I own nothing but my OC(s).
Chapter 18: Case closed
Keith sighed as he, Grayfia and Tiamat were walking the corridor which led towards the Elders' room.
"You know…when Serafall said that the case will happen again very soon, I didn't expect it to be the next day." He said.
"The Elders were quite…upset to find out that a someone infiltrated in the Underworld, especially since that someone is human." Grayfia informed him. "As well as to find out that the same human is now 'demanding' to reopen a case meant to be forgotten."
"Forgotten?" He asked.
She nodded. "Not many other pantheons know about the Nekoshou incident and the Elders intended it to be that way."
"Until I came." He pointed out.
"Yes and now they are far from happy."
Keith merely scoffed, then something else came to mind.
"While I may be a member of the Youkai Faction, shouldn't someone more powerful and influential than me join us?" He totally forgot about that. While he was the True Longinus' wielder, that didn't mean much when it came to this type of things.
"Yasaka-sama is already waiting for you in the room." They stopped and Grayfia motioned at the two wooden doors ornated with different objects and patterns.
"I see." He smiled. Count in on Yasaka to look after her own.
Once the trio have moved through the doors, Keith was awed to see the interior: golden beautiful chandeliers were hanging from the ceiling, on the walls he could see tapestries, each tapestry having a symbol. It didn't take Keith much to understand that these were each clan's symbol and that the council was probably made out of clan heads. It was clear to him when he saw both Venelana and Zeoticus looking at him with small smiles.
All in all, the room wasn't too fancy, nobody needed a fancy room to be judged in, did they now?
The Great Four Satans and Yasaka were sitting in the middle of the council, while the members were surrounding them.
Sirzechs was wearing an immaculate white suit and black shoes, the suit was hugging his toned muscles.
Ajuka was dressed in a dark green one with light blue colours around his wrists and chest, accentuating his matching eyes.
Falbium (who was more or less awake) was wearing a cream suit with golden accents. It was as if he wanted to drag as little attention towards himself as possible.
Serafall was dressed in a cute pink dress which accentuated her figure since the dress was hugging her breasts and hips. Her hair was tied in a curly pony tail, giving her the image of a sexy secretary.
And finally, Yasaka was dressed in her formal yellow and black Kimono which was showing plenty of cleavage, pure white socks and high wooden sandals, while her hair was kept in the usual long pony tail. She immediately smiled and waved at him when she sensed she was being watched. Keith on his part, was completely bewitched by her beautiful appearance and tried to keep his blush under control.
Serafall's eyebrow began to twitch seeing that he barely even looked at her and aimed a subtle annoyed look at the fox.
'And to think that I styled my hair like this.' She thought with a frown. What did that monster boobed woman have and she-…Ah…She looked almost furiously at Yasaka's breasts, then at her own. She repeated the motion for a few times until she grabbed her own breasts. 'Are they too small?!' She was almost incredulous. Her musings were stopped when Grayfia began to talk.
"Good day to you Great Satans and Elders." She said, then signalled for Keith to come forth. "This is the human who entered the Underworld, as well as the one who investigated Aster Naberius' mansion. His name is Keith Nakamura." She then moved close to Tiamat who was leaning against a wall near the entrance with her hands crossed under her chest.
Keith then looked among the council members: some had scowls on their faces, others were barely interested enough in the matter.
"So you are the child who came here uninvited." A man with long black hair and blue eyes dressed in long dark robes. He had a nasty scowl and a somewhat familiar face. Near him stood a woman with green eyes and dark green hair. She was dressed in a long stylish black dress. She too was apparently glaring at him.
"I am." He nodded, seemingly ignoring him being called a child. He was sure that most of the members here were less mature than 12 year olds.
"So you came here to discuss the case of Kuroka Toujou, correct?" A powerful voice chimed in. The man who spoke was a middle aged man with black hair and violet eyes dressed in dark purple robes.
"That is right. I believe she was unjustly accused of killing Aster Naberius on the pretext that she was drunk on power." He managed to keep the stutter out of his speech. He remembered from Yasaka that Devils absolutely respected power so he tried his best to show that he was not intimidated by a room full of individuals who could blast him to kingdom come.
"Oh?" The man raised an eyebrow. "Care to tell us why do you believe otherwise?"
"Of course." He nodded. "When me and Tiamat searched Aster Naberius' lab, we found new information about the experiments he was conducting." He took the book and the journals from Grayfia. "This book shows all the details on how the experiments took place, as well as the necessary 'ingredients' he needed."
"These journals show his methods and the results of the said experiments, as well as the poor victims he used." He continued, trying to maintain his tone of voice cold.
"Lies!" The black long haired man yelled. "This 'evidence' you speak of is probably something made up by the Youkai Faction to get revenge on us."
"Is that so?" Yasaka made herself know. The instant she spoke. the man shut up and resisted the urge to cower in his seat. 'Why' you may ask? Well…The glare Yasaka was sending him could freeze the hottest flame. "Then why don't we call Kuroka-chan here to listen to her story?"
