Chapter 28 The Leaders Summit Part 2: The Demon King and the Shadow
For the days leading up to the open house, Anos and Sirzechs looked for another venue to hold a private meeting between the Leaders.
Sirzechs wanted a place where there was no possible chance the information they would be revealing could get leaked.
The duo decided any place could have a possible leak and finalized on creating an alternate dimension that only certain individuals who were given access could enter.
With the venue and preparations completed, Anos and Sirzechs focus their attention on a much more entertaining matter.
Anos left the shared hotel with Sirzechs, Grayfia, and Rin, "did you get enough sleep? How does it feel sleeping outside your luxurious bed."
"Oh please," says Sirzechs with a wave of his hand, "I barely get to even sleep in the dam thing. I sleep more at my desk than anywhere else."
Sirzechs crosses his arms, giving Anos a sideways glance, "some of us have real jobs, you know, like running an entire underworld," "been there and done that. It isn't easy, but any who where's mom and dad."
Anos glanced at his watch Open House was about to start, and their parents asked them to wait for them, "yea, I can give them a call."
Anos calls his Father to figure out where they are, but the moment he is about to call, a teleportation appears in front of the hotel, "hello, boys. Hope we didn't have you wait long."
Both shake their heads no and look down, noticing another presence they didn't account for Ravel.
Her presence wasn't unwelcome, but it was a surprise to see her here, "we thought it would be nice to bring Ravel," said Venelana with a hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Umm…uhhh…hello hope I'm not intruding," Ravel was then about to bow to Sirzechs, "no need to bow as of now I am not a Devil but an elder brother here to see his sister at school."
"No need, Ravel; like mother said, you are a part of the family now," Ravel's nervousness disappears.
"Well, with that out of the way, if we don't hurry, we might be late," says Zeoticus clapping his hands together, "I should tell Serafall about this," says Anos thinking aloud as the school starts to come into view, "no need I told her already," says Sirzechs.
At the school, Sona was doing her rounds in the hall with Tsubaki when a sense of dread washed over her, "President is something wrong," Sona grabbed her chest as she started to shake profusely.
Tsubaki asks with alarm in her voice, "Sona, what's wrong? Are you okay," "I have a bad feeling I have been cursed?"
A little later, Rias felt very much cursed; earlier in the day, she was hopeful.
When her class started, the parents of everyone started to trickle in, but not hers, and she was very grateful.
She didn't want them coming here embarrassing her, so her hope was thrown out the window ten minutes into class started.
With a mix of embarrassing and familiar voices, "darling, are you sure this is the right one this time," "I'm pretty sure," "I'm sure one of these has to be her classroom," "hey, look I recognize that head anywhere."
Rias eyes bulge as she starts to sweat, "with red hair like that, you all must be the family of Rias."
"Look, there she is," said Sirzechs coming into the classroom, followed by Anos, Ravel, Rin, and Grayfia.
Rias sent them all a murderous glare, well, except RavelRavel.
She didn't really notice her. She mentally screamed about why are they clogging up the entire room.
The professor then stops the class to greet the family.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet the Gremory family. Your daughter is one of my best students," Zeoticus smiles at the teacher, "thank you, Rias is the best daughter we could hope for."
The family splits into half to take up less space; Sirzechs, Zeoticus, and Grayfia stand on the left wall while everyone else goes to stand on the opposite side.
Unfortunately for Rias, she had a window seat, so Anos, Ravel, Venelana, and Rin stood beside her.
"Rias, you should pay attention to your teacher," Rias had her head on her desk from embarrassment, "why are you guys here," Rias said in a whisper, only audible to them.
"Is it so wrong for a twin to visit his twin," "wait, you have a twin brother Rias," blurts out a student sitting behind Rias.
Rias, in response, glares at Anos for not whispering that key detail, "wait, you're Rias twin," "Rias has a twin," "they don't look alike," "they must be fraternal," with the newest relation that Rias has a twin the classroom burst into an uproar discussion.
Parents and teacher attempted to quiet down the class, but it was futile.
Anos coughs into his hand, clearing his throat, which cuts through everyone talking.
"Yes, Rias and I are fraternal twins," Anos then looked toward the teacher, "sorry, professor, for disrupting the class."
The teacher sighed, "it seems the class is more interested in learning about you than my lecture, so why not open the floor up for a Q&A," in hindsight, the teacher was curious why Anos was not in school.
All the boys and girls stretch their hands high in the sky, eager to ask their questions first as they stare at Anos.
Anos smirks, then point at a girl and stand with a smile, "umm…hi…so yea, who is the oldest between you and Rias?"
"I have Rias beat by ten minutes," Anos then points at a boy, "if Rias is here, why aren't you in school like her."
"I have already graduated high school and college, so I wouldn't need to attend college."
Anos was about to move to another student, but the boy had a follow-up question, "wait, you graduated college already. Why didn't Rias."
Rias rolled her eyes.
She liked having a twin but hated being compared to him; they didn't look alike for a reason, "Rias enjoys school more than me, but for me, I just found it a waste of time personally."
Cutting into the conversation out of interest, the professor speaks, "you graduated college already. Which school did you attend," "Harvard, I have my Doctoral in mycology along with a few undergraduate degrees."
The professor snickered, "it seems you and Rias are really twins since she is in the occult research club."
Rias reached over under the desk and pinched Anos leg while giving him a glare out the corner of her eye, "next, how about you."
The girl nodded with a blush and then stood, and something about how the girl looked at Anos made RavelRavel slightly angry.
"Hello, I'm Sakura, age 17, and I was wondering if you are uhhh….would like to go on a date," Ravel'sRavel's eye twitched in anger.
They haven't even been here in here ten minutes, "hold on now, Sakura, what makes you think you have the right to ask him," barks out another girl, "and what gives you the right," says another.
Ravel then screams louder than even Anos ever heard the young girl speak before, "actually, he is already taken," the room falls silent as everyone looks at RavelRavel.
She then grabs Anos arm holding it possessively, "he is my fiancé, and I don't want to share with a single one of you."
Ravel didn't mind sharing Anos, but she didn't approve of these humans who didn't even know him trying to date him just based on his looks.
Anos chuckled, "sorry ladies, I am indeed already taken, so I must turn you all down," sour looks form on all the girl's faces, and the boys in the class start crying tears of relief and joy.
