Issei was currently making his way through the nearby forest chasing after Koneko. She seemed to be following something with a concerned look, so Issei decided to follow after her. He summoned Atalanta and Tamamo to help him just in case things get hectic and to help keep track of where Koneko was going. Eventually they caught up to her but decided to stay hidden for now to try and find out what was going on. They saw her looking around frantically until she spotted something in the trees. The group followed her line of sight and saw another person in the tree. She looked like an older Koneko; except she had black hair instead of white. She was dressed in a black kimono and had a voluptuous body. "Hey, Shirone. It's me, your Onee-chan," said the woman.
"Kuroka-neesama…" said Koneko.
So this is Koneko's sister. Also, Shirone? I guess that's Koneko's real name. Not that it matters. I'll call Koneko whatever she wants to be called, thought Issei.
"Onee-chan is impressed that you followed this black cat that snuck into the party this far-nya," said Kuroka as she pets the small black cat that was most likely her familiar.
"…Nee-sama. What is this about?" There was a mix of anger, anticipation, and fear in her voice.
Kuroka just smiled at her. "Don't make such a scary face. I just had some minor business to take care of. I heard that the devils were holding a big party here, you know? That's why I was a little interested. Nyan ". She waved her hand like a cat and winked cutely.
Suddenly, someone else entered the talk. "Hahahaha, could it be that you're a member of the Gremory group?" Issei recognized him as Bikou, the guy who helped Vali escape and this generation's Sun Wukong. Before Issei had time to think of anything else Bikou spoke. "There's no use hiding. Even if you erase your presence, with people like me and Kuroka who know senjutsu we can approximately detect you with just a slight variation in your flow of spirit."
Issei let out an annoyed "Tch!" at being found out. He stood and walked out next to Koneko, followed by Tamamo and Atalanta. Koneko was surprised to see them. "Issei-senpai, Tamamo-shishou, Atalanta-shishou."
"Yo, troublesome monkey. How's Vali doing?" said Issei casually.
"Hahahaha, pretty well. You know, he was real happy that you managed to hurt him so much. He was worried that his "destined rival" was going to be boring," said Bikou cheerily. He then narrowed his eyes at Issei. "Seems you've gotten even stronger since then."
"Glad you noticed. It would be a shame if all my efforts went to waste. So, what's the deal? You planning another terrorist attack on the party?"
"No, we didn't come down here for such a thing. It's just that a standby order has come out in the Underworld. Me and Kuroka are off-duty right now. When the order was given, Kuroka suggested visiting the devils' party. Since she likely wouldn't return easily, I came along with her too. Okay?" he said casually.
"I've been meaning to ask, who is this boy, Bikou?" asked Kuroka.
"The Sekiryuutei."
"Really-nyan? Heh~. So this is the current breasts-loving Sekiryuutei who repelled Vali before. The one who apparently has heroes working for him," she said with mild interest.
They actually bothered to remember the breast-lover part? Well, it's not like it's wrong, Issei thought to himself. He saw Tamamo hold back a laugh after Kuroka said that.
Kuroka narrowed her eyes as she also finally took a good look at Issei's companions who were standing protectively around Issei and Koneko. "And who are these two? Are you fellow youkai?"
"Well, I am," said Tamamo playfully. "My partner here is a bit different from me. So, you're the Onee-sama that I've heard so much about. I wondered what you would be like."
"Awwww, Shirone was talking about me. Onee-sama is touched," said Kurouka while wiping away a fake tear. It was hard to tell if she was being sarcastic or not.
Tamamo stared at her for a bit before smiling. "It's strange. I feel like the two of us are similar. We would probably get along well."
"Funny, I was thinking the same thing," responded Kuroka.
The two shared a laugh and Bikou looked at them like trouble was about to start. "Ok. It's nice that you made a friend, Kuroka, but we should get going. There's nothing for us to do here."
"Nya~, fine, but I'm taking Shirone with us," said Kuroka carefreely.
