Welcome to the next chapter!
Anime PJ; He's quite patient, but patience does wear out~ Naberius will try, but wont succeed~
Rider126; Thanks for the vote.
ShadowUzumaki55; He is, but soon he shall have something of a breakthrough with it. Akeno is yeah. That is how Lord Bael is. Yeah, Kuroka and Koneko managed to get away from Naberius long enough. Lets hope he is yeah.
Darkwubs; Yeah, he's got some interesting dynamics with his brothers. Yeah, he'd do that for Magdaran. Ravel would be a good one for sure. She is yeah, she may make an appearance at some point. Yeah, he'll be going to the Grigori pretty soon. Naberius will be surprised. Zekram will yeah. Yeah, he'll be receiving his Evil Pieces very soon. Ingvild will soon for sure. Zante and Vali are roughly equal, and struggle against one another when they fight.
Silver crow; Thanks! Yeah, the sisters have appeared! Akeno does yeah. It would be funny if she did get one yeah. Zante loves his brothers, and wishes to do what he can to take stress off of them, and Magdaran's beginning to see that, while Sairaorg wishes for the same thing. Yeah, Magdaran was surprised when he fought Kuroka. Yeah, Bleach's anime's been great so far. Out of theirs, it would be Giselle's. Her Bankai was pretty awesome to see. Yeah, they probably get some form of power boost it seems. Thanks for the harem suggestions! Yeah, they could be into gaming. Roygun could do yeah. They could be.
Skull Flame; Yeah, it surely is~ Magdaran will learn from this yeah.
TehStorm; Thanks! Yeah, that's how he is~
Guest 1; Here's the next chapter!
Guest 2; Thanks!
Akeno fan; Yeah, Magdaran will learn from this experience. Zante did yeah. Naberius is gonna be shocked. Thanks for the votes.
Guest 3; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 4; Thank you for the peerage suggestions!
Guest 5; Thanks for the harem and peerage suggestions!
Guest 6; Thank you for the peerage suggestions!
With those reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 5
It had been a day since Zante came across Kuroka and Shirone. They were in a more critical condition than he had initially thought. He was curious about what happened to them, but Kuroka hadn't woken up yet.
As for Shirone, she drifted in and out of consciousness, Zante stayed beside them, having made sure they shared a room so when they woke up, they'd not have to wonder where the others sibling is, and he himself stayed in the room, only leaving to check on Magdaran who had returned back to the castle, feeling ashamed.
Ravel came into the room, as the time neared seven in the evening, carrying a cup of coffee.
"Here, Zante-sama."
Zante gave her a thankful smile. "You're too kind Ravel-chan~"
Ravel flushed slightly, shaking her head side to side. "N-No, its fine~"
Zante smiled, his eyes turning towards the two Nekomata's. "Have we found out who put that message about these girls?"
Ravel shakes her head. "Unfortunately, we haven't been able to discern who put the bounty on their heads. Something's about this aren't adding up Zante-sama. Who would want to take these girls? Why was that bounty so vague about them?"
Zante wished he had the answers. "I suspect we'll learn all we need to from these two. Once they wake up. That's if, we're able to convince them that we aren't the enemy, that we can be allies for them. The Devils we fought, don't have a connection either, which if I was trying to hide who I was, would make sense to make sure leads can't be brought back to me."
Ravel thought the same thing, and looked over the pair sleeping away. "Yes, you're right. Whoever did it, what do you intend to do?"
"I'd like to hear their story first, see what's actually happening. While they did attack, or the older one did, I didn't sense evil in their hearts. I didn't see them wanting to hurt people, it was quite understandable since Magdaran was the one that attacked them."
Ravel runs a hand through her hair. "Yes, I sensed they were scared, more than anything. They put on brave faces, but in their hearts, it must've been worrying. Being malnourished to a degree, injuries, both internal and external. Its a wonder they were able to hang on for as long as they were to be honest. But thankfully, they've been taken care of now."
Zante agreed, wishing to know their stories as well.
He couldn't deny it was quite an intriguing situation. But most of all, he wished to see if he could help these girls.
Time passed, and it came close to midnight. Ravel had headed home, Zante stayed in the room to watch over them. If any Devil was after them, then he'd make sure they got their side of the story out there, before doing anything else.
When Shirone began to stir, it had passed midnight.
Zante raises an eyebrow, as she slowly peels her eyes open.
She looks into the ceiling, staring at the white tiles, and rubs her eyes.
"…Onee-sama…?"
"Its okay." Shirone came alert at Zante's voice, sitting straight up, and looked at him with worry. Zante offered a gentle smile. "I know its daunting, but please don't worry. You're safe for now. Look, your Onee-sama is right beside you."
Shirone blinks, and looks to the left.
She saw Kuroka laying on the bed, unconscious.
"Onee-sama…" Shirone's worries were quite evident, as she turned to Zante. "…Is she okay?"
"She's been roughed up a good deal, and had some injuries. But, she's going to be okay with a little rest. I'm surprised she was able to keep going, the same as you. You both have suffered, haven't you?"
Shirone didn't know if she could trust Zante.
Or anyone for that matter.
For so long, it had only been her, and her sibling.
"…Are we in the Underworld?" Shirone finally asked.
