(Kuoh Town, Kyoto Prefecture, Kansai Region, Japan, Asia, Earth, DxD / Draconic Deus Universe)
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(WARNING MINOR HINTS OF CITRUS AHEAD)
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(Ryūjin Himejima POV)
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Ryūjin Himejima was a great many things.
Patient, perverted, just, and compassionate. But he was also wrathful if prodded enough. Usually, he was calm and able to keep a firm grip on his emotions. But lately, he'd been having trouble, he was more anxious of late among other things. He had assumed that it was largely due to reuniting with his sister, but... his anxiety hadn't gone away.
He'd probably have to see Penume for a psych evaluation after his assignment was over. But first, he'd have to contend with Raynare's folly. Kala had sent word.
''Why so gloomy?'' Lavinia asked, poking his cheek as they were entwined together, naked.
''I heard from Kalawarner. Seems my past actions are coming back to haunt me. Raynare is doing all this to get my attention. It seems that making her fall as I did had caused more than I initially realized. She goes on and on about me, obsessed apparently. And she is hoping that getting Twice Critical and Twilight Healing earns her a place at my side.'' Says Ryūjin, as he holds lavinia close, gently massaging her back as she presses her large bust into his side.
''But it won't, she hasn't earned the right. Nor does she play by the rules.'' Lavinia says, climbing over to straddle him.
''I don't think she cares about anything else. Her psych profile indicates a desire and need to be useful, she fell because of lust I caused her true, but her ultimate desire is to be useful. It's just my misfortune that I'm the target of her desires. Lavi, no. We can't.'' He says, as Lavinia grows mischievous as she tries to tempt him to do more than their petting and groping.
''I want it.'' She whines with a cute pout.
''And you know how paranoid I am about hurting you. With Kuroka I can be as rough as my Fallen side demands, but I will never be rough with you Lavi.'' He says firmly.
''You say that, but - eep!'' She yelped cutely as he pushed her off him to his side. ''So Mean!'' She pouted cutely, giving him an accusatory glare with no real heat in it.
''In all seriousness Lavi, I think it's time we get a new member or two. I want you to send a letter of invitation to Le Fay Pendragon and Meredith Ordinton. Have Meredith be the first one to arrive. I want her first, I also wish for you to extend an invitation to one Zekka Miyamoto. Have the invites spaced three days apart.'' Says Ryūjin as Lavi grows serious.
''I know those names! Le Fay and Ordinton were a highly skilled Duo in the Golden Dawn.'' Lavi said excitedly. ''You want more cute magicians!?'' She says, looking at him with another accusatory look.
''Perhaps, perhaps not. Right now I want them. I plan to offer Meredith my Second Jack and Le Fay my Five Card.
''But le Fay was more skilled than Meredith, shouldn't she get the Jack?'' Lavi asked him with that cute inquisitive look on her face.
''Normally, you'd be right. But I did my research on both girls and do you want to know a curious detail?'' Asks Ryūjin, knowing his first wife's natural and nearly insatiable curiosity.
''What?'' She asked, confused.
''Meredith is an unrecognized member of the current British Royal family, while Le Fay is a descendant of King Arthur and Morgana Le Fay. Additionally, Meredith has a High-Tier Sacred Gear which is also allegedly one of the Holy Relics. If it is one of the Holy Relics then it could very well be the Incinerate Anthem if Walburga died, or it could be the Shroud, the Nail, or possibly even another lost relic we've yet to hear about. I mean, that studio I own opens the door to a whole host of potential Holy Relics that aren't strictly associated with my grandfather or the Heavens above.''
''So you're counting on this Holy Relic requiring the Jack's extra power?'' Lavi asks, putting a finger to her chin.
''Pretty much, yes. But it's also because Meredith has a rather large chip on her shoulder. Making her my Jack will be seen by her as an affirmation of her talent and value since my first Jack is a Longinus user. Additionally, it will comfort her to know that in terms of numerical value, she places higher than Le Fay. I'm guessing the fact she's essentially an unwanted accident of conception with a peasant grates on her self-esteem. You know my criteria better than anyone Lavi, exceptional or extraordinary people don't have to be super powerful as long as the potential is there. Meredith Ordinton has that kind of potential.'' He tells her.
''How soon do you wish to recruit her?'' Lavinia asks.
''Today, I want her with us before Tobio and I deal with Raynare and her group.'' Says Ryūjin, as he gives Lavinia a small and quick kiss. ''Fear not, Lavi, you'll always be my favorite Magician Girl.'' He tells her, sneaking a quick groping of her breast in whilst she's distracted.
''R-Ryūjin!?'' She protests blushing bright red as she realizes he'd snuck a feel of her breast in. Despite having three children with him, Lavinia still remained largely innocent when it came to sex. The couplings they'd had that gave them their children had largely been small and quick.
But that didn't stop her from trying to seduce him, but Ryūjin loved her more for her innocence and cuteness. What they had together was a s real as it could get, but that didn't mean that he was with her only. Kuroka had basically claimed him as her mate, and since Nekoshou tended to mate for life with one Partner unless their base instincts demanded otherwise, she coerced Lavinia into the acceptance of a harem. Following Kuroka, both Natsume and Shigune ended up becoming his lovers. But they had been taking contraceptives because unlike Kuroka and Lavinia, they actually had lives in the Human World and could ill afford to get pregnant at their age.
''Come off it Lavi, you were trying to seduce me not five minutes ago, are you really that indignant about me groping your wonderful breasts. We've done things far more hot and heavy than just groping each other.'' He says impishly to her.
''Still, Ryūjin, I wasn't ready for that.'' Lavinia protests.
''How about now?'' He asks, pinching her bottom.
''Eep!'' She squeals as he begins groping various parts of her body in rapid succession. ''S-stop i- mmmh.'' Her protests are silenced when he captures her lips with his own and begins kissing her deeply, pulling her naked form against his.
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(POV Shift: Meredith Ordinton)
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It'd been a long time since she'd received a request of any significant notoriety. Her stock in the Golden Dawn had fallen since Le Fay left. It was aggravating to know that a large chunk of the requests that had come her way disappeared with Le Fay.
It mattered less than nothing that she was a child of the Royal Family, that she had a powerful Sacred Gear, and ultimately her skills as a Mage. But this invitation for a job had come from Grigori's head of Special Operations. That was a job offer she needed exactly when she most needed it to happen.
This could be the key to making her fortunes rise again, she could not afford the loss in status and reputation. Especially considering Lord Mephisto's cooperation with Grigori and the Cadre who sent for her. At the very least this could possibly give her a relationship and lifeline to exploit to get her into Grauzauberer. She did not want to leave the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, but the truth was leaving it in favor of Grauzauberer before her contract situation dried up might very well save her a great deal of embarrassment and give her the means to forge her own path and gain her own successes.
Which is why she was clearing her schedule so as to arrive early to this invitation because as much as she hated to admit it, Le Fay was right that arriving early tended to leave a good impression on people.
