Dragon of the Elements

by Draconis678

After observing him fighting against the Demon King of his world, Lucifer Sirzechs brings a demon by the name of Kenshin to Kuoh where he soon passes out from his injuries, he is reincarnated as a Devil by Rias who reincarnated the soul he just took in. How will this new twist affect the world around him, and did his family have history in this world? He would soon find out.

141. Unknown Reunion

Draconis: Well! Let's get started.

Kenshin: You changed your profile pic again?

Draconis: Yeah. This time it's of Miyuki.

Miyuki: Oh so THAT'S why I was sporting a new hair style!

Draconis: Yup, I'm trying new things, I really like how it came out. Anyway.

Miyuki: Wow, it does look pretty good.

Dragon Of the Elements

Chapter 141

Unknown Reunion.

Draconis: Begin!

(start) (A/N: However, before we really get into it.)

Before Forbesii's Release.

After the Promotion Ceremony.

Issei stood in a chamber with Kenshin. It was after the ceremony of promotion and he had just finished his trades with Kenshin, after stunningly enough also conducting a trade for Asia from Rias.

Vali had also accepted Kenshin's proposed trade with him for a knight piece in exchange for Granberia with no issues. Kenshin even joked that Vali seemed rather upbeat about it, but Vali squashed it by saying he was just imagining things.

"Imagining things my ass." Kenshin snickered. He had also completed his trade with Rias for Xenovia. So officially she was now his Knight alongside Yukari.

"Yukari-San seemed satisfied with the trade." Issei commented.

"She's known Xenovia for longer. Yukari told me it was kinda hard to get a read on Granberia at times. This by no means made it hard to work with her, but I think she's more of a work friend, while Xenovia could be counted as a closer friend." Kenshin said.

"I guess." Issei said. "Also, Kenshin...do you mind if I ask you about something?"

"What's up?" Kenshin asked.

"This is gonna sound crazy, but..." Issei focused on his left hand, forming the Boosted Gear. He focused further and out popped a familiar raygun.

"..." Kenshin glowered. "You want to shoot me with that thing and genderbend me? Dude..."

"Don't make it weirder than I'm about to..." Issei said with a sigh. "I wanna ask about those two people in your pictures."

"I already said I don't know them." Kenshin said, a question mark appearing above his head.

"Just indulge me in this absurdly dumb idea of mine and let me use Pailingual on your female form." Issei said. "God, even saying it sounds wrong."

"...Sure, whatever. As soon as you're done though, change me back, or hand me the gun and I'll change myself back." Kenshin said.

"Fine." Issei said pointing Azazel's genderbending raygun at Kenshin and pulling the trigger, transforming him into Ryuuko.

"I thought that'd be weirder when I was actually conscious for it." Ryuuko said as she took the gun from Issei.

"Right, anyway." Issei took a breath, for quite possibly the strangest use of Pailingual he'd ever pull. "Extend earthly desires! Pailingual!"

"..." Ryuuko stood there with narrowed eyes.

"Come on..come on. I don't need you to talk to me, just put me through to the heart. I want to see if the memories are there." Issei thought, closing his eyes. "!" His eyes snapped open a bit

He saw an image of Kenshin meeting the blonde haired woman in the picture at what looked to be a bar, but she was dressed in a rather flashy dress sitting across from him, the little girl next to her. "Did she work there?" Issei wondered, seeing the flashily dressed woman patting the girl's head.

He then saw a black haired man wearing an outfit that could only be described as luxurious come up to them. Two things Issei noticed as he saw Kenshin standing between the man and two. One, the woman and child looked terrified and two. Kenshin was smiling at the man, but Issei knew that smile well at this point. It was the smile he wore when he was daring someone to try swinging on him.

The image then shifted to the same one, but a dark haired woman accompanied by a muscled man with dark green hair had joined the fray and the black haired man had turned walking away while Kenshin was flipping him the bird.

The procession of memories was cut off. Issei blinked as he looked over, seeing Kenshin with the ray gun to his head. The seal on his forehead glowing momentarily before disappearing. "You...good?" Issei said.

"Y..Yeah." Kenshin said. "Sorry I know you wanted to try that, to try and help me figure out the seal...but my head was starting to hurt...which was weird...cause I usually don't get headaches."

"...Well sorry for having you do that, but..." Issei trailed off. "I wasn't able to find anything."

"...?" Kenshin blinked curiously. "Really? You seemed like you were deep in thought."

"I was trying to focus on digging deep." Issei lied.

"...Hrmn...well whatever." Kenshin shrugged. "It was worth a shot I guess. So I noticed you were thinking a lot about something after the trades. Have you decided? Cause I'm pretty sure Rias is declaring for the tournament regardless. So I'll still get to run the hands with you."

"Well...that..and I was wondering why Shiva decided to pull up." Issei said.

"..." Kenshin tilted his head only to blink. "Well...why don't you ask him."

"Huh?" Issei turned around only to find Shiva and Ajuka approaching along with a third person.

"Sekiryuutei, Dragon of the Elements. We met earlier but I wanted to extend my greetings again to you two. Especially you, Satan incumbent, Kuroshi Tsuki Kenshin."

"Thank you for not blabbing about that out there by the way. The coronation hasn't happened yet." Kenshin said with a relieved smile.

"I requested specifically that he didn't. We don't need a spoiler." Ajuka said.

"I was just willing to play ball." Shiva chuckled. "Anyway. This fellow wanted to meet you." He said pointing at the man next to him.

"Well ain't you just a tall drink of a man." Kenshin mused as the man came up to him and Issei.

"Kenshin please don't make it weird." Issei sweatdropped.

"Oh will you relax Issei." Kenshin said before turning back to the man and extending his hand. "You already know my name, what's yours, or do I just call you the Prince of Asura."

"Haha. Mahabali will do." Mahabali introduced. "I was actually eager to meet you both. Your achievements during the War of the Evil Dragons had reached my ears and even your accomplishments in the Youkai Revolution, Kuroshi Kenshin. I had wanted to fight Trihexa alongside you."

"You're flattering me..." Issei said with a forced smile, while inwardly nervous as hell.

"I had heard that Brahma and Vishnu asked Shiva to stay put. So I'm not really surprised if you were kept in reserve too." Kenshin said.

Shiva stroked his chin a bit and looked over at Issei. "You were quite honest about your sexual desire back there Hyoudou Issei, but you're strangely apprehensive here. A harem king is your dream, is it?"

"Oh that's just him being nervous. He's newly minted as a High Class devil and even though he's fought high profile youkai, devils, Fallen Angels, a God and even a Dragon. He still doesn't know how to conduct himself amicably in the presence of those like you." Kenshin said.

"Hahaha, just relax Hyoudou Issei." Shiva said. "I had questions, but I think I'll find my answers by doing this." Shiva appeared in front of Issei and placed his hand on his chest, alerting Kenshin a bit, however Shiva waved him off as if to say he didn't intend any harm.

"More than a desire for women and fame, you desire for peace...influenced by Infinity and the Dream...a handcuff made from karma...after all there is no way that a former human can unequip the power of two god class dragons." Shiva noted. "Truly yours and existence that sounds like a joke. The power of two dragons that surpass my strength, aiming for peace and seeking to become the Harem King, hm...fufufu, you've taken my interest...you both have...Ajuka you remember the condition Azazel gave me, right?"

"Where we would prepare anything you ask for, I presume." Ajuka said.

"Yes...that is it." Shiva nodded. "Dragon of the Elements. Sekiryuutei..."

"Eh? Yes?" Issei said.

"Hm?" Kenshin said.

"...How about you two come under me." Shiva said.

"? !" Issei stared at Shiva in shock while Kenshin remained impassive.

"Don't misunderstand me, I'm not asking you two to leave your Masters sides..." Shiva was cut off.

"Let me just stop you to say this." Kenshin said. "I refuse."

"You don't even know the iss-" Mahabali was cut off by Kenshin squeezing his hand to the point of pain.

"..." Kenshin turned his eyes to Mahabali. "He wants us to work under him in case Sakra, Indra the God of Storms, War and Rainfall should start his shit and declare war. I imagine you want that as well because your people really took it on the nose because of him. Correct?" Kenshin asked.

Mahabali lost his patience and a furious aura surrounded him. "You're exactly right, and from what I hear is that you're always looking for a good fight, so what's the deal then?"

Kenshin vented in own aura...and completely engulfed Mahabali's as he turned to fully face the Prince of Asura. "Don't whip out your power unless you're prepared to use it Prince, because I have no problems using mine!"

"!" Ajuka got a good look at Kenshin's eyes, noticing something peculiar. "Is...the symbol for infinity blazing in Kenshin's irises?"

The ground began to fracture beneath Kenshin and Mahabali's feet. "Let me ask you something. I am uninvolved. I don't have a stake in this fight to be, between Indra and Shiva, to that point I also don't have the luxury of walking on my own anymore. I paint a target on my back. I doing the same for anyone that means anything to me. If they were to be harmed or killed...that's on me...and I will pay that debt forward." Kenshin said. "So tell me, how would you possibly pay them recompense for it?"

Shiva appeared next to them and placed his hands on Kenshin's and Mahabali's shoulders, and the aura dissipated. "Very well, we will table this discussion for now and also Kenshin. I applaud you." Shiva said.

"Eh?" Kenshin turned back to Shiva in confusion. "Why?"

"You answered like a true King. A King does not move on his own. He carries the wants, the needs and the ambitions of his people on his shoulders. You may not be official, but I already recognize you as one of the next Satans, the Kings of the Devils."

Mahabali sighed. "Next time could you not try to strangulate me with your power? I was testing you for Shiva."

"Yeah, whatever. I'm just gonna pretend I didn't see you sweating bullets." Kenshin said, unamused.

"Well if I was. You'll have the chance to prove it in the tournament because I'll be there." Mahabali said.

Kenshin smirked a bit. "It's a date, also hey Cao Cao! I can sense you over there. Get your ass out here!"

"Ah, the assassin from Sakra, I was beginning to think I was the only one who was on to him." Shiva said as Cao Cao came out.

"No I sensed him too, I just didn't want to say anything." Ajuka mused.

"Who would have thought that even Shiva-Sama would be interested in you two. Seriously you're continuing your growths every time I see you." Cao Cao said. "Congratulations on the promotion."

"Never thought that you'd be the one to come." Issei said.

"Sun Wukong was busy and I'm also here on Sakra's behalf. More than that I also wish to tell you something." Cao Cao said with a confident, heroic smile. "I am going to be participating as well. I look forward to a possible rematch with you two."

