Draconis: Welp
Kenshin: Oooowww...
Yukari: We got you Kenshin...
Draconis: Well...guess we'll get started.
Dragon of the Elements.
Chapter 117
Attack of the Priests.
Draconis: Begin!
The morning after Kenshin had been attacked by Alipheese and her daughters, he laid asleep in his bed. There was only two people curled around him. Xenovia and Tamamo. Kenshin stirred, his movement alerting them.
"Hnnn..." Kenshin groaned.
"Kenshin, are you OK?" Xenovia asked.
"Haa..." Kenshin sighed. "Yeah...but...could you give me and Tamamo a moment alone?"
"S-Sure." Xenovia said, pulling away, only for Kenshin to pull on her arm. "Huh?"
"Now now, where do you think you're going without your 'good morning' kiss." Kenshin scolded playfully
"Oh." Xenovia smiled. "Indeed. Where am I going Honey."
"Heheh." Kenshin smiled as their lips met. "Mmhh..." Kenshin moaned into Xenovia's lips. "Good morning Honey." Kenshin smiled.
"Good Morning Honey." Xenovia smiled before exiting the room. Kenshin sat up again and turned to Tamamo.
"Kenshin...I-I know what you're thinking but I kn-!" Tamamo paused as Kenshin brought her into a tight embrace. She let out a gasp.
"I know." Kenshin said pulling away, his thumb wiping a tear away that was rolling down her cheek.
"..." Tamamo stared at Kenshin before looking down at his chest. "Kenshin, I swear to you I have no idea what's go-"
Kenshin pressed his index finger against Tamamo's lips. "Tamamo, relax...I'm one hundred percent sure you're not involved...besides." Kenshin glanced away sadly.
"What?" Tammao asked.
"Alipheese was crying as she left." Kenshin said.
"? !" Tamamo let out a gasp
"It was probably because of what she was doing to you." Kenshin said. "She had a tear rolling down her cheek."
"..." Tamamo looked down. "Kenshin...tell me later, but...can...can you just hold me?"
"Of course...come here." Kenshin said extending his arms. Tamamo leaned forward, gently crashing into his chest. He gently patted Tamamo's head from behind. "I love you." He said.
"I love you too." Tamamo said wrapping her arms around him. Her tails raising the blankets over them.
"Hmn." Kenshin smiled down at her. "We'll figure this out together."
"I know we will." Tamamo said smiling at Kenshin before bringing her lips to his.
"Mmm..." Kenshin and Tamamo both moaned into each other.
"Tamamo...I've never said this, but...you're such a beautiful woman." Kenshin said petting her cheek with a smile.
Tamamo petted his hand with a smile, pressing it against his cheek. "Aww...aren't you just a sweetie."
"Hmmn." Kenshin and Tamamo fell asleep, laying against each other.
(break)
The next day
"So, did you and Tamamo-San make up?" Issei asked as he and Kenshin walked down one of the halls of Kuoh Academy,:
"Yeah, Tamamo and I are good, don't worry." Kenshin smiled "Huh?"
"Huh?" Issei looked in the same direction as Kenshin.
"Come over everyone!" Irina said. "Please look at these leaflets from the next Student Council President Xenovia and the next Vice Student Council President Kenshin!"
"Here! Please look after me in the future. Please cast a vote for Xenovia-San and Kenshin-San." Kiryuu said.
"I pray that you make an honest vote in any case, please." Asia said.
"So how are you three doing?" Kenshin asked Koneko, Ravel and Gasper.
"I'm OK, and you Kenshin-Senpai." Koneko asked.
"Oh don't worry about me, I'm fine." Kenshin waved her off.
"Still though...are you OK Kenshin-Sama?" Ravel asked with a concerned voice.
"Relax Ravel. I'm fine." Kenshin smiled.
"Are you sure Kenshin-Senpai?" Gasper asked.
"I'm fine, really." Kenshin said patting Gasper on the head.
"Hmhm!" Gasper smiled.
"Heheh." Kenshin chuckled. "Hm?"
Momo and Saji approached the crowd. "Hello everyone, how are you all doing!" Momo announced with a bright smile.
"Good Luck Hanakai-San! I'll be voting for you! I'm rooting for you!" Two different girl students shouted.
"Excuse me." Kenshin said walking toward the crowd. He saw Saji doing the same as him. "Aaah." Kenshin said wrapping an arm around Xenovia, making her blush.
"The Dark Horse Kenshin Kuroshi enters the stage." One of the male students said.
"Hrmn." Kenshin smiled at this. "You know I hate being underestimated right."
"Yeah well Saji's been here longer than you." One of the males from the sports clubs said.
"Yeah I suppose. Still I like my chances, despite the recent turnouts." Kenshin said.
"You're down six to four to Hanakai and Saji. They have way more experience than you." Another student said.
"Well, I'm a trial by fire kinda guy. If I'm elected I'll do my best to resolve your issues as Vice President." Kenshin said pumping his fist into the air.
"As will I as your President." Xenovia said.
"Well, we're certainly not going to lose to that claim, are we?" Momo asked Saji.
"Certainly not." Saji laughed.
"Still, we expect a heated competition from you two." Kenshin said with a winking smile.
"Do be sure not to disappoint." Xenovia said with a small smirk.
"We'll be sure not to." Momo said smiling back.
"That said..." Kenshin approached Saji and pulled him in close.
"Eh?" Saji said.
"I may end up losing to you as pressing matters have come up for me." Kenshin said.
"Like what?" Saji whispered back.
"I'll tell you, Sona and Momo later." Kenshin whispered.
"Alright." Saji said with a shrug.
"Xenovia-Oneesama! I'll definitely vote for you! Xenovia-Senpai! I'm supporting you too!" Two female students shouted.
"Heh, she has a lot of the female first year students supporting her. Cause she's slightly tomboyish, for the younger first years, she should appear to be very handsome." Issei thought with a chuckle.
"Kuroshi! We got your back!" The first year male students shouted.
"Oh really, thanks for the vote of confidence guys." Kenshin said with a grin.
"Thank you, I'll work hard." Xenovia said.
"I heard that among Xenovia-Sama's supporters, half of the votes are unshakeable. Same with Kenshin-Sama, his manliness is respected across the student body." Ravel said.
"Hm? Why's that in Xenovia's case?" Issei asked.
"Because she's always helping girls from sports clubs. The two of them that know about us, Murayama and Katase not withstanding. She and Kenshin-Sama won't turn their backs on someone having trouble with anything. Even before they were candidates for Student Council President, when they were ordinary students. They were both just quietly concerned about things going on in the school." Ravel explained.
Kenshin checked his watch. "Excuse me everyone. I've got some business to attend to."
"So dutiful~" Everyone said.
Kenshin waved them off with a smile. "Always." He said as he walked away, exiting the halls after turning a corner and warping away.
"..." Sirzechs and a familiar white haired figure stood before him. "Hey Shirota." Kenshin said holding his fist out.
"Hey bro." Shirota said with a grin, fist bumping Kenshin. Yes, one of the revives Valerie gave out during the battle against Ialda was to Shirota.
"Thanks for coming man, I really need this favor." Kenshin said.
"No problem." Shirota waved him off.
"Come with me." Sirzechs said.
Shirota butted his elbow against Kenshin's ribs. "So is this guy like your master or something."
"Nah, he's more than that." Kenshin said with a smile. "I'm marrying his sister." Kenshin said.
"Ah, you mean that redheaded chick? Nice. Rias was it? Even at first glance I can tell you two were made for each other." Shirota grinned.
"Eheheheh." Kenshin grinned back.
Sirzechs smiled at this as they all approached a door. "Please excuse any noises you hear. We're gonna be interrogating him." Kenshin said.
"Yes, but how much will it take?" Sirzechs asked.
"As much as it needs to." Shirota said as he and Kenshin entered the room alone.
Forbesii was seated at the table across from them. "So, what do you want this time Kenshin-kun?"
"Forbesii, meet one of my friends, Shirota." Kenshin said. "He's going to be interrogating you."
