Draconis: Kenshin, Issei, hope you don't mind, but we're going to finish what I started last chapter.
Kenshin: Hey, go ahead. You did just introduce the Dark Goddess and some of the Ancestors.
Issei: Yeah that was a cliffhanger.
Alipheese: How polite.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 74
Envoy from the Darkness.
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
"Th-The Dark Goddess?" Akatama said with wide eyes.
"Yes my child. I do not blame you for not recognizing any of us. It has been a long while since we were last seen in Makai." Alipheese said turning her eyes to Akatama.
"..." Akatama started to sweat under her gaze.
"How curious." Saja said. "This elf smells like dragon."
"Could he be from Ragnarok's clan?" Hiruko asked.
"What is your full name?" Alipheese asked.
"K-Kuroshi Akatama." Akatama said. "I'm only Kuroshi on my Father's side."
"I see." Alipheese said. "You do not carry Ragnarok's scent either."
"His scent?" Alice asked.
"The scent of his youki." Alipheese clarified. "Or what most of you refer to as the feel of it."
"..." Alice nodded mutely.
"He's not the one I'm looking for anyway." Alipheese said turning away from Akatama, making him sigh in relief.
"..." Alice didn't comment.
"Hmhmhmhm, worry not my child, I'm not here to try to steal him from you." Alipheese said.
"He's not exactly mine, or any one person's." Alice commented.
"Considering the Kuroshi have been whittled down to a handful, I can see why." Kanade said.
"Why are you seeking him out?" Alice asked. "If you don't mind me asking."
"Well for one, I'd like to thank him for freeing me from the Shinigami's scythe." Alipheese said.
"How did he get the drop on you anyway?" Alice asked.
"I was asleep in my seal when it broke." Alipheese said. "When I awoke, I was in the scythe, just the few moments before a man wielding a sword of white, dressed strikingly similarly to Ragnarok freed me."
"The scythe still has your power." Alice said.
"I know." Alipheese said. "But without me there, it won't replenish. He will have to go on basic theory to harness my limited power."
"So if you're looking for Kenshin, what brings you here?" Alice asked.
"Ah, so that's his name." Alipheese said.
"So, where is he? Minagi said she's looked all over Makai and couldn't find the guy matching the description." Kanon said.
"He's not in Makai. He doesn't live here." Alice said.
"Doesn't live in Makai?" Alipheese said. "How odd."
"The Kuroshi were banished along with the Tsuki by the previous Demon King." Alice said.
"Yet he's here, and from the smell of him, he's been here for years." Saja said pointing at Akatama.
"My mother is the current Elf Queen. My father left me with her to prevent me from leaving with the rest." Akatama said. "I was under my mother's care since then."
"I see." Alipheese and the four Ancestors nodded. Alipheese turned her head back to Alice. "Explain."
"..." Alice gave a brief explanation as to what had been going on.
"I see..." Alipheese said. "Well as long as things are getting back on the right track it's fine."
"I suppose." Alice said. "Kenshin lives in a place called Kuoh, if you're looking to thank him, go to Yamatai and go through the Kyoto Youkai Faction. You should be able to find him then."
"My thanks, but there is another matter." Alipheese said.
"What is it?" Alice asked.
"When I reinhabited my body, and released my daughters from their seals. I was left horribly weakened. I've asked Kanade, Saja, Hiruko, Kanon and Minagi to give me measures of their youki so I could at least move, but I need more."
"Wait, are you asking Alice-Sama for her youki?" Akatama said.
"I wouldn't if it were not necessary. If I tried to travel in my current condition, I'd only be inviting attack from the Shinigami who will surely send resurrected warriors that he at least believes will be enough to handle my daughters here. But the time they take dealing with them could be all he needs to reclaim me." Alipheese said.
"But if she did that, Alice-Sama would be weakened. It would take her quite some time to recover the loss of her youki." Akatama said.
"Well, it would give her an excuse to get out of the castle." Kanade said, at Akatama's look she shrugged. "We were listening in."
"Yes, I trusted my daughters with matters when I was otherwise preoccupied, you should trust your vassals as well." Alipheese said.
"Hmn..." Alice closed her eyes, going into thought.
"I don't plan on visiting him right away." Alipheese said. "I've been sealed for a long time, as have my daughters. We'll need time to stretch our legs, so to speak. Besides, if what I'm sensing is correct, you've got a secret that needs to be shared with him anyway."
"..." Alice stared at the Dark Goddess.
"Do not worry, this secret will not be affected in any way by the transfer." Alipheese said.
"...Very well." Alice said moving in front of Alipheese. "If it is really necessary, and my body will not be harmed in any way. I have no qualms."
"Very well, but let us go somewhere more spacious, your body might not be harmed, but I cannot say the same for your castle." Alipheese said.
"Very well." Alice said as the two Fateburns and the four ancestors left the throne room.
(break)
Kuoh.
It was early morning in Kuoh when Kenshin woke up. On the floor at that. "What the...?" Kenshin said trying to sit up, only to realize Ophis was laying on him. He carried her to a chair and unsealed a pillow to lay her head on. He turned to the bed and narrowed his eyes.
Rias was laying on it. This was normal, but so was Yukari, Xenovia, Akeno, Miyuki, and Koneko, all muttering things in their sleep, except for Rias who was just breathing shallowly. He saw Xenovia's leg was kicked outward, meaning she must have booted him and by extension Ophis from the bed in her sleep.
"...How did I not wake up?" Kenshin muttered to himself. Kenshin quietly left the room and found Issei walking toward the stairs. "You wake up on the floor too?" Kenshin asked.
"Yeah." Issei yawned. "Apparently Chachamaru-San's leg must have jerked and kicked me off the bed. Which was weird because Kazumi-San was on the other side of me, in the direction Chachamaru kicked. It's odd that I both did not wake up and that Kazumi didn't get kicked off with me."
"I see." Kenshin said. "I'm gonna go squeeze in some training time, you in?"
"Sure." Issei shrugged.
On the way to the academy Rias and Akeno had both taken Kenshin's arms, Kazumi and Irina had taken both of Issei's arms. Yukari and Xenovia glared at Rias' and Akeno's backs while Sextum and Asia glowered at Irina and Kazumi .
"You know we could try hanging off his back." Xenovia suggested.
"No." Yukari said shaking her head. "We were just too slow."
"We could try perching on his shoulders." Asia suggested to Sextum.
"No, we don't want to cause him any undue stress. We just have to be faster." Sextum said.
Miyuki glanced between the two groups before letting out a sigh. "I wonder how the Imp's are adjusting to life here?" She thought.
During club activities, Koneko was sitting on Kenshin's lap, while Asia sat on Issei's. The men in the equation shared a confused glance. Then Ravel came and butted in on Kenshin's lap, leading Koneko and her to argue over who should sit on the Kuroshi Patriarch's lap. Ophis came in and requested to do the same while Gasper wanted to sit on Issei's lap.
"OK what the hell is going on?" Kenshin asked after he and Issei got some alone time.
"I don't know, the girls and Gasper seem really clingy today." Issei said. "Not that I mind much, but it's pretty out of the blue."
"No kidding, even Yukari's like this. She sat right up against me while we were eating lunch." Kenshin said.
"Whenever she had a chance Kazumi-San would try spending time with me, even if it was at a great inconvenience to her." Issei said.
"What's going on?" The two turned to find Azazel walking toward them.
