Draconis: Yawn...
Kenshin: Tired again? Don't you have lemons to write?"
Draconis: I'm gonna, shut up. I just figured I'd fully draw the Makai arc to a close beforehand.
Rias: He has a point.
Yukari: Yeah. Hey speaking of when am I getting a solo act with him?
Draconis: Good question. I'll figure it out. (sweats feeling some other's sets of eyes on him) You too, don't worry, I plan on building others relationships with Kenshin. And Issei's relationships with his harem.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 69
Return to Home.
Draconis: Begin! Also this was released alongside an update to the side stories.
(start)
Kenshin, Rias, Sona, their peerages as well as Raiser, Ravel, Sextum, Azazel, the Vali team, Serafall and Grayfia walked into Yasaka's garden. "Thank you for your service Yasaka-Sama." Kenshin said. "I feel it's only right to say it as the Former Vice Commander."
"Of course." Yasaka said with a smile. "Do come back any time. We'd like you have you around."
"Or you'd like to have Issei around." Evangeline joked idly.
"Mmhm..." Yasaka didn't even bother to deny it. "Kenshin-San, what Alipheese-Sama said you to you applies to us as well."
"I know." Kenshin nodded. "Anyway, we'll get out of your hair. We gotta be going to the Underworld anyway."
"Just one question." Yasaka said. "Won't Alipheese-Sama need you four?" She said looking at Granberia, Alma, Erubetie and Tamamo.
"There's no way to rescind the contract without dying." Tamamo said.
"Kenshin-Chan could need a full set now." Alma said.
"Alipheese said we could return anytime we wished." Granberia said.
"It's not a problem." Erubetie said.
To bring the point home. The Four Heavenly Knights each pulled out a similar teleportation sigil that Raiser was holding for his father and mother. "Aaah." Yasaka nodded. "Very well then. I'll see you around." She said walking into her home.
Everyone warped to Lilith. "Oh good, they're already having a meeting." Grayfia said.
"You can tell from here?" Kenshin asked.
"There's a lot of high rank devil signatures in the council room. Three of them belonging to Ajuka, Falbium and Sirzechs." Grayfia said. '
"Neat, let's get this out of the way then." Kenshin said. "Irina could you do me a favor and get in touch with Michael and tell him I'm back with he knows what."
"OK." Irina nodded.
"Ehh, I really only need Rias, Akeno, Sona, Tsubaki, Tamamo and Grayfia to come with. Serafall's presence is already required as is." Kenshin said.
"So what we did last time then?" Yukari said.
"Pretty much." Kenshin shrugged.
The group made their way toward the council chambers. The doors to the council chamber swung open as Kenshin pushed them open. "Lord Kuroshi, we are in a meeting." Lord Gremory said.
"Sorry Zeoticus-Sama, but Grayfia here saw you were in a meeting, and I felt it prudent to get this out of the way now." Kenshin said.
"There are other ways to enter Lord Kuroshi." Lord Sitri said.
"My bad." Kenshin said as he entered with Grayfia, Rias, Akeno, Sona, Tsubaki, Tamamo and Serafall, who took her place with Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Falbium. Tamamo also had Forbesii with her.
"So you seem to have come back from Makai safely, am I to assume the Youkai Revolution was successful?" Sirzechs asked.
"Yup." Kenshin said crossing his arms. "The peerages you sent with me are completely intact as well."
"He's right." Rias nodded.
"We incurred no loses." Sona agreed.
"I wonder if I should take that as an insult?" Forbesii thought.
Kenshin took the chain from Tamamo and Forbesii walked up to him. "Sirzechs-Sama, the Taiyoukai Council has chosen to keep the former Demon King alive. But to keep him out of their sights and out of their minds. I've chosen to bring him with me with their approval. I want to request that we keep him in your prison."
"This is him?" Sirzechs asked approaching Kenshin and Forbesii.
"Yes." Kenshin said, removing the mask.
"..." Sirzechs stared at Forbesii. "I have no problems, but why did they keep him alive?"
"Because he wanted them to kill him. I told them this...and they decided to have him imprisoned for life." Kenshin said.
"Very well. Report." Sirzechs said walking back to his chair.
Kenshin began reporting on the war. "Interesting, you have the power to cleanse defiled lands?" Lady Agares asked.
"I do." Kenshin said as he went on.
"Interesting use of strategy." Falbium said as Kenshin got to the assault on Grangold.
"Thanks." Kenshin said. "However as we were taking the Gold Region. Under my nose the man we encountered in here in Lilith, Luka was posing as me, or rather a clone of me." He paused to take out a substitution stencil to activate. "Like this...and got close to Rias, all the while creating problems for me to check in to, as to throw me off his trail. This came to ahead...and both Rias and Sona were abducted and taken to the far southern continent, but as you can see they are both fine so no need to worry Zeoticus-Sama, Lord Sitri."
"Very well." Zeoticus nodded.
Lord Sitri nodded and listened to his report, finally speaking up after he was finished with the events on Masouen. "I see...thank you for protecting my daughter."
"Mine as well." Zeoticus said. "I realize you can't prevent everything, so thanks for saving her."
"Thanks." Kenshin nodded. "From there we were split up. Rias, and Sona's peerage ended up in Port Natalia while Sona and I ended up in the Safina Pyramid. Due to low youki I was running quite the fever so Sona nursed me back to health. Your clan taught her well Lord Sitri."
"Aah, that pleases me that Sona remembered what we taught her." Lord Sitri said with an approving nod.
"Thank you father." Sona said.
"From there, Magdaran Bael, otherwise known as Rasai joined us and we regrouped with Lady Alipheese after Issei had settled things in the White Tiger's home." Kenshin said. He had decided awhile ago that he would omit his fight with Vali. From there we made preparations to sail to Hellgondo and the final battle ensued."
Everyone nodded as Kenshin finished his report shortly afterward. "So the God of Death, this Yama character finally comes out again. He fought for Heaven during the Three Factions war." Zeoticus said with a thoughtful look.
"Yama was here?" Kenshin said.
"Indeed. He appeared at the same time Sir Ragnarok and Sir Draco did...according to him anyway." Lord Sitri said.
"I see." Kenshin said. "Now then. Sirzechs-Sama, Ajuka-Sama, Falbium-Sama, I need to speak with you personally."
"And why is that? Are there things you are omitting from your report?" Lord Bael said standing up from his vantage point.
"..." Kenshin glanced over at him. "I can't have a private conversation with my master and his compatriots?"
"Not when some of us get the feeling you're hiding something." Lord Bael said. "Speak, now."
"Under who's authority do you order me around?" Kenshin said. "I'm not hiding anything."
"The Great King Faction demands that if you are hiding anything, to explain now." Lord Bael said.
"I am not apart of the Great King Faction, thank goodness for that, I'd hate to have you as a leader." Kenshin said.
"You little..." Lord Bael scowled.
"I don't owe you a damn thing. I'm not hiding anything from this council." Kenshin said crossing his arms. "But you're more than welcome to try and make me talk if I were to be hiding something."
"Do you realize what you're up against?" Lord Bael said.
"Do you?" Kenshin asked.
"I don't think the Youkai Faction will take too kindly to their hero being harmed in any way." Sona interjected.
"No, they wouldn't." Tamamo said fanning herself with a smile that betrayed her seriousness.
"..." Lord Bael glowered.
"I should have mentioned this after Kenshin-Chan finished, but Demon Queen Alipheese the Sixteenth told me that our alliance with her people is now connected to Kenshin-Chan." Serafall said. "If a faction goes to war with him, they go to war with all of Makai."
"So Uncle, what'll it be?" Rias said, embracing Kenshin from the side while he wrapped an arm around her, while looking up at Lord Bael with a smirk.
"I also assume a few devil clans present here wouldn't appreciate it either." Akeno conjectured.
"Krrh..." Lord Bael growled.
"I know I'm just a prisoner here, but if I may...Kenshin was able to defeat me, even while I used the Sword of God against him and became a Holy Sentinel." Forbesii said. "And his allies are no slouches either, I know this personally...so do you really think you can best a man who had done all that?"
"Rrh...fine, whatever." Lord Bael gruffly said.
"That's what I thought." Kenshin, well...thought.
"Well then, this meeting is adjourned." Sirzechs said. "Kenshin, come with me."
"I'll come with as well." Rias said. Akeno nodded and rejoined Rias' peerage at their current location.
"Sona, come with me." Lord Sitri said.
"Yes Father." Sona nodded. "Tsubaki, wait for me at Kuoh with my peerage."
"Yes Kaichou." Tsubaki said.
