Draconis: Kenshin, you realize you broke 'Bro' code last chapter right?
Kenshin: Huh?
Raiser: Breaking up a catfight.
Draconis: Never break up a catfight.
Kenshin: Oh, well like I care.
Draconis: I know, I was just jokingly bringing it up.
Kenshin: Yeah Yeah.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 72
Down with Sickness.
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
"Kenshin? !" Issei said.
"What the hell? ! Get out of my way!" Irina seethed.
"No." Kenshin said. "She's done nothing to you, stand down."
"She killed Issei and Asia!" Irina said. "She messed with Issei's heart!"
"You think I don't realize that?" Kenshin said before swinging Kuroi Jigoku upward, cutting Irina's light sword in half. "Still the fact remains that she's done nothing to you. You are taking the first shot and I can't have that."
"Wait...O-Onii-Sama you mentioned that Irina-San would be angering Azazel-Sensei if she did this." Asia said.
"Yeah, what do you mean by that?" Irina said with narrowed eyes.
"Who do you think brought this Stripper Angel back?" Kenshin asked.
Raynare chucked a vase at Kenshin's head on an impulse, Kenshin dodged it. "!" She shirked back as Kenshin turned to her with a scowl.
"I'm trying to save your ass here, do that again and I'm going to let Irina make you her bitch." Kenshin said.
"R-Right." Raynare said.
"So Azazel brought her back? How?" Irina said.
"Homunculus Project, now if you have any other complaints, direct them to Azazel." Kenshin said. "Oh, and if for whatever reason, she decides to come at you, you're within your rights to fight back...and you." He turned back to Raynare. "Seems you're allowed to leave. The one thing Azazel was hoping to avoid right away has happened." Kenshin teleported away.
"..." Irina grunted angrily and turned away, walking toward the door. She took a few moments to calm herself before taking her doorknob and walking out of the room.
"W-Wait." Raynare said as Issei and Asia turned slowly to follow.
"..." Asia stopped.
"...I don't have a damn thing to say to you." Issei growled as he left.
"..." Asia turned to Raynare.
"..." Raynare bowed her head, a morose look on her face.
"Raynare-Sam-" Raynare cut her off.
"Please...call me anything but that...I don't deserve such a respectful title." Raynare said. "Call me by name...call me scum, filth, bitch...I don't care...I deserve it."
"...Why are you so sad?" Asia asked.
"Because I know he hates me." Raynare said.
"Issei-San?" Asia said. "...Well..you did kill him after stringing him along."
"I know..." Raynare said, her head bowing further.
"..." Asia's expression softened, seeing dripping coming from the Fallen Angel's eyes.
"He has every right to. Even though Kokabiel put me up to it, I still could have went to Azazel-Sama..." Raynare said, her voice coming out shaky.
"...Um...well, why don't you tell me what happened?" Asia said. "I feel like I should know your side of the story."
"Asia...but I..." Raynare said looking up at her, surprised.
"I've always tried to see the good in people." Asia said with a smile.
"..." Raynare stared at her silently, but soon smiled gratefully and began explaining what happened from her point of view.
Meanwhile Kenshin appeared in Azazel's apartment where he was working on a Sacred Gear. "What is it?" Azazel said.
"Oh nothing, it looks like I'm done wardening Raynare though." Kenshin said.
"Oh god Issei and Asia ran into her didn't they." Azazel groaned.
"And Irina, who slapped the ol' anti Fall Knob on the door of the room they were in and tried to kill her." Kenshin said.
"Lovely, well thanks for keeping an eye on her. I'll try to run damage control." Azazel said.
"Sure. I'll be going." Kenshin said.
"I'll come with, Issei's probably already told someone already, either him or Irina." Azazel said.
"Sure." Kenshin said.
Kenshin appeared at Issei's house with Azazel in tow. "Kenshin." Rias said approaching them with just about everyone except Yukari, Issei, and Irina. "Irina says you stopped her from killing a homunculus Raynare...saying that Azazel asked you to protect her."
"I did." Azazel said.
"Still debating charging you for it old man." Kenshin said.
"Why did you bring her back?" Kazumi said with a curious look.
"You remember what she did to him, right?" Sextum growled.
"You think I've forgotten?" Azazel said. "Please forgive Kenshin for lying to you about it, he was doing it on my behalf."
"I'm going to bed, I already got the skinny." Kenshin said walking upstairs.
"I kind of figured, but please explain." Rias said.
A few hours passed and everyone stared at Azazel with varying looks of surprise. "So Kokabiel put her up to it?" Akeno asked.
"He was hanging around Kuoh casing the city for longer than Kenshin has been in Kuoh if that's any indication." Azazel said.
"I see..." Rias said. "If you're telling the truth, and I'm inclined to give you the benefit of doubt...Kokabiel was trying to draw Sona and I out so he could kill us, which would then draw Onii-Sama and Serafall-Sama out. Raynare was just a tool."
"Yeah." Azazel said. "I was always fond of her and I was furious when I heard what had happened to her. I had asked her to keep tabs on Issei, but that's it."
"And according to you, she was emamoured with him?" Erubetie asked.
"Yeah. Contrary to what she told you all and Issei. She enjoyed that date she went on with him and found his antics endearing." Azazel said.
"And she said the opposite because she didn't want to fight Onii-Chan, who was the for sure stronger of the two back then?" Miyuki said.
"Yeah, she tried to motivate Issei to fight her instead, but it didn't work." Azazel said.
"OK Azazel...one last question...and no bullshit...but why?" Hikari asked.
"..." Azazel sighed. "I told Kenshin this, but...I always felt like a father to her, similar to when I was taking care of Vali."
"..." Everyone looked at him with varying levels of sympathy.
"Look...I'm not asking you to spare her life for my sake, but...please...let her have this second chance at life, free to make her own mistakes." Azazel said.
"...Fine." Rias said with a sigh. "But I give the same condition Kenshin gave. If she makes the first move against anyone, it's fair game."
"I understand and accept that condition." Azazel said.
"I'll tell this to Sona soon." Rias said.
"Thanks." Azazel said.
Unbeknownst to anyone. Issei and Irina were listening in from the top of the stairs the entire time. "..." He looked down at his left hand. "Is...that really the truth...?"He wondered as he walked back to his room.
"Issei..." Irina said.
"I...don't know what to think right now." Issei said.
"Well, whatever you choose, I'll support you." Irina said giving his shoulder a comforting squeeze.
"Thanks..." Issei said with a smile.
(break)
The Next Day
Kenshin walked into Sona's office where the Sitri heiress was waiting. "OK, I'm here, what do you need me to do?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes thank you for coming, you certainly did not have to come if you did not want to." Sona said. "Also, Rias tells me the Fallen Angel that killed Issei is back."
"Yeah...(sniff) yeah.." Kenshin said. "It's the truth by the way."
"Well I'll trust your judgment." Sona said.
"Thanks...(sniff) Gah...what do you need?" Kenshin asked.
"I just need your help sorting through all these summoning contracts. "I'd have Tsubaki do it, but she wasn't home." Sona said.
"Yeah, probably because she's at Kiba's, polishing his 'sword." Kenshin said before sniffing again.
"Hmn, yes I suppose." Sona said. "Much like how I've polished yours in the past...um...Kenshin are you feeling OK?" She asked, seeing him rubbing his head.
"Wha? Yeah...I just didn't get good sleep last night..." Kenshin said before coughing gently into his hand. "Damn, some breakfast musta went down wrong and I've been trying to cough it loose."
"I hate it when that happens." Sona said. "Well, if you're feeling alright and you don't mind, please give me a hand. Sort these into your own stack, Rias' and my own."
"Alright." Kenshin said. He sat down next to Sona. "Hm?"
"What?" Sona said as they started sorting papers.
"Are you wearing perfume?" Kenshin asked. "You smell different."
"Huh?" Sona looked herself over. "Oh! I'm just trying a new body wash. Do you like it?"
"Well it certainly smells nice." Kenshin said turning back to his papers. "..." Kenshin's vision started swimming. "...Unh..." Kenshin rubbed his eyes.
"..." Sona cast a concerned glance at him as his head started drooping. "Kenshin.."
"Huuuhh?" Kenshin said.
"Look at me." Sona said.
"What?" Kenshin said looking over at her.