Kenshin and Issei explained the situation. "Don't get us wrong, it's not a bad thing that they want to spend time with us, but we're kinda startled by the suddenness." Kenshin said.
"Well you two were dead and then came back. Maybe they're making up for lost time, receiving feedback from you two...you're right, it's not a bad situation, and they'll probably ease up eventually, just roll with it." Azazel said.
"I guess." Kenshin said.
"I suppose." Issei said.
"Just stick it out and you'll be stronger for it." Azazel said as he left.
"Well I gotta get started on my summons Kenshin, see ya." Issei said.
"Hmn..." Kenshin said as Issei left.
"Onii-Chan." Kenshin turned to find Miyuki walking toward him.
"What is it?" Kenshin asked.
"Is it really bothering you that everyone's trying to be close to you?" Miyuki asked.
"It's not bothering me at all Miyuki. It's just...there's been plenty of time to do this." Kenshin said.
"Not really. When you came back you were the Vice Commander of the Revolution and helping lead ate up most of your time." Miyuki said. "And we've all been kind of busy and you were even sick when we got back."
"...I guess when you put it that way it makes sense." Kenshin said. "Have you wanted to do the same as them?"
"U-Um...w-well..." Miyuki stammered.
"Hmn.." Kenshin walked over and kissed her on the forehead.
"..." Miyuki wrapped her arms around him. "Please stay with us for good this time Onii-Chan."
"Hmhmhm, I'll certainly try." Kenshin said. "I can promise you that."
"..." Miyuki smiled and kissed Kenshin on the cheek. "That's good enough."
(Break)
The next day.
Kenshin and Issei stood in front of Ravel shortly before noon. "Wait...what?" Kenshin said.
"Magician's pact?" Issei said.
"Oh right, I've been neglecting to mention that." Rias said. "Mid class devils and up usually make summoning contracts with magicians who request their power. Kenshin you should have made one awhile ago."
"Well maybe I would have if someone had been more forthcoming with that information." Kenshin said with a slightly annoyed look.
"Ah..hahahaha..." Rias laughed nervously, scratching her cheek gently.
Kenshin shook his head laughing. "Relax, like I'd have been able to get to it with how busy we all were."
"Also there's the matter of the vampire due to visit." Ravel said.
A magic circle appeared and Rasai appeared from it.. "Kenshin, an update."
"Yo?" Kenshin said.
"I've received notice that Lady Alice is leaving Maouzyou with intent of coming here. Expect her in a few days." Rasai said.
"Huh?" Kenshin, Yukari, Miyuki, Rias and Tamamo all said with matching confused looks.
"From what I'm hearing, she needs to speak with you and Tamamo-San about something." Rasai said.
"I see...I'll ask what that's about when she gets here then." Kenshin said. "Anything else?"
"Not from what I've heard." Rasai shook his head.
"OK, see you around." Kenshin said.
"Good day to you all." Rasai said as he teleported away.
"Huh, wonder what Alice wants that couldn't just be solved with a message?" Yukari asked.
"Hm..." Tamamo tapped her fan against her cheek with a thoughtful look on her face.
"Tamamo?" Miyuki said.
"Wha? Oh, it's nothing I'm just thinking." Tamamo said. "First the thought that Mother and my sisters are all released, now this...and I already have a pretty good idea what Alice wants to tell Kenshin in particular." She thought.
"Anyway, Ravel I will leave this matter of helping them and others choose their magicians to you." Rias said.
"Leave it to me Rias-Sama." Ravel said puffing her chest out.
"Alright, let's have lunch." Rias said.
"Araya...then let us join you."
"? !" Almost everyone was surprised to find Kuroka appearing behind Ravel. "K-Kuroka? ! Why are you here again? !" Rias said.
"Ah, I came as well..." Le Fay said walking out from behind Kuroka.
"Huh, the girls of Vali's group are here, does that mean Vali and the others are here too?" Yukari asked. "We may have moved on, but I'd still like to belt him one for making Miyuki cry." She thought with a mental grumble.
"Vali isn't here." Kuroka said.
"It's just us." Le Fay said.
"N...Nee-Sama why are you here?" Koneko asked.
"Why you ask-nya? Wasn't it you that asked me to teach you more about Sen and Youjutsu?" Kuroka asked with a teasing grin. "By the way, we've already occupied a room in this house."
"Fine, just remember our rules." Kenshin shrugged.
"We won't forget-nya." Kuroka said.
"Ano, if you're going to be looking for a magician to form a contract with, I could be of help." Le Fay said.
"B-Be that as it may, what are you doing here, being on the Hakuryuukou's side. You realize that you're basically in your enemy's base right?" Rias said.
"Enemy? Since when?" Granberia asked.
"Aaah, that's right, you and Vali-Chan did spend a lot of time together before we left Makai." Alma said.
"?" Kenshin and Miyuki glanced at the dragonkin, who stared back at them.
"What? He's strong, I like fighting the strong, I figured you of all people would understand." She said to Kenshin.
"I didn't say anything." Kenshin frowned.
"Hn...so he's already trying to move on...eh it's probably for the best." Miyuki thought. "It's not like I'm not doing the same."
"Swi-Chan worries too much about complicated things, that's why the energy that's supposed to go to your brain ends up coming out of your breasts." Kuroka said bouncing one of Rias' breasts around with her hand.
Rias smacks her hand away with an angry look on her face. "That's none of your concern, and Swi-Chan? Wait, you put your marking for your magic circle here one of the last times you were here didn't you? !" Rias said.
"Sure did-nya." Kuroka said. "So I can use that large bath hall when ever I like right?" She asked.
"Ghh..." Rias glared at Kuroka.
"Enough." Kenshin said to both of them.
"Why are you so casual about this?" Rias asked.
"Because Azazel told me they were coming a couple of days ago." Kenshin said. "The bottom line is, Kuroka is the only person we know that is able to use Senjutsu and Nekomata Youjutsu, Koneko needs help with both...and Le Fay is a magician, if nothing else and we can't find anyone, Issei can at least make a contract with her."
"E..Eeehh...?" Le Fay said with a shy look.
"Besides, we'll only be here occasionally and I'll take good care of Shirone." Kuroka said.
"..." Rias sighed. "Fine, Kenshin does bring up good points, as he said, you will follow the house's rules."
(Break)
The next day Kenshin and Issei were sitting next to each other in class at around noon. "Haa.." Issei leaned back and let out a relaxed sigh.
"Someone's feeling awfully chipper." Kenshin said.
"Before...well you know...I always felt bored while I was here, but with everything else that's going on, It's nice to have some sense of a normal life." Issei said.
"Yes I suppose." Kenshin said.
"By the way, have you thought about what you're going to do when you leave Kuoh?" Issei said.
"Yeah, but to this day I'm still chasing up ziltch." Kenshin said. "I mean let's be serious here Issei I was a rouge before I came to Kuoh."
"True." Issei said. "Say...back in that place, Mahora...did you enjoy being a teacher?"
"Hm?" Kenshin arched his brow. "Hmm...I suppose I did, but a few of my friends, Yukari and Miyuki were in that class and Negi was the one teaching it, I think that had a lot to do with it."
"I see." Issei said. "It's just having one goal, when we live as long as we do, well you even longer. It doesn't make much sense."
"I know." Kenshin said. "Hell, even being a 'house husband' would end eventually. I just don't know."
"Well you could try your hand at the Rating Game." Issei suggested.
"Aren't you and Rias doing that? I wouldn't want to horn in on it." Kenshin said.
