Draconis: OK...uh...where is everyone? (looks around seeing no one, except Evangeline.)
Evangeline: Doing their contract sifting, and Kenshin's well...you know.
Kenshin: ….
Draconis: Well, if everyone's busy then I guess I'll get started.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 75
Anxiousness.
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
From where we last left off.
Kenshin finally exited the VIP room and was immediately pulled into a training session by Issei and Kiba while everyone headed off to the Gremory Mansion.
"Right now, I can't even go into Triana and True Queen. I've been having days like this, even back in Makai." Issei said.
"Well I guess Ddraig must have used too much of his power to keep you tied to the Scale Mail. He does need to conserve his power, albeit subconsciously." Kiba said.
"Man though, you didn't use it much, but the power from the Garm is just insane." Issei said. "I can feel the pressure of it from here."
"I didn't use it much because I can't, the power consumption is massive. Just swinging it around drains me." Kiba said looking at the Garm that was stabbed into the ground. It's also a dragon slayer, so much so that Azazel-Sensei has me keep it in an alternate space during usual times. It feels like a poison to people like you and Kenshin-kun."
"..." Kenshin didn't respond to his name coming up.
"Well what about your other swords?" Issei asked, trying to ignore the eerie silence coming from Kenshin.
"They're all fine swords, but they're all cursed. Siegfried, not only was he unable to use the Garm for long because of his dragon type Sacred Gear, each time he used the others it shortened certain things about him. Either he was experimented on at the warrior training institute, or he was never planning on living very long." Kiba said, before chugging his sports drink.
Along with them was Granberia and Xenovia. "I tried touching that damn thing and instantly regretted it." Granberia said pointing at the Garm.
"Well yeah, you're a humanoid dragon." Issei said.
"The term is dragonkin." Granberia corrected.
"Aah." Issei nodded.
"I couldn't even touch Kiba when his troopers were wielding those swords. I guess I never realized how weak I am against attacks out of my range." Xenovia said.
"I have the same weakness, but not really." Granberia said. "I'm a close range fighter who uses both power and technique."
"Then maybe you could give me a hand with her." Kiba asked.
"I'll do what I can, but at the same time, each warrior is allowed to have his or her own fighting style." Granberia shrugged.
"And I'm not trying to change that, it's just I'm trying to help her work on her weaknesses." Kiba said.
"Though if you keep this up Xenovia, you're going to become a self proclaiming swordswoman." Irina said, also having been standing in the training room, working on her own training.
"Oh shut up you self proclaiming angel." Xenovia said.
"I am an angel!" Irina fumed before turning to Issei. "You agree Issei-kun, as my childhood friend, you think I'm a real angel, don't you?" Irina said.
"Well..." Issei said sparing a glance at Kenshin who still had not said a word.
"Oh, so you're a self proclaiming childhood friend now." Xenovia said with a laugh.
"Gaaah! It's not self proclaiming if it's true!" Irina said, snapping at Xenovia.
While the two argue Issei looked around. They weren't the only ones in the training room. Both peerages in full were in the room, doing their own things in groups, same with Sextum and Ravel, while Alice was in the dining room of the mansion. However Issei noticed a few of them look over at Kenshin as well. "Hmm..." Issei reached down and grabbed a rock and hucked it at Kenshin.
(smack!)
"Gaah? !" Kenshin said as the rock pegged him in the forehead. "What the fuck was for? !" Kenshin snapped at Issei.
"W-Well, uh...I thought you were using the elements still." Issei said.
"Well I wasn't, and that fucking hurt!" Kenshin shouted with a glare.
"I was trying to get your attention!" Issei said. "I thought you could ignore pain!"
"By hitting me in the head with a rock? !" Kenshin said. "And not when I'm not paying attention!"
"You been out of it since we got here! What's your deal? !" Issei said only for Kenshin to huck the same rock that Issei had hit him with earlier and hit him in the forehead.
"You hit me in the head and now you ask what my deal is? You fucking hit me in the head while I was deep in thought, I'm pissed!" Kenshin said before turning around. "Screw it, I'm done for the day." He teleported away.
"What crawled up his ass?" Issei and everyone turned to see Evangeline walking up to his group with Gasper. Soon everyone came up to them.
"I don't know, he was out of it when we bumped into him to come here." Issei said rubbing his forehead.
"Probably not a great idea to get his attention with a rock throw." Miyuki drawled.
"He says all the time he can ignore pain pretty well, I didn't think it'd be that big of a deal." Issei said.
"Hard to ignore something you don't see coming." Kiba said.
"I hope he's alright." Rias said, Akeno and the rest nodding.
"He's probably fine, but I think I know what the problem is." Yukari said.
"What is it?" Evangeline asked.
"It happened a few times when we were in the past." Yukari said. "He said he was deep in thought, I think his nerves might be shot."
"So something's worrying him?" Akeno asked.
"Oh yeah." Hikari said. "It takes a lot for something to worry him to the point that it makes him like...that."
"What? It can't be because of what Mephisto-Sama told us." Kazumi said.
"Yeah, I mean he knows we got his back, and he has ours." Alma said.
"Hm?" Erubetie looked around. "Uh...where did Tamamo go? She was just here?"
Everyone looked around. "Where did she go?" Granberia said.
"Maybe she went to go get some tofu. She did say she was hungry earlier while I was testing spells out with her." Rossweisse said.
"Well, anyway. Issei, what happened was just very bad timing. I'm sure after he calms down he'll be fine." Yukari said.
"Yeah. Still what could be eating him?" Issei wondered.
Meanwhile Tamamo walked into Kenshin's room in the Gremory Mansion. She opened the door finding Kenshin sitting against the open window, taking a drag off one of his smokes. "Are you feeling alright Kenshin?" Tamamo asked.
"Did I look alright back there?" Kenshin said.
"OK, there's no need to snap at me." Tamamo said with narrowed eyes.
"...Haa...I know, I'm sorry." Kenshin sighed. "I'm just...wound up."
"It's about what Alice told you isn't it?" Tamamo asked.
"How did you know she told me something?" Kenshin asked.
"She...asked us to leave you alone, it's pretty obvious." Tamamo said with an eyeroll. "Do you take me for an idiot?"
"Gaah..." Kenshin pinched the bridge of his nose.
"So I was right? You are going to be a father?" Tamamo said.
"...Yeah." Kenshin said.
"I see...Kenshin, I apologize for not saying anything earlier, but when I heard you were with Alice for three days...I knew immediately what she was doing." Tamamo said. "I figured it was..."
"It's OK Tamamo. It was something for Alice to tell me personally, I'm not mad at you, or her, or anyone..." Kenshin said. "It's just..." He bowed his head a shiver running through his body.
"Kenshin..." Tamamo walked up to him and took his hand. "Don't start thinking like that. You'll make a wonderful father and they will be well protected. Just try to look on the brighter side OK?" She said as she left the room
"...Would I really...?" Kenshin thought.
(break)
Later that night.
After everyone had come in from training and took a bath, they sat in the lounge of the manor. Koneko sat in Kenshin's lap, Issei was near him with the Imp sisters sitting around him. "Sorry about earlier." Kenshin said.
"It's no big deal. Yukari told me you looked like your nerves were fried." Issei said. "Is everything alright?"
"I'll tell everyone later, but right now, I'd like to think about it to myself, it's nothing that's going to come back and bite me or anyone else in the ass though I promise." Kenshin said. "So I heard after I left Kuroka started messing with you."
"Messed with me, no. Messed with everyone else, yeah." Issei said. "The look in Sextum's and Irina's eyes...I thought for sure they were gonna kill us both."
"Eh, yeah it can get like that sometimes." Kenshin said. "Kinda how I feel sometimes when someone does that to me in front of the other girls."
Koneko turned to him. "Senpai, do you want some chocolate mint?" She asked, noticing that he was finished with his ice cream.
"Huh?" Kenshin turned to Koneko after she turned her head to him. He was going to say no and say he was saving room for dinner, but seeing the look in her eye told him he shouldn't. "Aaah, just one." He said as Koneko nodded with a smile and fed him dome of her ice cream.
"Hm?" Rami, Rumi and Remi all noticed this and turned to Issei. "Hey Issei, try this." Rami said pushing her spoon into his mouth.
"U-Um..h-here." Remi said offering her own spoon up.
"Yaaann...here." Rumi yawned.
Kenshin watched as the Imp Sisters kept feeding Issei. "G-Girls! Come on! I can't take anymore!" Issei said.
