Didn't have a lot of free time between the business school and the internship.
Also, I don't care how much you simp for Rias, if she did something bad, she needs to answer for it.
Of course, bad depends on the context.
However, if a character, which I wrote as overprotective, simply smiled at her for robbing his sister from her humanity, it won't look good.
That doesn't mean that he will hate her for eternity, after learning of why Rias is recruiting people, he can soften up.
But before? No.
Also, I find it funny that people called out racism, when Shirou is fine talking with Sona.
And yes, the Peerage system is a slavery one since the members MUST obey the king or they will be hunted like Strays.
Rias and Sona may show a bit of freedom, but that doesn't change what the Peerage system is.
Chapter 5: A maiden and a hunt
Shirou sighed as he was on his way. Last night quite eventful, mainly the fact that the one that tried to kill him is now a mindless slave.
'What did you do to her exactly?' Shirou asked as he was on his way to school early to make sure that he would avoid any awkward situation with his sister.
I whispered my name in my own language… with that… I have planted a seed and made sure that no one would claim her before me… I then whispered to her ears how to perform the rebirth ritual…
'I'm still lost.' Shirou replied 'What have you really done to her?'
I turned her into a Dreamer… one that obeys me… and you… you're my host after all…
'I don't know how to feel about that…' now, Shirou felt really bad for the Fallen Angel.
You do remember what I warned you about…
'Other gods that will be searching to kill me, just to get you.' Shirou shook his head before adding 'It still doesn't explain why you did that to her.'
As a creature naturally superior to humans… I turned her into a perfect life form to serve us…
'Still, it doesn't feel right for her.' Shirou was deep in thoughts that he bumped into someone that fell down "Sorry about that." Shirou looked at the person.
It was a pretty young girl with long blonde hair and green eyes. Her hair flows all the way down to her back, with split bangs over her forehead and a single strand sticking out from the top and sloping backward. Her attire consisted of a dark teal nun outfit with light blue accents, a white veil over her head with light blue accents, a brown satchel slung on her right hip, and brown boots with black straps in an X-shaped pattern. She also wore a silver cross necklace around her neck.
"Are you alright?" Shirou asked as he helped the girl to get on her feet.
"Y-Yes! Thank you!" the girl replied before adding "I'm Asia Argento, it's nice to meet you."
"Likewise." Shirou replied "I'm Shirou Hyoudou."
"I'm sorry but… can you help me out?" the blonde girl sounded embarrassed "I'm a bit lost."
…
After a while, they were both walking.
"So, why are you here?" Shirou asked "Visiting?"
"I was sent to the church of this town." Asia answered.
It seems that things began to move… it has begun…
'What are you talking about?' Shirou asked.
Fate began its journey… the cogs are turning… and you need to be ready…
'Can't you be a little clearer?' Shirou asked before getting his attention taken.
"I'm happy that the first is a nice person like you." Asia stated "It must be thanks to God that we could have met."
'I really feel bad about her…' Shirou sighed internally.
There are some merits to her beliefs… after all… he is strong enough to keep Nyarlathotep at bay…
'So… he's stronger than you?'Shirou asked.
No…
Shirou was brought out of his thought when he heard the cries of a child due to a small wound on his knee. Asia quickly went and healed the wound with a strange power.
'What's this?' Shirou asked.
Twilight Healing… a weapon that possesses an incredible healing powers… which are powerful enough to heal an Old God…
'The fact that it can heal you is something?' Shirou asked.
Our bodies are different than the bodies of humans… humans have rules that applies on their world… after all… the material world is not the void…
'In other words…'
The simple fact that it can adapt itself to our bodies is the proof that her weapon is strong…
Shirou thoughts were disrupted when Asia walked to him.
"Sorry for taking too long." she apologized.
"No need to be sorry." Shirou replied as he smiled.
Relius walked in the corridors of the school, hidden with a cloaking spell.
"Such a primitive place… I wonder how they can learn here without using the right technology and magic." he mumbled to himself unlit he noticed a white haired girl staring at him.
"Who are you?" she asked with a stare.
"Not human… but has an incredible amount of magic in her… very interesting." Relius mumbled before lifting his cape, letting a green mechanize hand blocking a hit from the girl "With a lot of strength… more interesting." he added with a grin.
