Note on Narration: For the duration of the infiltration, the narrator will address the perspective by which we're viewing the scene by the individual's real name. All other actors will have their real name used if it's a thought, and their fake name used (sometimes with quotes and sometimes without) in all other situations.
Convoluted way of saying it, I know, but also necessary.
I could have done it the other way, where the narrator also uses false names, but then there could be potential confusion between 'narrator' and 'character thoughts' in which the latter would have no reason to refer to the person they're addressing with their false name.
Chapter 41: Playing the Game
The gondola gently swayed back-and-forth as it made its long journey into the sky towards the floating city of Agreas. It was large enough to hold a party of ten comfortably, with room on either side for five to sit and more than enough headroom for people to stand if they so wished. It was one of several gondolas travelling along the cables, some towards and others away. There wasn't just one for each direction. It was an expansive and elaborate cable system that allowed for arrivals and departures from a number of locations. It even allowed for gondolas to change lines and head in the opposite direction if the occupants had second thoughts or if the city did.
There were times when undesirables were kept out, and other times when people needed to be kept in.
Agreas itself was incredible. Tatsumi could only marvel as he watched it approach through the window. It truly was a floating city. The lowest point, the tip of an enormous crystal that seemed to spear the entire floating landmass, floated a good two miles above the ground. Countless waterfalls thundered off the edges of the landmass, encircling it in a beautiful curtain of water and rainbows. Lush forests rose up from the floating landmass as often as the structures did, creating that perfect mixture of nature and civilization.
And what a civilization it was. When Lord Phenex had said Agreas was a tourist resort and not just the base of power for the Agares family, Tatsumi hadn't entirely believed him. Those lights, those buildings, the way the entire city just screamed 'come in and relax, have fun, and spend all your money!' chased away all his doubts.
This was a place designed to wow just as much as it was to be functional.
It made their cover story believable to Tatsumi.
"That's envy you're feeling, Darian," the woman across from him said wickedly. She snickered behind her hand. "You're a long way from having anything like this up there."
"You're bad," Tatsumi fired back, "and that wasn't what I was thinking, Ray."
Ray stretched her arms above her head, thrusting her chest out in the process. Her ample bosom nearly popped out of the nearly scandalous dress she wore. It was a daring purple and black slip of a dress reached her ankles and had a high slit to allow for ease of movement. Tatsumi wasn't sure what movement she could do considering the only thing that seemed to keep her breasts hidden from view was a thin string that Tatsumi knew from previous slips was too flimsy to stay intact while doing anything more than a fast walk, and even that was pushing it.
But then, that had been the entire point. Male devils were just as easily distracted as human ones. The longer they stared at her chest, the less they saw what the rest of her was doing.
"Of course not," 'Ray' said as she shifted to the side ever so slightly. His eyes were drawn to the faint hint of pink that started to peek out. "And shinobi are better than magical girls."
He was about to say they were when he realized to that woman it would be akin to admitting Gabriel was right and she was wrong. Hell, all the hells, would freeze over long before that happened. 'Ray' or Serafall as she was normally called, would never tolerate that.
Before he could mount any sort of response though his head was gently, yet firmly, taken and forced to look away, and down.
"Your eyes should be down here," Illya Itrude said as she gave him an eyeful of her own ample bosom that did not lose to Serafall's in any way. Illya, as Ravel was going by, had donned a long, beautiful strapless dress a deep shade of mauve. She wore a pair of elbow length black gloves, leaving her upper arms and shoulders bare. Like Serafall's, the full-length dress was cut with a high slit to allow for ease of movement. Unlike Serafall's, while it was very revealing, there was no immediate danger of there being a 'slip' if she so much as sneezed. "Not even a week married and you're already looking at another."
A little gold ring with a simple diamond sparkled on her left hand, matching the one Tatsumi wore.
"Sorry, Illya, dear," Tatsumi said as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. His fingers danced across her skin, causing her to shiver with excitement. They continued on, down her chest and beneath her dress, cupping her breast. His thumb flicked across her nipple, causing a wave of heat and pleasure to rock her body. "You know I still find you the most delicious meat of all."
He had to play the role of the devil Darian Itrude perfectly. There was no room for mistakes now. While no one could hear anything they spoke of, they were most certainly being spied upon from afar.
Serafall and Lord Phenex had both assured him of that.
"As it should be," Illya said as she leaned heavily into him. Her eyes closed and she let out of a soft sigh of contentment as Tatsumi continued to play with her. "There will be plenty of time to add a hussy like her to our night time adventures after our honeymoon."
Serafall coughed and spluttered in indignation. For a brief moment Tatsumi wondered if someone had replaced Ravel under that disguise or if she was simply getting that into her role. While physically she looked the same, everything above the neck was different. Long jet-black hair framed an adorable face while crimson eyes peer up at him from beneath a long series of bangs.
Whatever the reason for her words, she'd thrown Serafall off her game. Something that didn't happen very often.
"That's true," Tatsumi mused, throwing Serafall a quick sidelong glance to see how she was reacting. "Still, she'd only be fun for a night. I'm not certain I'd be interested in a woman so free with herself for the long of it. Who knows what she might bring with her to bed."
The look on Serafall's face was absolutely priceless. That mixture of abject shock and hurt was more satisfying than Tatsumi would ever admit. Serafall had caused Sona and Tatsumi so much embarrassment for so long that it was just so satisfying to see some retribution dealt back.
Ravel sniffed delicately, "yes, I suppose we should take her out back and spray her with a hose before we let her in."
"Now you're just getting mean," Serafall whined pitifully. "I'll be good Darian-san, I won't let any man inside before you."
"Good, because the only way you're getting anything from me is if you're clean and wanting," Tatsumi said. "And don't think flashing your tits will work. Illya's are better." He sunk his fingers deep into her warm, soft breast causing Ravel to let out a soft moan of pleasure.
She nodded her head sadly before her eyes suddenly sparkled with mischief, "does that mean there is room inside your bed if I behave?"
"I'll think about it," Illya said before Tatsumi could say anything, "but after our honeymoon. I won't let his eyes wander anywhere but me."
Ray was all smiles now as she leaned back in her seat and went back to staring out the window to the scenery beyond.
Tatsumi just went along with it. The only way he could turn down an offer like that was if his current wife was against it, which she wasn't, or there was some political reason he couldn't, which again there wasn't.
"Just don't forget your own tasks," Tatsumi told her, hoping that things in the city would keep her too busy to consider honestly following through with her words.
Those words stole the smile from her face. There was a look of deadly seriousness in her eyes now. "You don't have to worry about that, Darian-sama, I won't." She covered her mouth with her hands to hide her words from prying eyes. "I suspect they might wish I had. That is, if I leave enough of them left for them to wish for anything." She let her hand drop to her lap as the dangerous look left her eyes. "But, Darian-sama, I think you need to be more attentive towards your wife."
He could feel the warmth rising from the small woman in his arms. Her crimson eyes were filled with heat and desire, brought about by his gentle ministration. He rolled his thumb across her erect nipple sending another wave of warmth rushing through her body and into him. A faint puff of steam escaped her parted lips, moist, eager. He bent down and captured the pair of eagerly awaiting lips with his own. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulled him down to the seat.
The two of them spent the rest of the trip up the gondola tending to each other with gentle kisses and eager touches.
~o~
Stepping out of the Gondola Tatsumi could only question the sanity of the devils. Restricting teleportation to VIPs only and having such stringent security around the sky ports made sense considering the importance of the Island.
But the Gondola route? They hadn't been kidding when they said it wasn't as secure. If anything they had greatly understated just how insecure it was!
There was nothing here! No guards, no sensors, no security features, nothing! The gondola they had ridden had just stopped at a flat platform with the standard features one would come to expect at a gondola station. Devils and fallen angels alike came and went from the station without anyone so much as throwing a second look in their direction.
The only electricity that ran through the building were for the lights and the gondola itself. There wasn't even a lock on the exit!
