Chapter IX: Origin, Forest, and Phenex
Arriving with the Gremory Peerage in the Underworld was not a difficult thing. Since neither was in her peerage, the magic circle provided by Grayfia worked like a charm. Two flashes were seen, one a crimson red and another a shining silver.
Once they were through the magic circle, the forest was vast, as far as the eye could see and the trees were barren. The sky was a dark purple while the landscape was a dark bloody red with some darker maroon-colored trees. "So this is the Familiar Forest? It's a lot more…desolate than I expected…"
"Indeed it is, Hiroki-san. I had to let the Familiar Master know that I was bringing along plus two but they were not intentionally looking for Familiars. If you manage to find one, he will allow it, just this once," Rias said to the brain duo.
"Thank you," Kasane said. She looked to Hiroki, "Are you ready?"
The navy-haired boy sighed, "I mean, I guess? I don't even know what I'm supposed to find here. Even Ddraig was saying that I would find something here, isn't that right?" No response from the Dragon. "Figures," Hiroki sighed.
Issei, since he was the Sekiryuutei, heard the Dragon mumble, ['You're almost there…I just hope she goes easy on him.']
"Ddraig? Are you okay?"
['Just fine, partner…but prepare yourself nonetheless.'] the Heavenly Dragon said, not easing Issei's worries at all. Ddraig cut the connection to his partner to avoid the mental onslaught of questions.
"I mean, there weren't any instructions on what to do…so I guess you could flare your aura?" Kasane suggested, shrugging her shoulders, "Or we could just fly around and look but whatever happens, I will be going with you." She shut him down before he could even make the suggestion for her to stay. "I am your mate and wife," an obvious fact that she still blushed at, "So, I'm obligated to go with you wherever you go."
He sighed once more, "I wasn't going to suggest you separate from me but again, we have nothing to go off of, so how can we possibly sta-" he froze mid-sentence as he felt the wind being knocked out of him. The hairs on his neck stood tall and his draconian features were becoming more prominent. [Endless Candor] was fresh on his body, features constantly scanning the horizon. His fists were clenched, teeth grit, never focusing on a single thing for too long before darting back to double-check.
Kasane immediately had [Eternal Sorrow] on her person in a flash, "Hirochi? Speak to me," she pleaded.
"Something's out there…" he said slowly, drawing the attention of the Gremory Peerage. "And for whatever reason…this aura made me calm…safe in ways that scare me. The last time I had true safety was long ago," he said, his voice sounding as if it was glitching out.
"But who?" Kasane inquired, now standing in front of him, staring into his eyes. They were flicking to and fro, not focusing on anything. Even the posture he had was increasingly tense than just a few moments ago.
Hiroki opened his senses, letting his draconian nature take over. He felt free as if he was breathing properly for the first time in his whole life.
"Kasane-chan, what is he doing?" Akeno asked the girl, slightly confused as to what was happening here.
"I-I don't know…truthfully. He's never been this transfixed or this tense…" she answered her senpai. Her hands were rubbing along his coiled muscles, her touch doing little to help. It reassured him nonetheless.
Rias had a thoughtful pose as she observed the half-dragon, "Hmm, should we be worried?"
"No, Rias-san, I don't think so. Grayfia-sama had said that if Hirochi came here, he would get an answer. Even Yasaka-san had made a point for him to come to this Forest…but…"
At that moment, the Familiar Master arrived, "Welcome one, welcome all to the Forest. We have familiars big and small, come one come all, for a chance of a lifetime!"
"Greetings, Zatouji-san," Rias smiled at the lanky man.
"This is our guide?" Issei mumbled off to the side with a sweat drop. His chances of getting a sexy familiar with large oppai were abysmal if he was the one to guide them.
"Ah, Rias Gremory-sama! It is always lovely to see you, for my day gets brighter!" Zatouji bowed to the crimson heiress, "Grayfia-sama informed me of your guests but I feel hurt that you did not tell me who they were. The boy feels…" he paused, dropping all pretenses of rhyming, "Could it be? He has returned…" The smile he had on his face spoke volumes. "They must know as well…"
Issei raised his hand, "What is going on?"
Zatouji turned to the Sekiryuutei, pointing at him, "Listen here plain boy-kun, that one is leaking a draconic aura that feels mighty familiar to me and there is only one dragon I know that fits the bill."
The implication was not lost on the Gremory Peerage. In fact, the only one who was confused was Kasane, "Explain," she frostily demanded.
"Ah, so cold!" The Familiar Master exclaimed, "Well, there is one Dragon King in this Forest, the Chaos Karma Dragon, Tiamat." Zatouji said with emphasis, underlying how high up this Dragon was. "She is the most sought after Familiar for this fact alone…and this boy…well…it's similar—the aura. She had a hatchling but had hidden them away for reasons unknown…but…that mystery seems to be solved."
Hiroki was unaware of the conversation, only focused on reacting to his senses. He could feel that there were Familiars around, yet a few stood above the others. He focused on those, letting his aura seep out of his body. "Who is this? Why does it feel…"
In an instant, all of his wings were spread and he flew off without another word. He truly didn't hear how everyone called out for him, none louder than Kasane, who had immediately followed after him.
Hiroki let his instincts guide him, feeling the aura that sang through his blood. Was this what Yasaka meant? Was this what Grayfia meant? Was this the answer that Ddraig meant? The anticipation of finding out outweighed his normal rational thought. He flared his aura again, hoping to get a response.
A response he got in kind seconds later.
A surprised but hopeful roar echoed in the Forest. An indescribable aura.
That aura was close, practically overflowing and overpowering his senses. So much power flowed from that aura that it disrupted his flight for a brief second. Hiroki quickly corrected his course and let his wings stretch as far as possible, allowing him to hover. He formed a sound barrier platform beneath him letting him stand in mid-air. The forest looked so tiny from this high but it allowed his vision to focus, to hone in on this feeling.
In the back of his mind, he acknowledged that he left his mate without warning and was prepared for the scolding. However, that line of thought ended as the aura flared again like a beacon in the darkest night. That same feeling coursed through him, his blood humming for something that he failed to realize was in front of him. "No way…" Looking straight down, he saw a massive cave melding into the side of a hill. Hiroki recognized it as soon as he saw it. A dragon's nest—or den—and the source of the aura was coming from there.
Releasing his platform, he dove straight for his destination. The wind felt pleasing through his wings like he was truly letting them out for the first time like he was…returning home.
Truly an odd thought.
Seeing the ground approach, he flipped around and impacted the ground, creating a medium-sized crater, about four Hiroki-lengths. Not his most devastating but not his weakest. He flew in the eastern direction of the forest, so remembering the way back wouldn't be hard, unless they leave by magic circle again. The dust cleared and soon enough he was looking into a dark cave, far taller and far wider than him. This harbored a dragon but… "Who lived here? More importantly, why am I so attracted to this aura? It's not like how I feel towards Kasane…it's much more…" He was gazing at the sky in contemplation as he then felt a piercing gaze. It was nearly enough to root him in place.
His words failed him as he found himself staring into a pair of dark blue draconian eyes.
Fear froze him to his spot, yet he still stared into those eyes. The shadows of the cave covered the head, letting only the eyes show, "Have you come to challenge me?"
"N-No…" he whispered, feeling his body slowly come back to his control, rolling his shoulders as if to shake off the tension in his body, "This aura…it speaks to me like I should recognize it."
"Curious. You are not a Devil, nor a Fallen Angel. Yet, I smell one on you. A mate, perhaps? I also smell…a dragon in you. Yet there are no other Dragons alive unless…" The dark blue eyes widened before speaking in the softest tone Hiroki had ever heard, "…is that you, my hatchling?"
The word 'hatchling' struck Hiroki deep. A memory came to the surface. A memory of what he remembers of his mother's warmth that night. He may not have known what she fully looked like but the picture he kept safe of her was the only physical picture he had of her. The feelings of what those eyes conveyed were difficult to put into words. "W-What? No no, you…that can't be."
Hiroki felt his senses tap out, swaying in place, nearly falling to the ground. "Who are you?!" Croaked the young dragon.
