I do not own Highschol DxD no do I own Diablo. All rights respectively go towards to Ichiei Ishibumi, the creator of Highschool DxD, and Blizzard Entertainment, the company that made Diablo.
Adventurers. To the young it means taking a daring risk into the unknown and discover lost treasures or ancient knowledge amongst the ruins of the past. But to the wise, it means to go into dark and dangerous corners of the world where it may be a one-way ticket into the Burning Hells.
In the ruins of an abandoned town that looked as if the aftermath of the apocalypse, a lone cathedral stood. The creaking of wood flies from the wind as the bells from the cathedral toll thee.
"Blessed Akarat, thy eternal Light protects me," A voice which sounded like a cleric spoke, almost as if he was scared of something. "Thy divine wisdom guides me. Though my path is wrought with darkness, guide my soul to thy sacred Light. Blessed Akarat, thy eternal Light protects me. Thy divine wisdom—"
"Shh! Quiet!" Another person demanded, a rogue of some sorts.
Yet still the cleric spoke, "Though my path is wrought with darkness-"
"Shut up!"
Underneath the abandoned cathedral were a group of adventurers lurking beneath the surface, down a large hole that looked as if something pierced through the ground and into the darkness. As they tread through the darkness, the sound of rocks tumbling from the decayed place alerted the creatures within. Their snarling noises echoed from within.
"They have our scent," The leader, a swordsman with only his left eye remaining while the other was covered in a patch, informed. "Run!"
The four-man group began to run, with the swordsman leader carrying the cleric who was heavily injured. Clearly not suited for combat as it would seem.
And like adventurers who want only gold, they do not care who lives other than themselves.
"Leave him!" The rogue said as he runs past the leader and cleric.
The swordsman ignored him and told the cleric, "Just keep running."
Even though they were fleeing from the monsters who knew where they were, they continued to head across a bridge leading them to a trap door.
"Are you out of your mind?" The rogue asked. "He's not going to make it."
The swordsman had enough as he pushes the rogue aside and says, "He has to."
Once he and the cleric stop at the sealed door leading to a dead end, the swordsman lowers his cleric to the ground. "Blessed Akarat, thy eternal Light protects me. Thy divine wisdom guides me."
"Hey. Look at me!" The swordsman gets the cleric's attention, despite his hazy vision and his wounds. "All the gold we want… is right there."
But the cleric said, "No I… I- I just came here for… knowledge. COUGH"
The monsters' snarls grow louder as they draw closer. "They're coming!" The rogue informed.
The swordsman, feeling sympathy for the cleric, merely replies to him, "I know."
"Get over here!"
The swordsman, going to rejoin his other two adventurers, commands the cleric, "Now, breach the seal. Get us through that door."
The cleric, now resolved to push forward in spite of his injuries, gets up to the door with a torch. The swordsman joins the other two to hold the line as he draws his blade.
The cleric grunts as he reaches the sealed door, placing his hand on it briefly as he holds his wounds. "Oh Light, help me…" Looking up with the torch, he reads the ancient runes that were written in a forgotten language that only he could understand, stammering as he goes. "B-By three, they come…"
The monsters draw ever closer.
"By three thy way opens," The cleric translates.
The other three adventurers meet their blades head on as they hold the line against the creatures, cutting them down.
The cleric steps back. "Blood shows… This doesn't make any sense."
As his blood drips onto the floor, he then looks below to see the blood drops converging onto what looked like some sort of device for someone to put their hand in.
This made the cleric realize as the device lowers itself to the ground, with the sound of stone rubbing against one another. "Blood… Blood is the key." He then turns to his fellow adventurers. "B-Blood is the key!"
"What?" The rogue asks as he slaughters another dark creature.
"I need two of you, now!"
"Go!" The swordsman commanded as he takes a torch. "I'll hold them. Go!"
As the swordsman uses his torch to hold back the dark tide, the rogue and his companion, the brute, rallied to the cleric's position.
"So, i-it says, 'The blood of the willing goes…'" The cleric tries to explain, only for the brute to put his hand through the hole. As he does so, his blood travels to the center in a channel.
"You've got to be kidding me!" The rogue cried as he reluctantly does the same. The cleric follows suit.
Once the blood from all three travels towards the center seal, showing some symbol of a trident, the turns rapidly and produces a shockwave, knocking the three back briefly.
But that opens the door for them.
"Ha! It worked!" The rogue cried.
The cleric, rogue, and brute, rush in through the door, only for the cleric to realize they are missing their leader, the swordsman.
"We have to help him!" The cleric cried. But the rogue holds him back, knowing that it is too dangerous.
"He's dead already," The rogue said.
The swordsman struggles as he is surrounded by all the dark creatures with only a sword and torch. With no other choice, the brute destroys the chain holding the door, shutting the stone slab.
*BANG*
By destroying the chain, the door seals itself. And the cleric, out of the grip of the rogue yet too late to save his friend, cries, "Nooo!"
*SLAM*
The stone door shuts, leaving their leader to a grim fate. The rogue, perhaps feeling pity, walks to the left of the cleric, places his hand on his right shoulder, and says in a somewhat mocking tone, "Shame he didn't make it." He then reverts back to his normal personality. "Oh well! Cheer up! Gold splits better three ways instead of four."
He then turns the cleric around and pushes him forward.
Three adventurers, two of them being a brute and a rogue who want gold while the third was a cleric scholar in search of knowledge, walk into the dark hallway where they came across a chamber of sorts. Three large pillars formed what appeared to be a ritualistic circle in between.
"Must be hidden here somewhere," The rogue said as he takes the torch from the brute. "Read this."
The rogue pushes the injured and grunting cleric over to one of the pillars, making him crash to the pillar. Grunting in pain, he struggles his way to stand before he looks up at the pillar behind him, reading the ancient text.
"B-By three they come, by three thy way opens, by the blood of the…willing… Hail… Hail the Cre… the Creator."
That is when the cleric gasps in shock. "Hail the Daughter of… Oh, no. No, no, no."
The impatient rogue sighs. "What about the coin? What does it say?"
The cleric, panicked as he was, turns around and desperately in vain says, "This is forbidden. This is a summoning." He then grabs the rogue in desperation and in fear. "I cannot speak this!"
"Don't lie to me!" The rogue demanded as he punches the cleric, forcing off of him. His brute companion also had enough.
"We came here for treasure," He said as he then chokes and strangles the cleric against the pillar. "What is this place?"
The choking cleric responds with hazy vision, "I-I don't know! M-Maybe… Maybe it's a temple. Or a tomb, or—"
"It's a gate," A voice suddenly spoke. It was low and it echoed across the chamber. Strangely enough, it sounded like their swordsman companion that they had left behind. The rogue and the brute look around before…
*FWOOSH*
The light from their torch goes out and the rogue suddenly goes missing. The brute looks around and stands in the middle of the circle, looking for whatever just happened. He leaves the useless and fearful cleric alone as he tries to make sense of what was going on.
*DRIPDRIP*
Drops were felt on his forehead. The brute brings his left hand up to see that it was blood. As he looked up, what he saw spooked him. It was the rogue, whose face was filled with perpetual fear as he began choking in a guttural way. Every one of his limbs looked as if he was being torn apart.
"And blood is the key," The swordman's voice spoke again, echoing the chamber.
As the brute looked around, the swordsman suddenly appeared behind him. Sensing his presence, he brings his massive weapon in a swing behind him to slash at the perpetrator.
*SLASH*
But even after hitting him dead on the jaw, essentially tearing it out, the swordsman looked unharmed as he brought himself upward. Bones creak as he stands upright, his bloody jawbone still hanging. This scared the brute immensely but that was the least of his worries.
Telepathically, he is forced against a pillar and turned upside down. He, like the rogue, is then restrained.
Suddenly, creaking noises are heard as the ritualistic circle begins to creak and rotate. Turns out it was not just some circle ritual but also a mechanism, as if triggered in the presence of the three. The cleric backs up against the pillar behind him in terror as the man walks forward to the center.
