Draconis: Ok, let's get started.
Evangeline: Mmmhh..do we have to start so soon? I'm still tired. (snuggles against Kenshin)
Kenshin: Zzzzzzzz
Draconis: You know this probably won't see a posting till next month right? You got plenty of time to rest...maybe go another round or seven? (What do ya know? It only took two weeks.)
Evangeline: Just Seven? (laughs)
Alma: (Winks) Eva-Chan, are you secretly a succubus?
Evangeline: No, just still savoring the feeling of what we did.
Alma: Ufufufufu OK~
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 100!
Onward to Megalo
Draconis: Holy...fucking...shit... I didn't think this would reach one hundred chapters, let alone a million words. Anyway begin!
(start)
The sun shined into the room as Kenshin and Evangeline slept, cuddled against each other. Evangeline's face scrunched up, before her eyes opened. "..." She saw a chiseled chest in front of her eyes. She looked up and saw Kenshin's face, still fast asleep. She narrowed her eyes, before the memories of the night before came back to her. "...!" A dark blush washed over Evangeline's face, but she was smiling.
"...Mmmh...Eva...that feels so good..." Kenshin mumbled in his sleep.
"..." Evangeline's smile widened as she leaned in and kissed Kenshin on the lips.
"Mmh?" Kenshin moaned into the kiss and opened his eyes. "Heya." Kenshin smiled.
"Morning handsome." Evangeline said with a smile.
"Morning gorgeous." Kenshin said leaning up and kissing her back "Haa...it feels so surreal...being with you like this. I mean...before you always seemed so unapproachable." Kenshin said.
"Well thanks to Dana...you were able to approach me." Evangeline said laying her head on his chest. "...Because of that, I've come to love you."
"Hmn..." Kenshin sat up and embraced Evangeline. "I love you too, but we gotta get dressed."
"I know." Evangeline said kissing him one last time before getting up and gathering her few clothes. She turned to him with a winking smile. "Let me know if you ever wanna have a repeat performance love."
"Heh." Kenshin smirked. "Might not be too often, but I'll keep that in mind." Kenshin said before pausing to reach over, smacking her ass.
"Mmmh!" Evangeline moaned, but smiled. "Don't make a habit out of that. I'm not against just taking you in public."
"Funny, didn't you tell me not to treat you all lovey dovey in public." Kenshin said.
"If you get me all hot and bothered. I won't have a choice will I?" Evangeline giggled.
The two shared one more kiss before Evangeline sat up. "It's time for Gasper's and Valerie's training." Evangeline said with a smile.
Kenshin got up and kissed her again, making her blush. "See you around then Eva-Chan."
"D-Don't make a habit out of that, I won't want to leave if you do." Evangeline said as she disappeared.
"Heh." Kenhsin grinned as he got dressed.
(break)
Undisclosed Location.
Ialda Baoth looked up at the sky. "Master..." She turned to see a girl walking up to her, her purple hair done up in thick tails walk up to her. "The transfer spell is ready."
"Aaah, that's good, now begone Yue Ayase." Ialda said as she stepped onto the magic circle in front of her. She disappeared, only to reappear atop a massive asteroid in the reaches of Space in the Asteroid belt separating Mars and Jupiter. "Aaah...it's been so long..." She said kneeling down and patting it a few times. "It's time for us to become one...my power, sealed away so long ago...in this, the Agartha Asteroid." She smiled as she felt multitudes of power entering her body. "...Hmn." She smirked. "Let's see you dominate this me, Kuroshi Tsuki Kenshin." She said with a smirk as her eyes leaked tears of blood once more. "I promise you...your Primordial existence WILL be mine!" She said as she let out a cackling laugh into the reaches of Space.
(break)
A couple of days later
It was early in the morning when Yukari peeked into Negi's room. "!" She let out a quiet gasp. She thought about immediately barging in, but stopped. She then smiled and walked out onto the deck where Kenshin was meditating. "Kenshin."
"Hm?" Kenshin turned in mid air and opened his left eye. "What's up Yukari?"
Yukari held out a set of sheets. "I'm kinda busy, could you go change Negi's sheets for me?"
"Can't you ask Mom or Miyuki to do it? Or Chachamaru? I'm not bothered by it, but you seem to have come straight to me, a guy who has no in depth medical experience in this particular area if she starts acting up." Kenshin said.
"Oh, I'll be a call away if she does, could you please do this for me?" Yukari asked with a smile.
"...Well...OK. I guess I could take a break...I mean...I feel bad that I haven't visited her since she freed herself from Ialda's control." Kenshin said as he stood up.
"OK, here you go." Yukari said handing him the sheets. She smiled as Kenshin walked past her. "You've needed this for awhile now...to reconcile with her." She thought. "I'll greet her later."
Kenshin walked to Negi's room and nudged the door open, looking down to make sure he didn't drop the sheets...however, when he looked up. "...!" His eyes widened in shock.
Negi was there, sitting up, looking out of the window. She felt another presence and turned to see him. "Oh...hello Kenshin...good morning."
"..." Tears started rolling down Kenshin's cheeks as he smiled. "Good morning Negi..." He dropped the sheets and lunged toward her, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
"K-Kenshin...!" Negi said, slightly muffled, blushing at the sudden contact.
"Hee...I-I'm sorry...I...I'm just...so happy that you're OK..." Kenshin said, unable to keep himself from crying.
"..." Negi closed her eyes and hugged him back. "Kenshin...I-I'm so sorry."
"Wha?" Kenshin said looking down at her.
"I...I made you kill me...knowing what it would do to you...other...than wanting to be with you again. I've always wanted to apologize for that." Negi said, her own tears rolling down her cheeks.
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "You're back now...it doesn't matter." He said with a smile as he wiped her eyes. "It's OK...I don't blame you for falling into that desperation."
"..." Negi closed her eyes. "Kenshin...can you please..."
"Don't ask me to let you go..." Kenshin said nestling his nose into her hair. "I...I want this moment to last as long as it possibly can."
"Please...don't let me go..." Negi said holding him tightly.
Peering into the room was Yukari and Rias. "So you held yourself back because he needed this?" Rias whispered.
"You saw it Rias, Kenshin's a very damaged person. Whatever helps heal his heart and soul...I'll make it happen." Yukari said.
"Mmh.." Rias nodded. "I agree..but Yukari."
"Huh?" Yukari said.
"Stop holding back." Rias said.
"What are you..?" Yukari said with a surprised look. .
"You've been sitting on the sidelines for too long...and all this happened. I know you want to help him...and feel his love too, but you keep holding back for his and our sake." Rias said.
"..." Yukari sighed. "It's more than that...I can't love him in public and you all are always around him. Honestly Miyuki feels the same way."
"You think Kenshin won't get to you? Hmhmhm. Yukari you of all people should know that Kenshin isn't like that, he's just kept busy. He'll make time for you." Rias chided playfully. "As for the whole in public thing, just use your illusions like you did on your date."
"..." Yukari stared at Rias. "Why are you...?"
"You heard it as well." Rias said looking out of the window with a smile. "He doesn't want to lose anyone he loves again...and obviously he's the kind of person who wouldn't want anyone he loves feeling neglected."
"Haa...yeah, but man is he gonna be busy." Yukari said with a laugh. "He might need to ask your Dad for pointers."
"Pfft...right?" Rias asked laughing a bit.
"But...you know..." Yukari said standing directly in front of her with a smile.
"..." Rias felt the heat rise to her face. "Y-Yukari?"
"There will probably be times where he wants more than one of us..." Yukari said licking her lips subtly. "Maybe...we should see how we like it."
"I-I tried it with Akeno when she got her turn, but..."
"Then try it with me." Yukari said leaning in, kissing Rias on the lips.
"M-Mmh? !" Rias' eyes widened as Kenshin's twin sister kissed her. "...M...Mmmmhh..."
Yukari let out a quiet giggle as Rias kissed her back. They separated soon after. "Hmn!" Yukari smirked at the blush on the heiress' face.
"This...never leaves this hallway." Rias said stepping back.
"Very well, my lady." Yukari said with a laugh.
Meanwhile Kenshin and Negi finally separated and Kenshin wiped his own eyes. "...To think, I'd be able to do that again." Kenshin said.