He didn't get to express anything else as two arms suddenly encased his body and a nose was put in his hair, inhaling deeply. "My name is Tiamat, the Chaos Karma Dragon King. However, that is unimportant." She took a closer look at him, peering into his eyes before a happy smile came to her face, letting her fangs peek out of her mouth. "It is you, my hatchling…my little Hiro…"
The arms forced him back, making him kneel, as mirrored by the woman across from him. The woman was downright stunning. A pale white dress descended her form, dark blue eyes, pale blue hair that cascaded down her back, and a hopeful expression. Tears clouded her eyes but they did not fall.
However, it was the same feeling that Hiroki recalled that made her next words—even if it was a repeat—sink in.
"I imagine that this is not how you wanted to meet…my hatchling," her smile was sad, happy, anxious, anticipatory, and many more emotions all wrapped into one. All of the expressions after slipped by him, changing faster than he could blink.
"Why are you calling me that?!" Hiroki freaked out, slipping out of this mysterious woman's grip. The aura she exuded was the same as the dragon.
The hurt in her gaze was masked quickly, "Because…you are my child, my hatchling, Hiroki. I know your name because I named you."
"But…"
The woman silenced him by placing a finger over his lips, "I did…but…there was a reason why I wasn't in your life."
That just re-ignited the repressed emotions he's been keeping buried all this time. He never expressed this but he never thought he would be in this situation, "Then where were you, huh?! I've gone my whole life without knowing either of my parents! It was only through a picture that I even had a clue! I thought I was left there because I was a mistake…that I wasn't going to have a good life!? If you claim to be my kaa-san, then where were you when that Dragon Tamer drugged me, tortured me, and then that Devil bastard used my plucked scales all for a profit?!" Hiroki was becoming emotionally unstable and the woman…Tiamat could only let him vent. He needed this and while it stung, she needed to hear it as well.
"I cried out for help begging her to stop as she responded in violence. She stabbed me and scarred me, she was a Tamer…she was someone I was supposed to protect but no one told me that I was supposed to protect myself from someone I should preserve and protect in turn! I wanted to know why it had to end up that way! No one heard me, and no one stopped her until I had to kill her to save myself! I wanted to die! I wanted to end my suffering! I only stopped because I had met someone who I eventually cared more for than life itself!"
"Little Hiro…"
His cries were like the very knives that he was stabbed with, "WHY!" He screeched, his throat burning as tears ran down his cheeks. Tiamat felt those tears race across her hand, having his face tenderly in her grasp. His navy eyes were quivering as the unending stream of tears continued, "Why didn't you let me know you existed? I would have dropped everything just to meet you, even once! How can you say you're my kaa-san when you weren't ever there for me? I thought I would be happy seeing you for the first time but I guess my expectations can be too high after all," he lamented, his cries turning bitter.
"Do not speak to me that way, hatchling. Let me explain my side of the story before you jump to conclusions!" Tiamat said sternly but had a motherly tone to it. She held his face tighter but not enough to hurt him.
"Jump to conclusions?!" He cried. He had plenty to say on that front, "My conclusion boils down to the fact that I didn't have anyone until I met her! Then she ripped it all away from me! Where were you then, huh?! I was already abandoned once, found someone, killed her, and then stabilized enough to have a wife!" Hiroki shouted, yet he did not feel accomplished or satisfied by saying that. His voice dropped once more, "I wanted to have someone who cared for me…but I never got that from you…"
Tiamat could only hug her hatchling close to her. His words hurt and they were valid. But there was something else she noticed, "Your features are not at their full potential."
"Hard to do that when I was being stabbed by Dragon slaying knives," he said, finding the strength to separate from her but his body wanted to stay, to bask in the long-awaited and longing void of maternal affection.
"Show me what you can do…" Tiamat eventually said, after she scented him, remarked him as her own, and gave him the care he so desperately sought after. All while he tried to bat her hands away.
The navy dragon eventually stood up across from his…mother…who transformed back into her true form. He found himself feeling like a weight had lifted from his soul after venting to her. But now? Hiroki could only recall the words that he had said recently. The ones about getting his ass kicked. Yeah, that was about to happen.
"[Balance Breaker: Sono Brain Drive!]"
[Endless Candor]'s hood covered the rest of his form and used the soundwaves around him to create a barrier as Tiamat's attack was already near him. Her claw descended on him. The barrier held but Hiroki could tell there were cracks within it.
Tiamat looked livid. The Dragon King wanted to see how strong he was but was found wanting. Not that it was his fault, the wounds on him were healed but they have prevented him from becoming the true dragon he can be. Her pride had to show her hatchling that he was not ready to overpower his 'mother' and that he was not ready to be shown the world. Release all of those emotions…then I can truly help you.
Hiroki backpedaled to use the sounds around him to generate grenades and many other sound-based weapons. Dodging another claw, he sent those grenades straight to Tiamat's ears.
The Dragon King recoiled slightly, knowing that he was responsible but could not dodge it. A sound-based Scared Gear, how intriguing but you are still lacking my little Hiro.
Within moments, she released her aura and pushed through the barriers that he had set up, forcing him under her claw. He tried to struggle but it was a lesson in futility. She was slightly disappointed that he was not using his draconian power but…she had seen the results…Ajuka was lucky that she did not raze the Valac's territory once the trial was over. The time to explain would be now.
Tiamat was livid when she heard her hatchling was in harm's way and by the very type of people that Dragons fight and die for! Tiamat let out about thirty-five percent of her full power and it made Hiroki stop struggling instantly. "Now listen to me! I do not wish to bring more harm to my flesh and blood but I will if it gets you to concede. You cannot beat me as you are, my hatchling. Your draconic heritage has been neglected to no fault of your own."
"…and who's fault is it? I had no one to help, no one to teach me…I had to find out from Martha that I was different. The person who should have helped me understand myself hurt me the most," Hiroki groaned out, the pressure on his chest building. His Balance Breaker faded but his outfit remained. Tiamat looked down on her child, as blood trickled from his mouth, the defiant but pleading look in his eyes.
Tiamat let up and in a flash, she was back in her human form. She quickly picked him up and cradled him close, "Will you let me explain why I made the choices I did?"
"...I don't have a choice now, do I? I have all the time needed."
The little defiance to not call her mother hurt. She knew she shouldn't have expected him to but that was only the first part of the price she had to pay to keep her big brightness safe. She entered her cave and laid him down, using her magic to stir his healing. His body is tougher than most but he still has a human side to him. "Now let me explain to you why I had to regrettably leave you behind. Listen well, Hiroki, because I do not wish to relive this as much as you do."
Hiroki groggily looked over to see her looking down at him with appraising eyes. Her hands were running through his hair, "It seems that you inherited my color rather than your father's…speaking of…I smell and sense…they are here…and a Devil at that."
"W-What?" Hiroki felt everything slam into him emotionally and mentally, his vision began blurring but the crisp color of dark blue remained in perfect vision.
"Never mind that," Tiamat quickly changed the topic. Her instincts were screaming at her to protect and nurture her hatchling, knowing that he was in pain. Her senses could feel the jagged mess that was his skin through his clothes. She wanted nothing more than to transfer his pain to her, and that would only be the beginning of how she wanted to make up with him. Tiamat, the Strongest Dragon King…the one who nearly ascended to Heavenly Dragon levels of power would trade it all away for her hatchling's well-being.
Some may think that it would go against her nature and pride as a Dragon King, always craving for Power. Power in the Supernatural makes the world go 'round. However, Dragons mate for life and even during breeding seasons, the chances are higher for females to get pregnant but there was only one, maybe two hatchlings born at the same time. Hatchlings are the most important thing in the Dragon Race, second only to Dragon Apples and their pride and battle tendencies—Tiamat dutifully ignored the times she beat overconfident hatchlings into the ground for letting their pride get ahead of them—as they can get out of hand easily.
There was also the fact that Hiroki, her beloved and only hatchling, was raised in human society, so he knows very little about how Dragons truly operate. While Tiamat was surprised by the Sacred Gear, she had more pressing matters to attend to.
"Your father was someone who I had thought wanted to challenge me. He must have learned something from a previous source and had returned my treasures to me. Before even knowing his name, he had my interest. My respect and trust came later," Tiamat started. She had a lot to say but she would have to tell him the full story another time. "He appealed to me and eventually came to trust him and through many trials, hiding from Albion's host, we finally managed to have you."