Zante nods. "Yes, that's right. You're in the Serafall Memorial Hospital."
"…What of the other Devils? Do they know where we are?" Shirone asked once she confirmed inside of herself that she felt a little more at ease, even if only because her sister was right beside her.
"What other Devils would you be concerned about? The ones that attacked you? They're finished, the hit put out on you has been taken down, I made sure of it." Zante asked.
Shirone clammed up, and didn't say anything else, but felt a pulse in her heart that he made sure they'd not be targeted anymore.
Zante could see that she was uneasy at the question. It was clear to Zante that there was some Devil out there that had caused her worry, or even pain.
Whatever it was, Zante knew deep in his heart she felt afraid, he wished to assure she didn't have to feel scared.
Zante pushed his chair closer to the bed, as Shirone averted her eyes. "Has a Devil been harassing you?"
Shirone looked down at her bedsheets.
She looked to Kuroka, and wished she was awake.
She was always better than her when it came to things like this.
Zante furrowed his brows, and tried another tactic. "Are you going somewhere?"
Shirone blinked. "…What do you mean?"
"Is there a place, you call home?" Zante clarified.
Shirone shakes her head. "…No, not since Onee-sama and I were left on our own, after...our parents died."
Zante's eyes softened, his face became one of understanding. "I see, I'm sorry about that, Shirone-san."
Shirone rapidly blinks. "How do you know my name?"
"Your Onee-sama called out to you, before she fell unconscious, not remember?"
Shirone registered what he said, and thought about it for a few moments.
But then she did recall it, and nods. "…Yes, that's my name."
"And your Onee-sama? What's her name?"
Shirone looked to Kuroka. "…Are we in trouble?"
"Not at all. Why would you be?"
"…Then why do the Devils want us to die?"
Zante compassionately spoke to her. "That's what I'm trying to find out, Shirone-san. I don't know who put the hit out on you, but I'd like to help, if I can help it. But I also understand, you'll probably not trust me. The Devils haven't been the friendliest to you, have they?"
Shirone shakes her head, a few tears linger in her eyes.
Zante could feel it deep in his heart, the pain and anguish she was feeling.
"I know it doesn't bring much comfort right now, but you are safe here. I'll make sure of it. Magdaran, my sibling, didn't have the right to attack you, I apologize on his behalf."
Shirone was bewildered.
She sensed no falsehoods in his voice.
Unless he was a truly convincing actor, then she thought that maybe she could believe it.
That's when a wave of tiredness came over her. "…I'm sleepy."
"Then rest, and we can continue in the morning. Don't worry, I'll be here all night so you don't have to worry about anyone trying anything. They'd have to get through me first~" Zante hoped his playful voice would ease her heart.
It seemed to work, at least a little, as Shirone looked him dead in the eye. "…Are you important?"
"Well, to Devils, I probably am considered important in some way. I've got some pull around here. My friend is the girl who's name is used for the hospital. Serafall-sama is a Maou, you see."
"…You're friends with a Maou?" Shirone asked with surprise.
Zante nods his head. "Yeah, that's right, she's a very good friend of mine. Anyway, get some rest, and we can continue in the morning. Good night, Shirone-san."
She didn't have any evidence for it right now, but she did feel a little safe.
Even if she didn't, she didn't have much energy to move.
She was glad that her wounds had been taken care of however.
Her eyes begin to close, and her mouth parts ever so slightly, as she drifts off to sleep.
Zante smiles softly, wondering more about their past.
Meanwhile, Naberius was livid, with the two Nekomata's in the hospital, he wasn't sure how he'd ever be able to get to them.
He contemplated going directly, and claiming they had been on his land.
But he didn't know how much good that would do.
Then his thoughts went onto Zante.
"…That Bael, he's too connected. If I came at him directly, I'd be finished off immediately. The Maou's, the Great Satan Faction. Its difficult trying to get one over him. And he's very powerful, I don't think I'd be able to take him in a fight."
Naberius ran through different scenarios, hoping that he'd be able to get something in his corner to fight against Zante.
But he didn't know what, and he knew of the reputation Zante had garnered over his time alive.
He was strong, and Naberius didn't know exactly how to approach this situation.
The next morning, Shirone woke up, and saw Zante stood together with Ravel.
She looked between them, her eyes shifting to Ravel, and subtly focused in on her for a few moments.
But then she looked to Zante, and felt her body shivering a little. "…I need the bathroom."
"O-Oh, I'll take you~" Ravel gleamed.
But Shirone shook her head, and points to Zante. "Him, he can take me."
Ravel blinked. "Not me?"
"…I know him a little more than you, no offence."
Ravel didn't see a problem with that, Zante stepped forward, and offered her a hand.
She took it, and hopped off the bed, so Zante walked to the door.
"Please, right this way~"
Shirone nods. "Thank you."
Ravel watched them walk out of the room.
She was glad at least Shirone didn't try anything crazy such as attacking them.
It seemed to be going smoothly for them for the most part.
While Shirone went to the bathroom, with Zante showing her where it was, Ravel stayed in the room with Kuroka. She still slept, so Ravel went onto her phone, and was casually reading through different news that she could find.
As she did, Kuroka's eyes began to drift open.
