AN: Okay, this took longer than I hoped. The reasons this chapter got delayed are similar to why Chapter 56 of Hero Academia DxD was delayed. Though, another reason was because I recently got into Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, something I'm ashamed I haven't watched before. All it took was seeing the first episode and I got HOOKED! Just finished the first season, too! Anyway, now to enjoy Chapter 4 of High School Digimon: Dawn x Dusk.
Chapter 04: Engagement Challenge
May 7, 2012
Kuoh Academy, Japan
It had been several days since the incident with Mercuremon. After ensuring that Kaho was okay, Sona Sitri began to investigate the Mutant Digimon's other victims. Aside from his more recent victims like Kaho, most had vanished without a trace, which did not bode well with anyone.
Sona was currently alone in the student council room, sitting at her desk as she finished her report regarding the incidents involving Kuwagamon, Mummymon, and Mercuremon. Normally it would not take her this long to write a report, but given the subject, she felt she needed to be as accurate as possible. This was still new ground, one unknown not just to Devils but all the other factions, with Koh being the closest they have to an expert.
She was about to finish when knocking came from the door. "Come in."
Opening the door, Rias stepped in. "Hope I'm not intruding."
"Not at all," Sona smiled. "I was just about to finish my report to Sirzechs. I certainly hope you finished yours."
"Just did," Rias replied. "I was hoping you would cover over it if only to make sure I didn't miss anything."
"Of course," Sona sighed with a smile. "I'll look it over during lunch."
"Still feels kinda surreal, doesn't it?" Rias asked as she took a seat. "That these Digimon were here all along and we never noticed."
"Yes," Sona nodded. "It makes me wonder just how long this could have gone unnoticed had Kuwagamon not attacked the school."
Rias hummed in thought. "About that, that thing was killed by something. Did Hinode and Coronamon ever figure out what it was?"
"I'm planning to ask some of the Digimon that live in the city about it," Sona finished her report and closed her laptop. "Saji's sister requested Hinode to introduce her to the Digimon in the city. Saji insisted on coming, and I wish to learn more about the Digimon here myself, so my peerage will be accompanying them."
"You seem to have taken quite an interest in Hinode, Sona," Rias teased.
"I'll admit that I am intrigued by him," Sona replied. "Still, I'm surprised you haven't asked Hinode to join your Peerage, yet," she readjusted her glasses.
"I could say the same to you, Sona," Rias retorted. "Hinode and his Regulus Nemea would be invaluable, but I only have a Knight piece and a Rook piece left. Issei has the Boosted Gear, another Longinus, and he took all 8 of my Pawns. As such, I doubt either would work with Hinode."
"True," Sona hummed in thought. She herself only had 3 Pawns, a Knight, and a Rook left. And unlike Rias, Sona did not have a Mutation Piece, and she highly doubted that her 3 remaining Pawns would be enough to reincarnate Koh. "Though even if one of us asks him, I believe Hinode is the type to decline."
It was currently lunch at Kuoh Academy and was Koh sitting in class, drawing in his notebook as he usually did when he had free time. He was so focused that he didn't notice Tsubasa leaning over his shoulder. "Whatcha working on?"
"Huh?" Koh looked up, allowing Tsubasa to see what he was drawing… making her jaw drop. It was a drawing of a girl and a rabbit-like creature, and he pretty much just drew the girl's face and the creature flawlessly.
"Holy crap! I had no idea you knew how to draw THIS good!"
Himari leaned over and saw the drawing herself. "Oh my gosh, that's amazing Koh-kun!"
"What's going on?" Reya walked over before seeing Koh's drawing. "Oh, wow! That is amazing!"
"It's not much," Koh muttered.
"Not much?!" Tsubasa practically grabbed Koh's notebook to get a closer look. "I'm the first to admit that I know nothing about art, but I can tell this is a lot more than 'not much'."
"I agree. This is astounding!" Reya complimented. "How did you get so good?!"
"Just practice, I guess," Koh blushed as he quickly took back his notebook and placed it in his bag. "I started drawing at my uncle's suggestion and it… sorta became a hobby."
"Who was it you were drawing, though?" Tsubasa asked.
"Was that Sayo and Lunamon?" Himari asked, having recognized them from the shrine at Koh's home.
"…Yeah," Koh slowly said. The tone alone told Reya and Tsubasa that this was a sensitive topic, so they decided not to ask.
Before anything else was said, the ground began to rumble, throwing everyone off balance for a moment before it stopped as suddenly as it began.
"Another earthquake?" Reya questioned.
"That's the third in the last couple of days," Tsubasa muttered as she got up.
"It better not be Drimogemon and NiseDrimogemon again," Koh grumbled.
"What and what?" Tsubasa questioned.
"Two big moles with drills for noses," Koh simplified.
"…How many weird Digimon are there?" Tsubasa asked.
Koh shrugged. "No clue."
"Uh, are we still gonna meet with Argento-san and Hyoudou-san for lunch?" Himari asked.
"Yeah," Koh nodded. "You go on ahead. I'll go get Anne."
Smiling, Himari went in one direction while Koh went in the other. Koh was happy that Himari was finally coming out of her shell and making friends. She and Asia got along well enough, though he certainly hoped that Issei, and especially Aika Kiryu from Asia and Issei's class, wouldn't put any weird thoughts in Himari's head.
As he made his way to meet up with Anne, Koh happened to look out the window and noticed SnowAgumon and Psychemon in the bushes nearby, both having mischievous smirks on their faces. "Oh no… What are those two up to now?"
"Koh-kun!" Anne ran up to him. "You ready to meet with the others?"
"Not yet," Koh shook his head, m to Anne's surprise. "I need to check something."
"…SnowAgumon and Psychemon are up to something again?"
"Looks like it. It shouldn't take long," Koh exited the new school building and ran after SnowAgumon and Psychemon. It didn't take him long to catch up, quietly following the two to the old school building.
Eyes narrowed, Koh entered the old building after them, following them to one of the clubrooms. But as soon as he entered, he found that SnowAgumon and Psychemon were gone.
"Where did those two go to?" Koh looked around the clubroom. But the sound of rushing water caught his attention. "What the…?" The water had already turned off. "A shower? Here?"
"Ah, Hinode-kun! Good afternoon," the alluring voice of Akeno spoke as the shower curtain was pulled back. Koh slowly looked over to see a still-wet Akeno in a bathrobe, her hair down instead of in a ponytail per usual. The robe was rather thin and short, stopping mid-thigh at the bottom and sticking to her moist skin which was still somewhat showing through the fabric. Needless to say, her current state made the boy gape, Koh's cheeks glowing red with embarrassment while steam came out of his ears, completely taken back by the half-naked, raven-haired beauty standing before him.
"I'm sorry to have taken a shower right now, but I wasn't expecting anyone. I missed the chance last night because of a job so I thought I'd take a shower here once I got the chance," Akeno explained with a giggle, acting as casual as ever as she tried to dry her hair with a towel. "If you would like, I can make you some lunch."
