I'm trying to get this chapter out before the end of Christmas Eve since I will be working overtime for the next two and a half weeks. Thankfully, this chapter was significantly shorter than the previous one, which was very much intentional. So much happened in Chapter 60 that I needed these next few chapters to be more laid back. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy! And Happy Holidays!
Also, for those of you who aren't following me, I posted the first chapter of Sapphire Dragon Alter last month. So, if you're interested you can check that story out.
Issei was currently in his hotel room, packing up his things until Misaki walked into the room wearing only a towel. Misaki saw Issei doing manual labor and immediately became concerned.
"Issei-kun, are you sure you should be standing up right now?" Misaki asked worryingly. "I mean, Kaa-san and Kurenai-sama only treated your new leg last night."
Issei looked down at his shoe as if he had never lost his leg the night before. "It's a dragon leg, Misaki-chan. You know how tough dragons can be."
Misaki sighed before she walked over to Issei and hugged him from behind. "That doesn't change the fact that you lost your old leg, Issei-kun. I can't help but worry about you."
"Your Kaa-san said walking is fine, but I shouldn't run or carry anything heavy for a few days."
"If that's the case, I'm getting Akira-chan and Ruby-sensei to help me carry your things."
Issei chuckled. "As you say, Misaki-chan. How's Lu-kun doing?"
Misaki's smile returned with a vengeance. "Nii-san is doing okay. In fact, I'd say he's better than okay. After the Hero Faction left, he carried Yasaka-sama to her home alongside Kunou-chan, Sora-san, and Bradamante-san."
They both heard someone else leave the bathroom.
"Good morning, Issei Hyoudou. I'm glad to see that you're on your feet again."
Issei and Misaki turned to see the ever stoic Ame Imai wearing nothing but a towel, alongside a fully dressed and smirking Kiyome. Issei's face flushed like crazy while Misaki giggled.
"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you." Misaki interjected. "Apparently, Ame-san sneaked into your hotel room last night, I saw her resting with you and Kiyome-san when I came to visit this morning."
"Wh-why did you choose my room, Ame-san?!" Issei stuttered.
"I just wanted to be near the man who saved my life." Ame replied.
Kiyome walked over to Issei with the intent to tease. "Hear that, Issei-kun? Looks like this damsel in distress wishes to be near the Dragon Emperor that saved her from the clutches of the Hero Faction."
"H-how did you-?" Issei was about to question.
"I told Kiyome-san everything last night." Misaki clarified.
Once Kiyome was in front of Issei, she pulled him into a hug.
"I was really worried, you know... When you came back with one of your legs regrowing." Kiyome nearly choked out.
Issei hugged Kiyome back. "It was either my leg or Lu-kun's life."
Ame frowned softly as she crossed her arms under her bust. "I am truly glad that Luke Sigmund survived last night's fight, Lord Sterling and Lady Allegra would be truly saddened if their stepson died."
"Not to mention all of his girlfriends." Issei followed up. "He finally found love and I wouldn't want him dying so soon after that. Not that I would let him die at all."
Misaki and Kiyome sighed heavily while Ame laughed in amusement.
"You sure are stubborn for a Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou." Ame said. "Then again, I am also rather stubborn myself. Now, I should be getting dressed as Angus and I will be returning to Lord Sterling later."
About one hour later, all of the second year students, the third year chaperones and the teachers were all gathered at the Kyoto train station.
"Alright, kids! Settle down!" Azazel projected his voice to the students. "I know it sucks to go back to school so soon, but that's just how life is."
A lot of the second year students grumbled at Azazel, but knew he was right.
"Man, to think we're going back to school already." Issei said.
"Indeed, it's hard to believe it's only been two days." Misaki stated.
"And we didn't even have time to properly enjoy the trip." Issei sighed dejectedly.
Misaki giggled and merely patted Issei's shoulder. "Aww, it's okay, Issei-kun. Maybe we can come to Kyoto again during the holidays." She pulled out a yellow Kyuubi no Yoko plush from her bag. "But at least my Kaa-san managed to get me a gift for Luke-kun!"
Issei deadpanned at his girlfriend, which she found amusing.
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed the trip, Misaki-chan."
Issei and Misaki perked up before turning around to see Kiyome behind them along with Spiral and Aria.
"Sorry, I realized that I forgot to get Aria a gift, so we stopped by a souvenir store." Spiral apologized as he rubbed the back of his head.
Aria was currently hugging a large, purple two-tailed cat plush with a devious smile. "Rasen is getting lots of cuddles when we get home."
Kiyome zipped over to Issei and hugged his arm while pecking him on the cheek. "It's a shame you weren't able to get me a gift before we had to leave. Oh well, we can always come back here during the holidays."
Kiyome had not realized that a lot of the second year women were staring at her and Issei with conflicted expression.
"Well, looks like I made it before you guys left."
Issei and Spiral swiftly turned around with their girlfriends to see a seemingly exhausted Luke with Mythra, Kunou, and Yasaka, both of the Kitsune without their tails and ears visible.
"Lu-kun, shouldn't you still be resting?" Issei asked out of concern for his friend. "You pushed yourself harder than I did last night."
Luke smiled at Issei's concern. "Your worry is appreciated, Ise-kun, but I'm fine. I didn't have enough energy, so I rested with Kunou until I woke up, but I guess I didn't sleep all that well last night. I'll be fine, though. Anyways, Yasaka-sama has something to say to you, Ise-kun."
Yasaka politely bowed to Issei. "Red Dragon-dono, thank you and your friends for your assistance in my rescue and the Hero Faction's defeat. Kurenai-san and Akane-chan are looking forward to the next time you visit Kyoto."
Issei blushed lightly at the mention of Akane and Kurenai as he had been forced to rest at their castle, specifically in the master bedroom with the Eastern Youkai Leader herself, until his leg had completely grown back. Just before the crack of dawn, Misaki took Issei back to their hotel without any trouble.
