Draconis: OK, first I want to do a harem update. The addition for Kenshin should be obvious because of the build I've been doing for it.
Kenshin: Rias, Akeno, Xenovia, Yukari, Koneko, Serafall, Sona, Tamamo, Ravel, Rossweisse, Undine, Sylph, Gnome, Salamander, Alice, Miyuki.
Draconis: Might as well. I backed off completely with pairing Vali with Miyuki so Kenshin's the only other viable choice. Granberia will be paired with Vali. I'm just coming out and saying it now so I don't forget.
Miyuki: I agree.
Vali: What could have been.
Issei: Asia, Irina, Kuroka, Seekvaira(really gotta work her back into the story), Kazumi, Sextum, Sheena, Kunou, Yasaka, Le Fay, Chachamaru, Erubetie, Yura, Rami, Rumi, Remi, Kiyome, Kiryuu, Elmenhilde.
Issei: The snotty vampire?
Elmenhilde: How dare you!
Draconis: Ahem...(pulls up the High School DXD wiki and finds the section on Volume EX) Read this
Kenshin: Does that count as a Fourth Wall Break?
Draconis: Now it does. You mentioning the Fourth Wall breaks the Fourth Wall.
Kenshin: (snorts) It's a pretty fragile wall.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 76
Kuoh Under Attack.
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
A few days after Elmenhilde's visit.
Issei was walking around at night in Kuoh, finishing a summons when he happened to bump into Elmenhilde. "Oh, it's you. The devil that was shooting me such dirty looks." Elmenhilde said.
"..." Issei tried to walk by her.
"What are you doing out at this time?" Elmenhilde said.
"Uuh? I'm a Devil?" Issei said. "We damn sure don't do our summoning contract work in broad daylight."
"Ah, of course." Elmenhilde said. "So just why were you shooting me such dirty looks?"
"..." Issei glowered at her.
"Cat got your tongue?" Elmenhilde said with a coy smile.
"You know I can't answer that." Issei grumbled.
"Of course not, this is why you reincarnated devils can't talk to me." Elmenhilde said with a haughty laugh.
"Yes, because you sure can't be talked to by anyone other than someone who knows how to deal with a brat."
"Excuse me?" Elmenhilde said seeing Kazumi waltzing up to her, a glare quickly developing.
"You heard me, Brat." Kazumi said crossing her arms under her chest.
"Uuuhh, Kazumi-San." Issei said.
"How dare you! Do you have any idea who you're talking to? !" Elmenhilde screeched.
"Yeah, a vampiric brat." Kazumi said. "Jeez, It's like I'm talking to Eva-Chan during one of her fits."
"Grrh!" Elmenhilde growled.
"Hmhmhmhm, you're as bout as threatening as a kitten." Kazumi said with a small smirk.
"K-Kazumi-San, ease it back! She's going to kill you!" Issei said.
"No she's not." Kazumi said. "She harms one hair on either of our heads, it could mean war."
"Huh?" Issei said.
"She's the one in a foreign land. The natives don't have to act any differently because they're there, but if the tourist should so happen to kill a few people, well that's a completely different story. As long as we don't hurt her and she doesn't hurt us. Everything else is fair game going both ways." Kazumi said. "She's the one that's supposed to be on her best behavior."
"Yes, you've made that abundantly clear, now leave you chubby bitch!" Elmenhilde snapped.
"Chubby?" Kazumi looked herself over. "I don't think I've packed on any pounds. Unless you mean these." She said gliding her hands over her chest. "In which case, scathing insult, I have huge tits." Kazumi laughed.
"Grrh..." Elmenhilde growled.
"That said if the roles were reversed we'd have to be the ones on our best behavior." Kazumi said. "Sure there are some subtle nuances I'm missing, but I'm not concerned about them. Just take it easy with her OK?" Kazumi said walking away from Issei and Elmenhilde.
"Damn red haired, huge breasted bimbo..." Elmenhilde grumbled.
"Eeeh...sorry about her." Issei said with a sweatdrop.
"?" Elmenhilde glanced at Issei in utter confusion. "Why?"
"Well, you're a visitor in our territory, you should at least see the good parts." Issei shrugged. "Even if it's just a person acting nicer than other people."
"But I tried to strong arm your master into handing over your comrade." Elmenhilde said.
"And you failed." Issei shrugged again. "Kenshin's right, damage control would be annoying in this situation, but not impossible by any stretch. You want Gasper, he wants to see his friend Valerie, so there's no reason why you shouldn't take our deal."
"..." Elmenhilde glanced down, seeing dripping from Issei's index finger. "You're bleeding."
"Huh?" Issei looked at his right index finger. "Huh? How did that happen?"
"..." Elmenhilde took his hand and slipped the bleeding digit into her mouth. "Mmh? !" Elmenhilde's eyes widened. "...M-My word! I...It's delicious!" She thought sucking on the digit, a red hue painted across her pale cheeks.
"..." Issei stared blankly at her. "Huh...y'know for being a snotty high class brat...she's actually kinda cute." He thought.
"Mmm..." Elmenhilde popped the digit out of her mouth after it stopped bleeding. She wiped her lips. "My apologies, that was most unbecoming of me." She said.
"Eh, it's not like you sunk your fangs into my neck or anything." Issei shrugged.
"..." Elmenhilde nodded. "Well, if that is all. I will be retiring to my temporary abode." She said walking away.
"You know it's easier to attract ants with honey." Issei said.
"Hm?" Elmenhilde said. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It's a saying, it means that more people will pay attention and heed you if you're nice." Issei said.
"...I'll keep that in mind." Elmenhilde said.
(break)
A few more days later
Rias was getting ready to leave for Vampire territory so most training sessions and even a lot of girls were helping her prepare. Xenovia meanwhile was sitting this one out. "Why aren't you helping?" Kenshin asked.
"Too many hands." Xenovia said standing in front of the counter, fiddling around with something.
"Ah, I guess you have a point there." Kenshin said. "Want to squeeze in some training while we wait? Could take awhile."
"For once, no." Xenovia said, still facing the counter.
"Hm?" Kenshin got to his feet and walked up behind her. "What are you doing?"
"!" Xenovia held a knife pointed at him. "Gaah...don't sneak up on me like that." She sighed in exasperation.
"Sorry. So what are you doing?" Kenshin asked.
"I'm not done yet." Xenovia said turning away from him. "Go sit and wait."
"?" Kenshin arched his brow, but went to sit down.
A few minutes later Xenovia set two plates out in front of him. "Tell me what you think." She said.
The first plate had an assortment of fruits while the second had a collection of freshly fried tofu and slices of chicken. "I'm assuming the second one, because the fruits look like they're store bought." Kenshin said.
"Yes." Xenovia nodded.
"Well you've lived a full life." Yuurei said.
"Urk!" Kenshin stopped before he scooped up the tofu and chicken. "Shaddap Yuurei." He thought.
"You stopped before even taking a bite...it's a failure isn't it...?" Xenovia asked.
"?" Kenshin glanced over at her. She was hiding it well, but Kenshin could see that she was nervous about this. "No, Yuurei said something that irked me." Kenshin said as he scooped up the tofu and chicken and put the food into his mouth. "Hm?" He looked down at it.
"?" Xenovia glanced at him curiously.
"..." Kenshin continued eating it until there was none left. "Haa." He sighed out. "Hmn...not bad."
"Haa..." Xenovia sighed in relief.
"However, the seasoning was a little overpowering." Kenshin said. "Sorry, Yukari usually had me taste test a lot of her dishes."