"N-no! Th-that's okay, Himejima-san! No reason for you to do that!" Koh began making his way toward the door, yet he could not take his eyes off of Akeno. "I-I need to get going!"
"Please, Hinode-kun, I insist. At least let me pour you some tea," Akeno shook her head with a serene smile, leaning down and grabbing the tray with the teapot and cups. Doing so made the top of her ample breasts stick out more, water glistening off of her beautiful white skin.
"S-seriously, there's no reason for you to do that! Okay, I'll see you later, bye!" Koh swiftly ran out of the clubroom.
Akeno raised a brow as he did so before giggling. "He's so fun to tease~."
Outside, behind the old school building, SnowAgumon and Psychemon were celebrating for finally succeeding in pulling a prank on Koh.
"I'm going to kill those two. I'm going to kill them. I'm going to get Iroh's chicken and feed them to it," Koh muttered to himself as he sped-walked to the main school building.
"Why so flustered, Koh?" Regulus asked. "It appears that you and the Gremory Queen may be attracted to each other. Not to mention she is incredibly well-endowed, meaning she is very fertile. If you two mated you can produce strong offspring-"
"Shut it, you pervy lion!" Koh hissed, trying to ignore the image of a wet and hot Akeno that was stuck in his head, and trying to ignore how Akeno's breasts seemed to somehow be bigger than Kur-
"Koh-kun?"
"WHA!" Koh nearly jumped out of his skin, turning to see Anne and Himari. Behind them were Asia, Issei, and Koneko. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"Sorry," Anne apologized. "But…"
"You're bleeding!" Himari exclaimed.
"Huh?" Koh now realized that his nose had been bleeding for who knows how long. Try as he might deny it, but despite having better control than Issei, Koh is still a hormonal, teenage boy. One who won't forget the image of a wet, half-naked Akeno anytime soon.
Himari took out some tissues from her bag. "What happened? Are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine! Just blew my nose too hard, that's all!" Koh laughed off, quickly grabbing the tissues Himari had and stuffing them in his nose to stop the nosebleed.
"Are you sure?" Himari asked.
"Yeah, pretty…" Koh stopped when he noticed Issei's condition. He had a black eye and his lips were swollen. "What the hell happened to you?"
Later, on the main school building's roof…
"There!" Asia declared, the blonde girl straightening as she beamed at Issei. "All done!"
"Thanks, Asia-chan!" Issei beamed at the girl, and her face went red as she smiled back, bashfully tapping the toe of her shoes on the ground.
"You really can't help yourself, huh Hyoudou?" Anne asked.
"He got what he deserved," Koneko deadpanned. She was the one who caught Issei and his friends and beat them to a pulp, making sure to leave minor injuries on Issei's friends so they wouldn't die.
"At this point, I think you guys enjoy getting beat up," Koh sighed. He was about to start eating his lunch when a thought crossed his mind. "Wait… are you guys actually masochists?"
"What? NO!" Issei quickly denied it. "I mean, Motohama maybe, but I'm not a masochist!"
"What's a masochist?" Asia innocently asked.
"I'm curious, too," Himari said.
Everyone looked at Asia and Himari before Koh spoke up. "…Let's move on."
"Yeah./Agreed./Ditto." Anne, Issei, and Koneko all nodded before they continued their lunch. Asia and Himari just looked at them in confusion.
"So, what are you guys doing after school today?" Issei asked. "You said that you were gonna show Saji's sister the Digimon around here, right?"
"Yeah. Coronamon and I are gonna show Himari, Kaho, and the Student Council around town, showing them where the Digimon usually hang out," Koh explained. "There's also a meeting between the Digimon later tonight."
"A meeting?" Asia asked.
"Yeah. The Digimon in town meet up once a week, usually to talk about anything that's happened, help any new Digimon, stuff like that." Koh took a bite of his sandwich. "One of them might know something about the weird earthquakes happening lately."
Later after school ended for the day, Koh, with Anne and Himari following behind, headed for the gate, some of the Student Council following close behind. Outside of the gates waiting was Kaho, carrying a visible Lalamon in her arms, an invisible Coronamon next to them.
"Gen-nii! Everyone!" Kaho waved.
"Heya, Kaho!" Anne greeted.
"You ready to see some friendly Digimon up close?" Koh asked.
Kaho nodded. "I just dropped Gengo off at home and told him Gen-nii and I will be late tonight."
"Uh, is it a good idea for Lalamon to be seen like that?" Ruruko asked.
"So far, everyone thinks I'm a doll of some sort," Lalamon said.
"Really?"
"Humans can be surprisingly gullible," Coronamon commented, he and Koh leading the group as they left Kuoh Academy's grounds.
"That is certainly true," Sona nodded. She may not be expressing it, but she was excited about this little tour Koh and Coronamon were leading. "So, where will we be heading first?"
Before either could answer, Kaho spoke up.
"Is that a Digimon?" Kaho pointed ahead.
"Huh?" Most of the group stopped in their tracks, looking ahead. Aside from the few pedestrians walking the sidewalk with them, most of whom were fellow Kuoh students, they didn't see anything.
"Yep, that's a Digimon," Coronamon said.
"I don't see it," Himari said.
"Let me fix that. I've been working on the spell that made Mercuremon visible, though now I can simply cast it on us instead." Discreetly, Sona cast the improved spell upon herself, her servants, and Anne and Himari.
"Agh, it's itching my eyes," Saji complained.
"Apologies. I'm still working on that," Sona muttered. Once the irritation died down, the devils, Anne, and Himari were able to see what caught Kaho's eye.
It was a bipedal cartoony rat-like creature with pink fur, large crooked teeth, and black eyes. It was standing near the base of a street light, watching humans walk by with interest.
"…That's a Digimon?" Ruruko gapped.
"Yeah, that's Chuumon," Lalamon answered.
"Aww, it's actually kinda cute," Tomoe gushed.
"Weird," Coronamon muttered. "Chuumon are normally with Sukamon."
"What's a Sukamon?" Tsubaki asked.
"Giant, golden poop with a long tongue," Coronamon bluntly answered.
Everyone slowly turned to Coronamon, Koh, and Lalamon. "He's serious," Koh sighed. "And let me tell you, it was NOT fun dealing with it."
"Uh huh," Coronamon nodded.
The Chuumon then suddenly ran off, jumping over a wall.
"Where did it go?" Momo asked.
"Not sure, but I don't think he'll cause any trouble," Koh said.
"We've only just left the school and already we're encountering Digimon," Sona muttered in amazement.
"How many Digimon are there in Kuoh?" Tsubaki asked.
"At least a couple hundred," Coronamon answered. "But there are tons more living in Tokyo."
"Kinda crazy how all of them are just living here without anyone noticing," Saji muttered.
"Any more crazy than devils walking the streets?" Koh asked.
"Point taken," Saji admitted.
The group walked through the streets of Koh, occasionally stopping at where some of the Digimon lived. Currently, they were in the park, and Sona was leading a conversation with a plant-like Digimon that resembled a mandrake called Aruraumon.
