Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
DocSlendy; Sorry, but it isn't anyone that you might be thinking about. And thanks.
dragonsayianblue; Thanks, glad that you liked it! Yup, Zenki saved Irina and Xenovia, and Kuroka was bombarded, huh~? It will be explained eventually, can't say when. Yup, Raynare saved Ise from Freed, and now slowly his thoughts on the girl have changed from what they were beforehand. That blast from the past really is going to blast from the past indeed! We'll find out in this chapter!
Harem Master123; Thanks! Yeah, that person is going to be someone tied to Zenki, and will also shape him as a person. Cool suggestions.
hellspam; Thank you! I'm glad that you liked it! Well, your question will be answered in this chapter, with Xenovia growing closer, in her own unique way, to Zenki. Yeah, Issei's little story with Raynare is becoming more intense, huh. Yeah, they'll have a special move like that in the future. Well, I won't spoil who kisses Zenki next, but there is gonna be a surprise for who does it.
nipunkhan823; Mittelt in the peerage huh, she possibly could be, I am thinking about it.
KobayashiSenpai; Thanks! Yeah, it is going to be quite, telling on what's going to happen next.
Nivek Beldo; Yeah, they all quite care for him, don't they? Just shows how much he has touched their lives with the things he's done, and how much they care for him. I am happy that it came across as that, and it seems to have worked, huh. Yup, surprises everywhere, and there will be more in the coming future. Well, that answer will be in this chapter~ He had Raynare to save him, shows how much she has come to accept herself, and her feelings. Irina really is grateful, she was saved from certain death, after all. And Xenovia will be showing something of that nature in this chapter, in her own way. Well, Koneko would've done, but this time she didn't mind that much, she can read situations, and if there's a reason for it, she'll allow it. Indeed, it is going to be quite a lot in the future, huh~? It does, he would've saved them if they are good people. He just doesn't judge between races, and other things like that. It was, something~ It will be answered, somewhat, in this chapter. Yup, the climax of this arc is gonna be something to see. I won't spoil it, but it has been set up all the way since back when Zenki turned 17, even earlier than that too~ And thank you!
BlueBlade87; Thank you! Eeh, I guess.
Blue Eyes Pendulum Dragon; Hmmm, could be, could be someone else. Whoever it is, is going to be someone closely tied with Zenki. He surely does, but he has to keep certain things secret, he can't blab to everyone about it. Especially Ophis, he can't say he knows her, though his peerage are somewhat aware of her existence. Well, Lilith will be in the story.
Skull Flame; Well, that's Kuroka for you. Pretty much everyone did, so there's no shame in it. It's only natural to draw such a conclusion. Indeed, he is gonna be important to one of Zenki's peerage members, which will be revealed this chapter. Mittelt is showing more of a jealous side, isn't she? I know yeah, it does seem like a battle for his lap is about to commence. There's some great contenders, who's going to leave with the lap? Well, it won't be revealed what kind of connection the person has to Zenki just yet. But the name will be revealed. And thanks!
ShadowKing042; Yup, that's the name.
RangerElk76; Indeed, shiver~
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! Glad that you liked it! He is, he can be shown as a hand to hand fighter, as well as a somewhat magic expert, though not on the level of the likes of Le Fay. Yup, the sidestory between Ise and Raynare surely is progressing, and it will progress even more this chapter. Mittelt is slowly coming around to the idea that Zenki doesn't actually hate her, and doesn't want to hurt her, and even might be developing a certain something for him too. I know, what's going on Koneko? Well, it is, someone, who will be named this chapter.
Blaze1992; Well, I am ecstatic that you liked it. Well, the question is, for the first half of the story, he's been at an age where, he literally couldn't do anything. And now, he can do something, but things keep getting in the way. But, I can confirm that a lemon is going to be happening quite soon. When, I can't spoil, but it isn't going to be that far off. How do you know he doesn't have a familiar? Just because he hasn't used it, it doesn't mean he doesn't have one.
Guest 1; That would be pretty cool, thanks for the idea~
Neonlight01; He did put up a good fight, but he fell to Zenki. But he isn't down and out just yet. Le Fay and Mittelt seemed to be getting into a fight, huh. Though, Mittelt is weaker than the current Le Fay, it seems. Don't forget Ophis too, she'll want a piece of that lap too. Well it certainly was someone.
Gabriel790; Thank you!
TexasTank; She is quite the logical person. She's promising quite a lot, huh. She can't, but for this instance, her Mother was right to keep her behind, but that doesn't mean her part of the arc is over yet, she's still got her role in the arc. Mittelt's finally figuring out her feelings for the Devil. He did indeed get some action~
Lightwave; Well, not really, he was just pointing out that he's been faced with a lot of racism lately. He didn't know who he was dealing with, but he'll know who he's dealing with now. He does indeed have Ascalon, and knows how to use it, for the most part. Ise is still gonna receive Ascalon, Zenki doesn't really have a need for it, and neither does his peerage members. I'm glad you liked it, those are like side parts of the chapters, but gives a more detailed version of what is happening back in Kuoh. And yeah, this chapter will answer who he was talking too.
AlphaOmega; He really is a racist, seems like Zenki has been dealing with those types of people a lot lately. Xenovia does, and it expands upon that this chapter. He has got Ascalon, and that will be playing something of a role later down the line. How, we'll have to wait and see. Yup, Irina's quite the peoples person, isn't she? Raynare's feelings are complicated, but she's coming to accept them, and herself too. It was someone from Zenki's past, can't say much more without giving it away.
Jose19; Yes, I am quite aware of how much Diodora is a piece of crap, but even then there is a purpose to him in this chapter, and his role too. He'll be dying eventually, and it will hurt, quite a lot, but he isn't going to be killed off just yet.
Guest 2; Actually, what makes you so sure that they haven't? Just because it hasn't been shown, doesn't mean that they don't have familiars. That would be kinda interesting, and especially if that person hooks up with Ise, damaging quite a lot of Tiamat's pride as a Dragon, and her own personal grudge against Ddraig.
Guest 3; Yeah, it could be. I'll give it a think over!
PikaMew1288; Exactly, pretty much most would, if Vampire, hehe. Well, you might find that out in the future. Hmmm, it very well could be, it could be something that might happen.
Guest 4; I actually like that idea, FF is one of my favourite franchises, and he's one of my fav characters.
Cf96; Thank you!
Silver crow; Hehe, no worries, you did now~ I'm glad that you did~ Yup, interactions between characters is always good~ Well, he doesn't have a sister, but he has something. Yup, indeed~ Here's the next chapter~
Well with those lovely reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!
New reveals!
"Hehehe…hehehe…well, if it isn't Kiba-kun~?"
Aika Kiryuu.
Aika Kiryuu was walking down the street, late at night.
The darkness of the night surrounded her, and enclosed around her, the light from the school behind her only lit partly before her.
Though it was late, she didn't seem to mind all that much.
She had just come from one of her clubs…that discussed topics relating to boys…loving other boys, or so called boys love, and she loved pairing together, two certain people that she knew, one being blonde, and the other being green haired.
She always held dirty thoughts when she thought about them, that's how Aika really was. She was perverted, she was a pervert, and she wasn't ashamed of being a pervert either. She really was, someone that was perverted.
She used her phone's flashlight to see the steps in front of her, and see what was going to come about of the next thing before them, and she happened to come across Yuuto as she was walking home, giving him a wide smile.
"A-Ah, you're Kiryuu-san, aren't you?"
Yuuto vaguely remembered who she was, and she wasn't sure if she should be happy about that or not.
"Yes~ That's right~" She sang out, a dirty thought entering her mind. "So, why aren't you together with Zenki-kun right now? I thought that if it is was you, who wants Zenki-kun-"
"Kiryuu-san, I don't want anything like that."
Knowing where she was going, Yuuto cut her off right away, and made it known that he wasn't going to be used in a way where she'd have to say something perverted, and that would then be misunderstood by Yuuto, and she'd spin it so he was in the end something that he didn't even want to think about.
"Awwww, you're going to ruin this young maiden's dream? Could it be where Kiba-kun is going to make my life a complete and utter misery, and I wouldn't be able to achieve the dream of Shota, and Bishounen being lovers?"
Yuuto's face turned slightly pink with embarrassment, shaking his head.
"N-No, I don't want anything like that at all."
Aika leaned closer, and held a dirty smile on her face, inspecting the blonde before her.
"But, what about if the masses want that? And by masses, I mean me, myself, and I. That's who wants this. Just think about it, the people before me, you, and myself, and everything that is going to happen, I really just want to say that whatever is going to happen between you two, can I also have a little look on what's going to happen?"
"N-Nothing is happening! Between Zenki-sama and I-"
"Zenki-sama~" Aika sang with a dirty intent. "Just think of the dirty little secrets that could go on between them and all~ You and he are perfect for one another, I really do support your love for Zenki-kun and vice versa~ By the way, why do you add 'sama' onto the end of his name? Could it be masters and slaves?"
"Pft!" Yuuto couldn't hold back the spit in his mouth, and did a spit take, shaking his head again and again. "N-No! I-I mean, he is a master…b-but, he's not my master! I don't have a master beyond Buchou! I-I mean erm…y-you can't suddenly just say…erm, I think that if it is you who is before me then I wouldn't be able too…"
Yuuto held nervousness on his face, and Aika loved it.
She loved seeing the looks on his face, when referring to Zenki. She didn't actually believe anything would ever go on, it was clear to even Aika that Zenki was completely into girls, especially with the type of girls he surrounded himself with.
"Ooh Kiba-kun, if it is someone like you, then I am sure that you'd be able to have your love answered~"
"I-I don't have love like that!"
Yuuto strongly denied, but Aika really didn't want to listen, she even tilted her glasses upwards, and made it known that she was going to be shipping the pair together, no matter how it seemed to anyone else.
"Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure you don't~ It is okay~ I won't say anything else~"
Yuuto's face was full of embarrassment, and didn't know how to respond.
"Ara, what's going on here?"
Rias appeared from behind Aika, along with Akeno who held a smile on her face.
Aika turned her face, and met the redhead blandly.
"Ooh, Rias-senpai. I was just talking with Kiba-kun about his possible love romantic relationship with Zenki-kun~ I certainly think that two cuties being together is the best thing in the world~ Blonde and green haired boys, is the best~"
Akeno and Yuuto had to admire how she could admit something so plainly and honestly, even if it was something neither (Akeno was debatable) wanted to hear about, especially Kiba since it did involve him.
But then there was a change…in someone with red hair…
Rias.
"Uuuu…"
Rias' eyes shone wildly.
She had images running through her mind, her face turning the same colour as her hair. She put a hand to her breast, and felt a sensation she hadn't thought she'd ever find in her life, and that was the fact that she had found someone…
She found someone like her.
She found someone that had the same thoughts as her, and expressed them more openly than she had before.
