(Outskirts of Rome)
It was a sunny day in that region of the world, the normal people going about their day normally while those that work behind the scenes of perceived normality worked to maintain their peace and control. Again the church members in the know was debating the merits and penalties of their new so called 'alliance' and again the division of those loyal to Heaven argued with the blind hateful of their core opposites in the Devils and heretic Japan. The grudges of the persecution by the Tokugawa Shoguns and the failure of the Shimabara Rebellion still burned in their hearts, it didn't matter how much time had passed or that change was coming by the decree of Heaven. Day by day, more and more were coming closer and closer to becoming Stray Exorcists, especially with who were the majority in being selected to become 'Brave Saints'.
However, the Church's internal strife wasn't Ichigo's concern. Despite his friendship and alliance with the Angels of Heaven, the humans of the Church were more their own entity that did not leave a good impression on the Shinigami. He'd help if Michael asked in any way he could, but for now his main concerns were on the OSF and their supposed planned assault during the next Rating Game. Enough bugged members of the treasonous rebels were talking and gave them such a timeline, giving the ruling Satans plenty of time to make their own plans and counter measures. This and other more recent news were the reason behind his most recent visit to the territory of the Angels.
"I must admit, that news is a tad... surprising to say the least." Michael said, he and Gabriel having come to meet Ichigo, hidden among the clouds and looking down on a familiar orphanage. "Still, I happily congratulate you. Any new life is to be celebrated... though, I'm not sure it was wise to allow such a procedure to be done." A pensive look still on his face.
"Serafall's a powerful Devil," Ichigo responded, "keeping her away from any conflict for any reason is a detriment that I'd rather avoid." He told them about the birth of his daughter but not the exact circumstances that led to it, instead that she was removed and had her growth accelerated outside of Serafall's body in an incubation tube. "Everything worked out and our daughter is perfectly healthy."
"Then I'll be happy for you." The Angel said with a brief smile before concern took over his features again. "And, while I fully trust you and your people's capabilities, are you certain you don't want any assistance in the coming battle? I've made Dulio my Joker and he's eager to see you and Orihime again."
"I appreciate it, but the whole of the Biblical factions should focus on their own recovery." The commander answered. "Heaven is still the worst off in terms of numbers despite the swords and crystals I've supplied you with."
"We still don't know where Jeanne disappeared too," Gabriel admitted with her own tone of concern, "and even Mordred and Lancelot went missing."
"Not just them, the Grecian heroes have gone off the grid as well if Artemis tells me the truth." Ichigo added. "Needless to say, something is going on with those that carry the legacy of heroes."
"Most distressing." Michael said, putting a hand to his chin. "Is this the Khaos Brigade or something else at play."
"We should focus on solidifying our positions and alliances while strengthening our forces." Ichigo turned to Gabriel. "Serafall and I had the benefit of knowing each other and dating for years, but we don't even know each other. I know this is a political arrangement, but how about moving to Karakura and Soul Society so we can get a better understanding of each other and how to further our respective groups." The two Angels turned to each other and starting weighing the pros and cons.
"I certainly wouldn't mind moving," Gabriel said, "and he's right, I should get a better understanding of my future husband and sister wives."
"He is Gabriel... but at the same time I can't help but worry for you." Michael admitted. "Some in Heaven and maybe even the Church would react poorly to the idea of you leaving, let alone getting married." He turned to Ichigo. "Do you mind if she takes some, maybe all of her Brave Saints with her?"
"She absolutely can, but they'll still be watched as a precautionary measure." The hybrid told them. "Security and whatnot." The two Angels looked to each other again before Michael nodded.
"I'll go pack my things!" Gabriel said excitedly before flying off. Once she was out of eyesight, Michael turned to Ichigo.
"I'll keep her safe. She reminds me of Orihime when we first started dating." The Shogun said, not exactly soothing the Angel's concerns.
(The Next Day: 15 days until the Gremory/Astaroth Game)
The days settled into a fine routine for the Devils of Kuoh; go to their classes, train till sunset and enjoy their recovery in the form of hotsprings or Kirio's frozen foods, performing their contract services, sleep and repeat. Taking into account that the next Rating Game is likely a shame where a hopeful final battle with the Old Satan Faction would be taking place, an altered approach was taken. It wasn't as severe to break them down and build them up as 'soldiers', but they learned to be more proactive and underhanded in perceived life or death matches and became roughly thirty-five percent stronger than they were before. As such, they were given a day off from their training to spend however they wished.