"Very well." Sirzechs spoke for the first time and snapped his fingers. In a red circle, Rias, Koneko and Kuroka appeared. "Kuroka Toujou, you have been called by the council to reiterate your story."
She stiffened when she saw all the eyes of the Devils on her, most having disgusted looks on their faces as if she was the plague. She began to calm down however when she saw the warm smile Keith was showing her.
"Thank you Sirzechs-sama." Kuroka bowed. She finally had the chance to show that she wasn't guilty of anything. Moving close to Keith, she began to retell what actually happened. At some point in her retelling, she grabbed Keith's hand into hers for reassurance that everything will be fine.
"And after I managed to run away from the Underworld, I was found by Yasaka-sama, nya." She finished.
"Is that true Yasaka?" The man with black hair and violet eyes asked.
"Of course Zekram-san." She said. "I found Kuroka-chan on the borders of Kyoto alone and cold. She was on the verge of dying due to her injuries. I knew I had to act fast so without wasting a second, I brought her in my palace to nurse her back to life. Then she began to tell me what happened." She then narrowed her eyes. "I believe we all can remember our little fight, can't we?"
Most Devils in the room flinched at her tone.
"How do we know you're telling the truth?" The woman with green hair sneered. "For all we know, you could be lying for a criminal. Why did she run away from us if she was innocent?" She had a smug look on her face now.
"My sister ran way to draw the attention of the Devils on her so I could have time to run from harm's way." Koneko chimed in, her face determined.
"That doesn't mean anything." The man argued, his eyes cold. "As my wife said, if she didn't consider herself guilty, why did she run? She could have talked with the Devils that came after her."
"Kind of hard to talk when they try to cut off your head." Kuroka snarled. "I tried to tell them that I killed Naberius to protect myself and my sister, but they didn't listen."
"Give me the book and the journals." Zekram demanded.
He hesitated, then looked at Yasaka. Seeing her nod, he gave them to the old Devil and moved back to Kuroka who was sure to clasp his hand into hers again.
Very few things could disturb the Great King, but when he began to read through, he cringed in disgust, then glared at the man and the woman.
"Did you know about this?" He asked calmly which was never a good thing. Every Devil in that room knew that when Zekram Bael had that tone, bad things happened.
"Zekram-sama, you mustn't believe these-" The man began.
"Laxard!" The room shook at the powerful tone he used.
The man, Laxard Naberius immediately flinched and cowered in his chair.
"N-No! We never knew what Aster-"
"You're lying." Serafall interrupted his pathetic excuse. "After Aster was killed, I returned to his mansion to give it one more search." Most were surprised at her serious tone.
"W-What do you m-mean Serafall-sama?" The green haired woman asked hesitantly.
"Oh my dear Eveline." She began sweetly. "Imagine my surprise when I didn't detect any magic residue." She then frowned. "Or rather I couldn't. It seems that someone put a magic spell over Aster's lab which negated any search possible, including search of magic residue. My surprise then was once again increased when the magic I sensed felt oddly familiar."
"What do you want to say by that Serafall-sama?" Laxard inquired.
"I sensed your magic." With these words, the room broke into chaos. Most Devils were shouting at Laxard and Eveline while the two tried to defend themselves by shouting louder.
"Silence!" Everyone expected Zekram to intervene, but they all sat in stunned silence when Sirzechs was covered by a red aura with his blue eyes now being crimson.
He looked at the two.
"Did you two know of Aster's atrocities or not?"
Laxard gulped and Eveline paled.
"Well?" Sirzechs was a very patient man, but in moments like these his patience was running thin.
"W-We…k-knew." The black haired man stuttered.
Complete silence.
Each and every member of the council were looking at the two Naberius with contempt while the Great Four Satans seemed relieved that they finally could put an end to this cursed case.
Kuroka couldn't stop herself and immediately latched on Keith, hugging him, sobbing and muttering 'thank yous' over and over again. He hugged her back and rubbed her back gently.
Yasaka looked at them, mostly at Kuroka, and smiled warmly. Finally the Black Cat can know peace.
"Very well then." Sirzechs looked at the other three Satans, seemingly talking telepathically with them. After a few moments, he turned to the two defeated Naberius. "Consulting my fellow Satans, we decided for a punishment. You shall lose your seat in the council."
"Serve 500 in years in prison for withholding information." Ajuka continued.
"Be stripped by your nobility." Falbium yawned.
"And all your possessions will be taken from you." Serafall was the last to spoke.
"Does the council agree?" Sirzechs asked. One by one, hands were raised in agreement. He then looked at Zekram. "Does the Great King agree?"
He looked at the two trembling Devils, then at the crying Kuroka.
"I do."
"But-" Laxard began, but was interrupted.
"You dare to go against the Great Four Satans, the council and the Great King's decisions?" Ajuka inquired, narrowing his eyes.
"N-No." He responded meekly.
"Now, those who agree that Kuroka Toujou is innocent, raise your hands." At Sirzechs' command, most hands were positive, making Kuroka's heart almost leap out of her chest.