"Y-yeah, I look forward to my next visit as well. And please send Kurenai-sama and Akane-san my regards for taking care of me last night." Issei returned the bow.
Luke smirked teasingly at his childhood friend. Oh, I am so going to tease Ise-kun about this later.
Pfft, you are such a Devil, sweetie! Opheria laughed within Luke's mind.
In more ways than one.
"Sapphire Dragon-dono, I don't believe I ever got to thank you properly, did I?" Yasaka walked over to Luke and pecked him on the cheek. "Thank you for saving me and protecting my daughter, Luke Sigmund."
Yasaka had said that with a mischievous smile, causing Kunou to pout as Luke blushed his head off. Luke caught in the corner of his eye three of the students he met the other day, who just stared at him in shock, prompting his heart to practically stop and his mind to go blank.
Ah... Well, this is bad. Luke thought before he became frightened when the three girls dashed over to him. Fuck! Why are they coming over here?!
Issei saw Luke's panicked expression at the three second year women making their way over to them. Hang on... Yeah! I recognize those three from my first year! The orangette is Mikoto Mayuchi, the tealette is Yumi Yonaguni, and the brunette is Taniuchi Gamou!
Let me guess, they were a part of a club you used to peep on? Ddraig asked in annoyance.
You know the old me so well, Ddraig! Issei happily cried in his head. But what do they want with Lu-kun?
Mikoto, Yumi, and Taniuchi screeched to a halt in front of Luke before the orangette hugged him into her bosom, making Kunou glare at the three women.
"Luke-chan! Did you come to see us off?! Oh you're such a sweet boy!" Mikoto squealed in delight.
"Hey! Don't hog Luke-kun, Mikoto-chan!" Yumi pouted.
"Yeah! Save some of Lukie-kun for the rest of us!" Taniuchi agreed with Yumi.
Yasaka couldn't help but chuckle to herself. My, Luke Sigmund is quite popular with the ladies.
Mikoto, Yumi, and Taniuchi soon focused their attention to Yasaka after smothering Luke a bit and tilted their heads.
"Are you one of Luke-chan's relatives by chance, ma'am?" Mikoto inquired.
"I don't think so, Mikoto-chan, because isn't that Kunou-chan from the tour?" Yumi questioned.
"Oh yeah! She was our tour guide yesterday!" Taniuchi stated before she gasped. "... Unless Kunou-chan is Lukie-kun's cousin and neither of them mentioned it!"
"Why, you're absolutely right, young lady." Yasaka replied. "Luke-kun and Kunou-chan are cousins. We haven't seen him for a decade and once we discovered that he was attending Kuoh Academy, we wanted him to visit us as soon as possible."
Mikoto, Yumi, and Taniuchi gasped in awe.
"Really?! You're Luke-chan's aunt?!" Mikoto exclaimed.
"N-no way! You look so beautiful, Sigmund-san!" Yumi complimented Yasaka.
"But are you sure you're Lukie-kun's aunt?! You look like you could be his older sister!" Taniuchi said.
"Oh, why thank you." Yasaka smiled with a hand on her cheek. "But we are very close despite not sharing a drop of blood between us."
Mikoto, Yumi and Taniuchi felt their faces flush a little after hearing Yasaka's words.
A potential forbidden relationship, just like in those eroge I read! All three second year women thought in unison.
"Alright, everyone! The train's here!" Karlel's voice called out from within the station.
Mikoto, Yumi and Taniuchi became visibly saddened as the train arrived, making Luke feel bad before he tugged gently on the orangette's skirt, grabbing her attention.
"Please don't be sad, Mayuchi-san. You'll get to see me again soon. I'll be returning home tonight, so you and your friends will be able to see me tomorrow morning." Luke said with a big and cute smile.
Luke was suddenly pulled into a big hug by all three teenage women.
"Oh, Luke-chan! Your cuteness is making me swoon!" Mikoto squealed with a blush coloring her cheeks.
"You're so sweet, Luke-kun!" Yumi chirped with a big grin.
"Uwaaaaahhh! I don't wanna leave Lukie-kun!" Taniuchi cried with comical tears running down her face.
Issei mentally chuckled to himself. They completely forgot that we're still here.
After Kiyome and Misaki managed to pry Mikoto, Yumi, and Taniuchi off of Luke, who was now blushing profusely from feeling their soft breasts against his face, Issei, Spiral, and Aria bid them farewell as they and the rest of the second years walked onto the train. Luke, Mythra, Yasaka, and Kunou waved at everyone until the train finally departed for Kuoh Town. Once the entire train had left their sight, Luke turned around to face Yasaka.
"Why did you pretend you were my aunt, Yasaka-sama?" Luke asked curiously.
"Kunou-chan told me about how you told your classmates that you were here on family business." Yasaka replied. "I just thought I should play along."
Luke merely nodded before a small blush came onto his cheeks. "Ummm... do you... do you think you could treat me like your nephew at times? It's... it's been so long since I had family other than Seth, Melody, the Morags, and the Chernobogs."
Yasaka giggled as she hugged Luke from behind. "Of course, Luke-kun." Something tells me we might become a real family in the future.
Luke blushed even more as he felt Yasaka's large yet soft breasts sit on his head. I may start seeing Yasaka as more than an aunt in the future because gosh is she fucking beautiful!
"Hahaue, shouldn't we head back home to prepare for the big meeting tonight?" Kunou asked. "While it is a shame Ame-san and Angus-san couldn't join us due to needing to report everything that happened to Sterling-dono, that doesn't mean we should be slacking off. After all, Jiraiya-dono, Tsunade-dono, Wukong-dono, Buddha-dono, and Yu Long will be joining us and the other three district leaders."
