The Slime and the School Festival part 1

( Fairy Tale hideout- location unknown )

Deep within her personal quarters Gyokuro was busy watching on a monitor the events that took place near Yokai Academy when she sent Charybdis to attack. She was hoping to draw out the headmaster from hiding in the hopes that he would fight the beast himself and if possible perish in the ensuing battle. However that wasn't the case as she saw some unexpected arrivals take his place.

Gyokuro: Interesting, so he's employed the aid of Kijin, and the orcs who once followed us because of their Orc Lord have now joined him.

On the monitor she saw a multitude of high level monsters fighting to stop Charybdis and the Megalodon from causing untold destruction. She also noticed the orcs had evolved into High Orcs and that a pack of Direwolves were also joining the fight.

Gyokuro: So the headmaster has found himself some Direwolves and even Dragon newts, my my you have been quite busy yourself headmaster. Are you perhaps preparing an army of your own?

As she continued to watch the footage she saw me and my friends joining the battle as well. She then saw Moka in her vampire form fighting against a few Megalodon and holding her own.

Gyokuro: And there's Akasha's disgusting little girl. She looks so much like her mother that it makes me sick.

She held a very deep hatred for both Akasha and Moka since in her eyes Akasha stole her husband from her. She may not be able to touch Akasha but she felt that maybe hurting Moka instead was the way to circumvent that little issue. She then saw footage of Kokoa helping out as she fought beside Moka to defend Yokai Academy.

Gyokuro: Of course Kokoa would side with her sister, another disappointment from her but that's to be expected.

The footage then displayed me using a long forgotten technique to help defeat Charybdis. Even if it was just a video on screen she could still feel the amount of power I must have produced to leave that much damage on Charybdis after our attacks clashed.

Gyokuro: Impossible! That little novice can already use the forgotten Dragon Slave?! But how?! Even if the knowledge was directly given to him there's no way he should be able to perform that spell with such precision!

The door to her room opened up and Akua stepped inside.

Akua: Is everything alright my lady? I heard you screaming while I was out on my patrol of the base.

Gyokuro: I'm fine. I was just reviewing the footage of the attack on Yokai Academy. It seems there's been a development recently.

She motions Akua to watch the monitor as she plays back the footage of me using the Dragon Slave.

Akua: That boy, he seems to be quite adept at using magic.

Gyokuro: Unfortunately yes, in fact there may be a possibility that he's as strong as the headmaster.

Akua: If that's true then we need to eliminate him at once.

Gyokuro: Correct. After all he stands in the way of you reclaiming your beloved sister Moka.

Gyokuro then showed several images of Moka and I together at the academy. They were mostly of us being a happy couple and how much fun Moka had being with me.

Gyokuro: It seems that she has gotten quite attached to him. Not only does he let her drink his blood regularly but he's also able to safely remove her rosary and let her access her vampire powers when needed.

Akua: But I thought that no one could remove Moka's rosary.

Gyokuro: Then you must not have been informed about what happened in the ice village. When Kahlua was fighting them inside the palace of their oracle Miyabi and Kahlua saw this boy remove Moka's rosary with their own eyes. Kahlua confirmed as much by stating that this boy...Kazuto Tempest I believe his name is, to be Moka's one true love. The singular person who would love all of Moka. Both the personality that came about from the suppression of her vampiric powers and her true vampire self.

This information made Akua very upset. In her eyes the only person worthy of Moka's love and admiration was her. She balled her fist and there was a slight gleam of anger in her eyes.

Akua: That cannot be. This little nobody doesn't deserve her. She's my sister and only I can truly understand her. Not this boy who showed up out of nowhere.

Gyokuro knew that Akua had a bit of an obsession with Moka. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that Moka had a striking resemblance to an old friend of Akua's from when she was younger.

Gyokuro: Then I suppose it's a good thing the plan failed then. Because of this setback we will now have to resort to plan B. Is that human Sugou getting along with his...subordinates?

Gyokuro hated to admit this but Sugou was doing a good job with getting the humans who were working for them under control. As far as they were concerned Fairy Tale was an organization bent on eliminating monsters from the world and bringing peace to humanity. Sugou was announced as the long lost heir to a forgotten kingdom and as their king he swore to lead them to a new age. The religious faction of Fairy Tale's human subordinates rallied behind him and were ready to follow his orders at any moment.

Akua: Unfortunately he has been quite popular with his new position. I have heard talks of making him in charge of our organization once they complete their first campaign.

Gyokuro: Humans truly are nothing but fools. Let them continue to believe that for now. Once we begin the next phase of our plans we will be rid of them permanently.

Akua: Of course.

Gyokuro: For now though you should see to those three humans we managed to acquire a few days ago. We will have need of them soon.

Akua: Are you sure? I don't mean to question you but, I don't trust them. They have formidable skills to be sure but they seem...

Gyokuro: Uncontrollable? Yes I do agree. Their personalities are aggravating but we need them for our plans to succeed. They're arrogant, rude and have no sense of respect for others but that's exactly what we need.