"Very well then." He looked at the Nekoshou. "Kuroka Toujou, since you have been found innocent, you are no longer banished from the Underworld and due to you being judged unfairly and our failure to do otherwise, you shall be granted one wish."
"Sirzechs-sama you can't be serious!" One member yelled.
"She is but a mere Youkai!" Another one argued.
"Enough." He flared some of his power and ended any discussion. "It was our carelessness that put her through this unnecessary suffering, thus we, the Four Great Satans, will allow her to make a wish, as long as it is reasonable and within our power."
The four Satans looked at her expectedly.
She stiffened once all the attention was on her, but Keith quickly squeezed her hand to reassure her that nothing bad will happen.
"I…" She hesitated. "I wish to visit my sister whenever I want, nya." She looked at Koneko with a smile, something which her little sister returned.
"Consider it done." Serafall announced, grinning.
'It definitely took less time than it would if we were in the human world.' Keith mused as he let out a sigh. He, together with Yasaka, Tiamat and the Satans were back in their manor.
"I am proud of you Kei-kun!" He was immediately engulfed in a tight hug by Yasaka. She rested her head on his shoulder and squished her breasts against his chest, making him blush slightly. It definitely didn't help seeing Sirzechs rise his eyebrows suggestively with a sly smirk on his face.
"Um…thank you Yasaka." He smiled.
"Finally this case is done." Ajuka said as he relaxed on the sofa.
"Mhm." Serafall pouted seeing the two.
Tiamat snorted, getting their attention.
"Yeah, everything is good and all, but you-" She pointed at Keith. "-promised me something."
"Huh? What is she talking about?" Yasaka narrowed her eyes at the young man. "Kei-kun…what did you do?"
He gulped and tittered.
"Something very funny you see-" Before he could talk further, Tiamat interrupted.
"You promised to fight me once all this is over." She crossed her hands beneath her chest.
"You promised to fight her?!" Yasaka screeched, glaring at him.
"I-I wouldn't necessarily say promise-" He flinched when he heard the dragoness growl. "-y-yeah…I promised."
"Explain." Hearing the tone in her voice, Keith knew better than to argue. He let her know what happened in the Familiar forest, including his meeting with Hestia.
"What would a Greek Goddess do in the forest?" Serafall asked, turning to her fellow Satans.
Both Sirzechs and Ajuka shook their heads while Falbium was snoring.
"When I asked her, she merely told me that she enjoys exploring." Keith informed them.
"Hm, very curious." Ajuka rubbed his chin in thought.
"Well then Keith Nakamura, will you fight me or not?" Tiamat was starting to become impatient.
"He will, but tomorrow." Yasaka said with finality in her voice.
Tiamat wanted to argue but decided against it. While she was stupidly powerful, she would stand no chance against the fox.
"Would it be alright to have the fight in the Underworld?" The Youkai asked.
"Having one of the most powerful dragons battle the True Longinus wielder?" Sirzechs grinned. "But of course! It would be very entertaining to watch."
"Well then, we shall see you tomorrow again." Yasaka bowed. "Let's go Kei-kun."
"Ah but you are more than welcome to sleep at my parents' home Yasaka-san." The red haired Devil said.
"I wouldn't wish to intrude…"
"Nonsense!" He dismissed her with a hand wave. "They would be more than happy to."
"Then I thank you Sirzechs-san." She bowed once again in gratitude.
After they arrived at the Gremory's mansion, Venelana and Zeoticus were more than fine with housing them until tomorrow. They even invited them to spend however much time they wanted to, but Yasaka being the lady that was, she declined politely.
On her part, Tiamat merely wished them a 'good night' and went to sleep.
"Beautiful room." Yasaka noted. She was curious to see Keith's room for the moment. It was bigger than the one he had at her palace, but not by much. He had a small kitchen, a balcony and two bathrooms, why she could guess.
"Oh, I almost forgot, Kunou-chan will be here soon."
"Huh? Kunou?" He asked confused. "But the fight is- oh…" He stopped himself from ending that stupid sentence. Of course, since they were in a relationship right now, she would want to see him as soon as possible.
"Glad to see you realized." Yasaka giggled, although one could see a longing in her eyes. Before they could say anything else, a golden magic circle appeared in the room and the aforementioned fox girl sprung out of it and immediately latched herself on Keith in a tight hug.
"Hiiii Keeeei-kun!"
"Hello Kunou, glad to- mmph." He was interrupted by a pair of soft and luscious lips capturing his own.
Yasaka's eye twitcher slightly and let out a big sigh.
"Well, I will let you two alone for now." Not wanting to be outdone (even if he was already taken), after Kunou let go of him, she offered him a hug and a sweet kiss on the cheek, awfully close to his lips.
The younger kitsune blinked a few times in shock until it was her eye's turn to twitch. She forced a smile on her lips and told herself that her mother was just happy to see that Keith was fine, even though her mind was saying otherwise.
