Written by Honore/Merlin
Here I'm sitting, at an outdoor cafe in the city, explaining my (fictitious) role as secret agent of a supernatural corps to my little sister—all the while thinking up of the various ways I could break Raynare's mind into a foaming pile of mush for even allowing this situation.
Still, my fortresses are not made of sand; I've saved up for every setback, hedging a considerable amount to keep myself afloat no matter the change in course.
I just needed to continue the subterfuge involving one of the most important secrets I had to keep: never letting my sister know who I am.
My "badge" still lay on the table, where Rias had put it. It was an authentic talisman given to me by her Rook's sister, in exchange for certain favors I owed to the real members of the Far East Spirit Coalition. I told Rias about a certain classified mission there in Kuoh, and that I knew she was a Devil, and that she and Sona Sitri didn't need to worry, because "my" organization was only looking to keep an eye on things, as well as send me to a "normal" school.
"They wanted to give me a normal life, I think," I said, shrugging mightily. "I had been trained from birth to serve, and that made me skip a childhood's worth of schooling."
I made sure to sound exactly like Issei Hyoudou had been, earlier that afternoon, who wanted to consummate his relationship with his girlfriend; only now he was also aware of the supernatural, and was now apologetic for keeping a secret from people he knew to be supernatural as well.
I gauged Rias and Akeno's reactions. If they decided I was too big of an unknown and wanted to take me in for interrogation, then I needed to take preemptive action.
"Huh," said Akeno, tilting her head and putting a finger to her lips. "But if you're part of this Coalition, why'd you need Rias' aid?" Rias said nothing, but her eyes indicated she was also wondering the same thing.
I smiled. Wasn't it obvious? I said, somewhat sheepishly, "Well, for us, it's considered... unethical, to have that sort of manipulation. It's almost like a mind control, which is a no-no for ordinary people, even those of us in the Coalition." I made my voice a bit more impassioned, like someone gripped by lust, "It's why I am really grateful for the opportunity you gave me, Rias-san."
"That does lead to the question," said my little sister, speaking up for the first time since the meeting started, "Was all that doubt about my abilities faked?"
She recalled how I was all skeptic about all the "weird magic"; I responded slowly, "Much of it was. I mean, they taught me a lot of things, but never about actual Devils. So I was partially skeptical."
"I suppose that makes sense," Rias allowed. Her eyes narrowed. "Then again, anyone who can utterly destroy a Stray Devil like that should have no problem with romance, I should think."
"It's harder than you'd assume. The ability to help subdue renegade youkai doesn't mean you're good at picking up ladies," I said, chuckling. I threw a calculated remark. "And anyway, that Devil seemed weak. I've wrestled stronger youkai."
Rias seemed to take my comment on the Devil's strength at face value. "I agree; that fellow was weak, almost beneath me to dispatch, even. In fact, I should thank you for sparing me the trouble."
"It's my job," I said simply.
Rias checked her watch. That was a good sign. I thought they'd sweat me further. Something else must be occupying her mind. "Well, I'll keep in touch, Issei-san. Again, do inform me of the results of the love potion I gave you."
"Thanks very much again for your help. If you need anything," I emphasized the word, "I'll do what I can to help."
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you," said Rias, curtsying gracefully, like a lady at a ball.
"Bye, Issei-kun," said Akeno, waving loftily. No bows or anything, but the waving motion did make her breasts sway. It took some effort not to let my eyes wander down to her breasts. I stayed at my seat, watching the pair leave the cafe.
After a moment, I sniffed, casting my senses about for anyone else observing. Finding nothing, I dialed a number on my phone. One of my worker Fallen answered.
"How is she?"
"Stable, sir," he replied. "We've taken her to your chambers." I could hear crashing in the background.
"I'll be down there soon." Switching lines, I contacted Rossweise. "This is Ise. Cancel that order for the love potion. Bring the potion to me at the theater downtown."
Rossweise, wearing reading glasses and looking gorgeous in the neonlit night with her silver hair trailing down her shoulders like a waterfall, met me on the busiest sidewalk of the city. She gave me the small vial.
"I need you to fly," I said. "Pick up Argenta from her mission." Another boon to having a Valkyrie ally: she could traverse the world as fast as Thought. Though her flight would be observed by creatures linked to her, like old man Odin; but I can head off any questions he or anyone in his pantheon might have.
"Now?" she asked.
"Yes. Now. Something's happened; Raynare's hurt, and I need to restructure our way forward."
"Hurt?"
"It'll help if you stop repeating things I said."
She shook her head, blinking. "Sorry. What happened?"
"Too long to explain. I need Asia, here, now. Go get her, please."