Hiroki aptly paid attention to that last part, "Y-You…"
"I was so overjoyed that I finally had something that I longed for for centuries. A little hatchling to call my own. Your father had even beaten me in a fight, further cementing that he was a man worthy of my time," she caressed his head, "Power goes a long way in the Supernatural World, and for that reason, you need training, badly," she bluntly stated.
Hiroki couldn't exactly refute that, considering he was just bested in only a few minutes, maybe a minute if that. He already saw his shortcomings but didn't have the right person address them. Maybe…just maybe he could make it up to her by hearing her out. Tiamat seemed to be the helicopter parent of sorts, considering she checked him over for any other injuries she may have given him.
"Really?" He asked, daring to be hopeful for once.
It pained Tiamat that this was how he acted, so scared to trust and reserved to the point of shutting everyone else out. "Yes, you see, you have the potential to reach my power and with your Sacred Gear, even further."
Tiamat shifted him so that Hiroki was lying on her shoulder against the wall. The maternal feelings that Hiroki was exposed to let tears leak out of his eyes. "Now, what was that about you having a wife?"
Hiroki nearly choked on his spit. Right…that was another point still up for debate. Instead, he spoke in the softest time he could muster, "She's my everything. Speaking of, she's on her way."
Tiamat sighed, nuzzling her hatchling, letting all of her bottled-up emotions flow, and her emotions are enhanced by a factor of ten. Truthfully, she wanted him to stay but she knew that was no longer her place.
The least she could do was prepare him for the world that thrived on power.
Meanwhile, Kasane was flying through the Forest, following the trail of her mate. That, and the auras that were constantly being pulsed out made her want to cower in fear at them because of how much more powerful they were. One she knew was Hiroki's. The other…was the same as Hiroki but at a much greater magnitude. Her six wings never pushed her faster.
While she tried to keep the intrusive thoughts out of her head, some of them still crept into the limelight. Mid-flight, she shook her head, banishing those lines of thought.
She flew over a certain section before noting the tussled landscape. She landed and looked around seemingly once in pristine condition. The giant cave was one indicator but she noticed the odd indentation just beside the cave. Then the giant claw print sent waves of anxiety down her spine. "Who are you?"
A voice that was everywhere and nowhere asked. Kasane shot her eyes around, her Sacred Gear at her beck and call. The violet glow encompassed her hand and the large boulder that she grabbed was something she could use. A light spear formed on reflex, crackling with the violet energy.
"Answer me. Why. Are. You. Here?"
"My mate…my husband," she licked her lips, her body trembling before the aura of a dragon, the object in her grasp trembled. "He c-came t-this way…and I'm worried for him."
Judging by the tone of voice Kasane heard, there was defensiveness and a hint of protectiveness that put her even further on edge, the boulder trembling in her grasp. One does not mess with a Dragon and live to tell about it, "You…must be my hatchling's mate." A deep inhale, "Six-winged Fallen, Sacred Gear…you're Kasane Randall. It seems Wakana has nothing to worry about," The tone dropped to a begrudging acceptance, the aura that was suffocating her dropped and one person exited the cave.
The very same person that Hiroki saw earlier. The boulder she was holding fell to the ground with no fanfare. The light spear faded from her grasp as well. Her breaths came back to her in gasps as if someone was crushing her lungs. "I-I am…"
The figure walked closer to her, draconic eyes piercing her with all their might. Kasane couldn't move her body, couldn't even react when a hand cupped her cheek, caressing it. The woman inspected her. "You have mated…I smell my hatchling on you. Were you the one?"
"O-One?" Kasane managed to get out.
The woman sighed again, "The one who made my hatchling reconsider ending his own life."
"I am," the six-winged Fallen said, her red eyes pained at having to be reminded of that incident. The wound still felt too fresh in some cases and in recent memory.
The hand dropped from her cheek, "Follow me."
"But who are you?"
The grin she got was full of pride and sadness as the echoed tone dropped, "My name is Tiamat, Hiroki's mother. His birth mother, that is. Come inside, he's resting."
Kasane almost fell over at that. This was…she's?! The movement finally registered in her mind as Tiamat—the Dragon King—was pulling her inside her cave! Her den! A dragon's prized possession and a one-way ticket to meet the death god of one's choice if not invited inside. "But…"
"No buts. I think it's time I meet my daughter-in-law."
Kasane felt a chill go down her spine. Something in those draconian eyes said that Kasane might be in a world of pain.
Tiamat led Kasane through the den to arrive in the middle of a giant cavern, where space was liberal and quite homey. Kasane immediately honed in on Hiroki, who was still resting but even from here, she could see and smell the drying blood. "Hirochi!" She cried as she broke free from Tiamat's grip, not realizing that she let her go.
It made the Chaos Karma King smile in fondness, knowing that a mate's concern for a dragon's wellbeing was strong. She noted that the bond between them was stronger though. An example being, her hatchling perked up upon hearing his name and smiled as she kneeled next to him and hugged him. The Dragon King's ears were pleased to hear her berating him for running off like that.
She would be a fine mate for him. Even though they've already mated, it does seem to be going out of control. Tiamat could tell that both of them needed training and while she could help her hatchling, the dragon admits that she could not help her hatchling's mate as adequately as she wanted.
"Now that you two have been reunited. Explain to me what you are doing here," Tiamat said, going to rest herself across a rock, looking at the both of them.
"My…reason was to find an answer that Ddraig, Yasaka-san, and Grayfia-san alluded to. You were that answer…kaa-san…" Hiroki said, hesitating on the word which he covered by running a hand through his hair whilst he was clutching Kasane close to him, pulling her into his lap and breathing in her scent. His nose tickled her neck, leaving a trail of kisses.
Tiamat watched with fondness and sadness as the two interacted. She was elated that he called her mother. The acknowledgment filled her with pride and relief. She hasn't lost her big brightness. So, she let a grin overtake her features, "I know you two are married but I would ask that you not christen my den." Despite having sex before, the two lovers flushed at her callout. "It does remind me of those times with your fa-" she cut herself off as she felt his presence.
Hiroki inclined his head, stretching his senses, and found another dragon. 'Ddraig,' he surmised. He shakily stood up, Kasane demanding he sit and recover, only after he told her what happened.
Tiamat transformed back into her dragon form and went to the entrance of her cave. She only let her eyes be seen. "State your business."
The one Tiamat knows as Rias Gremory, sister to the Satan Lucifer stepped forward, "Greetings, Chaos Karma Dragon King Tiamat, my name is-"
"I know who you are, sister of Lucifer. State your business, and that goes double for you, Ddraig," Tiamat said, inwardly giggling at the spooked expressions that crossed their faces.
The gauntlet manifested on Issei's arm, [My dear wife, is that the approach you are going for?]
"It was either this or I chase your host down and threaten his life, it was only because of your previous host who had reclaimed all of my lost treasure that I even dared speak with you," She said.
"Uhm, Ddraig-san? Do you know her?" Issei asked dumbfounded and confused.
[Of course, I do! As the Gremory said, This is Tiamat, the Chaos Karma Dragon King, and she was even close to Heavenly Dragon levels before I and the White One were sealed,] The gauntlet lit up with a green glow. [Be glad that my previous host had gathered her treasures…otherwise…you would not have survived.]
"But I thought you told me that she killed many of your hosts before?" Issei exclaimed, looking at his left arm with worry and exasperation.
"I did…until your previous host. And while I never ascended to a Heavenly Dragon, I gained something far better…a hatchling."
[How is he?] Ddraig asked, concern coating his voice. He needed to know. It was something he wondered about the entire time while waiting for his current host to awaken him.
"Ara ara, I didn't know that the Dragon of Domination had a soft side," Akeno observed with a soft voice. The Dragon himself was flustered, the stuttering comical to the group. It served as a perfect icebreaker.
"I'm so lost," Rias said. Even the Familiar Master was in near shock at the information being displayed before him, well, the confirmation from the Dragon King herself.
"Come on out, you two, I know you two are eavesdropping," Tiamat said with a slight chiding tone.