Koh and Coronamon watched from nearby. "Kaichou's really engaged in all this," Koh commented.
"Hey, Boss. Is it really a good idea for Kaho to have Sayo's Digivice?" Coronamon.
Koh looked down at his partner before turning her gaze on Kaho, who was currently talking with Lalamon and Dokunemon. "I'm not sure. But the Digivice is now… fixed, somehow. There's probably a reason why. And until we know what that is, we'll keep Kaho and Lalamon safe."
"Yeah," Coronamon nodded. "We won't let that happen again."
Koh nodded also, then heard Coronamon's stomach growl. "There goes your bottomless pit again."
"Hey, I'm hot! I need the fuel!" Coronamon argued.
Koh shook his head with a chuckle. "I think I saw a couple of vending machines nearby. I'll be right back."
It didn't take long for Koh to find the vending machine, grabbing a soda for himself and an okonomiyaki burger[1] for Coronamon.
"This should keep Coronamon satisfied for now," Koh turned to make his way back to the others. But as he did, he ended up bumping into a girl. "Oops! Sorry about that," Koh quickly apologized.
"It's fine," the girl said sweetly.
Now that he got a look at her, Koh saw that she was astonishingly beautiful. She had pearly white skin and long, black hair tied in long twin tails. Her right eye is red-tinted while her left eye is covered by her bangs. She was wearing a black Gothic Lolita with black boots and was carrying a black purse with a rose design.
The girl smirked, noticing the way Koh looked at her. "Ara, Ara, see something you like~?"
Koh blushed. The way she said that reminded him of Akeno. "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare. Are you new in town?"
"You could say that."
"Hey, Boss! What's the holdup?" Coronamon called out.
"Oh, gotta go! Bye!" Koh quickly ran to catch up with the others, the girl staring at him all the while.
"Don't worry, Koh," the girl licked her lips. "I'll see you again real soon. Kihihihihi~"
It was almost time for the Digimon's meeting, and Koh and Coronamon needed to pick up something for it. "Where exactly are we going?" Saji asked. It couldn't be the Jasmine Dragon tea shop because they had already passed it.
"Just need to pick up an order I made for the meeting," Koh said as they approached their destination.
Painted in bold, white letters on a midnight blue sign were the words "Moonlight Bakery & Cafe", with several stylized yellow stars surrounding the name. There were a few small tables outside underneath the shade of an awning, too.
"Oh, I know this bakery!" Tomoe cheered. "Their brownies are the best!"
"Brr… It's giving me the chills for some reason," Saji muttered.
"I think I see the reason why," Reya pointed to the door. There, having on it, was a wooden crucifix.
"We're not gonna deal with some exorcists, are we?" Momo muttered.
"Don't worry guys," Tomoe spoke up. "It never bothers me much whenever I come."
"Yeah, same here," Anne added. "Plus, Mr. And Mrs. Mochizuki are really nice! You have nothing to worry about."
"Mochizuki?" Himari tilted her head. "Isn't that Sayo's…"
"It's her parent's bakery," Koh revealed. "They used to attend church all the time before it was abandoned. If you want, you guys can stay outside," he offered the student council.
"I don't believe that will be necessary," Sona spoke up.
"If you're sure," Koh opened the door and walked in, Coronamon on his back and invisible, followed by Anne, then Himari. Sona followed, Tsubaki close behind before the rest of her peerage went in.
The storefront was warm and soothing in the same way a good book or a cup of hot chocolate was on a cold, rainy day. Plush booths and the aromas of caramel, sugar, and coffee added that extra touch of comfort. Bookshelves and other small trinkets lined the walls to add hints of color. Several customers sat at the booths and a couple of tables, a couple being students from either their academy or other schools.
A woman stood at the front counter. Warm blue eyes were masked behind square-rimmed glasses, and her long violet hair was pulled back into an elegant braid. She was a slender woman, but there was an agile grace to her steps that shouldn't be underestimated. She wore a typical bakery uniform, a dark blue and purple shirt, black pants, and a gray apron with dark brown and olive boots. Her silver name tag said her name was Hisui Mochizuki.
She smiled upon seeing who came in. "Oh, hello Koh-kun!" Hisui greeted.
"Hello, Auntie," Koh greeted back.
"Hi, Mrs. Mochizuki!" Anne greeted.
"Hello, Anne-chan! I see you've made some new friends."
"Yeah. It was an… interesting experience," Koh muttered. "Anyway, I'm here to pick up an order."
"Ah, yes," Hisui nodded. "You're in luck, we just finished it. Kaito!" She called out to the back. "Koh-kun's here!"
"Be there in a second!" A male voice called back. A few seconds later, a middle-aged man walked out from the back, carrying several bags. He had pale white skin, short black hair, and purple eyes. He wore a similar outfit to Hisui, with his name tag saying his name was Kaito Mochizuki.
"Hello Koh," Kaito greeted.
"Hello, uncle," Koh greeted back, already pulling out his wallet and handing Hisui the money.
Kaito gave the student council, Himari, and Kaho a look over before asking Koh, "Do they know about you… odd activities."
"…Yes," Koh answered.
"…I hope you know what you're doing," Kaito simply said as he gave the bags to Koh.
"Me too," Koh muttered before he turned to leave. "Come on guys, the meeting's in a few minutes."
After several minutes of walking, Koh and Coronamon led the group to an old factory. "This is it," Koh stated.
"This is where the Digimon gather?" Sona asked.
"Yep!" Coronamon nodded as Koh walked up to the large metal doors.
"I already had Coronamon tell them you guys would be coming, but don't be surprised if you get a few odd looks," Koh said to them as he knocked three times.
A second later, the doors slid open. Staring before them was a tall being with thorny, thick vines for arms, their body covered in baggy red hakama trousers and a yellow shirt. At the ends of their arms bloomed two pink flowers, each having a face that mirrored their own: a ghostly white complexion, adorned with red markings and surrounded by sakura petals, along with a vibrant mane of long red hair.
"Ah, Koh and Coronamon! And you brought friends! Welcome~!" The Digimon greeted, striking a gaudy pose.
"What the hell…?" Saji gawked.
"Hey, Kabukimon," Koh greeted.
"Hiya! Still working on your dances?" Coronamon asked.
"You bet! I have a splendid show ready for tonight!" Kabukimon spun on his heels before gesturing for them to come inside. "Come in, come in!"
Koh and Coronamon heading in, Himari close behind, holding onto Anne for support. Kaho went ahead, Saji and Lalamon close behind her, Sona's other servants heading in with Sona being the last. Once inside, Kabukimon closed the metal doors behind them.
While Koh and Coronamon continued to walk into the old factory, handing out the pastries they got at Moonlight Bakery & Cafe to the various Digimon, Kaho, Sona, and the others all stopped in their tracks. All around them were an assortment of Digimon, some fully visible, some being see-through and having a glitching appearance, and many more invisible, the only reason Sona and her servants were able to see them was due to the spell she casted earlier.