Then, the sound of flesh and blood being gutted out from the brute and rogue begins to ring in the air. The two men screaming as they feel their guts and bones twisting and turning, their blood soon being poured out. But instead of some geyser, it was being pulled out in several strands bound together by some form of dark magic, forming half of a perfect triangle.
The cleric begins to panic as he keeps reciting his religious creed.
"Blessed Akarat, thy eternal light protects me. Thy divine wisdom guides me. Though my path is wrought with darkness, guide my soul to thy sacred Light."
The swordsman then decreed as the mechanism on the floor completes its formation, "From the Abyss we seek thy salvation. By three they come. By three thy way opens. By the blood of the willing…" The swordsman soon assumed his true form, that of some sort of dark cultist or summoner with pale skin, a bald head, dark clothing, an upside-down star on his chest, and a few accessories. "We call thee home."
With the circle nearly complete, the summoner looks to see that one more has yet to fulfill his role. He looks towards the scared cleric by the last pillar.
"Come," The summoner ushers as he brings the cleric forward, still muttering the same words of his faith. "Open your eyes."
As the cleric was telepathically brought forward, he kept muttering the same words as before,but how can a man say such a thing with fear in his heart amongst a place of darkness. As he opens his eyes to look to see the summoner, he begins to whimper in great fear, repeating the words 'Eternal Light protects me' over and over.
"There is no light here," The summoner gently said. "You came to the darkness for knowledge."
In that moment, the cleric realized that he was right. Inhaling and exhaling deeply from the reminder, he responds, "Yes…"
"And all the knowledge you seek is here," The summoner said. "Surrender. Speak the words. Call her home."
As if a great weight was lifted from his shoulders, the cleric understood what must be done. Doubt briefly filled him for an instant, but it all faded away as he sighed in contempt, closing his eyes and emptying himself.
"By three they come," The cleric had said, before he was lifted to the pillar and hung upside down. He did not flinch, keeping his composure as he finished the incantation. "By three thy way opens. By the blood of the willing… we call thee home."
It was then that he allowed himself to be mutilated by the summoner's magic, his blood spilling forth from his stomach, stretched out to finish the triangular flesh portal. As it connects, the cleric had brief visions of what seemed to be some sort of female demon looking at him in a red background like it was blood.
With the portal now formed and connected by all three victims, made from blood and flesh from all three adventurers, something was being pushed through. From the other side of the dimension.
"Hail, Daughter of Hatred…" The sacrificial cleric said. In that moment, he saw a brief image of Inarius, bound in chains within Hell.
The entity from the flesh-like portal continues to push through, as if someone was reborn from the womb.
"Creator of Sanctuary…" A skull of Diablo was visibly seen before the cleric's vision came back to reality, seeing the head of the entity pop out of the membrane. More images of a town ravaged in flames with all the people dead had appeared before a right hand of the woman busted through.
"Hail… Lilith." The cleric's eyes widen in disbelief as he takes his final breath, his last expression one of horror as Lilith's right hand takes the hand of her servant gently, who in turn helps her touch her feet the ground slowly and surely.
The summoner kneels in front of the Daughter of Hatred and flower petals, coated in blood fell through, decorating the entire area into a beautiful yet eerie scenery of despair.
"Blessed Mother…" The summoner said as he looked up at Lilith. "Save us."
Lilith looks up before downwards at her servant, her bloody form shown with the blood portal used as a cape for her back. With heterochromia eyes, her expression remains unchanged as her return was made evident.
Then, all went black instantly.
OP: Metamorphose feat. Ishida Yoko – Over the Testament (Shinmai Maou no Testament BURST OP)
(As the music begins, a flash of white light occurs as the camera moves upwards to depict a mural showing the entire universe like a tree, first starting with the Burning Hells and their masters, the Seven Evils, as they light up in red. Aidan appears first in a blue background with a bare chest before it cuts back to the mural moving upwards to the middle showing Sanctuary/Earth and all the other realms surrounding it, including the Underworld which light up in green. Then Rias appears in a red background, a bit further back than Aidan yet also naked before it reverts back to the upper portion of the mural, showing the High Heavens and their leaders, the Angiris Council, illuminated in a white glow. Akeno is the last show further back than Aidan and Rias, also naked and with a yellow background. The last image shows the entire mural illuminated in its respective colors.)
Over the Testament (The title of the show is revealed as Highschool DxD: The Prime Evil)
sabireta kono sekai ni habikoru (Aidan is standing on top of Tristram Cathedral, looking out to the sunset over the horizon before he turns briefly to his right to face away from the camera)
gizen to jiko gisei sore ga bigaku ka? (Rias is shown in front of the ORC Clubhouse before she turns around fully and then begins to walk forward)
honne o kakushita koduku na PIERO (The camera cuts to Akeno in her miko outfit at her shrine, her eyes closed before she opens them in a serious expression)
kyou mo kimi wa Poker face (Asia is shown in a church praying before she turns around to the light. The next image shows Kiba leaning his back against a wall, head down and eyes closed, with the spirits of his dead comrades surrounding him in comfort)
kamen hazushite saa kocchi ni kite (The Gremory rune is shown before the background turns black. Rias appears amidst the flames of the Burning Hells soon afterwards with the rune still present)
arinomama no kimi shiritaikara (Aidan's left arm, from his Sacred Gear that was holding Silentium, is corrupted as he activates his Balance Breaker, making him scream into the air as the shadow of Diablo appears above and behind him)kagayaki ni tsutsumare yasashii kaze ga fuku (Rossweisse, fires a powerful blast of lightning from on high at a group of flying Demons. Xenovia was on the ground as she slams Durandal to the ground, creating a massive quake that topples the incoming Demons in front of her)
sonna sekai o misetakute chikai o koeta (Kiba charges across the rooftops with Sword of Betrayer in hand. The camera follows him where he was charging towards the towering Belial, Lord of Lies. He jumps up to dodge a blast from the Demon Lord before spinning in the air and cutting off one of Belial's horns)
arata ni kizamareru kibou e no ayumi o (Koneko is seen next running across the rooftops as the camera follows her, charging at Azmodan, the Lord of Sin. She lands roughly on one roof before jumping upwards, dodging Azmodan's attack before she runs across the Demon's left arm and delivers a swift kick to his head)
tsugi no PEEJI ni kakishirushi (Rias fires a powerful blast from her Power of Destruction, only to be caught in a blast herself by Azmodan, sending her flying away)
ugokidashita jikan wa New age (Rias is caught by Aidan who smiles at her to which she returns. Then the two lean in for a romantic kiss as they are enveloped in a red power, their clothes also dissipating in the process)
(Aidan is shown in his Balance Breaker, Primal Terror Vengeance, starting at the back as the camera steadily turns around to show him until the last shot shows his left demonic eye. Between each frame, quick-time images appear; the first one being Venalana Gremory, Lilith, and the angel Aurelia in her mortal guise but with her back facing the camera, the second Sirzechs and Grayfia, the third being the Student Council led by Sona Sitri, the fourth being Loki and Diodora Astaroth back to back, and finally the last one showing Sinestra as the Angiris Apostle with the Angiris Council members looking over her, including Tyrael as the Archangel of Justice and Malthael as the Archangel of Wisdom)
(The final image shows Aidan looking to his right at Sinestra in the air, ready to take part in the Eternal Conflict)
Aidan wakes up with a small gasp as his eyes open almost immediately. Realizing it was a nightmare and that he was still in bed early in the morning, Aidan felt like he was pinned down by something. Looking to his right, he saw Rias sleeping next him, naked and clinging onto his right arm. Her leg was interwoven with his. Asia was on the left side of Aidan, sleeping nude.
Yet even though Aidan felt comfortable with the thought of two beautiful girls in bed with him, he could still see the image of Lilith. The Daughter of Hatred looking down onto him like she was to her summoner.