Gyokuro really hated that she needed to rely on humans but if they wanted to avoid getting their hands dirty for the time being then she really didn't have much of a choice. Despite this fact she did admit that the three humans in particular had exceptionally strong skills that could prove useful in taking down Yokai Academy and hopefully the headmaster as well as anyone who worked for him.

Gyokuro: Oh and before I forget we will assign them this mission with that siren we procured.

Akua: You mean that girl in the holding cell? She hasn't spoken a word since she arrived and I can tell that she has no intention of helping us.

Gyokuro: That's why we have someone precious to her aboard our hideout. A little...incentive to get her to cooperate if she doesn't want her human companion to experience a horrible demise.

With that the pieces were on the board. Now it was only a matter of patience until the next move was played.

(Timeskip- two weeks later. )

Throughout all of Yokai Academy students began working hard to prepare for the school festival happening this weekend. Everyone was busy either working on their attractions or delivering different materials to their classmates to ensure their projects were completed on time. Right now I was in the club room with Moka, Kurumu, Yukari and Mizore as we had a chance to relax after helping out earlier.

Kazuto: ( sigh ) Man, I can't remember the last time I worked hard on something like this.

Kurumu: Tell me about it, my shoulders are so stiff from carrying those heavy loads of wood and paint for the maid cafe our class wanted to do.

Yukari: Yeah and it's too bad that Shuna, Miia and Framea are busy with their attractions that we can't hang out that much together.

Mizore: Not to mention that Rubi, Shion and Suphia are extra busy with their jobs as a teacher or the headmaster's assistants.

Kazuto: Well it'll all be worth it once the festival starts. I can't wait to see what kinds of things the school will have.

Moka: Me too. Everyone seems really eager to make the festival so much fun.

Mizore: Especially now that the Security Committee is no longer around.

As we were talking I couldn't help but look outside our window on this clear and sunny day. The atmosphere around school was much different than a year ago. Everyone was noticeably more...free. Now that they didn't have to worry about people like Kuyo and his subordinates causing trouble it was finally time to have an ordinary high school experience.

Moka: Kazuto is everything alright?

I turned to see the girls looking at me a little bit worried. I shook my head and gave them a smile.

Kazuto: It's nothing. It's just... I know we only have one more year left until we graduate and I can't help but think about what I want to do after high school.

Yukari: That's right, next year will be our last. After that we may have to go our separate ways for some time.

Kurumu: I guess I never really thought about that before. Sometimes I forget that the only reason we even got to meet one another in the first place is because Yokai Academy exists.

Moka: You're right. When it comes to safe places for monsters to meet up in there aren't many places close to each other. We mostly have to remain hidden in the human world more often than not.

Mizore: So Kazuto, what do you plan on doing after high school? Do you think you might continue your education and go to college or maybe get a job somewhere?

I leaned back in my chair and looked at the ceiling.

Kazuto: Honestly, I was thinking of going to college. It would be nice to go to school and not have to worry about people trying to kill me every few weeks.

Mizore: Yeah I bet. Don't get me wrong coming to Yokai Academy is great but it's not exactly the school experience I was hoping for.

Yukari: I have been thinking about going to college myself, but I have to be honest and say the thought of going on my own and being surrounded by humans does make me nervous. I know they aren't all bad but still...

Moka: It would be nice if we could all stay together.

Kurumu: Well who says we can't be? If we buckle down now maybe we can find a place and continue our lives together. After all I'm sure Kazuto has plans to marry all 10 of us eventually and if we can find a big enough place we can get started on that.

I was still a little embarrassed at the fact I would marry all 10 of them, but Kurumu did have a point. Who says that our relationship had to end with high school, I wasn't going to abandon them any time soon.

Kazuto: So you really think we can make this work?

Kurumu: I do. If we work hard now I have a feeling that we can continue living the life we have now. Maybe we can even go to the same college together too.

I did like the sound of that, if anything I didn't care what we did as long as we had each other.

Kazuto: I say let's do it. I'm not about to abandon you girls and I don't care how hard the work will be. Let's continue to be together no matter what.

Girls: Yeah!

As the days went by we continued to help around the school to get ready for the school festival happening this weekend. Everything was coming together nicely and it looked like this was going to be a festival for the ages. At the moment I stood back as I took a good look at our work as a few more things were being put in place so we can show off our attraction tomorrow during the festival.

Female Student: Thanks for bringing in the tables Kazuto.

Kazuto: No problem, is that the last one we need?

Male Student: Yeah. We can take it from here.

I stood out in the hallway as the finished product was now set. All the tables and decorations were done. We had easy access to the cooking class to make the food and had all the necessary ingredients needed. The outfits were ready and all we needed to do was bring in as many customers to our attraction.

Kazuto: This looks great, I can't wait to see how our maid cafe turns out once everything is in place.

I then felt a hand grabbing mine as Moka stood closer to me.

Moka: I'm really looking forward to the school festival Kazuto. It's been forever since we got to attend something like this together.

Kazuto: I know, I remember the festival we attended back home as kids. You?

