Draconis: Well better get on this before I start putting it off.
Kenshin: Wait, have people been ragging on you?
Draconis: No, but I will say this. I write these on my own time. Some chapters take a few days, others take far longer. I'm not going anywhere, but sometimes life gets in the way. Damn it Kenshin stop getting in my way!
Kenshin: (sarcastically) Ha ha ha.
Draconis: Alright let's get started.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 88
A Sudden Attack
(start)
Early the next morning.
Kenshin, having just come in from training spotted Diehauser Belial as he was headed back to Auros Academy. "Huh? What's he doing out here?" He wondered as he approached the Rating Game Emperor.
As he approached Belial, he heard another voice talking to him. "..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes using Serene Mind to hide himself, using what partial mastery he had over his youki and senjutsu to layer over it.
"...Damn it...I can't make out anything they're saying." Kenshin muttered.
Soon the conversation ended and Belial walked toward him. "..." Kenshin walked out from behind the tree he was hiding behind.
"!" Diehauser's eyes widened in surprise. "Him? ! Why wasn't I able to sense him? !" He thought.
"You seem shocked that I'm here." Kenshin crossed his arms. "Am I not supposed to be?"
"It's a free underworld." Diehauser said. "In some places anyway."
"So who were you speaking to?" Kenshin asked.
"An aide of mine." Diehauser said.
"This far out in the forest?" Kenshin asked.
"Well what were you doing?" Diehauser asked.
"Training. I always go through a short hour long regimen when I wake up. I like having nature around me." Kenshin said. "If I can help it." He added.
"He was updating me on matters in my clan." Diehauser said.
"Really? Seems like something that could have taken place behind closed doors in Agreas or at one of the rooms at Auros. Why come all the way out here?" Kenshin asked.
"..." Diehauser closed his eyes.
"Come to think of it, why even bother with Sona's academy at all? I didn't hear you or your clan voicing support for it during the meetings." Kenshin said. "Why not just go to Agreas, shoot your movie and be on your way?"
"..." Diehauser opened his eyes. "You don't trust me."
"...No...I don't." Kenshin said with narrowed eyes. "An Ultimate Class devil bordering on Super Devil status, not trying to become a Satan? It's always struck me as odd given how selfish we Devils are supposed to be. To be honest...you don't feel like you have any ambition at all, honestly you're so strong that Rating Games themselves have likely become boring to you."
"If that isn't the pot calling the kettle black." Diehauser mused.
"My ambition is peace. To be rid of war once and for all." Kenshin said.
"Your ambition is unattainable." Diehauser said with narrowed eyes. "War will always be."
"It's still important to try isn't it?" Kenshin asked.
"..." Diehauser went silent.
"I carry the legacy of my clans on my shoulders...and their wish for peace. I will achieve it." Kenshin said.
"You think you're the only one here searching for justice?" Diehauser asked. "Peace is your clans' justice after all."
"?" Kenshin narrowed his eyes.
Diehauser walked toward him before stopping right next to him. "Know this Kenshin Kuroshi. That town you're living in...it didn't always belong to the Gremory and Sitri girls you so fancy."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kenshin asked.
"I will find out what truly happened to her, no matter the cost." Diehauser said.
"Her?" Kenshin said.
"Cleria Belial...my cousin." Diehauser said before turning away.
"..." Kenshin went silent before staring at Diehauser's back. "It's every Rating Game player's ambition to be able to take you down. You're the Emperor. Hell you're a hero for defending the Underworld . You'd throw it all away for this?"
"To find justice for my beloved cousin, who was more of a little sister to me...absolutely...and if that path pits me against the Underworld...so be it." Diehauser said. "Did you not go against your world yourself to protect your family?"
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes, not answering his question.
"If that's the path I must take. It will be an honor to face the reincarnation of the man I was never strong enough to fight all those years ago." Diehauser said with a hard look.
Kenshin matched it and approached the Rating Game Champion. "I sincerely wish it doesn't come to that, but...a chance to test my might against the Rating Game Champion himself." He held out his hand. "The only greater honor in battle as a Devil that I can think of is to be able to fight one of the Satans themselves at their absolute best."
"Hmn..." Diehauser allowed a small smile to appear on his face as he shook his hand. "You may have had a harsh upbringing and lived as an assassin, but I can tell boy...no...Kenshin. That you carry yourself with honor."
"The Underworld is my home and the home of those I care about. It's less about honor and more about protecting my home." Kenshin said. "Though if your investigation does lead you down a dark path. Do not harm anyone I care about. Hell I would greatly appreciate it if you didn't kill anyone at all."
"Hmn, some things are unavoidable." Diehauser said. "You are free to tell this to your friends and superiors. In the end it makes little difference. After all I might find my suspicions to be unwarranted." He said as he teleported away.
"..." Kenshin stared at the space Diehauser occupied before teleporting away. He appeared in Sona's office where Sona was sorting paper work. "You're up early."
"I could say the same about you Kenshin." Sona said not looking up from her papers. "What is it? I have no time for extracurricular activities right now, so if you're here for that, please be patient."
"Hahahaha, no. I'm not here for some fun, but I need to tell you something regardless." Kenshin said as his expression changed from humored to serious.
"Hm?" Sona looked up at him. "What is it?"
"Diehauser Belial is considering turning traitor." Kenshin said.
"..." Sona set her papers down and crossed her fingers in front of her face. "I assume you have proof?"
"Nothing physical or concrete, but I bumped into him earlier." Kenshin said.
"And?" Sona said.
"Do you or Rias happen to know what happened to the person who previously wardened Kuoh before you two?" Kenshin asked. "A Cleria Belial?"
"..." Sona stroked her chin with a thoughtful look. "The name sounds familiar, but I'm sorry. I don't know anything. I don't think Rias does either."
"I see...well I ask her anyway to be sure." Kenshin said.
"Why though?" Sona asked. "Why bother with it?"
"Because Cleria Belial is Diehauser Belial's cousin. He wants to find out what happened to her, he doesn't care what it costs." Kenshin said.
"...Hrmn...I see...it made me curious that he would bother showing up here. Neither he nor his clan voiced support for this Academy and he has a busy schedule as it is." Sona said. "Thank you for bringing this up...but I'm not sure what we can do about him."
"I know...that's the difficult part." Kenshin said. "Onto lighter subjects however." He approached Sona. "I'm glad you were able to get your dream realized." He said with a smile.
"Hmn." Sona smiled and walked up to him. "Like I said. I doubt it would have been possible without yours and Rias' support."
"Oh come on." Kenshin chuckled. "I don't even own land with which to build a house on yet. You could have done it without me."
"Still...members of the devil council and my sister and her fellow Satans respect what you have to say." Sona said. "Though you don't have a house physically. You are respected in the council."
"I suppose." Kenshin said. "Though the Great King Faction still gives me shit."
"Well...as you say...screw them." Sona said before pulling Kenshin's head down, kissing him on the lips.
"..." Kenshin wrapped his arms around her and kissed back.
"So, should I tell anyone?" Sona asked after they separated.
"Hmn..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes. "I'll tell Rias, you can tell Serafall if you want, but Diehauser could find the answer he's looking for without turning traitor, that is a possibility so all I'm saying is keep an eye on him." (1 )
"Alright." Sona said with a nod. "Now go I still have work to do."
"Heheh, yes ma'am." Kenshin chuckled and left the room.
Meanwhile Issei was still in bed asleep. He was originally sharing the room and it's bunk bed with Kenshin, but he himself was gone to train obviously, so he left a clone in his bed. Why? Well the night before Asia and Ravel had slipped into their room and Ravel was wearing one of Kenshin's shirts, sleeping against the clone, using it's arm as a pillow and her legs wrapped around his own.
Asia wore what Issei would call a seductive negligee and she was wrapped around Issei in a similar way to how Ravel was on Kenshin.
The real Kenshin entered the room and dispelled the clone. "Hmnnn?" Ravel awoke from the lack of warmth and sat up, she found Kenshin entering the bathroom without a shirt on. Having left the door open Ravel followed him in to see him rubbing shaving cream on his face. "Good morning Kenshin-Sama." Ravel yawned.
