Welcome to the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, but before starting the story. Let's answer some reviews:
Altair95: Thanks. Kensei managed to save Claire from the armies of exorcists and devils, killing a whole lot of them, in addition to giving Hilda what she deserved. Once again, he gives the most disrespect to all the people who deserve it. Maria and Layla showed Hilda what happens when you mess with their sis. Everyone came together to fight against the enemies who went over one of their own. Our main group all fought against the three Cerberus brought in as a trump card. All of them showed that they can still grow in situations like this more so in Alice. Claire overcame her trauma and found herself, even starting to call Kensei by his name instead of "Nii-san". And in the end, Kensei gave Zekram exactly what he deserved, as well as seeing one of the strongest exorcists.
Slimereader11: Thanks.
Cristian Njoroge: Thanks, I'm glad that you like it.
The Kibou Family
"…."
Claire found herself sleeping in Kensei's bed, having found herself sleeping in earlier than the people she would normally be the first person up. But, no one could blame her considering what happened yesterday the entire day with the devils and exorcists. All the mental and physical exhaustion that occurred throughout that single day was enough to leave her beyond tapped out. It could be said about the others, but after resting for the night, almost all the people who fought for her too were well-rested.
"Shhh, be careful."
"…I know."
"This is going to be good."
"…nnn?"
Claire reacted after hearing four different people inside the room she was sleeping inside, letting a groan escape from her mouth. Seconds after she started opening her eyes, she found four familiar people sneaking inside the room in an attempt to keep her from noticing. It was revealed to be Alice, Minako, Kunou, and Hisui who stopped moving after noticing that Claire's eyes had locked onto theirs.
"Uh, g-good morning, Claire-san."
Kunou found herself speaking those words out loud as she nervously stared at Claire.
"Well, I think there's something more appropriate to say, right everyone?"
Minako found herself pointing that out as she and Hisui turned over towards Alice who nodded her head.
"Alright, then…1, 2, 3…."
[Happy Birthday, Claire Yaegaki Belial!]
Alice, Minako, and Kunou called out at the same time causing Claire to look at them all surprised about it.
"Right, today is my birthday. How did I forget that," Claire recalled all the havoc that happened yesterday, which caused her to almost forget that tomorrow would be her birthday? She almost fell into a serious and irrecoverable state of shock. "Well, it's not that surprising considering all that happened."
Claire looked forward at the item that was inside of her older sister figure's hand, which was a breakfast tray filled with a delicious-looking Italian breakfast. It was something that almost stirred up her hunger as even the smell is enough for her to want to retrieve it. Alice herself hasn't cooked anything, but she is capable of cooking since her parents ran a popular Italian restaurant. However, she hasn't cooked anything much due to her lazy disposition in regards to anything like chores.
"I thought that since you do pretty much everything early in the morning," Alice said as she placed the tray right above Claire as she leaned up. "I thought that we'd do everything that you'd usually do and allow you to rest."
"Yep, so all you need to be concerned about is getting rested for the day," Minako stated as she leaned forward poking Claire's nose causing her to wonder where she was going with this. "Since you're going to be taking the day off from school today. And before you say anything, Kensei and Alice already said that you'll be out sick. So, that means that you'll be spending the entire day with me and Kunou here."
Minako added after winking in Claire's direction causing Claire to realize that she had no say in the matter.
Claire turned her head to see Alice walking around the bed so that she could stand beside her, before feeling her placing a hand on her head. She looked to see Alice was staring at her wearing a genuine and kind smile on her face before she started speaking again.
"You deserve some time off to get well-rested after everything that happened. So, could you do this for your older sister?"
"…thank you, Alice-nee," Claire said as she smiled back at Alice before looking around. "Oh, where's Kensei?"
"Him, Zane, Maria, Hisui, and Abigail left to handle something because of what happened yesterday. So, they left for Tetsuo-san's house for some important meeting," Minako replied before continuing further. "I heard that they'll be sending shikigami in their likeness to attend school for them. So, there's no way that anyone will be able to tell the difference from how they act."
"…right."
Claire said sadly, almost wanting Kensei to be right there to wish her a happy birthday, which was something that didn't go unnoticed by them.
"Well, before leaving, Kensei did say that he had a special surprise to make up for the fact he couldn't stay. So, I can only guess what someone like him will have planned."
Minako teased as she found herself sitting on the bed to glance at Claire, causing her to give a faint blush.
"Yea, I wonder what it could be."
Claire questioned herself as she started eating the breakfast, which was prepared for her as everyone left her to finish eating the food she received in peace. She smiled as she could hear them all outside of the closed door as the four of them talked about morning household duties.
"Looks like I do have something to look forward to," Claire said as she cut into the pancakes using her fork and then felt her heart starting to beat faster as she thought about something else that she wanted to tell Kensei. Her face started turning red after wondering what she was going to say but quickly recovered as she continued eating. "I still have a lot of time to think about what to say. And besides, it has been a long time coming."
[I did say that I wouldn't intervene in your life, I do know you well enough to know what you are talking about. But, I don't think that you should be concerned.]
Radueriel said sounding supportive to Claire.
"Well, it's still kinda something that you can't come out and say without being nervous."
[Well, I'm sure that you'll think of something. Either way, Happy Birthday, Claire.]
"Thanks."
After being thanked by Claire, Radueriel went back inside of her head without disturbing her breakfast, which she continued happily eating.
Meanwhile, inside Tokyo, where the Uesugi Household was located, Kensei, Zane, Maria, Hisui, and Abigail were all sitting inside a meeting room that Tetsuo prepared. All of them waited inside the meeting room for the person who wanted to meet them all. After being informed about the incident, Abigail wanted to come too since she was unable to get involved in the battle against the exorcists.
"I apologize again for not being able to get involved."
"Come on, Abigail, you don't need to apologize."
Maria understood the reason that she couldn't get involved in the battle yesterday, but there was still a hint of sadness and disappointment in knowing she couldn't join.
"She's right, your situation is complicated. And besides, you had a hand in healing all the injured people."
Kensei added afterward as he looked toward her from the other side of the table.
"Both of them are right, Abigail. You've done a lot for all of us before and after leaving Hagun Island, so we still owe you a lot more than this," Hisui said as she sat in her chair in a not-so-professional way before starting to look exciting for whoever they were meeting. "Aside from that, I'm looking forward to this meeting since we get to meet another important guy."
"Yea, it wasn't so long that we met Odin-sama and Vidar-sama."
Zane agreed with Hisui not expecting that they would be meeting someone.
"Well, it was because of Kensei's father that we were able to even have this meeting in the first place. Of course, I never thought that we'd ever get a chance to meet him."
As all five of them started thinking that it was abnormal for them to meet 'this' person, there was a loud knock on the door leading into the meeting room. It was the signal for the start of the meeting before the door did open seconds later. The first person that they could see was Tetsuo, who was looking as serious and stoic as usual as he stood aside allowing 'that' person enter the room.
Standing in front of them were Sirzechs Lucifer and his Queen, Grayfia Lucifuge. After entering the room, all five of the people could see that both the current Lucifer and his Queen were the strongest people that either of them have seen since. Although the atmospheres around them could be described as entirely different, Sirzechs was a bit more casual and Grayfia was more serious.
After looking at the five of them, Sirzechs stopped after noticing Kensei who was staring right back at him for a moment before a light laugh escaped from his mouth.
"Hahaha, he does resemble you a lot Tetsuo-kun."
Sirzechs pointed out as a laugh escaped from his mouth, causing the atmosphere around the room to become a lot more lighthearted. A sigh seemed to escape from Grayfia's mouth after hearing the first words that came from her King's mouth.
"Sirzechs-sama, I believe that it would be best if you made a more appropriate greeting to them to set a far better example for them considering your position."
"Hahaha, I guess you're right, Grayfia. But, I don't think they would want a stuffy introduction," Sirzechs laughed as he scratched the back of his head. "Good morning to all of you. I am Sirzechs Lucifer, the Crimson Satan."
"I am, Grayfia Lucifuge, Sirzechs-sama's Queen."
"She's also, my wife."
Sirzechs pointed out as he glanced over toward them.
"Please listen to his jokes."
"It huwts. It huwts, Grayfia."
Grayfia said as she started pulling Sirzechs' cheeks causing him to become teary-eyed from the pain he felt from having his cheeks pulled.
[I don't think he's lying, though.]
That was the same thought that was going through the minds of Kensei and the others since their relationship at this point gave them the impression of being married.
"Well, I'll be outside waiting for when you'll all be finished."
"Are you sure that you won't join us, Tetsuo-kun?"
Sirzechs asked as he started rubbing his now reddened cheeks causing Tetsuo to shake his head.
"This doesn't have anything to do with me. And is instead something that concerns them."
Tetsuo replied stoically before exiting the room after bowing his head.
Kensei knew his father and realized that there was something wrong with him from that small exchange between him and Sirzechs. After seeing that Tetsuo left the room, Sirzechs took a seat closer to Kensei and all the others, but Grayfia simply stood beside him acting dutifully. Before starting whatever he wanted to talk to them about, he turned his attention over to Abigail.
He seemed to have been able to sense that she was a little different from them and decided to bring up that fact to confirm something.
"Before we get started I'm quite curious about all of you and your personal experiences. But, I wanted to confirm something about the oldest person in your group," Sirzechs said as he pointed at Abigail who seemed surprised about that for a moment. "I can sense that you're one of the Miracle Children who were from angels, but the aura around you is a little different compared to a normal human. So, if there isn't any trouble could you tell me? If you are worried about me doing anything, then I…."
