Chapter 1.5 - Toujou Koneko definitely does not dream of Sensei

Toujou Koneko POV –

'I'm so tired.'

As I teleported back to the ORC room, all I wanted was to consume some sugary treats to reward myself for tolerating that perverted cosplay photographer, and then maybe hit the gym or something. Maybe I could even drag the others down there for once.

Unlikely, was what I thought of my chances. 'They must have gone to bed by now.'

They hadn't.

Instead, what greeted me as I opened my eyes, was the presence of all of the peerage members, apparently waiting for me.

Well, everyone except Gasper, but that goes without saying.

Sitting by her desk was big sis Rias…

Not that I'd call her that to her face since it'd probably cause her to get a big head and become a Hug Monster or something…

Her elbows were propped up on the desk, and her fingers were steepled together, as she rested her chin on her hands. She was also wearing glasses for some reason.

A million yen says it's an anime pose, is what I would have liked to say, but everyone present knew not to take a sucker's bet, and Buchou would probably sulk because I destroyed the mood or something.

So I did the most reasonable thing in such a situation, and quietly walked to a corner sofa and took a seat. Big sis Akeno quietly placed a tray of Manju by the side table and I gratefully gave her a nod of thanks. Smiling placidly, she walked away and took her place by Rias Buchou's side.

Something is wrong with her as well, I realized as I saw her gait.

My nose involuntarily twitched, and–

"Hentai Akeno-senpai," I ended up mumbling quietly as my cheeks felt hot, but it seemed not quiet enough… since her face flushed red while she just gave me a wide smile.

Yuumi just pretended that she was reading a book and that she hadn't heard anything, and Rias-nee, well…

*Ku-hum.*

"Now that we're all here, we can get started on a meeting of incredible importance. Due to certain events that took place earlier today, with the help of Akeno, I have confirmed the presence of two sacred gear users in Kuoh."

Okay, so the debriefing scenario continues…

Rias-nee's excitement was sort of understandable, since, unlike Sona-Kaichou, she never got to induct anyone into her peerage the proper way.

Still, Yuumi and I looked at each other, noticing the interest in each other's eyes, as well as the concern. After all, one or both of these people could be a new member of the peerage, and hence it was important to figure out if they'd fit in well with us.

"Is either of the two users a student of our school?" Yuumi asked, and I perked up as well. If it were so, then we'd quickly have at least a rough idea of their character. Rias-nee…

Why is she fidgeting?

"Um, yes. Actually… both of them are from Kuoh Academy."

"Hmm, how surprising. First there was Saji-kun, and now two more. To think that three free sacred gear users would appear in a single area…"

What Yuumi didn't say, yet we all understood, was the unasked question – Is this the doing of Sirzechs-sama or Serafall-sama?

Rias-nee just shrugged helplessly.

After all, even if they did… they just had to say that they didn't.

"Moving on!" Rias-nee shook her head and declared emphatically. "Akeno, do the honors!"

"Certainly, Buchou."

Suddenly, drum rolls began to sound, like those when announcing a lottery prize. My lips twitched as I saw Rias-nee using her magic for the sound effects as Akeno-nee summoned a board… and then tacked the school photograph of a certain member of the infamous pervert trio of our school. Turning to face us, she introduced the first person.

"First of all, Hyoudou Isane, from class 2-B. Known details are – Only child. Comes from a single-parent household. Lives with her mother. Decently average grades. Unathletic. Her three sizes are, Bust 70–"

"Akeno, the important details only, please…" Rias-nee interrupted while pinching her nose.

"Tch." Akeno pouted, while a single, despairing thought occupied my mind.

Even she's bigger than me.

"Let's see, Sacred gear. Name – unknown. Effects – unknown. Magical potential – unknown. Most importantly though…" She hefted her cow-tits with both hands and declared cheerfully. "She likes girls~"

I felt like adding something she'd forgotten to mention.

"Also a pervert."

"That's even better~" I scowled as she retorted without missing a single beat. "After all, everyone present is such a prude. Nee-san here wants to have some fun~"

I didn't think it was possible before, but just for a moment, I felt bad for Isane.

"Anyways, our peerage might as well be a paradise for Isane-chan. All we need is for Buchou to slip naked into her bed one night, and she's as good as ours~"

"Akeno!"

Akeno-nee just giggled and apologized nonchalantly to an embarrassed Rias-nee, who otherwise didn't seem opposed to Isane's joining.