So Rias and Sona decided to have their date competition, dragging Issei and Saji to Karakura Town under Orihime's suggestion. Once they arrived they agreed to go their separate ways and explore the city with their respective partner, intending to meet up later as a cafe run by one of the Quincy that their teacher recommended. This was supposed to be a date and they knew that if they did stick around each other, then they'd end up competing in one way or another. Rias wouldn't forgive herself if she was lovey dovey out of a sense of competition and both girls acknowledged that their dates deserved better. Thus began their adventures in the Living World base of the Soul Society.
Sona and Saji's Date
Sona did her research and drew up an itinerary, but that was stolen by a small black cat that told them to just let go and explore, in a childish high pitch tone. After getting over the shock of a talking cat, reasoning that it wasn't the weirdest thing they'll encounter, Saji did as it suggested and started pulling Sona along. Their course took them to a bookstore first, browsing the different tomes and catalogs for anything that may interest them. Sona picked up a few workbooks and workbooks and Saji picked up a teacher's guide and chess strategy books.... but he mostly grabbed manga. Next Saji brought them to an arcade, trying to help Sona unwind a bit more.
"I don't know Saji." The Sitri heiress said as they entered the building, the loud chatter and noises from various machines and patrons filling the air as screens flashed their colors and games. "I've never had any interest in this kind of stuff."
"You just need to find the right match for you." Saji said as they passed a few consoles. "You wouldn't be fond of shooters, racers, or beat em ups, but I know how fond you are of strategy so I think this is more your speed."
"Puyo Puyo?" She asked, watching as two players engaged in a match. From what she could understand, the game was about dropping different colored slime creatures down and getting a direct connection between four minimum. The game ends when one player's slimes reach the top of the screen. "Seemes interesting. Very well, let's play."
"I'll go easy until you get the hang of things." Saji said, trying to sound confident. Ten rounds later, he still hasn't won a single round.
"I'll admit, I can see the value in games like these." Sona said with a smug smile, enjoying adding a new strategy game to her repertoire. "Any others you'd recommend?" She asked her dear pawn, hunched over and shaking with embarrassment at how easily he's been crushed by a newbie gamer. A small petty side of him pointed to a fighting game and thought of how to justify its worth.
"Another test of reflexes and strategy, how you can operate the character you choose." He declared, getting a raised eyebrow from his king before she smirked and started walking over.
"Let me do a few rounds against the computer. Just until I get used to it." She said as she took her seat and made her selection. Five minutes later. "Gotta break! C'mon!" She growled as she was in the deciding match between her and Saji, her inexperience showing. "Ah!" She cried out as her character fell, marking her third loss while Saji's character had a fifth of their own health bar left.
"It's frightening how fast you pick up on these games." The bearer of Vritra said as he tried catching his breath and steadying his heart rate. The stakes were raised as the two made a wager on a best three out of five match once he noticed how much she started enjoying it. "Well, my lady," He started as he got out of his seat to claim his prize from her, "shall we head to our next destination?" He asked, offering his hand. She gave it a glance before slyly smiling and taking it.
"Very well, you won the right to hold my hand after all." She said, rising to her feet. "Now, let's go to our next destination." The wager was for Saji to either devote his all to their next exams or to have the chance to hold hands with Sona, depending on if he lost or won. Having won, they simply walked, hand in hand, being subtly directed to a Quincy Sun Gate and sent into the Shadow Side. They would later meet with Rias and Issei at the Quincy's cafe.
Rias and Issei's Date
Rias was in awe of the sight of Shadow Karakura; the free roaming draconic beings, the mix of Japanese and European aesthetics, the way nature seemed to harmoniously co-exist with the city by the way the plant life seemed so naturally entwined with the buildings, and the myriad of races walking about normally. All the different Yokai, the humans she assumed were spiritually aware, it was like her first time in Kyoto once more. They were wandering about for a while before meeting a blue skinned Oni and asked for points of interest, Rias immediately asking in a very excited tone for traditional. He brought them to a bunraku show, telling the tale of the Unifiers of Japan. Both Devils gave rapt attention to the puppet show unfolding of the bloody events that brought an end to the Warring States era and were surprised by the additional story of how Ichigo came to his position in unifying the spiritual entities of Japan.
"That was interesting." Rias said as they walked away from the tented pavilion. "The way those puppets moved and operated, how much work and coordination must've gone into each detail for all those people to portray that story."
"Yeah, definitely not what I thought of when I heard it was a puppet show." Issei said as they walked on through the streets of the hidden city. "So, anything you want to try now Prez?" He asked as they continued their stride side by side, looking around the city for anything that could catch their eye in the historic district. Eventually they came across a traditional pavilion with the name 'Jigoku no Hana' carved in above the doorway. Issei was watching the various girls dressed in fancy kimono with snow white make up and blood red lips dancing, talking, or serving tea, through the windows but what caught Rias's eye was a flier offering dance lessons.
