Chapter 17: The Master of Irrevocable (Part 6)

Adopting a pleasant idiot's smile Harris had to hide his visible amusement at the way the two heavily armed and armored protectors - their species concealed by heavy cloth and metal - radiated hostility at his presence, no doubt having had heard rumors of his fairly chaotic arrival to the palace and the nightmarish scenario that had arisen as he stressed their empress to the nines.

He did love it when his reputation preceded him. Better to be thought of as an arrogant, maddened fool rather than the cool, reptilian certainty he tended to usually employ.

Frightened and wary people never felt confident in bringing the true weight of their power or influence to bear, lest they expend it only to be met with failure on an unknown quantity...which was funny because that course of action would have always worked perfectly fine. In his last life he'd typically been a one man show with the occasional bit of odd help here and there, a massive retaliation and response would have been game over. And in this life he was still relatively weak compared to the big players who could snuff him out if they so wished.

"Working on that last bit though. Good to know that my charms unsettle gods and devas just as much they do politicians and investors."

Amused at the comparison he met the helmed glares with nothing short of maddening affability, eventually being let inside as the duo stepped aside, allowing him entry to Amaterasu's personal chambers.

And what chambers they were. Essentially a veranda overlooking the interior of the palace it nonetheless had a warmth to it courtesy of what looked like a miniature sun placed directly overhead, shuttered by paper lanterns that could be adjusted to dictate just how bright the interior of the living area was. The room itself was a unique blend of extravagant but tasteful, royal rugs and miniature trees of a dozen different varieties scattered about while a colossal bed of fine silks and other embroideries lay off to the side in a corner, half-concealed by an intricately carved wardrobe.

"Any chance you could teach me to create my own star and keep it from incinerating everything in a rather detrimental radius? I like the ambiance in here."

"Unless you happen to be a solar deity of some manner or another I highly doubt you would ever be able to replicate the feat. Assuming I even trusted you enough to impart with such knowledge in the first place."

Inwardly musing to himself Harris thought, "Well considering what sent me to this world such a feat may not be impossible. I rather like the idea of using celestial bodies as wall decoration."

Keeping those thoughts to himself the shapeshifter instead strolled deeper into the woman's chambers, eyeing her as she bent low over a miniature Japanese Maple tree, equally fine shears clasped between her delicate hands as she painstakingly selected a branch that appeared little larger than a strand of hair-

-and snipped it with exacting precision, nodding in satisfaction as a small smile briefly dotted her lips.

"Imagining that was my head?"

"Nothing so barbaric. Merely your attitude."

"I can speak in monotone, if it will make you feel better."

A sidelong glance of minor irritation at his flippancy coincided with the goddess gracefully rising to her feet, matching the male's height perfectly as she coldly remarked, "Believe it or not I believe I would find you even more vexing if that were the case."

Grinning in acknowledgement of his perpetual ability to aggravate others Harris watched as Amaterasu strode to a collection of lounge chairs, eyeing the more relaxed attire she'd adorned instead of the voluminous and ostentatious robes from earlier. A simple kimono of pure white with a crimson obi, leaving her delicate arms bare as her hair spilled in an untamed mane down her back.

He briefly debated the merits of pointing out that white was a lousy color to do gardening in before deciding he'd already pushed enough buttons for the next few minutes, the empress authoritatively stating, "Sit with me," as she languidly molded her body into one of the soft-looking chairs.

"Don't mind if I do."

Sighing in bliss at the completely over the top comfort of the goddess's personal furniture almost a minute passed in quiet contemplation, Harris not bothering to avert his gaze from the woman as she gazed out over the palace grounds before abruptly commenting, "I'm not entirely sure what to do with you, Xavier."

"Be at ease, you're not the first with that particular thought."

"Your position in the grander scheme of things is nebulous at best and of dire importance at the worst. And, as the current ruler of my people, it falls to my jurisdiction as to how best to approach the headache that is your person."

Lacing his hands behind aforementioned head Harris idly observed, "And yet you seem perfectly happy to keep me close at hand, despite the multitude of migraines I've imparted upon your lovely skull."

The man raised an eyebrow, casually stating, "The current issue with the Hindus must be particularly nasty, if you're willing to take a gamble on me. Is the might of China and it's renewed attention on its one time vassal state that vexing and heavy of a burden on your mind?"

"Well aren't you the clever little boy?"

Chuckling as some of Amaterasu's cool composure cracked and she resorted to far more entertaining sarcastic quips as a means of communication Harris became a trifle more serious, remarking, "Not observant, just confident. You wouldn't keep a relatively weak and highly contentious court jester like myself - who just so happened to have already sowed dissent among the ranks, if your door guards are any indication - around during such a charged and delicate period unless you had reason to believe you could make use of him."

