52- Fulfillment
…..
'Numb', that was the first thought Vali had once he recovered his conscience. He felt himself immersed in a liquid and deduced his allies were treating him. He couldn't open his eyes but noticed a breathing mask on his face. 'Did I fall asleep?'
[More like you passed out the moment we arrived back at the HQ.] Albion helpfully informed with a grunt. [Too many wounds, broken bones, nerve damage, cuts and more damage than we could manage. It isn't surprising they shoved you in a healing tube as soon as possible. Not that I could tell since you passed out so fast.]
'Right, sorry…' Vali tried to move but his muscles were not responding properly. 'If memory serves right this solution is the most advanced one for these kinds of treatments. Was I hurt that much?'
[Didn't you hear my 'grocery' list? That Mage earned his title. If I hadn't acted to strengthen the Scale Mail you would have been cut to bits.]
'That is right, I lost. Huh, I am not even half as upset as I expected to be. Perhaps because it was a great fight.' Didn't change the fact he lost even if he escaped alive. 'Hmmm, I can tell that my muscles are relaxed and my mana reserves are stable. We must have been asleep for a few days at least.'
Albion grunted again, sounding more irritated. [That redhead bastard… that pegasus wouldn't have mattered if you had unleashed Juggernaut Drive.]
The hybrid would have chuckled if the mask wasn't on the way. 'No reason to complain about spoiled milk, Albion. A loss is a loss.'
[He fought dirty and didn't give us a chance to show our magnificence. If I was free-]
'Then you would have crushed him. But you aren't and he planned around exactly that.' Vali could understand his partner's anger but would have none of it. 'All his plans hinged on fighting us like Ddraig fought your previous hosts. If anything that shows we are lacking in… originality.'
Pondering a little, the dragon grunted again. [I agree. Against someone like him just unleashing my power won't be enough. Not that he would give us the chance.] Albion acknowledged bitterly. [But we caught him off guard plenty of times there. Unfortunately we weren't able to capitalize on those openings.]
It was Vali's turn to grunt, if only mentally. 'Dragon Slaying weapons still can break my aura and barriers if they have enough power.' To be fair he couldn't expect Ascalon to be that versatile.
Then again he knew of one stronger Dragon Slayer sword in the hands of another person, far more ruthless than Shirou and that was who he was preparing against. Still, fighting against it directly was far from Vali's ideal and he didn't plan to clash against it anytime soon.
But knowing his preparations failed stung quite a bit.
Especially with what Albion said next. [I was referring to your use of Light.] That made Vali twitch in discomfort. [We already had this talk, Vali.]
'I know, I know. To be the strongest I need to use every resource, no matter how uncomfortable. If it is my strength, I need to apply it.'
[Doesn't change the fact he will be ready next time anyway. Grr… But goddamned! I can't shake the bad taste off my mouth-]
'You don't have a mouth-'
[Semantics!] Vali shook at Albion's shout and the dragon felt his discomfort. [Apologies but the fact we lost to someone weaker just doesn't sit well with me. Had you unleashed our full might, victory was assured.]
'That was the point of him rushing us by the end. He knew he couldn't beat us at our best so he made sure we would never reach our best.' Vali accepted that, it was a strategy like any other even if it didn't sit well with them. However, that wasn't his opponent's fault. 'I grew, complacent.'
[You? How many times did I cut your power because you were about to kill yourself from training? Just the other day Azazel was complaining about you hogging the living room for practice because we had no space and he couldn't play games.] From the emotions he felt, Albion knew bringing up the former guardian was a bad idea. So he kept pushing. [You are the best host I ever had; willing, capable and certainly not lazy so don't come at me saying you grew complacent.]
Vali felt happy at his partner's words but the dragon misunderstood him. 'That wasn't what I meant. It isn't like I didn't work for my strength but I neglected ourselves in other areas.' Albion sent a mental nudge to show he was listening. 'I thought that surpassing our weakness would be enough, that with my mana, your ability and our powers we would be invincible. That was a mistake.' His fist closed with resolve. 'We need more power, more speed, forget about the Chant for Juggernaut Drive or make sure I can defend myself during it.'
['We' partner, 'we'. We are in this together.] Just the thought of them growing stronger pleased Albion. [But there is another thing you must do for us to grow. Enough of just using my Balance Breaker, we need to unlock yours.] He could feel his partner's excitement.