"Are you human?" the girl asked as she was now glaring at the masked man.
"Regrets, sadness, fear of being abandoned… what an interesting creature." Relius smiled before dodging an attack of the girl.
"Answer my question." the girl demanded before rushing with a rain of punches and kicks, which relius dodge with a strange way that seems magical to the girl.
"A lot of strength and stamina that can allow your body to move without tiring quickly, and quite agile while having that much strength." Relius smirked before snapping his fingers, and a floating iron doll with blue eyes, magenta clothes and a clawed hand appeared in front of him.
"Wha-!" before that the girl could continue, the doll grabbed her by the head and threw her through a wall.
"Very resilient too… are you trying to end up at my experiment table, little girl?" Relius asked with a smile "However, as an Observant, I can't take any action right now. I wonder how you would have fared against the Mad Dog."
Relius lifted his cape again as an iron puppet hand blocked a sword.
"Koneko-chan, are you alright?" it was a blond boy with blue eyes.
"This guy is weird." Koneko said as she got up.
"Can I ask you for your name?" the boy asked, getting himself into a stance.
"Fast and precise… aiming for a deadly point in the human body… somehow, it's getting more and more interesting by the seconds that pass." Relius looked at the boy before adding "With such speed, it would mean a lack of strength. However, there was some strength in that sword strike." Relius hummed before adding "This requires a lot of research."
"What's his deal?" the boy asked.
"Dunno." the girl replied "He just appeared out of nowhere and began mumbling to himself like a creep."
"Maybe that an experiment is due to see how far we can take this dance." Relius got ready to snap his fingers until a hand was placed on his shoulder.
"Come now, we're Observants, which means that we can't take actions." Zelretch stated "Taking them seriously would mean a great shift from our project."
"You're probably right…" Relius began to think before adding "But the amount of knowledge that would be gained from them would be priceless."
"I know how you feel, but you have to remember what would happen if you take actions now." Zelretch reminded.
"You make a good point." Relius looked at the two teens and said "I hope that you would have improved by the time we meet again.
Both of them disappeared with a teleportation spell.
"Buchou needs to know about that." Koneko said, getting a nod from the boy.
Both Shirou and Asia continued to walk until they reached a church.
"I think that the place." Shirou stated before adding "This place really gives me the creeps. Ever since the priest that was in charge died, a lot of bad rumors began to circulate about that place."
"R-Really?" Asia looked surprised as she asked "What kind of rumors?"
"That spirits are haunting this place." Shirou answered, "During the day, everything's fine. But, in the night, a lot of things happen here…"
"Dear God… that's scary." Asia said with a fearful tone.
'What should I do now?' Shirou sighed as he really didn't want to see an innocent girl like Asia in a place like that.
Let things flow as they should be… changing the fate of the holy maiden would be disastrous for you…
'What does that mean?!' Shirou was shocked by what he just heard 'Is she going to die?!'
Maybe… I cannot answer that question now…
'I won't let something bad happening to her!' Shirou was about to say something else when he was stopped.
Changing her fate can alter the fate of your sister… and not for a good one…
Shirou stayed silent, wondering what he should do now.
"Is everything alright, Hyoudou-san?" Asia asked with a worried expression.
"Nothing, don't worry." Shirou replied before patting her head "Be careful there, alright?"
Asia blushed before nodding her head.
Shirou turned and began leaving, wondering if it's the right thing to do.
You will soon see why I asked you to let her follow her fate… every action has a reason…
'But if something was to happen to her-'
It is either her… or your sister…
Shirou stopped thinking before going against his heart.
Remember what I said… every action has a reason… and every action leads to a point in the possible reality…
'Whatever you say…' Shirou was really lost.
Should I ask Raynare to cheer you up…
Shirou was confused as he asked 'What do you mean?'
As a boy… she can lift your spirit in an interesting way…
Shirou felt embarrassment as his face heated up when he understood the real meaning behind the words of the old god.
Always entertaining to mess with you…
'Can you stop that?!'
No…
When Sei arrived at school, she saw Shirou talking with the two leaders of the student council.
"What's going on?" she mumbled before stealthy approaching them.