Koneko tensed at that, and Atalanta was now standing more protectively over her. Issei's eyes narrowed while Tamamo's expression remained unchanged, although the air around her did. Bikou clearly thought this was troublesome. "Arara, if you bring her back with you of your own accord, Vali might get angry, you know?"
"When they know that the same power as mine flows within her, both Ophis and Vali will be convinced, right?" she said, trying to convince him.
"Well, they might agree… possibly," said Bikou, contemplating it.
Kuroka smiled wide and narrowed her eyes on Koneko. Issei had enough of that and stood directly between them. "Sorry, but my kouhai is important to me. Not only me but Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and the rest of the Gremory group. I can't entrust her to an irresponsible onee-san who would abandon her to save her own skin," declared Issei.
That line seemed to hit a sore spot as she made a sour face for a moment before returning to her playful one. Bikou let out a laugh. "No, no, that's very brave of you, but do you really intend to make me and Kuroka your opponents? Even if you managed to hurt Vali, fighting the two of us together won't go the same way. Even with your allies we're no pushovers. This time, we'll leave immediately once we take this girl, so it'll be fine for you, right?"
"I don't expect people who treat others like trinkets to understand. Simply put, you're not taking her. But speaking of allies, I have someone who's been wanting to meet you, shitty monkey," said Issei carefreely, but with an edge of determination.
This apparently piqued Bikou's interest. "Oh? And who might that be?"
Issei lifted his hand in front of him and summoned another Servant. The one who appeared was a woman in a Buddhist outfit, if a bit more risqué. She turned to greet Issei. "Do you need me for something, Master?" said Xuanzang Sanzang.
"Hey Xuanzang, I have someone here that you wanted to meet," said Issei while pointing at Bikou.
She turned to see the young man in familiar armor, holding a staff. Despite the different look she knew who it was immediately. "Oh! Is this Wukong?! This was the Wukong you were mentioning to me before, right? He definitely gives off the same mischievous vibe that my Wukong does," she said somewhat excitedly.
Bikou's eyes widened. He had heard tales of Xuanzang from his time with the old geezer and found it a bit funny that she was calling that old man mischievous, since he was anything but that now. The thing that surprised him the most though was that Xuanzang was apparently a woman. "Oi oi, is that really "the" Xuanzang Sanzang? I only heard stories from the old geezer. I never thought I would meet you."
"Life's full of surprises, but it's all fine. This too is part of the path to enlightenment," said Xuanzang. She twirled her staff and made a pose. "But seeing these conditions, I can only assume you need a lesson just like your predecessor."
Bikou smiled wildly at that. He was ready to fight someone he never thought he would get the chance to test his might against. Kuroka rolled her eyes seeing his face and snapped her fingers. A barrier formed around them. "Since it seems like a fight's inevitable, I made sure no more unexpected people join the party."
Koneko was still scared of Kuroka. She could tell she was still stronger than her and her conversations with Tamamo and Issei from before were also going through her mind. She wanted to ask Kuroka about the truth of that day, but now things had escalated beyond the point of talking. She instinctively grabbed Issei, not wanting to let him go, whether it was because she was scared he'd get hurt, or because she wanted to protect him, she wasn't sure. Issei noticed this and gave her a comforting smile. "Don't worry Koneko. I have no intention of dying here, and you won't be going anywhere you don't want to… You still want to stay with us, right?" asked Issei.
He realized he was being a bit mean, but he needed Koneko to confirm her own feelings. Koneko was silent for a bit, before tears started coming out of her eyes. "...I don't want to go… I am Toujou Koneko. Kuroka-neesama, I don't want to go with you! I want to live with Rias-buchou and Issei-senpai! To live!" she declared.
After hearing that, Kuroka briefly showed a bitter smile, and then gave a derisive laugh that would freeze a person's whole body. "Then, die." She extended her hand, and a strange mist came out and headed in their direction.