Rias, Tamamo and Kenshin followed the Four Satans to a private room. "Woofa...all this power in a single room." Kenshin chuckled warily.
"Hmhm." Ajuka chuckled as well.
"So what is it you needed to talk to us about?" Sirzechs asked.
"One, I wanted to tell you I retrieved the Tsurugi no Kami." Kenshin said placing a weapon box on the table in front of him. "Serafall of course already knows this."
"Yahuh." Serafall said.
"Interesting." Ajuka said as Kenshin too the top off of it. As he reached for it Kenshin shook his head.
"I wouldn't do that Ajuka-Sama." Kenshin said. "It will bleed even your mana if you touch it wrong."
"Hahaha, don't worry, I'm just laying my formulas over it." Ajuka said. "Interesting, there's two beings inside this sword."
"Yeah, it's Ilias and the Almighty." Kenshin said.
"The Primordial Goddess of Light and the Almighty himself, that's a lot of mojo." Falbium said.
"Interesting..." Ajuka said.
"What?" Kenshin asked.
"With the True Longinus, the spear contained his will, but...this blade actually contains a piece of him, not just will." Ajuka said.
"What's that mean Ajuka-Sama?" Rias asked.
"It means that the Almighty lives within this sword...so just his body was lost." Ajuka said.
"...Now I'm wary about handing it back to them." Tamamo muttered.
"Don't worry. Michael probably already knows about this. It's probably why he's been so concerned about getting this sword back." Ajuka said.
"I guess I can't blame him then." Kenshin said. "I just don't want have infighting break out."
"No, that won't happen. We all know the task at hand." Sirzechs said.
"I'm done by the way." Ajuka said stashing away an orb.
"I would say something about you doing that, but Azazel pretty much did the same thing." Kenshin said.
"Of course he did. We're both curious minds at heart." Ajuka said.
"Right." Kenshin said taking the weapon box back.
"What else is there?" Sirzechs asked.
"Rizevim is still alive." Kenshin said.
"..." Sirzechs went silent before nodding. "I see...honestly Kenshin I never put much stock in his death to begin with."
"I know, but...I wanted to believe I had taken him down before he became a problem." Kenshin said.
"It's OK. It's my old business coming back to rear it's ugly head. I should have hunted him down, but...the civil war was over...I was being asked to become the new Lucifer..." Sirzechs said.
"It's fine. When the time comes we'll deal with him, Vali and I both." Kenshin said. Sirzechs stared at him for a moment before chuckling fondly.
"I see. Thank you." Sirzechs said.
"Also...you should know...The Shinigami's coming after Rias as well as me." Kenshin said.
"Why?" Sirzechs said with a concerned look.
"Because...I contain half of his soul." Rias said. "Before the battle with the LifeMaker. I was visited by Negi Springfield's spirit, who gave me a gift to help defeat him with, which I did use, but an unintended consequence was that the half of Yama's soul she possessed was also transferred to me."
"So, Kenshin's the Primordial of Life, and Rias here is the Co-Primordial of Death." Falbium mused. "I guess opposites really do attract. Not just in that way either."
"...Heheheh/Hehehe." Kenshin chuckled and Rias giggled.
"So is there anything else?" Sirzechs said.
"Uhh..." Kenshin stroked his chin in thought.
"Kenshin-Chan, what about Rasai-Chan?" Serafall asked.
"Huh? Magdaran? What about him?" Sirzechs asked.
"Oh shit, that's right how could I forget about that." Kenshin said. "Lord Bael tried to have me killed."
"!" Sirzechs, Ajuka and Falbium all looked at Kenshin with varying levels of surprise. "That's...a hefty accusation, I assume you have proof." Sirzechs said.
"Onii-Sama!" Rias said.
"I'm sorry Rias, but if I tried to move on him with just word of mouth evidence...it..." Sirzechs was interrupted.
"It'd be a political shit show no one wants to be a part of." Falbium said. "If the bastard plays his cards right he could even have Sirzechs removed from his post as Lucifer."
"Does Magdaran admitting to it right to my face count?" Kenshin asked.
"I'm afraid not." Sirzechs said shaking his head.
"...Hm..." Kenshin stroked his chin in thought. "What if I could get a confession out of him?"
"You? Um, Kenshin I don't know if you realize this, but Lord Bael's hated your guts since you got here." Falbium said.
"Why? What did Kenshin do to him before he even met Uncle?" Rias asked.
"Seriously." Tamamo huffed.
"He's a purist." Ajuka said. "You know the kind that places too much stock on pure blood and traits. Someone like Kenshin, who has mixed blood and is a Reincarnated Devil to boot having the power he does...there's no way it doesn't piss him off."
"To be fair the first one is kind of the same reason he hates me too." Sirzechs said.
"I see." Kenshin said. "Well I wasn't exactly meaning me."
"Then who?" Sirzechs asked.
"I forgot to mention before that I convinced Magdaran to turn down the job his father gave him. He's with my peerage now." Kenshin said. "He was helping Rias train with her magic the whole time we were in Makai."
"He was." Rias nodded.
"Oh? I suppose I owe him thanks after this." Sirzechs said.
"So whatcha thinkin' bout doin' Kenshin-Chan?" Serafall said with a cutesy smile.
"Alright, bear with me here. I propose we have Magdaran go before his father before he leaves this building." Kenshin said.
"Yeah?" Falbium said.
"But he won't be alone." Kenshin said. "I'll be masking my presence with a technique of mine and in the room with the two. I will ensure that nothing happens to him. One of you can accompany me if you can restrict your own power. I can only hide one of you."
"Hmm, I'll go." Serafall said.
"I couldn't go anyway. I'm going to go find someone who will be very interested in this." Sirzechs said.
"Sirzechs...you're thinking about getting Him involved in this aren't you?" Ajuka said.
"Him?" Rias asked.
"Don't worry about it, and yes Ajuka I am. He usually likes to hear from me around now anyway." Sirzechs said as he teleported away.
"Well I guess he's got enough credit with the guy to bury a bad occurrence like this if it goes sideways." Ajuka said.
Kenshin was confused, but Ajuka shooed him, Rias, Tamamo and Serafall out of the room before he could ask. "Serafall, what was that about?"
"Mou, we're back in the Underworld, call me Levia-tan." Serafall pouted.
"Uh...Levia-tan...what was that about?" Kenshin asked.
"Well let's just say the power in the Underworld wasn't just up for grabs when the civil war happened." Serafall said with a carefree smile, her hands behind her head.
Kenshin noticed she was in her magical girl outfit. "When did you...?"
"While you and Sirzechs-Chan were talking." Serafall said.
"I...see." Kenshin said.
"What? Were you hoping to catch a peek at me? Oh Kenshin-Chan you perv, you!" Serafall said a playful smile.
"Oh like you weren't trying to catch a peek at me when I'd take a soak in the lake after training back in Makai." Kenshin retorted.
"Touche..." Serafall giggled.
"OK I'm missing something here." Rias said.
"Oh Ria-tan it's nothing to worry your pretty little head about. After all you get to see that particular sight whenever you want." Serafall said.
"I suppose." Rias said with a slight dreaming smile.
Tamamo shook her head amusedly at this. "Ah to be young again."
The three arrived at the room Kenshin's peerage was in with Rias' peerage and Rasai. "Huh, where did Raiser, Yubelluna and Ravel go?"
"Back home." Akeno answered. "Raiser wanted to get that sigil delivered to his parents and relax."
"I see." Kenshin said. "Rasai, I need to speak with you."
"Hm?" Rasai said.
"As I thought, your confession wasn't enough evidence." Kenshin said. "I'm going to need you to confront your father."
"..." Rasai went silent.
"Magdaran-San." Issei said.
"I'm fine." Rasai said. "I figured it might come to this. What do I have to do?"
"Just give a report on your 'failure' to kill me. Get him to say outright that he tried to have me killed. Don't worry, I'll be in the room with you, as well Serafall-Sama here." Kenshin said.
"How?" Rasai said.
Kenshin placed his hand on Serafall's shoulder and made a single handsign. The two vanished. "Ah, the camouflage technique." Yukari said. "Been awhile since either of us dusted that baby off."
"Yeah." Kenshin said as he reappeared. "It's easiest to hide if you're standing still, so Serafall and I will be masking our powers to the barest minimum and standing off to the side.
"OK." Rasai said.
"Alright, let's get to an empty room and get this over with." Kenshin said.
"Lets go ahead and mask ourselves now." Serafall said.
"Right Right." Kenshin said.
"Alright, I suppose the rest of us will be waiting at my house." Rias said. "See you there."
"See ya." Kenshin, Serafall and Rasai said.