Sona leaned forward, pressing her forehead against Kenshin's. "...Oh my...Kenshin you're burning up."
"What? I'm...fine..." Kenshin said before he fainted, his head landing in Sona's lap.
"Kenshin? !" Sona said. "No...wait, calm down Sona. He's obviously very sick. He needs to go to a hospital."
Before she could warp with Kenshin to do so after slinging his arm over her shoulders and standing up. Rias' communication circle opened up. "What is it Rias? I'm busy."
"I'm just calling to let you know that I'm not going to be coming in today. Issei fainted and we're taking him to the hospital. Pass it on to Kenshin please, I can't seem to get a hold of him." Rias said.
"Well...there's a reason for that...Kenshin's with me...and he just fainted." Sona said.
"Seriously? !" Rias said. "Damn. Alright I'll meet you at the hospital. Yukari, Kenshin's probably got the same thing Issei has!"
"Wonderful!" Sona heard Yukari sarcastically shout.
"Are you kidding me? !" Miyuki said.
Sona cut the communication off and teleported to the hospital in the Underworld. No sooner than she had Kenshin admitted did Rias arrive and did the same with Issei. "So, how is he?" Rias asked.
"He's already back there." Sona said.
"Well what happened. What was he doing with you anyway?" Yukari asked.
"I had asked him to help me with some summoning contract distribution. He didn't look good when he arrived, he kept sniffing and seemed really out of it, but he insisted he was fine." Sona said.
"Of course he did." Miyuki deadpanned. "Let's be serious here, this is the same guy who doesn't make a big fuss out of losing an arm. So it's not surprising that he brushed off something like this. I mean he's my big brother, but still."
"Yeah, Yes, Mmhm..." Yukari, Rias and Sona all said.
"Well enough about Kenshin, how's Issei?" Sona asked.
"Well, he came down for breakfast today, but he seemed really sluggish, almost in a daze." Rias said. "Asia and Irina were really worried. Sextum even tried cooling him down with her ice magic. Chachamaru-San was the one who alerted us to his fever."
"So you think it might be devil's fever?" Sona asked.
"That's a thing?" Yukari asked.
"Yes." Rias stated simply.
"So where is everyone else?" Sona asked.
"They'll be here." Rias said.
(break)
"...Unngh..." Issei grunted as he awoke. "Dammit...that is the last time I try going shot for shot with Kenshin."
"When did this happen?" He turned to find Kenshin in a bed next to him. "I have no recollection. The only thing I remember when it comes to that is drinking you under the table without even getting drunk."
"Ugh...I must have dreamed it..." Issei said raising his arm, only to see an IV in it. "What the? Are we in a hospital?"
"Yes...ah...aah...aaaachoooo!" Kenshin sneezed. "Oooowwwww..." He grabbed his chest and throat. "Fuck...me..." He grimaced at the pain.
"Not as forgettable as losing an arm for you, huh?" Issei teased.
"Fuck yourself..." Kenshin grunted weakly.
"Heheheheh." Issei snickered before he started coughing.
"Not so funny now is it Boob Dragon?" Kenshin snarkily replied seeing Issei grimace in pain.
"Now you're just being petty Lust Dragon." Issei grunted.
"Yeah, and?" Kenshin snorted.
The door opened and Rias walked in. "Oh good you're both awake." Rias said.
"Rias? What happened. The last thing I remember was helping Sona with her work." Kenshin said.
"You fainted." Rias said. "Are you OK?"
"Well...better than I was, but still what the hell?" Kenshin said. "I never get sick, unless my youki is running dangerously...hilariously low."
"Well there's a first time for everything I suppose." Issei said.
"That's right." Rias nodded.
"..." Kenshin scanned around the room, he found Koneko and Gasper sleeping on the couch. "How did I not wake them up with my sneeze?" He thought.
Asia and Akeno entered the room with Rossweisse and Yukari. "Oh, Kenshin you're awake, good." Yukari said.
"Ah, Issei-San, you're alright. Thank goodness." Asia said wiping her eyes.
"I made her worry again..." Issei thought dejectedly.
"I would take it easy around us. It could very well be contagious." Kenshin noted.
"Right." Everyone except Issei nodded.
"I'll let the doctor know they've woken up." Rossweisse said.
"So I'm guessing Sona brought me here? Where is she?" Kenshin asked.
"She returned to Kuoh to finish with her work. She found Tsubaki and had her help." Rias said. "She asked me to keep her posted."
"I see." Kenshin nodded.
"Ah, Kenshin-kun, Issei-kun, you're awake." Kiba said entering the room. "The doctor's on the way."
"Ah Kiba. Tsubaki polish that 'sword' well enough?" Kenshin said.
"Polish...my sword?" Kiba said with a confused look before it hit him. "Eeh? ! T-That's not what we were..."
"Uh huh." Kenshin nodded with a snicker.
"Ugh...why do you always pick on me about that?" Kiba asked.
"Why do you always give me a funny reaction? This is like the twentieth time." Kenshin said. "You're dating Tsubaki, own it and stop being so embarrassed and hell, even turn it back on me if you like."
"Hn, I'll keep that in mind." Kiba said.
Next Rossweisse entered the room with a fellow wearing a white lab coat and a nurse in white. "Huh, so nurses wear all white even here." Issei said.
"Actually Issei that's an outdated reference. Most nurses and doctors these days wear scrubs of a color of their choosing." Kenshin said.
"He's right, we just prefer the traditional look." The doctor said. "How are you two feeling?" He asked as he and the nurse took their vitals.
"Well I started feeling like this while I was training so...kinda bummed?" Kenshin said.
"Well I woke up like this so..." Issei said.
"I see. Your vitals are fine." The doctor said. "But as for what's wrong with you, you have a cold, but one that only devils get."
"How? I never get sick." Kenshin snorted.
"Miss Sitri tells me you had a fever brought on by youki exhaustion." The doctor said. "The cold virus was probably lying in wait."
"Hn." Kenshin grunted.
"But even then, in your case you'd just have a case of the sniffles and an annoying cough." The doctor said.
"Yeah." Kenshin said with a curious look.
"How is their condition?" Rias asked.
"Yeah, the fact that they, especially Kenshin got sick is a little worrying." Yukari said.
"It's true an active body, as long as it's kept well nourished should have a strong immune system, but in both their cases they're defenseless against this infection." The doctor said. "You've both contracted Dragon's Flu."
"That's a thing?" Kenshin asked.
"It is indeed. It combined with the Devil's cold in both your systems and the symptoms of both are stronger because of it." The Doctor said.
"Wonderful..." Kenshin drawled sarcastically.
"Fantastic..." Issei drawled in the same manner.
"Well, how are they?" Rossweisse asked.
"The Flu should be better because of the IV. " The Doctor said. "I do have shots to administer and medicine to prescribe. Take it and rest at home, no strenuous activity and no masturbation for the next two or three days...I'm just kidding on that second one." The Doctor laughed.
"Vulgar conversation is forbidden." Koneko, who had just woken up said.
"...Now when you say no strenuous activity..." Kenshin said.
"No training." Yukari said firmly.
"Oh come on." Kenshin griped. "I'm gonna get out of shape if I don't go through my daily workout regimen every single day."
"That's not possible, it's only two or three days. You can relax until then." Yukari said crossing her arms.
"Mrrrnnnn..." Kenshin glared at the wall.
"Kenshin...are you...pouting?" Issei said.
"Hrm? !" Kenshin said turning his look to him.
"Hiii!" Issei yelped in fright.
"Wow...I never thought I'd see such a thing." Rias thought, trying not to giggle.
"Look if you can promise me you won't try to over exert yourself I'll..." Yukari leaned over and whispered into his ear.
"Hm?" Kenshin glanced at her. "Uh huh...uh huh...Haaa...alright." He sighed. "I'm too tired to argue, but can I at least keep helping others with their training?"
"Yes." Yukari nodded.
"What did you promise him in return?" Koneko asked.
"Something he likes to eat that I don't make that often anymore." Yukari said.
"Does this include your..." Sylph was cut off.
"If he wants that, it requires a date." Yukari thought. "A girl has to take what she can..."
"Ahahahaha, you drive a hard bargain Yukari." Salamander snickered.
"Something he likes that you don't make often? I'll have to get the recipe, I'll make it whenever he likes then." Rias said.
"Fat chance. I'm not giving you my recipes, use your own." Yukari said.