"I understand." Xenovia nodded.
"So why the sudden taste test, or meal rather?" Kenshin asked.
"Well...if I wanted to lie to you, I just wanted to show how good of a cook I am." Xenovia said.
"We both know that's not the truth." Kenshin said.
"But after I brought you something to eat while you were sick, Hikari-San yanked me to the side." Xenovia said. "She told me that if I'm so dead set on bearing a child, especially your child. Then I have to know how to cook, even if it's just a little bit. Hikari-San's been taking it upon herself to teach me."
"Uh...Irina was there too." Kenshin pointed out.
"Hikari-San's reasoning is that Irina's parents should have taught her a bit of cooking skills." Xenovia pointed out.
"True." Kenshin nodded. "Anyway...why did that food you brought me that day make me sneeze so damn much? I don't have any allergies that I know of."
"I got sidetracked by the imps as I was bringing it to you and I think Rami sprinkled sneezing powder on it." Xenovia said with an exasperated sigh.
"That'd do it." Kenshin grunted.
"Wouldn't have mattered. Hikari-San said the resulting dish without it was bad anyway." Xenovia said.
"That's Mom for you." Kenshin chuckled. "When it comes to certain things, subpar just won't cut it, and she'll let you know if it's subpar."
"Thankfully...she's nowhere as scary as Griselda." Xenovia said with a shiver.
"Mom believes in a kind, helpful approach, let you learn it at your own pace sure, but scaring people isn't the way to her." Kenshin said.
"Well that's good." Xenovia said with a sigh.
Kenshin got to his feet and walked over to Xenovia, taking the fruits with him, but he paused as he stood next to her. "Xenovia."
"Yes?" Xenovia said.
"Don't sweat it so much that you're not a technique type, or not a great cook. It will come with time." Kenshin said. "Just focus on using the Excalibur powers for now and do what you can for now."
"But I...and you.." Xenovia said.
"I've been at my training regime since the time I could walk." Kenshin said. "My father and I were regularly on the run, he needed to at least show me how to defend myself. You at least had the structure of the church to be a child in at first, yes?"
"I, Yes...I..I didn't mean to." Xenovia was cut off again.
"Relax." Kenshin said leaning in, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. "I didn't say that to make you feel bad. I'm just saying. We've had different upbringings and this in turn affected our training. Focus on your strengths and get help with your weaknesses like you are now...though I guess I'm taking over your training, what with Kiba on his way to Transylvania ain't I?" Kenshin chuckled.
"I'll try not to slow you down." Xenovia said.
"Heheheh, see to it that you don't." Kenshin stated jokingly as he left the room.
"..." Xenovia placed her hand over the cheek that Kenshin kissed. She turned to his retreating form, a smile slowly working it's way across her face.
"Hey! Kuroka ask before you just drink the damn milk!" Xenovia heard Kenshin shout.
"Ufufufu." Xenovia laughed to herself.
"But we said that we'd be popping in-nya." Kuroka said.
"I-I'm sorry Kenshin-San, I've tried stopping her." Le Fay said bowing toward him.
"It's not your fault that Kuroka's being intrusive Le Fay, you can't control her." Kenshin said. "Issei could use a hand sorting through his contracts, mind helping him?"
"Yes!" Le Fay rushed upstairs.
"What-nya. I'm training Shirone like you wanted. At the same time I am taking what's owed to me." Kuroka said.
Kenshin furrowed his brow. "That's all well and good Kuroka, but conduct yourself like a civilized person while you do!"
"Fine Fine-nya." Kuroka said. She stopped him as he turned to leave.
"? !" Kenshin felt Kuroka's breasts against his back as the black haired Nekoshou hugged him.
"I felt it you know. The two lives that Alice-Chan has growing inside her." Kuroka said. "Ufufufu~, congratulations on your impending fatherhood Kenshin-Chan."
"Th..Thanks." Kenshin said.
"Hmhm...no thank you, if not for you, I wouldn't be able to reconcile with Shirone like this." Kuroka said. "I like Sekiryuutei-Chan because he's so kind, and honest with his lust, but I have to admit...you are a very close second."
"Well, as flattered as I am, I think you should stick to Issei. I don't want Koneko to get upset with either of us." Kenshin said.
"Agreed." Kuroka giggled.
Kenshin nodded and walked away from her. He paused as he found Issei and Le Fay in his room. "See though you say?" Issei said.
"Well, you have to put a lot of thought into what you want to do, like 'OK, if I do this, this should happen' and if it doesn't you have to find out what's going wrong." Le Fay said.
"But still, I could use magic to see through things?" Issei said.
Kenshin shook his head with a quiet, humored snort and proceeded onward. He bumped into Evangeline. "Oh, Evangeline. Have you decided yet?"
"I'll go." Evangeline said.
"Great, I'll tell Tamamo to unpack." Kenshin walking past her.
Evangeline gripped his wrist stopping him. "There's still the matter of my payment."
"What do you want?" Kenshin asked.
"..." Evangeline stared hard at him for a few moments before answering. "Kiss me."
This threw Kenshin through a loop. "K...Kiss you?"
"Don't tell me that scares you off." Evangeline grumbled. "It freakin' shouldn't. We've had sex before."
"It doesn't, it's just it's surprising to hear you ask." Kenshin said. "Is there any certain way you're looking for?" Kenshin then added in his mind as an afterthought. "Huh, that's right, we did fuck before, her way of checking on me after my Cardiac Arrhythmia kicked in."
"Full." Evangeline said. "Kiss me like you would have kissed Negi."
"..." Kenshin went silent as he approached her.
Evangeline hardened her gaze a bit. "Don't keep me waiting boya."
"Relax a bit. If you want that kind of kiss, I'm not going to be able to do it if you're glaring at me." Kenshin said.
"..." Evangeline's head bowed forward, letting out a breath. "Go ahead..."
"..." Kenshin slipped his fingers under Evangeline's chin and tilted her head up. She wasn't glaring at him anymore, but she wasn't nervous by any means. "Huh...getting a good look at Evangeline like this. She's quite a beauty in her own right, even if she is a rude, irritable drunk most of the time." He thought. "Then again...she's always had her moments." He thought with a smile as he lowered his lips onto her.
"Mm..." Evangeline's eyes narrowed shut
Kenshin felt her arms wrapping around him, her hands on the middle of his back. He pried her lips apart with his tongue, slipping past and wriggling around her own.
"Mmhh..." Evangeline, not to be out done, started sucking on his tongue.
"Mmhgh!" Kenshin moaned in surprise, not expecting it. "Hmn..." Using Undine's power, he coated his tongue in a thin layer of slime, which he spread over her tongue.
"Mhn?" Evangeline moaned curiously at the strange taste in her mouth. "Mmmhhh! !" But suddenly moaned as her tongue started vibrating. "Mmmhhhhnnnn!" She wrapped her arms tighter around Kenshin, her chest pressing against his. "Fuck! What is he doing to me? ! It feels so good!"
Kenshin pulled away, letting the vibrations on Evangeline's tongue taper off. "That good enough?"
"Wh..What the hell?" Evangeline said, panting, her breaths slightly visible. "What did you do?"
"Elemental magic, water type, a film of slime around your tongue that can vibrate." Kenshin grinned.
"Y...You can do that?" Evangeline said, still trying to get her bearings.
"Yup, you should see me using elemental magic during sex." Kenshin snickered.
"So I've heard." Evangeline stated blithely. "Anyway, thanks for that."
"But why a kiss?" Kenshin asked as Evangeline walked away.
