Welcome to the next chapter!
Valtryek-sama; Soon it will be decided.
LezarioFanficio; Pretty well yeah.
Darkwubs; Yeah, we surely are~ Yeah, seems that they do haha. Glad you liked it~ Yeah, we will see some of what it can do, not all of it yet, but its going to be fun to play around with its abilities. Serafall will be yeah. Elmenhilde is for sure. Valerie is yeah, gonna be fun when she joins. His ancestry will be yeah.
Longinus888; Glad you liked it! Haha, cliffhangers can be like that, but I hope you enjoy it all the same~ Quite true yeah~
ShadowUzumaki55; Glad that you liked it~ She is yeah. Siegfried shall be for sure. They had quite the hard fight, which isn't over yet.
runelt99; I know, right~?
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, they both shall be going through some stuff. Glad you liked the Azazel stuff. Elmen has done yeah. Kuroka is pretty strong~ Naota did yeah, he can piece things together quickly. The fight did yeah, but the group put up a good fight, and did their best. Strada wouldn't have allowed Naota to get rid of the barrier and since Naota knew of his strength, that's why Naota asked Ravel to do so to give them the best chance. Yeah, Naota's got a very strong will to fight and survive. It'll have some cool abilities. He could admit divine aura at some point yeah. Strada will have quite the opinion on Naota after this fight. Thanks for the harem suggestions! Yeah, Diodora will be. If someone is after someone he cares for, Naota can be quite the fierce warrior. We shall see what happens with Siegfried and the others.
Guest 1; Here is the Balance Breaker~
Guest 2; Thanks!
Guest 3; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 4; I've got some ideas for that arc. Quite true~
Akeno fan; It does yeah, Naota gave it his all. Its going to be quite wild. The Balance Breaker shall be shown a bit this chapter. Siegfried, we shall see.
Shinigami Al; Very, very tough question haha. I can't name them all, as it would be a good long list, but some of my favourites include Rukia, Byakuya, Shunsui, Nanao, Rangiku, Toshiro, and a bunch of others, all are unique and interesting characters.
With those out of the way, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 11
It was a typical day for Serafall, or rather, usually it would be a typical day for her, if only she hadn't had to have a meeting with a girl that she...had many complex emotions for, and that girl was…
Gabriel.
Because it was her, Serafall always felt this odd feeling inside of her.
She never could quite pinpoint exactly what it is, but she knew for certain that Gabriel had this influence over her. Even when she thought about other times, Gabriel was capable of being someone Serafall had many conversations with, even if she felt mixed emotions.
"Best friend, isn't this tea really amazing? To think that they managed to make a blend that isn't too bitter or sweet, having the perfect mix of the two~"
Gabriel said it with delight.
The pair were in the human world, in a tea shop.
They both had some rather expensive tea, Serafall didn't even know what it was, as Gabriel had insisted in her cute way to try and persuade Serafall to try this tea. Because it was Gabriel, Serafall found it hard to fight her, so she went along with it.
She didn't mind the tea actually, it tasted good.
And she also loved the chocolate little cakes Gabriel had ordered as well.
"Yes, its good Gabriel. I couldn't believe that you've found this little shop in the human world."
Serafall said casually, her eyes darting everywhere that wasn't at the Angel herself.
Gabriel didn't notice the tension, and continued to smile.
"Ooh my yes, I've lately come to enjoy various things within the human world. I wished to learn, and then I could speak to Naota-san about human topics. Since he is half human. Does he bring up human topics with you?"
"He...He does yeah."
Serafall expressed with some hesitation, she found it extremely difficult speaking with Gabriel.
Gabriel shined her smile like the Angel she was.
"So, how is my adorable fiancee~? Its too bad that he couldn't come today."
Serafall quivered when hearing that.
It did make her feel sad that Gabriel thought like that.
"...He's fine yeah."
Gabriel tilted her neck to the left.
"That's good, I'm glad that he is good~ Soon, we shall have to plan so many things. Really, its going to be good between Heaven and the Underworld. Don't you agree? Ooh, he really is a sweetheart~ I could cuddle him all day~"
Serafall gripped her hands underneath the table, looking on with a narrowing brow.
"...Yes, he is going to be a good husband...f-for whoever he is going to marry. E-Even if it is you…"
Gabriel gushed at her best friends words.
"Exactly! I've seen that young man maturing and he's becoming even more handsome by the day. Wouldn't you say so?"
"He is, he's gonna be a handsome man pretty soon."
Gabriel nods.
"I'm glad, I've been reading about Naota-san's life, and it seemed really harsh. I imagine it must've been hard to survive all on his own for so long."
"Yes, Nao-chan has been through a lot. So I'm glad to see that he is flourishing now."
Serafall joyfully said.
If it came to Naota, she didn't mind discussing that with Gabriel.
However, Serafall then felt her phone buzzing, she received a message.
So she looked it over, and dropped her tea cup she held, causing it to shatter on the ground.
The others in the shop were startled by the sound, and began to look, while Gabriel kindly said "Sorry everyone~ Its okay~" and managed to have someone come and clean it up, while noticing that Serafall looked as if she was about to pass out.
"S-Serafall-san?"
Seeing her pale face, Gabriel knew immediately something was wrong.
"N-Nao-chan is...Nao-chan is fighting Vasco Strada."
Gabriel knew that name, and her face instantly dropped.
Naota, was fighting a man like that, spelt big trouble for him.
"S-Strada-san? B-But he is...Serafall-san, we have to go immediately!"
For once, Serafall agreed with Gabriel.
She even was willing to work with Gabriel in this case.
So the pair of them got themselves ready to depart and make sure that nothing happened to Naota and the others…
The members of team Naota were in awe when they saw the flash of bright light and demonic energies swirling around the battlefield.
Even Strada, who had previously been holding onto Naota's form, was blown away both mentally and physically, the power generated a wave of energy that even Strada was somewhat troubled by, and forced him to release Naota from his grip.
"W-What is this?"