"Hmn." Negi nodded with a smile before going into a coughing fit.
"H-Hey! Are you-! I'll go get Yukari!" Kenshin turns, but Negi grabs the sleeve of his jacket.
"I-I'm alright Kenshin, just a coughing fit." Negi said. "This happened a lot the first time Ialda poisoned me."
"Oh." Kenshin said. "Hm?" Kenshin watched as a book dropped into her hand from a magic circle.
"Here, I want you to have this." Negi said.
"What is it?" Kenshin said looking at it.
"While the control apparatus was active, it forced Ialda into slumber " Negi said. "While that was going on I asked Yue-San and Chisame-San to hack the databases in Megalomesembria. They even found private ones."
"Really?" Kenshin arched his brow. "Huh, not even Rikudou was able to find the private servers, and we tried for awhile. Tried to find anything incriminating on that bastard Ferdinand II."
"I'm usually not one to laugh at people's names, but wanna know his last name?" Negi asked with an expression saying she was trying not to laugh.
"...What is it?" Kenshin asked with an interested expression.
"It's Gorgonzola." Negi said covering her mouth as she started giggling.
"...Pppffffttt!" Kenshin sputtered before howling with laughter. "A-Are you fucking serious? !" He hit the floor, pounding his fist against it with tears in his eyes. "Oh my god! Fucking help me! If I ever meet him face to face I am SOOO gonna roast his ass!" Kenshin said.
The door flung open. "What is it? ! What's wrong? ! What's...Huh?"
Negi turned to see Miyuki in the doorway, watching as her older brother was rolling on the floor, laughing like a hyena. "Oh, hello Miyuki-San."
"N-Negi? !" Miyuki said.
"Haa..." Kenshin sighed to calm himself down and sat up.
Miyuki slowly strode up to Negi, placing her hand on Negi's wrist. "...It's still there...but it looks like it's in remission...thank goodness." Miyuki said before pulling her into a tight hug. "It's...so good to see you again, Negi-Chan."
"Hmhmhm." Negi giggled softly. "It's good to see you too Miyuki-San."
"So...uh, what were you laughing about Onii-Chan?" Miyuki said.
"Negi just told me Ferdinand the Second's last name." Kenshin said, going into another chuckling fit.
"What is it?" Miyuki said.
"It's Gorgonzola!" Kenshin said going into another laughing fit, supporting himself against the wall. "Oh my god, all the fucking cheese puns that come to mind!"
"Hehehehehehehe!" Miyuki started giggling. "I-I guess you have a point there Onii-Chan!"
"Anyway..." Negi cut in. "That logbook has all of the important details of the goings on in the Senate..." She donned a serious look. "Including all of his unknown activities. That he kept in a private log. It was so heavily encrypted that it took a month of undercover jailbreaking to get it."
"OK, but...you make it sound like it has something to do with me other than his constant prosecution of me." Kenshin said.
"It has something to do with your whole family." Negi said. "I'll let you find out on your own...I...would rather not see your reaction to it."
Kenshin's look softened as she looked away. "OK." Kenshin said as he stored the book away. "I'll look at it later." He went over and grabbed the sheets. "Here. I need to change your sheets anyway. Miyuki if you wouldn't mind."
"Hai Hai." Miyuki said lifting Negi off the bed.
"W-Whoa! Miyuki you've gotten a lot stronger." Negi said, surprised at the sudden motion and the ease with which it was done. "I mean, I don't even feel any mana or youki in you right now."
"Heheheh, yeah." Miyuki grinned. "I've been busy these past few months Negi. In addition to Onii-Chan making me a Rook in his Peerage."
"Aaah, I remember him going over that with me last time he was here." Negi nodded.
"We also met and trained with Evangeline's master." Kenshin said.
"?" Negi tilted her head curiously. "Master's...Master? What was she like?"
"...A bitch." Kenshin and Miyuki both said.
"E-Eh? Miyuki, Kenshin that's rude!" Negi reprimanded.
"Calling it like I see it." Miyuki shrugged.
"Negi...Miyuki and I as well as a lot of my current allies nearly died a fuck load of times training with her." Kenshin said. "She showed no mercy at times."
"J-Jeez..." Negi winced.
Kenshin finished making the bed. "OK Miyuki...you can..."
"Actually..." Negi glanced away, blushing and stroking her arm with a shy smile. "C-Can I take a walk with you...Kenshin?"
"Negi, you probably don't have the energy right now." Miyuki sad.
"Oh...I-I know." Negi said.
"...Hmn." Kenshin closed his eyes and smiled. "OK." He walked in front of Miyuki and turned his back to her. "Grab on."
Negi reached forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kenshin's arms extended backward and took her legs onto them. "There." Kenshin said with a grin.
"..." Negi closed her eyes and laid her head against Kenshin's back. "...I...I've missed this..."
"Hmn..." Kenshin closed his eyes and smiled again. "You aren't the only one."
"...~" Negi's arms wrapped a little tighter around him.
Kenshin, Negi and Miyuki all exited the room. "..." Negi let one of her hands fall to her side.
"...Hmhm." Miyuki giggled a bit and grabbed said hand.
"Kenshin-kun?" The three turned to see Kiba walking up to them.
"Oh, heya Kiba." Kenshin said.
"Why are you carrying Negi-San around?" Kiba asked. "Is something wrong? Are you looking for Yukari-San or Evangeline-San?"
"Actually, I'm awake." Negi said lifting her head, turning it toward Kiba.
"!" Kiba's eyes widened a bit before smiling. "Oh, Hello there Negi Springfield-San. It's nice to finally meet the person that meant so much to Kenshin-kun." He said extending his hand. "I'm Yuuto Kiba."
"Nice to meet you Kiba-San." Negi said with a smile.
"She's not out of the woods yet, but she can at least be conscious now." Kenshin said.
"I see." Kiba said. "Kenshin often spoke highly of you. So, I know you're a good person."
"Hmn..." Negi wrapped her arms tighter around Kenshin.
"Uh, Miyuki-San I kind of need your help with something." Kiba said with an awkward smile. "I'm working with the Garm and could use some healing, but I can't find Tsubaki-San."
"Oh? Alright." Miyuki said. "I'll be going, see ya Negi-Chan, Onii-Chan." The two walked away, a minute or two in Miyuki grinned slyly at Kiba. "I know what you're trying to do Kiba."
"Well." Kiba said with a bit of a laugh. "After so long, after his heart had been hurting for so long because of her death, shouldn't they have time alone?"
"I know, and I agree." Miyuki nodded. "But, if you really do need help managing Garm's power, I'm open for training."
"OK." Kiba nodded. "Let's head to that resort of Evangeline-San's."
Meanwhile Kenshin and Negi walked. "He was nice." Negi said.
"Kiba? Yeah he's usually a nice guy." Kenshin said. "He's a good friend and Rias' Knight in her peerage. He's an excellent swordsman. I've been having trouble avoiding him in my Subspecies Balance Breaker lately.
"Subspecies?" Negi said.
"Basically because of me. His Balance Breaker upgraded." Yuurei said through the jewel spots of Kenshin's body.
"E-Eh? W-Who are you...and why are you speaking from Kenshin's body?" Negi asked.
"It's OK Negi." Kenshin smiled. "It's just Yuurei...or the Spirit of Destruction. Despite his name, he's a pretty cool dude. It was passed onto me from my ancestor Ragnarok Kuroshi."
"Hahahaha, you're makin' me blush partner." Yuurei chuckled.
"Heheheh." Kenshin chuckled. "Anyway, in short he's helped me out of a few jams."
"OK." Negi said with a nod. "He's like Shin Tatsu-San and Yama were to you."
"About that..." Kenshin said. "Yama's now a bad guy."
"I know...whenever I was awake in the Pure World. I'd always watch you." Negi said.
"...Uh...Uhm...you gave me privacy right?" Kenshin asked with a blush.
"Y-Yes!" Negi said with an embarrassed look. "Um...actually Kenshin. I think I do have enough energy to walk at least."
"Are you sure?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes." Negi nodded.
"OK." Kenshin lowered his arms, putting Negi down. "Hmn..." Kenshin donned a slightly disappointed look.
"W-What?" Negi said with a nervous look.