"Despite my many years of life I AM still a woman with needs." Evangeline said. "I've had my eye on you for awhile now."
"Huh, I was always under the impression that you still didn't care much for me." Kenshin said.
"I forgave you for that awhile ago." Evangeline said. "We more or less have the relationship we had before."
"Hm..here." Kenshin held out a bottle of wine.
"More blood wine?" Evangeline said.
"I took this out while I was drinking." Kenshin said.
"Wasn't that a little reckless, alcohol thins the blood." Evangeline said.
"I had Chachamaru do it." Kenshin said. "She measured my vitals the entire time."
"Aah, well I accept." Evangeline takes the wine bottle.
"Thanks for this Evangeline, I'm counting on you." Kenshin said.
"Uh huh." Evangeline said.
"Hm?" Kenshin noticed Asia walking up to them. "What's up Asia?"
"Rias-oneesama has decided to leave early." Asia said.
"Haa, impatient brat." Evangeline said
"Alright, we'll be there in a bit." Kenshin said opening up communications with Tamamo. "Hey, Tamamo. Evangeline said she'd go."
"Very well." Tamamo replied. "I feel I'm better suited to being here with you anyway. In case Yama decides to show up."
"Right." Kenshin said.
Everyone gathered in the basement where the large scale teleportation magic circle was active. "So, you have to go an airport in Tokyo..." Miyuki said.
"Charter a small jet to Romania..." Yukari said.
"Use the teleportation apparatus there." Alice said.
"Then take a cart ride into the mountains?" Hikari asked.
"That sounds like a lot of trouble." Alma said.
"Well the vampires are secluded for a reason." Azazel said. "So Elmenhilde accepted your proposal then?"
"Yeah." Kenshin said. "She came before me while I was training and told me she would be expecting you Azazel, then left. She seemed pretty irritated about it. Well now she knows that she can't railroad people into giving her what she wants. Should be a good lesson in diplomacy for her."
Rias walked up to Gasper and hugged him. "Don't worry, we'll protect you, and I'll settle this matter with the Vladi clan personally as well."
"Yes Chief..." Gasper said hugging her back.
"Keep her safe Kiba, I doubt Kenshin will forgive you if you let something happen to her." Issei teased.
"Hahaha, he doesn't have to worry about anything." Kiba laughed. "I was protecting her before he came along after all."
"I'm not concerned." Kenshin said bumping fists with Kiba. "I know first hand how great a warrior he is."
"Yes, leave Chief's protection with me." Kiba nodded. Kenshin nodded back.
"Evangeline." Kenshin nodded toward her. "You're free to act as you please, but try not to stir up anything there."
"I'll be fine." Evangeline said.
"..." Kenshin and Rias approached one another. "Huh, it feels like only a few days ago that you were seeing us off to Kyoto." Kenshin said with a smile.
"Yes." Rias said, smiling back at him.
"Here." Kenshin said handing her a piece of paper. "Just because you're going off to Romania doesn't mean you should slip on your training."
"Thank you, but I should be fine." Rias said.
"You know I believe in you, but still be careful OK?" Kenshin said.
"Hmn..." Rias' smile widened. "Thanks."
"Alright, Ms. Rossweisse, President Sona. I'll leave the school in your hands." Azazel said.
"It was never yours to leave in my hands to begin with." Sona said adjusting her glasses.
"Do hurry back, seeing as we are busy." Rossweisse said.
"Man, what a dull reaction. Anyway Asia, what we talked about earlier, work with Ophis on it. She should be able to help." Azazel said.
"I, will look over it carefully." Ophis said.
Rias, Evangeline and Kiba walked toward the center of the circle. "Oh and Kenshin, while we're gone, you should really learn more about how you would handle yourself as a father." Azazel grinned. "I mean, it's not like you have a whole lot of time available to you."
"!" Kenshin's eyes narrowed into an irritated glare. "J-Just get the hell out of here damn you."
"Hahahaha." Azazel laughed as he walked toward the circle.
"?" Hikari glanced at Kenshin, then to Azazel, then back to Kenshin. "What was that about?" Hikari thought.
"Also, the magicians that are after the Phoenix Tears and by extension Ravel, something seems off about them, keep your eyes on them." Azazel said.
"Yeah Yeah." Kenshin said. Azazel nodded and the four teleported away. "Welp, I guess until Rias returns are co-wardening this place with you." He said turning to Sona. "I'd appreciate your guidance on any matters I find I can't handle."
"Of course." Sona said with a nod.
Everyone went about their business and eventually went to bed. However Kenshin was having trouble sleeping. "Mrrh...fuck I didn't think Rias being gone would affect my sleep." He said.
"Well you have become accustomed to her warmth and her scent." Salamander said. "Suddenly not having it would present a problem. It's like when Granberia and I would sleep together when she was a kid."
"I guess..." Kenshin's train of thought paused for a bit. "Wait, Granberia used to sleep with you?"
"As a kid, sure. She started training with me at around the same age you trained with your father." Salamander said. "She wanted to learn how to fight, but she was still a kid...a child with no real mother."
"Because her mother was dead...how sad." Kenshin thought.
"Yes..." Salamander said. "Beria, her mother was a good woman, a little hot headed to be sure, like her daughter, but still..."
"Yeah..." Kenshin thought. "...Salamander."
"Yeah?" Salamander said.
"Could I...maybe look at you as someone I can go to for advice on parenting?" Kenshin thought.
"M...Me?" Salamander said. "I...I was just Granberia's trainer, I wasn't actually her mother!"
"You still dealt with a child, that's what I mean. I want to draw off that experience." Kenshin thought.
"...Hmn...Kenshin. I'm flattered." Salamander said. "But...eventually I'll want a child of my own."
Kenshin blinked in confusion. "The Yonseirei can have kids? !"
"Demon bodies, remember?" Salamander said with a laugh. "We're all the same. We'd all like a kid to raise someday."
"Even Sylph?" Kenshin thought.
"We'd help her don't worry." Salamander said. "She may get on all our collective nerves, but she is still our sister."
"Alright." Kenshin thought.
"Don't worry though, we're fine with being some of the last." Salamander said.
"OK." Kenshin thought, just as the door to his room opened, snapping him out of his thoughts. He looked over to find Akeno walking toward his bed. "Akeno?"
"Oh, you're still awake, I was planning on slipping in while you slept." Akeno said with a giggle.
"Well that's too bad." Kenshin said with a chuckle. "I can't sleep."
"Hmn?" Akeno said. "I see, Rias isn't here, so you have no one to cuddle with."
"Yeah." Kenshin shrugged. "I should be able to...to..." His words trailed off as Akeno untied her white yukata and slipped it off her shoulders.
"Well I can fix that...unless you're not satisfied with me." Akeno said with a hurt look.
"No." Kenshin shook his head. "I'm not dissatisfied with you. It's just my gripe with you slipping into bed with me, was that Rias would notice and you'd just start pressing her buttons and making her mad, it's not fun waking up to you two fighting y'know."
"But it's so fun." Akeno giggled.
"..." Kenshin frowned at her.
"Oh alright I'll stop. Though I can't promise my teasing Rias will stop." Akeno said as she slipped into bed with Kenshin. "It's been a little while since we've laid in bed alone, hasn't it?" She asked.
"Yeah." Kenshin said. Akeno took Kenshin's hand and placed it on her right breast. "A-Akeno? If you want that, you should know Ophis might slip in here."
"Or maybe Alice-Sama." Akeno said. "She's been watching you quite often you know."
"I know." Kenshin said. "One of the reasons she came here was to see me."