"Fine, but does this mean you're reneging on the promise?" Her face was tense, as if she were on the verge of receiving bad news.
Oh for the— I needed to drastically change my plans and all this Valkyrie cares about is if she can still fuck me tonight? I rolled my eyes and gave Rossweisse the wettest, deepest brief kiss I could manage. When I dislodged my lips, her gaze was misty and unfocused.
"Rossweisse," I said, snatching her from her daze. "Go now. Please. I will be very grateful tonight if you can get the angel back here on the double."
The Valkyrie, still a bit out of sorts, smiled weakly, and turned to disappear into the crowd. I sent a message to Asia, quick and simple, Valk coming need you now.
I went back home, going first to the small guest room, where my puppet parents were worrying over a sick and moaning Raynare.
"Mom, Dad, please leave the girl to me," I said, staring at her twitching frame on the bed. I refrained from touching her, instead doing a quick look to see if she'd gotten worse. I peeked under her shirt, and saw a big ugly bruise forming on her abdomen. If Asia didn't get here quick, she'd lose her human body, causing even more problems for me.
Trusting Rossweisse and Asia to be sensible enough to know what to do, I disappeared into my sitrep room, sealing it from the outside world. I had to make a few delicate calls to personages that no one else, not even those in my harem, should know.
Some minutes later, I emerged from the room just as Asia finished Raynare's healing. The Fallen was now asleep.
"Asia!" I cried. The angel made a shushing motion, though she did move to meet my hug.
"It's important you don't wake her," Asia admonished. I gave her shoulder an apologetic squeeze.
"I'm sorry," I said. "Thanks for coming."
I spent some time catching up, inquiring into her mission efforts with the reverence and enthusiasm of a more earnest man. Though I don't much care for what she does, I still noted everything she said, so as not to appear insensitive later on. I have to take care to appear the affable, understanding Devil, who holds to higher principles even if he appears to love other women.
"You must be tired," I said. "Why don't we head down for supper, and then you can head on to sleep? We'll talk more in the morning." I didn't give an indication to Asia that I wanted her body—yet again showing her my unique sensibilities.
Besides, I had a Valkyrie to please tonight.
Said Valkyrie greeted us when we went down. Asia gave her a weak smile, and Rossweise nodded, a little woodenly, in return. The angel went on to greet my parents (she was unaware of the geas) while Rossweise looked quizzically at me.
I brushed the hair from her shoulder in response. My hand wandered down, skimming over her back gently. Her stony expression smoothed over, and during dinner she took care to be a bit more gracious to Asia.
When my parents had turned in for the night, and I'd bid Asia good night, I had a little meeting with Rossweise.
"I can't use the vial to stir them up anymore," I told the valkyrie. "I shall be having Raynare use it, as they expect. But instead, she'll be making googley eyes at one of the teachers. I'll let her use a minor geas to make him respond with the right... enthusiasm."
Rossweisse hummed thoughtfully. "Yamazaki would be good. He's already had several complaints from his music club students. All kept quiet, of course, by—I suspect it's the Sitri Devil."
"Very good. That should be more than fine. And so I'll need you to play the role of highly offended teacher."
"Easily."
"You can leave the rest to me. At the end of the day, tomorrow, I'll need you to leave work early to greet some people who'll be coming in by train. They're Magicians, of a sort, people I owe favors to. You'll get them to my accommodations downtown, it's all been arranged. Now these people, these humans, mustn't learn you're a Valkyrie, so do your best to keep it a secret. I can't stress the level of danger these humans possess."
"Understood, sir," she said, though she looked doubtful.
I wagged my finger. "I'm serious, Rossweise. Treat them as you would a Giant from your place, or the god Loki himself. I know you're a great warrior, but these Magicians are not to be taken lightly."
"I'll be careful, I promise," she said.
"Good. I only hope this isn't a death flag of sorts for you..."
"Death flag?" Rossweise asked, confused.
"Never mind, just a joke from Matsuda." I rubbed my forehead. "After that, you'll need to guard Asia and my parents here. Take Asia to the sitrep room, make the both of you a priority. I'll set up the defenses before I leave tomorrow, but you will need to monitor the city for me through the system. I don't expect trouble, but if it does come knocking, leave everything, grab Asia and fly. Get to Odin's place and hide there."
Rossweisse's eyes widened. "Do you really expect it to reach that point?"
I shrugged. "I wouldn't know, but I fully expect the worse."
"What about Raynare?"
"She'll be doing something else." When I caught the Valkyrie's expression turn somewhat disgruntled, I said, "Don't worry, her role won't be more important than yours. You've all important roles to play here; even Asia's going to be needed as support in the days to come. There won't be anyone I'll favor more, you understand. I love you all equally, and don't ever forget it."
