Fate: Bonds Beyond Humanity

by Apprentice of Life

In a world where all can be real, what does it mean to be human? What is the meaning of humanity? A meeting between a human and a devil will have them discovering the truth while chasing their dreams. My take on the combined worlds of Fate and DxD with characters from other franchises if they can be adapted to it. Harem.

90. Chapter 90

Fate/Bonds Beyond Humanity

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90- After the Storm(Grief)

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Despite being a beacon that promised to thrust the Underworld into a brighter future, the Vault of Prosperity was mostly empty when Azazel, Ise, Rin and Xenovia stepped inside. It wasn't outright abandoned, fallen angels worked diligently even if the mood was mostly down since several projects were frozen.

Because the devils weren't working that day, they haven't been working for the last few days thanks to the crisis in their lands. Pretty much everybody had been recalled to either deal with a problem or help reconstruction or another of the hundreds of tasks that needed to be accomplished.

However work wasn't what the devils of the Vault would be doing that day. It was a different occasion, one far more somber that should help their people find closure. Or at least attempt to since Azazel doubted it would do much good.

Regardless, the Cadre and his fallen angels weren't necessarily welcomed at the ceremony which, according to his watch, had already started by that point. Going wasn't exactly the problem and some of his subordinates who had more intimate relationships with devils actually went to show support.

But going to a mass funeral just felt in bad taste since they were once angels of God, enemies of devils.

Mourning their former ancient enemy wasn't a problem either but anybody could guess the mass presence of fallen angels could end up starting something on the occasion where the dead should be honored.

Of course, as things often were with politics, there was another reason for Azazel to not go and it was arguably worse. Yet he had to keep his cool and not give the game away or else he was going to piss off a lot of people.

Fortunately he had some help. "Damn, I sorta missed this place." Xenovia couldn't help but comment as she waved to a couple of fallen angels she met previously. "Vivii and Castor finally started dating."

"Yeah. Their relationship status got updated last week, if I am not mistaken." Azazel drew a phone from his pocket and quickly checked the net. "Yep. He finally managed to ask for a date after an extremely fancy dinner. Pft, dude has no game."

"His game is deep pockets." The former Exorcist joked back, earning a chuckle from a few fallen angels around the place.

Rin frowned at the interaction. "Are you telling me you guys are on the Internet?"

"Rin, Rin, Rin… Who isn't?" Ise asked smugly.

Prompting the twin tailed magus to crack her fists, "I recommend you to rip that shiteating grin from your face before I do it for you, Hyoudou-kun," while a sinister aura surrounded her.

"My bad. My bad." Ise raised his hands while moving around until Azazel was between him and the magus.

Meanwhile the Cadre cackled at the devil's attempt of running away, Xenovia took point and called the elevator. The doors opened pretty much instantly, the cameras in the area showing security that they were getting close and they moved to please their boss.

Also the group was expected and Azazel had given clear instructions that any sort of stressful situation should be avoided for the Red Dragon Emperor until they knew more about his condition.

Which was why they were in the Vault. "Going straight to the lab?" Xenovia questioned the older man who nodded. "Can't we pass by the gym so I can get some weights? If you are going to be testing Ise, I might as well make myself occupied."

Rin had to force herself to not over react at the bluehead's suggestion. "Aren't you here so Ise doesn't get bored while we do the tests?" It wasn't the real reason.

"Meh." Was all Xenovia minded to answer while the elevator opened on the right floor. "Here we are! Home away from home!" The knight advanced quickly, pointing to several doors with a nostalgic smile. "That was my room, Shiro's room, Liz's room, Akeno's room, Gasper's room-"

"You all got stuck in one place?"

"I wouldn't call it stuck." A wave of her hand had the door opening revealing her former residence to be exactly how she left it. "Hey, you guys didn't change anything?" Advancing inside she retrieved a pair of dumbbells and began exercising.

"No reason to. They are your rooms." Azazel commented with a grin. "Not my fault that Gremory Castle is just more comfy."

"Why aren't we doing these tests on the castle?" Ise asked while staring at the weight Xenovia was lifting weights rhythmically. More precisely he was focused on how her chest moved and would keep doing so.

Until the fallen angel pulled him by his shirt. "Because this equipment is expensive. And sensitive." The lab opened and Xenovia was treated to the familiar sight albeit with some changes while both Ise and Rin's jaws dropped on the floor. Nobody could fault them, either as a lab or workshop, Azazel's workplace was top of the line. "Also the Vault is supposed to be 'neutral' even if the Gremory gets some benefits first. Any argument of neutrality would die if we install this stuff in the castle."

"Also there is a lot of stuff." The Pawn of Gremory commented while approaching a huge tube full of concoctions and a weapon in the center.

Rin recognized it somewhat, having seen some drawings.. "Is that the first Noble Gear?"

"The prototype." Replied the Cadre as he clapped his hands. Several computers suddenly turned on. After a deep breath, he said. "Nothing like the smell of a lab in the morning."
"Wait! Is that PF 5?" The brown haired man dashed close to the computer at seeing the gaming station around it. "Those are not even in the stores yet! And that is Afari! And a Stitch!"

"Yes! Yes! Behold and admire my gaming station from dreams!" Azazel announced with flair while pressing a few buttons to reveal several emulators and games in his computer. "Where I have every single game made by Man on every single platform! Controls of every size, the best circuit boards, video cards. Twelve sources of-"

"Can we skip the technical details? Did I say it right?" Rin turned to Xenovia who nodded while gently placing one of her dumbbells on a table and taking the other one with both hands to swing it. "Yeah, skip those. We are here for more important business."
"Oh, come on, Rin-san. We can play a few games." Ise would be lying if he said that he didn't want to try a few.

"After the tests!" Was the magus' reply.

One that had Azazel nodding even as he mumbled. "Killjoy." Both Ise and Xenovia snickered as the black haired woman glared at him. "Anyway, she has a point. We have a lot of stuff to look at." A few presses later a metal desk a few meters to the right began to shift until it transformed into a treadmill. "Hop on."

Stopping her exercise, Xenovia approached the devil with Ise. "Oh~ You didn't have that one before." Looking around she pointed to a couple of pods and a table holding several devices. "Any of those transforms too?"

"Most of the new stuff has a secondary function. The rest are mine, Ajuka and Rafael's works mixed with a few of the Church's pet projects." Before the devil could begin the exercise, Azazel raised several wires with plugs. "Off with the shirt, please."

Things started slower at first, the machines connecting to Ise staying with him as he did a variety of exercises. Sometimes the Cadre added a few more wires from the equipment itself but for the most part the Pawn of Gremory constantly wore one in each bicep, two on the chest and four on his forehead.

Most of the information collected went straight to Azazel's supercomputer which the man began to work on as soon as Ise started running and kept working on it even when he had to change machines.

Xenovia was the one escorting the Pawn and even demonstrated how to do some of the exercises. 'Is that why she 's dressed like a personal trainer?' Because he could see a lot thanks to her blue greenish top. Just not enough which irritated him somewhat. 'Focus!'

"Hmm." Azazel hummed when the devil began to lift huge weights. "Say, Ise, have you tried some of these before?"

"Never! Always had-"

"Breathe. In and out, up and down." Xenovia recommended just as the man's face began to grow red with effort. She couldn't even be a spotter for him because there was no way she could lift those weights if they fell.

Not only were they the size of motorcycles but looked as heavy. "Relax. He should be fine lifting those." Rin commented while using a ruby to scan Ise's body. From time to time its light would flicker and she would stop to pay more attention to that body part before moving on. "Considering he can fight dragons, he should have no problems lifting that much."

"Yep. No problems here." Focusing on his breathing some more, the Pawn managed to reply between repetitions. "Sorry but, what 's the question again?"

"If you had ever trained with this sort of equipment. Either in a gym as a human or if Rias had tried to use something similar." Azazel elaborated for his benefit.

"Nah. I know we have some at the club but," after finishing the set he was ordered to do, Ise placed the weight back where it belonged, "it's all natural baby!" He joked while slapping his arm.

Making the wire plugged on it fall and earning him a glare from Rin who slapped his neck. "Don't do that again." She ordered while placing it back. Fortunately it wasn't hard. "What is next? I didn't find any variation in his mana paths nor anomalies there."

"That one." Azazel replied while pointing to the device Ise would use.

While Xenovia approached and looked at the computer which had a diagram of Ise's body surrounded by hundreds of letters and numbers she couldn't understand as graphs of all sorts filled the rest of the screen.

"Do you think he is having some trouble?" She whispered while the magus helped the Pawn set up to push a lot of weight with his legs.

Despite not looking at her, the Cadre asked. "Why do you figure?"

"He is slow." Xenovia glanced at the devil who just began pushing his legs to move the machine. Once again lifting way too much and easily breaking the official World Record. "Also his muscles look tense every time he exercises."

"Maybe he just isn't used to the equipment." They traded looks because both of them knew that was a lie. "Come on, Ise! Twenty reps! Get those knees moving!"

"Yes sir!" Like the bluehead said, he started slow.

Far slower than she expected. "While true he trains in more traditional means, Ise is fit even for devil standards."

"I figured as much." Actually Azazel tried to adjust the weights to not harm the recovering young man. However his body was well below what he expected. "That may be a problem."

"You think he needs more rest?"

"I don't think resting is going to help anymore. Well, just resting isn't going to help with that." A few clicks later and a new diagram of Ise's body took up the screen. That one showed the outline of his body and little else. "Maybe we should try another approach."

"You already know what the problem is." Xenovia affirmed with conviction.

After a chuckle, the fallen angel replied, "So do you." A moment of silence passed as they only heard Ise's grunts of effort before hearing the loud 'clac' of the machine stopping. "Rin?"

"His flux of demonic energy is stable. Since I never inspected his usual levels, I can't really say it is completely normal but his reserves are undoubtedly superior to Kiba, Gasper and Koneko's."

"Hell yeah, still top dog! Or top dragon." Ise couldn't help but joke yet neither of the three reacted. "Haha. Come on, relax a little. I feel fine-"

"After Juggernaut Drive?" Rin bluntly asked and the devil closed his mouth so fast they could hear his teeth. Letting out a sigh, the magus amended with, "Well, we don't really know the consequences of using it, besides the obvious. Perhaps just losing some lifespan doesn't affect devils as much?"

Azazel laughed out loud. "Hahahahaha! Yeah, no. I don't believe the price for something like that can be so convenient."

"I wouldn't say it is convenient. He is still going to die early, right." Xenovia couldn't help but retort. She glanced at Ise who stayed silent. "But then again, comparing a human lifespan with a devil's isn't fair."

Rin clicked her tongue in agreement. "It really isn't. Like comparing a person swimming in money with another who can barely afford a house." Rubbing her chin, she debated her own comparison. "Yes… in that case the average devil's lifespan could be enough to buy several manors… or castles. Meanwhile, us, humans, get stuck with a small home and barely enough to live by."

"Better than some species of insects who can't even afford a can of beer… metaphorically speaking." Azazel commented, leaning in the example the magus was using. "Nevertheless, we need to take a look at Ise's funds more thoroughly."

"Wasn't Koneko-chan doing that?" The Pawn's question had the rest of the room staring at it. "What? I paid attention when Yoruichi-san explained Senjutsu and Bouchujutsu…"

A second later Rin was massaging her temples. "Because of course that was the lesson it would sink in."

"The Bedroom Method involves sex, as in the act of coitus, directly." Azazel chuckled at Rin's angry flush and Ise's interested look. "However Koneko-chan obviously hasn't done that and she isn't ready for it. And so, we must use other means to determine the damage done by Juggernaut Drive." Mirth left his face as he got up from his chair. "Kinda hard to do with just science but that is why I am the one conducting the tests and Rin is backing me up. Who knows; maybe by the end of it we will know how much Juggernaut Drive actually costs to be used."

"Should we write a paper about it?" The Head of Tohsaka began wondering if the Clocktower would accept it.

"Probably. Sure it is only applicable to the Heavenly Dragons and their sacred gears but research is research." Waving his hand, the fallen angel had Ise getting up before starting to remove the wires on his body. "If we can get a Ki specialist to back us up and try to properly quantify 'lifespan'... and Yoruichi hates paperwork so don't count on her."

"Tch. I know that. Can't we get someone else?"

Azazel shrugged in response. "You tell me if there is a better alternative. Now, Ise," with grandiosity and flair, the fallen waved to the other side of the lab, "get in the pod."

"The pod?" Asked the Pawn, the knight and the magus at the same time.

"Yeah, the pod." Azazel identified the device that looked like a giant washing machine connected to another wall. "That will help me monitor his vitals better while also fixing you up with some 'good juice'."

"'Good juice'?" The devil questioned again.

"Do you want the list of the many concoctions, drugs and other stuff that are going to go in your bath? Because you aren't going to understand a quarter of their names."

Ise looked at Azazel, then at the 'washing machine' on the wall. "If you say so…" He began to remove his pants before turning to the women. "Can they-"

"You peep into girls changing all the time." Rin cut the Pawn off brutally and with a glare for good measure. "Just stay in your underwear and move! I really don't want to stay here longer than necessary."

Gulping down his fear, Ise did as instructed and walked towards the pod while Xenovia approached the magus to whisper. "You okay?"

"Fine. Just annoyed that we can't find what is wrong with him."

"Oh~ So you noticed too." Azazel questioned with interest.

"Just because his mana is normal doesn't mean there isn't a problem. Also, I am not blind." In other words Rin also could see how the Pawn was having troubles doing things which were easy before. "Any idea what is wrong?"

"Besides the obvious?" The Cadre asked rhetorically.

Before the twin tailed magus could retort, Ise's voice reached them. "So do I just… go in?" With a hatch and a special chair, a breathing mask and dozens of other stuff inside the machine, it really looked like something from a sci-fi show.

Azazel was beside Ise the very next second. "Give me a sec." He opened the circular hatch which was big enough for a golf cart. "Watch your step." Indeed there was a step which the Pawn used to go in before turning to the chair. "Now another round of wiring…"

"Hey, Azazel-sensei…"

"Oho, calling me 'Sensei' now? Trying to butter up the old man?"

"How long is this going to take?" Ise asked carefully, almost nervously.

And Azazel caught that but pretended not to. "What is wrong? Something to do later? A hot date with Asia? Or perhaps Irina?"

The Pawn of Gremory began to stutter around for a few seconds before managing to say. "No-not at all- I mean, I would like to- I mean… Kuoh had a sports festival planned… Did we already miss it?"

Rin and Xenovia traded looks before the former asked. "Shouldn't you be worried about more important things?"

"But Asia wanted to go." Was the devil's response. The only response that mattered.

"Ah, yeah. She was looking forward to it." The knight nodded in agreement before shrugging. "We have been in the Underworld for four days…"

"Let's just finish this trial and then we will all be back home by tomorrow." Azazel commented with a playful grin. "Don't think your King will have anything to do around here either by the end of today so there is no worries in getting back."

"But the festival was supposed to be yesterday!" Ise replied angrily before the fire in his soul was smothered. By what, only he knew. "And we missed it. Shit… My parents must be worried too."

"The Fuyuki Watchers took our place in school." Xenovia informed since it was one of the things she learned while helping secure Gremory Territory. "As far as your parents are concerned you have been coming in and going to school like usual."

"Albeit a bit more quietly and probably with way less perversion." Rin couldn't help pointing out because she doubted any devil could perfectly reproduce the Pawn's tendencies.

Nevertheless she failed to get a reaction as Azazel finished placing the wires on Ise's body. "This is a bit late to ask but you aren't claustrophobic, are you?" After a shake of head, he raised the pod's breathing mask. "Then sit down and say your last words."

"What?!"

"Not like that." By the chuckle, it was clearly a joke. "When you put on the mask, we won't be able to hear you." He pointed to some speakers inside the pod. "But you can hear us. I can also play music or tune in some shows if you want. Or you could take a nap. Which I recommend since this could take a while."

After a brief pause the Pawn responded. "I'm not in the mood to sleep right now."

"Suit yourself. Now strap on. Literally, there are a couple of belts in case you fall asleep and start floating. Which was actually the original idea for this pod, to turn it into a deprivation chamber of a kind to help with the healing."

Rin was the one who asked, "What went wrong?"

"Needs to be bigger than a pod and concoction of potions needs to be better. At this point the solution is too much like mud to let anyone float comfortably." After tying up the Pawn, Azazel added. "Too much movement and the formula also starts making more bubbles than a jacuzzi or a shaken up soda bottle. Not something good to have in a lab where most of the equipment isn't waterproof." Which explained why he also tied up Ise's arms and legs. "Comfy?"

Once they saw a nod the fallen angel and the women stepped back before the Governor General closed the pod. "What is the purpose of that? Really?" Rin asked once she was sure Ise couldn't hear her.

Quickly sitting down in front of his computer, Azazel began to activate the pod. "What said on the tin; we are going to make some tests."

Magus and knight watched as a magenta-like concoction began to pour inside the pod. "Like I am going to believe that, Scapegoat."

"Weeeeell," Azazel began jokingly. "The potions dropped in Ise right now are ones tailor made to deal with fatigue, increase his metabolism while also stabilizing his heartbeat and replenishing his blood, if he is missing any." He explained while turning to the women. "The whole pod is made to assure that the test is going to be conducted most optimally."

"So that bath is going to make sure Ise's body is at its peak? How is that going to help?" Xenovia asked while scratching her head.