"I was enjoying that. The feeling of your breasts pressed against my back." Kenshin said with a fond smile.
"!" Negi crossed her arms over her chest. "P-Pervert."
"You're going to have to be more open if you want to keep up with us." The two turned and saw Akeno approaching.
"Wh-What do you mean?" Negi said.
"I mean that Kenshin-kun has a lot more people interested in being with him than Rias, who says she's already met you." Akeno said before kissing Kenshin on the cheek.
"Akeno...I was meaning to ease Negi into that." Kenshin glowered.
"Well, I'm just giving her a heads up. I'm not trying to make a girl you love feel unwelcome." Akeno said with a winking smile before turning to Negi. "Where are my manners?" She extended her hand. "Hello, my name is Akeno Himejima."
"Negi Springfield." Negi said shaking her hand. "And don't worry." She smiled "I'm glad Kenshin found more people who care dearly for him."
"Ufufu~ He found a lot more." Akeno giggled.
"I see that." Negi smiled as they walked by each other. "She seems nice."Negi said.
"Yeah, but underneath all the niceness is provocative sensuality and an interest in S&M" Kenshin said.
The two kept walking. "...Negi..." Kenshin said.
"Hm?" Negi said before seeing the downcast look on Kenshin's face.
"I...I'm sorry about Nagi." Kenshin said looking away. "I...I..tried...I really did."
"...It's OK." Negi said.
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
"Also during the time the apparatus was active..." Negi smiled. "Dad and I had a lot of chances to talk. We really got to know each other during that time. He even told me stories about Mom. So...don't feel so bad that you weren't able to give us closure...we already got it." Negi said with tears in the corners of her eyes.
"!" Kenshin pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply.
"Mmh!" The tears rolled down her cheeks and she wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.
This liplock lasted a couple of minutes before Kenshin pulled away. "..." He looked away for a moment before smiling at her. "...If you say so."
"Hm.." Negi nodded, taking Kenshin's hand, laying her head on his shoulder.
The two proceeded forward. "Kenshin...about earlier..." Negi said.
"How much earlier?" Kenshin asked.
"The fight." Negi said. "You against Ialda...what happened to you?"
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes in thought. "I'm...not really sure." Kenshin said. "It first triggered when Ialda blasted me through the back, but..." Kenshin gazed ahead pensively. "At first...all I felt...was nothing. Maybe it was my body and mind trying to understand what it was going through...it was like my power suddenly took a steep turn upward, but...my level of control hadn't changed a bit."
They walked into the bridge of the ship where several people were waiting. "Negi? Shouldn't you still be laying down?" Evangeline said.
"Master, I feel OK enough to walk, honestly." Negi said.
"Master?" Azazel said.
"I trained her." Evangeline said. Azazel nodded.
"You're still here? I thought you and Serafall cleared out after...y'know." Kenshin said.
"Nope!"
"Uuaaaahh!" Kenshin yelped, nearly losing his balance as Serafall glomped him from behind.
"Hahahahaha..." Sona laughed uneasily, glad it wasn't her for once.
Sun Wukong approached Negi who looked a little nervous. "Negi relax, this guy's friendly." Evangeline said.
"Yes, worry not girlie, I'm just checking your mana." Sun Wukong said. "If you don't already know I'm Sun Wukong, yes the same Sun Wukong from the old folktale."
"..." Negi blinked in surprise. "Wait...are all the mythological sects real?"
Everyone shared a laugh as Negi blushed in annoyed embarrassment."Yes Negi they are." Kenshin said. "Case in point, I've met Odin."
"Really? What was he like?" Negi asked.
"A huge pervert/fucking pervert." Rossweisse and Kenshin both said.
"W-Wha?" Negi said her eyes turning into little surprised black dots.
Sun Wukong closed his eyes and extended his hand toward her. "Hmn...interesting. The mana in your body is combating the poisonous mana that woman injected into you."
"What does that mean?" Azazel said.
"It means her mana network is basically acting as it's own immune system." Sun Wukong said. "It should take care of itself, while allowing her free reign to move, but I would advise against overexerting yourself for the time being. It could already take months to be completely free of it as is."
"Well then that settles it." Kenshin said turning to Negi. "Until you're clean, I forbid you to fight."
"But, what if you-" Negi was cut off.
"No buts." Kenshin said with a stern look. "Only if it's an emergency."
"Fine..." Negi said with a sigh.
"Now then...boya." Sun Wukong turned to Kenshin. "Do you know exactly what happened to you the other day?"
"Negi and I were just talking about that." Kenshin said. He noticed the bridge fill up even more, the entire group now brought together. "I'm not exactly sure myself...At the start, before Ialda pretty much broke my rage button. I didn't feel anything. I think my body and mind were both adjusting to the upturn of power, but the strangest thing was...my level of control of it was exactly the same as it's always been."
"Interesting." Sun Wukong nodded as Ophis walked up next to him. "Basically your power, the mana Ophis here made into your own when your body was constructed and your elemental power began to merge."
"Huh?" Kenshin said with a confused look.
"When this happened, your body and mind were pushed to it's highest state." Sun Wukong said. "I think that's why you did not suffer from a lack of control when your power heightened."
"When my scan on you updated, it was referred to as Demigod." Chachamaru said.
"Demigod?" Kenshin said. "Whoa whoa whoa, are you saying that I somehow became part god?"
"I'm saying you became half god...and the effects of it still linger, and I think they always will." Sun Wukong said.
"Is...that bad?" Kenshin asked.
"That depends...what did you feel when you were using it?" Sun Wukong asked. "There's not much difference from a mortal's ki and a deity's, but gaining the latter can be...overwhelming at first."
"Like I said...at first there was nothing, then Ialda confessed that she did what she did to me...for practically nothing...for some reason, maybe it was me finally hitting my breaking point, but it pissed me off so much...that I couldn't help laughing about it. Because I knew I had the power to make her pay for it." Kenshin said.
"Well that can't really be helped. Everyone has their breaking points." Azazel shrugged.
"But...at the same time, the anger didn't feel like mine." Kenshin said. "At least...not only like mine."
"What do you mean?" Tertium asked.
"It's like me and someone else both had a hand on the wheel." Kenshin said.
"You aren't the only one she brought up." Issei said. "She did say she put Ryuushin-San through the same wringer."
"...Wait.." Kenshin said. "You think maybe that I was feeling Dad's anger flowing through me as well."
"It makes sense." Sun Wukong said. "Had his spirit visited you lately?"
"Yeah actually...when I was fighting Nagi at the top of the mountain. When Nagi was beating me into the dirt just before my seal broke." Kenshin said. "He..basically gave me a pep talk."
"Maybe he never left your body then." Sun Wukong said. "And what you both found out infuriated him just as much as it did you. Plus, we must consider what you are." Sun Wukong said. "The Primordial of Life. You were also not Ragnarok's only transmigrant. Your father, the Fifteenth King of Demons Shin Tatsu and Heinrich Hein also were as well."
"What does that have to do with anything?" Serafall asked with a curious look.
"What I'm suggesting is that they all might be empathically linked." Sun Wukong said.
"...I think he might be right." Kenshin said looking out the window. "Back in Makai, during the final battle. I tried to take down Alice's mother before she could arrive, but...part of me also felt miserable and angry that she was brought back against her will. I think that was from Shin."
"..." Alice closed her eyes, letting out a sigh.
"Then...when the Dark Goddess came and drove off Grendel. Yeah I was kind of honored she came all the way to meet me in person, but part of me for some weird reason felt really happy to see her again..." Kenshin said.
"So you think you felt a bit of Ragnarok's influence in you?" Tamamo asked.
"He'd be the only Dragon of the Elements who'd feel that way." Kenshin said. "Heinrich, Shin, Dad and I were born way ahead of her time."
"..." Tamamo went into thought. "Interesting."
"Hrmn...well, try to control your temperament if you feel like you're going into that Demigod State again." Sun Wukong said. "You need to be aware of when it's about to cut off so you can make plans to finish the fight, because during that last one, you purposely extended the battle just to make Ialda suffer."
"Well can you blame him?" Chamo said.
"No, but you still need to keep a level head. Rage like that only serves his enemy, like it almost did." Sun Wukong said. "That's all I'll say."
"I understand what you're trying to say." Kenshin said.