"Hahaha! Oh man this is going to be a fucking riot! So much smoke, so little time!" Kenshin laughed.

Shiva chuckled as well, but soon after he and Mahabali left the hall saying they'd be waiting for Ajuka at the entrance. "Ajuka. I have a question." Kenshin said.

"What's up?" Ajuka said.

Kenshin pulled out his sign up sheet for the tournament. "I've seen a lot of trades so far, so I'm not ready to turn this in. So far I have a spare knight spot, my pawns...and also my bishop, has decided to opt out to watch the festivities and run her cafe, saying she had things to take care of that would leave her indisposed."

"Dude, you just traded for Xenovia." Issei said.

"I did." Kenshin nodded. "However. She also lamented that if that we were to match up, she and Asia would be enemies."

"Hmn. I think I see what you want to ask." Ajuka said. "Tell her if she wants to sign up as part of the Sekiryuutei's team if he decides to participate. She's allowed."

"OK, but that is only part one." Kenshin said. "I actually have all but four of my pawn spots figured if we do it like this. When do I absolutely HAVE to have this turned in?"

"Ah. Well if that's the case. The inaugural event for the Tournament isn't for another week or so. Honestly it's ready to go, just the launch date is TBD. As long as you have it in by next week, it won't be a problem."

"Ah, right. Thank you." Kenshin said. "That's all."

"Then I bid you adieu." Ajuka said.

"Yeah I need to be going too." Kenshin said. "Need to squeeze out some last minute training, I'll walk you out."

"Wait." Issei said.

"Hmmmm?" Kenshin and Ajuka turned their heads to Issei who stepped forward.

"I've...decided." Issei said. "I am gonna compete, as a King!"

"Aw shit! That's exactly what I wanted to hear! Yes sir!" Kenshin said laughing with a wide grin.

Ajuka smiled a bit and handed him a sign up sheet. "Same conditions apply and I look forward to seeing how you do."

Ajuka left and Kenshin turned to Issei. "So what tipped you over the point?"

"Everyone..all of our, my past opponents are signing up. Can I really live with myself if I didn't?" Issei said. "But also to you specifically."

"Oh? I'm listening." Kenshin said.

"You better not lose until it's time to lose to me." Issei said with a laugh.

"Tchahaha! Well Well! Look at the fuckin' balls on you my brother!" Kenshin laughed. "Well let me throw those words right back you and say. You better not lose either."

Kenshin and Issei ended this conversation with a fistbump and Kenshin saying. "I'm gonna head back home, enjoy the rest of your ceremony."

(break)

Back in the Present.

With Kenshin and Rias.

Kenshin and Rias were sitting in the latter's room back at the Hyoudou Residence watching something on Underworld TV to pass the time. "So he really said that?" Rias asked.

"Damn sure did." Kenshin chuckled. "Our boy done grew up."

"Eheheh, Stop~ That almost makes it sound like we're his parents or something which we're not." Rias giggled.

Kenshin snuck a kiss on Rias' cheek. "But ya can't hide the fact that you're kinda proud of him right?"

"No I can't..." Rias said with a fond smile. "It's like watching my little brother come into his own."

"Yeah, I'm hoping I get that kind of feeling when Yukari and Miyuki do the things they're passionate about." Kenshin said.

"Well OK. The road goes both ways. So what is it you're passionate about...it has to be something, not someone." Rias chided, poking her finger on the tip of his nose.

"Hmn." Kenshin smiled a bit. "That's...actually a good question. What do I have that I can truly call my passion?"

"Well, you're constantly helping people less fortunate than yourself." Rias said.

"A philanthropist?" Kenshin said. "Erm. It's in the ball park, but I'm not gonna drive myself into debt helping other people. You can't take care of anything if you can't first take care of yourself. I know that's casting a pretty big net, but still."

"True." Rias said. "Well, maybe you can figure it out in college?"

"If I have time. Eh, I'm sure I'll figure something out. After all. I gotta keep the college dudes off my fiancee." Kenshin said kissing her on the cheek.

"Ufufu. I'll be fine for the year we're apart as far as school goes." Rias giggled.

Kenshin's phone went off. "Who could this be?" Kenshin opened his phone and saw a text. "Grayfia?"

"Onee-Sama? Is she ready to talk?" Rias said.

"..." Kenshin opened the text, but immediately sat up with a serious expression. "Son of a bitch..."

"What is it?" Rias said.

"It's...It's Forbesii. He's escaped from his cell. Why now? He's never shown any inclination to staging a jailbreak." Kenshin said.

"That's...unsettling." Rias said.

"Rias, I'm sorry, but..I-I gotta go." Kenshin said.

"Do you want me to gather your peerage and mine and come with you?" Rias asked.

Kenshin thought about it and shook his head. "No. Maybe one of Yama's lackeys is trying to recruit him, not knowing that Forbesii wants Yama dead and sprung him. I'll get in touch with Draco when I get to the Underworld. He texted me earlier saying he'd be working one of his bars in the Underworld tonight. If all of us go after him, it might press him into hiding." Kenshin smiled. "Just sucks this shit's going on and you're due to graduate in a couple of days."

"Well him being on the loose would cast a slight pall on anything good happening. My graduation, your coronation. Whichever." Rias said smiling back. "Hurry back."

"Heh! Can do." Kenshin said as he warped away. He took his phone out and punched up a text. "Draco. Think you can leave someone else in charge? Forbesii's been sprung and I think some idiot from the Yama squad is trying to recruit him"

"I mean sure, but...seriously? Don't all the people there know that you and Forbesii both hate his ass?" Draco asked. "Look just come to the pub I'm at and give me about twenty minutes. I'll send you the address."

"Thanks." Kenshin texted back.

Kenshin warped away after Draco sent him the details. Kenshin walked in and up to the bar. "Alright I'm here. Just get me an ashtray." He said lighting up a smoke.

"Just direct that into that vent and deal." Draco said gesturing to vent behind him.

"Gotcha." Kenshin said charging a bit of wind magic.

"So why do you think Forbesii flew the coop? Wasn't he basically begging for death when we put him in there?" Draco said.

"That's what concerns me." Kenshin said. "We don't need a face off between those two right now."

"Well I'm ready to leave, physically. I have to wait on the help to get here. I told them you'd pay the overtime." Draco said.

"Yeah, that's fair. I am just having you yank him outta bed on his day off." Kenshin said.

"I'm gonna get a till ready for him, be right back." Draco said walking to the back.

The bar door opened and a couple of cloaked figures, decidedly female walked in, sitting next to Kenshin.

However what Kenshin did not know was that one of those women was Marina, who was slowly starting to hyperventilate from sheer panic. "What is HE DOING HERE? ! ! I only suggested this place to Taimu because I needed a few drinks of Liquid Courage before we went looking for him, but NOOO! He's just HERE!" She mentally screeched.

Kenshin looked down at her hands, seeing them shaking, he looked on ahead and put a hand on her shoulder. "Relax. It's just a bar. A place to get drinks and unwind. Deep breath through the nose, big exhale through the mouth. Slowly."

"..." Marina wasn't sure why. Everything about this situation should be cranking her anxiety up to one hundred and ripping the knobs off, but just hearing his voice speaking to her like he was, soothed her as she did as he advised. "...damn it Ken Ken...you always knew how to calm me down..." Marina thought.

"So, what's your name?" Kenshin asked.

"Um...er...Sh-Shion." Marina said, using her old alias from her Yorigami Plague days.

"Shion eh? Hmn." Kenshin side eyed her a bit with a smile. "That's a cute name."

"R-Really? I always thought it brought me bad luck." Marina said turning her head to him.

"Why don't you take your hood down and relax." Kenshin offered. "I'm not gonna be here too much longer, but it'd be nice to put a face to a name." He said with a smile.

"I-I don't think I sho-"

"Nonsense." Her friend said. "We both will."

"F-Fine." Marina said as she and her friend took down their hoods.

"? !" Kenshin's eyes widened, but not at the sight of Marina. "W-Whoa, hold on. Taimu is that you?" He said in a hushed tone.

"Yes?" Taimu said.

"Wh-What are you doing here?" Kenshin said.

"Miss Shion here is a wayward soul, a thorn impeding ebb and flow of time. I'm trying to figure out what's keeping her flame from progressing in my river." Taimu said.

"W-Well. I need to run down a jail bird, but I didn't think I'd be settling accounts with you in the same night." Kenshin said.

"Settling accounts with me?" Taimu said with a somewhat curious look. "Surely you don't mean to imply that you still remember that old debt."

"Well...I'll just let this next part be a surprise." Kenshin said with a grin. "Hey Barkeep! This forest green haired beauty wants your hottest, stiffest drink!"

"Pfft!" Marina had to stop herself from laughing as Taimu looked at him in annoyance.

"Kenshin reword that this inst-!" Taimu was cut off.

"Yeah Yeah, I'm coming. Don't be using my affinity for greenettes against me, only one is on my mind." Draco said walking back out from the backroom. "So what can I...get...you" Draco looked over only to stare in shock. Taimu fared no better as they both locked wide eyes on one another

"DRACO?!/TAIMU?!"

"And account, settled." Kenshin said as Draco ran around the bar and met Taimu who ran up to him catching her in a tight embrace.

"No fucking way, is this really happening?" Draco said

"I-I can scarcely believe it myself." Taimu said. "It...It's been..."

"You're saying it's been too long...and you're the damn Time Goddess.." Draco said quietly. "That's saying some shit."

"Y..Yes..." Taimu looked up at him, smiling radiantly.

"Wow, I think that's the first time I've ever seen that woman genuinely smile." Kenshin said.

"Eh, I've seen it, but it IS rare." Marina said.

"Wait, Kenshin. You know her?" Draco asked.

"Yeah? How else did you think I knew she was in the damn Divine Realms." Kenshin said. "Didn't I tell you this already?"

"Shit, I must have forgot." Draco said.

"Eh, no worries." Kenshin said. "Well I wasn't expecting to catch Taimu here. Forget my request. Stay here and catch up." He said moving to get up. "I got a homunculus to go catch."

"!" Marina's eyes widened. "Ok I'm getting really lucky that I can just use my old name from that bastard's organization to keep my cover right now, but if he sees Reina, and Reina sees him, then he sees Forbesii with Reina, Kenshin might actually swing on him thinking he's protecting her when the seal inevitably comes off!"

"About that homunculus, we already have him." Taimu said.

"Huh?" Kenshin paused.