"Kunou-chan is right. I wouldn't wish to make a bad second impression on them." Luke said before ashamedly thinking. Even if I know almost nothing about Chinese Mythology.
Several hours later in the West Youkai Castle, the four Youkai Leaders, Luke, Mythra, Sun Wukong, Xuanzang, and Jiraiya were all gathered in a single room.
"Alright, I'm assuming we're waiting on one other guest?" Yasaka asked.
"Yes, my wife, Tsunade, should be here any moment now." Jiraiya said before sheepishly grinning. "I also apologize in advance for my wife's... unique way of speaking."
I shudder to even think of what that means. Luke thought in a nervous sweat.
Suddenly, the sliding doors to the room opened, revealing what appeared to be a humanoid slug, even though it seemed to only have arms and... large breasts hidden by a teal blue kimono.
Luke felt his face flush at the sight of the slug woman. That's what Tsunade from Shinto mythology looks like?! Damn, Jiraiya! I can't help but envy you for some reason!
"Sorry I'm late, Jiraiya-koi. I was busy dealing with our tadpoles again. Annoying little brats." Tsunade grumbled as she slid her way over to Jiraiya.
"Now that everyone is here, let us commence with the meeting." Yasaka announced.
Tsunade soon took her place by Jiraiya's side, only to notice Luke and his Kaelian eyes. "... Let me guess, the kid's a species that's never been seen before?"
"You're right about that, Tsunade-chan." Jiraiya chuckled. "The first Sapphire Dragon Emperor is quite the unique entity."
"Yes, and that is exactly what this meeting is about." Yasaka said before she turned towards Luke. "Sapphire Dragon-dono, could you please explain to us about what you are? Because the moment I regained consciousness and spoke to you this morning, the aura you gave off was alarmingly powerful."
"I'd be more than happy to, Lady Yasaka." Luke bowed his head before telling everyone in the room everything he knew about the Kaelians, the situation they were in, and how he came to be. "And after the Rating Game my Master Rias Gremory had against Sona Sitri, Azazel's daughter Karlel told me I was never fully human to begin with. It was then I was introduced to two specific people I had not seen since I was a child, Ruby Evergarden and Morgana Merlina Evergarden. That was when both Ruby and Morgana told me about my species, along with my semi-extinct cousins, the Kharahkians, who live on today as Devils, the descendants of the Satans, and the 72 Pillars."
This information shocked everyone in the room.
"Luke-kun, are you telling us that Lucifer and the other original Satans were Kharahkians?" Mitsumi asked.
Luke shook his head. "No, only Lucifer was a pure-blooded Kharahkian. Much to my surprise, Leviathan, Beelzebub, and Asmodeus are Lucifer and Lilith's children, making them only ninety percent Kharahkian. The same can be said for the progenitors of the 72 Pillars. However, the diluting of bloodlines has caused most of the current generation of Devils to have very little Kharahkian blood, 0.1 percent to be more precise."
Everyone in the room nodded in understanding.
"Sapphire Dragon Emperor, you mentioned that only a thousand members of your species remain on a world called Etoulde?" Jiraiya asked.
"That's right." Luke confirmed. "I'm hoping to get in contact with my people someday and bring them to Earth."
"Luke-dono, you said that you were born here on Earth. You have likely never met any of them, yet you are so willing to be their hero. If it is not too personal, may I ask why?" Yasaka inquired.
There was a pause. A very long pause... until Luke ended it.
"I... never really thought about it. Maybe I just wanted to help people like me? Maybe it's just in my nature? Maybe I'm hoping to reconnect with my blood kin?" Luke's eyes became watery. "Or... maybe I just want to have people to call family in my life again, after my parents lives were stolen from me. Or maybe all of those and more? I... can't say for sure."
This poor boy must have been through so much throughout his life... Yasaka felt her heart break upon seeing Luke's pain.
Jiraiya softly frowned. To have something so precious taken away from him so early in his life. It is truly a miracle the Sapphire Dragon Emperor didn't lose his mind back then.
Jiraiya noticed at the corner of his eyes that Tsunade was clenching her fists, her facial features scrunched as if she were enraged.
No child deserves to be alone at such a young age, especially without their parents to care for and raise them! Tsunade thought in raw anger.
"... Luke-san, I doubt you would have overcome your grief by yourself. Surely you must have people here on Earth that mean much to you, no?" Yasaka asked.
Luke wiped his eyes. "I mean, I had my half-brother, my adopted sister, my adopted mother, and my adopted father whenever he wasn't busy. I... I think my adopted grandmother and grandfather were around, too? I'm not sure, it's... it's been a few years since I've been to the Chernobog Estate."
"What about your girlfriends?" Kunou asked.
Luke paused for a moment before smiling warmly. "While they may not have been there to help me overcome my grief, they did help me overcome something else."
Mythra gently placed her hand on Luke's shoulder to comfort him.
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed slightly. Why did I just feel a dark aura rising in the boy just now? Was it because of him mentioning that he overcame something else? Something for me to look into it seems.
"It sounds like even though you're determined to save your people on a far-off world, you still have a family of your own on this one." Wukong grinned slightly.
"Yes, I suppose you could say that." Luke's expression became stern. "But onto the Alliance."
Luke pointed his hand at the table in front of him and summoned a blue magic circle with a dragon's claw mark in the middle of it before two sheets of paper appeared on the said table before the magic circle vanished. He handed out the sheets of paper to Yasaka and Wukong. Yasaka and Wukong looked over what appeared to be contracts.
Wukong couldn't help himself from chuckling as he recognized a couple names. "Hehehehe, looks like my old buddies Zeus and Odin already signed this contract!"
"I'm rather surprised you managed to get the Shinto Faction to sign something like this." Yasaka stated in awe.