"Because it will be easier to see if there is anything wrong by making sure everything else is right." Retorted the fallen angel. "Not like those potions can fix everything."

"Is that why you don't use that pod for medical purposes?" Rin both questioned and suggested in case the Cadre hadn't thought of the idea yet.

Which he did. "Most alchemists and magicians in my employ can't make potions capable of healing people with a bath. That is above their pay grade." And he pays them handsomely. Turning back to the computer, he mumbled. "Not like that girl with Vali. I knew the Pendragon lineage made some good witches but healing like that…"

"What are you talking about?" The magus questioned while folding her arms and watching the monitor. Even if she didn't know how to use the computer, she could understand some of the information it provided.

"One of Vali's allies, Le Fay Pendragon. She poured a bottle of potion on Kuroka, the Stray Nekomata, and the woman was almost restored to full health after having her legs crushed by the Juggernaut Drive."

"Really? Blood and all?"

Azazel nodded in affirmation and astonishment. "Can't confirm but I don't doubt it. Her life was completely out of danger despite the situation."

"Hmm, if that was combined with Shiro's EM, then they could fix everyone mid combat." Xenovia pondered, the warrior in her seeing the value of such instant fix.

"If only she wasn't a terrorist." Rin reminded them.

Only for his former guardian to retort. "And they still showed up to help, saving both mine and Shirou's lives." Despite the True Hybrid's betrayal Azazel was happy to see Vali again. "Without them we would have been ashes and Ise… most likely would be dead."

Back at the issue at hand, the Head of Tohsaka leaned on the computer with interest. "So, what that pod thingy can really do? Because if it isn't for healing, there must be another reason for it."

"You really think so?" Xenovia asked while pointing at the screen. "Because that is a lot of information for just resting in a pod."

"And I got some of the same with my scams. Pretty sure Azazel did the same with previous tests." Rin deduced correctly before frowning. "What is that?"

"Angel language, or Enochian as some modern writers started calling it." Modern to him at least since the first human to codify that tongue was from the XVI century. "It has some private data that only Ise and Rias, maybe his parents, should know about. And me, as his doctor."

That information surprised Xenovia. "Since when have you been a doctor?"

"Hey, I got my diplomas several times over the years. Every time Medicine takes a stride, I hit the books." Azazel also held several PhDs. None of them on his real name but all of them real. "And thanks to online courses, it is way easier to get one."

While Rin stood there stunned, Xenovia chuckled. "Figured you would be playing around or too focused on your research to bother with stuff like that."

"Hah! Are you kidding me? Sacred gears have all sorts of effects on the human body! Getting a degree in a few things is a prerequisite to become a half decent researcher!" He announced proudly while tapping on his keyboard. His expression was jovial but his thoughts were the opposite. 'This is bad. Really, really, really bad.'

Finally the magus snapped out of her surprise, after deciding maybe to get a mundane degree of her own."And the real reason for the pod? Or for using Enochian?"

"Right, because you are like a dog with a bone…" Immediately the fallen angel grew quiet, focusing on his work.

A few minutes later Rin lost her patience. "Can you explain to us what the pod's purpose really is? Or is it just an experiment?"

A deep sigh escaped Azazel. "A dog with a bone." A sound could be heard from the magus' throat. "Just proving my point, Rin. Just proving my point." He felt a glare full of hatred on his neck and finally decided to indulge her. "Fine, fine. The reason for the pod is, besides a more thorough round of exams, also a manner of measuring Ise's life force."

Every bit of frustration in Rin's body was replaced by surprise as she leaned over the station and began to try and make sense of every bit of data on the screen looking to confirm or deny the fallen angel's claim.

"Is that impressive?" Xenovia asked while raising her two dumbbells in a new exercise.

"Impressive? Nobody has managed to quantify someone's life force yet! No magician or yokai. Hell! Even the gods can't do it!" The Head of Tohsaka glared at the angel alphabet with anger. 'It must be there-'

"Yep. Nobody, not even me." Rin's fury returned as she glared at Azazel with an expression which reminded him of an angry cloud. "Funny thing about a lifespan; it is a really difficult thing to measure. And when I say difficult I mean; 'present day space programs suddenly breaking the Speed of Light' level of difficulty."

"In other words 'impossible'." The magus clarified, for the bluehead's sake. "If someone figures out how to measure the expenditure of life force they could theoretically predict someone's death to the hour." Relaxing her posture and folding her arms, she returned to try and decipher the information in the computer. "Not even Ki specialists can do that. The masters of the craft can tell if a person is going to die soon, but not 'when' is 'soon'."

Didn't take long for Xenovia to catch his drift. "So, no dates or hours? That must suck." She couldn't help but say. "If I knew I was close to dying, I would prefer to know when. Tch, any decent warrior thinks about it from time to time." The bluehead placed her weights on a metal desk with a frown. "When in a fight, forgetting that you can die is a mistake."

"But we aren't talking about death in combat." Rin immediately countered. "We are talking about sickness, old age and…" She turned to Ise who was looking at them with half open eyes. "Mistakes. Is he listening to all of this?"

"No. He is listening to his favorite anime songs… and some of mine." Was Azazel's reply and the magus approved that decision. No use in worrying the Pawn over that sort of thing. "Regardless, I can't calculate when he is going to die but there is no denying his life was cut extremely short because of Juggernaut Drive. "A few more clicks later and three more profiles rose on the screen, catching the women's attention. "Fortunately the Vault is full of scientists willing to try some tests and since it wasn't anything dangerous, we got results quickly."

Leaning forward again, Rin pointed at the new graphics which, unlike Ise, were static and showing definitive results. "So this data belongs to three devils." She couldn't read everything again but the numbers she could see were really high. "Guess all of them were tip top shape."

"Devils of average power." A few more clicks raised three more profiles as the other three shrunk and hid on a corner of the screen. "As you can see from yours truly."

Indeed Azazel wasn't joking as his numbers were extremely high compared to the devils and the other fallen angels. Rin could see mentions of energy, mass, mana reserves, details about his bone structure, his wings and several other things that told her how powerful the man really was.

"Didn't know you were fat." Xenovia joked with her eyes focused on mass.

Which made the Cadre chuckle. "It is the mass of my muscles. We angels aren't like you humans or devils. We are actually way heavier." He brought out the devils' numbers again. "Place a human in there, it will show the same thing as any balance." The mouse moved Ise's still adjusting number. "Sure even their wings count, giving them a little extra, but the rest isn't so different. Flesh and bones like everyone else." Then their attention shifted to his and the other fallen angels' numbers. "My race, on the other hand, not only has heavier wings but our muscles are slightly more dense. 'But Azazel, how can you drive your super sports car', you want to ask…"

"Not really."

"You have a car?"

"Dozens, Xenovia, dozens. I like to take a ride now and then. A nice way to go around while resting my wings." Then he pointed to his numbers again. "Either case my body's mass is adjusted by blessings, thanks Dad, so I can sleep in a hammock or even stand in a wire and not weight more than-"

"A crow?" Rin threw in and that managed to shut the fallen angel up.

"So it is a Miracle. God's Gift to his direct children." Xenovia pondered with fascination, her hand moving to Durandal resting on her choker. "Just like my sword."

A little embarrassed thanks to the devotion to her tone, Azazel quickly closed the extra windows leaving only Ise's data out. "Actually Durandal is like us. You know, since angels were created first." He said proudly while adjusting some things on the pod. "But yeah, I was kinda shocked to learn so much about how Father made us."

"What? Never bothered to measure your own weight?" Rin found that hard to believe.

"Like I said; our weight is adjusted thanks to my Father's blessings so it isn't like any old scale could show anything." He chuckled at the thought. "It always showed a decent but not accurate weight. Not until the pod."

Finally Rin got how precise the thing was. "It isn't weighing you. Actually it is scanning your body and showing the results."

"Bingo." The fallen angel exclaimed with approval while snapping his fingers.

"So why am I here if that thing can do exactly what I did but better?" The magus questioned while pointing at the pod.

Azazel shook his head. "Not 'better'. Just in a larger scope, unfocused. Your scan was faster, more precise and if you found anything then I could have turned off the mana inferences from the pod, focusing on the rest." He pointed a thumb to the machine. "As it stands the procedure is going to take half an hour at least because of how generalized it is."

"Hmm. Still feels annoying that a machine is able to do something that should be exclusive for magecraft." Rin certainly didn't like technology invading her area of expertise.

Which amused the Cadre immensely. "That is just the World we live in! Hahahah!"

"Doesn't stop me from hating it." Nevertheless she accepted his words of wisdom.

Giving him the opportunity to say, "Eeeeiii, don't be upset. You still have a job to do. Someone needs to deliver Rias those reports."

"Like you couldn't do it by mail." She sat on his desk beside the computer console, staying far enough to not touch anything. "Staying around is a waste of time. At least back in Fuyuki I could run some experiments."

Slowly the fallen angel turned towards Rin with a look of disbelief. "You are inside the most prestigious laboratory in the whole dimension, a place so well equipped that every country on Earth would find hard to match, and you miss your small workshop?"

"It is my workshop. Where my most important notes and ongoing research is."

"Fair enough." Azazel returned to work. "But I can give you a station if you want. We don't have anyone working with jewels right now so the Vault of Prosperity would appreciate your services." He threw her a grin upon seeing the magus pause to think. "If you want, we can even talk with Rias and pay a few fees to borrow you from her."

"Will think about it." At that moment he knew Rin had already made a decision.

She wouldn't work for him.

The Cadre wasn't even surprised as the girl had no intention of working for anyone else since her deal with Rias improved and she was seen more like a loyal employee than someone who 'sold her soul'.

Which meant that while working for the Gremory, the Head of Tohsaka could build for herself a lab just as good as his if she invested the time. 'There is also the fact that she dislikes technology… Better yet, she is afraid of it.' And with the Vault of Prosperity being a modern magical marvel, her aversion made sense. Yet all that was irrelevant because she didn't say what he wanted out loud. "Come on now, we can make you a temp. You are coming back to Fuyuki with everyone else, right? We can get you some work experience."

"I said I was going to think about it." Rin instead before throwing a deadpan expression at the fallen angel. "Why are you offering that now? You never raised the issue before."

And thus they started to get back on the topic Azazel wanted. "Hey, you are the one basically saying you are bored."

"I am bored too. Are you going to pay me for the extra hours?" Xenovia playfully asked before letting out a yawn and sticking her arms. Then she massaged her neck before hopping on a metal desk and laying down. "Can't believe you didn't get an extra TV yet."

"Who needs a TV when there's work to be done?" Both of them laughed at that since the fallen angel used his super computer for all sorts of entertainment more often than not. "And do you need a raise? Should I call your lord?"

The former Exorcist waved him off. "I was just joking. Besides, my Master isn't the one who pays me, my sister is."

"How strange is it that you call Rias your sister? Or that you still call Emiya-kun 'Master' despite… despite, well…" Rin began blushing and playing with her hair before gritting her teeth and snarling. "Never mind. What you do in bed isn't my problem."

Knowing what she knew about the magus' situation convinced Xenovia to accept her words without complaint. "It is just a formality since I am on the clock right now. Even if I am not guarding him, watching over Ise isn't a problem."

"Except when he stares at you."

"He can stare, he can't touch." The knight shrugged before laying her head on her arms. "That is just his nature and there is nothing wrong for a man to admire a woman. So long he doesn't complain if Asia does the same thing."

Disbelief took over Rin's face. "Asia? Her staring at- I think Irina has a better chance of getting caught staring than Asia!"

"And risk falling? Hah! As if!"

Azazel laughed as well. "We will receive her with open arms, in case that happens!"

Banter went along for a few more minutes until the numbers on the computer finally stabilized showing that several of Ise's tests were concluded, their results quickly fixing themselves on his data sheet.

Not wasting any time Azazel brought out the other devils' results with a heavy expression as they were more or less what he predicted which meant they weren't good at all and he tried to be pessimistic about them.
"So, how bad is it?" Rin questioned upon seeing his expression making Xenovia sit up on the table to stare at the fallen angel's back.

"See for yourself, numbers don't lie." He offered and both women did as he suggested, their eyes growing wide with concern and sadness. Compared to the other devils, several of Ise's numbers were really low. "Yep. Stuff is bad, really bad. His numbers, at least the ones we can get from his vitality and life force, are closer to a human's."

"But that machine isn't precise, right?" Xenovia asked, grasping for straws. "He looks fine. Ever since he woke up… well, he isn't as energetic as before, but besides some weakness in his muscles everything is in order."

"Weakness in the muscles is not the problem, it is a symptom." Azazel revealed while tipping on the computer. "We didn't have his mana reserves before but the number is high and what we should expect from dragons. However that isn't the sort of thing the lack of life force would affect." Raising a hand, he lifted three fingers. "Strength of body, capacity of mind and balance with the soul. Life force is the glue that binds the three together which is why the body starts getting weaker the less life force one has."

"How bad is it? I know the numbers are low but…"

"... Bad enough that I hesitate explaining everything to you…"

The blue haired woman nodded in acceptance. "You are right."

"Ise should hear it first." Rin agreed, looking between the fallen angel and the Pawn whose eyes were closed. 'Maybe he is asleep? That is sort of good, give us time to…' "Xenovia, want to show me around?"

"Sure… If Ise doesn't need any support…" She let out a sigh. "Maybe Asia should have come. No, wait, she would be balling her eyes out right now." Closing her own eyes she began massaging the bridge of her nose, trying to get the image out of her head.

One that the other two could agree wasn't a pleasant one. "By the Root, do we… should we tell anyone else?"

"That will be Ise's decision." Azazel said with finality. "Which is why both of you are leaving. Give me time to say what needs to be said."

"Maybe the others going to the funeral was actually a good thing." Rin mumbled before asking. "Was the timing planned?"

The Cadre shrugged his shoulders. "Not really, just convenient. The attack was in the Underworld and we can't necessarily work with the people here if most of them are going to be busy mourning."

Which was why there were no devils from the Vault working at that moment, nor were they working anywhere in the Underworld unless they were essential personal, like the police, medics and such.

They all watched the wake for the victims of the invasion, personally or not.

Even the Wildlands' exploration was frozen for a bit as the people in the far corners of the Underworld received crystal balls to watch the service. Huge crystal balls were sent to the several forts spread on the border as the explorers were recalled. Anyone who wanted to keep exploring could but prisoners and others were given the day off out of solidarity.

Which was why Rin and Xenovia were the ones escorting Ise to the Vault; they were the only ones not required to participate in the service in any capacity while being friends with the Pawn and connected to the Gremory.

"For what is worth…" Rin started cautiously. "I don't envy you for having to be the bearer of bad news." She looked back at Ise with a frown. "Not at all."

"Afraid he will go Juggernaut Drive again?" Azazel asked bluntly to see if he would get a reaction.

What he got was a shake of both women's heads which pleased him. "He wouldn't do that here. If anything…"

"He is only going to be sad." Xenovia concluded the twin tailed magus' thoughts. "Maybe we should get something to cheer him up? Some food?"

"Do you have a bento with Emiya-kun's food?"

"Already ate mine." The three grew quiet while the fallen angel and the magus glared at the Mage's lover. "... Didn't you two get any?"

"And there goes my good mood." Azazel joked bitterly, waving them away. "Get out of here. Doctor needs to deliver the test's result and the patient has the right for confidentiality." With that the two women left.

Knowing what the fallen angel was about to do they would take their time and Xenovia would show Rin the Vault of Prosperity, at least some of the highlights as they gave the man all the time he needed.

For they didn't know the conversation would go considerably different from how they imagined it.

But before that Azazel needed to get Ise out of the pod and since all the tests were done the fallen angel activated the procedures that would drain the pod which took a little less than a minute.

Opening the hatch, the fallen angel leaned on the entrance to make sure his eyes would meet Ise's. "So, did you get everything?" His apathetic gaze failed to offer any sort of reply but he could hear a few grunts from the mask. "Just nod if 'yes'." Once the devil did, the Cadre did the same. "Good, save me an explanation."

Because Azazel had left the speakers inside the pod open to hear everything outside. It was the most reliable way he could find for the younger man to hear the unbiased truth. Not from his mouth, for the most part, but he steered the conversation in a manner Xenovia and Rin would say what he wanted.

What Ise needed to hear.

Sure there was a risk that the Pawn would grow furious again and blow up his lab but Azazel hedged his bets by taking the conversation slowly while taking advantage of his weakened body, which barely recovered from the invasion ordeal.

He also was sure Ise was smarter than people gave him credit for, not a genius by any means when it came to things outside of combat but still smarter than average. And his bet paid off with the younger man retaining a neutral if sad posture the whole time while listening to the conversation.

"Just to make sure: you understand that I didn't make Xenovia and Rin lie, right?" He removed the younger man's mask. The Pawn nodded slowly, not saying a word despite his face being freed. "How are you feeling?"

"Like crap."

"Physically or mentally?"

"Can be both?"

"Sure but one is from guilt and the other…" Silence filled the lab as the fallen angel allowed his words to sink in.

Since Ise heard everything there was no need to explain the cost of Juggernaut Drive once again, the damage done to his life force. His lifespan had been gutted, for the lack of a better word, to perhaps even too short for someone of his age, human or not.

"Are you afraid?" Azazel asked, not surprising if that was the truth. After releasing the younger man's arms and legs he took a step back to ask, "What do you remember? And be honest, please. Can't help you if I don't know what I am working with."