Elmenhilde asked, Ravel looked at Naota's form, still bathed in light and demonic energies.
"This is...This has to be it…"
"Balance Breaker."
Vali finished off, astonished as she gazed upon the form of Naota.
The light was almost blinding, yet the demonic power also caused a radiance and a harmony with both powers blending together. Two opposing forces, coming together in such a dazzling sight, caught everyone off guard.
"This is Naota-kun's Balance Breaker….wow, he looks...he looks so beautiful…the power, I can feel it tingling on my skin nyaaa...and the brightness of that light...it really is warm. Even for a Devil like me nyaaa, it feels so good and refreshing…"
Kuroka murmured, as the light and demonic powers began to slowly converge into a new form around the young man.
Naota was stood in the centre of the mass of energy, and his form was being revealed to the others.
Naota was wearing what looked to be holy armour, the whiteness was pristine and bright. Shiny, and beautiful. Yet, it also had black accents across the shoulders, the sides of his torso, and on the sides of his legs as well. Wrapped around his head along with leaving his face exposed for the moment, was a helmet to complete the Kingly Knight look, which could also be dropped to cover his face if so desired.
Across his chest area, there were seven jewels.
Three on the right, three on the left and one in the centre of his chest, making up the seven all together.
Three looked to be bright heavenly white with a small amount of black mixed in them, three looked to be midnight black with a small amount of white mixed in them, and the middle jewel appeared to be a perfect mixture of white and black, swirling together endlessly.
The spear radiated more power than it ever had done before.
"Wow...he looks majestic."
Shirone couldn't help but say, while Kuroka nodded in agreement.
Vali couldn't hide her astonishment, she could feel so much power radiating from his being.
It was beautiful and powerful.
It filled her with dread and hope at the same time, she assumed it was because of the holy aspect that she sensed dread as she was a Devil as well. Yet, she also didn't hate it either, the holy and demonic aspects being together made her feel as if she wished to grow even stronger than ever before.
"Yes, I agree Shirone-san...he's like a Knight, in shining armour…wow…"
He looked like a fantasy hero in Ravel's eyes.
A hero from a story book that she recalled her butler reading to her when she was a younger child. A white Knight that came to save the good people from the monsters. Yet, with the black added across the armour, it also gave her the impression of a hero that had the perfect balance of light and dark, Heaven and Hell, something she thought perfectly summed up Naota, a boy from the Underworld, who gained the spear that was created with the power of the Heavens.
Naota's spear shined brightly, as Strada looked at it with astonishment.
"Balance Breaker. You reached that state. I thought it was a possibility, but to think you were able to use such power...it really is astounding."
Because he was seeing the Balance Breaker of True Longinus from this child for the first time, Strada was taken aback. Yet, it also made him massively intrigued. Especially about the jewels in the centre of his chest. He didn't know what they were, or what they could do, they didn't have any giveaways at all. It was like they were simply powerful jewels with no ideas whatsoever to what they actually could be.
"Balance Breaker….with this power of holy and demonic, I'll protect my peerage from you Vasco Strada! Now, its time to bestow these blessings, and perhaps, a miracle might come about."
Naota raised his hand up into the air, and one of the mostly white jewels began to glow. An aura spread from Naota, and encompassed those around him, his allies. As it did, he uttered "Blessed Healing." which releases a bright soothing angelic like light all around.
The wounds of Naota, and the others began to fade as the light washes over them.
"Ooh my…"
Ravel shivered at the delightful feeling.
Vali closed her eyes for a moment, and took in a breath, all the while feeling her injuries fading.
Naota took in sharp breaths, feeling his stamina depleting from healing them all, and himself. Plus with the size of their wounds, all of them had suffered a great deal. Even then, he'd not give up, and he'd keep it going until all of his group was fully restored.
Strada seeing this, didn't want them to fully heal, so he took his blade, and began to dash forward, when Naota held out his hand.
"Blessed Barrier."
Strada saw one of the jewels light up, and formed a bright beautiful white barrier with a mix of black energy which when he swung his sword at it with full force, the barrier began to break upon receiving such heavy damage.
However Strada felt damage flow up his arm to the point that it bled. His hand shook, and the blade itself didn't receive any damage, causing Strada to look wide eyed.
"It...It rebounded the attack upon me. Yes, when I punched it, I managed to nearly break it, yet at the same time, I also received damage...by my estimations, it would be the same damage that I would have inflicted upon him...heh, so that's the power of his barrier. Its still breakable, but by breaking it, you're going to be damaging yourself by the same level of force you put into the attack in the first place, even knowing about it would cause you hesitation, and even if you punch it, there's no guarantees that you'd even break it. Hahaha this power is pretty good. This True Longinus Balance Breaker is going to be very troublesome to deal with. And I've not seen all of the abilities of them as of yet. What else can you do boy?"
As he thought it, the healing jewel managed to take most of the wounds away from the others. While not fully healed, since Naota was still weakened with stamina, it was enough for them to move, and be able to keep going.
"Alright then, now time to make things a bit more even!"
Strada readied himself, and looked between Naota and the others.
Naota allowed another of his jewels to glow, which was one of the mostly black ones. Shooting out in a blackened light, the lights split apart, and soon formed what appeared to be armours similar to Naota's own being a mix of black and white, which shot for the others, and equipped onto them, as Naota exclaimed "Blessed Warriors." with the others looking over them in surprise.
"Whoa, we've got armour too nyaaaa!"
Kuroka yelled out, as Shirone nods strongly.
"I feel stronger all of a sudden. Energies filling me…"
"Yes…" Ravel said with astonishment. "My abilities have been amplified, I can feel the power flowing through me, Naota-sama's power. We are the warriors of Naota-sama...yes, befitting name, Naota-sama. We shall stand beside you!"
Naota glanced back at Ravel, and showed a serene smile on his face.
Ravel smiled in response as Vali looked over the armour she wore now thanks to Naota.