"Mornin'" Kenshin said. "How did you get in our room? It's no bother. I'm just curious."
"Well...Xenovia-Sama and Irina-Sama dragged Asia-Sama away so I followed them here and found out that they were going to try and slip in here and found out they were going to try to assault you two in your sleep." Ravel said.
Kenshin let out a humored snort at this as he shaved down hair on his cheeks. "Xenovia's gonna do that on the day I'm in heat and regret it...or maybe not..." Kenshin said rolling his eyes. "Yet I don't see the baby crazed blunette or the love struck angel in here."
"Hehe~" Ravel stuck out her tongue with a cute giggle. "That's because we played Rock Paper Scissors for the right and Asia and I won."
"Hahahaha." Kenshin chuckled as he shaved down his jawline. "Sorry if I woke you earlier getting out of bed."
"W-Why did you?" Ravel said with a shy look. "Was I a nuisance?"
"Wha? No. I always try to get up early for a brief workout, you know that." Kenshin said reaching over to pet her head while shaving his neck. "Agh." As he finished petting her. He nicked himself, opening a wound.
"!" Ravel's eyes widened seeing the blood. "K-Kenshin-Sama are you al-mmph!" Kenshin slapped his hand over her mouth.
"Shhh, people are sleeping. I'm fine I just cut myself with the razor." Kenshin said. "OK?" Ravel nodded slowly and he pulled his hand away, finishing up. He let out a sigh and wiped the blood away with a tissue and pulled out a bottle of blue liquid.
"What's that?" Ravel asked.
"Aftershave." Kenshin said pouring some into his hands. "Well...here goes nothing..." He said putting those hands on his face. "!" Kenshin's teeth clenched as he forced his hands to rub over his face.
"A-Are you OK?" Ravel said seeing the obviously pained expression on Kenshin's face.
"F-Fine." Kenshin said. "This part's actually supposed to hurt."
"D-Do you need any help?" Ravel asked.
"No. I'm alright." Kenshin said letting out a sigh before washing his hands and face, drying it off with a towel. "Sorry about the smell, the aftershave can be a little overpowering and I tend to use more than I need, it's going to be there for awhile."
"It's fine." She said as the two exited the bathroom.
"No...these pant...s I'm going to wear...Issei-San...you can't have...eat them..." The two heard Asia mumble in her sleep.
"Seriously? Fafnir's appearing in her dreams?" Issei mumbled as he sat up. He looked over to find Kenshin and Ravel. "Huh?" He said seeing the former shirtless, while the latter wore one of the former's shirts. He narrowed his eyes. "Did you two...?"
"!" Ravel's face went cherry red while Kenshin snorted. "Relax Dingus. I just shaved and that's one of my spares she's wearing." He said raising the shirt he was just wearing up. "Why would I try that with you in the room?"
"Oh." Issei nodded. "Sorry Ravel."
"I-It's OK." Ravel nodded shakily.
(break)
Everyone was gathered in the dining hall of the girls dorm. "Dude, could you take it easy on the nitrates?" Yukari said seeing a lot of bacon on Kenshin's plate.
"What? I haven't had bacon in awhile." Kenshin snorted. "It's not like I have a heart problem anymore thanks to Asia."
"Yeah but still.." Yukari said with narrowed eyes.
"Oh Onee-Chan let him be. He'll obviously put in the extra work." Miyuki said before turning to Asia. "So Fafnir came to you in your dream?"
"Yes. He said he was going to go into the depths of Albion-San's Sacred Gear." Asia said.
"Hmn?" Granberia looked over at her. "Won't that been a bother to Vali?"
"Actually Ddraig, Albion and even Kenshin's spirits have places they can go to inside either the wielder's soul or the gear where they won't be bothered by the wielder or vice versa." Issei said.
"I see." Granberia said.
"Berry worried about her new boyfriend?" Alma said.
"!" Granberia rounded on her. "H-He's not my boyfriend! We're just sparring partners!"
"Uh huh." Alma said with a cheshire like grin.
"You-!" Granberia growled.
"Children please." Kenshin said taking a sip out of the cup in his hand. "So, Valerie. I noticed you sitting in on every class available yesterday."
"Oh, yes Evangeline-San said it would be good to branch out." Valerie said with a slightly timid nod, feeling put on the spot.
"She may not want to go down my path is all." Evangeline said taking a sip of her wine. "Certainly doesn't feel like a being that would favor darkness."
"So, where is Sairaorg's peerage?" Rias asked.
"He's helping Belial-Sama with his movie." Saji said. "They'll be here this afternoon."
"Ah." Rias nodded.
(break)
An assembly took place in the auditorium of Auros Academy. While Rias and Akeno gave an introduction to the King and Queen pieces Issei and Kenshin spoke. "You seen Seekvaira yet?" Kenshin asked.
"No, it's weird, it's like she's not here at all. I even tried calling her a few times and got no answer." Issei said.
"Hrmn...well she is the heiress of her clan which is Archduke in rank." Kenshin said. "Maybe she's just been busy."
"Yeah I guess." Issei said. "Oh, looks like they're done." Issei said seeing Rias and Akeno coming back.
"Now before we adjourn for the day, we have a few other special guests that some of you might have already met separately." Sona announced.
"Thank you Sona." Kenshin said as he walked up on the stage. "Hello everyone. For those of you that don't know me. I'm Kuroshi Tsuki Kenshin. Dragon of the Elements or more popularly known as the Lust Dragon." Kenshin said. "I wanted to take some time to speak with you all about a subject that still has yet to be covered. You might know if you watch the news from time to time that the Underworld is now allied with the World of Demons, Makai." He said. "With that in mind I'd like to introduce some demons or Youkai rather to you all."
Several figures stepped on the stage with him. "First off, there is myself." Kenshin said. "Little known fact about me here in the Underworld, is that my family was native to Makai first. I am part dragon and part cat." Kenshin said.
"What kind?" One of the kids asked.
"Aah?" Kenshin stroked his chin in thought. "That's...actually a good question. I've never bothered to find out."
Everyone let out a laugh at this. "Anyway, first up. This lady here." He walked up to the person at the far left. "Is Erubetie. She is the Queen of the Slime youkai."
"Why is she not wearing anything?" One of the adults asked.
"Because clothes would just get soggy and eventually just melt away in my body. If it helps I hide my supposed 'shame' by making my body anatomically incorrect." Erubetie said as Kenshin held the mic in front of her face. "Also, I am actually a colony of tens of thousands of separate slimes, with my mind maintaining dominion over them. They are me, and I am them." She said.
"So, did you eat them?" One of the boys asked.
"A few, yes. The most recent one I've added to my being was an unruly one who tried to poison my home." Erubetie said. "Over half were just other sickly or dying slimes that I saved."
"Dying?" A girl asked.
"Most slimes outside of myself cannot live in areas without clean, pure water." Erubetie said. "Some try to leave the spring we call home, but most are forced to come back. If youkai are to attend this academy in the near future please keep in mind that we abhor pollution." She nodded toward Kenshin and he pulled the mic away.
"Next is a fellow type of Dragon known as Dragonkin. A humanoid type of them. Her name is Granberia." He said handing her the mic.
"Hello young ones. My name is Granberia. The Dragon Knight and former retainer to her highness the Queen of Demons." Granberia said. "Any questions?"
"Do you have to get that armor of yours repaired regularly?" One of the teenage boys asked.
"I can make repairs to it myself." Granberia answered. "I've never had a need for money so I learned how keep my armor and blade in optimal condition."
"Are the scales hard to keep clean?" Another boy asked.
"Not typically, unless I just decided to go slogging around in the mud during a fight, which has happened before, that was annoying." Granberia said with her eyes closed.
"Who's stronger, you or the Lust Dragon?" A girl asked.
"Loathe as I am to admit it, he is, but it won't be that way forever." Granberia said glancing at Kenshin who merely grinned in response.
"What's your sword's name? I hear all the great fighters have a name for their weapons." One of the children's parents asked.
"Ares. And actually the blade wasn't always mine either. It was passed down to me by my mother." Granberia said.
"This question is for both Kenshin-Sama and yourself. In the news of Makai's new alliance with us he achieved a new form he called the Abyssal Elemental Overdrive that made him resemble you in a way Granberia-San. So with that in mind are you two related in some way?" Another parent asked.