But for Aidan's eyes when he saw her face again, it was as if she was looking at him directly. Her heterochromia eyes looking directly at Aidan's blue ones.
And she gave a small smile, like she was plotting something. A smile that was remote and inscrutable.
"Lilith…" Aidan mutters the name quietly.
Somehow, Aidan felt perplexed if not afraid of her.
Then, out of nowhere and coming down from the ceiling, he sees flower petals descending slowly into the room. The same petals from his vision but instead of flesh and bone, it was like actual flower petals. They were red in color had had a scent of blood, the blood of a demon.
And there were loads of them descending slowly. As Aidan saw them and feared what they meant, he turned to his right slowly and saw the same face he saw in the vision. Those wicked heterochromia eyes looking at him.
The eyes of Lilith who looked as if she was watching him.
His breathing becomes erratic, his body paralyzed like he could not move, his eyes widening in fear, and his blood screaming out like it was in pain. All just at the mere sight of the Daughter of Hatred.
"Mmm…" A moan from somewhere else snaps Aidan back to reality, making him gasp as he sees his blood haze clear up. The petals were gone as was Lilith's gaze.
His attention was caught by movement under the covers, as something elastic, smooth, and soft moved up his chest. The blankets were lifted up to reveal Akeno, who was smiling pleasurably at him. She was naked from head to toe and her usual ponytail was replaced by her long straight hair, which Aidan found even more beautiful.
"Morning, you," Akeno greeted with a smile.
"Morning to you too, Akeno," Aidan smiles back.
Still smiling, Akeno moves herself upwards until she gets up close and personal with Aidan face to face. She then gives him a morning kiss which he returns which lasts for only a few seconds before he brings her face down near his neck, enjoying his smell. Rubbing her perfectly nude body against his as her legs push Rias' out of the way and has hers interweave with his.
Akeno begins tracing Aidan's strong muscles, like his body were an Olympian swimmer's, along with the many scars he has. The most notable on his chest was a horizontal one made possible by Solarion, the Spear of Valor belonging to Imperius.
"Your body has become really strong with your training and your battles," Akeno comments before she asks in a sexy tone. "Tell me, Aidan, does my body feel nice pressed up against yours?"
"More than you could ever know," Aidan replies as he rubs a hand down her back to her hip, making her shiver, before giving her a small peck on her lips.
"I do love the way your hand and cock are thinking," She said suggestively, rubbing her womanhood against the pitched tent. "Why don't we see how long we can last with the time we have?"
Aidan smirks, "With you like this, you read my mind."
With that said, Aidan soon wraps his left arm around her back and with his hand on the back of her head, he brings Akeno's lips to his in a passionate French kiss. As they began making out, his right hand grabs Akeno's right butt cheek and squeezes it, making her moan. She begins grinding her womanhood right at the pitched tent, feeling Aidan's cock and just wanting to insert it into herself right away.
Alas though as fate had other plans in store.
"Akeno…" The voice of Rias Gremory called out, making Aidan's eyes snap open as he breaks away from Akeno's lips. Turning his head to the right like a gear that was under strain, he saw his beloved crimson-haired girlfriend glare at him and Akeno with a forced smile that would send even the bravest men chills down their spine. She still lay in bed as beautiful as ever, naked.
"Would you care to explain why you are making out with my boyfriend first thing in the morning?" Rias asked, still wearing that smile.
Aidan didn't know what to say, other than shrinking like a mouse in the face of his girlfriend's wrath. If there was one thing he was afraid of in this harem, it was making his first true love instill fear into him.
Akeno however was unmoved as she giggles and straddles her man.
"I was just trying to have a more intimate bond with my handsome, strong, and many nephalem," said the Priestess of Thunder who was tracing Aidan's scars on his chest, making him shudder and blush.
"'My nephalem?' And when exactly did you claim ownership over his soul?" Rias questioned with a raised eyebrow as she sat up sitting.
"I may not be his master, but I am his senior," Akeno said with her smile never leaving her.
Seeing that she is being challenged, Rias gave Akeno a smile of defiance. "Clever girl, but alas, you've exposed yourself," She said, standing up on his bed. Akeno follows suit as she giggles, standing face to face with her best friend.
Aidan gave a heavy sigh, knowing that ever since he started forming a harem, these two always got into another one of their catfights. It's become a common recurrence to see the two friends fight over his affection, regardless if he has confessed his love for them and had sex with them. He loves both of them and they knew it, but that didn't stop the two from turning it into a competition, one that would sometimes go out of control and would force Aidan to mend the situation.
The upcoming fight was heard by Asia as she started to wake up.
"Mmm… Just five more minutes, okay…?" She asked in a half-awake expression, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
With a smile Aidan strokes her head and kisses it gently. "It's still early, Asia. Get some more sleep. We aren't getting out of bed just yet."
Asia then embraced and cuddled with him. "Good, cause I'm going to snuggle up closer to you if that is okay," She said cutely as Aidan brings her close to him. "Nighty night."
*BOFU*
Rias threw a pillow directly at Akeno's face, making the Priestess of Thunder's boobs wobble.
"I'm getting pretty tired of you trying to put your greedy hands on what is rightfully mine!" Rias exclaimed.
Even as the pillow fell from her face, Akeno still bores her smile. "A taste here and there doesn't hurt, especially when he responds back," Akeno said as she grabs the pillow and throws it back at her friend. "Now stop being so stingy!"
*BOFU*
Rias was hit in the face dead on. She then grabs it and keeps it on her face as her anger grows.
"And we had just finished remodeling the house!" She yelled, pulling the pillow away and channeling her power into it. "Your behavior is unacceptable!"
She then throws the pillow at Akeno, who promptly destroys it with her lightning.
"Nice try – not!" Akeno giggles as feathers fly all around them.
Before they could go further though, both were surprised as their wrists were grabbed by Aidan gently. One couldn't tell but Aidan just had enough of their cat fight.
But luckily for him, he had just the perfect remedy to solve this.
"You two…" He stated. "Making a mess of things concerning me and I always have to be the one to clean the mess." Suddenly, quicker than the two realized, he brings them close together to him, wrapping his arms around their waists. Akeno was on his left and Rias on his right, both girls surprised if not anxious.
"You two have been very naughty," He said with a bit of lust in his voice. "Time to instill some proper punishment."
Turning his head to Rias, he leans in aggressively and seals her lips roughly.
"MMPH?!" Rias yelps as she feels Aidan's rough kiss. His tongue immediately breaks into her mouth as it dances with hers. Slowly succumbing to his primal lust though, Rias kisses back and closes her eyes, moaning as she feels his hand around her waist lower to her buttocks and gives them a nice squeeze.
After a moment of rough French kissing, Aidan releases Rias as she sinks to the floor, exhausted as if the kiss proved too much for her stamina.
Aidan soon repeats the process with Akeno. Though for Akeno, she tries to respond back in kind almost immediately. She uses her tongue to clash with Aidan's as she uses her right hand to wrap around the back of his head and press their kiss even deeper. But like Rias, she moans as her buttocks are squeezed. Letting go of the kiss, a silver lining of saliva was formed before it broke off. The Priestess of Thunder then drops to a sitting position, drained of her stamina.
Both girls pant yet both felt hot. This was the typical punishment they would receive from Aidan whenever they fought and things got tense; a kiss that would not only turn them on but also drain them of their stamina and magic, exhausting them. Sometimes it led to a threesome that they had enjoyed while other times it was a simple punishment made to calm the two down.
Aidan looks to see the two Great Ladies of Kuoh sitting on the bed, exhausted and panting.
"By the way, Rias…" He turned his head over to his crimson-haired girlfriend who looked back. "What did you mean by remodeling the house?"
After Karlamine had set Aidan's breakfast on the table in front of him, the nephalem looked up at his Knight maid and nodded with a smile.
"Thank you, girls," He said. "Please, serve yourselves."