"I am his wife to be." Rias said staring at her hard.
"I don't care." Yukari said staring right back at her. "It's mine and I need something to have him come to me."
Sparks began to shoot off until Kenshin cut in. "Will you two just kiss already?"
"E-Eh? " Rias said with a blush.
"Maybe later if you're lucky." Yukari said.
"So never then?" Kenshin joked.
"Ufufufufu, never know." Yukari shrugged.
"By the way doc. I can smoke with this right?" Kenshin asked holding up his pack of smokes.
"If those are what I'm thinking they are, then sure, It could help you manage the pain." The Doctor said.
"Sweet." Kenshin said as he put them away.
"Alright, time for your shot, nurse."
"Hai." The Nurse said pulling out a massive needle filled with fluid. She approached Issei with it who seemed freaked out by it. However before she got to him, a black sword was pointed at her.
"Come at either of us with that...thing and I'll cut it in half." Kenshin said.
"Thank you Kenshin!" Issei whined.
"Oh Kuroshi-San relax. She just likes seeing people react to it. It's a comically themed carrying case." The Doctor said as the nurse squirted half the contents into a large cup which she handed to Issei. "You drink the medicine."
"I see." Kenshin cast away Kuroi Jigoku. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright." The nurse giggled. "It wouldn't be the first time something sharp has been pointed at me for this." She said as she handed him his cup.
"That said there is still a shot to be administered." The Doctor said pulling out a normal sized syringe. "It must be injected to the bum, I hope you don't mind."
"Go ahead." Kenshin shrugged as he laid on his side after finishing the medicine.
"That's not so bad." Issei said.
After their shots Kenshin felt compelled to ask. "Do you have Dragon Flu Vaccine?" He asked.
"Yes?" The Doctor said.
"Alright, Yukari, call Miyuki, Mom and Granberia over here, you and they are all getting vaccinated." Kenshin said.
"OK." Yukari nodded.
Kenshin got in touch with his familiar. "Tiamat. Yoohoo, are you there."
"What is it?" Tiamat replied. "I'm eating."
"Sorry to interrupt, but I'm just calling to let you know that I contracted Dragon's Flu." Kenshin said.
"Oh, then I must apologize." Tiamat said, wincing on the other end of the call. "When we last spoke I was recovering from a mild case of it, I must have still been contagious at that point. Must have been something to do with my wound in the battle against the Demon King."
"I see..." Kenshin drawled. "Well, don't worry about it, but next time please let me know if you're sick OK?" Kenshin asked.
"Of course." Tiamat said.
"Alright then, enjoy your meal...what are you eating anyway?" Kenshin asked, curious as to what the Dragon Queen usually ate.
"Oh, well if you're curious. It's a large steak glazed with Dragon Applesauce." Tiamat said.
"Huh, that sounds good." Kenshin said.
"It is, you should try it sometime." Tiamat said. "Anyway, get well soon."
"Thanks." Kenshin said.
(break)
The next day.
"Uuugh..." Kenshin groaned as walked back to his bed. "I feel like shit."
"You look like it too." Issei said.
"If I look like shit, you look like worse than shit." Kenshin said as he crashed into his bed while Issei laid in his own that was moved in from his room.
"Oh ha ha..." Issei laughed sarcastically. "Aren't you supposed to take it easy?"
"I'm allowed to at least walk to the can." Kenshin snorted.
"Aaah..." Issei nodded. "Aaah man...until I kick this I have to sleep alone in bed. Not even Sextum-San's allowed to lay down with me."
"That's mostly because of me. I'm concerned you two might try to fuck." Kenshin said.
"Dick!" Issei snapped.
"It's my room idiot. You ain't getting laid in here if I'm not." Kenshin snapped back. "Jeez I'd assume you'd have the same restriction if we were in your room."
"...Eh, you got a point." Issei said. "Besides last I checked you don't have a human who likes you enough to lay with...all the women that are interested in you are Devils."
"Or the Four Spirits...or the Demon Queen." Kenshin added.
"We could lay with you if you want." Undine offered.
"Thanks, but now I'm more or less trying to be fair to Issei." "Kenshin thought.
"Suit yourself." Undine nodded.
"Right Right..." Issei nodded. "By the way. I noticed that while we were at Abe-San's house. Irina pulled you away. What was that about?"
"Eh, she asked me for some advice." Kenshin said. "Just because she's one of the girls that are interested in you doesn't mean I'm not open to give advice."
"You make it sound like I'm jealous. What'd she ask?" Issei asked.
"Sorry, but I think she'd prefer it to be kept strictly confidential." Kenshin said. "You'll find out eventually anyway."
"Alright." Issei sighed. "Man...what I'd do to be able to squeeze some Oppai right now."
"Probably what a lot of people would do for a Klo-..." Kenshin was cut off as the door opened. "Huh?" He said.
"Hm?" Issei said. "Uuohohoho...!" Issei gushed, seeing Rias enter the room in a nurse's outfit. However the excitement caused a coughing fit.
She approached Kenshin. "How are you two feeling?" She asked.
"Been better." Kenshin said.
"Same." Issei said.
"Oh, Issei three other women will be coming to look at you." Rias said.
"Huh?" Kenshin and Issei said.
Three figures entered the room, all wearing nurses outfits. One had short blonde hair wearing a light pink variation of the nurses' outfit Rias wore, heaving mounds of flesh attached to her chest and green eyes. She was about Issei's height and her nurse uniform's top had the top three buttons undone, she seemed excited and aroused by the prospect of nursing Issei alone. The second woman was just under the blonde's chin in height, wearing a light blue variation of the nurses' outfit that Rias and the blonde were wearing. She had short purple hair and purple eyes. She paled in comparison to her friend chest wise, but her skirt was cut so short it brought great attention to her shapely hips and thighs. However, she seemed nervous and was blushing. Lastly, a white haired woman entered, taller than the blonde, she was of normal measurements compared to the blonde and the purplette. She had long white hair and red eyes wearing the same color scheme as Rias, and seemed rather tired and disinterested, all three had short horns angled upward on the backs of their heads and small succubus wings and short tails.
"E-Eeeh? !" Issei said as the three closed in around him.
"...Rami, Rumi, Remi, how and why are you here?" Kenshin asked recognizing the three as the Imp sisters.
"We sneaked into the portal when no one was looking." Rami stated casually.
"...Idiots." Kenshin grunted. "All three of you, idiots."
"Oh Kenshin. Alma-San found them soon after we arrived back in Kyoto." Rias said.
"Hn..." Kenshin grunted. "And when was I going to be told that they were here?"
"Oh relax Kenshin, nothing's happened." Rias said
"Oh fine..." Kenshin sighed. Rias reached over and cupped his cheek.
"Now, are you alright?" Rias asked.
"I'm fine, technically speaking." Kenshin said. "By the way, watch this." He pulled out a stencil and activated it.
"Hm?" Rias said. "This you seems perfectly fine."
"Yeah, I guess my clones don't get sick." Kenshin said. "If you need help training I can make one of these."
"I'll keep that in mind, for now rest up." Rias said.
"H-Hey! Issei-San needs to be cared for! Not seduced!"
"Huh?" Kenshin and Rias said turning their heads to find Asia stomping up to the Imp Sisters who were rubbing against Issei who was currently bleeding from the nose and had a lopsided grin on his face.
"These imps are so alluring, and Asia, in a nurse's outfit...a symbol of purity, almost goddess like." Issei thought, his depravity going into overdrive.
"Um...you might want to go help him." Kenshin said.
"I know...jeez all I wanted was to act as your nurse and I can't even have that." Rias sighed walking over to them. "Asia, Rami, Rumi, Remi. Take it easy on Issei. He's as sick as Kenshin is. You might hurt him in his condition."
"OK..." All four of them said.
Rias walked up to Issei and pressed her fingers against his forehead. Issei slipped into a slumber. "Asia."
"Hai." Asia nodded and covered him up while the Imp Sisters tucked him in, replaced the rag on his forehead with a fresh damp one and kissed him goodnight.
Rias walked back over to Kenshin. "Do you need anything?" She asked with a smile.
"Hmmm..." Kenshin stroked his chin in thought. "Weeeelllll...there is something, but you could very well get sick doing it."
"...Ufufufufu." Rias giggled. "As much as I would love to, I'm afraid sexual favors are forbidden for now."
