Chapter Four - Meetings Before the Dawn
The Occult Research Club building stood shrouded in the pre-dawn darkness, its silhouette looming against the faint glow of the sky just beginning to hint at the approaching sunrise. Sona Sitri and her Queen, Tsubaki Shinra, arrived quietly, their footsteps muffled by the stillness of the early morning.
They had followed Grayfia's instructions meticulously, arriving at the appointed hour for a meeting with Sirzechs Gremory. The gravity of the summons weighed heavily upon them, casting a solemn air over their typically composed demeanor.
Rias Gremory, already seated on one of the couches around the coffe table, glanced up as Sona and Tsubaki entered the room. Despite the dim lighting, her confusion and annoyance were palpable, a reflection of her failed attempts to contact Akeno, her trusted Queen.
A moment later, Sirzechs materialized in the room with a flourish, his arrival signaling the beginning of the meeting. The seriousness etched upon his features was unmistakable, adding to the tension that hung in the air like a heavy cloak.
Amidst the somber atmosphere of the meeting, Rias couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that settled over her like a heavy shroud. The darkness of the early morning seemed to mirror the shadows that loomed on the horizon, casting a pall over their coming discussions.
Sirzechs began, his voice carrying a weight that mirrored the gravity of the situation at hand. "Last night, an incident unfolded at the abandoned church involving Andreas and Akeno."
Before he could delve further into the details, Sona's concern for Andreas cut through the air like a knife. Her voice, tinged with worry, interrupted Sirzechs, her eyes reflecting the genuine concern she felt for her friend. "Is Andreas alright?"
The softening of Sirzechs' features and tone in response to Sona's concern didn't go unnoticed. With a reassuring nod, he affirmed, "Andreas is alright, Sona. He's safe." His words carried a sense of relief, reassuring Sona and quelling the immediate fears that had gripped her.
With Sona's fears allayed, Sirzechs proceeded to recount the events of the previous night, leaving no detail unspoken. Each revelation left a new shadow of intrigue and uncertainty over the room.
As Sirzechs explained the removal of the Evil Pieces from both Andreas and Akeno, a palpable tension settled over Rias, Sona, and Tsubaki. The revelation sent shockwaves through their ranks, leaving them grappling with the implications of such a drastic change.
Rias, in particular, felt a surge of disbelief as Sirzechs handed her the removed Evil Pieces. Yet her frustration simmered beneath the surface, her instinct to defy the losing of her queen started top rise. Before she could voice her protest, Sirzechs's stern gaze silenced her, his words piercing through the haze of her emotions.
"Rias, you of all people should understand the consequences of betrayal," Sirzechs began, his voice firm yet tinged with a hint of disappointment. "Your actions toward Andreas led to a desperate choice on his part—a choice that nearly cost him his life
"I did what I had to do," she retorted, her voice tinged with a hint of defiance. "Andreas knew the risks when he joined my peerage. He knew what he signed up for."
Sirzechs's expression hardened, his disappointment palpable. "That doesn't excuse your actions, Rias," he countered, his tone firm. "You betrayed his trust, and it nearly cost him his life."
Rias's resolve wavered for a moment, a flicker of doubt creeping into her mind. But she quickly pushed it aside, her pride refusing to admit fault. "He'll get over it," she muttered under her breath, her tone dismissive.
Sirzechs's gaze bore into her, his eyes narrowing in disgust at her attitude towards one of her peerage. "Your actions against Andreas go against our family's beliefs, Rias. Mother and father are already aware and are disgusted with what you have done."
Rias bristled at his words, her pride stinging from the reprimand. She stayed silent however, knowing nothing she said would win her this argument. As Sirzechs turned to address Sona and Tsubaki, Rias's gaze lingered on the sealed letter resting on her desk. If Andreas wrote that letter to her then she found no need to read the words written, as he was unimportant to her.
Clearing his throat, he draws their attention once more. "In light of these developments, Andreas and Akeno will be returning to Kuoh Academy," he continued, his tone firm yet measured. "However, they won't be rejoining the Occult Research Club. Instead, they'll be establishing their own club or group at school."
Rias raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the notion. "Their own club?" she echoed, her curiosity piqued.
Sirzechs nodded. "Yes," he confirmed. "Given their unique circumstances, it's prudent to provide them with a platform to navigate their newfound roles. This will also serve as a precautionary measure in case they decide to form their own peerage in the future."
Sona and Tsubaki exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the wisdom behind Sirzechs's decision. It was clear that the responsibility entrusted to Andreas and Akeno was not to be taken lightly.
"In addition," Sirzechs continued, "they will be designated as foreign affairs ambassadors, answering directly to Serafall Leviathan."
The announcement elicited a mixture of surprise and intrigue from the gathering. Rias, Sona, and Tsubaki absorbed the implications of Sirzechs's words, recognizing the significance of Andreas and Akeno's new roles on the global stage.
Sona's curiosity bubbled to the surface, prompting her to speak up. "Why designate them as foreign affairs ambassadors?" she inquired, her tone laced with intrigue.
Sirzechs regarded Sona with a thoughtful expression before responding. "The decision stems from the unique circumstances surrounding Andreas and Akeno," he explained. "Their soul bond, which is perceived by Heaven as a blessing, has garnered recognition from the heads of all three factions."
The revelation elicited a collective gasp of surprise from Rias, Sona, and Tsubaki. The implications of such widespread acknowledgment were staggering, reshaping their understanding of the supernatural world and the dynamics that governed it.