Out limped Hiroki and Kasane, the latter supporting the former. "What happened, Hiroki-san?" Kiba asked.
He pointed at Tiamat, "Fought her, and she found me lacking to no fault of my own."
"EEEHHHH?!" "You lived?!"
…the dots were beginning to connect in Rias' head. He's a half-dragon, Tiamat referenced that she has a hatchling. Hiroki doesn't know who his parents are. The redhead reached out her magical aura to feel the dragons across from her…only to find similarities between them. The look in the Dragon King's eyes was one of relief, an emotion that Rias knows was expressed tenfold in Dragons…"Hiroki-san, is Tiamat-sama…"
"…Yes," he sighed.
"Wait, she's your mate?! Come on Hiroki-san, save some for me!"
He was then punched by Koneko, "Pervert."
"Issei-san, Tiamat is not Hirochi's mate…but in fact…" Kasane looked at the pair of dragons and they both nodded, "…his kaa-san…"
Tiamat reinforced this by using her tail to gently scoop up the pair and put them to her neck, where she craned her head and purred. Hiroki found himself leaning into the feeling, letting out a weary content sigh. Kasane, while not a dragon, also found herself absorbing the feeling of being with her husband and mother-in-law—by draconic standards. "Then…that means…"
"Rias-senpai," Hiroki murmured, "Ask yourself why the Maou knew of me…it's because they knew things I didn't. Come to think of it, that old crow did too…and Yasaka-san…"
"That is an explanation for another time."
"I'm going to be training under you to unlock my damaged heritage…I'll have plenty of time."
"Not if you're too exhausted to even move…" a slightly feral dragon-like grin appeared, showing off some of her very sharp teeth. A spark of fear bloomed in his heart. He knew that she wasn't going to go easy, "Prepare yourself…but first, none of you have tried to persuade him into your peerage?"
Hiroki quickly saw how bad this was going to go, so he answered in their stead, "They asked but I respectfully declined it. I'm not giving up my humanity…that and the very little pride I have won't allow me to either."
Tiamat glanced down at her hatchling, "If you say so…but I'm glad that message was at least followed…"
"That was you then?" Kasane softly inquired, being wrapped in Hiroki's arms always made her feel a certain way, allowing a gentle smile to appear.
It's not an expression she shows around others. So Kiba, Issei, and Asia were stunned to see such a content, calming, and gorgeous expression on someone they thought couldn't. Asia gets a small pass because she first met Kasane when Hiroki found out she was a Tamer. So, she wasn't at her happiest.
[Did you find what you were looking for, hatchling?] Ddraig spoke aloud, drawing attention to the gauntlet.
The navy-haired sonokinetic nudged himself, signaling that he wished to be put on the ground. Tiamat growled a little bit. Once Hiroki was on the ground, he walked—limped slightly, not entirely noticeable but no one called him out on it—toward Issei but his eyes were on the gauntlet. He stopped in front of the Sekiryuutei, "No thanks to you, you asshat!" Many dropped their jaws at the blatant disrespect. Tiamat found it justified and a little funny. "Did you know?"
The Red One wasted no time, feigning ignorance at being called an asshat. [I had my suspicions but…you are the child of my previous host, in fact, the only child of any of my hosts. It certainly makes you special. I…hold on…what's this?] The Dragon was 'heard' to be lost in thought or distracted by something. That was put to rest when Ddraig addressed Hiroki again, the gauntlet appearing on Issei's arm, [Young one, put your hand on the Boosted Gear. I believe that someone has something to convey.]
Hiroki dared to hope. He wanted to flee but he was sure his recently reunited mother and wife would hold him back. Issei raised the gauntlet and smiled a toothy grin, "I trust him. Come on, Hiroki-san, what do you have to lose?"
"I sometimes hate how honest you can be for a perverted idiot," Hiroki shot back half-heartedly. "It's one of your good qualities," he followed up before putting a hand over the green gem.
Once he did, Hiroki felt…cared for; like someone reached out and hugged him close. To the outside observers, only Tiamat could see what was happening. A projection of Ddraig's precious host…the man who managed to tame the Chaos Karma, Hiroki's father. Kasane watched on softly, feeling at ease knowing that Hiroki had his parents—or parent—back, just like she did.
For all the hardships in life, this was a moment that had to be captured in history.
What this meeting expressed was the fact that Hiroki not only was the son of the strongest Dragon King but was also the son of a previous Sekiryuutei, which also made Hiroki one-of-a-kind. A child of a Heavenly Dragon. That alone made his potential reach Heavenly Dragon class. Of course, with all things takes time. Tiamat quickly shut down the Gremory Heiress as she saw the gleam of greed in her eyes.
Currently, the Gremory Peerage was sworn to absolute secrecy about Hiroki's origin. That meant double for Rias. If the Maou knew, that was fine. If the Devil population as a whole knew? The endless requests to join a Peerage would drive him mad. Rias was going to secretly try to convince Hiroki to join but Tiamat once more pulled her aside, "If you attempt to use any methods to convince him to join you, I will end you and the threat of your brother does not scare me. Myself and all the Dragons will riot if he is turned against his will."
Rias, fearing for her life, nodded dumbly. If this threat didn't convince her, nothing would. The Peerage left soon after, with Asia's familiar Rassei in tow. Issei was still slightly down for not getting 'Slime-Taro' as his familiar. That was probably for the best.
In a few quick seconds, Tiamat was in her human form, currently hugging the life out of her son, rubbing her cheek on his head. Kasane somehow got scooped up in the mix, also being doused in affection from the Dragon King. "Now that they're gone, I can talk about another situation. Your other future mates."
"About that…"
"Don't worry, I already approved of the Ultimate Queen to be your second wife," Tiamat said nonchalantly. In her tone, there was pride in her hatchling, managing to get the second strongest woman in the Underworld to fall for him.
"Huh?!" The pair exclaimed. Hiroki shot up straight, "When did she come to visit?"
The Dragon titled her head in thought, "Two days ago, give or take. She asked for my blessing, and to forgive her for nearly lusting after you when you were smaller. It's a good thing she did, or I would have burned her to ash, or at least given her something to remember my threat." The casual tone in her voice showed that Tiamat was confident in that.
"So right before she visited us. You know, now that I think about it, that's way too coincidental," Kasane said. She stood to stretch, unfurling her wings and Hiroki was immediately entranced. It wasn't her intention but she noticed his gaze and decided to be a little provocative, accenting her movements just a little.
It was a way to break and build some tension. After this visit or training session was over, she was going to fall into bed with her husband.
Tiamat saw the interaction between the two mates and smiled, knowing that her hatchling was growing up; no, he had grown up and she needed to accept that. The process might be difficult but she needed to start it sometime. That didn't mean she couldn't scent her hatchling to make sure that people in the Supernatural world knew that her precious hatchling was off-limits. Tiamat nodded excitedly, her smile showing off her cute fangs, "Mmmhmm. I'm hoping for some hatchlings from you in the future. Not immediately but within the next century."
"K-Kaa-san…"
The Dragon King continued without so much as stopping, "Then there is your Breeding Season which I'm sure hasn't happened yet. You haven't hit that age yet but it's fast approaching…so, she needs to be your wife before that happens. She's more than ready but she was waiting for you to conquer your trauma."
The information made Hiroki flush as he hadn't thought about that. Everything has been so chaotic lately that he's had no time to think about it. Kasane also flushed knowing that there would be some spicy times ahead. Her sinful Fallen side was frothing at the mouth at some points.
"Were it so easy, kaa-san…" Hiroki mumbled, the pain seeping into his tone, his hands reaching to rub the scar on his hip.
Tiamat's gaze followed and growled under her breath, which her hatchling heard and flinched in surprise. He thought she was mad at him. All of a sudden, his shirt was pulled up and the Dragon King's hand touched his skin. He violently twitched as she did, the sensation surprising him. Kasane grabbed his face and kissed him, rubbing his cheeks with her hands.
Tiamat heard her daughter-in-law whisper sweet words to him. The respect for this Fallen went up in the Dragon's opinion. "They are lucky I did not raze them to the ground once I had found out…but to see it…I cannot blame you." She lowered his shirt before standing again. "We will start training in the morning, hatchling. I'll be bringing out your Dragon side. You will potentially hate me for this but this training…it will help. Rest now, I have to call in a favor."