Just me and Yuumi, then?

"Umm, I don't really mind either way…" I shot a disbelieving look at the traitorous statement by Yuumi, who just smiled sheepishly at me, then added. "But, what is with all the unknown factors? Did you not get to ask her or even observe the gear?"

"Ah, that…" Rias-nee suddenly looked a bit saddened, and angry as well. "She hasn't awakened it yet, I think. As a matter of fact, we've confirmed that she wasn't aware of the supernatural world until today when she was nearly killed."

Oh. It happened again, I thought with a grimace. I looked at the others, and their faces were showing similar, saddened expressions.

She took a deep breath and continued. "That's also the reason why we're gathered here right now. There are currently four two-winged fallen angels in Kuoh. One of them tried to kill Isane-chan. Just because she could be a potential enemy. Besides their unauthorized intrusion in our territory, this is a blatant act of aggression against us."

Akeno-nee scoffed in derision. "Tch. That lying bitch just wanted to kill a human. She herself admitted that Isane-chan felt too weak, and that she might have one of the weaker sacred gears. Who even–"

"Akeno." Rias-nee forcibly stopped Akeno-nee from continuing as she shook her head. "That's not… something for us to talk about."

Oh.

It must've been bad for Rias-nee to have said that. Still, some things didn't add up.

"Fallen, here?" I asked, and Rias-nee nodded. "Akeno finished with the interrogation some time ago. Her name is Raynare. She quite happily admitted to what she did to Isane. There's another thing… but it's something left to the leaders. I'll tell brother about it."

Well, that certainly explains why Akeno-nee's so high-strung.

"What about Isane?" Yuumi continued, looking toward the inner door, as if Isane would pop out any moment.

"Uh… she should be at home right now, I think."

At the odd looks she received, Rias-nee groaned and said. "Ah, damn it! Wait, this will let me explain better! Akeno, present the second suspect!"

Giggling, Akeno-nee complied and stuck another photograph on the board. This one of an older male. A very familiar face was on display… and I think my breath got stuck in my throat.

"-chan… Koneko-chan!"

Ah, huh? When did Rias-nee come this close? And why is everyone looking at me worriedly?

"Are you alright Koneko-chan?" Rias-nee asked hesitantly for some reason.

I nodded. "I'm alright." I frowned, my voice was a bit hoarse for some reason. I coughed a bit, trying to clear my throat, drank from the glass of water I received from Akeno-nee, and then continued.

"Sorry, I was just… lost in thought."

Rias-nee just stared intently at me for some reason. She then pursed her lips and said, "Your feline features are out."

Oh. It was true.

I felt my face burning hot as I realized that my ears were lying flat on my head, my tail was swishing wildly, and that I had clawed quite deeply into the sofa.

I gave a sheepish smile to Rias-nee who smiled back softly at me and pleaded. "If something is troubling you… anything! Please tell me, Koneko-chan."

I looked at her, then at the board, then at her again. A low whine escaped my throat, and I felt my tail going berserk.

"Wanted in my peerage." I finally mumbled after a long while.

"Oh." Rias-nee mumbled, and I felt terrible for some reason.

Then– "Ohh!" I blinked in surprise as she suddenly squealed loudly and pulled me into a tight hug. Pulling back, she pouted a little and asked a series of questions…

"Mou! Why didn't you tell me before?! Wait… was this why you were doing all those contracts, even those that you didn't prefer?"

I felt like digging a hole into the ground and hiding inside, as I looked anywhere but at the smiling faces of the others… and nodded slightly.

Rias-nee huffed and said, "You know that way will take a very long time right, Koneko-chan? You should have told me. I could have gotten you a set of evil pieces by now."

I bit my lips, feeling downcast, and worded my feelings that seemed to be pouring out. "But… but… you wanted to be recognized as being independent. I… I don't want to cause you any trouble."

I flinched slightly as Rias-nee pulled my cheeks a bit forcefully. Her eyes were a little bit reddened as she scolded me. "You foolish little sister! What I want, is for people to see me as Rias. Love me for being Rias. Recognize my achievements as Rias… But I also am the future head of the Gremory family, and along with the duties that will eventually come with it, comes a bit of privilege as well. An evil piece set is nothing at all… so don't ever say again that you're causing me trouble! Do you understand now, you silly little sister?"

I wilted under her intense gaze and nodded slowly.

"Good."

She released my cheeks and added, "What I will never do, however, is use the Gremory family or Brother's name to help you induct someone into your peerage… that is not who Rias Gremory is."