"Oh my god thank you!" Marina thought relief washing over her.

"We needed him for something that required his assistance." Taimu said.

"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes at her in exasperation. "Could you please go through the proper channels." Kenshin said walking back to the bar. "My damn coronation's less than two weeks out and I'd rather not have a glaring black eye on it. I'll text Grayfia and tell her I covered it just to cover mine and your asses."

"Coronation? What are you being coronated for?" Marina asked.

"Must be a big deal if you're that concerned about it." Taimu said.

"Not to brag, but I'm due to become one of the Four Great Satans of the Underworld." Kenshin said hammering keys away on his phone.

"?!" Marina and Taimu were both caught off guard for different reasons. Marina, because it was shocking to hear how far Kenshin had come, Taimu, because she just didn't think they'd want Ragnarok's reincarnation to lead them now that they knew Ragnarok killed the Original Satans.

"Grayfia, it's a false alarm. I just remembered I'm having him do something for me." Kenshin texted. "After that he goes back to his cell."

"Well, it IS unorthodox for you...but I guess I can let it go. Sage actually just texted me saying she's the one who pulled him." Grayfia thought. "He's not done anything since we put him in there, so as long as none of the youkai have a problem, it should be OK."

"Sage? The maid that keeps visiting him?" Kenshin texted. "Huh. OK. Thanks for understanding Grayfia, I'll clear it with Alice and the Youkai Faction."

"Of course." Grayfia texted back.

"Would you two happen to know a Sage?" Kenshin asked. "She works as a maid in Lucifer's castle."

"Oh yes. She's with him too." Marina supplied.

"Oh? Is that right?" Kenshin asked. "Well, then let me just text Rias and tell her it was a false alarm." He said.

"Hey Rias, turns out that the jailbreak, springing whatever was a false alarm. I'm just gonna chill over here with Draco for about an hour. You're not gonna fuckin' believe this! His lover from WAY back in the day. The one he's been looking for all these years is here!"

"Oh really? Well I'm happy for him. Alright Kenshin. Just take it easy over there OK?" Rias texted back.

"Can do." Kenshin replied.

Kenshin put away his phone and smiled a bit. "Alright. I got an hour to chill, then I'm headed home."

Marina smiled at him, but inwardly felt a massive pang of guilt in her chest. Why? Well...

(flashback)

"I...I have to what?" Marina asked with wide eyes.

"Oh this is too fuckin rich." Alferious cackled a bit.

"You heard me Ms. Shisui. I want you to go find and stall Kenshin. I feel his mana here in the Underworld." Yama said with a smirk. The three 'sixes' well noticeable and showing on his eyes and forehead. "I don't know why, but whatever you two did managed to do pull him over."

Marina looked over at Ragnarok, only to see the Kuroshi founder with his eyes closed. "He can't help me right now, not if the Shinigami is the one ordering it."

"Well, get moving." Yama said.

"Grh..." Marina growled. "No. I'm not doing it. Whatever it is you're planning, I'll have no part in it!"

Alferious grabbed her wrist as she tried to walk away. "Your mistake is thinkin' you got a fuckin' choice bitch. Like I told you. There is no escape from me for you."

"Hey!" Ragnarok said.

"Shut your mouth founder! Right now you're the Shinigami's puppet!" Alferious said with a wide smirk

"..." Ragnarok scowled ruefully at the devil.

"As much as I enjoy a good roast session. Let her go Alferious." Yama said. "Now Ms. Shisui. I understand your reluctance. I mean by your own words Kenshin was a better man to you than this guy ever was, but let me make something clear. While I myself do not wish any harm to befall you or your adorable little daughter. I've issued no such orders to Lily, Lucia, Laplace or La Croix who was recently revived and La Croix does not know about you and Lily has a few screws loose...and all of them are here, just not with us."

"..." Marina's eyes slowly widened fearfully.

"Yes...I see you're starting to put it all together. I could tell them to leave her alone, though it'd piss them off, or it'd at least piss Lily off, but ya got make it worth my while missy. I can't execute my plans if Kenshin just immediately pulls up to square off with us, not here that's going to set off too many sirens."

"Khh..." Marina growled.

"So, what's it gonna be...the future of your hero...or the future of your daughter?" This time Alferious was the one to speak.

"Hey, I don't remember asking you to spe-" Yama was cut off.

"F-Fine...I..I'll fucking...do it." Marina said hanging her head in despair. "Just leave Reina out of this."

"Done. I'm nothing if not a man of my word." Yama shrugged. "After all why should Death be anything but truthful?"

"Whatever. I'm going to meet up with Taimu." Marina said walking away.

"Haha. That was downright devious work Shinigami. That mark of corruption really does tilt you to your preconceived worst parts." Alferious said with a smirk. "I think I wouldn't mind having it for myself."

"..." Yama turned to him in disinterest. "The mark would have a reverse effect. You're so fucked in the head that your preconceived worst parts are what others would find good in people. Your moral compass is so out of fucking whack I'm surprised you can find your way around anywhere."

Alferious lost his humor and looked over at the Shinigami, the marks of corruption had vanished. "Let me remind you why it is that you won't kill me right now." Alferious said. "And make no mistake you could do it, but I'd highly fucking advise against it."

"I know this predator is not talking trash right now." Ragnarok said with a disinterested tone.

"Merely stating facts. I'm his best shot at diverting Zetta's attention away from him right now, so he can cook up more suffering for that little bastard. He had that with that Ialda bitch, that used me as fucking punching bag in the Impure World, but she was hardly controllable." Alferious said.

"Ialda Baoth used you as a punching bag?" Ragnarok said, his tone laced with amusement. "And you wanna square off against Kenshin? Yeah Ok little devil."

"The little bastard took MY property and then took MY life and just straight up forgot about both. Fuck all that, you don't just get to slide past me, like I wasn't shit!" Alferious snarled.

"Hehehehahahahaha!" Ragnarok laughed. "You fool. You know as much as I feel I'd be saving those two some grief. I think it'd just be funnier to watch Kenshin break you to pieces again, get the fuck outta here!"

Alferious growled and left. Yama put a hand to his head. "Grrhh..." He groaned in pain.

"?" Ragnarok looked over at him.

"Ragnarok...?" Yama said in a confused tone. "W...What did I just do?"

"What do you mean?" Ragnarok asked with narrowed eyes.

"Just tell me! Before this damn curse comes back!" Yama shouted.

"!" Ragnarok stared at him for a moment, surprised. "The curse isn't affecting him right now? !" He cleared his throat. "The curse...well it just made you blackmail Marina with her daughter's safety."

"!" Yama rushed over to a nearby tree. Ragnarok cringed a bit hearing retching sounds and the sound of liquid and solids hitting ground.

"D...Damn...it..." Yama said.

"You want to tell me why you've been ping ponging? Other than the child." Ragnarok said.

"I...can't...the second I do, it'll reclaim me." Yama panted.

"You know. That's not going to be good enough really fucking soon." Ragnarok said with a scowl. "At least tell me why the child takes it off of you?"

"Because...she is innocence in a way. Corruption could be interpreted as the absence of innocence." Yama said. "Also...I know that you're planning moves to get those two to Kenshin...and I'm going to blank my memories after this conversation, because I don't think the corruption knows, but...do it..please... before I do something I'll regret."

"Huh?" Ragnarok said. "Yama, what are you saying you're not making sense!"

"I...know...but it's all I've got...grrrhhh!" Yama grabbed his head his hands glowing as a spell erased his memories as the marks of corruption started flickering back to life.

"Hey! Yama get a fucking grip and fight this shit!" Ragnarok said. "You were always a callous, meticulous, scheming bastard, but you were never what this curse is making you!"

"I...I can't!" Yama said before jerking straight up as the marks settled back in. "Haa...that was annoying...morality issues am I right? Why should the God of Death have a code of morals? Death is uncaring, unmerciful and devoid of feeling..." He said with a sinister smile.

"..." Ragnarok stared at his elder brother's back as Yama walked away. "Tch..." Ragnarok growled. "I think I'm finally getting it now. The curse of corruption and that girl.. just as well...Yama's mental state is fractured, how long has this been the case?"

(flashback end)

"I'm sorry Kenshin...but I have to keep Reina safe." Marina thought. "I...just hope you can understand."

"Hey can you look me straight in the eyes?" Kenshin asked.

"E-Eh? O-Oh, um...sure I guess." Marina said as the two locked eyes. she felt her face starting to heat up

"Is that thin silver ring supposed to mark off your pupils?" Kenshin said.

"Y-Yes, I-I know it's weird..." Marina said.

"Who said that?" Kenshin asked propping his head up on his fist. "I sure as hell didn't...hell honestly, I like the shade of red they are, and they look positively enchanting." Kenshin said with a smile.

"!" Marina immediately glanced away. "I-I bet you say that to all the girls, I've heard about you Lust Dragon."

"Ouch..." Kenshin said with a wincing smile. "I can see my reputation proceeds me. Alright, I can see you want to be left alone, or at least not bothered by my perverse ass."

"Now look who's talking. When did I say that?" Marina asked with a smile. "God damn it Ken Ken, even after all this time you still got that charm to you. You said something similar about my eyes the first time we met."

"Hmn." Kenshin smiled. "You know...you..kinda remind me of someone."

"...Oh...Oh really." Marina said, with a calm smile, but warning sirens were going off in her head.

"Hmm...Who is it...?" Kenshin stroked his chin in thought before the seal faintly pulsed on his forehead. "Ah...must be my imagination."

"..." Marina was both relieved that he didn't connect the dots...and equally depressed because the control seal that HE took off HER and gave HER control of..resulting in the final order to forget her and her daughter was the cause. "This is...what I signed up for..why am I getting all depressed for?" She thought wiping her eyes.

This action however did not go unnoticed by Kenshin. "H-Hey...uh..I-I'm not making you cry just by saying that am I?"

"No...No you're fine..." Marina said before smiling. "So um, what are good choices for drinks around here? I could really go for something alcoholic."

"Now I told my fiancee I'd take it easy, but I guess one or two drinks won't kill me." Kenshin said. "Draco, two you know what's." Kenshin said with a snicker.

"Wha- Oh god dude please don't." Draco groaned.

"Hey I'm a paying customer." Kenshin said.

"Ugh...I hate you." Draco said taking out some ingredients. "Haa..here goes." He pours in a half shot rum and irish cream, before topping both shot glasses off with whipped cream. "Kahlua, Baileys and whipped cream...I give you both, a Blowjob." He said with an unamused voice.