"Oh? What for?" Forbesii asked, resting his chin on his cuffed hands
"!" Shirota brought a flat mallet down onto one of Forbesii's hands.
"A-Aagh!" Forbesii yanked his hand back and growled.
"You're going to tell me how to break Ilias' seal, or the pain continues." Kenshin said pointing at Forbesii.
"I already told you, there isn't any way to break the seal without breaking the Tsurugi no Kami." Forbesii said.
"Oh bullshit! Every seal has a way to be broken outside of destroying it's container. If there wasn't, why even have the seal? !" Kenshin shouted.
"Can I ask something?" Forbesii asked. "Why did he smack my hand with that mallet?"
"Oh, Kenshin's told me about you. To be honest you deserve more, but I at least wanna be fair about this." Shirota said.
"Now, answer." Kenshin said.
"..." Forbesii stared at Kenshin. "I don't know what you hope to get out of this. Release her and Makai's in danger."
"Makai's already in danger." Kenshin scoffed.
"...?" Forbesii stared at him with a pensive glance. "What are you on about?"
"That seal you used to bind Ilias to the sword was strong enough to affect Makai's stability. Because Ilias' mana is waning, Makai AND the Divine Realms above them are threatened to be swallowed by Alipheese the First's darkness." Kenshin said. "If it were the reverse, both would burn in Ilias' light."
"...You're joking..." Forbesii said. "I knew the seal was powerful, but not THAT powerful."
"Wish I were Forbesii, but Alipheese came and attacked me herself over this." Kenshin said. "I don't think she does that if it were not true."
"...Well I don't know what to tell you. The seal is the Six Ancestor's Great Seal. The only way to break it, is to flood the seal with holy magic, since it's a holy being sealed inside, but that would leave the one flooding it vulnerable...and also very noticeable." Forbesii said.
"How did you gear it toward Holy Magic?" Shirota asked.
"The seal wasn't actually applied until I was in the Divine Realms." Forbesii said. "Then all that was left was to entrap Ilias inside."
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes, letting out a sigh.
"Besides, Alipheese herself was bound by the very same seal, why didn't that affect Makai?" Forbesii asked.
"Because unlike Ilias, Alipheese's power isn't being filtered out into nowhere." Kenshin said. "The Tsurugi no Kami can't handle the pressure of both Ilias and God's mana at the same time."
"Well then..." Forbesii smirked grimly. "Maybe you shouldn't have ousted me as Demon King then."
Kenshin reached forward and slugged Forbesii across the jaw. "This situation or no, you needed to go."
"I suppose, but what do you do now?" Forbesii said rubbing his cheek. "Unless you have an extremely powerful holy magic user who wouldn't mind being weakened for awhile, this is only going to continue...or you have to restore the balance by weakening Alipheese to the same state."
"...So what you're saying is..." Kenshin trailed off.
"You must do what no other demon has done...fight the Dark Goddess." Forbesii said.
"..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "...We're done here, Shirota looks like you weren't needed after all. I didn't think he'd actually cooperate." Kenshin said.
"Eh, it's all good." Shirota said as they left, two guards walking by them to take Forbesii back to his cell. "It was nice to get out. Yuki's been on me to get out of the house."
"Huh, I figured the night we left you two would be knockin' boots like no tomorrow." Kenshin said.
"Haha, there's that too, she said she needed a short break." Shirota laughed.
The two walked out to see Sirzechs speaking with Grayfia. "How'd it go?" Sirzechs asked, seeing them.
"The guy was actually cooperative." Shirota shrugged.
"Unfortunately that doesn't mean anything good." Kenshin said with a sigh.
"Why, what's the matter?" Grayfia said.
"Basically...I have to make an emergency trip to Makai..." Kenshin said before explaining the situation.
"I see..." Sirzechs said. "Not doing it means Makai's doom huh?"
"Yes." Kenshin said. "I'm only taking a few members of my peerage. The rest will stay behind and defend Kuoh."
"Very well." Sirzechs said closing his eyes. "I'll inform the council you'll be leaving. The Great King Faction's attitude toward you not withstanding, even they have to admit you're one of the Underworld's strongest defenders."
"Thanks." Kenshin said before a communication circle opened up. "Huh?" Kenshin said. "Wait, Rias slow down you're not making sense. What? Seriously? The same thing as Masanomi did? Jeez, Be there in a bit, but after we beat them back we all need to have a talk." Kenshin said before closing the communication circle. "The Rebel Priests are attacking, gotta jet. Can you do me a solid and send Shiro home?"
"Sure." Sirzechs nodded.
Kenshin disappeared and reappeared in the town Rias and the others were currently at. He saw Rias' peerage, Irina, Yukari, Miyuki and Sextum surrounding Issei and a large circle, but Issei had a tall man with white hair and a chiseled physique behind him with his hand on Issei's shoulder. Kenshin appeared behind the older man and put his hand on his shoulder. "Well Well Well, ain't you just a tall drink of water. Gotta say Strada, you're awfully jacked for an eighty seven year old human."
"Oh? You know of me, Dragon of the Elements? Yes I am Vasco Strada." He introduced.
"Well I had to research you and Roland to figure out how to help Xenovia control Ex Durandal." Kenshin said with a shrug. "Anyway, gonna need you to ease up on my bro there..." He narrowed his eyes with a smirk. "Or else."
"So Rias Gremory, this is the help you mentioned." Vasco said. "A master assassin from the newly teleported World of Magic on Mars."
"Huh, it's not been there that long. How did you know about that." Kenshin asked.
"You're not the only one who researches his opponents ragazzo." Vasco said.
"Heh, I fought the Goddess of Darkness a couple of nights ago, you think I'm intimidated by you vecchio uomo?" Kenshin said.
"Well let's find out!" Vasco said letting go of Issei and slashing a copy of Durandal at Kenshin who counted with Heavenly Demon Revival using Angel Halo.
(clang!)
"Hah! I can't believe Heaven allowed you to keep that grotesque sword." Vasco said.
"I can't believe they actually made a copy of Durandal. I thought the spirit of a priest was supposed to be holed up in there!" Kenshin said.
"Hah! Well we found a way." Vasco said as they both jumped back. "But now's neither the time or place for an actual fight."
"Yeah, that nervous boy in the back is kind of a mood killer." Kenshin said.
"Oh? You sensed him?" Vasco asked.
"How could I not?" Kenshin said before hearing a nervous squeak with his ears.
"Well before he shows himself. I'd like to say one thing." He turned to Xenovia. "Warrior Xenovia, you seem to have become a Devil."
"Your Eminence Strada, it's been a long time since we last saw each other." Xenovia said with a serious expression, beads of cold sweat running down her face and neck. Her tough persona completely chucked out the window when faced by this man.
"Anyway..." Vasco turned to Rias making Kenshin glare.
"Careful there old timer, make any sudden moves and you'll be the late Vasco Strada." Kenshin warned.
"Relax." Vasco said extending a letter toward Rias.
"This...is?" Rias said, carefully accepting the letter.
"It's a challenge letter from us to you." Vasco said.
"? !" Everyone's eyes widened at this.
"Does this guy not care about his life or something?" Issei thought.
"Oi, look at the giant pendulous balls on this guy." Kenshin said blinking owlishly.
Rias' body quivered in anger. "Are you fucking with us?" She said letting a rare curse slip out. "Do you even realize what the current situation is right now? Even if you are a high ranking member of the church-!"
"Tsk tsk tsk." Vasco said wagging his finger in front of her face.
"Careful Strada...my threat isn't an idle one." Kenshin said pointing Angel Halo at his back.
"Will you relax? I'm not going to do anything...it's just that the current Lucifer's younger sister is really a youngin' quick to anger. I must admit, you are too." Vasco said.
"Well that's my fiancee you're pointing at, so forgive me if I'm a little tense." Kenshin said.
"And you're kidding yourself if you think I'm letting you touch her or anyone here." Issei said standing between Rias and Vasco.