"Also, near the end. She got in close and seemed to whisper something to you." Azazel said.
"Hey, yeah. I couldn't hear it either." Negi said.
"..." Kenshin looked out the window. "She was lying...she had to be."
"What was it?" Azazel asked.
"...Haa.." Kenshin let out a heavy sigh. "That the seal binding Trihexa was always meant to fail one day."
"!" Everyone except Negi's and Ophis' eyes widened in shock. "I...I see..." Azazel said.
"But...why would Father rig it to do so?" Gabriel said.
"Don't worry about it, the bitch was lying." Kenshin said. "She was getting in my head. Can we talk about something else that doesn't have to do with imminent doom?"
"OK...I'm...uh lost here...what are you talking about?" Negi asked. "I've heard the name you're talking about, but I never really found out what it was about."
"We'll explain later." Yukari said.
"Very well, also one more thing boya." Sun Wukong said. "Right now as you stand, at the height of the Demigod State's power...only she'd be able to stop you." He said pointing at Ophis.
"!" Kenshin blinked in surprise. "Hah?"
"What he means to say is that in terms of raw power, you're strong enough to take on him, Serafall or I one on one." Azazel said.
"...Huh..." Kenshin said with a tilt of his head.
"So what now Kenshin-Chan? Ya gonna come for my position?" Serafall said with a cute wink.
"Please." Kenshin snorted. "I'm nowhere near ready to deal with the political shit show that is the Devil Council the way you four have to deal with them."
"Hahahaha!" Serafall laughed. "I completely understand." She said with a weary sigh at the end.
"But if what you say is true..." Kenshin said. "Let me test something."
Kenshin assumed the Vessel of the Elements, keeping the power of it contained until it calmed down. "Excuse me for this Levia-tan." He said putting his hand on her shoulder. "Transfer Element: Wind"
"Embrace!"
Kenshin lifted his hand upward. "W-Whoa!" Serafall said as she rose off the floor against her will for a moment.
"Ghh..." Kenshin grunted a bit in exertion.
"Remember boya you're not in the Demigod State right now, so she's quite a bit more powerful than you right now." Sun Wukong said. "The only reason you're pulling it off at all is because she's letting you."
"I know that." Kenshin said. "I just wanted to see if I could at all, but...if she's letting me." Kenshin pointed at her, tracing a circle with his finger.
"Whee~!" Serafall giggled as she did a circle in the air.
"Haa..alright." Kenshin said putting her back down and canceling his transformation
"Aww, I was enjoying that." Serafall pouted.
"S-Sorry, but the weight of your mana was a lot to bear." Kenshin said
"I get what you're saying." Serafall said.
"So what? Kenshin's got divine power in him?" Saji asked.
"No, the more apt way to say it, is that there are times where he will become a half god." Sun Wukong said. "Though I am curious boya. At the beginning when you got shot through the back by Ialda Baoth...did you lose consciousness?"
"Yeah, actually. It wasn't for that long, but still." Kenshin said.
"Well if this is the case. Kenshin might not be the only one to be able to either." Seekvaira said. "Issei didn't you also have your body reconstructed?"
"Yeah?" Issei said.
"He's not as prone to impassionment as Kenshin-boya but keep an eye on him too." Sun Wukong said.
"Hold it." Yuurei said from Kenshin's body.
"Yuurei?" Kenshin said.
"I think you should keep an eye on anyone with elemental magic in them too." Yuurei said.
"What? Why?" Miyuki asked.
"Here...I'll show you..they're still asleep, but I can eject their bodies from Partner's." Yuurei said.
"? !" Kenshin's eyes widened a bit as Sylph, Gnome, Undine and Salamander appeared in front of him on the floor, fast asleep. "H-Hey!"
"Don't bother partner. They're all fast asleep. I've been trying to wake Undine at least to help me understand what's wrong for the past day and a half." Yuurei said.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes wistfully at them.
"Hey, what's this marking?" Sextum and Erubetie said seeing a mark on Undine's back.
"Hey, there's one on Salamander's back too." Granberia said.
"Hey wait a minute, I see one on Sylph's back took." Miyuki said.
"...There's one on Gnome's back too." Tamamo said.
"What is it?"
"..." Kenshin looked over at Ophis. "It's the mark of the Ouroboros. I know because I got the same mark on my back."
"Ophis' mark?" Azazel said. "Huh. I see why the spirit would like us to watch those bearing the Yonseirei's power. With the right motivation, they could gain the same power Kenshin displayed earlier"
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes and took the spirits back into his body. "Don't watch them too closely."
"Kenshin..." Yukari glowered.
"Don't Kenshin me Yukari. The spirits are actually inside me. The change will affect me before anyone else." Kenshin said. "That's what I mean."
"OK...if that's what you want..." Yukari said closing her eyes.
"..." Kenshin glanced over at her, before shaking his head with a regretful gaze.
"..." Yukari followed him out of the bridge with Negi. "Kenshin."
"What?" Kenshin said.
"Why did you look so sad just now?" Yukari asked.
"Yeah, I noticed it too." Negi said.
"...Haaa." Kenshin sighed. "I just felt like I was telling you to stay behind like I always used to do, in Rikudou." He glanced away. "I really could have used your help on some of those jobs...but my own selfish bravado and arrogance got in the way..."
"..." Yukari closed her eyes and smiled. "I get it, you're worried about me...Kenshin...don't be." She kissed him on the cheek. "I'll be fine, I promise you." She said holding him tightly. "Nothing is going to keep me away from you."
"Yeah." Negi giggled. "Kenshin, even I sensed it when we were together...but never knew how to get you to open up...and didn't want you to blow up on me again like the first time...but...you can confide in us,. No matter what it is...we won't be scared off because of it." She smiled. "You'd bear anything for us...well you never realized that we'd bear anything for you."
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes and sighed. "Damn it...you all are just too much." Kenshin said.
"Hmhm." Negi giggled.
"Heh, and we always will be as long as we can tell you need it." Yukari said as both she and Negi kissed him on the cheeks.
"Alright." Kenshin said, kissing them both back. His eyes lingered on Yukari. "...You know...if you want to have more..you only need to ask."
"!" Yukari's eyes widened a bit, a blush on her smiling face. "Hmn...Rias said the same..." She cupped Kenshin's face and kissed him on the lips. "Mmmm..." She moaned into him.
"I mean that..." Kenshin whispered into her ear. "I...don't want anyone feeling neglected if I can help it."
"I know." Yukari said.
"..." Kenshin turned to Negi. "That means you too." He said kissing her on the lips.
"Hmhm..how will you ever manage it." Negi giggled.
"I'll find a way." Kenshin said. "Each and every one of you deserve love and I will find a way to give it to you."
Negi and Yukari embrace him tightly. "Well, don't feel pressured to give it to us all the time." Yukari said. "I've always known you loved me. I will never forget it."
"Same here." Negi said. "While I'd love to spend time with you, I know there's so many more people who want your love." She smiled. "I'll gladly take what I can get."
"Negi...Yukari...thank you..." Kenshin said holding them both tightly.
"No problem." Yukari and Negi said kissing Kenshin on the cheeks.
Kenshin smiled and stood straight up. "Yukari could you take care of Negi for awhile? There's something I need to do. I'll fill everyone in on it later."
"Sure." Yukari smiled and nodded.
"Don't work yourself too hard." Negi said waving at him as they left.
Kenshin walked into a private room and took out the book Negi gave him. "You're not going to ask Father about the seal?" He turned to find Gabriel.
"It's not like I can make him wake up." Kenshin said. "No sense worrying about it until he wants to see me again, but seeing as you're here Gabriel I want to ask you something."
"OK." Gabriel said with a friendly smile.
"Why were you with everyone viewing my memories?" Kenshin asked. "I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, but...we don't even know each other. Out of everyone there I...knew you the least." Kenshin said. "Why did you want to help me?"
"Well, because I like helping people." Gabriel said.
"..." Kenshin slumped forward with a wry grin. "A pure and sweet cinnamon roll till the end eh?"
"Cinnamon roll?" Gabriel said tiling her head with a curious look.
"!" Kenshin turned his head, an embarrassed blush on his face. "Gaaah! W-What is it about her that riles me up? ! Is she really just that cute? !"