"Good night and don't forget to use a silencing spell on the room." She said slyly and winked, then she left the young couple on their own, both blushing madly.
"She can be such a tease sometimes." Kunou pouted cutely.
"Ahah, right…"
"I almost forgot, where's Kuroka-chan?"
"She is with her younger sister. She will join us tomorrow." He regretted his last sentence immediately.
"Which reminds me…" The glare she directed at him was one which could make even the Gods flinch. Yasaka talked to her telepathically after they left the Satan's manor, but the rest she decided to let Keith explain.
Gulping, he dared to talk.
"U-Um…K-Kunou is there something wrong?" He immediately began to regret saying that as well seeing her incredulous look and how her eyes turned into slits.
"Something wrong...you say?" She asked softly. "Of course there is!" She yelled making him jump. "You idiot! What was in your head?! Promising a DRAGON to fight?! Couldn't you have promised something else?"
"It wasn't my fault…"He protested weakly.
"It wasn't?" She put her hands on her hips. "Then whose?"
"Nobody's…It just happened. After I met Hestia-"
"Hestia?!" She was freaking out now. "The Greek Goddess?!"
"Um…yeah?" He smiled nervously.
"Oh Amaterasu-sama…" She sat on the bed, put her elbows on her legs and rested her face in her palms.
"Don't worry, she was very friendly." Keith reassured, or at least tried to.
"Kei-kun." She said seriously. "When it comes to Gods, especially the Greek ones…there is always problems."
"R-Really?" He cringed.
"Yes." She sighed. "What did she say?"
"Nothing much…just that she wasn't there to harm me and that she looked after me ever since my mom died."
Kunou was shocked hearing this revelation.
"Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth and Family kept her eyes on you?"
"Apparently. She even kissed my forehead-" He immediately clamped his hand over his mouth seeing his girlfriend's murderous expression.
"Did she now?"
"She said it was a lucky charm!" He tried to reason.
Keeping her glare on him for a few moments, she finally deflated and got up.
"I am not mad…" Seeing his doubt, she blushed. "Ok…maybe I am a bit mad, but you can't really do anything against a Goddess…" She trailed off. "And I guess it is better than her cursing you."
"Besides…I have a grim thought that I am not going to be your only lover." She mumbled.
"Did you say something?"
"Oh! Nope. Come, let's go to bed. Tomorrow will be a big day." She quickly stole a kiss and made her way to the bed.
"You could say that again…" He muttered, but widened his eyes when he saw her undressing…slowly…teasingly.
"Before going to bed, I believe you need a…reward, let's say, for what you did today." She grinned, almost predatory-like, but couldn't hide the blush from her face.
"Can't we just…leave and forget about Tiamat?" Keith moaned. He definitely wasn't in the mood to fight a dragon right now…Don't get him wrong, he enjoyed a good fight (sparing with an old wolf Youkai like Hokori does that to you), but this one won't even be a fight…he will get absolutely pummelled into the ground.
"Unless you want Tiamat-san to have a grudge on you." Kunou giggled. She was feeling great, especially after last night. She missed his touch even if only three days or so passed since he left. She was after all madly in love with him.
"It can't be that bad…can it?"
"Well, many tend to forget the grudge she has on the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig." She informed.
"Isn't he like…sealed in the Boosted Gear?"
"Yup, but since she can't directly get revenge on him, she instead focuses on his hosts." She let out a shudder. "Once she finds out you host the Red Dragon…oh boy…you will have to sleep with one eye open."
"You're kidding me…"
"I wish…she found out who Ddraig's host was once ." She cringed at the thought. "She normally demands them to get her treasure back since the Welsh Dragon lost it. This guy she went after refused. Let's say it was the last mistake he has ever done."
He hesitated. "W-What did she do to him?"
"She toyed with him only for him to be eaten afterwards."
"Okaaay, let's change the subject." He was more than determined to fight her right now. He would even say that it was the best encouragement he has ever gotten.
Kunou giggled. "Don't worry Kei-kun. She won't kill you." Then her eyes darkened. "And if she even dares to try…" She growled loudly, only to stop when they heard a knock on the door.
"Yes?"
Yasaka opened it and smiled, entering their room together with Rossweisse.
"Good morning you two." After they were greeted back, the fox continued. "Everyone is very excited to see the fight."
"Odin-sama said that he and the rest are going to watch your duel as well." The Valkyrie informed, giggling slightly when he made a face.
"Oh joy…" Keith mumbled. "And here is your rune back."
"You can keep it Keith." She pushed his hand back, making him curl his fingers around it with her own. "You may find it useful in the future."
"Thank you Rossweise." He smiled, eliciting a small blush from her.
"Rose." She said shyly.
"Huh?"
"You said that once you finish with this, you are going to call me Rose if I call you Keith." She replied, this time louder.
"I see." He nodded. "Well then, thank you Rose."
She returned his nod happily, missing the pout Kunou was having on her face.
"Let's go." Yasaka said.
The four disappeared in a magic circle, only to teleport in a big room with grey walls where Grayfia and Tiamat were waiting.