He allowed a shark's grin to show teeth.

"More to the point, you seem to have understood me to an acceptable extent during our earlier introduction. My neutrality is a malleable and fickle thing, swayed by opinion, conversation, hearsay and ultimately proof."

Amaterasu stared at him for quite the length of time, Harris merely leaning back in his sinfully soft chair and letting his eyes drift closed as he awaited the answer that was practically guaranteed to come-

"While we lack definitive proof I am all but certain the former empress Kaiyo Eiichi - Akito and Yasaka's mother - was killed by a Hindu assassin that used some unknown means to dispatch her six years ago. We discovered no means of injury, malady or curse...only a steady worsening of her health over four days before her body simply stopped working, slipping away into death's embrace while she was in the midst of discussion with - take this as you will - Amoghasiddhi himself."

Harris made a dismissive motion with his hand, lazily stating, "No signs of any wrongdoing but it was definitely the other party's fault? Surely you have something better than that to offer."

She ignored his comment and concluded with, "And now the timing. Just as the pact between Kaiyo and Emperor Kanmu begins to bear fruit the ones no doubt responsible for Kaiyo's demise return, speaking of peace and terms with wording nigh identical to the ones they offered six years ago."

She met the shapeshifter's gaze with a smoldering fire glimmering within midnight orbs.

"You seem to respond poorly to attempts at control or coercion. So I will simply ask you to do as you will. To meddle. We are innocent in this matter and I have decided to trust that your particular inclination towards chaos will better aid us than it will hinder us."

An ugly expression briefly appeared on the goddess's features.

"Because you're right. I do require allies and surprises. This dispute cannot devolve into war - any outright conflict between the Shinto and Hindu pantheons would result in the destruction of the very lands we seek to preserve - thus all that remains is diplomacy and intimidation."

Harris smiled, humming in thought merely to drag the moment out, mind already made up the moment he'd stepped into Japan but finding it worthwhile to review what info he knew as a sort of roadmap.

It had been just around eight years before the new capital - the very one they were in - was abandoned and moved back to Heian, a few factors aiding that decision. A 'haunting' by the ghost of an exiled prince, a flood that could very well have been divine fuckery...the timelines layered reasonably well and while he wasn't certain what the supernatural history of the world was like it seemed a safe bet Amaterasu and the rest had quickly capitulated, or at least managed to broker some kind of modestly favorable agreement.

Then again Akito almost certainly wasn't alive during DxD's original canon, so who was to say the Shinto weren't a bit more feisty or confrontational than they were before, what with two heirs to the throne?

No matter, he had a target, an objective and a means of finding out more than just mere hearsay and suspicions.

Snapping open his eyes and focusing on Amaterasu the man all but purred, "I think your request has gone and piqued my interest, Lady Amaterasu. All right, I'll nose around and get to the bottom of this, although I make no certain claims as to who the ultimately guilty party will be."

"I assumed as much, seeing as how you've already started doing so."

At the male's raised eyebrow of amusement she responded with her own unique brand of smirk, stating, "Your three companions having dinner with Akito and Yasaka. I have not a doubt in my mind it's an arrangement that perfectly combines both business and pleasure. You strike me as the type to squeeze every possible benefit out of any given scenario that you can."

"A standard I endeavor to live up to and sometimes succeed at. Now!"

He clapped his hands and caused Amaterasu's eyebrow to arch, gleefully stating, "Since we understand each other why don't we move the topic of conversation to something more enjoyable that won't have me courting death and you contemplating it?"

He meaningfully cast his gaze towards a distant bottle of what was almost certainly liquor, posing, "While my heart may belong to my beloved Robin and Merlin I think a little friendly socialization between man and woman is just what the doctor ordered. Interested?"

The goddess gave him the oddest look for several long seconds, as if unsure whether he was joking or being serious...and a minor wave of a finger caused heated air to lift the bottle and two curved saucers over to their location, onyx eyes containing the first hints of levity he'd seen thus far as she mused, "Bold of you to assume I find the prospect of spending my limited free time with you, of all people."

"That would sound far more cutting if you hadn't already drifted over a second cup."

"And who's to say dealing with your eccentricities doesn't require twice the pace of imbibement?"

"Well if I'm going to be consigned to sobriety can you perhaps educate this poor peasant on the details of this palace? It's drop dead gorgeous and were it not for the hostile looks directed towards my person I would say it's perfect."

Sensing the honesty in his tone Amaterasu smiled, relinquishing the second saucer as she uncapped the bottle, replying, "Only if you regale me with more specific details of your prior adventures."