"But...more than that." Gabriel said. "Your past suffering is our failure as well."
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
"We allowed a mere child, regardless of what they were to go through such an awful experience." Gabriel said. Kenshin turned to see tears in her eyes. "Michael and I are the only ones who know...but...can you ever forgive us for our inaction?"
"..." Kenshin stared at her before letting out a sigh and walking up to her, he wiped her eyes. "What happened to me wasn't your fault. There's no reason for this guilt. Humans were given free will, the ones in charge in Megalo chose to do that."
"But..."
"Gabriel...Michael had to hold the system together, and while I don't know exactly what it is you do, it must have been integral to Heaven so, it's OK, really." Kenshin said with a smile.
"Well, one of my duties is similar to what Lady Leviathan does." Gabriel said.
"I see..." Kenshin nodded. "Um...I have to ask though.." He said. "Do...you hate me...or..rather...who I used to be?"
"?" Gabriel blinked in confusion.
"I mean..in a different lifetime I was Ragnarok." Kenshin said. "He's the reason God ain't around anymore."
"...Hmhm..." Gabriel smiled. "That was a different life and besides. He explained what was going on to Michael, the other archangels and I." Gabriel said. "I don't think Ragnarok even wanted to do it himself, but..the circumstances and Father left him no other choice."
"I see.." Kenshin said "!" Gabriel surprised Kenshin as her lips pressed against his cheek. "Wh-Wha?"
"Hmhm...come on. I have to pay you back somehow for the kiss we shared when we met." Gabriel said, her hands behind her back, sticking her tongue out at him cutely.
"But...that was...an.." Kenshin stammered out.
"Maybe so...but...I still enjoyed it." Gabriel said with a smiling blush.
"!" Kenshin's own face flared up with a blush.
"And, if you'd like to get to know me more...I can make time you know. All you need is say my name in a request...or a prayer rather. It won't burn you to call me." Gabriel said before walking away. Kenshin noticed the magical, fall blocking door knob in her hand. Gabriel turned her head, her smile widening a bit toward him before walking away completely.
Kenshin was left standing there wondering. "Jesus freakin' Christ-Ow...what is it about that woman that seems to press my buttons?"
"I think it's that you're not used to someone like her. Remember, around the time you met the nun, Asia. You kinda reacted about the same way." Yuurei said.
"But she ended up..."
"Back then you didn't know whether or not you and Issei would ever be fully separated." Yuurei said. "Hey just because I wasn't saying anything doesn't mean I wasn't watching partner."
"R-Right." Kenshin thought.
"Besides...I think it'd be kinda hot...bagging an angel...and not just anyone, but the most beautiful angel in Heaven!" Yuurei laughed.
"Sh-Shut up." Kenshin grumbled. "It isn't about a conquest, what if I caused her to fall? I'd never hear the fucking end of it. I just wanna know how she keeps pressing my buttons."
"Eh, True...but your reaction says you've at least thought about it. Heheheheheh!" Yuurei chuckled. "You wanna nail the archangel~!"
"Aren't you supposed to have a hard on for Alipheese? !" Kenshin thought in annoyance.
"Sure, but I've already been cucked out of that one." Yuurei laughed.
"Ugh...God...fucking...damn it." Kenshin thought as he drowned Yuurei out and went about his business.
"Hahahahaha...aahh..but in all seriousness, I think it's because you don't perceive her as a threat. Yeah she's a powerful archangel, but she's as about as threatening as a box full of kittens." Yuurei said. "So naturally your guard lowers around her completely. And it's not like you have people acting so sweet and innocent around you most of the time, there's Asia and Irina sure, but they like Issei, most of the women interested in you often try and use their sex appeal to have a go at you. Not saying their intentions aren't with love, but still."
"I guess...?" Kenshin thought as he sat down at his desk and finally started looking at the book Negi gave him.
(break)
The Next day
Everyone was gathered in the bridge when an alert went off. "Huh?" Kenshin said.
"What is this?" Theodora said.
"..." Kenshin glanced at Somo. "How far are we from Megalo?"
"About a day's travel more, why?" Somo asked.
"..." With trepidation Kenshin hit accept on the alert. A hologram image of a man with long white hair who looked to be in his late thirties, wearing a black suit appeared. "Tch...my luck really is shit."
"I knew it was only a matter of time before you came back to us Kuroshi Kenshin."
"I'm coming to take Ialda Baoth down Ferdinand." Kenshin said. "Nothing more. After that I'll leave and you'll never see me again."
"..." Rias' eyes narrowed into a scowl. "So this is the man who has been persecuting Kenshin?" She thought.
"Oh and boy." Ferdinand turned to glance at Issei. "For trying to sway the people's minds on a known criminal, I hereby brand you an enemy of the state."
"..." Issei narrowed his eyes at him.
"Except you can't do that officially, can you? That power still lies with the Praetor." Kenshin said. "You're only meant to be his adviser."
"Ah yes, but the times are changing Kenshin. You come here and cause chaos, and I'll have all the support I need to overthrow Ricardo." Ferdinand said.
"Why?" Rias said.
"Hm? And who are you girl?" Ferdinand said.
"My name is Rias." Rias said. "I won't tell you which family I'm from, but know that I am engaged to Kenshin."
"...Hmh." Ferdinand shrugged. "Such beauty wasted on a murderous lout like him. Well to each their own."
"He only became a 'murderous lout' because of pieces of shit like you." Issei said with an angry scowl.
"Issei." Kenshin said glancing over at him. "I know how you feel but please stay quiet."
"I know, I'm sorry Kenshin." Issei said.
"No, let him speak. Boy you do know that the Hellas Empire hated him too." Ferdinand said.
"Yes, but we rooted out the corruption in our government." Theodora said.
"Ah, Empress Theodora, good you're here too." Ferdinand said. "Now when I declare war on you, I'll have a more stable story. Kenshin's still your darling attack dog...or cat I suppose. I'll have him executed for his crimes and then I'll lead us to victory and finally rule over you beastmen like we were always meant to."
"Huh, I guess racism is hereditary." Hikari snorted. "Your father was a racist, megalomaniac piece of trash and so are you."
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that from the only surviving member of the Ala Rubra, but then again, you'll be sent to Hell to see your husband soon enough." Ferdinand said.
"Tch!" Miyuki let out a low growl at this.
"But to answer your question girl." He turned back to Rias. "Why? Why what? Why do I pursue to take Kenshin's head? Well why wouldn't I? Between me and him, it's an eye for an eye. He killed my father. So I will take his head in bloody turn."
"Hmn..." Kenshin smirked. "I'd just love to see you try." Kenshin said.
"Hmhmhm...I've got an almighty backer behind me now...trust me Kenshin..." Ferdinand smirked. "Your head will be mine..."
"Heh, that said...Ferdy...you're looking awful...Gouda today." Kenshin said with a knowing smirk.
Ferdinand lost his smirk and scowled. "What was that?"
"Oh don't be so mad Ferdinand, you did make me out to be a...Munster for years on end." Kenshin said, chuckling a bit. "So I'm having a little fun."
"Grrhh..." Ferdinand growled.
"What's the matter? You're looking a little bleu." Miyuki said, laughing under her breath.
"What's the matter...are we turning your defenses into swiss?" Kenshin said with an amused smirk.
"Come on you limburger of a man. Tell Us." Miyuki said.
"Uhh...why are Kenshin and Miyuki firing cheese puns at him?" Issei asked.
"Because his last name is Gorgonzola." Negi said covering her mouth to prevent another fit of giggles from coming out.
"Are you kidding? !" Issei said, barely able to hold his laughter.
"Oh my! The puns suddenly make sense!" Rias giggled.
"Heheheheheh!" Evangeline chuckled into her hand. "I'm usually not one for stupid jokes, but that was pretty funny Kenshin!"
Just about everyone on the bridge laughed as Ferdinand scowled. "...Just for that you all die first."
"Heh..." Kenshin smirked. "Over my dead body Ferdy." Kenshin said.
"That's the idea." Ferdinand said.
"Really? I was ragdolling the god damn LifeMaker a few days ago, someone who fought my father and Nagi to a near standstill, and you think you can kill me?" Kenshin asked. "You really think that you're the guy?" Kenshin drawled. "You waited too long and I've grown too powerful for you to do so personally. I'll bet you're hoping Ialda and I kill each other." Kenshin said. "Do your dirty work for you, coward."