"Good morning." The maid bowed.
The dragoness nodded her head in greeting, but kept her eyes on Keith.
"What are the rules of the fight?" Yasaka asked.
"No killing or maiming. The first one to admit defeat or to be incapacitated wins." The silver haired woman informed them. "Sirzechs-sama wanted to add a third rule, that being the loser must agree to a request from the winner, but decided to better ask you first about it."
"Hell no." Keith said flatly. He wasn't going to offer Tiamat a reason to make him her slave or something. He shuddered at the thought.
"Scared?" Tiamat chuckled.
"More than you know." He replied. He was human and even if he had some pride, it wasn't enough to get him to agree to anything. He never was a prideful individual.
"You're no fun." She frowned.
"Very well then. Do you abide to the rules I have already told you?" Grayfia asked. Seeing them nod, she continued. "I wish you good luck." She glanced at Keith the last second, a gleam of pity in her eyes.
"Do your best Kei-kun." Kunou gave him a kiss on the lips and teleported away.
"It will be good experience for you." Yasaka offered him a warm smile and she too teleported away.
"Fingers crossed for you." Rossweisse said, disappearing in the same manner as the two.
"Let's have some fun." Tiamat grinned, showing her sharp canines as a magical circle appeared underneath her feet.
"Only you could say that before a fight." He sighed as they vanished.
"Welcome everyone." Keith could hear Grayfia's voice. "My name is Grayfia Lucifuge, a maid in the service of the Gremory House, as well as the Queen of Sirzechs Lucifer-sama."
'Huh, so she's his Queen…' He mused.
"I will be the one to supervise the duel between Keith Nakamura, the current wielder of the True Longinus and Tiamat, the Chaos Karma Dragon and the most powerful Dragon King." She continued.
"The rules are simple: no killing or maiming and the opponent who admits defeat or is incapacitated loses. Let us have an amazing fight!" At this the crowd went nuts with cheers.
"Well, at least they're having fun." He snorted.
"Begin!" As soon as the word left her mouth, Keith barely had time to summon the True Longinus and block a punch from the dragoness.
"Hm, good reflexes." She praised. "But nothing special." She did a drop kick which he had to dodge, making her hit the ground, cracking it.
"Damn, that's some force." He pointed out.
"Well, I am a dragon." Was her reply as she opened her palm and shot three fire balls in quick succession. He vanished before they could hit him and reappeared behind her, ready to slice her with the spear only for the weapon to hit a hard material.
"Ice?!" He widened his eyes as ice covered her back, effectively shielding her. He didn't have time to react when she punched him straight in the stomach, sending him in a wall.
"I thought it was a dead giveaway since I often have an aura of cold around me." She pointed out with a grin.
With a groan he got up.
"I see." Using Piercing Rain, he dashed forwards and attempted to fight with her as spears fell from the sky, seemingly missing him and focusing on Tiamat.
Catching his spear before he could stab her, the dragoness pulled him closer to her.
"I expected more." She taunted before coating her fist in flames and punching him, the impact creating a veil of smoke around them.
"Kei-kun!" Kunou shot up on her feet, having both her hands on her mouth in worry. "Stop the fight!"
"Wait." Sirzechs raised his hand. "Look."
Surely enough, when the smoke dispersed, there was Keith coughing but not hurt by the fire.
"How?" Rossweisse asked wide eyes.
"Hestia…" Kunou remembered.
Yasaka nodded. "From what I know, she has an affinity for fire, so she probably offered him something to resist against it briefly."
"Yeah, a 'lucky charm'." She mumbled unhappily.
"Huh, Kei-kun scores even with almighty Goddesses, nya." Kuroka said. She still didn't offer him a reward (even though he adamantly said he didn't want one), but she knew the perfect reward for him. She briefly touched her lips and grinned. Oh yes…the perfect reward.
Using the spear to get up, Keith groaned but was more than surprised to see himself not burned. How was that-
He smiled. "Thank you Hestia." He whispered. He was startled to hear giggles and a 'You're welcome' in his head.
"What?!" Tiamat shrieked. "How are you not burned?!" While she held back tremendously not to kill him, he should have at least burns all over his body.
"Who knows." He shrugged. He wasn't going to explain to her what and how, not now at least.
Snarling, Tiamat touched the ground and immense flames burst out of the ground where Keith stood. Jumping so he could dodge the flames, he threw the spear in Tiamat's direction, the weapon becoming encased in light on its way.
Widening her eyes slightly, she caught it right before it could dig itself in her chest. However she was further surprised to sense that the spear didn't stop once she caught it but it kept on moving in her grasp for a few moments until finally stopped.
Growling she threw it away and glared at Keith who flinched slightly.
"Tell me how did my fire not hurt you!" She demanded.
Remaining calm, he recalled the spear.
"Nah." He smirked slightly when he saw her eye twitch. She balled her fists and growled lowly in her throat.
If he could irritate her enough, she perhaps would do a mistake and open up a way for him to hurt her. He had no illusions that he could win this fight, but a new goal planted itself in his head: to make her bleed, no matter how small the cut was.
