Outsider Chronicles: Demon Magus

Its one thing to discover that reincarnation is an actual thing, but its quite another to find out that Gods are very much real as well. It certainly doesn't help that I ended up getting dragged head first into a fight between two of them, found myself with a ridiculously hot stalker and labeled as a Demon King. Add in a Grail War and you have the makings of a truly humongous headache.

And we are back! Nothing to say, other than enjoy!

Chapter 4

Once school was over, I met Yuri by the gate as promised and we started heading towards home. The walk was uncomfortably silent, mainly because I had no idea what to say and Yuri was trembling and likely to scared to speak. Still, I had to be impressed by her courage because she did actually manage to pluck up the courage to speak.

"I'm really sorry about earlier," she said in a quiet voice, "I didn't mean to startle you."

"Its no big deal," I said, "I have to say that it was a fancy bit of footwork. I didn't even notice I'd grabbed you instead of Erica until we got outside."

Yuri seemed to ignore me as she stopped suddenly.

"You know whats going on already, don't you?" she asked.

"Huh?"

I twitched slightly as she suddenly bowed deeply to me.

"I am fully aware that the anger of a violent Demon King such as yourself will not be tamed simply by killing me," she exclaimed, "But I beg you to punish me and no one else!"

I was once again reluctantly impressed by the girls courage. It was blatantly obvious that she was scared out of her wits, but she still managed to put others first. I sighed.

"Yuri…" I started, but she cut me off.

"Please, I ask you once more!" she yelled.

I sighed again and reached out. Yuri flinched as she saw my fingers approaching, but let me tilt her head up anyway. She had her eyes squeezed shut anyway, so it was kinda redundant.

"Open your eyes," I said.

Yuri flinched, but did as she was told. I don't think she was expecting the warm smile I had on my face.

"I'm not sure why your so scared of me, but you don't need to worry," I said, "I'm not about to start slaughtering people just because they look at me funny."

Yuri looked surprised.

"But I…" she said, but was interrupted by a new voice.

"It seems you're bothering the King Yuri," said a rather normal looking man in a suit as he approached us.

"And you are?" I asked.

"My name is Amakasu," he said, "And I am with the Committee for the Compilation of True History. Its a pleasure to meet the Seventh Campione."

"Likewise I guess," I said, "So I take it that you're the one who actually wants to speak with me?"

"Thats right," said Amakasu, "But perhaps we should go to a more secure location where we won't be overheard."

I sighed and nodded.

"Alright," I said.

Amakasu nodded and led the way to a small shrine on the edge of town. It was much smaller than the main Ryudo Shrine, but infinitely more peaceful, although that may have been a result of the lack of homicidal witch living there.

"So, who exactly are you?" I asked as I lent against a wall and Yuri vanished inside to change.

"As I said, I work for the Committee for the Compilation of True History," said Amakasu, "We are the governmental body who regulates people connected to Magic in Japan."

"So basically you're the local Mages Association?" I asked.

"Exactly. Whenever a Mystical event like a God showing up happens, we are the ones who investigates and deals with the situation. Hime-miko like Yuri assist us."

I snorted.

"Bet your gonna be busy soon enough," I said.

"Well, with a Campione in town, I dare say we will," said Amakasu.

I gave him an odd look, but didn't press. Maybe the Mages Associations stayed out of Magus issues. I'd get more information later.

"I wish to apologize for this morning," he said, "We had Yuri pull that trick so we could more easily make contact with you. Please don't be angry with her."

"Oh don't worry, I'm far from angry," I said, holding up my hands, "It'd take a lot more than a simple sleight of hand to get under my skin.

"U-um, sorry for the wait," said Yuri as she emerged from the Shrine.

I turned and my jaw dropped. I knew what Yuri would look like of course, but that didn't mean I couldn't appreciate it. Damn she looked cute in her Shrine Maiden getup!

"I apologize for what happened earler," she said, bowing to me again.

I groaned and rubbed my forehead.

"Yuri, I've said it repeatedly," I said, "Its fine. I'm not angry and I'm certainly not going to do anything to you. Now stop looking so scared around me!"

"It would appear that the Seventh King is a good deal different than the one you're Acquainted with Yuri," said Amakasu.