"You're the one who hasn't been here in awhile. I'm surprised you're even back. I didn't know where you were. You could have stayed under the rock you were hiding under and died." Ferdinand said.
"Except unless someone kills me. I will live forever." Kenshin said. "I can no longer die to natural causes."
"Well then I'll relieve you of the curse of immortality then." Ferdinand said with a smirk.
"But you spoke of my crimes. I know all my crimes...I've got a rap sheet as long as the ship we're riding in. Massacring the Senate, being accused of killing the previous Emperor of Hellas, murdering the Head of the Tracker Division of Hellas, numerous war crimes in both territories and those are just the ones you know about."
"Oh? Do tell, You're already at the death penalty, but I'd like to hear more."
"Hmm...Nah." Kenshin said. "I'd rather talk about someone else's crimes."
"Someone assisted you then?" Ferdinand said.
"Hmhm." Kenshin chuckled softly as a book appeared in his hand. "No...I'd rather talk about your crimes."
"My crimes?" Ferdinand said. "What do you mean? I'm an innocent man."
"Hm, I doubt that..." Kenshin paused to read a date aloud. "The organization I had based in Hellas was torn down today. It's a bad loss, as that organization was to eventually move into the capitol and assassinate the Empress Noka and her daughter Theodora. Early reports confirm what I already assumed to be true. That boy, that filth that killed my father and the previous senators was involved. To think he'd be working with the blasted Rikudou Organization so soon, it's not even been a year since he left."
"Kh? !" Ferdinand grunted in surprise.
"Sound familiar Ferdinand?" Kenshin asked, glancing up from the book.
"That could be anyone." Ferdinand said.
"Who has the most to gain from the destabilization of Hellas' government and the ensuing power struggle?" Kenshin asked. "This is yours, isn't it? Also, the potential victim is right there, one of them at least."
"..." Theodora scowled at the hologram.
"..." Ferdinand growled.
"You must be wondering how this baby came into my possession." Kenshin said. "Early on in Ialda's resurrection, her host's body, Negi Springfield had a control apparatus on her person that limited Ialda's influence on her. There were times Ialda would basically be put to sleep and during that time. She had a few of her ministras hack the databases in Megalo...and I mean all of them, even the private ones. The bits about you were all put in this book which Negi kept in her possession at all times. Until she handed it to me...and I will be handing it to Ricardo. "
"Grh..." Ferdinand grunted with a scowl.
"So! With all that said, let's keep going down Ferdy's greatest hits!" Kenshin said with a smile. "So that's a war crime, basing in Hellas without permission with intent to commit regicide." He said as he flipped the page. "Hmm..that's just personal musings...personal musings...musings...ah!" He said after flipping back and forth through the book a bit. "Here's one from a few years back. Met General Sanderson of the Tracker Division of Hellas, to teach him the mind control spell I learned when the Cosmo Entelecheia was at their peak in both nations. I instructed him to warp the mind of the head of the war council Sakara...now that is a surprise." He said pausing for a bit. "So you and that snakefolk bastard were in cahoots? So you had other ways. That's another crime. Consorting with what was considered at the time to be an enemy officer and acting against the Confederacy's interests..and consorting with the Cosmo Entelecheia during wartime. That HAS to be a capital offense." Kenshin said.
"It's your word against mine boy." Ferdinand said.
"I suppose you're right, but let's keep going." He flipped through the book. "Oh...Oh my...now this one definitely looks like a capital offense."
"What is it Kenshin?" Hikari said.
"Fifteen almost sixteen years ago. At father's request I slipped the poison I made almost six years ago into the Praetor's lunch, it seems to already be taking effect...if I'm right Praetor Shinken Areshi should be dead within the next decade and a half." Kenshin said.
"? !" Hikari's eyes widened at the name. "He survived? !"
"When Dad demolished the Dragon Village? Apparently. He went on to become Praetor..." Kenshin said.
"...And then he was killed by..." Hikari scowled, clenching her fists, gritting her teeth in anger. She felt someone grab her wrist and turned to Raynare.
"You're important to Azazel-Sama. I'm...sorry." Raynare whispered
"..." Hikari closed her eyes and nodded. "Thank you..." She whispered back.
"You...killed the Praetor...you really are a piece of shit." Theodora glowered. "Shinken was a good, honest man, he worked earnestly for peace..."
"Who is Shinken?" Akeno asked.
"...Mine and Ryuushin's stepfather." Hikari said. "He raised us after the Kuroshi and Tsuki clans were massacred. When the village hired an assassin to kill him and almost killed me instead...Ryuushin snapped and destroyed the village...he swore he killed Shinken."
"...So you killed the Praetor...that's high treason, the only punishment for that is death." Kenshin said with a smirk. "You're already at the same level as me."
"Is that all?" Ferdinand asked.
"No...there's one more...and it's the one I focused on the most." Kenshin said losing the smirk and scowling. "It didn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but...it's the one that pissed me off the most!"
(slam!)
Kenshin slammed the book down on the table in front of him, shocking some of the people in the bridge. "Twenty almost twenty one years ago!" Kenshin said. "A man named Forbesii came into my office with a new type of venom so volatile in so many ways..I just had to experiment with it. Then he came to me days later asking if I had come up with any poisons from it...I said I had and sold it to him at a discount because he provided the ingredients!" Kenshin shouted. "The man known as Forbesii would go on to stab Ryuushin Kuroshi in the chest with a knife dipped in said poison, even when it was meant for his master!" Kenshin said.
"? !" Yukari's and Miyuki's eyes widened in shock.
"Kenshin...are you saying...?" Hikari asked.
"Forbesii might have done the deed, but you provided the poison." Kenshin said with a scowl directed at Ferdinand. "You son of a bitch...you killed my father. If you survive this, I'll personally see to it that you rot in the Confederacy Prison for the rest of your miserable life or burn in Hell. Know that your time in power in this world is at an end." He closed the communications and turned away. "..." Kenshin started walking through the crowd.
"Kenshin...are you going to be...?"
"I'll be fine Rias. I just need to cool off." Kenshin nodded. "Don't worry."
"OK.." Rias nodded hesitantly.
Alice followed Kenshin out of the bridge. "...I don't think we have enough time to go a round Alice." Kenshin said.
"Eh, someone would stop us before we really got started." Alice said with a small smile. "So...that was your Forbesii huh?"
"Not from a strength standpoint...but from an influential standpoint." Kenshin said. "He holds a lot of power in the Senate...and I'm bound by my oath to Rikudou to help make peace in this world reign."
"Kenshin...honestly...you should have never joined them." Alice said. "Even if they felt regretful about it. They still made you do such horrible things. Your former familiar Sheena knew Tamamo, I don't think she'd have had a problem letting you stay with her."
"I know, but they were still my friends outside of work...and I was desperate." Kenshin said with a morose smile.
"Kenshin..." Alice said.
"I..I was always hurting." Kenshin said. "I never saw an end to it all, the time where I could finally lay my head somewhere and rest easy. Knowing that what I had wouldn't just disappear...leaving me alone again."
"..." Alice reached over and squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. He looked up to see her smiling. "Like she said. We aren't going anywhere. Ever. Besides...our children need their father in their lives."
"..." Kenshin's knees buckled, landing on the floor, his ears at Alice's belly. "...Alice." Kenshin said with a smile, embracing her at the waist tightly. "Thank you...with...all my heart."
"Huh?" Alice said.
"For choosing me...for a being like you to choose someone like me to give you children, I always thought, something like this...was never for me. That I could never have this..." Kenshin said pressing himself harder against her by a bit.
"Hmn..." Alice embraced him, both hands behind his head with a smile. "You were the best mate I could have asked for." She looked down at him smiling. "You did save me after all."
Kenshin stood up again, grabbing her hand with both of his pressing her knuckles against his forehead. "Alice...I promise I'll be the best father I can be to them." He said.
"..Hmm..." Alice closed her eyes and smiled. "I know you will. Now come here."
"..." Kenshin's and Alice's lips met in a short, but very passionate kiss. "Mmmm..." Kenshin held her tightly, fighting against her tongue as it worked about inside his mouth.