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(POV Shift: Arthur Pendragon)
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The role of an older brother was not an easy one, watching his sister fret over the invitation she'd received - as amusing as it was - was not an insignificant matter. The letter was from Ryūjin Himejima, the Prince of Lightning and a Cadre of Grigori. Arthur had heard much of this Fallen Angel. He'd bested Satanael in a battle between Holy and Demonic Swords, winning Arondight in the process. That alone got not just his attention, but his father's. Arondight had belonged to Lancelot, the man largely held responsible for the destruction of their ancestral kingdom, even though the truth was far simpler.
But more to the point, he had concerns about this invitation, and thankfully, the invitation itself provided a lifeline. Le Fay had been invited to Himejima Castle, but it also said in that invitation that she was permitted to bring someone else if she felt so inclined for her comfort.
''I'll go with you, Le Fay.'' He says finally putting an end to his younger sisters fretting.
''Really?! Thank you, big brother!'' Le Fay says, a measure of calm on her face.
''Don't worry, I'll make sure this Fallen Angel doesn't do anything nefarious with my beloved little sister.'' He assures her, to which she gives him a radiant smile that she gives him often and one that he never tires of seeing.
Oh, the perks of being a big brother…
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(POV Shift: Ryūjin Himejima)
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Ryūjin was enjoying a nice black coffee with Hawaiian cream straight from his farm in Kona. Ryūjin owned many properties, businesses, and assets across the world, Ryūjin Industries was his biggest earner by far, but in terms of his most reliable source of income, the farms in Kona, Hawaii were among his most sustainable. Easily in his big three alongside his Wind and hydroelectric farms and his billion-dollar Chocolate empire. Dragon Chocolates made millions of dollars a week, averaging a couple hundred million a month, which made his end-of-year profits in the billions. And since the farms in Kona, Argentina, England, Chile, France, Greece, New Zealand, and Ireland all supplied his chocolate empire, he gave them favorable rates on power.
''How do you find the Coffee? Not too much cream I trust?'' He asked his companion.
''It's fine thank you, just a small hint of bitterness, the cream does well to disguise it, leaving only small traces of the bitterness of Black Coffee, the chocolate is delicious as well, I've never been overly fond of milk chocolate, but this is divine.'' Meredith Ordinton tells him.
''It's because we only technically use milk. We cream it, then put it in the mix. We throw in a hint of lemon or ginger for that slight tang in your mouth you can taste and to make the cream a little bit harder to detect.'' He notes.
''I'll have to remember that, now then, what can I do for you?'' Asks Meredith.
''It's more what I can do for you, miss Ordinton. I know about your situation and how a great deal of your business has dried up. I'm prepared to offer you a way out. See this? It's my Second Jack of Spades Fallen Saint Card, I wish for you to join me. My other Jack wields one of the Thirteen Longinus, as does my Queen who I do believe you'll have heard about, one Lavinia Reni?'' He offers.
''So Madam Reni works for you? That explains why she left Grauzauberer.'' Says Meredith.
''No, she didn't leave Grauzauberer so much as go on Maternity Leave. She's my Fiance you see, we have three children together. Even if I do call her my first wife.'' Ryūjin admits.
''Well, as nice as that is to know, why should I join you?'' Asks Meredith.
''Because I believe in your potential, I also want Le Fay Pendragon in my Deck, but I'm not offering her my Jack or my nine, or my eight, my six, my five, my four, or my Ace or my three, I'm offering her my Two. I'm giving you my Jack, because I believe that you and your Sacred Gear will reach that of a Longinus within our lifetime. I want someone like you at my side with me as I prove that me and my group is the absolute strongest. I want a future Longinus standing tall with another future Longinus user and other users of the thirteen Longinus. I want you!'' He tells her strongly.
''Le Fay is better at magic than me.'' Meredith says, somewhat despondent but clearly bitter about the admission.
''Perhaps, but I'm still offering you my Jack. I can help you learn to control and master your Sacred Gear, and in exchange, you will help me achieve peace.'' Says Ryūjin.
''You say I will rank higher than Le Fay?'' Meredith asks.
''Much higher.'' He promises.
''Then give me your card.'' Meredith decides.
''Here you go.'' He says, tossing it to her. ''Simply place it onto your chest and it shall do the rest.'' He tells her.
Meredith places it onto her chest and it sinks into her, a bright light envelopes her, and when it dies down, she has four pairs of Wings outstretched.
''Congratulations Meredith Ordinton, you are officially an Eight Winged Fallen Angel.'' He Tells her. ''You'll have truly reached a zenith of your new power when you've reached ten pairs of wings. After that, it's up to you to reach new heights.'' Ryūjin tells her, before snapping his fingers as his entire Deck appears before him and Meredith. ''Meredith Ordinton, meet your new family,'' he tells her.
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If Le Fay Pendragon could be summed up in one word, then Ryūjin would call her cute. She was far more innocent and cute than his dear Lavinia was, but also more childlike. Her brother on the other hand, Ryūjin could respect the man a great deal, his noble mannerisms and attire did him some favors, but it was the sword he carried that truly granted him Ryūjin's respect. Like him, Arthur was a natural-born Holy Sword Wielder, however in Ryūjin's case he was also a natural-born Demonic Sword Wielder.
Which made him an Ambidextrous swordsman. He was one of those rare few who was capable of bringing out the full power of both variants of swords. But in his case, he respected Arthur more than he would another ambidextrous Swordsman because Arthur was not only a direct descendant of King Arthur, but he carried the Strongest Excalibur fragment as well as the Holy Sword Collbrande. Arthur didn't bring himself down by trying to master a Demonic Sword. Siegfried likewise didn't bring himself down by trying to master Holy Swords.
To be fair to Siegfried his lack of total synchronicity with Gram was more because of his Sacred Gear than anything else, so Ryūjin couldn't hold that against him when he himself possessed a Sacred Gear of immense power that required him to keep sealed most of the time. The argument could be made of course that Ryūjin's situation wasn't the same as Siegfried's, but that wasn't entirely true, his Holy Power greatly enhanced his second Longinus's power. Which in turn greatly enhanced both the power of his Swords and his compatibility with the Holy aspects of both.
''Welcome Pendragon siblings, can I offer you refreshments? Coffee? Tea? My pantry has a large assortment of both.'' He offers.
''Black tea, if you have it.'' Arthur says.
''You can have my finest then, Da Hong Pao. The world's most expensive black tea. This was a gift from the Chinese gods for services rendered, as for miss Le Fay, a simple Chocolate Bar, from our private factories.'' Says Ryūjin as he summons both a cup, teapot, and chocolate bar.
He watches as Le Fay takes a bite of the chocolate bar before- quite animatedly - reacting to the taste and flavor, Arthur however is far more reserved in his appreciation of the tea.
''So good!'' Le Fay praises.
''Thank you, it's from the same batch I offered Miss Ordinton a little while ago.'' He said, capturing Le Fay's complete attention.