"No, I wasn't thinking about anything like that. I was just surprised that the Maou Lucifer would be interested in it," Abigail said as she sat in a position where it couldn't be hard for her to unfurl her wings, which sprouted out into six pure white angel wings. "My name is Abigail Clark. My mother is a human woman who runs an orphanage for children. And my father is Raphael, one of the Four Great Seraph."
Abigail revealed as Sirzechs seemed to understand her words realizing that her light powers were stronger than a normal Miracle Child. He could see that Kensei and the others weren't surprised about this since Abigail informed all about this a long time ago. But, it was surprising to hear about how her father was for the first time. Based on what she told them, Raphael met her mother after endlessly praying after all of the children she was tending to in the past suffered serious injuries no medical treatment could heal.
They realized that if Abigail became involved in the battle, then aside from revealing that she's a Miracle Child. If she used her powers in front of the exorcists to heal others, then it would reveal who her father is. And if that were to happen, it might cause some disturbance on the Church's side.
"My mother didn't want to reveal who my father was to the Church since it might make living whatever I want a little difficult. It was something that my father agreed to as well."
Abigail explained.
"I see. Thanks for sharing that, I'll ensure that this doesn't leave this room."
Sirzechs replied showing no sign of dishonesty, causing Abigail to nod her head in agreement.
"Well, since Abigail gave her introduction," Kensei stated before clearing his throat and deciding to start it off. "My name is Kensei Amagiri, the Amagiri clan heir. I'm sure you're already aware of my parents."
"My name is Zane Wayland, a descendant of Wayland the Smith."
"My name is Maria Lancelot, a descendant of Sir Lancelot."
"My name is Hisui Aozaki, the daughter of a famous youkai doctor."
All four of them introduced themselves causing Sirzechs to smile at the enthusiasm that the four of them were all showing despite the situation.
"Well, it's great to officially meet you all. I was surprised to hear that you wanted to meet now considering that the party was for Cleria's daughter was planned for today."
"Well, after what happened recently I thought that it might be easier to settle things here and now."
Kensei added causing Zane to nod his head and agreed with them.
"After what happened the other day, it wouldn't be smart for us to postpone a meeting like this."
"Well, then I'll hear about the situation considering this might cause from stir between the Underworld and Japan. Amaterasu-sama was generous enough to allow our younger devils to study abroad in Japan. So, this is the least that I do to show my gratitude."
Sirzechs said.
Some of them were surprised to see that someone who was supposed to bear the title of Lucifer was acting this kind and generous to them. Of course, Kensei wasn't as surprised since he already heard about Sirzechs' personality from his father. However, aside from Odin, he was one of the few people who treated them all with a great deal of respect.
"Well, this is the situation that occurred."
Zane said as they started detailing all the events, which occurred the moment that Hilda Blum started taking over Evangeline's likeness and appearance.
Sirzechs continued listening to what happened with his expression not being the most relaxed, but serious about all the events that occurred. Even Grayfia, who was listening to the entire thing started feeling bad for Claire due to all the things that she had to endure at that time. But, hearing that the first Bael Head and the de facto leader of the Great King Faction was involved in it too wasn't surprising to him as a sigh escaped from his mouth.
"Of course, he'd attempt the same thing he did to her mother, her peerage, and her father."
Sirzechs placed a hand on his forehead.
"I hope that none of you would place blame on Sirzechs-sama," Grayfia requested bowing her head showing her concern for Sirzechs even underneath her stoic tone. "Zekram-sama is someone described as being the shadow, opposite to the current Maou-sama's light. His idea for the Underworld's future is different from theirs so…."
"Don't be concerned, Grayfia-san."
Maria said waving her hands and showing an understanding look.
"We aren't immature enough to blame someone for something someone else did. Believe me, I'm sure a lot of us have been through enough to understand that there are people with good or bad intentions no matter their species."
Hisui added showing nonchalance, but seriousness behind her tone as well.
"They're right, we've been through enough to be considered more mature and knowledgeable than most people our age. So, please believe that we can understand the situation that Sirzechs-sama must be in dealing with the Great King Faction."
Zane stated showing a level of maturity that caused Sirzechs himself to be reminded of someone else.
"I apologize for assuming that."
"But, for someone who denies being Sirzechs-sama's wife, you sure are acting like a wife."
Hisui found herself chuckling to herself as Grayfia was almost reminded of a certain Maou.
"No matter, I would still like to apologize for what happened," Sirzechs said as he bowed his head lightly. "Neither I nor the other Maou was aware of what happened between Cleria-san and Masaomi-san who had started a secret relationship with one another. After the incident was already finished, he informed me of the event as soon as it was already over and before we could do anything. Zekram-dono is one of the Old Devils who doesn't want to seek change for the Underworld and instead keep things as they were before. But, it was their old ways that a lot of situations keep escalating like this."
As the same before there wasn't any falsehood in his words before continuing.
"We, from the current Maou Faction have been going through several disputes with the Great King Faction about various issues. But, Zekram-dono has far more political influence around the Underworld compared to me, Ajuka, Serafall, and Falbium. So, at the moment we're caught at a standstill unless something occurs that gives us an edge. But, it's impossible to use this incident and the information from Hagun Island even against the old devils from the Great King Faction involved in it."
"Yea, that's something that all of us realized."
Kensei replied already aware that the information from Hagun Island wasn't the nail in the coffin to end the Great-King Faction. Instead, it was the nail in the coffin that could bring down the Underworld and cause trouble for all of the Four Maou if it was ever revealed.
"Well, so why don't we start talking about what we can do to ensure this doesn't happen again?"
Sirzechs inquired as his fingers linked together.
"Well, we have an idea that if we can become aligned with strong factions even people from the Great King Faction wouldn't be able to easily intervene with us. But, we're still in the process of building it all from the ground up and haven't even started it."
"But, at the moment, we do have good ties with the Norse World. It was the first place that we could handle since Zane's family has close ties with Asgard. Zane also mentioned that having Dwarves assist us in several ways will benefit how our side can develop itself. Although some of the gods ended up having some issues with it at first, due to Odin-sama and certain events, we managed to convince some of them."
"There's also the fact that we also have some support from the Valkyrie Squad."
"Oh, I wonder why Brynhildr would want to keep close ties with Ken Ken," Hisui uttered under her breath so that it would be impossible to hear what she said. But, Kensei could tell that it was something weird since she began to laugh afterward. "Well, anyway we got the Norse World as a part of our close allies, but I guess that it's more at the probationary stage."
Sirzechs and Grayfia were both surprised after hearing those words.
"To think that you'd be able to earn the favor of the Chief-God, Odin-sama. Well, I'm sure that whatever you're all planning, I'm sure that it'll be something to look forward to. Although it would be difficult for us to form close ties with the entire Underworld, I believe that some clans would find it a great benefit."
"On that note, could it be possible for me to get into contact with the Gremory Clan. I heard that they're good at construction and renovation," Zane asked before giving a slight smirk. "I'm sure that having some assistance in building the place we're thinking about would make things quicker."
"Hahaha, well, I can talk to Otou-ue about some deal that can be made. I must say that you remind me a lot of a friend of mine in some ways," Sirzechs started as he was reminded of a certain rival and friend of his. "While we're on that topic. I would like to talk about the ones who were sold off in Hagun Island a long time ago before they fall apart. Well, due to the information we received through Amaterasu-sama, we located those who were sold off and removed from the people who acted as their Kings."
Hearing that news caused them a great deal of surprise and happiness since it meant that the people sold all that time ago were freed.
"Due to the situation, they were traded to people who have close ties with Ajuka and are working under him. Since their memories were altered, it took some time to restore all of them. Although, it appears as if they were grateful to Ajuka and started working in some of the hideouts he has in the Human World. So, if anyone in your group would like to meet them just, then I'll have Grayfia give you the location of one of the bases."
"I'm just happy to see that all of them are fine. I was always wondering what happened to the people who were all sold off, but this is seriously good news."
Kensei said letting a light breath escape from his mouth.
"It truly is something wonderful. I knew some of the people who were sold off before, so it'll be a good thing for us to get reacquainted after all this time."
Abigail stated as if some large weight was lifted from her chest.
"They truly are all some wonderful and remarkable children to endure all that and maintain themselves," Sirzechs thought and smiled as he stared at them all being happy to hear the others were fine. "Tetsuo-kun was right I can see that Kensei-kun and I could get along. Aside from him, I can see a lot of similarities between his friends and the others. Zane-kun reminds me a little of Ajuka. Maria reminds me of a more serious Falbium. Hisui is a little bit like Serafall. And Abigail-san could be almost a more lighthearted Grayfia."
As those comparisons entered his head, Sirzechs found himself letting a light laugh escape from his mouth which caught Grayfia's attention. She was wondering what he was thinking about at that moment, but after seeing what kinds of looks he was sending them, an idea did enter her head.
"Well, is there anything that you all would like to ask me before we depart?"
Sirzechs asked noticing that it was almost time for their meeting to conclude.
"Wait, there's one thing that I was wondering you could do for me?"
"If it's within my power, then I'll make it happen."
"Well, it's nothing serious. But, I was wondering if…."
As Kensei was explaining what he wanted from Sirzechs, a smile formed on the faces of Zane, Maria, Hisui, and Abigail who all nodded their heads. After hearing it, even Grayfia found herself smiling and nodding her head as soon as she heard that request. It was something so simple and at the same time, it was the most wonderful idea that Sirzechs had heard.