"That's the best and worst thing about you," she murmured. "Not that that's bad..." She sighed, though she did look slightly mollified.
"Speaking of roles," I said, taking her hand and leading her to my vast sleeping chambers. "Did you have something in mind for tonight?"
Her face brightened when she saw that the Fallen wasn't there waiting on top of the beds, like before. She practically jumped in excitement, taking both my hands in hers, giving me a quick kiss, and leaning in to whisper, "I know it's sudden, but..."
A moment later, my brows shot up. I clucked my tongue. "I'll get a camera."
"I'll go get dressed," she said in husky voice, and went to the closets connected in a side room.
I had to shake my head. It wasn't the first time I had to role play, but it's the first time I'd be doing it with only one woman. Raynare had been especially creative with all sorts of scenarios, ranging from me managing a breeding farm, to a young warrior captured by Amazons, to famous idols blackmailed by a yakuza boss. Perhaps I could persuade Asia for a little "angelic corruption" play tomorrow night, if she'll let me...
Two minutes later, the Valkyrie was sitting with hands tied on the bed in her Kuoh Academy blouse. I sauntered up to her, and flapped the picture in her face.
"Disgraceful, for a wife to be so unfaithful, and a teacher at that...! Why, I ought to report you to the school board. Let them sort you out."
"Please don't! It'll just break my dear husband's heart..." Rossweisse said tearfully.
I had her hold the picture with her mouth. I began to undress, slow and deliberate. "I can promise I won't, if you make me feel good, sensei. Serve me well, tonight, and I promise I won't tell the hubby the truth about this little whore." Fully naked, I tossed the photo, pulled her chin down, and inserted something better in her mouth.
And with that, our little play began.
Interlude: Raynare
She lies awake in the stillness of the night, waiting for him to come.
She needs him to come, to assuage her doubts, her fear that his cold words from the park aren't true.
It was strange, to be thus coy and cowed. Once, she had been a fierce operative for the Fallen hosts, beguiling men and angel with her charms. She had followed Azazel's lead, had fought angel and Devil. She took pride in her accomplishments, acting thus without regard for a Heavenly Edict or being immersed in the endless machinations of Hell.
She had then followed Kokabiel, recognizing the opportunities in it, and thought herself wise and cunning for the decision. No longer just a footsoldier, she was given a small group to manage, was granted free rein to pursue whatever actions she felt necessary to further their goals. For a time, she wholly relished the freedom.
Then she met him. At first, he was a thorn in their plans. A Stray Devil, powerful enough to slay two of her brethren. She had been sent to solve the problem, and so she bent her wiles to an unconventional plan.
Seduction had been her primary ploy, and that worked to ensnare him. She swore herself to his service, letting him think she was wholly converted. She even enjoyed his sexual ministrations, finding him a more able lover than any she'd met, Fallen or man.
But time passed and by then it was too late for her to realize that his greed was far greater than any Devil she'd known, that she was only a cog in his vast ambitions; that he knew of her subterfuge and quickly turned it around, tempting her instead with promises of power and glory.
Here was a Devil with the charm and force of will to enact his plans, who wielded strength like she did, precise and subtle. She bore witness to his many triumphs, which there cemented his place in her eyes as one born to power, like Lucifer or Azazel. It didn't take long for her to decide. She took her squad and defected, without ceremony, to him, and slew those who refused.
(She feels pride in burning her bridges so decisively like that, unlike the rest: Xenovia's still committed to the Church, Rossweisse is just on indefinite leave from the All-Father, Asia only died and got a license from Heaven. She's defied Kokabiel and Azazel, and she knows there will be a reckoning for that.)
And yet doubt continues to linger. She is not a simpleton, like the angel, nor is she built to serve, like the Valkyrie. She thinks she knows the depths of his black heart. What lurks therein is not the majesty of a king towards his subjects, nor the passion of a lover for his love, not even of family cherishing family.
She is but a toy for him to mold as he desires.
If there's one thing she hates, it is to be treated as a mere toy, as she'd been before, in Heaven. She must be the Mover, must be the one holding the strings.
She lies in the dark, the shadows slinking into the caverns of her thoughts. Theirs is a compact of lust and favor, and she never deludes herself from thinking otherwise.
Yet why does she continue to lie there, ears straining for the barest hint of sound, her mind imagining the myriad deaths she could arrange for others in the harem, as she does now for the Valkyrie, who's stolen him tonight?
'Tis a mortifying thought, for a proud Fallen to act like a lovesick teenager. Her body heats up beneath the covers, she throws them away, undresses, letting the air cool her body.
Not for the last time her heart entwines with her mind to sample that forbidden thought: of overthrow, betrayal.