"I figured as much. Uhh then I could really use something to drink. I've been coughing my throat raw." Kenshin said.
"Oh? I see I see. I'll be back then." Rias said.
That night. Kenshin awoke again only to find he was being weighed down. "Huh?" He lifted up the covers and found Koneko who was ding senjutsu healing on him. "Did she...?"
"Nyaa...please get better soon..." Koneko mumbled in her sleep.
"..." Kenshin smiled and planted a kiss between her cat ears. She seemed to cuddle further against him. He glanced over and saw a larger lump of raised sheets in Issei's bed. Soon two black tails came out and swished about. "When did Kuroka get here?"
"Koneko-Chan told her sister about what happened and Kuroka said she asked Vali if she could come over here for a few days."
"!" Kenshin's head snapped over to find Akeno sitting in a chair wearing a nurse's outfit with fishnet stockings. "God...dammit Akeno, make yourself known next time." Kenshin said with an annoyed look.
"Arara, I spooked Kenshin-kun. Ufufufu." Akeno giggled.
"Try to keep quiet over there, I'm trying not to wake these two." Kenshin glanced over and saw Sextum wiping Issei's face. Kenshin mouthed 'Sorry'
"Ah, I should do the same." Akeno said moving to lift Kenshin's head up as she started wiping his face with a wet towel.
As they were right in his face, and Akeno had gone out of her way to show them off by leaving the top two buttons unfastened. He couldn't help, but watch Akeno's chest sway with the movements of her hands and arms as she carefully wiped his face clean. It might have been a case of fever induced delirium, but he really wanted to smother his face in her bountiful bust right now.
"Ara? You're getting hotter, are you OK?" Akeno said.
"I-I'm fine." Kenshin said. "I think you got all of it."
"Alright." Akeno nodded and set his head back down on the pillow. "Do you need anything else?"
"Uhngh..." Kenshin grunted as he felt his stomach ache. "I'm kinda hungry."
"Oh? S-Sorry, I think Rossweisse is bringing the food this time. She should be in here shortly." Akeno said with an abashed smile.
"It's fine then." Kenshin said.
"You know...dressed like this, I kind of wouldn't mind playing doctor with you when you're better." Akeno said.
"Hmn, is this normal doctor...or...erotic doctor?" Kenshin asked.
"Whichever one you like better." Akeno giggled.
"Akeno...what are you talking about with him?"
They both turned to find Rias standing in the doorway. "Ara? You sure have become good at entering a room while hiding your presence." Akeno said.
"Of course I have, if I didn't learn such a skill, you'd have found a way to devour Kenshin by now." Rias said. "You've also seemed to find away to evade Senjutsu detection, either that or Kuroka doesn't care that you're here."
"I don't nyayayaya..." Kuroka murmured in her sleep.
"...You make it sound like she's a black widow." Kenshin muttered.
"..." Both turned to him. "Koneko is sleeping as well as Issei and Kuroka, let's go to the roof." Rias said.
"Agreed, finding out who is the best nurse could be fun." Akeno giggled.
The two left the room. A few minutes later Kenshin and Sextum heard lightning and a loud explosion. "Grrhh..." Sextum growled as she got up.
"Sextum..." Kenshin said.
"I'm just going to go freeze them a bit." Sextum muttered as she stormed out the door.
Kenshin glanced out the window and saw bits of ice flying down from the roof, but the explosions and lightning had stopped. Kenshin sighed. The door opened and Rossweisse entered. "Oh am I glad to see you." Kenshin said.
"Y-You are?" Rossweisse said with a blush.
"You...have food right?" Kenshin asked.
"Oh, yes." Rossweisse sighed, both relieved and disappointed. She came up to him and sat down. "What was Sextum-San so angry about?"
"She's worried Rias and Akeno fighting might wake Issei up." Kenshin said.
"I see." Rossweisse nodded. "Did Rias-San or Akeno-San give you your medicine?"
"...No." Kenshin said after thinking about it for a moment.
"I see." Rossweisse sighed. "Well here, it's not a good idea to take it on an empty stomach." She handed him a tray of food while setting the medicine and water to the side.
"You know I am responsible enough to take this on my own." Kenshin said as he took the cover off the tray. "Huh? Biscuits?"
"I know they're kind of plain, but they have all the nutritional value you need." Rossweisse said.
"Eh." Kenshin popped one into his mouth. "Hmn? It's kind of sweet." Kenshin said with him mouth full. To which Rossweisse silently reprimanded him. The door opened again and Kazumi came in and walked over to Issei, slipping his medicine into his mouth, worked it down his throat and left a tray of food next to him with a note. She looked over at them and said. "I think it's probably better if I don't interrupt his rest."
"Right." Kenshin and Rossweisse said with a nod. Kazumi nodded and left. "Anyway...I put a bit of sugar in them so they'd be easier to stomach."
"Huh, good call." Kenshin said.
"You and Issei are everyone's mood maker...you should get well soon." Rossweisse said with a slight flush on her face.
"Mood maker...dunno what that is, but I'm trying." Kenshin shrugged. He looked her over. "Hey, you know...that nurse's outfit really suits you." Kenshin commented.
"E-Eh?" Rossweisse said.
"What? It fits you well, and it compliments your white hair nicely is all I'm saying." Kenshin said.
"Oh...um...th-thank you." Rossweisse said.
"By the way. I remember telling you I'd spend time with you back in Makai, but then I got busy again. Sometime soon I could try making some time." Kenshin said.
"Yo-You remember?" Rossweisse said with a darker blush than before.
"Why wouldn't I? I said I would and I'm going to." Kenshin said.
"Th-Thank you, but don't push yourself too far." Rossweisse said.
"Yeah Yeah..." Kenshin said.
(break)
Next Day.
"One, two, three, four, five."
"Huh?" Issei woke up to see Kenshin on the floor next to his bed doing push ups. "Dude aren't you still sick?"
"Yeah?" Kenshin said. "Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten."
"Then why aren't you still in bed?" Issei asked.
"Because I've got energy for the first time in a couple of days and I'm freakin' restless." Kenshin said. "Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteeen, Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty."
"Huh, you know...I feel like I've got some energy too." Issei said sitting up.
"By the way, Kuroka was in your bed last night." Kenshin said. "Senjutsu healing."
"Eh? !" Issei said. "Why didn't anyone wake me up? ! I wanted to at least get a look at her Oppai!"
"Hell if I know." Kenshin said. "Twenty-five, Twenty-six, Twenty-seven, Twenty-eight, Twenty-nine, Thirty...ughh...that should do for now." He said getting to his feet.
"Good...now get back in bed." Kenshin slowly turned with a caught red handed expression to find Yukari standing in the open doorway.
"Gotta hit the can first." Kenshin said walking past her and to the bathroom.
"Haa...idiot." Yukari sighed.
"Um, Yukari-San...I kinda get where he's coming from, it is kinda rough being restricted to these beds. It's gotta be especially so for a gymrat like Kenshin." Issei said
"...I know." Yukari said letting out a sigh. "I just don't want him relapsing and getting sick again."
"I think his guard's been up on that particular front the whole time." Issei laughed. "Don't worry I'll pester him for you."
"Pester?" Yukari said.
"Y-You know what I mean." Issei said with a nervous look.
"Right Right, I'm just messing with you." Yukari said waving him off. "I have to go start my own training so tell Kenshin I left this for him." She said setting a covered tray on the table next to his bed and left. Kenshin reentered the room a few moments later. "Hm? Yukari brought me something to eat?"
"Yeah, she said she needed to catch up on training." Issei said.
Kenshin nodded and activated a clone stencil. "Go and find Yukari and help her if she needs it and tell her thanks for the food." The clone nodded and walked off.
"Man I wish I could do that." Issei said.
"I could teach you if you want." Kenshin said. "Though I must say, the clone won't be able to use the Boosted Gear. I've tried."
"I don't care about that. I wanna use it in the sack!" Issei said with a perverted grin.
"Heheheheh, of course you do." Kenshin said. "Anyway, if you want to, catch me when I'm not helping someone."
"I'll be sure to." Issei said.
Kenshin grabbed the tray and took the lid off it. "...Aaah?" Kenshin let out a short gasp.
"What?" Issei said.
