Kokabiel Arc Chapter 22: The Team Assembles
The five of them stood on the sidewalk in front of Jiro and Irina's house for several minutes, waiting for the student council. Xenovia occasionally shot glances at Jiro with an observing look.
"Got something you want to say, Xenovia?" Jiro asked, his eyes darting towards Xenovia, who jolted at being noticed.
"Y-yes, I do. I still find it hard to believe that I'm meeting the legendary Red Dragon Emperor in such a normal way and in a normal environment, even if it's to discuss our alliance and the fact that Irina is childhood friends with such a person." Xenovia said, her eyes narrowing with skepticism.
Jiro chuckled at her words. "Heh, heh, what? Am I not what you were expecting?" Jiro said, as he turned to Xenovia with his hands in his jacket pockets.
To be perfectly honest, no, really. Lady Gabriel even told me you managed to obtain Dragon Force and make it your true form. I can sense great power from you, and you did manage to easily disarm me a moment ago, but I'm not noticing anything immensely powerful or particularly draconic about you. Xenovia said, looking at him, eyes narrowed.
"Heh, I'm just good at hiding mostly. So why do you wonder?" Jiro said as Xenovia nodded firmly.
"I would like to see your true form, show your Dragon Force. I want to see the power of the Boosted Gear and see how I compare to the current Red Dragon Emperor," Xenovia said as she posed dramatically, pointing at him with her right hand and her left hand on her hip.
Irina, watching the interaction, widened her eyes at Xenovia's request. "H-hey, hold on a second," Irina said, as Jiro put a hand on her shoulder.
"Easy there, Ri-Ri-chan, I don't see the harm in honoring her request," Jiro said as he burst into Dragon Force, with red, hot flames enveloping his entire body, making Irina, Raynare, and Asia shudder slightly. Although they'd seen him do this before, it still caught them off guard.
Xenovia looked at him, her eyes wide in shock at his change in appearance. "T-that's... amazing. What ferocious power." Xenovia said, taking a step back, feeling the sheer heat of his flaming aura.
"Well? What next?" Jiro asked, grinning and showing off his fangs.
"What's next is, we duel," Xenovia said, regaining her composure and unsheathing her holy sword.
"Hey, whoa, you can't be serious," Irina said fearfully, not liking the idea of her friends fighting.
"Calm down, Irina, this is just a friendly spar, nothing to worry about. In fact, I wanted to see what she's made of as well." Jiro said, raising his clawed/gauntleted hand in front of her. She calms down slightly but remains somewhat concerned. Before she could protest again, Jiro speaks up.
"Well? Let me see what you've got," Jiro said, making a come-on gesture with his right index finger.
Xenovia, in one quick motion, unfurls her wings and halo, flares her holy aura, grips her sword's handle, charges forward with great speed, and swings vertically at his face as Irina, Raynare, and Asia watch in slight concern. However, before her sword strikes his face, she stops with the blade inches from him, while Jiro doesn't even flinch.
"Hm, why didn't you try to dodge or counter?" Xenovia asked curiously, her blade still in front of his face.
"I didn't sense any malicious intent, so I knew you'd stop short," Jiro said while grinning.
"I see. Well, this time I'm not going to stop short. Understood?" Xenovia said, pulling her sword back and taking another stance. Jiro says, "Very well."
Xenovia readies herself and charges forward again, this time not stopping short as she swings her sword at Jiro. Jiro raises his claw/gauntleted hand and easily blocks her strike with his index finger. Xenovia's eyes widen as he easily stops her blade, but she doesn't back down.
She roars and unleashes a ferocious assault, rapidly slashing and striking at him while he easily blocks every strike with his finger. Xenovia finishes her assault, yelling with a powerful overhead strike, which he again blocks easily with his finger. The force creates a loud clank sound that reverberates through the air, accompanied by a small shockwave that kicks up some dust.
They look at each other as Xenovia's blade struggles against his finger before she backs away and smiles. "Amazing, so everything Lady Gabriel said was true. You're good, no, you're great." Xenovia said as she slides her sword back into its scabbard, brings down her holy aura, retracts her wings, and disperses her halo.
"Heh, yeah, well, you're not so bad yourself," Jiro said, smiling as he reverted to his human-looking appearance.