Kenshin and Granberia glanced at each other. "I'm not quite sure." Granberia said handing Kenshin the mic.
"Yeah I'll have to check my family tree." Kenshin said before walking to the next person. "Next is the Succubus Queen Alma Elma. Though for the parents' peace of mind I forced her to wear this martial artist's gi." He said handing Alma the mic.
"Ufufufu~ You talk like I didn't like the one you picked out Kenshin-Chan." Alma said with a wink.
Kenshin pulled the mic over to him again. "Keep it PG." He said.
"Mou, spoilsport." Alma pouted. "Alright, the main reason Kenshin-Chan asked me to be here is because I'm an expert in unarmed combat, though if you have questions about my kind I'll answer those as well."
"Would you be open to teaching your skills to others?" One of the parents asked.
"Of course. It's fun having someone to do it with." Alma said.
"Umm..." The same parent said.
"Relax I meant that innocently." Alma said with a laugh.
"Hrm...Considering what you are Miss Alma, would you be open to acting as special instructor for when some of the students come to the age where they start wondering about their bodies and the opposite sex?" Another parent asked.
"Well that should really be your responsibility as the parent to give the birds and the bees talk, but if you're unavailable I suppose it wouldn't be too much trouble." Alma said. "Unlike some of you, I wouldn't be embarrassed about it. It's natural." Some of the teenagers blushed and looked away at this.
"Um, ma'am. Does your kind turn other people into your kind, or do you have children?" One of the mothers asked.
"Hm? Well some people can be turned into Succubi and Incubi yes, but for the most part we give birth like anyone else." Alma said. "Case in point, Kenshin-Chan here has incubus genes somewhere in his own ancestry."
"If youkai from Makai are going to attend the academy, will the...ahem...student succubi and incubi be a problem?" This question came from Sona herself.
"We know how to ask for consent if that's what you mean. Can't expect us to go forever without it." Alma said before tossing the mic back to Kenshin.
"Right..." Kenshin said. "Next is my Queen Piece, Tamamo no Mae." He said handing the mic to Tamamo.
"Hello everyone. As he said my name is Tamamo. I was adviser to the Demon Queen before Kenshin added me to his peerage, saving my life." Tamamo said. "If anyone here recalls. I also double as the Queen of Beasts." A young boy raises his hand. "Yes?"
"Who is stronger you or Yasaka, the other fox lady?" He asked.
"Yasaka is a good friend of mine, but I'm stronger than her at my best. She is a Taiyoukai or Demon Lord. I am an Ancestral Youkai, one of the first ever." Tamamo said.
"So you're a Granny?" Another boy asked.
"Tchahahahahahaha!" Alice, who was also on the stage started laughing loudly.
"..." Tamamo's brow twitched, glaring at Alice. "I would appreciate it if I wasn't called that."
"So are you stronger than Kenshin-Sama?" One of the girls asked.
"I don't know anymore. He's getting better all of the time, and I still need to adjust to my power which had been sealed for a long time." Tamamo said.
"...How do you keep your tails so fluffy?" A boy said with an awed look.
"Hmhmhmhmhm." Tamamo giggled from behind her fan. "That's a secret."
"So, if asked you'd be willing to teach?" A parent asked.
"If they'll have me. Though I'll need to study the material ahead of time." Tamamo said before tossing Kenshin the mic.
"And lastly. This is the Demon Queen herself." Kenshin said handing the mic to Alice before leaning in. "I know you were watching, but just speak into it." He whispered.
"Hello everyone. It's nice to meet all of you. I am Alipheese Fateburn the Sixteenth, and I am the current Queen of Makai." She said with a smile.
"Oooohhh.." A murmur of oohs and aahs went through the crowd.
"Hmhmhm. Anyway. I am a Lamia, an echidna lamia to be exact." Alice said with a smile. "Tamamo over there was also my caretaker when I was young, and the other three as well as her, served as my Four Heavenly Knights...and I'm sorry for the headache." She said with a wince.
"Hahahaha." Everyone shared a laugh.
"Anyway...any questions?" Alice asked.
"You're really pretty for a Queen." A girl said.
"Oh, thank you." Alice giggled.
"Don't let the looks fool you! She's a total glutton!" Kenshin said without a mic.
(smack!)
Kenshin's face hit the ground as Alice smacked him over the head. "Yes, well...I prefer the term gourmet." She muttered into the mic.
"Umh...if what Lust Dragon-Sama says is true, you must be full." One of the boys said pointing at her.
"Hm?" Alice said looking down at her abdomen where a small bump had begun to develop. "Yes...I guess you could say that." Alice said with a fond smile.
"..." Kenshin stared at her. "She's showing this soon?" He thought.
Alice handed him the mic and Kenshin leaned in. "Can we talk later." He whispered.
"Of course." She said sneaking a kiss on Kenshin's cheek and handing him the mic.
"Alright. That's all for the youkai introduction. It's best to leave some of it to your interpretation after all." Kenshin said. "Next to speak is Issei Hyoudou, who will be going over contracts that a De-!"
"? !" Everyone on stage and backstage felt a creeping feeling surround them.
"What the? !" Yukari said.
"The sky...is turning white?" Chachamaru said with narrowed eyes.
"..." Kenshin and Sona shared a look before nodding toward one another as the latter activated her magic and spoke. "All potential students, families and speakers please come to the School building in an orderly fashion. I repeat. Please come to the school building immediately in an orderly fashion."
"I can't get in contact with the outside." Akeno said after everyone came backstage. I'm trying to contact your parents Rias and there's nothing."
"Shit, I can't either." Evangeline grunted.
"No...not even teleportation works." Miyuki said. "This feeling...Koneko does anything feel off to you?"
"No, the trees and grasses around the areas feel real." Koneko shook her head.
"Damn, so it's not Dimension Lost." Miyuki grunted. "I thought maybe it had moved to another user."
Two holograms appeared, one of Sairaorg the other of Gondul. "What's going on?"
"We can presume that a barrier has been placed around the whole country." Gondul said.
"The whole country? !" Issei said.
"This isn't good." Rias said. "The Agares territory is one of the largest in the Underworld."
"Yes. This town and Agreas in particular are covered in an eclipse shaped barrier." Gondul said. "On top of that. We magicians have had our magic sealed." She said craning her head forward exposing a seal on her forehead. "We did not do this."
"Shit, everyone check your magic." Kenshin said. "Card Equip All." He, Yukari and Miyuki all intoned. They felt the elements around them flare up. "Unequip." They all intone before calling for their mana and youki.
"We're good." Yukari said.
"Same here." Hikari nodded.
"I can access my stores with minimal problems." Chachamaru said. "The ones that were there anyway."
"I'm fine." Evangeline said.
"Same." Alma said.
"We have no problems." Granberia and Erubetie nod.
"Nothing wrong here." Tamamo said.
"I probably won't be fighting, but I'm fine too." Alice said.
"We're OK." Tertium and Sextum said.
A magic circle appeared next to Kenshin's head. "Kenshin, give me an update, what's going on? The sky just turned white."
"I'll make this quick, so listen up Mana." Kenshin said.
"I can use my magic too." Rossweisse said.
"Hrm...it seems it's just limited to the magicians here in the assembly hall." Gondul said. "Still to do this without us even noticing their presence?"
"So that's how it is." Mana said. "Alright I'll keep my eyes out for any suspicious activity."
"Stay on the line. There's more to hear." Kenshin said.
"There's someone on the enemy side that can pull this off?" Saji said with a sarcastic smile. "Great..."
"I can come up with a theory, but none of you are going to like it." Gondul said. "There's an Evil Dragon that is said to have mastered over a thousand magics...the Diabloism Thousand Dragon..."
"Great, another Evil Dragon to deal with." Yukari sighed.
"Still even if he does know this seal...to do it on such a scale...it should be impossible to seal the magicians on such a caliber." Irina said with a pensive look.
"Unless...the power of the spell was enhanced." Sona said.
"Tch..." Kenshin and Issei grunted. "The replica Boosted Gear." Issei said.
"We're going to be attacked by Euclid Lucifuge." Kenshin said.