"Well, I won't pry, it's your business." Akeno said.
"Thanks, I'll tell everyone later." Kenshin said. "With the exception of Kiba, everyone that left already knows. I'd just like to wait until we settle this magician business."
"OK." Akeno said.
"Alright, well let's...Akeno?" Kenshin said as the Lightning Priestess bowed her head
"You know...when you died, until Father came to comfort me...I had blanked out." Akeno said with a sorrowful gaze. "I had thought everything ended then and there. I focused only on my memories of you."
"..." Kenshin went silent. "Kiba told Issei and I about how everyone had reacted to our deaths. Yukari was near suicidal when she went to fight in Lilith. Rias holed herself up in her room. Asia was nearly inconsolable, Sextum, who is usually calm, gave into her rage against Siegfried. I never want to do that to them again." He thought.
"..." Akeno's eyes squeezed shut, fighting back tears."I would have said this sooner, but you were so busy...I didn't want to burden you with what I had went through."
"Akeno." Kenshin said.
"!" Akeno's eyes snapped open hearing Kenshin call her name.
"If I have anything to say about it, I won't die again. I told Miyuki this already, now I'll say it to you. I can't say for certain that it will never happen. I can't see the future, but I can, and will promise you that I will try my damnedest not to die again...none of you deserve to go through that again." Kenshin said gliding his finger over her left eye, wiping the tears away with a smile. "Like I said before in Makai. If I have my way, I intend to live forever with the Four Spirits."
"Kenshin-kun..." Akeno said as tears started slipping down her cheeks.
"So, why don't we get stronger together then?" Kenshin asked. "So we don't have to worry about each other dying."
"..." Akeno smiled, wiping her eyes. "Yeah, you're right. Absolutely right. I'll continue to live for Rias, you and everyone else."
"Hey now, don't just up and forget yourself." Kenshin said tapping her on the nose with his finger.
"But being with you is living for myself." Akeno said with a smile. "I want to be with you forever if I can help it."
"..." Kenshin stared at her for a bit before glancing away with a grin. "So I have to handle you and Rias fighting over me forever..."
"S-Sorry." Akeno said.
"It's fine." Kenshin said. "I've gotten used to it, I just would rather not wake up to it."
"Hmn." Akeno smiled. "OK. I'll try not to tease her when you're in bed with us."
"OK." Kenshin said.
Akeno leaned forward. "Last time, I was barely awake...so..."
"Alright." Kenshin moved in closer to her.
However, before their lips could meet, the door opened. "Hello." Koneko said walking in, wearing only a long shirt.
"Uh...hey Koneko." Kenshin said. "What brings you here?"
"I'm also going to sleep with Kenshin-Senpai." Koneko said climbing on the bed before hugging herself against Kenshin. "Since I had Ravel steal my spot on Kenshin-Senpai's lap earlier I'll protect this position at all costs." She said, rubbing her cheek against his chest.
The door swung open again and three more people walked in. "Whoa, really? Two people already beat us here?"
"Seems so Onee-Chan."
"Well no matter. There is plenty of room."
"Yeah I suppose, come on Miyuki." Yukari said as she and Xenovia started to disrobe.
"Uuu..I..I don't really feel like getting completely undressed." Miyuki said as she started removing her pajamas.
"Then don't, no one's making you." Yukari said.
"No offense, but no one made you come here either." Xenovia said.
"I know that!" Miyuki said as she stood in the red lingerie she had bought when Kenshin and Rias took Ophis to get a bed and clothes.
The three climbed into bed with Akeno, Koneko and Kenshin. "What's going on here?" Kenshin thought. "They all thought of this together?"
"Probably not." Yuurei said.
"Koneko-San! I knew you'd come here!" Ravel said storming up to the bed. "I'll situate myself on the corner here, but as your manager I have to protect Kenshin-Sama from this white cat."
"Mrrn..." Koneko glared. "Bird Girl..."
"Thieving white cat..." Ravel said matching her glare.
"Ara ara...it seems there's a lot of people now, seems we won't be able to do anything." Akeno said with an amused, but also disappointed look.
"!" The closet door slides open.
"I, appear from the closet, ahem..." Ophis said walking out.
"..." Kenshin glanced to and fro at everyone now occupying his bed. He was certain a similar event was taking place in Issei's room with Asia, Irina, Kuroka, Kazumi, Sextum, Erubetie, Chachamaru, Le Fay and the Imp Trio.
And he would be right. Issei laid in his room, Kuroka and Asia at his sides, Irina on his chest, Kazumi and Sextum at his waist, the Imps at the foot of the bed while Chachamaru and Le Fay slept on the nearby couch, also Erubetie had set up a small pool for herself to rest in next to the bed. "Are you sure you're OK down there Erubetie-San?" Issei asked.
"Mm? Yes, why do you ask?" Erubetie asked, her upper body coming out of the slime. .
"Well, I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable." Issei said.
"Hmhmhm, my body doesn't feel discomfort like yours does, rest assured, I am fine." Erubetie said with a laugh. "Besides, all I'd do is make your bed wet."
"Couldn't you make your slime solid like Kenshin says Undine-San can do?" Issei said.
"No slime can do that while they're sleeping, Undine can shift between slime, to mermaid to a humanoid state with flesh and blood. That's how she does it." Erubetie said.
"Aah, I see." Issei said. "It's currently winter here, are you OK?"
"Yes, if need be I can generate my own heat." Erubetie said.
"OK, just checking, wouldn't want you to freeze out there." Issei said.
"Hmhm, thanks for your concern, but I'll be fine. I'm more concerned for Alipheese-Sama." Erubetie said. "She's a poikilothermic youkai, meaning she must get heat from outside sources. Winters are usually terrible for her at times. Though oddly enough, Tamamo tells me she has played in the snow before as a child."
"Huh, weird. Well if she has a problem, she knows where to find help with it." Issei said.
A little while later, the woman in question was walking around the house in her human, wrapped in a blanket, still shivering. "God I'm an idiot. I came here during the winter months. S...So...c-cold." She shuddered.
She stopped in front of the door Rias had mentioned led to Kenshin's room and peered inside. "W..What the hell...? !" She whispered seeing all the bodies in his bed.
"Hn?" Kenshin, who was about to fall asleep raised his head, feeling Alice's signature. "..." He flicked a stencil out onto the floor, activated it and switched places with it. Once that was done Kenshin walked toward the door and opened it. "What's wrong Alice?" Kenshin asked with a concerned look, seeing the miserable look on her face.
"F-F-Freezing..." Alice stammered out
"Huh? We got the heat on in here." Kenshin said.
"M-My room...i-is c-c-cold..." Alice said.
Kenshin stared at her in concern. "Well I can't rightly leave her like this." Kenshin thought. "It might affect the development of the children."
"I think you're worrying a little too much." Undine said. "Just being cold for a bit shouldn't do anything. Still you should do something."
"Come on." Kenshin said.
"Hmnn?" Yukari raised her head and looked at the open door, seeing red and silver hair waving about as Kenshin and Alice turned around. "Huh, Alice must have gotten cold. Well Kenshin will be back." She thought as she went back to sleep.
Kenshin walked Alice back up to her room, holding her close to him so he could share his body heat. He took notice of her current attire. "Nice nightgown." He complimented, seeing her violet, slightly see through article of clothing.
"Well I know how you like the color, and I can't slither around here in my natural form." Alice said with a smile.
"Heh." Kenshin allowed a small grin to appear on his face. "So, uh how do you like it here so far?"
