A Simple Twist Of Fate
By: Lexvan
Disclaimer: I do not own High School DxD and their characters. It is created by Ichiei Ishibumi and Miyama-Zero. I only own my OCs. Nor do I own Soul Calibur or Soul Edge or any characters from said game. Nor do I own A-Ko or B-Ko. Please support the offical release. I don't own Nintendo, Playstation, or Xbox either.
"Issei."= When characters are talking to each other.
'Lucas'= When characters are thinking to themselves or when Issei, Marcus, and Vali are talking to their partners through their mental link.
[Ddraig]= When a dragon or spirits speaks out.
{Ddraig}= When a dragon or spirits speaks to their host through their mental link.
It's funny how fate works sometimes. One person could be meant for greatness, while another is menat to fail one moment only to become greater later on in life. But what if someone were to step in and help those who needed help when no one else could or would? Could it be fate that this happened, or could someone be deciding their own fate. Only time will tell.
Story starts years before the beginning of the anime.
Chapter One:
(Kuroka's POV)
How could this happen?! Why did this happen?! One minute, my sister, Shirone and I were having a great time with our parents, the next disaster strikes and the two of us are now orphans living on the streets begging for food. And hiding that we're Half-Nekomata Youkai isn't as easy as it looks when you're starving! But I do my best to feed Shirone and myself. But it's getting harder and harder to get food. And there are other homeless that keep looking at me funny. They're male so I can only think of what they want. Scratch that! I KNOW what they want! So we keep our distance from them as much as we can. I just wish that things would go better for us!
(Normal POV)
Little did young Kuroka know, the fate of her and her sister, Shirone, was going to change for the better.
It all started one day when she and Shirone had returned from a day of begging for food. It was a good day seeing as they were given some bread and grilled beef to eat by a kind shop owner along with some milk to drink. Being grateful for the meal they thanked the man before leaving for their make-shift home which was a large cardboard box that was under an old bridge where there were other homeless living. But as they returned to the area, they found that someone was resting in their box. And it was somebody both girls knew and weren't to fond of.
"What are you doing here?!", Kuroka questioned with a glare. "That's our home! Get out!"
"First come, first serve, kiddies.", the man said with a smirk as he sat up in the box.
"That's ours!", Shirone said standing with her sister. "Please leave!"
"What's in it for me?", the man asked as he had a smirk on his face. "Cause I can think of a few things that one of you can do for me.", he said as he looked Kuroka up and down as he licked his lips with a smile.
Poor Kuroka had a shivered that went down her spine for she knew what he wanted. It was what he got from other homeless women who would stay under the bridge at one time yet left after a night with the man. And with her just turning thirteen, she knew that this day would come if they didn't find a new place to stay. And there was no way she was going to be this pig's plaything on this or any other time. For she knew who or should I say what this guy really was.
"Let's go, Shirone. We're leaving.", Kuroka said before shooting the guy a glare that could kill if looks could kill before turning to leave.
But only after taking a few steps did the man jump in front of them surprising the two sisters.
"And where do you two think you're going my little kittens?!", the man said as a set of black leathery wings popped out from his back.
"So you are one of them!", Kuroka said as she jumped back with Shirone. "Go hide, Shirone and don't come out until I tell you to."
"But..."
"GO!", Kuroka yelled with a look of anger and fear that told Shirone that her sister was serious.
"Okay.", Shirone said as she went to their old box and hid inside it afraid of what might happen.
As for Kuroka, she began to make her fist glow with white energy ready to face off with the man with all she had being grateful for the meal she and Shirone had earlier. Now she was at full strength and as ready as she was going to be for this fight. For you see, she had her suspicions about this guy and now they were confirmed. Not wanting to take any chances, Kuroaka allowed her true self to come out as a set of black cat ears popped up out on top of her head matching her long black hair along with a black cat tail coming out from the small of her back.
"So you are a Nekomata.", the man said with a smile. "My master will be pleased with this when I bring you and your sister to him! Of course he won't mind if I have my fun with you first.", he said as he licked his lips.
"We're not going anywhere with you, devil!", Kuroka said as she jumped at the man while throwing a punch at him only for the strike to do nothing as he grabbed her arm surprising her.
"Is that all you can do, child?!", the man laughed before using his free hand to punch her in the gut knocking the wind out of her before he threw her a few feet away from him causing her to slide a bit on the ground. "And here I thought you'd be a match for me! Then again, if you had enough time to train, you probably would be able to do something to me. Oh well. Time to have a little fun."
"No. Please!", Kuroka pleaded as she tried to get up. "Don't!"
"Don't worry, little kitty.", the man said as he stood over Kuroka with a lustful smirk. "It only hurts the first time. After that, you'll feel nothing but pleasure.", he said as he reached down for her only for...
"Get away from my sister!", little Shirone cried as she jumped at the man only now she had her cat ears and tail out as she tried to scratch he face only for him to smack her away.
"Shirone!", Kuroka cried out as she tried to run to her sister only for the man to grab her by her tail and hold her up in the air.
"Where to you think you'r going, brat-cat?!", the man asked with a laugh. "We're not done yet!"
"Let me go, devil!", Kuroka demanded as she tried to hit him only for him to toss her in the air and grab her by her left arm followed by smacking her across rhe face.
"Know your place, brat!", the man said with a glare when he and Kuroka felt a powerful aura that caused the man to look behind him as his face paled. "No!", he said as he saw who was standing a few feet behind him.
The one he saw was an African-American male with black hair that was close shaved and brown eyes that showed he meant business he was dressed in a pair of black pants with matching shoes along with a blue shirt and a gray long coat. As for the devil, who now looked pretty pale, he was surprised and scared at the same time. And it wasn't at the fact that an African-American man was standing there under a bridge in Japan. He was scareed at what the man really was.
"Put the girl down. Now.", the man said with a voice that commanded respect.
Saying nothing the devil let Kuroka go who ran over to her unconscious sister only to see her being held by an African-American woman who had long black hair with brown eyes dressed in a pair of blue pants with a red shirt and black long coat with black shoes.