Ravel stares daggers at each girl in the class, unable to meet her glare.
Noticing that no one was staring lustfully at Anos, Ravel calmed down, but she felt new gazes as she started to turn bright red.
"Who knew you had a possessive side to you," all of Ravel's self-confidence was gone, and she couldn't bring herself to look up to Anos.
"Lady Phenex will never believe this," Ravel then looked up to Venelana as she attempted to cover her mouth with her hand.
"Please don't tell mother about this," sensing this is a good time to restart class.
The professor continued his lecture and was able to since Ravel's outburst silenced the students from asking any more questions.
The class came to an end, and Rias had a few words about how her family came into the classroom, "you guys are killing me. There are way too many of you."
She looked at Grayfia, "why are you here? I thought you would have been busy," "I have finished cleaning and figured I could spend time with my sister in law is that so wrong, my Lady," Rias pinched her nose, "no I guess not," "what about you, Rin why are you here."
"I am only here to observe your brother, nothing more, nothing less," before Rias could unpack that statement, Anos interjected, "how about this I take Rin, Ravel, and mother and go to some of Akeno's classes so we aren't crowding the classroom, and we swap every now and then."
They were a big group, so this was a better option, Rias grunted.
She would have preferred if they all left, "I'm sorry for intruding, Rias," "actually, Ravel, of everyone here, you give me the less headache being here."
Venelana karate chopped Rias on the head, "now now, Rias, mind your manners," "ouch, that really hurt," "but Anos idea isn't half bad.
I wouldn't mind seeing how Akeno is doing, plus we might be able to stop by the rest of your peerages classes."
Rias celebrated a small victory in her mind while keeping her face neutral; the bell rang, signaling they had five minutes until the next class started.
The family split in two, but after a few seconds, a realization came to all their minds, except for Rin, because she didn't care.
They did not have the slightest idea of where Akeno's class was, any one of them could have tried to sense her presence, but that would have, in a way, removed the emersion of looking for her class.
Fortunately, they came across a very familiar Nekomata on her way to class, "hello, Lady Gremory, Anos and Fried Chicken. It's surprising that you are here."
With a teasing smirk, Ravel flicked her hair behind her head, "say what you want, little kitty. It's obvious I have already won."
Koneko's eyes narrowed viciously as her jealousy escalated, "but don't worry, I don't mind sharing if you admit defeat."
"You're only engaged, not married. I can easily marry him first," Ravel's eye twitched in annoyance, "why I outta."
"Actually, Koneko," interjects Anos putting his hand in between both rivals, "we were looking for Akeno's class. Do you know where it might be?"
Koneko glanced at RavelRavel with a slight smirk which made the other girl's eyes burn with fury, "yes, it's down the hall. Take a left, and it's the third door on the right. If I'm not mistaken, she has science."
"Thank you, Koneko," says Anos with a grateful smile, and she blushes, "of course, no problem," but before they depart, Ravel speaks, "can I hang with Koneko."
"Eww, no, I would rather hang with Issei while he's peeping on girls," Ravel scoffs, "that is so rude," Koneko then sighs, "ughhh fine, just don't annoy me."
"This is rather sudden. Any particular reason why you want to stay with Koneko" asked Venelana, curious as to why she wanted to spend time with Koneko. "
I've never been to a human school before and want to explore a bit," "okay, but if anything happens, don't hesitate to call us."
Ravel nods and follows Koneko as she heads for her next class while the trio makes their way to Akeno's class.
"Hello, who might you be looking for," says the professor after Anos, Venelana, and Rin.
Akeno didn't turn around since no one from her family would be here, or so she thought.
"I am Akeno's stepmother," "and I'm her stepbrother," Akeno turns to the back of the room to see Venelana and Anos waving at her. She smiles brightly at them, previously unaware that they would be coming.
The bell rings an hour later, signaling the end of class.
"Hello, Lady," "hush now, Akeno, for today I am not Lady Gremory but your stepmother. So just call me mother," "I already told you are like the other little sister I never had, so feel free to call me brother," both say in a whisper. Akeno giggles with a blush, "okay, and thank you, mother and brother, for coming.
This was totally unexpected."
"Your reaction to us being here was much better than Rias. She looked miserable we were here," says Venelana with a pout as she puffs us her cheeks.
"I am sure she was just embarrassed. I don't think she was unhappy that you all are here," "well, aren't you just the sweetest little thing," says Venelana pinching Keno's cheek playfully.
The day went smoothly.
The Gremory family spent the day exploring the school on open house.
Ravel reluctantly enjoyed her time with Koneko jumping from class to class and enjoying her time with her friends.
"How long have you known Koneko," asks a female student at the lunch table, "umm, about a year and a half," says Ravel, "yea, about that much."
"So are you guys, good friends," asks the same girl, "hell no," "absolutely not," the surrounding students chuckle, "yea, sure."
During one of the swaps, Anos and Zeoticus decided to go to Issei's class and saw something they both had mixed reactions about upon walking in.
Issei was in his sculpture class, and they were late because it was on the opposite side of the school.
But when they walked inside, Anos let out an annoyed sigh, while Zeoticus could only chuckle in amusement, "you know it isn't half bad, and why are you upset you have seen Rias naked before."
"I'm pretty sure you know that's not the issue here," "I'm just glad Rias has found a boy who likes her so much," "it's a naked sculpture of your daughter and my sister for everyone to see."
"Come now, it's not that detailed," "I can see a nipple," "the more detailed a sculpture is, the better," Anos just shook his head.
The level of perversion in this world knew no bounds.
Besides that, the day went smoothly well, except for Sona, Anos only saw her once, and she ran down the hall while Serafall followed her in pursuit.
But he did run into Serafall, who had lost sight of Sona, "hey, Anos and Rin, how's it going? Have you seen Sona," "actually, I did, but she was running from you, and that was the last time I saw her."
"I just don't understand why," Anos could possibly understand why Sona ran from Serafall because some of the stuff she would say to the poor girl bordered on incest.
"Also, I'm pretty sure you can't be wearing that," Serafall looked at her magical girl outfit in confusion, "you know that boy in Sona's peerage said the same thing, and I can't understand why."
Serafall was in her magical girl outfit, which left nothing to the imagination under her barely considered short skirt.