"It's years away. Who knows what our peerages could look like at that point." Issei said.
"...I guess." Kenshin shrugged.
"By the way, did you get a look at the balance of your bank account? I did, and man...it's insane." Issei said. "Mine is anyway."
"Oh I did, and I almost fainted when I saw the number." Kenshin said. "It makes my Rikudou bank balance seem small by comparison."
"Yeah it's probably for the best that Grayfia-San oversees it for us." Issei said.
"Well I suppose when I want to have my future home built I can have that conversation with her." Kenshin said before he felt something smack the back of his head. "..." Kenshin turned to find Matsuda and Motohama, the latter of which was holding a ball that had no doubt been lifted from the gym. "Do you two wanna die?" Kenshin asked with a glare.
"Guys...seriously..." Issei groaned.
"What Kenshin? It's the only way we know how to get your attention anymore." Motohama said throwing his ball at Kenshin.
"..." Kenshin punched it back at him, pegging him in the gut. "Huh...my aim was off."
"Ass...hole..." Motohama groaned.
"What do you want?" Kenshin asked.
"We've noticed lately that you two have been friendly with Ravel Phoenix-San." Matsuda.
Ravel had changed the spelling of her family's name when she started attending merely as a percaution, one that even Rias had said probably wasn't needed. "Yeah, what about it?" Kenshin and Issei asked.
"Why?" Motohama asked.
"We knew her before she transferred. Ravel's parents even wanted us to keep an eye on her while she attends Kuoh." Kenshin said.
"Yeah, and besides if she's getting close with anyone it's him." Issei said pointing at Kenshin.
"Wh-What's going on here? ! Rias-Sempai, Akeno-Sempai, Koneko-Chan, Yukari-Chan and Xenovia-Chan all seem interested in Kenshin, while Asia-Chan, Irina-Chan, Kazumi-Chan, Sextum-Chan are all interested in Issei!" Matsuda said crying out comically.
"Now Ravel-Chan's interested in Kenshin as well? !" Motohama said not faring much better.
"Ugh, enough." The four men turned to find Kiryuu walking up to them. "Watching you two from the sides is getting old." She said crossing her arms.
"Aah, h-hey Kiryuu." Issei said, recalling what happened in Kyoto.
"Ah, heya there Issei." Kiryuu said adjusting her glasses with an impish grin. "Anyway, it's wrong of me to say, but beautiful girls tend to fall for weird guys, so the girls interested in Issei here are obviously attracted to that part."
"You as well I'm guess." Kenshin thought.
"Then what about Kenshin? ! What's he doing to land so many babes? !" Matsuda snapped.
"Talking to them?" Kiryuu said. "I don't know if you two idiots realize this, but Kenshin's almost constantly in the company of those women you mentioned. It would be odd if he didn't have a good relationship with them, especially considering one of them is his sister."
"Somebody save me..." Kenshin sighed, looking out the window.
"You two would have girlfriends if you were less perverted and depraved." The five turned to Miyuki walking up to them.
"What do you mean?" Matsuda said.
"What I mean is that you two idiots never spend any time getting to know the women you lust after." Miyuki huffed. "Girls don't like being sized up like a piece of meat or leered at, Those girls that were mentioned are interested in these two because they know these two, and these two know them."
"Class dismissed." Kenshin said as he, Miyuki and Issei walked away. Kiryuu caught up with them. "Hm?"
"You two can go on. I just wanna speak with Issei." Kiryuu said.
"Ah, well come on Miyuki." Kenshin said.
"See ya Issei." Miyuki said blowing a bubble gum bubble as she and her brother walk away.
"Uhh, what's up?" Issei said.
"We hadn't really spoken since Kyoto...since...that." Kiryuu said looking out the window.
"Y...Yeah..." Issei said.
"Do you regret it?" Kiryuu asked.
"What? No, why would I?" Issei asked.
"Then why haven't you talked about it with me...or anyone for that matter?" Kiryuu said.
"Well, I've been busy...and I've been told that girls don't like it when guys brag about sleeping with them." Issei said.
"..." Kiryuu nodded. "So, you and the Occult Research Club and the Student Council were gone for awhile...what were you doing?"
"Aaah, sorry I can't really say." Issei chuckled nervously. "It was just club activities and we asked Kaichou to come with us as a monitor." He said noncomittingly.
"Hmn...OK. I guess I'd rather not get you in trouble with either of them." Kiryuu said.
"Alright, I gotta go." Issei said.
"Wait." Kiryuu said, stopping Issei.
"Huh?" Issei said.
Kiryuu adjusted her glasses with a gleam in her eyes. "We should do it again sometime."
"E...Ehh?" Issei said. "Uuuhh...s-sure!" He said before taking off.
"Hehehehehehe." Kiryuu laughed.
(break)
Later.
Kenshin and Issei sat on the couch in the ORC while Rias walked around in front of them. Rias' peerage was gathered, but Kenshin only had his sisters, mother, Tamamo, and Kazumi present. "Magicians make pacts with Devils for a multitude of different reasons, today I will be going over the three most common ones." Rias said. "One, they wish to use them as their bodyguard."
"Huh, sounds like the lower profile jobs at Rikudou." Kenshin said with Yukari nodding in agreement.
"Having a high class devil will allow them to talk if they're having a dispute." Rias sad.
"Sounds like the Yakuza." Issei said.
"I agree." Rias nodded. "Secondly, they might want to attain the techniques and knowledge of devils. To make it clear. The technique standards of devils play a big role in magician's research. And if you're not a devil or a fallen angel, it's almost impossible to get to the Underworld."
"Yet people like the Hero Faction ran around down here." Miyuki said.
"That does seem strange." Hikari said.
"I agree." Xenovia nodded.
"Well they had the means to do so." Rias said. "Anyway, third, they might make a pact for their own status. Having a contract with a high class devil is a fortune for them. My Father and Mother have a contract like this, if something happens they are summoned to hear their words. This is one of the duties of a high class devil."
"Funny. Do you have a magician summoner?" Kenshin asked.
"...Well..no." Rias said.
"But you're speeding Kenshin-kun up on it." Kiba said.
"Yet you don't have one yourself Chief?" Koneko asked.
"Hmn, strange." Rossweisse said.
"Ara ara...you've show your hand Rias." Akeno said.
"Well! Kenshin's clan isn't that high up yet, having a summoner for him would help matters and he's been able to do it since he got here." Rias huffed.
"In other words Zeoticus and Venerana won't let you." Kenshin guessed.
"...Yes." Rias slumped.
"Neh heh heh." Kenshin chuckled.
"Huh, life sure is interesting...I never thought I'd be summoned by a magician." Xenovia said tilting her head curiously.
"Yes, this is part of what makes us Devils after all." Rias said. "However, some points I'd like to make. Once enacted, you cannot break the pact easily, and you are summoned you will work seriously. However at the same time, if you choose someone low of caliber, then our quality will come into question."
"Yes I think we get all that Rias, thank you." Kenshin said.
"Man, I hope I get a beautiful witch if it's possible." Issei thought, fantasizing about the various situations.
Kenshin, having his hand on Issei's shoulder at the time he was fantasizing could only shake his head amusedly. "Hm?" He said seeing a light form in the corner of the room.
"The sign of Mephisto Pheles." Kiba said.