"Please don't hurt my sister!", Kuroka pleaded only for the woman to smile at her.
"I have no intention of doing such a thing, young lady.", the woman said as she walked over to Kuroka. "Come with me. You don't want to see what my mate is going to do to that devil.", she said as she walked away with Shirone.
Kuroka looked back at the woman's mate as he stared the devil down, knowing that thing were going to get ugly. Not wanting to see what was going to happen, Kuroka followed the woman hoping for the best. Once they were far enough away, the woman sat down on a bench while still holding Shirone who was still unconscious. The woman then put up a cloaking barrier so no one could see them
"Will she be okay?", Kuroka asked fearing for her sister's safety.
"She'll be just fine.", the woman said with a kind smile as she gently stroked Shirone's head. "She just needs some rest. I believe that you both do. My name is Zalena Jones. What's yours?"
"Kuroka Toujou. And that is my sister, Shirone.", Kuroka said. "We're both... "
"Half-Nekomata. I can see that.", Zalena said with a smile referring to both girl's tails and ears.
"Oh no!", Kuroka said remembering that they were in public as tried to retracted her ears and tail.
"Do not worry. I have a cloaking barrier up.", Zalena said. "No one can see or hear us.", sh said just as the man from earlier walked through the barrier and up to them. "That took longer than I expected."
"I needed to know if he was a stray or not.", the man said. "Once I learned he wasn't a stray, I learned who his master was. Then I finished him off.", he explaining to his mate surprising Kuroka. "So, are these the two?", he asked with a gentle smile.
"The little one is named Shirone Toujou.", Zalena said. "And this is her older sister, Kuroka. Kuroka, this is my mate, Lucas Doragon. And we are Dragon-Kin."
"H-Hello.", Kuroka said not knowing what to thing of the couple. "Are you two really Dragon-Kin?"
"Indeed we are, Kuroka.", Lucas said as he knelt down to Kuroka so that they were close to eye level with each other. "My mate and I have been looking for you and your sister for a very long time. Heck! We almost walked past here had it not been for you using her powers to fend off the devil."
"How do you know us?", Kuroka asked.
"We knew your parents from a long time ago.", Zalena answered. "But sadly they had to go into hiding to keep you two safe from those who wanted you for themselves. When we heard about what happened we came rushing to Japan to hunt down those responsible for taking your parents' lives."
"Then when we discovered that you two were alive, we made it our duty to find and protect you from anyone or anything that would do you two harm.", Lucas said. "As parents we know your mother and father would want you two to be with those that can keep you safe while showing you love and care and welcome you into their home."
"So will you allow us to do that?", Zalena asked with a kind smile.
Ay first, Kuroka didn't know what to do. Here she was being offered a place to stay and be safe along with her sister. It was all she ever wanted, since they started living on the streets, yet she still had her worries. Could she really trust them? What if this was all a trick and they wee going to do who knows what to her and her sister?! But after what just happened with that devil, Kuroka knew she couldn't out run them. Let alone fight them. But then she looked at the two Dragon-Kin and saw kindness in their eyes. It was the same kindness her parents had whenever they looked at her or Shirone.
"O-Okay.", Kuroka said hoping for the best.
With a kind smile, Lucas took Shirone while Zalena took Kuroka's hand and the group walked away from the area leaving behind a sad chapter in the two Nekomata's lives. Once away from the area, Lucas and Zalene teleported to their home with Kuroka and Shirone, which was in a small hidden town, in Japan, where some of those of the supernatural lived peacefully with Humans. Once there, they brought the two girls into their home where they found another female Dragon-Kin watching TV while a young boy was playing his portable game. The female Dragon-Kin had blue eyes and black hair and was dressed in a blue shirt with a red skirt and white sneakers. The boy was African-American with black hair and brown eyes dressed in a pair of brown shorts and a green shirt.
"How was your trip?", the woman asked before she saw Kuroka and Lucas holding a still sleeping Shirone. "Never mind. I can see that it was a good one."
"Thanks for watching Marcus for us, Jalla.", Xalena said as Lucas took Shirone into a guest bedroom with Kuroka right behind him.
"Not a problem. He was good the whole time.", Jalla said. "So what's the story with those two girls?"
"Poor dears were living on the streets..", Zalena explained. "We got to them just in tiem before a devil was going to do who knows what to them."
"I see.", Jalla said. "Well I know that Fujimai and Kenji would be happy that they're with you and Lucas now."
"Thanks.", Zalena said.
"Well I better get going.", Jalla said. "That husband of mine will be home soon, and I have just enough time to have dinner ready for him. I'll see you later!"
"Have a good evening.", Zalena said as Jalla left. "Now I better get dinner started, myself.", she said as she headed into the kitchen.
"Did Jalla leave already?", Lucas asaked as he came into the kitchen.
"Yeah! She had to go get dinner ready for her and Jerrad.", Zalena said as she put her apron on. "Just like I'm doing for us.", she said as she took out some steaks with some small potatoes, carrots and onions.
"Need a hand with that?", Lucas asked as he put his own apron on.
"I'll take all the help I can get.", Zalena said as they got to work on their dinner for five.
As for their son, Marcus, after playing some of his game, he had to go use the bathroom. Once he was done with that, he cleaned his hands and headed back to the living room to play his game when he saw that one of guest bedrooms doors was open a bit. Being curious, he peeked inside to see two girls in the room. One was lying in the bed sleeping, while the other one was sitting next to the bed. The one in the bed had white hair while the other one had black hair.
"Hi!", Marcus said getting the black haired girl's attention. "Who are you?"
"I'm Kuroka.", the girl said as Marcus walked up to her.
"I'm Marcus. Is that your sister?", Marcus asked.
"Yes. Her name is Shirone.", Kuroka said.
"Oh! You're the two my mom and dad went to go find!", Marcus said remembering why they had Jalla come and babysit him. "So is she okay.", he asked as he saw that bandage wrapping around her forehead.
"Your father wrapped her head after applying some kind of salve on the bruise she got on her forehead saying that she would be okay after some rest.", Kuroka explained just as her stomach growled a bit causing her to blush as she placed a hand over her stomach.