"Maybe I don't deserve the help…" Ise's reply carried all sorts of implications but the Cadre didn't want to make assumptions. "I am sorry." He suddenly said in the most respectful and remorseful tone possible.

The devil still avoided the issue. "Ah, so you remember that?" Once freed from the chair Ise started to get up while Azazel stepped away from the pod. "You are forgiven."

"What? But I tried to kill you!" He was silenced by a towel hitting his face.

"Dry yourself." Ordered the Cadre in a gentle tone as he pulled a couple of chairs. "So you really do remember everything. Excellent. Either way, you are forgiven." He saw the Pawn about to protest and quickly grabbed the towel and began to forcefully dry his head. "It wasn't your fault. Say after me; it wasn't my fault!"

"But-"

"Say it!"

"... It wasn't my fault…" Ise was soon freed and Azazel returned the towel. "I almost killed you and Shirou. You two should hate me."

"Why should I hate you for what your sacred gear did?" The question surprised the Pawn. "Did you forget they respond to emotions to help the user's growth? Juggernaut Drive wasn't a surprise and you falling in its trap because you thought the girl you liked died is understandable." He placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "And it all happened because a bunch of people decided to be terrorists. You are not to blame, Ise. Never think otherwise."

"But I did- I killed-"

"Lilith was fully evacuated before things got too dicey thanks to the Hero Faction's 'warning'. Between several magic spells, squads designed for evacuation and a dog hanyou catching anyone lost in the city, there was nobody left by the time you showed up. As far as I know, you only killed one person and he definitely deserved it."

"Diodora…" Rage escaped his tone but his body was stiff. His expression revealed only guilt. "I remember killing him and then I tried to kill Shirou and you… Sorry." A brief pause after he raised his head to ask, "Then why's Xenovia here? Shouldn't she be with Shirou?"

Leaning on the younger man's intelligence, Azazel relaxed on his chair. "You tell me."

"To protect me." From what he heard, that was what Ise understood. "But why? If I didn't… is that because-" A flash of power, a city in ashes.

"For all intents and purposes the Raging Dragon Emperor destroyed a city and terrified the Underworld with his absurd power." Azazel elaborated a little so Ise didn't get lost in his own head. Standing up again, he made sure they were eye to eye. "And his presence was terrifying. The Underworld as a whole is afraid and even if we told everyone you killed no one, nobody is going to believe that so easily." They would see Lilith gone and question it. "So we made the decision to keep you out of view for a while. Actually, now that you are better, we will be back in Fuyuki sooner, just to avoid any incidents like someone trying to seek revenge over nothing."

The Cadre didn't hesitate to lay down the truth in front of Ise who nodded at every other word with absolute belief and dread. He knew the fallen angel wasn't lying and so the idea of people growing terrified was a bitter pill he had to swallow. That and there was also plenty of guilt still running around his heart stopping him from questioning their anger.

Nevertheless the idea of not going to a funeral where people thought he was responsible for was suddenly relieving since the devil didn't believe he would have the courage to face the mourners.

Truly he didn't wish to imagine the victims he may have made if nobody stopped him.

After a few more moments Azazel nodded and helped the younger man sit down. "So, how are you feeling? Physically, this time. We need to know the consequences of using Juggernaut Drive in full if we are going to help you."

"But didn't that pod tell you everything?" Ise asked while nodding at the computer.

"Only a fool would speculate without getting a few words from his patient." The fallen angel retorted with a smirk before his expression grew serious again. "Besides, some of your numbers are odd."

"Odd?"

"Going to explain later but for now tell me how are you feeling…"

Looking at his hands, Ise began with, "Like crap. My body hurts in places I didn't know existed, my arms are heavy, I want to go back to bed, can't eat right, can't sleep right and I… can't get up." The last part was said with a lot of shame.

So much shame the fallen angel stopped listening to blink. "'Can't get up'? You mean…"

"When Xenovia was," he moved his arm once to not say much, "I wasn't so… you know…"

"Maybe because you know she is with someone already?" Both paused at the question before sharing a small laugh. Small because Ise didn't laugh much. "Probably is the low life force which is consistent with the tests. Basically, before Juggernaut Drive, you had enough energy to function like a hormonal teenager for thousands of years and a half, if we go by devil standards." Rolling his chair to the computer, he brought up Ise's files for the brown haired man to see. "Now you have the equivalent energy of a hundred and twenty year old man stuck in a younger man's body." He watched Ise wince with sympathy. "Good news is, besides all those symptoms… you aren't dying any faster."

That surprised the Pawn. "Wait, but you said-"

"Once your life energy is spent, you will die, true." Azazel rolled his chair closer to the computer and Ise soon did the same. "But there isn't a leak or anything like that. Your time is your own even if your body doesn't have the same energy as before." Gently he patted the younger man's back. "And you can improve your condition, sure the weakness of age isn't leaving any time soon but your body is actually young! Pace yourself, eat well and you will grow accustomed to your new lethargic self in no time."

While relieved his life wasn't exactly in imminent danger that didn't change the situation. "How long… How long do I have?" The devil waved a hand. "I know you can't give me a day but can you… give me something?"

Uncertainty crossed Azazel's eyes for a moment before he offered an honest opinion. "If nothing is done… You probably are going to die in your fifties, maybe sixties if you are lucky." That was a guess. "There is no way to be sure. No devil ever… died of old age. Zekram, the Oldest Devil, is just as spry as he was when we first fought. That was thousands of years ago." He wasn't going to mention Mephistopheles as he was a different creature. And since the former just recently had a new son it was clear the Bael Elder wasn't stopping any time soon. "How will your body cope with the lack of life force? Will you grow weaker? Will you adapt? That is what we must focus on."

Yet Ise was only listening with a half ear. 'That's way too short for a devil.' Asia, Irina, everyone in the ORC faces crossed his mind. 'Then I have to…' "You said 'if nothing is done'. That means I can…"

"Eat healthy, do exercise. Like I said, this is unprecedented." Azazel admitted. "That is how humans extend their lives so the same may apply. Or not."

"There must be something else!" Ise stood up, not in fear but anxiety.
Which Azazel noticed. "... You are the first Red Dragon Emperor to survive Juggernaut Drive… Unless Ddraig can say otherwise."

Raising his hand, Ise summoned the Boosted Gear but the gem remained inert. "He hasn't talked to me since I woke up. I can still use my ability but… it's like Ddraig closed me off."

"Too bad. Wish I could pick his brain to talk more about Juggernaut Drive's effects." If anyone would have any insight, it would be the Heavenly Dragons. "In any case make sure to never, ever, use Juggernaut Drive again." His words carried a weight that had Ise nodding unconsciously. "I am serious. Before you had thousands of years to burn and you lost them all in minutes. If you were to use it again, death is going to knock on your door after ten seconds!"

"Ten seconds?"

"An estimate based on Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing conditions to activate their abilities." Azazel revealed. "I always thought that, in case someone can't fully control that power but was at least aware of it, they could use its power for ten seconds. Never got to test it out though." Vali was too young and as his guardian the fallen angel didn't want to risk it. Didn't stop the hybrid from testing it out behind his back even beyond ten seconds. "On the other hand if you strengthen your body, magic and mind, you can use all that power for longer."

Ise quickly shook his head. "I don't care." He sounded scared, terrified in truth. The roars of the Raging Dragon of Domination haunted his mind. "But I would say no to extend my life so…"

"So we go back to human methods; elixirs and such." The fallen angel then paused before adding. "Or you can get a Ki master to use the Bedroom Method on you. Hmm, actually, that may be the best alternative for you. Since you spent your life force magically, maybe they can restore it all besides extending it!" A theory but one he was willing to bet his life on. "And Koneko is available-"
"I won't force Koneko-chan to do that!" While the idea of having sex was appealing, he truly believed the nekomata hated him.

"Wasn't talking about forcing anyone but good on you for the attitude. FYI, she doesn't seem to mind sharing a bed with you and skin contact helped your condition. Food for thought." Azazel said respectfully, making the Pawn blush which pleased him. Then he moved on for another important matter, initiating a program on his computer. "Now we need to talk about a couple of other things." Suddenly the Enochian letters changed to perfect Japanese and he tapped the screen over them. "Why the hell while your life force is so low you have an extra reserve of energy that is spiking way too high to be safe?!"

"What? I do?" Ise leaned forward but besides seeing high numbers and reading 'unknown' written on capital letters he couldn't understand anything. "Isn't that Ddraig?"

"Nope, he is here," Azazel pointed to a column which started with 'dragon presence detected' and a pillar of data covering half of the screen before he minimized it. "That is your sacred gear and that is the status of your soul. Can you see this 'unknown'? It somehow connected with you in a way that only Boosted Gear should. And I have no idea what it is!"

Every word made Ise more nervous. "Is it dangerous?"

"I don't know!" Azazel affirmed while throwing his arms up in frustration. "It is draconic in nature, that is all I can get but besides that? Nothing!" Finally the fallen angel allowed himself to go numb in his chair. "You remember what happened while you were insane, right? Everything?"

"... A lot…" Was the best answer Ise could give.

And one that Azazel would have to accept. "Tell me what you can. Maybe something that Juggernaut Drive did affected you somehow."

Because in that moment Azazel found two mysteries he had to solve at all cost for the sake of two people.

Ise's unknown factor which showed up in his soul from nowhere.

Shirou's second wind which made the Cadre extremely concerned.

All the fallen angel had in mind was that the two young men would deal with something he could barely imagine and for some reason there was a pit in his stomach warning him of a danger he couldn't perceive or imagine.

Turning around to the younger man, Azazel placed both hands on his shoulders. "Don't leave anything out, Ise. Whatever you can remember, it will help."

Certainly hearing about a person going berserk but still being somewhat aware of what was happening was an interesting perspective nonetheless.

…

'I hate funerals…' Realization dawned on several of the devils standing for the ceremony where their fallen were being honored. The victims of the invasion.

The ceremony happened in an open space inside the temporary capital of the government with all the attendants standing in front of foldable chairs as most of Underworld's leadership stood in a stage hastily made for it.

Everything was hastily made in a sense but well organized nonetheless; every Clan had its own space and everyone was dressed in mostly black with their colors. Some allies were also invited, Magicians specially connected with the Pillars and business partners summoned hastily to attend the massive wake.

Behind the stage several statues were revealed or built in the moment thanks to magic. Eight monuments were raised with two still to be revealed including the tallest of them all. It stood behind the stage where several speeches and stories from the Underworld's defenders were shared.

'I really hate funerals…' Rias realized again in short notice, not blaming anyone for the need of such ceremonies nor necessarily hating her participation in them. She wasn't doing anything really, just standing in front of the Gremory Clan with most of her peerage and her parents. 'Is this how humans feel during stuff like this? A distant sense of regret in a ball of… something I can't name.'

She really wished to ask Shirou who was by her side but felt that even whispering would be an insult since the event was for those who lost their lives in a tragedy. Instead she contented herself with holding his hand in a gesture he reciprocated, his thumb massaging the back of her own.

Rias could understand it was a gesture of comfort which helped her not think about the people she could have lost during the invasion. Could but didn't because unlike many present she had no reason for tears or sadness. Everyone she cared about walked away alive even if not unharmed.

Quickly her eyes scanned for Sona a fourth time since the ceremony started but the Sitri Clan was besides the Gremory Clan so she couldn't get a clear view of her friend who worried her to not end, not when she should be in the same position as herself.

'There is no news on Serafall…' Rias reminded herself as her eyes returned to the stage where the other three Maous stood united. 'I tried to call several times but Sona is ghosting everyone.' Which only made her increasingly more worried. Then she felt Shirou's fingers massaging her hand and looked at him who looked back. 'Thank you.'

The Mage nodded without saying a word, their eyes returning to the front. 'I never liked funerals. It is almost like there is a dark cloud over everyone's heads.' If he felt bad for people dying during the invasion, the feeling got tens of times worse during the memorial. Yet a part of him couldn't help but think, 'They are acting so human…'

Adults and children cried in every direction he looked, not everyone but enough to be noticeable. Some of the Gremory did so as well, lamenting friends, family and lovers lost. By Koneko's side Luvia placed a hand on Gasper's shoulder while Setsuna nodded in agreement for whatever he said.

Sure there were magicians and other outsiders besides Shirou but he still held a fondness of how the devils were behaving, sharing their grief to move beyond it. How the Underworld as a whole was standing firm despite tragedy while its inhabitants showed sympathy for each other.

Love and loss walked hand in hand as many didn't bother with stoicism. It was a time for reflection. A celebration for those who were gone. A final goodbye that the Underworld as a whole honored however they could even if some didn't know how to.

'Kindness even in darkness. Why do you want to destroy that, Illya?' It was one of the few good things the Mage of Swords could take from the experience, an affirmation that humans and devils weren't that different. 'Just makes the Old Satan Faction more monstrous…'

Despite their misgivings, for a few days Shirou had felt some guilt over the lives he took on the stadium that day. Sure he was holding back, and most of his kills were 'hijacked' by Ophis' power, but ending a life gave him no pleasure, only remorse. Safe to say he still felt no pleasure but the remorse was gone.

"Having this now somehow makes me angry." Zeoticus confessed since, despite losing many friends over the centuries, there hadn't been many funerals for them. "The Old Satan Faction is on the loose. We should be focusing our efforts in-"

"Dear…" Venelana's tone was stern but somehow gentle, her husband calming down instantly. "Our people need to heal." She was as grief stricken as him, clearly having lost someone in the invasion.

"Yes, yes. We need to heal." Lord Gremory's words lacked the bite but also his usual cheer.

Which made his daughter sad. "Revenge sounds so nice right now."

"Certainly." Shirou didn't bother to disagree. Anger was a natural emotion as any other. "Just make sure to not go overboard."

She gave him a side eye. "You know I won't."

Emiya nodded in agreement. "I trust you. Unfortunately, the rest of the Underworld…"

"Such an awful thing to say, Shirou." Venelana commented with a frown.

"But not incorrect." Reinforcement allowed his ears to catch more than a few conversations. While anger was natural, too much of it boiled into hatred. "Don't think I am defending the Old Satan Faction or the ones responsible for this…" He nodded his head towards the monuments; one which portrayed a soldier with armor charging against an enemy and another portraying a doctor helping someone else on the field. Glory and tragedy for none portrayed there was among the living any longer. "But all caution is little when people lose sight of themselves and start to burn everything."

Everybody in the front seats could see Kiba flinch despite knowing Shirou wasn't talking about his mistakes but it was close enough to home that the Knight couldn't help but feel a stab in the back.

Losing sight of the situation in pursuit of vengeance was easy and that was what he was warning against. He wasn't blaming or accusing anyone even because he couldn't. The Magus Killer's Son felt a similar anger in his chest, he was only better at hiding it.

No, his focus was on Rias and on his friends as he took in all the emotion the devils had to give. "We will make them pay. There is no rush, the finish line is yours to make."

His words helped to sooth Zeoticus' nerves and had Venelana nodding in agreement meaning all the Gremory agreed with him to an extent. Indeed many of their devils shared the sentiment, looking ready for a real war but also more calm and holding their heads high as the speeches continued.

"I hate funerals." Setsuna ended up commenting out loud, her nose twitching because of the smell of tears and blood. It reminded her of the battlefield but less intense.

By her side, Asia couldn't help but nod. "Me too. I always disliked them." She offered the taller girl a gentle smile. Like all in the Gremory she was dressed for the occasion, her outing looking much like her nun uniform only full black with a red veil covering her hair. "The feeling of longing. Of a person we won't ever see again… It always hurts. Even when…"

Immediately the girl stopped herself remembering that she was in the Underworld and God was still called the Enemy by many of its inhabitants. If she suddenly started to praise Him, that could create troubles down the line.

'Besides, He is dead. That is why you got away with so much… isn't that right Diodora?' Shaking her head the former nun banished all thoughts about the Astaroth devil since his demise also hurt her heart.

Not for him, he had lost all her sympathy when his crimes were exposed. When she heard about his other victims and what they went through. She only wished he was alive so he could be judged to free the other girls from his shadow.

From what she heard the devils, more precisely Ajuka, offered to pay for any expenses the women could have for the rest of their lives but their custody was a matter still to be settled.

While everyone agreed that what Diodora did was horrible to say the least, the current Beelzebub wanted to keep girls in the Underworld and personally take care of them. His opposition was no one other than Michael himself, Regent God, leader of Heaven and the Church.

The Archangel wanted the "Members of the flock to return to their home so they could be properly tended." To him it didn't matter they were devils, only that they were a part of his Church which meant the situation was a personal failure on his part.

At least that was his argument, one which Ajuka vehemently disagreed with.

Asia was there during the discussion and offered her input, "Can't we ask them what they want?", which was an absolute failure much to her sadness.

The poor girls were too traumatized, broken. They didn't even realize Diodora was dead, some even sought him one or twice. Marks of torture and other evils were found on their bodies. It was so bad that the ones in a catatonic state were like that because their fragmented minds couldn't cope with what they suffered.

Fortunately two of the women were still functional, Diodora's former Queen and one of his Pawns. They didn't know where they wanted to go and still held marks of trauma but the pair insisted to not be separated from the others. As things stood even the most traumatized ones acknowledged each other as a family so nobody wanted to break that apart.

It was the only time they showed signs of life.