"Haa..." Alice pulled away, sighing in content as she closed her lips, her tongue disappearing into her mouth. "By...the Dark Goddess...I love you..." Alice said laying her head against his chest.
"Hmn..." Kenshin wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as well. "I love you too, Alice."
"Hmn..." Alice smiled a bit, tightening her embrace. "Don't focus on all the bad...you'll just drive yourself into depression, like I did before you came along." Alice pullled away and looked into Kenshin's eyes. "There are so many people who love you now...focus on that from now on OK?"
"..." Kenshin glanced away, smiling himself. "I-I'll try, but..."
"I know." Alice said embracing him tightly, wrapping her tail around him. "You don't want to lose anyone else...but like Rias and I said. We aren't going anywhere if we can help it."
"..." Kenshin's smile widened as he kissed Alice. "...Thanks Alice. I feel a lot better now."
"That's good." Alice giggled. "Alright, I should probably let you go before someone comes in here and gets jealous. In my expecting condition I'd rather not have to fight them for your time." She said as she started to sliver away, but not before Kenshin grabbed her wrist. "Huh?" She said before Kenshin yanked her toward him. "Mmmh? !" Alice moaned in surprise as Kenshin kissed her.
"Sorry, I just wanted to do that one more time, my radiant, beautiful Demon Queen." Kenshin said.
"...Hmn..." Alice smiled. "You know, you're really going overboard with the flattering comments. Some others have mentioned it."
"Just making up for lost time." Kenshin said with a small laugh.
"I see that." Alice said. "What will you be doing now?"
"I'm probably gonna go to my room and meditate I guess. Try to relax." Kenshin said.
"OK." Alice reached over and kissed him on the nose. "...I mean this. If it weren't for prior engagements, I would have one hundred percent made you the Seventeenth King." She said licking her lips.
"Hmn." Kenshin smiled. "You honor me, my queen. "
Alice left and Kenshin made his way toward his room, but not before being stopped by... "Kenshin-Chan."
"?" Kenshin glanced over, seeing Alma Elma leaning against the wall. "Alma?"
"Heya!" Alma said bouncing off the wall and toward him.
"!" Kenshin took a step back.
"Mou...why do you look so scared of me?" Alma said with a pout.
"I-I'm not, it's just after what happened with Evangeline I still need rest." Kenshin said before narrowing his eyes at her. "Trust me Alma, I'm not afraid of you."
"Hmn..." Alma's expression brightened. "OK!"
"So, what is it?" Kenshin asked.
"Are you gonna finally start enjoying life instead of hating it?" Alma asked with a smile.
"..." Kenshin glanced away with a smile. "I...I'll certainly try my hardest."
Alma smiled and embraced Kenshin. "Good. Because...Kenshin despite my playful actions toward everyone. I...I care about you OK?"
"How much of that is due to Luka?" Kenshin asked.
"Ufufufu, does it really matter? You and Luka are both the same person..." Alma paused to pet her hand across the streak of purple in Kenshin's hair. "If not, why would you have done this?" She asked with a smile.
"Good point, Alma." Kenshin said with a laugh before smiling at her. "Alma...I know about your conversations with your mother...and I just want to say...become the best you, that you can be, OK?"
"Hmhmhm~!" Alma giggled, looking into Kenshin's eyes. "I promise I will my master~!"
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened a bit. "My master?"
"Hmn." Alma winked at him. "You've been keeping me fed pretty well, you're stronger than me, and...well..." She glanced away. "Issei has the imps who'd starve if I moved in on him...Granby's interested in Vali-Chan, and would hate it if I moved on him even if she'd never say it. The rest couldn't last with me." Alma said with a smile. "That and you did save my life." Alma said. "And stuck up for me in front of Minagi of all people..."
"!" Kenshin felt Alma's lips press against his cheek. "A-Alma...?"
"It's just something to think about." Alma said as she turned and walked away, but paused. "By the way, don't expect me to actually call you that again. I just wanted to see your reaction." She said with a winking smile as she continued to walk away.
"Shit...you've even got the Queen Succubus to become interested in you." Yuurei said
"Yeah no kidding..." Kenshin thought with wide eyes as he watched Alma's giggling form stroll away from him.
"Unnngh..." A groan was heard. "Fuck...what the hell happened?"
"Salamander?" Kenshin thought.
"Yeah...haven't felt that tired in awhile..." Salamander said. "What happened?"
"Is everyone else up?" Kenshin thought.
"I'll fill them in." Salamander said.
Kenshin entered his room and sat down before explaining his fight against Ialda and the Demigod State. "Basically, the mana Ophis made into mine and the power of you four started to merge and caused it to skyrocket." Kenshin said to Salamander who had come out to speak with him.
"I see..." Salamander said closing her eyes. She turned her head to the mirror behind her, seeing the mark on her back. "A little...tacky, but if I'm stuck with it." Suddenly it disappeared. "Huh?"
"I can do that too. If you don't want anyone to see it, you just have to think about it being gone and there you go." Kenshin said.
"..." Salamander thought about it being visible again and the mark reappeared. "I see." She turned back to Kenshin. "My mind's a bit hazy...from what happened, but...during that fight...I do remember feeling very...very angry."
"Yeah, same here." Kenshin nodded.
"Now...about after." Salamander said...a surprising amount of sadness in her voice. "So...that's what that was huh? Why you kept throwing yourself into those types of situations?"
"..." Kenshin glanced away. "Salamander...honestly, my life never meant that much to me by itself. After everything I've been through, everything I've done. If I died I died is what I always used to think. It was never that was trying to get myself killed...I just didn't care where my body fell."
"I see.." Salamander said with a slow nod. "...But not anymore huh?" She asked with a smile.
"If they want to keep me around and help me that much...then I have no choice but to change that way of thinking." Kenshin said.
"Us as well." Salamander said before moving in front of him and embracing him tightly. "Kenshin...we love you...all four of us." Salamander said.
"Heh...I'm eternally grateful for that." Kenshin said returning the embrace. "I love you all too, for everything."
"..." Salamander pulled away and kissed him. "Anyway, I'll leave you to it."
"OK." Kenshin said as Salamander vanished into him.
(break)
The Next Day.
Everyone was gathered in the bridge again. "We're four hours out from Megalo. You'd all better think of your plan of attack now." Somo said. "I will remain here with those I brought from my division."
"So will the members of my party that ascended the mountain with me." Kenshin said.
"What? !" Yukari, Miyuki and Evangeline all shouted. "Why? !"
"Because there's no way you've fully recovered...and also I think some others want a turn to do what they can." Kenshin said.
"..." All of them closed their eyes. "Fine, but if I see a chance, I'm coming to fight." Sairaorg said.
"Do what you want. I just want this ship well protected." Kenshin said. "That's all. Theodora's still on board here after all."
"OK." Sairaorg, Evangeline, Miyuki, Yukari, Saji, Alma, and Granberia all said.
"Also, you three." Kenshin said glancing at his sisters and Evangeline. "I want you to keep an eye on Negi, both so she doesn't get any bright ideas...and just because the poisoning is in remission doesn't mean it can't get worse."
Evangeline sighed. "I suppose I see your point."
"I guess." Yukari nodded.
"Also, Miyuki. In the past two days alone. I've noticed you grabbing at your arm numerous times." Kenshin said.
"Yeah, so?" Miyuki asked with an annoyed look.
"It means it isn't fully healed yet." Kenshin said. "That technique you used against Takamichi puts a lot of strain on the user. If I send you out there again. I fear it may never heal."
"..." Miyuki looked down at her arm as it started to twitch.
"I'm not trying to baby you, but even I can tell your mana network is damaged. Give it time to heal." Kenshin said. "I don't want you to be crippled."
"..." Miyuki glanced away in frustration. "...I get it...but it still...!" Miyuki was cut off as Kenshin started patting her head.
"I understand. You want to show me you can handle any work load I give you." Kenshin said with a smile. "Miyuki, when we get home, Yukari and I will train you to adjust your body to the type of power you used up there. I mean after all, we have twenty years on you."
"..." Yukari walked over and embraced Miyuki from behind. "Yeah, just..bear with this for now OK?"