"Which means Heinrich and Negi won't be too far behind." Miyuki said.
"Good, I finally figured out how to snap that apparatus." Yukari said crossing her arms.
"Well I'm coming with you if we find her." Miyuki said.
"Do what you want." Yukari shrugged.
"Wait, so you think the barrier and seal you all are under are both being enhanced by Euclid at the same times." Issei said. "Then couldn't I boost the despell?"
"It's a good idea I'll admit, but we have to assume that they've planned for that as well." Sona said. "So we can't do that."
"We keep the civilians safe and defeat the enemy first." Evangeline said. "Breaking out comes after."
"Still...it's going to be difficult to deal with if they keep on using that procedure." Akeno said with an unsure expression.
"Yes, but it's not something that they can use wantonly." Sextum said.
"Yes, looking at the formula itself. It's quite complicated." Tertium said.
"Obviously it requires delicate maintenance to use, if even a single bit of the spell goes slips it could go haywire. Euclid Lucifuge must be quite adept at using that replica."
"..." Issei closed his eyes. "The fake is better than the genuine article huh?"
"He's not better than you at using the Boosted Gear." Kenshin said making Issei turn to him. "He's better than you at controlling his mana. There's a big difference."
"Alright, we need to establish their objectives before we get to work on stopping them." Rias said.
"Their first objective is us. That much is certain." Gondul said. "They want the information on Trihexa that we possess."
"..." Rossweisse closed her eyes, letting out a nervous sigh.
"..." Kenshin glanced at her. "She's nervous...I can't blame her." He thought.
"Yes, but if it's you, why did they hit Agreas too?" Sairaorg said.
"...The technology of the Old Satan Era." Ravel said.
"...Yes, the technology of the Old Satan Era is kept on Agreas. There are still things that we can't decipher in there and the institute owned by Ajuka-Sama is still investigating it." Sona said.
"Still, Agreas isn't without it's defenses, even if we weren't here." Sairaorg said.
"Yes, the Agares Clan keeps a steady eye on the city and it's defenses." Rias said.
"Unless...!" Kenshin turned to Gondul. "You said that the entire country is under this barrier, right?"
"Yes." Gondul said.
"And correct me if I'm wrong, but Lord Agares took most of his servants with him to help repair any remaining damages in Lilith?" Kenshin said looking over at Sona.
"I...believe so..." Sona said.
"What are you getting at Kenshin?" Rias said.
"Issei you told me earlier that you've been constantly unable to get a hold of Seekvaira?" Kenshin said.
"Yeah." Issei said.
"Wait, Kenshin are you trying to say that...?" Sairaorg said.
"I hope I'm wrong." Kenshin said opening a communication circle. "Put me through to Lady Agares." He said holding the communication circle in his outstretched hand.
"Hello? ! Who is this? !" The panicked voice of Lady Agares said.
"Ma'am I need you to calm yourself, what happened?" Kenshin asked.
"Haa..haa..we've been attacked." Lady Agares said.
"!" Shock washed through the room.
"Who was it? Did you get a look at them." Kenshin said.
"Oh I got a very good look at him! He tried to kill me!" Lady Agares shouted. "Some purple haired bastard wielding a strange sword that had an angelic aura!"
"...Heinrich." Kenshin said with a glare. "Where is your daughter?"
"He...He took her." Lady Agares said, anguish in her voice. "In exchange for sparing my life, Seekvaira went with him voluntarily."
"What? !" Issei shouted.
"Damn it." Kenshin cursed. "Don't worry Lady Agares we will get Seekvaira back."
"Please..." Lady Agares said as the connection closed.
"Hmrm..." Sairaorg grunted. "What should I expect? He's obviously coming here."
"Honestly? You'll practically be fighting me, only instead of Holy Cancel, I had Holy Powers." Kenshin said.
"So basically you if you were an angel." Sairaorg said with his eyes closed.
"Basically." Kenshin nodded. "So something is on Agreas that they want, question is what?"
"Maybe just the legacy of it, or something to do with Trihexa..." Gondul said with a pensive look.
"Or maybe they're trying to get to that other world." Rias said.
"..." Everyone went silent.
"Now hang on. If there is a barrier of this scale here, wouldn't someone on the outside of it be able to detect that something's off?" Issei said.
"Hmn..." Evangeline closed her eyes. "I recognize this type of barrier. It's similar to the ones I used on my resort back home as well as the Diorama Sphere which was destroyed."
"A time space distortion." Sona said.
"Yes. When I used it I made one day in my resort one hour outside. This seems to be a condensed version." Evangeline said.
"Yes, I would assume that one hour here is one minute outside." Chachamaru said.
"Still using something on the scale will definitely trim away your life. That's huge risk for even him to be taking." Gondul said.
"No, it isn't." Kenshin said. "Rizevim has one of Valerie Tepes' three Sephiroth Graals. Whatever damage is done to his Evil Dragons can be fixed with it."
"..." Valerie went silent, closing her eyes.
"Wasn't there protections put in place to prevent that after the assault on Lilith?" Tamamo asked.
"The Agares Clan was caught between their tourism interests and the military interests because a vital part of Agreas would have had to be shut down in order for the protections to be initiated." Sona said.
"Lovely." Kenshin grunted.
Before any more conversations could be had, a staff member burst into the room, panting heavily. "What is it?" Sona said.
"Haa...haa..haa..." He panted. "There...there's a vision in the sky."
Everyone ran outside. When they got there, A vision of Rizevim hung in the sky. "Uhyahyahyahyahya! It's everyone's idol! Rizevim-Sama. Hello Everyone! Long time no see! I guess there are terrible things happening to you. So allow me to give you the itinerary of our events."
"This cocky motherfucker..." Kenshin growled.
"So this is the man holding Ialda's strings." Tertium said.
"No, Yama put the apparatus on, but he loaned her out to this idiot." Yukari said.
"Now I'm sure you've all realized it, but we've covered the area in a barrier. The whole country in fact, and we've got the Princess of this land in hand as well." Rizevim said. "So you better shut down the security protocols on that island...I'd hate to muss up her pretty little face."
"Grrhhh..." Issei growled.
"Now, just because I'm here, doesn't mean I'm alone. Hah! Perish the thought! Who would do that? !" Rizevim said.
"Coward." Kenshin grunted.
"The one who did that was one of our allies, Ladon-San from the Evil Dragon army." Rizevim announced as a large dragon appeared behind him, that seemed to be a tree shaped dragon."
"..." Tertium glowered at this.
"It reminds you of Shirabe, doesn't it?" Sextum said.
"..." Tertium said nothing, but the slight welling of mana around him confirmed what she asked.
"He used to defend the golden apples from the First Generation Heracles." Rizevim said. "But we turned him into a regeneration monster with our secret artifact the Holy Grail, and we even improved his already monstrous defensive capabilities with our Longinus! We used that to cover the whole region!"
Euclid walked onto the screen with the Holy Grail in hand. "Gh!" Gasper growled, his mana spiking.
"Gasper..."Valerie said gripping his left wrist.
"I'm fine..." Gasper said.
"Also, for those of you in the town there. We sealed you all in there as well, a barrier within a barrier if you will!" Rizevim said a giant three headed dragon appeared behind him as well. "To do this we used the powers of Azi Dahaka there. He knows a thousand magics and his power was also enhanced by our replica Boosted Gear."
"Now then...this town has been sealed off as I said and the magician's magic has also been sealed, why you might ask? Well the magicians won't cooperate with us, so we've just decided to blow them away, and getting our hands on Agreas' technology is gravy, I mean my dear father and his fellows did create them. I should have them being his son."
"Why doesn't that bitch made motherfucker come down here and fight us himself?" Yuurei grumbled.
"I think you answered your own question Yuurei." Kenshin thought.
"Uhyahyahyahyahya~!" Rizevim laughed. "Also I'm sure the newly minted DxD team is over there too. So I propose a contest. My army of dragons and the Evil Dragon-Sama will head to you promptly...to both that village and Agreas...so I implore you, try to stop them...it will make this soooo much more interesting." Rizevim said before snapping his fingers.
"? !" Everyone looked back down to see numerous purple colored columns of flame erupting in Auros, surrounding the town. "This is Incinerate Anthem!" Rias said.