"Then I will beat the answer out of you." She stated as she appeared in his face, grabbed the spear and pulled him closer to her.
"Gotcha." Smirking the True Longinus's bladed tip began to glow and before Tiamat could react, a blinding light shot up, making Tiamat let go of him.
"Bastard!" She shouted as her eyes were stinging. She ducked when her senses picked up danger and then twirled to avoid being stabbed.
"Light Arsenal!" She tsked as her vision was coming back and saw the dozen of spears surrounding her. She coated herself with ice when the spears thrusted forwards and broke on the impact.
Keith shot forward and attempted to slice at her, but she dodge each attack by either leaning to right and left or by ducking.
"Enough!" She yelled, then sliced at him with her claws.
He managed to dodge, but only barely, as the tip of her claws sliced his chest, making him grunt. Tiamat didn't stop there though, she continued to slash at him which made Keith take a defensive stance, but her quick attacks were slicing bits of his cloths, eliciting him to grit he teeth in pain. With a final attack, she saw an opening and hit him flatly with her palm, sending him backwards.
"It's time to end this." She growled and took a stance.
"Indeed." He panted as blood was dripping from his cuts. Not adding that the exhaustion was killing him.
"You fought well…for a human." Tiamat grinned. "Definitely made this fight interesting, albeit a bit boring."
"Well excuuuse me lady." He huffed. "I don't fight dragons every day."
Chuckling, she nodded in agreement.
They stood and looked at one another for a brief moment, then both disappeared in a burst of speed, only for them to reappear back to back a few meters away from one another.
"I win." She stated.
"I never had any doubts about that." He fell to his knees as a blood gushed from his stomach, a deep cut being seen through his shirt. "But not untouched." He then managed a weak smirk before dropping the Longinus with a clang and face planting into the ground.
"What do you-" She hissed as blood began staining her right cheek. A decent cut marring her beautiful face. She turned towards him only to see him passed out on the floor, her eyes wide, however one could see a glint in her eyes: respect.
"Tiamat is the victor!" The crowd exploded with cheers and applause.
Keith's eyes fluttered before opening tiredly, but had to close them back due to the bright light he was seeing. Turning his head to the side, he took in the room he currently was in: a small room with green walls, a small table near his bed and that was about it. He felt something squeezing his hand. Turning his head, he smiled when he saw Kunou's sleeping form. She fell asleep on the chair near his bed.
He moaned softly when he tried to get up in a sitting position. After succeeding, he looked at her and gently caressed her cheek.
"Kunou." He whispered. "Kunou wake up." Shaking her slightly, she flinched, then yawned cutely, then she looked in his direction.
"Kei-kun?" She asked quietly.
"Good morning sleeping beauty." He chuckled, then was sent on his back when Kunou jumped and hugged him tightly.
"Dummy." Her voice was muffled since she was resting her face on his chest. "You scared me half to death when you collapsed like that."
"Sorry." He apologized softly.
She looked at him with a warm smile, then the smiled turned mischievous.
"I will forgive you only under once condition."
He blinked.
"Um…and that is?"
"You take me out on a date." She stated.
He looked at her for a few moments.
"Sure." He shrugged. He didn't mind at all. He would have asked her out regardless.
She beamed, then she frowned slightly.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like one would feel after fighting a dragon: deadass tired." He laughed. "I am surprised I am in no pain though."
"You aren't because mom healed you." She informed. "Her healing is way better than what the Devils had here, but she couldn't do anything about you being tired."
"I see." He nodded. "I will need to thank her for that then."
"No need Kei-kun." The person they were talking about was leaning against a wall not far from them, her usual warm smile adorning on her face, near her both Kuroka and Rossweisse were looking at him with grins.
She got off the wall, made her way to them and hugged him as tight as Kunou did.
"You definitely showed the Devils something tonight, nya." Kuroka praised. "Managing to hurt THE Tiamat? I wish you could have seen their faces, especially when they heard her call you human, nya." She laughed.
"So I did hurt her." He breathed out, before resting his head on the pillow.
"You did and Tiamat-san looked impressed after you two were teleported back." Rossweisse said.
He hummed.
"AAAAH!" A deafening scream interrupted their conversation.
"Wha." They looked around until a young man with brown hair and matching eyes dressed in a school uniform shot out from over the corner and into the room.
"Help! You have to hide me!" He requested, his eyes pleading.
Keith was more than confused, but before he could ask anything, a familiar voice yelled, or growled if you will.
"DDRAIG!"
"Uh-oh…" Kunou said and Yasaka sighed, while Kuroka and Rossweisse looked at each other.
"Quick! Help me please!" The teenager pleaded and made to run away but a shadow loomed over him.
"One more step and you're ashes." Tiamat hurled him against a wall. "Ddraig, come out and talk!"
Seeing that nothing happened, the dragoness gritted her teeth in anger.
"NOW!" The whole building shook.