'We will! Enough playing around! From now on I will use everything I got to win!' Vali felt his heart pounding on his chest. 'My mana, your power, my bloodline, Divine Dividing! We will combine all these resources and become the strongest existence!' Plans began to take shape in his mind and the ideas kept coming. 'Starting with-'
Then they felt the tube shake and a jolt of electricity ran inside it, forcing Vali to open his eyes and see a familiar white haired woman standing in front of the tube he was in, a mocking smile on her face and mirth on her red eyes.
Vali could see others around him, some friendly faces, others frightened by his presence. Not that he cared about the latter category as he kept glaring at the woman, knowing the jolt was her fault. Like he suspected he was in a healing tube just on his underwear, looking down he could see that his body was mostly recovered even if he had a huge scar on his shoulder.
The tube itself was made of glass, almost as if for exhibition, and connected with other tubes that filtered the liquid he was in. However it was decided that time had come for him to awake and the ones replacing the liquid were turned off while others began to drain it. In a few instants his feet were touching the floor and the glass tube opened.
Vali didn't waste any time to take off the mask and glare at the woman. "Did you really need to shock me, Illya?"
"Why yes, I did. You should know these are for emergencies, not to take a nap."
"I wasn't taking a nap."
"You were twitching and moving your eyes, clearly indications you were trying to go back to sleep."
"Those can also be symptoms of nighterrors." Le Fay helpful pointed out while offering Vali a towel. "Also he needs more time in there. Didn't you notice that the scar on his shoulder isn't gone?"
Illya shook her head with a smile. "A wound like that should already have healed with my concoction. If it doesn't, then it isn't healing."
"Did you add my solution to the formula? It should have improved its efficiency by at least 10%."
"The ingredients you suggested are too rare for us to find."
"I know you have some in the lab! I saw it!"
"Not enough for something that wouldn't work for sure." Illya waved her hand in dismissal.
Le Fay didn't take it kindly. "But it would have worked if. You just didn't want to admit it."
"I don't need to admit anything, pipsqueak. Those ingredients don't mix. Get over it." Illya leaned down to meet the girl's eyes.
"With your concoction they would." The witch said back. "I am sure of it."
"You don't even know the recipe!" And as a magus, Illya refused to share it.
Sparks began to fly between the two girl's eyes and they looked ready for a fight, much to the amusement and concern of the others present. Worse yet was that there weren't many who would get between the two as both were considered important in the Khaos Brigade.
"Hahahahaha! Maybe you should share the recipe, Illya. If only to see if Le Fay is right or wrong." Gilgamesh commented from the side, leaning against a wall. "Then again, that could be a waste of materials."
"Can I ask why so many people are visiting me in bed?" Vali asked while drying himself, looking around and noticing only Arthur was with Le Fay. "Where are the others?"
Arthur pulled his sister back with a hand while Sella and Heracles worked on Illya. "Altria and Bikou are sparing while Kuroka is doing as Kuroka does." He threw Vali a pair of pants.
"So you don't know?" Vali began to put on said pants as it was clear the other man threw it for his sister's sake. Once he was done, Vali studied the damage on his left shoulder, poking the scar. "Bigger than I thought." It went all the way to his chest.
"Kakakakaka. You took quite a beating, White One- Auch."
"Not so loud, Add." Arthur poked the cube and placed it inside his shirt. He then turned to Vali. "It is an impressive wound but you should have more. Many more."
Vali ignored the little byplay as he studied his body further, feeling a particular sting on his back. When he tried to pull out his wings there was no reaction, they were completely destroyed.
However he didn't let anything show on his face while studying the damage. Albion stayed silent during the exam even if he wished to say something to cheer his partner up.
Except the dragon knew Vali didn't need cheering up, losing his wings in a good fight didn't bother him in the least.
Just reminded him that he needed to prepare better for the next time he fights, adapting to the loss of his flesh while growing his strength.
"Shirou did shove a sword on your shoulder." Gilgamesh commented with a chuckle which made Vali turn to his friend.
"Did you tell them?" There was only curiosity.
A new arrival replied. "Actually I was there recording the match." Georg arrived with Cao Cao, fixing his glasses. "Was more interested in Azazel's research but your fight was… interesting as well." There was some anger there and not directed at Vali.