"..." Vasco reached toward Issei, making Kenshin, Rias, Asia and Irina tense up. However Vasco only stroked his hair and head. "Not a bad look, young devil."
"Krh..." Issei batted his hand off his head, but then Vasco vanished. Issei and the others aside from Yukari, Miyuki and Sextum had no idea where he went. Issei followed Kenshin's eyes to the roof of a nearby building.
"Alright, Your Eminence Legrenzi, go ahead and make your declaration." Vasco said.
Everyone looked over to see a black haired boy who was the size of a fifth or sixth grade elementary student. He had a childlike face, yet he had a majestic presence. Further more he was clothed in the same vestments as Vasco and the old man referred to him as 'Your Eminence' From the looks of it, the boy already had a position which deserves such an address. "Huh...so the Church even took young men in and trained them in the art of killing." Kenshin commented.
"Well at least we had a better position than you." The boy said with a nervous scowl.
"Rikudou was protecting the peace of Mundus Magicus brat. Learn your facts." Yukari said.
"...So you're Teodoro Legrenzi?" Rias asked.
"Correct, I am Teodoro Legrenzi." Teodoro replied with a certain voice, but his body shook nervously. "I...need to protect the rights and views of the exorcists! Although you are all 'good' devils, there is also a need to eradicate the evil devils and vampires! To unilaterally deprive them of judgment for their sins. I won't accept it! Even if this goes against Archangel Michael-Sama's will...only this, only this I cannot accept!" Teodoro said with a determined look. "Even the reincarnation of the Almighty's murderer stands among you."
"Kid, did you not get the memo before you decided to rebel? God threw that fight on purpose because of Trihexa's corruption." Kenshin said with a bored look.
"You lie! God is Almighty! Teodora shouted angrily.
"Haa...believe what you want." Kenshin said. "If a brat like you needs an ass whooping, I'm more than happy to oblige before I have to skip town."
However as Kenshin said that. A dozen warriors surrounded them, male priests, female warriors wearing the same bodysuits as Xenovia and Irina. "Some of these jokers look like Freed." Kenshin commented. "Are we literally unable to leave Kuoh or Kyoto without getting attacked?"
"Seems that way." Issei growled.
"Yukari, Miyuki, Sextum, deal with the extra exorcists." Kenshin said. "Huh?" He looked over at Xenovia who pointed Ex Durandal out and pointed it at Vasco.
"Your Eminence Strada." Xenovia said.
Vasco smiled at this. "Alright Warrior Xenovia, are you able to use Durandal well?"
"See it for yourself! Actions speak louder than words! This is what Durandal's wielder should be like!" Xenovia shouted, shrugging off her nervousness and charged Vasco, Ex Durandal coated in an intense amount of holy energy...however, Vasco blocked her attack with a single finger.
"? !" Kenshin and Issei watched this in shock.
"Ugh!" Xenovia groaned, gritting her teeth.
"Looks like you're far from being able to control Durandal." Vasco said.
"Irina now!" Issei shouts.
"Right, sorry about this Xenovia, His Eminence!" Irina said slashing Hauteclere at Vasco, but just before her attack hit the old priest, a figure dove between them, blocking Irina's attack, a black haired, middle aged man dressed in vestments. He was resisting Irina's attack head on. "? !, Cristaldi-Sensei? !"
"Hrmn!" Cristaldi pushed Irina back. "Warrior Irina, you shouldn't limit your vision so narrowly.
"The previous wielder of Excalibur? !" Kiba said diving toward him with a holy demonic sword. "Come on, let's decide this!"
"Kiba, why are you not using the Garm? !" Kenshin shouted.
"Because it doesn't matter at this point." Cristaldi said dodging all of Kiba's attacks and feints. "So you're the survivor of the Holy Sword Project, if you compare me to someone like Freed that's a big mistake." He said swinging Kiba into a crater.
"Alright that's it-!" Kenshin, Rias, Issei, Yukari and Miyuki all shouted, ready to step in when Vasco held up his hand.
"Princess of the Gremory family, King of the Kuroshi family. We came here not to start a war, but to make a final announcement. I hope you can understand this." Vasco said as the warriors, Cristaldi and Teodora included withdrew.
"Urgh..." Xenovia growled in frustration.
"Why would conflict arise between their own people..." Irina said sitting on the roof, depressed.
"Damn it...!" Kiba had moved on sure, but his pride was wounded by losing to an Excalibur wielder so easily as he punched the ground.
"Come on everyone, let's get back to the house." Kenshin said.
(break)
In the VIP room, Rias' peerage, Kenshin's peerage Sona's peerage, Irina, Sextum and Alice all shouted.
"You're not going to be fighting those exorcists? !"
"...I'm afraid not. I just wanted to meet them before I left." Kenshin said as Michael connected
"Are you sure that's wise Kenshin?" Michael asked. "They want to have a battle with DxD which you are apart of."
"What do they want here anyway?" Issei asked.
"Because this is the birthplace of DxD, the alliance of various factions." Azazel said.
"Michael, I don't have a choice. Makai is in danger." Kenshin said. "I have to go there."
"What's going on?" Azazel asked.
"After this meeting, I'm going to talk with Ilias, but...because Ilias is sealed in the Tsurugi no Kami with her power filtering away, Makai and the Divine Realms above them will be swallowed by Alipheese's darkness." Kenshin said. "Makai and the Divine Realms are at an imbalance."
"Wait, are you serious?" Alice asked with wide eyes.
"I don't think Alipheese fights me a couple of days ago if I weren't. I even asked Forbesii about it." Kenshin said. "Finally got him to cough up what seal he used."
"So you have to go to Makai while we're doing this." Rias asked with a lonely look.
"Hey." Kenshin smiled. "I know you guys can handle it, besides I'm not leaving with my entire peerage. Xenovia." He said called out the blue haired former exorcist.
"Y-Yes? What is it?" Xenovia asked.
"You were nervous being confronted by your predecessor, it's nothing to worry about, we all get worried about measuring up to those before us." Kenshin said petting her head. "That said, if I end up losing the Student Council race, promise you won't hold it against me." Kenshin chuckled.
"Haha..." Xenovia laughed a bit or relief in her voice. "Don't worry Kenshin, I'll campaign extra hard for you."
"I hope you do. I'm actually enjoying a student life." Kenshin said with a smile. "Sorry for the trouble."
"Oh don't worry about it, I've got your back." Xenovia said. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"Still...I can't help but feel Yama's trying to take advantage of this to split us up." Rias said with a thoughtful look.
"Trust me Rias...I feel the same way." Yukari said.
"Rizevim might even be in on this too." Kenshin said. "He wins no matter what. If I end up killing Alipheese by accident, that one Primordial off the board. If she kills me. That's STILL one Primordial off the board as Yama already has Ragnarok."
A grim feeling washed over the group. Kenshin let out a sigh before smiling. "Relax everyone, I'm not about to let myself get killed." Kenshin said. "I've got promises to keep after all. So, you all know what I'll be doing and I'll let you know who I'll be taking with me after I speak with Ilias, so why is this rebellion happening?" He turned to Griselda and Dulio.
"...The people involved in the rebellion are mostly those...whose families were killed by Devils or Vampires, or have had their lives destroyed by those people...in the past, they wanted revenge or to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy which had befallen them...when the Three Factions formed their alliance, the greatest opposition to them was from the Church's warriors, or the higher ranking officials supporting them."
"It's said that their displeasure finally erupted. That's the reason behind the rebellion right Irina?" Issei asked.
"Yeah..." Irina said glancing away.
"Tch." Evangeline scoffed. "Oh sure, our leaders are doing what they can for the betterment of our people, but let's just go ahead and fucking rebel because we can't get over past grievances and get more people we love killed."
"You!" Irina said.
"What angel? It's not like I'm not right. Combat and war in this manner breeds death and destruction." Evangeline said with a serious tone. "I and especially the fox over there trying to act like she's not listening know this." Evangeline said pointing at Tamamo who was looking out of a window.
"..." Tamamo didn't react.
"Evangeline that's enough." Kenshin said with a hard look.