The Phenex Maids bowed their heads with smiles and said in unison, "Thank you very much, master."
Once they got their food, they sat back to the table to join with the others. The entire table was five times larger than the old one, made from the highest quality of wood found. Gathered around the table were the girls from the ORC, including Xenovia and Koneko. Everyone was dressed up casually.
As for the mansion they were now living in, here are the schematics. It was six stories high and had three basements below.
The first floor included guest rooms that were used by the maids, the living room, the kitchen, a bathroom, and washitsu, or Japanese tatami rooms. The second floor had Aidan's, Rias', and Asia's bedrooms, with Aidan's being in the middle. All rooms were connected via interconnecting doors on each side, one for each of the two girls. On the third floor was a larger bedroom fit for the harem should it grow larger, a study room filled with Horadric texts and scrolls, and books compiled by Deckard Kain, and a storeroom. As for Akeno's, Koneko's, and Xenovia's rooms, they were on the fourth floor. The fifth floor had three more bedrooms. The sixth floor, the top floor to be exact, was mostly empty. And finally, the rooftop was a communal garden decorated with flowers, along with a table and chairs to drink tea at.
As for the three basement floors below, the first one had a movie theater, a training room, changing room, and a large indoor bath which has a refrigerator filled with three different flavors of milk: fruit, whole, and coffee. There were also two hidden rooms that contained an assortment of baths of various sizes but are noticeably larger than the first and are decorated gorgeously with ornate patterns, tropical plants, dragon statues pouring water into the bath, and the Gremory symbol.
And if that wasn't enough, the second basement floor included a heated indoor swimming pool. The third basement floor was mostly vacant that could be used for storage, but it also included a library filled with all of the books of Devil Mythology on the shelves.
Despite all the fancy accommodations made, Aidan was bothered by one question.
"So, Rias, you mind telling me how the house Uncle Deckard and I bought suddenly turned into a mansion in the middle of the suburban neighborhood?" asked Aidan after sipping his milk. "Not that I do not appreciate the kind gesture."
Rias answers after swallowing her food. "It was gift from my father. When he heard that Azazel was having all the girls move in with you, he decided to make things more spacious for all of us."
"And he decides to make it into a skyscraper mansion in the middle of the neighborhood?" asked Aidan. "I'm willing to bet not everyone around is happy about it."
"Well, he wanted to go bigger than this," Rias said with a smile.
Just then, Kiba and Gasper walk into the kitchen.
"Good morning, everyone," greeted the Knight as he waves his hand, wearing casual clothing like everyone else. Gasper was behind him wearing sunhat and girl clothes. He looked around at the large living room and the crowd sitting at the table which freaked him out a little.
"What's wrong, Gasper?" asked Aidan.
"B-B-Big places are scary!" Gasper shudders.
"Looks like everyone is here," Rias said with a satisfied expression. "Let's finish breakfast and we can begin our club meeting."
AFTER BREAKFAST…
Everyone in the Occult Research Club had gathered in Aidan's room, alongside the maids. Despite being ten people in one room, there was more than enough space. While everyone sat on the expensive sofas, Gasper stayed in his box that he brought along.
"You're returning to the Underworld?" asked Aidan.
"Well, naturally! Summer's finally here and we are all going. This is a yearly tradition," Rias said to her boyfriend before noticing Aidan looking away with a bit of concern. "What's wrong, my love?"
Aidan replies sheepishly as he turns his head back to her. "Nothing to complain about, Rias, but there's still a price on my head in the Underworld."
Rias gave him a wry smile. "Cloying neediness is so hot. Now stop worrying," She said as she inches her face closer to her boyfriend and holds his cheeks to rub them. "I plan to keep you around for an exceptionally long time. I would never leave you behind and I have no intention of letting anyone get their hands on you. Understand?"
"Yeah," He nods with a smile.
"Good." Rias gives him a simple kiss on the lips before turning back to the group. "We'll all be heading to the Underworld tomorrow morning. And it is a long trip, so bring a book or anything to keep yourself entertained."
This surprised some of the people in the room.
"Wait, did you say all of us?" asked Asia.
"Does that include us too?" Xuelan asked with wide eyes and pointed at herself, along with the other two maids.
"Masters and servants must always be together, and that includes you three as you are recognized as Aidan's maids," Rias said to the Phenex maids. "Plus, I got a group rate."
"Going to the Underworld while I'm still alive makes me a little bit nervous but I wouldn't feel anything if I were already dead!" Asia exclaimed with a smile, sitting next to Xenovia and Koneko.
"So then, starting tomorrow morning, we're gonna spend our vacation in the same hell I once tossed infidels into?" Xenovia asked, before scuffing and crossing her arms. "Ironic, for a one-time Church believer turned Devil."
"If you're going back, then I am as well."
Everyone gasped before turning around to find Azazel sitting on a seat in the corner.
*SHIING*
As if on cue, Aidan deploys his Armiger as many phantom swords surround Azazel. But the Fallen Angel Governor was getting rather annoyed.
"Come on, Aidan," Aidan shook his head. "Every time? Really?"
"If you stop appearing out of nowhere all of a sudden, I might stop doing this!" Aidan retorted.
"If you want someone to get mad at, then Rias is the one," Azazel responded nonchalantly.
But that made the Devil in question stand up to her feet with an angered expression. "What was that?!"
"Listen, Gremory, if you didn't notice my presence until just now, then you've still got a lot of training left to do," He said. Ever since he decided to be the ORC's club advisor, Azazel has either served wise counsel or nonchalant jokes that get the better on everyone's nerves. But given his abundance of knowledge, he was also going to be teaching them battle styles from now on.
"With the Demons on your doorstep in almost every apocalyptic situation, you best bet whatever training you receive so that you can actually beat them instead of relying on blind luck."
Aidan stands down with his Armiger as it disperses away. He then sighs as if he was tired.
"I'm going to go get packing," He said as he stands up and walks to a dresser. Everyone else sat up and started walking towards the exit of the room. Rias and Asia head for their respective interconnecting doors that lead to their separate rooms.
But as Aidan begins to pack up, he could not help but have his mind linger back to the dream this morning. It was just a crazy thought, but he could've sworn someone was watching him from the shadows.
Someone with heterochromia eyes and a beautiful yet dangerous feminine face. A certain daughter of Hatred.
The next day the group headed for the nearest train station. Everyone was wearing their school uniform as a sign of formality per Rias' suggestion. The maids came dressed as usual but luckily for them, no one was in the station to stare lewdly at them. As for Aidan though, along with his uniform, he also wore his dark cloak to hide his face from anyone still trying to kill him. Despite Rias' objection and promise that she will protect him, Aidan was taking a safety precaution based on his own gut feelings. While he trusted Rias to watch over and protect him, him wearing his cloak was more of a case of extra personal security.
"So, what are we still doing here?" Aidan asked with a duffle bag hanging from his shoulder that looked like one he traveled with in his days with Uncle Deckard. "The last train has already left."
"Just follow me, dear," Rias beckoned her nephalem with a wry smile. They followed her to a small elevator that could only hold five people at most. Rias and Akeno enter first before the former spoke to the rest. "Aidan. You, Asia, and Xenovia will head down first with us."
Aidan then looks at the floor display that showed only Levels 1 and 2.
"No offense, Rias, but there are no other lower levels," Aidan pointed out.
"Not for us Devils. Now come squeeze in," Rias said with a confident smile. The two new Devils and the nephalem exchanged glances of confusion but complied, nonetheless. Struggling to fit into the elevator with their bags. "Kiba, I want you and the rest to come after us since you've used this. Yubelluna, I assume you have the card?"
"I do indeed," Yubelluna responded proudly, as she pulls out a white card from her bosom and held it up to show Rias. "Just if we were to find ourselves in the human world."
"Good, then you'll be a part of Kiba's group," Rias said before the elevator doors close, cramming the people inside together with their big luggage.