She didn't make a noise at first, she simply stared at the ceiling, as if she was contemplating what was going on.
She searched her mind and remembered what had happened.
She had fallen unconscious, after she fought against Zante, and now, she was alone.
She used her Senjutsu subtly, and couldn't sense Shirone close to her.
But she did feel Ravel.
"A Devil..." Her eyes subtly shift to the unsuspecting Ravel, looking at her with half lidded eyes, and made sure she was alone.
She glanced, and saw a small cutting knife on the side. It seemed to have been used to cut into some apples. It wasn't that sharp, but Kuroka was desperate right now, and with her not being able to find Shirone since she felt as if she was still in a half daze.
All she knew right now was to get Shirone, wherever she was.
So she quickly shot up out of the bed.
"Aah!" Ravel cried, not expecting it.
"Haaaah!" Kuroka pounced.
Ravel screamed "Aaaaaaaaaah!" as Kuroka pinned her down to the ground, and grabbed the knife from the table close by.
She pressed it against Ravel's chest, Ravel's eyes widened considerably, as Kuroka looked at her menacingly.
"P-Please calm down! Kuroka-sama! Please!"
"How do you know my name you creep!?"
Ravel took offence to being called a creep. "E-Excuse me?!"
"You heard what I said creep! Now where is Shirone!? This blade is filled with Senjutsu, it will reach your body and destroy it from the inside out!" Kuroka flared her ki, and surrounded the blade with it.
Ravel shuddered, trying to move.
But Kuroka was strong. Even in a weakened state, she was rather strong.
"Please, calm down! You don't have to do this!"
Kuroka's eyes looked like suns, and she looked ready to burn anyone that got in her way for her sister.
Wanting to protect Shirone, it was all Kuroka cared for right now.
And no one would get in her way.
Not even Ravel.
So she wanted to be as menacing as she could be to Ravel, bending down and got within a breath away from Ravel. Ravel herself looked into Kuroka's eyes, seeing Kuroka looking as if she was ready to plunge the knife into her heart.
"If you don't tell me where Shirone is, I'll kill you." With a low voice, and a demonic edge to it, Kuroka threatened Ravel.
Ravel's eyes widened so wide that Kuroka was shocked they could get that big.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Ravel's screams echoed throughout the entire hospital, they were that loud.
Kuroka's face fell, her body shaking as she saw Ravel shaking like a leaf.
"Shit…" Kuroka grimaced, feeling she might've taken it a little too far.
Near the bathroom, Shirone had just come out, and Zante was walking with her back to her room. She stayed silent, and he simply gave her gentle smiles.
But then they heard "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" coming from the Nekomata girls room.
It sounded like Ravel, so Zante sprung into action, and took Shirone with him at hyper speed.
Getting to the room, Kuroka hovered above Ravel, who was shaking rapidly.
"N-No, Devil-chan. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel this scared nyaaa. I just wanted to find my Shirone. So, please don't cry, you're too adorable to cry Devil-chan~"
Ravel looked up at Kuroka with fear, her eyes going to the knife Kuroka was brandishing.
Kuroka grimaced, shifting side to side. "No, Devil-chan. You misunderstood."
"You said you'd kill me! How did I misunderstand that!?"
"Yeah, but I wouldn't actually kill you nyaaa~"
Zante looked to Shirone, who in turn looked tired.
Shirone sighed deeply. "…Onee-sama, why did you make her scream?"
Kuroka stiffened, turning to see Shirone stood there together with Zante.
Feeling concern coming over her, Kuroka imbued the knife she had with Senjutsu, throwing it to the ground as she summoned her Senjutsu and Youjutsu around her, causing it to swirl and create a destructive force.
She launched it at Zante, who in turn rapidly fired off his Power of Destruction in small bullets, colliding with Kuroka's own, while Shirone gave an exasperated sigh, seeing the hospital room shaking around, things came flying off the wall, the beds were rattling around, it was a mass of damage.
But Zante managed to use his power to make sure nothing got destroyed, knowing how upset Serafall would be.
Kuroka was stunned as she saw her attacks being erased,
"Onee-sama, stop please."
"He's the enemy Shirone!" Kuroka yelled, worried when she saw her balls being destroyed.
So she tried another tactic.
She grabbed a few things around the room, imbued them with Senjutsu, and launches them towards Zante. As she did, she moved her hand through the air, and Zante saw that a mist was beginning to come off of Kuroka.
It looked dangerous and menacing, Zante could see that it was some kind of poison.
Zante let out a small breath, as he allowed his Power of Destruction to circulate his form, breaking down the objects all around his body, as well as sending it out. Finely controlling his Power of Destruction, he used it to break down the poisonous mist.
Even Kuroka was bewildered he could break down her poison with his power.
"How are you doing that nyaaa?"
"My Power of Destruction, can disintegrate anything it touches. Even your mist. While it is more difficult to eliminate such a thing, and takes a good deal of concentration, it is doable if I concentrate my power to target the mist before it reaches me."
Kuroka was equally impressed and annoyed. "So, you can stop my mist. Good for you nyaaa."
"…Onee-sama, don't be rude." Shirone told her.
Kuroka blinked, turning her eyes to her little sister. "But Shirone, its them!"