"Hmm, so this is the power of True Longinus is it? Fascinating, he can manifest armour like this, and since there's seven jewels, I'm guessing you've got seven different abilities. Befitting of the True Longinus to be capable of doing."
Vali mused, as Elmenhilde held a hand to her face.
"With this, are we strong enough to win? Surely, I feel stronger..."
Naota aimed his spear at Strada.
"You might have been able to fight us separately, and you might even be stronger than we are. But, we wont go down without a fight!"
Naota kicked off the ground, and his speed had increased a good deal. So much so that Strada was stunned and saw Naota appear before him, so Strada raised his sword, and came down towards him with a harsh strike.
Only for Naota to allow another jewel to shine, this being one of the white ones which wrapped around Naota in an instant as he muttered "Blessed Warping", and caused him to vanish from sight.
Strada's eyes widened, he couldn't even feel where Naota was.
"What the...he vanished completely? Even by teleporting standards, its like his entire existence has vanished. He could appear anywhere, and at any moment. I've got to be prepared, and ready to strike...yes, I have to remain calm and be ready."
Suddenly, he felt a presence behind him, and as he turned, Naota's spear came at his chest, Strada was faster and managed to block the strike, but was pushed back as immense light erupted off of the spear, digging into the ground and all around them.
Strada forced Naota back, flipping in the air, landing on the ground.
Naota muttered "Go down." as Naota slammed his spear onto the ground, and unleashed a strong ray of light that caused Strada to use his blade to block the strike.
But the light was like a laser, stronger than the other waves of light beforehand, and managed to cause the sword to begin breaking from being struck so harshly.
"Haaaaah!"
Ravel appeared beside Naota, powered by her armour, unleashed a blanket of flames that even shocked her, Strada grimaced and leapt out of the way, seeing the ground being burned to a good degree.
"Screw you old man!"
"...Get smashed."
As he dodged, Kuroka appeared with Shirone. Shirone coated her fist in Senjutsu, and noticed that it was much thicker than usual, while Kuroka created large orbs of Senjutsu and Youjutsu, which were half the size of two story houses, when usually they were the size of soccer balls, and they in unison unleashed their attacks at the same time.
"Good effort girls, but this wont win."
Strada clashed with Shirone's fist, and Strada felt his body slightly tremble, as he used his power to deflect the attacks of Kuroka, noting their potency and power that caused his sword to break on the last one Kuroka used.
"A-Anything I can do...I will…!"
As he lands on the ground, Elmenhilde appears as she places her hands out, and darkness shoots out, Strada coats his hand in holy aura, and punches forward, breaking through the darkness, as Vali comes flying down with her energy being twice as large as it usually would be, and her speed having increased, as she was able to get close within moments.
"Looks like we shall be seizing this now."
Unleashing a large volume of power, Strada could feel it with his skin that even Strada had to admit for a child, this attack truly was devastating. He pondered that it could easily wipe out High Class Devils, so he pumped up his muscles, and allows his holy aura to flow through his fist in a strong burst.
However, when he went to punch, Naota shot off an orb from his chest towards Vali's power, and caused it to vanish from space.
Strada realized what Naota had done, and quickly looked for it, only to feel it appearing behind him.
He noticed, and turned, his sword going upwards to strike it down.
"Blessed Barrier."
At that moment, a bright white barrier appeared before Vali and Strada with the jewel floating around, going between them, Strada smashed the barrier apart with his sword coated in holy power, but in turn caused wounds to erupt across his body, causing Strada to wince.
"An opening!"
Vali unleashed her pure destructive demonic powers, and managed to land upon Strada.
Strada was still a human, but was very durable and withstood the attack. It managed to cause some of his wounds he received to open a little more, more blood dripping down onto the ground all the while Naota fell to his knees.
"Nao…"
Vali could see Naota panting.
He already had fought so hard, he was on his last legs.
Naota used his spear to pull himself to his feet.
Hard breaths came out of the young man's body, so Shirone went over and helped support him with her arms going around his waist.
"Koneko…"
"Naota-san...we are fighting together...I will support you like this."
Hearing her honest and pure words, he couldn't deny that he truly did love his group.
Along with her, Elmenhilde stood at his side, and supported him as well.
She looked slightly embarrassed as she muttered "T...This is me repaying the favour...for saving me." he thought she looked cute going into a somewhat tsundere like mode, even if it was only a little bit.
Vali seeing Naota's determined, raised her own, and came at Strada with a rapid firing demonic blast. Over and over, she bombarded Strada, who swung his sword, and batted away the attacks over and over again, putting more effort in as he saw Vali going all out to even hold him down for a short time.
"All of these young people...they really do care for one another. Yes, I'm convinced I know who these people are at their core. And it seems that they've grown in determination and pulling out all their strength to fight for one another. That boy did say I'd see blessings, and I think I'm beginning to see such a thing."
But it wasn't over, and he saw Ravel coming to attack so he turned around, and unleashed a punch towards her. As he did, holy aura charged up to strike Ravel down.
However, Naota thrust his hand forward as a jewel on Naota's chest, one of the mostly black jewels released an orb that expanded and slammed into Ravel, which warped her away before Strada could reach her.
Then she appeared above him, raining down fire blasts upon Strada.
"Burn!"
Gritting his teeth, Strada broke through the flames, and looked at the ones present.
All of them looked tired.
Yet, they still defiantly stared at the enemy.
"You are quick, young ones, and you hold great power. This Balance Breaker of yours is quite strong. I applaud you for being able to work so well with one another. And this is only you having just awakened them, when you master these abilities, each will be scary to see."
Naota was surprised to hear his praise.
Even though the groups were opposing one another, they still were fighting hard, Strada was offering his praise and was delighted at the same time.
Naota felt a shift, a change within the old man.
Before, when they first started, he seemed to be dead set focused upon ending them.
But now, it seems that he has something else in mind.
While not sure what it was, Naota still was ready and willing to do his best.
"Thank you, and you've not seen all of what it can do yet. If you keep coming after us, we shall fight you with everything we've got inside of us!"