"You understand." Rias looked starry eyed, her hands placing themselves on Aika's shoulders, giving them a squeeze, Aika wincing. "You understand the vision that I have inside of my heart too. The vision of realizing feelings."
"O-Ow…you're hurting me…"
Rias didn't hear Aika's little plea for her to get off, and continued speaking with a dirty smile, some blood leaking out of her nose.
"To think that this rare gem lived in this town too. A girl that held similar thoughts to me. I'm truly excited right now, Kiryuu-san. I think that we've really began connecting in a serious way, where we would be able to discuss things more clearly."
Aika almost fell to her knees when Rias' intensity rose, her fingers on her shoulders feeling like they'd break off her shoulders if they continued onwards, it really did make her feel like she was going to fall down to the ground.
"R-Rias-senpai, I'm glad…b-but, could you…stop now?"
Rias looked at Aika's pained face, and gave a small pout.
"Fine, if you're asking me like that then I don't have a choice but to comply. Yeah, you're right, I shouldn't become so excited." She took her hands off Aika's shoulders, to the glasses girls eternal relief. "So, if you think about Yuuto, and Zenki. Could Ise also…"
"N-No way! Ise and Zenki-kun too!?"
"Yes, I only thought about it! But people have also said it could be the Beast and the Prince pairing or something! I don't think Ise is a beast or anything, but in the ways that they are, and how they act, I can see why people think of them like that…"
"No, Rias-senpai, it is great to think like that. Surely, it has to happen. Beast X Prince."
Akeno scoffed and murmured "Other way around~" drawing the worried look from Yuuto.
"Akeno-san?"
Akeno put a hand to her flushing face, and giggled to herself.
"Ara, let's just say that Zenki-kun is…well endowed."
Yuuto didn't know what she was talking about at first, it just seemed a little like nonsense to him.
But then he thought about it, and his face burned red, Akeno giggling.
"You're right there, it has to be like that. Though the other way could work too…"
The pair of females began conversing about things, that shouldn't be conversed about, and slowly came to the conclusion that they'd be great friends.
"Buchou, we have to leave now. Remember, Ise-kun."
"Ise?" Aika twitched at the name. "What about the little perv? What's he done now?"
Though she seemed to be dissatisfied with talking about him, he was actually someone that she was thinking about, and was worried for.
Rias came back to reality, and shook her head.
"It's nothing to worry about." She spoke off the slight worry in Aika's eyes. "Ise just had a little accident and now is recovering at home, is all. We're going to go around and make sure that he is okay, is all."
"I was going to call Zenki-kun on the matter since he…erm, well he is someone that I usually talk these things over with, but it seems like my calls aren't going through…"
Akeno spoke out, relaying the information to Rias who turned her brows upwards.
"It must be bad reception or something, Zenki wouldn't ignore your calls."
Rias reassured, and Akeno nodded in agreement, but she had other ideas on something else, and was worried that her calls weren't getting through either.
"That's what I thought too. Zenki-kun wouldn't do that, so I am going to try a little bit later. Reception must be bad, wherever Zenki-kun is right now." Akeno looked towards Aika, and placed a hand on her face, going off the confused look spreading on the girls face. "Ara, it seems like Kiryuu-san looks a little confused on everything going on. Don't worry, there's nothing wrong~ Your friend Ise-kun isn't in danger or anything."
"I-Ise isn't even my friend! He's an idiot pervert!"
"Aren't you perverted, Kiryuu-san?"
Yuuto chimed in, only to receive a death glare from Aika herself.
"D-Don't speak like that! Tch, I've got to go!"
Aika shook her body, and left the scene with a wide smile on her face, though she felt her walls breaking down.
Rias, Akeno and Yuuto all watched her go, with Rias cocking her head to the side.
"Ara, Buchou. Did you feel what was inside of her?"
"Yes." Rias nodded. "Seems like it isn't only Ise who had a Sacred Gear in this school. Though it isn't to Ise level, it seems to be quite strong. I wonder who this person is? I wonder, what type of Sacred Gear she has?"
Rias pondered these thoughts aloud, attempting to come to a solution, but she was having difficulty in ascertaining the answer.
"Buchou, should we keep an eye on her?"
At Yuuto's behest, Rias gave her answer.
"For now, we should keep our distance. But, also, we'll keep an eye on her too, from afar. For tonight though, I think going home would be a good idea. It has been a long day, and Ise will also need some time to recover. It seems that the Fallen Angel girl he came across also affected how he thought. Believing that saving her would be a good idea."
Rias played it in her head, on why Ise wanted to save the Fallen Angel. She knew of his date with her, but to her, she didn't get why he kept thinking about the Fallen Angel Raynare, it just seemed weird to him.
"Ara, I think that's the same girl he had a date with, remember Buchou? Maybe he still holds old feelings for her?"
Rias thought about it, nodding her head.
"You're probably right. And if that is the case, I am unsure on how to deal with it. It is a love that cannot last forever, it just isn't possible for that kind of love to have, considering she is a Fallen Angel, and his killer also. Why would he…I don't understand what's going on inside of that boys head when it concerns that Fallen Angel. Either way, we should be going too."
Nodding at their Buchou, Akeno and Yuuto also headed home along with Rias.
Aika walked in the opposite direction than the others left in, and pondered what her friends were doing in her head, to pass the time, and the fact that she was in the dark wasn't something that she wanted to have.
"Seems like the others were going to have fun either way. I didn't know Rias-senpai was…but I guess it makes sense. Also, to think that…yeah, I wonder what Zenki-kun and his friends are doing right now? Probably, he's having sex with them. It would make sense. Asia-chan surely won't come back as a virgin, I know that she won't~ Kuku, I wished that Asia-chan and the others were around…it's really boring around here lately." She sighed, and turned a corner down a dark street. "Even with her Prince gone…damn, I can't believe that I'd be missing them…but even idiot Ise hasn't even come to talk with me lately. So called childhood friends huh…"
Aika did have some regrets inside of her.
She did wish that she and Ise were close sometimes.
She also wished that she could've gone with Zenki and the others, but for some reason that she didn't know, she wasn't allowed to go with them. She had asked, but Asia even said that it was something no one else other than the club members were allowed to go with, besides the kendo girls that was.
She had to push that aside for now, and continued walking towards her home.
She didn't realize however, she was being followed.
Slipping in and out of shadows, was a mysterious figure, watching Aika always, like a diligent person would.
Well over half an hour later, Aika could see her home in her sights, and was ready to get home…
But she stopped when someone came out of the shadows.
It was Dohnaseek.
Dohnaseek came out of the shadows, facing Aika with a siniter smile on his face.
"Well, hello Kiryuu Aika."
He spoke her name like he was excited, even sticking his tongue out in a crazy manner.
"Eeh…yeah, hey…eeh, how did you know my name exactly?"
Dohnaseek moved forward, with Aika pulling back slightly, her stranger danger feature going up to twelve.
"Because, I know what's going to happen with you, is all. I know what's going to happen, and I want to make it known that I am going to have some fun with you. I know that you're worried, but you don't have to be, I am going to make sure that you're okay from now on, okay?"
…Aika felt fear at that moment.
It was a sombre walk to the hotel for Zenki.
He had many thoughts rushing through his head. About what he saw, and what he was talking too…who he was talking too, he wasn't sure what he was going to do, or how he was going to tell the others in his peerage, since he hadn't ever come across a situation quite like this.
On one point, he didn't want to put his peerage into trouble.
But on another, he didn't want the person he was talking to, to be in trouble, especially if it was to do with someone that he used to like. But now, he wasn't able to say confidently that he couldn't keep up with the people and expectations that laid down on him for so much and so long of a time.
It all did pile up on him, the feelings of everything and everyone.
He couldn't keep up.
Being 17 years old, he never thought he'd have to deal with all of this. The fact that he was involved in this now, and how he knew the people that were behind it…at least, he knew one of them, and they weren't going to stay silent in the matter.
When he entered the hotel, he never thought that he'd come across Asia sitting in the empty lounge.
"Asia-tan?"
Zenki walked over to her, and saw that she was smiling towards him.
"Zenki-san left the bed, so I became worried. I didn't know where Zenki-san went, so I waited in the lounge area. Did you know that even at night, people book into hotels? I didn't have a clue. I thought that they stopped at nine at night."
Zenki had to admire how innocent she was, even now. He wouldn't call her naïve, because it wasn't naivety. It was just Asia misunderstanding that there could be different people that signed into hotels at night, though he had to admit that it was rare for people to sign in at the night time.
"Aah, I thought that I had left without even making a sound at all. You must be really good to notice my leaving's. And yeah, many people sign in at night, sometimes. It must've been shocking for you. Did you get any people harassing you?"
Asia shook her head a single time, Zenki taking a seat next to her.
"No, no one spoke to me. I was blessed, and waited for Zenki-san patiently. I knew Zenki-san would return this way, as he wouldn't fly up to the room, or use a teleportation circle to appear in the room as it would give off a bright light."
"Yeah, you're right there…but, what if I teleported outside of the room?"
Zenki's counter left Asia answerless.
"I…didn't think of that…but, Zenki-san wouldn't do that, since it would be…where people would be around, and would hear and see Zenki-san teleporting, and Zenki-san wouldn't be able to keep himself here if people saw Zenki-san using demonic power."
She was able to speak so openly about that, since the longue was empty now, and Zenki would stop her if he saw people coming in.
"You're right there, Asia-tan. I cannot deny that you are wrong, you've got it right…but you know, Asia-tan… Lately, it has been quite difficult in doing anything, hasn't it? It has barely been a few days, and now we're involved with helping Exorcists. I forgot to ask, but how are you feeling about being with some Exorcists? They did say something to you, they called you a…Witch, or more like Xenovia-san did, I was just wondering if you were okay with everything that happened?"
Asia took a breath as she clutched her hands together.
"I don't hold hard feelings."
"Asia-tan…"
Zenki wasn't really that surprised.
Asia was the type of person to not hold grudges. She wasn't ever going to attack anyone, she, at worst, slapped someone, which she did, and that was only when she was pushed to the utmost limit. So, hearing that she didn't hold hard feelings, really were something that he expected, honestly.
"For me, I don't hold hard feelings. But if it is directed at Zenki-san, I still don't like how Xenovia-san spoke with you. Irina-san is kind, and we spoke beforehand, and she seems really nice. Xenovia-san, I was told by Irina-san that she's blunt, and doesn't think of what she is going to say before she says it. But then she speaks out, and then says what she did, and made me feel unsure if I can forgive Xenovia-san for what she said."
Zenki didn't believe her for a moment. Not because she wasn't angry at what happened with Zenki and Xenovia, but because Asia was quite difficult and couldn't ever hate anyone, at all, it just wasn't in her to do so.
"Asia-tan will forgive her, because you're the best soul in the world, you know that?"