The three made their way to an empty room. Kenshin and Serafall walked to a nearby wall. "Alright, let me get Sirzechs on the line." Kenshin said.
"Yes?" Sirzechs said as a communication circle appeared next to his head.
"You with that guy you were going to see yet?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes, we were waiting on you to contact." Sirzechs said.
"Alright, I'll tune the communication circle for sound all over the room and Rasai...we're watching you." He said with a coy grin as he and Serafall disappeared. The Leviathan giving him a cutesy wave as they did.
Rasai let out a sigh and let his power spike. About five minutes later Lord Bael walked into the room. "..." He looked around. "We're alone. So you have enough respect to face the fate of your failure then do you."
"Father...I..." Rasai said.
"I gave you one job Magdaran, and you couldn't even do it. Such a shame." Lord Bael said with a scowl.
"Tch." Rasai scowled. "You knew didn't you. That I wouldn't come back from the job."
"What do you mean?" Lord Bael said.
"Don't play dumb with me, Father." Rasai spat the word like it left a bad taste in his mouth. "You knew succeed or fail, I was doomed."
"Is that why you failed? You didn't even try to kill him? Such a weak spine you have." Lord Bael said.
"Oh no, I tried, but the whole time I thought about what a fool's errand you sent me on." Rasai said. "If I killed him, I wouldn't have made it out of Makai as the entire Youkai Revolution and his allies would have came for my head and prevented me from leaving, if I failed, obviously he would have killed me."
"So what then?" Lord Bael said. "You decided you wouldn't kill him of your own accord? It seems you need more discipline, Magdaran."
"Why did you want him dead to begin with? ! Because he bad mouthed you? !" Rasai shouted. "Are you that thin skinned? !"
Lord Bael backhanded Rasai to the floor. "You do not speak to me that way boy! The reason why I wanted him dead is because people like Kenshin Tsuki Kuroshi stand as an affront to our faction, a mixed blood which we hold in disdain, and a reincarnated devil who are only fit to serve us. Because you have failed to kill him, I'll do away with you and find someone better."
"...Heh." Rasai smirked. "Did you get that Lord Kuroshi?"
"? !" Lord Bael's eyes widened.
"I most certainly did." Kenshin said as he cast off his camouflage technique.
"You...and the Leviathan." Lord Bael growled.
"What's the matter Lord Bael, ya seem surprised to see us." Kenshin said.
"Lord Sirzechs, if you're listening...I ask that you do not have him killed." Rasai said getting to his feet.
"?" Kenshin and Lord Bael glanced at him.
"...No matter what you have done...you are still my father..." Rasai said with his eyes closed.
"Very well." Sirzechs said.
"I bet you're wondering why I didn't drag your ass through the mud earlier, and try the work the confession out of you that way." Kenshin said.
"Grh..." Lord Bael growled.
"It's because we don't need the discord right now." Kenshin said closing his eyes.
"Lord Kuroshi believes that our efforts should be focused on the Khaos Brigade." Rasai said.
"Have you no pride boy? You willingly allowed yourself to be his lapdog?" Lord Bael scowled.
"Well, unlike you, he is a leader that actually cares about his subordinates." Rasai said. "He spared my life when he could have easily killed me. Showing mercy and kindness where most wouldn't."
"Then he is a fool who would rather break bread with his enemies than destroy them." Lord Bael said.
"You judge quite broadly Lord Bael." Serafall said.
"Hn?" Lord Bael said.
"If he had been willing to continue to follow your order to kill me, I would have ended him the next moment. That, and I felt sorry for him. Turns out you weren't just a terrible father to Sairaorg, but to Magdaran as well." Kenshin said using Rasai's real name.
"So you mean to steal the future from me, is that it?" Lord Bael said.
"Under you, the Bael have no future." Kenshin said.
"You-!" Lord Bael growled, welling his power up.
"Lord Bael, I will issue this warning only one time." Kenshin said, matching his power. "If you try that again, with me, Magdaran, Sairaorg, his mother, my peerage, or ANY of my allies. I and the Youkai Faction will rain down our own brand of destruction on you. Do I make myself clear?" He spoke in a cold tone, matching his fury.
"Wow Kenshin-Chan, so fierce." Serafall said.
Before Lord Bael could answer. The door opened, and Sirzechs as well as an older looking gentleman with violet eyes and black hair entered the room. He wore noble clothing with the emblem of the Bael emblazoned on them.
"!" Lord Bael and Rasai both immediately turned and knelt to this person.
"?" Kenshin turned to the older man, then noticed the two Bael men kneeling. "What's going on?"
"Honored Ancestor what brings you here?" Lord Bael asked.
"Honored Ancestor?" Kenshin said.
"Lord Kenshin, this is the founder of the Bael Clan. The progenitor of the Power of Destruction, Lord Zekram Bael." Rasai said.
"Hiya Zekram-Sama." Serafall said.
"...You're still alive?" Kenshin said with an arched brow.
"? !" Rasai, Sirzechs and Lord Bael looked at him in abject shock. While Serafall giggled nervously.
However Zekram calmed them by laughing. "So that's what counts for reverence from old friends these days hm?"
"Old friend?" Lord Bael said.
"How are you doing these days Ragnarok?" Zekram said.
"...Um...he reincarnated." Kenshin said with a confused look.
"Well I don't know your name right off hand, I just know you in passing." Zekram said. "I just know you are Ragnarok's reincarnated form."
"Kenshin." Kenshin said extending his hand toward Zekram.
"A pleasure." Zekram said shaking his hand.
"So, what brings you here? The only time I heard of you was when the piece of himself Ragnarok left in the scroll containing his will got hammered, and started likening my fiancee Rias to your wife." Kenshin said.
"Hahahaha, I see." Zekram laughed. "My wife is quite busty like your fiancee. Ragnarok had challenged me to a drinking contest one night, it was more or less a draw because we both felt like puking by the end and didn't want to take it that far."
"I can see that." Kenshin snorted.
"Well of course, you are his reincarnation, so you must have inherited his memories, the tricky part is just getting to them." Zekram said. "It must happen most easily in dreams."
"I suppose." Kenshin said.
"As for why I'm here, it's to stop this potential conflict before it can start." Zekram said.
"Honored Ancestor, this doesn't really require your hand." Lord Bael said.
"It does, because you were foolish enough to push it this far. You tried to have another Lord of the Council killed. You were taught better than that. I don't care if you despise what he is. As for his sharp words..." Zekram said turning his sight to Lord Bael, the mere action making Lord Bael flinch. "If everyone he's ever badmouthed tried to kill him, he would have no time to live his own life. They were just words...words that admittedly hold some truth."
"Honored Ancestor?" Rasai said questioningly.
"You agree with him? !" Lord Bael said.
"For someone who places such high value on our clan's power and blood, you have no problem casting your sons by the wayside when they don't have what you want, or do what you want. And did you forget that I was the one who brokered the alliance between us and the Gremory, wedding Venerana and Zeoticus? We are no more innocent of the 'crime' of blood staining than any other clan." Zekram said. "I never liked the fact that you damaged our relations with the Vapula when you forbade them to assist their kinsmen, Misura and Sairaorg, when it was revealed that he didn't have the Power of Destruction either. That was shoddy reasoning at best. Then you ignore your second son after Sairaorg, who had been training relentlessly defeated him in combat."
"..." Rasai went silent.
"Going ahead a number of years. You send Magdaran on a suicide mission to Makai to assassinate Lord Kuroshi, who was serving as the Demon Queen of Makai's second in command, a man who has earned the respect and admiration of the entire Youkai Faction, if this attempt had succeeded, and the Demon Queen still came out victorious in her rebellion against the Demon King, we would be looking at all out war against them. You were a good leader until Sairaorg was born, since then some of your big decisions have been questionable at best." Zekram said.
"..." Lord Bael went silent.
"Return home and wait, I'll decide what to do with you then." Zekram said.
"...Yes." Lord Bael said as he teleported away.
Zekram turned to Kenshin. "I will deal with him. In exchange I want you to retract your threat."
"Hey, as long as none of my people are getting attacked by yours, consider it idle." Kenshin said raising his hands and shrugging his shoulders.
"Very well." Zekram said with a nod. "I had heard that you extended an invitation to Magdaran here to join your clan, but I can't have that."
"Hm? Why's that? You don't have another heir lined up?" Serafall asked.
"It's different than that Serafall." Sirzechs said.
"Why not?" Rasai asked.
"Because I would like to see you claim the seat of Lord Bael in the near future." Zekram said.
"!" Rasai's eyes widened.