'They will get better.' Asia received assurances but those things took time. The wounds those girls held weren't the sort she could heal. 'I know they will. I have faith. Faith that we shall move on from that monster and one day talk to each other as friends.'

Her honest thoughts were kept to herself as she returned to the present with Setsuna asking, "Something in your mind?" Her expression held concern, one shared by Koneko, Gasper and Shirou who overheard the hanyou.

"Just think about those who couldn't be here." Technically true even if vague enough so nobody asked who she was talking about.

"Ise-senpai?" Yet Gasper did so anyway and a bit too loudly.

The Pawn's name had some people behind the group shiver with Kiba and Setsuna glaring at a few people for their reaction. The Princess of Kyoto even fixed the dark red obi of her black kimono to show a knife as a threat only for Rias to raise a hand and calm them all down.

Even the members of the Gremory were still tense and the dhampir lowered his head with guilt once he understood his mistake. A little too loudly and maybe he would have started a riot even if the only people in person for the funeral were nobles and those loyal.

Rias allowed herself to sigh before saying, "Everyone, be silent."

"This is no place to not show unity." Her father added a second later. His tone truly worthy of a Lord.

Division and chaos were the worst things for any Clan to present on that occasion so everybody soon grew quiet allowing Ise's name to fade in the wind. It was the best course of action to all since there was no doubt many of the present, and in the whole Dimension, didn't trust the Red Dragon Emperor.

If anything it was a surprise nobody had demanded his head which could still happen until the Astaroth Clan decided to admit their former Heir's misgivings. Even dead Diodra was still giving the Heiress of Gremory headaches but soon enough they would be back in Fuyuki and that would be her brother and parents' problem.

Question was if someone else would return with her so Rias once again stretched her neck searching for her friend. Thankfully the people behind her were tall enough to provide cover while the Gremory as a whole knew what she was doing and had no problem with it. Since the Sitri Clan was their ally, it wasn't strange many were worried for their Heiress.

Yet once again the search was in vain with Rias only barely managing to make out any of the main families of the Clans from her spot. The problem was that she was trying to be respectful so there was no way for the woman to get too far.

In the end her eyes shifted back to the huge stage where she found Akeno staring right at her. Nobody else would notice that, not with her Noble Gear's mask hiding the High Priestess' features but Rias knew her best friend. Especially when the raven haired beauty standing behind her goddess in a prime position to see her friends down below.

Medusa had been invited to stand on the stage thanks to her growing influence. A sort of PR stunt to help pacify those already following her and those interested in doing so. She was, after all, the only deity willing to spread her religion in the Underworld making her presence somewhat natural and unnatural.

Besides the goddess and priestess' pair there were others who received invitations not just for their presence but also to make speeches or tell tales of the fallen. Among them was Mephistopheles himself who went on a soliloquy about his first meeting with Tannin and how he recruited the dragon.

Zekram Bael was another famous name but the Oldest Devil wasn't planning to say a single word to the masses. His presence was a necessity not only for his political position but because the Territory used for the service and where the monuments were built belonged to Bael.

In fact the whole government was forced into moving to Bael Territory because that particular section of the Underworld already had the infrastructure to support many of its installations. Not everything, that was for sure, Lilith had to be expanded to hold many of the sectors which the new regime started but enough to stop things from falling into chaos.

Also helped by the fact that the Bael Clan were leaders of the remaining Pillars by right, their Original Title of Great King was still used to name their faction which was vital to define the Underworld Civil War's winner.

Logically Lord Bael, Sairaorg's father should be the one in the stage but it was the Oldest Devil who held a place of honor besides Sirzechs and the other Maous. Only one person was missing from that picture, Leviathan's throne was absent and nobody dared to ask if Serafall would retain it or not.

'I hate funerals.' The current Lucifer thought with sadness. His expression was stoic, his posture perfect and he refused to indulge in the comfort of his chair. 'More specifically; I hate this funeral. How many are waiting for it? For me to stand there and announce we are at war once again…'

That was one of several reasons why they were using Bael Territory for the ceremony, more precisely the city of Zekram, named for the First Bael per tradition. In different circumstances he would have approved the government moving back to Lucifer, the old capital. Even if it was turned into gambling city it was still big enough to fit the bill.

As the First City of the Underworld it had the structure especially because Sirzechs had invested a lot of capital rebuilding it. Would be also good for PR as they could paint a picture of a grand return, speak about tradition or whatever the press could spin.

However the damage was done by the Old Stan Faction.

The circumstances couldn't have been worse because returning the capital to Lucifer would be tantamount to approval and could perhaps even be read as a declaration of surrender.

Sirzechs knew that and had seen little choice but to negotiate with his 'grandfather'. 'Fortunately Zekram saw my point and we are on the same page on this. We can't allow terrorists to win like that. The old capital would be like a rallying call for them.'

Would be one more argument for them to use in favor of their legitimacy; how the new regime was so frail that it returned to 'their' capital at the first sight of trouble. So the city of Lucifer would remain untouched, reduced to a gambling den for as long as possible.

Permanently if the new Maous had any say on it.

'I don't even know what we shall do about Leviathan…' Sirzechs' blue eyes shifted to his side where Serafall would normally reside, finding his wife looking at him with a similar stoic expression while exercising her function as Queen and maid. 'If Sera doesn't recover soon we will have no choice but to start the process of choosing a new Leviathan.'

Definitively a destabilizing factor that would have to be dealt with. Last time they had to select a Leviathan they elected the 'Strongest Woman'. Grayfia couldn't partake in the competition not only because she was Lucifer's wife and Queen but also because of her previous allegiances.

Fortunately Serafall had won and since she already was an important figure during the rebellion her triumph was a blessing. Not only was she Sirzechs' friend and someone trustworthy, the four friends shared the same ideals; ideals of peace.

Because of that their teamwork was flawless as each had their own areas of expertise. And since they were allies since the rebellion, childhood friends in truth; their Clans close allies since before that. Those factors made the new regime a well oiled machine from the get go.

However one of those pillars broke.

Serafall's defeat meant many things, including the Sitri Clan's possible decay. Yes, she wasn't part of it anymore but the Pillar enjoyed many privileges from their daughter's ascension. Her presence gave them a voice and plenty of leeway when offering her ideas or pushing new ones.

The latter was something her sister needed urgently.

'We will need to organize a tournament.' Sirzechs reminded himself coldly. The tournament itself wasn't a problem, electing the Strongest Woman wasn't a problem. 'One month, no, one week. We can stall the Elders and other Pillars for one week and that is it.'

The problem was that his friend would lose everything she worked and nobody could do anything about it. Rules were rules and the Throne of Leviathan was destined for the Strongest Woman in the Underworld. Changing that rule just because it was suddenly inconvenient would be a blemish on the new regime.

'Maybe I am making a fuss over nothing?' By that point the current Lucifer wasn't even hearing Mephistopheles' words for Tannin. His mind was too immersed in political intrigue, trying to predict the future of the government he helped create. 'Since Grayfia can't compete, the Strongest Woman besides Serafall is probably Roygun Belphegor, a devil who made her name thanks to her power during Rating Games. Sure she is young but she never gave any indication of disliking how things are. If anything she has a little more contact with the Bael Clan than she should despite being the Lady of her own Pillar.' His face didn't change but anyone who knew him could see a storm behind his eyes. 'Yes, powerwise there is no other woman stronger than her. However, her participation creates a new set of troubles. She is already the Lady of her Clan. Is it worth giving up such a position to become Leviathan? Yes, there is no doubt about that.'

Being a Maou offered much more power, much more freedom, than just being a Lord or a Lady which was why during the last tournament for the Leviathan Title Serafall had to face over a hundred opponents despite everyone knowing she was the strongest.

Centuries had passed since then and even with the invasion the number of capable women did rise quite a bit due to government efforts. Meaning the competition for the Leviathan's throne was going to be more fierce and there was the possibility of an upset by some unknown element.

One which could be sympathetic to the Old Satan Faction.

Leviathan herself couldn't participate because many, especially Sirzechs, knew Katerea's face and would kill her on the spot. Unless people knew she was the Original Leviathan her death was the only acceptable result. If people knew then that could start a war or worse but that was a can of worms the former Gremory didn't want to open, even on his thoughts.

He also needed to consider other sorts of enemies on the inside, people who could make a Clan or another far too strong than the rest. Balance was key in a world where the strong ruled and as the Strongest Devil he believed in preserving that balance at all cost else there would be another civil war.

Especially against his family.

Not the Gremory but the other side.

The Bael.

Slowly the redhead shifted his gaze towards the Ancient Devil two chairs away. 'We can extend the tournament by using the Rating Game system.' Sirzechs concluded that was the best solution to buy time. 'With several peerages competing, Serafall will get a few extra days to wake up. Even if someone insists on keeping the tournament going, at least we will have a chance to…'

Then Sirzechs realized his thoughts weren't realistic at all. Comas weren't something people recovered suddenly after waking up, even devils. Time was also a factor because the longer the coma the worse the patient's body once they woke up.

If they ever woke up.

Deciding there was little he could do on that front, the redhead shifted gears. 'I need to talk with Zekram. If he will support Roygun then I need to make sure he doesn't get any more power.' Because as things stood his Ancestor was pretty much a step short of becoming the real King of the Underworld. 'At least I must know why the Belphegor Clan started working with Bael. Until a few decades ago, that wasn't the case. Maybe it is because of the Rating Games? It all started with Roygun-'

A subtle sign from his wife that only Sirzechs would be able to notice, a particular movement from her pinky brushing against her arm, warned him his part was coming up as Mephistopheles' speech concluded.

Despite his odd appearance, the people were accustomed to the eccentric devil and his theatrics thanks to his short stunt as a Rating Gamer. His fame and age also contributed to that since he was, technically speaking, a different kind of devil.

"-for there will never be a Queen equal to Tannin. His Blaze had a beauty all its own. One with unmatched elegance which he used to the end where he never stopped setting the Underworld's enemies on flames!" Dragons roared way behind the public in a symphony of mourning and pride.

Pride because their King, who brought them to the Underworld and guided them for centuries, may be gone but he fell in combat against a powerful enemy. Not the Red Dragon Emperor, all dragons knew he made no victims, but someone equally as dangerous in their own ways.

For creatures such as them there couldn't have been a better death and surprisingly it was the Dragon Territory part of the Underworld that suffered the least amount of changes because of the crisis.

That was because Tannin's oldest child was almost as strong as his father and took the day after his demise to establish the pecking order before contacting the government and assure the old deals were still on.

Some Elders wanted to Reincarnate the new Dragon King but Falbium shot that idea down instantly. "Better not to meddle with the dragons for a while and Tannin Peerage is still on our side. Ten Reincarnated dragons are more than enough to keep the peace."

Dragons could be dangerous but they were also loyal so long there was a proper amount of respect between the parties and so the current Asmodeus' strategy was an excellent piece of PR that would keep the devils in their good graces.

Another piece of PR with a similar objective was the second to last statue which was unveiled by Mephistopheles after he finished praising his Queen. An exact replica of Tannin himself roaring to the skies in defiance made of the most expensive red marble the devils could afford.

Its presence had the dragons roaring with pride again for it was truly a fitting tribute to the Blaze Meteor Dragon. How could they not when the statue was an exact one to one replica of the dragon they all called King.

However their roars were a problem and Sirzechs could see how unease several of his kind grew because of dragons in general. Not only that but he was sure everyone else in the stage and several others around could also notice the fear and hesitation for the devils' part.

Fear from a dragon in particular, the Raging Dragon of Domination.

Zekram shook his head, not even bothering to hide his disappointment and disapproval. 'These fools should stop fearing an asset. Especially one which hadn't bitten our hand as of yet.' While not overly displaying his displeasure, he was sure the Maous and Medusa could feel it. The latter's presence in particular was another thing that irritated him greatly. 'A goddess thinking she can take over the Underworld… that she can rule us, sharing the stage with our most esteemed leaders. How far have devils fallen?'

Memories of oaths and promises ran in his mind as the Ancient Devil reminded himself that times were changing and he needed patience. His family was still in power and if he could figure out a way to use Medusa's presence then she would be another tool in his arsenal.

Which still wouldn't fix the cowardness of the new generation. 'Preparations must be made to stop any fool from starting something with the dragons. If Falbium has nothing planned already, I will take this matter in my own hands.'

Despite everybody understanding that those dragons weren't the real reason for their terror intellectually, there were many who would make cause to expel them or stay as far away from the creatures as they could.

It was why some of the Elders wanted to Reincarnate Tannin's eldest son and make sure he was 'properly' on the devils' side. Which was why the Blade Meteor Dragon's statue was important for them as well; it was a reminder that dragons weren't their enemies and one of them gave his life defending the Underworld.

Several others had as well but Tannin, as a Ultimate Class Reincarnated devil, was a better symbol of the government and a rallying cry to the dragons against the Khaos Brigade. In other words that monument not only honored an important figure but helped reduce tensions between the species.

That and several assurances dragons weren't the ones who destroyed Lilith would help in rebuilding trust. Indirectly those methods helped Ise as well but the fear of him was far more complicated.

Regardless, Mephistopheles' part was done and the current Lucifer had to take his turn. In a sense his job was the hardest one.

For he was the de facto leader of the Underworld, the person everybody thought about when speaking about the government and the one with the most reputation outside of their dimension.

Inside it as well ever since Serafall fell into a coma but that was irrelevant.

What was relevant was that Sirzechs needed to prepare his people for what came next while assuring that the invasion didn't weaken the government. He also needed to make sure the people's rage found its proper target which was easy since he too was angry. Furious even because his best friend was in a coma and the sharks were moving for her leftovers.

The redhead was just far better at hiding his emotions than any other devil in the Underworld so when he marched in front of the audience in his armor he was only solemn. One minimal show of emotions was the most he could give to his people.

"Remember them." Sirzechs started slowly, feeling the magic of the place spreading and knowing his image and voice was reaching every corner of the realm. "We shall never forget those who are gone. Their strength. Their valor. This shall always remind us of that day. The day the Old Satan Faction truly betrayed our kind."

Raising a hand he created a small magic circle to send out a small dose of Destruction towards the huge tent covering the last monument. It was made of the same material as Tannin's statue but far taller and far thicker than the dragon's.

Because its shape wasn't of a person or people but one of a cube, a huge cube perfectly crafted on every side to be exactly the same except by the contents written on every angle.

For the titanic geometrical shape which was easily as tall as a small mountain and had a length superior to most buildings carried the names of every devil that fell during the invasion spaced enough just so they all could be legible.

Sirzechs reminded the people of the cost of the invasion, the main goal of the funerals. "And we will make them pay." It was time to direct the festering anger towards their enemies. "Those terrorists are no longer devils. Henceforth every devil part of the Khaos Brigade shall be treated as a Stray Devil."

That was pretty much giving every devil in the Underworld permission to kill regardless if the person on the other side was drunk on demonic energy which was risky. Those people weren't creatures who lost their minds by running away from their Kings automatically making them far more dangerous.

Yet the risks were irrelevant to the people who heard the announcement with glee which Sirzechs didn't mind since that was a calculated risk. Odds were that there wouldn't be another attack in the Underworld for quite something so declaring the Old Satan Faction as Strays actually made little difference in the short run.

Whatever was left of the invaders would be dealt with by professionals, however the announcement will fuel the flames of rage in the right direction while also preparing the devils for a more war-like transition.

Because if people were afraid they would prepare and to devils that meant training, development of magic and the acquisition of weapons. The army had lost many with the invasion, dozens of loyal peerages perished in service, but with his announcement Sirzechs was already preparing the next generation.

And that was just the beginning. "Whatever sympathizer of the Old Satan Faction shall be exiled to the Wildlands, either as a proper explorer for service on the most distant settlements," pretty much a death sentence to anyone below High Class, "with their families once they were found guilty."

Purposefully failing to mention any due process shouldn't help but the devils in the funeral were all loyal and many of them wanted blood to the point a few shouted in approval. Once more the dragons made themselves known by roaring as well, signifying their agreement with the decree.

One of the most Legendary species in the World as a whole was backing all Sirzechs' words which increased his power. Also those were all just announcements, everything had already been approved by the three remaining Maous, an Assembly of Nobles and the Elders Council.

In other words; everything was already law.

Shifting his posture for a more aggressive one, Sirzechs made sure to stare at a crystal ball in a daring fashion. "For those who dare to use the name of the Original Maous for their benefit, the only proper sentence is absolute Destruction!" His fury was felt through all the Underworld. Not on the same level as the Raging Dragon's but enough to make many sweat cold. "And it shall be delivered! I shall see to it! If not tomorrow then the day after! We will find these cowards and stomp their lives and names from the pages of History!"

Half of it was him playing it up, the other half was preparing to deliver another blow to their enemies while also denying the possibility of Leviathan gaining a foothold on his realm should the woman reveal herself.

"That goes double for those who inherited their names by blood!" Again silence befell the area as he prepared the next blow. One never done by devils in their History but absolutely necessary if the Originals were coming back and would be their enemies. "Henceforth the Clans of Lucifer, Leviathan, Asmodeus and Beelzebub are officially marked as extinct! Whatever descendants our Progenitors have left shall not be considered or marked as part of their family trees! If they act like animals, we shall hunt them like animals!"

'Extinction' wasn't a new thing for the Pillars, there were even some who received the same treatment despite still having a few members running around. Yet the announcement was still met with shock not because of the act but because who was the target of it. Those Clans were direct descendants of those who first created devils and established the Underworld.