Irina, Raynare, and Asia watched the scene while smiling. Raynare and Asia smiled with pride at Jiro's demonstration of strength, while Irina sighed in relief and smiled as her two best friends began to get along, despite their earlier hostility.
"Hm, oh, looks like they're here." Jiro said, turning to the street as a red magic circle appeared and out of it came Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko.
"Well, you guys sure took your time," Jiro said, looking at them with an eyebrow raised.
"Sorry, we had some extra work to get done before coming here. Being in the student council keeps your schedule busy." Rias said with a sheepish smile.
"Cool, cool. Anyway, this is Xenovia Quarta. She's Irina's training partner from England," Jiro said, gesturing to Xenovia while looking at the Gremory peerage.
"Xenovia, this is Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, Kiba Yuuto, and Koneko Toujou." Jiro said, turning to Xenovia while gesturing to each of them.
"Rias Gremory? As in the heiress to the House of Gremory? I didn't expect you to be one of the devils living here." Xenovia said, her eyes widening slightly in surprise.
"Yes, that's me. So, you're the exorcist Jiro told us about. It's good to meet you," Rias said, smiling proudly as she walked up to Xenovia and extended her hand for a handshake.
Xenovia looked at her hand, hesitating a bit about being friendly with a being she had seen as an enemy for most of her life. However, for Irina's sake, she pushed her feelings down and shook her hand.
"Yes, likewise, to you, Rias Gremory." Xenovia said with an almost forced smile as Rias said "Just Rias is fine".
The other devils approached her with their own greetings. "Hey, since you're old friends with Irina-chan, then I guess that makes us friends as well. Happy to meet you, Xenovia-chan." Akeno said with her usual cheerful smile.
"Yeah, it's... good to meet you, Xenovia." Kiba said, glaring at her slightly behind a forced smile. Xenovia looked at him with an eyebrow raised, noticing his expression, but before she could question him, Koneko approached her.
"I don't hang around birds often, but if you're cool with Irina-senpai, then we're cool." Koneko said in her usual deadpan expression as she handed her a cherry lollipop.
Xenovia's eyes sparkled, and her mouth watered as she looked at the sweets, took one, and said, "It's wonderful to meet you, Koneko."
"Did Koneko just win Xenovia's heart with a lollipop?" Jiro and Raynare said in unison, wearing "wtf" expressions.
"He, he, yeah, Xenovia-chan has always been quite the big eater." Irina said giggling, while Asia also giggled on the side. 'And here I thought gluttony was a sin.' Jiro and Raynare thought to themselves as they sweat dropped.
Irina also smiled at seeing Xenovia settling in with her other friends nicely, not noticing Kiba's slight glare.
"Alright, now that we're all here, let's go inside and have our discussion," Jiro said as he led everyone into his and Irina's house.
"Tell us one thing first; what's your secret plan for all of us that you kept talking about?" Irina asked, as they all followed him across the lawn.
"Well, to keep it simple before the main discussion, all of us will be forming a special team together. In fact, I already have a name for it. We'll be called...
...Biblical Vanguard"
Meanwhile in a Vatican several miles from the Kuoh Prefecture.
"Hmph, seems like you four really are still useful to me after all," Kokabiel said to Kalawarner, Dohnaseek, and Mittelt while looking at all the bodies of the priests and exorcists.
"Yes, this power you have granted us is wonderful. We are forever grateful, Lord Kokabiel." Kalawarner said as she and the other two gave a bow in respect.
"Now, where is that fool, Freed?" Kokabiel said, looking around.
"Right here, boss man," Freed said as he walked into the room, carrying a priest's body in his left hand and a holy sword in his right.
"Sorry I'm late, I was having a real good time with one of the sisters, but lookie what I got here." Freed said, dropping the priest's body and lifting the holy sword.
"Hm, Excalibur Blessing, excellent. That puts our total number to four, one for each of you. With these, killing those devils will be easy. It seems Valper's Excalibur Serum worked in giving you four greater, enhanced abilities." Kokabiel said, smirking as the three other fallen angels nodded.
"And don't forget my other upgrade," Freed said, as he unfurled his newly acquired black fallen angel wings.
"Yes, that's a much better fit for you than being a lowly human. Now let's go; we have one more thing to get, or should I say a few more things. They'll make excellent pets." Kokabiel said as he summoned a purple magic circle under them and teleported them back to Greek territory in the Underworld.