"That would mean defeating Sairaorg." Kenshin said. "I mean...I think he could do it, but that is an awful lot of training on his weaknesses, honestly I'm jumping through the same hurdles with Rias outside of her destruction magic."
"It is, but you see, I would also like Sairaorg to become one of the Satans." Zekram said. "Thereby freeing the position of heir up for Magdaran."
"Y...You want me...to lead the clan?" Rasai said.
"I've already told the Youkai Faction that Rasai...er...Magdaran is to be my adviser." Kenshin said.
"Then keep him on. I just don't want him changing his surname." Zekram said. "The experience in advising another lord would only be beneficial to him."
"Ah." Kenshin nodded. "Would that be OK with you then Rasai?"
"Y-Yes, Of course!" Rasai bowed his head toward Zekram. "I thank you for your kindness, Honored Ancestor."
"Of course, now leave us." Zekram said.
"Kenshin, I will be waiting at the Gremory's home, it's about time for Rias-San's training." Rasai said as he disappeared.
"Well that's kinda bumming." Kenshin said.
"Hm?" Zekram said.
"Why's that?" Sirzechs asked.
"I was kinda looking forward to having my clan's rank go up from having another high class devil in the fold." Kenshin chuckled.
"Hehehe~ of course." Serafall said.
"Hahahaha, well that's too bad, I can't have you stealing my clan's heir. When you have children and have to decide that for yourself, I'm sure you'll understand." Zekram said.
"Oh I'm sure." Kenshin said. "So, you look like you want to say more, I've got time."
"I believe you should also become a Satan yourself." Zekram said. "In truth, I tried to get an alliance with your clan first, but Zeoticus, Sirzechs here's father beat me to the punch."
"Why couldn't you just do it anyway?" Kenshin asked.
"Because I didn't want us three to be put in a position where both are in danger and we could only really help one of them. Not having the treaty was easier." Zekram said.
"Hmn..." Kenshin stroked his chin in thought.
"I also saw Zeoticus' treaty papers after Ragnarok signed them and I realized I had nothing Ragnarok really wanted in return." Zekram shrugged.
"I guess." Kenshin said.
"Now, I understand that some devil traditions bother you." Zekram said.
"It's not really the traditions that bother me Zekram-Sama." Kenshin said.
"Oh?" Zekram said.
"Some devils would sell out their own if it helped their own status out. We cannot continue on like that." Kenshin said.
"Yes, that's always bothered him." Sirzechs said.
"Mmhm." Zekram nodded. "Go on."
"And if you want to put a higher value on your blood's purity, then fine, but don't discredit those who don't see things that way and have no problem...and I quote 'staining their blood.'" Kenshin said.
"Hmn. I do see where you're coming from, even we Bael are 'guilty' of that as I stated previously, Venerana's marriage to Zeoticus coming to mind there, current lord's half sister or not, she's still a Bael." Zekram said casting a glance at Sirzechs who chuckled.
"See?" Kenshin said. "And I don't think we should get rid of old traditions or the old ways, but I do believe we need to start up new ones to go along side them. Y'know, don't forget your past, but advance toward your future. If we stuck to the old ways this whole time, we'd probably be dead."
"He's not wrong." Serafall said with a carefree smile.
"I see where you're coming from. You should definitely pursue a Satan seat and push your agenda." Zekram said.
"Speaking of, is it true you have more influence than the Satans?" Kenshin asked. "Just as you have heard of me in passing, I've heard of you."
"Yes, but I am looking for those to carry the mantle of the Underworld's future. I have lived through it all, the Three Factions War, the Devil's Civil War, this Khaos Brigade business, but it's no secret that I am getting on in years and I will perish soon." Zekram said. "So I must find those capable of leading into the future, with my help the reigns of Sirzechs, Serafall, Ajuka and Falbium have succeeded, but I don't expect them to remain on their seats when I meet my maker." Zekram said.
"Hmn, so when the originals died, the power really fell to you, and you passed it on to the current Satans." Kenshin said.
"Yes." Zekram nodded.
"Yup." Serafall said.
"You're right." Sirzechs said.
"Well I wish you luck, don't know how I'm gonna fare in getting to the Satan position." Kenshin said.
"Well you keep things like what you did in Makai up, they won't have a choice." Zekram chuckled. "The people will be calling for you."
" have a point. One only gets a position like that, because the people recognize him as a leader after all." Kenshin chuckled. "Alright, thanks for your time Zekram-Sama, I'll be going."
"Here I'll come with." Serafall said.
"Really? You don't have anything to do?" Kenshin said as he and the Leviathan left.
"Mou...I wasn't really able to score any time alone with you in Makai. I'm going to take advantage of it while I can." Serafall pouted.
"..." Kenshin stared at her. He'd admit that it had slipped his mind that Serafall might have been interested in him. Because they were both busy, Serafall as a Satan, and Kenshin more recently as the Vice Commander. It wasn't like they had time to spend together. "...Hmn" He smiled. "Do as you wish Levia-tan."
"Yay~" Serafall grabbed his arm with both of hers and held herself against it.
"So how...well was filming for your show going?" Kenshin asked.
"It was going really well actually." Serafall said.
"That's good." Kenshin said. "Uhh...hey Serafall if we're going out in town I need to do something real quick."
"OK." Serafall nodded as they stopped and she let him go. Kenshin took out a pair of glasses and put them on. "Oh, those identity concealing glasses. They'll work here?"
"I've tried them before, they'll work." Kenshin said.
"Lord Kuroshi."
"?" Kenshin saw Lord Sitri walking toward them. "Seriously?" Kenshin thought.
"Hiya Dad." Serafall greeted.
"Hello Serafall." Lord Sitri greeted with a smile.
"Oh. I see what happened now." Kenshin thought. "Hello Lord Sitri. What do you need?" He asked.
"My younger daughter, Sona wishes for you to come to our home to discuss something with her and myself. Now I don't have any time today, so I wanted to ask if you had time to meet with us tomorrow morning." Lord Sitri said.
"Hm?" Kenshin said. "Uh...well I guess I got time, I did just come back from a war though. I'll have to check with my manager and my adviser. I'll let you know later."
"Of course. I promise I'll try to keep it brief so you may rest." Lord Sitri said. "And again, you have my thanks for protecting her."
"Don't worry about it." Kenshin said waving dismissively.
"Now then, I'll let you two get to whatever it is you're doing." Lord Sitri said.
"OK Dad." Serafall said.
Lord Sitri left them alone and as soon as he turned the corner. Kenshin took off the glasses and put them back on. "I thought you said those things worked here?" Serafall said with a curious look.
"Your dad was approaching us as I put them on. If anyone sees the wearer putting them on, the glasses don't affect them." Kenshin said.
"Aaahhh." Serafall nodded. The pair left the council hall and walked into town.
"?" Kenshin noticed Serafall moving closer to him. "Serafall?"
"Hm?" Serafall said with a smile.
"...It's nothing." Kenshin said shaking his head.
"Hmhm." Serafall closed her eyes and laughed softly.
Kenshin glanced around, seeing people whispering. "?"
"Hey isn't that Lady Serafall?"
"Yeah, who's that with her though?"
"Hey, doesn't he kind of look like Kenshin Tsuki Kuroshi, the Kuroshi Lord and the Lust Dragon?"
"Yeah, but come on, Lord Kuroshi wouldn't be caught dead in those glasses. How would he even put them on? he's got cat ears."
"Huh? I don't think there's anything wrong with these glasses." Kenshin thought.
"Eh, you're probably right, but still that guy is luuuccckkkyyy..."
"Neh heh heh." Kenshin snickered quietly.
"Hm? What's so funny?" Serafall asked.
"It's nothing, just listening around us." Kenshin whispered.
"Oh." Serafall nodded.
"It's probably for the best if I hide my identity anyway." Kenshin whispered.
"Yeah I hear you, thanks for looking out for me." Serafall smiled. "However..." She leaned up. "Maybe we could switch and I wear the glasses?" She whispered into his ear.
"Oh ho?" Kenshin whispered back. "You're quite the risky one aren't you?"
"Ufufu~ admit it, you like that about me." Serafall said.
"Oh I can see the headlines now." Kenshin snickered. "Hell, let's do it some time."
"Alright, but first." Serafall tugged Kenshin toward an ice cream stand.
"Hello what can I ge- S-Serafall-Sama!" The man running the stand said seeing the Leviathan.
"Hello, one strawberry cone please." Serafall said.
"O-Of course." He said. "And for you?" He said to Kenshin.
"Eh...I guess I'll get a chocolate chip." Kenshin said.
"Coming right up." The ice cream man said. "On the ho-" He was cut off as he handed them their cones.