"It's really nice here. Though I have gotten scolded by Tamamo, your mother and the Valkyrie for eating too much." Alice said with a sweatdrop, her smile remaining.
"Well Tamamo's always there to scold you, Mom's been used to living a little lean for awhile, and Rossweisse is an economizer." Kenshin said.
"Well...it's a little refreshing, being treated like everyone else." Alice said.
"Heh, kinda like Rias and to an extent Sona...and Issei's 'maybe' fiancee Seekvaira Agares." Kenshin said.
"Maybe?" Alice said with a curious look.
"They don't see each other very often, so they haven't hammered it out yet, from what I know anyway." Kenshin said.
"Hm, so kind of like us?" Alice asked.
"Well we're not getting married, but yeah." Kenshin said.
"..." Alice went silent.
"!" Kenshin realized his blunder. "I-I'm sorry that was insensitive of me."
"It's OK." Alice said with a smile. "I mean, when I get my power back, I'll be returning to Makai, and you'll still be busy...so we won't be able to see each other as often as we like. I mean from what I've seen you're pretty busy even at home."
"Yeah." Kenshin said with a nod. "So...uh..how did it feel to speak with the Progenitor of Youkai?"
"Honestly? It felt like I was talking to my mother in a way." Alice said. "The Ancestors unnerved me more than anything. They were around my level of power."
"I see." Kenshin said. They entered Alice's room and Kenshin walked toward the left toward a panel. "Come here." He said.
"Hm?" Alice said.
"This is a theromstat. You're right it's quite chilly in here." He said before giving her a rundown on how the thermostat works. "I'm only telling you all this, because I've seen Maouzyou and it looks pretty ancient, technologically speaking."
"You're right to do so. I've never seen this device before." Alice said, adjusting the heat. "I must contact the Grigori and see about having these installed in the castle."
"Heheheheheh." Kenshin chuckled.
"Alright. I'm going to lay down now. I'll let you get back to your 'harem bed'" Alice said with a giggle.
"Yeah.." Kenshin said as he walked toward the door, but paused. "Alice..." He said.
"Yes?" Alice said.
"You've been watching me...so...I..I have to ask." Kenshin said. "W...Would I make a good father?"
"..." Alice walked up behind him and embraced him from behind. "Kenshin...you doubt yourself needlessly."
"!" Kenshin let out a quiet gasp.
"Seeing how you act here, only reinforced my decision." Alice said. "You handle the Phoenix and the Nekomata well, you're constantly helping people improve themselves, at cost to yourself...and Rias-San told me about how you act at events for that show the boob obsessed Sekiryuutei stars in." Alice said.
"..." Kenshin bowed his head.
"Besides, if it's their protection you're worried about, you helped train the Youkai Revolutionary army...they basically have a defense force that you trained yourself, almost like you amassed a wall for them to be protected behind."
"..." Kenshin walked out of her arms and out of the room.
"This is...really scary for him isn't it?" Alice wondered.
"...Thank you Alice." Kenshin thought as he walked back to his room.
(break)
A few days later.
"Why am I hanging out with these two again?" Kenshin whispered to Issei and they, Matsuda and Motohama walked toward the sports grounds of Kuoh Academy.
"Look Kenshin you might not like them, but they're still my friends." Issei said.
"Issei, the fact that I haven't beat them to a pulp tens of times for getting on my nerves constantly by now has to mean something." Kenshin said.
"I guess. So, you glad knowing Chief's safe so far?" Issei asked.
"Yeah." Kenshin said.
"Hey Motohama, remember that guy Taoka from junior high." Matsuda asked.
"Taoka?" Issei said, feigning ignorance.
"Yeah, he had a passion girl's body hair." Motohama said.
"Wow, the weird friends circle just gets bigger and bigger." Kenshin drawled quietly.
"Anyway, his brother is opening a shop with that female manager of his club he was close with in school." Matsuda said.
"Really...aah, I can only dream of following in those footsteps. To open a shop with a woman I've been close to for years." Motohama mused.
"Right? Man that'd be nice." Matsuda said.
"The manager definitely has to be a girl though." Issei said.
"Oh yeah." Matsuda and Motohama grinned in agreement.
As they reached the sports ground Matsuda turned his head. "Hey look, cosplayers."
"Yeah, what are they cosplaying? Magicians?" Motohama said.
"!" Kenshin and Issei turned their heads to find a group of people coming into the Academy grounds. The three magicians stopped upon noticing them and took down their hoods, taking aim at them.
"Matsuda, Motohama, run." Issei said.
"What? Why?" Matsuda asked.
"You two look pale, did those guys do something to you?" Motohama asked.
"Issei, let's move now!" Kenshin said.
"Right! You two just take off! Run behind the buildings!" Issei said as he and Kenshin bolted.
"Just as we thought, you two aren't as strong as we thought!" One of the magicians shout, giving chase after them with the rest.
"If you really believe that, keep up!" Kenshin shouts.
Several more magicians joined the pursuit as Issei and Kenshin led them into a forested area. "Boosted Gear!" Issei said making the gauntlet appear.
"Card Equip All!" Kenshin shouted.
The magicians hesitated until it became apparent Issei's Boosted Gear wasn't working. "Crap! Ddraig must not be feeling well!" He thought.
"Oi oi, the Elemental Dragon here activated his power you know. Can't you?"
"We came to challenge you both. Only one of you seems so half assed."
"What is your motive for being here?" Kenshin asked.
"Hahahaha, if you remember, Mephisto's organization gave you youth devils a ranking." One of the magicians said.
"Yeah, what about it? If you know what our ranks are, you won't fuck with us." Kenshin said.
"Well that's where you're wrong Kenshin Kuroshi. We decided we want to test that while going along with the plan."
"Plan?" Issei said.
"Hrm...a plan of attack, they're assaulting our headquarters? Let's see...the second and third years are both taking gym right now...but...!" Kenshin's eyes widened as he turned toward the new school building hearing what sounded like an explosion.
"Your target is Ravel Phenex." Kenshin growled.
"Oh ho, look at the brain on you. Seems you're not just a battle idiot."
"Kenshin, go. I can handle these guys." Issei said.
"Are you sure?" Kenshin said.
"Yeah, I have more than one trick up my sleeve." Issei said.
"OK, be careful." Kenshin said
"You're kidding right? You really think we'll just let you go-agh!" One of the magicians was sent flying by Kenshin's fist.
"It doesn't really matter if you let me or not, I'm going through." Kenshin said.
"Hrrrggh!" Issei growled as his right arm expanded and started turning red and grew scales.
"Dragonification?"
"Forget the Dragon of the Elements. Like Hein-San said, we'll leave that bastard to him." Another magician said as Kenshin took off.
"Still, we should at least make it seem like we're pursuing, one of you come with me!" Two of the magicians gave chase after Kenshin.
"Haa!" Issei punched through the barrier of one of the magicians.
Kenshin turned as he flew, noticing his pursuers. "You two have guts." He commented. "Sorry, but there won't be much of a dance today." He said. "Don't hold it against me!" He said launching two large fireballs at them.
They exploded and Kenshin saw no more magicians. "...That was too easy." Kenshin said. "No matter, I'll keep a look out." He said as he ran into the new school building. He ran toward the first year classroom. "!" His eyes widened at what he saw.
The window's were completely blown out, the hallway had sustained heavy damage. He saw one of the first year girls sitting unconscious. He put his hand on her head and focused, reading her mind. He saw the magicians attacking, Gasper, Ravel and Koneko rising up to defend while Kazumi helped keep the defenseless students safe. Then a hooded figure came in and disabled them, and then the magicians took them away.