Asia's face fell down as she thought about what he said.
"Zenki-san, I shouldn't forgive Xenovia-san for saying what she did…"
That's how Asia thought about it, she didn't think she should forgive Xenovia for what she said.
But Zenki saw it in a different way, and made it known with his expressions on his face.
"But, most of it was towards me. Don't worry about anything I might or might not feel, Asia-tan. If you want to forgive Xenovia-san, then you go right ahead. Don't allow my personal feelings, whatever they maybe, to hold you back, or dictate how you might be feeling."
Zenki was being the kind and caring King that he was.
He always thought of his peerage first, it was one of the things that the peerage loved about him. Even if he didn't like someone, he didn't want his peerage to dislike that person either. They had thoughts, and feelings, and could come to their own conclusions on their own, whatever he felt was something they didn't have to take into consideration.
"I will only forgive Xenovia-san if she apologizes to Zenki-san first."
Asia said it with no hesitation, surprising Zenki a little bit.
"Asia-tan, you don't have to…"
"I know Xenovia-san can be a good person. Speaking with Irina-san the previous day told me as much. But, I cannot forgive her until she apologizes to you first, Zenki-san. She insulted the one that I love, so much that it even made me feel angry."
Just hearing that made Zenki smile.
He kept getting surprised by how much love and affection Asia really had for Zenki himself. It truly baffled Zenki how someone as loving as Asia would even consider going for Zenki himself, but he was truly blessed, in a good not hurting Devil kind of way.
"Hehe, if it is Asia-tan saying something like that, then I will become happy."
"Yes…also, Zenki-san. Where did you go before?"
Zenki turned his face downwards, and thought about what he should say.
He wasn't sure if he should reveal where he had been before, it just seemed like it would be better if it went away. But he couldn't exactly keep it from the others either, since it did involve them, and when it involved his peerage, he had to be open and honest about it.
"It was…I went to meet someone." He revealed, taking a deep breath and thought about his next answer. "It was…I am pretty sure that the person I met was working with the one called Lancer, and could even be his boss too." Asia's face turned wide with shock. "I, didn't know until just before, I hadn't seen the person in years, I naturally didn't assume such a thing, and now I have to confront someone from my past."
"Zenki-sans, past? Someone from Zenki-sans past?"
Zenki inclined his head, thinking about his own past, and thought about what was going on with everything in his life now, how everything was happening, and what he was going to do in the future as well as now.
"Someone strong…stronger than me." Asia was stunned by the news. "He's really strong, and I don't know if I can win against him. I'm gonna contact…my parents tomorrow, and tell them what's going on…I don't like thinking of relying on my parents…"
"Because Zenki-san has a hard time relying on others, yes?"
Asia knew exactly that was Zenki's flaw as a person.
Of course he had more, but she knew that his trust in others had been broken over the years. She'd say that only his peerage truly were the people he did trust in his life. It was even hard admitting it, so he was glad Asia understood his feelings, and didn't ask him to admit it openly.
"Yes…that's right. It's just…I don't even know how my parents are going to take it…this guy is…he's very strong, and he was…someone very connected to my Kaa-chan, and I don't know how she'd take this information, I don't even know how I'm handling it. I knew that he had some troubles in his life, but to team up with a terrorist, and even ask me to join…"
At the news, Asia wasn't sure how to feel.
She knew Zenki wouldn't join someone who was evil…but she didn't know if they were evil or not.
"Join? This person…wants you to join them?"
"Of course I refused." Zenki spoke, going off the worry on Asia's face. "I wouldn't join terrorists, no matter who they were. But, this is just…I am worried, that something could happen, and I might not be able to handle it…I don't know if I will be able to handle it after everything that had been going on recently…I can't have another person I know be lost to a dark place, and where they wouldn't be able to recover."
Zenki could feel the feelings he always attempted to wave off, slowly creep back into his system.
He knew what he had to do, but he didn't want to do it. He didn't want to do what he knew what was going to happen. He truly didn't want to do what he needed to do, it was difficult for him, and he hated it.
Zenki's hand was then grasped by Asia, who brought it to her developing chest.
"Zenki-san isn't alone, we're here."
Her soothing voice really was the best to Zenki, he couldn't get over how soothing she really was to him, and how she could sound to him, it truly was something that Zenki coveted, and how he was going to take care of her.
Zenki clutched Asia's hand right back.
"Yeah…I know, thank you Asia-tan. You've been like, my rock these few years we've known one another. That's why, I want to stay with Asia-tan always. Forever, and ever, I want to stay next to Asia-tan, and I really think that…Asia-tan is one of the best things that ever happened to me. No, my peerage are the best thing that have ever happened to me."
Confessing something he had before, and no doubt would again, Asia's eyes became moist, moving closer to Zenki.
"Zenki-san, whatever happens, I know that Zenki-san will be able to do it. Because it is Zenki-san, I have the utmost trust in him, and whatever happens, is something Zenki-san will be able to do. Even if this person is tough, Zenki-san would be able to do whatever is needed. And we'll all be behind Zenki-san, doing what he needs us to do, because we all love Zenki-san."
"Yeah…and I love you all too."
Asia bequeathed Zenki with a kind smile, and then did something forward.
Asia overlapped her lips with Zenki's own, surprising him. though her hands trembled with renewed excitement, her eyes displayed how ready she was, for anything. How she wanted Zenki to do, anything that he wanted, she was ready to be intimate with Zenki, and that feeling, was the best in the entire world.
Zenki responded almost immediately, capturing her lips again and again, in an intense fiery (for Asia) type kiss. Asia could feel Zenki's powerful mouth moving against her smaller lips, the heat between them rising.
Responding to the kiss, Asia hesitantly laid a hand against his lap, her other hand firmly in his grasp. Using what strength she had, she attempted to go towards his crotch area, though Zenki saw how nervous she was on doing that, so clasped his hand over her shaky one, and laid it on top of the other hands that they held together.
Once the kiss was broken, Asia panted heavily, the kiss of the boy that she loved made Asia feel hot inside of her chest, while Zenki had a faint blush on his cheeks, the kiss having calmed down his palpitating heart.
"Zenki-san…"
"Asia-tan, thank you, your kisses always make me feel better."
Asia smiled attentively, and hugged around his neck.
"Zenki-san…what's going to happen with everything, now?"
At the question, Zenki was left wondering the same thing, he wasn't sure what was going to happen with his life now, it surely was difficult in thinking about what his life was going to be like now, and how he was going to continue going on with a mentality that he was going to be beaten by this emotionally.
"I don't know just yet. But whatever happens next, it is going to be quite the dangerous thing. I wouldn't be surprised if the fight manages to break my body…"
"Is this person really so powerful?"
At Asia's question, Zenki lowered his brow, and gave an inclination with his neck.
"I'll say yeah. He's easily Ultimate Class level of power, and that's what I remember. He could be ten times stronger now. I haven't a clue on what we're going to be able to do against him…that's why I'm gonna have to contact Kaa-chan and Tou-chan too, just in case this guy really does try something…I wouldn't want to put my peerage in a position where we have to fight this guy. And even if we have too, I don't know what is going to happen…we'd have to pull out all of the stops to fight this person, and then I don't know what we're going to do if something happens."
With Zenki's words, Asia was worried that the person they were going to fight, was really strong, and if Zenki was worrying, then it truly was someone that they all needed to worry about, and could only guess the strength of the person involved.
"He seems really strong…"
"He is, and when thinking about fighting him, it even makes my hands shake. It just seems to be really disastrous that we have to face this type of opponent. I wonder if something is going to happen with that person? I don't know what to do…I suppose if we come at this person all together…then we'd be able to fight off this person…"
Zenki was going over strategies inside of his mind, thinking about what he would be able to do, and what he could do against this person. If he made a wrong move, then it would all be over, and that wasn't a good thing at all.
Somehow, he had to come up with plans, just in case he had to fight this person again, just in case he had to have a long fight with this person. If it was someone like he was thinking of, then he honestly wasn't sure if he was going to be able to fight against the person…he'd have to try his best to fight.
"So, did he join your cause?"
Lancer questioned from his sickbed, recovering from the beating that Zenki gave him. his body was wrapped up in bandages, and were keeping his wounds together. He was hooked up to what appeared to be a device that were slowly healing his wounds.
Lancer didn't know about the mechanics behind it, but it worked similar to how Phoenix Tears worked, and healed him of his injuries, his broken bones already fixed together again, and soon, he'd be back in tip top shape.
The room was quite small, compared to most rooms. It was big enough for a few people. Besides Lancer on the bed, there was also the man who spoke with Zenki, and someone else in the corner, working on something secretly.
The man that spoke to Zenki merely gave him a passing glance.
"There's still time, I might be able to convince him to join our plight. With himself, and his peerage, we can establish ourselves as a strong unit."
"But, pining for this kid. Is that what your plan was since the beginning?"
The man merely tilted his head left.
"My plan from the beginning was to have myself and him rule this world, of course. With his power, and my own power, we'd be able to face top tier opponents. People such as yourself wouldn't even be able to stand in our leagues, as you saw before. Zenki, isn't an ordinary Devil boy. He isn't ordinary in any means of the word. He's abnormal."
"Abnormal is right, he's a fucking monster."
Lancer cringed when he thought about fighting against Zenki, and how badly he lost during that time.
"That's right, and that's why, we're going to open his eyes, to this world. I know Zenki, and I know what buttons to push in order to get him active, and it just so happens that the right buttons that need pushing, are also the same person we came to Kyoto for."
Lancer's face breaks out into a disturbing smile as he recalled what the mans words said to him beforehand.
"I see, so we're going to be making our move soon, yes?"
"That's right, and this time, it really is going to be all in our hands when we get our objective, drain it of its power connected to this place, and then…"
"Ararara, it seems that the leader really has become rallied up in recent times."
A voice called from the side of the hallow hall they were in.
"Aah, Walburga, you've made sure to prepare everything?"
A girl stepped forward, a girl in her early twenties dressed in gothic Lolita appeared, having a sadistic smile on her face. Unlike Akeno, Walburga's sadistic sneer looked more menacing than it really should do.
"Hohohoho~ Yes, don't worry, everything is being prepared right now for you all~ I've been able to make sure that if we're going to fight, we're going to be able to stay in a certain space to not ruin the landscape of Kyoto…but, why does it matter so much that we're going to not destroy Kyoto? It is only a freaking land that doesn't matter. If we wanted, couldn't we just blow away the area, and leave it at that?"
The man put a hand to his forehead, and sighed deeply.
"It is because Zenki loves this land, that's why."
"But, why should it matter?"
Even Lancer wanted to know that, but it was Walburga who actually asked the question.
The man placed a hand to his chin, and hummed, and that hum…caused Walburga and Lancer to back away from him.