''Meredith? She's here?'' Le Fay asks, looking around.
''Not right now, I sent her to Grigori HQ, wanting Azazel to get a good look at her Sacred Gear. My Queen, Lavinia Reni went with her.'' Said Ryūjin.
''Lady Lavinia Reni? Grauzauberer's legendary ace?'' Asks Le Fay.
''Indeed, both are Fallen Angels now. As a member of Golden Dawn, you'll be familiar with Evil Pieces. We'll little bit under four years ago the Fallen Angels developed our own methods of replenishing our numbers. I was the first to be Reincarnated, becoming the Joker of Spades under my father. Later I was given my own Deck within the Spades suit and recruited Lavinia, and two of the four Fiends wielders, as well as the wielder of Canis Lycaon. Together with the White Dragon Emperor, we recruited another Longinus user. And today I recruited Meredith Ordinton, a girl whose Sacred Gear will become a Longinus in the future. Now here you sit Lady Le Fay, and I make you the same offer. Join me, and together we will reach new heights, magical or otherwise.'' Says Ryūjin.
''That's not the sort of decision that can be reversed. Thus it's not to be made lightly.'' Arthur intersects.
''True.'' Ryūjin concedes. ''But, I'm not only asking Lady Le Fay to join me. I was hoping for you to come along Arthur Pendragon so that you and I might engage in honorable combat to First Blood or surrender. I wish to see who is a better swordsman, he has inherited both King Arthur's sword and name, but also his legacy. Or me, a fallen grandchild of God, who bears the Swords of Lancelot du Lac and Sir Gaiwan.'' Says Ryūjin as he summons both blades across his knees.
''Intriguing…'' Arthur says, placing his tea to the side and summoning Excalibur Ruler.
''There's a small training arena you passed on your way in, care to have a round with me?'' Ryūjin offers Arthur.
''I think Big Brother will win.'' Says Le Fay.
''Daddy will win!'' A cute little voice said, as Alice appeared out of nowhere.
''Alice, you ditched Aunty Sae again didn't you?'' Ryūjin asks with a small note of chiding in his voice.
''She too slow Daddy.'' Alice said, seeming quite proud she'd escaped Sae's grasp.
''And yet, because you escaped Aunty Sae, no chocolate for a week.'' Says Ryūjin.
'But daddy?!'' Alice whines cutely.
''Enough, Alice, we've guests, and you'd do well to treat them with respect. Do you remember your lessons on King Arthur? These are his descendants.'' Says Ryūjin.
''Descendwints?'' Alice asks, confused.
''Like what you and your siblings are to grandma and grandpa.'' Ryūjin tells her, before turning to Le Fay. ''Lady Le Fay, Lord Arthur, this is my eldest daughter with Lavinia, Alice Himejima. Lady Le Fay, would you mind caring for her while your brother and I do battle and while we await her nanny's return?'' He asks after introductions.
''Of course, she's so cute!'' Le fay gushes.
''Perhaps, but she should really be more respectful to her nanny.'' He admonishes and pretends not to notice Le Fay sneaking a few chocolate bars into her pockets.
''Srory daddy.'' Alice says.
''It's alright Alice, just promise me you'll be nicer to Aunt Sae?'' Ryūjin asks his daughter.
''I pwomise daddy.'' Alice said.
''Follow me, the sooner we get this down, the sooner Sae will come for Alice.'' Ryūjin decides, leading the siblings and his daughter to the training arena outside his castle in the central courtyard before the entrance.
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(POV Shift: Zekka Miyamoto)
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Zekka knew that song anywhere.
The song of steel and power doing battle against one another, of wills clashing and grinding against each other. Someone was doing battle and she wanted to know who it was.
Coming to a training ring, she observed two young men dueling with two very powerful swords. Each of them gave off an intense Holy Aura, but one also gave off a Demonic Aura. Was this an unheard-of blade? One that merged Holy and Demonic powers into one?
''How do you do? My name is Le Fay Pendragon, and this is lady Alice.'' Says a young blonde girl in witch's garb and on a broomstick.
''Zekka.'' She responds quietly.
''That's my brother, Arthur, he's having a practice duel against Ryūjin Himejima.'' Says the witch.
''What kind of blades are those?'' Zekka questions.
''Arthur, is wielding the Excalibur Ruler, Lord Ryūjin is wielding the swords of Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot du Lac, Galatine and Arondight. They've been going at it for over an hour now.'' Le Fay informs, and Zekka now remembers where she'd heard the name Ryūjin Himejima.
He was a strong and skilled swordsman who'd bested the likes of David Cerro, Satanael, Freed Selzen, and the Legendary Siegfried with his Blades. Arthur Pendragon, like herself, was considered a prodigy with Swords but was heir to King Arthur's legacy.
Her goal was to become the strongest swordsman in the world, thus she researched wielders of Demonic and Holy Blades. Arthur Pendragon and Ryūjin Himejima would be two of her most difficult obstacles to reaching her goal. But she had time to train and prepare before she felt ready to challenge them. She'd already bested a number of lesser obstacles, but these two boys would be amongst the toughest to beat.
''Perhaps, we should stop holding back Arthur? So far it is Excalibur Ruler against Arondight, let's up the ante.'' She heard Himejima say.
''Gladly, it's exceedingly rare that I need to use more than one blade against an opponent.'' Arthur admits.
Zekka watched as Arthur summoned a blade she immediately recognized as Collbrande, while she observed Himejima summon not another sword, but rather that he fused the two he was currently wielding at the hilt.
''What the?'' She heard Arthur say as the two blades crackled with vibrantly colored electricity.
''Apologies in advance, I have to convert the excess Holy Energy into something to prevent the blades from breaking. Since I'm a natural user of Holy Lighting, I'm able to safely siphon off that excess energy into something that I can use, but there's only so much that my body can siphon away. Lady Le Fay? Please place a barrier around the circle, I'd rather not too much of my property was damaged. Lavinia will never let me hear the end of it.'' He said, before turning to the magician floating next to her.
''Of course.'' Le Fay said, before casting a floating charm on the small child and erecting a translucent barrier around the circle.
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(POV Shift: Ryūjin Himejima)
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Ryūjin had not expected his battle with Arthur to last as long as it had, but now that it had, it had served a new purpose in whetting the appetite of Zekka. He'd prepared a gift for her, and it would no doubt capture the attention of Arthur as well. One of Ryūjin's hobbies was the collection of weapons, materials, and artifacts of renown. He had about ten tonnes of Uru converted into a special vault inside a pocket dimension. Amongst other artifacts, were the Holy Swords Curtana, Caledfwlch, Caladbolg, Dyrnwyn, Coreiseuse, Joyeuse, Lobera, Colada, and Totsuka no Tsurugi. But Ryūjin had also collected the Demonic Swords of Crocea Mors, Fragarach, Hrunting, Clarent, Legbiter, Quern-biter, Skofnung, Tizona, Harpe, Sword of Mars, Kladenets, and Szczerbiec. He also had the spear of King Arthur Rhongomyniad, Arthur's Dagger Carnwennan, the Dagger of Rostam, and the shield of King Arthur, Prydwen.