"I assume that thats not Doni?" I said, trying to keep my eye from twitching at the mention of that idiot, "Cus if it was, the only thing she'd have to worry about is losing braincells to his idiocy."

"No, it is not," said Amakasu, but didn't offer any other details.

I decided not to push. I didn't want to bring up bad memories for Yuri after all.

"Look, I have no real interest in being treated as a King by everyone and their dog," I said, before smirking at Yuri, "Especially by a cute girl like you. Why don't you just treat me like a normal friend?"

Yuri blushed at the compliment, but shook her head resalutly.

"I couldn't do that!" she protested.

I sighed.

"Alright then, at least call me by my name," I said, "And stop looking so scared all the time!"

Yuri looked surprised.

"U-um, well I guess I could do that Kariya…" she said.

I grinned.

"See, that wasn't so hard."

Yuri promptly blushed bright red.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked, turning to Amakasu.

"Oh, I wanted to inform you about Erica Blandelli and her involvement with the Copper Black Cross," said the Magic Agent.

"Wait, let me guess," I said, "You think shes trying to seduce me to bring me under their control?"

Amakasu looked surprised that I'd caught on so quickly to his train of thought.

"Thats right," he said, "So, you have your own suspicions?"

I snorted.

"Not a chance," I said, "I've gotten to know her pretty since I killed Verethragna and I can safely say that there is no way in hell that she would ever lower herself to do something like that. Shes way too proud to take part in seduction missions. Besides…"

I grinned, this time a full on Demon King smile that made both Amakasu and Yuri take a step back.

"I have no intention of allowing anyone to control me," I said, "And that goes for you lot as well. I'm happy to help if you need it, but I won't work under you."

"O-oh, I can assure you that that wasn't our intention!" said Amakasu quickly.

"I know, but the warning had to be made," I said, reigning in my Aura and smiling a far more normal smile, "Anyway, I should be heading home."

"Of course, thank you for taking the time to speak with us," said Amakasu, bowing politely alongside Yuri.

"No problem," I said, "See you at school Yuri.

The Shrine Maiden blushed slightly as I headed in the direction of home.

I arrived home a short time later to find what appeared to be the aftermath of World War Three in my living room as Sakura stormed past me, completely ignoring me with tears in her eyes. I entered the living room to find Erica looking rather pleased with herself.

"Oh, welcome home Kariya," she said.

"Whats wrong with Sakura?" I asked in lieu of a greeting.

"Oh, we were just having a conversation about our relationship," said Erica as she sauntered over to me.

I sighed.

"Let me guess, you kicked her out, didn't you?"

Erica's silence was enough of an answer. I sighed again and dropped onto the sofa. While I didn't really like the fact that Erica was marking her territory so thoroughly, I didn't really hold it against her. She was a passionate person and, currently, still trying to get me to accept her, so she really didn't want any competition. I was well aware of Sakura's crush on me, but I hadn't done anything about it because I had no idea how Zouken or Shinji would react. I didn't want to make things worse for her. However, that didn't mean that I wasn't willing to give her a safe haven, which Erica had just inadvertently destroyed.

"Erica, do you know why I let Sakura come over whenever she wants?" I asked.

Erica fixed me with a flat look.

"Because shes a very beautiful girl whos willing to cook and clean for you?" she asked.

"That too, but its not the only reason," I said, "She...doesn't have the best home life. Her Grandfather is a twisted, cruel old man and her brother...well, I dare say you'll meet him eventually, but safe to say that he's a downright horrible example of a Human being."

"Would that be Shinji Matou?" asked Erica.

"Thats the guy."

Erica scowled and I got the distinct impression that the blue haired bastard had tried it on with her.

"Let me guess, he tried flirting with you, wouldn't take no for an answer and you had to hurt him?"

"How did you guess?"

"Because I unfortunately know him," I said with a scowl, "Anyway, I let Sakura come over so she can get away from them, at least for a little while. I know that you probably don't like the idea of having a rival so close, but can you at least try to tolerate her? If she loses this safe haven, I'm not sure she'll do."

Erica was silent for a moment as she scanned my face. I couldn't read her expression, but I could see indecision in her eyes. Eventually, she sighed.