Moka: I sure do, I honestly don't think I can ever forget that.

( flashback- 10 years ago. )

I was standing at the entrance of the local park waiting for Moka to come and join me and my parents at the festival today with her mom. I was so nervous that I was shaking a little bit as my parents did their best to calm me down.

Mom: Kazuto relax, Moka is going to be here any minute now.

Kazuto: But what if she doesn't? What if she doesn't want to hang out with me?

Mom: Sweetheart don't think like that, you know how much Moka cares about your friendship.

Dad: Your mom's right, I don't think there's been a day since you two met where one wasn't happy to see the other. In fact I think Moka may have a little crush on you son.

Kazuto: A what?!

My face was as red as a tomato, I began to sweat a little bit since I didn't think Moka liked me in that way.

Mom: Aww look at Kazuto, he's blushing! Do you feel the same about your pink haired friend? That's so sweet!

Before I could say anything back I heard Moka calling my name. Her mom was right behind her wearing her usual gothic styled dress while Moka was running ahead of her. She was in a bright pink and red yukata and she had her hair done by her mom. I was blushing and couldn't look away from her.

Moka: I'm here Kazuto! Look, mommy gave me a new yukata for the festival! Do I look good?

With her beaming smile I couldn't help but agree.

Kazuto: ( nervously ) Y-You l-look very p-p-pretty Moka.

That compliment left a bigger impact on Moka than I thought since she was suddenly very nervous and was looking at the ground while fidgeting a bit.

Moka: T-Thank you Kazuto.

We then made our way to the festival as Moka suddenly held my hand, I looked at her and noticed she wasn't looking at me as her face was focused elsewhere all while she was blushing.

Moka: Kazuto...promise me you won't let go of my hand today. Please?

I nodded as a small blush on my face began to appear.

Kazuto: I won't, I'll hold on forever if you want.

Her smile was so bright after hearing me say that. We went to look at all the various stalls and sights at the festival. We got food, prizes and had a great time together. During our time our parents would make little comments about us as we explored the festival grounds.

Akasha: Moka, do you think that when you're older that you and Kazuto will bring your kids here?

Moka and I could hear the teasing nature in her voice as Moka pulled me away to look at a mask stall as her mother giggled at the fact she made her daughter flustered.

( present day )

Moka: I was so nervous just holding your hand for the first time. My mom told me to simply go for it before we arrived.

Kazuto: I bet. And sure enough I don't think I let go of you that day until we had to go home.

Moka: You didn't, we were quite literally attached to each other the whole time we were there. You were so sweet when you used your allowance to buy me snacks and gifts during our time there.

As we reminisced about our childhood we were walking throughout the school hand in hand as we saw everyone getting their attractions set up.

Kazuto: We sure have come a long way since then haven't we?

Moka: We have. It wasn't always easy but we made it, and look at us now. We're together now and thinking about our future together. I honestly don't think I can be any happier.

Kazuto: Me too. I don't think there's any place I would rather be than with you and the others.

We share a kiss together as Moka wraps her arms around me and I hold her by her hips.

Moka: I love you Kazuto, you've always been the one for me and I can't wait to see what our future holds for us.

Kazuto: I love you too Moka, more than words can ever hope to express.

Deep in my heart I knew that Moka was the one for me. We were destined for each other since we were young.

Kazuto: Moka, no matter what obstacles we have to face I want you to know that nothing will keep me from getting to you and the others. You're all my entire world and I will love you even beyond the end of my days.

Moka teared up as she held me tighter. This was all she ever wanted, to be in the arms of the one person who captured her heart. Even during the ten years we were apart she kept holding on to hope that we would reunite and continue to be in love with each other.

Moka: I know you will. No matter what it was you always faced the challenges head on. We're so lucky to have you in our lives. You're always going to be our beloved Kazuto.

This tender moment felt right, as if everything in the world finally came together perfectly. I thought this was the beginning of a normal school life, where we didn't have to worry about fighting anymore and just focus on the last few years here before we could live an ordinary life hopefully. Sadly that wasn't the reality we lived in. Suddenly I couldn't feel Moka close to me as I found myself in a large open field all by myself. I looked around for her or the academy but I was completely isolated.

Kazuto: Moka? Moka where are you!

Great Sage: Alert! Forced spatial movement detected.

Kazuto: Forced movement? Someone brought me here, but why?

I looked around me to see nothing but an open field of grass as far as the eye could see. Yet something was definitely off here. I wasn't exactly sure but my senses were telling me to remain on alert at all times.

Great Sage:Notice. You are enclosed within a wide range barrier. All spatial interference skills that would permit an exit are sealed. Spatial movement cannot be used.

This is bad, I just learned from the headmaster how to use spatial movement just last week and now when I needed it the most it was no longer an option for me.

Souei: Lord Kazuto!

Souei suddenly appeared from the shadow of a large tree. I ran over to speak with him but when I did I saw he was injured and by the fluctuating magicules it was a double of him that he was having difficulty keeping in the physical world.

Kazuto: Souei what's going on? What happened to you?

Souei: Enemies...a lot...they're dangerous...