"Well, Lord Izanagi already made a contract with Zeoticus and Sylox to allow Rias and Sona to have Kuoh Town as their own territory. And since Amaterasu knew I was a servant of Rias Gremory, I suppose she saw this as another promise the Devils couldn't break." Luke sheepishly detailed. I won't mention the fact that Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi also saw this as a way to somehow get back in touch with Spiral.
Yasaka started examining the details of the contract, down to every last word and how sentences were constructed. "... I'm surprised of how little you are asking of us. Just refuge and protection for when the Kaelians finally arrive?"
Luke rose a brow and moved beside Yasaka to look over the contract, only to click his tongue in annoyance.
"Oh, dang. I knew I was missing something." Luke returned to his spot and cleared his throat. "I'm not just requesting refuge and protection for my people when they finally arrive. The Evies more than likely know that the thousand Kaelians are still alive... along with Ruby and myself. About a month ago, I encountered an Evie Scout on Earth. Thankfully, it was destroyed by Ruby, but the other Evies might have picked up that they lost its signal."
"So, you want any stray scouts to be destroyed, is that it?" Wukong took a smoke from his pipe.
"Yes, but do not underestimate the Evies." Luke warned. "From what Ruby told me, these mechanical beings are capable of killing Gods from other worlds. So, it would be wise for you not to get cocky when facing these monsters. Kaelians are powerful and were once numerous, so the fact that the Evies reduced their numbers so drastically should tell you enough of how threatening they are."
Yasaka, Mitsumi, Kurenai, Chizue, Wukong, Jiraiya, Tsunade and Xuanzang all gulped silently before nodding stiffly at Luke's warning.
If what Luke-dono says is true, then I may need to have Kurenai get in contact with Nurarihyon and Magari. Yasaka thought, only for her face to contort in anger a bit. Which also means I may have to release her to help us against the Evies.
"Luke-kun, when the Kaelians arrive, do you plan on rebuilding with them?" Chizue inquired.
Luke smiled. "Yes, and once I tell them that the Devils are the descendants of the Kharahkians, they may wish to move into the Underworld." After I manage to convince those old fogeys to use their fucking brains for once and actually provide my people refuge.
"However, one thousand is a very low number when talking about survivors of a species." Mitsumi interjected. "No doubt repopulation will be a major topic once the Kaelians settle here."
The room went silent once again as Luke's face began to turn into many shades of red before it landed on scarlet, making Wukong and Jiraiya burst out into uncontrollable laughter. However, both old men were bonked on the head by Kurenai's fists.
"This is no laughing matter! Neither of you understand the weight of having the future of an entire species on your shoulders!" Kurenai scolded the elderly perverts.
Tsunade sighed heavily as she yanked on Jiraiya's beard. "Kurenai-dono is right, you fucking pervs! Considering this obviously means that the brat will have to take on multiple wives and have multiple children! Do you fools have any idea what will happen if word gets out about this before the Kaelians arrive?!"
"Yes, the results would be catastrophic, especially for the Sapphire Dragon's psyche." Xuanzang agreed while glaring daggers at Wukong and Jiraiya.
"What's more, I don't want to put pressure on my future wives, either." Luke said.
"Well, if the Kaelians aren't obsessed with racial purity, I'd be more than happy to encourage the Nekomata to pursue romantic relationships with them if they so choose." Kurenai gave Luke an assuring smile.
Luke shook his head. "No, that won't be an issue. Roman, Ruby's father, told me the Kaelians don't care about racial purity and find it stupid. Unlike the Devils that have been around since the Great War, we are actually interested in other species. I was relieved to hear that considering I'm dating women like Kuroka, Rias, Karlel, Rossweisse, and Kayoko."
Kurenai seemed to tense up hearing Luke mention Kuroka by name. She leaned into Luke's ear and whispered. "... There is something I would like to speak with you about before you leave tonight. It concerns Kuroka and Shirone."
Luke's eyes widened for a moment before he stiffly nodded, allowing Kurenai to straighten herself out.
Guess I'm speaking with Sun Wukong and Kurenai after this meeting. Luke thought until he noticed Tsunade looking right at him, making him flinch and sweat a little. Does Tsunade want to talk about something after the meeting as well, I can't tell with the fact that she doesn't have any eyes or eyebrows!
Yasaka pulled out a pen as her eyes focused on Luke. This young man… he carries himself in a similar way to… I'm sure Tsunade-dono has picked up on it, too.
Yasaka signed her name on the contract and handed it to Sun Wukong, who took another puff of smoke from his pipe before he turned it into a pen and proceeded to sign the contract as well.
"Consider the alliance formed, kid." Wukong said upon the final stroke.
Wukong turned the pen back into his pipe, making Luke blink a few times.
"... I'm sorry, did you just turn your pipe into a pen and back again?" Luke questioned what he just saw.
Xuanzang laughed. "You think that's cool? You should've seen when Wukong turned Yu Long into a horse!"
"Ms. Xuanzang! You promised to keep that a secret!" Yu Long cried from outside Yasaka's castle.
Luke couldn't help but laugh, which Yasaka, Chizue and Mitsumi all blushed upon hearing.
So cute! They all thought in unison.
Soon enough, the meeting came to a close after Luke mentioned the other members of the Alliance. Jiraiya had left after Tsunade told him to go on ahead, as did Wukong and Yu Long when Xuanzang said she would wait outside to chat with 'the interesting extraterrestrial'. Yasaka, Mitsumi, and Chizue were all about to speak with Luke until Kurenai cut in.
"I'm sorry, Yasaka-chan, but do you think I could speak with Luke-dono in private for a moment?" Kurenai asked.
"What a coincidence, I needed to talk with Luke-dono about something as well." Tsunade spoke up, surprising the others in the room..
"Yes. And thank you for reminding me that I have private matters to discuss with Luke-dono as well." Yasaka replied.