"A nun here? That's not unusual for the church to send their members to clean a territory of the Devils." Sona stated "Besides, they must also be on the hunt for Sacred Gear users."
"Apparently, she's tied with Rias." Shirou pointed "Azathoth refused to explain things clearly, but he wanted things to 'go as planned' and that I should get ready for my first ordeal since it can happen at any time."
"I understand, but I can't try not to take advantage of the situation and take that nun for myself." Sona said.
Shirou nodded a couple of times before saying "Azathoth said that if you try to do something, he will do something to you, and that he can easily know where you are." He then nodded again before adding "He also said that you should keep your distance from my house."
Sona looked a bit annoyed before stating "I-I understand…"
Shirou then turned before heading toward the main building.
"What were they talking about?" Sei wondered out loud.
Much later, Sei headed toward the old building and sighed as she was thinking about what was said between Shirou and Sona Shitori.
"I wish that Oni-chan could trust me more." Sei sighed before opening the door and finding Rias frowning while talking with Koneko and Kiba.
"That's indeed a strange man… but what could it mean?" Rias wondered out loud.
"He seemed more interested in observing and testing things." Kiba pointed, which was accompanied by a nod from Koneko.
"I need to talk with Sona about this." Rias sighed before noticing Sei "Hyoudou-san, is everything alright?" she asked.
Sei nodded before replying with a smile "I'm just trying to adapt myself with my new life."
"I… I see." Rias looked uncomfortable before adding "I sincerely apologize for turning you into a Devil without your consent."
"It's fine." Sei replied "I mean, it took me by surprise, but that doesn't mean that I'm hating it. In fact, I feel way better than when I was Human."
"Sei-chan is very optimistic." Akeno commented with a giggle.
"That's easy to see." Rias pointed before adding "Since we've yet to bring up the subject, maybe that you should begin with your tasks as a Devil. All what you need to do is-"
Rias didn't have time to finish as Raynare teleported there via a rift.
"So this is where you Devils were… interesting." Raynare looked around as the Devils tensed up and prepared to fight.
"What are you doing here?!" Rias asked as she charged her powers.
Raynare tilted her head before laughing "Do you believe that you can harm me with your pathetic powers?" she then looked at the red haired in the eyes before saying "I've been asked to keep an eye on her by the Master. And to slaughter every one of you if you cause harm to her."
Rias took a deep breath before relaxing "As I was saying; it's time for you to begin with your Devil activities."
"What kind of activities?" Sei asked with confusion.
"First thing first, you must help by expending the name of the Gremory by passing these fliers out." Rias answered as she put a pile of fliers on the desk.
"Why?!" Sei recoiled back with shock.
"Think of it as advertisement." Rias stated with a smile before beginning to explain to Sei "People that will use those fliers will enter in contact with the Gremory clan. With some luck, you can end up with some contracts that can help you to become a higher ranking Devil and even having your own Peerage."
"But I'm not interested in having a Peerage." Sei mumbled "I'm more interested in having Oni-chan for me only. But my plan to become the alpha of a harem devoted to Oni-chan…"
"You can still have it." Rias assured "If you get the chance to become a high ranked Devil, you will be given Devil pieces to recruit members of your peerage. Anyone you desire."
"Score! Being a Devil is super cool." Sei cheered.
"Well, you became a Succubus after turning into a Devil, which means that you will get a lot of fun." Akeno added.
"Besides, since you're no longer human, you can marry your brother if you want." Rias said with amusement as she saw the expression on Sei's face.
"Really!" the said girl asked with stars in her eyes.
"Devils are known to follow what they want." Rias pointed, still smiling "You can marry in the underworld once you feel like you're ready, and once you get the necessary funds."
Without having time to blink, Sei was out with the fliers. The same could be said about Raynare as she wasn't there anymore.
"She's… very enthusiastic." Kiba chuckled nervously.
"She's a pervert…" Koneko commented with a flat look.
"Now, now… let's focus on what happened to you two." Rias pointed as she got nods from both Koneko and Kiba.
Shirou sighed as he was walking to his home, back from his workplace.
Still thinking about it…?
'You're asking me to forgive what she did like it's nothing.' Shirou replied.