"..." Kenshin took his hand off the girl's head and peered into the classroom. The students were unconscious, but alive. He heard footsteps and rounded to find the hooded figure from the vision he just saw. "You." He snarled. "What have you done with the four people you abducted from this room?"
"That's for me to know, and you to find out." He said.
"Fine, I have no problem's beating it out of you!" He coated his fist in the elements and charged the man.
"Hmn." The man charged him in return.
"Is he mad? ! Charging me blindly? !" Kenshin thought.
"...This feeling...Kenshin get ready! Assume he's as strong as you!" Salamander said.
"Elemental Spica!"
"? !" Kenshin's eyes widened as he was matched pound for pound with the very same attack he was using. "What in the hell? !" He thought.
The two shoot past each other, canceling out their attacks. Kenshin rounded on the hooded man. "Who the hell are you? !"
"..." The man grabbed his hood and cloak, throwing it off.
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened seeing a man with short purple hair, gray eyes wearing a white tunic and armored leggings and boots. He also wore a mantle. "You..." He growled. "You're Heinrich Hein. The Second Dragon of the Elements. The man who mastered the elements after Ragnarok's passing."
"Yes." Heinrich confirmed with a soulless gaze.
"You were a youkai hero in the past. Now you're throwing your hat in with terrorists?" Kenshin scowled.
"A hero..." Heinrich smirked emotionlessly. "Yes I suppose I am considered such in Makai, though I myself reject the title."
"?" Kenshin stared at him in confusion.
"Though it is of little consequence..." Heinrich said. "The ones I took, if you ever want to see them again, go fetch the Tsurugi no Kami and find me and my magician friends."
"Are you out of your mind? ! I'm not doing that!" Kenshin said.
"Kenshin, you're not really in a position to argue with me. The Phoenix aside, the other three are of little consequence to me." Heinrich said. "If you want their heads to remain in tact, you WILL bring the blade." He said as he teleported away.
"Dammit!" Kenshin cursed.
"Kenshin!" Issei said as he ran into the building.
"Get in contact with everyone, I have to head home for something." Kenshin said.
"Kenshin wait!" Issei said as Kenshin teleported away.
Kenshin appeared in his room and went to where he stored the Tsurugi No Kami, however as soon as he touched the box his mind was absorbed into it again. "Oh what now? !" He snapped as he appeared in front of Ilias. "I don't have time to chat!"
"Relax, this won't take a but a moment." Ilias said. "Lately I've been sensing the energy signature of a man I long thought to be dead. Heinrich Hein."
"Yeah, I just ran into the bastard." Kenshin said.
"Oh, good that will make this shorter." Ilias said.
"How do you know about him anyway?" Kenshin asked.
"Well considering I killed him myself, I know a bit." Ilias said. "Likely he was brought back by Yama as well."
"Grh! Fucking Shinigami bastard." Kenshin growled.
"It's funny, when I struck him down to the Sinner's Grave, I could swear he was transforming into a Holy Sentinel. That his body was being burned away to nothing." Ilias said.
"Well obviously it didn't burn away." Kenshin snorted.
"Obviously." Ilias said. "Maybe when I struck him down, it halted the Sentinelization process."
"Whatever it was, he's here now. I have to take the Tsurugi no Kami to him to ensure the safety of my allies." Kenshin said.
"Hmn, I see." Ilias said. "Are you sure that's wise? He will likely run the sword back to Yama."
"Look I know you don't care about them, but I'm not sacrificing any of them." Kenshin said. "I'll figure out a plan to keep Yama's mitts off the sword as I go."
"Hmn...and what if I told you that while I am in this sword. I do possess some modicum of control over it." Ilias said.
"...I'm listening." Kenshin said.
"Then listen on the way." Ilias said as she kicked him out of the swordscape.
(break)
Later.
Student Council Room.
Kenshin's peerage, Sona's peerage and Issei and the remnants of Rias' peerage were gathered along with Sextum. "Damn it!" Yukari banged her fist on the table. "I can't believe this happened right under our noses!"
"I know how you feel Yukari, but calm down." Kenshin said. "Getting pissed off isn't going to change things now."
"Unbelievable. Yama brought Heinrich back as well..." Tamamo said with a scowl.
"They have Ravel, Koneko, Gasper and Kazumi, what do we do?" Sextum asked.
"There's also the issue of the students who witnessed the attack first hand." Rossweisse said.
"We will settle that with the support of the Fallen Angels technology that Azazel left us." Sona said.
"Though...I fear their hearts will never be healed. Having witnessed something terrifying, never knowing the root cause of it. The fear will probably remain with them for eternity. Krh! Those who attacked us, I will never forgive them!" Tsubaki shouts.
"Tsubaki, we need not give them any advantages by getting angry." Sona said.
"Where are Kuroka and Le Fay?" Miyuki said.
"I tried to contact them, but I only got in touch with Ophis who said they had returned to Vali's side." Kenshin said.
"Hell of a time to take off." Alma said.
"It doesn't matter, if they went back to Vali, he must need them for something important, Vali's not the type to do things unnecessarily." Kenshin said. "The point is, what do we do now?"
"First off, why do you have that?" Granberia said pointing at the Tsurugi no Kami's weapon box.
"Heinrich demanded I bring it, or he implied that he would kill Koneko, Gasper, or Kazumi." Kenshin said. "I'm taking it before him, but don't worry. I have a plan to get it away from him, I just need it to get him in front of me."
"Alright, but still...what happened to him..." Tamamo said with a thoughtful look. "He died a hero in Makai, and now he's doing this? It must be Yama controlling him."
"I don't think that's the case." Kenshin said.
"What makes you say that Kenshin?" Chachamaru said.
"What he said to me. He said he rejects the title of hero." Kenshin said. "He seemed to believe it himself."
"Still there is the matter of how they got in here." Sona said. "Even with the possibility that this Heinrich was recognized as a Kuroshi due to his elemental prowess, as explained by Tamamo and Kenshin. He couldn't have let the magicians all in, not without us noticing it. So I ask you two." She turned to Rossweisse and Tamamo. "You two have extensive magic knowledge, what could it be?"
"...We talked it over...but you're not going to like the answer." Tamamo said.
"We may have been betrayed." Rossweisse said.
"I thought so." Sona said.
"Makes sense." Kenshin said. "Sure, they could have forced their way inside Kuoh, it's not some impregnable fortress, anyone strong enough could force their way past."
"The only problem with that though is that it gives them away immediately." Sona said. "The members of your peerage, that remain at home, and Hikari-San who works at her cafe would have been on top of the situation in moments."
"And judging by the strength of the magicians, unless they're holding back...half my peerage would have sufficed." Kenshin said. "Heinrich may be a Dragon of the Elements, but he'd be fighting a losing battle against The Four Heavenly Knights, one of whom is also an Ancestral Youkai, as well Chachamaru and Mom providing support. However that is obviously not what happened. We were caught unaware."
"Yes, so that leaves a second option. Someone who lives here was captured after leaving the barrier and became their middleman." Sona said.
"But from what we gather it wasn't some civilian, a student or the staff." Tsubaki said.
"So you're saying there's a traitor amongst us in this very room?" Erubetie said.
"No." Sona shook her head. "We'll figure out how they got in later, they're here now and their target is Ravel-San. Though they are foolish if they think we will let this go through. Now about Toujou-San and the other two..."
"Kaichou!" Reya said rushing into the room.
"What is it?" Sona said as every turned to her.
"We have received word from the ones who abducted the first years" Reya said.