"PFFT!" Marina sputtered into laughter.

"Oh my..." Taimu said covering her mouth.

"Keheheheheh." Kenshin slapped the bar while laughing.

"Man why the fuck did you make me make that?" Draco said with a glare.

"Simple, so she can give me hers and I can give her mine." Kenshin said taking the shot glass in front of Marina and slurping it down.

"Hahaha! Oh god!" Marina laughed before taking the one in front of him and doing the same. "So what? Is that some kind of weird drink sixty nine we just did?"

"Hey you said it not me!" Kenshin laughed.

Draco shook his head, chuckling at their antics before walking over to Taimu. "Hey."

"Hm?" Taimu said.

"That woman...isn't some wayward soul whose time you can't track...is she?" Draco whispered.

"..." Taimu closed her eyes smiling. "Can't hide anything from you can I, love?"

"You were trying for years." Draco said smiling back at her, grabbing her hand. "God I'm so happy to see you again...after so long..."

Taimu looked over at him, her smile broadening. "Yes. The feeling is very much mutual."

"So." Draco said. "You still want that stiff drink or not?" Draco said with a winking grin.

"Ah ha! You're funny. Maybe some other time." Taimu said with a smile. "Besides, you want to know about her right?"

"Yeah, I've rarely seen Kenshin just hit it off and click with someone he seemingly doesn't know before. Though my sample size is small." Draco said.

"...You can't say anything." Taimu said. "...The truth is...Kenshin DOES know her."

"He does...so when he said she looks familiar..." " Draco trailed off. "That seal...it flickered to life and he stopped thinking about it."

"Let me explain...also there's something I NEED you to pass along to Ilias and Alipheese." Taimu said.

"Alright, go ahead." Draco said.

Meanwhile with Kenshin and Marina, the former leaned back in his seat and took out a book. "You're still reading that?" Marina said absentmindedly.

"Still?" Kenshin arched his brow.

"Uuh...sorry, I got you mixed up with someone else." Marina said, realizing how badly she just slipped up.

"Hmhmhm...can't imagine there's too many people to mix me up with, but whatever." Kenshin said with a smile. "This is nice actually. I've been in kind of a media whirlwind lately. It's quite honestly exhausting."

"Well, you are due to become a world leader now aren't you?" Marina asked.

"No one knows about that right now, right now everyone's focused on this Rating Game World Tournament. I'm taking a little time before I put my sign up through, but mostly my brother finally got the big high class devil promotion he was looking for." Kenshin said. "He's kind of a big deal in the Underworld, hell bigger than me I feel like sometimes, but heh, that's just fine with me. I was never the type of guy to be put in the limelight anyway."

"Well, maybe the day's coming where that outcome is possible." Marina said. "I have a daughter that looks up to you."

"Oh really?" Kenshin said with a small grin. "Well, I'll be sure to give it my best in this tournament, so make sure you're watching."

"Hahaha, oh I'm sure we will." Marina said.

Kenshin closed his book and put it away, but then tapped his fist against his palm. "I know where I remember you from now."

"E-Eh? Wh-What do you mean?" Marina asked. "Oh god! Oh fuck! OH DAMN!" She thought.

Kenshin opened up his photo album necklace and showed her a picture. "Do you have a twin sister or something? She looks just like you."

Marina sweatdropped seeing the picture Kenshin had taken back then of her trying on one of his coats, and him catching her with it on. She also saw the seal on Kenshin's forehead glowing faintly. "Damn ittttt!" She mentally whined. "One, why does he still have that picture? ! Two! Why did I give no leeway in that control seal other than breaking it? ! It implanted that falsehood into his head! I'm an only child!" She thought. "Y-Yeaaah, let's go with that." Marina said with a wry smile.

Taimu cleared her throat. "Shion, sorry to interrupt your time with your new friend, but we have to be going."

"Now?" Marina mouthed. Taimu nodded. Marina sighed despairingly.

"You good? I mean I get ya gotta go, but that was a heavy sigh." Kenshin said

"...Fuck it..." Marina muttered under her breath. She took out a small sheet of paper and jotted something down onto it, before folding it up and moving it in front of Kenshin. "Don't read that until I leave your area of perception."

"OK?" Kenshin said.

Marina smiled. "I...hope we can see each other again, sooner rather than later." She said before moving in close, her head next to his left ear. "I'm glad to see you're doing so well for yourself. Honestly I am..." She whispered in his ear.

Kenshin blinked curiously. "Huh?"

"You are, always have been...and always will be...my hero...Ken Ken." Marina whispered into his ear, before moving away and leaving with Taimu.

Kenshin narrowed his eyes as what she said replayed over and over again in his head. The seal flickering on his forehead.

"Please...forget about us...for your own good..it hurts to say...but you will always be...my hero...Ken...Ken..." A passing sentence, that sounded like someone's, a woman's final words to him rang in his mind.

"Haa?" Kenshin let out a shuddering inhale and exhale.

"Kenshin." Draco said. "Look at me."

"..." Kenshin did as he asked.

"I see..." Draco said. "I think it's time you looked at the note she left...and wipe your eyes."

"..." Kenshin reached for his face, only to realize there was tears running down his cheeks. "I...I'm...crying?" Kenshin thought. "What's going on...? A lot of people have been acting real weird around me lately, I've got pictures in my album necklace I don't recognize and they have ME in them...I've gone into bouts of intense anger and depression...have...have I finally cracked?"

"Partner, you were cracked in the head a long time ago. Just saying." Yuurei said.

"Maybe it's time to look at that note, that unfamiliar woman had to have left it behind for a reason." Undine suggested.

Kenshin took the note and unfolded it.

Ken Ken.

You probably have so many questions right now...and believe me I would answer each one if I had the time, but I don't right now, but I will soon.

The reason we broke Forbesii out of prison was so that he could bring my daughter and I to you, we need your help as we're being held hostage, but that's not the immediate issue right now.

Kenshin's eyes narrowed at this. "This...sounds...so familiar, grhh!" His forehead pulsed as the seal activated again. "OK, these fucking intense headaches have GOT to stop! I've about had all I can fuckin' stand of em!"

Kenshin went on.

Ken Ken. You NEED to get to House of Gremory without delay! The Shinigami is making a move on your fiance's family! He has Ragnarok Kuroshi with him!

Kenshin's eyes widened. "Oh...FUCK!" He stood up and put the note in his seals. "Draco, leave your phantasm clone here till the help arrives, me and you got to go, NOW."

"Say less, Taimu already briefed me." Draco said readying his bow. The two nodded toward each other and rushed out of the bar.

"What the...? I can't warp there?!" Kenshin shouted. "SHIT!"

"Just get us as close as you can and we'll run the rest of the way!" Draco said.

"RIGHT!" Kenshin said as the two both vanished.

(break)

At the same time as Kenshin and Draco leaving

Gremory Estate.

Zeoticus was finishing up the last bits of paperwork for the night. Nothing serious, just some council related stuff, the last bit of business he was signing off on was actually a collaboration with Lord Sitri. They decided to surprise Kenshin by selling him some sects of land that neighbored each other, so he could start building his own house. "He's gone on long enough as the Devil without a house." Zeoticus mused.

"I would have to agree." Zeoticus looked up, seeing Venerana walking into his office with their grandson Millicas.

"You all are giving Kenshin-niisama a present?" Millicas asked.

"Yes, we're finally going to offer him some land to buy off us. We'd just give it to him, but...oh no we can't do that. We'd be playing favorites if we did." Zeoticus groaned.

Venerana sighed. "I don't understand how you four do it sometimes. You, Lord Sitri, Lord Phenex and Kenshin. Dealing with the other members of the pillars just sounds exhausting."

"It is." Zeoticus said. "I will say it's much more fun to be Kenshin's friend, than it is to be his enemy...because seriously from everything I've seen. He is relentless. Also dealing with the council is very subjective in Kenshin's case."

"True." Venerana said as she and Millicas came up to him. "So are you about done for the night?"

"Ah, yes I am actually. My documents to be sent to Lord Sitri just need to be sent off...and..." Zeoticus waved his hand as the documents in question disappeared. "Done."

"Wonderful." Venerana said. "Also one of the maids came up to me saying we have a guest."

"Oh? Well then let's go and greet them." Zeoticus said.

The group of three left Zeoticus' office. "Um Grandpa." Millicas said.

"What is it Millicas?" Zeoticus asked.

"The maid in question didn't look like she was feeling well." Millicas said.

"Venerana?" Zeoticus said.

"I'm just as confused as you are." Venerana said. "Millicas said he'd explain when we were together."

"She seemed like...she had no energy, her eyes were hollow and her posture was shaky." Millicas said.

"...How strange." Zeoticus said.

The three arrived at the main foyer where the maid in question was. However Zeoticus and Venerana immediately knew something was off. "Excuse me..." Venerana eyed the maid suspiciously. "You said we had a guest?"

The maid smiled, her hollow eyes narrowed. "Yes, please do come in."

"Well Well, thank you for the hospitality. Lord and Lady Gremory." The two watched as none other than Yama and Ragnarok entered the mansion. "Your job is done...and so is your life." He said, before slashing the maid down with his scythe, alerting Zeoticus and Venerana, while simultaneously scaring Millicas.

"Millicas, run NOW!" Zeoticus shouted.

"B-But!" Millicas said rooted to the spot.

"Do as your grandfather and I tell you, get as far away from here and get to somewhere safe and call Rias and Kenshin!" Venerana said.

"!" Millicas bolted away from the foyer.

"How did you get in here without us knowing?" Zeoticus said with a stern look, growling under his breath. "Ragnarok, after Kenshin told me to expect you to be against us I made sure to take your youki signatures out of our security allowance protocols."

"As you should have." Ragnarok said. "Kenshin was right to alert you to me being an enemy of the Underworld nowadays."

"Nonetheless...we have other ways of slipping in. Though I didn't intend to bring him back, a deceased son of the Mammon family did work nicely." Yama said.

"...I thought it strange that a member of the reclusive Mammons had crossed our borders, but didn't think anything of it." Zeoticus said. "You said he was recently deceased?"

"Of course...and it was your future son in law that sent him to his maker." Yama said with a callous, rather nonchalant smirk.

"..." Zeoticus narrowed his eyes.

"So he wants payback against Kenshin?" Venerana said with narrowed eyes.

"Oh like hell." Yama said with a snide chuckle. "But I'm not ready to give him th-"

"And who is this I killed?"