Amongst other treasures in his vault, was the Book of Thoth, substantial quantities of Orichalcum, Adamantine, Dragon's teeth, bones, scales, and hide, Excalibur's scabbard, and Merlin's staff. Ryūjin planned to return King Arthur's equipment to Arthur while gifting Merlin's wand to Le Fay. This was not intended as a bribe either, especially since he planned to also gift one of his Totsuka no Tsurugi to Zekka. He had spares of the latter blade, since there were about ten blades overall, and he himself had around six.
He didn't need six, but he wasn't going to give that kind of Holy Sword to just anyone, especially since each version of Totsuka no Tsurugi had a different special ability. He'd keep the most potent abilities for himself, but he wasn't going to give the weakest one to Zekka either. Rather, she would be gifted his fourth Totsuka blade.
''That was exhilarating, so allow me to offer you a reward for indulging me.'' Ryūjin says snapping his fingers as a magical door to the Dimensional Gap opens up by the fireplace, before revealing a long and dark corridor. ''Follow me each of you. That includes you Zekka.'' He instructs them, grateful that Alice by this point had being escorted away by Sae.
''What is this?'' Asks Le Fay.
''This is my vault. Or rather the passageway to my vault. It exists in two different dimensions simultaneously. One of which is a physical realm, the other is a special pocket dimension. Inside the vault at the end of this corridor lies a vast collection of weapons and items talked about throughout history. I've sent word ahead, the attendants should have prepared my gifts already.'' Ryūjin says, leading them down the narrow Corridor to a small room guarded by twelve Golems.
''Do not fear the Golems, they will not harm you for as long as you are not seen as my enemy.'' He informs them as he retrieves a key from around his neck and begins unlocking the various locks on the door. His key shifted to a different shape for each lock. ''Come.'' He says simply as they arrive to see about eight Dwarves with varying levels of facial hair.
''Master Ryūjin, we've prepared the gifts as instructed, but are ye sure about this? These are treasured relics you've spent years collectin'. Don't feel right just gifting them away for nothin.'' Ivaldi says.
''Doesn't really matter, Ivaldi, I can always reclaim them after death. At any rate, Arthur, I present to you the equipment of King Arthur, Prydwen, Rhongomyniad, Carnwennan, and the original Excalibur's Scabbard. For the Lady Le Fay, I give you Merlin's staff, and Lady Zekka I bequeath to you Totsuka no Tsurugi.'' Says Ryūjin as he unveils his gifts.
''M-merlin's s-s-staff?'' Le Fay stutters, hands shaking as she holds the sacred Magician's relic.
''What is the catch? You can't seriously be giving us these for nothing?'' Arthur questions suspiciously.
''That's exactly what I said, lad! These were in deplorable condition when Master Ryūjin recovered them, and offense to yerself and the little lassie, but I can't think of a reason to give these to yer.'' Ivaldi cuts in.
''Ivaldi? You speak to Arthur Pendragon and Le Fay Pendragon, the descendants of King Arthur and Morgana Le Fay.'' Ryūjin interjects.
''Well, shite. Nevermind what I said laddie, these are yers.'' The Dwarf replies, changing his tune rather quickly.
''There's no catch Arthur, this is as much about returning the artifacts of the House of Pendragon as they are about showing my appreciation for not only indulging my request for battle but simply coming at all. Not many people would take advantage of the lifeline in the letter to help their siblings. You did, and you're a damn good fighter, so it's my appreciation. As for you Zekka, that blade is yours by right of blood. It belonged to Musashi Miyamoto, your ancestor. So this is me simply returning your property.'' Ryūjin says as Ivaldi seals the artifacts into an hourglass before handing them to the relevant recipients.
''Simply smash em' on the ground and the artifacts and their cases will appear before yer.'' Ivaldi tells them.
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He'd done it, he'd gotten Le Fay Pendragon, Meredith Ordinton, and Zekka Miyamoto into his Deck. He'd expected that Le Fay or Arthur would need to consult their father at some point for permission to join his Deck, but they'd made the decision on their own. He could respect that, but he'd not be the one to take the blame if Uther Pendragon made a stink about it. Nevertheless, he was now more prepared than ever for future threats. Which meant he was now in a better position to confront Raynare. He simply needed to meet up with Asia and wait for Raynare to show up ''wound him'' and escape with Asia. From there he'd simply need to take Tobio, and perhaps Zekka and Le Fay, and meet up with the Gremory group to take on Raynare's group.
Kala would hopefully be of some use, she'd be given a slow-acting agent that would poison the stray exorcists and dull their reflexes. Once done, she would be tasked with waiting until his signal to betray Raynare and company. Which brought up Raynare's fate and that of her crew. He'd legitimately considered it, recruiting them, but ultimately he could not afford to reward renegades with such a promotion, and in the end, he had something else in mind for them…
Something he would take immense pleasure in.
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(Time-skip: One Hour Later)
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(WARNING MINOR HINTS OFf CITRUS AHEAD)
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''So? How was it?'' The girl next to him asked.
''For your first time? Pretty good.'' He replied.
''I never did get your name you know?'' The girl said.
''You'll find out soon enough, I'll be transferring to Kuoh Academy before the month is out, promised my sister I'd be closer to her, transferring to Kuoh seemed like a logical next step.'' Ryūjin replied.
''Do I know your sister?'' Asks his companion, putting on her glasses and tying her long brown locks into a ponytail reveals Aika Kiryuu.
''You do, but you'll find out when I transfer. I won't be the only one transferring either, I'll be bringing a couple of friends. Till then…another round? I got another hour and a half until I got to take care of some business.'' He offers the perverted glasses girl.
''Wish I could, but I promised my mom I'd help my aunt out to babysit my nieces. I guess I'll see you at Kuoh, mystery man.'' Said Aika.
''Yes, you will Aika Kiryuu, yes you will…'' Ryūjin says watching her leave his hotel room.
Activating his Magic Circle to Tobio, who dutifully picks up on the first ring.
''Boss? Are we ready to go?'' Tobio asks.
''Not quite, Tobio. Have Le Fay and Zekka on standby, and grant temporary access to Crocea Mars to Zekka. Inform her that she is not to bring up Holy Swords at all, that Knight of Gremory still has a raging hate boner for Excalibur and all Holy Swords after all, best tell Le Fay the same as well.'' Says Ryūjin as he hears Tobio chuckle.
''Got it, what about you boss? What's your plan?'' Tobio asks.
''Gonna recruit our fourth newest member… no actually, I'm going to hang out with her and bait the trap for these rogues, remember to tell Le Fay and Zekka nothing, simply say that Ryūta Shinra is my Ace and he needs help. We'll break cover when they least expect it… for all involved.'' Ryūjin reminds Tobio.