"Let's go here!" She said, pulling Issei along before he could say anything. They entered the building and the calming scent of incense immediately washed over them while the strumming of a stringed instrument created a soothing melody. The pair were greeted to another woman sitting at the front desk, who greeted them with a smile.
"Welcome to the Hell's Blossom Geisha house." She said before giving a polite bow. "Is this your first time here? Is there anything specific you'd like to request of our services?" Geisha was an old and respectable profession of Japanese maidens, while they sold their time and services to help people relax and entertain them, they were not whores as some would suspect. They were artists of dance, music, and conversation, that was how they entertained.
"I saw the flier for dance lessons. Is there an opening?" Rias immediately requested causing the girl to nod.
"Yes. Lady Otoboshi is out back training some beginners right now." Her eyes glanced over to Issei, who was watching some of the other girls doing their performances. "Is he your lover?" She whispered to the Devil, earning a blush from Rias and causing the desk girl to giggle. "Lady Otoboshi could teach you other things as well if you're learning for his sake." She said before walking away from the desk. "Follow me please." The pair followed the girl to a room where a group of varying girl, some humanoid in appearance with others being different Yokai, all doing careful and practiced motions under the direction of a woman in a kimono decorated in fire, skeletons, and hellish Demons. "Lady Otoboshi, we have someone interested in joining for a lesson." The teacher turned and both devils gasped as they saw the brief appearance of a skeleton before it was switched out for a breathtaking beauty, like a porcelain doll.
"Hello." She greeted with a polite smile and bow. "I'm the propietor of this house and your teacher. Call me Otoboshi sensei. No uniforms necessary, just step in and follow direction." Rias nodded and handed her things to Issei before stepping in. He just stood back an watched in interest as Rias did her best to follow the woman's instructions. She had experience in dance, but that was just ballroom waltzes for the sake of fancy noble affairs. This graceful flow of dancing with a partner is was not translating easily to the focused and precise motions of the Geisha dance. After an hour of this lesson, Otoboshi called it closed. Rias was sweating lightly from the effort and focus exerted in this. "Everyone, I'll see you next time." Otoboshi said as the girls bowed and thanked her. "Gremory? If you want, we have a shower you can use."
"Thank you Sensei." She said with a smile. "Issei, here's my card. Please pay for the lesson."
"No problem Prez." The Red Dragon said before rushing off. During the whole exchange, Otoboshi held a knowing smile while Rias walked over to her.
"You know, I can offer you some 'other' lessons for pleasing your boyfriend." She said in a suggestive tone, making Rias blush while looking at her in shock. "Don't worry, you're not my type kid." The older woman said as her appearance flashed again. "But I know desire when I see it. Good sex is important to your relationship, and I've got plenty I could teach you. I was quite the courtesan in my old life." Rias's face turned crimson before looking at the clock.
"W-what can I learn in ten minutes?" She finally asked, with Otoboshi giving a knowing smirk. Once that ended, the Devils left with Issei looking concerned at a nervous and embarrassed Rias, who was carrying some blank black notebooks. The coming twilight hours of their date were fast approaching so they began looking for the cafe that the Quincy owned.
The Final Part of the Date
The Devils were aware that they were basically being led around the city, but that was something they were starting to expect when it came to the Soul Society's territory and agents. Even now they headed to someplace a high ranked Gotei official owned as an end to their outings. The cafe itself was a rather quaint little place with the sign spelling "G'afe" but it was like the 'a' had a bite taken out of it by the previous letter. Ignoring the odd name, they entered to find the Sternritter Liltotto Lamperd munching on a sandwich.
"Take a seat, I'll be with you when I'm done." She said, still focusing on her food while the Devils found a table. Once they did and started examining the menus, they began talking about their dates... which turned into a passive aggressive fight between them.
"They're at it again." Saji sighed, looking at the two high ranking Devils as they subtly bragged and mocked each other. "Still better than Sona and Gremory senpai trying to kill each other outside of practice though."
"Yeah. I'm willing to move on after seeing what you went through, but a I don't think Prez will ever forgive president Sitri." Issei stated, taking a drink of water. "Maybe Prez will forgive her in a the next thousand years."
"If we live that long." Saji added before turning to Issei. "So... what was that puppet show about?"
"The 'Great Unifiers of Japan'." The Red Dragon answered. "Prez couldn't take her eyes off of it... those were some skilled puppeteers. Surprising what they can do with practical effects."