"Awww..." The Three Imp sisters said.
"Give him a break you three, dinner will be ready soon." Kenshin said. "You can feed him then." Kenshin grinned.
"OK!" Rami said while Rumi and Remi more quietly voiced their agreement.
"Dude, are you trying to fatten me up?" Issei glowered.
"Sure am, then when you're about to burst, Yukari and Mom will cook you up and we'll be having you for dinner next week." Kenshin said.
"That's creepy." Issei said with a glare. "Also it's from Hanzel and Gretel."
"Ya don't say?" Kenshin asked.
"Well you're obviously feeling better." Issei rolled his eyes.
Ravel walked up to them. "Koneko-San, I've been thinking and, it's kind of rude for you to sit on Kenshin-Sama's lap in front of everyone, especially if like Yukari-San said, he's got a lot on his mind."
"Uh...I'm fine now, it was just poor timing." Kenshin said and was ignored.
"This is my special seat, which belongs only to me." Koneko said.
"S-Special seat? !" Ravel said with a envious look. "Kenshin-Sama, please tell her off as well!"
Kenshin squinted his eyes at this. "Wait, when the two of us are alone, doesn't she want to sit on my lap too?" Kenshin thought.
Before Kenshin could respond. Koneko turned toward him completely and wrapped her arms around him possessively. "I'm going to become Senpai's lover in the future, I'm keeping this place."
Slowly Ravel began to get teary eyed and stomped around pouting like a kid. "No fair! Move it!" She said shoving Koneko off and takes her place on Kenshin's lap. Koneko furrowed her brow and pushed the Phenex off of Kenshin before the two began fighting.
"..." Alice watched this from the side. "Is this some of what he deals with on a daily basis?" Alice thought.
Feeling a pair of eyes on him Kenshin turns his head. He froze for a second, his expression not changing however, when he saw Alice stare at him. "Crap! She's observing me, gotta stop this!" He thought.
Kenshin grabbed Koneko and Ravel by the backs of their shirts. "Girls, that's enough, if you both want to sit on my lap so badly, here's what we'll do." He took Koneko and sat her down on his right leg, then took Ravel and sat her down on his left leg. "Better?"
"..." The two silently nodded, not looking each other in the eyes.
Kenshin glanced over at where Alice was sitting only to see her looking around the room. However when he looked away from her, he missed the smile on her face.
About half an hour later Rias approached Kenshin with Yukari in tow. "Oh?" She said noticing the two had dozed off.
"Y-Yeah, they kinda fell asleep like this." Kenshin said.
"Yeah, same here." Issei said, the three Imp Sisters sleeping on him.
Kenshin slowly eased his way off the couch without waking them. "What do you need?" Kenshin asked.
"Come to the training area with us. I want to test something." Rias said. "I was testing it with Yukari earlier, now I want to see what you think."
"OK?" Kenshin said as the three walked down to the training area. "Go for it." He said as they got there.
"Haaaaa!" Rias raised her hand collecting her destruction magic until it pooled into a large sphere above her head.
"Huh, looks like a crimson version of one of Issei's Dragon Shots." Kenshin said.
"She says she used this technique when she destroyed Hottan's Great Grand Master Key." Yukari said. "I thought you'd recognize it."
"I was preparing the Vessel at the time. I didn't see it." Kenshin said.
"Well she says she's closer to perfecting it." Yukari said. "Don't know what she means by that. It looks fine to me."
"It still tires me out." Rias said. "Now, Kenshin I want to challenge your strongest attack with this."
"Yeah no." Kenshin denied.
"Why not?" Rias said with a furrowed brow.
"Because the Quadruple Giga is a swing of my total power amplified Ten Thousand times over." Kenshin snorted. "It's only weakness is that I can only use it as a final strike."
"I told you he'd say this." Yukari said. "If he hit Sirzechs with this, just throwing a name out there, there's no way he'd walk out unscathed by it."
"OK, then something else. I just want to see how far I've come with this." Rias huffed.
"I'll give you the Elemental Spica, deal?" Kenshin said activating his Balance Breaker and cocking his fist back gathering the elements.
"Deal." Rias said as she prepared to launch her attack.
"OK...when this rock hits the ground, go nuts." Yukari said taking a rock off the ground and lobbing it in the air.
"..." Kenshin and Rias watched it fall...until.
(clack)
"Extinguished Star!/Elemental Spica!" Rias and Kenshin shout sending their attacks at each other.
(boom!)
"Hnn!" Rias grunted, feeling the resistance from Kenshin's attack.
"Grh!" Kenshin grunted. "Huh, your squeeze has gotten stronger." Yuurei said.
"Yeah no kidding!" Kenshin thought.
"This is one of Kenshin's main attacks! It's so powerful!" Rias thought.
"Haa!" Kenshin shouted, making a pulse of youki shoot through his punching arm and forced the two attacks to go off prematurely.
"Wha?" Rias said as the mana she was concentrating on suddenly disappeared.
"That's enough." Yukari said.
"But, we just struggled." Rias said.
"What? You weren't expecting to beat Kenshin straight up right now were you?" Yukari said.
"No, but." Rias said.
"Eh, she should still be proud of what she just did." Kenshin said pointing downward.
"Huh?" Rias looked down. "!"
Kenshin's feet were surrounded in earth, almost like he had dug his heels in and was shoved back. It was only a few meters. "You've gotten better." Kenshin said.
"...Wow, to actually see the progress I've made first hand, and this was against your Balance Breaker." Rias said.
"Yeah, but still it's progress." Kenshin shrugged.
"So, you wanna tell us what's been eating you?" Yukari said turning to Kenshin.
"..." Kenshin went silent.
"Kenshin, we're not trying to pry, it's just last time you yelled at someone like that, Sona tells me it was shortly before you went to Mundus Magicus. We just want to know if there's anything we can do to help." Rias said.
"Hmn..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "I guess it wouldn't be fair if I didn't at least tell you two, but I need your word that this stays between us. I'll tell anyone else when I'm ready."
"OK?" Rias and Yukari said with curious looks.
"When...Alice asked me for a moment alone..." Kenshin paused to take a breath. "She...wanted to tell me she was pregnant."
"Oh...so she's pregnant..." Rias and Yukari both murmured absentmindedly.
"...?" Kenshin stared at them curiously. "OK...wasn't expecting that reaction." He thought.
"Wait for it..." Yuurei snickered.
"Wait...SHE'S PREGNANT? !" Rias and Yukari both shout after it finally hit them.
"Ow..." Kenshin said digging his fingers into his ears.
"Wh-What? ! How? ! WHEN? !" Rias said.
"There wasn't any chance, unless it was while we were in Gold Port!" Yukari said.
"Eh..heheheh...r-remember after the war...when I went missing for three days?" Kenshin asked nervously.
"Yeah, and you were basically a walking vegetable the day after?" Yukari asked.
"Well...I had kinda spent the entirety of those three days with Alice..." Kenshin said.
"Whoa Whoa Whoa...you aren't seriously telling me she had sex with you the entire time are you?" Yukari asked.
"..." Kenshin didn't respond.
"...Oh my god." Yukari said with wide eyes. "You can last that long?"
"I passed out several times." Kenshin drawled.
"And she just kept going?" Yukari said.
"I guess." Kenshin said.
"Wait a minute! We did it the night before coming back to the Underworld, how did you even manage that? !" Rias said.
"Oh come on Rias, you and I both agree that something weird was going on that night." Kenshin snorted.
"OK, then how did you last three days? I'd assume you'd be emptied out at some point." Rias said.
"Male Youkai can send youki to their reproductive organs to speed the process of making more." Yukari answered.
"Gee Yukari why don't you tell everyone?" Kenshin said, glaring comically at his sister.
"Oh shut up, she at least was going to find out eventually." Yukari snapped.
"Um..." Rias said.
"Look if this is about the lack of 'action' coming your way, I'm sorry, but I think you'll agree, we've all been busy." Kenshin said.
"Not busy enough from what I'm hearing." Yukari huffed, turning her head away.
"Ugh, you're really going to do this?" Kenshin said with a glower.
"You're really going to complain?" Yukari glared. "It's been months!"
Before Kenshin could retort Rias cut in. "Hey! I think we're getting a little off track here! I mean Kenshin's going to be a Father! Yukari that means you're going to be an Aunt!"
Yukari froze. "...Shit I didn't even think about that. I am soooo not child raising material right now." She said.