"Be right back.", Marcus said as he left the room.
A minute later he came back with some small bottles of juice, a bag of chips, and some fruit in a small bow.
"Here!", Marcus said with a smile as he handed Kuroka a red apple who took it and began to eat it. "We can only eat so much before dinner so I think this will be okay.", he said as he opened the bag of chips and let her have some.
"Thank you.?", Kuroka said as she continued to eat the apple along with some chips and juice.
About a half an hour later...
"Do you have any threes?", Marcus asked as he and Kuroka were now playing Go Fish.
"Go Fish.", Kuroka said to which Marcus picked up a card from the deck. "Do you have any fives?"
"Yes.", Marcus said as he gave Kuroka a five of hearts. "Do you have any..."
Marcus was cut off from the sound of Shirone waking up while rubbing her head.
"Shirone! Are you okay?!", Kuroka asked as she jumped up and was by her sister's side.
"I... I think so.", Shirone said when she saw that they were some place different. "Where are we?!", getting a bit scared.
"Somewhere safe.", Kuroka said with a smile. "This is Marcus."
"Hi!", Marcus said with as mile and a wave.
Still a bit confused, Shirone returned the wave wondering what had happened after the devil knocked her out.
"His parents saved us from the devil that attacked us and brought us here where Mr. Doragon tended to the bump on your head.", Kuroka explained as Shirone reached up and felt the bandage that was wrapped around her head when her stomach began to growl.
"I'm hungry.", Shirone said.
"That's good to hear, cause dinner is ready!"
The thre children looked to see Lucas standing at the door with a smile on his face.
"W-W-Who are you?!", Shirone questioned getting scared as she grabbed onto her sister.
"It's okay, Shirone.", Kuroka said as she hugged her sister to calm her down. "This is Mr. Doragon. He and his mate, Miss Jones, are the ones who saved and brought us here."
"And I'm glad to see that you're okay, Shirone.", Lucas said as he walked up to the bed and sat on it so he was at eye level with Shirone. "Your mother and father were good friends of me and my mate, Zalena. We were sad at their loss, but when we found out that you two were still alive, we made it our mission to find and take care of you two. So you can relax cause you're safe and have a place to call home.", he said with a kind smile.
Seeing his smile reminded both girls of their father and how he would smile at them like the way Lucas was doing. Seeing this, made Shirone's eyes well up with tears as she began to cry. Seeing this, Lucas pulled her into a hug that she welcomed.
"Papa! I miss Papa! I miss Mama!", Shirone cried as she held onto Lucas who held her in comfort. "I want Mama and Papa back!"
"Let it out, Shirone.", Lucas said as he continued to hold the young Nekomata close for comfort. "Let it all out.", he said as Shirone continued to cry.
Trying to be strong, Kuroka sat there and watched her sister let out her tears, but soon she was begining to think of her parents and all the good times that they all shared. Try as she did, Kuroka couldn't hold back any longer as her eyes began to water. She did her best to stay strong for her sister when they lived out on the streets, for it was just the two of them against who knows what. But now, that they were some place safe, she was ready to let it all out. Seeing how Kuroka looked trying to hold back the tears, Lucas reached out and pulled her into the hug as well surprising her.
"You don't have to hold back anymore, Kuroka.", Lucas said. "You're with those that are here for you and Shirone.", he said knowing that it was what she needed to hear.
And he was right, as Kuroka finally broke down and cried while holding onto Lucas while letting out all the sorrow, anger, and pain at the lost of her parents.
"Why?! Why did they have to die?!", Kuroka cried. "Why?!"
"I don't know, Kuroka. I truly do not know.", Lucas said. "But I promise you and Shirone this.", he said as he ended the hug with the two of them so he could look at the two of them. "On my honor as a Dragon-Kin, I shall do everything in my power to find the ones responsible for this and bring them to justice."
"Thank you.", Kuroka said with a weak smile after shedding her tears.
Listening from outside the room was Zalena who was glad that the two girls were going to be okay. She then went bring the food out to the table for them to eat.
"Now, let's go eat.", Lucas said as as he got up from the bed along with Kuroka and Shirone. "But first, let's get you two cleaned up and into some clean clothes. Also, you don't have to hide who you are here. This is a hidden town for both Human and supernatural beings to live together peacefully.", he explained as he brought out his dragon wings and tail which were both white followed by a smiling Marcus who did the same showing that his dragon wings were red with white at the edges while his tail was red with white at it's tip.
Seeing this, Kuroka and Shirone smiled as they brought out their cat ears and tail.
"So you're Neko... Neko... Neko...", Marcus tried to say
"Nekomata, son.", Lucas said with a grin.
"Yeah! That.", Marcus said as they left the room.
"So are you all ready for dinner yet?", Zalena asked as she came walking up to them.
"Almost. These two need a bath and something to wear.", Lucas said.
"Well, it's a good thing I bought some clothes for them to wear before we went looking for them.", Zalena said. "And I see that we're being ourselves. Might as well follow suite.", she said with a smile as she brought out her dragon wings and tail which were both red. "Now let's get you two cleaned up.", she said as she took both girls into the bathroom.
"Let's go, son. We can go in the living room and wait for them to get cleaned up.", Lucas said as they headed into the living room.
"Okay.", Marcus said as he followed his father.
Now as for Zalena, once in the bathroom with the two Nekomata, she had them strip out of the clothes they had on while she filled the bathtub with warm water and had them get in for their bath. As they were getting cleaned up, Kuroka was washing Shirone's hair and tail while Zalene was washing Kuroka's hair and tail. Once the two girls were done with their bath, Zalena dried off Shirone while Kuroka dried herself off and before they headed into the guest room they were in before, with towels wrapped around them, where Zalena had some clothes for them to where. Which was underwear and nightgowns for the both of them seeing as it was getting dark. Once dressed they along with Lucas and Marcus sat at the table, with Luca and Zalena at the ends, ready to eat. After saying grace, they began to eat the food, that Kuroka and Shirone were more than happy to get.