She then took out a card like Yubelluna's and turned it towards an electronic panel. Once scanned, the elevator goes down, surprising the nephalem, Asia, and Xenovia.
"Beneath this station, there is a secret level that is exclusively used for Devils," Rias explains. "Areas for the exclusive use of Devils are hidden within the town in this way, you know?"
The elevator keeps descending for another minute before coming to a stop. After the doors open, Aidan exits out first to look out at the sight. It at first would seem like a vast artificial space that was some kind of huge cave, but rather, it seemed to have the structure of a station platform. There were a few differences in the design and structure of those in the human world. However, it still retained the usual train tracks.
After Kiba's group along with the maids came down moments later, they all waited by the elevator before Rias led them to platform three. It was a bit of a walk down the vast space that would echo anyone who yelled.
Finally, they came at last to an open station and see a very peculiar train in front of them. There were many symbols that represented the architecture of the Devils carved into acute angles, with the Gremory Symbol displayed on it.
"So, this must be your family's train?" asked Aidan as the doors opened automatically as if expecting their arrival.
"That's right," Rias answered without hesitation before leading everyone onto the train.
30 MINUTES LATER…
"I never expected to go to the Underworld on a train," Asia said while playing a card game with Xenovia.
The train was now speeding into the Underworld, traveling across a purple sky as if it were training on train tracks. The inside of the train was like a luxurious small living room complete with bars and small tables to sit at, along with sofas and coffee tables to relax at.
"The last time we came, Grayfia's magic brought us here," Aidan said while he was reading one of his Uncle's books. "And then afterwards, I rode on a griffin to meet up with Rias after my return from self-exile."
"Well, this is a proper trip, and all new Devils should enter the world through the appropriate channels instead of having to rely so much on magic," Akeno said, sitting with Aidan, Rias, Xenovia, and Asia on one of the U-shaped sofas.
Aidan looks at the Phenex Maids, who were sitting together at the bar whispering to each other. Kiba was at another bar in the back reading a book.
"Was it the same way for you three?" Aidan asked.
Yubelluna simply looked at Aidan, but the other two looked like they'd jumped out of their skin and blushed brightly.
"Yes, actually," The former Phenex queen confirmed with a faint blush. "When our former master resurrected us during the Second World War, the four of us went on a similar train. But with more fire."
Aidan was surprised. "You lived through World War II?"
"My father and I fought back against the Germans when they invaded France, but the two of us were captured and gunned down," Karlamine said, looking up at the ceiling as if remembering her last moments.
Xuelan held her left arm with her right as she looked away. "I was a simple farming girl in Nanjing before the Japanese invaded. Some of the solders decided to…pass me around before killing me off." She spoke those words with a shutter but after her revival, she took great pleasure in making them suffer personally.
Yubelluna was quiet for a couple seconds before removing one of her forearm length, fingerless gloves.
"Let's just say… I was in Germany at the wrong time and place. And because of my Jewish descendance…" She then showed numbers tattooed into her arm.
Aidan recognized what that meant. "The Holocaust? But that means-"
"Like many other Jewish people, I was put into a concentration camp at Auschwitz before I was gassed in their chambers," Yubelluna revealed before she put her glove back on and stared at the ceiling. "It's strange how death can take your life, yet you are given another chance even after the horrible things done to us."
"And we have you to thank for that, Aidan," Karlamine bowed with a smile on their behalf. "Without saving us that day, I don't think we would be where we are now."
Aidan then notices Koneko who was merely looking out at the purple sky, lost in thought. "Hey, Koneko? Are you okay? You haven't touched your food."
Without looking back, she merely responds. "It's nothing. Nothing to worry about."
Soon the announcement on the train spoke.
"We will now be arriving at the Sitri Domain Terminal."
"Sitri Domain?" as he looked at the smiling Rias and Akeno.
"Yo! Kain!" called out Saji.
"Hey, Aidan!" Issei's voice was heard.
Aidan was surprised to hear two familiar voices as he turned his head towards the doors that led to the car in front of theirs. Walking into the car were Sona, Tsubaki, Issei, and Saji.
"Saji. Issei. Good to see you," Aidan greeted warmly. "And you as well, Sona and Tsubaki."
When Kiba saw Tsubaki walk in, he closed his book and got up.
"Good to see you, Sona," Rias said as Sona and her members approached the sofa.
"Since you were kind even to give us a ride on the Gremory train, I thought I'd see how you were before we got off," Sona said with a smile.
"Fine, if not a bit anxious," Rias responds with a shrug.
"Perfectly understandable. After all, this isn't an ordinary home trip."
Meanwhile, the three Pawns were chatting with one another.
"I heard you are heading down the Underworld as well?" asked Issei.
"I could ask the same of you two," Aidan responds. "How goes your training by the way?"
"Going good, I guess," Issei said. "I still need to get stronger, but I am making some progress thanks to Azazel."
"Yeah, well. We're about to go work our asses off, and the next time we meet up, one of us will be a lot stronger than you. You hear that, Aidan?" Saji asked in a challenging manner.
Aidan could not help but chuckle. "Be careful what you wish for, Saji. Nephalem are stronger than dragons as the legends say."
Sona turned to her two Pawns and said, "Saji, Issei. It's time to go."
The two walk towards the door, but Issei stops to look at Aidan and Rias. "Good to see you again, Aidan. Goodbye and good luck."
Aidan nods with a smile and responds, "See you soon."
AN HOUR LATER…
"It's been a while since we dropped off Sona and her Peerage," Gasper said while sitting with Aidan and reading one of Deckard's books. Akeno, Asia, and Xuelan were with him watching. Kiba spoke with Xenovia and Karlamine given that they were all knights. Yubelluna was quietly reading a romance novel, while Koneko was looking out the window in solace again.
'We will soon arrive at the Gremory Domain Terminal.'
"We're here already?" asked Aidan as he looks out the window with Xenovia, Asia, and the maids.
They were stunned to see miles and miles of extraordinarily rich acres with developed industry, but also a well-shaded forest and a mountain range. Houses and other buildings were laid throughout the land, and rather than a small town, it looked like a capital city of sorts.
"Wait, do you mean all that land?" Xenovia asked loudly as Karlamine had been jaw-dropped at the sight.
"All of this belongs to the House of Gremory," Akeno confirmed.
"It's so big!" Aidan was surprised. "Almost reminds me of Kehjistan but less sand."
"If you were to compare it to Japan, they own roughly the size of its main island," Kiba commented.
Suddenly, and without warning, the train stopped, as if the brakes were abruptly pushed hard. Everyone stumbles and nearly fall to the ground as it lurched. Aidan stood his ground though and caught Akeno before helping her back up.
"What the hell was that?" asked Aidan.
"Why did we stop?" Xenovia asked, looking around.
'The emergency brake has been activated.'
Xuelan got up and slammed her fist on the back of the sofa.
"No shit!" She angrily shouted at the ceiling as her other two fellow maids stood up.
Aidan walks over to check on Gasper who was in his box. "Gasper! You alright?"
"Ow, my neck…" He groaned and rubbed the back of his neck. "Did we get into an accident?"
At that moment, Rias and Azazel came walking back into their train car after moving to the one in front to see what was happening.
"I see…" The Fallen Angel said before he approaches the others. "A few VIPS will be gathering here soon. Maybe the sudden stop was a security precaution."
"VIPs?" asked Aidan. "For what?"
"Looks like we might be stuck here for a while. I'm gonna go take a sneak peek. Ciao!" And with that, the Governor Turned with a wave and walked out of the passenger car casually.
Rias sighs and starts to inform her peerage about the situation. "One of the representatives of Asgard will be joining us for a conference. And he is bringing with him two other important representatives as well."
"Asgard?" asked Aidan with shock. "The Nine Realms are real?"
"That's right," Kiba said with a nod. "Asgard is home to the Aesir. Then you have Mount Olympus where the Olympians rule. And then there is Mount Meru in Asia belonging to the Hindu religion."