The holographic image of a middle aged man sitting in a chair appeared. He had a mixture of red and blue hair, held in place by gel. His eyes were also heterochromic, right eye red, left eye blue. He gave off a mysterious atmosphere, and had a slightly fierce look on his face, however this somewhat scary look on his face disappeared as he smiled. "Hello Rias-Chan, it's been awhile." He said.
"It has, how are you doing Mephisto-Sama." Rias said.
"My oh my, you're becoming as beautiful as your mother. Who was just as beautiful as her mother and grandmother." Mephisto said before turning to the couch. "Aaah, so there he is, the famed Hero of Makai, the Unofficial Demon King."
Kenshin waved. "What's up Lord of Hatred?"
"Tchahahaha, nothing much." Mephisto laughed. "I see someone's a fan of that game." He thought (1 )
"Unofficial Demon King?" Hikari thought looking at her son.
"Anyway, I'm Mephisto Pheles everyone. Please refer to the books if you'd like to know more about me." Mephisto said turning back to Rias.
"He made the contract with the first Georg Faust and remained in the human world even after Georg Faust's death and became head of the magician's organization." Ravel whispered to Kenshin and Issei.
"Hey, aren't you one of the Extra Demons, Mephisto-Sama?" Issei asked.
"He is, and also he is one of the eldest among the devils right up there with Zekram-Sama." Rias said. "He's also Tannin's King." Rias said.
"No kidding?" Kenshin said. "Issei here trained with Tannin."
"Yes, but I neither compete in Rating Games, nor do I deal with the Underworld's riots, so I basically allow him to roam freely. After all he just wanted to save his tribes, and he did such." Mephisto said.
"Apparently Mephisto-Sama is from the same generation as the original Satans, though from what my parents tell me, they didn't get along well at all, so he had grievances with the old government and tucked himself away in the human world." Ravel whispered again.
Having heard her this time Mephisto nodded. "Yes, that is exactly right, I hated those guys. I find the current Satans like Sirzechs-kun and Serafall-Chan much more agreeable, though I do have my problems with Ajuka, it's not like I hate him at all."
Everyone nodded as Mephisto turned to Rias again. "You are also like your grandfathers. You're rather easy to talk to, how are the elders of your family by the way?"
"They are well, they live quietly in the Gremory Territory." Rias said.
"Still have everything you want to do planned out?" Mephisto asked.
"More or less up until retirement." Rias said.
"Wait...what?" Kenshin asked.
"Hm? You haven't gotten your affairs in order Kenshin-kun?" Mephisto asked. Kenshin shook his head.
"Well, no? I never thought I'd live that long." Kenshin said.
"In Kenshin's defense, he's only been a devil for a few months." Rias said.
"Ah." Mephisto nodded. "You'll figure things out eventually."
Rias and Mephisto chatted about the past, society, then the recent business with the magician organization. "So have you spoken with Sona about this yet?" Rias asked.
"No, she's busy getting new additions to her peerage so she wanted to wait to speak with me till after they joined." Mephisto said. "That said I have spoken with Sairaorg-kun and Seekvaira-Chan."
"Really?" Issei said to himself. "I didn't know that."
"She mentioned it to me while we were sick and she came to visit." Kenshin said.
"My my, you Rookies Five sure are popular very popular in the devil industry and even in the industries of other factions." Mephisto said.
"Rookies Five?" Issei said.
"It's the title that was recently give to the five young devils consisting of Sairaorg-Sama, Kenshin-Sama, Seekvaira-Sama, Rias-Sama and Sona-Sama. Even looking back to recent years. The name given to a generation gathered with promising rookies who are exceptional in level. Even in the entire history of the Underworld this gathering is out of the ordinary for those who still haven't matured." Ravel said.
Azazel came in and reminisced about the old days with Mephisto before the latter turned back to Rias. "Alright, sorry for taking up so much time, I'll send in the information now."
"Whoa? !" Kenshin, Issei, Yukari and Miyuki all said as an avalanche of documents poured out of a magic circle.
"Alright, have fun organizing." Mephisto said.
"Dick." Kenshin, Yukari and Miyuki all thought.
The sorting took awhile, but eventually they finished. "Huh Rias and Kenshin have the most." Yukari said.
"Well obviously. The thought is that if you get the King, you get the peerage." Azazel said.
"No, No, No...no...No..." Kenshin said setting documents aside.
"Kenshin, you're going through those awfully quickly." Rias said.
"Because these resumes are easy to read and at that, Mephisto-Sama went ahead and put in an attribute map." Kenshin said.
"Rossweisse has a lot of them too." Hikari said.
"Hmn, I see, they also want the knowledge I have as being a former valkyrie, about the Norse pantheon and the World Tree." Rossweisse said with a nod as she thumbed through her documents.
"I kinda see what Kenshin's doing Rias. If he's being summoned by a magician, someone who's supposed to know what they're doing, then it's only fair that they be able to pull their own weight." Yukari said.
"A-Ano, are all these people really OK with it being me?" Asia asked looking at her stack of documents.
"It's because you have an exceptional healing ability." Mephisto said. "Making a contract with you, and being blessed with the power of healing makes it easy to become famous."
"Hey, here. We'll both choose one carefully." Issei said walking over to her.
"If you're worried about her safety, don't be. We do rigorous research on these people, so there shouldn't be any bad ones." Mephisto said.
"...Wait..." Kenshin said holding a resume document. "What the fuck? !" He said.
"What? What is it?" Yukari and Miyuki said looking over his shoulder. "? !" Their eyes widened.
"What is it Kenshin?" Rias said seeing the astonished look in Kenshin's eyes.
Kenshin got up and walked toward Mephisto's image. "Explain."
"..." Mephisto looked at the document. "Aaah...I was afraid you'd have this reaction. Yet I still left it in in the pile. When I had heard Sirzechs-kun was looking into bringing you here, I asked him to tell me about the world you were from. Then when you were brought here I sent my agents to that world...and we got an application from one of their mages looking for help. Negi Springfield, I accepted it and made her a mage of our association, and said I would help her look for the man she was looking for."
"Then why didn't you tell either of us about each other?" Kenshin asked.
"I asked Sirzechs to tell me about your world, but he wouldn't divulge who he was bringing from that world, I just knew he was bringing someone." Mephisto said. "I had no idea who you were when I received Negi's application and request for aid, and by the time I learned...you were already whisked back home by Hottan's agents."
"..." Kenshin said nothing.
"I know you understand why Sirzechs didn't mention it. If it got out to the public that he was bringing someone here to be the monkey wrench in his sister's engagement would have been had a political backlash." Mephisto said.
"Yeah, I know." Kenshin said. "But that said...she's the one I want." Kenshin said.
"I had received word she died." Mephisto said.
"She was. Then Yama revived her, as soon as we break her from his control I want her for my summoner." Kenshin said.
"Heheheh, well it is your choice." Mephisto chuckled. "Very well, but it falls on you to break her free."
"I know that, and it doesn't just fall on me." Kenshin said jerking his thumb backward.
"Very well." Mephisto said.
"Do we have to choose from these sets though? None of these interest me." Yukari said.
"No, if none of them catch your interest then you can request newer documents in the future." Mephisto said before turning to Ravel. "You, your from the Phenex aren't you?"
"Yes?" Ravel said with a questioning look.
"A group of Stray Magicians have joined forces with the remnant magicians from the Khaos Brigade and they were making contact with those related to the Phenex clan." Mephisto said.
"Yes, we were aware and already dealt with it." Ravel said.
"Yes, but tears that weren't made by the Phenex Clan are being distributed." Mephisto said.