"Because, this is also something Zenki loves. I won't be asked again of this, will I? The Kyoto that boy loves will not be damaged in anyway shape or form, is that clear? If anyone attempts to do anything to displease me, I will have to end your lives."
Walburga felt her body tense, and Lancer just looked to the side, a small gleeful expression on the leaders face.
"Y-You've got it boss man, we won't be able to do anything if we lose you or our lives~ I will follow you wherever it is that you want to go~"
Walburga's answer caused the bosses eyes to gleefully light up.
"That's relieving, that you're saying such things. Yes, indeed Walburga, I am glad that you're saying something like that. Either way, I think that if we're going to be putting the plan in motion tomorrow, I think that would be a good time."
"So tomorrow we'll be fighting, will we?"
"That's right, we've got to have a little exam before the acceptance into our group. And I know that this will be a great way for Zenki to join us…lose everything he has, and then he'll have nowhere to turn!"
Lancer and Walburga held similar sadistic looks on their faces.
"Seems like you're really serious about killing Zenki's peerage members."
Lancer noted, however the boss shook his head.
"It isn't like that. I won't be killing them."
"But you just said he'd be losing everything…"
Walburga was brave enough to ask that, so the leader put his hand outwards, and a magical circle appeared. Walburga's eyes flashed with fear, and insecurities that she held inside of her body with being at the threat of death.
"It means, that he's going to have to see his peerage be beaten down. To Zenki, that would be a suffering like no other. If he lost his peerage, then he'd break mentally. He's the type to be very strong willed, but if it is his peerage members, then he's going to be worried about it, and it might lead to a serious complication. His mind would be wrecked with guilt that he couldn't defend his peerage members. He'd be contemplating everything that had happened before till now. Like when he failed to protect that Bishop of his, that would flash through his mind. The neglect from his parents would also help him come to us, and his peerage being in danger would also allow him to come to the right decision that we're needed in his life, and not alone, he'll come to me, and we'll be fighting the bastards of this world. And if you want to stay on this winning side, I suggest that if either of you attempt anything like fighting against him again is extremely prohibited." His eyes went towards Lancer, who flashed fear. "And that means you, idiot."
Lancer chuckled awkwardly, waving his hands around.
"I didn't mean to do it in a negative way or anything~ I was only having some fun with the Exorcist girls that came for me~ It wasn't like I was really trying to provoke Zenki or anything~ I didn't even know that he'd come~"
"He met them, and you didn't think he'd go to them to protect them? You didn't think that he'd at least keep tabs on them, if they were looking for someone like you."
The words of the leader made Lancer feel like he was going to die, he felt like he wouldn't be able to continue on if he was faced against this person, since Lancer wasn't as strong as the man before them.
"W-Well…I just assumed, since that Xenovia girl was rude and all…I didn't think that he'd go to save them from me…I was able to beat them quiet easily though…so, why was it that I wasn't able to grasp even the single lightest of movements of that man…"
Lancer's defending caused the boss to give the hardest glare that he had ever given anyone before in his entire life, it truly was a scary concept for Lancer to come across someone like the man that was before them.
"It doesn't matter, even if she was, the other wasn't. And if I know Zenki, which I do, then you'd also be aware that he'd want to keep them safe, even if he just pretended that he didn't care. That's the type of boy Zenki is, and if you ever listened to me, then you'd also know this too. But once again, I'm surrounded by incompetent fools."
"Hey, don't speak to me like-"
Lancer stopped when the cold eyes of the man fell upon him, stopping him in his tracks.
He spared a glance at Walburga, the girl merely giving a cheeky wink as a return.
"Seems like you've got the skills to listen to someone, don't you?"
Walburga developed a cheery smile on her face, a smile that wouldn't allow anything to drop down, even if she felt her nervous heart pounding against her chest, feeling as if it would break through at any moment.
"Yup~ I don't want to particularly die to be honest~ I'd rather be like this, than anything else in the world~ I think that following after you is better than anything else~ I'll even slay people you want me to slay~"
Though she used a singsong voice, it truly was devastating for the girl to even stand before the person that they were standing before.
The leader tightened his fist as the thought about what was going to happen next…it truly was going to be a hard ride. But it was going to be well worth it, that's how each of them saw it, they were going to see what was going to be before them.
"With that acknowledged, our plan will soon come to fruition. Tomorrow, we'll begin the plan and then Zenki will see, he will see the cruelness of this world, and the shame that he had to suffer too. Tch, this is all on you Illuyanka, Ajuka. You've neglected the strongest weapon you could have. An existence that truly can change the balance of the world, and you decided to treat Diodora with love and attention? You'll regret not harnessing that power inside of Zenki."
An evil smile spread across the mans face, Lancer, and Walburga also gained evil smiles.
"Owwwww…" Xenovia shifted uncomfortably on her bed, putting a hand to her forehead. "I feel like I've been hit by a bus, what happened…"
She didn't ask anyone in particular, but she heard a noise coming from the side of her, and saw Irina lying down on the bed.
"Ara, it seems that you've woken up Xenovia."
Irina greeted her, laying on her side to she could converse with Xenovia.
The girl calculatingly looked over Irina to see if there was anything different to her. But she didn't find anything that could lead her to being something different than normal. She looked fine to Xenovia's eyes.
"Irina, what happened? This doesn't look like the area that we occupied the other day? This isn't our hotel room?"
Irina who also was laying down in her bed, tossed her head to Xenovia.
"We lost against Lancer last night."
She revealed, Xenovia remembering that fact.
"I see…so, that wasn't my imagination…but, if that wasn't…then, that means Zenki Astaroth was the one who saved us, right? I remember seeing him…and I remember thinking about him, but I can't remember much else…just what happened Irina?"
"Well, we lost to Lancer, that much is true. After that, I called for Zenki-kun to come and save us, which he did. Zenki-kun proceeded to demolish Lancer with everything that he had inside of his body, and made him submit to Zenki-kun. The boy named Lancer was beaten, as well as his creatures, and then when Zenki-kun was going to take him into custardy, a magic circle appeared on the ground, and teleported him away. After that, Zenki-kun's peerage arrived, and began healing us of our wounds, which has happened now. And then, I made an alliance with Zenki-kun to apprehend Lancer, and whoever else is working with him."
The news shocked Xenovia. So much so that she held a hand to her face, and thought about what Irina was talking about.
"I see…but even then, Irina. With a Devil…"
"He saved our lives, Xenovia." Xenovia stayed quiet. "He saved us from certain death. If he didn't come when he did, you would've been stabbed, and I would've been next. This Lancer really was going to kill us, Xenovia, and we wouldn't be able to do anything other than…die."
As grim as her words were, they were true, and weren't any less powerful than they would be.
Xenovia's face had a complicated expression on.
"To think that a Devil saved my life…if it is a Devil saving me, what does that mean about me personally? I was saved by an existence that was supposed to be fought against…but he came to save me and Irina…even after the things I said…could I have been wrong? I don't know…I should be wrong, shouldn't I? It just makes sense…I can't have something like this happen…it just can't happen, I can't understand…why would he come for us after everything? Isn't he supposed to be the person who lured away holy girls? And if that's the case…is he trying to lure away Irina and myself? I don't know…but Irina seems convinced that he's not so bad…and she isn't the type to just trust a Devil so easily…could he have tricked her too…?"
Many thoughts rushed around Xenovia's head, and she wasn't sure what to think, or how to feel.
To her, Zenki was an existence she shouldn't afford to trust.
He was supposed to be a Devil of the highest order that could demolish her and Irina within an instant. But now, it seems that he had saved her…for what purpose, he didn't even know about it at all.
"Xenovia, Zenki-kun isn't a bad guy, you know that?"
Xenovia held a thoughtful look on her face.
"Even then, I need to think about this. You've agreed to have a truce between us, is that right? Between you, and the Devils? You've even included myself into something like this? Can this really be true?"
"We need each other Xenovia." Irina explained. "We need to have one another, it makes the most sense. I know that working with Devils isn't something we of the Church should do, but for this instance, I've decided to look at Zenki-kun as a Dragon, from his Okaa-sama's side. Rather than look at Zenki-kun as the child of the Maou-sama, I've decided to look upon him as a Dragon offspring of Illuyanka-sama, and we all know how strong she is."
"I've heard that she can match a Maou in power. So, her child naturally has a power level that's high too. And considering the Otou-sama too… But even then, I don't know if I can accept this alliance that you've made with him."
"Xenovia…"
Irina wanted to reach Xenovia, keeping her voice level and collected.
But Xenovia still shook her head.
"It just isn't something that I can readily do. After everything I've heard…"
"Xenovia, the person that lured away people from the Church. Asia-san and Jeanne-san weren't lured away from the Church. The person that did so, is Zenki-kun's Uncle. Asia-san explained it to me last night, along with Jeanne-san. They told me as much, and I can't see anything coming of this, I really can't. The way they spoke, it was full of passion, and it made sense, it really did. Zenki-kun isn't evil, Xenovia. Zenki-kun is a good person, and it is clear that his peerage immensely love him, so can't you just, work together with him?"
"No."
"Xenovia!"
Irina's scolding came with Xenovia waving her hand.
"I can't work with a Devil…" Irina's eyes lowered. "…but." Irina's eyes went towards Xenovia, seeing her face lift up ever so slightly. "I can however work with a Dragon. For this instance, I can work with a Dragon…only if he shows me something."
"Ooh God, Xenovia! You can't ask for sex straight away! A-At least get to know one another first! Can't you do that before anything else happens!?"
Xenovia gives Irina a strange look.
"I wasn't offering sex in the slightest, I was offering a fight."
"A fight?"
Irina calmed herself down, but still wasn't in a right state of mind.
"You can tell things about your opponents that spoke words never could. That's why, before I ever agree to work with him, I want to face him with the power of Durandal."
"But Xenovia, odds are, Zenki-kun is going to win."
Irina thought this to be true.
After she had witnessed beforehand, and what she knew of before as well, and how Zenki compared to Xenovia, it just seemed like a no breaker that she wouldn't be able to win.
"I know that."
Xenovia said with absolutely no emotion in her voice.
"But, if you know then why would you…"
Irina was attempting to make sense of it all, so Xenovia clarified.
"I'm saying it to be straight with you, is all. I, want to test myself, and my resolve against him, against Zenki Astaroth. I know my chances of winning are low, and it would be difficult for me to pull off a victory. But, with my blade, I wish to see the strength and resolve of who could be facing off against me."
Irina didn't know what to say as a response, she wasn't all that sure.
"But what if Zenki-kun doesn't want to fight…"
"He'll want to fight. He won't refuse."
Xenovia was so sure of herself, it wasn't even a question of if she wasn't or she was. She knew for certain, and Irina didn't know why she felt so strongly about this, it just didn't make sense to her at all.
"How can you be so sure?"
She asked with an amazed face.
Xenovia held a knowing look to her features.