"Cool." Saji said with a nod, noting that something seemed off. "Anything else?" Issei gained this thoughtful expression.
"We stopped by a Geisha house that was offering dance lessons that Prez immediately jumped on." The Red Dragon answered with a smile. "While not as sexy as I would have liked, she was certainly entrancing in those elegant movements. I'm glad Prez had fun today." Issei said, looking at Rias in admiration while she blushed but flashed Sona a smug smile.
"Issei, why don't you ever refer to Gremory senpai by name?" Saji asked, confusing the Gremory pawn but made the king in question pause as a flash of recognition crossed her features and even Sona's eyebrows rose a bit.
"W-well, because Prez is Prez." Issei said, feeling a little uncomfortable with the attention being directed at him. A sensation that was only growing with the look of disappointment and sadness coming to Rias's face.
"But you're the one that said, 'We can marry our masters', and you even sacrificed your own arm for the power to break her engagement with the Phenex clan right?" Saji countered, making Issei flinch. "So she's supposed to be more than just 'Prez' to you. Right?"
"Uhh..." Issei's mind went into overtime, trying to make sense of things. He knew Saji was right, but at the same time he couldn't really accept doing it.
"I've almost died, so many times, for the chance to ask out Sona and call her by name." Saji continued. "And we both know Gremory senpai is far less strict with you, especially since you're clearly her favorite. So why not?" Issei froze, thoughts racing as to why, even though he wants nothing more than to make Prez his wife, to lay claim that her boobs and virginity belong to him alone, he still has this degree of separation between the two of them. Why? Why!? WHY!?
"It's too late." He froze as a familiar voice rang out, making both his and Rias's eyes snap wide open as they looked to the door and gasped in shock. "There's no way I will give it back." The person talking was a Fallen Angel, a slender and curvaceous woman with long black hair and violet eyes wearing what could be generously described as a leather bikini that hid very little, and feathery wings as black as midnight. The most concerning thing about this Fallen Angel is, she's supposed to be dead.
"Raynare!" Issei and Rias shouted as they shot up, Rias ready to fight while Issei was still in shock. Saji and Sona followed suit, ready to help against this enemy, and Liltotto... was still eating her sandwich. "How are you alive?!" Rias demanded while the Fallen laughed.
"Fufufu, it was pretty fun. The time I dated you." She said, Issei's eyes widening as a familiar scene played out in his mind. "Yes, watching it was very cute. It's fun to play around with boys who have no experience with a woman." The Red Dragon dropped to his knees and grasped at his head, Rias looking torn between focusing on the enemy and seeing to her dear pawn.
"Not this. Not again!" Issei begged, tears coming to his eyes as she was reenacting probably his worst moment. "Please not again!"
"It was an ordinary date!" Raynare cackled. "Thanks to that, I was very bored!"
"That's enough." Another voice sounded from behind Raynare, the Fallen's eyes going blank as a small red ball came out of her mouth before she collapsed to her knees and revealing a short girl wearing a red tracksuit and had her chin length blonde hair in a messy ponytail. "Guess we can call this one a success." She said as she plucked up the ball and threw the body over her shoulder. "Hey Liltotto, is my order ready?"
"Yep." The Quincy said as she reached under the counter and pulled out a paper bag. "Here you go Hiyori."
"Thanks." The girl said as she flashed over to grab her order, turning around to notice the very confused looks of the Devils. "Right, I should explain this." She said before addressing the Devils. "Sorry about this. Name's Hiyori Sarugaki, Squad 12 member in charge of Squad 15's monitoring stations, and we just used you for an experiment." The Devils were still stunned, but Sona managed to compose herself enough to talk.
"W-what kind o-of experiment?" She finally asked.
"We wanted to see if we could successfully recreate someone from a person's memories." Hiyori answered. "See, our division's commanding officer gets us together for office drinking parties and we record what happens, just in case we come up with any ideas in our drunken stupors. Then we take the ideas, put them in his bucket hat, and assign a team to work on whatever idea he pulls out. First we see if we can actually do it, then we think about practical applications. It didn't HAVE to be you guys and this was all very last minute pickings, but we had the data from when you had the surveillance bacteria and thought, 'why not'." She said, flashing back to the door. "By the way, you might want to get that kid into therapy." She suggested before leaving, the stunned and confused Devils trying to process what happened.
"Ready to order?" Liltotto asked, as if nothing major just happened.