"What? !" Everyone except Kenshin and Azazel said.
"Yes, I have no idea how, but they're doing it and they're trying to contact those related to the Phenex as if they themselves are related, well maybe they are, anyway I wanted to tell her this because she might be targeted in the future." Mephisto said.
"..." Ravel went silent.
"They'd have to be pretty damn stupid or pretty damn strong to target her with us around." Kenshin said placing his hand on Ravel's shoulder.
"I'll ask the Grigori to figure out what's going on in the meantime, you can count on this bunch to protect her." Azazel said. "But there's something else that's troubling me."
"What?" Issei said.
"The guy Kenshin fought in the Dimensional Gap, the guy that basically had Forbesii set Kenshin and Vali against one another. It seems he's trying to unify the remnants of the Old Satan and Hero Factions, as well as the magicians in hiding. It's certain that their forces are dying out, but what could he be planning while his forces are weakening?" Azazel said.
"So Rizevim's on the move." Kenshin thought before saying out loud. "Keep me posted on this old man.
"Sure, but only because you have experience fighting the bastard." Azazel said. "If you didn't, I'd say no."
"Understandable." Kenshin nodded.
"Ah, sorry, I guess we got off topic. Let's continue." Mephisto said.
(break)
"What about this one?" Kenshin said holding another resume out to him. He was helping Ravel help Issei find a magician.
"Oh that's a good one...but it's a male." Ravel said. "I think Issei-Sama only wants a woman."
"Pass..." Issei said before rubbing his head. "Ugh, I'm soooo dizzy..." He said.
"Uh...let's take five." Kenshin said.
"Well if that's the case, why don't we decipher more of these?" Ravel asked turning toward Kenshin.
"Sure." Kenshin said. "Oh? An Alchemist, interesting. Researching how to use rare metals for magical use. Nice. Maybe I'll keep this information if Issei doesn't want it and I'll pay the dude a visit."
"Are you thinking of asking him if he can turn iron to gold?" Issei asked.
"Not really, I'm just curious about metals." Kenshin said calling his naginata to his hand and holding it up before casting it away.
"Aaah." Issei and Ravel both nod. "Also, Kenshin...how the hell are you able to decipher this alongside Ravel-San? She's been a devil a lot longer than you." Issei asked.
"My work ethic." Kenshin said. "After we beat Raiser, I asked Rias to check out books for me on the entirety of the Devil Alphabet from basic to complex. I taught myself it in about a week."
"Wh-Wha? ! You taught yourself our way of writing in a week? !" Ravel said, her surprise evident by the look on her face and the tone of her voice.
"When?" Issei said.
"While you were running around in my body. I memorized the books and basically went over them while I was wiling away the hours in my own head. I had the Spirits helping."
"Oh." Ravel nodded. "I guess that makes more sense."
"That said, I wouldn't say I've completely got it down." Kenshin said. "Some words do still trip me up."
"Well I could help you sometime." Ravel offered.
"I'd appreciate that, thanks." Kenshin said with a smile before turning back to his documents.
"..." Issei looked up seeing Ravel go back to her documents, but she was glancing at Kenshin for a bit and smiling with a very faint blush. He shook his head with a silent chuckle.
However a thought came to mind. "Hey, Ravel?" Issei said.
"Huh?" Ravel said.
"From your eyes, how would you judge the Gremory group?" Issei asked.
"Hmm..." Ravel set her documents down and stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Well, to put it bluntly, a super high offensive squad. A squad so overwhelming it doesn't need any commands."
"Yeah that sounds about right." Kenshin and Issei said.
"At the same time however it has many weaknesses. If you fall into the trap of a technique type, it's basically over." Ravel went on. "Compared to Kenshin-Sama's group, which also favors offense to an extent, but I have no problems imagining them winning a war of attrition. Compared to them...well if the two groups went at it as they are now, I'm pretty confident Kenshin-Sama would come out on top."
"Yeah, back in our first match this idiot was more interested in fighting my Balance Breaker than winning." Issei said.
"Now I've seen enough of it for it to bore me." Kenshin said. "That includes Triana. Not to say you couldn't beat me with it, but I wouldn't be as excited to fight it."
"Meh." Issei said.
"However the other team even with a devious technique type could be very frightened of you as well." Ravel said. "Both groups have one thing on almost all the others. They actually work on their weaknesses. Some Devil groups have faith and confidence in their servants, but most solve their groups weaknesses by trading." Ravel said.
"What a load. What happens when that guy becomes a weak link, is he traded then too?" Kenshin asked.
"It is, especially when your group, the Sitri group, Bael group and the Gremory group are all training their individual strengths to increase the strength of that group." Ravel said. "Your strong points can cover your weaknesses."
"Huh..." Issei said. "I never thought about it like that."
"..." Ravel seemingly came back to her senses and donned a nervous look. "Uh...Um...I didn't mean to, I'm sorry I was so rude." She said.
"Rude? He asked for your opinion and you answered him straight up." Kenshin said. "Besides, that's quite the bright head you got on your shoulders. You might end up being a good tactician yourself someday."
"W-Well, I don't know if I'd go THAT far! I just think about a lot of things." Ravel said.
"Hm...well whatever you want to call it, it's a great thing." Kenshin said reaching over and patting her on the head.
"...!" Ravel's face flared up for a second, before she started giggling to herself with a wide smile.
"Heheheh." Kenshin grinned.
"Oh! I just remembered! The schedule for the Oppai Dragon. You've both been asked to appear at charity events for the children who had went through the shocking event of the monster attacks in various parts of the Underworld. The number has already reached the dozens." Ravel said as she looked over a schedule.
"..." Kenshin and Issei both let out a pair of tired laughs.
(break)
The next night.
Kenshin had decided to leave Issei and Ravel to sort out the documents alone so he could train. Yukari had already sifted through her documents, not finding anything so she said she'd cover for him.
"So, magicians are like special summoners for Devils?"
His sparring partner was surprisingly Alma Elma. He hadn't asked her, rather she had asked him if she could come along, having nothing to do. "Something like that. From what I gather they're a step up from normal summoners who summon us for a run of the mill request." Kenshin said as he ducked an arm swing and drove his palm at the Succubus Queen's ribs.
Alma gracefully dodged out of the way and drove her knee toward his chest. Kenshin blocked it with both hands and the two backed away from each other. "So why didn't you ask Granby, Betie, Eva-Chan, Cha-chan or I to attend this meeting?"
"Well like I've said before you knights haven't been here that long and I'd figure Erubetie, Granberia and Evangeline wouldn't take a magician anyway." Kenshin said as the two sized each other up as they walked in a circle around each other. "At the very least I doubt Granberia and Evangeline would."
"You're probably right." Alma nodded. The two shot toward each other, driving their elbows just past each other's heads, having dodged out of the way of the strike.
"You know you're pretty damn good at this." Kenshin said as the two traded strike after strike, each unsuccessful. "It's a shame you're not known more for this alongside your sexual deviancy and hedonism."
"Oh ho, come on Kenshin-Chan you're embarrassing me." Alma giggled before using her tail to trip Kenshin up. She mounted him, holding him down by putting her hand on his chest. "Ufufufu. I win."
"Nah...You don't." Kenshin said as his legs sprung up, wrapping around the Succubus Queen's neck and using them to pin her to the ground while he sat up, her waist and hips basically in his lap while her legs were drapped on his shoulders. He released his leglock.