Strada looked to Naota, and saw that he was panting.
To him, it was clear Naota was exhausted, yet kept going on for his peerage and the protection of them.
"Though I can see, the young man is losing stamina fast, he's only just awakened this power, after being in a prolonged fight and already being pushed to the brink. This young man's determination, his strength of heart, and his pure intentions of protecting his loved ones are so high, so unyielding that he would do anything to protect them. I'm surprised to see such a young man who's a Devil. I've rarely come across such things in my time, and yet, this boy...perhaps True Longinus came together with a fascinating young man indeed. Yes, he has more than earned my respect, he's one of the most respectable warriors I have ever had the pleasure to come across."
Rather than be worried, he was delighted.
To face a strong child like this, Strada knew that when Naota reaches maturity, then he'd be a force for the world.
Strada turned towards Naota, and the others instantly got before him.
Knowing now he didn't have much energy left, they all would fight on his behalf, and they'd get his support.
So they all took on Strada as much as they could do.
Naota used his new abilities to support them, while they unleashed all of the attacks they could do upon Strada.
It didn't succeed.
But that was due to Strada being a rather powerful man, he could take on many strong enemies even at his old age. Though, he was being stopped from reaching Naota. Even he had to admit that they were able to cause this much trouble for him, made him note the potential future for all of these young ones.
"You all...have nothing to be criticized for. You have shown me the bond you all share. And even I, have been pushed today. If I was younger, then it might be different. But as I am right now, and noting how young you all are, you've done a very good job in fighting me. I can see now that Siegfried spoke wrong. Whatever is happening here, I can see that you Devils, aren't the ones responsible. I am sorry."
They all looked surprised.
Because they didn't expect Strada to even say anything close to resembling an apology.
As they spoke, Serafall and Gabriel managed to arrive. Gabriel saw the condition of those of Naota and his group, astonished and surprised at the same time.
She saw Naota in Balance Breaker, and was dazzled by it.
Serafall though saw the wounds on Naota, and her eyes filled with rage.
She withdrew her staff, aiming it right towards Strada.
"You attacked Nao-chan! He's heavily wounded, and looks to be in a lot of pain! And so are the others! Why did you target Nao-chan and his cute group like this?! I'll freeze you if you don't tell me! I'll even glitter!"
Strada could see the fire within Serafall's eyes.
Along with that, ice began to form around her.
Strada could feel the level of power that Serafall was using.
It was so intense that even he felt like that he would have to pause and rethink what he was going to do.
But then he saw Gabriel.
The young woman looked on, with her beautiful wings spreading out behind her.
Strada immediately went to one knee and bowed his body, all the while Gabriel gave saddened eyes.
"Strada-san, This fight has ended, hasn't it? Because if it hasn't, I'd like for you to stop now."
Strada nods in affirmation.
"Yes...Gabriel-sama, it is an honour to see you appearing."
Gabriel softened her features.
She always thought Strada was a good man.
"I have been seeing you and your honest heart during your time with the church. But in this instance, you have been deceived."
Gabriel said it, while taking a glance at Naota, and saw his fatigued state. More than anyone else, it seems that he had become the most tired, causing her to wonder how far he went for his peerage, how hard he fought to fight a man like Vasco Strada.
"I have become aware, Gabriel-sama. The one named Siegfried, gave me evidence that these individuals had caused the deaths of innocent people. I cannot say how he achieved this, it isn't in his abilities to do this alone. Still, I had no reason to doubt, as I did my own investigations. Someone wished for me to believe these people had attacked and murdered innocents."
Gabriel slowly nods, as Serafall gives strong troubled eyes.
But then she goes over to Naota, and sees him beginning to leave his Balance Breaker form.
"Nao-chan…" Seeing his condition, Serafall gave saddened eyes. "That beautiful armour just now, could it be that you've attained it…?"
Becoming shocked, Serafall saw Naota give an affirming nod.
"Yeah...desperate times, I managed to awaken Balance Breaker. Still, it seems I've got some ways to go before fighting men of his calibre. Even then, I'm glad that he was a good guy, otherwise...well, I think we did good."
He said, while panting.
Serafall let out a breath.
"Geez, where's this Siegfried? I'd love to pop his eyeballs out and freeze him solid. Maybe even freeze his body and shatter it! Seriously, what kind of sick and twisted guy would do such things in the first place?!"
Naota lowered his head.
"During the fight, I think he got away...but, we do have someone else that we need to get too."
Serafall tilts her head.
"Who?"
"Diodora Astaroth. I'm certain he's apart of this."
Serafall gave a bitter look while Gabriel walked on over, and embraced Naota tightly.
Serafall became angry, seeing how Gabriel was pushing her large breasts into the blushing face of Naota.
Even Kuroka and Ravel looked scornfully at Gabriel.
Shirone looked down at her chest, and felt saddened, while Vali huffed "Its fine, he's still mine." something that caught the attention of Elmenhilde, and she in turn looked on, to see that Vali had an aura surrounding her being.
Not sure what that was about, Elmenhilde didn't touch that, and giggled awkwardly.
"Diodora...that slimly little…"
"Yeah, I'm going…"
Naota tried to stand, but his stamina was depleted and he fell down to the ground.
Gabriel however held him close in her arms.
"Its okay my adorable fiancee. I'm here~"
[Fiancee?!]
The girls erupted angrily, no more so than Serafall who had eyes of white pure rage for her Angel friend/enemy.
"Hmm, yes, that's right. Naota-san and I are going to become husband and wife one day~"
Serafall tightened her hands so tight that her knuckles turned white.
Strada looked between them, and began to laugh silently to himself.
"B-But Gabriel...ugh…"
Serafall couldn't get out the words, while Naota exhaled and inhaled deeply.
"W...We have to go, he could get away…"
"Yes, you're right. Lets go, then straight to bed for you Nao-chan!"
Serafall insisted.
She knew Naota would want to go and make sure that Diodora is stopped.
At Diodora's home, within his own library, Diodora was quietly reading a book, and imagined how much pain Naota would be in.