It may appear to be so… but without it… this timeline would have headed toward the end prematurely…
Shirou sighed 'Are you sure about that?'
There are forces that can do much more than what I am currently capable of doing…
'Are you this weakened?' Shirou began to show more concern after hearing the Old God.
You fear that I will not be strong enough to protect your family… Am I right…?
'Well, you dragged me into all of this.' Shirou shook his head 'And now, even my sister is in danger because of you.'
I would not worry if I were you… she will not have to fight until the time will be right for her…
'Is it necessary to put her in this situation?' Shirou asked.
Sooner or later… she would have been hunted by the supernatural… they know that humans must not be trusted with powers such as the Sacred Gears… those that lived… caused revolutionary events in the world… and caused a lot of suffering to the supernatural beings…
'But Sei is harmless!' Shirou snapped 'There's no way that she would have done something!'
That is why I decided to put her under the care of the crimson princess… as a Devil… she won't be targeted… since she will be under the protection of the Devil Kings…
'For her… protection?' Shirou was more than confused now.
Yes… as long as she bares the mark of the Gremory family… no one would dare to touch her…
Shirou simply sighed.
And… in time… she will be happy… very happy…
'Of course that she would.' Shirou felt the headache 'She's too carefree to understand what's happening.'
You believe that she is too optimistic… am I right…?
'She never saw the cup half empty.'
Such thing can bring her to trust anyone…
'No, she doesn't trust anyone.' Shirou assured 'It may appear that she's too naïve, but she knows who to stay away from.'
You trust her so much…
'Sei is a unique case…' Shirou sighed before adding 'She somehow feels a person. Like, if they are worthy to be trusted by her.'
Yet… she was fooled by Raynare…
Shirou sighed before replying with 'She does have her weaknesses…'
Let us hope that those weaknesses will not get her in some serious troubles…
Sometimes later, Sei got back to the ORC main room with a grin.
"All done!" she beamed.
"That was… fast." Rias seemed surprised to say the least.
"And she did her job quite well." Kiba pointed with a smile.
"If it's to be the alpha of the future harem of Oni-chan, I will challenge the entire world!" Sei declared proudly, getting an annoyed stare from Koneko and nervous smiles from Kiba.
"Now that's done, I think that we can talk about the Sacred Gear that's inside of you." Rias pointed.
"What kind of weapon it is?" Sei asked enthusiastically "A big sword? A big gun? A big Spear?"
"That's all the question." Rias smiled as she crossed her arms, "Considering that you needed nine Pawns to be turned into a Devil, it means that whatever Sacred Gear you have is strong."
"Pawn?" Sei tilted her head
"Maybe that showing her the meaning of your words with a Stray hunt would be more helpful, don't you think?" Akeno proposed with a smile.
"Maybe…" Rias pondered the question before nodding "It's decided. You'll join us on our Stray hunt tonight.
"Stray hunt?" Sei was more confused.
"We can explain further on the way." Rias pointed as she got up.
"Where are we going?" Sei asked.
"A Stray Devil was spotted in an abandoned warehouse." The heiress answered.
After a long walk, the group arrived in front of an abandoned house.
"This place is really spooky." Sei shuddered before adding "So… should we get in?"
"Well, that Stray is known to lure the victims inside." Kiba explained.
"So, what are you going to do?" Sei asked as she looked around.
"Kill it, of course." Akeno answered with a smile, shocking the girl.
"I know that it seems cruel, but the Strays are a danger to the living creatures on the planet." Rias explained, "These devils are monsters that want more power to satisfy an unquenchable thirst."
Sei shivered before following the members of the Occult Research Club.
Inside, they found the place abandoned with dry blood on the walls
"This place is really creepy." Sei commented.
"Sei." Rias called, "Are you familiar with the game of chess?"
"I did tried it once, but failed at it." Sei sighed.
"As the master, I'm the King. My empress is the Queen. My cavalier, the Knight. My tank, the rook. My clergyman, the Bishop. And my footsoldier, the pawn. Devils with titles and nobility grant characteristic of each pieces to each one of their soldier." Rias explained, "We have a special name for them; we call them Evil Pieces."