"Alright, I'll talk to her tomorrow," she said, before smirking, "Besides, having someone else around to tease could be fun. Just remember…"

She leant forwards and put her mouth right next to my ear.

"I am the only one who can be your first, Kariya Ishida."

My eyes went wide as she gently took my earlobe between her teeth. Holy shit, she was stepping up her game! Erica pulled back and giggled at the look on my face, before sobering.

"Actually, that may have to wait a little," she said, "I know its sudden and a bit of a pain, but would you mind coming back to Italy with me for a short while? I have an important meeting I need to attend and there are some people who want to meet you."

I shrugged.

"I guess so," I said, "But it'll have to wait until the weekend."

Erica nodded.

"Thats fine," she said, "Now, come on. Lets get some food."

She held up a takeout menu and I snorted. Nice to see she already knew me well enough not to let me in the Kitchen. We spent the evening doing homework and getting to know one another a little better, just two teens spending time together with no indication of Magic, Gods or Servants. Too bad this peace wouldn't last forever.

Unknown Location, 3rd person POV

"I see, so thats it," muttered a figure covered in shadow as he stared down at his marked hand, "A war for the Holy Grail huh?"

"Thats correct Master," said the woman kneeling before him.

Like her apparent Master, her form was hidden, although in her case it was by black and purple robes rather than shadow.

"Hmm, a fight with six powerful opponents with the Grail as the prize?" said the shadowy figure, "Sounds like fun. When and where will this War take place?"

"Fuyuki City in Japan," said the woman immediately, "I'm not sure when it will officually start, but I believe that at least three of the slots have been filled, so it shouldnt be too much longer."

"Fuyuki huh?" muttered the shadowy man, "Interesting...I believe thats where my newest brother has made his home…"

A twisted grin appeared in the darkness.

"This is gonna be fun!"

Another unknown location

"So, you have no idea where the artifact is?" asked an aged man sat on a throne decorated with wolf statues that appeared to be growling.

"F-forgive me my Lord Voban," said the silver haired woman kneeling before him, "We only know that its somewhere in Rome, but we are doing all we can to…"

The old mans eyes flared green and a skeleton in battered armour appeared beside the woman, looming over her as its bony fingers moved towards her throat.

"I believe that it goes without saying that I do not tolerate failure Liliana Kranjcar," growled the Oldest King, "Be thankful that your new...pet has me interested enough that you still have use for me. However, if you do not find it, I may not be so merciful."

"T-thank you my lord!" stuttered the silver haired Knight as the Dead Servant vanished.

Voban waved her off and he immediately fled the room.

"Are you alright Master?" asked a concerned voice as a tall man clad in blue appeared out of thin air beside Liliana.

"I will be," said Liliana, "But we should go. The Duke will not wait forever."

The blue clad warrior scowled, but vanished again as Liliana pulled herself together and marched out of the Dukes castle to continue her mission.

And done. Oh dear, that can't be good. It seems that Kariya won't be the only Mage to enter this War. The question is, who is Casters new master...and can Fuyuki survive the inevitable three way bout between Kings?

I admit, my original plan was to have Lancer be Vobans servant, but then I decided to use Liliana instead, if only to get her into the story sooner. Shes actually my favorite girl in Campione for some reason. Maybe because I like her shy nature and her reaction to finding out Erica had read her book.

Kariya's started forging his bond with Yuri and Erica received a scolding for chasing of Sakura. From this point Erica will be a lot nicer to the poor girl and it won't be long before Kariya flips out at Zouken's treatment of her. That should be fun.

Oh, before I forget, someone (mafia king) wanted me to list Kariya's stats. With that in mind, and huge thanks to him for helping out, heres a rough estimate:

Str- B+ (EX when using the Bull)

Magical power- A (5000 mp)

End- C+

Luck - EX (campione make their own luck)

Agility- B+ (EX when using Bird of Pray)

Authorities A (when taken as a whole)

Don't take them too seriously though, especially since they'll probably change once he gains a few more Authorities.

For now, its time for me to sign off. I've got to get up early tomorrow, but I wanted to get this done, if only to see your reaction to my changes. Until next time, don't forget to review!