"Now you know how I feel!" Kenshin said, his posture becoming more and more shaky by the second.
"Crap! Kenshin what are you going to do!" Yukari said. "The only person you can really rely on is Mom and it's not fair to bother her so much with that sort of thing!"
"Hey!" Rias called out snapping the Kuroshi Tsuki siblings out of their brief freakout. "Y'know, for two people who are so confident in their abilities, you two sure are certain you'd make horrible caregivers to children. Kenshin, you seem to enjoy the PR events for Issei's show and even take time out to sign autographs here and there and help children and their parents find their ways around, this attitude could easily be transferred to caring for your own child, and Yukari, you're the same, while you're not as enthusiastic about the show, you still help the children and hell your mother's cooking skills and caring disposition have clearly rubbed off on you." Rias lectured.
"..." Kenshin and Yukari stared at her.
"...Uhm..." Rias shirked back, realizing she had just lectured them on something she herself was nervous about.
"...You know what Rias, you're right." Yukari said with a smile. "What AM I making such a fuss over?"
"Y-Yeah." Kenshin said. "That isn't the WHOLE issue, but..." He thought.
"It uh...might also have something to do with him just having found out today." Yukari said scratching her cheek with a nervous grin.
"Y-Yeah, anyway...you'll figure it out eventually." Rias said. "H-How many is it by the way?"
"Twins, a son and a daughter." Kenshin said.
"That fast?" Yukari said. "Doesn't it take a few months at least to determine gender?"
"Well Youkai like Alice can be taught to control the littlest things about their bodies." Kenshin said.
"I wonder how that works." Rias said with a thoughtful look.
"Why not go ask Tamamo?" Kenshin asked. "Anyway, if you need me I'll be in my room for a bit."
"OK." Rias and Yukari said as they went their separate ways.
Kenshin went up to his room. "Huh?" He looked over at the Tsurugi no Kami, which he brought with him for safekeeping. It's weapon box was laying open and the sword's aura was pulsating. "..." He grabbed the sword and focused on it.
He appeared before Ilias. "What is it?" Kenshin asked crossing his arms.
The Goddess of Light brushed her long blonde hair out of her eyes. "Tell me, are you really not angry that the Demon Queen felt it wasn't prudent enough to tell you she was pregnant with your children before you left."
"No, I'm not. I'm not that petty." Kenshin said. "Now that you've asked me a question, I get to ask you one."
"Very well." Ilias said. "You could do with some divine knowledge."
Kenshin rolled his eyes at her. "Will Yama be coming after this sword?" He asked.
"In addition to you and that redheaded devil girl, most likely." Ilias said with a curt nod. "Yama desires to restore his soul to full power, and there is three Primordials here, four if you count that Ophis is running around you half the time, The Almighty, you and I, with the Almighty being the strongest at this point obviously, and the weakened Ophis and I virtually deadlocked in a tie. I'm not all that certain what he wants with our power." Ilias said.
"Well no kidding, it's God and even with Ophis at reduced strength. She's still insanely powerful." Kenshin shrugged. "It's strange though, He already has power, why is he seeking more?"
"I don't know." Ilias said. "I was in charge of him, but he rarely told me anything. He just regulated the City of Souls, which acts as a flux point in the reincarnation cycle of both good souls and evil ones. It's in the same plane of existence as the Divine Realms of Makai, but at the same time, it's not."
"Wait a minute, you're saying Yama might have access to the goddamned afterlife? !" Kenshin said.
"Relax, it's a one way street." Ilias said waving off his concern. "Souls go to the City of Souls, but the reverse is not true. Yama, nor a soul cannot travel the other way."
"Whew...wait! Negi was there, how did he revive her then? !" Kenshin asked.
"It's possible if Yama has access to the departed's remains." Ilias said.
"!" Kenshin's eyes widened, but they quickly narrowed into a scowl, his teeth grinding together in anger. "That bastard...he desecrated her grave?"
"Yes." Ilias said. "That is most likely what had happened. But unlike what that Hottan character did with your father, this Negi girl is one hundred percent alive again. If that control apparatus is removed, she will have her free will back again."
"..." Kenshin stared at her quizzically.
"What?" Ilias asked with a furrowed brow.
"Why are you being so nice?" Kenshin asked.
"Honestly? Couldn't tell ya." Ilias said with a shrug. "Could be boredom, could be sympathy, could be the fact that Alipheese is back out and I could use an ally."
"Been hitting the wine bottle again?" Kenshin said with a snarky tone.
"Hm?" Ilias said.
"My Queen is one of the Six Ancestors, the future mother of my children is the Queen of Demons." Kenshin said. "And..."
"And none of that may matter to her when it comes to me." Ilias pointed out. "You can't let her destroy the sword."
"Hn. I'll get to that when the time comes." Kenshin said.
"Very well, but you're talking awful big for someone who was strangled by my Divine Energy." Ilias said.
"Oh? Hit me with it, see if it happens again." Kenshin said leaning forward with a smirk.
"Hmn, well alright." Ilias said nonchalantly and let her aura flow out.
"..." Kenshin was unaffected by it.
"Oh? You figured it out." Ilias said.
"I had some help." Kenshin said. "Divine Energy is just what you gods and goddesses call your Touki."
"Astute observation." Ilias said. "Just so you know, I will be calling you to chat from time to time, I do get very bored in here, what with the Primordial of Being constantly in stasis and all. I have no one to talk to."
"Whatever, I guess I have nothing to lose by humoring you." Kenshin said.
"Hmhmn...thank you for your time." Ilias said with an amused smile. "That's enough for tonight. Off you go."
Kenshin disappeared from the 'swordscape' Kenshin sighed gruffly. It had been a long day, and he needed time to rest as he walked to his bed and fell asleep within minutes.
(break)
Next day.
As Kenshin was leaving the Gremory Mansion, having been the last to leave as Rias convinced everyone that Kenshin needed the rest, he was stopped by Zeoticus, Venerana and Grayfia. "Hey Kenshin." Zeoticus called out.
"Huh?" Kenshin said. "Make this quick I gotta get to Kuoh."
"Oh it will be. It will only take a minute." Grayfia said with a smile.
"?" Kenshin glanced at them curiously.
"We had heard that you recently found out you're going to be a father soon." Venerana said with a smile of her own.
(slam!)
Kenshin faceplanted. "Gaaaahhh..." Kenshin said.
"Sorry, but Ojou-Sama can't keep secrets from us." Grayfia said with a short laugh.
"Haa..." Kenshin let out a sigh.
"Relax." Zeoticus said waving his hand. "We won't say anything, Rias asked us not to, but we just wanted to let you know."
"If you need any help whatsoever, even for just some advice." Venerana said.
"We're here for you." Grayfia said.
"..." Kenshin stared at them. "...OK excuse this, but didn't you just shrug raising the kids off on the maids?"
"No." Venerana said. "We made sure the maids and butlers knew what we wanted to do with Sirzechs and Rias, but we raised them ourselves. Rias was a bit of a different story than Sirzechs, but we were still very much involved in both their lives."
"Yeah...like choosing her husband for her." Kenshin drawled.
"O-Ouch." Zeoticus and Venerana said with matching wincing expressions.
"Though, I get what you mean...thanks...but...I figured you'd be kind of upset that Rias wasn't the first one." Kenshin said.
"Nah! Hell, Venerana wasn't even the first one I impregnanted." Zeoticus laughed.
"Yes...and if Zeoticus wants to keep his procreation tools, he won't brag about it any more.." Venerana said with a very vexed look, her hand surrounded in a crimson aura
"Y-Yes dear..." Zeoticus said with a frightened expression.
"Th-Thanks...I'll keep that in mind." Kenshin said as he warped away.
He appeared in the Student Council room where Saji was currently beating Issei in chess. "Oh, hey Kenshin." Saji greeted.
"What's up?" Kenshin asked.
"Sleep late?" Saji asked.
"Yeah...I kinda got a bomb dropped on me yesterday." Kenshin said.
"Oh? Really what was it?" Saji asked.
"I'll tell you later." Kenshin said.
"Kenshin." Kenshin looked over at Sona who was approaching him while Ruruko and Momo came up to Saji while Kazumi came to Issei.
"What's up?" Kenshin asked.
"First of all, why are you so late?" Sona said.
"What are you talking about I'm not...that..." Kenshin looked at the clock which read half past noon. "Shit, why didn't anyone wake me up?"
"Well, it's fine I suppose. Rias had told me you had received some big news and you were worrying about it." Sona said. "I'm guessing you probably lost sleep over it."