The double vanished before my eyes. I didn't like the sound of his warning. He mentioned enemies so could they be the same people responsible for sending Charybdis to attack our school a while back?

Kazuto: Is Fairy Tale trying another attack on the academy? Ranga!

I tried calling Ranga a few times but he didn't respond.

Kazuto: What's going on?

Great Sage: Notice. You have been enclosed within another wide range barrier.

Kazuto: Are you serious, more bad news!

Great Sage:The secondary barrier is designed to prevent you from using your skills.

Kazuto: Then help me resist the barriers effects!

Great Sage: Attempt to resist the effects is successful. However the use of magic skills will be severely limited.

Kazuto: Better than nothing I suppose.

This was definitely a bad situation to be in right now. Whoever transported me here had a plan in mind. Not only was I sent to an unknown location but I was sent here alone and the barriers that were being used were designed to limit my options as much as possible. This wasn't some random person thinking they could take me on and win, this had all the signs of a professional who's had experience in fighting monsters. Still that begs the question of why am I being targeted specifically. Could Miyabi be behind all of this? Or maybe someone else in Fairy Tale?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps getting closer. I took out my sword from my stomach's inventory and unsheathed the blade taking a stance. Looking towards the sound I saw a girl with black hair and red eyes walking towards me. She had this cold expression on her face that said she meant business.

Akua: I would say hello, but I suppose technically this is more of a goodbye.

She stopped only several feet in front of me, I didn't see any weapons on her except for a large knife that was sheathed near the back of her hip.

Akua: Your academy, it's in the way of my goals. Therefore it is vital that it should be destroyed.

Kazuto: Come again.

Akua: Allowing you to return would be against our best interests.

Kazuto: I see, so you plan on attacking Yokai Academy very soon. No, I take that back. You already started haven't you!

Akua: I suppose someone already has.

This just went from bad to worse. I needed to get back there as soon as possible and help my friends and classmates asap. But to do that it looked like I may need to fight my way past whoever this girl was. The girl took a martial arts stance as she took out the knife and held it in one hand.

Kazuto: Straight to business huh? Before we start can you at least tell me your name.

Akua: Interesting. Even when facing against a superior opponent you're concerned over something as trivial as a name. Such things mean very little to me so admittedly it slipped my mind. I am one of the highest ranking members in Fairy Tale and a master of Chinese kung fu. My name is Akua Shuzen.

Kazuto: Shuzen? Wait, I know your sisters Moka and Kokoa.

Akua: I know, in fact part of that is the reason why I was sent here to dispose of you.

Kazuto: Wait just listen to me for a sec-...

Akua: I don't care for anything you have to say. Especially from a fraud who claims to love my beloved sister.

She moved at insane speeds as she started her first attack by trying to jab me with her empty hand. I narrowly avoided the strike and noticed that the part of my uniform she grazed was already ripped along with a good chunk of my shoulder.

Akua: You actually managed to dodge that, color me surprised. I can see why you were able to kill Charybdis and hold your own against Miyabi.

I held my shoulder as my regeneration skill took effect. I noticed it was slightly slower but it was still enough to fix the damage in a few seconds.

Kazuto: Thanks for the compliment, I would be even more thankful if you stopped attacking me and listened to me for a change.

Akua: I commend you for your bravery, unfortunately for you I doubt it will last.

Kazuto: So you're still set on fighting me all by yourself?

Akua: Mock me all you want, it still won't change your fate. Especially within the confines of this barrier.

The two of us began trading blows. She would alternate between using her bare hands or the knife. Even when she attacks using her hands she was able to easily block my sword strikes like it was nothing.

Kazuto: ( She's definitely strong, no doubt about it. I can't let my guard down for even a second if I want to make it out of this alive. )

As I focused on blocking her strikes she was able to get past my sword and attack with a series of fast attacks from her knife. The blade glowed with a rainbow of light as she put more effort into each slash and stab. I back away from her and saw three glowing marks on my body that faded after a few seconds. The odd thing about the attacks coming from her knife was that I felt intense pain from each strike.

Kazuto: ( Impossible, Pain Nullification isn't working? )

Akua: Only three strikes? Looks like I underestimated you.

She attacked me again, this time she used her martial arts skills against me. I thought about blocking a strike from her with my arms but she got behind me and attacked me. I looked at my body to see pieces of me missing from where she hit me.

Kazuto: ( No way! I thought I was imagining things earlier when she grazed my shoulder but her attacks can get past my Multilayer Barrier too! How?! )

I struck back with my sword as we separated a few feet from each other, my body began repairing itself as my uniform was getting torn to shreds. She launched herself back at me as we crossed blades with a shower of sparks flying from where our blades met. During her assault she was able to knock me into the air before she struck down with her knife again, it barely grazed my cheek as the impact cratered the ground when we landed. I backed away from her as I could feel the pain from her attack linger for a few moments.

Kazuto: ( Something about that knife of hers is really concerning, I should avoid taking any more direct hits from that thing. )

Akua: From your expression it seems that you aren't as inept as I thought you were. You seemed to have realized what exactly makes my weapon so dangerous.