"We watched it like movie night while you were unconscious. Made a lot of good for the members of our Faction that thought a human couldn't defeat a hybrid. And a True one to boot." Cao Cao commented with a good dose of cheer. "Pity that we didn't have any sound but hey, the flashes were impressive, especially at the end."
"Happy to be your villain for your story," Vali spoke sarcastically as Arthur threw him a shirt with long sleeves, "but why are you all here? I get Arthur and Fay, they are worrywarts, this is Illya's lab so her and her assistants are a given, but the rest of you wouldn't bother to visit." He noticed that there were two scars on the palm and back of his right hand but shrugged them off. 'More medals.' His smile was misinterpreted.
"That is mean, Vali. Of course we would visit one of our stemmed allies." Cao Cao joked with a small edge on his voice. "In fact, you are the main reason for our visit; we want to know where Emiya Shirou got that much power and even Illya doesn't have a clue."
Gilgamesh shook his head and left the wall. "The pegasus is usually connected with Medusa and Illya had already told us about her. But since we had no sound during the fight it was prudent to ask if you figured something else."
"You know, I don't like you guys speaking about my brother like that." Illya said with a hostility that had Gilgamesh grinning.
"Ho~ Are you showing the concern of an elder sister? Are we to expect a sudden betrayal?" All he received was a flat look that had him laughing. "Ahahahaha! Of course not. Don't worry, we are just curious. It isn't like we are going out of our way to fight my friend."
Which made Georg upset as that was a fight he wanted. "Regardless, we should know his capabilities, especially since he defeated you."
At that Illya, and Sella but to a lesser extent, began to brim with pride. "That is my brother for you, give him a sword and he can kick anybody's butt."
Puffing her cheeks, still upset with Illya, Le Fay commented with skepticism. "He only beat Vali because he was careless. Your brother isn't that strong." Illya turned to glare and the witch grew confident before hugging her sibling's arm. "Besides, he would never be able to beat Ria with a sword, right brother?"
Before Arthur could answer, Illya was already on Le Fay again. "Excuse you? Do you think your sister can beat my brother? Didn't Vali have the most wins between the three of them?" She raised and began to laugh out loud. "Then it is just logic; Vali can beat Altria then Shirou who can beat Vali can beat her too."
"Can not."
"Can too."
"Can not!"
"Can too!"
"Okay, okay, enough already children." Cao Cao got both girls' attention but their eyes promised murder. "We can't know for sure until the fight happens and everyone here is curious for Vali to say his piece."
"Can't I get something to eat first? I have been out for… How long have I been out?" The hybrid question was met with some amusement.
Especially from Gilgamesh. "Four days straight. To be more specific this is the morning of the fifth day since Arthur and Altria dragged you into the tube while Le Fay and Illya fought over them using it." The descendant of the King of Heroes shrugged. "The damage was extensive and you were a mess of blood so when Illya saw you she made saving you a priority."
"I may not like the half pint but I am not heartless." Then she glared at Vali. "Even if I dislike how you tried to manipulate my brother into killing you. Lucky you that he isn't like dad or else you would really be dead."
"Better not remind Ria about that. She is still upset with what you tried to pull." While Arthur was happy his friend was alive, he respected his wishes and wouldn't have saved him. His sister only moved because she was against how things went.
"Well then here is a brief summary; he is strong, plays dirty, can spam Noble Phantasms, has a sword that can chase its target, uses Ki and has a pegasus that can amp everything he can do." Most they already know from the recording but Vali decided to point it all out. "He is strong, that is all you need to know."
"Hahaha, fighting dirty? He was just using strategy." Illya failed to hold back his smile and her shoulders were still shaking. "If anything you should see the damage dad can do."
"What a haunting note." Gilgamesh chuckled but didn't disagree. The Magus Killer's reputation was well known. "But that pegasus, did it come from Medusa?"
"It is a he, his name is Bellerophon and yes." Vali replied while he stretched. While the solution healed him and took care of his muscles, it didn't hurt to check. "Oh, congratulations by the way, your brother was named a Mage."
""What?"" Both Illya and Sella were shocked by the reveal but the maid recovered first, a smile "Such great news. The first Mage from the Emiya Family. Can I ask if you know his full title?"
"Mage of Swords from what a devil called." Vali chuckled when he realized something else. "I may have made it more official by calling him that outloud. Certainly defeating the White Dragon Emperor affirmed it, anyway."
"Fhe, what else could you expect from my brother?" Illya turned around to hide her face. "Just to show that we, Emiyas, don't play around. We already have a Mage in the family. Yes sir we do."