"I didn't think other gods really existed," Aidan was surprised. "I thought it was just human imagination and religion. Wait a minute."
Aidan then remembers something Uncle Deckard told him long ago regarding other religions, those that do not believe in the existence of the High Heavens, the Burning Hells, or even the Eternal Conflict.
'Uncle Deckard believed that the gods and their realms were formed after the Worldstone's destruction. Each shard that was scattered across existence from the artifact formed realms of their own, each realm surrounding Sanctuary. And from those realms, the gods were born… Could it be that every god is descended from Anu given of how the Worldstone was supposedly a part of Anu beforehand?'
His line of thought is interrupted by Yubelluna asking Rias a question.
"So, what is this conference going to be about?" The former Phenex queen asked.
"It will be about the return of the Demons," Rias answered. "With the forces of Hell encroaching, we are taking measures to form more alliances against them. These include Asgard, Egypt, and Hinduism."
"…Then that means the representatives are—"
"Something's wrong?" Koneko suddenly said.
Then everything went white.
AFTERMATH…
Aidan groans as he wakes up on his stomach before sitting up and shaking his head off the dust and ringing noise in his ears. When he opens his eyes, he sees the purple sky of the Underworld before he looks around.
Everyone but Rias was accounted for as they sat up and stood up. They were not on the train anymore but rather in some kind of rock valley.
"Everyone alright?" asked Aidan.
Kiba looked around their location as he stood up. "Yeah, I think so. Mostly."
"Where's Rias?" Asia muttered, worried about her friends' wellbeing.
Akeno stood up. "I don't see her."
"Azazel's missing too!" Gasper gasped.
Karlamine also gasps before she gets into a fighting stance, drawing her sword. "Quiet! We got company!"
The ground soon begins to rumble, like everyone was feeling an earthquake ready to begin.
"That doesn't sound good," said Xenovia as the source of the commotion and violent shaking came into view. And it left an imprint of fear in everyone's hearts.
It was a fifteen meters tall, gigantic western Dragon. Apart from its lower body, specifically its belly, the inner portions of its long tail and legs, that are beige in color, a majority of dragon's body is covered in dark purple, draconic scales. Also, it has a triangular head with yellow horns, a pair of large, keen red eyes with lavender sclera, and serrated yet sharp canine teeth. Its claws had long sharp, yellow nails, on his hands, and large bat-like wings with rigid tips. Additionally, it wore black armored pauldrons that extended down to its arms and a loincloth decorated with metallic accessories.
The dragon roars at the group with glowing eyes before unleashing a large breath of fire from its mouth.
"Evasive maneuvers!" cried Aidan as he grabbed Asia and Gasper before jumping out of the way of the fire. Once he lands and gets them to a safe position, he takes out his Warglaive Furies as the Al'Diabolos Terror Claws emerges on his left arm.
"I'm going to assume this guy isn't friendly," Kiba exclaimed as he drew out his Holy-Demonic Sword.
Xenovia summons Durandal as she yells, "Duh! You think?"
"Is that even a question?" Karlamine sarcastically asked as she brought out a flaming sword.
Xuelan gets into a fighting stance, ready for action. "What's the plan, Aidan?" But running past her was Koneko, whom the former Phenex Rook was surprised to see charging head on into the beast. "Wait! Stop!"
Koneko doesn't listen as she starts to run up the side of a mountain near the dragon. She then launches herself at the beast, prepared to land a punch.
"Koneko, watch out!" Akeno yelled.
*BAM*
The dragon easily swats Koneko away with its tail, sending her smashing against the side of the mountain.
*CRASH*
Koneko lets out a huge grunt of pain as she crashes her backside into the mountain, the back of her head began to bleed as she fell to the ground. Luckily for her, Xuelan caught her.
"That was reckless of you, you idiot!" Xuelan said. "Think of what our master would say!"
She brings her over back to Gasper and Asia as the dragon prepares another breath of fire on those fleeing.
Akeno flies to the skies and magically changes her clothes into that of her miko outfit.
"Since Rias isn't here, it is my duty to take the lead!" Akeno yelled with her outstretched hand, taking command as her confidence is boosted. "Kiba! Xenovia! Karlamine! Yubelluna! Do whatever you can to distract the dragon! Aidan, I want you to focus on channeling your Sacred Gear's power! Xuelan! Keep Asia safe as she heals Koneko1 I will give order to coordinate our response!"
"Right, Akeno!" Everyone yelled.
[BOOST]
The voice of Diablo boosting Aidan's power caught the dragon's attention, staring eye to eye at the nephalem.
"Uh, guys! A little help!" He yelled before Akeno unleashed her lightning at the dragon's head while Yubelluna drops a bombardment of spells on its body.
"I love dishing out punishment!" Akeno exclaims with a sadistic smile.
"Then let's give it a bang!" Yubelluna concurs with a grin.
Xenovia and Karlamine rush in at the dragon, hopping across the rocks and boulders trying to land a blow.
"Hey, Scaley, over here!" yelled the Gremory Knight.
Both girls and Kiba jump high at the monster's head.
*CLASH*
To their surprise, the dragon's horns elongated and blocked the swords of the Kights, pushing them away with a simple head move.
"It was able to deflect Durandal?" Xenovia shockingly asked as she fell.
Koneko tries to get up but struggles due to her head wound. Asia uses An'Naresh and her Twilight Healing rings to stabilize her. Gasper sood by as Xuelan stood guard over them.
"Koneko, please just stay still!" Asia pleads.
"Now Kiba!" Akeno commands.
"Got it!" Kiba quickly turns his sword upside down and stabs it into the ground. "Sword Birth!"
At that moment, a red magical circle shines under him as his power moves through the ground right beneath the dragon. Hundreds of swords sprout up beneath the monster.
*SHATTER*
But all blades were destroyed when the dragon's tail swings and effortlessly shatters them. The beast soon unleashes a fire breath at Kiba, making him yell as he jumps out of the way. But the dragon's attention was distracted as Aidan warps to the dragon's back.
[BOOST]
Unfortunately, Diablo's voice from his Sacred Gear boosting his power blew his cover as the dragon looks behind and glares at him. With his cover blown, Aidan had nowhere else to go.
[BOOST]
The dragon roars and tries to attack, until Yubelluna uses her scepter to make more purple magic circles on the ground and surround the beast. Each one explodes, casting dust and debris into the air.
At first, all seemed okay until the dragon fires at the former Phenex Queen and Akeno. Both dodge the attack quickly, flying out of the way of the flames.
'Why does it keep reacting to Aidan's Sacred Gear?' Akeno thought.
Gasper soon came out front. "I…I have to do something," He said, trying to put on a brave face. "I've got to! After all… it's what a hero would do!" He then closes his eyes and reopens them, activating his Forbidden Balor View and freezing the dragon in place when it came for Aidan.
The dragon seemed still for a moment, giving everyone a sigh of relief. All except Aidan.
"Gasper!" He called out to the Bishop. "He's still moving!"
The dragon breaks free, and it looked at Gasper as if he only pissed it off.
Gasper soon collapsed on the floor in shock. "I'm sorry! He's too scary! I can't focus!"
*BOOM*
Aidan empowers himself as he flies up, with both Yubelluna and Akeno right behind him.
"You two, get ready!" He said.
"Right behind you!" Akeno smiles with Yubelluna as she and the Bomb Queen strike at the dragon together. Their attacks hit the dragon, making Aidan go in for the kill.
But just as Aidan was about to hit his mark with his Warglaive Furies…
*BAM*
Aidan is flung far, like he was slapped with a reality check from the dragon's tail, as he adjusts himself before seeing the dragon charge right at him, ready to end his life.
"Watch out!" Yubelluna cried.
"Aidan!" Akeno cried.
Aidan braces himself for the dragon's charging impact.