"So that's about the gist of it, the games begin in three hours." Rizevim said as his vision disappeared.
"Alright, we have to move fast." Kenshin said. "Everyone into the village and evacuate, get everyone into the academy now. However, Kazumi I need you scouting ahead. Look for anything we can use or see and tell me if you spot Heinrich, Negi, Euclid or Rizevim. The Main Evil Dragons themselves won't be hard to spot. Mana, get over here I need to give you something."
"Right." Kazumi nodded.
"Alright everyone go!" Sona shouts.
(break)
Almost three hours later.
The evacuation was going well, the staff members were leading everyone to the safety zone. Kenshin was approached by Mana. "You called me here and then ran off. What was it?"
"Sorry. I was helping with the evacuation." Kenshin said reaching into one of his seals. "I contacted Heaven and the Grigori the day after we arrived back from Romania. I had asked if either of them had any broken or worn down dragon slayer blades. Turns out with the down tick in dragon activity since the Three Factions War they had plenty broken or damaged ones laying around." Kenshin said. "So I bought a nice bulk of them and had them melted down and cast into shells and bullets." He said holding out a large box.
"Interesting..." Mana said opening it to see various forms of ammo in the box some for her pistols, others for her sniper rifle and everything else in between. "You planned ahead for this."
"Well the other side has a dragon army, so I thought, why not?" Kenshin said.
"Do they work?" Mana asked.
"To make sure they did...I might have shot myself in the arm with one of them and then immediately cut the arm off and grew it back." Kenshin sweatdropped. "They work...hurt like hell too.."
"..." Mana shook her head with a laugh. "You really are crazy sometimes Kenshin. Very well. I'll accept this gift, just next time tell me how to get in touch with them and I'll order them myself."
"Alright." Kenshin nodded. "Oh, one more thing." Kenshin said holding out a check.
"Kenshin...I told you before this job I'm doing for free because it lines up with my personal interests." Mana said with narrowed eyes.
"Oh I know. This check's from Azazel and the Grigori. Don't worry their money's good." Kenshin said.
"Hmn..." Mana closed her eyes and nodded. "Very well, also I have something for you as well." She said reaching into her trenchcoat pocket and handing him a pistol. "This is a Colt 1911A1. Have you ever used one before?"
"I'm pretty confident in my ability to defend myself Mana. I don't think I need this." Kenshin said.
"You never know, just take it. Now, have you used one?" She asked again.
"I went through all sorts of weapons training sessions at Rikudou. Though they never used one in combat Daniel and Sin both liked to shoot for fun and I'd join them from time to time, though they always kicked my ass." Kenshin said grabbing the pistol, unloading the clip, popping the one in the chamber out before putting it in the clip, putting the clip back in and toggling the safety on and off.
"Good." Mana said with a smile. "Here." She said handing him a few clips both from the box he'd given her and from her pocket. "Put that in a place it's easier for you to get to it."
"Here we are..." Kenshin said moving a seal onto his right palm and placing the gun inside.
"How many of those do you have?" Mana said.
"Quite a few." Kenshin said. "OK, get outside and get ready. Not much time left."
"Right." Mana said leaving the building.
"Rossweisse and Xenovia tried to break those crosses, but it wasn't happening." Kenshin heard Rias saying. He turned his head to find Issei and Rias speaking to Sairaorg who was communicating via hologram.
"Yeah so did Granberia and Evangeline." Kenshin said.
"Kenshin, what are you doing?" Sairaorg said.
"Getting ready for the shit to hit the fan. Much like everyone else." Kenshin said crossing his arms.
"Could you destroy the barrier?" Issei asked.
"What did it do when you blew it up?" Kenshin asked Sairaorg.
"It repaired itself." Sairaorg said.
"Then there wouldn't be much point. It would only eat up power I would need later." Kenshin said. "The three hours are about up. We have no choice but to wait until then."
"I can't argue there. The previously white sky is now black. Azi Dahaka is poised to attack us." Sairaorg said.
"I'm aware." Kenshin said handing Rias and Issei a screen he'd been holding.
"My word..." Rias said with wide eyes.
"Damn..." Issei grunted.
"Yep, we are waist deep in the shit now lady and gents." Kenshin said. "Is Seekvaira's team up there with you?"
"Yes." Sairaorg said.
"Brief them on Heinrich should he appear. He's likely to have Seekvaira with him." Kenshin said.
"Should I go up there as well?" Issei asked.
"Wait for an all clear type of command from either Rias, Sona, Sairaorg or myself, or a call for help from Seekvaira's peerage." Kenshin said.
"Alright." Issei sighed.
"I'm sorry Issei, but we need you here too." Kenshin said.
"I understand." Issei said.
"Don't worry, my group, her group and even Diehauser Belial's group is here in Agreas." Sairaorg said.
"Yes. Anyway get yourselves ready." Kenshin said.
"Right." Sairaorg said as he disappeared.
"Kenshin, the children here have nothing to do with those guys ambitions and Trihexa right?" Issei said. "They only came here for their own dreams, right?"
"Yeah?" Kenshin said.
"So we should give it our all to protect them, right?" Issei asked.
"You're on the right track, but your way of thinking is slightly skewed." Kenshin said.
"Huh?" Issei said.
"We give it our all to protect those who cannot protect themselves." Kenshin said. "Whether they are children or adults means little, if any of them die, we have individually failed someone. This is at most times inevitable in war, but it's still important to try."
"He's right." Rias nodded with a smile.
"Yeah...we have power that a lot of people only dream of having." Issei said looking at his left hand. "It's on us to use that power for the right reason."
"Exactly." Kenshin said. "Come on, let's go check on the civilians."
They walk down to the basement where all three peerages were helping people. "Here." They heard Evangeline say giving a bottle of wine to some of the adults. "If you need to calm down each of you drink a glass of this, but only one."
"Yes, thank you Yukihime-San." One of them said.
"Yukihime?" Rias whispered.
"It's the name of that form she's in." Kenshin whispered back, Rias nodded.
"This child has a minor ankle sprain, when you get home try to stay off it for a few days." Chachamaru said to one of the families.
"We'll keep that in mind, thank you." The father said.
Another father approached them. "Excuse me, Princess Rias, what will happen to this place?"
"Don't worry, this place is sturdily made. It will be able to withstand the attacks of the terrorists while the evacuation is underway." Rias said with a smile.
"Yeah don't worry. If nothing else we will ensure you all get out of here safely." Kenshin said.
The father and the mother who was behind him softened their expressions. "You know...my son actually smiled...he wasn't blessed with demonic power, so he was neglected by others. Even so we were finally able to have him after trying for more than one hundred years."
"Huh, there's an idea." Yuurei said. "The Boosted Gear Fertility Clinic." He mused.
"So he's in the same boat as Sairaorg-San." Issei said.
"Hmn..." Kenshin stroked his chin in thought. "If that's true, why is he using a basic fire spell behind you two?"
"? !" The mother and father rounded to find their son, who was talking to Rossweisse who had a small flame levitating over his finger. "L-Lirenkus? !" They said running up to him.
"Oh! Hey Mom, Dad look!" Lirenkus said.
"Huh, looks like I was right." Kenshin said as he, Rias and Issei approached them.
"What are you talking about?" Issei said.
"I think the problem isn't that he doesn't have any demonic power." Kenshin said.
"It's that he can't really control it." Rossweisse finished.
"If you can't control your mana, one of two things will happen. If it's slight to moderate lack of mana control, often times the spell will just fizzle out, doing nothing." Kenshin said. "Most of the mana you use in the spell is wasted for nothing. However if it's a severe lack of control, the spell will blow up in your face."
"Eh?" Lirenkus said looking up at Kenshin. "Lust Dragon-San you sound like it's happened to you before."
"Oh it has." Kenshin laughed. "When I was your age spells blew up in my face a lot! Spent a good handful of days laying in bed because my Dad wouldn't let me work on them because he worried I might seriously hurt myself. Didn't start making real meaningful progress until I met my twin sister."
"Wow, so even someone like you has had this problem." Lirenkus asked in awe.