"? !" Zeoticus, Venerana, Yama and Ragnarok all turned to see a familiar face entering. "Damn, how did you get here so fast? Not that I'm not glad to see you, but we JUST sent Millicas to call for you Kenshin."

"I was already in the area." Kenshin said, the seal on his forehead glowing for a second before disappearing.

"Ooohhhh..." Yama said taking notice of this. "So, you don't know?"

"Know what exactly?" Kenshin asked with narrowed eyes.

Yama smirked mysteriously. "Well I'll just let that be a surprise for a little later. It will be interesting to see how you react."

"Well then answer me this. Would it have anything to do with that red eyed blonde with Taimu?" Kenshin asked.

"You could say that. The guy you killed basically parasited off her soul to come back to life." Yama shrugged.

"That's it." Kenshin said as his eyes glew with a gilded glow. "That barrier you put up gave me a bit of trouble, but I made it through."

"Now you see you were supposed to make it through. I just needed ol Marina to distract you. Had to grease her with her daughter Reina's safety but thems the breaks." Yama said.

"Marina...Reina..?!" Kenshin gripped his right temple, a look of intense pain washing over his face.

"?!" Ragnarok looked over at him. "Wait, Kenshin why are you in so much pain right now?"

"One, I don't fucking know. Two, why do you fucking care?" Kenshin growled. "If I were you I'd be using this opportunity to get the drop on me."

"Good idea!" Yama said pulling his hand back flexing his fingers.

"? !" Kenshin turned and intercepted a stab at his back from the puppeted body of Lucifina with Angel Halo. "So this is Ilias' second daughter..." Kenshin turned his head to Yama and held Shiroi Tengoku at the ready. "Come and get it you dusty old bitch."

"Ooh ho! Catty!" Yama said. "? !" However before Yama could make a move on him, both Yama and Lucifina were blasted to the side.

"What the?" Kenshin said.

"Heh, finally found a necessary use for that Malak Seal eh Z?" Ragnarok said with a short chuckle.

Zeoticus ignored him and turned to Kenshin. "Kenshin with all due respect, you're the ONLY one who can stand up to Ragnarok right now. Let me try my hand at handling his elder brother."

"Besides..." Venerana snapped her fingers as a crimson mana flowed around her. "He's not alone. After all he seeks to harm our daughter." She finished with a scowl.

"Aha!" Yama got back to his feet and dusted himself off. "Well before you go Kenshin. There is something you should know. The barrier I used was geared to allow you in, but then immediately strengthen upon doing so. You're not going to be receiving any help. None of you are. You got to beat HIM to do it." Yama said pointing at Ragnarok.

"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "Fine. If I gotta go through you Ragnarok. I'll do it."

"...Hmn." Ragnarok closed his eyes and smiled. "Well, I can't say I don't love the energy, but know that I can't hold back. You CAN'T hold me down and simultaneously take off the apparatus."

Kenshin punched his right fist into his left hand. "Which is why I'm gonna break you. Alipheese and the Ancestors will be able to heal you back up after I'm done. Besides...kicking your ass at your best? I wouldn't have it any other way."

"..." Ragnarok opened his eyes, his smile becoming a smirk. "Let's head to the place we used as a training ground last year and get it started then."

"Sure, but first." Kenshin threw out a substitution stencil and made a clone. "Go find Millicas and keep him safe." The clone nodded and took off.

"Don't even think about it Shinigami." Venerana said, scowling at Yama.

"Oh cut all the chest puffin bullshit talk Mrs. Gremory...or is it Miss Bael? Ahh, I don't know or care. Nonetheless. I'm not going anywhere." Yama turned his head to Ragnarok. "Well what are you waiting for Ragnarok?"

"Don't hold up on our account Kenshin." Zeoticus said.

"Go." All three of them said at once.

Kenshin and Ragnarok vanished and reappeared at a familiar training spot. "Brings back memories doesn't it?"

"I've about had it with memories." Kenshin said. "What's the story with that blonde woman?"

"In due time...when that seal on your forehead is gone." Ragnarok said.

"On my forehead?" Kenshin said before shaking his head. "Forget it, not important right now."

"Indeed." Ragnarok said. "This is almost poetic wouldn't you agree?"

"What the fuck's poetic about it?" Kenshin asked.

"Our own greatest opponents are in the end is ourselves. We stand as mirrors to each other. We hate being alone, but that is truly when we're allowed to fight unabated." Ragnarok said pointing Kuroi Jigoku at him. "I upend you in strength, but you conversely upend me in the bond you have with my daughters. I mean love for a parent is one thing, but the love they have for you supercedes that."

"Well you got me there. You do upend me in strength for now, but make no mistake old man, but I'm not ready to concede the advantage to you outright." Kenshin said.

"Oh? That is interesting to hear. What makes you say that?" Ragnarok said.

Kenshin held Shiroi Tengoku in hand. "Guess you'll just have to find out."

"Heh, guess I will" Ragnarok smirked a bit. "But what I also mean is that it's poetic because with the both of us alone. We can fight on behalf of ourselves and nothing else. In battle, it's the only thing that stays true and real. Everything else melts away...race, sex, personal rank, history and birth...even our own names. It's what's truly comforting about facing death as often as we do, isn't it Kenshin?"

"..." Kenshin called for his dual blade naginata in his free hand. "In the throughs of battle...the thought of survival...the thrill of the fight...is the only thing that ends up being real."

Ragnarok's smirk widened. "See? I knew you'd know exactly what I'm talking about...because in the end..." Ragnarok trailed off.

"You are ME." Kenshin and Ragnarok both said as one. "NOW LET'S GO!" Kenshin shouted.

"LET'S!" Ragnarok leaped above Kenshin, slashing Kuroi Jigoku down at him.

(boom!)

"!" From his distance, outside of Yama's barrier. Draco watched an explosion of power go off. "That has to be Kenshin and Ragnarok."

"Alright Draco, we're here. You wanna fill us in on what's going on?" Draco turned seeing Tamamo, Granberia and Negi accompanied by Rias, her peerage, Issei and his as well as what was left of Kenshin's that he hadn't traded.

"What's with this barrier?" Yukari said, laying her fist into it. It rebounded and blew her back a couple of feet on her heels. "Fuck that's strong."

"Yeah, try running full speed into it." Draco grunted. "It let Kenshin in after some doing, but I got rebounded."

"So what's going on?" Issei said.

"Long story short. Yama's attacking the Gremorys. If it wasn't for this nice blonde lady Kenshin apparently knew, but didn't know at the moment tipping him off. It'd be worse." Draco said.

"Wait, so obviously Kenshin's fighting Ragnarok, he's the only one who can...does that mean...?" Miyuki said her eyes slowly widening in realization.

"Mother and Father are fighting Yama? !" Rias exclaimed in worry.

"Little slow on the uptake, but that's the basic gist of things, Gremory brat."

"!" Everyone watched as a figure walked out from behind a tree behind the barrier.

Hikari cut through the small crowd, her blood already beginning to boil. "Alferious..." She seethed out with a scowl.

"? !" Rias, Yukari, Miyuki, Negi and Issei all looked over at Hikari wide eyed.

"Well well well, if it ain't that nekomimi fucker's bitch mother!" Alferious said with a smirk.

"Grh!" Hikari laid her fist into the barrier only to have it rebound.

"OK, if your ancestor and your daughter who are both stronger than you couldn't get through...then why would you?" Alferious chided.

"Tch!" Hikari growled.

"So you're the human trafficking piece of garbage that Kenshin killed in the past. What are you doing alive? I could swear Yama needed the remains of someone to raise them from the dead. As a devil you shouldn't have left any." Yukari said with a snort.

"And you must be his partner in his hunts. I got a bone to pick with him. Not only did he steal from me, he laid my entire organization to waste in a single night."Alferious said with a sneer, completely disregarding Yukari's question.

"People aren't property you sick fuck." Hikari growled. "You're damn lucky that this barrier's in between us, because if I could get my hands on you, I'd make what Kenshin did to you seem like fucking child's play!"

"Keep talkin'! It's all you can do bitch!" Alferious chided.

"When it falls, I am going to RIP! YOUR HEART OUT!" Hikari roared, a deep jade aura surrounding her.

"W-Whoa...Hikari-San really hates this guy." Xenovia said.

"There's a good reason." Issei said.

"Well well, the boy there seems to know of me. Go ahead, drag it out. I've got nothing to hide." Alferious said with a shrug.

"Everyone, this is Alferious Mammon, stray devil of the Mammon Family. I did a little research after I was promoted with Ajuka's blessing." Issei said. "He was also the head honcho of one of the top underworld organizations in Mundus Magicus, where his insatiable greed let him to make lopsided deals after lopsided deals, screwing over everyone he met. It could be argued that this man stole from more people than Kenshin himself ever killed, but it gets worse."

"Or better, depending on your perspective." Alferious said with a snide chuckle.

"Grh." Issei growled. "Around ten or so years ago in Kenshin's home dimension's time. This sack of shit swindled a ten year old girl named Marina Shisui away from her parents, then later got her pregnant at thirteen to which she miraculously survived. The daughter that came from this Reina and her were later taken in by Kenshin who even went as far as to adopt Reina as his child...but this would not last long..as they both died at this bastard's hands."

"? !" Everyone except Hikari, Rias, Negi, Miyuki and Yukari turned their heads to Alferious in utter disbelief and others more over, in absolute disgust. "I...I was evil to a point...but that is just SICKENING!" Evangeline said, the first to find her voice.

"How could you? !" Asia shouted out with tears in her eyes.

"I wanted, there for I did. Nothing gets between me and what I want." Alferious said with a callous smirk. "As for their lives. I had no further use for them and they were loose ends and stolen goods."

"Che!" Tamamo growled. "I had no idea Yama liked to keep walking, talking piles of shit in his company."

"Here's the thing. Yama didn't even intend to bring me back. He was bringing back Marina and Reina when I just so happened to latch onto the former's soul." Alferious said. "He hates me just a little less than the lot of you do, but he won't kill me as I'm his best shot at distracting Zetta, or rather Kenshin for you all from his actions. Make no mistake. Ragnarok WANTS a good fight from him, but if he finds himself satisfied or otherwise he could move on. That's where I come in and I have got a BONE to PICK with him."

"Because he killed you, he basically NTR'd you without the sex, adopted your daughter and killed you." Issei said with a look between bored and angry.

Hikari slowly turned her head to Issei. "God damn Issei I couldn't have put that any better if I tried."

