Draconis: Alright then, time to start the next arc.
Kenshin: Right, on to volume nine then.
Draconis: Ah, No.
Issei: (blinks) Then...?
Draconis: You'll see. Anyway.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 27
The Past Always Remains.
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
Kenshin was walking alone down the street leading to Kuoh Academy, It was a usual bland day. Rias, Asia, Akeno, Xenovia, Koneko, Rossweisse, Yukari, Miyuki, Hikari, Kazumi, Gasper and Kiba had already left for school while he was taking a shower after his morning workout with Ragnarok.
"I don't see why you can't just wait until after school for those workouts." Issei said.
"You notice I only do morning workouts on certain days right?" Kenshin thought. "I'm expecting summons tonight."
"Aaaaahh..." Issei nodded.
The two heard a quiet sobbing. "Ddraig, I know it's embarrassing, but suck it up man." Kenshin thought. "At least you can take solace in knowing Albion feels just as miserable as you do."
(Sniff) "M-Maybe...uuuooonn..." Ddraig said.
Kenshin refocused on his walk while Issei shot the breeze with Sylph. "So what's your home like Sylph-Chan?"
"It's a great wide forest!" Sylph answered with her usual cheerfullness.
"Oh no, please don't get her started..." Undine grimaced.
"What's it like?" Issei asked.
"Just like any other, except with alarunes, fairies and the occasional elf." Sylph said .
"Has Kenshin ever been?" Issei asked.
"Sadly no..." Sylph said with a downcast look. "He was gonna come visit before that Crimson Satan dude snatched him up."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Issei said. He turned to Salamander, Gnome and Undine. "What are the rest of your homes like?"
"A volcano." Salamander answered.
"R-Really?" Issei said.
"Yup! Come on can you think of any better representation of the element of fire?" Salamander asked.
"R-Right." Issei said. "What about you?" He asked Undine
"A sparkling spring of pure water, where my people and I carve out a living." Undine said. "...Oh I hope they are alright."
"Your...people?" Issei asked.
Kenshin answered for Undine. "She's a slime, Issei. There are slime demons in Makai, most can't leave their spring however. I think the only ones I've heard of as being able to leave are Undine herself, and the Slime Queen."
"Slime Queen?" Issei asked.
"Yes, she's a friend of mine, but...she's a recluse, only answering to the order of the Queen of Demons." Undine said.
"Why?" Issei asked.
"She likely hates people for polluting water sources. Most slimes cannot live without a source of clean water." Kenshin thought.
"That is exactly right." Undine said. "That said, I'm not very fond of this world either. To ward off the plight of this world from affecting me, I've clung very closely to Kenshin's soul. We all have."
"I-I see. Sorry..." Issei said. "What about Gnome?"
"She lives in the desert." Salamander answered.
"Huh, and here I thought she would have lived in a mountainous area." Issei said.
Kenshin had refocused on his walk when he bumped into someone. "Oh, sorry. I was absorbed in my own thoughts, are you...all...right?" Kenshin trailed off as he got a good look at the person he had bumped into. "!"
The person was a female with short maroon hair, tied into a spiky pineapple styling, facing down. She wore a tattered beige mage's cloak and a black china shirt and matching martial artist's pants and black slip on shoes on her feet. On her face was a pair of small unrimmed glasses over her chestnut brown eyes.
Kenshin tried to speak, but everything was crammed in his throat. The woman smiled at him. "...It's good to see you again, Kenshin."
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened at her voice and the scent filling his nose.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" She joked.
"Kenshin, who is this?" Issei asked. "Someone you know?"
"H...How...a-are you...?" Kenshin finally said.
The woman's smile widened marginally. "I'm not really here, but...I have the strength enough to do this." She walked toward him and set her hands on his shoulders and tugged him downward to press their lips together softly.
"..." Kenshin's eyes narrowed shut as he responded to her kiss in kind, with the same softness as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Kenshin...is this...?" Issei asked.
The two separated and she smiled again. "I'm so glad to see you're alright Kenshin."
"How are you here?" Kenshin asked.
"What you see is just an image. My image." She said. "You do remember who I am, don't you Kenshin?"
"..." Kenshin nodded. "I've been so worried, ever since Yukari came here, she said that..."
"Yes. She's telling the truth. Almost everyone is gone...and I am in hiding." She said before glancing behind her. "I have to go."
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened as the woman before him started to vanish. "Wait!"
However, before he even got half the world out of his mouth, she was already gone. Kenshin's arm went slack. "..."
"Kenshin, are you...alright?" Undine asked.
"...I don't know..." Kenshin thought.
He proceeded to Kuoh, his mind swirling. As his bad luck would have it though. He would run into Matsuda and Motohama. "Hey! Why were Rias-Senpai, Asia-Chan and the others arriving to school without you today?" Matsuda berated getting in Kenshin's face.
"Yeah come on man, if you're going to be in their company, you have to escort them everywhere they...go? !" Motohama said as Kenshin punched Matsuda as hard as he could in the face without augmentation of any kind. "What the hell man? ! We were only-!
"Shut the fuck up!" Kenshin snapped, glaring hotly at the bespectacled pervert having enough of their hassle. "Who the hell do you think you're speaking to? !" "I just saw a ghost on my way into this joint and I immediately have to deal with your bullshit the second I walk in? !" "You two are really lucky I'm not gonna smear your guts all over the floor, because I don't need the damned hassle! Next time do not get in my fuckin' face!" He storms off only to stop. "For the next week, I better not hear a damned peep out of either one of you! Am I clear? !"
"Hai!" Matsuda and Motohama cry out as they retreat.
"Kenshin Kuroshi." He looked over and saw Sona and Tsubaki walking toward him. "Come with us."
"Fuck." Kenshin seethed. "Fine." He said.
He followed Sona and Tsubaki to the student council room. Sona and Tsubaki sat down as Kenshin remained standing. Kenshin glanced over and saw Saji with his Absorption Line on his arm. "I thought you just wanted me to come in here to cool off."
"I want to ask what that was all about." Sona said.
"The perverts got on my nerves and I snapped, am I not allowed to get angry anymore?" Kenshin asked, crossing his arms.
"I did not say that." Sona said. "It's just, for someone so controlled..it's unnerving for you to lose your cool like that."
"..." Kenshin said nothing in response.
"Did something happen that caused you to be late?" Sona asked.
"..." Kenshin stuffed his hands in his pockets. "With all due respect Sona it's really outside of your concern, as for my actions just now I'll see to it that it never happens again."
Sona got to her feet. "It is my concern, you may have carved out a small section here, but this is still mine and Rias' territory. Now if you don't wish to talk about it, that's fine but do not tell me it's not my concern."
"..." Kenshin turned. "Fine. I apologize. Now if you'll excuse me. I'm not up to attending class today so I'll be leaving."
"Alright." Sona said. Kenshin nodded and left the room, but Sona followed him out. "Kenshin, a moment."
"What is it?" Kenshin asked as he turned back to her.
"I understand if you don't wish to talk about things, but if it was anything the man that's after you, you needn't keep it inside." Sona said.
"It's nothing bad I assure you." Kenshin said. "I'm just...still in a state of shock is all."
"If you don't mind me asking, about what?" Sona said.
"I...found someone I thought for sure was lost to me forever." Kenshin said with a distant smile.
"Then why the reaction to the Perverted Duo's annoyances." Sona asked. "If you saw such a person, surely it must be a relief to you."
"Not as much as you would think. She wouldn't say how she was able to project her image here, that...worries me." Kenshin said.
Sona nodded and walked up to him. "If you need help, all you need to do is ask." She whispered.
"Thanks, but...I just need to clear my head about this." Kenshin said with a small smile. "I'll be going and again sorry for causing you trouble."
"Don't worry about it. Seeing those two continually annoying you. I'm surprised you didn't snap sooner." Sona said as she let Kenshin leave.
"So, who do you think it is?" A voice behind Sona called out. She turned to find Rias.
"No idea." Sona said. "If it's got Kenshin concerned, it must be something serious."
"I'll go and ask him." Rias said. "No offense Sona, but I think I've got a better chance of having him open up than you do."
"None taken." Sona said. "I'll tell your teacher that something's come up."
Rias nodded and followed Kenshin's presence to a meadow near the Occult Research Club. She saw Kenshin going through sword katas with Issei watching a short distance away. She noticed Kenshin was practicing with Ascalon rather than Kuroi Jigoku.