"Is it not cute," Serial then struck a pose flashing Anos in the process, and luckily this time, she was wearing underwear, thankfully "this is the human world adult can't flash underage kids."
Serafall dropped her pose and glanced at the students and parents walking past with a blush, "why didn't anyone tell me," she said with a blush of embarrassment.
"I don't want people thinking I'm some kind of pedo," Anos pinched his nose, "if you are here, that means you should have known there was a dress code."
Serafall tried to push down her skirt and hide her butt, "no, Sirzechs just said there was an open house today, and I have always worn this at Sona's open houses in the underworld."
Anos chuckled with a sigh, "well, I think you should go change before they call the police and you are forcibly removed."
Serafall nodded furiously and ran toward the nearest bathroom to change her clothes but stopped momentarily to say, "oh yea, don't forget I still need to talk to you," "don't worry, I haven't forgotten."
At the end of the day, the family rejoined at the lobby and decided to have a small gathering after Mr. Hyoudou invited Zeoticus and the family over for drinks and some food.
The families met up later that night, which greatly annoyed Rias since she wanted them all to leave immediately, even more so since they kept playing videos they took of her throughout the day. Weirdly enough, Issei was awfully polite to Anos, even offering to get him food and drinks when he ran out.
"Issei, could you stop acting like my brother's servant? He already has one," said Rias as her annoyance was reaching its peak due to the video and now Issei acting weird.
Issei nervously looked at Anos, and in return, Anos just glanced at him out of the corner of his eye while talking to Ravel, who sat across from him at the table.
"I am just being a good host; we have a lot of people, and I need to make sure all the drinks stay fresh," that made sense to Rias, but Issei was only pouring Anos drinks and getting him food.
Anos then took a sip of the beer Mr. Hyoudou bought earlier, and Issei ran to refill it, "sorry president, I have to refill masters drink," "huh," said Rias with a stupid expression, then she thought, "when did he start calling Anos master and why."
"Here you go, master fresh beer," Issei poured a drop of beer into the drink, "and would you like me to warn your food up? It seems it is getting cold."
"Sure," said Anos, and Issei took the plate and darted toward the microwave, "uhhh…okay I gotta ask what's going on," said RavelRavel, "yea did you do something to him," says Mittelt who was sitting next to Anos.
Anos looked at Issei, who was standing awkwardly next to the microwave waiting for the food, "it's more of like what I haven't done," "oh, you mean that," "huh, what," said RavelRavel now looking at Mittelt?
"Pervert over there," says Mittelt in a whisper leaning over the table, "created a perfectly nude sculpture of Rias in class, and trust me, he left nothing to the imagination."
"I see. So what did you do, Anos," a playful smirk formed on Anos's face, "absolutely nothing," Issei returned with freshly warmed-up food.
"Here you go, master," Anos then looked at Issei out of the corner of his eye, "ummmm…uhhh..do you need a napkin," "no," said Anos, and Issei gulped, "uhhh, how about a refill," "no," Issei squeaked in fear and fearfully walked away.
"So you torturing him psychologically," says Ravel. Anos winked at her with a smirk, "I bet you are not even as mad as you are acting," "nope, not at all."
Ravel giggled, and Mittelt sighed with a roll of her eyes, "how did you enjoy your time at Kuoh," asked Anos, eating some of his food, "it wasn't as fancy as any schools I have been to, but weirdly enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind learning more."
"Well, if you liked it that much, I think Sona could pull some strings to enroll you. That reminds me, how are the two girls from the church doing," Mittelt raised an eyebrow, "Irina and Xenovia? Fine, I guess I don't really talk to Xenovia, and Irina usually hands close by Xenovia, losing an arm has destroyed her once cheerful spirit."
Anos nodded, understanding he wouldn't mind replacing her arm, but coming up with a cover story could be much more challenging than he cared to handle.
"I know that look. Anos, if you can't solve the issue, there is no need to get worked up," said Ravel pointing her fork at Anos, "but I could… it's just a matter of if I should."
Rin, for the first time since arriving, made a noise, "hmmm," Anos turned to her with a raised eyebrow, "you have the power, so I don't understand why you are being indecisive."
Anos smirked, "me indecisive never," "well then, help the girl. I saw the way you looked the human. You were just begging to help the human when you saw her with the other human."
He nodded in response. Although Irina was not under him, he couldn't help but want to help someone in need, "who knew I had a council to help me make the right decisions."
"If you didn't, you would probably always be doing something stupid," said Mittelt, now turning her attention toward the tv showing her getting yelled at by the teacher for going to sleep in class.
The two families enjoyed each other company well into the night, but eventually, both had to take their separate ways.
Ravel, Venelana, and Zeoticus returned to the estate, and Grayfia and Sirzechs took their leave to the hotel.
Although Anos had a different idea, "a surprise," said Sirzechs with a raised eyebrow, "yes," "are you going to let me in on what you are doing," Anos waved his finger, "that would ruin the surprise."
Sirzechs looked at his watch, "the meeting with the leaders is in a few hours," "don't worry, what I have planned will be worth it."
Anos then teleported away to Ajuka's lab, leaving a confused Grayfia and Sirzechs at the hotel entrance, "what do you think he is up to now."
Sirzechs just shrugged, having the same burning question in his mind. Anos looked at the spell he had created with nothing but satisfaction.
The three-dimensional circle that hovered on the desk was pure white with three golden rings surrounding it.
On the circle itself, it had a pair of Angels wings with numerous symbols surrounding it.
"You know I had the same idea with a deck of cards, but yours is much better. Make sure you tell me after the meeting how well it worked," said Ajuka analyzing the three-dimensional circle.
Meanwhile, Sirzechs was with Serafall at the hotel, "are you sure this place is secure," "yes, the entire area is encased in a barrier that will track anyone who enters, but the venue itself will be encased in a barrier inside an alternate dimension."
Serafall was in her business suit, and Sirzechs was in one too. Grayfia was in charge of monitoring the barriers. Especially the one that tracked every animal, human, or supernatural entering and leaving the barrier.
"Lord Lucifer," "what is it, Grayfia," "three angelic signatures just entered the barrier down the street to your left," Sirzechs looked to the left and saw three familiar faces.