There was no denying that Hiroki needed to improve his power. Sure, his potential was high but if he never gave any effort toward it, he would stagnate. "Okay…what about Kasane?"
"Unfortunately, she would not be able to participate…but according to the Ultimate Queen, she had found her mother too…go, spend time with her and train. I assure you that your mate will return to you alive."
It turns out, Tiamat knew a mage who could cast time dilation barriers, meaning time flowed differently. It wasn't something used often so this was important and Hiroki knew not to waste this chance.
That was how the next month was spent. Yes, a month, and it equaled a day outside. That mage, whoever they were, was exceptional at their craft. Tiamat had said that Kasane and Wakana were under a similar dilation, so the times matched up.
Just before the Gremory Peerage left and before they started training, Hiroki told them that he and Kasane were staying for a bit longer. Kasane added that they should pass the message along to Grayfia as well.
Now, Hiroki was strolling through the Familiar Forest half crippled. Why? Tiamat…kaa-san…said it was great training to learn your environment when in deep trouble. That, and she did beat the living hell out of him to showcase the true strength he could have if he embraced himself. However, subconsciously, he was still holding himself back and Hiroki knew the reason why too. He still wasn't over what Faith had done to him, at least, not fully.
While he was able to compartmentalize the reason behind it, he couldn't help but wonder why. Why did that bastard want his scales so much? What was the meaning of it? Yes, a profit was made but it was never said where that profit went or to who.
Shaking his head, Hiroki took this time to focus on the past few days, or day in real-time.
He found his mother. He couldn't believe it. All this time, she was here? How come no one told him? A frown covered his features as he felt his instincts raise as he felt something looking at him. During his training, Tiamat forbade the use of his Sacred Gear. It would provide good training since Tiamat said that he relied on it too often, which he would concede that it was true. He needed this, even if he never said it. The time in the warp zone, what Hiroki called the dilation barrier, was well-spent. He noticed his magic reserves increase, alongside his durability, and technique was currently nearing Ultimate class overall. He was still far below the level of Dragon King but as Tiamat said, 'It takes time, and learning from failures makes you stronger so that you can rise higher than before.'
That was what she had said before she beat him within an inch of his life.
The Dragon King did not spare her hatchling any mercy. She beat him down, picked him up, and did it all again. Eventually, he was able to beat her back—obviously, Tiamat's full strength would kill him—making her happy. To which she proceeded to nearly break all of his ribs in her choice of affection. A deadly hug. The Mom hug.
Fast forwarding to now, Hiroki could tell that the Familiars that were lurking about were observing him. They did not approach, having known that the aura surrounding him was one of Dragons. Not many mess with them. Even as injured as he was, he was still a force to be reckoned with.
Hiroki thought he would get a familiar but he couldn't find the right one. Sure, some may be easier to get but they have to be able to match him. The Hydra that was rumored to kill its own master was off the list for glaringly obvious reasons. Why would he get a familiar that could turn on him? He was also not looking for another 'harem member', as Hiroki has read fan fiction that depicts that. While he's cool with reading it, he's not cool with it in practice. So, that takes priority.
Feeling eyes on him again, his shoulders coiled back, withholding the wince from all the pain inflicted from his he-, training... "CAWWW!"
Hiroki looked up to see a majestic bird fly above him, swooping close to the ground, and then perching in a tree not far off from him. The hatchling—a name Tiamat and Ddraig call him—paused at seeing such a majestic creature. The feathers were sleek with no imperfections, their talons sharp and eager to tear into their prey, and the eyes. That was the eyes of a true bird. Calling it a 'bird' was an understatement.
The bird was nearly half the size of Hiroki himself. The bird would come up to just under his waist, "A Bald Eagle? I know they are the national bird in the US…but then I have to remember that this isn't Earth…"
The Eagle tilted its head in curiosity before flaring its wings. Hiroki narrowed his eyes, do they intend to fight me?
The Bald Eagle then landed in front of the sonokinetic gear user and looked up at him. "You understand me?" A simple nod. An intelligent bird, one that would be useful to him in the future, "Do you wish to make a pact?" Once more, a nod. A firm one at that. "I don't know what you see but I will not dissuade you…but even so, I don't know the proper words for this."
"But I do!" Zatouji said, appearing from out of nowhere.
Hiroki erected a sound barrier, only to make the Familiar Master face plant into it. A wince from the boy, "Gomen, Zatouji-san."
The Ash Ketchum look-alike stood up without seeming to be affected by the barrier, "Not a problem! So, you wish to make this majestic bird your Familiar?" The boy nodded, the injuries he sustained starting to fatigue him more and erecting the barrier didn't help. All of his muscles screamed for rest. So, despite Hiroki wanting to keep his posture, Zatouji and the Eagle could tell he was moments away from passing out. "Splendid, just say these words and you'll be all set."
Hiroki repeated the words verbatim and a glowing blue circle appeared under the Eagle. It flashed once before fading from view. Then, another flash took over the Eagle. Standing before Hiroki was a boy who looked to be a year younger than himself.
"I thank you, Danna-sa-"
"None of that…please," Hiroki stumbled a little, spots appearing in his vision. He couldn't see the features of his newly acquired familiar but he was definitely going to be popular if he chose to stay with him. "Damn I wish this happened earlier…t-take me to Tiamat's den…" His steps became uneven and he nearly fell to the rough ground but he was grabbed by his familiar and the Familiar Master. His eyes closed and he allowed himself to enter the realm of unconsciousness.
Tiamat was unsurprised to see her hatchling back so soon. She was intrigued that he had found a familiar so quickly. Then again, they trained for nearly thirty days and while it helped his base form, he still needed refinement. "I see he finally collapsed. He went a few hours longer than I thought."
The Familiar tensed at such a blasé thought at his master but he wouldn't want to be brought here if he wasn't sure. "Tiamat-sama."
"You must be my hatchling's familiar, yes?" The Dragon King was in her human form, once more wearing the long pale dress but this time she had knee-high boots on. Just because she's a dragon does not mean she has neglected societal advancements. Plus, the boots were surprisingly comfortable. She gently scooped up her hatchling from the boy and turned to put him in her den to rest.
"Indeed, Tiamat-sama," he bowed before her, not wanting to disrespect his master's mother. "We had just contracted but I worry about his injuries and how he came to sustain them."
"Before I answer that, do you have a name, young Eagle?"
"I do not, Tiamat-sama, I was hoping that Danna-sama would be able to name me."
Tiamat sighed, biting her lip, "I see. Now, his wife should be back soon, so I ask that you make yourself comfortable but do not snoop, or else you might find your feathers plucked whilst you draw breath."
The Familiar stood ramrod straight and nodded, his breath caught in his throat. If he was in his eagle form, he would have been gone already, fleeing for his life. "Hai, Tiamat-sama!"
The Dragon King's fangs poked out from her smile, "Good."
"Hgnngg," a groan erupted from the now-waking body of Hiroki. "Ahh…feels like I missed the train…"
"Good, hatchling, you're recovering faster than last time," Tiamat said with a feral smirk.
Hiroki tensed, "No more, I swear that was an accident!" He exclaimed, adrenaline igniting his veins, allowing him to find the closest cover, which happened to be his familiar. Seeing the bewildered look, "Right…introductions," Hiroki said as he slowly adjusted his tattered appearance to look somewhat presentable. "Since I assume that you don't have a name…" a nod from the eagle, "I shall give you one, does Arno or Adler sound good for you?"
Tiamat knew what they meant, which meant she would have to work on his naming sense. It looks like Kasane will be naming their future hatchlings.
"Arno sounds amazing, danna-sama!" The newly named Arno said. The boy's pale yellow eyes shined in glee. His pale brown hair was styled with a neat row of forward spikes, surprisingly, there was no gel in it, that's all-natural. Now that Hiroki was able to finally look at Arno, he could see that the boy's physique was more on the lithe compact side, compared to Hiroki's slowly forming sculpted physique.