Kazuto: I appreciate the compliment, but I would appreciate it even more if you actually stopped and listened to me for a change.

Great Sage: Notice. It appears that her weapon doesn't affect the physical body of the target, instead it strikes at the spiritual body.

Kazuto: ( The attack works on the spirit directly? So it's similar to the attack that Rubi used on me back on Witch Hill when we first met. What about the attack she uses on me when she fights me hand to hand? )

Great Sage: Answer. It appears that when Akua attacks using hand to hand combat she is able to postpone the dimension in which they exist.

Kazuto: ( What the hell does that mean? )

Great Sage: Simply put she is able to pass her attacks through any object thus bypassing any kind of defense in place including your barriers.

Kazuto: ( This is bad, is it some kind of skill? )

Great Sage: Negative. This is all a result of physical training and not a physical skill such as strength enhancement.

This is insane, she basically learned how to cut through dimensions with her bare hands?! I call hacks!

Kazuto: ( Okay so I need to avoid her physical attacks, what about her knife? How many more hits can I take from that thing? )

Great Sage: Answer. Three more hits will kill you.

Kazuto: ( Only three more until I'm toast, talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place. )

Akua: There's nowhere you can hide little slime, especially not within the confines of this holy barrier. It's the ultimate countermeasure for dealing with monsters. One of Fairy Tales biggest accomplishments.

Kazuto: A barrier designed to trap and weaken monsters inside it. And yet you allow yourself to fall under its effects as well.

Akua: Correct. High level monsters will find themselves weakened keeping themselves alive within it, however I have purposely exposed myself to it so that I may overcome it. It's only a minor nuisance to me at this point, but I'm still more powerful enough to finish my assignments in here. Any and all magicules are purified in here which makes it impossible for you to use any skills you have acquired.

Kazuto: Yeah I kind of figured that out.

Akua: Maybe so. You should know that under normal circumstances I would have given a task such as this to someone else. However, there's one particular reason why I chose to kill you personally.

She charged at me again using her knife to clash with my sword for a few moments before we jumped back. I looked down to see two more marks on my body.

Kazuto: ( One more hit and it's all over for me. )

Akua: I chose to dispose of you myself because you are the one taking Moka away from me.

Kazuto: What does your sister have to do with this?

Akua: Isn't it obvious? Moka is the only person in this world who truly understands me. No one else has even the slightest idea what I've been through and she's the only person who matters. As long as you exist she can never be mine. So I intend to remove the obstacles in between me and her and you are the biggest one.

Kazuto: You love Moka?

Akua: I do. She's my beautiful little sister and I intend to show her that only I can understand her and that I am all she needs in this world. I don't care if you're her destined husband, I will kill you here and now.

The entire time she spoke she was calm and cold. It really seemed that she believed that only she could make Moka happy.

Kazuto: Do you really think that killing me will make Moka happy? If you really love her like a sister should then you should know that hurting someone she cares about will have the opposite effect.

Akua: Perhaps, but in time she will see that I'm all she needs. She doesn't need any of those so called friends from the academy, and she most certainly doesn't need you. And I will see to it either with my hands or my blade.

I got a little mad, despite saying she cares for Moka it's obvious she has a bit of an unhealthy obsession with her. I may not know the reason but I needed to end this fight soon and get back to Yokai Academy.

Akua: Worried about your friends back at the academy are you?

Kazuto: Of course I am.

Akua: I see. You fully believe you can make it back to them in time. I commend your efforts but I have no intention of letting you leave.

Kazuto: I think it's a little too soon to declare your own victory!

I used my speed to its maximum and tried blindsiding her before going in for an attack.

Kazuto: ( I'll use Steel Strength and Strengthen Body to attack at full force! )

I brought down my sword with all my might but she blocked it by simply grabbing the blade with her hands without even looking at my direction. She threw me away as I got back up and tried attacking from several different angles but she blocked them all with no effort at all, not only that but it seemed as though some of my attacks went right through her too. She's been studying me since we began and modifying her style so she can counter my attempts to deal damage, it felt as if I was trying to fight Great Sage myself. She kicked me in the middle of our sword strikes as she tried using her knife to attack my heart but I was able to deflect her blade this time.

Kazuto: ( This isn't working, she's too freaking strong! )

Akua: That was close, it seems that even with the barrier you're still capable of moving quite fast on your own. It seems that I sold you short, still you won't leave here alive.

Kazuto: You seem very confident, your technique in hand to hand combat is able to cut through dimensions and your knife can kill me in one more attack.

Akua: So you caught on, not many have the mental capacity to recognize my techniques.

She held up her knife as it continued to glow with a cascade of different colors.

Akua: The technique I use when fighting hand to hand is called Dimensional Sword, as you said it enables me to cut through dimensions essentially making my attacks unstoppable. As for the knife it is infused with a special ability called Dead End Rainbow and it guarantees that my enemy dies on the seventh hit. Understand? It can kill even spiritual beings. You've fought well but even a novice can see that you've had enough.