"Here." Kenshin said handing him a small bag of money..
"S-Sir, it's fine you're with Serafall-Sama." He said.
"That matters? You're out here working, providing treats to people and especially the children as Lilith gets back on it's feet. I'm happy to pay." Kenshin said.
"Th-Thank you sir!" He said accepting Kenshin's payment.
"Have a nice day." Serafall waved.
"Th-Thank you Serafall-Sama, I'll be sure to." He said.
The two walked away and Serafall giggled at Kenshin. "That was nice of you."
"Well it's not like it's not true." Kenshin said.
"You're right." Serafall said as she started licking at her cone.
"..." Kenshin glanced over at her. "Y'know, seeing her like this, it's easy to forget that she could probably freeze me with a mere thought if she wanted to, she's just too cute." He thought with a faint blush, while smiling.
"Hm?" Serafall noticed she was being looked at. "Something up Kenshin-Chan?"
"Huh? No, nothing." Kenshin said.
"You know, you might have done us a favor." Serafall said.
"Hm?" Kenshin said.
"Forcing Sirzechs-Chan's hand and making him to go to Zekram-Sama." Serafall said.
Kenshin snorted at this. "Yeah and all it took was an attempt on my life."
"A-Awawawa, I-I didn't mean it like that!" Serafall said in a fluster.
"Heheheh." Kenshin chuckled and petted Serafall's head. "I know, I'm just picking on you."
"Mooouu..." Serafall pouted.
"Heheheheh." Kenshin snickered quietly to himself.
"Say, would you wanna play a part in my show with me?" Serafall asked.
"Aren't we signed to different studios?" Kenshin asked.
"I've done work for the studio you're signed to, they won't mind me borrowing you." Serafall said.
"Well if you're sure. I guess I could." Kenshin said. "So what did you mean by doing you a favor?"
"Because Lord Bael was constantly a thorn in our sides. Zekram-Sama will probably rein the Great King Faction in." Serafall said.
"Oh, so then Sirzechs and Grayfia will have more time to spend together?" Kenshin asked.
"Eeehh, not exactly. Sirzechs-Chan is pretty much the busiest out of all of us. Next is Falbium-Chan right now as the head strategist. Then Ajuka-Chan, though it's more of a hobby than work for him. Then there's me."
"So you're the least busy?" Kenshin asked.
"Yup." Serafall nodded. "How else do you think I have time to film a show?"
"True, uh Levia-tan, your cone is spilling." Kenshin pointed out.
"Oh! Thanks." Serafall smiled as she started finishing off her cone.
"..." Kenshin joined her, finishing off his own cone.
"Hm?" Serafall looked at his face. "Oh, you've got something on your face." Serafall said.
"Oh? Where, I'll get it." Kenshin said.
"No, it's better to just let me." Serafall said leaning upward, licking under the right corner of his lips before pressing hers against them.
"Mm?" Kenshin stared at her closed eyes and faintly blushing face.
"Mmm..." Serafall moaned softly in content as Kenshin kissed her back. When the kiss finally broke, she smiled. "OK, let's keep going." She said grabbing his hand and walking with him.
"And again, looking at her like this, it's easy to forget that she's a Satan as well." Kenshin thought.
(break)
The next day.
Kenshin was walking toward the Sitri home when a communication circle popped up next to his head. "Huh?"
"K-Kenshin-Sama."
"Ravel?" Kenshin said. "What is it? You sound nervous."
"I-I'm not nervous!" Ravel said in a fluster on the other end.
"Ravel, it's a pretty nervous tone." Kenshin said stated coyly.
"..." Ravel didn't speak, but Kenshin heard some noises coming from her.
"What is it?" Kenshin said.
"M-My father wants to talk to you." Ravel said. "A-About when I healed you in Rashoumen."
"That's making you nervous?" Kenshin said. "Ravel I've got time. I've just got to meet with Sona and Lord Sitri first. I'll right over after I'm done, OK?"
"Th-Thanks." Ravel said as the communication circle vanished. Kenshin sprung himself over the gate and walked toward the door. "Hey! Who goes there? !"
"Lord Kuroshi, I have a meeting with Lord Sitri." Kenshin said to the guards that approached him.
The guards paused to check in with Lord Sitri himself. "Yes Yes, he's quite unorthodox, but he's not attacking, let him in." Lord Sitri said.
"Our apologies Lord Kuroshi, but with the recent Khaos Brigade business around the Underworld, we're a little on edge."
"Hey don't worry about it, I'll remember to use the gate next time." Kenshin waved them off and walked into the manor. He was greeted by Sona. "Oh, heya Sona." He waved.
"Thank for coming on short notice." Sona said as they proceeded through her house. "I just wanted to get this out of the way."
"It's not exactly short notice, but OK." Kenshin said. "So what do we tell him exactly? Also...you're just wearing your Kuoh uniform?"
"Uhm...I was kind of hoping I could go over that with you." Sona said. "Also, I've not been to my main home in quite awhile, so all my clothes either don't fit anymore or have a layer of dust on them. I like to do my own laundry so our servants don't touch my clothes."
"OK?" Kenshin said. "Aah, I see...makes sense...so what do you wanna go over?"
"What are we right now?" Sona said.
"Uuuhh..." Kenshin rubbed his head. "Hmm...what do you want to be?"
"Well, we've already done...that." Sona said, her cheeks getting noticeably darker. "I don't think we CAN go back to what we were before."
"She's nervous about this. I can't blame her. When she said that there was no reason we couldn't continue on as we had been...I don't think she was thinking we'd have sex that night...at the time anyway." Kenshin thought.
"Kenshin? Are you listening?" Sona said.
"I'm thinking." Kenshin said. "Would he accept anything other than marriage?"
"I don't know." Sona said.
"I just don't know how Rias would react to me taking on another fiancee, even if it is you." Kenshin said. "She's letting me have a harem yeah, but still..."
"I know what you're trying to say." Sona said. "Rias might want to be your only wife."
"The thing is...what we did that night was a night of passion, after a buildup of daydreaming about it." Kenshin said, only to sweatdrop as Sona shot him an accusing glare. "What? It's not like you were alone in that regard."
"W-Wha? !" Sona exclaimed with a blush.
"Granted it was one time." Kenshin shrugged. "After I beat you in chess in Sabasa. As we were leaving, I did have a little mini fantasy about what might have happened had we not needed to go see Lord Sabasa."
"H...How deep did it go?" Sona asked.
"...Want me to show you?" Kenshin asked with a grin.
"...Please..." Sona said leaning into him.
Kenshin wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'd take hold of you like this...pull you against me...then..."
Sona watched as Kenshin lowered his lips to hers, wrapping her arms around his neck. "This is real this time...I can tell...don't...make me wait." She thought, her eyes narrowing shut, her lips beginning to part.
The sound of a door opening forced the two of them to break apart, it was Lord Sitri coming out of his office to see them turned away from him. "Oh, Lord Kuroshi, Sona you're right on time, do come in."
"Y-Yes father." Sona said, while shouting in frustration in her mind.
"I said I'd come didn't I?" Kenshin said as they walked in.
"Of course, Of course." Lord Sitri nodded. "However, before we begin. Answer a question for me."
"What's up?" Kenshin said and was handed a newspaper.
"Is that you?" Lord Sitri asked.
"Huh?" Kenshin looked down at the newspaper. "!" On the front page was a picture of Serafall kissing him, then next to it, was a picture of him returning the kiss.
"The reason I ask is that I had saw you with those glasses on earlier, but now I can't recognize you." Lord Sitri said.
"Kenshin?" Sona said looking at the newspaper with him.
"Eeerrr..." Kenshin said before sighing. "Yeah, it's me." Kenshin relented.
"I see. You had to know that one of the Satans, let alone the most outspoken of them, kissing someone in broad...well, I guess what passes for daylight here in the Underworld, would be news." Lord Sitri said with a bit of a coy tone. "Even if you were somehow able to hide your identity."
"Well, to be frank she kissed me first, it'd be rude not to...uhm...kiss back." Kenshin said.
"Hahahaha, relax Lord Kuroshi. Serafall's a grown woman, despite how she acts and chooses to look." Lord Sitri said. "She's free to make her own decisions."
"I see..." Kenshin sighed out.
"Because I know if you tried anything she didn't want, she'd freeze you on the spot." Lord Sitri said.
"Eeheheheh..." Kenshin laughed warily.
"Now. Sona asked for us to meet formally like this, and it concerns the alliance contract I signed with your other clan's founder Draco Tsuki." Lord Sitri said. "I take it you're not only interested in my elder daughter, but also my younger one as well. I didn't know my family attracted legendary dragons." He joked idly.