"Do I hear some jealousy in your tone?" Gilgamesh asked with a smirk, raising his hand to block a punch so strong and fast that was heard throughout the lab.
"Illya-sama!" Sella was confused but concerned about her mistress' reaction.
Instead of replying to her, Illya glared at the King of Heroes. "I hate that smug smile on your face." She turned around again. "I am not jealous if that is what you are wondering. Just processing it." If anything she was a little jealous but mostly concerned. 'A Mage attracts all kinds of attention, usually the bad kind.'
"Sure, sure, tell yourself that."
"Angelo, give the girl a break. We can't have Illya distracted while she is still working on the Dress of Heaven." Cao Cao pointed out and the blond shrugged. He turned to Vali again. "Besides that, is there anything else you can share?"
"Besides his power being incomplete? I think you could see that depending on the quality of the image." Cao Cao nodded and Vali decided to make another observation. "Perhaps it has something to do with that sword," he looked at the blond man with red eyes, "It was a Noble Phantasm, by the way."
"As expected of my friend, he must have found another one. I wonder if he collected it." Gilgamesh rubbed his chin, wishing he could visit Fuyuki. "Tell me, did you by chance catch its name? I can't recall any sword connected with a pegasus of any kind."
"He called it Bakuya and the pegasus Bellerophon." Names Vali won't soon forget.
Yet Gilgamesh's reaction was surprising as his eyes grew wide as his expression grew pensive. "Are you sure?"
"Isn't that-"
"Not now, Georg. Angelo also realized it." Cao Cao also was paying to his friend's expression as the blond was making sense of everything. "Bakuya shouldn't have anything to do with a pegasus, it is a Chinese weapon. Made by humans too."
Vali and Arthur traded looks as Le Fay also grew a pensive expression. "Just telling you what I heard."
"And I believe you." Gilgamesh was smiling again, a more feral one. "Is there anything else you can tell us?"
Illya didn't like the interest on Gilgamesh's face. "You already figured something out?"
"Just conjecture. Nothing concrete so far." Which was why he wanted Vali to give him more.
However the hybrid didn't want to do it because he also didn't like the blond's expression. "Only that he was too fast for me to do anything at the end."
"Hmph, that was a given." Georg watched the whole fight intently and only upon seeing Vali's wounds during his recovery was that the magician understood what had happened in that moment.
The record showed the same thing he saw, a Shirou as a blur while Vali was cut hundreds of times over. There was no slowing down the spell to see exactly what happened and only a few members of the Hero Faction could see that moment. And they were their strongest, almost if not stronger than Vali.
"Suit yourself." However Gilgamesh understood Vali was holding something back, something that could give Shirou a disadvantage.
"Didn't that look a little too much like a Balance Breaker?" Heracles asked which earned him looks of surprise and amusement. "What? It just looked like it."
"He isn't necessarily wrong." Le Fay's eyes looked misty as she gazed at the distance. "The pegasus is Divine by nature and he would only lack the sacred gear. A Noble Phantasm couldn't do the same but…" She blinked and looked at the sides, feeling odd. "I don't know."
"Anyway, you got what you wanted. If you excuse me." Vali got ready to leave but Gilgamesh opened a portal and collected a black sword that had him stop in his tracks.
"Perhaps we can do the same for this one?" He held a sword that was an exact copy of Bakuya but black like the night instead of white and with an hexagonal pattern. Vali could feel the sword's power and knew Bakuya was stronger because of the pegasus in it. "After all, there are twins. Whatever Bakuya can do, Kanshou can as well." He chuckled.
And Cao Cao joined him. "Perhaps we should go looking for another pegasus? I know legend only speaks of one but…" He let the idea sink.
"You won't get anything without Medusa." However Illya shot that idea down, making both men pout. "Hah! What did you expect? My brother rescued a goddess, obviously he got perks." Under her breath she said, "Not that I knew it until now."
A little disappointed but nonetheless unable to disagree, Gilgamesh returned the weapon to his vault. "Maybe I can ask Ophis for something? Both her and Medusa are snakes."
That was possible in Vali's opinion but he considered everything he felt a warning was needed. "If you succeed then be careful because that form consumes a lot of mana. Too much mana for any human to use it safely."