Some of the smaller Digimon, which included odd little blobs, caterpillar-like creatures, and even a Digimon that had a potato for a head with French fries for hair, were either playing with each other or trading items they had collected. Some of the larger Digimon talked to one another, paying them no mind.
"Wow…" Reya muttered before spotting a familiar face. "Is that Mummymon?"
"Huh?" Himari looked to where Reya was. Sure enough, Mummymon was present, speaking with a Digimon that could best be described as a half-man, half-alarm clock. Mummymon then noticed Reya and Himari and gave them a friendly wave, which the two girls returned.
"That's the Digimon who nearly mummified you guys?" Tomoe asked.
"That's him, alright," Reya nodded. "But what's he talking to?"
The Digimon Mummymon was talking with them noticed their presence and walked up to them. "So your the ones Koh and Coronamon talked about, huh?"
"I wasn't expecting a Clockmon here," Lalamon said in surprise.
"Yeah? Well, this world's full of surprises," Clockmon shrugged.
"You staying out of trouble, Clockmon?" Koh asked as he and Coronamon walked up to them, having run out of pastries to hand out.
"Of course, I am!" Clockmon retorted.
"Hinode?" Sona looked to Koh.
"Clockmon was a pretty bad Digimon when we first met," Koh revealed.
"Oh come on! I wasn't that bad."
"You tried to eat my time, along with Byakko-san's time!" Koh countered.
"…You're never gonna let that one go, are ya?" Clockmon grumbled.
"Nope. Never," Koh smirked.
No one noticed the shocked look on Tsubaki's face. Before she could say anything, though, the ground began to shake again.
Everyone nearly lost their balance as the shaking ended as quickly as it began. "Another one?" Clockmon muttered.
"It isn't those two, is it?" Koh asked.
"No," Clockmon shook his head. "Drimogemon and NiseDrimogemon aren't the cause. They went to investigate these odd tremors just before you arrived."
"Do you believe they will find something?" Sona asked.
"Maybe," Clockmon muttered. He then looked over Sona and the other student council. "I know what Koh told us about you, but you all seem like normal humans to me."
"Looks can be deceiving," Sona smirked.
The next couple of hours were spent with the student council, Kaho, and Lalamon talking with the various Digimon at the meeting.
Later that night, after the meeting was finished, the humans and devils returned home. "Uncle, we're home!" Koh called out, Coronamon and Himari following him inside. Iroh did not greet them. Instead, he calmly sat at the dining table, an unreadable expression on his face, cups of tea on the table waiting. "Uncle? Is something wrong?"
"…Sit. There is… much we need to discuss," Iroh spoke.
Caught off guard by the tone in his voice, Koh swiftly removed his shoes, left them at the Genkan, and sat at the table, Himari and Coronamon following him.
"You don't seem like yourself, Iroh," Coronamon commented.
"Apologies for sounding off, it's just… I have much to think about recently, with Koh becoming involved in devil affairs now."
Koh blinked. "Do you… want me to stop?"
"No," Iroh shook his head. "I am happy you are making friends with them. It's just… I believe it's time you learn the truth about our family."
"Huh?"
Iroh began explaining. "For many centuries, the Hinode Clan have been blessed by Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, and practiced the arts of demon-slaying and purifying evil spirits," Koh gasped upon hearing this, having no idea. Himari and Coronamon looked at Iroh in surprise. "Our clan became so skilled that only the Five Principal Clans, families who possess the Five Sacred Beasts, surpassed our abilities, and only barely."
"What… happened then?" Koh asked.
"About a year before you were born, a girl from a foreign land visited our compound: Your mother, Melina."
"…Mom?" Koh blurted out.
"She had come to us seeking someone who could reawaken the Aegis."
"The whatsis?" Coronamon muttered.
"Uh… that's a shield in Greek mythology, right?" Himari asked.
"Yeah, it's a shield used by Athena and Zeus, sometimes featuring the head of a Gorgon like Medusa," Koh explained.
"It is much more than a shield," Iroh took a sip of his tea before he reached into his robes, pulling out a circular amulet with an emerald cross-shaped gem in the center. "Thousands of years ago, your mother's ancestors were approached by Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmen. He had sealed the Aegis, the Shield of the Gods, in a faraway land known only to him where no one would think to look, and entrusted them to protect this key," Iroh grasped the amulet. "This amulet is the only key that can unlock the seal on the Aegis."
"If he wanted to seal the Aegis away, why did Hephaestus make a key to break that seal?" Koh asked.
"This amulet is designed to respond to only those deemed worthy. For many millennia, your mother's family have kept it safe. But that did not mean there weren't those who tried to take it by force," Iroh held out the amulet, the item beginning to give off a faint glow. "Then one day your mother approached the current Oracle and was given a vision. She saw a young Japanese man using the power of the Aegis to fight a great evil. So she came here, where she met me and your father."
Koh's eyes widened in shock. He had asked his mom why she moved from Greece, but she always avoided the question.
Iroh took another sip of his tea before continuing. "When she met us, she had assumed one of us would be the ones to find and free the Aegis. But the amulet did not respond to either of us. And because we had interacted with an outsider with a relic from another mythology, as well as incorporating techniques that didn't follow Shinto beliefs, the Five Principal Families became hostile to us. Some, particularly the Himejima's, even tried to attack us."
"These Five Principal Families… attacked you just for associating with Koh-kun's mom?" Himari asked in disbelief.
"That is not the sole reason, but yes," Iroh nodded somberly. "Without the Five Principal Families' aide, the Hinode Clan compound was eventually attacked by enemies who sought the power of the Aegis, with only me and my brother surviving.
Koh wasn't sure how to respond. "Uncle… that's…"
"It is all in the past now," Iroh interpreted his nephew. "Besides, one good thing did come from all that: You."
Koh blinked in surprise. "Me?"
"Yes. The ordeal caused Melina and Saito to fall in love," Iroh smiled in reminisce. "I had never seen my bother so happy when you were born… nor have I seen them so shocked at what happened after."
"What do you mean?" Coronamon asked.
"…Koh, give me your hand," Iroh simply said.
Confused, Koh complied, reaching out his hand. Iroh then gently placed the amulet in Koh's hand. The amulet began glowing brighter to the point where it was blinding.
"W-w-wait, what?!" Koh stammered in surprise, while Himari and Coronamon stared in shock.
"When your mother saw the amulet glow like that when you held it, she realized that the man she saw in her vision was you," Iroh explained. "After I caught you hiding Coronamon, I realized that it was only a matter of time before you got involved with the supernatural, whether they be devils, angels, Youkai, or some other sort of being. And that is happening now."
"…This is a lot to process," Koh muttered. "Wait, you called one of those five clans 'Himejima'. As in 'Akeno Himejima'?"
"Yes, I believe she was part of the Himejima Clan at one time, while Tsubaki Shinra of Sona Sitri's servants was part of the Shinra Clan. How they became devils, I'm unsure, though I believe their respective clans may have been involved."