"I'm just telling the truth." Evangeline said.
"I know, but still." Kenshin said.
"..." Azazel closed his eyes. "I really want to call upon the members of DXD, Sairarog and Seekvaira. They have their own territories to defend, if we were fighting Qlipploth, then calling them would be idea, but still, then there's the Great King Faction's ideals to take into consideration, as well as Quipploth attacking the Underworld in a state of weakness."
"The Great King Faction...I'm getting real fucking sick of them coming up." Kenshin scowled.
"The fundamental reason is that our management is poor, I will use our power-!" Michael was cut off by both Kenshin and Azazel.
"Hold on Michael don't act so rashly." Azazel said.
"Michael, in God's place, you are the symbol of Heaven. You should stay where you are, given the strict responsibilities of a leader. Still." Kenshin paused. "This is still a conflict Michael, using force to coerce people won't solve the problem."
Azazel nodded. "Yeah, this should be handled cleanly.
"But still Azazel, Kenshin, Handing this matter over entirely to DxD is..." Michael was cut off.
"I know. I'm slightly worried as well, especially with Kenshin having to leave to fight the Primordial Goddess of Darkness." Azazel said. "It's just I don't think that Strada and Cristaldi would put all their burdens on their students to start a rebellion. I'm just saying they're using so many people as warriors, who probably think like this, I've directed people since leaving Heaven, how much have you noticed?"
"..." Michael closed his eyes. "I've watched them grow up Azazel. They are all devout believers, and innocent, they care about humanity. That's why I believe their way of thinking is direct, they won't go around in loops. Then there's also the one with the greatest abilities among the 'Miracle Children' Teodoro Legrenzi."
"Miracle Children?" Miyuki asked.
"They're hybrids of Angels and humans." Sona answered.
"Huh." Kenshin turned to Michael's image. "So, experiments or good ol horizontal tango?"
"..." Michael let out a sigh. "Hard as it is to believe...th...the second one."
"Hahaaa!" Kenshin chuckled. "Michael don't look so embarrassed, as long as you all purify your thoughts it's good right? Besides those two already used the anti fall knob at least once." Kenshin said pointing at Issei and Irina.
"W-Wha? ! How do you know that Kenshin-nii? !" Irina exclaimed, blushing darkly.
"I happened to walk in on you about to do the deed, asking what you wanted to eat for dinner that day." Yukari said. "Kenshin was right behind me, but neither of you noticed. He excused us and closed the door, you two didn't come out for a couple of hours so it's easy to imagine what you did."
"Kenshin! Yukari!"
"Eheheheheh." Kenshin and Yukari both chuckled as welts grew on their heads from Issei and Irina respectively punching them over the head.
"H-He's...right..." Irina and Issei both said, their faces cherry red.
"Hell, I even think Asia's been borrowing it." Kenshin quipped making Asia blush.
"She has...I've been having to inspect the doorknobs of every door lately." Issei said before glowering at Kenshin.
"Oh no, Oh nooo! You've got a couple of cuties wanting to do the deed with you, whatever shall you do?" Kenshin said taking a drink of water, his head still turned to Issei.
"Actually Kenshin, Gabriel mentioned she wouldn't mind trying it with you." Michael said with a smile.
"PFFT!" Kenshin spit out his water, all over Issei.
"What the hell you dick? !" Issei shouted.
"Excuse me if I just got shocking news!" Kenshin shouted back.
"Haha, I'm kidding, she hasn't said anything about that." Michael laughed.
Kenshin eyed Michael warily, but knew Angels couldn't really lie. "I see."
"Anyway..." Azazel said. "Sorry for the trouble, but please accept the challenge of those guys. Clean up things with Heaven and the Church. I'm sorry that I'm making you draw the short straw...again" Azazel said.
Rias smiled calmly. "At that time, not only were we fighting Kokabiel, we were also involved in the matter, even if we don't have the assistance of Seekvaira or Sairaorg. Since we received the challenge, we need to accept it."
"We also accept this challenge. As long as we are attending classes at this town's school, this isn't something that can be ignored, in addition all three of our groups were involved in the fight with Kokabiel and the meeting of the Three Factions, even if Kenshin's group was greatly incomplete at the time." Sona said. "Michael-Sama, may I join them?" Irina asked.
"Of course." Michael said with a smile. "Please act in my stead while I am hopelessly useless."
"Michael-Sama! You don't need to worry!" Dulio laughed. "These things happen. To change something means that sometimes a sacrifice will happen, so there are definitely people will be unhappy."
Griselda spoke up. "You said something that's fitting for a leader, you've grown up Dulio." Griselda said.
Dulio bowed his head with a gloomy expression. "Nee-San, if you give me even more positive feedback then I will be very happy."
"So, Dulio and Griselda-San will join us as well." Issei asked.
"Not just them." Kenshin pointed to Granberia. "I'd like you to stay behind."
"Wait, why me?" Granberia asked.
"Because. There are two of the five ancestors that only Alma and Erubetie can match up against. Outside of them, I...just can't think of one of them you'd match up against and I know Tamamo wants to go as well." Kenshin said. "I'd feel much better if you were here defending Kuoh in that case."
"..." Granberia closed her eyes and nodded. "I understand, thanks for entrusting me with this responsibility."
"I'll be going too, just not all the way." Alice said.
"Huh?" Kenshin, Rias, Sona and Negi said.
"If things are going this bad, I think it's time I returned to Maouzyou." Alice said.
Kenshin nodded with a smile and extended his hand holding out a charm. "I see, I was wondering when the day would come so I made this. It's a summoning charm that connects you to me, it even allows us to summon one another, but it won't work when one of us feel we are in danger."
Alice smiled back and accepted the charm. "You want to be there when Neris and Luka are born right?"
"Of course!" Kenshin said with a wide grin before turning to Azazel after Dulio and Griselda confirmed their support. "Azazel, what about Vali and his team?"
"They couldn't be contacted." Azazel said. "Don't forget Vali's team is an assistant team to DxD and therefore allowed to act on their own, then again...if they became involved with this it would actually become more troublesome."
"Hrm...I can see that...the great grandson of Lucifer fighting church rebels? Best to keep him out of this." Kenshin said.
"Besides Kuroka and Le Fay are still at your place. He at least called me to tell me that much." Azazel said. "Just don't let them know not to become leeches."
"Le Fay's not a problem, she's doing housework in her free time, Miki Hyoudou is happy with her, even calling her another one of her daughters...though I still don't know why..." Kenshin trailed off for a moment. "Kuroka's the freeloader." Kenshin said making Koneko frown, not at him, but her sister. "Issei, you're going to have to tell her she has to earn her fuckin' keep."
"Well anyway, it's confirmed that the DxD group accepts the rebellion's challenge, with part of the Kuroshi group withstanding. I'll head on over to let Seekvaira and Sairaorg know what's up." Azazel said.
"Tell Sairaorg sorry if he ends up having to carry my weight." Kenshin said.
"Hahaha, I'm sure he won't care." Azazel chuckled. "I'll also have Slash Dog acting as a support behind the scenes. So even if Qlippoth were to appear, he'd be there to support you all."
"Alipheese and I's confrontation is an isolated incident, so that's the right move." Kenshin nodded.
Everything started to calm down, but Griselda piped up saying. "Although saying this is a bit vague...His Eminence Strada and His Eminence Crstaldi's true strength are twice that of Dulio's." Griselda said.
Issei looked nervous, as did Xenovia but Kenshin slapped his hand on Issei's shoulder. "Issei, relax. I wasn't scared to take them on and you shouldn't be either."
"That's because you had a Demigod form to fall back on!" Issei shouted.
"Tamamo wasn't there to unseal it though." Kenshin said before looking at Xenovia. "This is what we've been training for Xenovia..." He paused to look over at Kiba. "You too Kiba. If nothing else you have Granberia to help."
"Hrm! Thanks, but I'll try to make sure I don't need it." Kiba said.
"Same here!" Xenovia said.