"Let's go dear!" 'Illya' said as she took his arm and guided him forward. "I've already called for a limousine to pick us up! I can't wait to start."
"Was the 'start' in the Gondola not enough?" Ray asked, leaning forward ever so slightly to expose herself to Tatsumi. His first instinct was to look away from the pink areola that was peaking out from behind the fabric but he forced himself to stare. He was a devil right now. No devil would turn from that wonderful sight.
"Not even close!" Illya said as she dragged Tatsumi forward, away from Ray. "You need to prove yourself before I let you be an audience."
Ray just let out a light laugh and skipped ahead of them. "I'll be going on ahead, Darian, Illya, don't forget you earlier promise!"
Illya sniffed loudly, "maybe."
With more tinkling laughter Ray skipped out the exit and was gone.
"I'm looking forward to what you have in mind," Tatsumi said, smiling down at his wife.
"I'm sure you'll enjoy it," Illya said, returning his smile as she guided him out of the station and to the awaiting limousine.
~o~
Tatsumi's face was flushed and his loins pulsed in satisfaction as he stepped out of the limousine. He paused, taking a moment to admire the majestic structure rising up into the night sky before. The Paradise Hotel. Gentle, sweeping curves, gave it this beautiful, futuristic look that could take one's breath away. The large courtyard had meandering paths of marble that wound their way around delicate fountains and beautiful flower gardens.
It was awe-inspiring to say the least, and surprising to find in a major city in the Underworld. Something such as this was more fitting for Heaven than Hell.
Although, that being said, Tatsumi imagined if this was in Heaven it'd be varying shades of white and gold, instead of black and blue.
"It's beautiful," Illya said as she came up beside him, her legs shimmered with moisture in the bright, colorful lights. She took his hand and gave him a wide smile. "Let's go check-in." Her eyes briefly darted to the casino next door. "I can't wait to see the sights!"
"Of course," Tatsumi agreed. He reached out and wiped a small bit of white fluid from the corner of her lips causing her to blush ever so slightly. "I am looking forward to the sights." It was an honest, genuine feeling. Although not the reason for coming here, it was certainly a reason to enjoy his time while he was.
"Good," Tatsumi said as he accepted the large suitcase filled with their luggage from the driver. "Let's go."
As he was pulled along the marble paths by his wife, he let his eyes wander down the street. The Paradise Hotel was an expensive place to stay, but they had paid the sum because of its location. Well, 'they' as in the Phenex family had paid for it. The Hotel was next to a large casino covered in flashing lights and blinking signs.
The casino was sitting at the corner of a major intersection. An intersection from which the Rating Game Administration center sat just across the street, and diagonal from the very arena Sona and Sairaorg were to hold their game.
The Paradise Hotel wasn't the closest hotel to the venue, that place was reserved for VIP and participants of the Rating Game, but it was one of the closest outside of that. They were just a five-minute walk from their target.
His view was blocked as Illya pulled him through the sliding glass doors of the Paradise Hotel and into the lobby. The lobby was just as large and gorgeous as the exterior with its large, sweeping grand staircase, the golden light fixtures, extravagant paintings, plush carpets and over-top everything else. And it was enormous. His eyes kept going up and up. The lobby doubled as an atrium, going all the way to the ceiling where a large sun-roof allowed what little rays of light there was in the Underworld trickle through.
"Names?"
Tatsumi brought his gaze down from the skylight to the receptionist behind the counter.
"Darian and Illya Itrude," Tatsumi said calmly, trying his best not to let his amazement show in his voice. It was bad enough he got caught gawking at everything. "We have a reservation."
"Let's see…" the receptionist said as she flicked through some sort of magical system. Her eyes brightened when she came upon them and a soft, mischievous smile split her lips. "So you do! The newly weds!" She pulled a key card from between her breasts and tapped it against a glowing purple orb sitting next to the computer.
There was a soft ding as their room information was imprinted upon the card.
"Here you go, it's room 16-02, have a pleasant stay," she said, winking at the two of them knowingly.
"Oh, we will," Tatsumi said, trying to place an equal amount of emphasis in his voice. He had to keep reminding himself that he wasn't Tatsumi. He was Darian, a devil that was enamored with a beautiful woman. "I hope the walls are soundproof."
The receptionist laughed, "don't worry, they're not."
The smile on his face became a little strained. He didn't even need to look at his 'wife' to know she was blushing. He could feel the heat.
"Let's go, dear," Tatsumi said, taking the lead now as he guided Illya towards the elevator. "I know you were interested in the casino when we arrived. We need to get that out of the way before we can have some fun."
"I'm looking forward to it," Illya said, eager to shift her mind to the mission at hand and not the early implications.
The elevator quickly deposited them on the sixteenth floor. The view from up here was more breathtaking than from below. It was almost surreal in how open the entire place felt. Tatsumi wondered if it had been designed to allow flight. No one seemed to be flying now but perhaps there were certain, special circumstances?
Whatever the case, it created an amazing view.
A view he could admire more later. Their room was visible from the elevator. Just two doors down on the right. The two of them quickly made their way there. Tatsumi slid the key card through the electronic lock.
"So this is our room," Tatsumi said as he stepped inside. His eyes quickly darted about the room, picking up every little detail. His eyebrows rose when his eyes fell upon one 'interesting' feature. "A little different from I expected and yet for some reason I'm not surprised."
"Ah, ha, now I know why mother kept snickering and winking at me when they were reserving this place," Illya said as she stepped into the room behind him. She quickly saw the interesting little feature Tatsumi noticed.
When the bathroom wall was a transparent sheet of glass, it was hard not to notice.
"That's not all," Tatsumi said, closing and locking the door behind them. He pulled the suitcase around to the far side of the bed, leaving it hidden between the large king-size bed and the glass bathroom wall. There were a few things in there they didn't want anyone to know about. "Look what's by the door near the ceiling."
"What do you mean—that's a camera."
"That's a camera," Tatsumi agreed. There was a rather expensive looking camera attached to the ceiling. No doubt capable of recording in ultra high definition for the viewing pleasures of whoever was peeping in on them. It had a full view of the entire room save for two places. The floor between the bed and the glass bathroom wall, and the far-right corner where a lone chair sat beside a large chest dresser. Neither blind spot was very large, and certainly not large enough for the both of them. "It's off at the moment, but we have no idea when it'll turn on."
It was probably too much to hope that'd never happen. He wasn't that lucky.
"Then how do we discuss things?"
"Find a public place where—"
"It'll never happen," Illya said, shaking her head from side to side. "You don't know devils. We have sharp ears and we love to eavesdrop. Nothing we say out there will ever stay between the two of us. If they can't hear us, they'll just read our lips, and if we hide them, they'll know we've got something important to hide and they'll follow us."
Well, there went that idea.
"We'll figure out something," Tatsumi said. "In the mean time, until we have something to discuss it's a moot point." He grabbed a pair of small, nearly invisible ear pieces from a hidden pocket in the suitcase. He tossed one to her and placed the other in his ear. "We need hit the town and have some fun!"
"Not too much fun," Illya said as she tucked the ear piece inside her ear.
"We can do both," Tatsumi tapped the ear piece, "this working?"
"Yes it does!" Ray's voice came through the ear piece. "Ohhh! This is getting exciting now!"
"Just don't blow it in your excitement," Lord Phenex's voice came over the line as well. "I know how excitable you can get."
"You don't have to worry about me," there was a very dark note in Ray's voice. "It's them you should pray for."
"It's unbecoming of a devil to pray," Lord Phenex replied.
Tatsumi just laughed, "good to know it all works," he said, "we're going to hit up the casino."
"Take care Darian," 'Ray's' voice came across again, "and remember, we devils taught humanity how to be cunning and sneaky, don't take anyone lightly."
"We won't," Tatsumi said, "that's why I got married, remember?"
"I will guide him true," Illya said.