"Because, I know how someone like him thinks. He might be vastly intelligent, he might be someone who is strong, but it boils down to in the end, is a challenge. I might seem like I might not know what I am talking about, but I am confident that even Zenki Astaroth loves the thrill, of a challenge. All I have to do is make it exciting to him. Facing off against Durandal."
Irina still wasn't sure if it would happen or not. But, all she could do for now is allow it to happen. Whatever was going to happen, she was going to support the girl that was her friend, even if she didn't think it was going to be a good idea. As long as it allowed them to achieve their goals, then it would be worthwhile, that's how she thought of it anyway…she just hoped that it was a true scenario.
"I'm sorry Kunou-tan but it is too dangerous."
"B-But Kunou can become strong too!"
Zenki stood awkwardly inside of his bedroom, with the sun shining into the room, lighting it up for the morning. Zenki himself didn't know how else to say it to the Princess of Kyoto, he wasn't sure how she'd take it, not being allowed to go with him.
The situation was tense since Kunou came in the morning. It wasn't something that they could even consider. He couldn't have Kunou be taken by someone like this person. He couldn't have Kunou go along with him, it was too dangerous.
"Yes…but Kunou-tan, this opponent is highly dangerous. We…and I mean, myself, I cannot allow you to be in such danger. If you got put into a situation where you'd be hurt, then I don't know what I would do with myself."
Zenki was attempting his best to dissuade Kunou from going with him, to fight an enemy that he even couldn't be able to defeat.
"But, you're my fiancée, Nii-chan! I can't have Nii-chan do anything without me! I even snuck out of my home to speak with Nii-chan about it! So, please allow Kunou to fight too! She's strong, she's really strong!"
Zenki could understand how the struggle within the young girls heart really was a dangerous thing to even conceive of.
"I know you're strong Kunou-tan, and that's why I need you to stay with your Okaa-sama for the moment. I think it would be better if you stayed with her, and that way, I know that you'll be safe and sound."
"Safe and sound…Nii-chan is still going to be fighting, and I am worried that something is going to happen to Zenki-nii. I don't want anything to happen to Zenki-nii, I can't have anything happen to Zenki-nii."
He could feel the love from Kunou.
He knew she was distressed, and he wasn't exactly thrilled about it either. He didn't want anything to happen to Kunou. In fact, he didn't want anything to happen to his peerage either, and while he knew they'd follow him regardless, he didn't want to really lead them into a fight itself.
"Kunou-tan, you're someone I really care about, and I don't want you to be in a situation where you could be hurt. That's why, it is better if you stay here, and don't get hurt. It truly is something that we need to think about together, Kunou-tan. You think that I want to put you in danger? I'd rather not be in danger myself, and don't forget, you're a member of Kyoto's family, a very important family at that, you know?"
"Even then, Kunou wishes to fight!"
Kunou raised her objections, and made it known that she'd be staying beside Zenki.
But he wouldn't allow it.
"I'm sorry, but you can't. This time, I have to tell you straight, I can't have you become involved. You're sweet for trying to help me, but this isn't a time where we can argue. Kunou-tan, if they got their hands on you, I don't know what I would do."
Zenki showed his corner, and how immense it was.
His concern for Kunou was so large that even he didn't want to fight himself. He felt worried about fighting…he even felt scared.
He couldn't admit it to himself, but he was worried. He didn't know what the enemy was going to be able to do, and if they came at him with full force, even Zenki wasn't sure if he was going to be able to fight off all of it.
"But Kunou is…"
"A very strong girl, yes. But also, Kunou-tan is someone that I want to keep, protected, safe. She's someone that I want to defend with my life, that's all I need. So, Kunou-tan, please go back home, and you won't have to be in danger."
Zenki's words almost made Kunou want to stay with Zenki. But she was aware of how he was feeling, even if she thought that's staying closer to Zenki would be better, so she could protect him beforehand.
"Nii-chan…if you say it, then I might not have a choice but to have…myself go home."
"Yes, that's right, Kunou-tan. You need to get home, and keep yourself safe there, okay? Don't worry about me or anything like that, I just need to deal with this, and then we can go around Kyoto again, isn't that good?"
Kunou wasn't in the mood to see the good side.
Basically, to her, Kunou felt like she was being pushed away, and wouldn't be able to help the one that she wanted to marry. It, just made her feel useless, like she wouldn't be able to fight off against anything that threatened to hurt him.
As Kunou was thinking about what she needed too, Zenki bent down to her level, and pecked her on the cheek, surprising her. Kunou's cheeks turned bright red, and she shuffled on her feet, twiddling her thumbs.
"I still remember my promise, to you."
"Nii-chan…"
Kunou's eyes became a little teary, glad that he had said something like that.
Zenki put his hand to the top of her head, and rubbed it gently.
"I remember how I promised you, and even though it was a childhood promise, it doesn't mean that it wasn't still a promise to me. So, I am going to have to ask you to go home, and keep yourself there until this crisis is over."
"Nii-chan…Kunou really grew bigger when you were away." Kunou smiled, and shed a little tear, a tear of happiness. "Kunou grew bigger all of the time, while thinking about Nii-chan. Her body developed more by the day, and she was glad that she could have a body that Nii-chan would want. Nii-chan does want a body like Kunou's, right?"
Zenki's face lifted up, sitting down on the bed.
"Kunou-tan could have a small body or a large body, and it wouldn't matter to me. Kunou-tan is someone that I care about very much, so don't be so worried about things like that. For now, I think it would be better if Kunou-tan went back home."
Kunou went over to the bed, sitting down on the bed, next to Zenki himself.
Kunou took Zenki's hand in her own, holding it tightly.
"Zenki-nii…when you made that promise towards Kunou…to marry Kunou, we were very young…"
"That's true. We were quite young when I said something like that."
"But since that time, Zenki-nii has grown to someone else…while Zenki-nii is still the same, Zenki-nii is also different. So, Kunou was shocked when she saw Zenki-nii again, but Zenki-nii still was the same person Kunou had waited for, for years."
"I see…"
"No." Kunou shook her head. "Zenki-nii…you have to make Kunou a promise that you'll always come back to Kunou, okay? Even before marriage, Zenki-nii has to make that promise, that you'll always come back to Kunou."
Zenki raised his free hand, and breezily brushed it over the girls childlike face, nodding as the warmth of his touch warmed Kunou's heart.
"You are important to me Kunou-tan, you're very important to me. No matter what happens, I will always come back to Kunou-tan. So, I will make it a promise, okay? But, you have to make it a promise to me too, Kunou-tan."
Kunou's face elevated to a higher looking one than it was before, and claimed his lap for herself, hugging onto the boy she called 'Nii-chan' highly affectionately, cuddling against Zenki.
"Kunou will always come back to Zenki-nii. He is the one that owns my heart, after all."
Zenki's relieving smile towards the young girl allowed Kunou to feel better about the situation that was at hand, petting her head. Then, he removed his hand, and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. Kunou mimicked his actions, kissing Zenki on the cheek too, displaying how much they cared for one another.
"Ooh Kunou-tan, when I'm with you, I'm naturally happy when with Kunou-tan, I did miss you after all."
"Zenki-nii is the best…I really believe that he is the best…and Kunou loves you more than Koneko-san does."
Zenki's forehead developed a sweatdrop, patting the young girl on the top of the head.
"Yeah…Koneko-tan is someone that I really love too, Kunou-tan. Can't you get along with her?"
"No! She's cruel! I can't accept her as my personal friend!"
Zenki chuckled awkwardly, petting the back of her head, and smiled weakly.
Once Kunou had left, Zenki was about to leave himself when the door had a knock.
Zenki was curious, since he wasn't expecting anyone, and walked over to the door.
His surprise became even more so when Xenovia and Irina appeared at the door. The latter had a smile on her face, and the former held a serious determination look that wouldn't leave for anything or anyone.
"Ooh, Irina-san, Xenovia-san. What a surprise. Is there something going on?"
"I want to fight you."
Xenovia came out with it straight away, Zenki tilting his head to the left, Irina feeling like life was giving up on her.
"I-I see…s-so, that's how it is, is it? S-So, you're…someone that…erm, you want to have a fight against me? Why's that exactly?"
Irina didn't feel like she could explain for the moment, Xenovia taking a step inside of his room, Irina kept repeating "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" again and again, from behind her, Zenki not sure why she was apologizing exactly for.
"I wish to test you against my holy blade, is that alright with you?"
"You're actually asking me, instead of attacking me? What happened to me being the scum of the world, exactly?"
Irina could understand why Zenki thought what he did, after what Xenovia had said to him beforehand.
"Well…I might've been wrong, is all. I haven't determined yet whether you are who you say and Irina says, or you're someone else completely, and that thing being something that could be a worthwhile person. And yes, I said person, not Devil. I just wish to understand what is going on with you, and my skills as a fighter need to be challenged upon someone worthy. While Irina and myself couldn't touch Lancer, you managed to wipe the floor with him, so please allow me to face you off with Durandal."
Zenki's eyes changed at the name Durandal.
"So, you're not the original wielder of Excalibur?"
"Something like that. I am a natural, unlike Irina behind me."
At that…Zenki's face turned a little pink.
He hated admitting it, but a natural holy sword wielder was quite, attractive to him, even if Xenovia herself was quite, violent with her words, and her actions.
"Aah, Zenki-kun. Your face has gone red? Are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah, totally fine!"
He denied her worried look with a wave of his hand, making a wide arching smile appear on his face.
"I-I see…a-are you sure? Are you okay with fighting Xenovia?"
At that, Zenki furrowed his brow, and thought about what he was going to do.
"Well, fighting is…you've only just recovered, are you sure you want to have a fight against me?"
Directing it towards the blue haired girl, said girl tapped her foot in the ground in anticipation.
"I need to understand the feelings centred inside of me, I need to know about that. Fighting you, would allow me to become something, stronger than I am now. I, want to know why I am having these feelings inside of me, and I want to unleash them onto you."
"…That makes it sound like you're confessing to me."
Zenki's point, wasn't well received by Xenovia.
"D-Don't say something so stupid! I wasn't even saying something like that! I don't even think things like that! S-So, are you going to be fighting against me or not!? I need to know right now, I need to test my Durandal with your body!"
Irina shook her head, holding it down to the ground.
Zenki tossed his head left, but ultimately nodded.
"Alright then, let's see what you've gotten."
"R-Really, Zenki-kun? You're going to fight Xenovia?"
Irina was shocked that he agreed, but Xenovia saw the glint in his eye.
"You want to feel Durandal with your own body, don't you?"
Guessing that to be the truth, Zenki didn't even deny it.
"You saw through me then, didn't you? That's right, I wanted to see Durandal with my eyes, and feel its aura with my body. Irina-san, would you do the honours of being the mediator of the match? Since it is you, I know that I can trust you."
"Y-Yes! I can do it!"