And they were no longer welcomed on it in any capacity, Sirzechs even going further by declaring them animals which went far beyond any previous sentence ever pronounced by either the new regime or the old.

Nobody spoke against it, the silence as defining as the roars from a few minutes prior as the words were processed and accepted. From then on those born from the Original Satans would be hunted down by the kind their forebears created. Some couldn't help but feel that was an act of treason.

Something Sirzechs couldn't allow. "I know many of you think I am being harsh." His words were more gentle, his tone far more sympathetic. His posture returned to one belonging to a benevolent king. "But it must be done. It is done. Four out of four descendants raised their arms against us and killed our friends and family without remorse unleashing mockeries of dragons everywhere that destroyed our cities. One of them infected himself with Infinity's power and pushed one of our newest prospects to the point of madness. And Lilith paid the greatest price and that can't happen again. It shall not happen again."

Considering everything previously said and the redhead's reputation it was easy for him to shift the blame for their capital on Ophis, albeit indirectly. Everybody still knew it was the Red Dragon Emperor who destroyed the capital but by twisting the truth just enough he would make every dragon look better by making Ophis look worse.

He kept striking while the iron was hot. "They are not their Honorable Ancestors, they are not our rightful leaders! They are criminals and terrorists! Monsters! Traitors!" The last he said with an uncomfortable hiss. All part of the show. "Don't follow those fools who would sell their brethren to the Ouroboros Dragon without hesitation instead of searching for real power."

Discrediting the descendants was crucial for several reasons; it wouldn't just make his decrees more valid by pointing out why they were untrustworthy but also kept Leviathan from claiming to be the legitimate article.

After all, the Original Maou had returned with a different body, one that looked too much like Katerea for any implication to be comfortable. Even if her Power was the real deal, so long as they made her sound like an insane devil clinging to Leviathan's fame and blood, then the threat she imposed was severely reduced.

Coming to the conclusion of his speech, Sirzechs raised his arms. "Let's make sure no travesty such as this ever happens again." He paused but not for applause. Just to turn around and raise his hand towards the giant cube, almost like grasping it. "So remember them. Remember all of them because soon they shall be avenged." Looking back to the audience, he lowered his head slightly. "Now I ask you all for a minute of silence so these names are engraved, if not in our memories then in our hearts."

The silence that followed was as deafening as the last. Nobody dared to make any noise no matter where they watched. The play between hero and villain, between benevolent king and furious politician, were excellent means to control his subjects' attention. With his speeches he fixed the name of their enemies in their minds, directing all their rage against them.

However it wasn't an absolute problem solver since Sirzechs knew the fear, discomfort and paranoia from the invasion would still last quite a while. Even if the problems with the Khaos Brigade were solved the next day, the consequences of the invasion would still outlive them for years.

Especially fear since its source was the Red Dragon Emperor and in reality there was nothing he could do without dragging the Astaroth Clan forward and forcing them to admit Diodora's crimes in front of everyone.

However it wasn't something the current Lucifer nor any of his peers could do carelessly.

For all intents and purposes, King Piece or not, the only reason the traitor got away with his crimes for as long as he did was because of the Evil Piece System. Besmirching it was already bad enough but doing it without the Astaroth's support meant they could fight back and raise doubts about it.

And they were in no rush to admit their Heir's flaws leaving Ajuka to basically fight his former Clan for a whole day without results. "We need time to prepare a statement." Their Lord had said, refusing to accept his son was a traitor. "To make sure our good name won't be tarnished."

Worse even was that they couldn't be rushed without force and doing so may lead them to join hands with the Old Satan Faction which was a very real risk if they had any more traitors among their members.

Hard evidence would have made a difference thanks to several investigations to get to the bottom of Diodora's crimes but the traitor had been careful. Making the matters even worse was that the testimony of his former Pieces was deemed worthless because of how many were traumatized.

A trauma the Astaroth Clan blamed on the Red Dragon Emperor, basically pouring salt in the wound because a pureblood's word was worth more than any Reincarnated devil in that sort of situation.

At least Ajuka managed to stop his cousin's name from being added to the cube.

Regardless of whatever political maneuver was bound to happen in the future, the ceremony was done in every sense. People had things to do and two hours to mourn the dead in such a fashion was judged plenty to Zekram who wanted to optimize the time used in it. Since Falbium agreed, nobody challenged the Oldest Devil's recommendation.

Yet a little more time for politicking was basically reserved for everyone as that was a huge gathering of nobles and many of them had questions. Others wanted to prove their worth like Sairaorg Bael who approached his older cousin with a smile. His Queen was by his side and appeared to be slightly despondent.

Sirzechs recognized that face, his face made the same one from time to time. "Cousin."

"Lord Lucifer." The younger man was wearing light gold armor, black pants and a long sleeve shirt. Overall he was dressed as a fine young noble and was pretty much pushing through his peers, and even some Lords, to reach the current Lucifer.

Considering how tall and powerful the young man was, he could easily get away with it. "How have you been?"

"Well, all things considered." Sairaorg's tone was polite but not submissive. "You must already know that the Bael weren't hit by the invasion as much as others."

'A power play already, cousin?' It was a reminder which Clan was the strongest and a truth few could deny helped by the fact that the Lion of Bael had been there in the stadium facing the invaders on the front lines. "True enough. Your father did an excellent job."

'Doing what Zekram's bidding' went unsaid but both had the blood of Bael running in their veins and knew the current Lord, while competent, had no power during a crisis. In those cases the Oldest Devil would trust no other with the reins of his Clan.

"Thank you, Lord Lucifer. I will make sure to tell my father your kind words. But, if I may be so bold as to ask a few questions."

'Smooth.' The redhead thought upon noticing the other nobles waiting for the younger man's words. They, much like him, could already guess what it was since Sairaorg's ambition of becoming a Maou was well known.

To be more precise his ambition of becoming Lucifer, the Strongest in the Underworld.

Yet Leviathan's throne was open which in turn opened a few opportunities. "Besides being reserved for a woman," which meant he couldn't take the position but could still use its existence to his advantage, "what other conditions are necessary for one to become Leviathan?"

'That is why he brought his Queen with him.' Sirzechs noted as soon those around him grew quiet. 'You can't take my throne yet, a challenge would end with your humiliation and defeat, but you want to know what it takes to be a Maou. Also, by asking that, you silenced anyone who would criticize your age, lack of magic or even your stride towards me since they all also wanted to ask the same thing.'

Cleverness, power and noblesse obliged, all things the redhead noticed on his cousin that any devil should respect. Most wouldn't but the current Lucifer appreciated all that as much as he did his bluntness since the Young Lion skipped most pleasantries to ask his question unlike many others.

Yet there were still things wrong with that question. "Supposing Serafall truly doesn't recover," at least Sairaorg had enough empathy to look guilty after his question, something no other devil did, "then we shall have another tournament to declare the Strongest Woman." All enshrined in law but Sirzechs knew that wasn't really what they wanted to hear. "Participation in the tournament also depends on the person's position, or lack of one."

"'Position', Lord Lucifer?" Kuisha Abaddon, Queen of Bael dressed in a heavy black dress with long sleeves and gloves, questioned before anyone else could.

"Why yes, of course. It would be remiss for a Maou to be also the Lady of a Clan, for instance." It was both a reminder of his current position as much of the cost of it. "The winner will have to abdicate any and all other Titles, only holding the one of Maou and those related to it." An evil smile began growing on his face. "Of course that also means giving up all privileges, authority and connections with one's Clan." Some devils shivered but behind him the redhead knew his wife was proud. "As a Maou, be either Lucifer or Leviathan, our duty is to all the Underworld, not just a Pillar or two."

Someone was about to call him on those words before their jaw clicked shut because Sirzechs Lucifer was the sort of man who sacrificed his family's standing and happiness for the greater good.

Such as he did when Rias protested about the marriage with the Phenex or how he wasn't really moving to try and suppress the knowledge about who truly destroyed Lilith. Pinning the blame on their enemies, on terrorists, was literally the least he could do while being impartial and more due to politics than familial solidarity.

In other words his attitude and how distant Sirzechs was from the Gremory made his words far heavier while also leaving an unsaid warning that if the new Leviathan stepped out of the line she would be removed.

Because there were lines, lines that allowed the Maous to support their former Clans and families. It just took skill to identify those and use them in a manner befitting of someone worthy of the Title of Maou.

"Ah, I almost forgot." Sirzechs suddenly exclaimed almost as if he remembered an afterthought. "The woman also cannot be nobody's Queen. As in the Piece, whatever you do behind closed doors is not my problem." He jested. "Those in the tournament will have to be of a certain Class, of course. We can't have an army of Low Class fighting and dying by accident because they are too weak."

Sairaorg chose to speak again. "And if they lose? Could the women return to their previous peerages?"

"Sure. But you should be more worried if they win." The redhead threw Kuisha a glance before adding. "Because you may lose a precious companion forever. On the other hand, her husband would gain the status of consort… at the cost of not being able to advance their position any longer."

'If I participate and win, Saira's dream will die.' Kuisha realized after a beat. Not hard since everybody knew why Grayfia didn't really fight for the throne. "We thank you for your time and kindness, Lord Lucifer." She didn't want to be a Maou anyway.

Understanding his Queen no longer wished to compete, the Lion of Bael also lowered his head slightly. "Indeed. Thank you for your words, cousin."

Sirzechs began to turn, taking advantage of the shock to leave. "Now, I have other duties to attend to, so any further questions please direct them to Ajuka." He wasn't even the first to leave.

Curiously Falbium had already left the second his obligations were finished after a short conversation with some nobles so he could claim to have done the minimum before going to take a nap.

"Grayfia…" Before anyone could even reply Sirzechs had already called his wife who made a magic circle for both of them. In the next second they found themselves in a completely white building on the other side of the Underworld. "Great job, as always."

"As always, Lord Lucifer." The maid replied stoically as they approached the reception.

It was a hospital and one quite empty because devils had excellent constitutions. Diseases, wounds, even losing a limb weren't issues in the more civilized zones. EM's invention also improved the quality of life to the point the hospitals on Sitri Territory were only good for research.

At least the Clan would have no problems because the Wildlands still needed the support and were the best source of income for the Pillar. The venomous creatures, extremely dangerous terrain, revolts and other perils would make sure of that.

Not that any of that was relevant to Sirzechs or Grayfia. At least not at that moment.

"Excuse me…" The current Lucifer calls for the receptionist who rose to her feet to greet him. "We are here to see Serafall."

"Of course, my Lord. I must inform you that two more are visiting today." The woman, a black haired beauty wearing a blue buttoned shirt with short sleeves bearing the Sitri Clan's emblem on her breast and long pats, informed the King of the Underworld.

She wasn't necessarily nervous by his presence since that wasn't his first visit nor the first time they met. The first time she had been more than nervous but as time passed she remained only cautious. Not out of fear but out of respect since she didn't want to fumble her interactions with the Underworld's leader.

Indeed, if she feared anything, it was embarrassing herself in his presence.

"That is fine… Has there been any change?"

"Forgive me, my Lord, but that isn't… I wouldn't be informed of that."

"Right, right." Sirzechs was growing too used to working with people who knew everything all the time. At least what he wanted to know. "I shall ask her doctors later… Well, we will be moving on."

"Of course. Please, sign these…"

A few minutes later Sirzechs and Grayfia were walking through a familiar hallway not only because most of the place looked exactly the same but they had already done that journey twice before.

That was to be their third visit and probably the last one for quite a while as Sirzechs soon wouldn't be able to use the excuse of checking a fellow Maou's condition. Neither should he as reports existed for a reason but Serafall was his friend so he didn't mind indulging whenever his work was up to date.

Arriving at one of the most isolated but also secure rooms of the hospital he gazed at ten or so devils of Sitri watching over the place. Magic circles and cameras also present, it was clear even if Serafall were to no longer be a Maou she would still be well protected.

Eventually the redhead and silverhead arrived at the correct door only to have it opened from the inside. Rias noticed her brother and sister in law hesitating for a moment, something she also did before hardening her expression. Without looking back she closed the door to not allow anyone to see the inside.

Sirzechs' sharp eyes still caught sight of Serafall lying motionless on her bed and Sona Sitri sitting by it in a steel chair while Tsubaki stood by her King's side. Both were still dressed for the wake with blacks and blues but the pureblood devil also had a desolate look. One capable of almost breaking the taller redhead's heart.

"Brother. Grayfia." Rias greeted with a small curtsy.

'No Onii-sama, hum.' While not surprised, the current Lucifer was still disappointed by the distance his sibling was trying to place between them. Something he needed to rectify or at least try to. "Grayfia, can you go in first?"

"Of course, Lord Lucifer." Upon hearing that reply the taller devil picked up something from a magic circle.

It was a bouquet mostly of blue and pink. "Please make sure there is somewhere to place them." The Ultimate Maid didn't hesitate, collecting the flowers and bowing to the two before going inside the room. "Rias, could you please accompany me?"
"Absolutely." She wasn't about to start anything with so many witnesses around.

Especially since some uncomfortable things were about to be said which was better done away from prying ears. Not that they needed to get far as Sirzechs' reputation would be enough to stop eavesdroppers so they found a random empty room on Serafall's wing and went inside.

Immediately Rias moved to sit down in the bed, abandoning all reverence and respect for her brother's position; a bad sign for him for all intents and purposes. Still he wasn't surprised and if anything her attitude was expected. Didn't stop her actions from hurting him a little.

"How have you been?"

"Well enough now that our parents are back on Gremory Territory."

"Good. Good. Did they leave too much work for you?"

"The expected amount, all things considered."

While Rias' answers weren't cold they certainly were detached. "How is Sona? Has she spoken with you?"

"Yes, we talked. She isn't well. Serafall's condition… the doctors confirmed she has Sleep Disease." The worst news Sirzechs heard all day. Then there was the way his sister said it; resigned and apathetic if not a bit scared. "Sona was devastated but she assured me nothing will stop her from doing her duties."

"... Her duty as the Heiress of Sitri is the same as yours, stay here and fortify your Clan's position… But you are already planning to leave, aren't you?"

"Sona will stay, yes. And someone needs to watch over Fuyuki. As the Second Owners it is our responsibility even if she will be busy here for a while."

"We already found a replacement."

"One for two Owners?" Rias asked sarcastically before returning to a more neutral stance. "Regardless, our place isn't here in the Underworld. At least for now. You know that." Her expression softened but still held a great amount of sadness. "Despite Ise not being present during the memorial there were many, many, who didn't bother to hold back their feelings. In fact they spoke about sacrificing him when it was obvious I could hear."

It took Shirou, Setsuna and Asia holding her back or else the Princess of Ruin would have assured there would be another mass funeral. Smaller, true, but undoubtedly necessary with how many dared to speak at her ear range. She didn't dare to guess how many were speaking behind her back.

No, Rias couldn't stay in the Underworld for everyone's sake. "It isn't just strangers either. They think I didn't notice but many of our subordinates were avoiding Ise's room like a plague." Fear of the Raging Dragon of Domination spread even inside the Gremory Castle. And she could blame no one but dead men. "Staying here will do Ise no good."

"You will be exposed, Rias. If the Underworld can be invaded then Fuyuki isn't safe, even the Watchers won't be able to help much or call reinforcements if there is any real attack." Sirzechs voiced, reminding his sister how unstable the situation was. "It will be safer for you all to stay in the Underworld even if Ise will feel some discomfort."

"'Discomfort' doesn't even begin to describe it." Rias retorted with a cold gaze that had her brother sighing.

Finally he decided to get to the point. "Are you mad at me?"

"No." The answer, honest as only the absolute truth could be, shocked the older devil. "But I realized- no, learned what being King of the Underworld really means." A sad smile grew from Rias' lips. "How you are truly Sirzechs Lucifer first and Sirzechs Gremory second."

The taller redhead couldn't believe her words. "Rias, this isn't funny."

"Does it sound like I am making a joke?"

"I am your brother. I love you."

"Yes, you do. But even on the 'small things', you will always choose the Underworld before anyone else, save Grayfia and Millicas." Silence filled the room as both siblings knew the elder couldn't refute her statement. It was their nature, after all. "It is Grayfia's dream… A stable, prosperous Underworld where your children can grow free and strong."

"I am not doing it just for her."

"But she is your driving factor. The reason why you took Lucifer Throne."

Lying would be a disservice so Sirzechs replied with, "There was more… but you are correct. She doesn't want a world where the members of her family can die because of the whims of nobles. That is our dream."

Rias nodded in understanding. "And the Love of Gremory made that flame burn brighter because she wanted to see it happen as well. Of course Grayfia wouldn't just stay behind and let you do all the work either." Despite being powerful in her own right, the woman was happy just as Sirzechs' Queen and a maid. And not just because she liked it. "She is backing you up the best way she can without seizing power for herself because her family name would bring a whole new heap of troubles. More so now with the Old Satan Faction on the move."

"... Yes, you are most likely correct."

"Most likely?"

"Do you question Shirou when he is determined to do something important? Whenever his resolve makes him shine brighter?"

"... No, I suppose I do not."

"I would still prefer you here, as your brother." Another silence fell between them and Sirzechs knew exactly why. "Rias, you know clearing Ise's name isn't going to be easy-"

"It is going to be impossible because he actually destroyed Lilith." Facts were facts and all the Underworld knew them. There was nowhere to run. "People are afraid and as their leader it is your duty to keep them in check. Even if you could do more…" Her sad smile somehow grew ever sadder. "You really were going to do it… Leave me for dead…"

Sirzechs could fully admit he was offended by his sister's words. "I would never."