~o~
The Grand Agreas Casino was every bit as sparkly and noisy inside as it had been outside. A vast section of the room had been dedicated solely to bright, colorful slot machines. Explosions of color and sound designed to dazzle and distract people to the ever-mounting losses they were incurring.
There was a constant din to the room. A mixture of laughter, curses, blings, beeps and very rarely, the alarms and sirens of a jackpot winner. It was a lively atmosphere, no different from any other casino back on Earth. The only real difference was the patrons, and more in how they looked rather than how they acted.
There were no fights, verbal or otherwise, no sexual harassment, nothing. Everyone was on their best behaviour, almost as if they were afraid to offend the rulers of the island city. The countless security guards that roamed the floors glaring at everyone like they were here to rob the place might have had something to do with that as well.
Tatsumi let out a content sigh as he leaned back on the cushioned bench. The remains of his dinner, little more than some left over sauces and a few crumbs, sat on the table before him. Next to him Illya, was just finishing her own meal. Each of her movements were graceful and controlled. One could easily tell she'd been raised in a highborn family from the way she'd delicately picked at her meal.
"Did you eat enough?" Tatsumi asked, wrapping an arm around her waist. He pulled her close and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "You're going to need all the energy you can get."
Tatsumi and his 'wife,' Illya, were just finishing up a meal in a booth by the window after losing all the money they were willing to waste at the slot machines earlier. The booth was unlike anything in the human world. Normal booths had high walls of wood and stone for privacy. Sometimes they came with curtains too. This booth did come with a curtain, but it was more like a thin, gauzy veil that one could still see through, albeit with difficulty. The walls, however, were very much not opaque. They were glass. Tatsumi could easily peer into any of the other booths in the room as could everyone else in the booth.
There was no privacy here.
Not that anyone really cared. People didn't come here for privacy, but to let everything go and just have fun. There were more people having sex in these booths than there were people eating, and no one seemed to care that they were put on display.
The inhibitions that chained humanity did not exist here.
"It was enough," Illya said as she dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. She set it down atop the plate before leaning heavily into his side. "I don't think anyone could ever have enough energy to satisfy you."
"But you'll certainly try?"
A little smile came to her lips. "Yes, I will."
Tatsumi returned her smile with a smile of his own and did his best to ignore the winks. It wasn't hard to deduce what she wanted, not when she was getting plowed from behind by whom Tatsumi could only assume was her husband.
They were not jumping straight into a swinger.
With nothing inside the premise being safe to look at, Tatsumi turned his attention to the window, although it was a bit of a misnomer to refer to it as such. It was more of a glass wall made out of hundreds, if not thousands, of panes of curved glass. The Grand Agreas Casino had several dining areas, this one was situated on a balcony where the wall and the ceiling were one and the same, curving from the floor up to the main building proper some ways away.
"That sticks out like a sore thumb," Tatsumi mused as he eyed the administrative center for all Rating Games in the Underworld.
It soared into the sky, towering above all the neighbouring places like a black monolith. The place had no windows, the outer walls was just a single, smooth surface akin to obsidian. The base was wide, covering nearly as much acreage as the massive arena across the intersection from it, but tapering as it reached the top, almost coming to a point. From what Tatsumi could tell from down here, the roof had been designed as an observatory deck.
He could make out four points of entry from his vantage point. Small blemishes on the otherwise perfectly smooth surface. The first was the main entrance at street level, a heavily guarded magically reinforced steel door guarded by no less than twelve security personnel. There were probably more devils hidden nearby. Tatsumi wasn't so naïve as to assume what he saw was all there was.
The other points of entry were higher up. Two of them were glass covered walkways that spanned the gap across the street to the stadium. Using the stadium as a point of reference Tatsumi placed them at approximately the fifth story and the other the fifteenth. There weren't any guards there, which made Tatsumi very suspicious. Flight was strictly prohibited in this area but Tatsumi wouldn't count on that being the only security measure in place for those two walkways.
The last point entrance was the roof. Tatsumi couldn't see it, but he knew it was there. There was no other reason to have it built out like an observatory deck if there wasn't some way to reach it.
"A necessary evil, I'm afraid," Illya said with a long sigh. "They have to manage the Rating Games somewhere and this is, unfortunately, the best place for it."
"Totally spoils the sight," Tatsumi said as he eyed the guards at the front entrance in what appeared to everyone around them like disdain. He was, in fact, getting a feel for their patrol routes, movements, level of awareness, and potential strength. "We'll have to find a different place tomorrow."
He'd get all he needed from this place tonight. There wasn't much to see from the outside. That black monolith was designed to hide secrets from prying eyes. As Serafall had mentioned earlier, devils were the ones that taught Humanity how to be cunning. They wouldn't let anything slip easily for something this important—
"Is that Ruval Phenex approaching the admin building?" Tatsumi asked with genuine surprise in his voice. The man in question was surrounded on all sides by his peerage.
"Oh my! It is!" Illya said, letting her eyes widen dramatically. Her hand came up to the earpiece. "He is having a Rating Game soon isn't he! I must reserve a time to watch that!"
Whether the woman in the booth next to them heard their voices or read their lips, Tatsumi didn't know, but all of a sudden she wasn't quite so interested in them. She had her naked body pressed up against the outside window, putting everything on display in a desperate attempt to be noticed by what Tatsumi had come to learn was an incredibly esteemed individual in Devil Society.
"He does," Lord Phenex's voice sounded in Tatsumi's earpiece. "He accepted one a few days ago, you're lucky. It provides legitimacy of our being here."
"Huh, I didn't know that," Tatsumi said, picking his words carefully to seem like a response to both Lord Phenex and his wife.
"The interior layout of the administrative building changes every three weeks," Ray's voice replaced Lord Phenex's. "Makes it a pain to find anything—" a blood-curdling scream of agony cut her off for a moment "—Sorry about that. I've got a screamer over here." There was the sound of crackling ice and blood splashing. "Ruval Phenex will get the floor plans for you."
"We'll need to find some way to watch it privately," Illya said, "I don't do so well with crowds. They're so dirty and uncouth."
"We can worry about Ruval's Rating Game later," Tatsumi said. The eldest son of the Phenex family had come to a stop at the entrance. There wasn't any major commotion going on. The people there looked as if they expected him. Even as Tatsumi looked on several official looking individuals stepped out of the front door to greet Ruval Phenex with smiles on their faces. "As for crowds, we'll need to find a place nearby where the crowds are limited."
"Might I suggest The Carnaevan Front?" Lord Phenex's voice returned. "I hear it's a great place to enjoy a private time with a loved one."
"And a place to swap partners as well if I'm not mistaken," Ray said slyly.
"That did also cross my mind," Lord Phenex admitted.
That could work. Ruval could map the floor, or at least the route, necessary to get to the Vaults keeping the information they needed to change. Then Lord Phenex could arrange to have someone provide the information to Tatsumi during the 'swap' tomorrow at the Carnaevan Front.
Illya's grip on his thigh tightened and a slight tremble ran through her body.
Oh. It hit him like a bucket of cold water.
He wasn't the only one who would be with someone else. If Tatsumi was with a different woman, then it meant Ravel would be with some strange man. Tatsumi trusted Lord Phenex not to do anything to harm his daughter, but at the same time he was a devil and she had been told to be prepared to sacrifice some things for the sake of this mission.
She had agreed, but just how much would she be required to sacrifice?
He laid a hand over hers and squeezed it comfortingly.
"I've heard good things about the Carnaevan Front," Illya said, giving Tatsumi a warm smile. Nothing in her voice betrayed the nervousness he could feel in her grip.
"Anything to watch out for?" Tatsumi asked, making it seem as if he was asking Illya and not those over the line.
"The contact will get there early," Lord Phenex's voice replied. "Look for the behemoth. That will be them."
"Nothing that would ruin our enjoyment," Illya said in response to Tatsumi.
"Then we shall take a trip there tomorrow," Tatsumi said, giving her hand a comforting squeeze. "Let's return home for now, before this place sucks every last ounce of coin we have from us."