"That's nice and all, but why telling me this?" Sei asked with confusion.
"Because I want you to see my peerage fight." Rias answered with a serious tone.
"It's here." Koneko said before that another was heard.
"What a sweet smell." It was a feminine voice revealing a naked woman.
"Vizer, you betrayed your master for your lust and power." Rias proclaimed as she pointed the Stray Vizer with her finger, "For that, you shall receive the judgment of the Gremory!"
"Shut up, will you." Vizer said as she was fondling her breasts, "I know that you were jealous of my breasts."
"Not to be the one who points things out, but I don't think that she can compete with Rias-Senpai since…" Sei laughed nervously as she was looking at the inhuman part of Vizer that goes from her waist down.
The Stray continued to fondle her breasts until a liquid was launched at the group of Devils. When they evaded it, Sei turned and saw how corrosive it is, "Scary…"
"Be careful." Rias then turned to the blond boy, "Kiba!"
"Yes!" Kiba then disappeared from Sei's sight.
"He disappeared?" Sei asked with awe.
"No." Rias answered before adding, "He's just moving fast. As my knight, his attribute is speed. And his weapon of choice, the sword"
At that moment, Kiba slashed both monstrous arms. As the creature began to screech, Koneko began to approach it. The Stray mutated and now has brown skin and gained a huge mouth in the abdomen.
"Koneko, watch out!" Sei's warning was late as the Stray ate the white haired Devil.
"Don't worry." Rias assured Sei with a smile as Koneko opened the mouth with an annoyed look, "In the game, she's my rook. To put it simply, she has the greatest physical power and resilience."
"See you on the flip side." With one swing, Koneko destroyed the teeth of the monster… and threw it through a pillar.
'Better not be on her bad side.' Sei sweatdropped.
"Akeno, finish it off." Rias ordered as the black haired girl smiled while walking toward the downed Stray and began to electrocute it, "She's my Queen. She possess the attribute of all the pieces and uses a form of Dark magic." It was then when Sei noticed the blush on Akeno's face, "She's also into BDSM."
'I can believe that!' Sei was taken by surprise.
After a moment, Rais walked to the Stray Vizer and asked, "Any last word?"
"Go to hell…" Vizer worded painfully as Rias used her powers to launch some sort of red energy at it.
"Another job well done." Akeno said with a smile before turning to Sei, "Right?"
The said girl nearly jumped from her skin and nodded, "S-Sure, whatever you say!"
The black haired girl simply giggled.
"Now then, let's go back." Rias said before being talked away from a strange attack by Sei.
"Rias-senpai, you alright?" Sei asked.
After getting out of her daze Rias simply nodded, "Yes, Thank you."
"What's going on?" asked Kiba.
They all saw Vizer walking in a humanoid form with many tentacles coming from her back.
"You went and did it, huh?" Vizer chuckled as her skin began to become purple.
"This is…" Rias widened her eyes as she remembered when shirou attacked them.
"You see, Gremory bitch, my new Master gave me powers beyond any Devil that you know." Vizer smirked as her entire body became purple, "I believe that's my turn." she generated purple flames and launched them at the group of Devils.
They closed their eyes, preparing for the worst, but they didn't felt anything. The first to have their eyes open was Rias, who saw Raynare standing in front of them.
"What a mediocre spell." the Fallen Angel sighed, "And here I thought that you could have been more of a challenge."
Vizer began to take some steps back.
"I don't know who your Master is, but I don't think that he's stronger than my Master." Raynare smiled wickedly before creating a dark purple spear, "If only you knew how much I've waited this." she giggled before adding, "The Master told me that I'd be useful at this precise moment. And another one in the future."
The ORC members said nothing as they saw Raynare disintegrating the mutated Stray with her spear.
"To die from a low spear like this one, pitiful." the Fallen Angel shook her head, "And here I hoped for a challenge." she then turned to Sei, "Now then, let's go back home."
Sei could only nod with fear.
So, before you Koneko simps start accusing me, again, of favoriting other characters, this is Relius Clover we're talking about.
If you don't know Relius, then here's what you need to know; he's ranked first magician in the Blazblue verse.
If you want to see the ninth magician there, search for Konoe A Mercury.
See you in the next chapter.