"Deal. Drink to the first contract between mortal and divine that hopefully won't end with the mortal regretting the decision?"

A predatory smirk that disappeared as quickly as appeared.

"I ensure no promises whatsoever."

They drank, both fully aware that the after hours meeting was simply an extension of their search for information and leverage. She attempting to sway him to the Shinto's side and he gaining any and all info that the Yokai typically wouldn't give to a stranger.

Both were crazy enough to find the whole scenario genuinely entertaining.

"Truly?! You are the Merlin of Arturian legend?!"

Giggling rather pridefully the Magus of Flowers grandly responded, "That I am, little fox~! I was rather fortunate to have been freed from my confinement in Avalon thanks to my master and now travel the wide world with him, wandering and getting into exciting stories as we will."

She daintily sliced a piece of fish - one of the many dishes laid out for the gathered group - and clearly savored it, relishing in the herbs and other toppings that gave it a zesty kick.

"And if it's tales of the knights, Fae and magicians I traveled or dealt with on a near daily basis that you seek then allow me to assure you, I possess no shortage of misadventures both epic, sensual and just plain silly to part ways with~!"

Clearly expecting Yasaka to follow up on the offer Merlin was left blinking and in a state of mild shock as the Kitsune instead turned her attention to Robin, stating, "I will undoubtedly wish to accept such an offering at a later date, but there remains a confusing albeit exciting question yet to be answered. You styled yourself as a Dragon God, miss Robin, yet no tales or myths of your presence exist among our storied past. Is your current name merely an alias?"

Puffing out a cheek in vexation at being passed up for her companion Robin gave Merlin a brief but pointed sidelong glance of smugness, returning to Yasaka's inquisitive gaze with a friendly smile as she explained, "I do indeed house a Dragon God's soul, although it may be more accurate to say I merged with it. And there exist no legends or tales of me within this realm because I come from beyond it."

Akito perked, inquiring, "So you mean to say you have traveled from beyond the Dimensional Gap? That must be quite the feat, the Gap leads to many strange places and the forces that divide them have torn asunder all means of exploration or investigation to date."

The horned woman merely offered a polite shrug, explaining, "Harris certainly is capable of the unconventional and thus far I've been more than happy to travel alongside him. And while my own company of 'knights' cannot hold up to dear Merlin's in terms of notoriety in this world I would freely wager that my dearest companions were a fair bit stranger."

Meeting Robin's playful gaze with a haughty one of her own Merlin purred, "Would you seek to put that claim to the test, my dearest companion? I hold many decades and generations of peculiar individuals fresh within my mind while you hold, at best, a few measly years."

A confident grin was the magi's only response, the dragon woman languidly explaining, "It's not the quantity but the quality that counts. Strange that you of all people would forget such a distinction."

A playful banter ensued, Yasaka seeming torn as to whether be dismayed her guests were so openly fighting or amused as Akito shook his head, bringing the debate to a halt as he stated, "My apologies if this sounds overly rude but for one of the most famed magicians in recent generations and a self-styled Dragon God the two of you don't feel particularly dangerous or awe-inspiring in presence. Powerful and certainly potent, but not overwhelming in the way Lady Amaterasu does when she allows herself to let go of self-restraint."

The pair didn't seem offended or slighted in any way, Robin airily waving a hand in dismissal as she explained, "You're quite right, neither of us are truly what we once were, although that's more a consequence of the method that freed us from our 'prior obligations' than it is any sort of permanent marring. We'll become more impressive in due time, if nothing else I can promise you that."

The Vampire heaved out a sigh, dully stating, "Trust me when I say they're already plenty powerful enough, I've been learning from them for a couple of years and they're crazy."

Akito chuckled, Yasaka perking with visible delight as she asked, "Oh? If it's not too much to ask may I see some of your displays of might sometime? I'm sure that with my permission a bit of weight thrown around wouldn't rouse too much in the way of suspicion!"

Both Robin and Merlin looked ready to agree until Charles released a titanic yawn, Akito smiling at the display before announcing, "As entertaining as this dinner has been the hour grows late and I believe Charles has had his fill of the day's activities. Traveling with Harris must be quite the exhausting time."

"Oh you have no idea just how true that is…"

Despite the grumbled words the Vampire looked grateful for the reprieve, Yasaka's ears wilting in disappointment as her older brother had to resist the urge to roll his eyes in exasperation at her display.

"Don't bawl in front of the guests, baby sister of mine."

"I wasn't-"

"And don't be so dramatic either. There remains two hours still until we should rest for the night and if Robin and Merlin are willing they can continue speaking with you."