"So, girls. I've been meaning to ask.", Zalena said. "How old are you two?"
"I'm ten!", Shirone said before eating some steak.
"I am fourteen.", Kuroka said after swallowing some steak and carrots.
"How old are you?", Shirone asked Zalena.
"Well I'm thirty-four.", Zalna said with a smile.
"And I'm thirty-five.", Lucas said.
"I'm twelve!", Marcus said.
"So when school starts, Shirone and Marcus will be going to the same school while you Kuroka will be going to high school as a Freshman.", Lucas said.
"School?!", Kuroka questioned. "Do I have to?"
"Yes.", Zalena said. "Education is important, Kuroka. It'll help you in the future."
"Are we going to have more people living here, mom?", Marcus asked.
"Why do you ask that, son?", Lucas asked.
"Well, I saw that you have three rooms set up for people to stay in.", Marcus explained. "So I thought more people would be coming."
"Well, you're right.", Lucas said. "There's one more person that will be living here with us."
"She's a Human girl, named Tosca Silverton and is a year younger than you. She's been through a lot and will need all of us to help her feel welcome.", Zalena explained.
"Okay!", the three children said before going back to eating their food.
After eating their food the three kids spent the next hour playing board games before going to bed. Marcus went to his bedroom, while Shirone went into the bedroom she was sleeping in before while Kuroka went into another bedroom. As she was tucking Shirone into bed, Zalena noticed the worried look on Shirone's face.
"Are you okay, Shirone?", Zalena asked.
"I don't want to go to sleep!", Shirone said. "Please don't make me go to sleep!", she pleaded as he eyes began to water.
"What's wrong sweetie?", Zalena asked as Shirone sat up in her new bed.
"I'm afraid that this is all a dream that I'll wake up from if I go to sleep.", Shirone said while tears rolled down her face. "I've had dreams like this before and... and when I went to sleep in those dreams, I woke up with Kuroka and saw that we were still on the streets in our box that we sleep in. That's why I don't want to go to sleep! I know this is a dream, that I'll wake up from. I'll wake up under that bridge where that devil will be hurting me sister! So please, don't make me go to sleep!"
"You poor child!", Zalena said as she hugged a crying Shirone as tears were running down her face as well. "This isn't a dream, Shirone. This is all real. You and your sister are safe and sound. You can go to sleep and when you wake up, you'll still be here where you'll have a good breakfast.", she said as they ended their hug.
"Can we have pancakes?", Shirone asked as she wiped her eyes getting a giggle from Zalena.
"Of course.", Zalena said with a smile as she patted Shirone on her head getting a smile from her. "Not it's time to go to sleep.", she said as she tucked Shirone in. "Goodnight, Shirone.", she said as she kissed her on the forehead.
"Goodnight.", Shirone said before yawning.
Zalena then turned on the nightlight and turned off the lights and left the door a bit opened before heading to her bedroom, but not before checking on Kuroka who she found was still up in her new bedroom.
"Everything alright, Kuroka?", Zalena asked.
"I overheard, Shirone and her worries.", Kuroka said as she twitched her ears. "Thanks for putting her at ease.", she said with a smile. "Those dreams she told you about, shes had plenty of them and always woke up in tears wishing they were true and that we had a place to live."
"I take it that you wished for the same thing as well.", Zalena said as she sat on the bed getting a nod from Kuroka. "Well like I told your sister, this is real. Not a dream. The two of you don't have to worry about where your next meal will come from or if any devils will come after you. Cause if one does come for you, they'll have to get past not only me but my mate. And that'll be a fight they won't soon forget.", she said with a smile that Kuroka returned. "Now get some sleep. Tomorrow is a new day."
"Goodnight.", Kuroka said as she got into bed.
"Goodnight.", Zalena said before kissing Kuroka on her forehead making her smile before she left the room.
As for Lucas, he was in Marcus' bedroom making sure he went to sleep.
"You going to be okay, son?", Lucas asked his son. "There are going to be at least three girls living here along with your mother. You and I are going to be outnumbered.", he said wth a grin.
"I'll be okay.", Marcus said. "Kuroka and Shirone are nice. And I'm sure the other girl will be nice as well. It'll be all good."
"Glad to hear that, son.", Lucas said as he patted his son on the head. "Now get some sleep. Tosca may be coming here tomorrow."
"Okay. Goodnight, dad.", Marcus said followed by yawning.
"Goodnight, son.", Lucas said as he turned off the lights and turning on the night light and leaving the bedroom.
Once in his and his wife's bedroom, Lucas got dressed ij his sleeping pants while Zalena got dressed in her night gown before turning off the lights and getting into bed together.
"Things are going to be interesting from now on. Aren't they?", Zalena asked as they laid together in bed.
"Yeah. But that's life for you.", Lucas said with a grin getting a giggle from his wife before they slowly went to sleep.
Morning came, and Shirone woke up to see that she was still in the bed she went to sleep in last night.
"It's not a dream.", she said to herself as tears began to roll down her face. "It's all real.", she said happily as she wiped her eyes and got out of bed and headed for the kitchen following the smell of food cooking.
Once in the kitchen, she found Zalena cooking pancakes along with bacon, sausages, and eggs.
"Good morning, Shirone.", Zalena said with a smile. "I take it you're happy this is all real."
Happy with everything being real, Shirone ran up to Zalena and gave her a hug surprising her a bit yet returned the hug understanding how the girl felt with all she and her sister have been through. After breakfast, and getting cleaned up, everyone waited for the newest person, that would be living with them, to show up. As they waited, Marcus was showing Kuroka and Shirone how to play the video games he had. Which they took some time to get used to, but got the hang of it pretty well. It was around 11:34 A.M. when a knock came at the door. Lucas went to answer it. Soon he waklked back into the living room with a kind elderly woman with long silver hair and green eyes dressed in a long blue skirt with a match blouse and shoes. With her was a young girl around Marcus' age with long white hair tied in two braids with green eyes dressed in a red skirt and a yellow blouse with white shoes.
"Greetings, everyone.", the elderly lady said.