"Got a feel for it?" Issei asked.
"Yeah. I just wish it was a kodachi or a nodachi. It's rough getting used to this european style blades." Kenshin said. "Could I borrow it for a little while."
"Sure, I guess." Issei said. "So...uh...you wanna tell me what has you in such a fuss?"
"Or better yet, could you tell us?" The two looked over, as well as Rias as Yukari, Miyuki, Hikari and Kazumi walked up to them.
"..." Kenshin glanced away.
"Ken-Chan, what's wrong?" Hikari said, concern in her voice.
"..." Kenshin let out a sigh. "When Negi disappeared, are you all certain that you couldn't find her?"
"...Yes, it's like her mana signature dropped off the face of Mundus Magicus." Yukari said.
"We...thought she was dead." Miyuki said. "Until we received this." She held up a letter. "It's nothing noteworthy. It just says she's fine and not to look for her."
"Why are you bringing it up?" Kazumi asked. "This isn't something we'd lie about to spare your feelings Kenshin."
"...Because I saw her." Kenshin said.
"? !" Yukari's, Miyuki's, Hikari's and Kazumi's eyes all widened with shock. "Y-You saw Negi? !" Hikari asked.
"W-Where? ! If she was here we should have been able to feel her presence! At the very least Kazumi should have been able to!" Yukari said walking up to him.
"On the way here. I was talking with Issei and the spirits when I happened to bump into her. She told me it was just her image, but...it...it felt so real." Kenshin said.
"...Are you sure it wasn't an illusion?" Miyuki asked with a shaky tone.
"I may not be able to use many illusions, but I know when I'm in one most of the time." Kenshin said. "When I laid eyes on her, I nicked my thumb just to be sure, she didn't vanish." He showed them all his hand the thumb of which had dried blood on it.
"..." Kazumi took a look at it. "So, if you wound yourself, an illusion dispels?"
"Depends on the one casting, and I don't think Hottan has a capable enough illusionists in his ranks." Kenshin said. "But...I'm telling the truth. The hair, they eye, the attire...even the scent and the taste were all there."
"Taste?" Yukari asked.
"This woman, one of the things she did before she left was kiss Kenshin." Issei said.
"..." Everyone went silent before Hikari spoke up. "Are you...OK?" She asked.
"I'm fine." Kenshin said. "Do you happen to know where Azazel is?"
"In the Clubroom, going over research documents." Yukari said.
"Alright. I'm going to go ask him something. I figure if anyone knows something about what I wish to ask, it's him." Kenshin said leaving the area.
Rias slumped against the tree. "He...saw her. No wonder he's acting the way he is..." She thought. "...He loved her..."
Kenshin walked into the Occult Research Club room and found Azazel. "Hm? What's up Kenshin?" Azazel asked.
"If it's not too much trouble Azazel, I'd like to ask you a few things." Kenshin said.
"Sure." Azazel said. "Go ahead.
"First...would it be possible for someone to project themselves across the Dimensional Gap?" Kenshin asked.
"...Hmmm..." Azazel stroked his chin in thought. "Don't you think this question would be better suited to that loli sitting around in your soul?"
"I've been trying to get a hold of Ophis, but she's not responding for whatever reason." Kenshin said.
"Ah." Azazel nodded. "Well...in my opinion, and mind you I'm no expert on the Dimensional Gap, but with enough power and a strong enough will...I think it would be possible for a short time, but there's no telling where you'd end up. Whomever tried it must either be really lucky, or they had been trying for some time."
"I see." Kenshin said. "It must have been the second one then."
"Hm? What's that supposed to mean?" Azazel asked.
"..." Kenshin glanced away.
"...I see, someone must have been trying to contact you, judging by your reaction, they must been close." Azazel said.
"I said a few questions, but I really only have one more." Kenshin said. "That way you gave me to extend the time Issei and I have apart, will it really work?"
"You've been loading the ring with your power over the past week right? You know, barring the Rating Game?" Azazel asked.
"Yeah." Kenshin nodded.
"Then it shouldn't be a problem." Azazel said. "The amount of power you put into it, your total amount of power should be enough to sustain Issei for a few months. Why?"
"...I am thinking of asking Sirzechs to send me back." Kenshin said.
"Send you...Send you back? !" Azazel said. "Why would you want to go back there? !"
"Hottan. He's been sending his men at me, it's only a matter of time before he figures out how to send more powerful foes. The last one I killed, Dynamis wasn't as strong as he should have been." Kenshin said. "And he said he would be back."
"..." Azazel sighed. "At least tell me you plan on going with back up. Your peerage at least."
"...I don't know what I'm going to do yet." Kenshin said.
Azazel nodded. "Then why not take Issei along with?"
Kenshin turned away. "It's not his place."
"..." Azazel cleared his throat. "...You and Vali are a lot alike."
"Hm?" Kenshin said.
"You both like to fight the strong, you both work or worked for organizations pitted against the world...and if there's someone you need to kill, you would rather do it alone." Azazel said. "He has his team and you have yours, but if you feel only you can take something on, you won't accept help."
"..." Kenshin said nothing.
"If you decide to go it alone. I will keep it a secret, so long as they do not ask me." Azazel said.
"Thank you." Kenshin said as he left the room.
Kenshin teleported to his room and took out the recorder letter he got from Tertium and pressed the play button on it. A miniature image of Tertium appeared. Instead of saying anything Tertium's hands started moving, making signs. "..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes and watched them.
"I managed to read Sirzechs Lucifer's mind when he came to question me." Kenshin translated. "The answer to your question is not one you'll like, but it isn't a matter of how long he was watching you."
Kenshin paused the letter. "What is that supposed to mean?" Playing the letter again he watches Teritum's hands moving. "He's seen everything, your childhood, your time in Rikudou, the time you spent at that academy, even the time you spent in the past. Don't you think it's somewhat strange that he saw all of that...and didn't help you until you were returning to the present?"
The letter cut out there and Kenshin set it down. "..." Kenshin's bangs shadowed his eyes.
"I told you didn't I?" Ophis asked. "The Crimson Satan keeps things from you."
"Oh? Where were you when I was trying to get a hold of you earlier?" Kenshin thought.
"I was busy." Ophis said.
"Whatever." Kenshin thought.
"...Listen." Ophis said. "When I brought this up I wasn't trying to get you to go on a tear against anyone. I merely thought it was strange that you agreed to work for him without knowing everything, if there was something more to know."
"So you were making an assumption?" Kenshin thought.
"I was." Ophis said.
"Hm. You always seemed like such an uncaring person, just wanting to get your home back." Kenshin noted mentally.
"Don't get too used to it. This is coming from the part of me that spent time with you." Ophis said letting out a sigh.
"Meh." Kenshin thought as he got up.
(break)
Later
Rias returned home with a downcast gaze. She looked up to find some of her pieces in a panic, namely Akeno and Xenovia. She stopped Akeno as she walked by. "What's going on?"
"It's Kenshin-kun." Akeno answered.
"!" Rias placed both hands on her shoulders. "What happened?"
"Nonono, he's OK...it's just...he's packing." Akeno said.
"Packing?" Rias asked.
"As if he were getting ready to leave." Akeno said.
"He hasn't said anything?" Rias asked.
"No, just that he was leaving for a little while." Akeno said.
Rias walked up the stairs and heard voices. "Let me come with you at least." She heard Xenovia say.
"And if Rias needs you here?" Kenshin replied. "I'll be fine."
"Then I'll go." Yukari said.
"I don't need you with me everywhere I go Yukari. I'll be fine by myself. I'm just going to the Underworld. I might stay a few days is all." Kenshin said.
"...Alright." Yukari said with a short sigh.
"Hey, what about me?" Rias heard Issei asked. "We're pretty much stuck together aren't we?"
"Azazel and I found a way to give you more time for us to be separate by loading my youki into the rings. There's enough to last you a few months. I'll just be gone for a few days." Kenshin said.
"Really?" Issei said. "Awesome."
"Yeah." Kenshin said. Everyone leaves the room as Kenshin finishes packing his bag and stores it away in a seal. He turned to the door to find Rias. "...Hey." He greeted.
"Is...everything alright?" Rias asked.
"Huh? Yeah, why wouldn't it be?" Kenshin asked with an arched brow.
Rias closed the door. "...Kenshin, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you talking to your peerage earlier."