The younger Kitsune turned to the pair of women with hope dancing within her eyes, Merlin giggling at the blatant enthusiasm as she chirped, "But of course we would be happy to~! How could I ever turn down such an adorable little fox's request?"

"I'm not a little fox, you know."

The half-hearted denial caused Robin to chuckle as Akito snorted in disbelief, announcing, "Then have at it, little sister. I'll show Charles the baths and his room before inquiring as to whether Lady Amaterasu has use of me. Or turned Harris into a cinder."

Merlin placed a finger on her lip, musing, "Not an entirely impossible scenario, master does indeed enjoy pushing people's buttons."

"I wouldn't even be able to feign surprise if that happened…"

Another yawn followed on the heels of his muttered comment, Akito smiling as he pulled his friend to his feet by way of their interlaced hands, stating, "Come along now, it'd be a bad reflection on our hospitality if one of our guests dropped to the floor in exhaustion."

Pushing the Vampire out the door before he could protest they began making their way through the palace's winding corridors, Akito looping an arm around his companion's shoulders as he stated, "A stay in our baths followed by a good night's rest will have you refreshed and feeling better than ever come the morning, Charles. Unfortunately, considering how Harris introduced himself to everyone today, I think you're going to need it."

"Agreed."

Turning his pale expression towards the Kitsune Charles couldn't help but ask, "I saw two of you today, the First Prince who was very clear, concise and brave with his words and action while right now I'm staring at Akito, the boy who didn't mind making friends with a Vampire when they were fairly certain only a slow, painful death was left for them. And one who became even closer friends once they were rescued by a crazy person, instead of drifting away."

Akito's tails brushed against Charles as he sheepishly scratched his ear, stating, "Well you were pretty easy to get along with, that's all. And I truly am glad you're here, Charles."

He favored the bloodsucker with a radiant smile that had the adorable boy turning pink, the Kitsune smelling blood in the water as he laid it on thick with a playful grin.

"As the First Prince I have to play the part, keep myself composed and always aware that my conduct and decisions affect all of Japan. There are precious few opportunities outside of my sister to act as irreverantly as I wish with no fear of the consequences...and you, my friend, are one of them."

Akito had to avoid bursting out into laughter upon seeing Charles turn a shade of mortified red that put Lady Amaterasu's robes to shame, the rest of the walk filled with relaxed teasing of an increasingly amused Vampire as he got used to Akito's mannerisms.

"And here we are. The royal baths, free for your private usage."

Gradly gesturing to the steaming waters that could comfortably seat thirty - interspersed with natural rock formations and constantly blooming Sakuras that dropped fragrant petals into the hedonistic liquid - Akito pointed to a bamboo shed located in a far off corner, stating, "Towels, soaps and other luxuries are over there, feel free to use what you want...and would you like it if I joined you?"

Just as expected Charles looked startled by the offer, quickly averting his gaze and no doubt searching for an excuse-

"I'm joking. I have to check in with Lady Amaterasu, remember?"

Visibly relaxing the Vampire gave Akito a sour look, grumbling, "You really are a bad joker, aren't you?"

"Bad? Me? Perish the thought."

Giving his friend one last embrace before departing for the night it was a quick trip to the current Empress's chambers...and the Kitusne blinked as he found it still sealed shut, the duo of guards noting his approach and stating, "Lady Amaterasu is still in conversation with the new arrival and is not taking guests, Crown Prince."

"Ah. So she hasn't murdered him yet?"

"...Not yet."

Nodding in thanks to the stalwart guardians Akito departed without a backwards glance, pondering how best to spend his time now that it was free and unencumbered. He had fully expected to be asked to deliver his reasoning as to his support of Harris but, well...evidently not.

And then he stopped mid-stride, lips curling upwards in a foxy grin as he scampered off for the baths.

Turns out he could join Charles in the bath after all~! And give his friend a good scare while he was at it, which was even better.

Quickly arriving at the steaming waters he heard Charles gently scratching and cleaning his hair behind one of the many rock formations, quietly humming a soft tune as the Kitsune swiftly disrobed, sleeping into the water without so much as a ripple before stealthily approaching his friend's position and clambering atop the rock with silent motions, drawing to just above the Vampire's bathing spot...and cheerfully announced, "Hi there~!"

A startled shriek escaped the bloodsucker's throat, jumping up and whirling around as Akito felt a laugh rise up through his throat...and merely escaped as a befuddled 'huh' at the sight that greeted him.

A slim, feminine body topped by tiny yet perky breasts, cute nipples pimpled and rosy with adrenaline and the rush of cold air. A dickless, puffy mound between soft legs that was completely smooth and hairless.

...And mortified, wide eyes of crimson that stared into his own as ruby lips gaped and moved soundlessly.

"You're a girl?"