Azazel, Baraqueil, and Shemhazai walked in their direction in black suits, and it didn't take long for them to arrive, "greeting gentlemen," announced Serafall, "sup Serafall and Sirzechs, long time no see," responded Azazel, "it is a pleasure to see you all in good health," said Sirzechs.
Serafall then gestured toward the door, "please follow me," Serafall held the door open for the trio as they walked inside, "hope this isn't a trap," whispered Baraqueil.
"Grayfia, any word on the Seraphs," "no," "well, I am here," Sirzechs jumped back and then relaxed, squeezing his pounding heart.
"Geez, Anos, you scared me," "Anos? I didn't pick…actually, never mind," said Grayfia ignoring the fact Anos snuck into a barrier he created to detect anyone who entered.
"Weirdly, the Angels haven't arrived yet," "yea, Michael isn't the type of person to arrive late," said Sirzech looking toward the sky.
"My King, two new angelic signatures matching Michael and Gabriel have arrived," "two," questioned Sirzech, "I thought all our were coming," "something must have come up."
Michael and Gabriel approached in all-white suits, "apologies for the almost late arrival. Something came up in heaven that needed their attention."
Anos concealed his presence before they got close enough for them to see him. Anos followed the three silently without Michael and Gabriel knowing he was there.
The four arrived in a rented-out venue in the hotel. The room had a round table. A pitcher of water was on the table, with a glass in front of each seat.
"Well, if it isn't old man Michael," Michael smiled warmly at Azazel, "old man, that's new brother," "hey Azazel, Baraqueil, and Shemhazai, it's been a while," said Gabriel waving at everyone with a cheerful smile.
Now that everyone was seated, a question that everyone was wondering was dropped on the table by Azazel, "so why exactly are we here? I am all for getting out of work, but you guys are very vague on what we would discuss."
Serafall and Sirzechs glanced at each other, and Serafall spoke in a leveled tone, "how well do you trust us," Azazel raised an eyebrow, "compared to the original devil kings, I'd say you're much more trustworthy."
"My daughter is in you're sister's care, and she is partly Fallen, plus your family took her in knowing she is a Fallen," commented Baraqueil.
"My wife is a devil, so I know not all devils are evil, but there are times when her devilish side comes out," said Shemhazai.
"Trust goes both ways, Serafall, and so far, you have been trusting, so I will put my trust in you," says Gabriel.
"Times are changing, so we need to start expanding our circle of trust even if that truly needs to expand towards the devils," delivered Michael in a calm tone.
"Okay, that's reassuring, but what if we told you that we may know the identity of the Shadow that has," Serafall said slowly to gauge their reaction.
Before any of them could respond, a magic circle appeared under the table as the world turned grey, "what's the meaning of this, and what do you mean you may know who the Shadow is," said Shemhazai eyeing both Sirzechs and Serafall dangerously.
"Shemhazai pipe down if they wanted us dead then we would be under attack by now," said Azazel putting his feet on the table and getting more relaxed.
Michael and Gabriel said nothing, deciding to see where this conversation was about to go and wait for Serafall to explain further.
"Seventeen years again, Sirzechs mother, Lady Venelana, had twins, a boy, and a girl. Rias and Anos Gremory."
Serafall then paused for dramatic effect to watch their demeanors closely.
Everyone was tense but decided to let Serafall explain further before they decided to add their response.
"After learning about this Shadow from Amaterasu and other sources, we believe with high certainty that the Shadow is Anos."
Gabriel was the first one to speak, "you think the second-born son of the house of Gremory is an entity that will destroy the world," she then looked toward Sirzechs, "but your brother is only seventeen, correct? How can he have the power to destroy the world? Is he another Super-Devil that surpasses you, Sirzechs?"
Serafall let out a soft sigh, "yes and no," "well, out with it," said Baraqueil, his patience was growing thin.
"Seventeen years ago, we learned that Anos is a reincarnation from another world, and in this world, he is known as Anos Voldigoad, the Demon King of Tyranny."
"Well, that's a very ominous name," says Azazel with a smirk, "You both believe this," commented Michael, and they nodded, "what proof do you have of this, and what proof do you have that he is not a threat?"
"My brother has been here for seventeen years and has done nothing to show that he is a threat to this world," "if I'm not wrong, he gave Kokabiel and Parisa a run for their money. Seems like he is a big threat to me," said Shemhazai.
"In all due respect, from what we have learned in heaven from the prophecies, it seems your brother is a monster. No offense, Sirzechs," said Michael trying not to offend.
"I know, and from what Anos has told us, he lives up to his name, but he is not evil," responded Sirzechs trying not to take offense to what Michael said.
"What proof do the both of you have that he isn't a threat," "what proof would you like," said a voice from a corner of the room. Anos then canceled the illusion spell with Rin standing by his side.
Everyone turns their attention toward the Anos leaning on the wall as Rin stays silent, "how long has," "the whole time, I actually walked in at the same time as Michael, and this little pocket dimension is one of my own creations."
"Well, for starters, why shouldn't we tell every pantheon who you are and have them destroy you now," "well, that is the purpose of this meeting. To prove I am no threat to this world."
"And how will you do that," said Azazel, Anos walking toward the table with a snap of his fingers, "to trust someone, you must learn who they are first."
A magical projection of the planet Anos was from appeared on the table, "this is my world. Our continents are very different and a little larger oceans," before held different levels of disbelief when Serafall said Anos was from another world, but the more Anos spoke they were inclined to believe.
He gave them a short description of his world, explaining their culture, the gods that ruled over it, and the different races as well. Next, he told them about the war and everything he did for the sake of peace.
He told and showed the battles of the countries he scorched, the gods he reduced to nothing, and the many races he brought to extinction.
The whole time Anos talked, they thought he couldn't have gotten stronger after that. Is there any way to kill him? I can see why he was known as the Demon King of Tyranny.
But for the first time, he smiled during the meeting, "this is Hero Kanon, the only human alive who overpowered me in levels of source magic. He was the only human, or entity for that matter, to have seven sources."
After hearing about how much he despised humans and the other races, it was a culture shock to learn about a human who surpassed him in terms of source magic.
"What did you like about this particular human Anos," Anos flicked his finger, and the projection of Kanon changed to a battlefield.