He finally would see the end of him, he thought.
To finally be able to carry on with his dreams and ideals, it was the best.
He grabbed a cup of water from the table beside him, and went to drink it…
When suddenly his door was burst open.
Diodora screamed and got to his feet, seeing stepping through his door, was Naota.
Only Naota.
Tired, exhausted from his previous fight, Diodora could see that his eyes displayed anger.
A cold pure anger for the boy.
"...W-What are you doing…? T-This is my home… Get out…"
Diodora croaked out.
He was sure Naota knew if he was like this.
He couldn't even raise his voice like he usually did.
There was a presence in the atmosphere that caused him to feel it chocking him.
"Don't play games with me." Naota breathed out hard. "You, set all this up, didn't you? What happened to us, you've been behind it since the beginning."
Diodora began to back away, his eyes shifting to the window.
He knew he'd not be able to teleport away in time.
But if he could escape, he thought it would be for the best.
Especially now because he knew this was going to be flight or fight.
That he'd die if he left even a second alone.
"Set what up? I didn't set...I didn't set anything up."
Diodora tried to sound convincing.
But it didn't in the end.
"Your friendship with Siegfried, you trying to have us killed by planting evidence of us killing innocent people. You really are vile, you make me sick."
Diodora grit his teeth.
His hand lit up with demonic power.
He had to do it now, so he channelled all of his energies through his hand and allowed the demonic power present to grow stronger, and bigger. The energy swirled and aimed it right at Naota, who seemed to be not worried.
"You think you've got me scum?! Die with this!"
However, as Diodora shot it off, Naota caught it bare handed, crushing it with only physical strength, igniting fear deep into Diodora's core.
"Even in this state, I wont let you get away. And right now, even if I'm like this, I'll crush you, Diodora."
Diodora shook in place.
He gulped, seeing Naota take a step forward.
He could feel himself trembling.
The fear grew in his eyes, Naota could see it clearly.
"Y-You think you've got the better of me?!"
"I know I do Diodora, because you're shaking. You're scared. Even like this, you're still frightened of me. Because you're scared of not only what I'll do to you, but also what I know about you, and your sick little games. So tell me, where did you get your peerage members from?"
Diodora widened his eyes.
Did Naota know?
He wasn't sure.
Naota gave nothing away.
His eyes stayed neutral, completely calm.
"Y-You know nothing!"
Diodora rejected it, firing off a few shots of demonic power to try and take Naota down.
But like before Naota caught them relatively easily, and forced them to vanish with his own demonic energy. Some he even shot out of the air, Diodora looked worried that nothing he did was working.
"I know more than you realize. It only took me to speak to Strada-san and to Gabriel-sama to combine our evidence together. Seems like you've been preying on innocent holy girls, you sick little bastard. Funny thing is, someone's been trying hard to cover for you, and it can't be you, its someone else who would go along with such sickness."
Diodora felt his world come crashing down.
He felt disturbingly frightened.
"Y-You can't prove that!"
"Oh, but I can. And I will. I've already had the evidence go be delivered to those that need to see it."
"W-When did you begin researching me!?"
"The moment I had the misfortune to meet you, and the more I delved into you, the more I wish to really take you away from this world. I know you've got your eyes on a few holy girls."
Diodora tried his best to control his fear.
But he found it incredibly difficult.
As Naota continued to approach, Diodora knew that he was going to have to try and stop this.
So he thrust his hands outwards, generating several barriers in front of him, and growls.
"Try it you little bastard! You might have stopped my attacks, but you wont break through my shields as you are!"
Naota laughed, and tightened his fist.
"Alright then."
Summoning his demonic powers, Naota unleashed a violent punch upon the barriers.
Diodora fell into despair as he witnessed his barriers failing.
They broke one after another, with Naota's fist not stopping.
Then when breaking through the final barrier, Naota's fist smashed deep into Diodora's face, sending him flying across the room.
Blood dripped down Diodora's face, and he let out wails of cries.
"Y-You actually punched me?! You made me bleed?! Some half breed scum hit me?!"
"You really are a whiny little bitch aren't you? Grow up, take a punch like a Devil. Can't hide behind anyone now, can you?"
Diodora became fearful, standing up on shaky legs, and aims his hands towards Naota.
"D-Die scum!"
Unleashing a barrage of bullets of demonic power for Naota, the young man exhales, and slams his hands together, lighting up his hands with demonic energy, and unleashed a number of demonic bullets right for Diodora's own attacks, completely breaking them down and reduced them to nothing.
"This all you got Diodora? I'm exhausted, now's your chance to take me down. So do it. Then again, you're a coward that always had others do your dirty work. I'm not surprised you're capable of doing such things to others, yet you'd never do it yourself, because we both know deep down, you're pathetic. A coward. A loser of a Devil that gets off on hurting others, because deep down you love breaking people, so you prey on innocent victims to hurt them. I hope you're ready to be destroyed Diodora."
Diodora winced.
He was afraid.
Even a weakened Naota, was scary to him.
So Diodora knew he'd have to escape.
He let out a large scream, and unleashed a large shot of demonic power for Naota.
As he did, he ran for the window to get out.
Naota caught the demonic power with his right hand, and with his left, summoned True Longinus to his hand, and threw it with pinpoint accuracy.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!"
Naota pierced Diodora through the abdomen which in turn stabbed into the wall.
While Naota would have liked to have seen the death of Diodora, right now he had some kind of answers, so he lowered the holy power. But did leave enough to not only weaken Diodora, but to cause him pain.
"Stick around, Diodora."
Diodora cried upon seeing Naota approaching him.
"Y-You can't kill me! E-Everyone will know you did it! A-And then you'll be nothing to the Underworld again apart from a crazy criminal!"
"I don't think so."
"W-Why?!"
Naota turned his eyes to the door, seeing Serafall stepping through.
Not only her, but his peerage, and Zekram Bael as well.
Diodora felt his body freezing at that moment.