"Don't worry. I'll make it happen."
Sirzechs happily agreed.
"Ugh," Kensei suddenly had a light chill running up his spine, but looked to see whether or not the others noticed it as he looked forward wearing a wondering look. It wasn't the same as the time that he would sense danger, but instead, it felt as if someone was either talking about him or found something embarrassing. "Why did I just have an ominous feeling or premonition?"
Meanwhile, inside the Amagiri Residence, Claire found herself sitting down on the couch playing a video game with Kunou on a console. Both of them seemed to be getting heated throughout the entire match as their fingers smashed on the controller's buttons. Instead of it being a fighting game, it was instead a co-op one where both of them were surrounded by zombies. It was Resident Evil 6.
"Come on, Kunou-san you need to watch my back."
"Kunou is trying, but these stupid zombies won't stop surrounding Kunou. That one who kept screaming kept on killing us several times before Kunou could kill it."
Claire and Kunou continued playing through Resident Evil 6's first storyline for several minutes before stopping at the point where Leon found the videotape of "Ada Wong". They remained there in silence for some time, a breath escaped from Kunou's mouth before speaking.
"So, Claire-san, Kunou was wondering something."
"What?"
"Why did you start calling Ken-nii by his name instead of Nii-san like you always used to?"
Kunou asked a question that caused Claire to almost become surprised, but she instead gave a soft smile as she looked down at her enclosed hands.
"Well, after doing some literal soul searching, I realized that I was calling him that due to my weakness. And I didn't want to remain the 'little sister' who always hid behind him. I wanted to become a woman who could walk beside him and fight alongside him," Claire answered honestly before looking up. "Besides, Kensei already has a cute little sister. So, it'd be kinda weird to keep calling him that."
"Yea, Kunou can understand that. Kunou started Ken-nii, Ken-nii after seeing how cool he was for protecting her from others," Kunou said as she crossed her arms in contemplation as her tails started to move around as if also signifying her thought before stopping. "Besides, Kunou does like Nari-chan a lot. So, Kunou will attempt to stop calling Ken-nii, Ken-nii. So, Ken-nii will also see Kunou as a woman."
"Well, that's going to be hard considering you called Kensei, 'Ken-nii' three times just then."
"…."
After realizing what she did, Kunou started looking embarrassed as she continued practicing calling Kensei something other than 'Ken-nii'.
"So, look at what I found," Minako sang out harmoniously as she walked inside of the living room before noticing a lot of 'steam' seemed to seep from Kunou's head as she seemed to be mumbling something. "So, did something happen while I was gone?"
"Kunou-san is trying to graduate from calling Kensei, 'Ken-nii'."
Claire replied as Minako seemed to understand the situation after hearing those words.
"It'll be a difficult path since Kunou has been doing that for much longer than you have," Minako said amused as Kunou was struggling with pulling it off. "Well, as I was saying, I found something that you two might have some interest in."
"What is it?"
"A photo album of Kensei's life that Sakura-san hid," Minako said as she held the photo album in front of her, and Claire did notice that it had Kensei's name written on it. "So, want to see Kensei's old photos?"
"Yea, but where did it come from. We've been living here for years and we haven't found it before."
"Well, Sakura-san knew that Kensei wouldn't want anyone to find this. She might not have been good at spells or magic from Shintoism at first, but she picked up on using it. So, she learned how to use wards that hid it from a person unknowledgeable in it like Kensei. But, she told me about the album and I already learned how to bypass different kinds of wards. So, who wants to see a baby Kensei?"
""Oooh, me!""
Claire and Kunou immediately agreed as they took a seat beside Minako on both sides as she placed the photo album on her lap before opening it. The first photo that they came across was a photo of a newborn Kensei who was in the arms of Sakura. Based on the photo, it looked as if she was sitting in a proper hospital bed inside Hiusi's mother's medical practice located inside her home.
After seeing the baby Kensei, all three of their eyes gained hearts as they looked at the adorable newborn.
"Awww, Kensei was soooo adorable~"
Claire said as she stared into the photo.
"Aw, Ken-nii…I mean…Ken-nii is so adorable."
Kunou said as she seemed to be struggling to break the habit of calling him "Ken-nii", but still didn't deter her from finding Kensei too adorable as a baby.
"He was such an adorable baby, then he turned into a cute body, and finally a handsome teen."
Minako said as she kept going through all the photos inside the album made by Sakura: from moments where Kensei was being held by Tetsuo, being fed, playing, started walking, started going to school, then proceeded into all times where he started purging several evil spirits and demons or fighting people in general from an early age. But, all those photos to them were all still adorable.
"My my, Sakura-san looks like the kind of parent who would record her child fighting against different people and be proud of it. But, she was truly a caring mother who wanted to remember every moment of Kensei's life."
Minako said sadly as she thought about Sakura not being there with them at that moment, which didn't help as a photo of all the Amagiri Clan children from Kensei's generation and teens standing behind them smiling. Due to all of the time that passed, Minako still couldn't believe that the Amagiri Clan was attacked like that and there wasn't any evidence of who caused it all.
"Hahaha, I forgot that I had my hair like that."
Minako found herself laughing as she showed a photo of herself and Kensei at a festival where her hair was at a short length and style, which she found amusing. She didn't mind that Claire and Kunou were also joining in on it as well as stifled laughter escaped from their mouths. Minako was silently thanking herself for her growth in being able to style her hair properly herself.
"Hah, I didn't think that Minako-san would dress her hair like that."
"Come on, give me a break. I was still a kid, though," Minako said as she continued looking at the photo, but did recall that the summer festival was fun. "I thought this was supposed to be focusing on Kensei."
"But, it's still funny."
"Oh, then why don't I tell all the embarrassing things that Kunou used to do."
After hearing that from Minako, Kunou had immediately closed and zipped her mouth shut, not wanting to speak any further about that subject. Minako laughed at her reaction but found herself stopping at a photo of herself and Kensei standing beside a girl their age, with a boy who seemed to be reaching his teens standing near them.
"Huh, who's this?"
"Ah, I remember this one. It was during a meeting with all the exceptional children from the Five Principal Clans and the Amagiri Clan," she said as she stared at the two siblings beside her and Kensei almost as if she was starting to relive it for herself. "It was more of a show to see what kind of talents all the children held, so it was easier for those from the five clans to see who would be marriage candidates to produce strong children. There were several adults all looking at Kensei since he showed the most potential among his generation. But, Sakura-san being Sakura-san wasn't having that, wanting to find someone he loved himself. And no one even from the Five Principal Clan wanted to pick a fight with that demon."
Minako said laughing at the memory before looking at the girl as if she was looking at a good old friend of hers.
"Her name was Meiko Himejima. And her brother was Arata Himejima."
"Mei?"
"Yea, Kensei kinda figured that a certain three followed him. I hope you two got a good show."
Minako laughed as Claire and Kunou seemed embarrassed after hearing that they ended up being figured out in the end. But, that didn't stop Minako from answering their question.
"Kensei and I called her Mei since she wanted us to. Compared to all the children there from the Five Principal Clans, Kensei and I liked her the most. But, her brother was such a serious siscon and didn't want Kensei anywhere near her at the time," Minako said as she traced the photo using her hand. "But, she would've ended up being Kensei's second fiancée instead of Kunou here."
"You said 'was' and 'would've'. Does that mean?"
Claire already seemed to realize what that meant, but the question still ended up leaving her mouth.
"She and even her brother died months after we first met," Minako replied sadly after seeing the photo. "Mei was a potential candidate to inherit the name Suzaku beside Su-chan. But, if there was one flaw, then it would be that her body couldn't endure her powers. Neither parents nor the Himejima Clan believed that Mei would be able to live long enough to reach adulthood. So, it wasn't weird for them to want her to marry into the Amagiri Clan, but I don't know if it was due to wanting her to at least bear a child, prolong her life, or at least have some happiness. You can't tell from what they feel about their own family emotionally."
Minako sounded less energetic tone and instead started remembering the short period that she knew her, but managed to become good friends with her.
"What happened?"
Claire said becoming sadder for Minako.
"My mom didn't want to talk about it around me. But, I heard that Mei lost control over her powers, which ended up burning their home to ashes. It was so terrible that nothing remained of her or her brother's body aside from ashes. Mei's father ended up losing an arm and her mother had scars on her back. In the end, it took the Himejima and the Doumon Clan's best special power users to extinguish the flames."
After hearing about what happened from Minako, Claire and Kunou felt bad for what happened since she and Kensei ended up losing their close friends before getting to fully know them.
"Minako-san, I'm sorry about what happened."
"It's fine. Mei shared the same dream that I had and wanted to become idols too at sixteen years old," she said in a more reassured tone. "So, that was the reason that Kensei and I promised that we wouldn't see one another till we turned sixteen. In memories of Mei, I'll be putting one-hundred and twenty percent into being an idol!"
Minako declared as she stood up to her feet and clenched her fist as she thrust it into the air.
After hearing that from Minako, Claire and Kunou stared at the older cherry blossom-haired girl wearing a look of admiration on their faces. Despite seeming almost nonchalant and teasing almost like a certain nekoshou, there was a lot of strong desire behind her goals and ideals.
"There aren't many photos after some time. So, why don't we start a photo album?"
"I love that idea!"
"Yes, Kunou would like to design a photo album with Ken…and the others."