"…Onee-sama, I don't know if we can trust them yet, but I do know so far, they've been kind to us. He even took us back here to be healed, and I've had some nice food. Aren't you hungry also Onee-sama?"
Kuroka went to answer, when she felt her stomach rumbling.
Her eyes turned embarrassed, and she held a hand to her stomach, giving off a small nod of her head. "Yeah, I'm getting hungry nyaaa~"
Zante sweat dropped, and yet found her amusing at the same time.
He saw Ravel still on the floor, so he helped her up, she was shaking. "Ravel-chan, are you okay?"
Ravel nods slowly, moving around jittery. "Y-Yes, I just had a shock. I'm, I'm okay."
Zante nods, and looks to Kuroka.
Kuroka looked to Zante, who moved closer. "Hungry?"
Kuroka nods. "Yes…but no poison in the food nyaaa!"
Zante wasn't surprised she was suspicious. "I'll let you check it out as its being made, so you don't have to worry about that."
Kuroka nods. "G-Good…yeah, good nyaaa."
Zante glanced at Ravel, and murmured "Its okay Ravel-chan, I can take it from here." seeing that the situation with Kuroka had shaken her a little.
Ravel nods, and begins moving out of the room, leaving the three behind.
Later on, Kuroka was busy shoveling food down her throat that had been laid out before her, requiring two tables to hold it all, slurping her soup.
Shirone looked on incredulous at how fast her sister could eat all of that food, even she couldn't eat that fast, while Zante gives an awkward chuckle. "Wow, you were hungry huh."
Kuroka happily takes her food. "Yup, this isn't that bad~ You Devils have a good way of making food, don't ya~?"
Zante gives amused eyes. "I suppose that we do. I'm glad that you're enjoying it."
"Yeah, compliments to the chef~" Kuroka grinned eagerly.
Zante was glad she was beginning to relax a little more. So he spoke up swiftly. "So, if you're feeling a little better, do you mind if I ask you some questions?"
Kuroka suddenly stiffened, and she looked down. "…What do you want to know nyaa?"
"Well, it was brought to my attention that some Devils had been after you. But, I don't know why that was. I looked into who put the hit out on you, but it came to a dead end, and it was posted by someone who was asked to do it anonymously."
Kuroka sighed. "…What's your name again?"
"Zante Bael." Zante said sweetly.
Kuroka nods, glancing at Shirone. "How long do we have to stay in here?"
"A few days. You both had been through the ringer, its best if you let your bodies recuperate."
Kuroka let out a deep sigh. "I think we'll be fine." Kuroka tried to move, but felt a small pain run through her abdomen.
Zante inhales. "That's one of the symptoms you've got, you need to have some rest. Don't worry, you can stay here for as long as you need to. You're safe here."
"No offence, but you're a Devil. I don't exactly trust Devils nyaaa."
Zante could understand that. "Because you've had a bad time with them, right?"
"I have yeah." Kuroka responded. "I'm sure you're lovely, but I'm going to be protecting Shirone, she's important to me, and I want to protect her."
Zante nods. "I understand. I just wish to know, so I know what's going on. There was a hit put out on you, you know?"
Kuroka widened her eyes. "He actually put a hit out on us…"
Zante raised an eyebrow. "He?"
Kuroka turned her face, unsure if she could trust him. "I-It's nothing nyaaa. If you don't mind, I'm a little tired now nyaa. Can we have some privacy?"
Zante knew for the moment, Kuroka's trust wasn't existent, and he couldn't blame her in the slightest.
So he nods his head and stands up. "Of course, there's a few guards outside."
"Keeping us prisoner?" Kuroka fired.
Zante shakes his head. "Keeping others out. I trust these guards, so you'll be safe. If you need anything, please let them know. I also have some duties to attend to, so if you need me, let the guard know, and they'll let me know."
Kuroka grumbles "Alright." and nods a single time.
Shirone looks at Zante, and saw a sincerity in his eyes that she hadn't witnessed before, besides from her sister.
So she began speaking instead. "…Thank you, Zante-sama."
Zante waved his hand. "No need for the sama~"
Zante smiled kindly, and walked out of the room.
Kuroka laid flat on her back, while Shirone looked towards her.
"I can see you looking at me."
"Because I am." Shirone deadpanned, Kuroka sweat dropped. "He was only trying to be nice."
"…Can we trust him? I don't know Shirone…I don't know nyaaa."
Kuroka turned her eyes from Shirone and looked off at the wall.
Her mind went back to Naberius and what he would be doing right now.
A day had passed, and still, after visiting Kuroka and Shirone, both were being tight lipped about what they had gone through. Zante wasn't surprised, he felt it deep within his heart that they had been through more than enough for anyone, so gaining their trust wouldn't be easy.
He currently was fighting together with Vali, training in a private area. It was something they did at least three to four times a week. If it was Vali's way, it would be seven days a week, and twenty three hours of the day.
Zante didn't mind though, he was happy to have such a good training partner, and he loved studying her Longinus, her power that shined brightly as Zante and Vali fought one another over and over again.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Zante cups his fingers to his hand, and with one hand, he summoned a destructive ball.
The Power of Destruction energy swirled in his hand, and then he unleashed it towards Vali, who flew back and away, as she saw that it chased her down, so she cups her hands and unleashes a violent barrage of demonic power.