"..." Kenshin went silent for a moment. "I see..."
"You really saw her?" Rias asked.
"Yeah." Kenshin said.
"Well, at least you know she's alive right?" Rias asked with a smile, noticeably strained.
"..." Kenshin walked over and pulled her into his arms.
"!" Rias let out a soft gasp before sinking into his embrace.
"Rias, I know how you must be feeling right now." Kenshin said. "It's OK."
"Mmn..." Rias nodded against him. "So what are you leaving for?"
"I need to see your brother about something." Kenshin said.
"Really, then I..." Rias was cut off as Kenshin kissed her on the forehead.
He smiled at her. "It's not that serious, besides I kinda wanna get out on my own for a bit and have some time to myself to mull things over." Kenshin said.
"Well...a-alright." Rias said. "But wait, how are you going there?"
"By train. I was going to ask you if I could borrow your card." Kenshin said.
"Of course." She said reaching into one of her pockets and producing the card. "Try not to lose it."
"Right." Kenshin takes the card and puts it in his pocket. "Thank you." Silence reigned between them for a few moments before Kenshin closed his eyes and smiled. "You know...I'm really glad you came, and not just because I needed your card."
"Why then?" Rias asked with a curious look.
"I'm not sure." Kenshin said. "Anyway. I'll be back. I might stay in Luciferd for a couple of days while I speak with your brother. Longer if need be."
Rias nodded with a smile. "Alright. Tell Onii-Sama I said hello for me will you?"
"Of course." Kenshin said as he walked by her and out the bedroom door. He walked downstairs and saw everyone watching Issei's show. Everyone turned and saw him leaving. He waved. "I'll be back in a few days. Uhh...s-sorry for worrying you if I did in fact do so." He said with an awkward grin.
"You know, if you had told me you were going to Luciferd in the first place I wouldn't have made a deal out of it." Yukari said.
"Yeah Yeah." Kenshin said.
"Be careful Senpai. Even if it is Luciferd you should watch yourself." Koneko said.
"I know." Kenshin said. "Thanks for your concern Koneko-Chan." "Oh before I forget." He walked over to them and pulled a bag of sweets out of a seal. "Here." He said handed the bag to Koneko. "Be sure to share with Gasper now OK?"
"OK." Koneko nodded.
"Th-Thank you Senpai..." Gasper meekly said.
"Kenshin-kun." Akeno said. He turned to her and she handed him three bentos. "Yukari-Chan, Hikari-San and I each made you a meal in case you don't like the hotel food."
"Haha, thanks Akeno, Yukari, Mom." He said.
"Keep up on your training, I want to spar when you get back." Xenovia called out as he walked toward the door.
"It's a date." Kenshin said.
"D-Date?" Xenovia said, feeling her face heating up.
Kenshin left the house. Only to have a voice call out to him. He turned to find Rossweisse. "Hm? What is it Rossweisse?"
"Uhm..." Rossweisse dug into her suit pocket and pulled out a bracelet. "Please take this."
"Hmm? Aww Rossweisse you shouldn't have." Kenshin said with a grin.
"Awawawawa..." Rossweisse stammered with a blush, knowing where he was heading with his train of thought. "U-Uhm, no it's just...the bracelet has a locator spell cast on it. I was originally going to give it to Odin-Sama, so I could easily find him, but he saw the spell on it and turned it down."
"Then why give it to me?" Kenshin asked.
"Well, just in case you find yourself in trouble. Everyone will be able to find you." Rossweisse said.
"Or you'll be able to find me?" Kenshin teased.
"..." Rossweisse shuffled her feet nervously.
Kenshin chuckled. "Alright Rossweisse I'll stop, I accept this gift." He said sliding it over his hand.
"OK, be safe." Rossweisse said as she walked back inside.
Kenshin walked through the gates of the Hyoudou Residence and began walking away from the area He bumped into Matsuda and Motohama about a block away. "Hiii! !" The two turned to take off when Kenshin grabbed the backs of their jackets.
"Wait." Kenshin said. The two stopped and turned to him shakily. "I'm sorry about the way I acted this morning. I had a lot on my mind, some of it irritating me greatly...and I just kind of snapped. It's no excuse for punching you, but it's just what happened."
"Well...I-I guess." Matsuda said. "Man you sure pack a punch man."
"Well, like I told you before I work out a lot." Kenshin said with a small grin. "By the way. Come here." He said. The two didn't move. "Come on, huddle up. I wanna tell you guys something."
Matsuda and Motohama shrugged and came over to him. "What's up?" Motohama asked.
"Somewhere on the eastern end of Kuoh is a cafe where all the waitresses dress in sexy angel outfits." Kenshin said. "You'll know it when you see it, one of them will be outside advertising."
"E-Eeeeh? !" Matsuda and Motohama said with matching pervy grins.
"And here's the real kicker. The angels have fallen for giving in to their desires and their wings have turned black. Play your cards right and who knows what could happen." Kenshin said with a wide grin, his eyes becoming black dots. "I was gonna go, but something's come up and I have to head to my hometown on business, so here, have fun on me." He said holding up two stacks of yen notes.
"Score!" Matsuda said as he and Motohama snatched the notes and started to take off before stopping. "Wait...this isn't going to be like the Mil-tan incident is it? Because if it is I swear to god!" Matsuda said.
"Nope, completely legitimate." Kenshin said. "Have fun boys."
"Was that really necessary?" Undine asked.
"Eh, every dog has his or her day eventually." Kenshin thought.
"I guess, but won't Azazel be upset when he finds out you sent regular humans to one of his cafes?" Salamander asked.
"On the contrary, he'll probably thank me." Kenshin thought. "I checked their pockets while we were huddled, they had plenty of money already. Them going would just be good for business and the girls there have dealt with serving humans before."
"Alright." Salamander shrugged.
"By the way, have any of you thought of any favors to ask me?" Kenshin thought.
"Mm...not yet." Undine said.
"Nah." Salamander said.
"None here, and Gnomey doesn't have anything to ask either." Sylph said.
"OK, when you've thought of them, don't hesitate to ask." Kenshin thought.
"OK." The Yonseirei said.
Kenshin arrived at the train station without much incident and put Rias' card through the scanner. When he got to the UnderStation the conductor for the Gremory's train was there to meet him. He blinked curiously. "Sir Kuroshi? Where is Lady Rias?"
"She let me borrow her card to get down here." Kenshin said.
"Why not just teleport?" The conductor asked.
"Eh, I kinda feel like taking my time getting where I'm going." Kenshin said. "I'd take my own train, but alas I don't have one. Can't afford it yet."
"Where would you be going?" The conductor asked.
"Would you be able to take me to Luciferd? I need to go speak with Lucifer Sirzechs-Sama." Kenshin said.
"Of course, right this way." The conductor said leading him to the train. He stepped aboard and the conductor turned to Kenshin. "Will you be needing anything?"
"No, but thank you for asking." Kenshin said.
The conductor nodded and walked to the front car. The train began moving. Kenshin looked out the window as the train whizzed by interdimensional space. "Hey! You ever see Great Red in this thing?"
"I'm afraid not. Despite his size Great Red is very difficult to spot." The conductor said through the intercom.
"Either that or he avoids the interdimensional railways." Kenshin thought.
Kenshin glanced over as a pink magic circle appeared next to his head. "Yahoo~!"
"...Who might this be?" Kenshin asked.
"Mou, you mean you don't recognize the sweet voice of your favorite magical girl, Levia-tan?"
"Serafall-Sama?" Kenshin asked.
"Mou! Why the honorific? !" Serafall pouted over the connection. "You know to call me Levi-!"
"I know Serafall-Sama, but I'm on a train heading for Luciferd right now, I'd rather not get yelled at by the conductor for not showing one of the Satans proper respect." Kenshin said.
"...Oh." Serafall said. "Well that I can understand."
"Yeah, I'll call you Levia-tan in private all you want, but in public, especially around other devils. I have to go with the honorific." Kenshin said. "So, why are you calling?"
"Well, I noticed your name on the train logs and decided to give you a ring, besides, don't you remember?" Serafall asked.
"Wait, you have access to the train logs?" Kenshin asked.
"Well I am in charge of diplomacy. That includes all incoming diplomats so I have to know when they're coming and where they are coming from so I can properly greet them." Serafall said.
"...Sounds rough." Kenshin said with an uneasy grin.
"It is." Serafall said with a weary sigh. "Now, don't you remember?"