"As you wish, dear," Illya said softly.
~o~
The camera was on.
That was the first thing Tatsumi noticed upon their return to their room at the Paradise Hotel. It was definitely subtle, but it had shifted when he'd opened the door and he could sense it following them as they made their way into the room.
He quickly wrapped his arms around Illya from behind and embraced her tightly. Kissing her gently on the ear he whispered quietly.
"Camera."
She understood right away. Her arms came up around his neck and she turned into his kiss. Their tongues battled each other in their mouths even as Tatsumi's hands roamed across the front of her body. One dipped down between her legs while the other rose to capture a warm, supple breast in its grasp.
The two of them spent some time exploring each other with their hands before Illya pulled back. "I need a shower before bed," she said, stepping out of his embrace. She reached behind her back and undid the nearly invisible zipper on her dress. She gave him a smile over her shoulder as the dress pooled around her ankles. "You're welcome to join. You could certainly use one." With a little wink before she sashayed across the room.
The glass walls of the bathroom truly were completely see-through. Tatsumi could see everything as his 'wife' stepped into the shower. She made slow, deliberate movements as she turned on the water, letting her breasts hang low and free for all, for him, to see. She knew the camera was on and that her every action was being recorded and yet she showed a fearlessness that Tatsumi couldn't help but admire and respect. Ravel was normally a very reserved individual, at least when it came to people other than him. To see her so willing to embrace this role for his sake.
He'd do everything he could to make it just that much easier for her.
And right now that meant taking her up on her offer.
Tatsumi stripped his clothes off, tossing them into a small pile at the foot of the bed, and quickly joined his wife in the shower.
"Sorry for taking so long, I was just awestruck all over again by your beauty."
She leaned back into his embrace, blushing softly. "What a nice thing to say." She bowed her head a little, her eyes hidden by her damp hair. "Do you honestly mean that?"
That wasn't Illya asking, but Ravel.
He kissed the top of her head softly. "I do."
"Darian…" Illya whispered softly. Her body trembled, a strange mixture of fear and anticipation. "I don't know what'll happen tomorrow but I'm prepared. I won't fail."
Tatsumi turned his head away from the camera so it couldn't read his lips, pretending like he was reading the bottles of body wash on the small ledge. "I'm sure he has some plan—"
"You don't know my oto-san," Illya quickly cut him off. "They told me this might be necessary and I will do it if I must but…" She stepped out of his embrace and turned to face the wall away from the camera. She gripped one of the lower rungs on the glass wall and bent over, lifting her ass towards him. "Please, if I'm to do it, at least let my first time be with you."
What could Tatsumi say to that? He was doing this for Sona, but she was doing this for him. She was risking so much, sacrificing so much, for his sake. Her loyalty and love for him was pushing her to go this far.
"How can I turn down such an open offer from my wife?" Tatsumi said, embracing her from behind.
He started slow, gentle, rubbing the palms of his hands across her soft, supple rear in a slow, circular motions. His fingers alternated between a soft gentle caress and a deep, firm grip. Her body quivered beneath his caress, slivers of pleasure coursing through her body. When he felt her start to melt in his hands they began their journey up her back, eliciting soft moans of pleasure and murmurs of eagerness. Then they dipped, sliding around to the front where they grasp handfuls of her ample bosom. A sharp gasp of pleasure was ripped from her throat as his fingers danced across that sensitive flesh, sending fresh waves of heat and arousal shooting through her body.
"T-Darian…" Illya murmured happily.
Tatsumi smiled gently down at the young woman in his arms. He could feel the tension drain away as the worries of tomorrow began to fade. His hands massaged her breasts, fingers darting across her sensitive flesh. Her back arched as her breathing became heavy.
She took one of his hands and guided it away from her chest, down her stomach and rested it between her legs.
"Please."
He slid a finger across her opening. Wet and slick, a mixture of her own juices and the water raining down from the facet above. She was more than ready. In mind, body and soul.
Tatsumi bent over and whispered softly into her ear. "Are you certain?"
"Yes!" she replied, her voice heavy with desire and anticipation.
He flicked his fingers across her opening, causing her body to quiver as a fresh wave of pleasure coursed through it. He could feel her anticipation and didn't keep her waiting long. With a single, smooth motion he pushed his way in.
"Yes!" Illya gasped out loudly, her body heating up with pleasure like nothing Tatsumi had ever felt before. She gave way easily, her body accepting him eagerly. The walls of her sacred place grasping, and pulling, sucking gently on him as he buried himself inside her, filling her completely.
Strange though, there hadn't been any resistance.
"You are my first," Illya quickly assured him. It was like she'd read his mind. She was blushing heavily for some reason. "Oka-san made sure I was… ready. Before we left. In case… you know…" she couldn't finish.
In case this very situation came to pass.
"It's fine," Tatsumi said as he slowly pulled back before thrusting forward once more. He picked up a soft, rhythmic pace.
He kept that pace, knowing Ravel needed gentleness now more than anything. Her body heated up even more beneath him, like a furnace being kicked into high gear. Tatsumi could almost see little flickers of flame licking around the edges of her form. The heat added to the steam caused by the cascade of hot water. Tatsumi turned the hot water on full and the steam quickly filled the entire shower, obscuring them from the view of the camera.
He gave Ravel everything she desired. He would make certain that what she got tonight overshadowed any suffering she would experience tomorrow. His hands caressed her skin. Each thrust, powerful yet gentle, sent waves of pleasure and warmth surging through her body. Her little cries of pleasure and warm moans grew ever louder.
A loud, sharp gasp was torn from her throat as the pleasure overwhelmed her. She clamped around her, body spasming as a climax rolled through her.
That was all it took for Tatsumi. He couldn't have stopped the wave of pleasure that rushed through him if he tried. His mind went blank, he lost focus on everything save for the woman beneath him and the surge coursing through him, from him, into her. It felt like a tidal wave rushing out of him. It rushed into her, filling her, reaching the furthest nooks and crannies.
Illya's breath came out hard and heavy as she basked in the after glow of her climax.
"That… that was…"
"More intense than usual," Tatsumi said as he held still, letting Illya enjoy the feeling to the fullest.
"Darian…" her body trembled beneath him. An undercurrent of fear and nervousness rushing through her once more. Even all that wasn't enough.
"Yes?" Tatsumi asked, rubbing her back comfortingly.
"Until morning please… don't leave me."
"I promise."
Until they left tomorrow morning for Carnaevon Front, he would make her forget that anything existed outside these four walls.
~o~
"What a jarring disparity," Tatsumi murmured under his breath as he looked out across the beautiful lake.
The Carnaevan Front was both everything Tatsumi had envisioned, and at the same time, managed to miss it completely. The blue waters of the lake shimmered like crystals in the light of the artificial sun. It was so clear and free of pollution one could see straight through to the bottom at any point of the lake, putting on display an incredible array of colorful fish swimming through beautiful reefs. Every so often a turtle would surface or a fish would jump, giving this impression of nature unbound. It rivaled, if not surpassed, any location on Earth including places like the Great Barrier Reef, Palawan and even Hawaii.
The lake itself, the place, was breathtaking. If this was all there was Tatsumi would have considered it his go-to destination to just get away and relax.
Except it wasn't. Like all things devil shamelessly ripped off from Humanity, they made adjustments. They weren't the first to arrive here. There were other couples out there on the lake. Five or so. The simple swan boats of Earth had been replaced with boats fashioned after mythical demonic beasts, color and all. It looked like there were five monsters out there circling each other waiting to devour one another while the people in the boats devoured each other in other ways.
Their cries of pleasure were clear across the entire lake.
"It's beautiful!" Illya beside him said as she looked out across the lake. If she noticed, or even cared, about the noise she didn't show it. She grabbed his hand and tugged him over towards the docks. "Come on, Darian, let's get in a boat!"