The image was from Anos's perspective, he watched as Kanon had his sword sheathed, arms open wide between an army of humans and an army of demons.
"None of you want to die, correct, and I don't want to kill any of you," "hero Kanon please get out of the way," "stand down, captain," currently, the battle was at a stalemate with heavy losses on both sides.
Hero Kanon had miraculously divided both armies to stop the fighting, "Demon King Anos, I challenge you. Whoever is the loser, their army will have to retreat. I say there has been enough death for today."
Then memory distorts and reveals the same battlefield from earlier to a burning Hell's cape. Hero Kanon stood hunched over his sword, bleeding and coughing up blood with a broken sword in hand, "why do you fight?"
"Simple, I'm the hero, and as the hero, it is my job to save lives no matter who or what they are," the vision ended, and Anos spoke, "that battle lasted four days, and I had killed him over a thousand times, but he kept resurrecting his sources each time I destroyed one, even when his sword had long been destroyed he kept fighting, and the battle ended in my loss.
I saw something in Hero Kanon that day that I never saw in any human. He was a true hero.
Eventually, the gods created the only sword in existence that could kill me, Evansmana, The Spirit God Sword."
Another memory then above the table, "but for some reason, he never used the sword to kill me," "You are a fascinating human Hero Kanon, I have given you several opening to slash my source yet you haven't taken one," Kanon narrowed his eyes, "killing you won't end the cycle of hatred, it would cause the humans to just push forward until every demon is dead."
In the memory from Anos's POV, he had his hand extended toward Heron Kanon with an explosion spell ready. Anos hand then slowly lowered his hand, canceling the spell.
"I shall withdraw for now, bury your head and celebrate this victory. I will attack again in a week," the memory ended, "with each battle, I grew to know and learn of human kindness through Kanon and slowly but surely began to respect him, but he was right. There was no way to extinguish all the hatred of demons in the world. So I came up with a plan."
Azazel rubbed his chin, "pulling out the war wouldn't solve the problem, and if you allowed yourself to be killed, all of the demon kind would most likely have to be eradicated, so you…" "with the power he has he divided the hold," interjected Michael.
Anos nodded, "I am not a saint, nor do I consider myself evil, and I don't regret anything I did, but I was finished with this cycle of hatred. So I came up with a plan. I created a spell that would activate upon my death. It would erect a barrier that would isolate every realm for at least two thousand years."
For a final time, the magical projection distorted to show the moment before Anos's death; everyone watched silently. Serafall and Sirzehcs have seen this scene before.
But it didn't mean they liked seeing their friend and brother die so his world could live peacefully. For the rest, they had mixed reactions. For Azazel, he understood where Anos was coming from.
He would do anything for the sake of Faction, and if it meant laying down his life so his people prosper, he would do, but he wouldn't have taken a sword to the chest as easily as Anos.
Shemhazai just watched Anos's facial expression; he wished he didn't understand or want to believe that a man like that could change from terrorizing the world to laying down his life willfully so the world could live in peace.
Baraqueil tried to remain as stubborn as possible; he was itching for a reason to kill Anos, but after learning what he knows now, it wouldn't be possible without the sword, and only Hero Kanon can use it.
Gabriel was in tears; it was hard watching his upbringing and harder watching him massacre thousand, but it wasn't like he started the war.
He was just protecting his people. After watching Anos in his final moments, she subconsciously thought they would have been cheering, but the atmosphere felt sad.
So she couldn't stop herself from crying sorrowfully. Michale thought his job was hard; how many brothers and sisters had died because of his actions, he couldn't understand how Father did.
And after learning how Anos was in a similar place of leadership to him, he felt some sense of kinship, and he was glad at the end of his life he was glad that, unlike the deceased Devil Kings, he was able to have a change of heart.
"The purpose of me showing you all this is because I need to get back, this world is nice, but I promised my people that I would return to them. So please believe me when I say I don't want war. I truly want to return home and see what has become of my people."'
The Leaders glanced at each other, trying to see if she could read each other's hidden thoughts on the matter, "I also have gifts."
Anos opened his reveling the angelic three-dimensional magic circle he created earlier, "Lord Michael and Lady Gabriel, I understand that after the death of the Father, you are unable to create new angels."
Everyone in the room's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at what Anos was eluding to, "with this you can turn humans or any supernatural into Angels."
In disbelief, Michael and Gabriel stood in surprise, staring at the circle, "I created it last night as a token of peace. I haven't tested it yet, but I am sure it works."
"How in the world did you create a spell to turn people into angels," glorified Azazel, amazed at the magic circle.
"I replicated angelic magic and used the reincarnation system from the evil pieces as a reference," "pause, you can use holy magic," Anos answered Baraqueil by creating a perfect light spear and tossing it to him.
It fumbled in his hands for a second, and he analyzed it in disbelief, it was indeed a perfect light spear.
"May I," said Gabriel outstretching her hand to look at the light spear. He handed it to her in disbelief. Serafall and Sirzechs could do nothing but sweat drop with nervous smirks on their faces, "I feel like they forgot we were here," said Sirzechs whispering in Serafall's ear, "well, they are still trying to overcome their shock."
Michael didn't know what to say; he stared at the spell hovering in Anos's hand as Azazel kept analyzing it with stars in his eyes.
A spell like this could refill their slowing dying pantheon, but there was lingering guilt, "I appreciate the offer Anos, but I can not accept such a generous offer."
Creating new angels was his Father's job, and who was he to act like Father and start creating new angels, "creating new angels is or was the job of Father and having that ability just feels wrong."
A sympathetic look formed on Gabriel's face, "brother," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Michael, what I am about to say might sound harsh, but it is not meant to be," Michael stared at Anos with a questioning gaze.
"The Father is dead, and for the sake of your faction, I am sure you have made decisions that wouldn't have aligned with his wishes," no one said anything and just listened.
"I'm not gonna pretend as if I know him better than you. All I can go by is what I have learned and read."
Anos then extend the spell toward Michael, "but if he didn't trust you to lead heaven in the right direction, you wouldn't be in the position you are in now."
The spell floated toward Michael as he turned all his attention toward it but still kept listening to Anos, "don't think of this spell as you replacing the Father but as a way to make your people more prosperous."
Michael sighed as a smile formed on his face, "do you think Father would accept this decision," his question wasn't necessarily directed toward Anos but to anyone who had an answer.