Mitsumi couldn't help but pout at this. "Oh, come on! I only got to see Luke-kun for one day after he saved my life and now you three have something to discuss with him?! This is so not fair!"
Chizue huffed in annoyance. "Well, I suppose it cannot be helped. However, I wanted to chat a while longer with Luke-kun as well."
"Well, I should have some time before I take the train back to Kuoh." Luke said.
Mitsumi and Chizue smiled at Luke before they went outside to join Xuanzang. Kurenai and Luke entered another room so they could talk.
"Okay, Kurenai, what exactly do you need to tell me that has something to do with Koneko and Kuroka?" Luke asked with a serious expression.
"... Luke-dono, how much do you know about Kuroka's and Shirone's parents?" Kurenai queried.
Luke shook his head. "Not much. All I know is that their mother's name was Fujimai and that she died. I presumed their father also passed away, too."
"Well, while we were able to find her husband's body, we never found Fujimai's." Kurenai stated. "We have no clue as to what experiment was being conducted that went awry, but if that wasn't the cause of Fujimai's disappearance... Then someone may have gotten there before us."
"What do you mean by that?" Luke questioned.
"Around that time, several Youkai disappeared and were never seen again." Kurenai elaborated. "It's possible that, whether alive or dead, Fujimai was among them."
Luke turned extremely pale at what Kurenai was implying. "Are you saying someone has been either killing or kidnapping Youkai for some sick and twisted reason? And you think Fujimai might've been one of them?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying." Kurenai grimly confirmed.
Luke was quiet for a moment until he suddenly realized something. "You... don't seem that upset about the death of Fujimai's husband."
"That's because he never loved her or their children." Kurenai spoke as if she was trying to hold back a long-forgotten hatred.
The galaxies in Luke's eyes trembled with rage, causing Kurenai to become unnerved at the amount of aura she could feel from the Kaelian.
By the Gods... is this the power of a Kaelian? Kurenai asked herself.
Luke shortly managed to calm himself down. "... Then good riddance to him." He looked directly into Kurenai's eyes. "Kurenai-san, I promise you that I will love Kuroka, Koneko, and our children with all my heart!"
Kurenai felt a smile slowly make its way onto her face. "Thank you, Luke-kun. However, why do you call Shirone 'Koneko'? Who on earth was dumb enough to name her 'little kitten'?"
Luke swiftly looked away while sweating bullets. I need to tell Rias to drop the alias she gave to Shirone.
Once Luke explained to Kurenai that Rias only named her that because she didn't know her actual name, the Nekomata Leader opened the door to reveal an awaiting Tsunade.
"I take it you're finished with the boy?" Tsunade asked.
"I am. He's all yours now, Tsunade-san." Kurenai answered as she left the room.
Tsunade slid into the room before closing the door behind her. Luke merely stood still as Tsunade made her way over to him.
"... I will be blunt, kid. I have this gut feeling that you might be royalty." Tsunade said without hesitation.
"Huh? What gave you that idea?" Luke asked in slight confusion.
"It's the way you hold yourself. During tonight's meeting, you seemed very calm and composed while you spoke and made sure those listening took you seriously. If that is not a sign of royalty, then I don't know what is." Tsunade shrugged before she finally stopped in front of Luke.
Tsunade placed a hand on Luke's cheek, making him blush a little.
Sh-she's so smooth... and a little sticky. Luke thought until his head was suddenly hugged into Tsunade's cleavage, making him let out a muffled scream to which the slug woman laughed.
"Also, you were a little too obvious the moment I came into the room. I mean seriously, kid, I could see you staring at my tits a mile away!" Tsunade released Luke, leaving him all sticky with hearts in his eyes. "Hope you got your fill, kid. And who knows, maybe I'll do that again for ya if you're good to your soon to be lovers." Jiraiya is getting much too old for sex as is. Perhaps I'll give the kid a ring and see if he's interested in a night once Jiraiya-koi admits to me that he can't 'hop' like he used to. Tsunade made her leave and opened the door. "Kid's all yours, Yasaka! Hahahaha!"
"Thank you, Tsunade-dono." Yasaka politely stood up and walked into the room before closing the door behind her the moment Tsunade left.
When Yasaka turned to face Luke, she was taken by surprise when saw his current state. She blinked a couple of times before she smiled in amusement.
"Tsunade-dono teased you, didn't she?" Yasaka guessed.
"Mm... mm-hm..." Luke nodded.
Yasaka merely chuckled before she pulled out a cloth from her cleavage and helped clean the sticky slime off of Luke's body. "It seems you are quite the ladies' man, even if you admit you're not, Luke-dono. Also, Jiraiya-dono won't be mad if his wife has taken an interest in you. He always says, 'it's what I get for being a perverted old toad'. Honestly, he can be so shameless at times."
The moment Yasaka finished cleaning up Luke, the door opened again to reveal Kunou.
"Hahaue? Is the meeting over?" Kunou asked as she looked into the room and spotted Luke and Yasaka together.
"Perfect timing, Kunou-chan!" Yasaka smiled. "I actually wanted to talk to both you and Luke-dono about something."
Kunou noticed the way Yasaka referred to Luke with the honorific '-dono' but said nothing against it.
If what Melody-san said was true, I won't mind if Hahaue decides to be affectionate with my mate. She suddenly blushed like crazy upon realizing what she had just thought. Wha-what the heck am I thinking?! Kunou shook her head before speaking up again. "Hahaue, what did you want to speak with me and Luke-kun about?"
"I couldn't help but notice that you both seem awfully fond of each other despite having only met a couple of days ago." Yasaka voiced her observations.
Luke and Kunou's eyes bulged as their faces flushed furiously.
"Wha-what on earth are you talking about, Hahaue?! I-I didn't ki-ki-kiss Luke-kun after he promised to prote-tect me and you forever, no-no way no how!" Kunou stuttered, not noticing she blurted out what she and Luke had done the other night.