"..." Kenshin and Sona shared a look before nodding.
(break)
"Alright, so lets go over this one more time." Hikari said. "There's a chance that the interlopers could have come in through the Gremory Territory, using the trains."
"Yes. They fit the bill of those with relations with the Phenex." Sona said. "The Underworld has surrounded the station on both sides and shut down the dimensional gap portal for the Gremory Station, but take under consideration that they aren't the only ones. They're investigating all the stations."
"Still, come only with the Kuroshi, Gremory, Sitri groups as well as Irina and Sextum? They got guts." Yukari said.
"They're challenging all of us. That's just what they're going to get." Kenshin said.
"Now, seeing as Rias is absent, the Gremory group will follow the lead of Kenshin and I." Sona said. "I trust there are no objections."
"Leave Heinrich to us." Granberia said. "We'll make quick work of the bastard and bring him to heel."
"Yes." Kenshin nodded. "Other than that. Sona is free to command you."
"Right, Xenovia-San, which of the Excalibur abilities can you readily use?" Sona said.
"Right now? Destruction for sure. Rapidly, Mimic and Transparency, but they aren't mastered yet." Xenovia said. "The others...I'm not as compatible with yet."
"I see." Sona nodded. "Stick to your guns then. Try to surprise them when you think you're able. One more thing. Seeing as the place is underground, we have to hold back our attacks to limit the damage to the supports and cause a cave in."
"Probably why they chose this as their battlefield of choice." Yukari said.
"Yeah." Issei said.
"Well no matter. We don't need big flashy attacks to win here." Kenshin said. "Hey Sona, by the way, who's the new guy?" He said pointing at an unfamiliar figure with grey hair with a long fringe, his eyes were hidden and he had about the same build as Sairaorg.
"Oh, that's right, you haven't met him yet." Tsubaki said answering for her King. "This fellow here enrolled in the college department of the academy. He's Kaichou's new Rook."
"Call me Loup Garou." He muttered.
"We call him Rugal, so call him that as well." Tsubaki said.
"Rugal, we live the perimeter to you." Sona said.
"Yes." Rugal said as he vanished.
As they got closer to the elevator to the Underworld Station another voice was heard. "Master, it seems the preparations for the surrounding area are complete."
"!" The Kuroshi and Gremory peerages were put on guard as a Grim Reaper landed in front of them. "Relax, that's my new Knight." Sona said.
The reaper takes down it's hood to reveal a young woman's face. "A loli reaper!" Issei said seeing her cute face, sleepy eyes and long purple hair.
"My name is Bennia, I'm a former Grim Reaper." She introduced.
"She had asked to be added into my peerage shortly before I left for Makai, I told her I would think on it and she could stay in my family's home." Sona said.
"I couldn't follow Hades' way of doing things anymore." Bennia said.
"There is just one reason I decided to trust her." Sona said.
Bennia walked up to Kenshin and Issei. "Bosses Oppai Dragon and Lust Dragon. I'm a big fan of yours. I have many embroideries of you two behind my cape. Can you give me a signature?" Bennia said holding out a pair of sheets of paper.
"Errr...sure." Kenshin said taking the sheet of paper and signing his name.
"I guess..." Issei said doing the same.
"I also joined because I couldn't stand the way my shitty father and Hades' ways so I left home." Bennia said.
"Hahaha, I like this girl." Kenshin chuckled.
"Bennia, like Rugal, can we leave the perimeter to you?" Sona asked.
"Yes, I'll go join that brother who joined at the same time as me." Bennia said as she vanished.
"Haa, sorry. I wasn't meaning to have introductions before our plan." Sona said.
"Don't worry about it." Kenshin said.
"So, Issei, how is Ddraig's condition?" Sona said.
"To be honest, not good." Issei said. "I can't use the Balance Breaker right now."
"I see, well then we'll just have to plan around that." Sona said.
"I'm sorry." Issei said.
"Hey Issei, don't sweat it man, in case you haven't noticed you're in a large group." Kenshin said.
"You've got nothing to apologize for." Sona said. "Though, how many times can you use the 'Gift' ability?"
"Well, it will change it's strength by however many boosts I've gotten, but I can do twenty with ease." Issei said.
"Hmn...alright. Issei here's what you will do." Sona said.
As the elevator they hopped aboard came down to the lowest floor, the basement. Sona finished telling the plan. Everyone walked out into formation. Issei walked out to the front. "Alright, we're here like you asked. Where are our juniors?" He said with a glare.
"Oh my, if it isn't the Devils. The Gremory, Kuroshi, and Sitri from the Rookies Five have come at our beck and call. What an honor." One of the magicians said sarcastically.
"What is your objective here? Is it Ravel or us?" Sona asked.
"Both actually. Though we are treating the Phoenix lady with care, our master is telling us to do so."
"Master? You mean Heinrich?" Tamamo said.
"Hahahaha, no. Heinrich and his accomplice are here as servants as well. The issue with the Phoenix is done anyway. The remaining one is the one with all of you. The youth devils who were giving such high rankings by that shitty chairman Mephisto and his shitty organization. We'd like to put that power to the test."
"Enough..." Kenshin said walking past Issei. "I'll leave you all with two choices. You can flee, reclusing back under whatever rock you crawled out from under...and some of you may die...or you can foolishly try to fight us, in which case...all of you will die." Kenshin said.
"Are you mad? We've got you heavily outnumbered!" The lead magician said.
"Hmph." Kenshin smirked. "The dance of death it is then. Balance Break."
"Balance Breaker! Elemental Overdrive!"
"Begin the attack!" Kenshin declared.
"Show them, let them feel the power of the youth devils, make them regret ever making us their enemies!" Sona said.
Yukari and Xenovia leaped high and they swing their swords, Xenovia firing off a burst of mana from Durandal, while Yukari shot off dual Katensho to counter the numerous attacks from the magicians.
Kenshin turned his head. "Stay in the middle and try not to get hit." He said to Issei.
"Don't worry about that. I'll shadow him." Yura said walking up from behind Issei.
"Good." Kenshin said as he disappeared and reappeared in front of a random magician.
"? !" The Magician's eyes widened in shock.
"Heh." Kenshin smirked and laid his fist into the stunned magician's face, sending him rocketing past his fellows.
"That bastard! Get him!" The magicians chorused taking aim at Kenshin.
"Now now fellas, you should know I don't travel alone."
A pool of slime swept the magicians off their feet. "Move on Kenshin, I'll handle this." Erubetie said.
"Thank you Erubetie." Kenshin said as he walked away.
"Oh crap!" Issei said seeing attacks coming in hot for him
"Relax, I got you." Yura said stepping in front of him. "Expand! Twinkle Aegis!"
Yura's Sacred Gear took the attacks and didn't give way. "Haa, thanks Yura-San!" Issei said with a grin.
"Think nothing of it." Yura said with a smile.
"We move on the offense now, join Kenshin, Xenovia, Erubetie and Yukari in the fray, Issei, I've told Yukari to let you use Skithblanthir to ride on to increase your mobility." Sona said. "Await my order and use Gift when you can."
"Try to ignore Onii-Chan, Onee-Chan and I, we all have access to the Elemental Overdrive so we don't need any extra power." Miyuki said through her own communication circle.
The other vanguards of the group, Saji, Tomoe. Irina, Granberia and Alma rush forward. "Oi, isn't that one of Sensei's Gears?" Issei said seeing Tomoe swing around a familiar looking blade.
"It's the Shining Blazing Aura Darkness Samurai sword." Sona said.