"Brother, I don't think there is not a soul in heaven that would see this as you replacing Father. No one in heaven could, but I am sure no one would be upset with you doing this times are changing, and we must change with them."
"If you don't take it, I will," said Azazel with a laugh; Michael outstretched his hand with an open palm, "what do I do now?"
"Here, let me lend a hand," Anos extended his hand to the three-dimensional spell.
The spell started to break down as particles started to leave and float into his palm. It took a second before it was completely gone.
Anos then started to explain how it worked, but Michael noticed something weird, not a bad weird he just felt a lot stronger, like a lot stronger, "recreate the spell in your mind, and it will appear to pour your magic into it and it will do the same process to you to the targeted individual."
Anos rubbed his chin as Michael rolled his shoulders, opening and closing his fist, "oh yea, there is a side effect but nothing major," Gabriel looked at Anos, alarmed, "side effect?"
Michael then released his golden wings stealing everyone's attention, but then they all had surprise on their face.
The count of Michael's wings was off; instead of twelve, he had fourteen, a genetic impossibility, "the difference between this spell and the evil pieces is the fact where the extra magic is stored.
The magic to turn someone into a devil is in pieces for the evil pieces. Still, for this, its place in the extra pair of wings."
Everyone just stared dumbstruck at Michael, "now Azazel," in response, he looked toward Anos, "I have decided to help you with any of your research on producing sacred gears."
"hey now with a demon of your caliber I could create some pretty extraordinary things," "Shemhazai," "I don't need anything just your word that you are not our enemy," "on my life as the Founding Ancestor I am not your enemy," Shemhazai nodded, "that is good enough for me."
Anos looked toward Baraqueil, "I don't want anything either," Anos raised an eyebrow, "are you sure not even to speak to Akeno again."
Baraqueil bit his lip and shook his head, "that would be nice, but I doubt she would listen to what I have to say."
"She used holy lighting in a rating game," Baraqueil's eyes widened, "I don't think she has forgiven you either, but she may be in the process of moving on. If you want to take the first step, just let me know, and I'll work something out," Baraqueil nodded with a thoughtful gaze in his eyes.
"Umm...Lord Anos, this gift," Anos looked to Michael, and Gabriel seemed distressed, "this is," "not enough? Well, here," Anos opened his hand, creating the spell he gave to Michael again."
Both their eyes widened again, "I figured one would be sufficient, but if you," "no," screamed Gabriel, "sorry, didn't mean to yell, but this is too much."
"It's fine truly here," the three spells floated to the two Seraphs who trying to tell Anos, "Anos, I think you're overpaying," he looked toward Sirzechs, who was pinching his nose.
"Overpaying," Anos said with a raised eyebrow, "yes," Azazel laughed, "I see this a normal thing," "unfortunately Anos still hasn't learned the meaning of the word restraint," "I could have turned him in a god but figured that would be too much," said Anos crossing his arms.
"No, but we must find a way to compensate you," "there is only one thing I want to know," "and what is that," pleaded Gabriel, "tell me what you know about Ereshkigal."
"That is a name I have not heard centuries, but are you sure that's all you desire," "yes, there isn't anything else that comes to mind."
Sirzechs waved as copies of the documents appeared on the table about what they knew about Ereshkigal.
All of them took time to go over the document, "so you believe this girl who calls herself Death is actually Ereshkigal," Anos nodded in confirmation at Michael, "if she has merged her soul with Mittelt, why not fabricate some spell to separate them and that reminds me thanks for bringing her back from the dead by the way," said Azazel looking at the physical description of Death which matched what he knew about the old god.
"Whatever Death did, I can not undo it. She perfectly merged both of their souls. It would be safe to say Mittelt's soul is practically new. There isn't anything to change from what I could see."
"Well, that matches perfectly to one of Ereshkigal's abilities but to personality described is the only thing that doesn't match," said Michael.
Seeing the confusion on Anos' face, Gabriel explained, "I met Ereshkigal a few times with Father when we visited the Mesopotamian Pantheon, and she was a very shy and timid goddess."
Flash Back to Ancient Mesopotamia Thousands of Years Ago
A much younger Gabriel was with the Father and several other Angels in the ancient Mesopotamia Pantheons domain.
The Father went to talk to Anu, the supreme god of these lands, about a particular goddess who can create souls.
This was a pleasant visit, just a friendly private visit. "Gabriel, I don't like it here.
The gods here look at us with such lust," "I know what you mean. I have felt their lustful gazes too."
They stood outside the throne room; the Father was inside alone with Anu speaking privately.
Gabriel started to look around the empty hallway.
It felt like she was being watched. But unlike the others, she felt this was filled with curiosity, admiration, and jealousy.
She looked down the hallway to see twin heads staring at her; she tilted her head at them. The two leaders ducted behind the pillar they were hiding behind, "Ishtar do you think she saw us," "quiet, you're too loud.
They might hear us," "sorry" "well, aren't you too, just the cutest little things."
The two girls were so distracted they didn't notice Gabriel hunched in front of them; both girls yelp in surprise, "sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
One of the girls hid her face with an enormous blush.
The other tried to speak, but she was a stuttering mess, "Ga…Ga…Ga." "Seems I have some fans," Gabriel smiles warmly at the two girls extending her hand to help them up, "what are your names, young gods?"
Both girls stood up to Gabriel's waist; the girl on Gabriel's right had blonde hair in a high ponytail, while the other on her left had bangs that hid her face. "I'm Ishtar future goddess of beauty and war," Gabriel giggled, "beauty and war; I can't wait to see it."
Gabriel then looked at the other blonde in front of her, "I am uhh," the girl pulled her hair as her face turned red, "I'm Ereshkigal, and I tha..tha..think you are beautiful with very nice hair, ma'am."
"Well I think your hair is just as lovely," for the first time Gabriel saw the little girl's eyes and they were sparkling in delight before Gabriel knew it she had a face full of blonde hair in her face, "what about my hair Miss and I think you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen. But I must know how they are so big."
Ishtar was staring at Gabriel's bust in jealousy.
Gabriel blushed nervously, scratching her cheek, "I guess you don't wanna know I was born like this."
The double doors to the throne room open wide as the Father and Anu walk out, "I see you have met my daughters, Lady Gabriel. I hope they weren't giving you too much trouble."