"Uuuhhh, she didn't say what the news was, right?" Kenshin said.
"No, just that it was big personal news, why?" Sona asked.
"Oh no reason. I'll tell you later. What else did you wanna tell me?" Kenshin asked.
"Well I just received a call, and Rias and you should be receiving one as well. The meeting with the Vampire representative has been bumped up to tomorrow night." Sona said.
"I see." Kenshin nodded. "Thanks for letting me know. Should we expect anyone from Heaven's side?"
"I don't know, I just found out myself." Sona said.
"OK, thanks. I'll be on my way." Kenshin said before surprising Sona with a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving.
"D...Did he just?" Saji said.
"I...think he did." Momo said.
"Huh, Saji it seems Kaichou and Kenshin-San might actually have a thing going on." Ruruko said.
"Kuroshi Kenshin!" Saji shouts chasing Kenshin down, shouting about how he was going to inflict Vritra's curses on him.
"..." Issei stared.
"Haa, we'll go stop him. Though seriously I wish he'd realize that Kaichou isn't interested in him in that way." Momo said.
"Yeah..." Ruruko sighed as the two went to go stop Saji.
"Huh, guess we should clear out too." Kazumi said.
"Yeah." Issei nodded. "Thanks for having us Kaichou."
"Of course." Sona said from her office.
"Hey Issei." Kazumi said.
"What's up?" Issei said.
"Would you...I dunno...wanna go on a date sometime?" Kazumi asked.
"Huh? Isn't it my job to ask?" Issei asked.
"Oh don't be so restrictive. Girls can ask guys out just as well as the reverse." Kazumi said waving him off. "Still though...would you want to?"
"Sure." Issei grinned.
"Cool." Kazumi grinned back. "I'll get back to you on the day, shouldn't be any further than a week off."
"Take your time." Issei shrugged.
(break)
The Next Night.
Kenshin, Rias, Sona and their peerages were gathered in the ORC, Sextum and Azazel was present too as well as a beautiful looking nun. Kenshin approached her. "Hello Griselda. Did the trip here go well?"
"Ah, Yes it went quite well. Thank you for asking." The nun, now known as Griselda said with a smile. "Oh, there are other faces here that I didn't see when I met you, Issei-San and Asia-San." She turned to everyone else. "I am Griselda Quarta, I am the overseer for the staff members from Heaven in the region." She said. "I had previously met the Sekiryuutei, Sister Asia and the Elemental Dragon. I do hope we can all get along." She said. (1 )
"So basically you're Irina's boss." Miyuki said.
"Uh huh." Irina confirmed.
"Aah, I've heard of you, you're Gabriel's Queen in the suit of Hearts." Azazel said. "One of the top five female exorcists in the world."
"Aah, you flatter me." Griselda said. "Thank you for the kind world, Former Governor General. Anyway I would have visited here sooner, but I just couldn't fit it into my schedule."
"Hey Xenovia, are you OK? You seem a little nervous." Irina teased.
"Shut up..." Xenovia grumbled.
Griselda approached her. "Xenovia...do you hate seeing me that much." She said forcing Xenovia to look at her.
"N-No, it's just..." Xenovia stammered.
"Just?" Griselda said.
"I'm sorry I couldn't answer your calls." Xenovia said.
"I...might have had something to do with that, Issei, Kiba and I anyway." Kenshin said. "We're trying to help her control Durandal's power."
"Hmn...I see." Griselda said letting go of Xenovia's face. "Well you could at least call me, or we could have dinner together like old times."
"Y-Yes." Xenovia said.
"I'll start reminding her." Kenshin said.
"Yeah, same here." Issei and Kiba said.
"Thank you, but she really should remember herself." Griselda nodded.
Before anyone could say anything more, the air suddenly became colder and it also got darker. Kiba and Granberia got up and left the room.
"So Eva-Chan, do you feel anything from meeting these people?" Kazumi asked.
"Why would I?" Evangeline drawled. "I'm no kin to these people."
Issei glanced over at Gasper who had a conflicted expression. "..."
Kenshin slapped his hand down on Issei's shoulder. "Don't worry about him, he'll be fine."
"Are you saying that because you believe it or because you want to believe it?" Issei asked.
"Both." Kenshin said.
"..." Issei nodded as everyone stood up and formed two lines. Tsubaki stood behind Sona, Akeno behind Rias and Tamamo in her true form behind Kenshin. The door opened, Kiba and Granberia reentering the room with a young woman with wavy blonde hair, deathly pale skin wearing a red dress and hair ornaments that looked to be of Middle Ages origin. Her eyes were dark red. She walked to the end of the two lines and turned to them. "Hello people of the Three Factions, how do you do? I am especially honored to meet the siblings of two of the Satans and the Former Governor General of the Fallen Angels." She said. "I am Elmenhilde Karnstein, but please call me Elmen." She said before taking a seat.
"Karnstein...if I am correct it's part of one of the two big factions of Vampires, the Carmilla Faction." Azazel said.
"So what brings you here?" Sona asked. "The Carmilla Faction and the Tepes Faction have both usually kept to themselves."
"First." Elmenhilde turned to Kenshin. "I had received word that the Queen of Demons, Alipheese Fateburn the Sixteenth was in this city, why is she not present at this meeting?"
"She is here as just a single youkai, Queen of Demons though she may be, she is not here for business." Kenshin said.
"Hmn, must be nice for a ruler to have that kind of free time when her world just ended a Civil War." Elmenhilde stated nonchalantly.
Kenshin, Granberia, Tamamo, Alma Elma and Erubetie all narrowed their eyes at her as she turned away, the five of them receiving her statement as a put down on Alice. Issei put his hand on Kenshin's shoulder as he noticed the look. "Remember, it's just words." Issei whispered.
"I know." Kenshin whispered back.
"So what is your reason for being here if you don't mind me asking?" Rias asked.
"We, of the Carmilla Faction would like to borrow the services of Gasper Vladi." Elmenhilde said.
Everyone glanced back at Gasper who was now trembling. "Why?" Kenshin asked.
"Excuse me, but I don't believe I was talking to you." Elmenhilde said. "If memory serves you are a reincarnated devil, not an heir to a noble clan or someone who has actually held office at some point in his life. Remember your place."
"..." Kenshin went silent, but he was starting to lose his patience. His peerage shared similar sentiments.
"Very well, if you won't answer him, answer me instead. Explain your reason for wanting the boy?" Azazel said. "What's going on in the World of Vampires?" Azazel asked.
"A half vampire named Valerie Tepes came into possession of a Longinus Sacred Gear." Elmenhilde said.
"!" Kenshin glanced back hearing a gasp, he saw Gasper frozen in shock.
"And which one would that be?" Azazel asked.
"Sephiroth's Graal." Elmenhilde said.
"Tch, so the Holy Grail then." Azazel grunted. "So what were you Vampires, whose longevity is only surpassed by a Phoenix or a Primordial, trying to do with an object like that?"
"A body which can absolutely never die." Elmenhilde said. "Even if their hearts are staked, a holy cross put in front of them, or even walking out into the sun. Though it seems even with Sephiroth's Graal, it's power is still incomplete. The Tepes Faction is trying to become a being with no weaknesses and abandoned their pride as Vampires. There have already been casualties and we will execute them as fellow Vampires."
Kenshin and Evangeline both couldn't help snorting at this, though they did it quietly. "So the aim of the Carmilla Faction is to stop the mayhem and exact their own justice due to the attacks?" Azazel asked.
"To do this we'll need Gasper Vladi." Elmenhilde said.
"...And would this have anything to do with the fact that Gasper is of the Vladi Vampire Clan, who is a part of the Tepes Faction?" Rias said with a calm look, that betrayed her seriousness.
"Honestly, we were looking to use the power he had awakened." Elmenhilde said.
"..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes again.
"?" Elmenhilde noticed this. "What is it now?"
"What happens after you're done?" Kenshin asked. "Will you just cast him to the side like they did?"
"How da-" Elmenhilde was cut off.
"I, the head of the Margrave ranked Kuroshi Tsuki clan, Archduke Kenshin, am not done speaking. I don't like using my ranks, but it seems that's the only way I'm getting any respect from you" Kenshin said. "Tell me, how do you know he will be safe over there?"
"You doubt our security?" Elmenhilde asked.
"Not at all, but I do doubt that the Tepes will come to the table peacefully, especially if they hear one of their own is in your fold." Kenshin said.