Kazuto: Maybe so, I definitely wasn't expecting to be thrown into a fight that I had no hope of winning. Regardless I will keep on fighting even if it's in vain. I may be a slime, but I'm not so soft that I'll simply roll over and die!

I clenched my fist as an aura of ice began to envelop it. I may not have Ranga or the others backing me up at the moment but I was far from fighting alone.

Kazuto: Now then, defeat my enemy! Superior spirit of ice Jack Frost!

A wave of ice and snow poured out of my hand as Jack came out.

Jack: Hee-ho!

Jack shot out a torrent of ice that Aqua dodged with ease. With Jack acting as my long range attacker I closed in on Akua, unfortunately it seemed that it didn't change my situation for the better as she avoided all of Jack's ice attacks and was easily blocking my sword. I jumped back as I took a defensive stance while Jack stopped attacking for a moment.

Akua: I never imagined that you would use a superior spirit. It's a nice try I will admit. But it's still not enough to grant you a victory.

I focused on attacking Akua as Jack supported me to the best of his abilities. I channeled whatever magic I could manage into my sword as I used some of the water stored in my body to attack.

Kazuto: ( Okay Tanjiro, I'm borrowing your moves! ) Water breathing first form: water surface slash!

I attacked with renewed force in my strikes as Akua was being a bit more cautious due to the fact that I was using my sword to attack as it was now surging with the one thing she was weak against.

Akua: ( He's able to use water magic? No, the barrier prevents him from using high level magic skills so it's more likely he's using magic in tandem with water he has stored with him. )

I kept up the pressure as Jack shot a torrent of ice shards at Akua that she was able to easily shatter with her hands or knife.

Kazuto: Water breathing second form: water wheel!

My forward spinning attack managed to take off a few hairs from the end of her twin tails, as she struck back as I sent out blades of water using my sword to keep some distance between us.

Kazuto: ( I managed to get her but I think that's as lucky as I'll ever get. Good thing Jack is here to-...)

I then saw Jack look like he was in pain as he floated down to the ground and held his head. The ice attack he was preparing began to disappear as I could see the pain in his eyes as he was having difficulty keeping still.

Kazuto: Jack! What did you do to him!

Jack tried getting up but it looked like even doing that was too much for him right now, I had not choice but to recall him quickly.

Kazuto: Jack Frost, return!

Jack obeyed my order and came back as a torrent of ice and returned to me safe and sound. I looked at my hand as a few ice crystals began to dissipate.

Kazuto: What happened to Jack?

Great Sage: Answer. Jack Frost fell to the effects of compulsory usurpation.

Kazuto: ( Compulsory Usurpation? Are you telling me she has the power to steal an opponent's abilities? Is that her unique skill? )

Great Sage: Because of the link between you and Jack Frost it is very likely for this very reason why Jack wasn't stolen from you.

I looked back at Akua and she seemed to realize that I found out what she was trying to do. She even had a small smile forming on the corner of her mouth to confirm it.

Akua: So you figured it out. Yes, I was trying to steal that spirit from you. Courtesy of my own unique skill known as Usurper.

Usurper. I wondered if her skill was similar to my skill Gluttony. Wait...could that work? Maybe. I took a deep breath and put my sword away back into my inventory. I made my decision, whether she attacked me again with her Dimension Sword technique or her knife I was outmatched. I needed one last gambit. This was it, I would lay it all on the line here and now.

Kazuto: Akua, I may not fully understand the obsession you have with Moka, but if you insist on causing any kind of trouble for her I will stop you. As of right now I don't have the time to waste on you so I'm not holding back. We finish this now.

Akua: ( smirk ) Interesting. I appreciate the warning but it's unnecessary. Though I suppose it's time I stopped holding back as well and get serious myself. I hope you're ready because this final attack will deliver you a pain unlike anything you have ever felt. Something that a person who isn't worthy of Moka rightfully deserves.

She said that last part with anger and hatred in her voice as she looks at me like she's sure this will kill me. We both got in position because we were so far apart. After a few seconds she charged at me at full speed as her knife began to glow brightly once more.

Akua: It's over! Dead End Rainbow!

Kazuto: Awaken! Gluttony!

Great Sage: Complete. Order accepted. Executing immediately.

The moment I gave the order I began to feel my consciousness fade. Like it was sinking into oblivion before I lost it entirely. I plummeted into a seemingly endless darkness as if I was falling into an eternal sleep.

Akua was able to plunge the knife into my chest, this last hit was the last one she needed for its ability to activate.

( Akua's pov )

Finally, the mission is complete. With the last strike I just delivered his soul should now be broken and he will die in just a moment.

Akua: Now nothing will stand in my way between me and my lovely sister Moka.

Suddenly I felt an odd sensation pulling at my knife. I looked towards the body of Kazuto Tempest to see it beginning to convulse and bubble as it quickly expanded and changed. I backed away as my knife was swallowed whole.

Akua: Well that's unfortunate, but it's not like I needed that knife anyway.