"Pork cutlet and stir fried vegetables and beef..and...tso sauce and a hint of teriyaki.." Kenshin said. "She brought me this while I was still sick?"
"Was that the thing she hadn't made in awhile?" Issei said. "Seems kind of...and sorry to Yukari-San for this, but it seems kind of plain."
"You forget I've been eating Rias', Akeno's and Mom's cooking for awhile. Yukari hasn't had much opportunity to cook." Kenshin said taking some of the stir fry and eating it. "Mmnn...god it's just as great as I remember." Kenshin said as he started to dig in.
"Heheheh." Issei chuckled as he watched Kenshin devour the food.
Just outside, Yukari stood against the wall, Kenshin's clone near her. "Hmn..." She smiled. "Nice to know my cooking still tastes good to you."
"Oh come on Yukari." Kenshin's clone said as they walked away from the room. "I've always loved your cooking."
"Hmhmhmhm. I know, but lately..." Yukari said.
"That's because you haven't cooked lately. You've been deferring to Akeno and Rias so you could keep up with your training. I mean I'd rather have you stronger over a great cook, but still." Kenshin's clone said.
"I know." Yukari said.
(break)
That afternoon.
"You OK?" Kenshin asked.
"Ulgh...yeah..." Issei said. "Man Irina is well intentioned, but she cannot cook."
That afternoon Xenovia and Irina had brought the two of them something to eat. While this was very well intentioned...it did not make up for the fact that neither one of them could cook to save their lives, or maybe they were too hasty with it, Kenshin didn't know, but while Issei was forced to eat his. Something in it kept making Kenshin sneeze, which lately had a burst of wind magic attached to it, sending the food across the room.
"You lucky dick." Issei said.
"Dude, my chest hurts from all that sneezing, I don't know if you could call that lucky." Kenshin drawled.
"By the way, I know we've been getting summons, but who's been taking care of them?" Issei said.
"I think yours have been getting kicked to Erubetie. Yukari finally figured out that illusion to make Erubetie, Granberia and Alma appear more human like, but Alma insists she doesn't need it." Kenshin said. "Mine are taken care of by Tamamo."
"I wonder how your summoners feel when they expect a red haired badass only to get a cute fox girl." Issei snickered.
"They know Tamamo." Kenshin said. "They understand that I'm sick and Tamamo's more than capable of handling my summons."
"Can I ask you something?" Issei asked.
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
"How should I feel about Raynare being alive again?" Issei asked.
"..." Kenshin stared at him for a moment before lighting up a smoke. "Sorry, but I honestly couldn't tell you. That's something you're gonna have to figure out for yourself."
"I understand." Issei said. "By the way, while you were hitting the can earlier Mil-Tan stopped by."
Kenshin could swear he heard a 'Nyoo~' off in the distance. "I...see...Well! Good thing I was in the can for awhile shaving my face." The door opened and Sona walked in with Yura flanking her. "Sona?" Kenshin said.
"Kaichou? Yura-San?" Issei said.
"I was asked to come check on you by Rias." Sona said.
"While that's true, she wanted to come check up on you herself anyway." Yura said.
"..." Sona turned to glare at Yura who merely laughed.
"What? It's true." Yura said.
"Grh..." Sona grunted as she approached Kenshin. "Yes, well Issei, Yura here came just to see you."
"..." Yura glared at Sona's back who shrugged, as if to say 'Two can play the game my Rook.'
Sona moved to the side of Kenshin's bed and climbed on putting her hand on his head. "Hm..still a little warm, even for you." She noted.
"Yeah." Kenshin said.
"Have you eaten?" Sona asked sitting down on the bed.
"Yeah." Kenshin said with a nod.
"I see, and the medicine?" Sona asked.
"Yes." Kenshin said. "I'm sorry Rias troubled you, but I feel fine."
"It's no trouble." Sona said adjusting her glasses. "She caught me when I had nothing to do anyway."
"I see." Kenshin said before pulling his table over to them. "Well while you're here want to play a game?"
"Hmn." Sona smiled. "Of course."
Meanwhile Yura had turned Issei onto his back and was currently rubbing him down. "Are you sore anywhere?" She asked.
"Well my lower back is a little stiff." Issei said.
"Got it." Yura said rubbing and squeezing the flesh of his lower back.
"Mmrngh..." Issei grunted in relief. "Agh..!"
"Are you OK?" Yura asked, concerned.
"Too hard." Issei said.
"Oh.." Yura said softening her touch.
"Aaahh..." Issei sighed.
"Heheheh." Kenshin chuckled.
"She gets on me for coming to see you and she's doing that." Sona said with a mildly amused expression.
(break) (A/N: I know there's a scene with Female Kiba or Yumi, but I couldn't figure out how to make it work without just making it the same as in the LN)
The Next Afternoon.
"Hya!" Kenshin sprung up out of bed and walked off of it. "Man, I feel great today."
"Huh, looks like Mom's Miso soup did the trick." Issei said getting out of bed. "I feel fine."
Kenshin bounced up and down in place like an excited child. "Finally I can move around at will."
"Finally I can go grab some Oppai!" Issei said with a wide grin.
"Just make sure ya don't grab the wrong set." Kenshin said as he ran out of the room.
"Heheheheh." Issei chuckled. "Crazy gym rat...or is it gym cat?" He wondered aloud.
As Issei moved to leave he felt a presence appear behind him. "..." He turned around to find Raynare. "..."
"...H..Hey..." Raynare meekly said.
"...Wow, she's different from the bitch I fought all those months ago." Issei thought.
"I heard you were sick so...I uh...brought something to help." Raynare said holding out a bag.
"...?" Issei looked into it. "...Uh...cough drops and cold medicine?" He said.
"I-I've never been sick...so I didn't know what to really get." Raynare said.
"I see." Issei said. "Well...I don't think this would have done much against the Dragon Flu and Devil fever." He said.
"I...I see." Raynare said with a slow nod.
"I guess I can't really blame Sensei for bringing you back, if he was as close to you as he said." Issei said.
"Huh?" Raynare said with a curious look.
"Irina and I kinda eavesdropped when Azazel-Sensei told everyone he brought you back. I think Kenshin knew we were there when he walked to his room, but he didn't say anything." Issei said. "I pretty much know most of it. Fuck that bastard Kokabiel." He sighed. "But..."
"But?" Raynare asked.
"I still don't know how I'm supposed to feel about all of this yet. Half of me wants to forgive you, the other half want to hate you." Issei said.
"I-I see." Raynare said bowing her head.
"Until I figure it out. I don't know if I can be around you a whole lot." Issei said. "I mean I know Kokabiel put you up to it, but still..."
"I understand..." Raynare said with a slow nod.
Issei nodded back. "I'll be seeing you."
Raynare nodded and teleported out.
(break)
A Few Days Later
Kenshin and Issei were headed home from school, which was a half day at that. The two had been scheduled with an off day, so both decided to have a little 'Me' time. "You, wanna drink with me? Am I hearing this right?" Kenshin said.
"Eh, the first time we did it was after a big fight. Let's hang out without something like that." Issei said.
"Well...there was this new beer I ordered from Michigan in the states that I've been wanting to try, but we got sick and Azazel and or Yukari have been busy." Kenshin said.
"Aah...wait Yukari?" Issei said.
"Yeah? What? You didn't know Yukari drank?" Kenshin said. Issei shook his head. "Hell yeah she does, she's my favorite drinking partner...and only the person I knew other than Jack Rakan before I came here that could drink me under the table."
"Sometimes in the sexy way." Yuurei said.
"Yeah..." Kenshin thought with a lopsided grin.
"Wow he isn't even bothered that Yuurei's been rifling through his memories." Salamander said.
"Because I've been reminding him of the good times." Yuurei said. "Basically acting as some sort of nostalgia fairy."
"Hahahahaha!" Sylph laughed. "You're silly Yuurei-Chan!"
"Thank you, Thank you." Yuurei snickered.
"Funny, you hated Kenshin when you met him. Wanted to take him over and all that." Undine said.
"Yeah, but...hell I don't know...the battle crazed bastard's kinda grown on me." Yuurei said.
"Huh, I see." Undine said.
"Guess we can trust you a little bit more now." Salamander said. "Um...sorry that...Dad took you down."
"Ehh, I had kinda accepted the fact that Alipheese-Sama loved Raggy before he died. Still didn't stop me from hating him though." Yuurei said.