Meanwhile back at Jiro and Irina's house
"What, we're forming a team?!" Everyone said in unison as they entered the house and settled into the living room.
"You heard that right. From here on we're a team, that's mainly what this discussion is about." Jiro said, as he sat on the couch while everyone look at him.
"'B-Biblical Vanguard' you called it. Why do you want us to form a special team? When we're all from different and opposing factions? Wasn't this just a temporary alliance for stopping Kokabiel?" Rias asked, with an eyebrow raised.
"I get your confusion, so let me elaborate. You see, I told Irina this already, but for the last 10 years, I've used the Boosted Gear to defend this entire world at large, but mostly this country. It may be a bit hard to believe, but a large number of the worlds supernatural threats happen here in Japan like stray devils, vampires, werewolves, rouge sorcerers, yokai, etc and I jump in to stop them. However, I can't be everywhere at once, there could be threats that happen in one part of the country and other threats in another part of the world. Along with that it can be hard dealing with mini factions like cults and terrorists, since they can have incredibly large numbers. As I'm sure most of you know; I have my gang, The Crimson Dragons, helping me, but they're tasked with protecting this town and other towns when I'm not around and on top of that they're all only humans and could never handle the beings I fight against. That's where you guys come in. The team we're forming is tasked with fighting larger against supernatural forces like Kokabiel and his cronies for instance. So what do you all say, you guys gonna join me in the fight for peace?" Jiro said, looking between all of them.
The group listened intently as Jiro explained his reasoning. The idea wasn't a particularly bad one, but it could lead to potential conflicts from within the group.
"I see what you're getting at, but are you sure a team of members from opposing factions would work well together? It's not like we've all become the best of friends in the short time we've know each other. I'm sure some of us trust some more than others." Raynare said, as the others secretly agreed with her.
"That's a fair point, Raynare. However that's not the only reason for our little team." Jiro said, making them all look at him in anticipation.
"The other purpose of this group is to foster better relations between the three factions and try to establish peace between them." Jiro said, matter of factly as they all widened their eyes.
"Peace between the three factions?!" Irina, Xenovia, Rias, and Raynare said in unison, surprised by the suggestion.
"Again, you heard that right." Jiro said, but before he could explain a male voice chimes in saying "I think that's an idea worth considering."
Everyone in the room jolted at the unfamiliar voice, however Jiro and Raynare swore they recognized it. When they all look at where it came from we see none other then Azazel, the Governor General of the fallen angels, himself sitting at the dinning table casually eating a donut.
He was a tall man appearing to be in his twenties with an average build, black hair, golden bangs, and black goatee, and possesses twelve jet-black feathered wings that grow out from his back. At the moment he was wearing a black sleeping robe and sweat pants.
Azazel's unexpected appearance and casual greeting catches everyone off guard. They're eyes widen as they recognize the fallen angels governer general. There surprise quickly morphs into a mix of confusion and wariness, and some of them take steps a bit closer to Jiro and each other, a defensive instinct kicking in.
"Well this is unexpected, what are you doing here, old timer?" Jiro said to him casually with an eyebrow raised.
Azazel laughs heartily at his casual greeting. He seems amused by your nonchalant response. "Good morning to you too, Jiro. What can't a fallen angel drop by to visit his favorite heavenly dragon." Azazel said, taking a bite from the donut he's holding, his voice deep and gravelly, but there's playfulness in it.
"He can if he's invited or gives a heads up first." Jiro said, deadpanned. Azazel chuckles at his response.
"Oh, you dragons and your sense of etiquette. You're right, though. I'll admit I didn't think to give you a heads up." He shakes his head, a hint of lighthearted mockery in his voice as he takes another bite from the donut.
"Anyway, my apologies, I didn't mean to startle you all. I just happened to be in the neighborhood and figured I'd drop by to say hello, when I heard snip its of your little meeting." Azazel said, his expression turning slightly sheepish.
The group glanced at Jiro curiously, intrigued by his casual demeanor and apparent familiarity with Azazel. They look back and forth between him and the fallen angel leader, their eyes filled with curiosity and puzzlement.
"Jiro-kun, You... You know him?" Irina asked, her voice quiet, a hint of disbelief lacing her words. The others watch Jiro carefully, their mind trying to piece together how he knew the leader of the fallen angels.