"Awww," Minako said impressed that Kunou managed to stop before she said 'nii', causing her to wrap her arms around the Kyuubi as she rubbed her cheek against hers and rubbed her ears. "Kunou managed to avoid saying 'Ken-nii' for once. I think that a good hug will be a good reward."
"Kunou doesn't want a hug from Minako-san since she always touches Kunou's ears and tails, making her feel all weird."
Kunou complained as she attempted to free herself from Minako who still had her arms wrapped around her.
Claire continued standing there as she held onto the album that Minako placed on the couch before holding onto Kunou. After seeing how it was made, she liked the idea of making a photo album of their own too, which would be something that all of them could enjoy.
After school ended, Claire found herself blindfolded as Kensei who arrived back and Alice both placed their hand on her shoulder. It's been quite some time since they left their house leading the blindfolded girl toward a specific direction without giving her the slightest indication of where they were going.
"Alright, how far is it? We've been walking like this for minutes."
"It's not good to rush things, Claire."
"Yea, you're going to spoil the surprise."
Both Kensei and Alice said as they led Claire in front of a place where there wasn't anyone around, then he had activated a magic circle underneath them. And with a flash of light, all three of them vanished from sight towards another location. Claire couldn't tell that they used a magic circle since the blindfold kept her from looking at the light emitted from it, but she could vaguely sense the power.
"Here we are? So…."
"1…2…3!"
Together, Kensei and Alice removed the blindfold from around Claire's eyes, causing her to almost be blinded by the sudden light as she narrowed them. However, after she recovered from it, she looked around surprised about what was right in front of her eyes.
[Happy Birthday!]
In front of her were all the people from Hagun Island who fought for her against the exorcists and devils who had all shouted happy birthday to her. She could even see that Natsumi, Naoto, Akari, Nariko, Yasaka, Kurumi, and even all the people from the Valkyrie Squad, were all invited too. But, another thing that surprised her was the scenery around her, which wasn't like any other place she had been before.
The area itself was a beautiful looking area that was nearby a clear lake, which reflected the sunlight resulting in an almost picturesque. As if noticing the confusion in her expression, Kensei smiled and gave her an answer.
"If you're wondering about this unfamiliar area. Well, this is the result of Zane researching barriers and bounded fields like the gaming field used on Hagun Island to produce spaces like this," Kensei revealed much to Claire's surprise. "It took both him and several magic users from her and the Valkyrie Squad to produce this one big enough for all of us to host your party."
"I mean, come on. If there ever was a time to test this out for the first time, then it might as well be during Claire's birthday. I honestly think that it turned out perfect since I used information about a place from the Norse World."
"Zane, everyone," Claire felt as if she was on the brink of tears after seeing all the effort that everyone had put into her party. She instead smiled brightly and looked toward everyone showing the utmost appreciation for everything that they've done for her. "I want to thank all of you for this and everything."
Everyone who heard that from Claire could feel the emotions that she put into that thank you alone, then hearing the words triggered the celebration. At that moment, Claire started truly looking around to see what everyone had been putting together the entire time. There was a wide arrange of food that was prepared, in addition to various forms of drinks ranging from soda, water, and something alcoholic for those of drinking age.
There was even a stage that was built for someone to either sing or give out an announcement to everyone inside of space. However, considering that there was an actual idol there, then it could even be both. Suddenly, a handmade birthday hat was placed on her head as she turned around to see that it was Hisui who smiled at her. There was even a wide arrange of presents that everyone had brought for her gathered around a single area.
"So, instead of looking around. Why don't we party and make as much noise as we want?!"
[Right!]
Everyone declared as the celebration started and someone even put on music to start the celebration, then with no words on the matter. Alice and Hisui started dragging Claire off while wearing that birthday hat on her head to another location before placing her on a little makeshift throne in front of everyone.
"…."
Although she was fine with everything else, Claire was feeling a little embarrassed after being put on a throne in front of them. It was an adorable sight as everyone watched Claire's face turning bright red causing some people to almost chuckling at the sight.
[Birthday Queen! Birthday Queen! Birthday Queen! Birthday Queen!]
Hearing people all starting to chant out those words didn't make anything better as Claire found herself wanting to hide her face using her hands. But, she realized that if she did that, then it would make things worse than before if everyone saw how it affected her. As Claire was sitting down on the throne, several people started walking over to either talk to her or give her compliments.
"Kensei-kun, I must say that this is a wonderful party for her."
Yasaka said as she approached him holding a glass filled with something that gave a sweet smell.
"Yea and Claire deserve all of it after everything that happened."
"Yes, a child shouldn't have to go through anything like that," Yasaka stated as she took a drink from the glass as a breath escaped from her mouth she smiled. "I also wanted to thank you for taking care of Kunou all this time. It was truly a good decision to make you her fiance, but I never regretted it."
"Uh, what about the…."
Kensei started before Yasaka silenced him placing a finger gently on his lips causing him to stop, but his face started turning red due to how close Yasaka was to him.
"You don't need to be worried about it. I learned a long time ago that I can't protect Kunou from everything in the world and there are going to be times when she does get hurt. I'm just too proud to have a daughter who could fight for someone she calls a friend."
Yasaka replied sounding proud as she removed her finger from Kensei's lips before smiling sweetly causing his heart to almost skip a beat.
"I see," Kensei said almost nervously as noticed that Yasaka was still wearing the necklace that he gave her. "I see that you're still wearing the necklace that I gave you."
"Of course, it was a genuine present that was given to me by a kind young man. So, of course, I'll keep wearing it all the time. But, from time to time, it does fall into my breasts a lot. So, it's hard to keep it in place, you see."
"H-Huh?"
Kensei said as his attention was caught on the kitsune necklace he gave to her made from obsidian, which has a protective charm placed on it too. But, he could see that the necklace was slipping into her voluptuous breasts, causing his face to turn bright red at the thought.
"Y-Yaska-san, are you drunk?"
"Hohohoho, of course not, nothing like this would be enough to deter a woman. I'm just having some fun teasing a young man who's still maturing. And someone like Kensei-kun who focused on nothing, but fighting against just strong opponents, it's funny seeing him all flustered like this."
Even Yasaka's laugh and comment held nothing but elegance, which made it near impossible for even the most hardened person to resist her charm.
"Of course, there is no woman better at charming men than her kind. More so, someone like Yasaka-san, who is already a mature and experienced woman."
Yasaka continued laughing as she drank the contents of her drink, while Kensei had noticed that another person came to see him. It was revealed to be Brynhildr, who was dressed in more casual wear similar to Yasaka, who was outside her usual attire.
"Hey, Brynhildr-san."
"Greetings, Kensei. I wanted to thank you for inviting all the Valkyrie Squad here."
"It was no problem. I mean, we're all friends too, and besides you, all helped Zane in building this bounded field," Kensei replied after noticing the smile on Brynhildr's face. "So, inviting all of you is the least that we can do."
Brynhildr appeared appreciative after hearing those words from him as she looked around to see that members of her squad were all enjoying themselves at the moment. She even saw that Rossweisse was talking to Alice at a place close to where Claire was sitting.
"Oh, you must be the person that Kensei-kun and the others met in the Norse World."
"Ah, yes. My name is Brynhildr, the leader of the Valkyrie Squad."
"Greetings, I am Yasaka, the leader of the Kyoto Youkai."
Both Brynhildr and Yasaka greeted one another as they shook each other's hands.
"So, I was wondering something," Yasaka said as she caught Brynhildr's attention, but a light laugh left her mouth as she placed a hand in front of it. "Are you one of the women who have their sights on Kensei-kun?"
"W-What are ya talking about?"
Hearing that sudden question from Yasaka caused the normally calm and level-headed Brynhildr's face to turn a deep shade of red as she spoke in her homeland's accent.
"My my, I didn't expect a reaction like that. I thought that it was an easy question to answer," Yasaka said as she continued. "I mean, I see that there are already a lot of girls who're going after Kensei-kun at the moment. At the moment, counting my darling daughter who's his fiancée, and Minako-san too. There is Claire-san, Alice-san, and Hisui-san. And, if he continues gaining my interest, then I might join too. Ah, I can already imagine being with a young and energetic man."
Hearing that from Yasaka caused Brynhildr's and Kensei's faces to turn bright red from the words from the mature woman.
"W-What do ya me about dat?! Y-You can't d-do dat until getting married, yaknow?"
Brynhildr started falling more and more into her dialect as she continued talking to Yasaka.
"Ara, are you a pure maiden," Yasaka questioned, but Brynhildr didn't give a single response as she seemed to be too embarrassed about that. After realizing that Brynhildr was still, in fact, a pure maiden, a gentle laugh started to leave Yasaka's mouth "My my, this is going to be fun? Kensei-kun, could you please leave us for just a moment so that we could talk to women?"
"Way ahead of you."
Kensei said as he was already walking away from the conversation, but Brynhildr looked as if she didn't want to be there alone with Yasaka. He that she was led over to the table before being handed a glass of the same drink as hers. Kensei later looked and noticed that Natsumi approached him holding Nariko in her hands, wearing a cheerful smile as she saw her oldest brother.
"This is a wonderful party, Kensei. I'm impressed how this space was produced," Natsumi said before looking as Naoto and Akari were eating some of the food prepared. But, Akari looked to have stolen his meat kebabs before running in another direction smirking as Naoto chased her. There were also a lot of children their ages all enjoying this party too, which almost warmed up her heart. "Naoto and Akari-chan appear to be enjoying themselves to the fullest."
"Yea, I'm always happy seeing them able to enjoy their childhood."