"Welcome, Lady Talley.", Zalena said as she looked at the girl with Talley. "So is this little Tosca?"
"Yes. This is Tosca Silverton.", Talley said.
"Hello, Tosca. My name is Zalena Jones.", Zalena introduced herself to the girl with a smile. "You've met my mate, Lucas Doragon. This is our son Marcus."
"Hi!", Marcus said with a smile.
"Hi.", Tosca said returning the smile.
"And this is Kuroka Toujou and her sister Shirone.", Zalena said introducing the two sisters.
"Hi!", Shirone said with a smile and wave.
"Hello.", Kuroka said doing the same.
"Hello.", Tosca said smiling back.
Once the introductions were done, Lucas brought in Tosca's belongings and set her up in her new bedroom. Afterwards, she got to know everyone and what they all really were. She knew about Lucas and Zalena being Dragon-Kin from when they met a week ago. So when Marcus showed his wings and tail, she wasn't to surprised. It was when Kuroka and Shirone revealed themselves to be Nekomatas that Tosca was thrown for a loop. She felt a bit out of place being the only Human in the house, but she still felt welcome there. And in time she would feel all the love she could ask for. The next day, Lucas and Zalena decided the they all should go and have a picnic in the local park. As they all were enjoying their time in the park, Tosca began to think back to those she lost before being found and brought to the town. Seeing this, Zalena wondered what was wrong with her as she saw her eyes begin to water.
"Everything alright, Tosca?", Zalena asked when tears began to run down the girls face as she began to cry. "Tosca?"
"They're gone. They're all gone!", Tosca cried as she brought her hands up to her face. "All my friends are gone!"
Saying nothing, Zalena held Tosca close giving her the comfort while the others watched. Of course Zalena and Lucas knew about Tosca and her tragic past. So they, unlike the other kids, knew why she was crying and who she was crying for.
"It's okay, sweetheart. It's okay.", Zalena said as she held Tosca giving her the comfort she need. "You just let it all out.", she said as Tosca continued to cry.
"Is Tosca going to be okay?", Marcus asked his father.
"In time she will be, son.", Lucas said feeling for the girl and what she's been through.
"What happened to her?", Shirone asked.
"Something very bad, Shirone.", Lucas said. "Something that doesn't need to be talked about for a while. For Tosca's sake."
"Okay.", Shirone said not wanting to make Tosca any more upset than she already is.
After some time, Tosca ended up falling asleep with her head resting on Zalena's lap with Zalena gently stroking her hair in comfort as the girl slept while the other kids were sleeping on the picnic blanket resting leaving Lucas and Zalena to talk.
"To think we'd end up with three girls with some interesting troubles.", Lucas said as he looked at the three girls in question. "Two sisters that lost their parents and were living on the streets and one little girl who was orphaned and used in a sinister experiment. Something neither of them deserved."
"And yet here they are.", Zalena said as she continued to stroke Tosca's hair. "Who knows what the future lies for them. Not to mention Marcus!"
"They'll be okay.", Lucas said with a smile. "They have us to take care of them."
"That may be, but we can't protect them from everything.", Zalena said.
"True, but we can help prepare them for the times we aren't there to help them so they can fend for themselves.", Lucas said with a smile that Zalena returned as they enjoyed their peaceful times knowing that there may be tough times ahead.
Yet if they stood strong, things would work out for the better.
And there were going to be some tough times coming for those four kids, along with future friends, in the future.
One year later...
"Now remember why we're here, Marcus.", Lucas said to his son as he knocked on the door of the house they were at.
"To watch over Aunt Shuri and Akeno while Uncle Baraqiel is out on a very important mission.", a thirteen year old Marcus said as the door opened with a woman with light brown eyes and long black hair dressed in a red skirt with a blue blouse standing there.
"Lucas! It's good to see you!", Shuri said with a smile as they shared a hug.
"Good to see you, too Shuri.", Lucas said. "I just wish it was under better circumstances."
"You and me both.", Shuri said before she turned her attention to Marcus. "And my have you gronw, Marcus!", she said as she hugged the young Dragon-Kin.
"Hi, Aunt Shuri!", Marcus said returning the hug.
"Akeno has been looking forward to seeing you.", Shuri said with a kind smile as she let the two inside. "She's spent most of yesterday trying to find the right outfit to wear.", she whispered to Lucas who snickered.
"Young love.", Lucas said with a grin. "Those were the days.", he said getting a giggle from Shuri.
"Watch this.", Shuri said as they stood in the hallway. "Akeno! Uncle Lucas is here! Along with Marcus!"
The sound of footsteps was heard coming from the living room as fourteen year old girl with violet eyes and long black hair came running out dressed in a red skirt, like her mother, with a white short sleeved blouse with white socks. Once she saw Marcus, her eyes lit up as she ran up to him and...
"Marcus!", the girl cried out ahppily as she hugged him with a giggle.
"Hi, Akeno!", Marcus said returning the hug.
"What?! No hug for me, kiddo?", Lucas asked with a grin.
"Hi, Uncle Lucas!", Akeno said giving him a hug that he returned just as a gruff looking man with black hair and violet eyes came out from the living room dressed in his warrior's garb ready to go on his mission.
"Hello, old friend.", the man said with a kind smile as he and Lucas shook hands.
"How's it going, Baraqiel?", Lucas asked returning the smile.
"It could be better.", Baraqiel said before looking at Marcus. "I see you've grown quite strong, Marcus. I'm counting on you to help your father watch over Shuri and Akeno."
"Yes, sir!", Marcus said with a nod.
"Good man.", Baraqiel said with a smile.
"Akeno, why don't you go and show Marcus the pictures we took from our trip to Kyoto.", Shuri said to her daughter. "You can share some of the cookies you baked with some tea."
"Okay!", Akeno said before hooking herr arm around Marcus' and pulled him along with her. "Come on, Marcus! You're have to see these pictures! And try the cookies I baked!"
"Okay.", Marcus said as he was being pulled away from an excited Akeno as the adults giggled and snickered.
"Oh yeah! She's got it bad.", Lucas said.