"Well if nothing else I'll be on protection duty then, but if I see you two in trouble I'm jumping in." Granberia said.
"That's fair." Kiba and Xenovia both said.
"Well..." Rias said. "I'll send a message that the challenge will be in three days time."
"That sounds like plenty for me." Kenshin said. "Issei have Sheena on standby."
"Wha? O-OK." Issei said.
Tamamo followed Kenshin upstairs. "What seal is it?" Tamamo asked.
"You've used it yourself." Kenshin said as they walked.
"W-Wha? ! N-No way! He used OUR seal on Ilias to bind her to the Tsurugi no Kami? !" Tamamo gasped.
"Yeah. Before he applied it he probably studied it to develop a seal to drain her mana into him." Kenshin said.
"No." Tamamo shook her head. "The Six Ancestor's Great Seal sealed us completely, but still on this mortal plane. Maybe he used it, but it's incomplete and while it's still as strong, it's allowing Ilias' mana to filter out...because the sealed object just can't take it."
"Where did you seal yourselves anyway?" Kenshin asked.
"Maouzyou, so while you and Forbesii fought, Yama was easily able to appear undetected and filter the wafting dark mana toward Mother's seal." Tamamo explained.
"Hrm..." Kenshin grunted. "I see. Forbesii mentioned that only holy mana could break this seal, as it's Ilias that's bound."
"Hrm...I'm thinking Micaela. Is she still around?" Tamamo asked.
"She and I talk once and awhile." Kenshin nodded. "I'll talk to Ilias while you go and get her, so I can at least confirm this."
"Yes." Tamamo said as she disappeared.
Kenshin walked into his room, reached under his bed and grabbed the Tsurugi no Kami's box and opened it. "Really gotta find a better hiding place for you." Kenshin said as he sat crosslegged on his bed and focused on the sword.
He appeared in a white space that soon turned to a white cloudy sky. "Oi Ilias! You still here?"
"..." He heard nothing.
"Ilias?" Kenshin said.
"Down here." He heard a voice and looked down to see a young girl wearing Ilias' clothes and jewelry.
"Uhh..." Kenshin blinked. "Ilias...why are you chibified?"
"Hrmn!" Ilias hauled off and punched Kenshin in the stomach, making him double over. "Don't ask such embarrassing questions!"
"Fuck!" Kenshin held his stomach. "I was just asking a fucking question jeez!"
Ilias sighed. "It's because of my mana filtering away."
"There, see? Was that so hard?" Kenshin asked, making Ilias huff.
"Well what is it?" Ilias asked.
"Is it true that if you die, Makai and the Divine Realms will be swallowed by Alipheese's darkness?" Kenshin asked.
"..." Ilias went silent.
"Well?" Kenshin asked.
"Unbelievable..." Ilias facepalmed. "I can't believe I forgot that."
"So it's true?" Kenshin asked.
"It is..." Ilias sighed.
"I identified the seal Forbesii used on you. It's the same seal you forced Alipheese and the Ancestors to use on themselves, but it's been geared toward you." Kenshin said.
"Then how does it break?" Ilias asked.
"By flooding it with powerful holy magic." Kenshin answered. "Tamamo's fetching Micaela now."
"Well...thank you Kenshin." Ilias said with a smile, only to lose it at his look.
"You warred against my kind for decades, even centuries." Kenshin said. "If you want to repay me, you will never war against youkai again."
"And if Alipheese and her daughters attack me?" Ilias asked.
"Don't worry about that I'll handle it." Kenshin said.
"You'll handle it? You know what that potentially means right?" Ilias asked.
"I know what it definitely means. If Micaela can't bust you out of here...I have to fight Alipheese." Kenshin said.
Ilias closed her eyes. "That's...true..."
"Ilias?" Kenshin said.
"Hrmn..." Ilias sighed. "Kenshin Kuroshi, you're the only demon or youkai that's ever shown me kindness...if you're trying to save me or my realm...I...don't want you to die in the endeavor." She said glancing away.
"Heh. I don't plan on dying." Kenshin said patting her head, making her blush. "I'll make her see reason too after I beat her and make you two work together."
"F-Fine..." Ilias said with and embarrassed smile.
"..." Kenshin sat down in front of Ilias. "So...what can I expect?"
"...Hrmn..." Ilias sighed. "Honestly? The hardest fight of your life."
"Well I figured that." Kenshin said.
"You didn't figure it enough." Ilias scolded. "Kenshin, Alipheese's status as the Dark Goddess means she is the strongest demon."
"So I just gotta become stronger than her." Kenshin said with a grin. "Force her to quit and end the Divine War once and for all. That's easy!"
"? !" Ilias' eyes widened. "Are you trying to get yourself killed you arrogant fool? ! Alipheese is as strong as me in my most powerful form!"
"Yeah, but I've got an ace up my sleeve. If it doesn't work, well I've lived a full life." Kenshin said before standing up and turning around. "Ja ne."
Ilias extended her hand toward him as he disappeared. "..." She closed her eyes and smiled. "He really does care about the fate of both worlds, even though Micaela and I are the only people from the Divine Realms he's ever met."
Kenshin woke up to see Tamamo and Micaela standing next to his bed. "What took you so long?" Tamamo asked.
"Got into an argument with her." Kenshin said. "Tamamo's told you, right?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes." Micaela said.
"Then here, let's see what you got." Kenshin said extending the hilt of the Tsurugi no Kami toward Micaela.
Micaela nodded and grabbed it, charging her mana into it.
"..." Tamamo and Kenshin watched as a seal began to develop and slowly break on the blade as Micaela slowly panted.
"Come on...!" Tamamo said.
"..." Kenshin watched in anticipation, only to see Micaela drop the blade and fall to her knees panting. "...Hmn..."
"Haa...haa..haa..haa..." Micaela panted. "I'm...sorry."
"It's OK, it was a hopeful plea on my part." Kenshin said shaking his head. "It seems the seal was geared for Ilias' full power from the start. It might have worked if we contacted you immediately so you wouldn't have to make up the difference in Ilias' weakened state, but she might have tried to attack us." Kenshin said.
"Right." Micaela said. "Tamamo, could you help me back home...I'm too weak to teleport right now.
"Right." Tamamo said warping away with Micaela.
The door opened and Rias entered. "So...you're going?" She asked with a sad look.
"Yeah...I'm sorry Rias, but...I have to." Kenshin said.
"I know...it's just...except for a few moments we've been fighting battles together..." Rias said before smiling. "You've always been my pillar of support Kenshin."
Kenshin smiled. "In spirit I always will be, but Rias...I'm not always going to be there."
"I know...just...please promise me you will return to me?" Rias asked.
Kenshin stepped forward and embraced Rias tightly. "I will always return to you Rias."
"..." Rias smiled with her eyes closed, holding Kenshin tightly. "Thank you, Kenshin."
Kenshin pulled away and looked down at the necklace she was wearing, the engagement ring he gave her hanging on her chest. "Can you take that off?"
"Eh? Wh-Why?" Rias asked.
"Just please do it." Kenshin smiled. Rias nodded and unfastened the necklace. Kenshin took the engagement ring and muttered a few words under his breath before grabbing Rias' right hand and slipping the ring on her finger. "I enchanted it with some of my elemental magic. I would have done it sooner, but I only recently learned how." Kenshin said. "It should be impervious to your destruction magic now."
Rias held her right hand out, looking at the ring on her finger. She closed her eyes and smiled, holding her right hand to her chest. "If I didn't feel like I was yours before. I feel like it now."
"Rias..." Kenshin brought her hands together between his own. "Will you stop with this?"
"Eh?" Rias asked.
"Though my group of girls is expanding, you'll always be my number one, have a little more confidence." Kenshin said. "I'm just showering them in affection when I see they want or need it. Which is why I've kinda been so attentive of Tamamo lately."
"So if I look like I need it..." Rias said with a smile.
"Just don't abuse it too much." Kenshin chuckled before the two shared a short kiss. "I promise you...I'm definitely going to marry you...I mean hell..." Kenshin grinned. "Not even death has stopped me from coming back to you!"