Zante smiles, and waves his hand in the air, causing it to begin avoiding the destructive shots of Vali, sailing through the air, it came to the right hand side of Vali, who could see that it was expanding in size.
So she tightened her fist, and exclaimed "As if." and thrust her hand into the demonic sphere, at the same time, she used her Sacred Gear to steal half of the power.
[Divide!]
Adding the power to herself, she clashed violently with the ball, forcing her away as the explosion rippled through the air. She flew back, and swirled in the air, turning down to Zante, and unleashed a barrage of demonic energy shots, trying to take him down with pure power.
"Aaah! So that's your tactic, Vali-san!"
Zante snaps his fingers and Power of Destruction energy swirls around his body. Its power increased, and formed a giant oval wall around him, blocking off the shots. Vali saw her power being destroyed by the shield, she could see it was quite the powerful shield.
So she continued firing, as she came in close. She focused in on one place, so she could weaken that area with her energy, and while she did that, she charged up her energy throughout her fist, making sure she was ready to deliver a powerful attack.
"Haaaah!"
[Divide!]
When Vali got in close, she managed to deliver a soul shattering punch to the barrier Power of Destruction, and used her Sacred Gear to steal half of the power. It weakened enough to break apart, and she continued on.
Her fist reached for Zante's body, who coated his own hand with Power of Destruction, and clashed with Vali, fists flying between them, hitting one another blow for blow. Vali was quite excellent at hand to hand, Zante couldn't deny that.
But he also dealt with Sairaorg on a regular basis, who was an incredible hand to hand fighter, and was always improving, so he himself improved his skills and could go toe to toe with Vali who was impressed.
"You're improving your hand to hand."
"Thank you for the compliment, you've also increased your power since the last time we fought one another. Been gaining strength when I've not been looking?" Zante lightly teased.
Vali smirked. "To defeat you Zante Bael, I have to be on my toes. Speaking of, allow me to ask, you've mentioned siblings before, either have any powers like you?"
"I've got two siblings, one isn't really that much of a fighter, and the other didn't inherit the Power of Destruction, my cousins did inherit it however, and Sirzechs Lucifer is probably currently the best user of Power of Destruction."
Vali wore surprise, avoiding a fist to the face, and revealed her own to Zante, going for his upper body. "Lucifer?"
Zante nods blocking her punch, and then moved his foot into the air, causing it to try and hit her chin.
But she flew back, narrowly avoiding it, but saw a crescent moon shaped Power of Destruction moving towards her.
"Yeah, its just a title. He's currently the Lucifer Maou. Before his name change, he was known as Sirzechs Gremory."
Vali nods slowly, flying into the air, as she released a shot of condensed energy for Zante.
It moved so fast, she poured the stolen power she got from Zante into it.
Zante slammed his hands forward, clashing with the attack, repelling Zante backwards.
He lands on the ground seeing Vali coming in like a bullet, shooting through the air, so Zante slammed his foot down, running his Power of Destruction energy through the ground, and caused rubble to shoot into the air, coated in Power of Destruction.
Vali widened her eyes, seeing how he had turned the ground into projectiles so readily, it was clear he was quite in the Technique category of Rating Games. He also was in the Power, but his technique, she thought was pretty outstanding.
So Vali surprised Zante, as she combatted the power surrounding the rubble, and punched it apart. She felt the Power of Destruction digging into her hands, despite her own aura protecting her. But, she also used her power to steal his power at the same time, Zante kept hearing [Divide!] as if it was on repeat.
Then when she finished, she charged up her energies, growing more in her hand. She was forming a mass of energy from her demonic power. The silver colouring looked beautiful in his eyes, it gave Vali a really distinct look that made him enamoured with her.
Zante saw she was giving a final attack type of move, so he cups his hands. The Power of Destruction swirled wonderfully between his clenched fingertips, and formed a sphere that was twisting and churning.
"Have this!"
"Twisting Destruction!"
Vali and Zante released their attacks at one another, colliding in the middle and creates a huge explosion. The ground and the trees surrounding the colliding powers, was being ripped apart, erased if they touched the Power of Destruction.
It was outstanding, Zante could feel a rush going through him, he loved to fight someone very strong.
Vali herself was having the time of her life, enjoying the feeling of fighting off Zante. This was truly her amazing fight that she always wished for. She knew she could do this forever, and she'd still not be bored at all.
Their attacks continued to clash, and then finally erupted in a large explosion the size of two three story houses stacked up on one another.
Vali and Zante were flung away, skidding across the ground.
Zante flipped in the air, landing on the ground, while flexed her wings, and stayed in the air.
Both panted hard, Zante and Vali looked at one another, before Zante smiled. "Wanna finish for a bit?"
Vali shrugged. "I am getting tired, why not."
With that, the match came to an end.
Zante and Vali came together, sitting down and were sharing different stories about their respective groups, with Zante learning more about a trio called Raynare, Mittelt, and Kalawarner, while a man named Dohnaseek was occasionally brought into the conversation, while Zante brought out some Phoenix Tears, and was fixing both of their wounds they had accumulated during their fight, Vali was thankful.