"You have no idea.", Baraqiel grinned. "When I told her that you were coming to watch over her and Shuri, she got really excited and begged to ask if Marcus could come as well."
"When she found out he was coming, she insisted to learn how to bake cookies and cake.", Shuri grinned. "The cookies, she can do prety well. We haven't gotten to cakes yet."
"You think that's bad? You should have seen the girls when they heard about me and Marcus coming here.", Lucas said. "They took a real shine to you all when you came to visit us a few months ago. So much that they wanted to come as well. But, I didn't want to risk it with things being the way they are. So how bad are things with the Himejima Clan?"
"From what I've been told, they're waiting for the right moment to come after Akeno.", Shuri said sadly. "They see her as an abomination that shouldn't exist. And with Baraqiel leaving to helping Azazel, I know they'll try something."
"That's why I called you here to help watch over them, Lucas.", Baraqiel said. "I know that Azazel wouldn't ask me for help if it wasn't important. So I need someone who is powerful enough to protect my family."
"They'll be safe my friend.", Lucas said as they shook hands.
"Thank you.", Baraqiel said as he was ready to say his goodbyes and go on his mission. "Akeno! I'm about to depart!", he called out.
"Within seconds, Akeno came out from the living room, with Marcus an hugged her father tightly.
"Please be safe, father.", Akeno said as she held her father close.
"You as well, Akeno.", Baraqiel said as he held his daughter close for a few extra seconds before they pulled away from each other.
"Be safe and come back to us.", Shuri said as she touched the side of her husband's face with a small smile.
"I will.", Baraqiel said returning the smile before they shared a loving kiss.
Nodding to Lucas, who nodded back, Baraqiel left his home knowing that his family was safe. Once Baraqiel left, Shuri went to prepare dinner while Lucas did a quick check around the house to make sure everything was secure. As for Akeno and Marcus, they went back into the living room where Akeno continued to show Marcus pictures from her trip to Kyoto with her parents. Soon, Shuri had dinner ready and they had a good meal while catching up on old times. Of course Akeno was really paying attention to whatever Marcus had to say while Marcus was paying attention to everything Akeno said. Something that Shuri and Lucas noticed knowing that there was a little something between the two and were willing to see where it was going to go. After dinner, Akeno and Marcus were watching TV while Lucas was talking with Shuri about things when they sensed multiple beings in the area.
"Looks like we're about to have some company.", Lucas said.
"And there's a lot of them!", Shuri said recognizing the auras. "They're from my clan!"
"Mom.", Akeno said as she and Marcus walked up to them. "I sense some people outside."
"Me too, dad.", Marcus said. "And there are a lot of them."
"I know, son.", Lucas said as he headed for the door. "I need you to stay in here and watch over Shuri and Akeno."
"Right!", Marcus said as Lucas was about to head outside.
"Be careful!", Shuri said with worry.
Nodding to Shuri, Lucas went outside to confront there "guest".
"It's them, isn't it?", Akeno questioned getting scared as Shuri locked the door. "It's the Himejima Clan!"
"It'll be okay, Akeno.", Marcus said. "My dad will send those chumps running! And if any get in here, I'll kick their butts and keep you and Aunt Shuri safe!", he said with a determine look.
Happy that Marcus was there, for her, Akeno gave him a hug that he returned.
"Thank you.", Akeno said before they headed into the living room with Shuri praying that Lucas would be alright.
No outside, Lucas walked a few feet from the house before he raised his aura knowing that it would get the attention of those hiding.
"I know you're out there! Come out now and face me!", Lucas demanded when suddenly a fireball came flying at him only for Lucas to block the attack with the palm of his right hand. "If that's the best you got, then I suggest you leave before you all get hurt!"
It was then that some men and women came out from hiding showing no fear to Lucas.
"So you all decided to show yourselves.", Lucas said with a smirk.
"Whoever you are, we have no quarrel with you.", one of the men said. "Our target lies within that house! We'll give you this one chance to leave now and avoid your destruction. Stay and we will not be held responsible for what happens to you!"
"So, the Himejima Clan really is after a young lady who has done them no wrong?", Lucas questioned with a grin.
"So you know why we are here?", the man questioned.
"Yes. I do.", Lucas said. "And I will not just stand by and allow you to murder her!", Lucas said as he unleashed his aura towards the members of the Himejima Clan hoping to intimidate them in to running away. None ran yet at least ten of the fainted from the power.
"Blasted weaklings!", the man said before he formed a massive fireball and hurled it at Lucas, who didn't move away from the attack.
"Divide!", .Lucas said as he stared the fireball down as if it were nothing.
The man looked on in shock as the fireball was weakened into nothing.
"H-H-How did you do that?!", the man said.
"That's for me to know and for you to never find out!", Lucas said. "Now, tell me you name before I defeat you.", he demaned.
"I am Renji Himejima! And we shall destroy that child!", Renji declared as he charged at Lucas along with other members of the Himejima Clan.
"Dream on!", Lucas snapped ready to fight the Himejima Clan.
Now inside the house, Shuri was in the living room with Akeno and Marcus as the sounds of combat was heard outside. Try as she did to be brave, Akeno was scared wishing that the Himejima Clan would just leacve them alone. Seeing this, Shuri held Akeno close to comfort and calm her down.
"It's okay, Akeno.", Shuri said as she stroked her daughter's hair. "Your Uncle Lucas is more than powerful enough to take them all on."
"Yeah, Akeno! My dad is one of the strongest Dragon-Kin around!", Marcus said with pride. "He'll kick their butts and send them packing!", he said just as one of the Himejima Clan jumped through the window and into othe living room surprising the three of them causing Akeno to scream.
"In the name of the Himejima Clan, I shall end you! You freak!", he said as he ran at Akeno and Shuri.
"NO!", Shuri cried as she held Akeno close protecting her.
"Hey!", Marcus shouted as he jumped at the man and hit him with a powerful kick knocking him back a few feet.
"What in the...?!", the man questioned as he quickly got to his feet only to receive a three hit combo from Marcus knocking him back towards rhe window.