"Unfortunately Yeah, I met him about over a year ago, he heard rumors about my strength and feats and then found out I possess the Boosted Gear, so he scouted me out to try and recruit me to the fallen angels faction. Naturally I said no, but this old crows been biting at my ankles ever since." Jiro said, to all of them.
They all nod, there expression a mix of understanding and slight amusement as they listen to his explanation. Irina, Xenovia, Asia, and the devils, especially Akeno glance at Azazel, their gazes holding slight wariness still, though they, particularly Irina, relax a bit as they process his words.
"That explains it, but why would he want you to join the fallen angels, anyway? No offense to you, of course." Irina asked, tilting her head slightly, her tone is genuinely curious.
"Well, when you hear about someone whose as powerful as me and wields such a powerful Sacred Gear and is not part of any other faction, people tend to try to recruit you, right away." Jiro said, looking up in annoyance while Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko glace at Rias as she smiles sheepishly, knowing she was one of those individuals.
"You're quite the catch, aren't you? Powerful Sacred Gear, not affiliated with any other faction, no wonder Azazel wants to recruit you." Irina said, teasingly as Xenovia and Asia giggle.
"Yeah, much to my annoyance." Jiro said in exasperation. Azazel laughs at his annoyed tone, clearly enjoying the banter.
"She's right, you're quite the hot commodity, aren't you? I admit, I've been trying for a while to get you into the Grigori for awhile now. It'd be a shame to let such power go to waste." Azazel said as he takes another bite from the donut.
"Well, it's not happening and my power ain't going to waste, I'm putting it to good use, like dealing with Kokabiel who's on the loose for instance. I assume that's why you're here." Jiro said, his eyebrow's furrowed.
Azazel's expression turns more serious as he brings up Kokabiel. "Ah, you're right about that. That troublesome bastard, Kokabiel has been causing me a lot of headaches. I've been trying to track him down, but it seems he's quite the slippery one. But I happen to hear something about you all forming some kinda team."
Raynare who had been silent the whole time spoke up. "Lord Azazel." She said, stepping forward, making her presence know the the fallen leader.
"Raynare?" Azazel said, pausing for a moment, studying the fallen soldiers presence. His tone is slightly amused, a hint of a smirk on his face.
"Fancy seeing you here, Raynare. I didn't expect to run into you of all people in this unexpected little get-together." Azazel said biting his donut again.
'Did he just notice she was here?' The other thought in their heads in unison as they sweat dropped.
"Last I checked you were part of Kokabiel's group. So what brings you here?" Azazel asked, as Raynare's eyebrow twitched in annoyance from him, just now, noticing her.
"I was, but not anymore. I live here with these guys now." Raynare said as she approached the table.
"Heh, is that right? You're branching out now, are you? Or are you retiring from the Grigori" Azazel said with a somewhat amused smile.
Raynare's eyebrow twitched again at his usual laidback demeanor. "It'll take awhile to explain, but let me tell you now, Kokabiel's been causing trouble left and right, even before he went rouge now-" Before Raynare could continue Jiro walk up and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Hold that thought for a second, Raynare, looks like we got two more guests." Jiro said as he turns to the center of the living room Azazel doing the same as he also sensed two familiar people.
The others look to where they were looking curiously and, as if on cue, two magic circles, one red, one gold, appeared next to each other. From the magic circles appeared Sirzechs and Gabriel. They all look at them in surprise.
"Sirzechs?!" Said Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko in unison as Rias says "Brother- I mean Sirzechs?! What are you doing here?!"
"Heh, heh, Hello Rias, children." Sirzechs said to the student council while chuckling.
"Hi there, Irina, Xenovia, it's good to see both again." Gabriel said with her usual radiant smile.
"Yes, it's good to see you as well, Lady Gabriel!" Irina and Xenovia said in unison while bowing in respect.
Asia looked around in surprise and nervousness, feeling slightly overwhelmed at being in the presence of three powerful and high ranking individuals, she's only heard stories of.
"Oh, and you must be Asia Argento, the current possessor of Twilight Healing. It's good to meet someone with such high faith in us. And you're so cute." Gabriel said, approaching Asia with a cheerful smile and patted her head.