"Everyone has a problem doing some things Lirenkus." Kenshin said. "The trick is figuring it out, or finding someone to help you figure it out. Just keep at it, you'll get it down eventually...even if you're not a wizard type...you might be like me, Sairaorg and this idiot here and prefer to get in someone's face." Kenshin said smacking Issei on the shoulder.
"Who are you calling an idiot? !" Issei snapped.
"Who do you think Oppai Brain?" Kenshin drawled.
"Hmhmhmhm..." Lirenkus' mother, Rias and Rossweisse all shared a giggle.
"Wow, this is actually the first time I'm meeting you." Lirenkus said to Kenshin.
"Eh, probably would have been sooner, but I've been ridiculously busy as of late." Kenshin said grabbing his hand and shaking it. "Hey come on, grip it. Yeah there you go." Kenshin grinned.
Lirenkus turned to Issei who then says. "If I remember correctly you came to my show last time we saw each other."
"Yup! Thank you so much for back then." Lirenkus said with a wide smile.
"You remember him?" Lirenkus' mother said with a shocked look.
"See Mom, I told you the Oppai Dragon wouldn't forget me and I even got to meet the Lust Dragon too!" Lirenkus said.
"You're right..." His mother said patting his head with a smile.
"So is it fun here?" Rias asked.
"Uh huh!" Lirenkus asked.
"We're glad, keep at it and you'll eventually grow stronger than us." Rossweisse said with a smile. "A determination to not give up like yours is an amazing thing to have at your age."
"Indeed." Kenshin said. "Alright, we have to go now. Keep at it."
"OK." Lirenkus said as he and his parents left.
The group proceeded to the strategy room. "It seems he's been quite busy practicing since he got here." Rossweisse said.
"Well good for him." Kenshin said.
"Whatever magic he develops in the future will be beneficial for both him and others. Useless magic doesn't exist in this world." Rossweisse said.
"Your grandmother said that during her lecture yesterday didn't she?" Kenshin asked.
"Hey yeah." Issei said.
"She would often repeat it to me when I was growing up. I thought I had understood them, but now I think I was only just beginning to understand." Rossweisse said.
"..." Kenshin glanced over at her, seeing a thoughtful smile on her face. "Well better late than never right?" Kenshin said with a grin.
"...?" Rias watched the interaction between them curiously.
"Could you two give me and Rias a moment?" Kenshin asked.
"Eh?" Rias said.
"Sure." Issei shrugged.
"Alright." Rossweisse nodded.
Issei and Rossweisse left the two alone as Kenshin turned to her. "You're really entertaining the idea of keeping this arrangement you have with Rossweisse going aren't you."
"Y-Yeah..." Kenshin said with a slightly nervous grin.
"Well, like I said it's OK, so what did you send them away for?" Rias asked.
"I just wanted to give you something." Kenshin said reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a card.
"What's this?" Rias said looking at it.
"In Mundus Magicus mages make contracts with those with special skills or even just special connections to them called Pactio." Kenshin said. "The cards give an artifact geared toward their personality traits or special skills to the servant or Minister or Ministra. For me it was my dual bladed naginata and also acts as a communication means between Magister or Magistra and Minister or Ministra. The Magister or Magistra can even summon their Minster or Ministra to them as long as they are within a set distance."
"I see.." Rias said seeing a picture of Kenshin with the naginata in hand, poised forward to strike at someone with it. "Your name is in Latin?" Rias asked.
"On the back is the name of the Magister or Magistra in Latin as well." Kenshin shrugged. "I'm not sure what the fascination is with it."
"Why are you giving this to me?" Rias asked.
"Because there are going to be times where we are separated." Kenshin said. "With that in mind. The card has other functions. If something happens to me, like say my memories get zapped. The card's image will blur." Kenshin said. "There...is also the function that takes place when Magistra or Minister perish."
"!" Rias looked up at him slightly wide eyed.
"...I'm sorry Rias, but this is war." Kenshin said. "Before I was the Vice Commander and had legions to protect us all, but now we're just two cogs in the same machine...I don't like it anymore than you do, but if I fall, I don't want you clinging to some hope that I'm still alive out there, it would just hurt more when you found the opposite. If it happens...it's better for you to know immediately."
"I...I understand." Rias said looking down at the card with a solemn expression.
"Hey. Just because I'm giving you this, doesn't mean I'm not going to do everything in my power to prevent myself from dying." Kenshin smiled. "I have promises to keep after all." He capped the statement by kissing her on the cheek.
"..." Rias wrapped her arms around him. "I'll do just the same."
"I know you will." Kenshin said.
Rias and Kenshin separated and she looked down at the card. "So this is the contract card you made with Negi-San?"
"Yeah." Kenshin said.
"What goes into it? How do you make it?" Rias asked.
"Hm?" Kenshin asked. "Well...I don't know how to draw the symbols and the circle. I was the opposite type of mage as Negi, an onmyoudou."
"..." Rias thought of what an onmyoudou looked like and closed her eyes, giggling. "I'm sorry I just can't see you in that outfit."
"Tchahahaha!" Kenshin laughed. "Anyway as for the ritual itself, a provisional is made made through lip contact..." Kenshin was cut off.
"Wait...that massive man, Jack Rakan was someone's minister right?" Rias asked.
"Yeah he was Negi's dad, Nagi's minister, but..." Kenshin was cut off again.
"So...he kissed Negi-San's father?" Rias asked.
"Pfft..." Kenshin started snickering.
"What?" Rias asked.
"N-Nothing. It's just Negi found out about another of her dad's ministers, Albireo Imma who was like an uncle to me. She had pretty much the same thought you just did and I remember laughing a lot at her for it." Kenshin said. "Anyway, provisionals and permanents can also be made with a blood pact. You know, cut your palms in the circle and shake hands, that sort of thing."
"Is there another way to make a permanent one then?" Rias asked.
"To consummate the bond...for often times a Magister and that particular Ministra or vice versa going both ways often become lovers." Kenshin said.
"I see..." Rias said. "So which one is this?"
"Per...manent?" Kenshin said with an awkward pause.
"What?" Rias said.
"Agh...look Rias I know you're OK with it, but it's gonna be awhile before it stops feeling weird." Kenshin said with a sweatdrop.
"Hmhmhm. I understand." Rias giggled as they arrived at the strategy room's door just as group of kids were leaving.
"I won't let them destroy it. A lot of Devils are seeking hope from this school and it's our dream as well." Saji said.
"Yeah, let's protect it." Issei said.
"Well of course we are. It doesn't matter if this was the council chambers in Lilith, this Academy, or a damn hole in the dirt. As long as there's civilians here, we protect them and the place they're in." Kenshin said.
"Aah there's the Vice Commander bass in the voice I was hopin' to hear." Saji said with a wry grin.
"It's OK everyone. We have survived many battles and have continued protecting them. We will continue to do so today." Sona said.
"Yes, we certainly cannot let them do as they please and destroy this place." Rias said.
"One question though Kenshin. Is it possible for you to summon Tiamat here?" Sona asked.
"I tried to get in touch with her. The connection was very fuzzy. I believe she might be close by, but outside the barrier." Kenshin said.
"Well, no matter." Sona said.
"Alright everyone gather up. Mana hold position and listen in." Kenshin said keeping his communication circle open.
Minutes later everyone was gathered. Alice, Valerie and Ravel were in the shelter as non combatants, though all said that they will act as a last line of defense if it was needed. When Kenshin protested Alice said.
"Look, my mana might not be what it was in the Revolution, but I'm not defenseless."
Kenshin relented at this, knowing from past experience and even his master's journal that it was useless to change a Fateburn's mind once it was focused on something.
"Alright. The plan is simple." Sona said. "The magicians down in the basement are creating a teleportation circle to evacuate everyone in the academy. Our job until that is finished is defense."
"Right. Mana." Kenshin said. "One of your main objectives is the perimeter of Auros Academy. If a dragon gets within the vicinity of the academy you put a hole in their head."
"Right." Mana said.
"Your partner will be Kazumi. You call out formations and strays, but not just to her, to everyone." Sona said.
"OK." Kazumi nodded.
"Alright. We'll sort out the rest of the teams outside. I doubt they will honor their time limit." Sona said.