"Kenshin..." Issei said while the spirits and Yuurei had their conversation.
"Oh, sorry. Yuurei said something that reminded me of the good part of my past." Kenshin said.
"Aah." Issei said with a nod. "So what's this beer called?"
"Oddly enough it's called Dragon's Milk." Kenshin said.
"...Do dragon's make milk?" Issei said.
"Oddly enough I brought this up to Tiamat yesterday and all she said was...'That's an odd name'" Kenshin said. "I'm guessing it's just a name, I've read it's a sweet tasting beer. Though I gotta warn you it's eleven percent alcohol by volume in the states."
"Shit." Issei said. "Well I'm game, let's do this."
The two were stopped by Azazel who pulled the two in close. "Hey you two. I got a favor to ask you."
"Oh god what?" Kenshin said. "We were about to go pound some beers."
"What is it Sensei?" Issei said.
"The Factions were all going to get together to have a sports day competition...and..." Kenshin cut Azazel off.
"While the Khaos Brigade's still out there? Doesn't it seem a little inappropriate?" Kenshin said.
"Well it's a way for everyone to blow off a little steam and take it easy for a bit. I mean we all need an off day." Azazel said.
"I guess you have a point." Kenshin shrugged. "What's up?"
"Well I'd like you two to join the Fallen Angel's side." Azazel said holding out a pair of contracts. "Besides, I'll introduce you two to the other Fallen Angels competing right now." He said holding out pictures of the other competitors, all female.
"Whoa! They're hot, damn!" Issei said gushing at them.
"Uhh...did you forget that I'm Sirzechs' pawn?" Kenshin said. "Besides I'm only interested in one sexy Fallen Angel anyway." He added, passing his share of the pictures to Issei.
Back at the house, Akeno was cooking when she suddenly started giggling and cupped her cheek. "Arara...I feel as though Kenshin-kun just praised me."
"Oh he won't miss one or two devils." Azazel grinned.
"Oh won't I?"
"Hah?" Azazel turned. "Shit! Gotta go!" He took off.
"Huh? Sirzechs-Sama?" Issei said.
"Uhh, not that I'm harping on you, but what are you doing here?" Kenshin asked.
"It's my day off." Sirzechs said.
"And you're not spending it with Grayfia, Millicas...or.." Kenshin saw Sirzechs' right index finger light up with destruction magic. "Just them, no one else." Kenshin said.
The destruction magic disappeared. "I will be, I just needed to say something to you, Ria-tan and your peerages."
"Fine." Kenshin said with his eyes closed.
Later, everyone met up in the guest hall, a sports competition involving the Three Factions?" Rias said.
"Pass." Erubetie said. "My body won't agree with that sort of thing and still be fair."
"Understandable. If used right you could be a potential cheat code." Sirzechs nodded.
"I pass as well." Chachamaru said.
"Ditto. This isn't my bag." Evangeline said.
"I'll assist in coaching." Hikari said.
"...um so Sensei was trying to recruit us?" Issei said.
"Yes." Sirzechs nodded. "That man, he sure moves fast at strange spots." Sirzechs said.
"Well, we understand, we'll compete." Rias said.
"So that's it. Still I wouldn't mind meeting those erotic women." Issei thought.
(smack)
"Agh..." Issei turned to Erubetie who was glancing away, part of her torso rippling slightly as if something just entered it.
"Hrnm..." Granberia grunted with a pondering look on her face.
"Think of it as being able to test yourself against members of the other two Factions." Sirzechs said.
"Fine." Granberia said.
"Fine, I'll do it...on one condition." Kenshin said.
"Hm?" Sirzechs said. "What is it?"
"A rematch." Kenshin said.
"Kenshin?" Rias said.
"Dude..." Issei said staring at him.
"Hmhm, Kenshin while I'm flattered that you're interested in dueling me. As it stands right now...I'm still stronger." Sirzechs said
"And I don't want to fight you anytime soon." Kenshin said. "I just want one guaranteed future rematch on a date to be determined of my choosing."
"Fine." Sirzechs said. "It's been awhile since I've fought a particularly strong opponent that wasn't a Satan."
"Awesome, I'm in." Kenshin said.
(break)
A few days later
The Gremory and Kuroshi participants arrived at the sports arena all sporting red jerseys. Although Alma had taken to editing hers, now they were basically short shorts and a half shirt. Granberia wore a headband in place of her plated one.
"The Oppai and Lust Dragons, aahh the Switch Princess is so cute."
"Aah, the Sekiryuutei, Princess Rias and Archduke Kenshin."
"Hellcat-Chan, the Shiri Sennin, I'm so turned on~!"
"Look at the way the Tsundere Dragoness glares at us, it's so enticing!"
"What about that bombshell with the purple hair?"
"And the kitsune, all that fluffiness."
"That dragon woman looks as fierce as the Dragon of the Elements."
"..." Rias, Yukari and Miyuki all sighed.
"Eheheheh." Issei chuckled warily.
"Haa..." Kenshin sighed, exhaling smoke.
"Hmn..." Granberia glanced at the last person they all heard before continuing on.
"Ufufufufufu." Alma giggled.
"It's bad luck to touch a kitsune's tail without permission you know." Tamamo said fanning herself.
The group finds Irina who was speaking with Michael. "Aah." Irina noticed them and approached with Michael. "Rias, Issei-kun, everyone, you all made it."
"Were we not supposed to? Was Heaven planning to block our way?" Kenshin said with a blithe smirk.
"Oh no no no no." Michael laughed softly and waved his hand dismissively.
"Huh, so this is Archangel Michael." Granberia said.
"It truly was good fortune for me to have joined the Gremory group. To think I'm meeting the Regent of Heaven himself." Rossweisse said in awe.
"Hmmm..." Alma glanced at Michael curiously.
"Hm? What is it?" Michael asked.
"Nothing." Alma said shaking her head. "Why does his face seem stuck like he's sad or something?" She thought.
"Michael." He turned to find Gabriel approaching him. "The opening ceremony is about to start."
"Oh! I guess time flies when you're meeting with the other leaders." Michael said.
Gabriel turned to everyone. "Oh, hello there. How are you all today? My name is Gabriel." She introduced with a smile.
"This is one of the Four Great Seraphim of Heaven. The strongest and most beautiful woman in Heaven as well. Gabriel-Sama herself." Irina said.
"Wow, not just Michael-Sama, but Gabriel-Sama as well." Asia said in awe.
"I know, today is truly a grand day." Xenovia said.
"Aaah, how are you doing today Gabriel?" Kenshin asked.
"I am well...Kenshin-San could you please put that out? We're all breathing the same air here." Gabriel said.
Kenshin glanced at his smoke, then to Gabriel who never once stopped smiling, but kept her eyes focused on him. "...Um...OK." Kenshin said crushing the smoke in his hand and glanced away with a faint blush.
"Thank you." Gabriel nodded.
"Yeah..." Kenshin said.
"Wow...so Gabriel can quell the Dragon of the Elements huh?" Evangeline teased.
"Shaddap." Kenshin said.
"Aaah, Azazel." Michael greeted as the former governor approached them. "You seem energetic as always."
Azazel shook Michael's hand. "That's my line."
"...Are you two gonna fight or kiss?" Kenshin said with narrowed eyes.
Barakiel, who was with Azazel approached Akeno. "...A..Akeno..." He said.
"..." Akeno glanced at him for a moment before turning away.
"Aah..." Barakiel stared at her, his mouth hanging open slightly. However Akeno turned back to him smiling, sticking her tongue out at him. "...Hmhmhm..." Barakiel chuckled a bit to himself.
The opening ceremony commenced and Rias and Kenshin met up with Sona. "Doesn't this seem kind of absurd and out of the blue?" Kenshin asked.
"Everyone could use the break though. I see why." Rias said.
"I agree with you both." Sona said adjusting her glasses. "That said, it's nice to see you in something different Kenshin."
"This coming from you?" Kenshin asked. "I've only ever seen you in two outfits. The Kuoh uniform and that outfit you wore for our date."
"Ah haa..." Sona let out a short, amused laugh.
"By the way, Kenshin...how exactly should I feel about you selling your services here for a fight against Onii-Sama?" Rias asked.
"Oh Rias it's not like it's a fight for keeps, nor is it gonna be any time soon. I just would like some time to prepare, and then fight him like I did Sairaorg, man to man." Kenshin said.