Tamamo knew what kind of attack that was and prepared her own magic. She threw a talisman, and a cold wind blew, gathering all the smoke and throwing it back at Kuroka. Not expecting this, Kuroka moved out of the way and used another magic to dispel her previous attack. Meanwhile Xuanzang and Bikou had started their own fight and were trading blows nearby. While Bikou was more skilled in terms of combat, Xuanzang outclassed him in terms of power. So, their fight was seemingly even, although Issei could tell Xuanzang was holding back, since she was treating this as being disciplined rather than an actual fight. Back with Kuroka, she had cast some kind of magic that started to warp the area around them, but Tamamo used her own Territory Creation to cancel out the spell with her own. "I may not be able to create my own domain, but I can at least use it to disrupt a weak spell like this," said Tamamo somewhat proudly.
"You think my power is weak?!" yelled Kuroka, clearly offended. She was about to unleash more magic but found a blade to her neck. She stopped and turned around only to see a red-armored figure behind her.
"Compared to them, that's only natural," said Issei in a calm tone. During the fight while Tamamo was distracting Kuroka, Issei went into Balance Breaker and Class-Changed to Archer. Koneko was surprised by Issei's new power but before she could say anything he was gone. Issei moved through the forest around them as the two battled and waited for an opening. Tamamo had picked up on Issei's movements and decided to play along. Once Tamamo had goaded Kuroka, Issei took that moment to strike. "Now then, your move, Bad Cat."
Kuroka was distressed for a moment before she took a breath to calm herself. Then her usual playful smile returned. "Nya~, so we're doing pet names now? I didn't realize you liked me so much. What do you plan to do to me?" she asked suggestively.
Issei smiled under his helmet. "Well, that all depends on what you do next. I'd rather not hurt a beautiful woman if I don't have to. It would be a crime to lose such a beauty."
Koneko could hear their conversation and huffed a bit with a displeased look. Kuroka seemed amused by this. "Ara? Such a flatterer you are. Then, would you be interested in having kittens with me?" she asked suggestively.
This question got Koneko, Tamamo, and Atalanta to stare at her in slight shock, with Tamamo and Koneko showing jealous expressions to different degrees. "I'd consider it, if you were willing to switch sides," Issei counter offered.
"Nya~, tempting. But wouldn't it be more fun if you came to our side?"
"Sorry, I have enough chaos in my life with having to join a group with Khaos literally in its name."
"Nya~, a shame."
Issei leaned in closer and started to whisper to Kuroka. "I can vouch for you to the devil's side if you're willing to tell me and Koneko the real reason you killed your former master."
This caused Kuroka to pause and her playful air completely vanished. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said curtly.
She stopped talking in her usual tone, thought Issei. "C'mon, there's more to your story than what is officially said. Tamamo down there is an expert on senjutsu. Koneko told her about her past and your incident and told her that what happened shouldn't be possible, unless there was foul play, or you did it on purpose. Koneko is willing to give you a chance to explain yourself. She is still unsure about everything, having believed you'd just up and abandoned her, but with this new perspective she has hope that there may be a better reason."
"There is no reason. I got tired of my former master and-"
"Sorry, but I don't buy that. You may be good at putting up a facade in front of others, but I have way too much practice with people like that. It was clear in your expressions earlier that you still care about Koneko. What's the point in pretending like you don't? Don't tell me it's something silly like people going after her because they might be associated with you." Kuroka remained silent as Issei had guessed right. "Well, here's a little news flash. Your plan to not associate with her for her own safety, didn't work. After you left the devils were planning on executing her, thinking she would end up just like you and be a danger. If it wasn't for Sirzechs vouching for her and Rias taking her in she would be dead already."
This news caused Kuroka to stiffen. She had hoped that at the very least the devils would keep her alive to use her long enough for Kuroka to come rescue her, but it seems that that wasn't the case. Koneko had gotten really lucky that the Maou was merciful. During this whole talk Kuroka had been gathering magic to use, but this conversation had her attention. "Why are you trying to help us?" She was genuinely curious.