Even Zekram stood with Naota.
That he thought never would happen.
"That's why Diodora."
Diodora felt incredible fear, and also pain.
His stomach hurt from where True Longinus had pierced him.
Now he could see the anger of Zekram's eyes, it was so unpleasant that Diodora thought he'd end up passing out as a result.
"I've heard everything Diodora, and read the evidence myself. You, are even worse than Zephyrdor. I shouldn't be surprised you had an evil side. But this…? All of this, is disturbing to me. As this young man said, the only reason you're not dead, is because you've got valuable information for us. And you're going to tell us everything that you've done. You could've caused another war between the Underworld and Heaven, you've preyed on the innocent, and set people up to die. You will suffer the consequences of these actions. I'll be damned before you see the light of day again. Ajuka also has witnessed this evidence, and he is disgusted with you. Latia is also going to be taking over as heiress from today onwards."
Diodora continued to shed tears.
This was too much for him.
He couldn't take it.
He was frightened and alone.
Naota recalled his spear, which dislodged out of Diodora, and he landed on the floor.
Diodora laid on the floor, his wound causing him immense pain.
Zekram raised his head, and called "Guards, take him away." which summoned a few guards from behind the doorway, and they grabbed Diodora, taking him away.
Once he was gone, Zekram turned to Naota, and looked into the young man's eyes.
Zekram then raised his hand, sticking it out to Naota, waiting for him to return the gesture.
So Naota did just that, and shook his hand.
"Young Naota-kun, it seems you've been through an ordeal, I, cannot say anything about Diodora. Doing all of this...it pains me."
"Yes…" Naota collapsed to his knees, and let out a breath. "Aah...seems to have taken a lot out of me...haha, what a thing…"
Serafall rushed to his side, taking him and holding him in her arms.
"Nao-chan's gonna go and rest now."
"Yes, of course. Its important to rest."
Zekram agreed.
Serafall glanced at Naota, who fell asleep upon her breast.
She smiled happily, and took the young man away with her.
A day later, Naota laid in bed, awake, but still felt some fatigue.
Kuroka and Shirone had volunteered to use their Senjutsu to restore his stamina quickly, so the girls laid in bed with him and held onto him tightly.
"Thank you girls, I'm feeling like I'll be able to get out of bed pretty soon."
"Ararara, don't worry about it my adorable King~ I saw what you did for us, damn Naota-kun. You're such a bad ass~"
Naota chuckled at Kuroka's words.
Shirone snuggled against Naota.
"I thought you were cool."
Shirone admitted as she blushed.
Naota chuckled, patting the girls head.
"I'm glad that its over and I even awakened Balance Breaker. I'd consider that a win for me and for us."
Kuroka agreed, snuggling against her King.
"By the way Naota-kun, everything's been going so wild, but during that fight, I've got to admit, I thought that you were the coolest." Kuroka began to blush, her eyes meeting with his own. "You risked everything to save us, and you put your life on the line over and over again. You didn't stop even when your body was shattering. I think really, you are a worthy man to be with."
Naota blushed at her kind words.
He ended up scratching his cheek in a cute manner to Kuroka's eyes.
"T...Thanks."
Kuroka giggled sweetly, leaning closer and briefly brushed her lips against his own.
Shirone looked on with narrowing brows, and saw Naota's face deepen red.
"Fufufufu, Vali-chan was right, you've got the softest lips ever~ I'm definitely gonna be enjoying them when we get down to finally making those holy Devil kitty babies~"
Naota sweat dropped, while Shirone shuffled on the bed.
Naota noticed something seemed a bit wrong, so his hand lightly stroked her head.
"Koneko-chan?"
Shirone looked up with her big eyes, and her small frame wriggled on the bed.
Her face was turning deeper red than usual.
In fact, she had a cute little blush spreading across her cheeks.
"...Naota-san, when you were in danger, I was worried for you. But...like Onee-sama, I thought...you really were the coolest, when you were...fighting so hard for us. I, wish to always be with you, Naota-san. Your love for us...really is big."
Naota felt deeply about her words.
Then was slightly taken aback when she pressed her soft lips against his own, only for a moment.
Kuroka was thrilled to see Naota and Shirone also becoming closer, and allowed herself to brightly smile.
When she pulled away, Shirone pushed her face deep into the boys chest, and looked up at his face with a cute expression partially hidden by his chest.
Naota gave a gentle smile, lightly stroking the back of her head.
The girls continued to use their Senjutsu upon Naota, and he felt more relief come over him as the time went on.
He truly did feel good about his peerage members, and what had been happening.
The next day, the neko girls had done the trick, and Naota was able to get out of bed. His stamina recovered, and his body feeling back to normal, he traversed his home and was going to the kitchen, when he saw Elmenhilde sat on the couch.
Wanting to see how she was, he moved towards her with a kind smile.
"Elmen-san?"
Elmenhilde jumped at his voice.
Her eyes went towards him, and she wrapped her fingers together.
"N-Naota-san…"
"Yeah, are you okay? After everything that happened, I'm sorry that you got involved-"
"Its okay, I don't mind." She cut him off, as Naota got to her right hand side, perching himself on the armrest of the couch. "Truthfully, I have to admit, I've never been involved in a battle so...destructive before. Even with that Siegfried. Speaking of, has anyone found him yet?"
Naota shakes his head.
"The church are going to be looking for him. If we're to come across him, I've been asked to contact Gabriel-sama, and to detain him."
Elmenhilde thought that made sense.
A thought then came to her, which made her act a little shy, a contrast to how she had been beforehand.
Naota noticed, raising a brow, as she spoke.
"B...By the way, I have to...I have to admit that during that fight, I was scared. But, I also...I also saw you, fighting so hard for us. Even me."
"Of course I'd fight for you. You're also important to me as well."
Naota softly said, the young girl gave a half smile.
"Thank you. No one, not even the Vampires ever would have done that for me. As shown by them tossing me to the side."
Naota could hear the sting of betrayal in her voice when regarding the Vampires.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that."