"Jeez! Don't call it that, it's embarrassing!" Tomoe said as she ran through multiple magicians.
"Then why did you pick it?" Kenshin said.
"I won't lose to Xenovia!" Irina said swinging around a mass produced holy demonic sword, while shooting out rays of light.
"Here, just stay close together." Saji said entrapping a group of magicians in Black Blaze Fire. "Shadow Prison!" Saji shouts making the flames into an inescapable wall.
"Issei, transfer power to Saji." Sona said.
"On it!" Issei said. "Gift!"
"Thanks! Haaa!" Saji shouts as he used the Absorption Lines he already had attached to the magicians to drain out their power and blood. "Oi! Rossweisse-San, get ready!"
"Right!" Rossweisse said, also having a line attached to her.
"Nice idea!" Kenshin said as he haymakered another magician, seeing the mana absorbed from the magicians flow into Rossweisse.
"Thank you, this was originally an idea to be used with Gasper-kun. Though the problem with him is lung capacity, I'll have to ask him sometime about this." Sona said.
"Hm?" Kenshin saw a figure jump behind him and sweep away a group of magicians with her polearm. "Miyuki?"
"Onee-Chan's busy, so I'll guard your back this time." Miyuki said.
"Ha, do whatever you like." Kenshin said.
"Nimura, I'll leave my back to you as well." Saji said.
"Leave it to me!" Ruruko said appearing behind Saji, kicking around magicians and the beasts they summoned.
"You really think these paltry monsters are enough to stop me? !" Granberia said hacking through numerous chimera with her flame covered Ares.
"My my, it certainly is a violent sort of night." Alma said, holding open a lion chimera's mouth open with her hands. "Haa!"
(snap!)
She twisted it's neck until it snapped.
"What the fuck is going on here? !" The Magicians shouted.
"You're losing, that's what!" Yukari said. "!" She noticed Xenovia was surrounded. "Oi! Xenovia!"
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine!" Xenovia shouts.
"Send the chimeras!"
A turtle, a snake and a bird type chimera all rush after Xenovia. "Hmn." Xenovia increased the holy mana around Durandal and shot forward, stabbing the turtle through the shell, piercing through and killing it. Then the holy sword glew and changed into a bladed whip, which she used to slice the bird in half. She moved in and out of the way as the snake tried to bite her before slashing down with blinding speed, cratering the ground and killing the snake.
"Hey! She just used Excaliburs Destruction, Mimic and Rapidly all right in a row!" Issei said, surprised.
"Hah! That training's starting to pay off Xenovia!" Kenshin said pumping his fist with a smirk.
"Indeed!" Xenovia said mirror his pose.
"Damn! She's not a power idiot any longer!"
"Fire magic at her."
"!" Xenovia saw several large fireballs rushing in toward her. "Xenovia, use Excalibur Ruler now!" Sona said.
"But I can't!" Xenovia said.
"Don't think you're trying to control living things, just focus on making the fireballs stop!" Sona said.
"F-Fine!" Xenovia said as she increased the holy aura around Durandal.
Slowly but surely, the fireballs stopped. "Huh?" Issei said.
"Ha! Nice!" Kenshin said.
"Way to go Xenovia!" Miyuki said.
"This is another way to use Excalibur Ruler, what does this mean Kaichou?" Xenovia asked.
"As I thought. Living things aren't the only things that are controlled with Excalibur Ruler, with enough training, you could control any number of phenomenon. It will be difficult, but for now try to control your enemies attacks or support your allies."
"Right!" Xenovia said.
"Attack their brain!" One of the Magicians said. "Target that Sitri bitch!"
"Hm?" Sona turned to find magicians and their pet monsters rushing in from behind. "Rear Guard, time to earn your keep." She ordered.
Momo, Akeno and Tamamo appeared behind Sona. "You really think we'll just let you do as you please? !" Momo said emitting her Sacred Gear's barriers from her bracelets, blocking whatever attacks came their way.
"Take this!" A Large magic circle appeared above them, dropping numerous large stones.
"Ufufufufu, I can't let you do that." Akeno said blasting them away with Lightning.
"You guys, for being magicians you really haven't done your homework." Tamamo said destroying several with her tails.
"Drop the big one!"
"!" Tamamo looked up as a massive stone appeared from the magic circle. "Hoo boy, that's a bit bigger than I'm used to, but no ma-"
"Let me. There's something I want to try." Akeno said as a great concentration of Lightning welled up in her hands. "Raikouryuu!" A large eastern dragon made out of lightning shot forward and blew the stone to pieces.
"That queen has open spots!" One of the Magicians shouted.
"No...she doesn't." Tamamo said as she as she moved in front of Akeno.
"Here, let's go together Tamamo-San." Akeno said stepping up next to her.
"Hmn." Tamamo smirked as the two combated the magicians. "This feels nostalgic, like I'm back on the battlefield of the Divine Wars, My sisters and I all getting thrown into the fire and forced to improve." Tamamo thought. "Not necessarily me this time, but them, most certainly and they are showing up."
"Issei, give a boost to Rossweisse." Sona ordered.
"On it!" Issei said flying toward Rossweisse.
"Enough of this! Attack the fucking Sekiryuutei! Cut off their power source!"
"Chachamaru-San, Reya!" Sona said.
"Right!" The two said.
Numerous masks appear in front of Issei, blocking whatever attack came at him. "What the?" Issei said.
"The masks Reya uses can be used to defend, to look, or to gather information." Sona said.
"Promotion Knight!" Chachamaru takes hold of two submachine guns and opens fire at the magicians.
"Shit! Those are spellbreaker bullets!" The Magicians shout.
"Alright next, go to Tsubaki." Sona said.
Issei flew toward Tsubaki, only for a massive ice wall erupts from the magicians side.
"..." Kenshin found he and Miyuki were cut off from everyone.
"Hello nice to see you again, Kenshin."
"..." Kenshin and Miyuki turned to find Heinrich and another hooded figure wearing a beige cloak.
"Heinrich." Kenshin said.
"So you're the second Dragon of the Elements."
"Indeed...and my, I didn't think I'd ever see multiple ones in one generation." Heinrich said.
"..." Miyuki scowled.
"So, do you have the sword?" Heinrich said turning back to Kenshin.
"..." Kenshin reached behind him and pulled out the weapon box for the Tsurugi no Kami.
"I have heard that Ilias is sealed within the sword as well, is that true?" Heinrich asked.
"Find out for yourself." Kenshin said as he untied the box and held out the Tsurugi no Kami. "Here...now tell me where the ones you kidnapped are."
"Very well." Heinrich said as he walked toward Kenshin. "They're with the magicians' leader. Fight through them and you'll find him and the girls."
However as he reached for the Tsurugi no Kami, it and the box suddenly vanished. "!"
"..." Kenshin smirked and punched Heinrich dead in the face, sending him tumbling back to the hooded figure.
".." Heinrich knelt and held his nose.
"Sorry, but Ilias is in the sword, and she doesn't want to get ran back to Yama." Kenshin said.
"Cheeky bastard." Heinrich said.
"Thanks for telling me where my friends were, now I'll kick your ass." Kenshin cracked his knuckles.
"Hmn, very well, I'll crush you then." Heinrich smirked.
Miyuki looked at the hooded figure. "That person...feels familiar...could it be...?" She thought.
(chapter end)
Draconis: OK, I'll try to get back on schedule. My brother and his daughter went back home.
Kenshin: Neat.
Rias: Take your time.
Draconis: Oh? Rias, what brings you here? How Romania?
Rias: Cold.
Draconis: Figures.