"Hmhmhmhmhmhm~!" Rias giggled. "That it hasn't." She pulled away with a smile. "I'll see you when you get back my dear."
"Looking forward to it sweetie." Kenshin said as she left.
As Kenshin was packing his things the door opened again. "Huh?" Kenshin looked over, only to see Negi, her long maroon hair let out of it's spiky ponytail. He paused.
"D-Do you...like it?" Negi asked.
"Negi..." Kenshin smiled. "I love it, what brought this on?"
"Oh...y-you know, just trying new things." Negi said glancing away with a blushing smile.
"..." Kenshin stepped forward and grabbed Negi's hands. "What's wrong?" He asked, concern in his voice.
"Nothing...i...it's just...we just got back together...and you're leaving again." Negi said as her arms wrapped around Kenshin's waist.
"I know..." Kenshin said pressing his forehead against her scalp. "But I'm coming back, I'll bet my life on that. I'll come back to you, Rias and everyone."
"I know you will, but...I'm...still going to be lonely." Negi said with a sad look. "You have so many lovers now...where do I fit in...if at all." Negi said glancing away with a smile.
"Hey...look at me." Kenshin said. "You'll always have me as you do now." Kenshin said with a smile.
"Will I...?" Negi said looking up at him with a smile.
"Of course...to...that point..." Kenshin said, bringing both her hands together with his own, his fingers caressing hers before his right hand left her left hand as a black box appeared in his hand. "I've been talking with Rias...and she said it was OK...so..." He flicked the box open, revealing a ring. "Negi Springfield...will you marry me?" (1 )
"! !" Negi's eyes widened as she gasped with tears in her eyes. She pulled her hands back and nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks as she cupped her hands over them. "Ye...Yes!"
"Hmn..." Kenshin smiled and slipped the ring over her left ring finger.
"Rias-San actually agreed to this?" Negi asked, looking at the ring.
"I asked her what she thought. Though she isn't gonna stop fighting with you over me. She said that I went through so much to get you back...that we deserve to be happy together." Kenshin said.
Negi clenched her fist over her chest, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Rias-San...thank you so much!"
"Negi?" Kenshin said, concern in his eyes.
"Mmhn." Negi shook her head and smiled. "Don't be so worried Kenshin...I'm...just so happy."
"Hmn..." Kenshin smiled back and hugged her tightly. "Negi...by the time I found out what love was...you were my first." Kenshin said with a laugh. "It's just looking back on it, I realized I liked Theodora too." Kenshin said. "But upon first realization...you'll always be my first Negi."
"Then...please call me something." Negi said.
"Eh?" Kenshin said.
"Girls like to have affectionate names from their boyfriends or fiancees, baka." Negi giggled. "You've not called me one the entire time we dated, so please?" She asked with a smile.
"Hmn...OK..." Kenshin said. "I'll be stealing from where you grew up then. Annwyl Negi." Kenshin said with a smile.
"! !" Negi gasped deeply, but she was smiling. "I-It's Welsh for Cherished Negi huh?"
"Mmh." Kenshin nodded. "Because I will always cherish you."
Negi smiled widely. "Kenshin...thank you so much."
"Hmn!" Kenshin grinned. "Of course." Negi leaned up and kissed him. "Mmmh...aaah..." Negi pulled away and smiled. "With this I'll be able to endure you being gone."
"Hmn." Kenshin smiled. "Say...Negi...if we ever had a child, what would you want to name it?" Kenshin asked.
"Um..." Negi blushed. "If we have a boy...can we name it after Dad?"
"Sure." Kenshin grinned. "What if it's a girl though?"
"I was hoping to leave that to you?" Negi said bashfully.
"How about Tomoyo?" Kenshin asked with a smile.
"Hmhm, it's a cute name." Negi giggled before pulling away. "I should...let you go."
"But what if I don't want to let you go just yet?" Kenshin said pulling her back into his arms.
"K-Kenshin! I don't want to have deal with everyone's jealousy while you're gone!" Negi shouted.
"And you won't...It's just...I've been remiss...you've been back for awhile now...and I haven't hugged you like this." Kenshin said embracing her tightly.
"Kenshin...I...I love you so much." Negi said burying her face into his chest.
Kenshin tipped her head up to look at him as he smiled. "I love you too, just as much."
Negi finally pulled away wiping her eyes. "Thank you Kenshin, but I really should be going."
"I know." Kenshin smiled before Negi snuck a ring onto his finger. "Eh?"
"Well come on." Negi stuck her tongue out at him. "One good gift deserves another."
"Hmhm." Kenshin chuckled. "Thanks Negi." Kenshin said as she left the room.
A communication circle opened up. "Kenshin, the council requests your presence." Sirzechs said.
"Oh for fucks sake." Kenshin said before warping to the council chambers. "What? What do you all want? I'm kinda busy at the moment."
"Probably having sex with Lord Gremory's daughter I'm sure." Lord Barbatos mused. "Or is it Lord Sitri's younger daughter? You must have them both addicted to you at this point when you use them."
"!" Kenshin, Zeoticus, Sirzechs, Serafall and Lord Sitri all glared at him
The latter four couldn't say anything, but Kenshin blasted Lord Barbatos with Serene Conqueror. "Never...fucking imply that I am just using them."
"Auuugggh? !" Lord Barbatos fell back in his seat with a frightened expression.
"Now that I've dealt with that embarrassment and his son as well." Kenshin said. "What do you want?"
"We want to know why you plan to go to Makai again." Zeoticus said with a look of worry.
Kenshin smiled at this and explained the situation. "Makai is in danger, as a former youkai, I have to go."
"So you think you can just leave during this trying time?" Lord Buer, a skinny man asked.
Kenshin glared at him. "I am a youkai first, a devil second, Lord Lucifer accepts this...not that you all care. Save for a few"
"What does that mean?" Lord Phenex asked.
"You're one of the ones that care so I'll answer your question Lord Phenex." Kenshin said. "Yes I will leave during this trying time, because Makai is in danger, not that some of you care."
The council was taken aback by this. "What are you talking about?" Lord Astaroth asked with curiosity.
"You think I can't smell the Original Satans' influence here?" Kenshin asked. "Everything...Everything I've suggested to the current Satans has been for the betterment of Devilkind! Yet the Great King Faction has constantly laughed me out of the room!" Kenshin shouted.
Sirzechs closed his eyes knowing Kenshin had reached his breaking point. "Kenshin..."
"I'm sorry Sirzechs but no!" Kenshin shouted. "What fucking right do you have to demand anything from me? !" Kenshin said. "You Great King fuckers have been constantly undermining Sirzechs, Serafall, Ajuka and Falbium because you want the power! Admit it!"
"How dare you accuse us of usurping power." Lord Bael snarled.
"How dare I? ! If you weren't why is the Great King Faction still a thing? !" Kenshin said before extending his hand toward the Four Satans. "These four have been trying their fucking best to make a better Underworld, but even they grow weary." Kenshin said. "Why else would Lord Falbium spend his time delegating tasks and sleeping, or Lord Beelzebub spends his time making games, or Lady Leviathan spends her time making a tokusatsu show, but Lord Lucifer...he has no escape."Kenshin said. "He can only visit his family, his wife and his own fucking son on rare occasions and I mean rare rare, like during a rare party or something."
"That should be enough, he serves the people, his famil-" Lord Bael was cut off.
"No! Fuck that!" Kenshin cut him off. "Like I said to you before Lord Bael. Just because you don't care about love and family doesn't mean we don't."
Sirzechs smiled, bowing his head at this. Kenshin scowled. "But enough about them...why is what I'm doing any of your business?"
"OK, first take the bass out of your voice." Lord Bael said.
"As soon as Lord Barbatos' son stops stalking Lord Sitri's younger daughter." Kenshin said.
"He's what? !" Lord Sitri and Serafall both shout.
"Relax, I'm only joking, but still." Kenshin said.
"Because we feel your interests don't align with the Satans or the Council's." Lord Bael said.