"Lord Kuroshi here makes a valid point. Despite what he was in the past. Gasper is a Devil now, under Pricess Rias here's jursdiction." Azazel said.
"B-Besides! V-Valerie never had a S-Sacred Gear like I did!" Gasper cut in.
"?" Kenshin turned to him, the crossdressing Vampire boy looked like he was about to cry.
"Even if it doesn't become apparent at first, a Sacred Gear can eventually awaken." Elmenhilde said. "Valarie was no different, she awakened her power and became able to use it."
"Tch, hypocrites, they detest the powers of the holy, but they refused to turn the gear over to us?" Azazel said.
"Well we have been at conflict for awhile." Elmenhilde said before turning to Gasper. "Do you not hold anger for how you were treated by the Tepes Faction. Do you not wish for retribution...with your current power I think that will be possible."
"I-I'm just happy to be able to live here with Chief and everyone-!" Gasper was cut off.
"Hybrid."
"..." Gasper went silent.
"Mixed blood, the hated child, a fake. What kind of names were you called while living in the Vladi household I wonder." Elmenhilde said. "The only one who you were able to exchange your feelings with was Valerie Tepes who then helped you, as you had helped her, wouldn't you like to stop her before she does something rash?"
Griselda, who had been silent spoke up. "Your kind detests those with mixed blood, even worse than most Devil Clans. However, was it not your selfish actions, using humans for pleasure, forcing them to bear children. The ones who had to pay the price, and make countermeasures, even with regrets have been us. I would prefer it if at all possible if you didn't use humans as mere hobbies."
"My apologies, but that is just our nature. You Devils and Angels the same?" Elmenhilde asked. "To attain a price by granting a human's wish? To have to rely on the beliefs of humans to sustain your System. The Youkai, who have been demonizing humans for millenniums...aren't we all just the 'weak' who have to prey on humanity?"
"Demonizing?" Issei whispered to Tamamo.
"It's something that's fallen out of practice." Tamamo whispered.
"I also have a document for you to look at." Azazel received a document from Elmenhilde.
"Hn, so a peace conference with the Carmilla Faction huh?" Azazel said. "So this is a diplomatic meeting."
"Indeed." Elmenhilde said with a nonchalant smile.
"Your steps are wrong Missy, the peace conference should come first, the the Longinus Information, you make it sound like you won't agree to this unless we help you out." Azazel said.
"In other words...you're trying to railroad us." Kenshin said crossing his arms.
"We, the Thee Great Factions have been asking for alliances of peace with all the other factions without discrimination." Griselda said. "If we refused this, our ability to do that would be crippled. Other factions would then begin to doubt our intentions and those already allied with us would begin to doubt them as well."
Kenshin glanced back at Issei who was shaking with anger. Kenshin shook his head before turning to Elmenhilde. "Your attempted railroading aside..."
"Enough, again, you are a reincarnated devil, your clan's rank and your own aside, you have no right to speak to me." Elmenhilde said with a vexed look.
"..." Azazel shrugged. "Fine, but I will have you know that because of his actions in Makai's recent Civil War, that world sees Kenshin there as it's King in all but official title."
"!" Elmenhilde narrowed her eyes.
Kenshin glanced at Azazel, mildly annoyed that he said that. "Well anyway, we both have Factions at our backs, do I still not have a right to speak Vampiress?"
"What?" Elmenhilde said turning to him.
"Like we've said before, Gasper is a Devil now. He is a Vladi, but in name only now." Kenshin said. "My fiancee, Princess Rias does not appreciate your underhanded method, but at the same time, we would rather not be responsible for the Alliance losing an opportunity to make inroads with your kind after having been trying all this time." Kenshin said. "So, I have a proposal."
Everyone turned to him. Kenshin went on. "You want to use Vampires only to end this conflict, am I right?"
"Correct." Elmenhilde said.
"But at the same time, you Vampires seem to hold exceptional vitriol toward those with mixed blood." Kenshin said. "As such Princess Rias cannot trust you with her precious Bishop, right?" Kenshin said glancing toward Rias.
"..." Rias didn't respond.
"It's OK, speak your mind. I will let you know if you're about to go too far." Kenshin said.
"No, I cannot. Not after what happened to him. It's the reason he has such difficulty with others." Rias said.
"Yes." Kenshin said with a nod before turning to Elmenhilde. "So as you can see, we are at an impasse."
"I don't see what the impasse is." Elmenhilde says. "Either give us the services of Gasper Vladi or we walk."
"And remember your Faction's situation Elmen-hime." Kenshin said. "The Vampire Clans are isolationist by nature. Sure the loss of the opportunity would weaken our stance as those desiring peace, but it's not like damage control is impossible, just annoying. All we would have to do is distance ourselves from you and merely not act for or against you, essentially maintaining a stance of neutrality. It's not like we were attacked by you or anything, you simply gave us a raw deal that we both mutually agreed to walk away from."
"Krh..." Elmenhilde growled under her breath.
"Now that we've established that you have far less leverage than you originally thought, my proposal is this." Kenshin said. "Seeing as Princess Rias is greatly concerned for her Bishop's safety, I motion that Azazel-Sama go out to your territory first to scope the place out." Kenshin said.
"I could give a better analysis of the Holy Grail if I'm on hand there." Azazel said.
"Hmn..." Elmenhilde stroked her chin in thought. "Leave empty-handed, or come back with a surveyor...the ideal situation is coming back with Gasper Vladi alone, but that is no longer possible. Damn you Kenshin Kuroshi." She thought with an inward scowl.
"Well?" Kenshin said.
"Hrn...I require some time to deliberate this development." Elmenhilde grunted.
"Very well, take as much time as you need, but remember that we do expect an answer before you leave, failure to do this will lead us to believe the answer is No." Kenshin said. "Also, while you're deliberating with your elders...do let them know that any and all acts of violence here will be met with swift retaliation."
"..." Elmenhilde glanced at Kenshin calmly, perfectly masking her frustration. "Duly noted." She turned back to Rias. "That is all I have to say, thank you for allowing a Vampire into your territory Princess Rias, Princess Sona."
"..." Rias and Sona silently nod as Elmenhilde got up and left.
As soon as her signature left Kenshin's sensory range Kenshin threw his head back. "Woo! Man I was afraid that wouldn't work there for a second." He chuckled.
Xenovia bashes her fist on the table. "I can't come to like these Vampires like always."
Griselda sipped her tea. "You have grown Xenovia, if this had been the you of the past you would have went cutting at them with Durandal."
"That was some nice mediator work there Kenshin." Azazel said.
"Well those lessons in my free time with Serafall in her free time seem to be paying off." Kenshin chuckled.
"Wait, you're receiving instruction from Onee-Sama?" Sona asked.
"When she and I have free time, yeah. It's purely by astral projection so if she has work she can immediately get to it." Kenshin said. "She says it's her way of quote unquote 'grooming her successor.' He added. "And her way of scoring time with me, but I'm just gonna keep that information to myself." He thought.
"I see." Sona nodded. "Well if she's taking initiative then that's good. However Rias, what are you going to do? Even with Kenshin's provision, just surveying a situation might not be enough to keep Gasper against a Faction if they decide to try something once he's there." Sona said. "No disrespect Kenshin, Azazel-San."
"None taken." Kenshin and Azazel said.
Before Rias could answer Gasper spoke up. "...I-I'm going." Gasper said with a determined look in his eyes.
"Heheheh, that's my junior." Issei chuckled, petting Gasper's head.
"Hmn." Kenshin smiled. "While I admire the determination Gasper. You understand that if she turns my proposal down, that simply cannot happen, right?"
"I know...but...I don't think she will. She came here, risking a treaty falling through with the rest of the Factions for this, I-I know she needs me." Gasper said. "And I don't believe she will leave without me. But at the same time...I have to save Valerie! She must have been leading a difficult life after helping me escape. I...I have to make that up to her some how!"
"So effectively, Kenshin just checkmated her. Either accept his proposal or no deal." Yura said.
"Yes, I agree. Onee-Sama has been teaching you pretty well Kenshin." Sona said with a small smile.
"Hmn..." Rias stroked her chin in thought. "I will go as well, I want to talk to the House of Vladi."
"That's a risk, are you sure? I could send someone along if you want." Kenshin said.
"That is fine." Rias nodded. "...Who is the representative that you'll be sending?"
"Evangeline." Kenshin said.
"Ugh...you're going to make me go there aren't you?" Evangeline groaned.