"Uh, excuse me," Himari spoke up. "Sorry for intruding, but… aren't we getting off track?"
"Ah, yes we are," Iroh took another sip of his tea, finishing it. "Truth be told, your mother had intended on giving this to you on your 15th birthday, but that tragically never came to be. As such I have kept the amulet safe for when you would be ready."
Koh looked at the glowing amulet in his hand, an uncertain expression on his face. "And? Am I ready?"
"Yes, you are," Iroh smiled. "Now, I believe that is enough of that. Your tea is getting cold, and it's my turn to make dinner tonight."
Later that night, Koh lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, the only sound in his room being Coronamon's soft snoring. 'The Aegis? The legendary shield of Greek myth. And my mother had the key to find it,' Koh examined the amulet, still giving a soft glow. 'If I had this back then, then maybe Sayo…' Koh shook his head. 'No, no use thinking about 'what ifs'. Still, this makes me wonder… Is there anything else Uncle hasn't told me about our family?'
*Riing!* *Riing!*
Koh put the amulet down and picked up his phone from his nightstand, looking at the caller ID. "Hyoudou? What does he want?" Koh muttered before answering. "Yo, what's-?"
"Dude!" Issei barked through the phone, nearly blasting Koh's ear out and nearly causing him to drop his phone. "You would not believe what just happened!"
"You don't have to yell about it!" Koh yelled back. He heard Issei grumble from the volume. "It's late, Hyoudou, and I have a lot on my mind right now. So please make this quick."
"Right! Sorry," he heard Issei take a deep breath. "Something really, REALLY incredible just happened!"
"Uh huh…" Koh yawned. "Did you walk into Argento taking a shower or something?"
"N-no! Nothing like that!" Issei quickly dismissed. "I-it was Buchou! She just tried to… sleep with me!"
Koh could have sworn he heard a record scratch sound as he stared at his phone, blinking as he processed what he just heard from Issei. After some time thinking, there was only one thing to say that came to mind. "If you called me in the middle of the night just to talk about some wet dream…"
"D-dude, it wasn't a wet dream! I'm telling the truth!" Issei tried to affirm. "Pl-plus, I couldn't make up or dream what happened after! Right as we were about to get into it, a hot woman in a maid outfit showed up!"
"…A maid? That's supposed to convince me that wasn't a dream how?" Koh deadpanned.
"O-okay, maybe I put that wrong," Issei admitted. "But I'm telling the truth! This chick Grayfia showed up and cockblocked me and…"
"Hanging up…"
"NO WAIT! I know what I said doesn't make much sense but please, Hinode."
Koh sighed. "Okay, let's say I believe you and that actually happened. Why call me?"
"I'm freaking out and needed someone to talk to! That and… I think Buchou might be in trouble…"
"…Are you sure?" Koh asked.
"Call it a gut feeling. She's been acting… off the last couple of days. I want to see what's wrong."
"…I don't know why, but I get the feeling I would get involved with whatever's going on even if you didn't call," Koh let out another yawn. "We'll talk tomorrow."
The next day after classes, Koh met up with Issei, telling Himari and Anne that he'll join them later. As a precaution, Koh brought Coronamon with him, though the lion Digimon was currently invisible to avoid attention.
"Thanks for coming with me," Issei said to Koh.
"Like I said, I probably would've gotten involved anyway," Koh shrugged. "You said you think Rias-senpai is in trouble. Any idea what kind of trouble?"
"No clue…" Issei admitted off before he noticed Asia, Koneko, and Kiba approaching them. "Be sure not to tell anyone what happened to me, especially Asia!" Issei quickly whispered before the two came into earshot.
"Hello, you two. What are you whispering about?" Kiba inquired kindly, smiling at the pair.
"A-ah, nothing much!" Issei tried to play off, waving his hand dismissively.
"We were just wondering what was wrong with Rias-senpai lately," Koh said. "Hyoudou noticed that she seemed to be strange lately. Do you know anything about it, Kiba?"
"Strange? Hm, perhaps it's related to the House of Gremory…" Kiba hummed in thought. "But I can't say I know the source of it. If anyone did, it would be Akeno. As her Queen, she knows just about everything involving our master." He suddenly stopped in his stride, causing the others to pause and watch him curiously. "I can't believe I haven't noticed until now. What's going on?" He muttered to himself, almost sounding ashamed that he had been ignorant of his master's distress. The others glanced at one another, unsure what to say before all four moved on. Once inside, they quickly reached the clubroom, Issei pushing the doors open first.
"We're here!" He announced, trying to sound as casual as possible. Issei soon widened his eyes as he saw a woman standing with Rias, the two looking as if they had been in the middle of a discussion. "Grayfia-san?" Issei blurted in question.
"That's the maid you told me about?" Koh asked as he looked at Grayfia. She appeared to be in her early twenties with red eyes and back-length silver hair that featured a long braid on each side, while the rest was let down and ended in twin braids. She was dressed in a maid outfit, giving off a calm, yet intense atmosphere.
"Yeah," Issei nodded. "What are you doing here?"
The silver-haired Devil turned to regard them for a moment before looking back at Rias. "If you wish, I can explain the situation to them for you." Grayfia offered only for Rias to shake her head in dismissal.
"No, that's quite alright. Everyone, please take a seat. I have something to discuss-" Rias started to explain, stopping as a blinding orange light shined from the opposite side of the room. Without warning, a magic circle appeared on the ground before exploding in flames, causing the group to shield their eyes for a moment before it quickly dissipated. From the center of the circle, a man appeared.
"Heh, it's been a while since I've been to the human world." The man was wearing a red suit over a white shirt with the top buttons undone. While he was handsome, he gave off the aura of a punk. With his hands in his pockets, he looked around the room and smirked when he spotted Rias. "I came to see you, my dear Rias."
"W-who is this guy?" Issei grunted out, feeling angry just from the way he regarded Rias.
"This is Riser Phenex, a high-class Devil and heir to the Phenex family. He is also fiancé to the Gremory Family heiress apparent." Grayfia explained to them, Issei's eyes widening in bewilderment.
"N-no way… you're not saying that…" Issei muttered before glancing at Riser.
"That is to say, Riser-sama that is engaged to Rias-sama." Grayfia finally confirmed for them rather blatantly.
"Engaged?!" Issei, Asia, and Koh all exclaimed.
"Would you mind if we take a seat together, my love?" Riser inquired in a rather sweet voice now, walking over to the couches at the center of the room without her approval. Akeno walked stiffly past him, her face as void of emotion as any of them had ever seen as she grabbed her tea set and started to make a cup. Koneko motioned the rest of the peerage to follow her. They moved to the wall of the room by the window, all including Koh standing against the wall silently.
Rias seemed hesitant, but still joined the man on the couch, sitting down and crossing her legs, eyes closed as she seemed to try and pretend the situation was not real. Akeno handed a cup to the upper-class Devil, who sipped at it with a smile.