"Oh so now you care about what the Satans think. I swear when Zekram offered them the job, if they knew they were going to be viewed as symbols and not actual leaders, they should have turned him down." Kenshin said. "As for the Council...I really don't care. It's shown with my actions. If I smell bullshit I'm going to call it out. I don't care who it comes from." Kenshin said. "Are you all really surprised at this point? I've called you out numerous times. Belitting Sona Sitri's idea of a Rating Game school for the lower and mid ranking devils." Kenshin paused. "Thanks for donating the land for it by the way Lady Agares, how's the developing child?"
"Oh he's fine, turns out Seekvaira's going to have a little brother to dote on." Lady Agares giggled.
"Haha." Kenshin chuckled before glaring at Lord Bael. "Then you yourself accused me of favoritism before Rias and Sairaorg's Rating Game."
"Well forgive me if I had distaste in my...niece's lover refereeing the game my son was in." Lord Bael said.
"Oh don't even! You never gave a fuck about Sairaorg until he became strong, by actually training his body!" Kenshin shouted. "You viewed him as an embarrassment to your name!"
"Oh so now you're bringing private clan matters into this? !" Lord Bael asked.
"I'm bringing TRUTH into this!" Kenshin yelled back. "You never, NEVER gave a fuck about Sairaorg because he didn't have the Power of Destruction your family lauds so much." Kenshin said. "If you had, then why do Sairaorg and Magdaran have different mothers?"
"Hrmph. Not my fault Misura was a failure." Lord Bael scoffed.
"You!" Lord Vapula shouted.
"Then you send your second son on a suicide mission to kill me." Kenshin said.
"? !" The entire council's eyes widened in shock.
"I...I have no idea what you're talking about." Lord Bael cursed.
"Oh? So why send him? I had no use for him for the most part until Grangold and after he tried to murder me." Kenshin said. "My apologies to Magdaran by the way."
Magdaran who was actually standing by the door smiled and shrugged. "No offense taken Lord Kuroshi, you never really asked me for much in Makai."
"And don't even get me started again on that bogus ass investigation you put Grayfia through." Kenshin said. "And then you destroyed the corpses of my grandparents in these very chambers." Kenshin scowled.
"...Fine, do what you want. I don't care." Lord Bael said closing his eyes.
"But answer me...why is what I'm doing any of your business?" Kenshin said.
"..." Lord Bael looked over at Kenshin. "Because if something happens, I want to be able to clear my name."
Kenshin nodded. "I see, that's fair, so Zekram told you. Alright..." He turned to the Four Satans. "Are we done here?"
"Sure." Falbium said before a pack of smokes landed in his lap. "Eh?"
"Consider it a courtesy." Kenshin said with a winking grin. "Enjoy the high, that's a special blend."
"Oh sweet, thanks." Falbium said.
"Go ahead and be on your way Lord Kuroshi." Ajuka said.
"Sure, say, when you complete your first game I wouldn't mind testing it." Kenshin said.
"Hahaha, sure." Ajuka chuckled.
"Stay safe Kenshin-Chan." Serafall said with a smile.
"As always, say...let's have another tutoring session when I get back." Kenshin said.
"Hmhm, sure." Serafall said.
Kenshin turned to Sirzechs. "Try to take it easy...I know what I've just done won't stop things, but...I am trying to help you."
"...Of course." Sirzechs nodded with a smile, before following Kenshin down the hall as he prepared to warp away. "Thank you Kenshin...I'm not sure this will stop them though."
"..." Kenshin smiled. "Well I tried." He smiled at Sirzechs. "Please don't let them get you down bro."
"!" Sirzechs's eyes widened for a moment before he smiled. "Heh...that's the first time, you've...called me brother in any iteration."
Kenshin closed his eyes and smiled. "Well come on. I'm marrying your sister, a girl you introduced me to that...heheh...that I fell hard for. You and I are brothers." Kenshin said before his smile widened. "Funny...you're my first big brother. Sure, there's people like Shirota whom I saw like big brothers, but after Rias and I get married you really will be brothers."
Sirzechs nodded and went to share a brotherly embrace, but Kenshin stopped him. "Kenshin?"
"You'd better not." Kenshin chuckled. "If one of those Great Kingers see you do this, they'll accuse you of favoritism for sure."
"Yeah..." Sirzechs sighed, hanging his shoulders.
"But I can take a little more shit." Kenshin said leaping forward, embracing Sirzechs tightly.
"A-Aah?" Sirzechs paused, the way Kenshin embraced him wouldn't let him do it back. He smiled knowing Kenshin was looking out for him. Kenshin pulled away and smirked.
"Still though...don't think this means I'm gonna hold back on you when it comes time for our rematch." Kenshin said.
"Hmhmhm." Sirzechs chuckled. "Looking forward to it."
"I'm glad." Kenshin grinned.
Kenshin disappeared and reappeared back in his room. Tamamo was waiting for him. "What's up?"
"Kenshin, I know what you're going to do, so plea-"
"I already planned on it." Kenshin said with a smile.
"? !" Tamamo's eyes widened in shock and relief.
"Aside from a strategic standpoint. You deserve to know what's going on as well." Kenshin said. "If you want to come, I'm not stopping you, but if you didn't I wasn't going to ask."
"..." Tamamo bowed her head smiling. "Kenshin...thank you."
"Of course." Kenshin said before proceeding downstairs with Tamamo by his side. "Tamamo." Kenshin said.
"Yes?" Tamamo asked.
"Can I ask...how you came to fall for me? I love you back, but your confession pretty much came out of left field." Kenshin said.
"..." Tamamo went into thought for a moment. "Can I have some time to think about this?" She asked. "I mean...I kinda just did it, but still."
"Of course." Kenshin said before pulling Tamamo into a kiss.
"Mmmu..." Tamamo moaned into his lips before pulling away. "W-What was that for?"
"You look like you wanted it." Kenshin smiled.
"Oh...well thanks for being so attentive." Tamamo said stroking his face with one of her tails before smiling. "I promise I'll tell you everything when I get my thoughts sorted out, OK?"
"Take your time." Kenshin smiled before they arrived at the ground floor. Everyone surrounded them. "Alright. I've already decided on who I'm taking so listen up. Tamamo, Yukari, Miyuki, Evangeline, Alma and Erubetie. You're all coming with me."
"Alright." Evangeline said.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence Onii-Chan." Miyuki grinned.
"I can already tell who my opponent is." Alma said with a frown.
"Hey." Kenshin grabbed her shoulders making her look up at him. "I know you can do it." Kenshin smiled.
"Ufufufu~ I'll try not to disappoint you Kenshin-Chan." Alma giggled.
"So, I'm to be fighting the ancestor of my kind? Seems like a horrible way to pay thanks to her." Erubetie frowned.
"I know, this situation sucks, but it has to be done." Kenshin said.
"We'll discuss the other matchups on the way." Kenshin said walking toward Issei. "Is she ready?"
"Y-Yeah." Issei said with a nervous smile.
Sheena popped up behind him and wrapped her arms around Issei's neck. "Oooh? Ready for another round are we Issei-kun?" She asked.
"H-He...asked me to...call you..." Issei said, blushing, feeling Sheena's breasts against his back.
"Oh? What's up Kenshin?" Sheena said letting go of Issei.
"Would it be possible for you to warp us to Makai?" Kenshin asked, gesturing his hand toward his chosen group.
"..." Sheena let out a sigh."So, you found out huh?"
"It's true?" Kenshin asked.
"Yeah, winter there is lasting a lot longer than usual and it turns to night faster and faster." Sheena said. "It's unnatural." Sheena said.
"I know why." Kenshin said before explaining the situation.
"? !" Sheena wore a shocked look as she stared at Kenshin. "The only way to correct this is to fight the Dark Goddess? ! Kenshin are you insane? !"
"Maybe..." Kenshin closed his eyes. "But I have to do this Sheena."
"Kenshin..." Sheena said. "I may be with Issei now, but...that doesn't mean I don't still love you as a member of my clan." She said.