"..." Miyuki reached forward and wrapped her arms around Kenshin while her tails came out and wrapped around Yukari. "Thanks." She said, smiling with her eyes closed.
"By the way, does that weird anyone out?" Kenshin asked looking around. "The fact that I'm-"
"No." Rias and Sona said shaking their heads, the rest following suit. "You have to remember Kenshin. "We're all devils, angels, fallen angels and some of us are mages whom time doesn't effect much in Sextum's case. After a certain point age is just a number." Sona said.
"I guess. Well anyway make your plans and-!" Kenshin was cut off by another alert going off. "What?"
"It has to be from Megalomesembria." Somo said with narrowed eyes.
"Is it Ricardo? Or Ferdinand trying to beg for his life?" Kenshin said hitting accept on the notification.
It was neither as an image of Ialda popped up, shocking everyone. "...Tch...what do you want Ialda?" Kenshin said with a scowl. "If it's to die then I'm on my way, but I can only go so fast." Kenshin said with an angry smirk.
"Hmhmhmhm. Cute." Ialda said with a smirk of her own. "Hello...what was the name of your organization again? That coot Rizevim mentioned it to me...Ah...Hello DxD." She said crossing her arm in front of her chest, bowing. "My name is Ialda Baoth. The Maker of Life in this world and the container of the Resonance."
"And the soon to be dead bitch who ruined Kenshin's life." Rias said with a scowl.
"Did I though? I was just guiding him toward his destiny." Ialda said smirking at her. "The destiny of being my perfect vessel. What his desti-"
"MY DESTINY IS MY OWN!"
Everyone turned to see a powerful aura wrapping around Kenshin. "Hrgh!" Kenshin closed his eyes and cast it off. "Ialda...I'm going to destroy you. Then I will return home with them, where I belong."
Everyone smiled at what he said at the end, but Ialda chuckled darkly. "I see...you've been given hope again...can't have that... tch tch tch, not at all."
"Hey!" Issei said stepping forward. "Why can't you just leave Kenshin alone? ! He never deserved anything that happened to him!"
"Issei..." Kenshin said turning to him.
"No, Kenshin." Issei said looking over at him. "I feel like I already know the answer, but I have to ask this bitch...why...why did she torture you like she did? I mean you as a child was basically the demon equivalent of Asia and Gasper!"
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes.
"Hmhmhmhm..." Ialda chuckled darkly. "Why you ask? He is mine. My toy, my puppet...after all..." Tears of blood rolled down her cheeks. "Puppets cannot defy the puppet master!"
"No!" Rias said embracing Kenshin tightly. "Kenshin does not belong to you!"
"Oh? And does he belong to you by right of marriage little devil?" Ialda said with a smirk.
"...He belongs to us." Rias said scowling at her. "We will give him the love, care and friendship you forced him to deny for years on end."
"Hmhmhmhm." Ialda turned back to Kenshin. "Seems you've made another mistake yet again Kenshin. You've given me more of your loved ones to rip away from you." She said.
"Krh!" Kenshin growled and stepped out of Rias' embrace. "Listen here and listen well...you will not take ANYTHING else away from me! I...I'll...I'll...!"
"Hahahahahahaha!" Ialda laughed as Kenshin struggled to finish his sentence. "You can't even resolve yourself to die against me eh? ! These people have crippled your resolve!"
"..." Kenshin bowed his head, gritting his teeth, his fists bleeding from how hard his was clenching them.
"You should know...I've made myself stronger since we last met Kenshin." Ialda said with a cold smile.
"No..." Yukari said, her eyes widening in dread.
"Yes." Ialda said. "In the asteroid belt in space separating Mars and Jupiter lies the Agartha Asteroid. This celestial being held power of mine that I could not control for a time." Ialda said.
"So you have since taken in that power?" Kenshin asked. "Hrmn...No matter."
"You say that...but hear out the rest of my message." Ialda said as the hologram flashed to all of the Ala Alba members she'd resurrected.
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened.
"These were your former students yes?" Ialda said. "Konoka Konoe and Setsuna Sakurazaki are even your childhood friends if memory serves."
"..." Kenshin went silent.
"Come and face me alone Kenshin." Ialda said.
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened.
"If you don't...you'll be able to hear all their tortured screams from the city limits." Ialda said with a smirk as the communication cut off.
"...Krh..." Kenshin turned and started to walk toward the bridge.
(clench!)
"No, Kenshin this is a trap! It has to be!" Sona said.
Rias and Yukari both grabbed him by the arms. "Kenshin, she's right, there's no way this isn't a...!" Rias was cut off by Yukari.
"Kenshin, I know what you're thinking, but...!"
"Krh!" Kenshin growled in frustration. "Damn it! I don't have a choice!" He turned to them. "Kono-Chan and Secchan aside...those girls in that class were my responsibility! If...If I allowed them to suffer because of me...!"
"What if you didn't have to?"
"? !" Kenshin turned to see Negi leaning against the doorframe.
"I...I don't understand devil magic that much, but...you can warp in from a marker...no matter the distance, right?" Negi asked.
"Yes?" Rias said.
"Then...give them to Kenshin, make him your marker." Negi said.
"Wait! That will work? !" Rias said. "We've never tried that before!"
"It's worth a shot."
"Negi..." Kenshin said with wide eyes.
"They...were my responsibility too." Negi said panting softly.
"..." Kenshin went silent.
"I...I let them die too." Negi said scowling at the floor. "J...Just to get my father back...and I didn't even succeed." Negi said. "!"
Kenshin reached forward and embraced Negi tightly. "No..." Kenshin said. "Do not...think like that." Kenshin said. "What is your plan?"
"...Hmn.." Negi looked up and smiled at her lover. "Everyone putting their teleportation sigils on you and warp to you when necessary."
"How will they know?" Kenshin asked.
"...Trust me Kenshin, we'll know." Rias said with a smile.
"Don't worry.." Sona said. If you're that worried, send a pulse of your mana when you're ready.
"OK." Kenshin said.
Mana approached Kenshin. "Leave the protection of the ship to me as well as your peerage." She said.
"OK, thank you Mana. I will..." He was cut off.
"I refuse payment." Mana said with a hardened gaze. "They were my friends. I won't be paid for saving them." Mana said.
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes and smiled. "Whatever you say."
"..." Kenshin walked forward. "Kenshin."
"?" Kenshin turned back to everyone.
"We love you." Rias said with a smile. "Or at the very least like you...we want you in our lives...never forget that."
"...Hmn.." Kenshin smiled. "Thank you...thank you all for everything. I...I'll be back." Kenshin leaped off the ship and began flying toward Megalomesembria.
(Chapter end.)
Draconis: OK, so NEXT chapter Kenshin and Ialda's final clash begins.
Azazel: Wow, kind of a warm and fuzzy type of chapter for the most part huh?
Draconis: Yeah, for anyone thinking I'm laying it on a little thick. Everyone had finally gotten Kenshin to try and fully move on...and this whole arc is meant to be a character arc for Kenshin, where he finally stops holding everything in...including the good things he feels. Anyway. Harem update.
Kenshin: Rias, Akeno, Xenovia, Yukari, Koneko, Serafall, Sona, Tamamo, Ravel, Rossweisse, Undine, Sylph, Gnome, Salamander, Alice, Miyuki, Evangeline, Negi(the obvious one), Alma Elma.
Alma: Ara? I'm being paired with Kenshin-Chan?
Draconis: Might as well. Issei has the imps, who I should make more scenes with, and the dynamic between you and Granberia would dictate that Granberia would hate you being interested in the same man as her. Hence the scene in this chapter. It will be a little difficult to write sensibly but whatever.
Gabriel: Um...what about me?
Draconis: Not quite sure. I'm stuck between pairing you with Issei or Kenshin, though I'm leaning toward Kenshin, because of the scenes between you two, or maybe I'll just keep teasing it. Anyway, for reference because I lost my place in where they were at.
Issei: Asia, Irina, Kuroka, Seekvaira, Kazumi, Sextum, Sheena, Kunou, Yasaka, Le Fay, Chachamaru, Erubetie, Yura, Rami, Rumi, Remi(The imps), Kiyome Abe, Kiryuu, Elmenhilde.
Draconis: See you all next time.
Draconis678 out