Gabriel bowed to her Father and Anu, along with the other angels present, "no, they were a delight."
"So this is Ereshkigal," the Father bent in front of her with a friendly face that made the young girl blush.
Ishtar abruptly interjected herself between the two, "who exactly are you, mister, some new god trying to marry my sister."
Anu pinched the bridge of his nose while the Father laughed, but he rubbed his chin in thought, "hard to say. I go many names, but I'm not here to marry your sister."
Ishtar narrowed her eyes, flaring her golden aura, "lies," "sorry my dear, I couldn't even if I tried," Anu stomped his spear on the ground.
"Ishtar enough," Ishtar stepped aside but gave the Father a look that said I wouldn't be keeping my eye on you.
"Ereshkigal, could you give us a demonstration," "uhhh yes, father," Ereshkigal took a nervous gulp and opened her palm, revealing a green sphere of magic.
But it was not an ordinary green sphere of magic. It was an untainted soul "that is truly outstanding." "Yes, my daughter can create, absorb, manipulate, and destroy souls," Anu's eyes sparkled in delight as an idea formed in his head.
Flashback to Present Day
"I would meet them from time to time before Anu sealed his daughter in a pocket dimension, unintentionally creating the underworld," Gabriel looked down back at the picture, "it's nearly impossible to see such a sweet girl the way you are describing Anos."
"Yes, she defiantly didn't have any sadistic tendencies like you described, but almost everything else matches her to a tea," added Michael.
"Is there a chance the Shadow is actually about Ereshkigal, not Anos," questioned Baraqueil, "there are gods who have met Ereshkigal, so she would have popped up in their prophecies."
"So what is it you want to know about her that already don't," said Michael putting the folder on the table, "how can you find and enter her domain?"
Michael looked at Gabriel, and she shrugged, "there aren't any left either destroyed during the war or lost to time," Azalea waved his finger, "wasn't there one, Eridu," he said, winking at Michael.
"That place was leveled during the great war along with the gateway," "gateway," questioned Anos, "the gateway Azazel speaks of was one of few to be more precisely only five, and the Egyptian gods made sure to destroy them all."
"Yes, but didn't they lose the battle of Eridu," "yes, but the entire city was raised to the ground along with the gateway."
Anos rubbed his chin in thought; the information was good for the time being, and now he had a possible location on where to start, "well, it wouldn't hurt to have a look."
"What do you plan on doing, brother," asks Sirzechs, "Death has asked me to come to visit her, and I plan on doing so to make her undo what she has done to Mittelt."
There were a few momentary moments of silence before someone spoke, "Anos, these gifts you have given are still too much."
Michael was beside himself; he felt unworthy of the gifts Michael gave him, "Anos, these gifts are too much. We don't believe the information provided is enough to compensate for what you gave us."
Anos honestly did not want anything else; the information he received was good enough; he glanced down to the side toward Serafall and Sirzechs.
They looked at him with the same look, they did not want anything either, plus they didn't plan on him bringing in any gifts.
Serafall leans toward her brother's ear, whispering something only he can hear.
His face brightens with a nod, "your sister has the red dragon emperor in her peerage, correct?"
"Uhh…yes, his name is Issei; why do you ask," asked Sirzechs, "as a token of peace, how about we give the young dragon Ascalon?"
Anos smirked in amusement; Ascalon was one of the strongest holy weapons but was more specifically used to kill dragons instead of devils.
"Are sure this is a," "perfect gift," said Gabriel cutting off Serafall, "please," added Michael, "if war is coming, then this is no time to be harboring strength."
"If the both of you are so adamant about this, who are we to turn down this offer," said Sirzechs extending his hand and accepting the token of peace with Michael taking it.
"I guess I can offer my own token of peace," said Azazel standing up from his chair, "I don't have any special swords, but I can help advance those guys' sacred gears."
"I trained the members of my sister's peerage a bit but not much, only a week's worth," Azazel smirked, "well, I'm gonna be busy with set-up tomorrow, but I can spare some time to stop by today."
Sirzechs thanked the ancient Fallen, "no need, this is all for peace, right," "is that all," the leaders have been for more than half the day.
They were about to end it there, but Azazel posed a question to the congregation, "Anos, something has been tugging at the back of my mind."
"Really, what is it," "well, I guess more so for you and the other two," Azazel gestured to Serafall and Sirzechs.
"Why are you a high-class devil? I mean, understand not coming out as like a Super Devil or something, but high-ranking members of the Grigori believe you are much stronger than a simple high class."
Anos glanced at Sirzechs with a smirk, "do you wanna take this or not," Sirzech sighed.
It was nice not doing anything and just listening.
"It would draw too much attention toward, we were trying to keep him out of the limelight, but after the events of the rating game, it has become harder to keep reporters away from him."
"To help conceal his identity, all of us decided to keep Anos out of the spotlight, so to speak," added Serafall, "I don't know," said Azazel closing his eyes while rubbing his chin.
"Having Anos stay out of Devil probably wasn't the best idea," chimed in Shemhazai, "stay out of the inner workings of Devil society is for the best.
Getting too involved will make it harder to leave," answered Anos with a wave of his hand.
Azazel snapped his fingers, slamming his feet back on the table, "Devils come in all shapes and sizes, but what they don't do is avoid the spotlight and are uninterested in raising their ranks."
Anos raised an eyebrow; he felt like he was starting to understand what Azazel was getting at, "by trying to stick out, you have unintentionally stood out the most in devil society."
Azazel then put up one finger, "not a single devil in the underworld has been able to become Ajuka's student," he put up another finger, "you put a hold on all information about Anos, which is just going to make people want to learn about him more increasing his popularity."
In their defense, they figured it wouldn't take long to get Anos back to his own world, so just keeping him out of devil society turned to form a day to months to years and now at the present day.
Azazel was saying that their plan to isolate him was increasing his popularity, and thanks to the rating game, his popularity in the underworld skyrocketed.
"Azazel is right," elaborated Michael, "I can't say I wouldn't have made the same decision but doing it for this long has drawn more attention than I think you all are aware of."
Michael reached into a pocket dimension pulling out a binger, "this was collected from the church members that were sent here to retrieve the missing Excalibur's."