"But Shirou used it and he doesn't have that much in terms of mana." Illya pointed out in confusion. "I mean, he is really good at using it, really good. Mother made sure he was after she caught him turning his nerves into circuits."
"Preposterous! Is he that much of a fool?" Georg felt insulted that someone like that insulted his name. "How can a person like that be called a Mage? Whoever gave him the title can only be an idiot."
"Oi, it is my brother you are insulting here." Illya looked ready for a fight and the usually stoic Sella wasn't far behind.
"Maybe I was misguided about who was the jealous one." Gilgamesh commented out loud but he was also curious about Vali's warning. "So you lost to someone that was burning himself out? You are slipping, Vali."
"That was because Rias Gremory was giving him all the mana he could need." That silenced everyone. "As the Heiress of Gremory she comes from good stock and her mana levels are considerably high."
"I see. So they made a pact with blood." Illya deduced immediately, refusing to think of the alternative.
Unfortunately for her, the alternative was presented by Georg. "With how much mana that kind of form needed to do what it did, not even considering the wings that needed a constant fuel to exist, then you can't-" He grew silent as red eyes full of murder turned to him. "Can- can- can't disconsider that-" The aura grew more dangerous and he gulped before starting to shake. "I mean-"
"Mana transfer like that needs a ritual of more than just blood and unless they predict the attack, they must be doing it everyday." Gilgamesh started with a grin that Illya found insufferable. "Hahahahaha! To think a devil would share her power with her magician like that. That Gremory has guts! Hahahahaha!"
Le Fay batted her brother's hands away when he tried to close her ears. "Kakakakaka! So the Mage brat is 'tussling' with a devil between the sheets? And a noble to boot? Merlin would be impressed! Kakakaka!"
"Silence, Add." Arthur really didn't want his younger sister to hear that kind of conversation. She almost pitted him since as a witch she already was well aware of such rituals.
Cao Cao rubbed his chin with intrigue. "At least I can respect a devil like that if she was just looking over for her magician. Giving him that much mana to play with is a sure fire way of keeping him safe."
"I am going to kill her!" Illya declared in fury which made Gilgamesh laugh harder.
Even Vali was amused and he couldn't help but throw more into the fire. "Oh she didn't do it to keep him safe, at least not that. He announced out loud, for everyone in the meeting to hear, they were dating."
That did it for Illya as she froze in place with Sella trying to snap her mistress back to reality. It wasn't helped by Gilgamesh who was starting to have problems breathing. "Oh my goodness! Shirou aimed for a noble devil like that? Hahaha… There must be a lot… of them going for his head… just to get her back." He laughed some more as Cao Cao and Georg just stood there in disbelief. "To think, hahahaha, their relationship would develop like that! It is almost like a fairy tail. Maybe we should send a gift for the wedding."
In a second Gilgamesh had blocked another of Illya's punches. "I swear one day, one day, I will rub that smug smirk off your face."
"What is wrong, Illya?" He knew exactly what was wrong and she hated him for it. "I just want to congratulate my friend for the relationship. Isn't that what 'bros' do? Go to drink when one of them manages to get a girlfriend."
"That bitch isn't his girlfriend! She is manipulating him somehow, I just know it!" She turned around as the aura of murder grew stronger, surprising everyone. "I am going to kill her! Make her swallow her own heart before ripping off her head! How dare she corrupt my younger brother like this?! I bet she threw herself at him in the middle of the night and Shirou was just too weak to do anything! That is it! She took advantage of his good heart!"
Arthur was one of the few who found the courage to talk. "I think that you are exaggerating-" At the look that promised thousands of tortures turned to him, he froze.
"She must have tricked him! Unacceptable! Absolutely unacceptable! I am going to skin her alive! Rip her pretty fingernails one by one until she admits she did it!" Illya turned to march.
"Must I remind you that going to Fuyuki now is a terrible idea." Cao Cao showed his bravery and leadership by stopping her. "An attack just happened and the leaders of the Three Factions will have a close eye on it for a while. If you attack Rias Gremory now, you aren't coming back."
With the worst case scenario so close to being a reality Cao Cao was bound to intervene and if he did Georg would as well since her loss would destroy their plans. Concern about Illya would have both Heracles and Sella also moving to stop her by any means necessary.
Only Gilgamesh wouldn't interfere since he was too busy laughing to death.