''Yeah, I know boss. But just remember, Lavinia won't take too kindly to it if you keep recruiting young, beautiful, and impressionable young maidens.'' Says Tobio.
''You know as well as I do how fucking hard it is to recruit skilled Male members in this world of ours. Dragons, Yokai, and other supernatural creatures even more so.'' Sats Ryūjin.
''Yeah, but you also have that in with Lady Yasaka, remember when we went to Kyoto for a holiday and ended up on her good side? She'd probably be able to get us a good number of recruits, and you did have that Kitsune who took a liking to you.'' Says Tobio.
''Don't remind me, I still don't remember everything that happened on that trip. Which reminds me, we have an assignment after this op?'' He asks Tobio.
''Nothing's on the books, but this wasn't supposed to be a long-term op. Besides, Kuroka, Vali, and Natsume are doing jobs right now, so it's not too surprising that nothing's coming in. Clients know we don't take on additional work while on assignment.'' Tobio replied.
''Even so, keep a close eye on it. I wouldn't be too surprised if Azazel snuck a new one in there under our noses, at any rate, I better get to baiting our trap. Good luck Tobio, see to it that Kuroka teaches Zekka some secrets of Senjutsu and Touki. Meredith and Le Fay too. Lavinia and Shigune can't be the only ones who have access to Senjutsu, nor can you and Natsume be the only ones other than me with access to Touki other than me.'' Says Ryūjin.
''Teah, but not everyone can learn from the feet of a Buddha.'' Tobio snarks, before sighing. ''I'll see it done boss, don't worry.'' He adds, disconnecting the call.
''Alright, guess I should meet with Asia even if I'm a little bit early.'' Ryūjin mutters.
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(POV Shift: Raynare)
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Enough was enough! Asia had snuck out to meet someone. Tonight, her Twilight Healing would become hers and she would personally retrieve that little slut.
No more waiting!
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(POV Shift: Asia Argento)
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''Have you ever heard of Japan's five Principal Clans? Five Families blessed by the Shinto Gods as you were blessed by God? The Doumon, Himejima, Nakiri, Kushihashi, and Shinra clans. Years ago Outsiders married into the Himejima and Shinra families, producing three children. In the case of the Himejima, they had it far worse. The Fallen Angel leader Baraqiel married the Clan Head's niece producing twins. The man was a friend of my mother's, and his wife's uncle attacked their arm intending to murder the children and take his niece back. He would've succeeded if not for his niece's elder child awakening their Longinus and killing the men sent. It was too late for their mother, however. On the very same night, my family was attacked. I lost everything. Eventually, I awakened my Sacred Gears, the Gears of Twice Critical and Freezing Archaeopteryx. I don't even know why I'm telling you this.'' Ryūta told her.
''I have a similar story.'' Asia admits. ''I never got the chance to know my parents, they abandoned me right after birth on the doorstep of a church in Italy. I grew up there, and when I was eight a wounded dog, close to death, wandered into the church. By myself, I prayed as hard as I could. That's when the miracle occurred, and soon after I was taken to a larger church where I was ordered to heal illnesses and wounds of Christians coming from all over the world. I was so happy that my power could heal people! Then one day I encountered a man who collapsed on the floor, he was heavily injured and near death. I didn't realize it at the time… But he was a Devil, and in healing him I was branded a heretic.'' Says Asia, swallowing the pit in her stomach at the bad memories.
''I heard some of the stories.'' Ryūta admits.
''Even so, I never stopped praying to God and expressing my gratitude. I fell in with the Fallen Angels, but only recently discovered what kind of people they were. The Lord must be testing, and thus I have to believe that if I can overcome this ordeal, he will make my dreams come true someday. That's what I believe.'' She admits.
''Your dream?'' Ryūta asks her quietly.
''That I'll make a lot of friends and together we'll buy flowers and books and chat…That's my dream. I don't have any friends you see.'' Says Asia with hope.
Ryūta stood up looking out across the fountain in front of them.
''Ryūta?'' She asked.
''I'll be your friend, Asia. After all, aren't we already friends?'' He asks her and she gasps in surprise.
Her hands begin to shake and her heart beats a little faster.
''We've chatted, had lunch, and had some fun together after all, have we not?'' He asks her and points to the bow on her wrist he got her at the amusement park they visited. ''Well, we didn't get to the flowers or books, but still…is that not yet enough?'' He asks her and despite her best attempts, she can't stop the tears from coming.
''I..I…I'm so-''
''Not going to happen!'' Her heart stops, her skin crawls and her hopes are dashed.
That Voice…
Raynare…
''And who the fuck are you?'' She hears Ryūta ask.
''Lady Raynare!'' Asia says, almost pleading.
''I'll forgive you for your ignorance, one such as you cannot fathom one such as me. Asia, you can't run away.'' Lady Raynare says.
''No! I won't return to a place where I have to kill people!'' She responds adamantly.
''I was wondering how long it'd take for you to show your face, Crow!'' She heard Ryūta spit.
''So you know me?'' Lady Raynare asks snugly.
''When that sack of Feathers Azazel warned me about you, I told him he was fucking stupid. One such as you? A lowly two-wing worthy of Ryūjin Himejima? Please, you'd have an easy time at the local brothel attracting a husband. But I guess even Fallen Angels have the mentally retarded in their ranks.'' Ryūta snarks and Lady Raynare is quite outraged.
''You Shinto-worshiping Filth! How dare you utter his name!'' Raynare screams, summoning a light spear and burying it into Ryūta's stomach.
''Please, just stop. Spare him, and I'll go with you willingly.'' She said pleadingly.
''I really shouldn't let him get away with dirtying my lord's name. But my Lord would ask me to be merciful to the ignorant so I shall. Come Asia.'' Lady Raynare orders her.
Reluctantly she goes to her side.
''NO! I won't allow that!'' Ryūta says but a violent explosion of light envelops her sight of where Ryūta stood.
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(POV Shift: Ryūjin Himejima)
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''I don't get paid enough for this shit.'' Ryūjin mumbled watching Raynare fly away with Asia, activating a magic circle call to Tobio. ''Tobio? It's me, time for you to inform Gremory of my imminent arrival.'' He said.
''What do you want me to say exactly?'' Tobio asks.
''Tell her it's time and I'm Bringing some backup.'' Says Ryūjin as he dispels the illusion of his injuries.
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(POV Shift: Raynare)
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She'd Made a big mistake…
She was blinded by that Japanese child uttering her Lord's name, but now Kalawarner was telling her that Ryūta Shinra was a close personal friend of her Lord. That complicated matters, she would need much more than a measly Twilight Healing to earn her Lord's forgiveness.
''Dohnaseek! Find me more Sacred Gear users! We need more than Twilight Healing to appease Lord Ryūjin.'' She ordered Seethingly.
Looking at her files, it made a lot of sense now, Ryūta Shinra - according to Grigori's database - was a former student of Nephilim who served as a deep-cover operative for the Governor-General within that traitor Satanael's side. He now served Lord Ryūjin as his right hand.