The reason he knew that was his shirts were getting tighter in his arms and chest. Not enough to be uncomfortable but enough to be noticeable. "Good, I'm glad for that. Now then…where is…"
A magic circle appeared inside the den, with Tiamat's permission. Speaking of her, Kasane arrived and Hiroki growled in immediate pleasure upon seeing his mate smiling with beaming confidence. "Hello, Hirochi." The lust in her eyes was not missed by anyone. Hiroki noticed it as soon as he smelled her. This, in turn, made him feel the same. His pants got tighter.
With a strain in his voice, his injuries no longer matter when his wife was here, "Kaa-san…I will be back soon."
Tiamat chuckled, "Alright. Arno, please stay for a moment, they might be a while."
Lemon Start (Not as descriptive as the first, sorry if that's what you wanted)
No sooner than Kasane arrived in the den, she was scooped up into her husband's arms and teleported away back to their apartment. In retrospect, this was something she had planned for. She wanted to feel her husband inside her walls again. That, and she was a bit frustrated after her Mother's training.
"Hirochi~," Kasane gasped as her husband's lips claimed her neck. Tongue and kisses were planted all over, leaving lines of hickeys behind. "I s-see you mi-missed me, hmm?"
"Always," he whispered against her pulse, sending shivers down her spine. "Tell me later…I've been aching for you," Hiroki said, pushing his pelvis on Kasane. Fully clothed or not, it didn't matter, she could feel his thickness and his heat.
Kasane bit her lips, her head rolled back, "Ffffucckkk…we don't have t-time to undress. Hiroki…rip them."
He paused, his lust steadily rising for his female but he would hear her out. "But you like these pants…"
Considerate, yes but Kasane was fucking horny. She wanted to be impaled by his cock. "If you don't fuck me right now, you will be sorry."
His grin returned and she was surprised to see his draconian features coming out to play. She could see the scales creeping up his neck and the hormones had an effect on her as well, making her head lighter. "Your wish is my command."
His hands were occupied with her breasts, palming them through her shirt but he slipped a calloused hand under her shirt while the other grabbed her pants by the crotch and ripped them off. A patch of them was ripped off.
As it turns out, clothed sex was something they both liked. It makes taking off the clothes feel liberating after.
"Ahh~!" Kasane moaned, feeling the rush of cool air. A finger teased her labia, aiming for her clit. "Hirooochi~! I nee-mmmhnn!"
Hiroki shimmied his tattered pants to free his hardening member and rubbed the tip on her leaking folds. Kissing her to silence her moans made Hiroki feel good, dominating the kiss. At least that part of him made sense, since he was a descendant of a previous Sekiryuutei, the feeling of domination was humming within him. He was even more pleased by the fact that she was soaking wet down there. The runoff was dripping down the inside of her thighs, drenching her pants.
Kasane managed to lock her legs around her husband, using all of her strength to hold him close. To feel him, to touch him, to be one with him. A month without her constant companion by her side affected her mood. It didn't matter if it was only a day in real-time, her mind said it was a month.
Hiroki waited no longer. Pushing his hips forward, he entered the spongy insides of his wife and her body greeted its guest by making room to accommodate. The mated pair both let out moans of their own, not even realizing that the bedroom door was open and that they had a guest.
"P-Pound me…fuck me…give it all to me," Kasane breathed out in between Hiroki's forceful thrusts. "F-Feels good t-to f-fuck your slutty wife, hm? My p-pussy missed y-you."
His response was to overpower her strength by grabbing her and pinning her legs by her head. Kasane's eyes gleamed. Aside from deepthroating her husband's member, the mating press was her favorite position. "Yesssss~! Fuck me until I pass out!" Kasane screamed with an expectant look of ecstasy.
Sweat coated her face, her cheeks bright red from the effort. Hiroki wasted no time and put more force into his thrusts. The bed rocked in tune with his efforts. "Home, I m-missed you! I hated being separated!"
"M-Me t-aahhh~!" Kasane tried to respond but her orgasm took her breath away. The tightness of her walls made the Dragon mating her grit his teeth in bliss.
Hiroki held Kasane's face in his hands, "Look at me, Hime," he panted. Kasane had to regain her bearings before locking eyes with her navy-eyed husband. His voice rumbled deep in her chest, "Cum for me…"
As if her body acted without her permission, she came again."Hirochi~! I luv you~!" Her smile was radiant, which turned into a moan as his member brushed her g-spot, prolonging her orgasm. "Yesss!"
Hiroki's member was clamped down by her walls, forcing the load he'd been saving to erupt without warning. He normally would have liked to warn Kasane before but judging by the sinful look on her face, he knew she wouldn't be upset at this. She seemed to have welcomed it if the small twitch and shudder of her body was anything to go by. "Love you too, my beautiful wife." The two paused for a brief moment, breaths intertwining as they stared at one another…"So…how was training?" Hiroki asked, still hard inside her, doing his best to not give in to his dragon side.
Which was urging him to dominate her, fuck her into submission, and have her give birth to his hatchlings. He may not be in his breeding season but damn it his instincts demanded he try.
Kasane needed a few moments to catch her breath, "Hah~ hah~, intense…better control over…my light…my wings…grew." She tried to shift herself but the girth of her husband made her whine in pleasure.
"G-Grew? D-Do you have eight?"
"N-No…" Kasane's hands fell to above her head, her legs shifting back around Hiroki's back. Hiroki quickly intertwined their fingers, laying his head next to hers. "They matured…in a way. Ngghh…"
"Round two?" Hiroki asked, tightening his grip on Kasane's hands. One round of sex wasn't going to cut it.
"Mmhh. I want to show you what I'm wearing."
The two reluctantly separated—both of them wincing at the loss of their significant other's respective privates—as Kasane stripped her clothes. Hiroki similarly removed all offending articles from his tattered clothing. The navy-haired man turned to see Kasane in black lingerie, crotchless pantyhose with a matching garter belt, and a frilly black bra that made her assets more…accented.
Without giving him much time to look and appreciate the lovely sight before him, Kasane leaped at him, pushing him down on the bed. Despite Dragons being paraded around that they must dominate in absolutely everything, lovemaking was another story. Give and take. That's what was happening.
However, Kasane had little patience for waiting. She grabbed her husband's member and guided it back into its rightful place. "Ahh…" she sighed before bouncing on him with everything she's got.
Hiroki's hands couldn't find a place to stay. From her pantyhose-clad thighs to her plump ass, to her firm stomach, to her bountiful breasts, and back again. He slipped under her bra and grabbed her nipples, pinching them gently.
The effect was immediate, Kasane crying out in pleasure as her husband played with her body as she satisfied him. Her bouncing ceased instead, rolling her hips on his pelvis, making sure that she was feeling good.
"F-Fuck," Hiroki groaned, his whole body twitching. The sensations were overloading his brain as he fought the urge to thrust up, bury his cock inside and breed her like a good little slut.
"Do you like it when I ride your…massive dragon cock like a good wife?" Kasane asked in between breaths. "The feeling of having you inside me, knowing that…that it was me who made you feel this way?"
Hiroki growled, "Yes…"
Kasane then grabbed his hands off her body and interlocked their hands again, "Then smear my walls with your cum!"
Those were the magic words. Hiroki thrusted up to expel his seed directly into her womb. Kasane paused briefly as she felt the gush of fluid entering her sacred place, the warmth she felt made her shudder. Even as he came, she continued to bounce on his pelvis, the lubrication produced a squelching sound that was far too erotic for either of the young lovers.
Their guest, meanwhile, had seen and heard everything.
"By the gods, I missed you so much," Hiroki breathed out.
Kasane leaned down and connected their lips, "I missed you too…and Kaa-sama said hello."
His hands glided softly up her back, "Well, I shall say hello once I see her again. I started to accept myself…"
"R-Really?" Kasane twitched as she felt him pulse inside her. He's still not soft?! I'm really going to need Grayfia-san's help sooner rather than later. Not to mention, she could feel his cum leaking from their union. "That's great!"
"However, I still feel as if I'm holding myself back, unconsciously," he said, rubbing her sides with tender care. He didn't realize his own strength as there were bruises. "And I need to train control."