Elmenhilde shakes her head.
"No, its okay. That day when we fought together, I came to a realization, and that was...I was building unique bonds with everyone in this group. I even...I even risked my life, to buy a Devil time to perform a transportation spell. The old me would've considered that beneath me to do."
Naota kindly smiled.
"It seems that we've become people that are beginning to reside in your heart."
"Y-Yes, that's true. I, I acted badly when I first came here...yet that night, you came to protect all of us. Even me. And you still offer me kindness even now. Despite the fact that everything in that fight was stacked against us. Even when it seemed hopeless, it truly was outstanding to see how you fought so hard."
Elmenhilde leaned closer.
Naota noticed her expression softening even more.
"T-That's why, your group...I know, in the future. Its going to do amazing things." Naota expressed a smile at her words. "A-And, your group...I-I am beginning to wonder…" Elmenhilde held her hands together, and gave a shy look to her. "...y-your group, are you...what I am trying to say is...this group of yours...i-is there, a place...a place for me on such a group…?"
"Elmen-san, you really wanna join my group?"
Elmenhilde felt heat fill her face.
She turned her head towards the window, trying and failing to hide her face.
"Y...You could say that...i-if it would be good for the group...I-I could do such things…"
Naota was quite excited to hear what she was saying.
He couldn't help but think that she really did look pretty adorable when confessing such things.
"My group would benefit greatly with your addition Elmen-san. When you're ready, there's a place in my group for you."
Elmenhilde turned back to him, her face red full of desire.
"Y...You would even take me?"
"Why wouldn't I? I think you also proved that night exactly what kind of girl you are. You said it yourself, you're beginning to see different things in new lights. You even defended a Devil without pause, even though you're a Vampire. Do you like what's happening to you, Elmen-san?"
Elmenhilde was surprised by the question.
But also happy at the same time.
Such a question caused her to smile softly.
"I do."
She admitted quietly.
But he caught it, and leaned closer.
"I'm glad, I was worried about you for a bit. But, you've began growing in different ways, and I can see that you're going to be a strong girl in the future. And if your path has lead you to my peerage, then I can't say anything other than…" Naota leaned towards her, and pats her head. "The day you join my peerage, is going to be a wonderful day. I'd say you'd be apart of the family, but you already are."
Elmenhilde began to shed happy tears.
She never knew it could feel so good to be accepted like this.
Back in the past, she naturally already was accepted without having to try.
Without worry.
But now, she surprised even herself that she had accepted that Devils could be friends of her.
They could even be her family.
She couldn't hide her happiness, and ended up embracing the young man tightly.
He responded by hugging her back, and held the young girl close.
Elmenhilde felt content right now.
A while later, Naota was relaxing on the couch, casually watching TV. It seems that all of his peerage had said that he should take a few days of rest. He thought it was thoughtful of them to be that concerned for him.
Though he did miss their company as right now they all were doing the duties he usually did during the day, and for various people.
He adored their kindness at giving him a little time.
However, that came to an end when Ravel came into the home, and looked a little distressed.
"Ravel-san? What's going on?"
Ravel moved towards Naota, and held a hand to her chest.
"Naota-sama, something odd has happened. Its, its Diodora."
"What about him? Has he done something?"
Ravel shook her head, adding to the confusion.
"It isn't what he's done, its what has happened to him."
"So, what is it?"
Naota asked, so Ravel sat down and revealed what she had heard.
"He was being interrogated, you know to find out what's going on with him, and what he tried to do to us. When suddenly, a surge of pain ripped through his head, and he's...He's acting as if he's some kind of comatose patient."
Naota looked rather shocked.
"He's in a coma?"
"Yes, but so far, no one knows why. The doctors are seeing him now."
Naota placed a hand to his face, letting out a small breath.
"How did it happen?"
Ravel shrugged her shoulders.
"No one knows. But according to the people interrogating him, he was acting cocky, and confident, his usual self. But he then took a turn, and someone said that they saw some kind of magical circles in his eyes. The next moment, he collapsed to the floor screaming. I have the video footage with me, shall we watch it?"
Naota nods, and Ravel produces her phone.
The pair watch the video, and as Ravel described, he was being interrogated, and then all of a sudden fell to the ground, screaming in pain and then his eyes stayed wide open, but there was no recognition whatsoever.
"...Someone must've planted it as a fail safe. In case they were discovered."
Ravel gasped.
"Someone would go that far? Wait, if they could do that...why not just kill him off? Like, plant a bomb spell inside of him?"
That, made Naota think she was right.
He didn't have an answer for that.
"Good question, I don't fully know what to say. The only thing I can think of is that it still is in the nature of whoever is working with him to keep Diodora around. Even in a comatose state. I'd suggest having guards right round the clock on him, in case he suddenly makes a miraculous recovery."
Ravel inclines her head.
"Good thinking, I'll suggest it right away to those taking care of him. Still, someone who could do this and activate it from a far, or have it go off at a certain time or phrase being spoke, however it happened, has to be strong, don't they? And if they are, why work with a guy like Diodora? What could they gain from him?"
"Access to things that otherwise couldn't be accessed."
Naota surmised, not entirely sure if that was the reason, but it was a conclusion he came to first.
Ravel furrowed her brows.
"The Underworld?"
"Yeah, and all of its assets, at least what would be available to someone like him."
Ravel grimaced, she didn't like the sound of this.
"The Underworld, it does have good assets that many would want. Not mentioning those of the clans such as Gremory or Sitri or anything else, it also has you. I'd have to say Naota-sama, you were probably the target of this person. You and potentially Vali-sama as well."
"Vali-chan huh?"
"Diodora, before he did go into his coma, mentioned about hating Vali-sama as well. So she could also be a reason. And you both have Longinus Sacred Gears, wouldn't it make sense that they'd want to target you both? Anyone gets their hands on both of those Sacred Gears, I could only imagine what someone would be able to do with them."
Naota mentally agreed.
It didn't look good regardless of what outcome could have happened.