Alma smiled coquettishly. "Ufufu~ you know if someone walked by and saw this, they'd think we were fucking, or at least getting ready to anyway."
Kenshin shook his head with a laugh and stood up, helping her to her feet. "Can I say something about you, or rather your mother?" He asked.
"Huh?" Alma asked.
"She was a bit of an idiot." Kenshin said. "Not in the sense that she wanted you to become a great Succubus, no. But the fact that she more or less forbade you from practicing martial arts."
"Hmm? Well Bureijin would agree with you, but I'd like to hear your reasoning." Alma said.
"Well think about it, sexiness and seduction's good enough to get you out of a lot of situations. But what if you find yourself in a situation that requires a fight? All I'm saying it's better to know it and not have to use it a lot, then to have need of it, and not have it." Kenshin said.
"I suppose. It's also a white and black issue that a Succubus Queen who enjoys violence could be seen as a disgrace." Alma said.
"Oh please. Anyone who thinks that much in black and white should get smacked around." Kenshin shrugged. "We were just sparring right now, did it at all seem violent?"
"Hm? Well no, in fact, some of the grapples we got into ended up turning into something erotic." Alma said.
"Heheheh." Kenshin chuckled. "See, maybe when you're not defending yourself from harm, you could turn your martial arts into something lewd, which would fit your disposition."
"Hmhmhm." Alma giggled. "Maybe."
"Well I suppose we could head in, it's getting late." Kenshin said.
"...I suppose...or..." Alma sauntered up to him. "We are all alone out here, in a barrier at that." She said licking her lips.
"Hrmn...well I suppose if we could make it quick. Out too long and people will start looking for us." Kenshin said. "And don't fool yourself, they will find us."
"True..." Alma said as she set her hands on his chest, moving to brush his jacket off.
"Oh? Are you two going to have some fun? Care if I join in?"
"? !" Kenshin and Alma turned to find a voluptuous woman with long hair, the left side and the middle of her bangs pink in color, while the right side is a very light shade of blue. Her eyes were a light shade of red. A thin tail swished and sashayed back and forth behind her, between her three sets of large white wings. She had dark red horns with light red stripes on them, the horns sticking straight out at the sides of her head. On her body was markings that were purple in color at her shoulders...and around her rather large breasts and on down the sides of her torso before turning to red, forming a near completed heart at the center of her pelvis before fading to blue around her legs. She also had white cloth loosely wrapped around her body that did absolutely nothing to hide her figure.
"Yes, we were, and I'm not sharing." Alma said with a glare, wrapping her arms possessively around Kenshin.
"Awh, don't be like that sweetie, we're both succubi, and I'm hungry from the trip over here." The woman said crossing her arms under her chest.
"Then go find someone else to fuck then." Alma said, her glare intensifying. "I'm the Succubus Queen and this one's mine."
"Hmmm? You're the Succubus Queen? A youngling like you?" She said with a coy smirk.
"OK, that's it. You try to horn in on my fun, now you insult my status?" Alma said. "Let's do this." She turned toward the woman.
"Come on then." She said as she beaconed Alma forward with a smirk.
"...!" Kenshin's eyes widened as he realized who this woman was. "Alma stop! !" He said as he activated his Balance Breaker.
However it was too late as within minutes, Alma was both stripped and brought to climax, laying on the ground, gasping for breath. "Wh...What...just...happened?" She said.
"The woman turned to Kenshin. "Oh? You look like you recognize who I am. It's a first lately, no one seems to know me anymore." She said.
"I know who you are, but it took me a bit to recognize you." Kenshin said.
"Arya, and how are you doing these days Ragnarok?" She asked.
"My name isn't Ragnarok, Minagi." Kenshin said crossing his arms. "What do you want?"
"I've been looking for you. You're the one who freed Mother from the Shinigami's clutches after all." Minagi said as she pointed at Alma and jerked her finger upward.
"Aaaahhnnn! !" Alma cried out as another climax hit her.
"Alma!" Kenshin said as Minagi kept doing it. "Knock it off!" He said throwing a fireball at Minagi, making her stop to dodge
"Wait, Minagi...then she's the Progenitor of the Succubus Race? ! The fucking Great Whore of Babylon!" Alma thought slipping into unconsciousness.
"...So what do I call you anyway? I mean..." Minagi appeared next to him, licking his right cheek. "You already know what to scream." Kenshin drove his palm into her stomach driving her back. "Guh? !" She looked back up at him. "What? !"
"What? Are you surprised that I don't think with my dick?" Kenshin asked. "Now you called me Ragnarok, so you must already know I'm his reincarnation. So why are you here?"
"Oh no reason really. I was just in the area and got hungry." Minagi said licking her lips.
"You said you were looking for me." Kenshin said. "If you were looking for me, you should already know who I am."
"Mother wanted to check if you were still alive after tangling with the Shinigami. I suppose she'll be pleased to know that you are in fact alive." Minagi said.
"Please I'm not weak enough to be taken down while he was trying to have a dry run with Alipheese's power." Kenshin said.
"Indeed." Minagi smiled lasciviously. "Well, let's see how strong you are then, Kenshin-Chan!"
Kenshin brought his hands together and caught her elbow as it drove toward his face. He ducked down as Minagi jumped up and kicked at his head. He stepped forward throwing her off balance and onto her back. He punched downward only for Minagi to roll out of the way, letting his fist tear through the space of earth her body previously occupied. "Grh!" Kenshin realized his fist was stuck and tried to pull it out.
"You're open!" Minagi said placing her hands on the ground, kicking Kenshin in the temple, sending him rolling across the ground.
Minagi dove on top of him, pinning him down by the shoulders. "Come on, tell me I don't turn you on." She purred into his ear.
"A different time, a different place, sure. I'd probably be on you like smoke on fire, but you fucked with my friend and servant there." Kenshin said pushing back against her.
"Oh please, I was punishing one of my unruly children with an orgasm overload. Is that really so bad?" Minagi said as she pushed Kenshin back down.
"Oh! I didn't realize you were her fool mother!" Kenshin said using the power of earth to shove her off.
The two got back to their feet. "I am the mother of all Succubi and Incubi. It makes no difference whether they were birthed by me specifically." Minagi said. "I was upset back in the day, when I could never get Ragnarok to get it on with me."
"You tried to steal your mother's lover?" Kenshin arched his brow.
"I'm the embodiment of lust among youkai, what did you expect?" Minagi asked with a haughty laugh. "She never seemed to mind too much."
"Probably because she had already knocked it out before you could do it." Kenshin said with a snort.
"Hahahaha!" Minagi laughed. "You're probably right there, but..." She narrowed her eyes, licking her lips again. "Then there's you, the reincarnation, who really kind of lives up to the name, from what I'm seeing so far. I'll have you now."
Kenshin cracked his neck to the side. "Well, if you think you can take me, come and get it."
"Ufufufufu~! I do love playing with my food." Minagi said before lunging toward Kenshin.
"..." Kenshin dodged out of the way and tripped the Ancestress up, grabbing one of her wings and throwing her at a tree. She landed against it and leaped off it, gathering youki between her hands.
"Haa!" Minagi shouted out, sending a wave of pink youki at him.
"Hrn!" Kenshin's hands shot forward blocking it. However Minagi used this opportunity to appear behind him. "So fast!" Kenshin thought sensing her behind him after he canceled the wave out.
"Hmhm!" Minagi giggled taking Kenshin's right arm and twisting it behind his back.