"O-oh, t-thank you very much, it's an honor to meet you as well, Lady Gabriel." Asia said, shyly while blushing furiously.
"Heh, well I didn't expect to have all three biblical faction leaders in my house at the same time." Jiro said, chuckling at their greetings.
"Yes, apologizes for arriving in your home unannounced again, but there has been some urging new information. I informed Sirzechs of the situation first since his younger sister lives here, then we were planning to go to Azazel and inform him, but we sensed that he was in your company, so we came as well." Gabriel said to which Jiro nodded and Azazel finished his donut and stood up and changed his clothing in a bright purple light that surround his body.
"New info? Sounds intriguing, I'm all ears." Azazel said as he went to stand next them as the light dyed down revealing him now wearing a V-neck maroon long-coat with a wide, open high-collar that opens up at the hem, two black belts around the waist and four black bands on each arm, two of the bands at the wrist and the other two near the elbow, grey slacks, and brown shoes.
As Azazel walked over to them Sirzechs spoke up in a serious tone. "As Gabriel tells me four of the Excalibur fragments have been stolen from the four Vaticans they resided along with their overseers being killed." Sirzechs said, turning to all of them.
Their expressions turned serious upon hearing this. Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Raynare jolted knowing those were weapons that were deadly to them, although Kiba scowled slightly for his own personal reasons. Irina, Xenovia, and Asia's eyes widened in shock, Irina and Xenovia particularly scowled in offense.
"Is that so? I'm pretty sure I have a good idea of who's behind that." Jiro said, his expression darkening as well.
"Indeed, Red Dragon Emperor, Kokabiel is the prime suspect." Sirzechs said, nodding.
"But, why on earth would he do such a thing? Holy swords can be harmful to fallen angels as well, if not used properly." Xenovia said, with venom in her voice.
"We are none the wiser ourselves, Xenovia, but it's certain he's up to no good with them." Gabriel said, shaking her head in disappointment.
"You said four Vaticans were attacked, so which ones were they and which Excaliburs were stolen?" Jiro asked with a contemplative look.
"The Vaticans in England, Ireland, Italy, and even here in Japan were attacked. As for the Excaliburs that were stolen, they were Excalibur Mimic, Nigtmare, Rapidly, and Blessing, those were the only ones reported stolen. Since he was reported to be currently active in this country it's likely that Excalibur Blessing was his most recent theft." Gabriel said, matter of factly.
Irina breathed a sigh of relief that the church her father resides in England wasn't attacked or the holy sword he owned wasn't stolen.
"I had a feeling, see I actually knew the guys in the Vatican here." Jiro said making all of them look at him in surprise.
"Wait, you knew them?" Irina asked, in shock.
"Yeah, I saved them from a few stray devils that was trying to get in to destroy the Excalibur. After that I offered them to let me hold onto it for safe keeping, for their peace of mind and since I do have a hobby of collecting weapons, but they refused, saying they swore an oath to watch over it and guard it with their lives. Guess they really did stick to that oath to the bitter end." Jiro said as everyone listened intently.
"I see, that is a shame." Gabriel said, somewhat downcast, Irina, Xenovia, and Asia looking the same.
"Now then, since we're on this topic, that gives us even more reason to stop Kokabiel. Those swords can be incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands." Jiro said as they all got more serious.
"Back to what I was telling you all about earlier, we'll be forming a team starting today. I already told you all the first reason, so here's the second reason; to foster good relations between the three factions and potentially establish peace between." Jiro said, making everyone look at him in anticipation for an explanation while the faction leaders eyes widen in surprise by his declaration, Azazel remembering he heard Jiro say that when he arrived.
"I know you all are from different and opposing factions, but if you ask me, I think it's about time to start trying to end the conflict between you guys. The Great War ended over 5000 years ago with the defeat and sealing of the the two heavenly dragons and the death of god and the original devil kings and since then, members of your factions have been trying find anyway for their faction to gain an advantage over the other factions. From attacking each other indiscriminatly, claiming and destroying territories, and even trying to exploit others for their power like forcing them into their factions or taking their power from them completely. And it goes on and on in an endless cycle of meaningless bloodshed and pain where almost no one comes out on top. I'm certain if all of us here decide to come together and create a force meant to fight against threats that want to disrupt the balance so everyone who wants to live their lives peacefully without fear of war or destruction, peace can be possible." Jiro said, his speech resonating with all of them as they are stunned into silence, even the faction leaders.