"Oh like I could give a fuck less about those two. No. He killed me, then fucking forgot about it like I was some kind of foot note in his life, when that was not at all how it went down." Alferious said with a scowl. "Get real, no one slides past me like that...well on second thought I was a little perturbed to waste Shion, or Marina rather. She had quite the ability to revitalize and grow plant life through her mana alone. Still to this day I don't know what caused it."

"But nothing...for your own daughter?" Rias said with wide eyes.

"Please...she failed to inherit her mother's aura or my clan's innate ability. Such a being could only be called failure." Alferious said.

"!" Rias lunged forward, her fist cocked back and socked the taste out of Alferious' mouth as hard as she could, momentarily surprising everyone.

"Wait, she got through? !" Hikari said.

"That fuckin slacker ass Shinigami!" Alferious growled, welling up his mana to blast at Rias.

"Hrmn!" Rias growled and met it with her own. Rias turned her head to the others "Call everyone else here, apparently I'm only allowed to cross because I'm sharing Yama's position as Primordial of Death. I'll link up with Kenshin and we'll figure things out from here! Get a hold of Ajuka...or...wait." Rias' head snapped to Hikari. "Hikari, Kenshin mentioned something about Forbesii getting busted out of jail. Something about Draco's old lover having something to do with it."

"Excuse me? !" Tamamo shouted.

"It's true." Draco confirmed.

"..." Hikari closed her eyes and nodded. "Tamamo, everyone. I'll explain on the way. Rias is right, but I will say this. Forbesii is NOT our opponent right now."

Tamamo eyed Hikari warily. "OK, I'll take point, I'm the most familiar with his aura. Everyone let's go."

"Rias." Issei said staying behind for a moment.

"Trust in your family Issei." Rias said, casting a smile at him. "I'll be fine, just go."

"Oh no doubt. Just pop this sick fuck once in the face for me would ya?" Issei said with a grin.

"Oh I'm going to pop him in the face more than once for a variety of different reasons." Rias said, Issei nodded and took off.

"Tch." Alferious grunted, but then smirked. "Really Gremory brat. You weren't even born when I got banished out of the Underworld, and you think you're gonna take me?"

Rias collected destruction magic in her left hand. "Don't see why not? I've already body bagged a legendary dragon in my short time in life. You don't feel as strong as that." Rias said with a demure smile.

"Well come on then, seems I'm gonna have to bend you over before I whip your ass." Alferious said.

"Ugh, I feel dirty just hearing that, eat this." Rias scoffed blasting him in the face with her destruction magic. "When that seal comes off, or we meet this Marina. I need to get the full story about this."

"Girl." Rias' eyes snapped up to see Alferious striding out from the dust of her attack, his outfit scuffed, but more or less unharmed. "Do you have any idea who that brat really is?"

"Oh I know full well who Kenshin Tsuki Kuroshi is, do you?" Rias asked with a scowl.

"Oh so you know about his history as an assassin, his final kill count. Before he came and bumrushed our shit, word around the grapevine was that Rikudou was going to sent him out to pasture and retire him." Alferious said. "I believe it rests somewhere close to the one hundred thousand range after he lost those two."

"And it's only gone up from there." Rias said with a scoff.

"And you're fuckin alright with that?" Alferious asked with a cold glare. "A pampered little devil princess like you?"

"I'm perfectly alright with that." Rias said. "For every person Kenshin killed, I'd imagine the number of lives he saved and bettered were exponentially larger."

"Based on what? Your own rose tinted glasses you wear when you look at him?" Alferious said.

"Better than your own jade tinted ones." Rias argued. "Yes, I'm biased because I'm in love with him, but Kenshin at least lived with, and atones for his crimes and misdeeds every damn day. Not like you, you human trafficking, sex offending monster. Who the hell preys on a thirteen year old? !"

"It's like you said." Alferious said with a smirk as his dark yellow colored aura wrapped around him. "You do know what the Mammon family was famous for right? And I inherited and embody that power to an absolute degree."

"Hrm..." Rias narrowed her eyes as her own crimson aura flowed around her. "I know what your family is famous for Greedlord. Do you remember the clan from which my brother and mother and I got OUR powers."

"Well come on then Obliteration Princess! Come and try and dust me, maybe then you'll be on your little thief boy toy's level! !" Alferious shouted with a smirk.

"Can't really steal something if you never wanted it to begin with!" Rias shouted back their aura's continued to build until finally, they attacked.

(break)

With Forbesii, Sage, Marina and Reina.

"There's a lot of action going on in there..." Forbesii said, observing the barrier from a distance.

"Is the food too hot or cold Reina-Chan?" Sage asked.

"Mmhm." Reina shook her head. "It's really good Sagey Sage."

"Good, I'm glad. I usually cook for Grayfia's son when she gets too busy, which isn't often, but he usually likes it." Sage said.

"Huh? Your bosses' son? What's he like?" Reina asked with a curious look.

"Oh, he's probably a couple of years older than you are. He's a really sweet boy." Sage said with a smile.

"Maybe we could meet him after we meet Papa." Marina proposed to her daughter.

"...I'd like that...Reina...doesn't really have friends." Reina said looking down.

"..." Sage and Marina looked down at her sympathetically.

Forbesii glanced over at them. "You're awfully well intentioned and positive. I'm sure children your age will flock to you when you get back into society." He said.

"T-Thanks?" Reina said, her eyes turning to white dots with a confused smile.

"He means you're the kind of person that's easy to get along with." Marina said with a sweatdropping smile.

"Forbesii, try and lighten your words, a young child like her won't understand them." Sage chided with a teasing smile.

"..." Forbesii slumped forward with a depressed deadpan expression. "S-Sorry..."

"Hey, don't get depressed either, you said the right thing." Sage said only for Forbesii to not respond. "Hey, Forbesii!"

"Someone's coming." Forbesii said as he stood up.

"Easy, Easy. We come in peace."

"You, that barkeep, why are you here instead of in there? Taimu went to keep Yama's other lackeys off the hunt." Marina said.

"Yama's barrier rejected me." Draco said. "It sucks but Kenshin's in there fighting Ragnarok by himself."

"Papa and Ragna-jiji are fighting? !" Reina said with a frightened look.

"He doesn't have a choice. Yama's controlling Ragnarok to do it." Draco said shaking his head.

"Reina, I'll explain it to you later...why do I feel like you're not alone, bartender." Marina asked.

"Because he's not."

"!" Marina's eyes widened seeing Hikari walk up next to Draco, while Tamamo walked up to his left. "H-Hikari-Sa-"

"Maw Maw!" Reina said running up to Hikari.

Hikari knelt down and caught Reina in a hug. "Oooh Rei Rei! Grandma's missed you!" She said petting her head.

"I missed you too!" Reina said.

"Wow Mom, I guess I had to see it for myself, but she really did see you as a grandparent."

"Eeeeh?" Reina said turning her head to see Yukari who had spoken and Miyuki who was next to her. "Oh, wai- Reina knows you. Mama and I saw you two a lot when we watched Papa."

"Oh she is just precious~!" Miyuki said with a wide smile.

"Uhm." Hikari stood up and took Reina's hand. "I know this is your first actual time meeting them Rei Rei, but these two are Papa's sisters and my children. Yukari and Miyuki Tsuki."

"Hi, you two must be Auntie Yukari and Auntie Miyuki. Papa talked a lot about you." Reina said with a beaming smile.

"Awww..." Yukari and Miyuki said with their eyes closed, smiling.

"..." Marina felt a cold sweat as she couldn't help shivering. "..screw it, I knew I'd have to own up eventually."

However Marina was completely caught off guard by what Hikari said next. "Marina, relax. I'm not going to do anything to you. I don't like that you told Kenshin to forget you with that seal, but..." Hikari closed her eyes. "Kenshin was in a very bad way that night...and despite my misgivings at the time. It's unlikely he would have recovered at the time."

"..." Marina held a hand at her chest, gripping the cloth of the cloak she was wearing. "In the Pure World I think it was called...not a day went by there...that I didn't hate myself for doing it. I didn't want Rei Rei and I to be forgotten, but Ken Ken...he...that..night...his heart shattered. Part of me wished I'd never involved him, part of me wished he'd just whisked us away to Wales."

"You were reconnecting with your own mother too Marina." Hikari said with a regretful gaze. "Someone else that fucking scum bastard Alferious screwed over. Hindsight...truly is twenty twenty, but at the time, we're only allowed to make the moves we make...that we can see at that time...and live with the results afterward. I'm sure you, Yurie and Kenshin all made the best moves you could think of at the time."

"...I never looked in...but how is Mom?" Marina asked.

"She still runs that cabaret of hers, but it's just her wiling the time away." Hikari said. "She's doing well for herself though."

"It's been a few years...I'm glad to hear she's alright." Marina said before turning to Yukari and Miyuki. "You two...I'm sorry, but I feel this bears asking. Seeing as it's been this long..did Ken Ken ever get around to removing those seals?"

"You call Onii-Chan Ken Ken?" Miyuki asked. "Haha, that's a cute nickname. I think I might start calling him that, but...a seal?"

"I...don't think I know what you're talking about either." Yukari said with a thoughtful look.

"Of course he didn't...he was pretty traumatized when he put the seals on you..." Marina said.

"Wait...what do you mean?" Yukari asked with narrowed, curious eyes

"I'm confused. What seals?" Miyuki said.

"The seals he put on you two a week and a half before he met me, to keep what Ialda Baoth did to you from killing you both." Marina said.

At the same time Tamamo approached Forbesii. "Well, why are you out of your cell."

"Believe me, if your old war buddy hadn't come with those two by all means I'd still be locked up." Forbesii said with a sigh.

"Well after those two are reunited with Kenshin, because apparently he knows them. You'll be going right back." Tamamo said crossing her arms under her chest. "Forbesii the agreement was that you were to be locked away for the rest of your life. So you could never do any more harm to Makai."

"U-Uhm!" Tamamo turned her head to Sage.

"What is it?" Tamamo asked. "Please don't tell me you're going to barter for his freedom." She said with a disinterested look. "I know you've been visiting him, but do you have any idea just how many heinous acts in Makai have his hand in the pot and it's because of him that Kenshin's father died to begin with. I don't know why Ragnarok chose him to escort those two, but I can't have him walking free."

"I know what he's done. Surely he can't be excused for it." Sage said finding her bearings.

"..." Tamamo glanced at Forbesii. "You told her everything?"

"Of course I did. She seemed to be heavily attracted to me, god only knows why." Forbeii grunted. "At first I was trying to scare her off, but she kept coming back...kept hearing me out, kept being..nice.."