"Illya-sama, I think-"
"Gremory is going to pay! By the time I am done there will be no more Gremorys! I will burn their lands and rub salt on every field-"
"Let's go guys." Vali felt a little bad for leaving the Hero Faction to deal with Illya. Just a little, he was far more amused and knew Le Fay half agreed with him if the small vindictive smile on her face was anything to go by. "This will take a while and I am hungry."
"After how long you were asleep, that isn't a surprise." Le Fay's eyes turned more sharp than a girl her age should have as she placed a glowing hand closer to Vali's back. "If you weren't a True Hybrid you would be dead, as a devil by the blade and as a human from starvation as your body had to work extra hard to fix itself."
"Don't call him that, Fay. It is rude." Arthur chastised as they began to walk out of the lab.
"Let her be, Arthur. I don't mind much and it is good to know how close I was to dying." He could feel Albion wanted to say something but judged his body still recovering and his partner didn't want to mess with that. "Next time it won't happen." Because of course he wanted a rematch.
"-taking my brother's purity like that is the greatest of crimes and I won't let it slide-" Finally they stopped hearing Illya's voice as they stepped outside her lab.
Khaos Brigade HQ wasn't a single building but a small town for all intents and purposes, a hub of a sort where its all parts came together to negotiate, prepare, share intel and whatever else was needed for their cooperation.
It was also a space where they all kept an eye on each other.
Indeed Illya's lab was a huge building close to the center besides the hospital since both areas could be used for healing. Both buildings were white and had a modern design in contrast with most in the main square.
And it was really a square with a mixture of modern and post medieval architecture that extended beyond itself, each going in a cardinal direction to make paths for every individual component of the Khaos Brigade.
Between Illya's lab and the hospital there was a path from a bunch of modern tents and small buildings where humans could be easily found. Only a few pavilions could be seen in that direction because for the most part the structure was more similar to barracks and warehouses belonging to a modern army.
Most of the tents there were because of how many members the Hero Faction actually had, being composed not only of sacred gear users but many others who were little by little assimilated thanks in most part to Gilgamesh's charisma and Cao Cao's plans.
To the left of the hospital there was a big warehouse that kept going for a few miles before stopping and giving way to other buildings. Those belonged to anyone as the hospital was considered neutral ground with the area behind it. Usually it was mostly for numerous research facilities and to hold weapons of many kinds and was where the bulk of their members mingled.
After the warehouse there was a castle and the zone where the devils claimed their territory. Since they were all considered rebels in the Underworld most of the Old Satan Faction wasn't welcomed there and many made a place to live in the HQ. Traders as the devils were that was the zone with an active commerce with inns, stores and whatever else they could set up.
Thanks to those efforts there was always a constant influx of people from the other Factions going in and out of the place which allowed the devils to expand. The castle that marked the entrance to their street was a small one, barely a keep, but one of descendants of the Original Maou refused to live in anything less.
Besides the castle there was the biggest example of how long the Khaos Brigade had really been active with a huge skyscraper that was the tallest building of the place. It was a communication center and apartment building in one, the place where many of the Khaos Brigade in the HQ lived and worked.
All of that surrounding a dark tower with a brick wall surrounding it, statues protected the entrance of the garden that was taken care of by the inhabitants if they so desired for the owner of the tower couldn't care enough to do so herself.
However that was the center of the HQ of the Khaos Brigade and all who belonged to it knew that the Dragon Infinity, Ophis, lived there when she wasn't running around to wherever struck her fancy.
The perfect place where all and everyone could keep an eye on the dragon so nobody could take more power than they should. Mistrust was rampante even if their HQ was organized and the people mingled. It was the only way most of them could work together in such an organization.
Vali and his friends were moving to the tower as the silver haired man noticed there were few changes in the HQ. 'The Old Satan Faction butchered the operation and yet nothing changed, as expected. Nobody was counting on Katerea succeeding in her mission.'
Not that they were counting on him in any way shape or form as while the rank and file devil thought of him as Lucifer, the leaders of the rebels saw him only as a convenient ally at the best of times and a rogue card at the worst.
Still he was pretty sure that some of the Old Satan Faction bases had to be abandoned or refitted by the lack of personnel. Vali didn't count how many had gone with Katerea for their doomed attack but he was sure it must have put a dent on their numbers.
And it was a failure, an absolute failure since even with his interference none of the New Maou was taken down. It wasn't like Vali was disappointed by the events or cared about that Faction. He didn't care for any Faction, only people; his friends and those he had an invested interest in.