The group listened intently as they realized he was very much right. They all were guilty of his accusations of instability in their factions in some way. Irina and Xenovia spent most of their lives training to and killing and exorcising devils, Rias had tried to goad Jiro into joining her peerage and claim the entire town as her territory, Akeno had secretly been hostile towards fallen angels and even Raynare to some extent for a short while, Kiba has had a bad history with the church due to a certain incident involving him and holy swords, and Raynare had attempted to exploite Asia for her Sacared Gear. The somewhat exceptions of this being Asia and Koneko who were victims, Asia being exploited by the church and fallen angels and Koneko facing discrimination towards her original race.
Even Gabriel, Sirzechs, and Azazel flet some shame, being the leaders of their respective factions and haven't attempted to put an end to the darker activities of their people.
"So if you understand, I'll ask again, are you guys gonna join me in the fight for peace?" Jiro asked reaching out his right hand.
They all look at him and at each other in contemplation, conflicting thoughts etched on their faces. "I'm not suggesting the things you said were incorrect, but are you sure we're the right people you want for this?" Rias asked, in a low tone.
"Yeah, we've been doing or have been taught to do these things for most of our lives. Are we really the ones you want in your team?" Irina asked adding her two cents, the others agreeing with her.
"And long with that there will be those who oppose peace, hold a grudge against another faction, or try to prove their faction is surpreme by whatever means necessary." Raynare said, adding her two cents.
"I don't just 'want' you, it has to be all of you. after all, each of you are representatives of your factions. Irina and Xenovia for the angels and the church, Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko for the devils, Raynare for the fallen angels and even Asia for the church and the fallen angels at the same time, being an excommunicated nun. And don't worry about 'what you were taught' all you need is to be steered in a better direction and I'll make sure of that. As for those who oppose peace that's why our team will fight, we'll eliminate those who try to throw things into chaos like Kokabiel, he'll be out first adversary as an official team." Jiro said giving them a supportive smile.
The three faction leaders smile, impressed by Jiro's leadership skills.
Azazel: "Gotta admit, he's good at that whole heroic speech thing."
Gabriel: "Fufu, indeed he is."
Sirzechs: "Such a shame he won't officially join one of us. He would be a fine leader of one of our factions."
The group looks at Jiro smiling as they already know he's a leader worth following. "Now then I'll ask one more time." Jiro said as he summons the Boosted Gear on his right hand.
"Are you all willing to join the Red Dragon Emperor in the fight for peace?" Jiro asked as he reaches out his gauntleted right hand.
"Of course, I am, Jiro-kun." Irina said as she puts her hand and Jiro's palm.
"And of course, I am too. I have to learn how to be a good leader from you." Rias said, putting her hand next to Irina's.
"Fufu, I'm sure this will be a blast." Akeno said, with her usual cheerful smile, putting her hand next to Rias's.
"I look forward to fighting alongside you." Kiba said with a determined smile, putting his hand between to Irina and Rias's.
"As long as we save the candy stores, I'm down." Koneko said in her usual deadpan expression but her excitement is slightly noticeable, as she puts her hand next to Akeno's.
"Working together will be... interesting. But if it means me and Asia can live in peace times and we can stop Kokabiel, then I'm in." Raynare said, putting het hand next to Koneko's.
"U-um, I don't really like violence... but if it's to stop Kokabiel and other people from hurting anyone else, then I'll help too." Asia said, her voice soft and expression nervous, but earnest with a hint of determination as she gently puts her hand next to Irina, Rias, and Kiba's.
"Forming a team... with devils... a fallen angel... and a exiled nun...? This goes against everything I've been taught, but... for the sake of peace and Irina's sake, I'll cooperate." Xenovia said as she placed her hand over Irina's, making her smile at her words and gesture of friendship.
Jiro closes his gauntleted fist, gripping their hands gently. "Great, now, in case you all forgot the name, here's a reminder; From here on...
...we are Biblical Vanguard
To be continued
AND THE PLOT THICKENS!!!
Anyway today happens to be a special day because today happens to be my birthday
So how bout a special gift, today I'll posting two chapters at once this one and the next one.
I'll post the next one in a little bit after this one.
Hope you enjoy it :)