"Do I need a reason to help someone who's hurting? Well, it's important to me because Koneko is important to me, but it's as simple as it being the right thing to do."
Kuroka let a small chuckle out. "How childish."
"Maybe, but if it makes people happy then I'll gladly be called anything anyone wants."
There was a loud explosion above them, gathering everyone's attention. The barrier that was used to isolate them was smashed open and Tannin entered the fray. "Seems like I was right. Someone was trying to cause some trouble unnoticed nearby. Oi, you brats from the Khaos Brigade, I'll gladly play with you if you're so bored!"
Bikou, who was roughed up from his fight, looked at Tannin with a wild smile. "Now the former Dragon King is here. This is starting to get more and more fun!"
Kuroka finally unleashed her magic to escape Issei's capture. The blast hit him point-blank and pushed him back. At the same time Kuroka moved around the blade Issei was using quickly to avoid getting cut. She then created space between them and prepared to fight again. That is until a tear in reality opened up. Appearing from out of the tear was—a man. A young man wearing a suit. He held in his hand a sword that was releasing a holy aura to the max. From what Issei could tell it seemed to be a holy sword. It actually felt eerily familiar. "That's far enough, Bikou, Kuroka. The devils have noticed," said the man.
Bikou landed near the man with a confused look. "Aren't you Vali's attendant? What are you doing here?"
The man pushed up his glasses and spoke. "Because Kuroka was being slow, I came to see. And even Bikou is here. Geez, what are you two doing?" he said with a sigh.
Tannin looked at the newcomer with clear alarm in his expression. "Everyone, don't get near that guy! The thing he's holding in his hand is really troublesome!" he warned. "The holy king sword Collbrande. Also known as Caliburn. For Collbrande, a weapon called the beyond strongest holy sword, to be with the Hakuryuukou is..."
"Caliburn… Then that means you're King Arthur's descendant," said Issei. This got the attention of the other Servants as well.
"But, two swords? The one that's in a sheath is also a holy sword, isn't it?" inquired Tannin.
The man pointed at the second sword. "This is the final Excalibur that was recently found, the strongest of the seven Excaliburs. Excalibur Ruler."
This made Issei and his Servants go on high alert. The four immediately went into a battle-ready stance while directing their gazes at the man. Bikou looked amused at this. "Seems they really don't like your swords," he said teasingly.
"You seem rather calm considering the situation," said Kuroka.
"Yes well, I also have an interest in the comrades of the Sekiryuutei as well. Sekiryuutei-dono, please give my greetings to the holy-demonic sword wielder, the wielder of Durandal, and my predecessors who serve you. I would like to face them as fellow swordsmen," said the young man. He then created another rift by cutting with his sword and the three retreated through it, although Kuroka took one last look at Koneko, then at Issei before leaving. The young man was the last to enter. "Goodbye Sekiryuutei."
As soon as they left, what was left of the barrier disappeared. Others picked up on what was happening and came to investigate. Issei and Tannin gave a breakdown of what happened and the party for the devils was hurriedly canceled. After they were done giving their statements Rias and the others came to Issei and Koneko. "Ise! Koneko! Are you two ok?!" asked Rias concerned.
"We're fine Rias," said Issei as he gave her a hug.
"I'm sorry for worrying you Buchou," said Koneko.
Rias left Issei's embrace and hugged Koneko next. Koneko was a bit surprised but not unhappy. "It's not a problem Koneko. As long as you're safe, that's all that matters," she said warmly. Koneko felt tears well up as she hugged Rias back.
Issei was looking at them warmly when he was approached by his other Servants. "Master are you alright?" asked Bazett.