"..." Kenshin walked toward her and pulled her out of the room.
"What?" Evangeline said.
"...Look Evangeline. I know this is frustrating for you, but you're the only one intimately acquainted with Gasper and Vampire culture in general." Kenshin said. "...I wouldn't ask if I didn't believe you could handle it."
"Of course I can handle it, who do you think you're talking to?" Evangeline said.
"I know you can." Kenshin said. "So...could you please? You'd be doing me a huge favor."
"Hmn..." Evangeline furrowed her brow.
"What do you want?" Kenshin asked. "If it's blood, we have a few days to shore up the numbers."
"Some time to think about what I want for this annoyance of a trip." Evangeline said. "I don't like natural born pureblood vampires."
"Fine." Kenshin shrugged. "Go ahead and head on home."
"Alright." Evangeline said teleporting away.
Kenshin sighed and reentered the room. "Evangeline's on the bubble for going. If nothing else I'll just come with you."
"No." Rias shook her head. "I need you to help Sona run things here...among other things." She shot Kenshin a look.
"...Fine." Kenshin said with a nod, getting what she was trying to say. "If nothing else I'll send Tamamo. Do you care Tamamo?"
"I can handle myself." Tamamo nodded.
"Alright." Kenshin nodded. "Do you have any idea who you want to take Rias, if anyone?" Kenshin asked.
"I was thinking about taking Kiba. If things go south, his value as a Technique type could help us beat a hasty retreat." Rias said.
"I won't let you down." Kiba bowed.
"Anyway, if this is how we're going to do this, Irina, Griselda. Tell Michael about it." Azazel said.
"About that, Michael says if things go to the worst route he will be dispatching the Joker." Griselda said.
"Him? ! Can he really be sent out so easily? Man you guys have been coping with us really easily these days, I mean I get it, there have been some outrageous guys after us." Azazel said.
"Huh, so if things head south, Dulio will be sent out." Kenshin said.
"If we can get a hold of him." Griselda grumbled. "Sometimes he's more of a headache than Xenovia was. Always running across the globe, finding cuisines he likes, we can hardly reach him sometimes."
"Well he says it's for a good cause." Kenshin said with a sweatdrop.
"I get that, but remember your duties for cripes sake." Griselda said.
"Well anyway, I guess keep in touch. I'll keep you posted on what our resident Vampire Hime-Sama wants to do." Kenshin said.
"I will do just that." Griselda said as she and Irina teleported away to give their report.
"I was wondering where the Vampiric Youkai had gone." Tamamo said. "Seems I have my answer."
"There's Vampire Youkai?" Miyuki asked.
"Yes, but their as about as isolationist as their fellows." Granberia said.
"I myself never have seen one." Alma Elma said.
"The only reason Granberia and I have is because their leader occasionally came to Council meetings in person." Erubetie said.
"You've met the leader of the Carmilla Faction?" Azazel said.
"I don't know. She was the leader of the Vampire Youkai." Granberia said. "I do know that when the call to arms was announced at the start of the Youkai Revolution, they ignored the call."
"Well if they were helping their fellows, I think that gets a pass." Yukari said.
"Indeed." Tamamo said. "Anyway, it's been quite the day or night rather, let's sleep on this."
"Yeah." Kenshin said with Rias and Sona nodding in agreement.
"Sensei." Issei said making Azazel turn toward him.
"Yeah?" Azazel said.
"I need you to take a look at the Boosted Gear again." Issei said.
"Alright, Kenshin you should come as well, seeing as you technically possess it as well." Azazel said.
"I...hardly use it though." Kenshin said with an arched brow.
"Come anyway. I need to speak with you both." Azazel said.
"Fine." Kenshin sighed.
The three warped to Azazel's lab and Azazel analyzed the Boosted Gear. "Hm, the glow on both of those jewels is the dull...he used a lot of power to keep you living." Azazel said.
"Will it stay like this?" Issei asked.
"No, he'll eventually get his power back if he's allowed to rest, is basically the equivalent of being overworked. He'll return to his former self eventually." Azazel said. "What makes me curious is that Kenshin was able to use it despite Ddraig's weariness."
"Hmn..." Kenshin crossed his arms.
"Doesn't Vali have the ability to make a division without making physical contact?" Issei asked.
"Using his demonic power yes...you think that's what Kenshin did?" Azazel said. "That would be...odd."
"The boost would be temporary of course. I'm basically paying power for a temporary power boost and a larger drain as a result. I can manage it pretty well, but at the same time, it's nowhere near perfected." Kenshin said.
"Right, well anyway. Now for the real reason I included Kenshin in this little chat. I need to speak to you about your life forces."
"You said that something incomprehensible was happening to us. Issei mentioned it." Kenshin said said.
"Good he kept you posted that will make this go faster." Azazel said. "Your life which is likely to last till the end of time unless you get yourself killed, can no longer be accurately measured. It either reads out at zero or infinite which cannot be measured. Issei here is the same way."
"Because our bodies are carved from Great Red's flesh and our internal energies are from Ophis." Kenshin said with a nod.
"Yes, Zero probably represents Illusion, or Dreams rather, meaning Great Red." Azazel said "While infinite obviously represents Ophis." Azazel said.
"So are we constantly going back and forth between dying and reviving?" Issei asked.
"I don't know." Azazel said shaking his head. "Though there is a way to stabilize it, basically by doing what you've been doing with the girls."
"Sweet..." Issei grinned lopsidedly. "I get to keep Sheena-San and Erubetie-San suck out the power...and Kuroka-Chan give me Senjutsu sessions."
"Hmn.." Kenshin shrugged.
"Though Kenshin doesn't need it as much as you Issei." Azazel said. "His body is more adaptable to the power flowing through him, because he used to use it when it was just from a shard of Ophis' total being. However...there is something else that makes me curious. Kenshin, when you broke the Shinigami's scythe and freed the Dark Goddess, Yama said you channeled Ophis and Great Red's power for a split second."
"Yeah? It's not like I can now." Kenshin said.
"Even so...how did it feel?" Azazel asked.
"...I can't really describe it, it happened too quickly. Then what happened afterward with Negi...I just don't know." Kenshin said.
"Very well." Azazel said. "Also, Issei take care of him, Ddraig is still a legendary Dragon."
"Wait, one more question. What the hell is Vali up to? He's constantly on the move." Issei said.
"He's looking for the deceased Evil Dragons." Azazel said. "The Crescent Circle Dragon Crom Cruach, the Diabolism Thousand Dragon Azi Dahaka, and the Eclipse Dragon Apophis. All were either sealed or killed for their brutality. Other than them there is also the Norse Nidhoggr, and Ladon."
"Hn..." Kenshin grunted. "Tiamat's mentioned them to me before while we were in Makai. When she heard that Vali was previously looking for them."
"Let me put it this way, during the war, even Ragnarok and his Kuroshi clan, and Draco and the Tsuki were wary about fighting more than one of them at a time." Azazel said. "Anyway Vali has been encountering Khaos Brigade members in droves in those territories so just be prepared. They're planning something, there's no doubt about that."
"I see." Kenshin grunted.
"Man, really.." Issei sighed. "It just never ends huh?"
"Yeah, in other news. I'm becoming a land developer." Azazel grinned. "I received permission to sell tracts of land from the Grigori."
"Oh is that right?" Kenshin asked.
"What are you developing?" Issei asked.
"A resort for all those who made alliances with us." Azazel said.
(knock knock)
"Come in!" Azazel said.
Rias entered. "Azazel, I would like to speak with you about what you're going to be doing."
"Ah right, Also if I am traveling abroad I need to speak with Asia about something, can she join us?" Azazel said.
"Yes." Rias nodded.
"Well I guess we'll go ahead and clear out." Kenshin said.
"Alright." Azazel said. "I must say though, it seems having Ophis in the middle made it succeed."
"Ophis?" Issei said as he and Kenshin left.
"They'll tell us or we'll find out about it." Kenshin said. "I'm sure it's nothing serious."
"Yeah." Issei nodded.
(break)
Early next morning, Before Sunrise.
Kenshin was sitting in the large bath hall, usually reserved for the ladies of the house. Seeing as none of them were using it he decided to use it himself. He had just finished washing his hair. "Ahhh..." Kenshin sighed. "Hm...my hair's getting a little long...maybe I should have someone cut it for me."
"Why? It just gets longer when you go into the Balance Breaker anyway." Salamander deadpanned.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I want to run around with it long full time." Kenshin said.