"So, this Raynare-san runs after Mittelt-san saying "I'm going to mace you!" after she accidentally nearly showed Azazel-san a love letter?" Zante showed an intrigued smile.
"They have a very weird relationship. Kalawarner just thinks its hilarious and Dohnaseek…I don't even want to know what that guys into. He's like Kokabiel, someone I'd not want to ever associate with." Vali noted, Zante snickered. "So, tell me about these Nekomata, strong?"
"Well, yeah I'd say they are. But, well they're not really open, though it makes sense. In fact, they seem to be keeping pretty much to themselves right now. Especially Kuroka-san, she seems to really distrust Devils. I can't be sure, but it looks like they've been on the run for months. I tracked their journey the best I can, and saw various destroyed areas, like battles had been waged on...it must've been hard."
"Seems rough. What do you intend to do?"
Zante got into a thinking pose. "Not sure yet, I do have a few ideas on what we could do. I just have to earn their trust, so I'm gonna keep going back, show them I'm not the enemy. I did some research into them, and I did find out a bit about them, but nothing too wild so far. There's little information out there, but I did find out that they might have connections to the East Youkai in Japan, so I've contacted their leader, Magari-san to see if she'd like to share anything with me. If they're not willing to speak to me right now."
Vali had to admit that she admired how he truly tried for people that he thought needed help, and in the Nekomata's case, being tight lipped about their thoughts and feelings.
"Not a bad idea. Incidentally, Azazel found out about us meeting."
Zante gave amused eyes. "Is that so? What did he say?"
"After he stopped looking worried, he asked me about you. I didn't say anything, I wanted to ask you first before I say anything."
"Go ahead, I don't mind what you say. I'm not hiding anything~" Zante said it with a smile.
Vali nods. "Tell me how it goes with those Nekomata's, and if you have any good fights, then I'd like to fight with you. Or fight for you."
Zante gave a small humble smile, while also adding a hint of playfulness in as well. "You'd fight for me, Vali-san?"
Vali looked at Zante, hearing the change in tone.
It was more sweet, than casual.
It was a nice feeling.
She even felt it inside of her chest, it was a wonder if she was honest with herself.
"I, suppose."
Zante reached over, and his hand connected with her own. "I'd fight for you too."
Vali felt a pulse run through her chest.
Her eyes met with Zante's own, who offered her a sweet sensual smile that touched her heart in all the right ways.
Ease set into her feelings, she didn't know why, but she did enjoy this to a good degree.
Meeting with Zante's eyes, she felt herself being drawn into his violet eyes, they radiated a beautiful light like no other.
Truly, Vali didn't know it, but she felt her emotions being tugged by Zante's own.
A few days passed, and Zante visited Kuroka and Shirone daily. He brought them things, such as clothes, and different types of food, whatever they wished for. Slowly but surely, Kuroka felt herself opening up to him.
Shirone had become more friendly with him, she still had some pause when speaking to him, but that was because of her general experiences with Devils.
But she could see that he genuinely just wished to help her and Kuroka out.
Shirone and Zante were playing a card game, while Kuroka watched on, feeling herself releasing the tension inside of her.
"Aah, you beat me Shirone-san~"
Shirone looked amused, as Zante gave a dramatic pose. "…I win. Another round?"
Zante produced a smile, and nods.
So they continued playing the card games.
Kuroka was genuinely looked intrigued by what was going on, so she moved closer, and watched their game.
Zante noticed, and offered her some cards.
"Wanna join in? Looks like Shirone-sans a wizard at this~" Zante said it with a small smile.
Kuroka felt herself being suckered in by the smile and thought "Now that's too cute...", but then she turned her head, and shook her head.
Not deterred, Zante turned back to Shirone, and began speaking with her once more, enjoying their time together. Kuroka could see that Zante and Shirone were beginning to become friends, and she was happy for Shirone.
She genuinely was thrilled to see her little sister being happy.
It made a difference to how it had been beforehand.
As they played their game, Zante suddenly received a phone call.
He looked, and smiled. "Sorry, I've got to take this. Be right back~"
Zante answered his phone and stepped out of the room.
While Zante had stepped out of the room, Kuroka and Shirone stayed inside of the hospital room, and looked towards one another. Kuroka could see Shirone's eyes on her, and she inhaled and exhaled deeply.
"I know what you're thinking nyaaa. Its fine, I'll take care of Naberius."
"…Onee-sama, he's only trying to help. Being silent isn't going to do anything good about it. If you don't say anything, I will."
Kuroka shook her head. "No Shirone, we can't…the Devils have done this to us in the past. How do we know that he isn't another Naberius? He might've been coming here for days, but he might've been trying to gain our trust."
"…Of course he's trying to gain our trust, he wants to help us out." Shirone replied, feeling that was the obvious answer.
Kuroka lowered her eyes, and she looked towards the door Zante exited out of. "…Can we trust him Shirone? I mean, really trust him?"
"…I don't know if we can truly trust anyone. But, what I do know is that, we've been healed, thanks to Zante-san, and he's been kind to us. Its better than anyone has done. No other Devil has been this way for us. We ask, and he gets us anything we want. He doesn't have to do that. Even to win us over, I can't sense any negative feelings in his actions. Can't you?"