"It's always sad to see times when children aren't allowed to be children, but I'm happy to see that you and all the others managed to enjoy it all," Natsumi said before noticing Nariko laughing as Kensei sticking out his tongue while making a funny face At that moment, she was also reminded of something before the party started. "Ah, I heard that you and Tetsuo managed to set down to have a conversation with one another."
"Hmm," Kensei said being reminded of that talk. "Yea, we sure did."
"So, is it something that you can share with your stepmother? Or is it something between father and son?"
"I guess it would be something between father and son."
Kensei replied laughing lightly.
"Fine fine, then I won't interfere," Natsumi said before noticing that Yasaka was talking to Bryndhildr who seemed to be reluctantly listening. Seeing that happen caught her attention and wonder what they were talking about. "Would you like to play with your little sister for while? It appears as if something is interesting going on where Yasaka-san and that Valkyrie is."
"Sure thing, I don't mind," Kensei replied as he took Nariko off Natsumi's hands before laughing nervously. "I feel so bad for Brynhildr-san right now."
"Nii-nii, Nii-nii."
Nariko looked to have been attempting to gain his attention as she touched his face.
"Hmmm, Nari-chan?"
"Fwoosh, fwoosh."
She started moving around her hands as if she wanted to fly somewhere, which Kensei understood as there was a smile that appeared on his face.
"Hahahaha," Kensei laughed knowing what that meant before holding her up high in the air. "Alright, here we go."
At that moment, Nariko had started floating in the air as wind surrounded her entire body, which lifted her high up in the air. As she was floating in the air using the wind that Kensei produced, Nariko started laughing as she felt it all wrap around her. Kensei started to wonder if her sacred gear had anything to do with wind since this wasn't the first time that she reacted like this whenever he summoned wind like this.
After that was done, Kensei released the wind as Nariko descended toward the ground until he caught her in his arms. Instead of being frightened, she started cheerfully laughing and clapping her hands as her older brother thought back to all the times that Naoto would be crying at her age.
"Hahahaha, Nari-chan is certainly going to be fearless like her older brother, huh," Kensei stated before looking to see Naoto managing to catch Akari who stole back his food. "But, Naoto at some point is going to become the same."
As Kensei thought about his two younger siblings, he thought back to the conversation that he had with Tetsuo before this party started.
At the Uesugi Residence, moments after the meeting with Sirzechs and Grayfia ended, Kensei was sitting outside on the porch watching as Naoto and Akari were doing their regular training. He could see that they were improving as he taught them some training methods from the Amagiri-ryuu. It had surprised him that Akari could always keep up with Naoto despite being raised relatively normal compared to him, but that simply showed her determination.
In his hands was his sleeping younger sister, Nariko who was cradled in his arms and sleeping peacefully.
"How's their progress?"
Kensei heard Tetsuo walking up on the porch before taking a seat beside him.
"Due to the nature of their sacred gears, it would be a good idea for them to learn more about strengthening their spirit through meditation. I think that Naoto would be fine with that since his Yamato appears to match his calmer and disciplined mindset. So, I don't think that meditating would fit Akari, who's essentially a walking firecracker," Kensei laughed. "I can tell that her Enten is starting to develop its flame attribute. But, since their swords are a manifestation of their soul, there's still a lot for them to grow."
"Yea, that's true. Despite his timidness, Naoto still has a great deal of potential inside of him that doesn't lose to yours. But, it could also be due to his timidness that it's going to take some time to awaken."
"You mean like the carp leaping through the dragon gate to become a dragon?"
"…."
Tetsuo seemed to have almost burst out into laughter after hearing that, but managed to maintain it due to Nariko being asleep beside him. Kensei stared at him hearing his reaction with a sideways glance.
"What?"
"It's weird hearing the kid who used to pick fights with whoever crossed his path without a second thought say an idiom like that. I heard that you learned some things from Xuanzang Sanzang, but it's still impossible to believe."
"You trying to pick a fight with me old man," Kensei asked baring his fangs at Tetsuo as feeling irritated after he was being insulted before calming down in response to Nariko squirming around in his arms. He sighed from relief that he didn't end up waking her up before he continued talking. "Yea and I wonder who I got that from. It's not like both my parents who were battle maniacs who tried killing each other once."
"Yea, inheriting something from parent to child," Tetsuo stated as he calmed down from his laughter. "So, I heard that you visited Hinata-san."
"Yea, and thanks for the heads up. I think that it would've been good knowing that one of the people I befriended is also the daughter of the one who delivered me."
"She mentioned that you visited and that it should be time that I at least told you this. Did she mention the dragon that Sakura and I fought against?"
"Yea, she mentioned that it was a legendary evil dragon."
"If there ever was a legendary evil dragon here aside from Yamata-no-Orochi, then it would've been that one," Tetsuo started recalling the entire incident. "Kuraokami, the Phantom Dragon said to have been born from Kagutsuchi's body after Izanagi-sama beheaded him, but had power over water and ice. You'd think that all the evil dragons who were scattered across various locations of Japan where power users would've been bad enough, but that one, in particular, was focused at Urakyoto. Due to the Amagiri Clan's plan and assistance from the queen, Kuraokami was contained in another bounded field. But, it was strong enough to rival Yamata-no-Orochi, a dragon who Susanoo fought against, so the battle was drawn out…almost a total of three days straight. There were several times where fighters needed to be switched several times during the battle."
Kensei continued listening as his father explained their history with the evil dragon, Kuraokami, which was one of the dragons he did hear about in Shinto legends.
"But, that was the kind of opponent that two battle maniacs kept insisting to fight against two. So, the Amagiri Clan head and Kenichi-san agreed if we showed some progress before they ended up defeating it. Sakura, who used the wood element could counter his water went to train in some special place owned by the Amagiri Clan. I, on the other hand, kept fighting most of the evil dragons still scattered around Japan for practice. And then, I met on the second day before Kuraokami would be defeated, I gained this scar."
Kensei looked as Tetsuo ran his hand across the thin X-shaped scar on the middle of his face.
"Was it a powerful evil dragon?"
"Yea, but that was after killing one of the high-ranked evil dragons who were rampaging there," Tetsuo answered as his hands started shaking from recalling the battle. "Before and after that, I've never met anyone as powerful as him, not even Kuraokami would've been an opponent for that man?"
"You said man, not a dragon."
"Trust me, he was an evil dragon, but he remained in human form the entire time," Tetsuo replied recalling every single detail from that fight, in particular. "My teenage self, thinking that he was another enemy attacked him and throughout that entire fight, I realized that I didn't have any kind of edge against him. Neither of my techniques or attacks breached him in the slightest. It was like I was fighting against a wall of absolute power that was nothing I could overcome in my lifetime. But, even though he had the edge the entire time, he took me seriously throughout the entire battle without letting his guard down. After all that, I was lucky enough to leave with just this scar. If he had the intention of killing me, then I would have died the second I attacked him."
"Well, that's surprising I heard evil dragons are battle maniacs who'll even destroy everything including even if it's themselves along with it. But, this one sounded like a genuine warrior."
"Before he left, he told me that he came to Japan because he was curious about the reason that Evil Dragons started gathering here. And that even if Sakura and I were to team up against Kuraokami, there was no chance that we could fight him. So, he gave me some…advice."
Kensei noticed how Tetsuo stopped at the word "advice".
He looked on as Tetsuo extended out his right arm, then black scale-esque markings started manifesting around it, as a black aura started manifesting around it. Before long, a black and silver katana released a dragon aura manifesting in his hands. In noticing that, Kensei was surprised about the amount of aura that he could sense from the sword and Tetsuo as he held the sword in his hands.
"I was born with a Twice Critical, a common sacred gear, but as a dragon-type, it has potential. So, I kept on training it from childhood until I was a teenager, it turned it into a sub-species and combined it with the sword that I loved to wield too. So, now I could manifest a dragon sword from my right arm. Even then I felt something was still missing," Tetsuo explained as he stared at the sword in his hand. "After that fight, I realized what was missing. I thought about what would happen if I, who own a Twice Critical drank blood from a strong dragon. Well, I got my answer after I was writhing on the ground for what felt like hours. Once I woke up, my sacred gear and body were influenced by drinking the blood of that Evil Dragon I defeated. It changed to the point where I couldn't call it a Twice Critical anymore. So, I named it Crescent Edge after the dragon who bested me, but helped me."
Kensei was surprised after hearing that from Tetsuo as his black sword seemed to vanish back inside of his arm as if it was a part of it now.
"So, after that, you and mom returned to the battlefield to fight against Kuraokami."
"That's right. We returned around the same time, despite facing the Amagiri Clan and youkai, Kuraokami didn't falter at all. So, Sakura and I got our chance to fight a legendary dragon, while everyone else focused on recovering. As we thought, it was still a hard fight for us despite strengthening ourselves as much as possible. In the end, it took Sakura hitting Kuraokami using her strongest technique that gave me the chance to land the final blow. We killed it, but at the same time, Sakura damaged her dominant arm by his last ice attack. It's a bit ironic."
"What?"
"One of the reasons that I chose to drink that evil dragon's blood was because I didn't want to fall behind her and cause her to find another rival."
"…."
Kensei almost found himself laughing as Tetsuo awkwardly admitted that he didn't want Sakura to find someone else to be a rival. It was something that he couldn't imagine his father doing even as a teenager, but seeing how flustered he was at the moment talking about it made it believable.