"True." Salamander shrugged.
"Whew...I'm glad that ploy I made worked and we didn't just get bullied into handing Gasper over." Kenshin sighed. "I'll have to remember to thank Serafall for her tutoring sometime soon."
"It was a load of shit that she looked down on you." Salamander said.
"I know...wait where are the other spirits?" Kenshin asked.
"Sleeping, is that a problem?" Salamander asked.
"No." Kenshin said. "Man...what a taxing few days it's been."
"You find out you're going to be a father. The Dark Goddess and the Ancestors are back in the world." Salamander said.
"I'm allowing Rias to go to hostile territory without me..." Kenshin said. "This Khaos Brigade business...man. I can't rest on my laurels at any given moment."
Before Kenshin could monologue any further he heard the door open. "!" He turned to find Ravel walking in, a tired look in her eyes, her hair pulled out of the twin drills she usually kept it in, now hanging down to her waist, wearing nothing. "U-Uuuhh..." Kenshin said.
"Hmm, this is interesting." Salamander said.
"Kenshin-Sama." She said looking right at him.
"Uh, I was just about to leave." Kenshin said.
"No you weren't...you still have conditioner in your hair." Ravel pointed out. "I doubt you've even washed your back."
"Crap..." Kenshin said.
"..." Ravel smiled shyly. "Here, I-I'll wash your back and rinse your hair for you."
"..." Kenshin turned away as Ravel approached him from behind and filled a small basin with water and poured it on Kenshin's head before she started spreading soap on his back. "So...uh...that Vampire girl was really something else, huh?" Kenshin asked trying to break the uncomfortable silence.
"That's kind of bland for your standards Kenshin-Sama." Ravel stated curiously. "But...I don't like how they tried to, as you said...railroad us into handing over Gasper-San who is my friend. Their only caring about themselves attitude also rubs me the wrong way." She said.
"Yeah, same here." Kenshin said.
"But Devils are also logical to a fault like that, putting purebloods above all else." Ravel said.
"That may be true, but even Devils aren't as bad as the Vampires are from what I've seen so far." Kenshin said.
"Yes...even a pureblood devil is able to choose their own friends. Koneko-San, Gasper-San...my classmates, but at the same time I feel bad about having to hide my identity from them." Ravel said. "It's still a wonderful thing to be able to choose your friends, despite them being from a different race."
"Hmhmhm." Kenshin chuckled softly. "It is, truly."
"Hmn.." Ravel smiled. "Um...Kenshin-Sama."
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
"I know...you already filled out your peerage, but...I sometimes regret not staying when you asked for my help in your first Rating Game." Ravel said.
"...Ravel, if I'm to be honest...I am at least glad you didn't come with us when we went to Mundus Magicus." Kenshin said. "What happened there...would paint a very different picture of me for you."
"I was told about what happened there." Ravel said. "All I will say about that is...no one's really the best version of themselves when they're in pain."
"..." Kenshin turned his head, glancing back at her in surprise.
"D...Did I say something bad?" Ravel said with a nervous tone.
"...Hmn." Kenshin closed his eyes and smiled. "Not at all." He turned his head away from her. "I just wasn't expecting to hear something like that."
Ravel nodded and poured water on Kenshin's back washing the soap away. "OK, I'm done."
"Alright, I'll be going." Kenshin said getting up to leave.
"Um..." Ravel grabbed his wrist. "Could...you maybe wash my back too?"
"?" Kenshin looked back at her. "Well I guess she's been looking for a way to spend time with me...and I really don't have a reason to refuse." Kenshin thought. He smiled. "OK, have a seat."
Ravel nodded and sat down, moving her long curling blonde hair to the front. "Can I admit something?" She asked as Kenshin started lathering up soap in his hands.
"What is it?" Kenshin asked.
"I...I'm kind of scared, that I'm being targeted by the Khaos Brigade." Ravel said.
"Hmn." Kenshin smiled. "Don't be. Don't forget that I am here, that Issei is here, everyone is here to fight against them, we won't let them take you away from us."
"..." Ravel smiled at this. "You're so thoughtful Kenshin-Sama, always thinking of others."
"Hmhm." Kenshin chuckled softly.
"But...I don't know, you should at least take a little time to do things for yourself." Ravel said.
"I do, it's called training." Kenshin said.
"Yes, but lately you've been too busy to even do that." Ravel said. "Helping everyone out with their training."
"Hmn..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "I guess. Maybe we could fix that, why don't the two of us go do something sometime?"
"H-Huh? !" Ravel squeaked.
"Why not? I could use some time to unwind a bit and really, with helping Issei find a magician and being our manager, you've more than earned a day off." Kenshin grinned.
"...I...I'd love to." Ravel said, her cheeks tinted red.
"Heheh." Kenshin said as he started rubbing Ravel's back.
"Aahn..." Ravel let out a short gasp.
"Oh?" Kenshin said. "Ravel, your back's got a couple of knots. Here, I'll rub them out."
"Aah, haaa, umg..." Ravel sighed out. "K-Kenshin-Sama, that's not necessary...mmh!"
"It's no trouble Ravel." Kenshin said.
"Kenshin-Sama..." Ravel sighed out after Kenshin finished. "Thank you..."
"You're welcome." Kenshin smiled.
"Um...Kenshin-Sama...can I...admit something else?" Ravel asked.
"What is it?" Kenshin asked.
"Ever since you beat Onii-Sama. I've admired you." Ravel said. "You stopped yourself from killing him, you beat some sense into him, and even after what he did to Rias-Sama, what he said to you...you helped him." Ravel said.
"Well...that was also Issei." Kenshin said. "He helped too and you met him first."
"I know." Ravel nodded. "But...remember...back in Makai? After the Tears came up missing."
(flashback)
Kenshin entered Ravel and Raiser's room in Gold Castle. Raiser was consoling his little sister. He turned to Kenshin and got up. "Ravel, I'm going to get some air. Kenshin's here so speak with him.
Kenshin was pulled out of the room by Raiser and the door closed. "Look." Raiser said. "She feels terrible about all this...and really I don't blame her." He said.
"I talked to her earlier, I already know." Kenshin nodded.
"Just...try not to make her feel any worse. I know you won't mean to, but." Raiser was cut off.
"I understand Raiser." Kenshin nodded. "Leave it to me."
"OK." Raiser nodded and left.
Kenshin poked his head in the room. "Hey." Kenshin said with a smile. "Can I come in?"
"Y-Yes." Ravel said.
"What's wrong?" Kenshin asked. "I told you not to feel so bad about this earlier, didn't I?"
"I-I know, but I can't help it. You needed those made and I neglected to keep them safe." Ravel said.
"Ravel." Kenshin pet her head. "You know that guy we ran into at the Pyramid? The only that was hurting Sphinx-San?"
"Y-Yes." Ravel said.
"It turns out that he, Forbesii came here and swiped the tears before going back to Maouzyou. He killed the two guards and took off with them." Kenshin said.
"..." Ravel stared at Kenshin with a frightened look.
"So, if that's how they turned up missing, then I'm relieved that you weren't here." Kenshin said. "No amount of Phoenix Tears are worth losing you."
"...Hee..." Ravel's eyes began to tear up as she crashed into Kenshin's chest. "Kenshin-Samaaaa!" She cried out.
(flashback end)
"You lost a strategic advantage, but all you cared about was that I wasn't there when they turned up missing." Ravel said.
"Well of course. Phoenix Tears are Phoenix Tears, but there's only one of you." Kenshin said with a smile.
Ravel's face heated up. "K...Kenshin-Sama. Do you remember when you woke up during the final battle against the Demon King?"
"Vaguely." Kenshin said.
"You..." Ravel said. "You saw me crying...and you kissed me."
"..." Kenshin stared at her. "I did...huh?"
"Mmh..." Ravel nodded. "Kenshin-Sama...c-can I sit on your lap?"
"Uh..." Kenshin looked at their states of undress.
"Please?" Ravel said looking back at him, a hopeful look in her eyes.
"...OK." Kenshin said.
Ravel smiled and rose up, letting Kenshin sit down, before sitting on his lap. Kenshin filled the basin with water and poured it on her back, washing the suds off. She leaned back, his chest against her back. "I know why Koneko-San is so eager to sit here, it's a very comfortable spot." She giggled softly.
"..." Kenshin glanced away with a grin. "I guess?" He said unsurely. "Don't make this awkward body, please..." He thought.