She stood up self-satisfiedly before claps started sounding in the room. Rias-nee flushed red as Akeno-nee whooped and jeered. "Sasuga, Rias-sama! You really channeled your inner shounen protagonist there."

"Akeno! Stop!" Rias-nee shouted as she nearly gave Akeno-nee a full-body tackle in an effort to shut her mouth.

Slurp.

"Don't lick my hand!"

Smiling and shaking her head at their antics, Yuumi faced me and asked me, "I assume that you knew about Sensei's powers then?"

I shrunk into the sofa and nodded guiltily as the trio now stared intensely at me. "Twilight healing… and superhuman strength." I blurted out.

Rias-nee muttered something about things now making sense, and I found out that Sensei had taken down that fallen called Raynare, healed Isane… and took her home as well.

"Huh… How did you even know Sensei personally? He doesn't teach the middle school division if I remember correctly. Unless…" Yuumi tilted her head and smirked, "...everything happened in under a month?"

I groaned as even Yuumi was onto my case, and mumbled. "I go to the gym he owns. Going for two years now."

"Hmm, Sensei does seem the type to take care of himself. Unlike certain other teachers…" Yuumi mumbled, and we all shared a collective shiver as the terrifying image of a former teacher, and current convict, came to mind.

A satisfied Akeno-nee now triumphantly cuddled with a flustered Rias-nee as she asked, "Koneko-chan… have you decided on what piece you'll reincarnate him with?"

"...Queen."

I blushed as gasps rang out, and Akeno-nee tittered. "Ara ara~ Koneko-chan has it down bad for Sensei, doesn't she? Still, there's the matter of his wife, not that we've ever seen her before…"

Then, letting out a fake gasp, Akeno-nee asked. "My~ Koneko-chan, are you going to become a thieving cat?"

I huffed at her terrible pun and asked Rias-nee, "Can we go hunt the fallen angels now?"

Rias-nee's eyes widened and she nodded seriously before Akeno-nee ruined the mood by cooing, "Ooh~ Are we finally going to hunt those filthy things?"

A bit of electricity jumped on her fingers as she moaned exaggeratedly… "Onee-san is getting a little bit excited~"

I groaned in exasperation. "I need an adult."

"Well too bad, Sensei isn't here~" She sing-songed. "You'll just have to make do with your Akeno onee-sama~"

I just tossed a sofa pillow at her in response… and Rias-nee squawked in indignation as it hit her when Akeno-nee pushed her in front instead.

"Well that was underwhelming," I grunted as I threw myself onto my bed. We just came back after making a short work of the fallen angels and exorcist mooks.

I had hoped that a fight would be refreshing after the circumstances of earlier… and yet, it took barely any effort. I let out a huff of annoyance. Sleep definitely wasn't going to come easy tonight.

Slipping into my pajamas, I switched off the lights, lay down, and closed my eyes as I tried to go to sleep for a long time… trying to push aside the various thoughts swirling inside my head… to no avail.

My eyes shot open, and I let out a groan as I sat up. Switching the lights on again, I bit my lips as I hesitantly took out an unlabeled book from my pocket space.

It floated in midair, and I used magic to open it to the bookmarked page and started reading quietly… while both of my traitorous hands snaked down my body.

I suppressed a whimper that almost escaped my throat… only inaudibly moaning out.

'Sensei~'

[Author Note - Since, if I'm not incorrect, FF doesn't allow R-18 content, a certain portion of the chapter is unfortunately not posted here. The readers can read it on the author's p.a.t.r.e.o.n (it's free, don't worry, there's no paywall), or on either of the two sites: q.q. or w.e.b.n.o.v.e.l.]

"Gasp!"

I woke up with a start, my face beet red. I shot a disbelieving look at the book lying at the corner table… then let out the deepest whine of my life as I realized that I had made quite a mess of my clothes and the sheets. Looking at the clock, there was still some time before anyone was up and around normally, and I rushed about… trying to erase the traces from the scene of the crime.

In fact, I was in such a hurry to hide what happened, that for the first time since I owned it, I forgot to put the book back in the pocket space.

I thankfully ended up cleaning after myself without anyone being made aware. Still, the dream would keep haunting me all day. So much so, that I ended up playing truant from Sensei's class for the first time, not having the courage to look at his face… or to talk to him about serious matters.

'Tomorrow. I'll go talk to him tomorrow.'