"Wait, seriously? You challenged Sirzechs-Sama to a duel?" Sona said. Kenshin nodded. "Haaa..." She let out an exasperated sigh.
"I don't expect you to understand." Kenshin said walking past them. He bumped into Grayfia who was also wearing one of the red jerseys. "Oh? Grayfia what's up?"
"Oh nothing." Grayfia said. "Just minding things. Can I ask you something?"
"Yo?" Kenshin said.
"Did you seriously challenge Sirzechs-Sama to a fight?" Grayfia deadpanned.
"Aaigh..." Kenshin said. "Look, I'm not planning to fight him right now and it'll just be a friendly duel, nothing else."
"I see." Grayfia nodded. "Well in that case I'm not surprised then."
"OK then, now mind if I ask you something?" Kenshin asked.
"What?" Grayfia said.
"Back in Maouzyou. When Miyuki came up to us after telling Vali she forgave him. You said you saw that I didn't want to kill Sirzechs back in Mundus Magicus, but I remember the conversation I had with you after Hottan had claimed Sirzechs' body."
"Oh." Grayfia said recalling the conversation.
"I said I had wanted to, but decided against it." Kenshin said.
"That's what you're worried about?" Grayfia said. "Kenshin, what I had meant when I said that in Maouzyou is that while you had wanted to, you did decide against it, proving that it was just a fleeting whim, based on anger that you ignored. You might have been angry enough with him to do it, but you knew you couldn't deep down, that it just wouldn't have been right. You've always tried to do right by people, and yourself and I saw that. So it was easy to forgive you for what happened."
"I see." Kenshin said. "So what did you Sirzechs and Millicas end up doing on Zechys day off?"
"Oh we took him to an amusement park." Grayfia giggled. "He had a lot of fun."
"Heheh, that's good." Kenshin grinned.
"..." Grayfia glanced at Kenshin for a moment before looking up at the sky with a smile. "It was nice. Felt like a normal family. It's a shame it won't happen again for awhile, and that's if he's not busy with Marissa."
"Marissa?" Kenshin said.
"His concubine, I heard you walked in on them while he was giving her a massage." Grayfia said.
"Y...Yeah..." Kenshin said. "I also heard that me busting Lord Bael's ass for trying to have me murdered won't create any more free time."
"It won't." Grayfia sighed. "I swear they ride him harder than any of the other Satans."
"Probably because he's in charge of Domestic Affairs?" Kenshin said. "I mean it's not a good excuse, but..."
"I know." Grayfia sighed. "It's just...and I know this was awhile ago...but before he became Lucifer...we spent parts of everyday together. I guess yesterday also made me a little nostalgic."
"..." Kenshin stared at her sympathetically.
"Oh I'm rambling." Grayfia said. "Sorry."
"I wasn't complaining." Kenshin said. "Err..."
"Hm?" Grayfia said.
"I'm not sure I should be saying this...but if you want someone to talk to from time to time or anything else really, you know where to find me." Kenshin said.
"..." Grayfia glanced at him for a moment before turning to him. "I'll keep that in mind." She said noncommittingly. She walked ahead before pausing. "By the way, Kenshin." Grayfia said turning to him with a smile. "From what I've seen, in my opinion you'd make a wonderful father."
"!" Kenshin's face lit up as Grayfia walked away.
"Well, now Grayfia, an actual mother has said you'd make a good father." Salamander chided.
"Aaiigh..." Kenshin groaned. "I don't want to become a parent until this shit with the Khaos Brigade is settled, that's what I meant by not being ready."
"I see. Makes sense. You don't want to risk your children's safety like that." Undine said.
"Yes." Kenshin nodded.
"You realize though, that you might have just volunteered to be her sidepiece right?" Yuurei said.
"I was going to be her servant if I ended up killing Sirzechs while Hottan was overshadowing him if you recall." Kenshin thought. "If she chooses me, she chooses me."
"True." Yuurei said.
Kenshin walked back to the group he was with only to run into Issei. "Kenshin, the Angels and Fallen Angels are gonna be taking this seriously."
"So? Bring them on." Kenshin said.
"...How did I know you'd say that?" Issei said.
"Because you know me well at this point?" Kenshin said.
"ARMAGEDDON! !" The two heard the devils chorus.
"...Why that of all things?" Issei said.
Later Kenshin and Issei were heading toward the obstacle race. "I'm confused...why didn't you sign up for the kendo tournament?"
"Eh, no one participating really interested me other than Granberia." Kenshin said. "It's still too soon for us to fight again."
"Aah." Issei nodded. "Wait, Yukari or Kiba didn't sign up either?"
"Same thoughts as me. Figured we let Granberia get better acquainted with the other devils, angels and fallen angels." Kenshin said. "Ditto the martial arts tournament. Figured we'd let Alma have fun."
"I see." Issei said. "Uh, Alma have fun?"
"She knows what not to do." Kenshin said.
"By the way, she's a succubus, how are you keeping her fed?" Issei said.
"I pipeline the most perverted of my peerage's summoners to her." Kenshin said.
"I see." Issei said.
"Huh, so two angels, two fallen angels and two devils to a team eh?" Kenshin said as they got to the starting line. "Welp Issei, let's kick some ass."
"Yeah." Issei said. The race started, Issei and Kenshin took off, tiptoeing the balance beam and shooting under the net. However they all paused when they got to the lineup of six balls. "What the hell? !"
"We've lined up an assortment of beasts for you all to contend against. Hydra, Cerberus, The ominous bird Ziz, all can easily kill Devils and Angels of both types! Be careful!"
"...Seriously." Kenshin drawled.
"Oh it's you two." They looked over and saw Tannin and another familiar dragon.
"Tannin-ossan? !" Issei gaped.
"Really? They lined up my own familiar against me?" Kenshin deadpanned seeing Tiamat across from him.
"Like I said, my engagements with Ajuka Beelzebub override my engagements with you." Tiamat said.
"Indeed..." Kenshin sighed.
"Well let's get started." Tannin said inhaling and exhaling a large fireball.
"Aaaahhh!" Issei yelped in fright.
Kenshin grabbed Issei and leaped over the fireball, spinning out of the way of the stream of fire sprayed by Tiamat. Kenshin landed back on the ground and cracked his neck to the side. "Sorry about this Tiamat." He kicked his ball at her, nailing her in the nose faster than she could react, hitting harder than she expected. It bounced back to Kenshin, who then punched it, Tiamat extended her hand to stop it only for it to weasel out of her grip at the last moment and strike her in the head, leaving a moderate burn. It bounced high in the sky.
"Wait, is that...?" Issei said as Kenshin leaped high in the sky and went into the a spin.
"Elemental Shot!" Kenshin said kicking the ball down at Tiamat.
"...Hm, might as well sell this." Tiamat thought. "But first..."
"Oh noooo!" Tiamat said.
"Agh? ! Tiamat what the hell? !" Tannin said as the Dragon Queen 'crashed' into him, just before Kenshin's attack hit them both.
"What the hell?" Issei said narrowed eyes.
"She let me win..." Kenshin said with a bored look. "Kick your ball at Tannin and let's just go."
"Right, sorry Ossan!" He said kicking his ball, hitting Tannin in the chest and continuing to the finish line while the Fallen Angel and Angel pairs had to contend with Hydra, Cerberus and Ziz."
(break)
Later.
'Item Borrowing Race'
"Huh...who do we know that's a 'Siscon'?" Yukari said as she and Miyuki walked around the grounds. They volunteered to go in Kenshin and Issei's place after the first event.
"Well, a few actually. There's Sirzechs, Serafall, Onii-Chan..." Miyuki trailed off going into thought.
"Meh...I don't feel like bugging Kenshin right now." Yukari said.
"Well there's two of them walking by." Miyuki said seeing Serafall and Sirzechs walking in front of them going to their left.
"Well grab them then!" Yukari said as the two ran up to the two Satans.
"Serafall-Sama, Sirzechs-Sama come with us!" Miyuki said.
"Ara? We're the items? !" Serafall said.
"Muu...OK let's get moving!" Sirzechs said.
The four all bolted toward the finish line and won the race. "By the way, I can't help wondering, what is it you were looking for? Was the clue Satan? A person with crimson hair?"
"A magical girl?" Serafall said.