"That's great! So, let's go to the rooftop, I'll make a barrier so the place doesn't crumble down."
Irina and Xenovia nodded, following Zenki to the roof.
Once getting to the roof, Xenovia and Zenki stood opposite one another, with Irina standing nearby with a healthy looking smile on her face, though she sweated bullets. Zenki seemed calm, and composed, while Xenovia seemed to have a normal look to her face.
"Alright, since I'm the mediator, allow me to say that this battle isn't a death battle, Xenovia."
"Why are you saying that to me? Why aren't you saying that to both of us?"
Xenovia felt offended, but Irina held a stern look.
"Because I know you, Xenovia. And I know how you'll do something if it is with a battle like this. So, please try not to go overboard." Xenovia grumbled something, Irina taking that as an agreement. "Alright then! Since Xenovia and Zenki-kun are going to battle, I can only say that keep it clean, no mortal injuries, and…eeh, have fun, maybe?"
Zenki held a timid smile while Xenovia never allowed her steel resolve to drop for even a second.
"Alright, Xenovia-san, I'm ready whenever you are."
Zenki got into a fighting position with his hands out in front of him, balled, with his right foot back, and his left foot firmly on the ground. Around him, crackled with demonic power, enhanced only by the power that Zenki naturally possessed.
"Good. Also, I would like to ask something."
"Yes?"
Zenki answered her call, Xenovia coughing into her hand.
"If you would. Please use your physical strength, I do not mind if you use demonic power to enhance your body. But I wish to fight you in a fight with our bodies, not a far off demonic blasting power. Also, I am aware that you can control attacks, with your demonic powers inherited from your Otou-sama, so could you please also refrain from doing that."
"That's a pretty hefty order there, Xenovia-san."
Zenki and Irina had the same thoughts, but Zenki was the one who said something.
"It does seem like that. But please honour my request, and I will make the fight well worth it."
"Hmmmm…well, I suppose fighting with my fists would be fine…yeah, why not? I will do that, I can do that for you, Xenovia-san. I'll fight with my fists. But after that, you have to find a time to apologize to Jeanne-tan and Asia-tan for saying what you did."
"What about yourself?"
Zenki shook his head.
"I'll leave it to you if you wish to apologize to myself or not. But my girls are the most important thing to me. Asia-tan, and Jeanne-tan, along with my peerage members, they are all important to me. And I don't like the way they feel sadness. I'm not saying do it right away, but please apologize to my peerage members for the words you called them. After that, I will be fine with you."
Xenovia took a step back, contemplating what he said, Irina smiling widely, glad to see the display between Zenki and Xenovia.
"Y…You truly don't care about yourself?"
Xenovia found it weird, because he was a Devil, and what she knew about Devils, made her seem like Devils lived for themselves, took servants, and did whatever they wanted with their servants. But from his words, it appeared that he didn't care about himself, and just did what he needed to do for his peerage members.
"Let me put it this way…I've nearly died for Asia-tan, and I'd do it again, and again, and again, and again, no matter how many times it takes to keep her safe. I'd gladly die for that girl, and the rest of my peerage, so seeing them upset like they were, it does upset me too."
Irina placed a hand over her heart, and felt her cheeks reddening a little bit.
Xenovia made a small smile appear on her lips, and then she put her hand outwards.
"With such determination, I might as well agree. Once this fight is over, I will find a private time and apologize to both Asia Argento and Jeanne. Though I am unsure of how to feel about them, from the way you speak, it does seem that you care about them, and that's enough for me. So, please allow me to unleash Durandal."
"Please do."
Zenki gave her the indication, so that's what she did, putting her hand outwards further, a golden magical circle appearing there, Zenki tilting his head, putting a hand to his chin and investigated the circle with a curious look.
"Saint Peter. Saint Basil the Great. Saint Denis. Holy-Mother Mary. Please hear my voice." Xenovia chanted, and then the hand she held out near the magic circle went inside, pulling out something that was bound by chains. "In the names of the saints whom reside within this blade, I will release it. Durandal!"
With that release command, the sword dislodged from the space, and was held in Xenovia's hand.
Zenki immediately put his hands together, examining the blade before him.
He could see the blueness of the main blade, yet trimmed with gold. The holy aura was unmistakable. It was more so than Ascalon from the previous day, yet felt less dangerous since that was a Dragon slayer too, which he was.
"So, this is Durandal, is it?" Intrigued couldn't even begin to describe how he felt right now. "I didn't think that I would meet Durandal with my own eyes before me. I think this might be fate, to meet such a blade in my lifetime."
"Seems like you're impressed. Would you like an up-close view?"
Zenki smirked at the daring look she had on her face.
"Try me then, Xenovia-san."
Irina's eyes brimmed with permission, so Xenovia took that chance, and ran forward.
"Try this! I will attack first!"
Immediately, Xenovia came from the left hand side, and swung around her massive blade. Zenki pulled away from the blade, but Xenovia released a wave of holy power from the tip of the blade, sending it right towards Zenki himself.
"Good first move. I didn't know that you would be using long range attacks, but I guess it is fine with me~ But it is direct, and easily seeable."
Zenki placed his hand out, and made a barrier of demonic power. Since Xenovia didn't want him attacking with demonic power, he believed that blocking was fine. And it proved true when Xenovia didn't say anything, the holy power hitting the barrier, shattering it, but stopped the holy wave at the same time.
"I see, so you're able to even block my waves with your barriers alone? That's amazing, I cannot say that it isn't. But, even if it is this, I still can continue forward! Don't underestimate my holy blade Durandal! Please respond, and show me your power!"
Xenovia raised the stakes, and swung her sword downwards, cutting into the ground. But from that, a larger than normal holy wave was released from the blade, edging itself into the rooftop, but didn't effect anything else, Zenki's barrier around the roof holding.
"Well, that's good Xenovia-san! So, this is a natural holy sword wielder! Experiencing this with my own body is amazing! I didn't think that I would feel like this from fighting a holy sword! But this is good too! Please continue onwards! I wish to see your power with my own body! Please respond to me, and show me your power!"
Zenki had to admire the power behind the blade, as he made several layers of demonic barriers to defend himself with, each laced with demonic letterings that belonged to the Astaroth clan, Irina impressed that Zenki showed such restraint to not control the opponents power.
The holy wave managed to break apart the first few barriers with apparent ease, but it had difficulty in breaking apart the ones near Zenki. The third to last one nearly managed to break, but Zenki's barrier held with him putting some more effort into the barriers themselves, and stopped right there, blocking the wave of holy power.
"Interesting, it does seem that you're going quite well. But, this type of weapon is said to cut anything. If that was the case, it should be able to cut through my barriers in a similar way like the demonic spear Lancer held the previous day, yet that's different to this."
"I myself hasn't ever tapped into the true power of Durandal before. Durandal is a wild horse that is difficult to control. Its aura is large, and definitely in charge. But that doesn't mean that I won't be able to do it, with my own power encompassing this blade."
Xenovia swung her sword around several times, releasing holy waves towards Zenki himself.
Rather than make barriers, Zenki rushed forward, and avoided all of the waves with his body. Xenovia was shocked that he could move so nimble, so fast yet he didn't even use demonic power from what her eyes told her.
"Zenki-kun can fight even without his long ranged attacks…actually, I think that beyond the fact that he has good demonic power, his own battle prowess really is something if he can switch from long range to short hand to hand range combat with just a question and order. I wonder, how many battles has this boy been through in his life? Clearly, he acts like battle is a way of life…no, it is his life. Fighting is like second nature to him, just looking at his eyes tells me that for certain, he's the one that can fight to the best of his ability."
Irina hummed to herself, seeing Zenki dodge the last wave.
"Here we go!"
Zenki pushed off the ground, breaking it apart, and lunged for Xenovia, his hand coated in demonic power.
Xenovia saw the attack coming (she suspected Zenki wasn't going full speed like with Lancer) and put out her blade, in a crossing over her body position, and blocked the punch from Zenki.
However, the force of the impact of the blade pushed Xenovia's body back several feet, her feet cutting into the ground with the intensity that Zenki released. Zenki's own hand felt the holy aura effect, but beyond biting his tongue, he didn't allow it to show on his face.
"Hah!"
Zenki pulled back slightly, putting demonic power to his feet. Swinging around his foot, he aimed for Xenovia again, who tapped into the holy aura from her Durandal in order to protect herself, from the attack that was coming for her.
"N-No way!"
Xenovia was surprised when Zenki's foot came into contact with her blade, pushing her body away from Zenki's own.
"Got ya now!"
Her body went into the air slightly, which gave Zenki primal opportunity, grasping her suspending in the air body by her foot, and swing her to the other side of the arena, letting her go, skidding across the ground, landing with her Durandal leaving her hand, stabbing into the ground thanks to the throw.
"Xenovia, you can come back from this!"
Naturally, Irina was going to cheer for her friend. While she knew the outcome anyway, she was going to cheer for Xenovia.
Xenovia took several hard pants, returning to her feet. Once on her feet, she dislodged the blade from the ground below her, and held up the blade for Zenki to see, a natural bright smile on the boys face.
"Durandal is a pretty neat blade, Xenovia-san. I cannot say that it isn't a neat blade, I really like it Xenovia-san. It has a power that could eliminate most opponents with a single wave of holy power. I know plenty of Devils that would be unable to stand against the power that is before them."
"Then, you stand before it!"
Xenovia lunged forward, and swung from the left. Zenki danced around the blade, and threw a punch for Xenovia. The girl caught it with her eyes, and moved her large blade to block the punch, only for Zenki to stop his hand before it could come for her, only did she realize that it was a feint when Zenki brought his leg up, kicking her in the side, forcing her body backwards.
"My, remaining your stance even though I was sure that level of kick was going to knock you down."
Zenki held impressed on his face, regarding Xenovia with a large smile, seeing that despite feeling the kick, she didn't fall down onto the ground. Though her legs felt shaky, they didn't buckle, therefore she remained on her feet.
"Y-Yes, just before your kick landed, I twisted my body to move to the point where I would be able to take it with receiving the least amount of damage, I thought that this would be the best way to go about it."
Zenki nodded his head, proud of Xenovia's determination.
"That's right, it does seem like you're doing your best to fight against me. Okay, since you are, allow me to kick it up a gear or two!" Zenki thrusted his elbows backwards, and tightened his fists, an aura surrounding him. "Seems like using this would be fine. Don't worry, I won't come at you with the intent to kill, but I will show you a good fight."
"That's all I ask now."
Xenovia explained, getting into a stance.
Irina watched on between and put her hands together.
"Let's go!"
With that command, Zenki and Xenovia rushed at one another for their battle to continue…
Eventually, it was revealed that Zenki won the fight, which didn't disappoint Xenovia. Even she was surprised that she wasn't victorious, and that she wasn't disappointed either. She felt okay with losing against him. She couldn't explain why, but she didn't have any regrets this time, she felt like she fought an opponent that did give her a true test of her abilities, and what could happen with her too.