"Well, I guess that I also got my awkwardness around women from him," Kensei said finding himself laughing as he realized that, causing Tetsuo to stare at him. "So, was there anything else?"
"Sakura and I ended our rivalry after some time since her injured arm couldn't allow us to settle things. I don't think that you want to hear about what happened next, but we ended up having you," Kensei was thankful that Tetsuo left out those details, knowing what he was referring to. "After some time, Natsumi gave birth to Naoto, and then Nariko, who was born almost over a year ago. There were some concerns about what would happen as you three did inherit dragon blood from me. Thankfully there weren't any abnormalities, but Hinata said that the dragon's blood and aura did influence your bodies, which is the reason your scents are different from humans. No one could guess where your potential would lead you in the future. You, in particular, who comes from a clan of special power users."
"I guess this has something to do with what the Demon Eater said about my blood being unique. Then there was the thing that Niðhöggr said about me smelling different from other humans."
Kensei started thinking back to his fight against the Demon Eater after it bit him, then mentioned his blood being a little unique from other humans.
"Well, Hinata did mention something else."
"What was it?"
"She said that you might affect more supernatural women like youkai, because of it."
Kensei listened as Tetsuo started laughing after saying those words, causing a tick mark to appear on his forehead.
"What happened to that stoic act?"
"It might be hard to believe, but I do have a sense of humor," Tetsuo asked as he leaned forward watching as Naoto and Akari continued their match without stopping before looking down. "What do you think that Sakura will say if she saw that I was attempting to avoid you out of guilt?"
There was a silence between them as neither of them seemed to speak a single word for several minutes before Kensei covered Nariko's ears in case she heard this.
"If it were mom, then she'd probably say, 'Quit your bitching and get over it. You're not going to change the past, so stop living in it'," Kensei said as he removed his fingers from Nariko's ears. "Besides, you should focus more on Naoto and Nariko since I'm not even a baby anymore. I guess it's true that adults tend to look back on their past. But, if you want to talk, then there's no problem at all with that either."
At Tetsuo heard those mature words from his oldest and firstborn child, Tetsuo allowed a breath to escape from his mouth almost weight was lifted off his chest.
"I see," Tetsuo smiled faintly before going on to something else. "But, there is one more thing that you should know about it."
Kensei returned to Claire's birthday as he watched everyone enjoying themselves, as well as watching as Claire was still being treated like a queen. But, she looked to have been getting over the overall embarrassment as she remained sitting on that throne smiling.
"Yep, like father and son. We're both too awkward sometimes."
"…awk…ward."
"Ah, Nari-chan is so smart."
Kensei started laughing as he held his sister right in front of him as she repeated his words while laughing.
"Waah, those women are terrible, yaknow."
Kensei noticed Brynhildr walking back looking terrible and her cheeks a little bit red as an empty glass was inside her hands, speaking in her country's dialect. He didn't even want to know what those two mature women told her during her conversation, but it seemed to have reduced her to this state.
"Kensei, do you think that you could show me around your town later?"
Brynhildr asked, but it caused him to smile lightly.
"I mean, you did do us the same courtesy showing us around Asgard. So, it's only right," Kensei before noticing a look of relief appeared on her face after hearing him agree. "Well, it would be bad for her image if people saw her like this. Hold on a sec, Brynhildr-san."
"Huh, what do ya mean?"
Brynhildr asked before noticing Kensei placing a hand on her head, then increased her healing, causing Brynhildr to also recover from her alcoholic stupor. After realizing what happened, her face turned slightly red before gaining her rational senses again.
"I-I'm sorry that you had to see me in that state," Brynhildr seemed flustered before coughing into her hand, then regained her composure. "You can forget about what I said at that moment."
"I don't mind showing you around Kibou Town later."
Kensei said not minding it at all, which caused Brynhildr to almost give a faint smile and laugh.
"Then I'll be looking forward to it."
"Uh, Kensei."
Kensei turned around to see that Claire was tugging at his shirt in an attempt to gain his attention causing him to turn in her direction. It looked as if she managed to get away from the others who were gathered around her, but instead of saying anything, she pointed in another direction where no one would hear her.
"Hey, Brynhildr, you mind holding my sister for a second?"
"Huh, but…."
"Come on, I won't be that long. Her name is Nariko."
"A-Alright."
Brynhildr agreed to his request and held Nariko in her arms after seeing how Kensei was holding onto her, then Kensei walked over to where Claire was leading him. This left Brynhildr alone with Nariko who was staring at her wearing a curious look on her infant's face.
"U-Uh, hello, my name is Brynhildr," Brynhildr said mustering as much a smile as possible, but on the inside it caused her to become nervous since she wasn't used to holding a child. "Uh, how am I going to talk to a child?"
"Hi, Bryn."
Nariko replied giggling, which caused Brynhildr's heart to almost skip a beat from the cuteness.
"She's so adorable~"
Although Brynhildr was attempting to remain calm and composed on the outside, on the inside, she was gushing as the adorableness from the infant was almost too much for her to bear.
Meanwhile, inside the forested area near the area further from the party, would allow them more privacy from the others. After the two of them arrived there, Kensei and Claire found themselves in silence as neither of them was able to say a single word. Around them, even the forest around them as the sunlight beamed through the trees seemed to make the entire situation beautiful.
""Alright, here we go!""
Kensei and Claire thought at the same time, finding the situation to be the most person timing for both of them. After all, that happened with Hilda impersonating someone important to Claire, Zekram, the Great King Faction, and the members of the Church. Neither of them wanted to waste any more time and put what both of them wanted to tell the other on hold anymore.
""Uh, Claire/Kensei,"" both of them found themselves speaking at the same time. ""No, you first? Uh, wait…?""
Kensei and Claire laughed a little nervously before the former directed his attention toward Claire, which she took as being allowed to speak first.
"So, I wanted to thank you for…well, pretty much everything you've done for me since we first met," Claire said as she started poking her fingers together almost nervously. "I honestly don't think that I couldn't survive all that time alone without you and Alice-nee. After losing everyone, I never thought that I'd be able to find anyone to believe in anymore. But, I ended up finding two people that I love dearly."
After hearing those words, Kensei started feeling a little complicated as he could feel his heart beating a lot faster in that instance. But, he later gained the confidence to start speaking about what he wanted to speak about.
"Yea, I kinda feel the same way. If it wasn't for you and Alice, then I probably would've been lonely for a long time on that island. I was still kinda a dumb kid who still didn't think about anything other than fighting and protecting a couple of girls I ended up meeting. To be honest, I'm still kinda getting used to the idea of love and stuff…."
"Is he…?"
Claire could tell that Kensei was getting more and more nervous as he continued talking, while he was also trying to avoid making eye contact with her. She recalled all the times that he faced opponent after opponent without a single hesitant look. But, it looked as if he were struggling to admit something at that moment and looked to have been trying to find the right words. After deciding to see what he was going with this, Claire stood there to listen.
"Uh, I never really thought about it much since I was a kid since I didn't consider or fully understand what it meant to be in love with someone. The most that I could even understand about it was that Minako wasn't just a normal childhood friend of mine. But, as I started growing up, I started realizing what it meant to…be in love with another person and not just as friends."
Claire started feeling her heart starting to beat faster and faster as she was realizing what Kensei was attempting to tell her. And if that was truly the case, then it would be one of the best things that she had ever heard in her entire life.
"Claire, I love you," Kensei said seriously as he stared at her without deterring. "And I don't mean like as an older brother, I mean how a man loves a woman."
Having heard that confession from Kensei, Claire's mind seemed to have been completely overcome with varied emotions of elation. From the first time that they met, Claire treated Kensei like an older brother who'd protect her from anything. But, during the time that the two of them started knowing each other, then Alice started living with them all, her feelings started growing more into love.
"K-Kensei, I never thought that I would ever find anyone to protect or care about me aside from my old family due to believing no one would expect me to be a half-breed," Claire's voice seemed to have been shaking after she heard those words. She was smiling as tears of happiness were starting to stream down her face. "B-But, I found someone that I fell in love with because he was everything that I wanted. He accepted me. He cared about me. He defended me. He's someone I want to fight beside. He's someone I want to spend my entire life with. Kensei, I love you."
Claire after saying those words ended up moving forward before Kensei could even react, then she leaned up and pressed her lips against his. He looked surprised for a moment as Claire pressed her lips against his, but it didn't take long for him to wrap his arms around her waist and put more effort into the kiss. It seemed to be minutes as the two continued kissing before stepping backward.
"W-Well, that was…amazing."
Claire said to herself in an attempt to wonder whether or not she kissed Kensei, but it was too real to be anything aside from reality.
"Well, since you mentioned that you wanted to be with me forever," Kensei said as he caused the space around his hand to distort before an item appeared in his hands. "If you're fine with spending your entire life with me, due to you think you could do it as my future wife."
"…!"
Claire's expression turned from surprise to shock.
"Geez, it took me almost all that effort just to confess my feelings to you. And then you come out with a proposal for me moments later," Claire replied, but she still extended her hands in acceptance before smiling the brightest that he's ever seen. "Yes, I'd love to be your fiancée."
After hearing that response from Claire, Kensei smiled as he took her hand in his, then slipped the ring onto her finger. Soon after the engagement ring was placed on her fingers, the gemstone that was embedded in it, started to shine with a whitish aura.
"This is a beautiful ring. Did you buy this?"
"I mean, I bought the one that it was based on," Kensei said before scratching his head embarrassed about the words that were going to leave his mouth next. "It was embarrassing asking Zane whether or not his brother, Eric could make a ring for me."