A red gauntled with a green germ on the back of its hand appeared on the boy's left arm.
"H-Hello Tiamat." A male voice sounded from the gauntlet. "It's good to see you again."
Bad move.
"You fucking bastard!" She snarled, grabbing the boy's gauntleted arm and looking at it with hatred. "You dare greet me so casually?! ME! The one who YOU have wronged!" She bared her fangs.
"How many times do I have to apologize Tiamat!" The voice sounded exasperated. "I am sorry I lost your treasure!"
"Shut it! I don't need your petty apology!" She looked at the frightened host. "Thankfully, Ajuka Beelzebub helped me out and I almost have all my treasure back." She said, her voice softened, if only by a degree. "However, I still have a piece missing. And you, boy, are going to get it for me."
"W-What?!" He squeaked.
"Are you deaf?!" Oh, she definitely didn't like repeating herself. She hoisted him up against the wall. "I said-"
"Issei!" Rias' voice shouted out as she caught up to them. "Tiamat-san I know about your grudge against the Red Dragon Emperor, but could you please let my Pawn go?"
Tiamat's eyes began to glow an icy blue and glared at the red head.
"Let him go?" Before things could escalate, Keith coughed into his fist.
"Hello again Tiamat." He offered her a faint smile.
"Oh…you're fine." Her eyes softened, if only slightly. He could see that her cheek where he sliced healed.
"Physically yes, mentally? I feel I could sleep for a week." He chuckled. "Now…what do you wish to do with the boy?"
Her eyes lost their slight softness and became colder again.
"This boy is a host of Ddraig, therefore he needs to pick up the debt that wretched reptile still has to me." She scowled at the now identified Issei.
"Hmm…but it isn't his fault though." He reasoned.
"Doesn't matter." Her response was lightning fast. "If he won't, then nobody will."
"Didn't you just say that you have almost all your treasures back?" At her nod, he continued. "Then, whether he helps you or not is irrelevant. Couldn't you get it by yourself?"
She huffed in frustration, but didn't let go of Issei.
"No, or at least not without help. The territory in which it currently can be found is…very hard to get into." She said cryptically.
"Aha…" Keith looked at Issei's pleading eyes and sighed. "Then what makes you think that he is going to do much? From the aura I can sense, he isn't that strong."
Thankfully, the boy didn't take offense in that, not with his life being in danger at the moment.
Tiamat wanted to say something else, but stopped when a new voice joined.
"Peace Tiamat, I am afraid Keith is right." Sirzechs said, making her look at him. "Even if Issei-kun would accept your…uh…demands, he couldn't do much if your last piece is somewhere where not even you could get it alone."
Growling, she let go of Issei and turned her attention to Keith.
"Then you are going to help me." She stated.
"What?!" He yelped.
"Absolutely not." Yasaka moved so she could sit in front of Keith.
Balling her fists until her knuckles turned white, Tiamat glowered at the fox. But then, something shocking happened. Her shoulders slumped in defeat and her eyes looked dejectedly at the floor.
"Please." Her voice was soft, uncaring of the eyes which were currently observing her. "I will give you anything you want, even all the treasure I have, if it means you help me to get it back."
"You're the only person I could probably ask for help too." She continued, her eyes looking pleading at Keith. "Anything you wish from me, I will give you, but please help me."
Keith pondered for a few moments.
'I never expected her to behave this way…what could this thing be so that it made her like this? Definitely something important, something dear to her.' He mused. She did sound desperate.
"Kei-kun?" Kunoua asked softly. "You can't be seriously thinking about helping her, right?"
"You don't even know what she needs help with!" Yasaka added with a frown.
He looked at them, then at Tiamat's defeated form.
"Tiamat." She perked up hearing her name. "How important is this object you speak of exactly?"
"It is something my mother gave me a long time ago." She replied softly.
"Then how did you lose it, nya?" Kuroka raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't lose it!" She hissed, then calmed down. "It was stolen from me. After I managed to catch up to the thief, he said some weird words and it disappeared completely. When I demanded of him to give it back, he laughed and said that he sent it away and that it could be anywhere in the world."
"And you've been searching for it ever since." Yasaka noted.
The dragoness nodded. "That is why I've been collecting my treasure back, so I could have something to offer in case someone found it."
With a sigh, Keith looked at her.
"So it is something your mother gave you, huh?"
"Yes, a medallion which holds her scent so I could always remember her." Tiamat replied, her eyes hopeful. He got off the bed with the help of Kunou and made his way towards her until he was a few steps away.
"Very well then." He said after a few moments of silence, but before the dragoness could say something, he continued. "However, if I believe that I won't be capable of helping you getting it back, I will return home."
Nodding rapidly, she did something surprising: she hugged him gently, muttering a 'thank you'. It was surprising because despite her immense strength, her hug was warm and soft as Kunou, Kuroka or Yasaka's.
"We'll talk more about it in the upcoming days, alright?" He offered her a small, but kind smile.
"Fine." Smiling faintly with a barely noticeable amount of pink dusting her cheeks, she teleported away.