Kasane put her hands over his, "You forget, when these are from you…they mean a lot more…now, one more round…" She quickly pulled herself off his cock with a wince before putting herself in the sixty-nine position, "…but I get to deepthroat this lovely thing."
She waited for nothing, swallowing his member with ease. She never looked to the door and she never saw their guest watching in awe. They were too engrossed in each other to take notice. They had left soon after she started but the sight was now implanted in their head. All that was left was to take a leap of faith.
Hiroki and Kasane spent hours reuniting and reacquainting themselves, and the best part was that Hiroki didn't have to make a soundproof barrier. This was his den, and he was enjoying the crown jewel of his horde tonight and many more nights in the future.
End Lemon
The pair cleaned themselves up and prepared themselves for the next day. The two were walking close together, their eyes closed. After their sexscapade, the pair talked in detail about their respective training. Hiroki explained how he met Arno. Kasane thought it fit perfectly but was still in the blissful mood she was in last night. Her bruises had healed from last night. She loved the rough treatment.
She also showed him her wings that morning. Kasane did not lie. Her wings did grow. They were now a full three pairs, being a few inches longer on each end. Before, they were smaller than normal, something Wakana confirmed during Kasane's training. With the use of her Fallen side, the muscle memory became ingrained. Wakana was pleased with her daughter's progress during that time, since her Sacred Gear syncs with her slowly building fighting style.
That and Hiroki got to preen her wings that morning, much to her embarrassment; which was odd considering they were fucking each other's brains out not even eight hours prior.
Before they left, Kasane sent a message to Yasaka, updating them on what had happened in the past 'day'. She was relieved that everything went smoothly and left them with an open invitation to see her anytime. The conversation died there. While that was an issue for later, the day was about to get a lot more…annoying, and a great way to test Hiroki's temper.
Kuoh Academy came upon them—more like Hiroki used his Gear to sense out the area so that they could walk unimpeded—and immediately felt a difference. No…a disturbance.
This made Hiroki turn to Arno, who had asked Tiamat where he was staying and allowed him to go, "Take to the skies and keep in contact, I'll 'text' you later." A simple command, a code phrase that Hiroki had told him. The Supernatural and Normal world don't mix, and he would like to keep it that way.
"At once, Danna-sama," Arno whispered before turning around, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Kasane-sama."
"You too," she hummed, making sure she was full of her 'Hirochi energy' because she felt it too. The presence of multiple High-Class Devils. One was easily recognizable for the pair. Grayfia. Rias' aura was also another. However, it was the last one that made them both approach the ORC building with caution.
Using his sonokinesis, he approached the building with quiet calculating steps. Kasane was included in his 'aura field' of sorts. While Tiamat had restricted his usage of his Gear, it also had evolved based on his feelings. That was the exception. This wasn't a major power up but it added another tool to Hiroki's growing arsenal.
As they approached the ORC club room, the pair heard voices, "For the last time Riser, I will not marry you!"
Rias-senpai is getting married? That's…oh wait, Devil politics, Kasane surmised from that tidbit alone. Her mother had said that they were stuck in their old ways. This was one of them.
"Rias-chan, Riser-sama carries the name of the House of Phenex and it would besmirch my name if you continue to refuse."
Does this guy speak in the third person? Arrogant fuckwad, Hiroki thought immediately and for some reason, hearing the name Phenex irked his instincts. What he also didn't realize was that his power was beginning to leak out. Kasane didn't realize it either since she was so focused on the conversation.
"Wait…do you feel that?" Issei asked, looking around the room but focused on the door.
That question snapped them out of their eavesdropping before Hiroki reached up and...
Knock knock knock.
Three times in rapid succession, "Come in," called Rias.
Hiroki opened the door to the club room to see quite the spectacle. The Gremory Peerage was standing behind the couch closest to the window, all looking at the scene across from them. Rias and this Riser could be seen glaring at each other, and finally, Grayfia in the far corner of the room, her maid outfit could be seen with her hands folded in front of her, eyes closed.
Once the maid opened her eyes and saw them, her cheeks turned a slight pink before refocusing on her task, "Hiroki-sama, Kasane-sama, it seems you've arrived at a bad time." She had noticed the line of hickies on both of their necks and they weren't covering them.
Many of them were on Hiroki's pulse, making Grayfia glance at Kasane with a brimming question but the maid did not speak up. The only thing she got in return was a twitch of a smile.
"Do you want us to leave?" He asked, ignoring the looks he was getting from Riser.
"No, you can stay, Hiroki-san, Kasane-san," Rias allowed them to. She did need some more support.
"What happened to your neck?" Issei asked bluntly. Hiroki pointed to Kasane behind him, "Oh….OH!" The boy widened his eyes. Kiba put his head in one hand, shaking his head with a smile at Issei's denseness.
"Let's just say that I missed my husband dearly after training," Kasane said, peering around Hiroki to wave to the room, and that included Riser. The Phenex's eyes widened at seeing such a beauty. He had to have her as his concubine.
"Why hello there, beautiful," Riser immediately tried flirting with her. The look of lust that Riser was sending his wife pissed Hiroki off. Kasane involuntarily shivered at the look he was sending her. She was about to reach for her husband but…
CRUSH!
Hiroki looked at the door handle that he had just crushed into nothing but a fraction of its former self, "My bad…though my training increased a few things, it also shortened my fuse. It would be a shame if I had to cut loose." Navy eyes locked onto this Riser Phenex. The man had blond hair, and dark blue eyes, and was wearing a burgundy blazer with gold embroidery on the right with matching pants and black dress shoes. Underneath his open blazer was a white dress shirt that wasn't fully buttoned, giving a slight view of his chest.
The ORC was surprised at the sudden display of strength. Issei was the one who noticed the changes, "Ano, Hiroki-san?"
"What's up, Issei-san?" He asked him, perfectly normal, not taking his eyes off the Phenex brat.
"N-Never mind," the Sekiryuutei stuttered, seeing the intense stare down. Asia was huddled behind him, clinging to his right arm.
"And who are you?" Riser asked, uncaring of the multiple sets of eyes staring daggers at him. He moved to take a step toward the pair but was met with a wall and a soundproof barrier. It made Koneko smirk slightly at seeing the fire chicken being blocked. Kiba merely raised an eyebrow and glanced at Hiroki, while Akeno fought to keep herself from giggling.
It only got funnier when he was screaming at him but no noise was coming out. However, the atmosphere changed when Hiroki spoke again, reminding everyone in the room—sans Riser—what his origins were.
"I would very much appreciate it if you could keep your filthy eyes—better yet, your whole existence—away from my wife, Phenex-san. You see, from what I heard, you're in an arranged marriage albeit with an unwilling participant, and you're not making the best impression. Am I correct so far, Rias-senpai?" Hiroki's eyes naturally turned draconic, just daring him to start something. The fuse was getting shorter.
"Y-You would be…" Rias stuttered, floored at the increase of power. Internally, she was wondering how, considering the fact she just saw him yesterday. That level of power growth was simply absurd. She knew not to ask him into her Peerage because the two of them would be so useful to her.
"I'll guess that it's been more of a headache than necessary?" Kasane spoke up, eyeing her fellow half-Fallen. All she got was a strained nod. "Grayfia-san, apologies for the late greeting, how are you?"
"What did you do to Riser? How dare you ignore Riser!" Riser immediately exclaimed once Hiroki let down the barrier. He lost his smile when the beautiful white-haired girl didn't look at him. He wasn't paying attention to the one in front of her.
"I am well, Kasane-sama," Grayfia replied but was trying to get those images out of her head, and now that he was here, her body all but demanded she go to him. A small blessing came in the form of Riser Phenex, for once, he's being useful. The Ultimate Queen kept that last one to herself. She had to focus on the issue at hand.
"That's good," Kasane said. "Hirochi, should we go see Sona-kaichou?" A subtle suggestion and a warning to Riser that she was happily taken.
He finally broke his one-sided stare off with Riser, turning to his wife, "Not particularly. Hime, it was insulting."
"I know you won't let it go but now isn't the time," Kasane argued.