It was then that Marcus jumped over the man while whipping out his dragon tail and wrapping it around the man's head. Once Marcus landed behind the man, he used his strength to whip the man ovver him and outside through the broken window and at...
Moments earlier outside the house, as Lucas was fending off the members of the Himejima Clan, one of them ran at one of the windows and jumped through it.
"Looks like it's the end for that little freak!", Renji said with a smirk only to hear Lucas snicker. "And what's so funny?!"
"Wait for it.", Lucas said with a smirk, when suddenly the same man came flying out through the opening he made and into another of the Himejima Clan knocking each other out cold. "That's my boy!", Lucas said proud of his son before he sent Renji flying a few feet.
"So you're not the only one here!", Renji figured. "It doesn't matter, for we shall defeat you and whoever else is in there and destroy that child!"
"Then let's end this!", Lucas said as she suddenly brought out his white dragon wings and tail surprising the members of the Himejima Clan that were still conscious.
"You're a... a... a...!"
"Dragon-Kin! Yes!", Lucas said cutting Renji off. "Now let's finish this!", he said as he charegd at the Himejima Clan members ready to end this fighting.
As for those on the inside, every so often, a member or two was able to sneak inside through the broken window only to get beaten by Lucas or Shuri who decided to join in on the fight. After a while even Akeno hit a few of them with some fire or holy lightning she inherited from her father. After a good seventeen minutes of fighting, all but one of the Himejima Clan had ran off with their tails between their legs. No pun intended The only one left was Renji who Lucas had held up with his tail around the man's neck wanting answers.
"It's time for some answers, Renji.", Lucas said as he had Renji held at bay. "Now how did you know where to find this place?"
"That's what I'd like to know?"
Both Lucas and Renji looked up to see Baraqiel landing down next to Lucas.
"Hello, Renji.", Baraqiel said with narrowed eyes. "Answer my friend's question. How did you know where to find us?"
"I'll never talk!", Renji said. "But I will say this! The Himejima Clan will not rest until that freak child of yours is destroyed!", he said before Baraqiel slapped him with the back of his hand busting his lip.
"I could end you right now, but Shuri still cares for you all.", Baraqiel said. "Now how did yo find us!"
"Screw you, Fallen!", Renji snapped only for Baraqiel to get ready to smack him again.
"Hold on, Baraqiel.", Lucas said as he felt a two different auras somewhere in the forest that was behind the house. "I think I know who the mastermind is behind all of this.", he said before letting Renji go. "Tell your family that if they ever try to come after Baraqiel and his family again, they'll be facing the full force of a family of Dragon-Kin!", he said as teleported Renji to the outskirts of the town via magic circle.
"So who are we really dealing with?", Baraqiel asked when he suddenly felt the same auras Lucas was sensing. "You've got to be kidding me! So it's their kind?!"
"Looks like.", Lucas said. "Let's go say hello, shall we."
"Let's.", Baraqiel said with a sneer as he put up a powerful barrier up around his home, to keep those inside safe, before he and Lucas flew towards the one responsible for what was going on.
A minute earlier...
Now in the forest, were two beings that senses Lucas and Baraqiel coming towards them and fast. One of them was an elderly, yet very fit man who had blue eyes with silver-gray hair and beard while the other was while the other was a young fourteen year old girl with long red hair and blue-green eyes. The both of them had been watching the battle, from a distance with their enhanced vision and saw that the Himejima Clan had lost.
"Himejima Clan has lost, Lady Rias!", the elderly man ssaid. "I suggest that we take or leave before... ", he said when he sensed that Lucsa and Baraqiel had sensed them and were coming! "We must flee now!", he said as he grabbed the girls hand and turned to leave only to be face to face with Lucas.
He then turn around only to be face to face with an angry Baraqiel. The man tried to fight back only for Baraqiel to knock him to the ground.
"What are you doing her, devil?!", Baraqiel asked in a demanding tone.
"Leave him alone!", the girl said as she tried to fight only for Lucas to wrap his tail around her body holding her in place.
"Release me!", the girl demanded as she tried to get free. "Release me I say!"
"And why should I do that, little girl?", Lucas asked with a smirk.
"I am Rias Gremory of the Gremory Family!", the girl now known as Rias said. "I am the next head of my family, and I demand that you release me and my escort, Heinrich Cornelius Agrtppa, this instant!", she said glaring at Lucas.
"Well, well, well! Looks like we're in the presence of royalty, Baraqiel.", Lucas said as he raised Rias so they she was at eye level with him.
"So it would seem.", Baraqiel said as he grabbed Heinrich and held him by his top so that they were face to face. "So that means that you're one of Sirzechs' servants."
"Indeed I am.", Heinrich said. "I beg of you to please let Lady Rias go and take your anger out on me instead."
"Which of you told the Himejima Clan where my family was?", Baraqiel asked. "I suggest that you tell me the truth. For I will know if you are lying.", he said with narrowed eyes
"Please just punish me!", Heinrich pleaded.
"So that means it was you who told the Himejima Clan where Baraqiel's family was.", Lucas said to a scared Rias who was still trying to get free. "It's no use trying to get free, I cut your power in half the moment I grabbed you with my tail.", he said to a scared Rias.
"So why would you tell the Himejima Clan where we were?", Baraqiel questioned. "My guess as that you either want my wife or daughter as one of your servants. Or maybe both of them. Or maybe even me and my family", he said looking at Rias. "Either way, something must be done about this.", he said with a look that scared Rias.
"Please! I beg of you to spare Lady Rias!", Heinrich begged as Lucas let Rias go only for Baraqiel to grab her by her arm and drag her over to a nearby tree stump.
"Let me go! Let me go I say!", Rias demanded as she tried to get free. "Release me, Fallen!"
"Oh! I'll release you.", Baraqiel said as he sat on the stump. "But only after you've been properly punished.", he said he laid Rias over his lap and holding her there with his left hand placed on her back.
"Please no!", Heinrich pleaded only for Lucas to stand by him and place his hand on his shoulder bringing him to his knees.
"Believe me when I say, this is Baraqiel being nice.", Lucas said.
"What are you doing?!", Rias questioned trying to get free but couldn't.