And now they didn't even know what kind of enemy would be coming.
All he knew right now is that Naota had to be prepared, and so did the others.
Whatever was to come, Naota was happy at least that he and his loved ones were safe.
Sometime had passed since then, and Naota was sat within the Grigori together with Vali, explaining the details of what happened with Strada and the others to Azazel.
Azazel couldn't hide his glee when hearing Naota attained Balance Breaker.
"So. You've really attained Balance Breaker. Haha, I knew that you'd achieve it sooner or later. I wish I could've seen that happen. But, I'd settle for a demonstration~"
Naota could see Azazel had eyes that were like that of a child on Christmas day about to receive presents.
Oddly, Naota found it an endearing quality that Azazel had.
"Yeah, I'll show you the Balance Breaker. Still, I'm gonna have to learn to control the power, and have it not burn through as much stamina. Well, I don't mind haha. I'll have to do my best in taming this power~"
Azazel found it fascinating.
Naota then released his Balance Breaker, and showed off his armour.
"Ooooh! Look at that! The armour is so shiny! And those jewels! It looks rather magnificent~!"
"I like it personally as well~"
Naota beamed, Azazel deeply chuckled.
"This is a good sight to behold. True Longinus Balance Breaker. I'm enjoying the sight of this Balance Breaker. I'd love to see the abilities of it as well."
"I suppose the training room will have to be ready~"
Azazel let out an excited "Yeah, I'll go and do that!" rushing off.
Naota shook his head with a bright smile on his face.
Though when alone, Naota noticed something.
Vali had stayed unusually silent throughout all of these interactions.
He dropped his armour, his eyes looking to see Vali had her arms folded.
"Vali-chan? Is something going on?"
Vali turned her eyes towards Naota.
"No, I've just been thinking. That night, you could've died. I don't want that to happen."
Naota heard the seriousness in her voice.
So he leaned closer, and showed a friendly smile.
Naota then felt Vali grasp his hand.
Her eyes displayed what she was feeling inside, even if she herself was wearing a stoic expression.
"I don't want it either. I'm glad that you're safe, Vali-chan. I was worried about you and the others."
Vali takes in a breath.
All the while, Naota saw Vali move closer, and closer.
She guided him over to the chair nearby, having him sit down.
She was practically sitting on his lap by the time he did that, and soon did get onto his lap.
"Hmm, I can see why the cat likes sitting on this lap of yours. Its a good place for me to sit."
Naota gave amused eyes.
"I see, glad you like my lap."
Vali nods, and leans forward.
Her hands cups his face, and gently presses her own lips against Naota's own.
Feeling the softness of her lips, and the gentleness of her touch that she didn't show to others often at all, Naota couldn't contain his smile as their lips meshed together over and over again, allowing their feelings to come together.
When she pulled away, her eyes became filled with determination.
"I'm going to grow stronger. I realized during that night, I don't want you to lose your life, because...I care about you, a lot."
From Vali, that was rather a romantic way of saying her feelings.
So he responded by giving her a gentle embrace.
"We shall grow stronger together, Vali-chan. I'm sure you'll reach Balance Breaker very soon. And its going to be pretty damn cool~"
Naota gleefully said.
Vali showed a smile.
It was rare for her to smile.
But when she was with Naota, she liked to smile.
She liked to be with him, and in his arms.
She couldn't explain it well to herself, but the more time they went on together, she was sure that she had chosen the right person to be with. She saw herself that night the lengths he'd go to for his group, for his loved ones, and for her personally.
She ended up laying her head on his shoulder, her eyes meeting with his own.
"We're staying like this for a while."
"Ooh, I understand Vali-chan~"
His arm wrapped around her, as they sat together.
It was a quiet moment between them.
They didn't always get to do this, but right there and then, they could have this quiet moment.
Meanwhile, Siegfried was distraught by what happened.
He had managed to get away, but he knew Naota and the others would still be alive.
"Damn it...I didn't think that it would turn out like this…"
[Relax, its working out better than expected.]
A voice called to Siegfried.
Siegfried looked confused.
"How is it going good? We lost our guy that could take him down. And what's worse, he's awakened Balance Breaker of the True Longinus."
[Indeed, he has done. But that only makes it more interesting. Don't worry, we're going to keep going strong, that boy won the battle, he didn't win the war between us. One day, he is going to be struck down by our powers, and he shall yield to us.]
Siegfried didn't know what to think.
But he had chosen a side.
No matter what was going on, Siegfried knew he'd have to gain strength.
How he'd do that, he didn't know yet.
However, the voice began to chuckle.
Siegfried wasn't entirely sure why this being was after Naota.
And he didn't care.
If he could gain the power to fight Naota, then he'd feel joy.
End chapter!
So this chapter showed off Naota's Balance Breaker for the first time! And we got to see some of what it was capable of doing. Between its healing power, its protective power, its transporting power, along with creating armour for the others, we've still got some other abilities that shall be shown when the time comes. And since he only just awakened it, we shall see how he hones and adjusts the abilities and grows stronger with them.
Along with that, Strada realized what was truly going on with Naota and the others, and how Siegfried had set him up, he still was very impressed with what happened between Naota and the others, and how they fought.
Then Diodora got caught, and had a very one sided battle with Naota, being destroyed pretty quickly. Though it seems that we've got someone after Naota, and seems to be rather excited for the future. Siegfried is out there, for now, and is still under a certain someone. We shall see how that goes~
Next chapter will have a time skip to the canon time!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Naota's peerage
Queen; Vali.
Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.
Bishops; Kuroka, Ingvild (mutation).
Knights; Lint, Free.
Pawns; Ravel (x2), Elmenhilde (x1), Le Fay (x1), Valerie (mutation), Rest Free.
Naota; Serafall, Sona, Vali (fem), Kuroka, Koneko, Ravel, Akeno, Xenovia, Le Fay, Ingvild, Lint, Elmenhilde, Valerie, Isane, Rias, Asia, Irina, Rossweisse, Gabriel,