''All I've ever wanted was to be useful to you my Lord..'' She mutters despairingly before her despair turns to rage.
This was all Asia's fault! That little slut taking to Shinra like moths to flames had caused her this misfortune. She would repay That little sluts pain tenfold…
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(POV Shift: Rias Gremory)
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It just piled up one after the other, didn't it? First, the girl she'd settled on recruiting got killed prematurely before she could make proper introductions and a suitable offer. That girl turned out to have been killed by Fallen Angels, and she later found out said Fallen Angels had gone rogue. Then a powerful Cadre took a prominent part in her business with those Rogue Fallen Angels. Then that very same Cadre revealed himself as Akeno's brother. Throughout his entire involvement in their recent affairs, things had grown complicated.
Isane got attacked by a stray exorcist, and now they were apparently collaborating with the Cadre despite her refusing his offer of a collaboration. Why couldn't some people understand the word no?
''Everyone's here? Good, listen closely, it's time to end this, now your master refused my offer so this is strictly a courtesy call, I'm going on ahead to deal with the rogues, any who wish to join me are welcome, but this isn't simply about dealing with the rogues. They have a young girl and are going to extract her Sacred Girl as they had planned with you Red Dragon.'' Ryūjin says.
''But wouldn't that kill her, Ryūjin? Extracting a Sacred Gear would mean the death of the one who had it extracted.'' Asks Akeno. ''And how would they do it to start with?'' Her Queen and best friend adds on.
''About six or seven years ago, Azazel developed a method of extracting Sacred Gears. Grigori developed this technology because there were occurrences of individuals whose Sacred Gears were either killing them or were too dangerous and their users were too volatile to be allowed to both stay alive and keep their Sacred Gear. For example, a case of the former would be Rudiger Rosenkrutz son, Ludwig Rosenkruttz. Ludwig was born with Holy Resuscitation, but both because he was a half-Devil and because he was obviously not affiliated with the Church, his Sacred Gear was killing him. In the case of the latter, well, I'll have to offer that example in front of Sona, as it indirectly concerns one of her Peerage.'' Ryūjin said to them, and she made a point of filing that away for later.
''I'll go, ignoring the fact that she killed me, if they have someone else they plan to do even a fraction of what they did to me…I can't stand here and let it happen again.'' Said Isane.
''Fair enough, anyone else?'' Ryūjin asks.
''I'll go, I want to dish out some punishment with you big brother.'' Akeno says sadistically.
''We'll all go.'' Rias says, trying to get ahead of it all. At this rate, she'd lose a measure of her respect and authority if she hadn't volunteered them all.
''So be it, let me make some introductions first. This is Tobio Ikuse, my Cousin. Two other members of my Deck are meeting us at the outskirts of the church. Isane, you'll have a few shots at Raynare so make them count, as for the others, please make a point of not killing them. They still have some uses…well, Dohnaseek doesn't so feel free to kill him. But the other two should only be traumatized and not killed.'' Ryūjin offers.
''Is he a pervert?'' Asks Koneko.
''Pretty much, he fell from grace for having sex with a nun,'' Ryūjin says.
''I'll handle him.'' Koneko decides.
''As you like, let's get going then, I've got a couple of appointments to keep after all.'' Says Ryūjin as he snaps his fingers, and dons a new form.
''Why the use of transformation magic?'' Rias asks curiously.
''I don't reveal my true form to anyone in the Human World, saves me a lot of headaches. So the girl only knows this form. From now on until I reveal my true form, you will address me as Ryūta Shinra.'' Ryūjin instructs.
''We understand.'' Rias replies.
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(POV Shift: Raynare)
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Her Lord was angry with her.
The sky was filled with violent bursts of thunder and lightning.
To the rabble in the city, they would assume it was simply bad weather.
But she, Kalawarner, Dohnaseek, and Mittelt could sense the overwhelming Holy Power in the Thunder and Lightning. Which made completing the ritual all the more important. She would unlikely be unable to avoid punishment, but if she were to present herself for penance and offer him anything he desired with her new power, then there was a chance for her to eventually claim a place at his side.
If she had any luck left to her, then he would demand her body.
Savoring the pleasure that thought gives her, Raynare watches Asia with a bored look. The girl has been crying incessantly since she'd dealt so poorly with Shinra.
''Cheer up Argento, if it's any consolation..if Shinra's dead, you'll be reunited with him soon enough.'' Dohnaseek cackles.
The truth however would not be so simple, the deal was to hand the body over to that Astaroth filth. She felt filthy even consorting with the bastard, Fallen Angel like she was, the Devil known as Diadora Astaroth was one of the worst people she'd ever encountered. Corrupting people was an art, not an indulgence to take more pleasure in the act of than the results. Those were her Lord's words in the lesson he taught on the art of corruption. A lesson she had attended at Nephilim.
''We should begin the ritual, we do not have a lot of time.'' Says Kalawarner, breaking Raynare from her haze of thoughts.
''We do not.'' She admits. ''Let us be fast about this, we don't have nearly as much time as we need. BEGIN THE RITUAL!!'' She commands.
As she utters the words, she senses a burst of Holy Lightning hit the Church. The building shakes down to its foundations. But luckily only the remaining and already damaged religious relics and iconography begin to fall, and not the cross on which Asia is now hung.
''Do you think he'll really show up?'' Kala asks her, with hints of excitement and trepidation both in her voice, sentiments share shared however privately.
''Let us hope the ritual is completed before he does if he shows up.'' She says. Raynare would never present herself before Lord Ryūjin without Twilight Healing had she the chance.
''Lady Raynare!? We have a problem. The Devils are inbound, Lord Ryūjin's sister is amongst them.'' An Exorcist says bursting into the room, kneeling before her.
''Fuck!'' She curses. ''We must delay them, try not to harm Lady Akeno, Lord Ryūjin would kill us all slowly for harming her.'' She orders, reiterating the longstanding orders within Grigori from her Lord: Harm my sister, and you will die a long and painful death. He warned every Fallen Angel assigned to Kuoh with these words and her Lord's Queen made certain to drive that point home in his place when she and the others were assigned to the Hyoudou girl within Kuoh Academy.
''Yes, my Lady.'' The Exorcist replies dutifully, nodding to the others of his sort and they leave.
''Kala, Dohnaseek, Mitteet go and make sure they do not harm Lady Akeno.'' Raynare decides after a moment's thought. ''And try to delay the Devils as much as you can.'' She adds.
''On it.'' Dohnaseek responds flying away, Mitleet and Kalawarner following close behind.
''Now then, Asia, let us begin the ritual.'' Raynare says gleefully.
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(POV Shift: Ryūjin Himejima)
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They were walking with the Devils of the House of Gremory towards the church when Isane Hyoudou popped a question, or rather Ddraig did.
''[[Alright, I know you know I'm awake Fallen Angel.]]'' The Dragon hand responded.