Michael slid the binder across the table to Anos, Sirzechs, and Serafall, "I didn't know of the contents of the binder until I asked the Pope to provide all the information from when the two girls arrived here."
They opened the binder; it was an introduction to the area and revealed possible threats to the area.
A subsection had a tab named hazards; they flipped through and saw some Yokai, and at the end was a picture of Anos with a brief description.
At the bottom was his current devil ranking, but next to it had an assessed ranking of Low-Mid Ultimate Class.
Sirzechs narrowed his eyes; they thought of him as a possible Ultimate Class due to the rating game and the magical abilities he presented.
"If the church is already thinking this, what do you think you're enemies in the underworld are thinking? If they saw Anos's potential, they would either try to recruit or kill him."
Anos glanced at Rin standing in the corner.
She was concealing her presence, but he could tell she was staring directly at him.
Anos made a hmmm sound while rubbing his chin, "all it would take is someone to start connecting dots and making some good guesses and connections to see that Anos isn't what the devils are telling everyone, and why are they keeping him secret?"
"I was finally able to get in contact with Odin, and I could hear the unease in his voice," said Azazel, sighing, "he asked me if I was truly an ally or if I was his enemy."
Azazel crossed his arms and sat straight, looking more serious than he was before, "I don't know what Odin saw, he wouldn't say, but it felt like I lost a piece of his trust due to whatever he saw in his visions."
"It has become apparent, after reaching out to gather information, just how much this is scary all the gods," added Michael building upon what Azazel said about Odin.
It was decided at much deliberation to acknowledge Anos's strength instead of explaining it away or hiding it.
The Devil Kings' original idea was good, but a new one needed to be created after seventeen years.
And the best way to elevate people's suspicions is to put Anos in the limelight.
So to start, Anos would be promoted to Ultimate Class Devil and slowly get more involved in the devil society instead of trying to stay out of it.
They theorized that eventually, the truth will get out, so it's best to start to prepare now for this inevitable outcome.
The meeting drew close, and all parties went their separate ways, the Angels to heaven and the Fallen to the Grigori, while the Devils stayed where they were.
"Where are you headed after this," asked Sirzechs as Anos and Serafall sat at a bar in the hotel with him, Grayfia was busy dismantling the barriers and would join them once she was done.
Serafall took a sip of her drink, "ahhh…uhhh after this," Serafall rubbed her forehead, "that was a lot of talking, and I barely did any of it."
Sirzech cracks his neck and rolls his shoulders, "yea, it was," he then looks at Anos, "are you ready to become an Ultimate Class Devil."
Anos snickered and sipped his water, "technically, I am beyond an Ultimate Class," "well, we can't have you jumping straight to Super Devil, can we," "yea, I guess you are right."
Grayfia arrived at the bar and stood behind Sirzechs, "my King, I have returned," she then looked at Serafall, "your highness," lastly she looked toward Anos, "no disrespect, but I a sure you are not of drinking age."
Anos waved his drink at Grayfia with a smirk, "it's water, plus I am technically 2,017 years old, remember," Grayfia said nothing and just arched her eyebrow at him.
"If I may ask, how did the meeting go? I take it that since light spears didn't destroy the building, they are not our enemy," Serafall was the one to answer her.
"At first, they didn't believe us and probably wanted to kill Anos right there, but after explaining everything and giving them gifts, Anos won their hearts."
"Gifts," Grayfia said with a raised eyebrow, "Anos created a spell for the Seraphs to create new Angels and, simultaneously, made them a lot stronger," Grayfia was about to speak, but Serafall wasn't done.
"He also said he would help Azazel with his research and Baraqueil reunite with his daughter," at that Grayfia looked at Anos, "it seems you love causing problems. Are you running a charity now?"
Anos shrugged, "unfortunately not, but I was able to get the information about Death. Michael said he was going to give Issei Ascalon, and Azazel said he would train Rias and Sona's peerages as a sign of goodwill."
Sirzechs downed the rest of his drink. He was tired, and it seemed he would get busier than he wanted.
Epilogue
Grigori
The three Fallen arrive at the Grigori back in Azalea's office; no one except Penemue knew they had left.
She had been sitting in his office since they went, watching human tv.
She didn't know how long the meeting would last, but she wanted to take a well-deserved break.
So when they abruptly teleported in, she was glad to see that they weren't killed in an ambush, "I leave for less than a day, and this is what I find you doing."
Azazel shook his head in fake disappointment, "I'm not entertaining you, so spill what this secret meeting is about."
Azazel took out a sheet of paper and pencil, wrote something down, then handed it to Penemue and put a finger to his mouth, signaling her to be silent.
Shemhazai approached the door placing a few barriers to stop their conversation from being spied upon.
Penemue looked at the note.
It had Anos's name as an equal sign and the Shadow with a question mark.
She raised an eyebrow turning off the television, once Shemhazai finished his preparations Penemue spoke.
"What does this mean," the three of them then took turns expelling in sharp detail everything they had learned.
An hour later, they told her the most important parts of what they learned, "that's a lot, and you're saying that's not even all of it."
Penemue was very much overwhelmed, and just when she was enjoying her show, "so I assume all three of you believe him?"
"I could see the in will in his eyes, and if he was, then he hid it well," said Shemhazai, "if what he said was even half true, then picking a fight would end with the destruction of the world," added Baraqueil.
Axel finally spoke, "it's not even confirmed that he is this Shadow or whatever, but it is a warrant for concern. Anos extended an olive branch, and I don't have a choice to accept; otherwise, we might go extinct."
Heaven
Michael and Gabriel arrived back at their Father's throne.
Uriel and Rafael were there with ten other Angels, probably working on the meeting for the Divine Counsel.
Noticing their presence, the two Seraphs sent the lower-ranked Angels away and walked up the stairs to their brother and sister.
"Hello, brother sister, what have you learned," asked Uriel; Gabriel gave them an awkward smile.
She then explained everything they learned too, but they didn't know which to be more surprised about.
The fact that a seventeen-year-old boy was capable of destroying the world or the same boy was capable of creating a spell to turn people into angels.
"I know if I heard this from anyone else, I would have thrown them out of heaven for lying to a Seraph."
Michael sighed and extended his palm to three of them, "well, I accepted the spell. Will the rest of you?"
END Chapter