"The tea of my love's queen is quite delicious," Riser supplied as he placed an arm over Rias' shoulder, Issei immediately welling up with anxiety. He couldn't stand to see him messing with his master so casually, his hand twirling her crimson locks.
"Thank you for the compliment," Akeno said with a bow, her voice stiff and obligatory as she walked over to join the others. She glanced at Koh to see he was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, having lowered his goggles over his eyes to hide his feelings on the situation. After a moment, Akeno turned back to watch Riser and her master talk, though not much talking was going on. Riser was merely rubbing her leg rather sensually, feeling her up with no shame.
'This slimeball is supposed to be her fiancé?' Issei mentally growled, barely containing his outrage over the situation.
"That's enough, Riser." Rias finally spoke up, standing from her seat and leaving him on the couch. "I told you before, and I will tell you again. I do not intend to marry you." She spoke firmly, her voice trying to leave little room for argument.
"But my love, I thought your family could not afford to accept your selfish request?" Riser knowing shrugged, holding his hands up with an amused smile.
"I will not bring my family down." Rias quickly dismissed with a glare as she looked back at her fiancé. "I will take a husband, but it will be one of my choosing."
"The Underworld struggles to keep pure bloodlines among the royals after the previous war. We have become a rarity." Riser countered with a smirk, crossing a leg over the other. "This marriage was arranged to keep our bloodlines pure and ensure they would continue strong."
"My family is merely impatient and rushing too much," Rias claimed, turning her back to him again. "I won't repeat myself. Riser, I am not marrying you!" She said fiercely, turning to him with a fire in her eyes. She was soon taken off guard, Riser grabbing her chin and inching his face closer to hers.
"You know, my love, that I am the face of the Phenex family as well," Riser pointed out lowly, a dark grin crossing his features. "I will not have you sully my honor."
"Buchou!" Issei cried out as he and the rest of the peerage prepared to jump in between them. Koh remained in the same position, lifting his head a bit. He was glaring heavily in anger at Riser through his goggles but seemed to be unmoving for the moment.
"I'll take you back to the Underworld," Riser declared before turning his gaze toward Issei and the others. "Even if it means turning your peerage to ash to do it." Energy welled up within both Rias and Riser, the two seconds away from attacking one another.
"That's enough." Grayfia suddenly intervened, causing both to immediately pause and look back at her. "Milady, Riser-sama, as I am here on Sirzechs-sama's orders, I do not intend to stand idly by."
"Coming from you, the strongest queen, even I am scared," Riser admitted with a shrug, his killing intent dissipating.
"You both know what Sirzechs-sama recommended should negotiations break down," Grayfia pointed out with her cold visage again. "You will settle this problem in a Rating Game."
"What's a Rating Game?" Koh asked Rias' peerage.
"A Rating Game is a competition between two high-ranking Devils and their peerages," Akeno started to explain, pulling Koh's attention to her. "It is a game that resembles chess and is the reason why peerages are likened to pieces. That is why they're called Evil Pieces."
"I see…" Koh muttered in understanding.
"I have already competed in several Rating Games and won the majority of them," Riser proudly declared, glancing at Rias smugly. "But you are not yet even qualified to play and therefore lack any experience in the matter," he pointed out, Rias narrowing her eyes in annoyance.
"Rating Games are most usually only allowed to be played by seasoned Devils," Akeno spoke once again.
"S-so Buchou is at a disadvantage!" Issei blurted disheartenedly.
"It's even worse than that." Koneko declared knowingly.
"Rias, just to make sure, these are all of your servants, correct?" Riser asked, glancing at the crimson-haired Devil.
Rias spared a glance at Koh for a moment before looking back at Riser with a glare. "What if they are?" Riser didn't bother trying to hold in his laugh before holding up a hand and snapping his fingers. Soon after, an orange-illuminated magic circle appeared from where he arrived, soon a flame flashing up in a larger arc before dissipating. From it, a large number of women, all ranging in age and size. At the forefront was a blond girl small in stature similar to Koneko, wearing a pink Victorian-type dress and large pigtails. Oddly, she had some resemblance to Riser.
"As you can see, I have a full set." Riser pointed out with a smug smirk, crossing his arms.
"B-beauties! Fifteen beautiful girls!" Issei proclaimed in astonishment, gripping his hands in front of him. 'That lucky bastard!' The Red Dragon Emperor silently hissed.
"Master Riser, I don't like the way that boy's looking at us!" One of the girls looked at Issei with disgust.
"Oh, is that right?" Riser hummed before smirking and snapping his fingers again. "Yubelluna."
"Yes, master." The eldest of his peerage spoke, walking forward. She was a busty woman with long purple hair and a revealing dress to match it, the front only going down in straps from her shoulders and draping over her breasts and a white cloak over her shoulders that draped down her arms like a robe. She soon stood in front of Riser, who took her chin in his fingers before meeting her lips with his. Rias' face distorted in disgust, Koh's eyes widening in shock before glaring darkly at Riser silently.
"Wh-what the hell?!" Issei stuttered out, watching as their kiss evolved into something very passionate as the purple-haired Devil wrapped her arms around his neck. He couldn't help but envy the Phenex heir who broke the kiss and stood behind his servant before starting to grope her, his hand moving inside her shirt.
"You'll never be able to do things like this. You're just a low-class Devil with no chance of advancing any higher," Riser taunted, his free hand trailing down her leg and rubbing her thighs.
"Shut up! A guy like you would mess with any girl around you even after marrying Buchou!" Issei snapped back, grinding his teeth in frustration. "You promiscuous chicken shit!"
"Don't you know your place, you lowly Devil?" Riser spoke with a bit of surprise as he stopped caressing his servant for a moment.
"Issei, stop." Rias sighed, thinking her servant was just acting up.
"I know my place exactly! I'm Buchou's servant, no one else's!" Issei declared with pride, causing Rias to widen her eyes slightly as she felt touched by the sentiment.
"Issei…"
"Mira, take care of him," Riser ordered one of his servants.
"Yes, Master Riser," A small girl with blue hair up in a bun on top of her head with a short training gi and a red jacket while wielding a staff complied.
Before Issei could prepare himself, he felt his body suddenly lift off the ground and he was sent crashing through a desk.
"Gah!" Issei coughed. 'Did she just strike me in the stomach? I didn't even see her attack me!'
"Issei!/Issei-san!" Rias and Asia cried out in fear, quickly dashing to Issei's side and kneeling next to him. "Issei! Hang in there!" Rias pleaded as she cradled him in his arms as Asia began using her Twilight Healing. Issei was barely conscious after the blow, struggling to look up at his master for a moment.
"I-I'm sorry, Buchou…" He muttered out before fading into unconsciousness. Riser could only laugh mockingly, shaking his head.
"I hope the rest of your servants aren't so weak. Who knew that the wielder of the Boosted Gear would be such a worthless guy?" Riser further insulted with a malicious grin. He waited for Rias to respond for a moment, only to back up in shock when a large, golden axe appeared inches from his face. "What in-?!"