"Good match, Xenovia-san. I've not had a fight quite like that in a while."
Saying it with a warm smile, he outstretched his hand to the downed Xenovia.
Xenovia looked at the hand and Zenki interchangeably for a few moments.
Irina came up to them and looked between them, wondering what was going to happen next.
But then, Xenovia grasped the hand, accepting the offer, willingly grasping the hand of a Devil, and pulled herself to her feet. However, as she did, her face burned a little red, not wanting to reveal the fact that she didn't mind his hand.
"So, Xenovia. Did you get the answers you needed?"
Irina's question was met with a nod, fighting down the redness on her cheeks, Irina seeing that she still had a grasp of Zenki's hand, not allowing it to drop from her palm, even if it was for a second at all.
"It was…yes. I got the answers I needed, and I understand what is happening now. From your blows, it does portray who you really are. A warrior like me can tell, you're not a bad person. Though I don't know the full circumstances of Jeanne and Asia's excommunication and how they came to be in your peerage, it does appear to me that you're not a bad person."
Zenki's face lifted into a smile.
"That's great and I am really happy that you think like that, but you're still holding my hand."
Xenovia's eyes felt like fire, and that reflected onto her cheeks, immediately snatching her hand away from him.
"I-It wasn't intentional."
Xenovia spoke with a slight stutter, Irina not believing what she was seeing right before her, it didn't make sense to her.
"I-I see…either way, I'm glad that you got the answers you were seeking."
Xenovia nodded and contemplated what she was going to do next…but then it became clear to her what she had to do, and what she needed to do, too.
"For now, I have to go and read something. I will be back for breakfast…"
Xenovia slowly walked away, leaving Irina and Zenki alone together.
"Your friend is really…strange."
"Hehe, that's Xenovia for you. She really is a strange person." Irina and Zenki shared a common snicker between the two of them. "But also…about what Xenovia said to you, I don't think it was…"
"It isn't your fault, there's nothing to worry about, Irina-san."
Irina's face lifted into a wide smile, beaming towards Zenki himself, who did the same back to Irina.
"Heeeeeey…Z-dog…w-what is up in this, hizzouse?"
Xenovia stood uncomfortably as Zenki (with Koneko on his lap, purring away) and his peerage along with Mittelt and Le Fay sat around him, having breakfast, having a confused expression on their faces, Irina sitting near Xenovia with the same confused expression on her face.
All of them stare at Xenovia like she has two heads, even Irina was looking confused as to why Xenovia was acting the way that she was, it didn't make sense to her in the slightest, never mind anyone else that was looking onwards.
"Raise the roof."
Koneko muttered, Zenki giving her a strange look.
Koneko didn't say anything else, so he turned back to Xenovia for answers.
"What?"
Xenovia furrows her eyebrows, and turns away from Zenki and the others.
Confirming something with herself, she turned back, and put her hands behind her back, and showed a shaky smile. It clearly was forced that much was been told to all of them, so easily as well, it was so easy to see, too.
"S-So, w-what's da sitch homie?"
Again, a round of confusion waved over all of them. No one knew what Xenovia was doing, and how she was standing there, very unnaturally. She seemed completely different to the girl two days ago who had attacked them verbally. Now, she seemed…at odds with herself.
"I thought she just said why's that shit holy? Heheheh nyaaa~"
Kuroka laughed to herself, with Ravel being confused.
"Why is she speaking like a bad rapper?"
Irina didn't have the answers, and just dug into her food.
"Hehe, it seems like Xenovia-san has relaxed~"
Asia spoke to Jeanne, the girl nodding with a wide smile.
"That's right, it seems she's relaxed herself! It is joyous! She has even decided to show a kind and loving smile on her face! That's great! I am pleased for Xenovia-chan! She's doing her best and it is amazing!"
Le Fay wasn't exactly convinced that she was like that, and felt like she was…trying to do something, attempting to put on a story or something else. Whatever it was, Le Fay couldn't work it out, and had to wonder what was going on.
"So, she's messed up in the head, right?"
Mittelt quietly converses with Kuroka, who nods her head.
"Clearly she's on something."
Kuroka's reply came with a pained smile from Zenki himself.
"S-So…are you on something?"
Zenki gave his thoughts, baffling Xenovia who thought she was doing well.
"Erm, I was speaking in your native tongue green forest." Zenki and the others blankly stare at her. "Z-pain?" Again, nothing. "Why ya ignorin me bro?" Nothing came from them. "Ya got the Antichrist in your ears?" Xenovia clasped a hand over her mouth. "Ooh God! I-I didn't mean to say that!"
Irina gives an exasperated sigh, putting a hand to her forehead.
"I'm really sorry Zenki-kun. Grand Exorcist Xenovia here isn't what is called, a peoples person."
Xenovia snaps her head at Irina.
"Excuse me!? God calls the Maou, and he says you're a Devilllllllllllll…" She glances back at Zenki and the other Devils, biting her lower lip as a fearful look came to her eyes. "…oops."
Xenovia looked frightened as she recalled what Zenki did the previous night, and didn't care to live through that experience again.
"What? We are Devils. There's nothing wrong with what you said."
Zenki affirmed, with Xenovia smiling weakly.
"I'm sorry, you just look like a very angry Devil-man."
"See? That, that was racist."
Irina felt the air tense, even though Zenki wasn't really showing any hostility. Xenovia just smiled awkwardly, twitching her eyebrows and holding herself with a strained smile on her face.
Kuroka's mind flashed as she had felt like she had seen this beforehand.
"I've seen this somewhere before…" She noted to herself, seeing the looks between the people involved. "Hmmm, I feel like I've seen this before…hmmm, either way, I guess it doesn't matter all that much…mehehehe, let's get out of here, and listen to Zenki-chan speaking~"
Zenki shook his head, and then smiled, dispelling what Xenovia was saying before from his mind, not thinking it would be the right thing to even talk about.
"Anyway, I think we should be talking about the matter at hand, namely Lancer, and his connection to the Church, and what not, okay?"
"How did you know he was a former warrior of the Church?"
Irina showed a stunned face, Zenki looking shocked too along with the others.
"I-I didn't know, I was just meant his connection to stealing from…s-so, he was a former warrior of the Church, then?"
Irina knew there was no hiding it now, and Xenovia didn't have any objections, so Irina began.
"Yes. Truthfully, Lancer was once apart of the Church, and he was one of our best warriors, even on par, or above of Chaos Edge Sig, and wielded his spear with deadly accuracy, slaying beasts, and other creatures with ease. Even creatures that shouldn't be easily killed off by the spear, was able to be killed off quite easily by this individual, and all. But people like Xenovia and myself don't even know his real name. Only a few people in the Church knew his name, and we unfortunately weren't apart of that exclusive club."
"Wait, so the Church wouldn't even tell you who you'd be hunting down?"
Valerie posed her question, to which Xenovia took a breath.
"It was classified information, and we aren't allowed access to that person. But, we do know that his spear is a demonic spear that's called Gae Bolg." Jeanne's eyes narrowed at the name, but no one else noticed. "The spear is highly dangerous to people like…well, Angels, and other holy themes, and the spear itself is said to be able to penetrate anything."
"Penetrate, anything?"
Ravel posed the question, not having heard of anything like that before, even the spear remained a mystery to her.
Irina inclined her head and explained.
"It's said to be able to cut through any magical attack, and cut through any defence, hence penetrate anything. It's said that only a sword, a weapon of some kind, or hand to hand users are able to take this spear on. Also, it can release a highly destructive demonic power, as you're aware Zenki-kun."
Zenki's eyebrows narrowed when he remembered the fight that he had last time with Lancer, and while he was able to defeat him, it still didn't make him feel any easier on what other tricks he'd be able to have a fight with.
"Right…good thing that I was able to get up close to him…so, sword users, and hand to hand types huh…but, he was wielding Ascalon, though? Is he a holy and demonic weapon user? Being one is rare, being both is unheard of."
"Yes…being both is impossible, and truthfully, even we don't know how he can use a holy sword. We knew he stole it, but he used it with such a powerful experience that he was using a normal strong sword." Xenovia explained, putting her hands together. "Truthfully, there are a number of possibilities that it could be. But wielding a sword meant to say Dragon's, and Devils, must be very dangerous to you, isn't that right Z-fizzle?"
Kuroka cracked up, and put a hand to her mouth, stifling a small laugh. Ravel did the same thing but made it less obvious that she was giggling to herself. Asia shared a worried look with Mittelt. Le Fay turned away, as did Valerie. Jeanne outright laughed, with Irina feeling like she was going to die of embarrassment.
"Eeh…yeah, but there are ways to combat such a thing."
"Of course Z-pain."
Valerie put a hand to her chin, wondering how she could sound so serious when she sounded completely insane too.
"Z-pain huh…sounds like some bad gangster rapping or something like that to me…could this girl be a gangster now? She seemed like a normal member of the Church beforehand, but now it just seems like she's really…weird, to me."
Valerie didn't voice her feelings, and thoughts.
"Either way, he's got a holy sword, which is detrimental to us Devils already, but also has a demonic spear that can penetrate any magical attack…wait, what about Sacred Gears exactly?"
A thought came to Zenki's head, and he needed to have some confirmation on the matter, he wouldn't drop it since it was important to the young boy, he needed to gain some answers from the girls before him.
"Excuse me?"
Irina's question was met with a warm smile.
"Could the spear penetrate Sacred Gears? You said magical powers, and I presume it could be the same for demonic powers and angelic powers too from what I witnessed yesterday, but what about Sacred Gears? I mean, I've got Jeanne-tan, and Valerie-tan. While Valerie-tans Sacred Gear isn't meant for attacking, I believe that Jeanne-tans Sacred Gear could also be able to work around this penetration and such. At least, doesn't it have a chance to block the strikes of the demonic spear?"
"Well, in theory you're correct, but you took care of him though. Didn't you Zenki-kun? Why would we have to plan against fighting Lancer?"
Irina posed a good question, and the others had to question what was going on inside of Zenki's mind.
"Because, he was teleported away." Zenki explained. "We don't know what type of healing technology they have on hand. He could be healed up already by now. There are certain technologies out there that would be able to do it. And also, if I know…well, it is going to be difficult for me to think about it."
Zenki wasn't sure how to approach the subject, so Asia took his hand gently into his own hand.
"The person we're talking about Zenki-san, is the person you met last night?"
It came as a shock to Irina and Xenovia, who didn't know anything about it. Mittelt wasn't in the knowhow either. The others in Zenki's peerage, and the girl called Le Fay herself also knew what was going on in respect to Zenki and what happened, somewhat anyway.