(Omake)
No Interruptions
"Don't lose sight of them." Akeno whispered to Koneko as the ORC followed Rias and Issei into Karakura Town. It was their obligation to keep an eye on them and make sure the date goes smoothly... or to butt in at the worst possible moment and kill the mood in the case of Akeno. Kiba wanted to keep her from doing anything unnecessary and hoped Asia, Koneko, and Irina would help with that, Gasper... was back with Issei's mother, dress shopping.
"What is that?" Asia asked as Rias and Issei stepped on a circular plate and immediately vanished. Acting out of one part concern and one part urgency to not lose target, Irina bolted on ahead to the plate and likewise vanished.
"Irina!" Kiba hissed as he and the rest of the ORC moved after them. They reached the plate and teleported away.
"Waah~!" Asia cried out as she and the others were lifted into the air. They didn't know what happened, all they knew is that they were caught by a bunch of slimy green tentacles or vines. Kiba, Asia, and Irina had their arms and legs restrained. Koneko was in a similar position and about to rip her arms free before a flower appeared before her and spat pollen into her face, making her look like she was stoned out of her mind.
"Mmmm~!" And Akeno had some coiling tightly around her breast, one digging into her crotch, and a final one stuffing itself in her mouth, barely containing her moans. As they tried to get their bearings, a voice started sounding out.
"You'll be staying here until their date is finished."
Squad 12: Result Meeting
"Hello~ everyone!" Urahara called out as all of Squad 12 tuned in for the latest experiment results from the last 'Drunk Ideas' party, some in person, some through radio, others through monitors as they were computing some data. "We just received word from our dear little Hiyori that team Mayuri and Nozomi's latest project was a success!" He said, his visage on the screens being replaced with Mayuri's current face and a woman with chin length green hair. "Let's listen to their comments on their success~!"
"There, I did it. Now stop annoying me with these easy projects." Mayuri's voice said.
"Quit interrupting me. I need to finish these Gigai models of the other races." Nozomi's voice said. "And stop making these mandatory." Urahara took center screen again.
"To which I say, no. These are fun. Looking forward to the next-" a loud thud was heard.
"Good work everyone. Carry on while I talk things over with this pain in the ass." Ichigo's voice said as everyone just went back to work.
Gotei Budget Review Meeting
"Everything looks good so far." One of the members of the budget committee stated. "Squad 11 is doing fine with the same budget. Just the same request of new exercise equipment, like Captain Zaraki isn't already the strongest man in Soul Society."
"Now... for Squad 12." There were collective groans as they pulled up the expense reports. "And they had another one of those parties. Damage cost is on the low end for once, but these projects..."
"Didn't the Captain Commander have a word with them?"
"That was Kyoraku, and he ended up drinking with them. This is the first one with Commander Kurosaki, and he'll use anything if it proves useful. And that damn Urahara can make the most pointless idea invaluable."
"We need a way to stop them... Any ideas?"
"And risk Urahara or Mayuri's wrath?" There was a pause. "Let's just do this." They said in defeat.
Ichigo's "Talk" With Urahara
"I don't mind these parties or the experiments of questionable ethics, in healthy moderation." He said while Urahara was tied up and hanging upside down with more than a few lumps on his face. "This 'once a month' cycle ends or I'll make sure your specific pay is cut and Akon gets put in charge of handling your Squad's budget."
"I'll behave." Kisuke mumbled out through swollen lips.
"And don't think I believe your targeted Gremory and Hyoudo as a random, last minute call. I know both Gremory and Sitri peerages are still under observation. Issei was the specific target." Ichigo accused, Urahara remaining silent before his figure popped like a balloon.
"Issei is clearly damaged." Urahara's voice came from behind Ichigo, looking completely serious. "We've suspected that his conflict with that Fallen Angel left a deep wound on his psyche that still hasn't fully healed and this experiment confirmed that." Ichigo turned to face his old mentor and saw the captain hold out a clipboard and a tablet recording the date between Issei and Rias. "Despite his stated lust as desire for her, Issei's kept a certain distance between himself and Rias. Basically any girl at that. So-"
"WHAT THE HELL!?" Ichigo yelled out in shock, giving Urahara a pause. "Is that a play about my life!?"
"Uh... well... a cliff notes version." The Captain answered.
"They could've at least done it in Shakespearean style." The hybrid groaned out. "Who's idea was this?"
"Your wife's. Probably." There was a pause, Ichigo's expression demanding something more specific. "The horny one." Ichigo's expression didn't change. "Yasaka. Hers or Amaterasu's."
"Handle the Issei thing, I'm getting to the bottom of this." Ichigo ordered before flashing away. Kisuke waited for a few seconds before giggling to himself. He knew setting up that play would get him out of trouble... for the moment.