A giggle escaped the smaller redhead. "King of Lies, you really earned the Title. Only said King could lie to himself."

Fascination colored the current Lucifer's expression. "Why do you say that?"

"Because all the times you gave me a chance to 'escape my Fate', you were actually giving me more rope to hang myself, however unintentionally." And she knew it was unintentional. Her brother's love was real. "If Riser won I would have to play the dutiful wife, if I failed in Fuyuki I would have to become the scorned Heiress. Even our 'alliance' to attract 'rebels' would make me a worst figure in time, a villain the Underworld needed to chase." Laughter left her with little joy. "Oh, the last part I took gladly, I hate these old farts we call 'Honorable Elders' and was so proud of being able to help you only to understand later that as the Heiress, future Lady Gremory, I shouldn't be burning any bridges if I could help it."

Which she did with her daring approach and revolutionary thoughts. She regretted nothing and would do almost everything the same way if given a second chance, just toning it down a little.

Yet she volunteered to help her brother, answered a call to action when she didn't need to and Sirzechs did nothing to help her. He offered nothing but the most minimal advice whenever the status quo was threatened. Sure he didn't sabotage his sister, loving her too much for that, but never offering anything beyond her own plans.

"If push comes to shove, I will always support you to the very end." And the man knew all that himself, his posture growing more professional and stoic. "But only until the end. You need to grow by yourself and make your own mistakes. Even if you are young."

Rias nodded in acceptance. "Yes, I can see that. As someone raised to be a noble… I can 100% agree with you." Her sad smile returned. "It still hurts. You could try to push the Astaroth Clan a little more to at least give Ise a break."

"Their Clan still has power and some influence. Worst of all, they have some contracts with Zekram. The sort of Geas that make the old man watch their backs." Didn't mean the Eldest Bael liked it but he was helping with the covering up despite not agreeing to it. "As Lucifer, I could make declarations and give assurances but…"

"Unless you make a play for absolute power that means nothing and since that isn't the Underworld Grayfia wants…"

Her brother nodded in agreement. "I won't do it. I can't… That is also my dream, Rias. An Underworld worth fighting for." And so Ise was left with the people's fear and hatred as the government struggled with everything else first. "It isn't like I haven't made plans… I just need time because anything too immediate can destabilize the balance between the Pillars."

Something not advisable in the best of circumstances and certainly not recommended when the Old Satan Faction was an active threat ready to recruit anyone too unhappy with the new regime and each Clan had hundreds of subordinates, Rias understood that plainly which was why she didn't complain.

However the whole situation gave her perspective of how her brother acted as a politician and how he wasn't really her ally. He would make plans to help her, giving her every opportunity and skimming around the law so long it was within reason.

But he was ready to let her hang and dry on her own when the contrary was also true, not even interfering directly with her parents during the marriage debacle or offering assistance to extend Ise's life.

Because as Lucifer the older redhead had received his younger sibling's reports and her requests for help to find either any Ki master or life elixir he could get much like he did for her mentor, the Magus Killer.

It just wasn't worth it and politically dangerous to give that many privileges to any Heiress.

Even his sister. "Sirzechs, what am I supposed to do if I stay here?" Rias asked directly with an honest eagerness. "Our parents have everything well in hand, our Territory was barely scratched, I already took care of any immediate issues except the one where if I stay people may start gunning for Ise." She pointed everything out with a chirp in her voice. "So considering staying is just as dangerous as leaving, why should I stay?"

"Because…" It had been a long time since Sirzechs found himself without words.

Leaving the Princess of Ruin free to keep attacking. "You also don't need a villain anymore, certainly not a rebel. Anyone unhappy with the government won't look for me anymore, they will consolidate and try finding like minded Clans to help their 'revolution'." Which was foolish as the old ways were worse than the ones her brother and friends offered. "Maybe us staying will also upset the balance some more since there are many who will demand Ise's head… and I will kill them all before they even get close."

"They won't. I won't let them." On that the law was on their side. "Ise is innocent and if we allow an execution because of a traitor's mistakes-"

"Do they even know there is a traitor? The Astaroth-"

"Is putting pressure but a leak here and some news there will bring them to heel." Especially since Ajuka wasn't going to help them. "I am your brother, Rias."

"I know. And you have the Original Leviathan to contend with among other enemies. You don't have time to worry about me…" Another brief pause fell between them as the Princess of Ruin stood from the bed and offered the King of the Underworld curtsy. "Good luck, Onii-sama."

He watched her leave without uttering a word even as his mind went into a frenzy. 'Either Shirou or Medusa must have told her… It doesn't make a difference…'

Despite the love in her tone, Sirzechs knew that his sister would be leaving the Underworld without thinking of him as an ally. Truly that was for the best as what he could do for her was limited unless he chose to become a tyrant of some sort which he just couldn't.

That was why he hated being King, he just wasn't cruel enough to take what he wanted.

…

"Shirou, what exactly are we looking for?" Liz asked the Mage as he perused through the huge Gremory Library.

Both still wore their clothes from the ceremony, hers a different version of his armor. Her shroud wasn't of the same quality as his, lacked Medusa's Gift and had a battle skirt reaching her thighs complemented by tall boots. She also had arm guards that reached her elbow and knee pads that rose until reaching her thighs.

Without a doubt she looked more like a bodyguard than a maid, especially with the huge halberd on her back, one of Shirou's creations and attempt to make a Noble Gear without Medusa's assistance.

Successfully it had its own magic, the weapon's head carrying a huge huge that could unleash Fire like his first prototype but it was still a failure. The weapon couldn't cover the woman in armor therefore it wasn't complete. It was just another prototype, one he began building before the invasion and only concluded after for Liz.

Since it helped her protect him, she didn't mind.

However Shirou's thoughts were in reading every book title as his Reality Marble absolved the knowledge from the ones which he judges useful. "The History of the Underworld." They weren't and so his search continued. "The real History."

"Those sorts of secrets wouldn't stay in a library." The white haired woman pointed out correctly while grabbing a book titled 'Ancient Wars of the Enemy' and throwing it in his direction. The Mage panicked a bit and leaned out from the stairs he was on to grab the book before it fell.

After letting out a sigh of relief, Structural Analysis was activated telling him his search wasn't over. "But this is the Gremory Clan's personal library. Only authorized personnel." He jumped from the stairs and placed the book on a shelf while shaking his head. "There must be something…"

Problem was that none of the titles he was offered or found so far were useful. Dozens of empty swords held hundreds of years worth of History and nothing what he was looking for. At least when it came to the Original Maous and their powers, personality wise he still got a couple of things.

Enough to confirm that Medusa was right as Leviathan's personality in the books matched what the goddess told him about the person who destroyed Serafall; proud, playful, always welcoming for a challenge while desiring to see her enemies at their strongest.

At least that was how the books described her but he was sure there was plenty of propaganda on them as well. 'No way I will believe Leviathan waited for her opponents to grow before bringing them down. Odds were she just liked- likes to play with her prey.'

Obviously none of them had clues about the Original Maou returning to life unless he wanted to believe they were the 'greatest beings under the Sun' or something like it. 'Flattering' didn't even come close to describing how those books portrayed the Originals and even if he understood why it didn't mean he liked it.

"If nothing else then we need to find things about their strength." The Mage of Swords commented while going to another shelf. "Anything beyond superficial. Details, feats, power struggles. Fights where the Original Maous were pushed to their limits."

"Win or lose?" Liz asked while sorting through one of the books.

"Either." Shirou replied.

A few hours later the maid dropped a pile of books on a huge table close to a window where the Mage of Swords was slumped in a chair covering his face with his hands and groaning as a headache grew enough to be noticeable.

Bellerophon, fully healed after their struggle against the Juggernaut Drive, tried to console his rider but all those books were starting to stress him since many of them had the same information.

"Uhhhh."A groan escaped Shirou when he noticed Liz dropping more material for him to work with. 'Note to self; using Structural Analysis to cheat with knowledge doesn't help with the boredom, just with time.' His brain had to process the information, after all. "... All this is worthless…"

"Maybe stop for today." Liz suggested the exit and the redhead really wanted to take it.

However he couldn't. "We won't have access to this many books for a while. Not about devils." He doubted the knowledge about the Original Satans was on Earth. If it was, it wasn't somewhere so obscure he had no idea where to find it. "We need to take advantage of the time we have here."

"Ask Irisviel-sama and Kiritsugu-sama." Was the maid's recommendation and one he honestly thought about taking.

If he could get into contact with them. "I tried calling but aunty Maya was the one who picked up and said they were busy somewhere in Vietnam making communications hard." The maid then shrugged, accepting there was nothing they could do. He disagreed. "There must be something here. I don't know about the other Pillars but the Gremory Clan doesn't mind putting their treasures on display. Somewhere in this library there must be the book we are looking for."

"Oya~ And what does our Magician want with such a treasured book? Must be something expensive indeed." A voice caught their attention and suddenly Leysritt was in front of Shirou with her weapon out as the magus felt a drop of sweat dripping from his forehead. "What is with that reaction? He is the Magician of Gremory, correct? I wouldn't hurt him… unless he wanted me to."

'Who is she?' The woman, slightly smaller than him, walked inside the library with an absolutely confident and at the same time playful smile. 'Gremory?' Her red hair, the same shade as Rias', indicated as much. Yet she also could be something else entirely because for a second the magus felt like he wasn't standing in front of a devil. 'She can't be a goddess. Even if she looks like one, her aura is all wrong. Almost like…'

Indeed it was her appearance that was throwing both Shirou and Liz's heads on loops as the woman's beauty could easily be called divine or transcendental. Even with her Charm, Medusa would struggle to compete and from an objective point of view the Mage was forced to admit that woman was the most beautiful one he had ever met.

Her face and body were perfectly proportional and tantalizing in a manner models utterly failed. Just standing in place the woman was as captivating as the dusk, her cheekbones looking like clouds as her smile radiated with the warmth of the sun.

There was also the fact she was wearing a very revealing set of clothes, an almost mockery of a dress with the same sort of design but extremely short skirt but long sash on the front, openings for her cleavage, thighs and hips.

Both her dress and eyes shared the same tone of lavender but her eyes had an extra quality that made them shine despite the little light on the library. In fact, Shirou and Liz immediately knew, those eyes would shine anywhere in the Underworld.

Her red hair was long as Akeno's but was fashioned into several braids with two huge tails on the sides of her head tied with two black small ribbons. A bigger pink ribbon was atop her forehead poised to hold up a gold crown that utterly failed in covering her head.

"Soo… Today is my Lucky day! I didn't expect to meet our Magician! Lucky! Lucky! Lucky!" The woman started while approaching the pair. Slowly Shirou placed a hand on Leysritt's shoulder to grant the other redhead passage which she used to grab his head with both her hands. "Huuuuh. Hmm. Huhuhu."

"Can I help you?"

Gently moving his head from one side to another, she replied. "Shouldn't that be the other way around?" She stopped when their eyes met, a grin on her lips. "You are a cute one, aren't you? Pity you are human."

"Any problem with that?"

"You live short lives." Her answer surprised him because of the huge amount of empathy it carried. Enough to make Liz actually step back since it was clear the woman was no threat. "But enough about sad things. Urgh. I hate those. Anyway, you are the Magician of Gremory, right? Emiya Shirou? I remember one of my descendants talking about you."

Considering she was a devil, Shirou wasn't surprised that she was older than she looked. "Yes, I am. Sorry if I am in your library. I didn't want to intrude."

"Fufufu. The first magician of our Clan after Solomon is this polite? 'A chip of the old block', some would say." These words had the Mage's eyes widened for they revealed much indeed. "But as the Magician of Gremory, you aren't intruding at all. Every book here is at your disposal, even the secret ones."

Liz couldn't help but smile as her eyes shone with pride. 'See! There are secret books.' Her expression said.

Which got Shirou chuckling as the devil stepped back and began patting his body. An instant later he jumped a bit and let out a small sound when she fondled his balls. "What are you-"

"The size is good. Great to know Rias is getting some fun with you, eh~" The mysterious woman added with a raised brow just before sidestepping Leysritt who tried to decapitate her. "Hey, why do that? I was just checking the goods."

"Liz, stop." Shirou grabbed the halberd before his maid could attack. "It is fine…" Clearly it was a lie as evident by his blush and the small stutter that had the redhead woman laughing. Clearing his throat, the Mage tried to move on while pulling his maid back as she tried to attack again. "You said something about secret books, right? Can I see them?"

Still wearing a playful smile, the woman pointed around. "Maybe you did, maybe you didn't. You have a lot of books already out here. Some of these are very dangerous too." She approached the table the magus was using with a tilted head. "I think there are some ways to create gold, make plagues and curse the dead in these ones."

"Curse the-" Actually Shirou realized she was right as one of his swords actually had acquired the means to hit a soul and disrupt its reincarnation if not outright stop it. That knowledge actually made him a bit nauseated and he almost fell on the floor. "My God."

"Shirou." Liz moved to help him quickly as the redhead woman flinched at the name he whispered.

The Mage of Swords motioned his maid to step back to not risk vomiting on her. "I am fine, just… wishing I could forget some things." He would have to sort out some of those swords later and shove most of them far, far away in his subconscious.

"Don't we all?" The devil's smile returned as she sat on the table. "Relax. You can see how some of these involve complicated rituals and powers that aren't really around anymore. Still, no best way to hit Heaven in a war, right?" She joked but only earned Shirou's glare. "Now, since none of those is what you are looking for, tell me Magician of Gremory, what is your wish?"

Taking another second to compose himself, Shirou stood up while Liz stepped to his left, halberd on her right hand. "My wish?"

"Of course! You know how it works! The Magician of Gremory gets our resources and you benefit us with your family, yadda, yadda, yadda. Honestly, this is the first time I am dealing with this situation~" And she was enjoying it. "So tell me, oh great Mage… What are you gonna wish for? Or better yet, what sort of knowledge are you looking for so desperately?"

While Shirou had a suspicion of who that woman was, he didn't find it safe to inform her about Leviathan's return. That was a can of worms better left untouched for as long as possible even if it was only a matter of time for the woman to reveal herself. Every book talking about her pretty much warned him she was bound to do it.

Another problem was if the other Original Satans also managed to return.

It was pretty much a nightmare scenario.

So his wish was, "I want a book, or some other source talking about the Original Satans."

The mysterious redhead blinked twice before smiling. "Plenty of those around. You read some of them yourself." She said while motioning to all the books on the table or several others on the shelves. "Their History, their Powers, their accomplishments. There are no secrets there, even children grew up with some of those."

"Exaggerations, rumors, incomplete information… A lot of stuff is too good to be true." Shirou half expected a devil to be angry about his observations. The woman's smile just turned more playful.

"So you need the, what is the term, nit and greedy?" The mysterious woman asked while getting closer to the magus but Liz stood firm between them making her giggle. "Spoilsport." She said to the maid before focusing on the magus again. "Sorry but there is no book like that. Back during the war nobody had time to write those things."

Shirou and Liz traded glances but while the maid looked ready to go, the Mage's soon returned to the devil before him. "And what can you tell me about those days?"

"What makes you think I was there?~"

Then Shirou surprised her by lowering his head in respect. "Because you are the Matriarch of the Gremory, the First Gremory; Runeas Gremory."

Shadows began dancing in the darkness and the few lights present for the magus and maid's benefit grew weaker at the announcement as the woman's aura shifted. It wasn't like she grew any stronger, in fact Shirou was sure he could win any fight between them, but it was different and far more dangerous in a sense.

"Oh my, what a good guess~ What gave me away?" Runeas questioned with glee.

"The way you spoke about certain things. Also you weren't at the funeral…" His tone wasn't accusatory but curious since he saw and counted a dozen Gremory there.

But not their Matriarch. "Such a bore. If you saw one, you saw all."

"There is something else… your aura reminds me of Zekram in a way that… It is hard to explain. If I were to guess-"

"More concrete, wouldn't you say? Mine 's more solid to your magical senses while his are like a gas enveloping his brittled appearance." The Matriarch of Gremory and one of the first modern devils ever created, giggled at his observations. "It is because that old man is hiding his true nature. He sure feels like a devil, doesn't he?" She was questioning Liz since it was noticeable that Shirou felt something different about the Patriarch of Bael. "Just like he hides his true form in an old man's body. Makes it easier for people to underestimate him."

"So he is hiding his true self…" Shirou believed Runeas without difficulty. It surely sounded like a thing Zekram would do. "And you admitted he is the oldest devil?"

Runeas raised her browns in confusion before realizing why he asked that. "Sure I did. He already was an old man by the time I was born." The last word left her tongue with a purr.

Which got the Mage curious. "I would love to hear about that."
"Shame you won't. Promises and Oaths were made and they shall be kept." A hint of a deeper meaning. "Now, about the Original Satans, I am afraid there isn't a definitive book about them for you to read. Their secrets belong to few."
And she was one of them. "Can you teach me?"

"Hmm, It would take too long. It's a lot of stuff." Runeas added with a little hiss. "And you are going back to Earth tomorrow~"

"I see… Then at a later date?"

"So boring!" Suddenly the Matriarch of the Gremory, the first of her Clan, declared with disinterest. "Do you have any idea of what 'a lot of stuff' means? It means a lot of stuff. It would take weeks to teach you a smidge of it!"