Everyone started proceeding upward. Asia stopped for a moment prompting everyone else to. "Asia?" Issei said.
"These writings." Asia said.
On the wall, it seemed to have writings from children.
"I want to become the Rating Game Champion."
"I hope I can attend this school!"
"I'm happy I could meet the Oppai Dragon and Lust Dragon!"
"I want to come here again!"
"I want to enroll in this school!"
"..." Kenshin, Issei and everyone stared at this wall for a few moments before proceeding onward.
"We won't let them destroy this place." Issei said.
They ran into a group of people in battle armor. Kenshin crossed his arms. "Get back to the basement, all of you." He said.
"We refuse. We will fight for our children's futures." One of them said, stepping forward.
"Idiots, do you understand what we're up against here?" Evangeline snorted.
"Oh we understand, we also understand that you have nothing more than the group here. There are no soldiers here. So adding more manpower can't hurt." Another devil said.
"Besides, there might be residents you might have missed."
"Koneko-Chan did say she couldn't sense very well, possibly due to the crosses." Kiba said.
"..." Kenshin stared at them.
"Look, our enemies may be mass produced, but they are still Evil Dragons and the two main ones are going to be on the battlefield as well." Rias said.
"We know, but this academy was our children's dream.. We know we can't say we'll protect it or Agreas, but it's still important to try isn't it?"
"Haa..." Rias sighed. "I can see your minds are made up, very well...but you absolutely cannot die, Understand?"
"In case you don't get it, let me make this clearer. If things get too dicey for you, you retreat." Kenshin said. "Your children can live without us, but if they lose you...they'll never be the same."
"Also, avoid these four at all costs." Kazumi said handing them pictures of Rizevim, Euclid, Heinrich and Negi.
"Yeah, if you see them, do not attempt to engage. They are way out of your league." Miyuki said.
"To put it in perspective. The silver haired ones are both Satan level with the older one on the same level as Sirzechs-Sama and Ajuka-Sama. The purple haired one is on the same level as Kenshin here and the maroon haired girl can't die." Yukari said. "There's a good chance you probably won't see them, but just in case."
"We understand, thank you."
"If you do then stand aside and follow." Sona said.
"Understood!" They chorused as the DxD group passed them.
They all arrived outside and looked up. Granberia noticed the fathers backing up slightly in fear. "You can all change your mind if you wish."
"No." One of them said. "We're prepared for this." He said as they all steeled their resolve.
"Alright, the academy is the focal point of the barrier so fan out around the town in pairs." Sona said. "This is for the main fighters, the others, you will spread out and find any remaining civilians and get them to the academy, keep your communication lines open and when you have gotten everyone, form up and attack as best you can."
"Right." Everyone said.
"The pairs are as follows. Rias and Bennia, Kiba and Tsubaki, Xenovia and Yura, Akeno and Meguri, Irina and Hanakai, Rugal and Kusaka, Koneko and Saji, Issei and Nimura, Kenshin and Alma, Yukari and Granberia, Miyuki and Hikari, Evangeline and Chachamaru, Tamamo and Erubetie, Tertium and Sextum and the already established team Kazumi and Mana."
"Mana where are you positioned?" Kenshin asked.
"Seeing as one of my main objectives is the academy's perimeter I'm on the roof of Auros." Mana answered. "I have snipers in the four main directions."
"Understood. Be prepared in the event that you're swarmed." Kenshin said.
"I've got something for them, don't worry." Mana said.
"To help the defense of Auros Academy Gasper and I will also be a team. Now, Gasper for this I need you to go into that form you were in back in Romania." Sona said.
"Don't worry, I got it." Gasper said with a nod.
"Right, also. Yukari could you bring your familiar out?" Sona asked.
"Right, hang on a sec." Yukari said bringing out the Skithblanthnir. A magic circle appeared under it and it grew to the size of a boat. "I think I'll adopt the name Issei suggested for it, and call it Ryuuteimaru." (2 )
"Right, Asia, you get on this and use it to move around the battlefield." Rias said.
"Yes." Asia nodded.
"Alright, a healer that moves along the battlefield will be an easy target. So the one who will guard her is..." Rias looks over at Rossweisse.
"Alright, I will support everyone and be Asia-San's shield." Rossweisse nodded.
"..." Issei sees Kiba look down at his swords. He looks over at Tsubaki and approaches her. "Fukukaichou." He whispered. "Kiba might overdo it, so keep an eye on him, especially when he wields Gram. It will trim away his life. If it becomes serious, stop him however you can."
"I understand." Tsubaki whispered back
"...Y'know this is also your chance to raise his affection level toward you. Do your best." Issei whispered.
"W-W-W-What are earth are you saying? ! I-I don't...!" Tsubaki said in a panic.
"?" Kiba looked over at them with a curious look as Issei walked away from her.
"I'm proud of you." Kenshin snickered patting Issei on the back.
"We sure are unlucky to find ourselves in such crazy battles continously after becoming part of this group." Bennia said.
"This is also fate." Rugal said.
"Yup, this is what happens when you join powerful people. Gonna catch the same hands they will." Miyuki said, her polearm resting on her shoulders.
"Hm?" Kenshin looked forward seeing a communication hologram circle appear in front of them. A young woman wearing purple gothic lolita clothing, complete with a same style umbrella. She looked to be in her early twenties, but she exuded and evil aura. "And who might you be Doll?" Kenshin asked
"How do you do, Devils. My name is Walburga. I'm one of the leaders of Hexennacht. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Walburga introduced.
"Hexen? Huh, I used to enjoy that game when I was younger." Kenshin mused. (3 )
"Funny." Walburga smiled.
"Walburga, the Purple Flames...The possessor of the Longinus Incinerate Anthem." Sona muttered.
"So, no chance you'll be a peach and let us out of here, will you?" Alma asked.
"I came here with the Evil Dragons to burn you all under Rizevim-ojisama's command. It will be worth burning all of you if you get infatuated with me." Walburga said.
"I'm good. I've already got someone interested in me that's into gothic lolita stuff." Kenshin said.
"Gh? !" Evangeline resisted the urge to bash Kenshin over the head.
"Well, it's about time for the battle to begin, so are all of you ready?" Walburga asked.
"I think our mood speaks for itself." Kenshin said unsheathing Kuroi Jigoku as everyone else readied for battle.
"Iyaan, all of you sure are scaring me. The Devils are in a bad mood. Ufufu, it looks like this will turn out to be quite interesting." Walburga said, her smile widening.
"..." Everyone narrowed their eyes at this.
"Which one of you is Rossweisse-San, because I feel like I've already met Kenshin-San." Walburga said.
"?" Kenshin glanced back at Rossweisse.
"The thing is, I was told to bring you in as harmlessly as I possibly can. Though with Kenshin-San I'm allowed to be as rough as I can be." Walburga said.
"From who?" Rossweisse asked.
"From Euclid-San. He said he wants you. Iyaan, I'm so jealous that a handsome man is asking for you." Walburga said, sashaying back and forth with a dreamy smile. "Though I'm curious as to what he wants you for." She said looking at Kenshin.
"I already told Euclid to kiss my ass, my answer hasn't changed." Kenshin said.
"I won't go with you. I will fight." Rossweisse said.
"I thought so." Walburga said with a smile, curtsying. "Let's have a great battle then."
"Hrmn...I know how people like her think very well. She definitely is the type of person who enjoys looking at the face of those whom she will kill...makes me sick."
"Well no matter." Rias said. "Everyone are you all ready? Our opponents are the terrorists that have the mass produced Evil Dragons with them. Just how many crises do you think we have overcome till now. This may also be a dangerous situation, but dying here is unforgivable! Let's blow them away like we always do!"
"Yes!" Her peerage and Irina chorused.
"If we are defeated, this school will most likely be destroyed without a trace. There are hopes and dreams gathered here. There's no reason for this place to be destroyed. So let's protect it. That will be our reason to fight as someone who built this place."
"Yes!" Her peerage and the devil fathers chorused.
"...You guys don't need me to say anything." Kenshin said walking forward. "You all know what's at stake here. I just require two things of you. Fight hard and stay alive! That goes for you as well, Tertium, Mana!"