"I know." Kenshin nodded with a smile. "But not doing this means Makai's doom." Kenshin said.
"I know...I'm just...worried about you, y'know." Sheena said.
"Yeah, but Sheena, I'll be alright." Kenshin said. "I've already promised Rias and Tamamo among others that I'll come back to them."
"OK...but you better give me a big hug when you come back." Sheena said with a smile.
"No problem there...just so long as you fuck Issei into unconsciousness." Kenshin said, seeing the jealous look on Issei's face.
"Hahaha." Sheena laughed. "No problem there! Get ready Issei-ku- Huh?"
Issei was laying on the floor, a heavy nosebleed running down his face. "Haha, really Issei?" Kenshin chuckled.
"Well, at least he's looking forward to it...as am I...I want a child after all." Sheena said.
"So your goal is the same as mine!" Xenovia said before being smacked across the head by both Griselda and Sheena.
"You're too young to be considering such things." Griselda said.
"I at least gave myself a few decades before deciding I wanted to be a mother." Sheena said. "Xenovia give yourself the same."
"But, that's too long." Xenovia said.
"Then let Kenshin decide! What you want of him is a big decision for the both of you!" Sheena said before turning to Kenshin. "So is the group all that's going?"
"No." She turned to find Alice approaching, accompanied by the Imps, Rami, Rumi and Remi.
"...So you want to return to Maouzyou I take it?" Sheena asked.
"Yes." Alice said. "Though I don't know what these three want."
"We just wanna visit home and see how everyone's doing." Rami said with her sisters nodding.
"Eh, it's on the way." Kenshin shrugged.
"You already know where you're going?" Sheena asked.
"I imagine Alipheese doesn't want this getting out to the public." Kenshin said. "What better place to throw down than the Makai Deadlands?"
"I see." Sheena said. "Well before we go. Alice you should take this." She said handing Alice a fur coat. "It's pretty cold back home."
"Hrmn..." Alice took the coat and put it on.
"Alright, those of you that are going, gather up." Sheena said. Yukari, Miyuki, Tamamo, Evangeline, Alma, Erubetie, the Imps, Alice and Kenshin came around her.
"See you all when I get back." Kenshin said as they all vanished.
They appeared in the White Tigers encampment. "Brr!" Kenshin shivered as a wind gust blew by them. "I was not ready for that, holy shit! That wind disrespected the shit out of my body heat."
"Sorry Kenshin-Chan!" Sylph whined.
"And you're actually covered up, what about me? !" Alma said holding herself, shivering heavily. Her teeth even began chattering. "Sh-Sh-Sh-Sheena...y-you w-wouldn't h-happen to h-have another one of those coats?"
"Yes, I was originally going to give the coat I gave to Alice to you." Sheena said.
"I don't know what you guys are complaining about, I feel fine." Evangeline shrugged.
"You're a vampire! Of course you don't feel the cold!" Kenshin and Alma griped.
"H-Honestly, th-they have a point E-Eva-Chan." Miyuki said.
"Don't mind me Sheena, I'll be fine." Tamamo said.
"Why are you three so bothered by it anyway?" Evangeline asked the Kuroshi Tsuki siblings. "You've all trained in a cold environment before."
"We just went from a warm house to a cold area in an instant." Yukari said. "It's just gonna take a little getting used to."
"Eh, true." Evangeline said. "Alright, let's go get the succubus her coat."
"Sure, follow me." Sheena said. They took a few steps before realizing they were down a person. Kenshin, Tamamo, Yukari, Miyuki, Alma, Evangeline, Alice and the imps turned to realize Erubetie hadn't moved. "Erubetie, you OK?"
"..." Kenshin approached Erubetie and waved his hand in front of her face. No reaction. He tapped his knuckles against her face.
(Knock Knock)
"Uhhh..." Kenshin turned to everyone, his eyes becoming black dots with a nervous smile. "She's...she's frozen."
"H-Help...m-me..." Erubetie managed to say.
"Yeah, hang in there." Kenshin said taking out a Bakahatsu Aikyou charm and applying it to his hand. "Bakahatsu Aikyou: Slow Burn."
He pressed his hand against Erubetie's lower torso and pressed it further as the ice melted. He felt his hand sink into her slime body and increased the temperature output. Erubetie thawed out and let out a sigh. "Thank you, you won't have to do that again. I just wasn't expecting to have to raise my body heat so soon." She said with a smile.
"Of course." Kenshin nodded. "Still, Erubetie, I am the leader of this peerage. You can come to me if you need help with something."
"I'll keep that in mind, but it might just be to talk to Undine." Erubetie said
"That's fair." Kenshin chuckled.
The group went to a nearby tent where a shop was being ran. "Oh? Sheena-Sama, you left so suddenly."
"I was summoned by my summoner." Sheena smiled. "I need a few more fur coats. One adult, three kids."
"Aaah." The shopkeep eyed up Alma before reaching over and grabbing one. "I believe an extra large will suit you best Alma Elma-San. Not because of your body entirely, but it must be able to button around your large bust."
"Ufufufu, Don't worry Jii-Chan. I'm not insulted." Alma giggled, accepting the coat.
"Hrm..." The shopkeep looked at the imps. "Hrm..." He grunted. "I suggest adult coats for all three of them."
"Eh? Why?" Kenshin asked.
The shopkeep waved his hand with a smile. "Well, they'll be able to bundle up and use them as blankets if need be."
"Hmm...true." Kenshin nodded.
"Do you have the resources to replace them though?" Sheena asked.
"Worry not Sheena-Sama. It may be colder than a witch's tit in a brass bra." The shopkeep paused as Evangeline laughed at this. "Find that funny did you?" He asked.
"I'm literally a witch and a vampire." Evangeline laughed.
"Haha, anyway Sheena-Sama. The hunts have been very fruitful." He said before handing out a few belts. "Here, so the coats aren't dragging in the snow."
"Thank you." Sheena said.
Kenshin extended his hand with a bag of gold, only for the shopkeep to wave his hand at him. "Please Kuroshi-Sama, this is on the house. I can't ac-"
Kenshin slammed the bag of gold on the table. "I won't accept charity. Apparently Makai is going through trying times while I've been stealing her queen." Kenshin said with a hard look. "Take the damn gold."
"V-Very well, Kuroshi-Sama." The shopkeep said with a sweat.
Everyone exited the shop. "Aaah...now that we've gotten used to it, it's not so bad...yet." Miyuki said stretching her arms over her head.
"I have coats of my own if you need them." Kenshin said.
"We'll keep that in mind." Yukari and Miyuki both said.
"So will you be leaving immediately?" Sheena asked.
"Unfortunately yes." Kenshin smiled. "I'll see you later Sheena-Onee-San."
"Ah?" Sheena paused with a blush.
"Hmn." Kenshin smiled before hugging her. "Come on. We aren't exactly mates anymore, but you've been helping take care of me since I was a kid. I'll always love you as a surrogate sister."
"Hmhm~! Thanks for that Kenshin...now go on, go and save Makai." Sheena said.
"Can do. Wish me luck." Kenshin said as he and his party turned north.
"I will." Sheena smiled.
"And Sheena...if you wanna name me the godfather of your child. I accept." Kenshin said with a smile, his head turned toward her.
"~" Sheena smiled brightly. "I was already planning on it."
Kenshin nodded before his party proceeded north(2 ) to proceed on their difficult task.
(Chapter end)
Draconis: I will be switching back and forth between Issei and Kenshin's arcs. Don't worry Issei will be getting his time in the light. He's even getting a lemon out of this. I just don't know with who yet.
Issei: Sweet.
Kenshin: Had me handing out the love this chapter huh?
Draconis: You're a changed man, willing to be more honest with his feelings now. I just want to reflect that.
Kenshin: With so many women so quickly?
Draconis: It's a harem fic, relax. Footnotes
(1 ) This is for the readers of Springfield and Kuroshi Redux
(2 ) The white tiger village lies on the southwestern end of the Sentora continent for those who don't remember.
Draconis678 out.