"Yeah…last night, I came across the person who teleported Lancer away. The person himself is a…well, he's a very strong person, and it is going to be difficult to fight him with my own power, maybe even if the peerage…no, fighting against him is…something difficult."
"So, Z-fizzle is even worried about this homie?"
Zenki wasn't sure what the hell was going on with Xenovia now, it just seemed to be nonsensical to him by now.
"Right…yeah, I'm worried about this person. To be honest, this person isn't normal. He's extraordinary in a fight, he's on a level where it could be classed as Ultimate Class Devil level of power, and that was back when I was five. He's a battle freak that trains his body to the utmost. Even if I went full out against him, I don't know if I would be able to face him down."
"So, you know this person…who is he exactly? Something we should be worried about is…is it a Devil? Dragon? Human? What type of enemy are we dealing with right now Zenki-chan nyaaaa~? Who is it…Z-fizzle?"
Kuroka posed the question on the others minds, Xenovia scowling when Kuroka used what she did beforehand.
Zenki didn't know how to say it at first, and kept his head down, thinking about the implications of what was going to happen in the near future.
"Please don't ever call me that again, it is weird. But…you see…this person is a Dragon. His name is…Naga."
"Naga?"
Zenki nodded at Valerie, and continued.
"He's not an ordinary Dragon, he's very strong. When I was younger, I remember Naga fighting off against my Kaa-chan, and she was having trouble against this person. Honestly, I don't know how strong this person is."
"Even someone like you doesn't know how strong this person is?"
Mittelt was shocked, naturally she was.
Zenki inclined his head slowly.
"That's right, even I don't know the strength of this person. I can only say that it is an Ultimate Class in strength. Beyond that, I wouldn't have a clue. I haven't seen this person in a long time…by the way, everyone…rather, anyone…have any of you ever heard of Evil Dragons before?"
Xenovia, and Irina shook their heads, along with Asia, Le Fay, Mittelt, Jeanne, Koneko, and Ravel. Even Valerie didn't know what one was, Kuroka furrowing her eyebrows, and searched her mind if she could find anything about such a creature.
Seeing that he didn't get any responses, Zenki continued.
"An Evil Dragon, is said to be stronger than a Dragon King, like take Fafnir for instances. An Evil Dragon is said to be able to annihilate such a being with its powerful…whatever powers they have. Each Evil Dragon is unique, and I know of some that have extraordinary powers. At this point in time, it is said that most, if not near all Evil Dragon's are supposed to be deceased."
"Near all? That means some of these creatures still exist?"
Ravel could feel her fear running through her body, her blood running cold, and making her feel like she was going to sweat nervously. Even the others looked on with worried eyes, and shocked faces.
Zenki, with the edginess in the air, continued off the looks each of them had.
"That's right Ravel-tan." Zenki's hand shook as he continued. "An Evil Dragon by the name of Crom Cruach still exists. I know that for certain. He's also known as the Crescent Circle Dragon. And Naga…he is an Evil Dragon, that is said to be on the top tier of Evil Dragon's. He isn't like Crom Cruach level power, from what I remember, but he isn't a push over either. He'd be able to defeat a Dragon King pretty easily."
"Ooh God…"
Irina put her hands to her mouth…there was no way she could even think about it now.
Zenki's eyes went towards Irina and then the others, seeing their worried faces.
"It gets even worse than that."
"Ooh fuck, what's worse than that nyaaa~?"
Even Kuroka sweated at the thought of what else could be happening.
Zenki lowered his eyebrows, and contemplated what he was going to say next.
"You see…Naga has a personality that would fight even if he's down to his last breath. But even then, he is quite smart. Tactically, he knows how to sus out peoples weaknesses, and he knows of my powers already, no doubt. But…I also know of his powers, for the most part, so we've got level playing fields when regards to him. Lancer, we know some of the abilities he has. He's good at magic, but not great. He's able to use his spear to penetrate magical powers, possibly including demonic and angelic powers too. And he also has Ascalon, that's something we can't even think about clearly. Also, he might have other weapons, Xenovia-san, Irina-san?"
Irina and Xenovia inclined their heads, and explained.
"Lancer has Ascalon, it is true. That weapon toppled with his demonic spear can also be very detrimental to people like ourselves. But, he also has a weapon called…well, those black creatures. I've heard that he can merge with them."
"Yes, from the intel that we received, he can merge with the black creatures, but it takes time. From what I can gather, he wasn't able to gather the time necessary to merge with them when he was fighting against you Z-dog."
"I really wish she wouldn't call me that…"
Zenki sighed openly, but kept his thoughts to himself.
"Those black creatures we also fought during the time when we were back in Kuoh?"
Jeanne spoke, with Zenki inclining his head.
"That's exactly it, Jeanne-tan. Those are the things that we're going to be facing off against. They aren't that tough on their own, but Maou knows what kind of powers you'd get if you combined with something as wicked strong as that. and then there's Naga, he's going to be tough to defeat…damn, I need to get in contact with my parents…well, I will do it after this…but for now, we need to understand what this enemy is, so let's show pictures."
Zenki went into his pocket, and produced a photo.
He placed it down on the table, and revealed a young man there. His hair was a combination of a dark green colour, and a sapphire blue colour, being split down the middle to be such a thing. His eyes were red as rubies, and he looked to be the average height for a man who looks around early twenties.
"The last time I saw him fully, this is what he looked like."
Zenki revealed, Ravel taking an interest.
"I vaguely remember something like this once…I remember seeing a person like this once, but I cannot remember where. Zenki-sama, could this person have been to the Underworld, and I don't even know about it?"
Zenki's face turned downwards, nodding a single time.
"Yes, this person has been to the Underworld before, many times in fact. But in recent years, he hasn't. Honestly, I didn't even know if he was alive or dead until yesterday. It has been so many years since I saw this person…since I saw Naga, and God or Maou-sama knows what kind of powers this person has anymore."
At the tone, most had to question the connection between Naga and Zenki. It seems a little more than just mere acquaintances, but it was difficult for them to know what kind of relationship that they had with one another exactly.
"S-So, what does this Lancer look like exactly? We haven't exactly seen what this man looks like. And if we don't know what he looks like, how are we supposed to combat this person exactly? It doesn't make sense to me…"
Valerie rose the question, since she hadn't seen him, neither had the other peerage members either.
"…She's right, we should find out what type of enemy we're dealing with. …This Lancer, we should also see what he looks like."
Koneko murmured, with Zenki's eyebrows twitching.
"I haven't got a picture of him, though."
"Don't worry Z-surreal, leave that to me." Xenovia assured, Zenki wanting to know what 'Z-surreal' was supposed to mean, and went into her pocket. "We've got the low down of this homie." Xenovia produced a picture, and laid it down onto the table. "This is the dude named Lancer, real name, unknown, homie."
"Why do you keep saying uncomfortable words?"
Irina noted, with Xenovia whispering in her ear.
"Because Zenki Astaroth is a Devil, and understands gangster rap."
Irina gives Xenovia a strange look.
"What are you talking about exactly? Since when did Zenki-kun and the other Devils speak gangster rap? And is that really gangster rap? It sounds like buzzwords to me. It doesn't sound all that real to me, Xenovia."
Xenovia's disappointed eyes landed on Irina, the girl herself giving an adorable pout.
Irina shyly pushed the picture of Lancer forward for the Devils and Mittelt along with Le Fay to see.
"This is the one known as Lancer. He probably could be our opponent, if what Zenki-kun thinks is true."
The girls took it in turn to look at the picture.
"Doesn't seem all that important to me nyaaa~"
"…If Zenki-senpai defeated him once, we'd be able to defeat him even if he powers up again."
"I agree with Koneko-san, we should be able to defeat this person if we team up together."
"Hmmmm, this person looks a little familiar to me…"
"H-He certainly does remind me of someone too…"
"I don't really give a shit, as long as I am not fighting this person."
"If Zenki-sama was able to beat this person, then I am sure that we'd be able to defeat him again, the problem is this Naga-sama too…"
Kuroka looked at it first, and didn't really have much of an opinion. Koneko felt the same with Ravel agreeing with her. Valerie thought that she felt like she had seen someone like him before, Asia making a small connection too with the picture. Mittelt just looked impassive about the picture, and Le Fay didn't hold much of an opinion either.
However…when Jeanne got the picture, her eyes widened unconsolably.
"…N-No way…"
From her eyes, it was clear that insecurities were building up inside of her, and felt like she was going to be taken control over. Her hands shook without her command, followed by her body. She looked like she had just seen a ghost.
"Jeanne-tan?"
Zenki noticed the change in her demeanour instantly.
"Jeanne-san, is something wrong?"
Asia was the next to notice it, and questioned it with a confused expression on her face.
Jeanne's face was mixed between a fearful, and a surprised look. Her eyes had widened too large. Her pupils were fixated on the image. Her fingers went over the image, and couldn't come to a respectably conclusion on the matter.
"I-I can't…n-no, this can't be…I-I can't…"
Jeanne immediately stood, and ran away, confusing everyone around. Her eyes held tears as she ran away, and that was truly shocking to everyone around, never having seen Jeanne actually shed tears before.
"Jeanne-tan! What's wrong!?"
"Jeanne-san! Please wait!"
Zenki and Asia, the people Jeanne were closest too, chased after the running away Jeanne, leaving the others in a state of confusion.
"Why did she run away?"
No one answered Valerie's question…they honestly didn't have the answer. No one knew why Jeanne had run away from the table upon seeing Lancer…just what kind of connection does Lancer, and Jeanne have to one another?
End chapter!
So, we've got a new enemy, in the form of Naga! Not from the orginal series, but someone very strong to make even Zenki nervous. He'll play an important role to Zenki's personal development. But for now, Aika has been captured! A cute Asia and Zenki moment happened. Walburga has been introduced, and is apart of Naga's little rag tag team. Kunou had her moment with Zenki, reminding him of his promise to her. Xenovia also grew closer to Zenki in her own way, and also now speaks 'gangster rap' because, reasons? And now, Jeanne has recognized Lancer? Just what kind of relationship do they have? It shall be revealed next chapter!
Zenki; Asia, Koneko, Kuroka, Jeanne, Valerie, Xenovia, Serafall, Ravel, Irina, Sona, Ophis, Le Fay, Kunou, Akeno, Gabriel, Vali (fem), Mittelt, Gasper (fem).
Issei; Aika, Tsubasa, Kiyome, Isabela, Rossweisse, Elmenhilde, Raynare, Rias, Kalawarner.
Zenki's Peerage
Queen; Valerie.
Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.
Bishops; Asia, Ravel.
Knights; Jeanne, Irina.
Pawns; Kuroka (5 pieces) Le Fay (2 pieces) Kunou (1 mutation piece)
Rias Peerage
Queen; Akeno.
Rooks; Aika, Rossweisse.
Bishops; Gasper (two pieces)
Knights; Kiba, Raynare.
Pawns; Issei (8 pieces).