"I remember Serafall. I trust you have the off time?" Kenshin asked.
"I don't have anything scheduled for tonight if that's what you're asking." Serafall answered, smiling on the other end. "I'm actually in the middle of getting dressed."
"Pfft!" Kenshin, who had been taking a drink did a spit take. "Y-You're undressed? !"
"Yahuh. Completely." Serafall said.
"..." Kenshin let his imagination wander for a moment before shaking his head. "I-I see."
"Oh ho? Were you just fantasizing over seeing your favorite magical girl in her birthday suit, oh Kenshin-Chan you're so naughty!" Serafall giggled. "What would Rias-Chan say? !"
"I-I was not!" Kenshin said with a dark blush.
"You so were! Why else would you go silent for a moment? !" Serafall laughed.
"I...I uhh...I was thinking about where to go when we get together!" Kenshin lied.
"You're a terrible liar Kenshin-Chan." Serafall said.
A figurative arrow with the word truth printed on it stabbed through Kenshin. "..." Kenshin grumbled about overly playful magical girls who really need a spanking.
"Would that be the good kind?" Serafall asked.
"If you need to ask, you already know the answer." Kenshin replied.
"Tehe." Serafall giggled. "OK Kenshin-Chan, I'll quit messing with you. So what are you going to Luciferd for?"
"I need to talk to Sirzechs-Sama." Kenshin answered. "It's kind of unimportant to anyone not named Kenshin Kuroshi so you don't need to escort me there. Take all the time you need to get ready."
"OK." Serafall said. "But just out of curiosity, what's it about?"
"I don't feel like talking about it, if it's all the same to you." Kenshin said.
"Mmm, OK. It's your business and as long as it's nothing threatening to the Underworld I don't necessarily need to pry." Serafall said. "So I won't!"
"It's not. I merely want to ask Sirzechs-Sama some questions pertaining to why I was brought here is all." Kenshin said.
"Ooooohhh. Well I can see why you'd be curious about that." Serafall said. "Well, when you're done I'll be waiting for you."
"Alright." Kenshin said.
"OK, I'll leave you alone now. See you after your conversation with Sirzechs-Chan!" Serafall said.
"OK." Kenshin said. "Till then."
The rest of the train ride proceeded without much incident and he arrived in Luciferd. He started walking around. "OK...so I'm here...but I haven't faintest idea of where to go...hah...and even if I got to the castle, it's not like I have an appointment, they probably won't even let me in. Man I didn't think this through very much."
He walked through Luciferd aimlessly until he bumped into someone. "Hey watch where you're..Millicas?" Kenshin said.
On the ground in front of him was Sirzechs' son Millicas. He looked up at Kenshin who knelt down. "Aaah? !" His expression brightened. "Sir Kenshin!"
"Hey kid." Kenshin said ruffling Millicas' hair. "What are you up to?"
"Um...well I'm just...wandering." Millicas said.
"Wandering?" Kenshin asked. "The city seems busy, you could get lost very easily."
Millicas shook his head. "No, I know my way around. I'll be fine."
A light bulb appeared above Kenshin's head. "I wonder if Millicas would mind getting me into the castle?" He thought.
"What are you doing in Luciferd Sir Kenshin?" Millicas asked.
"Actually I came to visit your father, but since I was in a hurry coming here I completely forgot to make an appointment." Kenshin chuckled.
"I could take you to the castle." Millicas offered.
"Thanks, I'd really appreciate it." Kenshin said.
"OK! Right this way!" Millicas said running forward.
"Wait up." Kenshin called out as he followed him. He found Millicas standing behind a crowd. He heard a bunch of music. "What's going on?" Kenshin asked, kneeling down next to Millicas.
"Uhm, well they're practicing for a parade. I'm not sure why, but I've never been able to see it." Millicas said with a downcast look.
"Huh? Why not?" Kenshin asked.
"The castle's too far away and I never make it here in time." Millicas answered.
"Why not just say 'Hey, I'm Lord Sirzechs' son and I want through.'?" Kenshin asked.
"I don't want to be seen as a stuffy little spoiled prince who uses his father's position to get his way." Millicas answered.
"..." Kenshin stared at him for a moment before smiling. "Alright."
"Alright wha-aaah!" Millicas yelped as he was grabbed by the back of Kenshin's shoulder and set on his shoulder.
"There, is that better?" Kenshin asked.
"Oooohhh!" Millicas looked around in childlike awe. "Wow, all the pretty lights and colors." He pointed to his right with excitement. "Hey, there's an Oppai Dragon themed float coming!"
"Seriously?" Kenshin said. "Man, that was fast. I didn't expect the real time consuming arty stuff for another month."
"Can you not see it?" Millicas asked.
"Nah, I'm just short enough to have my view obstructed." Kenshin said. "Don't worry about me, enjoy the show."
"OK." Millicas said. The parade soon passed and Kenshin placed Millicas back on the ground. "OK, come this way." He said running forward again.
"Dammit kid please don't make me use Undine's power to find you." Kenshin said chasing after him. He found Millicas stopped in front of a shop. "Hmm?" He looked up at the sign. It was a sweets shop. "Huh. Well I guess I could go for some ice cream." Kenshin said. "Well, let's go."
"Uhm...I think I'll just stand out here." Millicas said and told Kenshin what he wanted.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes and activated Undine's power and went into the shop.
"Why is your power active?" The shopkeep asked.
"I have a child out there. I'm just keeping an eye on him." Kenshin said. "If someone tries to kidnap him, I'm gonna owe you some money for repairs, cause I'm breaking that window." The shopkeep nodded. Kenshin placed his orders and pulled out some money.
"No no no, I couldn't take money from the Dragon of the Eleme-" Kenshin slammed the money on the counter.
"Just take the damn money eh? !" Kenshin said with an annoyed glare.
"O-OK, if it really bothers you that much." The shopkeep said.
"Sorry, I don't mind a discount, but I hate getting things just because of my title." Kenshin said taking his orders and leaving.
Millicas turned as Kenshin came out of the shop. "What was that noise?" Millicas asked.
"He tried to give me a discount because I'm the Dragon of the Elements." Kenshin said. "Here." He said handing Millicas a sundae known as the Oppai Dragon Treat. Basically it looked like a pair of boobs with cherries surrounded in pink colored whipped cream serving as the areola and nipples. It also came with hot fudge. Kenshin glowered aimlessly. "It's supposed to imply that the Oppai Dragon does foodplay with the Switch Princess...I suddenly want kick Issei's ass now." He thought.
Back at the Hyoudou Residence Issei shivered. "What's wrong Issei-San?" Asia asked.
"I...I suddenly feel like I should fear for my safety." Issei said.
Back with Kenshin and Millicas. The pair walked down the main street of Luciferd. The two came up to a plaza that was decorated as if the parade had come through there. Millicas ran forward and looked at the decorations with a merry expression. "..." Kenshin smiled. "You know...I don't feel like he even intended to take me to the castle." He thought.
"Kenshin-San." Kenshin turned and found Enku walked up to him.
"Oh, heya Enku." Kenshin waved. He looked around and saw there wasn't many people in the plaza other than guards. "What's up?"
"I've been looking everywhere for Millicas-Sama, his father is worried sick." Enku said.
"Over there." Kenshin pointed.
"I see that, thank you for watching over him." Enku said.
"Of course." Kenshin said. "I kinda feel like he wanted to get out of the castle and see the sights. He seemed real excited when the parade came by." Kenshin said.
"...Well. I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble if I volunteered to take Millicas-Sama out into the town a little more often." Enku said. "So, what brings you here Kenshin-San? Where's Rias-Sama?"
"No Rias or Issei. I'm flying solo." Kenshin said. "Say, I know this might be a bad time, but I need to speak with Sirzechs in private. Do you think he has time to see me? If not I'll rent a hotel room."
"Nonsense, if he doesn't have time I'm sure he won't mind opening up the castle to you." Enku said. "Let's head there now."
"Alright. Oi!" Kenshin called out to Millicas who turned to him. "Come on, we're headed to the castle."
"Awww..." Millicas said with a downcast gaze as he walked up to them.
Kenshin smiled and was about to pet his head when a feeling of dread washed over him. "!" Kenshin started glancing around frantically, a gravely concerned look on his face.
"Kenshin-San?" Enku said. His eyes widened as Kenshin invoked his Balance Breaker. "Kenshin-San? !"