There was a tremble in her hand. He patted her hand gently and let her guide him over to the boats. He'd done what he could to comfort her last night and even this morning but there was no getting around what she'd be forced to endure.
They grabbed the first boat they came across which, ironically, was crafted to look like a phoenix gliding across the water. There wasn't anyone managing the boats, they were just pulled up haphazardly all along the beaches and it was a first-come, first-serve situation.
Tatsumi settled down in the back of the boat, pulling Illya down with him. She nestled up against him, wrapping an arm around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. When the two of them were settled in, the boat set out into the lake guided by magic. What route it would take, Tatsumi didn't know. All he knew was that they were to meet a couple here on the lake, swap partners and…
Little tremors ran up and down Illya's body.
A pang of guilt plagued him. "Sorry about this," Tatsumi whispered. "If I had known this would—"
The tremors stopped. "Darian," Illya said, suddenly sounding very serious. She pushed away a bit and gave him a long look. "Please, don't treat me like a child any more. I am a woman. I am your woman." Her hand dropped to her stomach. "I will prove to you I am much better than her."
Her? Koneko? That was what she was thinking about right now? He didn't understand women, and female devils were stranger than most. "This isn't something to make a competition—"
"I don't care!" Illya snapped angrily. She grabbed his face and pulled him close. Her voice was barely a whisper. Even at this distance Tatsumi had difficulty hearing what came next. "I will go through with this." She let him go and smiled, before nestling beside him, her hand dropping to her stomach once more. "A little sacrifice is worth this."
"Oh…" he fell silent after that. Even having known of devils for years, he was surprised by her vehemence. When they wanted something, they went for it.
At least the tremors had stopped. She'd made up her mind. There was no longer any hesitation.
And none-too-soon either, as Tatsumi noticed out of the corner of his eye another boat, carved to look like a behemoth, making its way over to theirs. That was the boat Lord Phenex had told him to keep an eye out for.
"I know," Illya said before Tatsumi could let her know. Her eyes flickered over to the boat once before returning to him. "At least he's cute. I don't know what I'd do if he was…" a single tremor ran through her body as she steadied her nerves one last, final time.
"Like Zephyrdor?" Tatsumi teased.
"Ugh, no! I think I'd vomit if it was someone like him!"
"Heh, I think I'd vomit just thinking of you with him as well," Tatsumi agreed. He gave her a tight squeeze, "let's go meet our new partners for the morning, and if he hurts you, just shout. I will come for you, everything else be damned."
"Thank you." She took a deep breath and gave a firm nod. "I'm ready."
~o~
Ravel was confused.
She'd tried to hide it, but she'd been nervous ever since her father suggested this. She didn't want to be with anyone but the man she loved. It was why she'd given herself to him. Had lost herself in him. All last night, this morning, and even the words leading up to this point. It had all been to cushion what she was certain would happen.
Her violation.
It was certainly happening to Darian.
Across the lake she could see Darian and the woman he was with, a fiery red-haired woman with large breasts. They were still going strong, hours after they'd first started. That damn hussy of a woman had all but jumped on Darian, her man, the moment she'd gotten on the boat. Ravel hadn't even made it across the wing of the Phoenix to this boat before the two were already going at it.
Couldn't she notice the strained look on Darian's face? She should know better than to force herself so much on someone that didn't want that attention!
Not that she had expected anything different to happen to her. After seeing how quickly that woman had ripped his clothes off, she'd expected hers to be gone moments after stepping on this boat.
Yet nothing had happened.
She and the man she sat beside had simply chatted for the past two hours. Talking about everything from the weather to their partners and how much they liked them. She didn't mind that this was all they were doing, but it sort of felt…
Anti-climatic.
She'd been fully prepared for the worst, only to have this strange situation sprung upon her. She had no idea how to react. Was she supposed to take the initiative or just let things play out? What was she supposed to do in this sort of situation?
She didn't want to do this but if she had to do it, it was better to get it over with. The man at least looked respectable, even if the upper half of his face, including his eyes, were concealed with a blue and gold butterfly shaped mask that was partially hidden by short-cropped blue hair. He had a slim build, but there was solid muscle there. She could feel it through his clothes, a blue tunic that went down to his thighs, trimmed with gold and long, knee-length boots.
"What's wrong?" the masked man beside her asked.
"It's nothing," Ravel said quickly. "I'm enjoying our time together."
It was a lie, and the man saw through it.
A sly smile suddenly appeared on his lips. "Really? Hmmm, I suppose you're wondering why we're not doing that?" he asked, nodding over to Darian and that woman he was with. Her cries were the loudest of everyone on the lake as she bounced up and down atop of Darian. It made Ravel's cheeks burn with both embarrassment and anger.
That should be her!
"What do I care about what that hussy does to my man?" Ravel said imperiously.
The man laughed, a light, tinkling laughter that didn't sound quite right. "Here, I'll start things off and you can tell me if you wish for more," the man said as he gently took her hand and placed it on his thigh. Slowly he moved her hand upwards, beneath the tunic and between his legs.
Ravel tensed involuntarily. This was it. This was where it all began—
Wait, where was the penis?
There wasn't anything there. He wasn't wearing anything beneath that tunic, just an opening and, wait a minute.
"What's going on!" Ravel hissed quietly. That was not a man sitting beside her!
"Reach inside." Hesitant, uncertain, but without any other real recourse, Ravel dug a pair of fingers inside the masked woman's vagina and came in contact with something that didn't belong. A plastic zip-lock bag. That must be the plans! That was how they were to smuggle it to them. Ravel started to grab the bag when the woman stopped her.
"Don't," she said as her own fingers joined Ravel's. "Leave them there. We have to do something or people will suspect."
"Who are you?" Ravel whispered under her breath.
"You don't really think your brother or father would let any man but someone they approve of touch you, do you?" The masked woman slid her hand up beneath Ravel's dress. She opened her legs and allowed the masked woman to place the ziplock bag inside her. There was a wet, sloppy sound. "Wow, he really filled you."
Ravel looked away, blushing heavily. "I just wanted to make sure whoever I was with knew I was taken." Her mind was moving quickly now. Her mind flashing over everyone she knew who was connected to her father and brother, could be trusted enough to do this, and was a female.
"Luci—?"
"Ah, I never introduced myself, did I?" the masked woman quickly cut her off. "I'm Marth, nice to meet you, Illya."
It was her brother's Knight, Lucina! That's who was sitting beside her! The same woman that had fought Hikaru and lost during that Rating Game with Gregorious Abaddon.
"It's nice to meet you, Marth," Ravel said, feeling both very relieved, and a bit betrayed at the same time. Could they not have told her about this instead of letting her worry and panic all night and all morning? "Why?"
A single word with many meanings. 'Marth' picked up on the right one. "You two needed a bit of a nudge," she said, laughing. Her fingers swirled around inside Ravel, causing a bit of Tatsumi's seed to spill out. "It worked very well from the feel of things."
"I hate you all," Ravel muttered under her breath, "and don't spill it!"
Marth just laughed.
A strange thought occurred to Ravel. A sinking suspicion. "Who are in the other boats?"
Marth winked conspiratorially. "What better way to ensure we're not overhead by those we don't wish to overhear, by making sure the only ones that can, are the ones that already know?"
"Isn't this a bit much to help Darian?" Ravel asked quietly, "you're all doing the work for him."
"Him?" Lucina looked genuinely surprised. "This has nothing to do with him. This is all about you."
"What?" That didn't make any sense! This entire mission was for Tatsumi to help fix the obviously manipulated rules against Sona and her Rating Game.
"That girl's Rating Game is nothing," Marth went on as if reading her mind. "Inconsequential. Win or lose here, it won't have a lasting impact. Against Rias? Maybe, but against someone no one of her generation is expected to win against? It doesn't matter. Something like that isn't enough to move people like my King or his father." She gave her a gentle smile. "You're different. This is the world you will have to live in some day. What better way to introduce you to it than this? Helping him help Sona is just a bonus. A favor we can ask of Sona, and a repayment of a debt owed."