"...Oh my god." Tamamo opened her fan and held it in front of her face. "You're seriously telling me, you...you of all people who was a warmongering iron fisted tyrant for most of his life and is now an absolute nihilist...fell in LOVE?"

"W-Wha? !" Forbesii stepped back, caught off guard, but the reddening of his face was unmistakable. "N-No I didn't!"

"You did! You totally did! You're blushing and stammering and everything!" Tamamo said pointing at him.

"H-Hey! We're getting away from the point!" Sage griped, but was also blushing up a storm. "What if he were to be rehabilitated?"

"...Sage I told you, that ain't ever going to happen." Forbesii said with a sigh.

"..." Tamamo looked over at him, seeing the expression of misery on his face. She recalled something Kenshin had said to her the last time he went and saw Forbesii before the Trihexa raid. "Tamamo, do you remember how I said that Forbesii wanted death when we sentenced him."

"Yes, when you and Alice cast the votes to lock him up in Lucifer's Prison." Tamamo responded.

"Well...in a morbid sort of way...he got what he wanted." Kenshin said. At her look he elaborated. "I can confidently say...that the Forbesii we all fought against is dead...and has been for awhile now. He just...FEELS like a different man now."

"It's out of my hands Miss Sage." Tamamo said. "The Taiyoukai Council of Makai, the Demon Queen and the Vice Commander of the victorious Youkai Revolution agreed to lock him up."

"Well what if I wanted to speak to him?" Tamamo's eyes widened turning to see her sisters, Micaela, Ilias and Alipheese who had spoken appearing.

"Mother?" Tamamo said.

"The first successful attempt at one of my children making a youkai. Why wouldn't I be interested?" Alipheese said.

"..." Tamamo stared at her. "Still..."

"Just tell them I wanted him released on strict probation. Your sisters and I can handle watching over him." Alipheese said. "I was going to bring it up to Kenshin soon anyway."

"Well, if you're sure. If there's anyone that could overrule the council and the ruling queen. It'd be the Dark Goddess." Tamamo said.

Forbesii turned to look at the Dark Goddess. "Your Grace...you are aware of what I've done, are you not?"

"Yes, but I also know what I've done and you cast off my divine status, we'd both be at the same level." Alipheese said. "The point is, your very existence fascinates me. I was NEVER expecting my children to replicate my creation method, although it was very crude at first."

"..." Forbesii's eyes turned to white dots. "Um...thank you? I-I'm sorry I'm not sure how to respond to this."

"He was also able to withstand my mana and Sentinelization while maintaining his sense of self." Ilias said.

"Is that right?" Alipheese said.

"Wait, what do you mean we almost died? !" The conversation was interrupted by Yukari shouting.

"...I want to tell you but we don't have the time right now, but I will say two things. One I'll gladly reveal everything after I remove the seal once and for all." Marina said. "Two. It has to do with the day you all were reunited."

(break)

With Zeoticus and Venerana.

"Is that all you got Devil?!" Yama said slashing his scythe horizontally, blasting a slash of dark mana at Zeoticus.

"!" Zeoticus bent backwards, pivoting his weight toward his center and hips, ducking under the slash, before slamming his hands down and nailing Yama with a kick to the chin. "Make no mistake in how I act with friends Death god. I can still fight with the best of them!" He said cocking his fist upward a bit, measuring Yama up to make his next move.

"Whoohoho. That actually hurt a little bit you freaky, thirty plus deep harem having fuck." Yama smirked.

"Just because I kept it sealed most of the time, doesn't mean I didn't practice with my unsealed power once a day for an hour." Zeoticus said punching his right fist into his left hand. "Though...I did slack off quite a bit when Rias was born." He added in his head.

"Hahaha! Yet you still think that gives you a chance against me?" Yama said spinning his scythe a few times before slashing it down at Zeoticus who dodged the blade and gripped the handle.

"I'm just stalling for time till Kenshin can deal with Ragnarok, but I suppose pride plays apart." Zeoticus said as Yama tried to pull his scythe away to no avail. "One other thing though. When Ragnarok and Draco first put this seal on me. The founder of my clan herself saw fit to help me train. Lords only know why."

"The Sleeping Founder of the Gremory?" Yama said. "Feh, that would explain the strength."

"Exactly, also if I had to look at your face upon the moment of my death. Then thank all that is unholy for the near limitless lifespan of we Devils." Zeoticus said.

"Oh you cheeky little fucker!" Yama said with an angry smirk as he finally ripped his scythe away.

"Hrmn." Zeoticus grunted and slid into a stance.

"Haa!" Venerana threw dense orbs of destruction magic at Lucifina who was being controlled by a Yama clone.

"!" Lucifina goes skyward before slashing a sword of light down at Venerana.

"Hrm!" Venerana made a thick strand of her magic between her hands in defense. "Hrrmmnnn!" She forced Lucifina backward.

"..." Lucifina dug her heels in as Yama's clone worked it's fingers to control her.

"?" Venerana noticed that Lucifina's lips were moving.

"...he...l...p...m...e" Lucifina quietly struggled to say.

"? !" Venerana's eyes widened as Lucifina threw her back. Venerana barraged Lucifina with destruction magic after she landed back on the ground. "Help her? Wait..." She closed her eyes, focusing not on her movements, but finding and semblance of an aura. "!" Her eyes widened. "No way, Rias, Kenshin and Yukari all said this woman was a corpse...but...there's still a SOUL in there!"

Venerana covered her hands in destruction magic and shaped it to her hands. She caught Lucifina's blade, wincing in pain as she touched it, to pull the literal fallen angel closer. "I can hear you..." She whispered.

"... A very faint light flickered in Lucifina's eyes. "T...ai...mu...or...L...ife..."

"Taimu or Life? Is that first one supposed to her saying Time?" Venerana thought. She dove forward and slammed an orb of destruction against Lucifina's blade. She moved in closer. "Are you...still alive in there?"

"...De...fi...ne...a...li...ve..." Lucifina said.

"...Hrmmn!" Venerana stepped forward throwing her back and rejoined her husband at his side. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I'm fine." Zeoticus said.

(Boom! Boom! Boom!)

"Whew." Yama looked back with a smirk. "Kenshin and Ragnarok are really getting into it over there."

(Boom! Boom! Boom!)

"Hm?" Venerana, Zeoticus and Yama were all surprised at varying levels feeling more blasts of energy going off near where Kenshin and Ragnarok were.

"Is that bastard actually fighting someone? Who the hell got in?" Yama said.

"Wait...Rias? !" Venerana said.

"Tch!" Zeoticus turned his scowling eyes back to Yama.

"Aah, I see...this could work in my favor if the fuck can hold his own." Yama said with a laugh. "Wouldn't be the first loved one of Kenshin's he's killed!"

"Over my dead body." Zeoticus said, welling his mana into an uproar.

"Ha! That's the idea!" Yama said readying his scythe as his clone readied Lucifina's blade.

"..." Lucifina said nothing.

"Let's GO!" Zeoticus, Venerana and Yama all shouted.

(break)

Back with Kenshin and Ragnarok.

"..." The two Dragons of the Elements stood across from each other, lightly panting. "I have to admit, you've really gotten powerful when compared to those memories from the scroll clone." Ragnarok said with an amused smirk. "I can see how this form was able to best Alipheese."

"Actually I didn't master this form till afterward. Oh, right did I tell you about the stunt she pulled to yank this out of me?" Kenshin asked.

"Vaguely." Ragnarok said. "I remember you saying it was a pretty bitch move on her part."

"Riiight...you know she gave me the scrolls on your other techniques right?" Kenshin asked.

"Oh?" Ragnarok said. "So the Water Thrust, Fire Spirit's Prominence and Inferno Pulse...among others." He leaned forward, a little interested. "How far did you get?"

"Well, guess you'll just have to find out." Kenshin remarked with a smirk before a great out burst of wind magic surrounded the two. "Ill Wind Vortex!"

Ragnarok smirked back as he felt blades seemingly made of wind start slicing into his body. "Interesting! I only had the blueprints for this one drawn up. You actually completed it?!"

"Oddly enough Wind magic is probably my most inventive element!" Kenshin said. "It has so many uses!"

"Haha! Well Sylphy always did like her fun!" Ragnarok said. "But nonetheless...thank you for showing this to me..."

"Whoa? !" Kenshin staggered back a bit as the same magic he was using erupted from Ragnarok. "Heh...hahahahaha!" Kenshin laughed before stepping forward confidently. "Un-fucking-believable! You seriously saw it one time and instantly understood it?!"

"Anything you can do, I can do kid." Ragnarok said.

"Goddamn it, I hate the comparison draws between us, but you're not giving me a leg to stand on when it comes to arguing about it." Kenshin said. "!" His eyes widened as a wound opened up on the left side of his neck.

"Hmn!" Ragnarok smirked as his vortex completely engulfed Kenshin's and broke through.

Nurmerous wounds opened on Kenshin's body. "..." However Kenshin didn't react to it other than looking himself over.

"..." Ragnarok cast off his technique and stared at Kenshin. "Well...I'll be damned you really can't feel pain."

"..." Kenshin looked up at Ragnarok. "...How could you tell? I only tell people I can and act like I'm in pain so they don't worry...though whenever I had a heart attack when my Cardiac Arrhythmia was still a thing. I felt that shit."

"Weird..." Ragnarok said. "I could tell pretty early on. I'm well acquainted with what actual pain looks like...that's not on you...I just never said anything because I wasn't one hundred percent sure until now."

"Hmm..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "So I'm assuming you know Taimu and a blonde woman visited me earlier..."

"Yes..." Ragnarok said.

"Tell me...krrhh..." Kenshin grunted as the seal on his forehead glew. "Is that woman's...identity...behind this seal?"

"...Yes." Ragnarok said.

"!" Kenshin disappeared and reappeared in front of Ragnarok, white hot flames spiraling around his right fist. "Fire Spirit's Prominent Profusion!"

"Grh!" Ragnarok felt Kenshin's fist hit flush against his face, managing to hold his place.

"You're...going to tell me...EVERYTHING..." Kenshin said with wide eyes, his tone even, but angry, the seal glowing brightly.

"Rrmmhhh!" Ragnarok knocked his hand away and punched Kenshin in the chest sending him flying back a short distance.

"Rgh!" Kenshin slashed Angel Halo at Ragnarok. "Katensho!"

Ragnarok held Kuroi Jigoku defensively as the attack slammed into his driving him backward.