"Stop!" Aidan turns his head towards a familiar voice, shocked to see Azazel standing on a cliff next to Rias. "That is enough."
At Azazel's command, the dragon stands down, with the eyes no longer glowing and appearing less threatening. And it didn't take long for Aidan to figure out what the leader of the Fallen Angels had planned.
"You son of a bitch…" Aidan mutters and glares at Azazel.
ONE MOMENT LATER…
Turns out that the dragon Azazel sent was of his doing. And that he was also a Devil.
"Blaze Meteor Dragon a.k.a. Devil Dragon Tannin," Azazel introduced him. "Vassal to the former Dragon Emperor, he allowed himself to be turned into a Devil for reasons that are confidential."
"A dragon that's become a Devil?" asked a shocked Kiba.
"Talk about power," Karlamine said.
Azazel placed a hand inside his pocket and said while looking mainly at Aidan, "This guy has come down to help you kids out with your training."
"Training?" asked Xenovia with her arms raised. "Like a special kind of training montage?"
"Hmm, I don't know what that means, but Sirzechs asked me to come help," Tannin said, not getting the reference. "Even the nephalem will need lots of help."
"To be frank from what I have seen on all of you, each of you needs a lot of work," Azazel simply shrugged, agreeing with the dragon.
Rias then walked up to her peerage with an apologetic expression. "I'm so sorry. I never wanted to play a trick on you like this. I was against the ambush ploy from the start, but my big brother can be rather insistent."
Aidan, perhaps speaking on behalf of the Peerage, merely walked up to his girlfriend, and held her hands with his. Smiling, he assures her, "It's alright, Rias. I know you wouldn't dare to do something like this. That is not the girlfriend I know of."
Rias smiles back in gratitude, seeing how accepting her nephalem was of her despite feeling bad.
"I can sum up why your revenue isn't improving," Azazel said to Rias in a level tone. "Besides a tendency towards spoiling them, you act with uncertainty."
But that criticism made Rias turn around in anger. "What uncertainty?"
"I wanted to gauge whatever you could muster when caught off guard and trust me, I've learned plenty. This fight showed me just what kind of training methods each of you need most," He responds with a wry smile.
"And exactly just what kind of plan would a Fallen Angel like you come up with?" Akeno asked with venom in her voice.
But Azazel looked mockingly hurt and winked, placing a hand over his heart. "I'll do whatever it takes to make you kids stronger. I am your teacher after all."
Aidan sighs before his attention is caught by Tannin who wanted to say something to him in private.
"They were right, you know?" The Devil Dragon said. "About what you are."
"They?" asked a confused Aidan.
"Your nephalem friends," Tannin said. "Mainly Alrik and Li-Ming."
This made him gasp a bit. "You know of them?"
"They are two of my closest friends," Tannin revealed. "Hell, we even sparred with each other on occasion. And they told me a lot about you and what to expect should you ever come to the Underworld for training. Last I heard though they were stuck back in Hell."
That made Aidan a bit somber for he still knows that to his knowledge, Alrik, Li-Ming, and Johanna are still in Hell, covering the Satans' escape with the comatose Baraqiel. No word has been heard from them since and it has already been weeks.
"Chin up, nephalem," Tannin encouraged. "They've gotten themselves into that situation before. I'm sure they can get out."
With a smile returning to her face, Rias looked back at the group. "Forgive me but I am afraid I won't be able to take you all home scrapped up and dirtied like this. So, it's time for our obligatory bath."
The group was led to one of the many homes owned by Rias, which turned out to be a bathhouse. It was luxuriously built and made of pure marble with hot water pouring into multiple baths. All the guys were heading to the bath at the bottom while the girls took the top floor which had another bath raised high above them.
"No, really! It's fine! I can just go in later!" Gasper yelled as Aidan had to drag him over to the water.
"Come on now, Gasper. There's nothing to be embarrassed about!" Aidan exclaimed as he tugs Gasper's arm gently. He then notices the way the Vampire boy was holding his towel to cover himself, making the nephalem sigh. "Gasper, please lose the towel. I don't care if you're naked or not."
"Really? I didn't think you saw me like that, Aidan," Gasper said.
"I do not," Aidan bluntly replied.
High up in the girls' bath, Akeno looked over the side and smiled down on Aidan. "Oh, Aidan, you shouldn't be sexually harassing poor, sweet Gasper," She teases.
"It's not like that!" Aidan retorted back.
Azazel stretches his arms and leans back against the side of the L-shaped bathtub.
"Haah. This is life," He relaxes. "With a bottle of sake in this hot spring, it's paradise."
Azazel had a floating wooden bucket filled with a sake bottle and two cups, the extra for anyone who wants a drink.
"Hey, Aidan. Come share a drink with me, will you?" Azazel requested.
Aidan couldn't turn down the offer, so he takes one of the cups as Azazel fills it up for him. On the other side however, Rias heard of the offer.
"Aidan, dear! Do not get drunk in my bathhouse," She warned. "I do not want to have to deal with you if you get out intoxicated."
"Yes, love," Aidan responds before sighing quietly to himself. He then takes a sip of his liquor before settling down.
"Say, I've been meaning to ask you something," Azazel said.
"What about?" asked Aidan.
"Tell me. Rias' melons, have you gotten any good squeezes in?" He asked, making a squeezing motion with his hand.
Aidan blushes slightly before he glares at the Governor-General. "None of your goddamn business! Now cut to the chase."
Azazel chuckles. "I've heard recently about some trouble you've had with some of your girls fighting. Granted you can calm them down with your methods at least. It was a smart move to start a harem though. Now you can finally express love to every girl you have feelings for."
Aidan could not help but wonder out loud. "I sometimes wonder if I just stole Issei's dream right out from under him. Maybe you can give him some good advice."
"Well, as a dragon in human form, it's only logical that someone like him would have multiple mates. I'll admit, I think he is jealous of you. Vali was never interested in being in a relationship with a partner and was more concerned about fighting."
"And I bet his sister is the same as well," Aidan said. "Although, their sibling relationship has now taken a turn for the worse."
"Uh…" The two heard Kiba speak up and turned to see him looking at them. "Speaking of fighting, haven't you guys noticed that something's up with Koneko? She was so careless. That's not like her."
"Yeah, that's weird. But she hasn't been acting like herself at all today," Gasper said, also having noticed the white-haired cat girl's change in attitude.
Aidan looks up at the girl's bathtub in concern, wondering if Koneko is okay. Perhaps given enough time, she will revert to her normal self.
It was time to head for bed. As he walks to his bedroom, Aidan stopped in front of his door to see Asia and Xenovia.
"Have a good night you two," He told them, as Rias was going to have the them sleep in another room due to a limited amount currently.
"Goodnight, Aidan!" The two said and smile before heading into their bedroom and closing the door.
As Aidan enters his bedroom, he found Rias looking in the mirror, adjusting her hair.
"Ahh, Somnus," She greeted as she turned her head with a smile.
"Here to keep me company tonight?" Aidan could not help but flirt a little.
Rias giggles a bit. "You read my mind. You know I can't sleep without you with me in the bed."
Rias turns back to the mirror adjusting her hair as Aidan strips down to his boxer briefs and tank top. He sits on the side of the bed and watches Rias finish up. The sight of her made Aidan feel a bit hot under the collar for his amusement. But neither he nor Rias were in any mood for sex for tonight as they just want some alone time with one another.
But as soon as he looks in the mirror, his image of Rias was replaced with the same one he had seen. The same individual that he saw the first time. Those heterochromia eyes, the horned head resembling Mephisto's, and that wicked gaze that drew even the bravest men into her. Blood petals fell into the room once again as if on cue, making Aidan realize who he was seeing.
Lilith. Her gaze caught onto Aidan's as if she saw was seeing him right now. The sight of her sent chills down his spine and his heartbeat was beating faster than ever. His breath became shallower and quicker.
"..nus… omnus… Somnus? SOMNUS!"