"Gah!" Kenshin grunted as he swung his left arm back trying to hit her, but the Ancestress kept moving out of the way.
"From what I've also heard. You've developed ways of using the elements that Ragnarok never even thought of...hmhmhmhm. I'd just love to test those out." She said licking the nape of Kenshin's neck.
"Gaaahhhh..." Kenshin shivered. "Fuck! Don't fall for it!" He thought.
"Hm?" Minagi looked down seeing Kenshin's tails wrapped around her ankles. "...Oh fu-!" Minagi cursed as she was tripped up once again. Kenshin disappeared from view making her look around as she got back up. "OK, you trip me up to make me let go, then you run away?" She glanced over where Alma Elma was still laying unconscious. "You forgot your friend here!"
"Who ever said I was running?" Kenshin said stepping out from the brush.
"Then what was it you were doing?" Minagi asked with narrowed eyes.
"What kind of opponent would I be if I revealed my hand now?" Kenshin said leaning forward with a small smirk. "Why don't you come find out for yourself, my darling Ancestress."
"Oh ho?" Minagi smiled lasciviously. "Well, if you're asking me to come to you, who am I to refuse?"
"Get ready Sylph!" Kenshin thought.
"Right! Man it's weird fighting Minagi-Chan after all this time!" Sylph said.
Kenshin and Minagi traded blows. "Gah!" Kenshin gasped out as Minagi's fist laid into this stomach.
"Oough!" Minagi coughed out as Kenshin's palm struck her chest. She smirked. "Hehehehe, if you wanted to touch my breasts, all you had to do was ask!" She said driving her knee into his chest.
"Ungh!" Kenshin grunted as he jumped back, letting Minagi pursue him. "Fuck! She's so damn strong!" He thought.
"What's wrong Kenshin-Chan, you're looking a little worried!" Minagi said.
"Your eyes are fooling you, Great Whore!" Kenshin said.
"How nice of you to refer to me by my formal title! I take pride in it!" Minagi said flying forward, grabbing Kenshin's arm twisting it around behind him and throwing him through a tree.
Kenshin rose to a kneel and wiped the blood off his face. "Well I have to say, you're certainly the lewdest dance partner I've ever had." Kenshin smirked.
"Hahahaha! You even have his tick!" Minagi laughed.
"That may be true, but what can I say? I've always enjoyed the dance of battle!" Kenshin said leaping down in front of her.
"? !" Minagi sent a punch at Kenshin's face. Kenshin dipped down, catching it.
Kenshin then drove his right fist upward while extending his left arm out behind him, uppercutting Minagi in the chin. Then, he drove his right elbow into Minagi's chest, stepping forward, he stepped forward again as Minagi was knocked back. He then drove his left fist upward, into the Ancestress' chest, before swinging his left elbow around smacking her across the face, while bringing his element covered fist forward. "Elemental Spica!"
"Guah!" Minagi gasped out as she was sent flying back in an explosion of elemental magic.
"..." Kenshin watched as Minagi got up after the explosion and walked toward him.
"Hmhmhm, you're fun, I'll give you that. On the matter of that one's mother." Minagi glanced at Alma Elma. "I agree with you, she was an idiot for condemning her daughter from practicing these arts." Minagi said. "Not only can it give you the means to protect yourself, as I learned from Rangarok. It's fun and can help build your body, making you even sexier!" She dove into Kenshin's chest.
"Heh." Kenshin smirked as he poofed into nothing.
"What? !" Minagi shouted looking around.
(smack!)
"Aaahn? !" Minagi gasped out pleasurably, feeling a hand smacking her ass. She turned finding Kenshin standing there. "..."
"Well, now I can say I smacked the current Succubus Queen and the Ancestor of Succubi and Incubi on the ass." Kenshin said.
"Ufufufu." Minagi turned back to him, giggling softly.
"Wanna keep going?" Kenshin said.
"You know, I'd love to, but I have to be going." Minagi said. "Mother's calling me back and all that, freakin' killjoy, I was just getting hot too." Minagi said.
"Meh. I've been out too long anyway. People will be looking for me." Kenshin said.
"I suppose." Minagi said. "You were fun to fight against...and might be even more fun to bed." She licked her lips. "But, I have to go." She kissed Kenshin on the cheek. "By the way. Tell that one back there not to feel too discouraged. She endured way more orgasms than any other succubi or incubi I did that do has."
"I see." Kenshin nodded.
Minagi nodded and disappeared. Alma woke up a few moments later. "Fuck...what was I thinking, trying to tangle with the Ancestor of my kind." Alma said with a sigh.
"Oh don't feel like that. She even said that you endured why more climaxes than any other succubus she's done that to ever did." Kenshin said.
"..." Alma glowered at Kenshin.
"Hey." Kenshin said. "I think you could even surpass her, if I'm to tell you the truth."
"Oh come on Kenshin-Chan, now you're just trying to butter me up." Alma said.
"Why is that a problem? I mean the only reason she caught you off guard is that you didn't know who she was." Kenshin shrugged. "Your guard was obviously down, and your anger blinded you."
"Hmn...maybe, but she's obviously better now." Alma said. "That said..." She leaned up and kissed Kenshin on the cheek Minagi hadn't kissed. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up."
The two made their way toward the Hyoudou residence. "I'm surprised you aren't trying to fuck me right now." Kenshin said.
"Eeeh...I'm more tired than horny right now." Alma said with a sweatdrop.
"I see." Kenshin said.
(Break)
Undisclosed location.
A gathering of magicians were talking amongst themselves. "Did you check the ranking made by that shitty geezer Mephisto? Everyone started to talk about it since the rankings of the Youth Devils were announced." Magician A said.
"Yeah I heard they're all in a league of their own and incomparable with anyone." Magician B responded.
"Well no kidding, two siblings of Satans, the heir of the Great King Bael, the heiress of the Archduke Agares, the goddamned Dragon of the Elements and Hero of Makai as well as his sisters and mother and the Kitsune Queen, the daughter of the new vice governor of the Grigori. The Sekiryuutei, the Demonic holy sword wielder and the Durandal wielder as well as the host of Vritra. Just talking about them is frightening enough." Magician C said.
"Fuck, guys should we even respond to that request I got from the Khaos Brigade?" Magician D said.
"I know what you mean. I mean if it was even fucking possible the Dragon of the Elements and his peerage got stronger." Magician C said.
"And that's not even considering the growth of the others." Magician B said.
"Fools."
The four gathered magicians turned to a hooded figure walking toward them. "What are you talking about?"
"The Shinigami sent me, saying he'd like to help the Khaos Brigade. If the Dragon of the Elements is your worry, then let me handle him." The Hooded Figure said. "What was your plan?"
"Well, we were thinking of pulling the Phenex girl who is in their company." He said.
"Excellent, go with that, just involve me in your plan." The Hooded Figure said. "Pulling the Phenex will pull the Dragon of the Elements, the Sekiryuutei or maybe even both."
(break)
The next day.
It was an off day from school so everyone lounged around the house or trained during this downtime while waiting to make their rounds that night.
(knock knock)
Sextum went to answer the door. She found Alice in her human form flanked by Sheena and Akatama. "O-Oh! A-Alice-Sama." She said.
"Hello." Alice greeted. "May we come in or is this a bad time?"
"No not at all." Sextum stepped to the side.
"Could you gather everyone?" Alice said as they walked inside.
"Of course." Sextum said. "Follow me." She led them up to the VIP room before calling Rias and Kenshin. "Lady Alice is here."