"Ehh... well.." Kenshin said.
"Hmn, let this harem Zeoticus' daughter is letting you have get bigger and it will soon rival his own." Lord Sitri said.
"Huh? How big is it?" Kenshin asked.
"I think the last time I bothered to sit in on one of my wife's conversations with Venerana, she said it was at around thirty." Lord Sitri said. (1 )
"Pfftt!" Kenshin sputtered. "Thirty? !"
"Of course this was awhile back. Some women might have left, or some might have joined...or both." Lord Sitri said.
"Huh...if it weren't for low birth rates among us devils he could probably curb up the numbers himself." Kenshin said.
"...Very funny." Lord Sitri said covering his face to hide a snort.
"Do you have a harem Lord Sitri?" Kenshin asked.
"Hmn, I used to." Lord Sitri nodded. "Back before I got married. I didn't think I had the stamina to be with my wife and the other women so I broke it off. They took it well."
"Aaah." Kenshin nodded. "I don't know about that number, but I think I have the stamina to pull it off."
"Uh..." Sona said.
"Oh, well that was all well and good, but on to what we came here for." Lord Sitri said. "What about the contract would you want to revise?"
"Well, I don't exactly know how my fiancee, Zeoticus-Sama's daughter would react to me taking on another fiancee, even if it is her best friend." Kenshin said. "So, I would like to ask if there's anything else I can do for you in lieu of that, if it ends up being the case that she wouldn't be OK with the idea?"
"Hmn...I can see how that would present a problem." Lord Sitri said. "Very well, it's not like I'd ask you to marry right this second anyway. Bring the subject up with her, and if it turns out she doesn't like the idea, then I'll waive the marriage clause on three conditions."
"What?" Kenshin said.
"Father?" Sona said.
"One, you hand me those glasses you were wearing, I'd like to analyze them and make a few replicas." Lord Sitri said.
"OK?" Kenshin said.
"Two, those blood pills, hand some to me, something like that could help us greatly in the coming months." Lord Sitri said.
"Sure." Kenshin nodded. "Was going to hand them over anyway."
"Three, even if she isn't your wife, you treat my daughter the same way you would if she was." Lord Sitri said.
"That's the easiest one." Kenshin said.
"Hmn." Lord Sitri smiled. "Very well, leave the items on the table next to you and be on your way. Sona can show you out."
Kenshin placed his identity concealing glasses and a small container of pills on the table and turned to him. "I'm going to get these glasses back right? They're the only pair I got. Also, something you should know about them, if anyone sees you put them on, the magic won't work."
"Of course, of course." Lord Sitri said.
"OK, have a nice day Lord Sitri." Kenshin said as he and Sona left.
"Whew..." Sona said. "I didn't think it'd be that easy."
"Well, I think he respects that you've finally chosen a suitor,or someone to be with, and this meeting was for him to get a good look at me." Kenshin said.
"You think that's all it was?" Sona asked.
"Sounds logical doesn't it? I mean you already beat away your previous suitor by beating him in chess, maybe he approved of your ability to choose your own suitor." Kenshin said.
"Hmn, when you put it like that, it does make sense." Sona said before facepalming. "I'm usually smarter than this, why didn't I see it?"
"Because it's family." Kenshin shrugged as he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her in closer. "Like Serafall, your father has a way of getting to you, and make you overthink or not think things through."
"I suppose." Sona said setting her head on his shoulder. "Kenshin, would you be satisfied with me in that sense?"
"Hm?" Kenshin asked.
"In a marriage, would you be satisfied with me?" Sona asked. "Just because we'd be married, doesn't mean I wouldn't stop pursuing my ambitions. I wouldn't be around much."
"And?" Kenshin asked.
"And?" Sona said questioningly.
"Sona, I already knew that when I met you and still got close to you." Kenshin said. "You've got your school to build someday and I...well I don't know what I will do, but still." He smiled at her. "Something like that wouldn't scare me off, even if it was just the two of us."
"Kenshin?" Sona said.
"I mean for example, Rias wants to dethrone Diehauser Belial as the Rating Game Champion, once this Khaos Brigade crap is done and over with, her time will probably be taken over by training and studying her opponents, and I'll be there to support her." Kenshin said.
"..." Sona closed her eyes and shook her head before walking in front of him. "You know, if I hadn't already, I'm really starting to see why Rias loves you so much."
"Heheh." Kenshin chuckled. "So don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Besides It's not like I won't have company."
"Of course." Sona said with a soft laugh. "...Thank you." She said leaning in, kissing him on the lips.
"Mm.." Kenshin closed his eyes and kissed back, their tongues wriggling around each other for a few seconds before parting.
"Somehow, I don't think that's exactly what you were thinking of after you beat me in that chess game." Sona said with a demure smile.
"No, but isn't reality better than fantasy in this case?" Kenshin grinned.
"Indeed." Sona nodded.
"Y'know, I think it was around the time of Kokabiel's attack, but Saji said in comparison to Rias, who is gentle, caring and serious, you are only serious." Kenshin said.
"Oh? Well he only knows me as his master, so it's logical of him to think that way." Sona said. "But I care about them, I just don't show it as much as they'd like."
"Yeah." Kenshin shrugged.
"Kenshin." Sona said.
"What is it?" Kenshin said.
"Are you feeling alright?" Sona asked.
"About?" Kenshin said.
"Well...about Negi Springfield's revival?" Sona said.
"..." Kenshin went silent before smiling. "I'm fine, really."
"But-" Sona said.
"You're not the first person to ask...hell you're not even the tenth person to ask." Kenshin chuckled.
"Well, can you blame them?" Sona said. "You were breaking before their very eyes."
"...Before Negi died that day. I had spent a week with her. Catching up, hell we even had a spar here and there." Kenshin said. "It...reminded me of the peaceful times I shared with her, before going back in time..."
"She made you feel at peace, even thought all the chaos in your life, didn't she?" Sona asked.
"Yes." Kenshin nodded. "Somewhere along the line...I fell hard for her, and her for me...but at the same time it scared me, because I knew the people after me at the time, like Hottan wouldn't rest, wouldn't stop at anything, but...we just kept getting closer, until eventually I relented...and told her straight up how I felt. It was shortly after Rikudou was taken down..."
"Issei told you that she was crying, and begging you to stay down, but she couldn't voice it." Sona said.
"I believe it." Kenshin said with a wry smile. "Negi...she loved me, and was also a bit of a pacifist. She wouldn't fight unless she needed to."
"So she also brought balance to your life." Sona said. "You like to fight, she didn't."
"Yeah." Kenshin said. "But...killing her once was enough for me. I won't do it again."
"Now that you know you can just put her under, that should help right?" Sona asked.
"Yeah." Kenshin said. "Until then, it falls to my peerage and I to figure something out before we have to face her again."
"Well it's not like you're alone in that regard." Sona said. "Rias and her peerage will gladly help, and so will I."
"Thanks." Kenshin said, he leaned in and kissed her.
"Mm..." Sona closed her eyes, returning the kiss, it broke after a few seconds.
"I gotta go. Lord Phenex wants to meet with me." Kenshin said.
"OK, I'll be seeing you." Sona said with a small smile.
Kenshin left the Sitri's home. "Hmn...I already know where the Phenex Castle is, so..." He disappeared and reappeared at Phenex Castle.
"Aaaaahhh!" Undine yelled in frustration.
"Aaaaahhh..." Salamander sighed in relaxation.
Kenshin sweatdropped at this as he walked into the castle. Raiser was there to greet him. "Hey look a dragon!" Kenshin pointed dramatically.
"Go fuck yourself." Raiser glowered.
"Neh heh heh." Kenshin snickered. "So how's Yubeluna?"
"She's alright, adjusting well to being back in the Underworld." Raiser said.
"I see. That's good. Decided on what you want from me in exchange for her services?" Kenshin asked. Raiser went to speak. "Seeing Rias in the nude is out of the question." Kenshin said.
"Drat." Raiser cursed. "Hm...teach me that wind technique you use in the sack."
"...How did you even know about that?" Kenshin asked with a questioning gaze.
"Overheard some women mentioning it." Raiser said.
"Overheard or eavesdropped?" Kenshin said crossing his arms.
"Overheard! I happened to be passing by your sister's room when she was talking about with Rias' Queen!" Raiser snapped.
"OK..." Kenshin said. "Anyway, seeing as you're a Phenex you could probably test this on yourself. Mold wind magic on your finger and drag it across your arm, until you're no longer cutting yourself, but your skin can still feel the wind. Then work on molding this softened wind around your finger in general."