Yasaka smirked slyly. "So, that's what happened."
Luke merely facepalmed while Kunou's face turned bright red from embarrassment.
Yasaka giggled softly and patted her daughter's head, the sly smile never leaving her face. "I'm sorry, Kunou-chan, but your Hahaue had to know so she could ask if you wished to marry Luke-dono."
"B-but Kunou-hime and I only met a few days ago!" Luke began blushing as much as Kunou.
Yasaka looked at Luke in confusion. "Luke-dono, supernatural beings fall in love much faster than humans. Didn't you know that?"
Luke deadpanned at Yasaka. "That is beside the point. I don't want to rush-"
"I-I don't mind." Kunou interrupted Luke with a small stutter.
"H... huh?" Luke looked at Kunou in surprise. "K-Kunou-chan, are-are you sure? Marriage is a big deal."
Kunou shook her head before looking at Luke with a glare of stubbornness and conviction. "Luke-kun, you became my mate the moment you declared you would forever protect me and Hahaue. I'm more than certain that the man I wish to marry is you."
Luke felt his heart practically leap out of his chest and he grasped Kunou's hand into his own. "Kunou-chan, I want to marry you, too!"
You know, Yasaka is right about supernatural beings falling in love faster than humans, so it's no surprise this is happening. Opheria said within Luke's mind.
Zip it, you lewd dragon. I'm having a wonderful moment here! Luke thought.
You're the one who made me this way, sweetie. Opheria purred. Besides, I know you loved those fairy tale movies growing up and now you're practically living one.
Kunou looked extremely happy upon hearing Luke accept their marriage.
Yasaka clapped her hands together with a bright smile. "I'm glad to hear that you're both in agreement! Oh, I just cannot wait for the wedding day!" Now I just need to see if I can slip in on this marriage as well. Luke-dono obviously seems to like me since he was practically drooling over my body when we woke up together this morning. "Kunou-chan, start packing up your things. As Luke-dono's fiancée, it's only right that you live together. I would ask Luke-dono to remain here, but I'm sure he has much unfinished business elsewhere."
"Well, not really. But I would rather not keep Rias, Akeno, Fumiko, and Koneko waiting for me any longer than I already have." Luke responded truthfully. "Plus, I promised Mikoto, Yumi, and Taniuchi that they would see me tomorrow morning!"
"As always, Luke-dono, you're such a sweet boy." Yasaka claimed.
"I'll go pack up right now!" Kunou stood up proudly and rushed out of the room.
Luke and Yasaka chuckled a bit before the Kitsune Queen made her way over to the Kaelian and hugged him from behind.
"Thank you for accepting Kunou-chan's feelings, Luke-dono." Yasaka expressed her gratitude. "You have no idea how happy you've obviously made my daughter."
"Well, making women happy is one of my dreams." Luke admitted.
"Oh, is that right?" Yasaka gained a demure smile and spoke in a small husky tone as she ran a finger down Luke's back, causing him to stiffen and shiver in pleasure. "You know, I've been raising my daughter alone since she was a cub."
"You're joking. You have to be. What kind of dumbass would run away from such a perfect wife and daughter?" Luke questioned in disbelief, only for him to let out a cute squeak when Yasaka's arms moved under his shirt.
"That dumbass isn't who we're talking about right now." Yasaka purred softly into Luke's ear. "You have looked at me very differently from other men I've met. You still have a bit of lust, but that's not the only thing you look at me with, is there?"
Yasaka playfully bit Luke's ear while he was speechless for a moment before he sighed shakily.
"You're... you're like a work of art, Yasaka." Luke spoke with complete honesty. "A Kitsune blessed by the Shinto Goddess of Love, Benten, with unrivaled beauty and compassion. Hell, Tamamo no Mae has got nothing on you, a goddess in mortal flesh."
Yasaka grinned discreetly. Hah! Hear that you bloodthirsty bitch?! You've got nothing on me!
"Plus, you're clearly a very loving mother considering Kunou-chan's affection for you. I'm very attracted to loving women."
Yasaka hummed softly as she licked her lips. "Mmmm, I'm very happy that you see me in such a... positive light, Luke-dono. Hmmmm, but a 'goddess in mortal flesh'? I don't think my beauty could ever rival that of Amaterasu-sama."
"Yeah, you're right. You surpass Lady Amaterasu in more than just beauty. Your kindness. Your love. Your strength. You're like a blonde Yamato Nadeshiko."
Yasaka finally leaned forward, pressing her overly soft breasts against Luke's back.
"Please be honest with me, Luke-dono. Would you marry me alongside Kunou-chan if you had the choice?" Yasaka breathed huskily into his ear.
Luke felt his heart jump again and looked straight up into Yasaka's eyes. "Yes."
Luke and Yasaka looked at each other longingly before the golden kitsune pulled the young Kaelian into a passion-filled kiss, which held nothing but love and lust for him and him alone and he was quick but certain in reciprocating the kiss with just as much love. Yasaka swiftly guided Luke's hands to her massive breasts, which he was all too happy to grope and massage roughly, making the Kitsune moan and hum into his mouth.
Luke-dono is being so rough with my breasts. That spineless coward never did anything like this and I FUCKING LOVE IT! Yasaka yelled lowly to herself. "I know you want to make women happy, but don't forget about your own happiness... Luke-kun."
"I know, Yasaka, I know. And as much as I'd love to pin you down and have my sinful way with you, I want to take things slow for the time being as we only just officially met this morning." Luke said with love and honesty.
"I understand. I'm just happy you agreed to marry me and my daughter." Yasaka smiled warmly and motherly at Luke.
Kunou returned to the room, only for her jaw to drop to see Luke groping Yasaka's breasts. She fixed her jaw before sighing heavily.
