."

"Retired Governor-General," Lasciel interjected.

"And of course, the chance to be lazy and have the Leviathan teleport you instead of using your own power played no part in this, I'm sure," Griselda inserted sarcastically.

I felt a kinship with the Queen Angel.

"Just get to know Harry?" Kendra asked dubiously.

"Michael thinks Dresden might make a good Jack or 7," he shrugged, "And we shouldn't let the Devils get too much of a head start on him, allies or not. Though from what I've seen and heard, I'm not the best choice. But Irina is already spoken for, and Michael has been slow to fill out his suit. No cuties to send."

I resisted the urge to facepalm. And Mister rubbed up against Kendra approvingly.


We talked. Momo and Irina went out and picked up ramen. We ate. We reorganized our luggage. I couldn't help but look between my larger bag and Serafall nervously.

It got on to nine o'clock in the evening. Most of us started to get a bit anxious. Dulio, Irina, and Tomoe seemed immune, but the rest of us were focused on why we were gathered. What we were going into. We hadn't heard any news. That could be good, or could just be the current communication issues.

"How are you doing, Levi-tan?" I asked my girlfriend. I was sitting in my recliner, and she was sitting in my lap. We were one seat short, but that wasn't the reason for her choice.

"I could probably handle it," she said, "With the Brave Saints' help. But we've got one more on her way."

I frowned at that. Before I could ask, as if on cue, the doorbell rang. I looked at my Maou. She just gave me an innocent smile back.

"May I?" Kendra offered. She was sitting in the right hand couch, closest to the door.

"Please," I said. I rolled my eyes at Serafall, who wriggled closer to me. I craned my neck around to look at the door. So did everyone else.

"I apologize for my tardiness," the newcomer said. She was about the same height and build as Sona, but her facially features were different and she was blonde with tan skin and large green eyes. And unlike the others, she was in armor and openly carrying weapons.

"Nike!" Serafall raised her hand and waved to the Greek goddess, "What happened?"

"The Ares and Seth Chaos factions have joined forces," Nike explained, "They are leading Human terrorists in hassling Turkey at large, while their actual forces appear to be after something in the ruins of Troy. Athena, Bast, and Lord Thoth wanted to come as well, but Lord Zeus and Lord Ra deemed it more critical that we stop the rogues from achieving their goal here. But they agreed that I should still join and help you."

Serafall hopped out of my lap, and went over to hug the goddess of victory. Then my Maou looked around.

"Okay, that's everyone, right?" she looked to the Angels, Youkai, and Akeno for confirmation. She received a round of nods.

"Great, then let's get going."

Serafall took my duffle bag, being the only one without any personal luggage. I grabbed my backpack and sewing kit. Everyone else collected their bags and packs.

'Everything clear?' I texted Mittelt. She responded with a thumbs up emoji.

We jogged next door and downstairs. This time the translocation was covered with a large black tarp and also a concealment spell.

We gathered on the circle, and took hands. I was between Serafall and Kendra. And I fed mana to both Serafall and circle. My Maou looked at me affectionately and squeezed my hand.

As we started to dematerialize, I looked around at the friends and allies in the circle. Gathered to support us and avenge Ise. I looked at Serafall again. I realized I had wasted too much time. And Bizarro World wasn't as safe as it had initially seemed. And I promised myself I would make time, as soon as possible, to tell my girlfriends that I loved them.

'Don't forget to return the coat you borrowed.'

Thanks, Lash.


Next: Beyond the Outer Gates Lies... New Symbols?


Behind the Omake Gates Lies... New Rivals?

-Kendra Perspective-

Senju Takako couldn't help but be impressed by Hyoudou House. Sure, the castle Kunou and Yasaka lived in was bigger. Even the Senju estate had more floorspace, even if it lacked the height. But both of those were ancestral clan homes that also served as government buildings. This was the largest single family home the kunoichi had ever seen. And had much more in the way of modern amenities, too. And in a few months, she would be living there. Alongside the Gremory-Hyoudou family and next door to that fascinating and infuriating wizard.

The door opened, and a young looking maid let them in. Takako knew about the Fallen, and that she was much older than she looked. But the Tengu couldn't help but look down on Mittelt. Both literally and figuratively. Until she saw the girls eyes lock on to Dresden. The criminal gave the far to young for her Human an affectionate and flirtatious look. Licked her lips. The Fallen gave the Maou a look of pained acceptance. Then her eyes fell on Takako. the blonde gave the greenette a considering look, up and down. Then her eyes narrowed. The maid glared at Takako, while deliberately stepping closer to Dresden. She offered to take the wooden box he was carrying. And then smirked at Takako when Dresden accepted.

-Mittelt Perspective-

Mittelt opened the front door, wanting to hurry and get the crowd inside before anyone noticed. She couldn't help but focus on Dresden for a minute. While she didn't like that he was dating so many Devils, she had to admit they had good taste. If the kid was a decade or so older... Hell, if he was still alive in ten years, maybe she'd make a play, regardless of his marital status at the time. It wouldn't be the first harem she had joined over the millennia, or the first marriage she broke up if it fell that way. So while she was annoyed that the Leviathan was clinging to him, Mittelt didn't consider it a problem.

On the other hand, the Tengu bitch behind him was standing a bit to close to Dresden, and was giving Mittelt the stink eye. She had heard Red and her girls gossiping. They thought the bird girl might have a thing for the kid. Not that Mittelt had any right to protest. So she stared back at the greenette.

"Carry that box, kid?" she offered.

"Sure," he answered, shifting his backpack now that his hands were free, "Thanks."

Mittelt smirked at the Tengu, then led everyone in.

-Serafall Perspective-

Serafall Leviathan observed the glares and jockeying between Kendra and Mittelt. Their actions, and Harry-chan's ignorance of them amused her to no end.

'This might make for some fun later,' Levi-tan thought to herself.


Author's Note: No, that was just an omake. None of that happened. This is not an indication that either woman is interested in Harry, nor are they subtly warring for the last slot in the Harryem. This is just a bit of non-binding fun and ship tease that popped into my head.


Author's Note II: It also doesn't mean that they aren't interested.


Author's Note III: The previous author's note is an idiot. Obviously Kendra is the only one interested in Harry. Mittelt is far too old and far to loli for him anyway.


Author's Note IV: Shows what you know, previous note. Harry had sex with Mab and fell for Murph. So ancient immortals aren't a problem for him. And short, slender blondes are definitely his type.


Author's Note V: I apologize. Please disregard Author's Notes II through IV. And any afte...