"Hmn, sounds simple enough. That will be your payment then. " Raiser said walking away.
"You know you've just given him a way to have more fun with his peerage right?"
"Hm?" Kenshin glanced over seeing a blonde man with dark blue eyes wearing noble clothes with the symbol of the Phenex emblazoned on them. "I pay my debts, I don't care how he uses it." Kenshin said.
"True. I don't believe we've properly met." He said extending his hand to Kenshin. "I am Ruval Phenex."
"Kuroshi Kenshin." Kenshin said shaking his hand. "Ravel's mentioned you a few times."
"I see." Ruval said with a casual smile.
"You're also in the top ten in the official rankings aren't you?" Kenshin asked.
"Indeed, but despite this I am not an Ultimate class devil." Ruval said.
"Wha? How? I haven't even competed officially and I'm an Ultimate Class." Kenshin said.
"You've been very proactive in the military accomplishments category, which until recently was rarely considered as there was no war to gain them from." Ruval said.
"I see." Kenshin nodded.
"You know, Raiser's Queen has taken a shine to you." Ruval said.
"Well yeah, we were together for awhile in Makai, who doesn't get close after that?" Kenshin asked.
"True." Ruval nodded. "Follow me, I'll take you to our father's office."
Kenshin nodded and followed Ruval to the upper levels of Phenex Castle. "Hey Ruval, be straight with me, when Raiser and Rias were engaged, what were your thoughts on the matter?"
"Hm, well you asked me to be straight with you, and if I'm to be that...Raiser was totally incompatible with Rias-San." Ruval said.
"Rias said once he tried to cross the line with her and get her in bed." Kenshin said.
"That's true, and it's the only time I disciplined him over his actions. Rias can defend herself from his advances, but when he tried that and she said no and he kept trying, I made it clear he was to never do that again." Ruval said.
"I see." Kenshin nodded. "Good on ya, thanks...even though it was before I knew her."
"Of course." Ruval said as they stopped in front of a large ornate door. He knocked on it.
"Enter."
"Go on in." Ruval said as he walked away.
Kenshin opened the door and walked in. Ravel sat in a chair in front a desk, while Lord and Lady Phenex were sitting and standing respectively at said desk. "You called for me?" He asked.
"Yes, please have a seat." Lord Phenex said gesturing to the chair next to Ravel, who seemed hesitant to look at him.
"OK." Kenshin said sitting next to Ravel. "How are you today?"
"I am quite well." Lord Phenex said.
"I am as well, thank you for asking." Lady Phenex said.
"Now I am due to head to Makai to negotiate payment for the Phoenix Tears soon, so I would like to expedite this if at all possible." Lord Phenex said. "First of all, I have yet to thank you for knocking some sense into my son Raiser."
"?" Kenshin stared curiously. "Didn't you guys lose face because I beat him? I figure you'd be steamed about that."
"It was negligible." Lord Phenex said. "He treated women poorly, or so my daughter here told me on numerous occasions. Yet what could I say to him that wouldn't bounce right off?"
"I see, well...you're welcome I guess." Kenshin said.
"Now, I wish to go over part of your report from Makai, more precisely, the final battle where you were being healed." Lord Phenex said.
Kenshin didn't see it, but Ravel's face got noticeably darker. "OK? I'm going by what was told to me by Sona Sitri's peerage, Asia Argento of Rias' peerage and your daughter."
"Well this part you were awake for." Lady Phenex said. "You said that Ravel was crying over you."
"Well, it was a pretty scary moment." Kenshin said. "Everyone was getting taken down. Forbesii was gunning for me in particular and they were close to me."
"Right, but she also has grown to care for you." Lord Phenex conjectured.
"Well I will not confirm or deny, that's for her to decide." Kenshin said.
"He's trying to spare me embarrassment...even though he knows the opposite." Ravel thought, glancing at him, unable to help feeling a little touched at his thoughtfulness.
"Well she was crying over your death earlier before you arrived from Makai." Lady Phenex said.
"Yeah I know, but I'm trying not to embarrass her." Kenshin said.
"Hmhmhm, OK." Lady Phenex smiled.
"Now, when you awoke and found her crying, did any of her tears land on you?" Lord Phenex asked.
"Well, she was hanging over me, so I'd assume so." Kenshin said.
"I see, and while she was crying, you suddenly were healed almost completely." Lord Phenex said.
"Yeah? What's the big deal?" Kenshin said.
"Lord Kuroshi, the Phoenix Tears we distribute to the public are artificial potions that we synthesize to give the healing effect that would work on anyone." Lord Phenex said.
"You didn't think we extracted our own tears and sold them to people did you?" Lady Phenex said.
"Uuuuhhhmmmm..." Kenshin started to sweat.
"...hehehehe..." Ravel covered her mouth, starting to giggle.
Lord Phenex let out a weary sigh. "Relax Lord Kuroshi, it's a common misconception. One that I've grown used to hearing." He said.
"Well I had asked Ravel how they were made, and conjectured that, but she denied it." Kenshin said.
"Ah, so you've already been told that, but I assume she didn't divulge the secret?" Lady Phenex asked.
"No." Kenshin shook his head.
"Good." Lady Phenex nodded.
"OK, now the big deal as it were is that normally her tears would not have healed you to that great an extent, as you said in your report that your muscular structure had been rended to almost nothing from your hidden technique, the Vessel of the Elements." Lord Phenex said. "But they did."
"Yeah...?" Kenshin said.
"It's a symbol of how deeply our daughter cares for you." Lord Phenex said. "She may even lo-"
"Dad! Jeez!" Ravel shouted hotly, her face burning brightly.
"Uhhh..." Kenshin watched as Ravel stormed out of the room.
"Haa...she always has trouble admitting how she feels about things...or in this case people." Lady Phenex remarked with a smile.
"Indeed." Lord Phenex sighed with a weary smile of his own.
"So, you think she..." Kenshin said.
"Yes." Lord Phenex nodded. "Answer me this Lord Kuroshi, will you keep my daughter on as yours and the Sekiryuutei's manager, she seems to take great joy in it. I have received notice that Magdaran Bael is to be your adviser."
"That basically for matters of nobility and council meetings. Ravel is more than welcome to stay on." Kenshin said with a smile.
"Aaah." Lord Phenex nodded. "Well then, that settles that." He got up and approached Kenshin who stood up and extended his hand toward the Kuroshi Lord. "Please take good care of my daughter."
"Don't worry Lord Phenex, she's in good hands." Kenshin said shaking his hand.
"Good, because if something were to happen to her..." Lord Phenex squeezed Kenshin's hand tightly. "Let's just say...I'm not afraid to pass my council seat to Ruval."
"Aagh..." Kenshin grunted in pain as his squeezing became painful.
"Well!" Lord Phenex said releasing his hand. "Now that we're clear, you may leave whenever you wish."
"I may be an Ultimate Class Devil, I may be the Dragon of the Elements...but I do not want to tangle with a father whose baby girl I've allowed to get hurt." Kenshin thought with a wary grin as he slowly walked toward the door. "That goes for Lord Sitri and Zeoticus too."
"Oh dear, I think he'll take good care of her." Lady Phenex said after Kenshin left.
"I know, but as Ravel's father I felt compelled to say that." Lord Phenex said with a casual laugh.
"Hmhm, of course." Lady Phenex giggled.
Kenshin walked down the hall and found Ravel standing outside on an overlooking balcony. "Ravel." He said.
"O-Oh, Kenshin-Sama." Ravel said.
"You OK?" Kenshin asked.
"I'm fine." Ravel said. "I'm sorry about my father."
"Hey, he's just being a regular Dad." Kenshin shrugged. "Nothing to apologize about."
"...So, uhm..."
"I pretty much already knew." Kenshin said.
"Huh?" Ravel said looking up at him.
"Not about your tears, but I pretty much figured the rest." Kenshin said with a smile.
"Kenshin-Sama..." Ravel said with a faint blush.
"Anyway, I just wanted to see how you were doing, I'll be going now." Kenshin turned away. "By the way...cheer up." He said, turning his head, eyes closed with a wider smile. "You're much cuter when you're happy."
"..." Ravel pushed him forward, a blush on her face, but as Kenshin couldn't see it, she was also smiling. "Kenshin-Sama...thank you." She thought.
(break)
That Night
Gremory Mansion.
"So, even after I helped put the kibosh on Lord Bael's shit, Sirzechs probably won't see any more free time than usual?" Kenshin asked.
"No." Grayfia said as they walked toward the front door. "I've decided to go ahead and let him take on a second woman."