"I sensed." Kenshin said. "Alright, I'll gather my peerage."
"Really? Well if she has something to say I'll hear it out. It must be important if she's come all this way." Rias said.
The Kuroshi and Gremory Peerages appeared in the VIP room. "Lady Alipheese, it is good to see you again." Granberia said kneeling with her arm crossed in front of her chest.
"Are you well my lady?" Erubetie asked.
"You feel weaker." Alma said.
"She'll explain that in a moment." Akatama said.
"That said, how are you all doing?" Sheena asked.
"Oh we're fine." Issei said. "We're currently finding magician summoners."
"Oh, well good luck." Sheena nodded with a smile. "Don't be a stranger now Issei." She said.
"Oh, well, I don't know whether you're busy or not, so..." Issei said.
"You can communicate with your familiar at anytime." Kenshin said.
"He's right." Rias nodded along with Akeno, Koneko, Kiba and Asia.
"Oh. Well I'll keep that in mind." Issei said.
"So, what's the big deal Alice?" Kenshin said.
"Right. Well, a few weeks ago I was visited." Alice said. "By the Dark Goddess."
"I thought so." Tamamo thought.
"The Goddess of Youkai kind?" Rias said.
"The very same." Alice nodded. "She also had four of the six Ancestral Youkai with her."
"Which ones?" Tamamo asked.
"They went by Kanade, Saja, Kanon and Hiruko." Akatama said. "I was with Alipheese-Sama when they visited."
"I see. So Minagi was out doing something else then." Tamamo said.
"The Six Ancestors...?" Issei said.
"The First Demons the Dark Goddess Alipheese ever created." Tamamo said. "There's Minagi, the Ancestor of Succubi and Incubi, Saja, the Ancestor of both Harpy and Lamia, Hiruko, the Ancestor of Scylla, Kanon, the Ancestor of Alarune and all plant types. Kanade, the Slime Ancestor and progenitor of Colony type youkai, and then there's me. The Queen of Beasts."
"So your seal was broken too?" Alice said.
"It was." Tamamo said as she morphed into her true form, complete with power.
"I see." Alice nodded. "I'll ask about your power later, but right now, I need to make a request."
"What is it?" Rias asked.
"I need to stay here for an extended period of time." Alice said.
"Why is that?" Akeno asked politely.
"When the Dark Goddess came to visit me, She said that she was left weakened by her soul being sucked out of her body along with her power by the Shinigami." Alice said. "She came to me...asking for me to infuse my power into her."
"...I was wondering why you felt so weak." Hikari said.
"Yes." Alice nodded. "I gave her my power."
"Ah, to help ones ancestor, such a noble deed." Irina said with an appreciative smile.
"Indeed." Alice nodded.
"Well we certainly have the room." Xenovia said.
"That said, are you sure you don't mind being in your human form a lot?" Kiba asked.
"I don't care much about my appearance." Alice said.
"So you gave your power away. You've got an army, wouldn't you feel safer there?" Evangeline asked.
"Well, it was more an excuse to come here." Alice said. "Akatama here has been badgering me to let him and the Cardinals take some of my duties so I could rest."
"So you came to see Kenshin-Sempai." Koneko said.
"Yes." Alice nodded.
"Funny...the Succubus Ancestor Minagi appeared before Alma and I last night. She incapacitated Alma, and I fought her to a standstill." Kenshin said.
"Yeah..." Alma said with a slightly bitter undertone.
"And just when were you going to tell me about this?" Tamamo asked with a glare.
"I thought you knew, it's not like Minagi tried to hide herself. I thought you might have sensed her." Kenshin said.
"If the Dark Goddess and the Six Ancestral Youkai are out and about again, why did one of them attack Kenshin?" Kazumi asked.
"I don't know, I don't think Alipheese ordered it, I wasn't aware Minagi had attacked." Alice said.
"She heard Alma was the Succubus Queen and wanted to test her out I guess, and I guess she wanted to size me up." Kenshin said.
"Weird." Miyuki said.
"I did sense a large youki signature, but you were in the area so I figured you already aware." Chachamaru said.
"It's fine." Kenshin said.
"Are they a threat?" Rossweisse asked.
"I don't think so." Tamamo said with Kenshin nodding.
"I agree." Kenshin said.
"Anyway, that's the story." Alice said.
"Well, we'll have a room prepared for you, and we'll take you out to get some clothes for your human form tomorrow." Kenshin said.
"Thank you." Alice nodded. "...Um...Kenshin, could we have a moment alone?"
"...?" Kenshin arched his brow curiously. "Um...OK? Everyone could you give us a moment."
The room emptied out leaving the two alone. Alice took a breath and exhaled. "Alright, look...I've been wondering how I was going to tell you this for weeks and..."
"Hold on." Kenshin said taking out a roll of coins and firing a few at the door. The two heard a chorus of footsteps retreating from the door. "There."
"You don't get much privacy around here do you?" Alice asked.
"Not really." Kenshin said. "I think kindly of them for checking in on me, but when I need a moment, it's kinda hard to come by at times." He said with a laugh.
"Hmhmhm, kind of how I feel in Maouzyou these days." Alice laughed in return.
"So what is it? What couldn't you say in front of everyone?" Kenshin asked.
"Well, before you left...I kind of had one regret...not telling you the purpose of those three days." Alice said.
"Those...three days?" Kenshin said. "Huh...I kinda of figured that you knew you weren't going to see me for awhile, so you wanted to have a night...or in this case nights...to remember." Kenshin said.
"..." Alice shook her head. "Oh Kenshin...as fun as that idea sounds that isn't why. It was a lamia mating ritual."
"A lamia mating ritual..." Kenshin said as a look of realization slowly appeared on his face.
"I wanted to wring everything out of you, so I could pick out the best genes...for the twins I planned to birth." Alice said.
"...Wh...Whoa..." Kenshin said slumping back in his seat. "S...So you're saying...that you're..."
"Yes...I'm pregnant with twins right now." Alice said. "Your future son and daughter."
"..." Kenshin went silent, looking down at his hands. "Wh...Why didn't you mention anything sooner...?" He choked out, before swallowing the lump in his throat.
"Everything was moving so fast...you left like the next couple of days and the day after the ritual ended you were pretty much incoherent." Alice said. "I had to oversee the repairs and the regime change, you had to get ready to go home and get your reports in order...I had no time...and I regret not telling you sooner."
"I...I understand." Kenshin said slowly getting to his feet and walking toward the door.
"Kenshin...are you upset?" Alice said.
"...No." Kenshin said shaking his head. "It's just. ..you've known about this for a month or so...hell you probably planned on doing it since Goldport...I'm just now finding out...I need some time." Kenshin said.
"I understand, take as much time as you need Kenshin." Alice said walking up to him and kissing him on the cheek before walking out of the room. Kenshin looked at his hands before raising his head to look at the ceiling, one thought crossing his mind.
"I...I'm going to be a Father."
(Chapter end)
Kenshin: ….
Draconis: Uhhh...I think Kenshin's having a heroic BSOD moment here.
Kazumi: A Blue Screen of Death moment?
Issei: Well can you blame him, that was a freakin' bomb that was just dropped on him.
What will happen next? How will Kenshin react to the news of his impending fatherhood, who is the hooded figure that is planning to aid the rouge magicians.
(1 ) Reference to Diablo, owned by Blizzard
Find out next time!
Draconis678 out.