"I should've seen this coming." Kunou grumbled loudly. "Luke-kun looked positively enamored by the portrait of Hahaue he saw two nights ago."
"Be sure to take care of our fiancé while I take care of business here in Kyoto, Kunou-chan." Yasaka giggled like a happy schoolgirl.
"I will." Kunou promised.
After Luke and Yasaka had themselves another make out and grope session, he, Mythra, and Kunou left the castle to see Mitsumi, Chizue and Xuanzang waiting for the young Kaelian just before the gates.
"Don't forget about us, Luke-kun!" Mitsumi called out to him.
"I didn't, Mitsumi." Luke chuckled.
"It's unladylike to be so impatient, Mitsumi-dono." Kunou said.
"Well, I thought you were going to leave before I got to talk to Luke-kun one more time." Mitsumi cutely pouted.
"Considering Luke-kun was too busy sucking face with Hahaue, I almost thought we wouldn't leave until tomorrow morning." Kunou turned to Luke with side eyes, causing him to blush and grin sheepishly.
"It must be nice, being engaged to the Kitsune Queen and princess..." Mitsumi spoke with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Luke and Kunou blinked in surprise.
"... Did you eavesdrop on me, Hahaue, and Luke-kun?" Kunou questioned.
Luke walked up to Mitsumi with a worry all over his face. "Mitsumi? What's wrong? You're never usually down in the dumps like this. You're always full of excitement and smiles."
Luke gently hugged Mitsumi and she hugged him back before letting her actions speak by kissing him straight on the lips.
Xuanzang whistled with a smirk. "Well, that's one way to confess your feelings."
Chizue's mouth was agape as her body trembled a little bit. I was going to be a little patient since Luke-kun showed me how strong he was against Orion and Cao Cao, but I've changed my mind completely after seeing this!
Luke knew he had to answer, so he kissed Mitsumi back. Mitsumi was caught off guard when Luke reciprocated her sudden kiss, causing her eyes to moisten as she added more power to the kiss.
Looks like I've got another new harem sister. Mythra thought with a grin.
Once Luke and Mitsumi parted from each other's lips, the Northern District Leader looked at the Kaelian with pleading eyes.
"Luke-kun, I fell in love with you the moment you saved me from that crazy Magician's clutches. Please don't forget about me since you're engaged to Kunou-chan and Yasaka-chan." Mitsumi said as her nine tails wagged anxiously.
"I could never forget you, Mitsumi-hime." Luke replied lovingly.
Mitsumi let out a cute yip before hugging Luke tighter and burying her face into his chest. Yay! Luke-kun loves me!
"You've really become quite the Casanova, Lukie." Mythra smirked with her eyes closed.
Luke blushed shyly at Mythra's words until Chizue separated him and Mitsumi.
"Alright, that's enough, you two." Chizue turned to Luke and picked him up by his waist with two hands. "Now then, I believe it's my turn."
Chizue gently pressed her lips onto Luke's own and after a few seconds, she backed her lips away for a moment. "... Hoshiguma told me what 'Mommy' meant."
Luke felt his face redden into an apple while Mythra and Xuanzang burst out into laughter.
"It amazes me it took you this long to figure out what Luke meant by that." Mitsumi spoke through her giggles.
Xuanzang stepped towards Luke and Chizue once she recovered from her laughter.
"Umm... y-you're not gonna kiss me, too, are you?" Luke asked.
Xuanzang merely chuckled. "Nope! But you're a lucky guy regardless! I was actually going to ask if you knew where Rasen-tan lived. I've always wanted to get to know him personally after hearing how Izanagi-tan would brag about him being 'the boy who would pray at every Shinto Shrine he could', so I want to stick around him for a while."
Luke blinked a couple of times before he smirked. Spiral, you dog! "Well, Spiral actually lives at Ise-kun's place. The Red Dragon Emperor, in case you forgot."
"Thanks a lot, Sapphire Dragon-dono." Xuanzamg tipped her hat to Luke. "If it's not too much to ask, I would like to join you on the train since we're both heading to Kuoh Town."
"Of course." Luke accepted her request. "I'm sure Serafall wouldn't mind if you tagged along, especially since you're part of the Alliance now."
"Once again, you have my thanks, Sapphire Dragon-dono." Xuanzang repeated.
"It's no problem, really. And just call me 'Luke'. I prefer my name over my title to be honest."
Xuanzang suddenly narrowed her eyes toward a nearby hedge where she felt a non-malicious aura. "Come on out! I can feel your presence!"
Luke, Mythra, Mitsumi, and Chizue immediately looked towards the hedge as well, only for the leaders' eyes to widen when a red cat's tail popped out of it.
"Akane-hime?!" Both Chizue and Mitsumi exclaimed in shock.
"Uh... m-meow?" Akane tried to sound like an actual cat. To be fair, it was a good impression.
"You're not fooling anyone, Akane-hime." Chizue spoke dryly.
"Just... get out here and tell us why you aren't with Kurenai-san." Mitsumi grumbled in slight annoyance.
Popping out of the hedge was the young red-haired Nekomata. "I... I never got to say goodbye to the Red Dragon Emperor..."
Chizue and Mitsumi blinked a couple of times before they felt like teasing the young woman for obvious reasons.
"Oh? Have you begun to fancy the Red Dragon Emperor?" Chizue asked.
"That's rather surprising, Akane-hime, considering you've only known about him for two whole days." Mitsumi chimed in.
"Well..." Akane looked down with slightly glazed eyes. "I could feel the scars on the Red Dragon Emperor's soul... He only has a hundred years left... I... I thought as thanks, that I should heal him with my Senjutsu."
Those caused Luke's skin to turn deathly pale. A-a hundred years? ... That's normally how long humans should live, not Devils.