Dangerous thoughts, especially for one who's already proven merciless to traitors.
Her mind wanders.
In the end, he does come to her, and she draws him readily into her embrace, greets him with hot, throaty whispers; rekindles his hunger with a few deft strokes and twists. All thoughts and reservations disappear like smoke into the air.
She knows he has arranged for something, perhaps a flesh construct, to take his place in the Valkyrie's side. She thinks of suggesting that he conjure some more now, so every orifice is covered. But she is soon engulfed in the pleasure of novel sensations; he's trying a new position, and it's hitting the right bells.
Well, she decides, it is not really a victory, and her heart is far from appeased, but she can at least afford to be smug.
For now.
Interlude END
The next day began with a whimper and ended in a bang.
I called on Rias during the first break, to assess her attitude towards me as well as to inform her that I planned to use her tonic on Raynare that lunch. Rias appeared outwardly pleased. I casually mentioned my affiliation with the Spirit Coalition again, and found she was only lukewarm on the subject. To me, she didn't seem to be hiding any suspicions, and I ended the meeting amicably.
Lunchtime, I bid Raynare take the tonic. I diluted the mixture considerably, such that it only excited in "Amano Yuma" a pronounced horniness, certainly no worse than her usual every night. It was necessary she did imbibe the drink, should Rias become suspicious and test her body.
I then went to the clubroom, where Rias and her Peerage were having tea, and informed her with frantic motions and gasping wheezes that Raynare had vaulted over the rooftop "like a demon" after I'd given her the tonic to drink.
She dispatched her Peerage while she accompanied me to Sona Sitri's offices. By then, Sona Sitri was dealing with Rossweisse's report that she'd caught and prevented Amano Yuuma and Yamazaki-sensei from having sex in the staff restroom. An uproar occurred, as Rossweisse roped in the rest of the teachers, some now loudly denouncing Yamazaki together with her. I silently applauded; she'd kept their focus on the teacher and not Raynare.
Word spread fast, and students began to mill around outside the offices while rebukes and accusations flew around. I was among them, together with Rias, though I'd imagine she was there to help the Sitri contain the situation.
"How'd she drink it?" asked Rias.
"I put it in her tea."
"Which brand was it?"
"... Seriously?"
Annoyance crossed her face. It was almost cute to see, probably only because she's my little sister.
"Never mind, yes, that was stupid," she said, her interrogation trailing off.
Eventually the students were all ordered back, order was restored, and the matter was sent to be resolved behind closed doors.
Of course, as an interested party I joined Rias at the clubroom, where they examined Raynare's unconscious form. It was there that I made the formal acquaintance of Rias' Peerage. Only Yuuto seemed outwardly friendly, offering me tea and settling me down; Akeno seemed reserved and stayed by Rias' side, while Koneko glared openly at me.
With the air of a doctor, Rias pronounced that she would dispel the magic on my girlfriend, and promised to repay me for the trouble with whatever she could do in her power. From the looks her Peerage was giving me, that seemed far more than what they thought her leader should have promised.
I could sense the palpable suspicion from Akeno in particular, and I could well understand—she had seen me yesterday after all. I took my leave with profuse thanks, taking care to center my worry on Raynare.
After she'd be "cured", Raynare will be off to do her part. She and Rossweisse must distance themselves from the school.
The school day wound to a close. Most of our afternoon classes were reduced to self-study.
When the final bell rang, I immediately went off to start the next phase of my plan. I checked to make sure Rossweisse was leaving, and that Raynare was in her position.
Five minutes later, the screams began.
I watched the abomination bulge and writhe inside my makeshift prison. It was an animated clump of otherworldly energy, coalescing into a corrosive miasma that consumed everything it touched. It looked like a gray, misshapen brain, undulating like some sea creature.
Normally restricted to the dark, unfathomable Spaces Outside Creation, I managed to let some into this world. Already they'd claimed several poor students, melting them from existence entirely. The rest got busy consuming several classrooms, annihilating everything inside it molecule by molecule.
One of these I took and trapped here—for demonstrative purposes. There was no one else in the vicinity; all the students and staff had been evacuated quickly, no doubt by a desperate Sitri.
When I was sure that Rias was coming, I collapsed the prison. The creature immediately lurched forward, little faster than a tortoise. These things were dumb, and could be destroyed easily, but even I couldn't take chances. If I touched even one inch on its surface, I'd die.
Taking a deep breath, I channeled energy into my hand and forced it loose, like a cannonball of energy blasting from my fist. The Draconic wave obliterated the creature utterly, just as foosteps behind me announced Rias' arrival.
T.B.C.
Thanks for reading!