I continued to watch his body twist and contort for a while until he began changing several parts of his body to resemble different types of monster all seemingly combined into a single body.

( Quick note: For reference please look at Rimuru's appearance when he fought Hinata in second season when he activated Gluttony at full power, same appearance for Kazuto in this instance. )

Akua: I see, you're utilizing the amalgamation of monsters you've absorbed into yourself and trying for one last assault. And since the knife didn't kill you it's very possible you don't have a soul at all.

Whether that statement was true or not I didn't have the time to dwell on it as he attacked me again, however it seems as though he's devolved into his lesser instincts and attacked me not with the calculating and well trained manner as before. If anything he was more akin to a savage and wild beast. I avoided strikes from his claws, tail and even some of the monster heads that made up his limbs. He breathed out intense black flames that I avoided before the Direwolf head shot a bolt of black electricity in my direction.

Akua: Quite impressive, but you didn't have a chance at beating me before. And with the way you are now that chance is all but lost.

I pulled a small paper talisman from my sleeve and threw it at Kazuto, it split into several more midair as it surrounded him an a powerful barrier that was supposed to hold him but he shattered it instantly and flew to engage me in combat. I managed to avoid his attacks as I used the Dimension Sword on him, since it was able to bypass any defenses he may have I was able to cut off his limbs but that advantage was lost since not only did he continue to attack me with reckless abandon but he quickly reattached the severed limbs or regenerated new ones.

Akua: This is getting bothersome. I suppose I have to resort to using these rare items on you.

I pulled out a set of five paper talismans from my sleeve and used them to summon several spirits that attacked him. Their elemental attacks would normally overwhelm any other target but whatever Kazuto Tempest had turned himself into made him not care about anything else other than his prey.

Akua: I guess it's time I used that technique, I really despise resorting to this kind of magic but I suppose I have no other choice.

While the spirits I summoned kept him occupied I pulled out the necklace I was wearing and took off the small gold gem attached to the end of the chain, it contained a powerful holy spell that was incredibly dangerous to us monsters. I crushed the gem in my hands as it's magic courses through me as I began using the spell as instructed.

Akua: Let me provide to you with a prayer to the divine. I hope for and desire the power of all the holy spirits.

As I began preparing this magic a magic circle of shining gold formed beneath me as well as Kazuto as he finished dispatching the spirits I sent to attack him.

Akua: Listen to my appeal, overcome your obstacles.

The large magic circle beneath Kazuto continues to grow more elaborate as several more glyphs began to form on top of another until he was within an ornate golden pillar of holy magic.

Akua: Put an end to this. Disintegration!

Before he could escape the magic had begun its course as a massive pillar of radiant energy began to bombard him with enough force that the very ground shook beneath my feet as the wind around us raged. I could hear his final moments as he roared like a savage animal meeting its end. When the spell ended nothing was left except for a smoldering crater in the grass. The barriers around us were undone as I began making my way back to Fairy Tale.

Akua: It's done. Now all that's left is to wait and soon Moka will be mine once more.

( Kazuto's pov )

I waited for several minutes until I felt her presence disappear using a teleportation circle. I carefully peeked over the grass as I double checked my surroundings before hopping to the crater where my double was eradicated.

Kazuto: ( sigh ) Oh man, I almost bit the dust!

I changed into my human form as Ranga came out of my shadow to check up on me.

Ranga: Master! Are you okay, I'm sorry I couldn't answer your call for help.

He came over and began to nuzzle me as I patted his head.

Kazuto: It's okay Ranga, I'm fine.

Thinking back on it I made the right call during the fight. When I summoned Jack into battle and Akua dodged that ice attack I used my Body Double skill and switched places. While my double did the fighting I used the opportunity to run away and study the fight. It was cowardly but I knew I wasn't a match for her, even without the barrier keeping me from using my full strength I don't think it would've made much difference.

Kazuto: Akua Shuzen, she's really strong. In fact she might be more dangerous that Kahlua. Not to mention that last spell she used was insane.

I got up and dusted my clothes as I took one last look to make sure we were in the clear.

Kazuto: Akua, she seemed very insistent on killing me, she's definitely stubborn too. She wouldn't let me try and negotiate with her.

Ranga: Whatever the case it seems that this Akua wanted you out of the picture and quickly. She's a member of Fairy Tale correct?

Kazuto: Yeah. And since they targeted me specifically we can assume the academy is in danger. We better get going.

Ranga: Yes Master!

I got on Ranga's back and activated a teleportation circle of my own but it didn't work.

Kazuto: What's happening? Why aren't we teleporting back to Yokai Academy?

Great Sage: Notice. Specified destination not found.

Kazuto: What?! What do you mean not found!

Great Sage: It appears that Yokai Academy has been isolated from the rest of the world with a special barrier.

Kazuto: This is bad.

I thought back to Akua's words, about how Yokai Academy was an obstacle for her. I began to worry about the girls and my classmates. If they happen to be caught within the same set of barriers as I was they wouldn't stand a chance for very long.

Kazuto: Great Sage, is there another location close to Yokai Academy we can jump to?