"Serafall, I'm...not a magical girl." Sirzechs said.
"Does my hair look crimson to you?" Serafall asked.
"Oh, right...what about sibling?" Sirzechs said.
"Hey yeah! Ria-tan and So-tan are both interested in your brother, aww you two think of me like that!" Serafall giggled.
"That's pretty much it..." Yukari sweatdropped.
"Hahaha, I'm starting to feel a little embarrassed." Sirzechs laughed as he left.
"Hm, Siscon huh?" Serafall said having snatched the piece of paper out of Miyuki's pocket.
"!" Yukari and Miyuki paled.
"Hahahahaha I guess that fits us both." Serafall laughed.
(break)
Later again
Ball toss contest.
"So basically this is Basketball?" Kenshin asked dribbling a ball.
"Sans defense, but it looks that way." Kazumi said.
Kenshin started dribbling the ball between his legs before driving toward the basket and slamming the ball down. "Kenshin, quit showing off and just shoot it in!" Issei snapped.
"I can't, I have to dunk." Kenshin said. "My jump shot is poor."
"Wha? ! You can shoot coins at people with precision, throw charms around, but you can't nail a simple jump shot? !" Issei said.
"Didn't you ever watch Yuuna-Chan play?" Kazumi said as Kenshin drove again.
"In my defense, it's not like I had time!" Kenshin said.
"Also, it's not like such a skill was really ever needed of him." Yukari said.
"I guess." Issei said.
"Throw the light at the devils!"
"Huh? !" Kenshin bent over backwards dodging a ball of light and landed on the ground.
"These are our grudges toward the past!" Some of the angels chorused.
"Eeeh? !" Issei said as the Angels and Fallen Angels started both throwing balls of light at the devils.
"Hey! Don't make me come over there and kick your lily white asses!" Kenshin said punching a large fireball at the angels.
The Devils soon joined in the retaliation. Michael and Azazel soon confronted each other. "This landscape reminds me of the past, you...how dare you! Announcing the report I wrote while I was in Heaven, in front of everyone!" Azazel said throwing a ball at Michael
"Oh? You're still angry about that?" Michael said. "It was a nice idea, the Blazing Shining Aura Darkness Blade I believe it was."
"Shaddap! Because of that I had the leaders of my own organization giving me shit about it! It never seemed to frickin' end!" Azazel shouted.
"Hahahaha, that was rude of me, I see." Michael laughed.
"Think fast Michael!" Kenshin said throwing a ball at the Archangel's head.
"Oh? What's your problem with me Kenshin-kun?" Michael asked after blocking the 'attack'
"Oh nothing I just needed to get your attention. I'd like a word after all this is over." Kenshin said.
"Oh, Alright then." Michael said.
"Thanks." Kenshin said glancing to the left. "Hm?"
"A...Akeno..." Barakiel said as his daughter approached him.
"...T-Tou-Sama, please help us!" Akeno said with teary eyes, her hands joined together.
"Uuu...Uuuoooooo!" Barakiel grabbed loads of the red balls marked for the devils and started shooting them into the basket.
"Oi! Barakiel what the fuck? !" Azazel snapped.
"I-I'm sorry Azazel! But it's my daughter, I have to help my only daughter! !" Barakiel shouts.
"Neh heh heh..." Kenshin snickered.
"Issei-kun, please help us!" Irina said running up to Issei.
"Uuhhh...OK!" Issei said.
"Issei what the hell? !" Kenshin and Rias both shout.
"Hmhmhmhmhmhm..." Michael laughed.
(break)
Later.
Calvary battle.
"You're sure you don't mind this?" Tamamo asked as she hung off Kenshin's back.
"Nah." Kenshin said as he advanced forward with Tamamo on his back while Alma and Granberia flanked him.
"Jeez, didn't we just get out of a war?" Alma asked.
"No kidding, I don't mind fighting strong opponents but this is ridiculous." Granberia said.
Near the was Issei being carried by Kiba, flanked by Xenovia and Gasper. The two groups were approached by Azazel. "Huh, are you gonna fight us Azazel?" Kenshin said.
"Nah, but I do have a bit of advice." Azazel said before whispering into Issei's and Kenshin's ears.
"I'll just hang back." Kenshin said.
"Whatever." Azazel shrugged.
"Uooooo! Charge forward Kiba!" Issei said.
"Aah! R-Right!" Kiba said.
Kenshin chased after Issei who kept gently putting hands on every female angel or fallen angel he could. "Hm? Is this some kind of powerful technique?" Granberia asked with genuine interest.
"Something like that." Tamamo and Kenshin both said with deadpan expressions.
"Dreeeesssssss Breeeaaaakkkkk! !" Issei called out snapping his fingers.
The clothes on every angel or fallen angel he touched were blown away. "Aaah!" The female angels all yelped in surprise.
"Holy shit!" The unstripped Fallen Angels shouted.
"Yes!" The male devils almost all shouted.
"Uooo! A N...Naked body of a woman, this is bad! If we think improper things we'll fall!" The male angels all shout.
"Gyaahahahahahaha! Yes! Make 'em fall! Just seeing their naked bodies is proving you've all been keeping so much inside you!" Azazel cackled. "Issei, your next target is her!" Azazel said pointing at Gabriel who seemed oblivious to this.
"Are you kidding me? That's his secret move?" Granberia deadpanned.
"Ufufufufu, it works as a strategic out." Alma Elma giggled.
Issei charged Gabriel who finally turned to her. "Hmm? The Sekiryuutei and Dragon of the Elements are both coming my way." She said with an innocent smile.
"Gotta see 'em, gotta see the breasts of the most beautiful woman in Heaven!" Issei thought.
"OK, that's enough..." Kenshin said punching Issei in the face, sending him flying.
"Umm...what was he trying to do?" Gabriel asked.
"Don't worry about it." Kenshin said glancing away with another faint blush.
"Jeez, she's pushing your buttons without even realizing it." Yuurei said.
"Gaah! I can't help it! She's too damn pure!" Kenshin thought.
(Break)
The sports festival ended with the Angels victory in the relay race, though if everyone were being honest it was only due to Issei and Azazel duking it out in front of the goal. "I should seriously kick you both in the ass for that." Kenshin grunted.
"Yeah Yeah." Issei said.
"So, Kenshin how did your talk with Michael go?" Azazel said.
"Oh I just brought up a few things that Yuurei and I were talking about a few days ago." Kenshin said. "Supposedly Ilias, the Primordial of Light, gave her angels a lot more leeway in a lot of matters, especially lewd ones."
"Oh really?" Azazel said.
"Yeah." Kenshin said.
"Huh, interesting." Azazel said.
Kenshin nodded and turned his head, he arched his brow as he saw Irina walking up to him. He glanced forward and saw Azazel and Issei shooting the breeze while everyone else chatted amongst themselves. "Hey." Kenshin said.
"Hm?" Irina said. "What is it Kenshin?"
"Oh nothing.." Kenshin said.
"Today was kind of fun." Irina said.
"Are you even allowed to have fun, is it against the rules or you'll fall?" Kenshin snickered.
"Shut up." Irina huffed.
"Heheheheh." Kenshin chuckled. "Anyway...I'd kinda like to apologize...for a few nights ago."
"Hm?" Irina glanced at him before going into thought. "Oh..."
"I know you were only looking out for Issei and Asia, but I also had my word to keep to Azazel." Kenshin said.
"I know." Irina said with a sigh. "I was just caught up in the moment is all."
"Yeah." Kenshin said.
"I get you were trying to keep your word. Honestly it's one of the things I respect about you." Irina said. "So don't worry about it."
Kenshin watched as Irina walked ahead of him and started talking to Issei before Asia and Sextum cut in. "Huh, well that's done." Kenshin thought.
"Hm?" Kenshin glanced to the left, at the night sky of Kuoh. He saw a flickering light dash across the horizon, he almost wanted to assume it was just a shooting star, but from where he was standing he sensed sentience, life. "Hn...I guess that's one more thing I need to keep an eye on." Kenshin thought.
The group made their way home to rest, weary from the warlike games they had competed in that day.
(chapter end)
Draconis: Should be done with the side stories and ready for volume 14 after the next chapter.
Kenshin: Neat.
Issei: Bout time.
Rias: No kidding.
Draconis: Anyway, I'll be seeing you all.
Draconis678 out