"Something your parents should have done more of to you when you were younger.", Baraqiel said as he raised his right hand and suddenly brought down on Rias's rear.
"I demand that you let me... AAAAAAAAAAAAH!", she cried at the impact of Baraqiel hand to her rear.
"Figured that would shut her up.", Baraqiel grinned as he brought his hand up again.
"How dare you do this to me?", Rias questioned with watery eyes. "I am Rias Gremory! You shall pay for the insult to... AAAAAAAAAAH!", she cried again as Baraqiel struck her rear.
"Guess I was wrong.", Baraqiel said as he continued to spank Rias who cried at each strike to her butt.
For then next minute the cries of one Rias Gremory echoed through the forest as Baraqiel gave her a good old fashion spanking! After getting spanked fourteen times, Baraqiel let a sore Rias go as she jumped away from Baraqiel glaring at the man.
"You... You... You'll pay for this insult!", Rias said with tears running down her face as she blushed with embarrassment.
"If you try to come after my family again, you'll get double what I gave you, young lady.", Baraqiel said with a look and tone that told Rias that he wasn't playing around.
Backing away from Baraqiel, Rias ran to Heinrich, who Lucas let go.
"I suggest that you take the girl and leave.", Lucas said.
Saying nothing, Heinrich teleported away with Rias secretly hoping that the girl had learned her lesson. As for Lucas and Baraqiel, the two looked at each other before busting out laughing.
"I still can't believe that you actually gave the sister of Sirzechs a grade "A" spanking!", Lucas laughed.
"You and me both.", Baraqiel laughed. "Let's get back to to the house. I'm sure Shuri and the kids are worried about us.", he said as they made their way back.
Meanwhile, Heinrich and Rias had returned back to the living room, of the Gremory Manor where Rias' brother, Sirzechs was waiting for them with his wife Grayfia.
"B-B-Brother! W-W-What are you doing here?", Rias questioned.
"I came to talk, dear sister.", Sirzechs said with a calm tone. "Please sit down."
"I'd like to stand please.", Rias said with her still sore rear.
"Oh! But I insist.", Sirzechs said before his expression got serious. "Sit.", he said with a tone of authority.
Doing as her brother said, Rias was about to sit down when Heinrich grabbed a cushion and was about to place it where Rias was going to sit when...
"No, Heinrich.", Sirzechs said stopping his servant. "My foolish sister gets no comfort today.", he said surprising Rias for she knew she was busted.
"Yes sir.", Heinrich said as he stepped away leaving Rias to face more pain as she sat down on the couch only to let out a yelp of pain jumping up from her sore rear.
"I believe I told you to sit down, Rias.", Sirzechs said with a serious expression on his face that told Rias that she had better sit down regardless of the pain to her rear which she did slowly doing her best to endure the pain.
"Hurts doesn't it, Rias?", Sirzechs asked. "Good. Let that pain sink in. Remember this pain whenever you think of doing something so foolish in the future. Your actions could have started a war between us and the Fallen! And for what?! To make the daughter of Baraqiel your servant?! You're lucky that a spanking was the worst of what you got!"
"H-How did you know about that?!", Rias asked.
"I sent one of my familiars to follow you.", Sirzechs said. "I still can't believe how foolish you were, Rias! And to drag Heinrich along with you as well! Be glad that the only ones who know about what you've done are in this room."
"You haven't told mother and father?", Rias questioned in surprise.
"No. I haven't.", Sirzechs said. "They don't need to know about this, right now. I don't know why you pulled this stunt, but this crap ends now, Rias! Do I make myself clear?!"
"Y-Y-Yes.", Rias said not wanting to cross her brother.
Saying nothing, Sirzechs teleported away with Grayfia and Heinrich leaving Rias alone to think about what happened. As upset as she was at not getting Akeno for her future peerage, she still had the boy that had survived that project she had been keeping an eye on. She would have gotten the girl who was trapped in that strange barrier had those Dragon-Kin not showed up and dropped the barrier and taken her away. It didn't matter to her for she was still determine to form a strong peerage for her future in the rating games as well as dealing with her Riser Phoenix problem.
"I will have a powerful Peerage.", Rias said as she made her way to her bedroom. "No matter what."
Back at Baraqiel's home, after making sure that everyone was okay, Baraqiel and Lucas repaired that windows that were broken while Shuri made some coffee. As for Akeno and Marcus, they fell asleep on the couch watching TV. Seeing this, Shuri placed a blanket on them to keep them warm. As she did this, Akeno cuddled up to Marcus a bit with a smile making her smile knowing her daughter's feelings for Marcus.
"It seems that Akeno feelings for Marcus have come to light.", Shuri said getting the attention of her husband and Lucas who looked over to see the two young teens together sleeping on the couch.
"So it would seem.", Baraqiel said with a grin.
"I see some girls back home being a bit jealous.", Lucas said with a chuckle.
"So what do we do now?", Shuri questioned. "It'll only be a matter of time before they come back for us."
"You can always move to our town.", Lucas suggested. "It's not to far from here, so moving won't be so hard, and no way the Himejima Clan nor Gremory would even think about trying to come after you all there."
"And we'll still be in Japan.", Baraqiel said to Shuri. "And Akeno won't have to hide who she is."
"She did enjoy her time there, when we went there for a vacation.", Shuri said. "It was good seeing her being able to walk around with her wings out freely. And it would be good to be able to spend time with Zalena and the other friends we made there."
"So what do you two say?", Lucas asked.
"I guess we're going to be moving.", Shuri said with a smile.
"And and like I said, before, no way the Himejima Clan or Gremory will try anything.", Lucas said with a smile knowing things were going to be better for his friends.
"Looks like it's a whole new beginning for us.", Baraqiel said with a smile that his wife returned.
"And this time we'll make it a good one that last.", Shuri said knowing that things were going to turn out right for her and her family.
End of Chapter One
A/N: And that's the first chapter, folks! How will this change for Rias and her future peerage?! Who will she have as her Queen and Rook?! And what other changes will happen? Read on to find out!
Please review.