Everything here was not for Tatsumi, but for her. They were teaching her what she needed to know through first hand experience. This is what she would have to do, how far she'd have to go, if she were to protect Tatsumi and Night Raid from her society. They were simply holding her hand this one time to ease her into it. To show her what it's like.
She couldn't tell Tatsumi. That he and his mission was just being used as a tool to teach her. To help her navigate the quagmire that was devil politics.
"We're not always going to be able to protect you," Marth said, looking away from her and across the sparkling water. "You need to be ready to protect yourself, and that which you hold dear."
"I understand." Ravel said. A particularly loud scream of pleasure drew her attention across the lake at the red-haired woman. Her expression grew angry. They'd changed to the missionary position now. With how tight her legs were around 'Darian's' waist, Ravel worried she'd need a crowbar to pry them loose. "So who is your partner?"
She wasn't going to hurt them, not very much at least. There were several woman Ravel could think of that wouldn't mind having a fun time with Tatsumi, especially since they were just a decoy.
"My partner? Just the one most looking forward to that," Lucina said.
"Most looking forward to it—" Ravel gasped sharply. She knew! One woman above all others that wanted to do that to her Tatsumi! Argh! It infuriated her so much!
"You better enjoy it while you can because I'm not letting you anywhere near him again!"
Mother.
~o~
"Ugh, I'm so exhausted," Tatsumi complained as he rested on the bed of their suite, his head nestled upon Illya's lap. Thankfully the camera wasn't on. It might be timed to only record after a certain time, or a certain shift. It was even possible they'd gotten their fill after the show he and Illya had put on last night. There had certainly been enough content for multiple pornos. "I've never met a woman that could go for so long. What the hell was she on? That's ridiculous!"
"It is ridiculous," Illya agreed, her voice irritated.
She'd been upset ever since they'd returned to shore. The moment his boat had reached it she'd all but dragged him off it, and out of the woman that did not want to let go. Eventually it took even the other man, Marth, to get her off him.
Tatsumi had always been proud of his stamina but he may have very well found the one woman that could match him. She'd been terrifyingly relentless, draining Tatsumi of everything he had, and then demanding more.
"Never again with her."
"I agree completely," Illya said. Her hand reached up and touched the ear piece. "You hear that? I won't let it happen again!"
Why was there laughter filtering in over the line?
"My, aren't we possessive?" Lady Phenex's voice was heard.
"Never!" And with that Illya shut off the line.
"I feel like I'm missing something and I don't want to know what it is." There was this tickling sensation at the edge of his thoughts. Like the answer was there but it was also an answer he didn't care much to learn.
Illya huffed loudly. "You're right on both accounts." She pulled out a small ziplock bag from somewhere, still damp from something Tatsumi didn't want to know about. He hadn't asked her about the time she'd spent with Marth. If she wanted to talk about it, he was here for her, but he'd give her all the time she needed first. She dropped the bag on his chest. "What did we receive?"
Tatsumi opened the bag and pulled out the paper stuffed within. There were two sheets. One had several levels drawn on it, the internal layout of the place. The other page had in-depth information about the first including cameras, guard routes, and the three quickest, and most viable, paths to the Vault. At the bottom of the second sheet was the passcode to get into the Vault.
"We'll need a key to get into the safe we need to open," Illya said, sounding as if she was reciting something from memory. "At least that's what I recall being mentioned."
"We don't have to worry about the key," Tatsumi as he reached behind and pulled a key out of his ass. That had been the single, most unpleasant experience he'd had in a very long time. He held it up for her to see. It was a four-pronged key with a large head that glowed with runic enchantments. "You weren't the only one given a gift."
He had absolutely no idea how they managed to get the key, but here it was. Tatsumi felt a little disappointed if he was to be honest. Everything felt almost too easy. Here he'd come, prepared to do whatever it took, and Lord Phenex and his son pretty much hand him everything on a silver platter.
Tatsumi was thankful of the support, but he couldn't help but wonder if there was some greater reason behind all this he wasn't being told. Lord Phenex was the one that had warned him all those months ago that everyone used everyone else and to be prepared for that.
Lord Phenex was probably using him for something. He just didn't know what.
Still, it didn't mean they were doing everything for him. The infiltration of the administration center itself was all on him. All the information and means they'd provided him would amount to nothing if he screwed that up and he didn't have much time to prepare for it.
It had to happen tomorrow morning. The game was that afternoon and the Arbitrator of the game would be around sometime in the morning to secure the rules. They had to be changed, and him gone, before they arrived.
But for the rest of today, he was free to enjoy the sights with Ravel.
"Do you want to go out and enjoy the sights or stay in?" Tatsumi asked Illya.
A warm smile sprang across her face. "Let's do both!"
x~X~x
The day of the Rating Game started miserably.
Dark, angry clouds had moved in before the light of the artificial sun could brighten the sky. They hung low over Agreas, rumbling softly, threatening to unleash a deluge upon the city. The tallest structures in Agreas, including the Administration Center for Rating Games, found their upper floors amongst the clouds. The lowest of the dark, angry masses swirled angrily around them, obscuring them from street level more often than not.
There would be rain today.
It was something to be concerned about. A light rain wasn't bad, a downpour could cause issues if it came before he got inside.
Which needed to happen soon. There were already people arriving at the stadium. Mostly devils without a prominent family or Fallen Angels of little note. The VIPs would arrive later. There were no lines for them to brave and their seats were guaranteed.
Aside from those heading to the arena early for the Rating Game, the streets of Agreas were empty. It was an odd sight for Tatsumi to behold. He'd grown used to the large masses of bodies streaming in every which direction along the sidewalks while vehicles are all types and descriptions zoomed, walked, galloped, and flew along the roads.
It was a combination of the inclement weather and the time of day. With it being early morning, most devils were retiring after a night of carousing and the few that weren't, decided that the weather made today the perfect day to enjoy indoor activities.
"I'm in position," Tatsumi whispered over the communication line. "Are you ready? I'd liked to get in before the rain hits."
"I thought your method was perfect?" Ray teased him over the line.
It was, almost. No one could sense him but he didn't 'disappear.' He was still there with physical mass. As he discovered in Niflheim, it was not perfect. Snow and rain could give his position away simply because they would wrap around his form and create an undeniable outline.
"Ray," Tatsumi whispered with a long sigh. "I can't cling here forever."
'Here' was on the obsidian colored outer wall of the Administration Center, a dozen meters above the entrance. People rarely looked up when on guard duty and devils were no exception. Even if they had, it was doubtful they'd have seen him. He was cloaked in his ultimate survival ability, absolute presence concealment. He was undetectable in every meaningful way, and would remain so as long as it didn't start raining.
He was alone today.
Ravel, or rather Illya, was back with her father. Her role in this was done. They were entering the endgame and everything from here on out was on him. Once the rules were changed and the game started, all Tatsumi had to do was get out without being caught. It wouldn't matter if someone found out something had been done to it, in fact it'd probably be lauded. What mattered was that they didn't find out that it was Tatsumi that did it.
"You owe me, Darian-chan," Ray whispered.
"Seriously? Why do you think I'm even here?"
"This and that is different," Ray said. Tatsumi didn't even need to see her to envision that wide grin on her face. "Serafall-chan and her onee-sama owe you, but you're not borrowing them right now, are you?"
"I hate politics," Tatsumi grumbled.
It was sheer sophistry and everyone knew it. Just like he didn't technically have to uphold any favor he owed to her either, but would regardless. Still, Tatsumi wasn't too worried. She wouldn't demand something of him that he wouldn't be willing to give anyway. He'd flat out tell her no otherwise and she knew that. She'd just use that favor as an excuse to justify to everyone why he did whatever it was she asked of him.
A long, black limousine pulled up next to the Administrative Center. The security at the doors stiffened and eyed the vehicle suspiciously. Everyone knew that a sudden arrival today could mean a number of things and the guards were preparing for the worst.