"I see." Kenshin shrugged. "Sorry to hear that."
"Oh it's fine." Grayfia said shaking her head with a smile. "The decision was a long time coming before you got here. We'll still love each other very much, but we also have needs that can't be satisfied with each other right now, but I made sure he knew I got the same privilege."
"How'd he take it?" Kenshin asked.
"He wants to meet the person that I pick, I told him the same." Grayfia shrugged. "I mean fairs fair."
"Right?" Kenshin asked. "So anyone you have in mind?"
"I haven't given it much thought." Grayfia said. "I mean I only brought it up to him yesterday."
"True, well I wish you luck in your search for a suitable secondary mate." Kenshin said.
"Thanks." Grayfia nodded and walked into the mansion.
Kenshin was about to walk in when a voice called out to him. "?" He turned and found Tiamat leaning against a tree. "Oh, Tiamat."
"I've come regarding our current familiar contract." Tiamat said.
"Yeah, I've decided to just release you straight up." Kenshin said.
"Hm?" Tiamat said. "Why's that?"
"Well I don't feel like fighting you, and the purpose of our contract has been served." Kenshin said. "I don't think I can beat you right now straight up. I mean the only reason you lost to Forbesii was because he got the drop on you, not because he was stronger than you."
"..." Tiamat started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Kenshin asked with a questioning gaze.
"You're too humble, and you sell yourself short." Tiamat said.
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
"Kenshin, when you fought Forbesii for the second time that day, the power you displayed was more than satisfactory. Besides having a summoner will give me peace from anyone else trying to bother me for my contract." Tiamat said.
"So you want to stay attached to me?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes." Tiamat nodded. "However, I have prior engagements with Ajuka Beelzebub, if he needs my help he takes priority."
"No problem. I wouldn't wanna bug you too much anyway." Kenshin shrugged.
"Then we have an accord." Tiamat said. "I look forward to working with you in the future." She said before teleporting away.
Kenshin nodded and walked into the mansion and toward the parlor. Rias, her peerage and his own peerage looked over at him. "Ugh..." Kenshin facepalmed. "Alright everyone, I know what happened was shitty for me, but for the last time I'm fine." Kenshin said. "I'll deal with it when the time comes and I'm sure you'll be there to help so, let's just move on."
"S-Sorry." Rias, Issei, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Yukari, Miyuki, Hikari, Evangeline, Tamamo and Alma all said. "It's just last time you got like that..." Issei trailed off. "Well you were pretty much about to go nuclear afterward."
"...Well that's not the case this time, so relax." Kenshin said. "We'll find a way to deal with Negi."
"Kenshin." Tamamo said approaching him. "Can I speak to you in private?"
"Yeah, follow me to my room." Kenshin said. Tamamo nodded and followed him. When they got there they both took seats on Kenshin's bed. "What's up?"
"...Well there's no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to spit it out." Tamamo said. "...My seal has been broken."
"?" Kenshin quirked an eyebrow at this. "You mean, like your seal...the one you put on at the end of the Divine Wars?"
"The very one." Tamamo nodded.
"...Yet you're still in your sealed state." Kenshin said.
"I've grown fond of the form, but...let me show you." She said letting her power flow outward.
"!" Kenshin felt it instantly. "Whoa! What the hell? !"
"I told you." Tamamo said lessening her aura.
"So...your seal's broken now? I doubt it was Yama, I mean what would he have to gain from breaking an enemy's seal?" Kenshin asked.
"Not sure." Tamamo said. "I don't think it was him either, but my power is once again unbound, this time for good."
"I see." Kenshin said. "Any ideas?"
"No." Tamamo said. "Who else would have the capacity to control that much dark mana?" She wondered aloud.
"Well, we don't have to worry about it now." Kenshin said. "Let's sleep on it for tonight and worry about it later."
"Agreed, besides it's quite handy when you think about it. I could use my full power any time I want now." Tamamo said with a demure smile.
"Yeah, but let's not make a habit out of it, you haven't used it full time in a LONG time, your current body won't be used to it." Kenshin said.
"Right, Right." Tamamo nodded. "Well, I just wanted to tell you this."
"I appreciate it." Kenshin said. Tamamo nodded and hopped off the bed and left the room. A knock was heard and he called out. "Come in!"
Rias entered with Akeno behind her. "Are you getting ready to go to sleep?"
"I was, it's been kind of a busy day." Kenshin said.
"Well then, shall we join you?" Akeno asked.
"You were going to regardless of my answer." Kenshin stated blithely.
"Ufufufu." Akeno giggled as she and Rias started to disrobe. They joined him in bed and he turned off the lights.
"..." Kenshin glanced over at Akeno who seemed to be out in a matter of seconds.
"Hmhm, she was doing some training with her magic today, she was exhausted even when she was bathing." Rias said laying next to him.
"I see." Kenshin said, leaning over, kissing the Thunder Priestess softly on the lips.
"Mmn..." A smile stretched across Akeno's face as she cuddled up against Kenshin.
"Hmhm..." Rias smiled at this. "You remember what I said back in Yamatai, right?"
"Yeah." Kenshin said. "You want me to spread the love around as it were."
"Mmhm." Rias said with a nod.
"But that doesn't mean I'm just gonna up and start ignoring you." Kenshin said.
"I don't think you would." Rias giggled. "But...Kenshin, can I talk to you about what happened in Rashoumen?"
"Rias..." Kenshin said with a vexed expression.
"It's not about Negi-San." Rias said. "I wanted to talk about my connection to the Shinigami."
"Well...before Ragnarok died...he managed to hack off half of his elder brother's soul. That half was supposedly reincarnating since then as you know. One reincarnation was Hottan before the homunculus body, the other was Negi, who passed it on to you." Kenshin said.
"Yes, but...should I be worried?" Rias asked.
"Why?" Kenshin asked.
"W-What if he uses me against you like Forbesii did?" Rias asked with a nervous look.
"Rias, relax...I won't let that happen. Not again." Kenshin said wrapping an arm around her pulling her in closer.
"...You always make me feel so safe." Rias said closing her eyes as she was held against her lover. "Kenshin, can... you train me more often in the physical aspects of combat?"
"Why?" Kenshin asked.
"I...want to be of more help to you when the time comes." Rias said. "My aspect of Destruction Magic is power so, I want to learn how to use it in physical combat."
"...Rias..." Kenshin said before smiling. "Alright, but remember what you're getting into and know that my time will be split for training. You're not the only one who's asked."
"I understand." Rias said, leaning up and kissing him on the lips. "I love you."
"I love you too, now good night." Kenshin said.
The two nodded off soon after.
(break)
The next day.
Hyoudou Residence.
"Man am I glad to see this place again." Yukari sighed out as everyone approached the building.
"No kidding, we were gone so long, but relative to this place. Not much time passed." Evangeline said.
"I'm gonna crash in bed for like a week." Miyuki said stretching her limbs out.
"Now now, you still have to go to school." Rossweisse reprimanded.
"Oh come on, can we really be expected to go back after getting out of that war?" Kazumi said.
Kenshin shook his head at his peerage as they chatted amongst themselves and Rias' peerage. Issei and he hung in the back. "Can you return to this life after that?" Issei asked.
"Eh, it'll probably take me a night to get used to the bed again, but I should be fine." Kenshin shrugged.
"This is Ddraig and Kenshin's house..." The two looked down at Ophis who was in between them. Kenshin had decided to let her out now that they weren't in Makai where a war had been going on anymore.
"I have a name, it's Hyoudou Issei." Issei said with a sweatdrop.
"Yup. We promised you we'd bring you home with us, and here we are." Kenshin said with a smile.
"Are we still going out together...?" Ophis said in her usual monotone.
"Ehh..." Kenshin and Issei both sweatdropped. Before they had left Rias' family home the both of them had been more or less bombarded by date requests.
"...?" Ophis tilted her head curiously.
"Yeah, we'll show you around." Kenshin said.
"..." A small smile appeared on the Infinity Dragon Goddess' face. "OK..."
It was a true return to normalcy for the peerages of Rias Gremory and Kenshin Kuroshi, but how long it would last...remained to be seen.
(chapter end)
Draconis: OK, so I didn't start on any volumes this chapter.
Kenshin: Eh, plenty of time later.
Rias: True.
Draconis: Anyway, if it wasn't already obvious. Rias is going to start taking a back seat so I can focus on Kenshin's other relationships and though I didn't work on any of Issei's this time. I AM going to start.
Now...footnote
(1 ) I don't know if Zeoticus' harem has a set number, I was just putting an absurd number out there for the hell of it. Neither harem will get that big.
Draconis678 out