"I'm fine. It was only a minor scuffle on my end. Didn't even get to fully test out my new abilities, which was a bummer. But I found something interesting." His Servants looked at him curiously as he turned his attention to Salter and Arthur (Prototype). "We ran into your descendant. He wields Caliburn and the last fragment of Excalibur."
This got all the Servants' attention but especially the two Kings of Britain. "Our descendant…" repeated Salter.
"I didn't think we would have any lineage to pass down," said Arthur (Prototype).
"He wanted me to convey to you and the other Artorias, as well as Kiba and Xenovia-" He looked at the two sword-wielders, who had apparently been listening to the conversation as the whole Gremory group were watching and listening. "That he looks forward to crossing blades with you."
Salter's expression returned to her usual stoic one, while Arthur showed a contemplative look. Kiba and Xenovia on the other hand had looks of determination on their faces as they approached Issei. "We won't lose to him," said Kiba.
"We'll make sure to be ready," said Xenovia.
Issei smiled at the knights. "I'm sure you will but be careful. I doubt that guy is any less dangerous than the others." The knights nodded.
"I didn't think we would have any descendants, considering how everything ended," said Arthur (Prototype).
"Well, there is one way," said Salter. The group looked at her, waiting for the answer, but Issei said it instead.
"Morgan Le Fey." Salter nodded at his answer and Arthur (Prototype) seemed to have come to the same conclusion. The rest were surprised that the wielder of Caliburn and the last Excalibur fragment was apparently Morgan's descendant. "I find it ironic that Morgan's descendant decided to follow the path of King Arthur rather than hers, although that might not be as far-fetched as it appears."
"What makes you say that, Master?" asked Salter a bit skeptical.
"There are a few interpretations of your legend in this world where at the end of your life Morgan helped guide your soul to Avalon. She had at some point let go of her grudge against you and gained a level of respect for you and regretted some of her actions. Too little too late if you want my opinion, but not the point. Since she respected you, it would make sense for her to hold onto important artifacts related to you and keep records about you for the future generations," explained Issei.
Salter and Arthur (Prototype) looked like they weren't sure how to feel about this. They doubted their Morgan was like that, but hearing another ended up regretting her decisions, made them feel strange. After a bit Arthur (Prototype) let out a sigh. "I always wished we could have gotten along when we were alive, but I guess we can add that to the list of mishandled events in our life."
Issei saw the melancholy look on his face and decided to change the subject. "So anyways, what happened while we were dealing with all that?"
Rias looked at Issei with a slight pout. "Well, after you ran off there was a notable increase in devil's trying to hit on me, though Bazett-san was quite good at warding them off. I had a chat with Ravel, and it was surprisingly smooth, considering. Then the ones in charge were about to make various announcements when we found out about what was going on with you guys. Tannin's attack on the barrier drew everyone's attention and we quickly realized something was up, especially since you and Koneko were missing."
Koneko looked down, slightly ashamed. "I'm sorry Buchou. It's my fault for wandering away and causing Issei-senpai to follow me."
"Don't blame yourself Koneko-chan. It was my decision to follow you, and if it weren't for that, they really could have taken us by surprise. In the end, everything worked out," comforted Issei.
"Well, it worked out here. I'm not sure how some of our allies will receive the news of the party being attacked," said Rias. Issei grunted in agreement and slight annoyance. He knew what kind of trouble the politics of all this would bring.
"Well, I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there. C'mon, let's go home and prepare for the match tomorrow." The group nodded and made their way back to the manor.
So, I noticed after I finished writing this chapter that there wasn't really much fighting in this. Most of the main fight was just talking since I wanted to get into the interaction between Issei and Kuroka with the new perspective that he had from a few chapters ago. Meanwhile Bikou's fight was offscreen because it wasn't relevant to the main story and was just filler in the original as well. Honestly, the real fight of this volume is gonna be the next two chapters when we get into the rating game, but I thought how I handled Issei trying to negotiate with Kuroka well, although I'll let you guys decide that. Anyways, I look forward to the comments like always. : )