"Kenshin-Sama, I want to continue being your manager." Ravel said.
"That's fine. Issei and I wouldn't want anyone else as our manager." Kenshin chuckled.
"Hmhmhm." Ravel giggled, readjusting her position.
"Hnn.." Kenshin groaned quietly as her backside grazed his groin.
"Did I hurt you?" Ravel asked with a concerned look.
"Nah." Kenshin shook his head.
"Um." Ravel said. "Kenshin-Sama."
"What is it now?" Kenshin asked with a smile.
"Um..m..my lips still tingle whenever I think about that kiss." Ravel said glancing back at him shyly.
"Do they now?" Kenshin asked.
"Um...Um..." Ravel kept glancing at Kenshin's lips.
"..." Kenshin smiled. "Go ahead."
"E-Eh? !" Ravel said, her cheeks dyed red.
"You want to kiss me. Go ahead." Kenshin said.
"!" Ravel's eyes widened. "You don't care?"
"I said it didn't I?" Kenshin asked.
"..." Ravel swallowed a lump in her throat before moving in, her heart hammering away in her chest.
"..." Kenshin leaned forward, his lips touching hers for a second.
"!" Ravel stared at him as she felt the sensation of her lips touching his for a brief moment.. "Why...did you pull back?"
"Well, you seem really nervous, so I decided to do it and see how you'd react." Kenshin said. "Did it feel good?"
"N-Not as good as the first one." Ravel said.
"...Again?" Kenshin asked.
"Mm..." Ravel shyly nodded.
Kenshin moved his lips back in and kissed her. He led her along as she tried to figure it out. However the Phenex girl surprised him by slipping her left hand behind his neck and pulling him as close to her as she could, the surprise allowing her to easily pry his lips apart with her tongue.
However from here she was lost. Kenshin knew it as he clamped his lips down on her tongue and gave it a small suck as a tease. He laughed to himself as he heard her moan.
"Mmrrrnn..." Ravel's expression became one of irritation as she shifted her hips against him.
"Mrngh? !" Kenshin felt her hips and behind rub his groin, making him let out a groan in response.
"Hmhmn..." Ravel laughed into him, her previous shyness replaced with a desire to keep up with him.
"..." The two broke apart again, this time with Ravel smiling at him. "That was better."
"Hmn, very well then." Kenshin said. "Now...I seriously should get out of here soon."
"I know, but...could...I maybe have one more?" Ravel asked.
"...You're getting awfully daring and greedy this morning Ravel." Kenshin said with a sighing smile.
"Please?" Ravel said.
"...Alright." Kenshin said as he moved his lips forward one more time.
(splash!)
"? !" Kenshin and Ravel turned to find a head poking out of the water, a girl with black hair began emerging from the water.
"I, went under for about thirty minutes."
"O...Ophis how long have you been there?" Kenshin asked.
"I just told you, thirty minutes." Ophis stated matter o factly.
"Wait, I got here twenty minutes ago and your clothes weren't in the changing room. Did you come down here naked?" Kenshin asked.
"..." Ophis nodded.
"..." Kenshin and Ravel stared at her for a moment.
"That's adorable..." Ravel whispered.
"That's...concerning." Kenshin whispered at the same time.
"..." Ophis stared back at the two.
"Ufufufu." Ravel giggled. "I can't win against her."
"Haa." Kenshin sighed and smiled. "Come on, let's get out of here."
Kenshin bid Ravel adieu and took Ophis up to her room and got her dressed. He then started brushing her hair. "Don't make a habit out of that."
"But everyone was asleep." Ophis said.
"I don't care." Kenshin said. "If you wanna walk around naked, please do it only in this room, OK?"
"...OK." Ophis said.
"Huh, that actually worked. Not sure why, I expected a little more fight back there." Kenshin thought.
"Alright, you want your hair tied or do you want me to leave it as is?" Kenshin asked.
"Can you tie it like the Sister's?" Ophis said.
"Uhhh?" Kenshin said.
"The orange one." Ophis clarified.
"Irina?" Kenshin said.
"..." Ophis nodded.
"Well I'll try." Kenshin said taking out a couple of hair ties. He divvied up roughly half of Ophis' hair and tied it into a side tail, the took the other half and did the same. "Hrm...How does she get to the start to stick up before going down?" Kenshin wondered.
"It doesn't have to be exact." Ophis said.
"Hm..alright." Kenshin shrugged. He walked in front of Ophis and brushed her bangs until they resembled roughly what Irina's looked like. "There."
(knock knock)
"Uh come in!" Kenshin said.
"?" The girl in question that Kenshin was modeling Ophis' hair after came in. "What are you doing in here Kenshin?"
"Just getting Ophis ready for the day." Kenshin said.
"Oh, you already came to wake her up." Irina said.
"No, she slipped into the baths before I went in and I just never realized she was there."
"Oh." Irina said.
"..." Kenshin glanced between the two girls. The way he was standing blocked view of Ophis completely. He turned and grinned, leaning over and whispering into Ophis' ear. "Hey, remember back at the mall when you shapeshifted into a mash up of Rias and I?"
"..." Ophis nodded.
"Well..." Kenshin whispered into her ear some more.
"What are you doing over there?" Irina said with a suspicious glare.
Kenshin stepped to the side as Ophis stood up and turned around. "Hey Irina, I didn't know you and Issei had a kid already."
"W-Wha? !" Irina said as she ran up to them. "W-Wait, that's my hair color and style, and Issei's eye color and shape...but wait...when did...I...wh-Whaaaaaa? ! !" Irina's face turned scarlet.
"...OK...I wasn't expecting you to take it that way..." Kenshin said. "You do remember that you have to wait nine months at a minimum to have a kid right?"
"..." A look of realization flashed across Irina's face. "OH! Oh my god." She let out a relieved laugh Ophis' features reverted to normal. "Wait, she still has my hairstyle." She pointed out.
"She wanted me to do her hair up like yours." Kenshin answered.
"..." Irina blinked with a faint blush. "R-Really?"
"I couldn't get it down completely though. How do you get the starts of the tails to point up?" Kenshin said.
"Hm?" Irina looked in the mirror. "Oh wow...I never noticed that before."
"So you have no answer for me?" Kenshin asked.
"Honestly, No." Irina said. "My best guess would be that I tie it so tightly that it just makes them look thicker at the start, thus the illusion of it pointing up." (1 )
"I'll go with it." Kenshin shrugged.
(Break)
Undisclosed Location.
A couple of Khaos Brigade Magicians were talking "So, how is the final confirmation from the Stray Magicians coming along?" Magician A asked.
"There's no problem, it looks like they will enjoy themselves, but there's a problem." Magician B said.
"Problem?" Magician A asked.
"There's this extra man there, he's not a magician, calling himself Hein. Claiming to be sent by the Shinigami." Magician B.
"The fuckin' God of Death? Which one? Hades, Thanatos, Osiris, The Fourth Freakin' Horseman?" Magician A snorted. "That third one would be odd though."
"He said he was sent by Shinigami Yama." Magician B said.
"..." Magician A went silent. "That guy? The girl we just received also came from him."
"Hein said Yama is the Primordial of Death. A being that's supposed to be in a set with the Primordial of Life. That bastard, the Dragon of the Elements." Magician B said.
"Hrm...well it's not necessarily a problem. If this Hein character wants to help, we won't complain." Magician A said.
"Still this is nuts, like Shalba and Cao Cao nuts." Magician B said. "With the girl and Hein being unknowns we have to avoid the Dragon of the Elements like a goddamn plague and the Sekiryuutei less so, but still to face either one down is suicide for us."
"Oh come on, everything we've been doing lately has been insane, we're past the point of turning back." Magician A said.
"I guess. We have been running into that traitor Hakuryuukou everywhere we've been going." Magician B said. "Why is he searching for the Dragon Gravesites?"
"Who knows and who cares." Magician A grunted. "The three of them should dance amongst themselves and leave us alone."
The two returned to their base, presumable to inform their leader of the news.
(chapter end)
Draconis: Sorry this took so long. But I have a better excuse.
Hikari: Oh really?
Draconis: I've been helping my brother take care of his daughter.
Hikari: Awww.
Kenshin: Really? So we're both dealing with fatherhood.
Draconis: Unclehood, but whatever. Chapters might come out a bit slow. Anyway see you all later.
Footnotes
(1 ) I'll be covering some of the side stories in...well my side story
(2 ) Anyone reading this that's a hairdresser...please go easy on me if I'm wrong.