"You know that you're going to need to propose to Alice-nee too, right?"
Claire asked teasingly already knowing that Kensei also had feelings for Alice too.
"Y-Yea, I know. I asked if he could make five rings for me, one for you, another for Minako, Alice, Kunou…Hisui."
"Hisui, eh?"
Claire started looking more teasingly, which was something that he thought that only Minako and Hisui would do to him in this situation. Before she started laughing at his reaction, there wasn't anything wrong with it.
"I decided to become more mature so that I could stand beside you. I know there's going to be more girls who're going to start approaching you. So, as long as their feelings are genuine, and as long as you love them back. I'll have no problem with it."
Kensei was surprised about the newfound maturity that Claire was showing right in front of him at that moment, then started feeling as if she grew the most this time.
"But, let's face it. There are going to be times where I argue with Kunou-san and Hisui," Claire pointed out as she grabbed onto his hand and smirked. "I don't think that I can break that habit, though. But, I think that's something that means I like being around them."
"Yea."
Hand in hand, Kensei and Claire started walking outside the forest, then people such as Alice, Hisui, and Kunou all that the different atmosphere around them. It didn't take long for Alice to realize what happened between them inside the forest and even to notice the ring on Claire's finger.
"Claire did Kensei…?"
"Yes."
"And Kensei did you…?"
"Yes."
"This is wonderful!"
Alice declared out loud as she rushed to wrap her arms around Kensei and Claire, both of whom accepted the hug at that moment.
"Yea, and Alice I also wanted to…hmm."
Before Kensei could finish, Alice stopped him and pressed her lips against him in a kiss causing his eyes to turn wide from the surprise. Claire didn't appear to react at all, but Kunou and Hisui both looked as surprised as Kensei at that moment not expecting that to happen.
"I always said to myself that I'd only ever kiss Kensei after Claire confesses," Alice admitted as she moved from him with flushed cheeks. "It was only right since she did end up meeting him before I did."
"Well, this is surprising. I didn't think that Alice would take the initiative like that," Hisui said as she spoke under her breath examining the situation before pouncing on Kensei and wrapping her arms around his neck. "But, since Claire and Alice ended up doing it, then that means that it's my…."
[Ahem, would everyone please look this way!]
Hisui was stopped from kissing Kensei as Minako seemed to have moved onto the stage holding a microphone in her hands, causing a disappointed sigh to escape from her mouth. At that moment, due to almost everyone there knowing that Minako was Sakura-hime, all their attention was turned toward her. On stage, Minako wore an outfit that she would wear whenever performing, which seemed to be an almost beautiful yukata designed for her to perform like this.
[First off, I would like to wish Claire Yaegaki Belial, a happy fourteenth birthday!] At that several people started to cheer at that before calming down as Claire's attention was drawn to the stage. [Y'know, when I returned here to my hometown, I thought that it was just going to be me reuniting with my childhood friend and fiancée. But, soon enough, it became something more than that. I returned here to find out that he was doing something beautiful, he gathered all these people here at a place where all of them could live in peace. He gave them all a home and place to belong after being abandoned or forgotten. But, it's more than that…it's almost as if all of the people here became one big family who'd fight for each other no matter what. So, to commemorate a special girl's birthday and the new family she became a part of. I, the Sakura-hime will give a very special once-in-a-lifetime performance!]
[Yeaaaaaaa!]
At that declaration, almost all the people shouted out loud in anticipation at their fortune of being given this kind of performance by the famous upcoming idol herself. There was a slight pause as Minako twirled around before she held out her hands and she started singing.
"— — "
As Minako started singing, from all around her an aura that almost felt divine began exuding from her body, while several cherry blossoms started forming and spreading outwards. For those watching all this, their attention was all facing Minako alone as her beautiful song seemed to resonate with their hearts and souls.
"— — "
It was a beautiful song that represented all the struggles that everyone there had to go through on Hagun Island, all the time that all of them felt despair. But, as the songs continued, it represented the sole light of hope that had appeared right in front of them all.
"— — "
One light came, then it soon started turning into nine lights altogether, which triggered a rebellion that gave them all the courage to fight for their freedom and retake their lives. And finally, all of them were given the freedom to find the one place that became a home for them.
Almost all the people watching this started feeling tears forming at the corners of their eyes as the song pressed forward. Kurumi, Minako's mother who also managed to arrive and set up this stage for her was standing near it as tears formed at the corners of her eyes. But, it wasn't just due to the song, but also the fact that her daughter was able to fulfill her desires like this.
"In a place that favors tradition rather than one's ideas and dreams, I love the fact that Minako was able to do what she desired. And to make a song this beautiful, that even the gods would find themselves touched."
Kurumi wiped away all her tears as she continued singing.
Kensei, who was watching all this smiled as Minako continued performing in front of everyone, then felt a pair of hands grab onto his. And before long, it turned into two arms locked with his. He looked to find that it was Claire holding onto his left hand and Kunou holding onto his left arm. On his right, it was Alice holding onto his right hand and Hisui holding onto his right arm.
"A big happy family, yea," Kensei loved the sound of that as all the people around him did feel like a family to him and the four women crowded around him at the moment. And the one singing on stage was the woman he wants to add to his family. "I'll do my absolute hardest to make their lives happy."
As Kensei resolved to ensure that goal was completed while continuing to listen to the performance in complete and total bliss. It was the perfect birthday party that anyone could ask for since all the people who care for one gathered around here together.
"Kensei, what're we doing there?"
Claire asked confused as she found herself sitting on a park bench.
It has been several minutes since Claire's birthday party ended, it was still daytime, but the sun seemed to have almost been down. They were inside a town outside of Kibou, but Kensei didn't tell her the reason that he brought her here, in particular. He simply said that it was another big surprise that he prepared.
"I mean, do I need another big gift. I already got everything that I could ask for."
"This is one more surprise that I prepared. So, please accept it and don't complain."
"Fine, fine."
Claire found herself seated at the bench, but Kensei, who had been sitting there the entire found suddenly got up as if he noticed something that Claire couldn't.
"Well, I'll be leaving for a second. Please enjoy your surprise."
"Huh? Then why are you leaving?"
Claire asked, but Kensei didn't respond as he left the area without Claire being able to see his figure anymore. A sigh escaped from her mouth as Claire found herself almost falling forward on the bench after being left like that.
"What's this surprise? And why did he leave like that?"
Claire asked herself as she found herself laying her head on the bench without noticing that another person ended up appearing.
"Excuse me, are you the person I'm supposed to be meeting here?"
"Huh?"
Claire was confused as she heard another voice that seemed almost familiar to her somewhere, but she couldn't think about it. But, the man's voice sounded young and strong, but kind at the same time.
"Uh, I think…so!"
Claire found herself shouting as she completely recognized the person standing in front of her. No, there was no way that she could forget this man even if she tried to.
He was a gray-haired and-eyed man who appeared to be in his twenties with a muscular build, which could be seen even wearing his clothing that seemed to belong to someone of high class. The person standing in front of her is Diehauser Belial, the current Head of the Belial and the Emperor who was dominating the Rating Game. Most of all, he was her mother's cousin who she adored like an older brother, making him her family too.
"…wait, your face. You remind me of someone."
Diehauser after seeing Claire staring at him surprised almost surprising himself after noticing that her face did remind him of someone important to him and lost. The more that he looked at Claire, the more "that" person started resurfacing in his memories. Of the girl who adored him as an older brother and he adored as a younger sister who followed him around no matter where he went. Claire's face and aura were too familiar to him, and due to his experience, there was no way that he could mistake them.
"…I'm sorry," Diehauser almost felt himself starting to cry as his suspicions started becoming far more believable, but he wanted to confirm it himself. "Could you tell me your name?"
More than anything, Diehauser wanted to hear the right response that was already answered inside of his head, which was something that Claire could see.
"…uh," Claire started fiddling with her fingers nervously before speaking. "My name is Claire Yaegaki Belial. I'm the daughter of Cleria Belial and Masaomi Yaegaki. So, that means I'm…."
Before Claire could even finish, Diehauser moved at a speed that she couldn't even follow and wrapped his arms around her. It was such a warm embrace that Claire almost couldn't believe that someone who didn't know her could show this kind of love.
"You're her daughter. You're really, Cleria's daughter."
"Y-You, know that I'm a half-breed, right?"
"It doesn't matter. That doesn't change the fact that you're family."
Diehauser found himself crying as he realized that there was still a part of the woman who he had treated as his sister in this world. He was a man who treated his family and citizens who lived in the Belial territory with nothing but affection, which the Belial Clan was known for no matter what. Even if he didn't know Claire and even if she's a half-breed, it didn't matter to him.
"…."
Claire couldn't stop her tears anymore as she got something else she always wanted.
She wanted to meet this man.
Throughout her memories, she found herself watching all the Rating Game matches he and his peerage were in, she and her mother cheered for him together. She heard all the stories about him from her mother and all of the times that he helped herself and others. Claire wanted to meet Diehauser and proudly introduce herself to him. It was due to the person she promised to spend her life with that it came true.
"Thank you, Kensei. Thank you for this!"
Claire found herself crying like Diehauser as she returned the hug.
Kensei was leaning against a tree further from the location so that he wouldn't disturb the long-awaited time for them to meet like this. A smile appeared on his face as he was thinking about the time that Sirzechs promised to ensure that Diehauser would come to finally meet Claire and was happy that it happened.