The door opened and that suspicion turned to fear as not Ray, not Serafall, but the Leviathan herself, stepped out of the limousine onto the smooth concrete sidewalk. The temperature dipped noticeably and the heavy moisture in the air condensed into snowflakes about her. It wasn't the formal blue dress she wore that declared her presence. It wasn't even the hard, expressionless face or the lack of any warmth in her eyes that told you this wasn't the playful Serafall most knew of.
It was her aura. The shivers that her very existence sent down your spine. Shivers that had nothing to do with the rapidly dropping temperature.
A playful Serafall could be reasoned with. The Leviathan could not. You simply obeyed. No one down there had the authority to deny her anything. It was doubtful anyone in the city, save for the Great King himself, had that authority.
There would be political repercussions if she abused her authority, but what Tatsumi needed of her didn't require that.
He just needed her to open the door for him.
It was absolutely ludicrous if one thought about it. Tatsumi, a sort-of human, was borrowing a Satan, one of the greatest authorities of an entire species, to open a door.
That ludicrousness was the entire point. No one would believe that was the reason the Leviathan was here. So while everyone scrambled about trying to figure out the real reason, Tatsumi was free to do what needed to be done.
What's more, it would buy him time. She could tie up the officials so they didn't get to the Vault early.
Tatsumi eased his way down the wall, watching the security guards scramble about to pay the newly arrive Satan with the respect she deserved. Serafall all but ignored as she strode confidently up to the entrance. She didn't even ask for permission before she grabbed the handle of the door and opened it wide. There was a loud crack as the lock that kept it in place broke apart.
"W-Wait, you need to—"
The Leviathan paused, turning to level an ice-cold look upon the offending security guard. "I need what?" she demanded.
Tatsumi used that opening to drop silently to the sidewalk and slip in through the now open door. He found himself inside a large, well lit lobby complete with a large, hanging chandelier, a pair of grand staircases, one on either side of the room, gold encrusted marble colonnades and so much more. The interior was a stark contrast to the exterior.
The exterior made it seem as if this place was a dour, strict, and no-nonsense type place. A fitting image for the primary Administration Centre for all Rating Games. That it was all a lie to hide the lavish interior and obvious exploitation of the gambling that went on each game did not come to Tatsumi as much of a surprise.
"Is it not customary for someone to check to ensure that the protocols for a Rating Game are being properly adhered to just prior to its start?"
"Well, yes, but you're—"
"I'm what?" If her voice had been cold before, it was bone chilling now. Tatsumi did not envy that devil at all.
But that was their problem, not his. He had his own problem to deal with.
Thanks to the map that Ruval had provided them he knew exactly where to go. The moment his eyes adjusted to the change in lighting he swiftly made his way for the room that had been marked on the map. Eight floor, fourteenth room in the third hallway. Easier to get to than it sounded. Ravel had even marked at which points there were security checks, magical, visual, and auditory.
His concealment should protect him from all that but Tatsumi didn't take any chances, easing past Cameras via their blind spots, tip-toeing silently where there were auditory sensors, and finding alternate routes to get past the magical ones.
No need to tempt fate this late in the game.
It didn't take long to reach his destination and when he did, he was glad Ruval had given him the exact location. He wouldn't have found it otherwise. When one normally thought 'Vault' they almost always envisioned a massive behemoth of a door chocked full of every security feature imaginable to keep it protected. There was none of that here. It was a simple, plain, nondescript door that looked no different from any of the dozens he'd passed earlier.
Tatsumi paused, glancing this way and that about the hallway, stretching his senses to feel out anyone nearby. When he was confident he was alone he quickly tapped in the code and waited.
There was a soft beep as the magnetic lock released. Without wasting any time Tatsumi quickly opened the door and stepped inside the room beyond, closing the door quietly behind him.
Now this was more what Tatsumi had envisioned a 'Vault' would be. It was far larger than the outside would suggest, with black steel vaults lining all but the near wall and going from floor to ceiling. One thing Tatsumi noticed was that there was no dedicated light source, there was no need. There runes engraved upon the vaults, the floor, and the ceiling, were so numerous it turned the room as bright as day.
The door may have been plain, but the Vault itself was anything but. Security through anonymity. That was probably what they were going for there. And since each and every Vault was individually locked, it made a certain sort of sense.
Now, how was he supposed to find the vault associated with Sona's Rating Game? Ruval hadn't given him any indication on how to differentiate one Vault from another, neither had the information broker who had given them the passcode last night. When pressed he simply said, 'you'll manage.' Was there some sort of uniqueness about each that would inherently let Tatsumi know which one was—
That thought came to a crashing halt as Tatsumi noticed a small little plate on each Vault. Some were engraved, others were not. His eyes read the first few.
"Rating Game: Tleotical vs Tirant"
"Rating Game: Ruval vs Baron Geddon"
"Rating Game: Rias vs Diadora"
Oh… no wonder no one had bothered to tell him. They were clearly labeled.
He quickly scanned the room, his eyes darting from plaque to plaque, searching for a familiar name. It didn't take long.
"Rating Game: Sona vs Sairaorg"
It was almost directly across from Rias'.
He made his way over to the safe and quickly inserted the key into the lock. There was no need to turn the key, it was an electronic lock. A soft beep momentarily echoed about the room before being replaced by a hissing sound. Smoke billowed about the edges of the vault as it slowly opened, like hot air suddenly being exposed to cold causing the moisture to condense and create vapor.
A trap? Had he made a mistake? He froze, ready to bolt in case something or someone came in to check. When nothing happened, he took a closer look at the edges of the door. It was then that he realized it wasn't a trap. It wasn't even hot air meeting cold air.
There were tiny little smoke generators on the side of the door. The entire thing had been for special effects, nothing more.
Tatsumi just shook his head, not even surprised anymore that devils would be so vain as to have that sort of special effects where a general audience couldn't even enjoy it, and opened the vault. There inside was a small computer console. A screen and keyboard that hooked up to the larger administration system.
There wasn't anything else to do. Right there on the screen were the rules for the Rating Game between Sona and Sairaorg. There weren't any options to go elsewhere from this screen. All it allowed was the adjustment and modification of the rules.
That was fine with him.
This was the moment of truth. What sort of ridiculous restrictions had they placed on Sona this time?
Rating Game: Sona Sitri vs Sairaorg Bael
Game Type: Dice Figure
Game Description: A type of Rating Game where each King rolls a single dice and the combine total of the roll is tallied. That total is then used to determine how many pieces may fight. It is up to the King to decide who battles, but they cannot exceed the maximum total worth.
Piece Value: Pawn (1), Knight (3), Bishop (3), Rook (5), Queen (9), King – Sona (8), King – Sairaorg (8).
Special Value Exception: Knight – Hikaru (12)
Victory Condition: King is Defeated.
Special Rules:
Combatants can't battle more than once in a row unless said combatant is the King and they are the final piece remaining on a side.
Following the above rule, if the total rolled is four and a King only has a knight and a pawn left, yet the Knight fought in the earlier round, only the pawn can be sent out despite having the allocation to send both.
For the sake of a fair and even match, the Lightning Form of the Knight, Hikaru, is sealed.
Kings are not allowed to use Phoenix Tears.
Hikaru can only be used once.
Hikaru shall not be used in a match against a King.
Tsubaki Shinra's Mirror Alice can only be utilized in its base form.
Short and simple, detailing only the most basic of information. It was probably all the Administrators and Arbitrators needed.
But this type of game? Tatsumi wasn't surprised at all by what he found. As if Sairaorg wasn't already considered stronger than Sona. The game itself favored the Bael heir, a power-based King and peerage, over Sona, a more intellectual and strategic King and peerage.