"Right!" Kenshin's peerage, Sextum, Mana and Tertium shout.
"Get in position!" Kenshin said.
Everyone moved in position. Kenshin and Alma in the west, Yukari and Granberia in the north, Miyuki and Hikari in the east and Tamamo and Erubetie in the south while Evangeline and Chachamaru were in constant movement, keeping an eye on the devil fathers.
"You know I am somewhat curious as to why we're paired up." Kenshin said to Alma.
"Oh?" Alma said with a smile. "What's the matter Kenshin-Chan, don't you like being paired up with me?"
"You just seem more offensively oriented is all." Kenshin said.
"So are Miyuki-Chan and Yukari-Chan, so really I'm the only other person left in your peerage that can keep up with you." Alma winked.
"Hmh." Kenshin smirked. "Fine, do what you will."
"Rooooaaarrr! !" A chorus of roars were heard.
"Looks like that's our cue." Sona said. "Get ready everyone!" She announced.
"Let's go Granberia!" Yukari said activating Elemental Overdrive.
"Got it!" Granberia said flying behind her, flames licking up and down the blade of her Ares.
"Try not to fall too far behind Mom!" Miyuki said.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." Hikari said, her body coated in a thin layer of lightning magic.
"Ah, Agilitas Fulminis. Good idea!" Miyuki said.
"Oryah!" Ruruko shouted flying past Issei and kicking several Evil dragons in the face, dazing them, leaving them for Issei to finish off. He does so, knocking them to the ground, into the bed of slime Erubetie, sharpened tendrils of slimy spears just in case Issei hadn't dealt the killing blow to them. "Now, Tamamo." Erubetie said.
"If you're sure." Tamamo said. "Then I'll make sure they can't bring these back!" She swings her fan outward, casting a brilliant blaze. "Nine Tails Funeral Pyre!" She shouts.
"You're getting stronger." Erubetie said.
"Thanks, you're getting better yourself. Those spires are quite solid." Tamamo siad.
Issei looked around. He saw holy auras reaching up to the sky, explosions of earth and ice. "Huh, looks like Sextum and her brother haven't lost a step." Issei said. He also saw thunder magic raining down as well as explosions of various elements and deep crimson magic. He also saw dragons spontaneously falling to the ground and looked at the academy where Mana was making her rounds.
"Hm?" Kenshin and Alma paused in their endeavor to take out numerous Evil Dragons when shadows shot forward. "Well well, thanks Gasper-Chan." Alma said.
Kenshin looked up seeing Issei use his Bishop form's Blaster to take out fourteen of the dragons. "Alma, be a dear and bunch them up for me would you please?"
"Only because you asked nicely." Alma said using her wind magic to zip around and knock around fourteen dragons together in the sky. "All yours Kenshin-Chan." Alma said blowing him a kiss.
"Elemental Cataclysm!" Kenshin shouts throwing his element covered spinning naginata at them.
(boom!)
The attack went off, obliterating them all in a storm of the elements. "Dude are you trying to one up me?" Issei asked through a communication circle.
"For what reason would I need to do that?" Kenshin said. "Thanks Alma, by the way."
"Not a problem." Alma said.
"So, I'm your opponent then?"
"? !" Kenshin turned his head seeing a figure wearing a black sweater and black slacks. "...Eishun.." Kenshin said with narrowed eyes.
"Hello Kenshin...it pains me that we have to meet like this again..." Eishun said.
"Should I know anything about this one?" Alma asked.
"Well he's weak to eroticism." Kenshin said.
"Oh?" Alma said with a smile.
"You had to say it." Eishun glowered.
"All's fair in love and war old man!" Kenshin said shooting forward, clashing Kuroi Jigoku against Yuunagi.
"I suppose, so it shouldn't mean much if I do this then!" Eishun said driving his knee into Kenshin's stomach. However he recoiled, jumping back. "Agh! That hurt!" He said.
"Heh." Kenshin said. "I've gotten a lot better since the last time I saw you."
"Haa, indeed." Eishun said before rushing toward him with Shundou. "Shinmeiryuu Ougi! Zanganken!"
"Earth Guard!" Kenshin shouts holding his sword defensively, letting it clash against Yuunagi.
"!" Eishun leaped back as Alma bore down on him.
"Alma, keep an eye on the dragons. If I have to take off, then engage Eishun." Kenshin said.
Meanwhile in the north Granberia and Yukari took down evil dragons left and right. "Behind!" Granberia said lunging over Yukari as one of them flew right at her. "Dragon Butcher!" She shouts, decapitating the dragon.
"Hrm!" Yukari turned and incinerated the body with a large shot of youki.
"What's that?" Granberia said seeing a column of energy shoot toward them, prompting them to dodge.
"...Shit." Yukari cursed.
"Hello Yukari." They both saw an older gentleman with white hair, a pair of glasses wearing a white suit.
"Hn...hello yourself Takamichi." Yukari said. "How many of you has Ialda resurrected?"
"Outside of your father, pretty much everyone." Takamichi said.
"I was afraid of that." Yukari glowered.
"So, you know what we must do, right?" Takamichi said.
"Right." Yukari said readying her blades.
"!" Granberia was knocked back as Takamichi flew forward. "What was that? ! I barely sensed it!"
"Che!" Yukari blocked several strikes from Takamichi before slashing Ryuuga at him. "Hellfire Flash!"
"Hrn!" Takamichi punched at the flames, a shot of invisible energy splitting the flames.
"Haa!" Yukari slashed Kazeken outward, a burst of wind shooting out, spiraling. "Burning Twister!"
"Grrhh!" Takamichi growled in pain, before cocking his fist downward, before punching upward.
"!" Yukari flew back toward Granberia as Takamichi freed himself from the flames with a large blast of energy.
"Hey, wait, that attack. Didn't Kenshin use something similar against Forbesii?" Granberia said.
"Yeah. Kenshin picked it up from him and his master." Yukari said.
"Oh? Kenshin's been using my techniques?" Takamichi asked.
"He's not the only one!" Yukari shouts punching at him.
"!" Takamichi threw his fist out, blocking the shot she'd aimed at his head. "Hoo?"
"This isn't going to be easy for you, you shouldn't have come alone." Yukari said.
"This is just a preliminary bout." Takamichi said.
"Uh huh, so tell me, where is Negi Ialda?" Yukari asked.
"Get by me, you'll run into her soon enough." Takamichi said.
Yukari glowered as she readied herself. "Get ready Granberia. We have to defeat him as soon as possible."
"Right." Granberia said holding Ares at the ready.
Meanwhile Miyuki and Hikari were taking out their own Evil Dragons when Hikari happened to look up. "Miyuki, split up!"
"Right!" Miyuki said as they both kicked off each other as a large black sphere fell between them.
"Oh my, you spotted that quite well Hikari."
"I've known you for HOW long now Albireo?" Hikari said with narrowed eyes.
"True." The cloak wearing mage said flying down to them.
"So have all the Ala Rubra members outside of Dad and Rakan been resurrected?" Miyuki asked.
"Pretty much." Albireo said with a calm smile.
"That bitch." Hikari glowered.
"Ialda Baoth is indeed quite the conniving woman." Albireo said.
"So, if we get by you, we'll be able to fight her?" Miyuki asked.
"Of course, if she doesn't try to fight Kenshin-kun first." Albireo said.
"So then yes." Miyuki said. "Sorry Sanders, but we're going to have to take you down."
"Please do, I welcome it." Albireo said, smiling as his mana welled up.
"Che, it's just like with the Rikudous. None of them want to do this willingly, Ialda's controlling them." Miyuki growled.
"I know, it's a damn shame." Hikari said spinning her staff, before slashing it outward.
"Let's GO!" Miyuki and Hikari shouts.
(chapter end)
Draconis: Wanted to at least get to the end of this part of the volume, but meh.
Kenshin: You have been kinda slow lately, what's up?
Draconis: Life dude. I want to write, but I have other obligations I need to fulfill. Anyway here are the footnotes.
(1 ) At this point no one knows what happened to Cleria, so Kenshin's just covering his bases.
(2 ) It's easier to type really.
(3 ) Hexen is the property of Raven Software and Id Software. I do not own it.
Draconis678 out