"It's been a long time coming for them to meet. And there's no way that bastard or anyone else is going to try and kill Claire again," Kensei said before wearing a more serious look. "But, they're not the only ones I'm going to look out for."
'Kensei, that dragon before leaving said that there was something that was leading the evil dragons toward Japan.'
Kensei recalled the words that he was told by Tetsuo soon after revealing what happened that day.
'After thinking about it, it could have been a planned assault. Almost all the other clans were fighting against the evil dragons who appeared in their territories. And the strongest one among them was focused on Urakyoto, which is a place with close ties with the Amagiri Clan. No one from the Five Principal Clans would enter the battle, so it would be impossible to receive help from those who inherited the five sacred beasts. It was the perfect chance to take out the strongest force in the Amagiri Clan. I don't know if this has anything to with the massacre, but if it isn't connected to what happens, then it might mean more enemies for you.'
"I don't know if this is the person who killed the entire clan. But, either way, this person ended up killing my mom even if it was indirectly," Kensei stated as his eyes sharpened. "Whether it was crippling my mother. Or killing my entire clan, I'll find out who's responsible no matter who they are. So, just keep waiting wherever you are. Because I'll be coming for you."
—Three years ago
Almost two months since the Demon Eater Incident in Kyoto, an event caused by the artificial human created by the Sigurd Institute was experimented on further and rampaged. But, he was eventually stopped by Kensei and the others. The person who had supported him in his goals, the unnamed Benefactor himself was standing behind a tree watching a recording.
[Kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL kill kill kill kill KILL KILL KILL killlllllllllllllllLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!]
In the recording, there was a black humanoid beast clothed in darkness with six tails joined by a monstrous hound that seemed to breathe darkness from its mouth. In the recording, there was also a seventeen-year-old brown-haired girl and a thirteen-year-old silver-haired boy.
Both humanoid and beast attacked a black-haired middle-aged man who attacked back using floating tokko, single-edged vajra. But, all of his attempts were pointless against the beasts who seemed to surround everything in nothing but darkness including the skies and mountains as blades grew from the darkness. The Benefactor found stared at the black humanoid as it tore apart everything in its path.
"Well, it was a fun project, the concept of the 'Utsusemi' was interesting, but in the presence of the Black Hound, it seems that your dream of revenge against the Five Principal Clan couldn't be realized, Hanezu-san," an ironic laugh escaped from the Benefactor's mouth. "It's ironic that Tobio Ikuse was born with a Longinus that has the same sword that killed the god they worshiped. And Akeno Himejima, the daughter of a fallen angel was born among them too. It appears as if despite talking about their beliefs, several oddities were born to their related to the current Head. I can't help find the irony in these incidents hilarious."
The Benefactor seemed to laugh after recalling that incident, which caused an intense feeling to build up within himself. But, he calmed himself down before falling any further than that.
"No no no, calm yourself. If you continue thinking, then you'll end up stirring yourself up," the Benefactor calmly said as he glanced to the side as he noticed another presence. "Besides, it appears that they've arrived."
There were some people dressed in black stealth clothes that appeared to have been maintained to the point of being usable. In their hands, there were various items for medicinal purposes and in front of them was a teleportation circle that one of them activated. All of them stepped into the teleportation circle not noticing that someone joined them at the last second after concealing themselves.
"If I want to fulfill my own goals in the future, I'll need a place to operate. And 'that' place is the most perfect one that I can think of."
The Benefactor thought as the magic circle shined, which was headed toward 'that' location.
Once the light faded, they found themselves in what remained of the capital that acted as the paradise for those from the Human World's underworld. At this point, it was a mere fragment of what it was, previously this was Hagun Island before Kensei and the others rebelled three years prior. Due to their actions, the entire organization and the Gehenna Tournament were brought down and those responsible suffered a disastrous loss.
Around them, were the former popular establishments, which sold various items that were almost torn down. Almost all the people, the Gehenna Guards responsible for keeping things in order were straggling around similar to how the people they treated lived for years. And even those who were previously one of those people, but soon betrayed their friends in an attempt to live a good life, were now re-experiencing what that life was like.
"What a terrible sight. You can almost feel the depression and despair in the air," the Benefactor said as he looked all around. "But, that what's makes it perfect."
He could see that people were attempting to find whatever resources remained as even the creatures who were used to fight against the competitors were used as well. Most survived since some people ventured to the mainlands to steal and gather anything they needed to survive. The Benefactor ignored all the locations and people, then instead headed toward one location, in particular.
The most acclaimed location on Hagun Island was the Paradise Tower, which stood at Hagun Island's center and was the main location where their business would take place. But, as the Benefactor entered it, the power was barely on in several places and like other places on Hagun Island, it was barely maintained. He continued walking towards the location he was heading, noticing that some of the supports were all stationed here as well.
"It's almost sad watching all this," the Benefactor uttered under his breath. "To think that this was one of the most renown places in the illegal underworld, where every person gathered and express their greed to the fullest."
Since none of the elevators were operational, the Benefactor ventured up the steps leading to one floor and room where the people he wanted to meet would be gathered. On this floor, there was a medical ward located where the most high-tech medical equipment was for people and serious injuries. But, inside there were five people who needed to be under constant care or their lives would be in danger.
"Well, this seems like the right place," the Benefactor said as he entered the room without being cornered about being rude or not. "Greeting, old devils and the genius himself, Taro Aoyama."
Inside the room, there were the four old devils that Kensei slashed using his sword, but their injuries were far more serious than intended. Due to being a countermeasure against dark creatures, their bodies suffered from severe aftereffects, and most lost their limbs that couldn't be saved. As such, all four were bedridden with all their bodies hooked up to machines.
But, none of them was as serious as Taro who was hooked up to more machines and quarantined by using a thin see-through sheet, like heavy breathing even using a mask. It was likely due to all these machines that Taro was alive, but it was barely keeping him alive and nothing could recall the serious damage done to his body that looks to be deteriorating.
After seeing the intruder, the old devils were prepared to release their demonic attacks but stopped after feeling an even greater daunted aura from the Benefactor.
"Please, I'm not here to fight," the Benefactor said showing no intention of fighting against them, not that it would be considered a fair battle. "I'm here to give you a chance."
"What chance?"
One of the old devils asked.
"At revenge against the ones who did this to you," The Benefactor answered seriously catching their attention. "If it wasn't for those children and teens rebelling against you, then you wouldn't have been in this situation. You're all beaten and battered unable to leave this room let alone this island, living in fear of being found. If it wasn't for, Kensei Amagiri, then this wouldn't have happened, right?"
Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!
At the sheer mention of Kensei's name, the monitor that was reading his heartbeat started beeping showing that Taro was beating irregularly fast.
"Whoa whoa, calm down, Taro-san. If you continue at this pace, then you might end up having a heart attack."
"What would you get out of this? And how do you even know that brat?"
"Hmmm, you could say that our interests are currently aligned with one another," the Benefactor said cryptically and held out his arm. "I need an isolated place and people to work with. Besides, this is the perfect location for me to set it all up for this operation that I have planned for the future. But, I can't do it all alone. I'll still need more financial support and five of the people responsible for creating the Gehenna Tournament is all right here. Plus, there are some more people that I need to add as well. Also, if you don't help me, then I can always just take it for myself. But, if you work with me, then I promise that I'll fix everything and make it worth your while."
[!]
Due to their experience, the old devils could tell that this person wasn't someone that any of them could trifle with and come out on top. It wouldn't be possible even in their best condition. And besides, there was nothing more to do aside from waiting here to die of either their injuries or until the machines finally turn off. It has been hunting all of them for all this time, losing and being outsmarted by a group of children who hadn't even lived long enough to think of defying their rule over them.
"We'll help you, but what's your purpose?"
"My purpose, huh," the Benefactor said before an even more daunting aura started seeping from him. "My helper and I want to cast darkness that will soon consume all of Japan that not even their gods will be able to remove using all of their power. I want to bring every special power user under them into absolute despair, those from the Five Principal Clan. And most of all, the one named Kensei Amagiri."
After hearing that response from the Benefactor, who will be assisting them in their vengeance, not even one of them could compare to the man standing before them. It will be this darkness that will rebuild Hagun Island and it will be this darkness that would allow them to regain their pride.
"Kensei Amagiri, you'd better build up that strength of yours, while you still can," the Benefactor had stated as his shadow seemed to have moved around as if it was alive. "Because I'll be seeing you."
A/N: And there goes the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, well this will be the fifth volume's final chapter before reaching the canon timeline. Here it showed Claire getting over what happened yesterday and also enjoying her birthday with the people who care about her. Kensei and the others met with both Sirzechs and Grayfia about the incident, as well as it being revealed who Abigail's father is.
Claire had an amazing birthday party with the bonus of Kensei admitting his feelings, proposing to her, and meeting Diehauser. But, Kensei plans on doing the same with both Alice and Hisui who appeared happy about it all. There was far more revealed about Kuraokami, the evil dragon who Sakura and Tetsuo fought against with him drinking dragon blood to power himself up. I'm sure that most can already guess the name of the evil dragon that Tetsuo fought against, but couldn't defeat.
In the end, the Benefactor appeared to have taken refuge on Hagun Island, where almost all the people hold a grudge against Kensei and the others who rebelled against them. This is all going to end up leading to all incidents happening soon.
Kensei's Harem: Alice, Claire, Hisui, Kunou, Yasaka, Lu Lingqi, Sarah, Minako, Koneko, Kuroka, Ravel, Amaterasu, Brynhildr, Rossweisse.