A voice calls out to Aidan, making him snap back to reality. He blinks his eyes a few times to get his head straight before turning slowly to Rias who bore a worried expression. She was right up front with him, holding his shoulders.
"R-Rias…?" asked a somewhat confused Aidan. "What just-?"
"I was calling out your name, but you weren't responding," She said. "Is everything alright?"
Aidan didn't know how to respond as he looked back at the mirror where Lilith was, only to find nothing. His head has been nothing but a big mess as of late, evident as he leans it into his right hand to grasp it. This was already the second time this had happened and at nighttime or whenever he was asleep. It was a bit shameful for him to be making such a scene in front of his girlfriend, much less his harem.
And yet, Rias can tell that something wasn't right with him. The expression and pain in his face was easy to read like an open book.
"Bad dreams again?" asked Rias. "Is it Diablo?"
"…No," Aidan shakes his head. "Something… worse, I suppose."
"You suppose?" asked Rias. "What could be worse than what we have already faced?"
"What we haven't faced," Aidan responds. "Something that perhaps a nephalem fears most."
"Fears most?" Rias asked, confused of all the gibberish that Aidan was speaking. "What is it that you are afraid of?"
He didn't want to say it though, thinking he won't be able to sleep tonight. But he had to be truthful to Rias. Keeping her in the dark was not an option as it could severely backfire later.
"Lilith…" Aidan says the name. But this made Rias even more confused.
"Lilith?" She asked. "You mean the original Lucifer's bride?"
"That…" Aidan looked at her in concern, turning his face to meet hers. "Or perhaps the one who created the nephalem in the first place."
Rias' eyes widened. Now she had remembered. From what she learned, Lilith was the daughter of Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred. Together with her Elder Angel lover Inarius, they stole the Worldstone from the Pandemonium Fortress and created a new world called Sanctuary, where they could live in peace along with like-minded Elder Angels and Demons. And it was on Sanctuary that they mated and created offspring: the nephalem.
Whether Lilith, however, was the same Lilith as the wife of Lucifer is unknown. Last anyone heard about Lilith, she was banished to the Void millennia ago during the Sin War.
"What is it that you see?" asked Rias.
Aidan explains, "I see…her. As if she had somehow returned after so long. Her gaze is as if she knows of my presence. And her smile is as if she is telling me that she is watching." He then turns to Rias. "I'm scared, Rias. And I don't know what to do."
It was plainly evident for Rias to see a look of fear on Aidan. For the first time, however, this was not a fear of losing his friends nor of himself, but rather a fear of someone: Lilith. Her presence in his nightmares must be enough to spook him. Briefly, she blames herself for not realizing earlier but she could not allow such thoughts to linger. If Lilith, whether she was the bride of the original Lucifer or the mother of the nephalem, had indeed returned, they needed to be ready when they confronted her.
Rias then decides to lay on the bed before tapping onto the bed. "Lay here with me, Somnus."
Knowing what she meant, Aidan adjusts himself on the bed as he lies himself down on Rias' lap. He could feel her arms wrapping themselves around him. Her hands gently stroke his head as she calms her nephalem down. As Aidan feels himself drowning in Rias' warmth, his heart begins to calm itself down. His muscles eased the tension he had, combined with the comfortable softness of the bed. Slowly, his face of fear and uncertainty was replaced with one of nostalgia and peace. He wonders how long they have been cuddling together like this or how long it has been just the two of them.
As soon as Aidan relaxes, Rias begins to speak.
Rias then asked, "Do you remember the first time we slept together like this?"
"You showed up unexpectedly in my bed of all places," Aidan said, making Rias giggle.
"I was so surprised that you acted all calm without freaking out." Rias then opened her eyes slightly. "We really have come a long way since that day we met, haven't we? Since we are now an official couple, we have a responsibility, don't we?""
Aidan ponders, "The main reason I got stronger was so I'd be able to protect you."
Rias adjusts herself to the point where she lays on top of Aidan, caressing his right cheek with her left hand lovingly.
"I think that lots of people expect great things from you now…" She said with a smile. "Including me. And no matter what happens, I will always protect you and look after you. I have no intention to let go of you at all."
Aidan then sees his old Horadric necklace still hanging around Rias' neck, the last gift he gave to her before he disappeared. But then his hand traveled itself down to Rias' stomach, where although tiny, he felt a bit of a bulge forming, indicating that it really had been a full month since Rias was pregnant.
"Yeah…" He acknowledged. "I promised to protect those dear to me. And I will never again leave you."
"That's what I like to hear," She responded. She then gives him a tender kiss on the lip as he kisses back. "Now, let's get some rest. We are going to be busier from now on."
"Yeah…"
With his mind now at ease, Aidan allows sleep to dull his senses and with Rias by his side cuddling with him, he was able to get a good night sleep for once.
Unbeknownst to him however, the blood petals he saw laid on the floor. The same ones from the vision. And Lilith watched with a remote expression, keeping her gaze on Aidan.
Meanwhile, in a dark area, the only light came from a glowing orb that showed Bikou, who was conversing with someone on the other side.
"Hey, babe. Sorry to keep you waiting," He said through the device.
The person Bikou was speaking to is a beautiful young Nekomata woman with a voluptuous figure, long black hair with split bangs, and hazel-gold eyes with cat-like pupils. A pair of black cat ears and two black tails also spawned from her.
Her attire consists of a black kimono, a yellow obi, a set of golden beads, and an ornately detailed headband. The kimono features a red interior and it is open at her shoulders, giving view to her large breasts which rival those of Rias and Akeno in terms of size.
"You're late, Bikou," She said in a suggestive pose as she laid on her side, showing off some skin. "I've gotten so bored from lounging around here."
"Sorry. I got a little delayed when comforting things with Vali," Bikou explained. "The sudden betrayal of his sister is still something of a sore spot for him. That said, we should go see him. He gets outright cantankerous if he has to wait too long."
The Nekomata sat up before she said, "Well Vali is one thing, but I don't really care about Loki."
Bikou playfully winks at her. "Now, you shouldn't say such things, Kuroka. Just think of this as part of the job. After all, it's not like we do not know who Loki truly is underneath that disguise."
"There's only one thing I care about and that's getting my little sister back," Kuroka told Bikou before licking one of her fingers. "I know you'll wait for me, Shirone."
Hi guys. So for those who have read Highschool DxD: The Prime Evil, many of you might be surprised why I am doing a redo of season 3. Well, the reaosn for that is pretty straight forward. With Diablo Immortal and Diablo IV having been released and brought out some juicy content recently, I felt the need to redo season 3 of my story in this format.
Truth be told, looking back on how I made season 3 three years ago, I felt that I could have done better. Then again, season 3 of the show was considered okay for me but not as good as seasons 1 and 2. But the recent new content in the Diablo series in the form of Diablo Immortal and Diablo IV, I wanted to use that new content and put it to use for this story to make them a bit more accurate and relatable.
For starters, my plan is to divide the season in half. The first half will remain the same which consists of Loki and Belial. As will the second half regarding Diodora Astaroth and the Rating Game. But in between those two halves will come a three chapter arc which I call Lord of Destruction arc, which will follow a Diablo Immortal storyline called Destruction's Wake. And yes I have played Diablo Immortal before and yes I have reached to that part of the story so I am very well aware of what goes on. There will be some few changes here and there like Tyrael's role but for the most part, the Destruction's Wake scenario will remain relatively the same.
Also, thanks to Diablo IV, I am going to be changing Lilith's interactions in this story to make it more like her Diablo IV counterpart. Back when I made season 3, D4 had not come out yet and not a lot of content in terms of story was revealed. But now, having played D4, I can change Lilith up to make her more like who and what she is in the game and the kind of influence she brings throughout the season.
Once I get this first half posted and out of the way, which consists of six modified chapters, I will be able to focus on the Lord of Destruction arc.
Like, favorite, follow, and review at your leisure! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.