Issei had accidentally used Juggernaut Drive in rage and he had to sacrifice his severed leg to Ddraig. Opheria regrettably told him within his mind. I'm sorry, sweetie, but one's life force being drained can have serious consequences. In fact... you only have ninety years left after you unlocked your Balance Breaker, used the Juggernaut Drive before you went into madness, and freed me from the Art Creation Gear.
Yikes, that much? I mean, Ise-kun and I have it lucky that we have friends who know Senjutsu, but it still hits pretty hard... Luke thought.
Indeed, that's why I think you should make love to your girlfriends sooner than later. And you know what they say, 'time flies when you're having fun'. Opheria recommended with hope in her voice.
Luke said nothing more to Opheria's words, but he did promise himself to have a chat with all of his girlfriends about his life force again soon.
"From the sound of things, Akane-hime, not only do you wish to help with the Red Dragon Emperor's new leg, but you also seem to wish to spend the rest of your life with him. Is that correct?" Xuanzang asked the Nekomata with a soft expression.
"... Is that... purring?" Luke asked upon hearing a strange but familiar sound.
Akane blushed profusely and covered her mouth, trying to stop her body from betraying her any further. However, the damage had already been done as Chizue, Mitsumi and Xuanzang grinned like children wanting to tease their classmate.
"Alright, enough teasing the poor lady." Luke said as he headed off. "We've got a train to catch."
Mythra, Xuanzang, and Kunou nodded as they followed after Luke, while Akane bowed lightly to Chizue and Mitsumi.
"Tell my Kaa-san I'm sorry, but... I must do this." Akane said before she ran off to catch up with the others.
Chizue sighed heavily before she proceeded to leave. "I'll go tell Kurenai-san about her daughter's sudden absence."
"I'll also inform Yasaka-san about this." Mitsumi headed back into Yasaka's castle, not seeing the sudden shadow that zipped past her.
After getting on Serafall's private train and setting off, Luke yawned as his eyes got heavy.
"Yep, that sleepless night I had yesterday's finally taking its toll." Luke groaned.
Xuanzang and Akane smiled softly at Luke until Mythra and Kunou sat on either side of him and cuddled against him.
"Then go ahead, Lukie. Get as much sleep as you need." Mythra said.
"We'll both be here to wake you once we arrive at Kuoh Town." Kunou added.
Luke smiled in gratitude before he finally went to sleep.
Meanwhile in another train car, a certain black-haired swordswoman watched as Luke finally fell asleep.
"Well, at least I won't have to risk him sensing me now." The woman said before she looked at her blade, which seemed to be trembling in excitement and reflecting the face of Yoshitsune. "I know, Raijinto, you really want a rematch with your brother. But... I need to meet with the Red Dragon Emperor first, just so I know I'll be safe from the Khaos Brigade and the Hero Faction with him."
A/N: I told you this chapter would be shorter.
Originally, my co-writer Sacred wanted a lot more characters in the meeting scene, but I thought it was too much so we ended up restarting most of the chapter. Sacred is also the one responsible for creating this version of Tsunade as he really wanted this character to be a thing once I introduced Jiraiya in the last chapter.
So, Luke is now engaged to both Kunou and Yasaka. We were planning to have his engagement occur a bit later in the story with merely a suggestion for marriage in this chapter, but my co-writer said that we shouldn't beat around the bush with the first engagement. Plus, I think we know how quick the women in DxD are to fall in love, which is why I brought up the idea that supernatural beings fall in love at a different rate than humans despite emotional similarities.
Speaking of progressing relationships, we aren't far off from when Luke and Issei will finally lose their virginities, but it will still take some time to get there as there's a story I want to tell before I get there. However, there may be a lemon within the next few chapters. And not a dream sequence or fantasy, but an actual lemon.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed! Happy Holidays and stay tuned for next time!
Luke Harem: Rias Gremory, Pyra/Mythra, Karlel, Daphiel, Annabelle Wright, Akeno Himejima, Fumiko Kazuya, Rossweisse, Koneko Toujo, Kuroka, Melody Morag, Setsuna Kazama, Kayoko Kita, Xenovia Quarta, Emery Belmont, Roygun Belphegor, Belinda Green, Morgana Merlina Evergarden, Katherine Petrova, Ayin Kaos Lucifer, Serafall Leviathan, Freyja, Mitsumi Iori, Sora Mikazuchi, Kunou, Yasaka
Issei Harem: Misaki Shirayuki, Asia Argento, Kaguchi, Hikaru Ueda, Akira Kazuya, Kiyome Abe, Seekvaira Agares, Azusa Hirano, Ruby Evergarden, Seiryuu Hirano, Grencin Korin, Thor (Female), Loki (Female), Kirika Yoshioka, Sorashi White, Selene Blue, Gloria Yellow, Kurenai Shinku, Akane Shinku, Fuyumi Shirayuki, Hoshiguma
Rias Gremory Peerage: Rias Gremory (King), Akeno Himejima (Queen), Yuuto Kiba (Knight), Xenovia Quarta (Knight), Koneko Toujo (Rook), Rossweisse (Rook), Fumiko Kazuya (Bishop), Gasper Vladi (Bishop), Luke Sigmund (8 Pawns)
Seth Sigmund Peerage: Seth Sigmund (King), Annabelle Wright (Queen), Setsuna Kazama (Knight), Primoir Talraxen (Knight), Alastair Wright (Rook), Emery Belmont (Rook), Hana Sakuya (2 Bishops), Grencin Korin (8 Pawns)
Melody Morag Peerage: Melody Morag (King), Misaki Shirayuki (Queen), Katherine Petrova (Knight), Spiral/Rasen Hirano (Knight), Akira Kazuya (Rook), Azusa Hirano (Rook), Asia Argento (Bishop), Hikaru Ueda (Bishop), Issei Hyoudou (8 Pawns)