"Out with it!" Kenshin shouted. "What the hell...is happening to me?! It's like these memories I don't recall, pictures in my album I don't recognize. They're clawing at the inside of my SKULL! I can't fucking feel pain but I can feel this!"

"..." Ragnarok lowered Kuroi Jigoku, and gazed at Kenshin with sympathy in his eyes. "There's not enough time right now...but after tonight everything will be made clear of that I can promise you."

"..." Kenshin stood straight up and grabbed his head, the seal finally fading, but not before Ragnarok noticed something off.

"There's cracks in it...the seal work is beginning to fail every time he is reminded of Marina or Reina." Ragnarok said. "Which means...if he sees Alferious it might fail completely due to absolute, unbridled rage...wait!" Ragnarok's eyes widened a bit feeling Alferious' and Rias' mana signatures clashing. "...Screw it, Screw it! We're calling an audible here!"

"After...tonight huh?" Kenshin said with a scowl. "And pray tell what's going to happen tonight? What is your game Ragnarok?! What's Yama's plan while I'm fucking at it! Cause you know, i-i-it."

"Shut up for a moment." Ragnarok said opening communications. "Maybe I can help this situation along in my own way." He thought. "Sorry Kenshin, but I need to take a rain check on this fight and I need you to cut loose."

"Hn?" Alferious saw the magic circle open up next to his head as he knocked Rias' destruction magic away from him. "The fuck do you want founder?"

"You want Kenshin so damn badly. Come and get him, he's too distracted to fight me." Ragnarok said.

"Distracted? !" Kenshin snapped.

"...Heh. I'll be bringing his new little side piece, but sure." Alferious said with a smirk. "Founder, I didn't know you secretly liked me."

"Say that shit again and I'll kill you myself when you get over here." Ragnarok said crushing the circle in his hand.

"Running away again?" Kenshin said with a scowl.

"I'll fight you some other time. Even Yama would love seeing what's about to happen. We'll throw down again when your head's on right." Ragnarok said as he disappeared.

"Hrm?" Kenshin looked over seeing a familiar crimson magic blast the area near him. He then saw Rias land next to him. "Rias? How'd you get in here?" Kenshin asked.

"It probably has to do with Yama and I sharing the position of Primordial of Death." Rias answered. "Kenshin, you need to get out of here before-"

"Oh no, he's not going anywhere."

"..." Kenshin turned to see Alferious approaching.

"Zetta Zetta Zetta...How's it going?" Alferious asked. "Hopefully as fucking piss poorly as possible."

Kenshin's face noticeably began to twitch. Rias pulled on his arm. "Kenshin, listen to me, we need to-"

(crack!)

The seal on Kenshin's forehead cracked further until it finally shattered. "...I could ask you the same thing...Alfie." Kenshin said with a calm smirk, that betrayed the near manic gleam in his eyes.

"Oh ho! So you do remember!" Alferious said with a laugh.

"Hahahaha! Yeah, I do." Kenshin said walking toward him. "Though...I'm confused...how are you alive...I could seriously fucking swear I killed you."

"That's for me to know." Alferious said. "But I was dead. Thanks to you. Do you know what it feels like to have a woman who fancies herself a god use you as a punching bag?"

"Oh yeah, except mine actually was a god. The creator of Youkai to be exact." Kenshin said. "Who was it for you." He leaned forward. "Please oh please tell me it was Ialda Baoth!" He said with barely restrained amusement.

Alferious narrowed his eyes at Kenshin. "Are you finding joy in this? The very sight of me is supposed to piss you off."

"Oh trust me I'm absolutely fucking LIVID right now!" Kenshin said with an angry smirk. "I'm just shocked at the sheer, unmitigated gall and audacity you have to actually get a second chance at life only to PISS it all away trying to step to me again! It's hilarious how I used to think you didn't have any survival instincts, yet your actions have removed all doubt!"

"You know what? Enough talking." Alferious grunted. "Whip out that power you used on me that night so I can crush it."

"That power...?" Kenshin narrowed his eyes curiously before nodding. "Oh...that." Kenshin leveled Alferious with a glare. "You're not worth the price I paid that night."

Alferious scowled and lunged toward Kenshin and Rias. "Alright let me motivate you and put this little princess on-ullrkk?!"

"? !" Rias had already reeled her hand back to strike Alferious with her magic when Alferious was stopped short, by a hand wrapping around his throat.

"As I said...your actions removed all doubt." Kenshin said turning his head to look at Alferious.

Rias looked at Kenshin's face. "He remembers everything now...doesn't he? His mind is only focusing on Alferious right now." She thought. "He looks so furious, but at the same time..he's never looked so hurt before."

"Get...the HELL AWAY FROM MY RIAS! !" Kenshin roared throwing Alferious through the forest.

"Kenshin." Rias said grabbing his arm.

"Rias..." Kenshin looked over at her solemnly. "Yama's fighting your parents a short distance away, and Millicas is somewhere in the mansion. I need you to go to one of them and let me go."

"Mother and Father can take care of themselves and would want me here if they knew what was going on and I can feel your clone's mana with Millicas. Kenshin...you remember them...don't you?" Rias said.

"I remember everything..." Kenshin said, a clearly shaken tone in his voice. "Do what you want Rias...and here." He tosses her his pactio card with Negi. "If you can get a signal out. Tell everyone what's going on..."

"What are you going to do?" Rias said.

"I don't know...but I do know one thing...I'm gonna enjoy it...very...very much." Kenshin said uncasing his wings and flying off to where he flung Alferious.

Rias looked down at the card before pressing it to her head. "Negi, if you can hear me please answer."

"? !" Negi's voice came from the card. "R-Rias-San?! Wait, why do you have Kenshin's pactio card?"

"Not important." Rias said. "There's been a development."

"What is it?" Negi asked.

"The seal Miss Marina put on Kenshin has been broken." Rias informed.

"W-What?!" Negi gasped. "What do you mean the seal's broken?!"

"I don't know, but it's not active anymore and Kenshin remembers everything, but it gets worse. The first person Kenshin saw when it failed was Alferious." Rias

Rias heard the card changing hands and Hikari's voice was heard. "For now stay away from Kenshin and observe from a distance. He's probably zeroed in on Alferious and can see little else. In fact could you do me a favor?"

"Of course." Rias said.

"I need you to ready that Extinguished Star technique of yours and aim it at the barrier. We're going to try and break the barrier so we can get in there and assist your parents and calm Kenshin down." Hikari said. "In fact I have just the person to send in. Start preparing now."

Marina turned to Hikari as she passed Negi's card back to her. "You want me to go in there, don't you?"

"Taking a page from Azazel's playbook. You're the only one I can think of that can get into Kenshin's psyche and shake things up. He probably doesn't remember seeing you just a bit ago in Draco's bar, because that piece of shit was the first person he saw. Seeing you again, now that he can actually remember you could calm him down." Hikari said.

"There's a flaw in your way of thinking." Forbesii called out approaching them. "Yama's an illusionist, if you wanna get technical, because he taught Yukari illusions back in the day before he revealed his true intentions. He taught you as well."

"What do you suggest then?" Hikari said with a scowl that Forbesii didn't fail to notice. "Make no mistake, we're on the same side now...but I still got my issues with you."

"Name the time and place and we can fight." Forbesii said closing his eyes. "I owe you that much."

"..." Hikari narrowed her eyes curiously but didn't vocally comment. "That's...weird...I thought he'd stand off against me, but HE feels he owes ME?" She thought.

"Get the barrier down and I'll escort Marina to Kenshin myself." Forbesii said. "That's why Ragnarok broke me out after all."

"C-Can I come?" Reina asked looking up at Forbesii.

"Absolutely not." Marina, Forbesii and Hikari all said at the same time.

"..." Reina crouched down and dug her finger into the ground. "Mom, maybe you come in behind Forbesii with Reina?" Yukari suggested.

"That...was the plan." Hikari said kneeling down and patting Reina on the head. "It's just gonna be dangerous Reina, we'll go in behind Mama and...um...what do you call him?"

"Oh, um...Forby!" Reina chirped suddenly.

Forbesii sweatdropped. "Fo-Forby?"

"You...kinda get used to it." Marina said with an uneasy laugh.

Meanwhile Alferious was shaking himself off after going through a small forest's worth of trees. "His Rias...that girl is a devil. Not to mention a Devil noble like I once was before Lucifer's hit squads ran me out of here."

"Lucifer's hit squads?" Alferious looked up seeing Kenshin flying in to land across from him, a noticeably disturbed smile on his face. "I seem to remember you saying that once before. Tell me, was the Lucifer in question have a name, or was it the original? Because if it's the latter then man you're a worse piece of shit than I took you for." Kenshin said.

"...Sirzechs, his name was Sirzechs." Alferious said.

"..." Kenshin's eyes narrowed. "I knew Sirzechs was watching me, but...if he knew about this...why didn't he say anything? Bah! Not important right now! Right now I need to focus on putting the screws to this asshole!"

"Where'd your golden right eye go?" Alferious asked as more of a mock than an actual question.

"I don't need the Demigod State to kill you buddy. Hell I don't even need the Balance Breaker. I'm just using the first stage of my Sacred Gear as a courtesy." Kenshin clenched his left hand.

"Sacred Gear? Boy you are born and bred youkai, not just that. A fuckin' dragon. God hated Dragons, why would you have one of his sacred tools?" Alferious said.

"Eh, don't feel like telling the story to a soon to be dead man. However make no mistake. No one is coming to help either of us. So we can run the ones right now bitch." Kenshin said pointing his dual blade at Alferious.

"Fine then, this time my Greed is going to swallow you whole you little thieving brat!" Alferious shouted rushing Kenshin with his deep yellow aura flaring.

"Nononono! My WRATH is gonna burn you to ashes, you damn PREDATOR!" Kenshin roared, before the two clashed in a flash of light.

(chapter end)

Draconis: Whew...there. I'm sorry if it feels like I flip flopped a little, but part of this mini arc was meant to represent that plans often times can go awry. Now...um...

Kenshin: (reaches over and pats Draconis on the shoulder.) Go on, I got this man.

Draconis: Th-Thanks... (leaves)

Kenshin: (clears his throat) The next few chapters may take more time than usual to come out, it depends on how Drac's feeling. He is currently in mourning as his father's health took a turn for the worst and he passed away last week, but he wanted to at least get this out. The side stories chapter he was working on is going on the back burner for now so he can focus on the end of this mini arc and the arc to follow. To everyone that has been keeping up with this story, thank you for your continued support and see you all next time.

Draconis678 out.