Hiroki grumbled, "Any time is the right time if the conditions are right." Picking fights are not normally what he would be doing but Tiamat said that with how stunted his dragon side was, he would potentially experience a mood swing, becoming irritable easily, which fueled his pride, and further fueled the desire to prove himself superior. "To answer you, I know magic," which was the truth. "Makes my target shut up like they're supposed to."
"Is he your servant?" Riser pointed to Hiroki whilst turning to his fiancée...still on his ass.
"No, but I would advise against angering him, or do you not know who this is?" Rias informed Riser, her eyes set in a glare.
"Why? Riser is not afraid of this weakling who doesn't know his place," He declared arrogantly.
WHOOM!
A pulse of power exploded in the room, making the Boosted Gear appear on Issei's arm. A natural response considering the previous host. Grayfia was close to intervening but a feeling told her to stay her hand for now. This could work in Rias' favor. "Care to repeat that, yakitori? Or would you like to wonder what happens when I decide to ignore what my wife suggested?"
Even in the face of such a power move, Riser's grin only widened, if only Hiroki didn't notice it twitch, "You're just a low-level magician. What organization would take you in?"
A deep rumble came from Hiroki, shoulders shaking, and a bloodthirsty grin on his face, "So, you've chosen poorly then…"
"That's enough," Grayfia interjected, knowing full well that Hiroki would one hundred percent go through with his threat if given the opportunity. Her power easily dwarfed Hiroki's but the latter knew that wasn't her full power. "Riser-sama, Hiroki-sama, cease this immediately, or on my honor as Lucifer-sama's [Queen], I will intervene. This was supposed to be peaceful."
Instead, a deep purr erupted from the dragon's mouth, shocking everyone else, Grayfia especially. He snapped out of his funk right after but his cheeks had a noticeable tinge of color, something the whole Gremory Peerage noticed. He wouldn't admit that her flexing her power was a turn-on. Even Kasane found both actions to be incredibly alluring.
His purring was an accomplishment for Kasane, making him feel completely at ease around her. Hiroki then turned towards Riser, "If you were to make an advancement on my wife, in my culture that's taboo, I would be legally allowed to harm you. So I'm giving you a warning, back off from what isn't yours. Ignore my well-laid-out warning and you'll be on the front page of the news for causing a Supernatural incident."
"Riser begs your pardon?" The Phenex brat inquired.
"You would be harming guests of Yasaka-sama of the Western Youkai faction, who are also under the protection and permission of Rias Gremory-sama and Sona Sitri-sama to enter their shared territory, and you be harming a son of a well-known dragon," Hiroki stated and turned towards his wife, asking silent permission.
She instead spoke, "And the daughter of a Cadre Fallen Angel, who is also under such protections from the previous two mentioned factions. So, Phenex-San, would you like to continue your unattainable goal of me by making enemies of three different factions in one fell swoop? Because you will be the one explaining this happened because you were chasing a tail that already has been claimed by another," She said with a blank expression and apathetic tone. It warmed Hiroki's heart to hear such a claim. The acknowledgement. The feelings through their bond showed that well.
That had earned Kasane another round of intense sex later.
It's like Riser didn't hear anything except for Dragon and Cadre, "You're allowing a filthy Fallen here? Have you no pride, Rias-chan? You should have killed her as soon as you found out!" The man's flames burned around him, clearly upset at that piece of information.
"Grayfia-san, I'm not apologizing," Hiroki said before he raised his hand and pulled. It made him smile seeing the prideful man land flat on his ass. "What the fuck did you just say? I'm sorry, it seems that you clearly lack tact. And for that…I shall make you suffer!"
"Riser can't feel his legs!" He exclaimed. His eyes burned with flames, "You! You dare insult and humiliate the great Riser Phenex?!"
"That was before you insulted my wife and mate," Hiroki said, his features peeking out from beneath the Kuoh uniform. "The last time someone insulted her, they barely walked away, and this time, Grayfia-san can no longer save you, and I'm more than sure that Rias-senpai doesn't care what I do with you. In fact, she would be grateful to be free from you. You made it personal. Do you see me going after other women who are clearly taken?! HMMM?!"
Hiroki slowly closed his fist, taking great pride in the scream of his victim. Hiroki was using the sounds that are not normally heard by the naked ear and disrupting their flow. A very precise control that Hiroki had worked on for years prior, so he was very giddy at knocking this asshole down a peg. Grayfia would have intervened by now but Riser had stepped on a Dragon's pride. "Do not kill him," she warned.
"Wha-?" Riser gawked at the maid, biting his tongue to not scream. His legs were getting cold. As a Phenex, that was just simply impossible. He looked at Kasane, "Aren't you supposed to stop him?"
"Once you've insulted a Dragon's mate, you have no one to blame except yourself," Kasane replied, her voice cold as ice. Akeno winced at the tone, knowing that she was upset but showed it in different ways compared to her hot-headed mate.
Hiroki's dragon eyes got down to Riser's level, "Look at my wife like that again, I will tear out your eyes over and over again until you go blind permanently…swear it?"
Riser opened his mouth to say something but a hand settled on Hiroki's shoulder, "That's enough. The point has been made."
He wanted to argue that it wasn't enough. That it wouldn't be enough unless he traumatized him, to make him suff-
He paused, tensing his shoulders. That line of thought made him drop all of his power and allowed Riser to be free of his sound shackles. How close was I to going over the edge? Perhaps Kaa-san or Yasaka-san could help…
Hiroki's eyes turned to see Grayfia, a soft yet stern look on her features. Kasane widened her eyes a little. Normally, trying to snap a dragon out of their 'rage' state would take more. While yes, Kasane did it in the abandoned church, that was when his heritage hadn't fully come in. Grayfia did it with a single touch. There might be some slight jealousy on that. She couldn't have known that he did it all himself all because he saw himself in the reverse role as the tormentor, not the tormented.
"Ara ara, Grayfia-sama calmed down the big bad dragon easily~!" Akeno chirped, her first genuine statement since the meeting started.
Hiroki's power dissipated and Riser felt the warmth of his demonic energy flow into his legs again. "How dare you?!"
"Riser-sama, cease your actions, now," Grayfia's silver eyes narrowed, a silent warning that if he did not comply, she would make him comply.
"Well, when the Strongest [Queen] says that, even Riser can be scared; as expected of Lucifer-sama's Peerage, which is said to be made up of monsters." The fact that she had warned him twice was left unsaid.
Kasane pulled Hiroki over to the couch in front of the Gremory Peerage and sat him down before she immediately sat on his lap, her legs dangling over the arm of the couch. "Now then, can we get to the purpose of this meeting? We have things to do and places to be. Oh, and Phenex-teme, insult me or my husband again, I will put a light spear through your torso and castrate you…no matter how many times you regenerate, if you can, that is."
The casual threat from Kasane made the gauntlet on Issei's arm flash many times a second.
Only Issei heard the Red Dragon of Domination laughing his scaley ass off.
…
So, I missed the one-year by a long shot. Funny story, went to GCX 2023 with a large group of my friends. We met for the first time and we all had lots of fun, good food, and drinks.
Anywho, for those that skip the lemon (tch, this is DxD lemons are like the bread and butter here) they only talked about briefly how their training went. I myself don't like typing training montages. Sorry to disappoint but it wouldn't be useful. Oh, and you should all be able to guess who their voyeur was. (:
How did you like the reveal? Too quick, not enough? I've had that in my mind for a long while, and I finally get to get there. There will be more moments with Tiamat and Hiroki. I'm surprised that no one—to my knowledge—has had a child character or OC be a child of a previous Red or White Dragon Emperor. No, being a descendant of the dragon themselves is I THINK not the same thing. I have a feeling someone will argue with me on it. I'm up for a nice chat tbh.
If you recongized the name Arno, then congrats, you know Assassin's Creed Unity. I'm not good with naming shit, so please withhold the groans.
Now, about the Phenex situation I've put myself in. Yes, the next chapter will pick up from there. Yes, Kasane used -teme which means 'you' or 'bastard'. I'll let you decide which definition I used. I think that about covers it.
Wait! To those that follow just this story and wonder why I take so long to update this specific fic, well, I do have other stories in other fandoms. To those that follow me as an author, you know what I mean.
Okay, that's everything.
Next update: Blind Adventure.