"Not another one…" Kunou muttered silently with a pout, so that nobody could hear her.
Meanwhile, Rias and Issei were gaping at him like he grew a second head.
"Dude!" The latter exclaimed. "You just…just…'tamed' her!"
Rolling his eyes, he snorted but offered him a hand in greeting.
"If you say so. Name's Keith Nakamura by the way. You can call me Keith."
Shaking the offered appendage, the Red Dragon Emperor grinned.
"Issei Hyoudou, Pawn in the service of Rias Gremory. Call me Ise"
"A pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." His smile then turned perverted. "Say…what do you prefer? Boobs or Ass?"
Blinking, he looked at Rias who was donning a blush on her face and an exasperated look which said 'please forgive him'.
"I don't…really know…" He rubbed the back of his head. "Um…both? Yeah, I believe both are good."
Yasaka looked at her own assets sneakily and smiled knowingly. Kuroka merely cupped her own breasts and ass and smirked, Rossweisse blushed but took a peek at her own breasts and Kunou was grinning triumphantly since Keith already saw her naked and did the deed with him. So perhaps she could do something to dimmish the chances of him gaining a harem (unlikely). Kitsunes were very possessive (in a cute way) of their mate and could get jealous easily.
"Good answer, even if I am more of a boob guy myself." Issei nodded. Before he could gaze at the magnificent women behind him, Rias grabbed him by the ear and pulled. "Ow, ow, president! It hurts!"
"Hmhp." She looked at Keith. "I am sorry about him Keith-san. I have yet to educate him." She giggled.
"It's fine." He waved his hand.
"You fought well." She praised. "Have you ever thought of joining a peerage?" She asked curiously. Don't get her wrong, she wasn't offering, since she couldn't reincarnate him even if she wanted to. She didn't have enough pieces left anyway.
"No he hasn't!" Kunou quickly spawned behind him and turned him around so she could hug his face in her breasts. "He is very happy remaining human and with us."
Rias blinked, before laughing softly, a knowing look on her face.
"I see." She then smiled. "Well then, I believe it is time for us to leave. See you around Keith." She winked and prompted Issei to do a bow with her and both left in a magic circle.
"She better not think of something…" Kunou mumbled.
"Ahahah." They could hear Sirzechs laughing. "Worry not Kunou-chan, her eyes are on someone else." He said with a mysterious smile and Kunou sighed in relief.
"A good fight Keith." He continued. "I too will leave you now, but I want to thank you for your help in Kuroka's case." He smiled.
"It was my pleasure." Keith looked at Kuroka with a warm smile. "It was for her after all."
"Kei-kun…" Kuroka blushed.
"Be well Keith." Sirzechs vanished, leaving the four in silence.
"Well, now I can brag that I fought a dragon." Keith chuckled.
"And lost." Kunou teased.
"True." He deflated, but continued to laugh. Yasaka conjured a teleportation circle and left.
Once they returned to the palace, Keith breathed out the cleaner air.
"Feels good to be back. The Underworld is cool and all but the air is a bit…"
"Hard to breath?" Rossweisse helped.
"Yeah." He nodded. "Welp, I am beat. I will see you guys tomorrow." Before he could leave though, Kuroka made her way towards him and stood in his face.
"Hmm? Something I could do for you Kuro- mmhp." It took a bit for his mind to register that Kuroka was, in fact, kissing him.
"I have been waiting to do that for a while, nya." She licked her lips.
"W-Wh…wh-what." He was curling and uncurling his fingers.
"I love you Kei-kun, nya." She smiled lovingly at him.
Then all hell broke loose and Keith had only one thought: her lips were very sweet.
A/N: Oh boy, finally I managed to write this out lol. It took me a bit more than usual because I didn't really know how to start it and in what direction to take it, but I hope the wait was, at least, worth it! I hope you enjoy this chapter. I wanted to include Serafall asking him to join her peerage too, but didn't find a good way to do so…it means it will have to wait xd. Also, the next characters I want to focus on are, as you have probably deduced, Kuroka and Tiamat. Initially I wanted to focus on Yasaka and Rossweisse, but they will be probably next. Of course, everything is subject to change. Also, I still don't really know how to introduce Roygun Belphegor yet…I will probably find a way soon, but do you guys have any ideas? I might pick one from you if I it is better than what I will eventually think about. Oh and also, the Rating game between Rias and Riser already happened, so I won't bother you guys with it since I believe you have seen and read it a lot of times already xd.
Now let's see the reviews.
LuluViBritania: I already have the harem sorted out, you can check it at the end of the third chapter I believe and Rossweisse is in it, so that's that.
sanjiv121606: Yup, he does know.
Dante687: Hmm, good idea of an ability. What do you think if I change it a bit and instead of a huge sword, normal light swords would peace from the ground? Sort of like Kiba's Sword Birth?
All this being said, thank you all for reading! Once again, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and that the waiting was worth it, if not then I apologize.
I also apologize for any grammatical or spelling mistakes.
Stay safe & sound!