"S-Sir Kenshin?" Millicas said with a fearful shiver.
"Dragon of the Elements, why have you invoked your Balance Breaker?" The guards said all running up to Kenshin who walked past Millicas.
"Stay by Enku, Millicas." Kenshin ordered. Millicas nodded timidly and moved next to the Kirin.
"You want to explain what's going on? I don't sense any enemies in the area." Enku said.
"Sirzechs has given you permission to promote at will right?" Kenshin asked.
"Well yes, but..." Enku said.
"Then promote to a Queen or a Rook and do not let Millicas out of your sight!" Kenshin said.
"S-Sir Kenshin...I-I'm scared." Millicas said.
"I know Millicas, just stay next to Enku alright." Kenshin said.
"Sir Kuroshi! Why have you activated your Balance Breaker in Luciferd? !" The guards demanded to know.
Kenshin turned to them. "Listen, I need you all to form a defensive perimeter around this plaza, and you civilians, if you know any magic, help them, if not get over by the Kirin now." Kenshin said.
"What?" The guards all said, completely confused while a few of the civilian devils were filming this proceeding.
"Move now!" Kenshin shouts, hitting them all with a mild blast of Serene Conqueror.
"!" They all ran to set up the perimeter.
"Kenshin-San, you still have yet to explain what this is all about!" Enku said.
"Listen if I'm wrong, drinks are on me and we can all laugh about this later." Kenshin said. "I can't sense anything even in my Balance Breaker, so why...why is my skin crawling? Why the hell do I feel like something bad is about to happen?"
"...This feeling...it can't be." Undine whispered to herself. "KENSHIN LOOK OUT! !" She shouts.
"? !" Kenshin reacted too late as a large spire of earth tore through his right lung from behind.
"? !, Kenshin-San! !" Enku shouts as Kenshin was knocked to his hands and knees.
"Gghh..." Kenshin turned his head to Enku. "Take...Millicas...and the others...and...RUN!" He choked out, coughing out blood.
The next moment lightning magic struck all the guards and killed them. "!" Enku looked around. "This isn't good. Just hang on Kenshin! I'll bring help! !" He said taking off with Millicas and the civilians.
"Sir Kenshin! SIR KENSHIN! !" Millicas screamed.
Kenshin looked up as a man wearing a sleeveless black trenchcoat, the bottom of his torso and left half of his chest bandaged up with baggy black martial artists pants. "Who...the hell are you?" Kenshin strained out.
"I've taken to calling myself the Dragon of Truth, but you can just call me Dragon." The man said kneeling down, revealing he was also wearing a pitch black mask.
"Why are you here are and why wasn't I able to sense you?" Kenshin asked with a weak snarl.
"Countermeasures against the Yonseirei. Undine isn't able to sense me because I am one with the flows." Dragon said. "The guy controlling me rigged it up when he stuffed my soul into this man made body."
"You're a homunculus?" Kenshin said.
"I believe that's what he called it, yes." Dragon said.
Kenshin reeled his hand back and stabbed at Dragon's chest, only for Dragon to grab his wrist. "I don't have countermeasures for all the spirits right now, just Undine, but you're so weak right now, it doesn't matter." Dragon said. "You're right about your aim though, that is where my core is."
"Why are you here?" Kenshin asked.
"You could call me part of Hottan's special hit squad." Dragon said. "There's another of my associates here, but he seems to be dragging his feet."
"What?" Kenshin said with a glare. "There's another one of you assholes here? !"
"Yes." Dragon said. "You must be wondering how we came here. You see my associate, the other one back home and I, we're capable of restricting our power to be able to create a shield in the Dimensional Gap, Dynamis cannot."
"Ggghh!" Kenshin scowled.
"He seems to be fighting an...ice mage...pretty damn powerful one too." Dragon said.
"? !" Kenshin's eyes widened. "Serafall! Oh I know she's a Satan and all, but I hope she can handle herself!"
"You seem worried...you should be." Dragon said. "The guy she's fighting is the Thousand Blades."
"! !" Kenshin's eyes widened in shock. "You mean...Hottan actually enslaved Jack Rakan? !"
"Yes." Dragon said. "We are all meant to be figures from your past...Hottan's way of torturing you."
"Did you have anything to do with those school girls getting killed? !" Kenshin asked.
"No. I was recently brought to life." Dragon said. "That attack happened some time ago."
"Some time ago?" Kenshin asked with narrowed eyes.
"The distance between this dimension and our original one is so vast, that even time is warped." Dragon said. He looked out at the distance where explosions of ice were striking the area. "She can try all she wants, but she ain't gonna kill him. She'll fall eventually.
"GRH!" Kenshin ripped the spire of earth out of his chest and smashed it against Dragon's head. Dragon staggered backward and caught his balance.
"That wasn't very nice." Dragon said. He placed his hand on his head. "Rakan, I've got Kenshin handled. Just clear the area and head back."
"Fine." Rakan said. "This Leviathan girlie is putting up quite the fight."
Dragon approached Kenshin who froze. "What...the hell? !" Kenshin strained out.
"Very short term paralysis spell." Dragon said. "You can still talk, but that's about it."
"Call him off!" Kenshin snarled.
"No can do, your little girlfriend got herself into this. Don't worry though. Jack doesn't have it in him to kill needlessly. Besides I don't think he can kill her. He's just able to tank everything she's throwing at him."
"What are you doing...?" Kenshin said as Dragon started drawing intricate seals around the two of them.
"It's time...for you to return home." Dragon said with a dead look in his eyes.
"! !" Kenshin's eyes widened.
Meanwhile Sirzechs was sitting in his castle when he heard the attacks going off. "What in the world? !" He exclaimed. He brought up a video feed to see Serafall fighting a muscular tan skinned man with dark blonde hair, wearing a red high collared vest and tan pants. The fight was a dead even match neither one able to establish much of an advantage on the other.
Sirzechs got up, ready to go help his fellow Satan when a voice cut in through the room. "Sirzechs-Sama! !"
"Enku!" Sirzechs said warping to the front of his castle. "What happened?"
"I-It's Kenshin-San he's!" Enku said.
"Kenshin's in Luciferd? !" Sirzechs asked. "Why was I not notified of this? !" He turned to his son who was crying his eyes out. "Millicas?"
"D-Dad, i-it's S-Sir Kenshin he...he was...!" Millicas couldn't say it as he started crying again.
"What happened?" Sirzechs asked.
"I-It's Kenshin-San my lord...he was...attacked in the plaza. A spire of earth through his right lung." Enku said. "Your son saw it all."
"..." Sirzechs stood up. "Wait here."
"Sir?" Enku asked.
"I'm going to deal with this myself!" Sirzechs shouts, a furious scowl on his face as he stormed out of his castle.
(break)
At the same time as Kenshin's ambush.
With Serafall.
Serafall walked into Luciferd. She decided to go conservative and wear an outfit similar to what she wore at the summit in Kuoh. She hummed a happy tune to herself. "I sure hope Kenshin-Chan isn't too tired after his talk with Sirzechs-Chan."
"Kenshin-Chan?" A male voice said.
"Huh?" Serafall said looking over to see a large, muscular tan skinned man wearing a red vest and beige jeans. He had medium length dark blonde save for two long thick strands going down from the sides of his face. She tilted her head curiously at him. "I don't believe I've ever seen your face around here."
"Well I'm not from this town." The man shrugged as he knocked back a mug of what Serafall could only assume was beer.
Serafall narrowed her eyes at him. "No, I mean I've never seen your face in the Underworld, period."
"Wahahahahaha. What? Are you in charge of who comes and who goes around here girlie?" The man said relaxing against his chair.
"Actually yes. I am Serafall Leviathan. One of the Four Great Satans. I am in charge of diplomacy in the Underworld. You are currently in the territory of another Satan, Sirzechs Lucifer. Now what are you doing here Mr..."
"Jack Rakan, the Thousand Blades and Ex-Member of the Crimson Wings." He introduced. "So what? Are you one of the tippy top dogs around here?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes." Serafall said with a vexed expression. "Now, what are you doing here?"
"That guy you mentioned. You wouldn't have been referring to Kenshin Kuroshi now would you?" Rakan said getting out of the chair.
"Why do you ask?" Serafall asked crossing her arms under her chest, a slight glare marring her features.