"It's unprecedented," Sirzechs continued, his voice tinged with a hint of awe. "The acceptance of their bond by Heaven, Hell, and the Fallen Angels speaks volumes about the significance of their union. It's a testament to the potential they hold to bridge the divides that have long plagued our world."
The gravity of Sirzechs's words hung in the air, casting a profound silence over the gathering. In that moment, the magnitude of Andreas and Akeno's bond became unmistakably clear, transcending the boundaries of mere mortals and reshaping the very fabric of the supernatural realm.
As the implications of their new roles settled over them, Sona, and Tsubaki exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the weight of the responsibility that lay ahead. None of them noticed the annoyance in Rias' eyes as the meeting finished.
As the meeting between Sirzechs and the two heiresses was happening, another gathering was already underway in a different part of the Gremory mansion. Andreas and Akeno found themselves seated across from the esteemed heads of the Gremory family, Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory, having been lead there by one of the maids after their meeting with Sirzechs had finished, and he had left to meet with Sona and Rias.
The atmosphere in the room was tense, charged with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. The revelation of the incident that bound Andreas and Akeno together, coupled with Rias's betrayal, had cast a shadow over the Gremory household.
Zeoticus Gremory, patriarch of the family, regarded the young couple with a sense of awe, his expression betraying a hint of reverence. "The bond you two share is nothing short of extraordinary," he began, his voice tinged with admiration. "It transcends the boundaries of mortal understanding and speaks to the very essence of your souls."
Venelana Gremory, ever the epitome of grace and elegance, nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "To witness such a profound connection is a rare privilege," she remarked, her tone reverent. "It speaks volumes of the strength and depth of your bond."
Andreas and Akeno listened attentively, their expressions reflecting a mix of humility and gratitude. The acknowledgment of their bond by the heads of the Gremory family filled them with a profound sense of validation and reassurance.
"As representatives of the Gremory family, we extend our full support to you," Zeoticus declared, his words carrying the weight of familial obligation. "You will have access to all the resources and assistance you require as you navigate the challenges that lie ahead."
Venelana nodded in agreement, her gaze softening slightly as she regarded the young couple before her. "A new residence has been prepared for you," she announced, a hint of warmth coloring her voice. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill and a symbol of our commitment to your well-being."
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Zeoticus inclined his head toward Andreas and Akeno, his tone carrying a note of regret. "We must also extend our apologies for the actions of our daughter, Rias," he added, his words tinged with sorrow. "Her betrayal has caused you both undue hardship, and for that, we are deeply sorry."
Andreas and Akeno exchanged a glance, their expressions softening with understanding. While Rias's actions had cast a shadow over their bond, the apology offered by her parents served as a glimmer of hope for reconciliation and healing.
After expressing their gratitude to Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory for their support and understanding, Andreas and Akeno teleported into the student council room, where Sirzechs had instructed them to meet Serafall and Sona after the meetings were finished.
Upon their arrival in the room, Andreas and Akeno were greeted by a cheerful Serafall, whose excitement was palpable. Alongside her were Sona and Tsubaki, their expressions reflecting relief and genuine happiness. The air was filled with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation as the group embraced the newly bonded couple.
After exchanging warm hugs, they all took their seats, ready to delve into the discussion of important matters that lay ahead.
Serafall's vibrant energy filled the room as she relayed the urgent news to the assembled group. "I've just received word from Michael," she began, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "Two exorcists, Irina and Xenovia, are currently in Kuoh. They're here to investigate the theft of several pieces of Excalibur by rogue Fallen angels. In fact they were to two that were at the abandoned church last night."
Sona's brow furrowed slightly at the mention of Excalibur, a legendary and powerful artifact with the potential to cause chaos if mishandled. "This is a delicate situation," she remarked, her tone measured. "We must handle it with care."
Serafall nodded in agreement. "That's why I've arranged a meeting for tomorrow between them, yourselves and both peerages." she continued, her gaze shifting to Andreas and Akeno. "Andreas, Akeno, as our newly appointed foreign affairs ambassadors, you will lead and be in charge of the meeting."
Andreas and Akeno exchanged a surprised glance, their expressions reflecting a mix of determination and apprehension. Leading a meeting with exorcists of Irina and Xenovia's caliber was no small task, but they were resolved to rise to the challenge.
"We understand," Andreas replied, his voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. "We'll do everything in our power to ensure a productive and diplomatic discussion."
Akeno nodded in agreement, her resolve shining bright in her eyes. "Yes, we'll approach the meeting with tact and diplomacy," she affirmed. "It's crucial that we establish trust and cooperation from the outset."
With the matter settled, Serafall offered her farewells and teleported away, leaving the group to ponder the gravity of the situation. Tsubaki glanced at Andreas and Akeno, her eyes reflecting a mixture of admiration and concern. "You two have quite the task ahead of you," she remarked, her voice soft but resolute.
Andreas smiled reassuringly at Tsubaki. "We'll be fine," he said, reaching out to squeeze Akeno's hand. "Together, we can handle anything that comes our way."
Akeno returned his smile, a spark of determination igniting in her eyes. "That's right," she agreed, her voice filled with confidence. "We'll face this challenge head-on, just like we always do."
As they discussed their plans for the meeting and made preparations for the following day, a sense of camaraderie and unity filled the room.