Kuroka couldn't deny that she did feel like that.
"Yes, you're right nyaa. Okay, he's been nice nyaa. I get it, but if we tell him…what's not to say he isn't aligned with this guy?"
"…Even if he is, I'm sure Zante-san wouldn't turn on us."
"You seem pretty sure." Kuroka added.
Shirone nods. "…I can just feel it. We've talked, and I think he wouldn't do anything, that would harm us. I think he's on our side, he's on the side of what's right. And he doesn't like to see people being hurt."
Kuroka rubbed her chin in thought, and wondered if she should say anything to Zante.
It seemed Shirone had made up her mind, and was going to speak to Zante regardless.
So she thought that maybe he would be able to help them out.
Soon enough, Zante came back into the room, his eyes going between the two of them.
"Hey, seems a little serious in here?" Zante noted.
Kuroka looks to Shirone, who nods.
So Kuroka sighs. "…Yeah, we've been thinking and…"
Kuroka paused.
Self doubt came through her body, and she silenced herself.
Zante inhaled, and brought out a piece of paper with a magic circle on it, passing it off to Kuroka.
Kuroka looked at it suspiciously. "And this is for? Am I having my one hologram call~?"
Kuroka joked, as Zante gave amused eyes. "Funny~ Actually, I've set it up with that piece of paper, so you can call Magari-san."
Kuroka stopped dead in her tracks, truly looking at the magic circle, and saw that it was one of Youkai origin, rather than Devil. "H-How do you know Magari?"
"I've been trying to contact her, and while she's not exactly willing to speak with me. As soon as I said your names, she became eager to speak with you. So, when you're ready, you can speak with her, she was worried about you two."
Kuroka cups a hand over her mouth.
She never expected Zante to ever do anything like this.
Shirone looked to Zante, who gave her a jovial smile.
One filled with kindness and sweetness.
Kuroka looked at the paper, and used her Senjutsu.
There was no doubt, she could feel Magari's presence from the paper itself, Zante wouldn't have been able to fake it. However he managed to get Magari to cooperate with him, she didn't know. But, the fact that he went this far for her, and her sibling, meant the world to her.
Kuroka played with her lower lip, and faced Zante. "Can, can we trust you?"
Zante sits down, as Shirone looks between them. "I'd like to say yes, but really, only you know if you can trust me. Have I shown enough for you to trust me?"
Kuroka liked that answer, as it wasn't him saying "Yes, trust me!" it was him saying "Its your choice if you trust me." and Shirone could see that Kuroka felt herself becoming more happy as a result.
"Okay…after our parents died, I travelled around with Shirone. We eventually were found, by Naberius."
Zante blinked at the name. "Naberius…so, your tormenter is a man of that clan huh…"
"Yes. Naberius, he asked me to join his group, he said he liked my power. He offered us shelter, like he was our saviour. Honestly, I contemplated taking it, and I thought so many times, that if I did, Shirone would at least have a decent living. Even if I became that man's servant."
"But you didn't in the end."
Kuroka shakes her head. "No, I didn't in the end. I thought about it…but, I didn't agree with how he treated his servants. I saw him striking a servant he had, and it wasn't for me. I'd rather try my chances on my own. I guess he didn't like that."
"And hired a hit out on you…so he could lure you back to him?"
Kuroka nods, her eyes beginning to produce tears. "When you said there was a hit on us, that's the conclusion I came too. He could've just let us go, he didn't have to pursue us…I don't even care about me, I worry for Shirone. She's too innocent in all of this, she doesn't deserve to be targeted."
Zante could feel the passion she had.
The way she spoke, and how her eyes displayed a genuine pain.
Zante moved closer to Kuroka, allowing his hand to overlap with her own, surprising her. "Its okay, I wont let Naberius get away with it for any longer."
Kuroka felt a pulse from her heart.
Shirone looked at Zante, and her lips began to curl upwards ever so slightly.
"R-Really? But he's a Devil, he's one of you, isn't he?"
"He might be a Devil, but he's given up his right to call himself a noble being the moment he tried to harm you. He didn't have any rights to put hits on you, and he shouldn't have tried to force his way to have you join his group. I wish it wasn't like this, but sometimes, Devils do have methods and means to have others join their group, which include being forceful. I personally hate it, and it seems Naberius is a Devil that does this malicious practices as well. So, relax. Don't worry, I'll personally make sure he's locked away for what he's done."
Kuroka grins wildly. "Ooh yeah, I knew I'd like you~"
Shirone sweat dropped. "Didn't you call him the embodiment of all evil the other day?"
Zante felt his lips fumble, while Kuroka giggled awkwardly. "Shirone! Don't say that now!"
Shirone turned her head, giving a deadpan stare, while Zante looked on in semi amusement.
Zante looked between them, and smiled. "So, I'll get right on Naberius and see what Naberius has been up to. He's probably flew under the radar for most of his life, doing underhanded means. Well, he's about to be thrust into the spot light, lets see how he handles it~"
Kuroka felt like maybe Shirone was right.
Maybe Zante was on their side after all.
Certainly, it did feel like that, and she couldn't help but feel her heart beat rapidly move in her chest.
Zante being on her side, was truly something she didn't know she had wanted, but it was something she liked.