And the rating of the pieces? Sairaorg was EQUAL to Sona? Hikaru was a twelve despite having her lightning form sealed along with the other restrictions? And what was this little note in the margin beside the third special rule? Apparently while 'Kings' weren't allowed to use Phoenix Tears, other members were. Sairaorg Bael had already been informed but Sona was to be left to figure that loophole out on her own.
Even Tsubaki was being targeted.
"This is so obviously rigged you'd have to be an idiot not to see it," Tatsumi murmured as he finished reading over the rules.
"I see you've found the Vault," Lord Phenex's voice came through the ear piece. "Rigged or not is irrelevant. Equality is a fancy term that only Humans truly care about. What does it say? Don't leave anything out."
"How much time do I have?" Tatsumi asked, casting a worried glance at the door. No one could see him, but the vault door being open was something he couldn't hide.
"Enough." Serafall's cold, chilling voice came over the line. Tatsumi heard someone faintly stammer an apology before the line went quiet again.
It was comforting to have someone like Serafall on his side right at this moment, but he didn't want to press his, their, luck too far, so he quickly repeated everything verbatim.
"There's obvious and then there's this," Ruval's disappointed voice came through. "These rules are so restrictive it's detrimental even to Sairaorg Bael. He'd gain no honor, no prestige, no worth, by defeating an opponent constrained so."
"Whatever the case, we're here to fix this," Lord Phenex snapped quickly. We, was it? Somewhere along the line it seemed Lord Phenex had become more invested in this than he had originally intended to be.
"Sairaorg is not equal to Sona," Tatsumi said, looking at the value of each King. As much as he loved Sona, he had to be honest here.
"If Hikaru wasn't included, compared to the other pieces he'd be a 12," Ruval said.
"Twelve it is for him," Tatsumi said, quickly adjusting the value for Sairaorg. "And let's lower Sona to a seven so if a twelve is rolled she has more options."
"Those values may change during the game," Ruval said.
"Then they change based on what they've earned," Tatsumi said. He had no issues with that. "I'm also removing the restriction on Hikaru's Lightning form. It almost, sort of, made sense against Rias if you ran really fast and didn't look at it too hard. It makes no sense here."
"Yes," Serafall's cold voice came across the line.
There weren't any complaints from the others so Tatsumi quickly erased the second special rule and renumbered the third one to be the second. He also adjusted said rule to be clearer. He was confident Sona could figure it out, but she shouldn't have to. This would let her focus on the matches themselves, instead of searching for loopholes in the rules.
Then he erased everything associated with Tsubaki and the limits on how often Hikaru could be used. They were simply ridiculous.
"Is Hikaru really a twelve?" Tatsumi asked.
"With her full power at her disposal… yes, she is," Ruval said. "She's a fan favorite for sure, more so than even Sairaorg. A great many female devils admire her, especially reincarnated ones."
"Males too," Lucina's voice surprisingly sprang up, "her lightning form destroys her clothing and she has very nice skin."
"So twelve makes sense," Tatsumi said, "which is why she's now a six." He made the adjustment.
There was a deafening silence over the line before a low chuckle from Lord Phenex sounded in his ears. "We'll make a devil out of you yet."
"No thanks," Tatsumi said, "it's all about that equality we humans value so much. The game itself favors Sairaorg, so I need to tip it a little to Sona's side, right?"
"I like his definition of 'equal'," Ruval said, laughing lightly.
"It has some merit," Serafall's cold voice came across the line.
"That it does," Lord Phenex said, still chuckling. "I believe we're finished here," he continued, sounding rather pleased about the whole situation, "save the changes and close the vault. After that, it's up to Sona Sitri to prove herself. If she can't put on a good show after we've gone through all this trouble—"
"That won't be an issue," Serafall's voice crackled again. There was more quiet stammering on Serafall's end before the line went silent again.
"Well, it's saved now and…" he trailed off, frowning as he noticed something for the first time. "Oh, I missed the second page."
"What second page?" Ruval's voice cracked like a whip. "There… bzz… be no…bzzz… page unless… bzz… long… bzz… did not!"
He was starting to cut out. Interference? He had to finish this quickly. The authorities may be on to the fact that someone was here and was trying to cut communications.
"Well, let's find out—" A noise outside snapped his head to the right. There were soft little beeps and boops as someone started entering the passcode for the door. Damn! They were already here! "Bailing!" There was no time to check the second page. If someone found him here with the vault open, everything would be over. If the vault was found open, everything was over. He could only pray that there wasn't anything terrible on the second page.
He quickly shut the vault and activated his invisibility. Just in time too as the door swung open to admit several individuals. The first was a tall woman with long green hair wearing a formal looking dress. The one beside her was an older gentleman with short, grey hair and an immaculately kept mustache and beard. Like the woman, he was dressed in full formal black attire. Tatsumi didn't recognize either of them.
He did recognize the man that walked in behind.
Diehauser Belial.
Tatsumi slipped away from the vault, circling around the three of them towards the still open door. They didn't appear to notice him. Good. The door was still open. He quietly slipped through the open door into the hallway and was about to leave when their voices stopped him.
"You're a very suspicious man, Diehauser Belial." Tatsumi heard the woman say.
"The Leviathan wouldn't be here without reason. She's trying to delay the game," Diehauser replied curtly. "I intend to find out why."
"Perhaps she found out your involvement in pitting her sister against Sairaorg Bael," the other male devil in a deep, gravely voice.
"I am simply helping her," Diehauser Belial returned bluntly. "What Sona-dono wishes to accomplish will take power, authority, strength of will, ruthless cunning and the sharp bitter taste of failure. If she is crushed by something as simple as this, then she'll never achieve her dream." There was a pause. "Of course I won't shed a tear if she is crushed. For me it's a win either way. This way is simply more entertaining. Now let's get the rules and head to the stadium. We've delayed long enough."
There was a soft hiss as the vault door swung open. Tatsumi held his breath as a long, pregnant silence enveloped the room beyond the door.
"Well, you have your answer," the woman declared, clearly annoyed by the whole ordeal. There were a few beeps and boops before the safe door was closed. "I won't let you alter them at this junction."
"If this was all they managed, I don't need to," Diehauser said, sounding strangely satisfied, "such a pity. I had expected more. Simply sheer incompetence. So focused on the minor distractions they missed the real threat. If Serafall Leviathan had found out what was on that second page…" Diehauser's chuckle was not a pleasant one. "It seems I will have my revenge."
Pity? Real threat? What was he talking about? And if it was such a pity then why did he sound so satisfied? What was this about revenge? The thought that Diehauser Belial, one of the most respected and powerful devils had it out for Sona put Tatsumi on edge.
What had been on that second page?
Tatsumi could only bite his lip as a sinking feeling started to well up in the pit of his stomach. He knew this feeling. The feeling of inky black tendrils as cold as the arctic north crawling up his back.
The fear that once again he was going to lose someone he cared for.
Author's Note: Boom! Ending on a cliff-hanger! Shit's about to go south in a bad way!
Leave a review and let me know what you thought of this. Was it everything you hoped or no? What would you have liked to see and what did you like of what you read? I'd love to know every little bit of detail so that if I am to write an infiltration scene in the future I know what sort of pitfalls to avoid, an what to include.
Note on Ravel and the Shower Scene: Normally I don't do those types of scenes, as you all know from the myriad of opportunities I had before now, but declined to take. However, this time it was necessary. I needed there to be more than a few words and a scene change, and without a chapter break, I need something like this to show the impact the potential sacrifice had on Ravel and what Tatsumi needed to do to ease her worries.
Basically, it had story purpose and wasn't just there 'because reasons.' That's why I wrote it.
There was a secondary reason, that being this scene was one of the reasons I started this story and the second last thing I had yet to actually put in it! I don't know what it is about Ravel but she's one of my favorite girls in DxD. She and Bennia were the two girls I had originally planned to have be with Tatsumi. It just took this long to finally get around to doing it.
I'm not sure if it lived up to expectations but there it is. I'm not very good with those sorts of scenes, truth be told. Another reason why I tend to not write them.