"Regulus Nemea!?" Riser's Queen exclaimed in surprise.
"Hinode…" Issei muttered, he and the others were just as surprised to see Koh standing in between them and Riser.
"Hyoudou… Next time, be sure you can back up your talk," Koh sighed before turning a fierce glare toward Riser.
"Hinode, no! That's enough, please!" Rias cried out in worry. Issei was naturally sturdy but she feared for Koh's safety even with his Sacred Gear.
The wielder of Regulus Nemea elected to ignore her as he continued to aim his axe at Riser. "I've met lots of pieces of shit, but you're easily in the top ten, Chicken Little," Koh spat.
"Your servants don't seem to learn, do they? Though… you don't feel like a Devil…" Riser commented off-handedly before nodding at Mira. His servant quickly returned the nod before dashing forward, ready to strike once more-
"Corona-knuckle!" Coronamon, making himself visible, swiftly destroyed the staff in her hands as she approached before stopping a flaming punch just short of her face, the petite bluenette gasping in shock as she fell on her behind.
"You have to get through me to get to Boss!" Coronamon declared.
"W-What in the 72 Pillars is that?" The girl in the pink dress exclaimed.
"It's… kinda cute," one of Riser's servants, a Chinese girl, muttered.
"I hate it when people call me cute," Coronamon muttered.
"He's my friend, same as Rias-senpai and Hyoudou," Koh said. "And I don't like it when my friends are hurt. I will make you regret doing that."
"You dare you threaten Riser, you lowly-" Yubelluna began to growl before Riser held up a hand and silenced her, smirking smugly as he gently pushed the axe away from his face.
"If you have something to say then say it, human," Riser chuckled, his hands now resting on his hips. "I've heard about you. The current wielder of Regulus Nemea, accompanied by a strange lion familiar, who has recently begun associating with my dear Rias and her lackeys. To think you would be so bold to stand here so defiantly…" Riser hummed, observing Koh for a moment.
Koh was silent for a moment before placing the axe over his shoulder, shooting Riser a strong glare. "You're pathetic."
"…What was that?" Riser asked dangerously.
"You heard me," Koh spoke, his voice low. "Walking around like you own the place. Making a woman fight your battles. Showing off your concubines in front of your quote 'future wife' unquote. You're the definition of scum. Perverted idiot he may be, but Hyoudou, the guy your Pawn hurt, is a thousand times the man you are."
"Hinode…" Issei muttered, nearly healed thanks to Asia.
Rias stayed silent, unsure what to do at this point. She glanced at Grayfia in question, thinking she might intervene, but the strongest queen remained silent and idly watched almost as if interested in the encounter.
"Hmph. A lowly human has no understanding of what Devils truly are," Riser scoffed as his grin widened. "A boy who probably doesn't even know the heat of a woman against him shouldn't speak on such matters either."
"Like you have the right to say any of that," Koh shot back. "I may not have known Rias-senpai for long, but I do know this. She doesn't deserve a man who only sees women as toys to be played with for fun, like you!"
Riser felt his anger bubbling over, frowning at Koh's words before fire started to surround him. "You sure do run your mouth with no knowledge of who you stand before, boy!" Riser growled, flames erupting from his hands. "Perhaps I should teach you!"
"You think you scare me?" Koh said without an ounce of fear or hesitation. "If you've seen half of the stuff I dealt with, you would piss your pants."
"Yeah, stick it to the Fried Chicken, Boss!" Coronamon cheered. "These guys wouldn't last two seconds against Clockmon or Octomon."
A tense silence fell upon the room as Riser took a moment to consider his next move, coming close to launching his fire without hesitation before a thought suddenly came to him. He let his fire die down and grinned evilly at Koh before straightening up and chuckling.
"What's so funny?" Koh asked.
"Rias, my love. I am correct in assuming that we shall be settling this in a Rating Game still, correct?" Riser suddenly asked, glancing at his fiancé from the side who glared for a moment.
"That's right," Rias answered before Riser started to chuckle again, shaking his head.
"No wonder you're making so much noise. You're not even able to participate in the Rating Game," Riser declared, pointing a finger at Koh. "You're not capable of defending her pride without creating a fight here, right?"
"You think I care?" Koh continued to glare at Riser. "I'll find a way to help them kick your sorry excuse for an ass."
"Yeah! Suck it, Fried Chicken!" Coronamon cheered.
Riser stopped laughing to glare at the two before turning to Rias. "How about we conduct this match ten days from tomorrow, Rias?"
"Ten days?" Rias narrowed her eyes. "Are you trying to give me some sort of handicap, Riser?"
"Not at all." Riser said. "It's just that, in ten days' time, all preparations for the marriage ceremony will be complete. That means that once the game is done, we can proceed with the marriage without any further delay. What you want to do during that time is entirely up to you, Rias. Though I would suggest that you prepare yourself. A Rating Game isn't something you can succeed in with your feelings alone."
Rias said nothing, listening quietly to Riser's words.
"I have seen Devils fail spectacularly many times during the games because they couldn't utilize their servants' power to the fullest." Riser continued. "If you do not wish for this to happen to you as well, you'll do your best to improve your servants during that timeframe." His gaze shifted to Issei as Asia helped him up. "Don't disgrace Rias, Pawn. Your strength is her strength. See you at the game."
After saying that, Riser stepped inside the magic circle along with his servants and vanished from the clubroom. Once he was gone, Rias turned to her servants with an apologetic expression on her face.
"It's as you've heard, everyone," Rias said. "Because of my personal circumstances, we are now being forced into a Rating Game way earlier than we were supposed to. My apologies for putting you through this."
"Ara ara, what are you saying, Buchou?" Akeno smiled. "We are your servants, but more than that, we're your friends. It's a given that we'll support you in this."
"That's right." Kiba nodded. "If you don't wish to marry someone like Riser, then it's our duty and obligation to help you out here."
"…His attitude irritates me." Koneko grimaced, clenching her fists. "That flaming chicken is going down."
"You said it, Koneko!" Issei nodded. "I want to bash that asshole's face in for what he said to you!"
"I-I want to help, also," Asia added.
Rias couldn't help but smile at the resolve her servants had.
"I'll help, too," Koh spoke up, causing the ORC to look at him in surprise.
"You will?" Rias couldn't help but ask.
"Like I told that guy, I don't care what I have to do. I'll help you guys beat his ass in any way I can," Koh reaffirmed.
Rias smiled. "In that case, I have a request. Hinode-kun… please join my peerage."
"…What?" Was all Koh said.
"Buchou!?" Issei gasped. He, along with the others, wasn't expecting Rias to just ask Koh to join like that.
"Hold on, even if I said 'yes', didn't you already use up most of your pieces for Hyoudou?" Koh pointed out.
"He is correct, Milady," Grayfia interjected. "You used up all of your Pawns to revive Hyoudou-sama. Your remaining pieces will not have the strength to reincarnate Hinode-sama, and you already used your Mutation Piece."