Still undetained, Shirou tried to offer another solution. "Perhaps then you can write-"

"Boring~" Runeas cut him off with a wave.

'Compared to Zekram, she is a lot more… whimsical.' It showed him how different the Ancient Devils were from each other.

"Shirou…" Liz, still cautious of the creature in front of them, tried to push the Magus back. "We should go."

Her charge didn't blame her, not when his instincts were warning him of the danger Runeas represented. Both were keenly aware that the redhead devil was extremely dangerous or that she had to be holding back a mountain of power they should be feeling. Yet their instincts kept screaming how she could deal with them if necessary.

Fortunately Bellerophon was confident and passed plenty of it to his rider. "Well, it was a pleasure to met you, Lady Runeas-"

"Just Runeas is fine." She waved him away with a pensive expression. "Hmm, the first Magician we have had since Solomon… I must give you something~ Let's see…" Runeas made a show of thinking before snapping her fingers eagerly. "I know! What if I give you a secret key?"

"'Secret key'?" First time Shirou was hearing about anything like that.
"Yep, yep. But not just any secret key but the ultimate secret key…" The Ancient Devil called him closer with her indicator which Leysritt watched with suspicion.

However Shirou decided to take a metaphorical leap of faith, stepping around his bodyguard and approaching Runeas despite the massive dark energy around the Matriarch of the Gremory.

Funnily enough he ended up finding it welcoming so there was no fear when he lowered his head and she approached his ear.

"If you are such a great Mage like my descendent said," Runeas started with a tone of gravitas, "then knowing the Origin of the Originals may be enough to give you a hint how to face them."

"They are dead…" Shirou said with a conviction so strong even he believed the lie.

"Are they?" Her words held a hint of something mischievous but also terrifying. "That storm a few days ago was enough to jolt me awake. There was just one creature that could do something like that…"

In other words she was already suspicious about Leviathan's revival and connected the dots together to deduce why he was researching them. "Shouldn't you be more concerned about them if they are really back?"

"My Oaths weren't for them in the first place. Zekram will tell you the same thing." Runeas closed the distance further before whispering. "Did you know that Maou only became a Title after the Originals deaths?"

"What-"

"Oh yes," she kept whispering, her breath tingling in his ear. "'Maou' isn't a Title but a name in truth, one of many. It was a name given to the species those four belonged to since they were never devils nor would they be welcomed anywhere else but with each other…"

That was important and confusing at the same time. "But Lucifer was a fallen angel."

"Once. Then he changed, evolved, into something more… sinister, some would say, after losing part of his essence to God and bathed in Sin. Pride, the most powerful one, present in us all." Runeas stepped back with a smile. "And he wasn't the only one."

"I doubt all maous were angels."

"They weren't, true… Only Lucifer had been an angel, the one Closest to God. First Pride of Heaven and then its Shame. Its Poison." The Matriarch added with grandiosity while spreading her arms and taking a few steps back. "But Pride wasn't the only Sin and there were others who hated the Enemy. Hatred so great they stopped being what they were and took the plunge with the fallen angel." Lowering her tone, she knew Liz was listening as well but she only had eyes for Shirou. "A secret path, a secret pact, the Four Became One and they were maou, Harbingers of Evil and Creators of the First Devils with Lilith."

That declaration made the Mage uncomfortable but something in his bones told him it was all true. "If Lucifer was the only angel-"

"Former angel. He became something singular. Even his son lacked his sire's grandeur despite making it up with might. Then again young Rizevim is the child of Lucifer and Lilith, an Unholy Combination as the angels described back then." Her lavender eyes began to shine. "Half brother of Asmodeus."

That was then that Shirou there was something missing in that tale, something terrifying. "Half brother?"

"Oh yes…" Her tone began to grow darker. "And, spoiler alert, that is the least shocking of their Origins."

…

Rizevim went down a set of stairs with Euclid by his side going deeper in their mansion towards a familiar workshop. "We didn't miss the show, did we?" The Son of Lucifer questioned as his loyal man stood by his right.

"No, you got here just in time." Zolgen replied, still wearing one of his friend's sons as a vessel and a smirk on his face as he pressed a magic circle close to the wall.

The coffins beside it began to pulse with light and those present could feel something was coming.

"Here we are! The advent of a New Era! Or the return of an old one! Hahahaha!" Rizevim couldn't help but laugh as Zolgen chuckled.

"Milord…" Euclid couldn't help but whisper as his eyes watched the events unfold. "I must… I must congratulate you!" Then his expression grew with wonder and confidence. "Such a triumph… I couldn't see it coming in all my years!"

Rizevim laughed again as power filled the Mage of Insects' workshop. "Yes! Nobody else could! But we did it!"

Calmer before such greatness, Euclid bowed both to his liege and the coffins. "I am happy for you, milord."

"Be happy for us all!" Declared the Son of Lucifer as the coffin's lids began to shine.

…

"Wise, charismatic, above all determined. Once Lucifer saw something he wanted, he saw something he wanted, nothing could stop the Lord of Pride." Runeas spoke with some reverence. "Of them all, his transformation was the most dramatic; his beauty remained unmatched but the energy in him shifted and changed until it was unrecognizable. Sure the former angel still retained his Light as it was his right but besides that nobody could call him an angel of any kind."
"A creature of Pride." Shirou couldn't help but whisper, surprising the Ancient Devil.

Who chuckled, amused. "Yes, a maou. Albeit the name came after, he was already a maou… But not the first."

…

"They are finally here." Leviathan's tone carried some longing but she couldn't help herself. It would be the first time since her resurrection that she would gaze at some real friends.

Brothers in arms that she found after years of torturous journeys and fending off enemies she knew nothing about because they hunted what she was. What she was supposed to be but no longer were. Yet the gods' memories were long and they knew her potential, the terrors she could unleash.

And so they hunted her until she truly became something far from her true self. "Come on. Come on you two. We have work to do."

"Worry not, my lady." Zolgen suddenly spoke with an elegant grin which hid how evil he truly was. "The process is already a success. Now it is just a matter of their souls and body synchronizing. Once they do, they will break the caskets and rise-"

"I remember well, Zolgen Makiri." After all, she had been in the same position not long ago. Yet she smiled honestly for the first time since her fight with Serafall. "I just can't help it. My friends, my brothers, are about to return… Even if Lucifer isn't around, that already is a balm for my soul."

…

"She was never complete nor was born as such but Leviathan remembers once being something more. What exactly she remembers is unclear but in the past we managed to narrow it down who she may have been."

For a moment Runeas lost herself remembering the good times where she and the others first modern devils came to be. There was a camaraderie with them that allowed everyone to play around, learn from each other and develop their Powers as a single entity. As representatives of Ars Goetia.

Back then they also chased whatever caught their fancy including the maous' Origins, some more than others. Sure they were forced into secrecy the second one of them deduced Leviathan's but the Geas stopping her from speaking was loose at best. The sort of thing it would take the smartest devils to play around.

That devil was Runeas herself. "A being of Chaos, a Mother of Monsters, a creature so powerful it took armies of gods to banish her far beyond Humanity's reach." Watching Shirou's eyes grow wide she knew he had a guess of who the woman once was. "Whoever she was, that Divine being, was sealed far away and a pile of bones, maybe a horn, or a lump of flesh, forged itself into a new woman embodying all the rage she must have felt when sealed… by her own children."

A heartbeat later and the Matriarch of Gremory felt her heart grow tight in her chest as the spells waved from a Geas warned the woman to not utter a single extra word or death would be her reward.

Which was fine, she was ready to move on. "That woman wasn't a goddess but was close to it, lacking the proper Divinity but holding the power of one; the power to summon the most powerful storms and sink countries if uncontested." The redhead devil's grin grew. "But it wasn't even close to her real majesty and so the woman looked for more. For something to help her feel complete again." Suddenly the woman's expression turned serious even if she still smiled a little. "She found an alliance with Lucifer who suggested she grabbed a Sin of her own. Envy was the one she took because she couldn't help but Envy who she once was."

"Ironic." Shirou commented with a raised eyebrow. "And the Original goddess?"

"Stuck in an Imaginary Numbers space or something… Don't take my word anyhow, Solomon explained but I missed half of it." Runeas commented with a shrug.

Still the information was good, if real. "So Leviathan is like the Counterpart of a goddess? Or something like it?"

"No, no. She is a goddess but not." Upon seeing the confusion on the Mage and his maid's faces she explained more directly. "She is like a fallen angel, a divine creature who lacks the essence that would make her more. A fallen goddess."

'Is Medusa- No, she is reduced, not fallen. Everything about her is still godly even if it is smaller." Nevertheless Shirou understood what the Gremory Matriarch was saying. 'But for a god to fall? How? Just because she isn't the whole person? Because of her emotions like fallen angels?'

Ignoring the storm in his expression, Runeas continued her lesson. "The next one is an odd case… He wasn't born a god nor came from a divine source. Unless you consider the child of Lilith and Adam somehow Divine?"

…

One of the caskets had its lid broken as a pink smoke began to pour into the workshop earning a grin from Leviathan and a chuckle from Rizevim as the other two present raised their guard.

Euclid in particular jumped in front of his leader and while the Super Devil appreciated the gesture, it was unnecessary. "Relax, you two. He probably isn't going to attack us." He turned to the sole woman present. "Or will he?"

"Of course not." Leviathan's aura flared around her body which prompted the man to rise.

Fully naked just like the devil who had been shoved there before, a body full of wounds and missing limbs had been restored to its prime before exceeding it. Muscles akin to marble covered the form which crasped the side of his casket before he pulled himself into a sitting position.

Revealing a familiar charming face of one of the Maou's descendants but with a baggy long hair on his head. It was pink like his smoke which quickly retracted into his body as his pink eyes focused on Katerea's old body.

"Leviathan? Is that really you?" He studied her with an interesting expression. "You have looked better." Commented the man before jumping out of the coffin and noticing his own body. "So have I…" The maou added while studying his own hand.

"Are you seriously going to complain about how you came back to life, Asmodeus?" The teal haired woman asked directly as the pink haired man began flexing his muscles.

Pink mana went in and out his body as he tested his limits slightly. "Why shouldn't I? This body is much weaker than my past self."

"Then you shouldn't have died in the first place." Pink eyes shifted, focusing on Lucifer's son.

"Rizevim? You look old." Asmodeus began to step towards the group before Euclid approached him with reverence. Bowing before the maou, Lucifuge dropped on a knee before calling a magic circle for a few clothes which included a pair of dark gray pants and a long cape. "How long have we been dead?"

"Centuries, brother. Centuries." Rizevim commented as his half sibling began dressing himself. "Enough that I can finally say I am older than you."

Asmodeus couldn't help but stare at the silver haired devil. "It appears you grew somewhat arrogant without us to teach you manners." Pink aura flowed from his body, the air growing heavy.

"You? Teaching me manners? Perish the thought." Rizevim's aura rose in response, his silver Light touching the pink hue.

Touching, not actually clashing. It was pretty much a greeting between apex predators.

Yet just that small greeting was enough to make the workshop shake and the area tremble despite the boundary fields fighting against that outcome. Those were pushed to their limits to keep everything hiding from the outside world as the brothers glared at each other while Asmodeus approached his younger sibling.

…

"After everyone was expelled from Eden, Adam had a… fortunate encounter with Lilith, even introducing her to Eve." Runeas continued with an amused grin upon noticing the surprise on both their faces. She didn't blame them, that encounter was only a secret because nobody bothered talking about it. "'Mother' was already different then, her time away from God's Light in a World of Chaos forced her to adapt in the most inhuman ways."

Calling inhuman was an understatement as the Second Human made by God needed to do all sorts of deals and things to survive a planet where gods and spirits were tearing each other apart to stake their claim.

Others were creating their own humans too but Lilith was different, a bit too naive since she left Eden without consuming the Forbidden Fruit. Eventually she learned about good and evil but by that point the Mother of Devil no longer could claim to be human.

Yet that wasn't what Adam saw. "She appeared to them much like she looked like in Eden and her former husband was pleased to see a friendly face. Since she never had much against him, she offered a bit of tips and advice… before pouncing on his bed." Be either for a ploy or just because she missed him, Runeas couldn't guess but the fact was Lilithg acted as she pleased in those days. "Since she already had a few children, she recognized the signs right away that she was pregnant with Adam's child…"

"Was Lilith a devil?" Shirou asked, trying to understand what the First Woman was at that moment.

He wasn't surprised when Runeas shook her head. "'Demon' was the term people used and she was recognized as such. She is still a demon, albeit not a True one. After all, she started as a human." Not how a demon should be by any stretch. "Just to make sure you know, demons are the opposite of gods. If a god is sustained, or even has their Origin, tied to Faith, then a demon's Origin and sustain comes from Desire."

"'Desire'? That doesn't make sense… Does it?" It went against everything Liz was taught and Shirou shared her thoughts.

Yet something inside him said Runeas was correct.

"Faith is belief, Desire is concrete. That is why devils make deals and Pacts. Our power even rises with them, however slightly. A grain of sand on a huge beach" The Matriarch of Gremory revealed and the Mage of Swords felt he was learning too much too fast. "What? You think the only way we got benefits were monetary or through souls? In that sense, the old means of claiming souls were pretty stupid, better to milk you humans for as long as we can. Hahahaha! Now, where were we?"

The sudden shift surprised magus and maid but the former recovered first. "Asmodeus."

"Oh, yeah. Good old Asmodeus. He was also called a demon at first and still has the Title of Demon of Lust. Make of that as you will." The redhead devil said with a wave of her hand before her smile turned mischievous. "But what he was, what he really was… was a hybrid." A shiver went on Shirou's spine.

His throat was dry but he pushed through after a hard gulp. "You don't mean-"

"The First Hybrid, a balance between what Lilith was and is with Adam's Humanity making him a True Hybrid." She began whispering again but the Mage heard her. "Without any special ability but with all the power that entails. In fact, it could be said that Asmodeus was the Strongest Maou, at least when it came to brute force and raw mana."

…

Before the fireworks could begin, Leviathan stepped forward with a blade of water around her arm which she used to cut a distinct line between the two men. Her aura couldn't truly compete with them but her power and presence were enough to stabilize the situation until she could get the word out.

"Enough! Both of you! I thought this petty rivalry of yours stayed in our past lives!"

"Your last lives, you mean." Rizevim retorted with a cheeky grin. "I still stand here with my own body, remember. Unlike this guy who doesn't even shares mother's blood any longer."

"Think that is going to make a difference?" Asmodeus surprised them all with his aura rising even higher.

Which pleased the Super Devil who stepped forward before turning to Zolgen. "Seems the procedure worked in full. It has a slower start but his power is more or less where I remember it."

"What?" The pink haired man suddenly stopped, his power retreating much like his brother's. He wasn't alone in his confusion as Leviathan also waited for an explanation.

One the Mage of Insects was happy to deliver. "I told my friend that so long as we had the proper vessels I could bring all the Original Satans back by changing their bodies until they were as close to their forebears as possible." The 'devil' pointed a finger towards Asmodeus. "They may not have been True Hybrids but their genes had a True Hybrid's DNA written somewhere. All the body needed was the right modifications and the right soul to serve as blueprint."

Asmodeus looked at his hands again with wonder. "So this is one of my children?"

"A few more distant kin than that but close enough." Zolgen replied.

"Then I will use this body well and sire some more, just in case." The pink haired devil licked his lips as Euclid stared at the True Hybrid with wonder.

'It means his resurrection was pretty much complete! Even if he isn't as strong as his prime, that is because Creuserey's body itself was lacking.' Something they could correct with training, equipment or other methods to push Asmodeus further. Until he was even stronger than Rizevim himself.

Unfortunately for their cause, the Super Devil had no intentions of letting it get that far even if his Power allowed him an edge on a fight. 'Now all that is left is-'

The silver haired man didn't finish his thoughts as the last coffin began to shake violently. "Looks like the last one is also finished." Zolgen informed with some hidden glee. 'Sooner than expected but this is good. This is very good.'

Instead of being opened, the final casket blew up with dark green energy as a new naked figure floated in the workshop with six bat-like wings on his back moving so fast nobody could see them.

He had jet black hair, purple eyes that shone with mana and his presence was powerful enough to not lose a contest against any of those present. Before anyone could say anything, and without demanding an explanation for the situation, the man judged he was on enemy territory and threw a simple punch towards everyone.

A punch that unleashed a huge wave of energy that began destroying the workshop but some of his would-be victims were already on the move. To be more precise Euclid was always ready to fight and die for his liege and so he opened several magic circles. Power of Space moved much of the wave of mana to another location.

Nevertheless everyone could hear the explosions outside the workshop but that didn't bother Asmodeus. "Is that you, Beelzebub?" The question made the black haired man pause.

Prompting Leviathan to reply. "Yes, it is him. I could recognize that attack from anywhere."

Looking around the fallen goddess made note how the parts of the wave Euclid had failed to teleport had chipped away the workshop walls and contents. They weren't straight out destroyed but several parts of the place were missing and some of Zolgen's experiments were 'eaten' by the maou's power.

Which had her grinning. "King of Flies continues to be magnificent."