Not only for helping them, but for promising to be on their side.
She read him with her powers, and she couldn't see anything that would indicate he was lying.
Shirone herself was glad she was right. She thought he was kind, and now, seeing that he immediately was on their side upon hearing their story, told her that he could see through any lies, and had no bias towards anyone, he would go against the Devils if they were in the wrong, he stood up for what was right, and helped those that were wronged.
Sometime later, Naberius walked through his room, silently mixing through his research so he could finish off an experiment he was doing.
He hadn't yet decided how he'd get Shirone and Kuroka, since they were heavily guarded the entire time.
It pissed him off.
He was enraged to the highest degree about this.
However, his life was about to change, when suddenly, he saw his door being erased from existence.
"Knock, knock~"
Naberius's heart stopped in his chest at that moment.
He looked to see, coming through the doorway, was Zante himself.
Wearing a gleeful smile, Zante waved his hand.
"Shit!" Naberius gasped, and tried to pull away, getting off of the bed.
But Zante said "No, please don't get up on my account." and blasted him in the chest with some Power of Destruction, he was forced down onto the bed with a scream, with a wound spreading across his chest.
His eyes grew wider as Zante bowed. "We haven't officially met, my name is Zante Bael. And you're the one that has been causing pain to Kuroka-san, and Shirone-san, and tried to have my sibling be sent on a suicide mission, am I correct in saying this?"
Naberius felt sweat dripping off of him.
Fear etched into his eyes, and heart.
He felt like at any moment, he could fall over, and pass out from stress building into his being.
"N-No…w-what are you doing!? L-Leave! I'll have you arrested!"
"Go ahead, call the authorities. But I think you might find this, will answer that doubt you've got that this is anything other than legal. Signed by the Maou's and my family, the heads of the Underworld so to speak."
Zante passed him a note.
It was an order for an arrest, signed by every Maou, and even Zekram Bael.
Naberius fell more into despair, his face drained of colour.
"As you can see, I've presented evidence to the government, and it seems you've been doing bad things, haven't you? Really, you need to be punished." Zante said it playfully, but rather darkly at the same time, igniting fear into Naberius.
"T-This is a mistake! This is planted by-"
"Yes, yes, I'm sure you've got some defence lined up. Save it for your judge."
Panic set into Naberius's heart.
He armed himself with demonic power, Zante looked with a tilting head. "If you do, I've been authorized to deal with you by any means necessary, including taking you out. And I think those that you've hurt, would be all for that option, wouldn't you agree, Naberius?"
Naberius shook like a leaf.
His body was shivering and his eyes weren't able to focus.
Zante continued on, as Naberius tried and failed to find a way out of this. "Doing some research, I found out, this isn't the first time you've been harming innocent beings. Some Youkai have been disappearing, around the same time you suddenly gain new peerage members. Coincidence? I think not. Especially, when seeing the side by side photos. You flew under the radar for too long Naberius, its time to be arrested. If you struggle, then…outcomes wont be good for you."
"B-But I have my snake tailed chimera-"
"Dead. About an hour ago. Along with some others, seems like you had made a few huh." Zante retorted.
Naberius's face fell. "T-Then I've got my peerage!"
"Detained, by Vali-chan. She seemed eager, so I left that with her." Zante revealed his phone, and showed the message to Naberius, showing Vali had in fact defeated his peerage all by herself.
"Y-You're lying! You have to be!" Naebrius felt himself falling into despair, his hand lighting up, and he tried to summon a chimera, calling his bluff.
But nothing came.
His fearful eyes met with Zante's own, who shook his head.
"Ooh yeah, I almost forgot." Naberius shivered as Zante pulled out some documents, and tossed them on the bed, Naberius looked on in immense surprise. "Yeah, I found the "Kill Zante Plan!" you had hidden in your lab. Looks like I became a hindrance to your plans huh...I'm so happy I could be that for you Naberius, so you couldn't hurt anyone else. This is for Kuroka-san, Shirone-san, and everyone else you've targeted. Face it, this time, its really over."
Naberius breathed hard in and out of his nose as Zante armed himself with Power of Destruction, in case Naberius tried anything, seeing the desperation in his eyes.
Panic and alarm was growing inside of him.
He couldn't deny that he was afraid right now.
He looked at Zante while shaking and angrily gnashing his teeth.
His life's work, was finished.
He knew this time, like Zante had said, it truly was…over.
End chapter!
So this chapter was focused on Shirone and Kuroka beginning to trust in Zante, after going through situations with the Devils for a good long while. It was difficult, but eventually they found they could trust in him after he did his best to show he was on their side, and Zante at the end went to go and get Naberius before he could try anything, putting a stop to his evil plans, so we'll see what happens with that.
Also, thanks for the continued great peerage suggestions! There's been a toss up between Irina and Arthur, both really would be pretty good to have around.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Zante's Peerage.
Queen; Vali.
Bishops; Kuroka, Ingvild (mutation).
Rooks; Koneko, Free.
Knights; Xenovia, Free.
Pawns; Ravel (x2), Le Fay (x1), Rest Free.
Zante; Ravel, Serafall, Kuroka, Koneko, Akeno, Vali (fem), Ingvild, Xenovia, Le Fay,