"I know…" Rias pouted. "But-"
"If I may interject, there may be a way for Hinode-sama to participate in the Rating Game without him becoming a devil," Grayfia spoke up. "He may be able to participate using a Temporary Piece."
"A what?" Rias looked at Grayfia in surprise.
"I am not surprised that you would not know about them, Rias, for it's fairly uncommon to use a Temporary Piece as of late," Grayfia explained to Rias. "Back when the Evil Pieces system was being established, Temporary pieces were used to test whether a human who wished to join a peerage was strong enough or not."
"So you mean… if Hinode used that temporary piece thing, then he would be a part of our peerage until after the game?" Issei asked.
"So…if I get one of these… 'temporary pieces', will I become a Devil? Like will I get wings and stuff?" Koh asked as he scratched his head.
"Not exactly…" Grayfia then turned to Koh. "You will gain an increase in power, but just that. No transformation into a devil, meaning no demonic powers. On the upside, you won't gain weaknesses to holy aura and objects."
Koh nodded as he then began to think. 'So that's one obstacle out of the way… now what piece should I be? If I were a Knight, I would gain increased speed, possibly combining it with Regulus' strength… but if I were a Rook, I could possibly become an unstoppable juggernaut… Wait…' He looked at Grayfia. "Can I use both pieces?"
"Trust me, you wouldn't be the first to ask that question, and the answer is no," Grayfia said as she shook her head. "Evil Pieces cannot interact with each other to combine powers. Many have tried, and the power overloaded them, causing the pieces to be ejected or worse."
"Death, I take it?" Koh asked as Grayfia nodded. "Dammit."
"You have ten days to decide," Grayfia bowed to Rias. "I must return and inform Sirzechs-sama and the others, as well as prepare a Temporary Piece for Rias that will be compatible with Hinode. I wish you all the best of luck in the upcoming game."
After saying that, Grayfia conjured a teleportation magic circle beneath her feet and vanished in a flash of light.
"So that's what's going on," Koh said to his uncle. Once Grayfia had left, the conversation had quickly switched to Rias and Akeno immediately starting work on organizing the schedule for the next ten days. Due to the importance of these next ten days, Rias canceled all further club activities and dismissed everyone else for the rest of the day. Before they left the room though, Rias had told each of them that, once they got back home they were to pack for a ten-day trip and meet up back in the clubroom early in the morning.
That included Koh and Coronamon as he would be taking part in the Rating Game thanks to the Temporary Piece Grayfia was preparing.
"I see," Iron nodded in understanding.
"Gremory-senpai's family are forcing her to marry this Riser man?" Himari repeated to herself. "Why would they do that?"
"It is how devil politics work," Iroh said. "It's similar to the politics of the old noble families of Japan and Europe. Many value blood purity above all else, even if such thinking may be detrimental to their own. In any case, we better begin packing."
"We?" Koh, Coronamon, and Himari all muttered as Iroh walked to his room.
"Of course, after all… Himari and I will be joining you," Iron said with a smile.
"…What?"
AN: Okay, and that's the end of the chapter. Ugh, why am I making these so long? Takes up more time than necessary! Whatever… I already went down this rabbit hole, might as well finish it the best I can.
But now that the Rating Game against Riser is coming up, Koh and Coornamon will be able to take part thanks to a Temporary Pieces Grayfia will be preparing. Got the idea from A Devil's Diamond by Mugiwara N0 Luffy. And yeah, the part with Riser is similar to how it went in Mugiwara N0 Luffy's fic.
But instead of just Koh and Coornamon going with them, Himari and his uncle will be going as well. Wonder how that will turn out.
[1] As weird as it sounds, there ARE vending in Japan that serve hamburgers, along with lots of other things like umbrellas, ramen, surgical masks, and…condoms.
And like before, I'll give everyone a little bio for the characters in the fic, this time Anne and Himari:
Name: Anne Bellerose — Voiced by: Amanda Winn-Lee (English), Rie Kugimiya (Japanese)
Sex: Female
Species: Dhampir (half-human, half-vampire)
Birthday: May 5, 1995
Age: 16 (first introduced), 17 (currently)
Appearance: She has long silver hair, red eyes, and a skin tone as pale as the white moon. She wears black gothic Lolita clothing that conceals her shapely figure, and always wears a Blood Moon bat pendant she got from a friend's shop.
Sizes: B90-W58-H88 cm
History: A Dhampir who moved to Kuoh with her family from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Her mother is a vampire named Claudia, while her father is a human named Leon. She met Koh and Sayo not long after starting middle school and is one of the few who had some idea of what happened to Sayo.
Personality: A very kind, loving, sweet, soft-spoken, polite, and friendly girl. She kept her half-vampire heritage secret from Koh and Sayo, fearing how they'd react.
Abilities: Superhuman strength and endurance, Bat and Mist Transformation, can create mist, and powers up from drinking blood.
Trivia: She's named after American writer Anne Rice, who "Interview with a Vampire", with her mother named after a character in the book. Both are also from New Orleans while May 5, Anne Bellerose's birthday, is the original publication date for "Interview with the Vampire".
Name: Himari Kido — Voiced by: Xanthe Huynh (English), Tomomi Isomura (Japanese)
Sex: Female
Species: Human
Birthday: April 24, 1995
Age: 17
Appearance: Short light blue hair, light blue eyes, adorable face, and a bust on par with Rias and Akeno.
Sizes: B98-W57-H89 cm
History: Himari was born into a poor family and her parents spent most of their time working. They told her that she had to overwork to get anywhere so she did not have time to make friends or find hobbies. One day during her first year at Kuoh Academy, she forgot her umbrella on a rainy day. Koh noticed and approached her, offering to walk her home. Himari could sense sadness and loneliness in Koh's voice and mannerisms despite his kindness so she decided she would try to help him. However, her shyness would keep her from asking him directly for a while.
Personality: Very shy, but a sweet person. Himari desires to help people physically and mentally and aspires to be a doctor. As a result of her parents encouraging her to overwork, she does not have any hobbies and becomes curious about what others do to relax. Due to being so focused on her studies, she is considerably more intelligent than even her upperclassmen.
Abilities: Himari has Healing Waves, a water-manipulating Sacred Gear that can also heal injuries, taking on the appearance of a neckless with an Aquamarine gem.
Trivia: Appearance-wise she takes cues from Marianne von Edmund of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Her last name is taken from Joe Kido from Digimon Adventure who also wishes to be a doctor.
Now then, the preview…
Coronamon: Boss, please! Just this once?
Koh: …Fine. Go ahead.
Coronamon: Yes! Ahem… Spending time in the woods? It's nice to enjoy the fresh air and spacious outdoors, but something is lurking there, something far scarier than humans can imagine. You may get trapped by the trees' magic, unable to make it out again. Have fun~… Next time on High School Digimon: Dawn x Dusk, "Training and Terror in the Woods"!
Koh: …Huh, not bad.
And with all that out of the way, stay safe, stay healthy, and don't be racist!