''It talked!?'' Kiba said in surprise.
''Hello Ddraig, willing to wake to your ass up now?'' Asks Ryūjin.
''[[How could I not? There are four Longinus's here counting myself.]]'' The Dragon says dismissively. ''[[But that's unimportant right now, what is your connection to Albion?]]'' Ddraig asks.
''His host is my best friend. We have fought a hundred battles together, including against Crom Crauch.'' Says Ryūjin.
''[[I always suspected Crom was still alive, but tell me something else, how strong is Albion's current host?'' Asks Ddraig.
''He's the strongest Albion has ever had, or so Albion says. I believe the overgrown lizard as well. Vali is a battle maniac, and he has one of the most powerful and prestigious lineages in the supernatural world. More than that, he has the power and strength to back it up, and the experience to make use of it. Compared to him now, your host has no chance. However, that perversion of hers could be the catalyst she needs to grow strong enough to challenge Vali.'' Says Ryūjin.
''[[I'll admit, it's possible. Strong emotions and feelings do increase the power of Sacred Gears, especially ones like mine. But will that alone be enough?]]'' Ddraig asks him.
''She might need a little insurance policy to get there, but I believe it will happen eventually. Isane Hyoudou, I suggest you speak more with Ddraig more at length at a later date. And what is it Rias Gremory? You've been giving me the side-eye since we've left.'' Ryūjin responds to Ddraig before asking Rias to speak up.
''Isane was attacked by a stray exorcist, he clearly recognized Akeno, what is your relationship?'' Asks Rias.
''Was he manic? Crazy and lecherous? With a twisted sense of religious worship?'' Asks Ryūjin, despite already knowing the answer.
''All that and more.'' Akeno replied.
''That must be Freed Sellzen. Freed is an artificial human, one of four created by a secret eugenics program of the German Protestant Church, and he is the only failure. They were born from the cells of the Dragonslayer of old, Sigurd. The oldest of the four, Siegfried is a legendary swordsman, and the wielder of not only four Demonic Swords, but also the Strongest one, Demonic Emperor Sword Gram. Siegfried was mentored by one of the primary Churches four great aces, specifically Padre Ewald Cristaldi. Freed, was mentored by my old enemy, the Exorcist David Cerro, their younger siblings, Lint and Sigurd, are being mentored by Griselda Quarta and Teodoro Legrenzi respectively. It's worth noting that of the four that although Freed is considered a failed experiment, his genetic compatibility with Holy Swords is far higher than his siblings. However, according to stolen church documents, Lint and Sigurd show a far higher natural talent and innate compatibility with Holy and Demonic Swords respectively than both Freed and Siegfried put together.'' Says Ryūjin.
''How dangerous do you think he really is?'' Akeno asks him.
''His danger is not in his skill, but his mania. Freed is unhinged, and as a result an extremely unpredictable fighter. That is his greatest strength, but also his greatest weakeness. When he and I fought last, it didn't take much to unbalance his already fragile state of mind, getting him to focus on me to the point he ignored everything else. Enrage him enough and he'll go feral. As dangerous as that is, it's the best chance you have to end the threat he poses when he does not posses a Holy or Demon Sword.'' Ryūjin says honestly, before stopping.
''Nice to see you, Master. We've been wating for you.'' Le Fay says happily.
''This is Le Fay Pendragon and Zekka Miyamoto. Le Fay is a direct descendant of King Arthur and Morgana Le Fay, but did not inherit the natural ability to wield Holy Swords. Thus she became a sorceress, and Zekka is a descendant of the Legendary Samurai Musashi Miyamoto, she is currently wielding the Demon Blade Clarent.'' Tobio informs.
''Remember, no one is to know about me.'' Ryūjin says warningly.
''Wha have we here? Devil Scum?! Let us end them! Regardless of what that Witch wants, we'll send you all back to hell!'' A group of exorcists says.
''Le Fay, with me. Tobio, you as well, Zekka, you and the Rook of Gremory should take care of this rabble. Rias, Akeno, and Kiba follow us.'' Ryūjin says as Zekka draws Crocea Mars and begins engaging the stray exorcists. After receiving a nod from her King, Koneko cutely engages the stray priests as Ryūjin approaches the doors.
''I guess there's no point in hiding any more, but even so, Hyoudou? I'll let you handle things from here, I'll step in if shot gets hairy.'' Ryūjin decides.
His entire plan had been screwed up from day one. He said one thing, did it differently, what was going on with him? Even now he wanted to both end this quickly and drag it out.
He needed time to think.
''Keep her alive Tobio, I need to think.'' He adds sitting beside the door quietly.
''Uhh, okay…?'' Isane says confused.
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(POV Shift: Rias Gremory)
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She observed the Fallen Angels strangely.
''What's the matter?'' Asks Akeno, a clear tone of worry in her voice.
''I don't know…ever since I stepped foot in this town, my judgment and my execution has been all over the place. I feel…confusion, anxiety, and despair.'' He says, and she can see that even though he's calm he's not all there. ''I feel sick, and tired, but my body won't let me rest. I'm consciously aware of everything I'm feeling.'' Says Ryūjin.
''Such as?'' Akeno presses.
''My heart wants both of you, but my mind is stuck. My decisions have been all over the place, yet I know what I want but doing it seems to deviate from what I need and should be doing. What's happening to me?'' He asks nobody in particular.
''Rias?'' Akeno asks.
''I know…'' She says knowingly. This was a rare sickness that afflicted Sacred Gear users who although they had awakened their Sacred Gears, had both never confronted the event that triggered the Sacred Gear awakening or trained in the use of their Sacred Gear.
It started small, affecting small parts of a victims judgment, followed by confusion and physical illness. Slowly, they would begin to feel lost and in turn go insane. The more powerful their Sacred Gear and their trauma, the more affected by the symptoms they'd be.
Eventually…the person afflicted with this illness would go insane.
The only known cure to this…was confronting one's trauma and if done soon enough, begin mastering their Sacred Gear. Otherwise one's sanity would always be at risk.
''Ryūjin, do you remember our fifth Birthday? Do you remember the promise you made to me?'' Akeno asks.
'I will love you always Akeno, and I'll protect you and be there for you always'
''Yes…'' Ryūjin responds meekly.
''I need you now brother. Your sister needs you. Isane is not yet strong enough to face a Fallen Angel. Red Dragon Empress or not.'' Says Akeno, holding her brother close, pressing his face into her breasts.
''I know…'' He says with a sigh.
''Ryūjin, you can end this peacefully. Help me, help your sister stop this.'' Akeno pleads. ''I'll give you a nice reward.'' She says with a sultry tone.
''Okay.'' Ryūjin says distantly.
Standing up, Ryūjin looks at her, gives her a mischievous smile, causing Rias to frown in confusion. Her confusion turns to shock as she's suddenly in the arms of Ryūjin and their…kissing.
Breaking apart, she feels the blood rush to her cheeks and her breathing grow heavy.