"Because I'm looking for that little mother fucker." Rakan said with a wide grin. "Although...I guess I could pass time with a little cutie like yourself."
"Sorry, not interested, as for Kenshin-Chan he is a Prince ranked Devil here in the Underworld. What is your business with him." She raised her hand, gathering ice magic in her palm. "Make your explanation quick or I'll begin freezing you."
"Whoa ho ho! You remind me of an old friend of mine!" Rakan laughed. "But...you wouldn't want to hurt the people around here would ya?"
"..." Serafall looked around, seeing crowds of people walking around them. "Tch.." She lowered her hand.
"There you go. That's better." Rakan said. "Hm?" He glanced over as a black magic circle appeared next to his head. "Go ahead."
"I have him. I just stabbed him through the lung with Doru Petaras." Dragon said. "It will take him some time to heal, but he probably won't get that."
"!" Serafall's eyes widened as she heard the exchange. She fired several ice blasts into the air getting everyone's attention. "All of you get out of here, get as far away as possible!"
"Whelp that's my cue." Rakan said trying to take off with the rest when his feet were frozen to the ground.
"Not you...you stay here." Serafall glared. "Now, what is it you want with Kenshin-Chan? You and this Dragon person?"
"Ah you mean my buddy the Dragon of Truth." Rakan said. "He and I came here to pick Kenshin up. Take him back home."
"Ah huh...and I trust you know what waits for him back home?" Serafall asked. She knew, Sirzechs had told her a few things that he watched, but nowhere near the full story.
"Yup, who the hell do you think sent us girlie?" Rakan said. "What's it to ya anyway? Did Kenshin work his way up the food chain in this world and bag one of it's leaders?"
"..." Had this been any other time. Serafall would have laughed and donned one of her many magical girl costumes, declaring herself Kenshin's favorite magical girl, but this was a time to be serious as a scowl marred her features now. "Call off your friend."
"Oh? And just why would I do that?" Rakan said with a grin.
"Because if you do, I promise to freeze you to death quickly." Serafall said.
"That's not really a good deal for me. I still end up dyin' in the end." Rakan said. "Besides, even if I were to tell him. He wouldn't listen. Hottan's got his body hotwired to be unable to resist his demands."
"..." Serafall said nothing in response.
"Now then, can you let me the hell go?" Rakan said.
The ice grew and spread in response until Rakan was entrapped within a block of ice. "No. You stay right there." She turned. "If Sirzechs-Chan hasn't already acted. I've got to get to Kenshin-Chan quickly.
(Crack!)
"!" Serafall turned back to the block of ice to see it developing cracks. "What?"
(Crack! Crack! Crack!)
Rakan broke free of the frozen prison and took to the air, creating a large halberd out of his magic. "You can't restrain me girlie!" Rakan shouts as he throws the halberd into the ground, causing a massive explosion.
"Whoa!" Serafall shouts, shielding her eyes, being blown back on her ass.
Rakan landed on the ground as Serafall got back to her feet. "Nice barrier girlie. Not many can say they've completely resisted an attack from me." Rakan said with a wide grin.
"..." Serafall scowled. "This man. His power is very destructive. If I hadn't put up my barrier I'd have been hurt badly."
"Get ready here I come!" Rakan shouts, coming straight at her.
Serafall froze the air in front of her and dodged out of the way, she moved past the mirror as Rakan broke through it and kicked him in the back of the head, her leg encased in ice.
"Gah!" Rakan said. "Huh, you've got great control over your ice magic eh?"
"Shut up and surrender already." Serafall said snapping her fingers as several explosions of ice went off around him.
When the ice dust cleared, Rakan was nowhere to be found. "..." Serafall's eyes scanned up and down the area.
Until she felt a sudden breeze between her knees. "!" She turned to find Rakan jumping back with a wide smirk, she peeled her eyes seeing something in his hand. "What the? !" Her eyes went wide as she realized it was her panties. "Hey!" She snapped.
"What?" Rakan said with a grin.
"Give those back!" Serafall shouts.
"Nah, they smell so nice." Rakan said sniffing the panties right in front of her.
"..." Serafall extended her hand toward him. "Screw it, I'll retrieve the panties from your frozen corpse. "Celsius Cross Trig-!" Her eyes widened as her skirt started blowing upward.
"Rakan Bakufuuken!" Rakan announced.
Serafall started pushing her skirt back down. "Cut it out and fight seriously!"
"Nah." Rakan said with a shrug. "Honestly I should be leaving here soon." He looked over as the black magic circle appeared again. "Talk to me."
"It's done. Kenshin has been teleported back to Mundus Magicus." Dragon said.
"Alright. I'll start heading back as well." Rakan said.
"!" Serafall froze the air, stopping Rakan's technique. She flew toward him as he began teleporting.
"What? !" Rakan said as Serafall tackled him as his teleportation technique activated. "Alright girlie, looks like you're coming with me!"
"That was the plan!" Serafall shouts as the two disappeared.
Meanwhile after Dragon teleported Kenshin away. He was about to teleport himself when he was forced to dodge a wave of destruction magic as it roared toward him. "..." Dragon looked over and saw Sirzechs.
"Where do you think you're going?" Sirzechs asked.
Dragon closed his eyes. "That's really none of your concern."
"I believe it is." Sirzechs said. "You attacked one of my subjects in my kingdom. You are no longer allowed to leave."
"And who pray tell is going to stop me? You?" Dragon scoffed. "Don't make me laugh."
"..." Sirzechs scowled and took aim at him. Before he could launch his attack, each of Dragon's limbs caught fire.
"You see, my teleportation technique has already begun." Dragon said as his arms and legs began burning away.
"Keh." Sirzechs lowered his hand, knowing if he were to launch his attack, that it would miss and destroy the buildings behind Dragon. "What is it you want with Kenshin?"
"We are merely taking him back from you, back to where he belongs." Dragon said.
"Who are you to say where he belongs?" Sirzechs said.
"Who are you to do the same?" Dragon asked. "At the very least. Kenshin can trust us to be cruel. But you, he can't trust you at all and you know this."
"..." Sirzechs said nothing as Dragon completely disappeared.
"Sirzechs." He turned to find Grayfia. "Is everything alright?"
"No. They got away and Kenshin is gone with them." Sirzechs said.
"I'm sorry to pile on, but that man had an ally who encountered Serafall. He got away as well and took her with him." Grayfia said.
"What? !" Sirzechs said with wide eyes.
"As I understand it she pursued him. I think the two were communicating and Serafall heard them. She's probably looking to try and keep Kenshin safe." Grayfia said.
"I see." Sirzechs walked off the plaza. "What's the earliest I can arrange to pursue them myself?"
"Pursue them yourself? Sirzechs, with all due respect Serafall should be enough to bring him back." Grayfia said.
"She doesn't know the spell I created to pull Kenshin and Yukari here, and neither does Kenshin himself." Sirzechs said. "I have to go myself and bring them both back.
"...The council won't like this. They might call your motives into question." Grayfia said.
"Let the council call them into question if they like." Sirzechs said. "They should be looking at this as a kidnapping of one of the Four Great Satans anyway. Besides, I am the one who brought Kenshin here. He's my responsibility."
"...You think he knows, don't you?" Grayfia asked.
"Why else would he have come to Luciferd alone? It's not something either of us would want Rias involved in." Sirzechs said. He let out a long sigh. "I should have talked to him about this a while ago."
"I see. Well, when you go I am coming with." Grayfia said.
"I was going to ask that of you anyway, but first we need to go comfort Millicas." Sirzechs said. "...He was crying when Enku brought him to me."
"..." Grayfia looked up at the sky. "Can you blame him? He just saw his hero get run through."
(break)
Back at the Hyoudou Residence.
Issei was thumbing through channels, both Japanese and Underworld related when one of the Underworld channels showed a breaking news report. "Huh?" Issei checked his watch. "Right now?"
Everyone else was doing work while Rias had given Issei the night off while Hikari took over Kenshin's duties while he was gone. His eyes widened out of shock as he read the headline going across the bottom. It read.
"Dragon of the Elements and Satan Leviathan Abducted!"
"Shit!" He brought up his communication circle, hurriedly getting a hold of Rias. "Chief! Chief!"
"Issei?" Rias said. "What's wrong, is the house under attack?"
"No, the house is fine, but first is Sona-Kaichou there?" Issei asked.
"Actually yes, we were enjoying a chess match." Rias said.
"What is it?" Sona asked with a curious gaze.