"Those were flies?" The Mage of Insects asked with wonder. "But they were so small! Smaller than microscopic-"

"And who is that devil?" Asmodeus asked as Beelzebub landed close to his allies. It was the first time the True Hybrid directed his attention towards Zolgen. "I recognize the Power of Lucifuge but this one… He looks like you." His eyes turned to Rizevim who chuckled.

"I had a long time to have a lot of children." He grinned before patting the Mage's back who was studying the flies on the ground who were perfectly still, waiting orders.

Because Beelzebub was still trying to understand the situation as he examined his allies who did the same to him. Shalba's body hadn't changed much besides the new hair color and the power it welded with the new soul. Indeed Beelzebub was several times stronger than his descendant even with Ophis' power.

"Leviathan, is that you as well?" The newly resurrected maou questioned.

The woman nodded with a small smile while placing a hand on his shoulder. "Indeed am I. We have been given a new chance at life."

Beelzebub nodded in wonder before looking around. "Where is Lucifer?" He asked with eagerness and wonder. "Is he here as well?"

Rizevim chose that moment to have his own happy reunion. "Unfortunately dear old father can't be brought back that easily."

"What do you mean, brat?" Asmodeus questioned with a scowl earning the attention of the other maou.

"His essence is too close to God to-"

"Blasphemy!" Beelzebub cut him off, his dark green aura returned as his wings began to beat at supersonic speeds again. Everyone could hear the sound of a swarm of flies filling the workshop, much to Zolgen's delight. "How dare you compare your father to that vermin?!"

"Hold on-" Before Rizevim could explain his argument there was another mass of green energy flying on his path, ripping the floor apart on the way.

Euclid once more didn't hesitate and raised a defense for his lord but when the magic circle that should teleport the microscope swarm of mana flies made contact the devil found his eyes growing wide as his Power was eaten away;

Only the Super Devil's quick use of his Light managed to block Beelzebub's power in a struggle that held King of Flies back for a few seconds before there was an explosion because of the volatility of their conflict.

…

"Most Loyal and Right Arm of Lucifer were Titles that Beelzebub always had pride on." Runeas moved on to the last of the maous while chuckling. "Funny how History repeats itself; as it once was, so it is again. Lucifer's most staunch supporter is once again a Beelzebub… Albeit, he has nothing on the Original."

"Wait. Aren't the new Maous stronger than the Originals?" Shirou was sure that was common knowledge to devils.

Surprisingly the Matriarch of the Gremory nodded in agreement. "Powerwise you are absolutely correct. Especially when we are talking about Super Devils. Fufufu."

'She sounds really proud. Probably because of Sirzechs.' The Mage concluded.

But that pride vanished faster than he expected. "But a Super Devil is still a devil. You must not underestimate the Originals. Especially not Lucifer and Beelzebub…"

"... What is his Origin?"

"... Once upon a time there was a benevolent God of Agriculture and Fertility from a prosperous nation who would one day become a power in its region. Unfortunately the god would never see it for a creature from a distant land attacked with a power greater than he expected. That monstrosity looked like a giant fly."

Anyone could see where the story was going. "They fought and Beelzebub was born." Liz deduced and the devil nodded in agreement but said nothing, offering only an enigmatic smile.

"... How was he born?" The Mage of Swords asked insistently.

Runeas' smile grew larger. "They were equal in power and their match lasted a decade destroying much of the countryside and leaving only plains, weakening the fertility god…" Every word was said in a joking tone. "As Chief God of his Pantheon, the god knew he was their best chance to repel the creature but with his power waning the odds weren't in his favor so he used some desperate measures…"

At that point Shirou lost his patience. "Can you stop waiting for our reaction and just finish the story?"

"Spoilsport. If you do that I won't be in the mood to tell the story. Hmph!" The Ancient Devil turned around like a petulant child and the Mage realized his mistake.

She was far more whimsical than he predicted. "Sorry, I just want to know how the story ends." Yet she wasn't building so the magus tried something else. "You must have heard how good of a cook I am, right?" He could see her ears twitch with interest. "Tell you what; you finish the story and I will go make dinner-"

"I want a banquet complete with twenty six dishes including four different cakes, five birds and ten types of cheese." Runeas wouldn't budge in that either. "I also shall evaluate the food and if they aren't to my standard you shall serve as the Gremory fool for as long I stay awake."

"Done!" Anything to know more about the maous' Origins.

"Nobody can defeat the Shirou Standard." Liz, on the other hand, was just confident nobody could resist Shirou's food.

Nevertheless, Runeas was satisfied and somewhat hungry so she sped up the tale. "All gods wait and search for a being which they can become one with and grow into True Gods able to shape the World as they please." She reminded them while not turning around. "Nobody ever asked, or were too afraid to ask, what would happen if a god tried to make something inhuman into his Other Half."

"They became one?" Even Shirou could tell that it was somewhere between foolish and desperate. Yet he still respected the deed since the god did it to protect his people.

"Such a fusion shouldn't even be attempted and for good reason. The end result was a mockery of the god who attempted it. Not a True God but a corrupted one." Runeas never saw the result but found images of those in days past. "It was a sort of giant fly with human limbs. An abominable mess. Worse, his Pantheon didn't recognize their Chief God nor could help him. Not that he cared since Beelzebub's memory also went down the drain as a result of the Apotheosis."

"Is that the result? A loss of identity?" Shirou asked in disbelief. "Maybe the reason gods hunt those with Reality Marbles is to avoid that."

"Oya? How do you know the gods hunt Reality Marbles?" Immediately the Magician of Gremory grew mute. "Fufufu, keep your secrets, if you want." Her lavender eyes shifted to Leysritt who looked ready to commit murder. "But that wasn't a proper Apotheosis. The creature didn't have a soul to begin with so maybe that is why the god thought he could hijack it and steer its power away from his people." She chuckled again. "All he got was his own destruction. No, I suppose that is unfair. His civilization lasted long enough to become a power in the Mediterranean even if it fell apart without its Chief God. Also because of the Romans but hey, if a nation can't survive a few wars then it wasn't that great of a nation to begin with. Am I right?."

Everything clicked in Shirou's mind as he knew exactly who she was talking about yet the story wasn't finished. "When did Beelzebub meet Lucifer?"

"Years before said fall. He apparently didn't remember who he once was nor had a name of his own." That was what the man himself told Runeas. "The Lord of Pride found him in a desert of his making, his mana in flux and destroying any life that dared to approach him. It was almost like a sandstorm of invisible sand peeling everything apart." Her expression grew firm. "That is the sort of power Lord of Flies can become when in its full potential but regardless Lucifer managed to break through it."

From there Shirou could connect the dots. "They found a monstrosity going berserk but Lucifer managed to bring him back from the brink." It wasn't much different from him and Medusa.

In fact the situation was way too similar which meant her condition, the curse which created the Gorgon, wasn't a singular event. Other gods could be corrupted or lost because of their nature and instability, taking an external force to save them.

'It just turns out that the only person there to save that corrupted god was the Devil himself. Which is why instead of returning to being a god, Beelzebub became something that could follow his savior… Maybe the creature that fused with the god probably became the main consciousness or something similar?'
"Well, Lucifer was born in Heaven and worked closely with God. He would know a thing or two about corruption."

"He helped Beelzebub assume a more humanoid form." The Mage disregarded her observation, his mind eye focused on a past he never saw. "And gave him a name."

"And a new pleasure to the smallest things, enough to take much of them in excess." Runeas smiled and joked at some fond memories. "Fitting that his Sin is Gluttony."

…

Zolgen's workshop and the mansion where it resided were gone, obliterated with much of the mountain where it once stood had either fallen apart or straight out vanished on the first explosion.

For his part the man himself didn't mind since he was too busy observing how Beelzebub's Power worked. To be more precise how the microscopic swarm devoured anything on its sight with barely any input. Indeed one of his insects that saved his life, a giant centipede, laid by his feet dead and half eaten.

"Why did you save me?" While Euclid would live his body bleed from several places as he barely managed to destroy the flies using a considerable amount of energy.

"To see how a devil such as yourself would counter Beelzebub's King of Flies." Zolgen answered honestly while observing the fight with one eye and Lucifuge with the left. Literally. "Most of the flies appear aware of their target's condition and depart after the kill is confirmed, joining back with the Beelzebub's mana, increasing his sustain unless the connection is cute due to destruction…"

Euclid ignored the Mage's mumblings and tried to get up only to realize most of the flesh on his left leg was gone. "Magus, I require your healing moths."

"Oh, sure." Raising a hand, several insects emerged from beneath his finger nails. "Say, about the damage you took, did you fail to notice it because of something Beelzebub did or because of your own pain tolerance?"

His question was mostly muffed because of a following explosion as Rizevim tried and failed to get some distance from the Lord of Gluttony whose body was surrounded by his aura taking the shape of a giant fly.

The Super Devil channeled Light between his hands before opening them wide to reveal a bartering ram twice as big as the giant fly. Then he threw it towards the maou so fast that the black haired man couldn't even react before his aura was broken and his body enveloped in Light.

Just as his body slammed into another mountain turning it into dust. Not even the wild life was safe from their confrontation as everything in a three kilometer radius also vanished.

Yet Rizevim was still holding back. "Stop fighting, you fool! If we keep this up our enemies will find our hideout!"
"You are my enemy!" Beelzebub declared as his body was enveloped in green flames and giant flies made of mana, each taller than a bus, took shape around him. "To betray your father like this… the only sentence is death!"

Understanding the risks such a fight could have, the Son of Lucifer tried another approach. "I meant to say that bringing him back is more complicated than you three! Not that it couldn't be done!"

"Listen to him, Beelzebub!" Leviathan landed besides her fellow maou as Asmodeus floated a few meters away from them, disappointed that the fight seemed to be stopping. "He and his magician managed to bring us back so it is feasible. But Lucifer was an angel first and that raised some complications."

Hearing those words from the Lady of Envy helped her peer calm down. "Is that right, Rizevim?" There was still skepticism on the Lord of Flies' tone.

The cautious Super Devil approached just enough to eliminate the need to shout but still kept a considerable distance. "Yes, it is. I even sacrificed one of my own sons to make sure my magician would live long enough to do the job."
Zolgen and Euclid quickly landed before the maous, the former surprising half of the present by dropping to a knee with an eager grin. "It is an honor to finally meet you, Lord Beelzebub." He raised his head enough to be respectful, allowing the corrupt god to study his expression. There was honest glee in his tone. "I have wished to be in your presence for a long time now. A very long time."

"You have?" Beelzebub was intrigued as he felt something in that man. A sense of kinship but also comradery borderlining brotherhood, something that shouldn't be possible.

"Of course! You could say that I," from his back fly-like wings emerged together with several insects of many sizes and types, "am an admirer of your person. Call me your man. Your magician, even, and I will follow you to the ends of Earth!"

Rizevim recognized what was happening and smiled sardonically. 'Clever bastard! So that is your plan, huh? Kukuku. Can't even be mad. We both are looking for the same thing, after all…' He even found amused how Euclid looked at the Mage with confusion.

The devil didn't know if the magus was betraying them or not since he was technically leaving Rizevim's service. However Lucifuge couldn't claim it to be a full betrayal as he was offering himself to a maou of all people, one of the Originals. Someone the man himself would follow if his lord were to perish.

"My man, you say? And you were the one who brought us back?" Beelzebub asked, just to be certain.

"Yes, he was. I watched him do it myself." Leviathan's confirmation was all the other maous needed.

"How interesting." Asmodeus commented while properly landing besides the other two. "Say, what is your name, magician?"
"Zolgen Makiri, Mage of Insects." From magic circles the creature dropped several outfits on the maous' feet. "And I would be honored if you allowed me to be your right hand, Lord Beelzebub."
'Why?' Was the question on most of their heads save for the Super Devil's who knew what his friend was doing.

They were, after all, friends of convenience with the same or similar goals. That Zolgen was closer to his own wasn't a bad thing nor a problem in itself. So long they were allies, and so long Beelzebub was the head of that relationship, Rizevim would have a few cards to play.

Predictably the Lord of Flies' next question was, "And we can bring Lucifer back to life?"

"Of course. The procedure is much different, his soul was born not on Earth but in Heaven." Zolgen's smile was definitely predatory. "We just need a few things from there and a body for him to reside in."
"And I have many useless sons that my father can take." Rizevim pledged his support, basically securing Beelzebub's cooperation.

Who looked at the Super Devil for a second before nodding slowly. "Very well. In those terms, I suppose I should apologize to you, Rizevim."
"Don't bother. He is doing all this for his own reasons." Asmodeus pointed out.

"Don't we all?" His half brother offered back. "Charity is a lie. Good is a lie. Every being under the sun is selfish by design, that is the reality of the World." Rizevim walked around, looking at each and every one present in the eyes. "What must be done is to uncover that truth to all who can see it. To show them the real face of Reason. For that I propose a new Alliance of Satans." He focused on Beelzebub, his father's prime supporter. If he had him, the rest would follow. "You want to bring the old man back? We are going to do it! And while we are at it, why don't we show the fakes in the Underworld what is a real satan?"

"'Fakes'?" That caught the Lord of Flies' attention.

Much like the Lord of Lust's. "Someone running around pretending to be us?"
"Our Clans failed in keeping control of the Underworld and were properly deposed." Leviathan revealed to her peers. "And our replacements aren't weak by any means." She offered them an honest but dangerous smile. "Mine, at least, wasn't.
"We have no replacements!" Asmodeus roared in fury. "We are satans! The true rulers of the World. If our devils decide to break rank, we should bring them to heel!"

The Lady of Envy motioned to her own body. "Would they believe we are who we claim? Took a me some time to convince Serafall Sitri, my successor, that I am the real Leviathan." Her smile grew. "Shame her life ended by the time she realized the truth."

"Actually our spies say she is alive but has still to wake up after your generous lesson." Rizevim informed, expecting anger or disappointment.

He found glee instead. "Ohh~ So I may still teach her a thing or two."
Beelzebub focused on Zolgen who looked eager to please. "Tell me more about these replacements. About the state of things." The Mage stood up with a smile that Euclid didn't like. "Tell me what has happened since our death."
"It will be my pleasure."

…

"A fallen angel, a fallen goddess, a hybrid and a corrupted god." Shirou summarized the Original Satans' formation. "I can see why they chose a single name to mean all that but 'the maous'?"

"Depends where you came from. In reality their group have many names but the most common are satans or maous. Don't ask me why, they were always weird." Runeas pointed out. "And since you are Japanese it made sense to explain them as maous first but satans was always their go to name."

The redhead magus paused as his mind broke apart everything he gained from that conversation; how the group called itself was the least of his concerns as their individual Origins were far more interesting.

He couldn't say for sure if his deductions were correct and Runeas wasn't going to give him anything else because of oaths or perhaps a sense of loyalty hadn't really faded. Or perhaps her nature stopped her from telling him everything. That or she was being vague just for her own amusement.

Fact was that he knew too little about Runeas to say for certain. "I see. Thank you for the lead and the History lesson."
"No problem. Now, what about the food?"
"Why tell us?" Leysritt asserted herself while the topic was fresh.

"Why not?" Runes asked back.

"And why now?" The maid didn't relent, tone full of suspicion.

"Like I said, everyone back then knew. It wasn't a secret even if our leaders didn't like to talk about their Origins. Some more than others." The Matriarch's expression held an emotion akin to melancholy. However it was gone in a flash. "Now it is time for a banquet! Let's celebrate our meeting today with a lot of food!"

"Hey…" Leysritt failed to grab the devil's shoulder as she quickly departed the library.

Before she could pursue, Shirou touched her arm. "Let it go, Liz."
"She could be lying, or faking. This meeting was a bit too convenient." The bodyguard pointed out.

"Maybe. Or maybe it was Luck. Probably a little of both." He was sure the Matriarch knew they were around and approached to satisfy her own curiosity. Whatever her reasons, they were unimportant because, "Either way she told us the truth."

The homunculus turned all her focus on the Mage. "Are you sure?"

From his Reality Marble, Shirou's conscience broke apart the whole interaction with Runeas just so he could answer the question as honestly as possible because for all intents and purposes he was certain the Matriarch of Gremory hadn't lied.

For a pretty simple reason. "Her emotions were real enough." That was why he believed her.

Whatever she spoke of the past, of her comrades or reminded herself of those that were gone he saw real emotion from behind her eyes, ancient feelings that spoke of hundreds of thousands of tragedies and losses.

Or perhaps she was lying and Shirou could admit to that possibility certainly existed, however he chose to believe in the emotions behind those eyes because they reminded him a lot of Rias despite the different color and shape.

She was truly his lover's Ancestor and had some of the same tells.

"Besides, the information fits for the most part. At least Leviathan's for what I could hear."
Liz's eyes grew warm and she asked. "You already know one of them?"

"A Goddess of Chaos, Mother of Monsters connected to storms that was also sealed away… Tiamat fills the bills." Shirou revealed with confidence. "With how strong she is, if a part of herself stayed behind and with all the rage then-"

"Hellooooooo~ Waiting for my food here!" Runeas' voice broke the conversation and both noted her mischievous face. "A deal is a deal. Give me food or be my court's fool for the month."
"Coming." Shirou replied before nodding to Liz who finally snapped from her bodyguard state and started to look hungry. 'Better make two banquets, just to be sure.'

Either case he would investigate Leviathan's connection with Tiamat later and if that proved itself to be positive he would follow his other deductions and Runeas' hints to figure out the other satans' Origins.

And once he had those, he would be able to fight the new threat or at least he hoped so.

…..

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