Great Sage: Searching. I have a hit.

Kazuto: Then let's not waste anymore time, let's go!

This time the spell worked and we were transported to one of the large system of caves I explored within the newly built village for the orcs. Ranga carried me through the vast system of tunnels until we saw a group of my subordinates talking with each other.

Gabiru: I'm telling you I can break through it with my attack!

Souei: I've already tried, it won't work.

Gabiru: But Souei...

They all then heard Ranga's footsteps as we got closer. Those who weren't injured bowed to me while the others simply nodded their heads.

Gabiru: Lord Kazuto, thank goodness you're okay.

Souei: Yes, it's a huge weight off our minds to see you unharmed.

Kazuto: Never mind that, what happened to you guys!

I saw Souei and a few others badly hurt. They were covered in various scrapes and bruises.

Souei: There's no need for concern, these are only scratches.

I pulled out several potions and applied it to every one who was hurt.

Kazuto: Okay, now that you're healed up can someone tell me what the heck is going on.

Geld: I'm afraid that Yokai Academy is under a powerful barrier. It showed up out of nowhere earlier today.

Gabiru: When we saw it I tried contacting the headmaster using the communication orb but I can't get in touch with anyone inside.

Souka: Not only that but when Souei tried destroying part of the barrier to try and get inside we were injured.

Kazuto: If Souei couldn't break through then this barrier is no joke. Tell me, do you know those responsible for it?

Souei: From what my doubles could find out it appears it was due to the actions of a human army.

Kazuto: A human army?

Souei: Not only that but they said they were on a mission to rebuild a long forgotten kingdom. And they were under the command of an organization known as Fairy Tale.

This didn't make sense, if Fairy Tale was bent on keeping humans and monsters as enemies then why employ humans to work for them? Unless...were the humans being used as pawns? If that's the case then they wanted to have some kind of disposable army they can afford to lose as long as it serves their purposes.

Kazuto: Souei, I'm sure the headmaster already informed you and the others about Fairy Tale after the incident with Charybdis right?

Souei: Yes, and I assume you came to the same conclusion as well? That the human army is nothing but a disposable tool.

Kazuto: Yeah. Before Ranga and I teleported here I was taken by a forced teleportation spell and fought against a vampire that worked for Fairy Tale named Akua Shuzen.

Gabiru: Shuzen? Is she related to Kokoa?

Kazuto: Yeah. Apparently she has some kind of beef with me because of how Moka is so attached to me, but that's another worry for another time. Right now the immediate priority is the barrier and getting help to the people trapped inside.

Souei: As you command. I should also inform you that my doubles spotted the army with weapons and armor. Safe to assume they're preparing to go to war with Yokai Academy.

Kazuto: Then let's go!

We left the village and hurried back to Yokai Academy. When we got there we saw two massive barriers surrounding the school and most of the surrounding area. The first was a large purple dome and the second one was a blue pyramid. The barriers were covering a good portion of the area surrounding the school as we were close to the edge of the cliffs.

Gabiru: Woah that barrier's enormous!

I got off of Ranga and approached the barrier and put my hand on it.

Kazuto: ( Okay Great Sage, begin analysis of the barriers. )

Great Sage: Answer: Great magic confirmed originating inside the barrier known as anti-magic area. There's also a reduced magicule density due to the effects of the outer barrier.

Kazuto: ( Reduced density? So it's the same thing that happened when Akua and I were fighting earlier? )

Great Sage: Negative. While the principal is the same the purification abilities are much weaker and therefore inferior. It can easily be resisted with Multilayer Barrier.

Kazuto: ( So great magic is being used on the inside and holy magic on the outside. A two layered assault, which leaves the question as to why. )

I turned to the others who came to inspect the barrier with me.

Kazuto: Listen up, I'm going inside and see if I can take out whatever or whoever is casting the greater magic. While I do that, Souei I want you and the others to investigate and see who is responsible for the holy barrier and if there's a way we can break it.

Souei: Yes my lord.

Kazuto: Remember that all I want is for you to investigate. Avoid engaging the enemy until we have a more concrete idea of what's going on.

Souei: Alright, but how should we contact you?

I used Sticky Steel Thread and wrapped some of it around Souei's wrist as the line was still connected to me.

Kazuto: Think of it like two cans and a string, we can use Thought Communication through that.

Souei: Understood. We'll begin at once.

With that Souei and those who worked for him immediately vanished as they began searching the area for answers.

Kazuto: Ranga, please stay in my shadow for the time being.

Ranga: Yes my master.

Ranga retreated back into my shadow as Gabiru and Geld told me they would stand guard for the time being until I needed them.

Gabiru/Geld: Best of luck my lord.

I nodded at them as I used my barrier technique to form several ultra thin barriers around my body. Once I did I passed through the barriers as I felt the effects being resisted. I began running through the forest of dead trees as I felt this immeasurable sense of dread with every step I took.

Kazuto: Please be safe everyone. If something happened to you while I was gone...

I could feel the dread within me beginning to rise. Please...

Kazuto: Please let everyone be safe.