''Always wanted to do that.'' He shrugs absently.
''Where's my kiss?!'' Akeno pouts.
''...''
Ryūjin says nothing, but he embraces his sister, and despite her flustered state and emotions, she's conscious enough of everything else to hear the erotica moan Akeno lets out as she falls to the ground on her knees.
''Sorry…'' Ryūjin says as he smiles impishly before walking through the destroyed church door.
''What the hell was that?'' She asks Akeno breathlessly, clumping her legs shut so her arousal goes no further.
''A promise…''Akeno breathed out, twitching with Lightning.
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(POV Shift: Ryūjin Himejima)
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Kill the abominations!
Orders are orders…
You're…a…mons..aaah!
I hate you! Where were you when we needed you?!
Mom?
I will love you always Akeno, and I'll protect you and be there for you always!
Swallowing the painful memories, and wiping his tears, for the first time since that day…Ryūjin brings forth his hidden weapon.
''Not how I wanted to reveal this…but I have no choice..'' Says Ryūjin.
''(You're making the right decision.)'' The voice in the back of his head said.
''I hope so…grandfather.'' Ryūjin says, looking at the Holy Spear in his hand.
The True Longinus…
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Arriving at the room of the Ritual, Ryūjin stands beside Tobio in the shadows.
''Should I…?'' Tobio asks.
''No, I wanna hear this.'' Ryūjin says.
''Just what was so important huh? Killing me? And killing her?'' Isane demands.
''I wouldn't expect one such as you to understand.'' Raynare says dismissively.
''Try me.'' Isane spits.
''All I ever wanted to be was useful. I fell for a man I love. All this is to be useful to him. With the power of Twilight Healing I'll be at least remotely worthy of him.'' Raynare says going to continue.
''That's enough.'' Ryūjin says quietly, aiming his spear at Asia's restraints and throwing it.
Quickly, Ryūjin catches Asia in his arms.
''Asia.'' Ryūjin says.
''Ryūta…you came for me.'' Says Asia weakly.
''I'm sorry Asia, for lying to you. Isane Hyoudou, leave. Get as far away from here as you can, Tobio you too. Raynare, with the authority invested into me by the Governor-General, I sentence you to die. If you survive this, there may be leniency. O Spear. The true Holy Spear which pierces through God.
Suck the ambition of the King of Domination sleeping within me and pierce through the gap of blessing and destruction.
You. Announce the will, and turn into a glow.'' Ryūjin announces as an explosive power begins to envelop Ryūjin.
''We need to get the fuck outta here now! Truth Idea will destroy us and the town if we do not leave now and erect a magical barrier. Everyone you love and care about will die!'' He hears Tobio yell at Isane.
''No! My Beloved, please?!'' Raynare screams.
''Please, show…her mercy.'' He hears Asia and without a second thought, Ryūjin drops his unused Number 3 card onto Asia's body.
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(POV Shift: Azazel)
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Of all the things he could've done…
It wasn't necessary using what amounted to a one hundred megaton nuclear bomb on an abandoned church.
''I hope you realize just how much trouble this has caused me brat…'' Azazel says, staring out of the window. He glanced back at the source of his problems, one Ryūjin Himejima laid up in bed, heavily wounded.
''Still, I'm grateful we were provided the information of your affliction. Looks like we owe the Gremory family one. I think you should attend Kuoh Academy as punishment brat. At the very least you'll be able to confront your past more effectively with that sister of yours there. Who knows, mayhap one day…you'll have reunited the full family again someday.'' Azazel says, turning to look at the bed next to Ryūjin, in which one Shuri Himejima laid, hooked up to multiple Monitors and medical devices.
This kid….keeping the True Longinus and his past traumas repressed for so long…
It was gonna be a question of how lucky Ryūjin was that the signs were caught onto so early. The fact Ryūjin practiced the use of Senjutsu would likely complicate his illness.
''Good luck Kid…you're gonna need it.'' Azazel says, before leaving the room without another word.
He had a meeting with Sirzechs that needed to be addressed sooner rather than later, and frankly even in saying that, the sooner the better was a vast understatement. This could lead to a renewed war.
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(AUTHOR'S NOTE:)
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Nine thousand, nine hundred and five words. That's the content relative word count for this chapter alone. Obviously I have a few things to address. Now as some of you are aware, my father died a few months back. Such a loss tends to negatively affect one's mental health. And because mental health is both a real and serious issue, I wanted to do something in this chapter and the following ones that would allow me to use Ryūjin's trauma in his childhood to address his mental health.
As we hear frequently in DxD, strong emotions affect one's Sacred Gear. I wanted to create something that made it so that when someone does not address one's trauma and naturally not being able to use different or new emotions and events to fuel the Sacred Gear awakened, this results in a serious illness. Or rather I wanted to develop Ryūjin's character by working through said trauma.
It's not the kind of character development you see very often. I'm only doing it because I feel like it's okay for me to use this given my own mental health being affected by my father's death.
I will say though that reuniting with Akeno was the main trigger for Ryūjin's illness. More importantly, it's not the sort of thing I can or even want to cure him of within the first anime season. I want this to be a long and hard road.
While he's on this road, Ryūjin will come to terms with his own morality, his loves and lasts, and his identity. I want Ryūjin Himejima to be less a Self-Insert OC, and more a character who, like everybody else, struggles.
Now then onto the True Longinus. I don't have a whole lot to say in this regard, other than this makes the eventual Kyoto Incident vastly more interesting than it already was.
Here's a hint to what was already on one's menu for that: Sibling Students.
On another bit of news, I bet no one was expecting Four new members for Ryūjin's deck in not only one chapter, but chapter 2. I almost did not recruit Le Fay right away. But Meredith is another character who I wanted to develop by exploring their psychological mindset. Having Le Fay Pendragon would be somewhat essential for me if I wished to also develop the relationship with the two witches at the same time.
Lastly, because no doubt more than a few people are wondering: the Harem.
I'll post a chapter at a later date that isn't so much a chapter as a confirmed list of candidates for the Harem. But for right now?
Rias Gremory, Lavinia Reni, Natsume Mingawa, Shigune Nanadaru, Kuroka, Aika Kiryuu, Ravel Phenex, and Akeno.
Yep, that's right, his Twin sister is gonna be in his harem. I only know two others who were brave enough to do that, and only one of them actually managed to do a lemon for it. Normally I wouldn't even consider this, but it's DxD and ninety percent of the people who write and the people who read this are perverts, so why the fuck not? Plus Issei is a girl, so giving him Akeno is not really an option. See you guys when I see you at next chapter.
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And also a big thank you to Cody, Luci Alarra, TJ Cruz, Beastmode2003, Kunta, Availon90, Gavin Barclay, Dragonslayer29, Jacarya Robinson, Nathan Just, Francisco J Guzman, Axlii, Reece Hutton, Ken Harris, Zeldris Wrath, Duy, lonelynib _, and Morgan Sinn, for their past support on Patreon.
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