"Issei's calling. He wanted to know if you were here for some reason." Rias said. "Now what is it Issei?"
"What's that pervert calling for now?" Yukari asked, walking into the room after completing a job.
"Ah, good Yukari-San's there too. Are you two watching anything on T.V right now?" Issei asked.
"Well we were watching Onee-Sama's television show, but now? No." Sona answered.
"Turn it to one of the news channels. There's something you're all going to want to see." Issei said.
"..." A wave of uneasiness washed over the two heiresses as well as Yukari as Rias brought up a screen with her magic and changed the channel to one of the news channels for the Underworld. "...!"
"What? !" Sona gasped.
"..." Yukari stared at the screen as a familiar masked face, to her anyway was displayed. "That guy again...he got to Kenshin? Dammit!"
"We interrupt tonight's weather report to bring you this breaking news update. Pandemonium in Luciferd tonight as both the Dragon of the Elements, Kenshin Tsuki Kuroshi and Lady Serafall Leviathan were both abducted during terrorist attacks in Luciferd tonight. The culprits, a masked man calling himself the Dragon of Truth, an unfamiliar humanoid dragon and a mountain of a man who those who saw him fight Lady Serafall are calling a shameless pervert, calling himself the Thousand Blades."
"Tch...so Hottan actually enslaved him huh?" Yukari asked with a scowl.
"Right now we are going to show you a video recorded by a civilian who saw the attack on the Dragon of the Elements, cleared for broadcast by Lord Sirzechs Lucifer."
A video played. It showed Kenshin walking into the plaza with Millicas who then ran forward, looking around as Kenshin looked on. Then Enku appeared and they started talking. Kenshin called Millicas back to him.
"..." Yukari narrowed her eyes Kenshin started looking around in a panic in his Balance Breaker. "They did it again..."
"What?" Rias asked.
"This set up. They did the same thing to us back on Mundus Magicus at one of the gateports. Which means..." Yukari wasn't surprised when a stone spear tore through Kenshin's chest. "Yup..." She growled.
"!" Rias gasped.
"Why wasn't he able to counter? He should have been able to see that coming." Sona said.
"The man that attacked him. He was able to counteract Undine's sensory ability." Yukari said. "He's done the same to me in the past." Dragon then explained that in the video. "See?"
The rest of the video played out but the audio quality took a serious downturn. "Where did he take him? !" Rias asked.
"That part's easy." Yukari said with a scowl. "That bastard took Kenshin back home."
"Home, you mean?" Rias said.
"Yes, he's back in Mundus Magicus." Yukari said. "Sona, seeing as the other person to attack was also someone I know, Jack Rakan was with your sister. I'd have to assume Serafall is at Mundus Magicus as well."
Sona turned to Rias who then nodded. "Alright. Yukari tell Hikari-San to gather your family together. Sona, you decide what you want to do and Issei, start contacting my peerage for me. I'm going to try getting a hold of Onii-Sama. If he doesn't answer then we're going to Luciferd."
"Right." Yukari, Issei, and Sona all said.
(break)
Meanwhile.
In a desolate area of Mundus Magicus, Dragon and Kenshin appeared. Kenshin sprung to his feet and punched at Dragon's face. "Interesting, not only have you cast off the paralysis, you have also healed your wound."
"Enough asskissing, who the hell are you? ! Who is under that mask? !" Kenshin demanded.
"You have to guess." Dragon said wagging his finger.
"Yo Dragon. You finally appeared." The two turned to find Rakan waiting.
"Tch." Kenshin scowled. "I never thought I'd see the day when the Thousand Blades kneeled before Hottan like a coward."
"You've been gone kid. You have no idea what's been going on." Rakan said with an impassive look.
"Yes Kenshin, how have you been since clearing out of this world?" Kenshin's eyes widened hearing a familiar voice. He turned to find a young woman wearing a black corset with blood red lining, a flowing black skirt and a matching color mantle. She had flowing blonde hair and blue eyes. She smiled at him exposing long fangs.
"Evangeline...so he got you too huh?" Kenshin said.
Before Evangeline could speak Dragon cut in. "Yes, A Shinso Vampire, one of, if not the strongest man living on the face of Mundus Magicus...and me, a dragon demon who potentially has counters for all your spirit powers. Things aren't looking good for you Kenshin."
"Tch." Kenshin growled as he unsheathed his blade. "Congratulations. It took you three, to hunt down and corner one man. Well, I hope it's everything you've been waiting for. Get ready for the first real fight you've had in years, you gutless cowards!" Kenshin shouts as he blasts the three of them with Serene Conqueror.
None of them were affected, other than taking a step back. "Well, if nothing else. I have to commend your bravado." Dragon said as he moved in.
Suddenly an orb of light flickered in between him and Kenshin. "Huh?" Rakan and Evangeline said.
A voice shouted in Kenshin's head. "Cover your eyes! !"
"Hn!" Kenshin shielded his eyes as the orb of light exploded, blinding Dragon, Rakan and Evangeline.
"Argh!" Rakan shouts.
"Hnn!" Evangeline said.
"Grrh!" Dragon growled.
Kenshin felt himself being grabbed and taken away. He opened his eyes and lowered his guard as a figure in a tattered beige mage's cloak led him through a forest. "Hey! Who are you? !"
"No time!" The person said, their voice masked. "Wait until we get to my home."
"..." Kenshin nodded. "Even with the masking, it sounds female."
The light died down and Dragon looked around. "Tch...he got away."
"Can't you sense him?" Evangeline asked.
"No. Just as he cannot sense me, when he is using Undine's power. I cannot sense him. I wouldn't have got the drop on him if I hadn't been trailing him the entire time I was in that devil city." Dragon said. "Well in any case he's here now. Let's head back."
"About that. The girlie that was fighting me, she ended up coming back with me. I was able to throw her off as I warped in, but I have no idea where she is." Rakan said.
"You got held up by a girl? Ugh. So typical." Evangeline scoffed.
"What? ! It's not like I was trying to pick up on her or anything!" Rakan snapped.
"Enough. Come on." Dragon said as he teleported away. Evangeline followed afterward. Rakan glanced behind him.
"Sorry kid, but this world is under that bastard's control now." Rakan said. "Everyone just lives in fear of him now."
Kenshin arrived at a cabin with a grave next to it. "Will you tell me who you are now?"
"It's easier for me to just show you." The woman said taking down her hood.
"...!" Kenshin's eyes widened.
"It's good to see you, this time in the flesh, Kenshin." She said with a smile, brushing her maroon hair out of her eyes.
"...Negi!" Kenshin said pulling her into his arms. "...It's you...it's...really you."
"Yes..." Negi said returning the embrace.
"...Wait...why can't I feel anything from you?" Kenshin asked dropping out of his Balance Breaker.
"My magic is sealed." Negi said.
"Did Hottan-?"
"No, I sealed it myself." Negi said. "So I could hide from him."
"Why?" Kenshin asked. "From what Yukari tells me, you surpassed even me."
"Yukari made it to where you were? ! Oh thank god!" Negi said.
"Nngh!" Kenshin grunted.
"Aah? ! K-Kenshin are you OK?" Negi asked looking him over.
"I'm fine, but...well..." Kenshin said.
"What?" Negi said.
"Well. I've changed since we've last seen each other in person." Kenshin said. "I've become a Devil."
"Devil?" Negi said. "Oh well, that's alright I guess. Before I sealed my magic I was something along the lines of what Master was."
"You became like Evangeline? You're a vampire?" Kenshin asked.
"No. Dark Magic changed my body is all. I no longer age." Negi said.
"Huh...I see." Kenshin said. He looked over at the grave. "Who's buried?"
"No one." Negi said. "I can still die, so that's my grave."
"..." Kenshin stared at it. "...I won't let that happen."
Negi giggled. "Silly, as long as I'm hidden I'll be fine."
"...Of course." Kenshin said with a smile. "It's good to see you again, Negi."
"Oh! Kenshin come in, I might be hidden, but I'm not alone here." Negi said leading him into her cabin.
"Huh?" Kenshin walked into the cabin. It was there that he saw a woman with long flowing green hair, dull teal eyes wearing a maid's outfit. What struck Kenshin was the thick antenna like protrusions sticking out from where her ears should be. "...Chachamaru?"
"?" She turned to him. "Kenshin-Sens-"
"I'm not your teacher, not anymore." Kenshin said waving his hand dismissively.
"I see." Chachamaru nodded. "Negi-San, I'm going to take my break now."
"Go ahead." Negi said.
Kenshin watched as Chachamaru left the cabin. "Negi, if your magic's sealed, how did you contact me?"
"Well...I tried awhile ago, but nothing came up...wait you saw it? !" Negi asked.
"Well, yeah." Kenshin nodded.
"Hm...I guess there's a delay, but I break the seal every once and awhile to try and contact you and to recharge Chachamaru-San." Negi said. "However, because my magic's been sealed for quite sometime...I can feel my reserves starting to shrink. Soon I won't have enough magic to recharge her, that's why I've been forcing her to take it easy."
"I see..." Kenshin said. "Wait. If there's a delay...and you've been trying over and over again, does that mean your image would do the same thing over and over again?"
"Hahahaha, no. I geared it to only respond to your signature, if you weren't around it'd just fade away in time." Negi laughed.
"Oh..." Kenshin said.
"I wonder how this will affect the contract I made with her." Negi said rubbing her chin in thought.
"Wait, you made a provisional contract with Chachamaru? But...she's a gynoid isn't she?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes, but she was close with a lot of people, and the magic within her that was running her processors must have constructed an artificial soul for her." Negi said. "It was good enough to give her an artifact."
"Hmmm." Kenshin stroked his chin in thought.
"What is it?" Negi asked.
"It's nothing. Just pondering." Kenshin said. "Negi...might I try something?"
"?" Negi gazed at him curiously. "What is it?"
He took out his evil piece set and pressed the queen piece against her chest. "Mmn..." Negi closed her eyes and let out a soft moan.
"Oh...u-uh...s-sorry." Kenshin said, having pressed the piece against her left breast.
Negi smiled with a rosy blush. "It's OK. It's been awhile since we've done anything like that, hasn't it?"
"..." Kenshin nodded.
"So what is it you were trying to do?" Negi asked.
"Well. I was seeing if I could reincarnate you as what I am, but it isn't working." Kenshin said.
"I sense a piece of a god inside this girl Kenshin. That's probably why it's not working." Ophis said.
"Huh?" Kenshin thought.
"I don't know who it is. There's not enough there to identify." Ophis said.
"I see..." Kenshin thought.
"Well, go ahead and make yourself at home." Negi said with a smile.
"Where are you going?" Kenshin asked as Negi walked out the door.
"Just going to make sure the barriers are still up." Negi said.
"Well, alright." Kenshin said.
Negi left the cabin and walked around. As she did a sinister voice rang in her head. "You know you can't keep him from me forever."
Negi's eyes narrowed into a scowl. "Shut up. He's not some play thing you can just toy around with. I won't let you have him Hottan."
"Huhuhuhu, you think you can stop me Negi, when you couldn't stop me from taking over this world?" Hottan asked.
"Krhh..." Negi growled under her breath. "You will pay soon enough Hottan. It may not be me that does it, but you will pay."
"Hahahahahahahaha!" Hottan laughed. "You foolish girl! Was my having you kill your own father not enough for you? ! You want me to steal away your beloved Kenshin as well? !"
"..." Negi bowed her head, unable to retort. She looked over as a hand was placed on her shoulder. It was Kenshin. "...Kenshin?"
"Are you alright?" Kenshin asked with a concerned look on his face. "You seem upset."
Negi reached up and wiped her eyes. "I'm fine." She said with a smile.
"..." Kenshin went silent.
"So, why don't you tell me what you've been up to since we've last been together?" Negi asked.
"Well...let's go inside. It's a long story." Kenshin said.
(break)
Meanwhile on the other end of the Dimensional Gap.
Rias' peerage, Yukari and Kenshin's peerage and Sona were all on board of Sona's family train. All teleportation to and from Luciferd was banned while things were sorted out so they were traveling by train to get there.
Yukari approached Issei. "Hey." Yukari said.
"What's up?" Issei asked.
"I want to ask the dragon something." Yukari said.
"You want to ask Ddraig a question? Alright hang on." Issei said. The Boosted Gear appeared on his hand.
"What is it, Sister of the Dragon of the Elements?" Ddraig asked.
"I have a name." Yukari said with a furrowed brow.
"Regardless. Your question?" Ddraig asked.
"Kenshin has your gear right?" Yukari asked.
"Yes." Ddraig said.
"Can you tell if he's still alive or not?" Yukari asked.
"One moment." Ddraig said. "...Yes. The Dragon of the Elements is both alive and well."
Yukari let out a sigh of relief as did several others. "I see, that's good. He managed to get away from Dragon."
"He's currently staying in a cabin with two women." Ddraig said.
"? !" Rias, Akeno, Xenovia and Koneko all closed in, as did Sona.
"Are either of those women my elder sister?" Sona asked.
"No. The Leviathan is not among them." Ddraig said. "One of them has green hair and thick metallic protrusions sticking out from where her ears should be. As far as I know, this woman has no interest in him."
Yukari rolled her eyes hearing four separate sighs. "That sounds like a friend of mine. Who is the other one?"
"A woman with maroon hair and a strange name, if I were to picture it without knowing them, I'd be picturing a Spring Onion." Ddraig said.
"? !" Yukari reached over and grabbed Issei's wrist. "M-Maroon hair? !"
"Yes and this one seems to be deeply fond of Kenshin." Ddraig said. "Now if that's all, I'm going to sleep."
"Aaahh..." Yukari slumped to her knees, looking at the floor in shock.
"Yukari, what's wrong?" Rias asked.
"Nothing..." Yukari said as she got to her feet.
"What is it then Onee-Chan?" Miyuki asked, walking over to them.
"Miyuki...I...I think Kenshin found Negi." Yukari said.
"!" Miyuki gasped. "M-Mom!" She said running over to the other side of the car.
"Are you certain?" Rias asked.
"Yes." Yukari said. "For real this time."
"I-I see." Rias said.
"Rias." Yukari said as the Gremory heiress started to walk away. "Come over here for a moment." She said jerking her thumb over toward the private car.
Rias followed her in and Yukari shut the door. "What is it?"
"Listen, don't think because he found her, that it means things change between you and Kenshin." Yukari said. "He's just going through a lot up here." She pointed at her head.
"I understand that, but..."
"Yeah. I know." Yukari nodded. "But, let's first get him back here before we worry about these issues, OK?"
"Right." Rias nodded.
(break)
Back with Kenshin.
It was nighttime in Mundus Magicus as Kenshin slept on the couch of Negi's cabin. She insisted that he sleep in a bed, but he told her he didn't mind. Her room was a short few steps away from the couch anyway. However he was unable to sleep.
"Haah." He got up and walked over to the sink and got a glass of water. Drinking it down he sighed. "Serafall, if you're out there somewhere, I hope you're alright." Kenshin thought. "Also...I hope everyone back home isn't too worried. Although I couldn't blame them if they were."
He walked back toward the couch when he heard a muffled cry. He turned toward Negi's room and walked in. He saw Negi tossing and turning, a pained look on her face. "..." Kenshin closed his eyes and sighed. "Just like before." He said with a smile as he walked over to the edge of her bed and climbed in. He grabbed hold of her and wrapped her in a gentle embrace before shaking her lightly.
"Huunn?" Negi's eyes opened and she saw Kenshin smiling at her. "Oh...thank you Kenshin?"
"Bad dream?" Kenshin asked.
"Bad memory..." Negi said.
"..." Kenshin said nothing.
Negi shook her head and kissed him. "It's not your fault."
"You just go back to sleep, OK?" Kenshin asked. "I'll start sleeping with you starting now."
"..." Negi smiled and cuddled against him. "OK..." She yawned. "Kenshin...?"
"Yeah?" Kenshin said.
"The next time you see this Rias Gremory person...you really should tell her how much she means to you." Negi said.
"..." Kenshin said nothing.
"After all...you found it in you to love both Yukari and I, why not her?" Negi asked. "...Good night."
The sound of Negi's shallow breathing filled the room. "...You always know how to make everything sound so easy, Negi." He thought as he set his head on top of hers. "Maybe you're right."
With that thought in mind, Kenshin allowed sleep to take him.
(chapter end)
Draconis: And so the Mundus Magicus Arc begins.
Kenshin: I am gonna get you now Hottan!
Hottan: We'll see.
Draconis: Anyway. See you all next time.
Draconis678 out.