Yet he still stopped to ask. "Fay, you still have some friends from when they tried to invite you to witch covens, right?" Because something was wrong with all that happened.
Le Fay was surprised by the sudden question but nodded. "Yeah, we still talk somewhat."
"What was the damage?" He didn't need to elaborate.
"Well, the coven allied with the Old Satan Faction was destroyed so all the others officially joined the Hero Faction."
"So Cao Cao's plan worked, huh."
"Plan?" Arthur was intrigued. "Are you saying he planned for that particular coven to be destroyed?"
"Not at all." Vali looked around, seeing far more mistrust against the devils in the place. Their usual market street was almost empty. "But the plan was always for Sirzechs to waste his energy to teleport his sister. Because of that he blocked any and every human that could help with the Bishop and forced the Old Satan Faction to ask for one of the more neutral parties." So anyway the Hero Faction would lose nothing. "Simply put, they would be destroyed by Rias Gremory, that was the best kind of possibility for the Hero Faction."
"We are the last neutral party left, aren't we?" Arthur realized with a frown. "Everybody else is officially with the Hero Faction; the witches, summoners, necromancers, everyone."
"Pretty much." And Vali knew Cao Cao wasn't the only one with a plan. "What happened with Katerea?"
The siblings looked at each other and the brother shook his head before the sister replied. "She didn't come back. From what I heard, who rescued her was-"
"She wasn't rescued. That man wouldn't send his strongest vassal to rescue anyone. He literally doesn't know the meaning of the word." Vali's scowl showed so much loathing there was no way in hell people wouldn't notice. The siblings more than most as they knew where all of it was coming from. "Whatever game he is playing, we need to figure out the rules or else we are going to get screwed."
"Problem is that he barely has any contact with anyone, even with the Old Satan Faction." Le Fay reminded Vali which caused him to grunt. "I will see what I can find."
"Don't bother, you are right." Vali hated to admit it but there was no going around that fact. "And that is the problem; he usually doesn't care about anything or anyone, why save Katerea?" 'What is your goal, Rizevim?'
A moment of silence descended as the trio mulled in their thoughts and tried to understand the implications of everything. If anything it cast another light on Kuoh's attack.
Like if there were dozens of directors on the same movie, each taking care of the part that interested them, ripping the rewards and only the actors, the Old Satan Faction, got screwed in the development.
In contrast Cao Cao got all neutrals on his side and the devils more isolated while Vali was sure Rizevim also got something even if it was just Katerea.
He started to think about all he knew about her. 'She is strong but lacks ability and skill. Does he want her only for her blood? No, he would let them catch her and break her out after or just place people around to keep her safe.'
"Nothing we can do then, for now." Arthur collected his thoughts and deduced. "We can try and find them if you want but speculating doesn't help."
"You are right, you are right." Vali accepted rather easily and Le Fay wasn't buying it.
She moved closer and hit his arm. "We are going to take a look. No rush." At his grunt she pouted. "It isn't like he got anyone important. Katerea may have mana but is rather weak." Vali was about to reply when his stomach began to growl and Le Fay giggled.
"Why don't we go eat something?" Arthur commented with a smile but besides a grunt, Vali gave nothing else, just marched for the closest stand to grab a bite of something.
…..
Waver Velvet felt a heavy need to sleep as he sat down at his desk, knowing he couldn't. Unlike most days where he was presiding class, today the only sounds in the classroom were pencils, erasers and the occasional groan from a student that knew they were going to fail.
Or at least get a question wrong for Kuoh hit the time of the year where the teachers can take a short break before the actual break.
Exam season.
At least that was how it was for Kuoh since the school used a system where, throughout a couple of weeks before the summer break the students would start taking tests. From how the season was spaced out it was supposed to last for two weeks with three days of tests per week.
Theoretically that should be given enough time for the students to actually study even if they had to take multiple tests in a day thanks to Kuoh's heavy curriculum. But as Waver was observing children could be lazy even when they had enough time to cover most subjects.
Either way all members of his class belonged to the moonlit world so he expected, as their homeroom teacher, that all of them at least got decent grades. Sure it wasn't a guarantee but considering everything they should be more disciplined than the average highschooler student, at least in his opinion.
He knew that those that came from noble houses would at least be more dedicated and in previous exam seasons he would be far more relaxed, reading a book, while his spells caught any cheaters.
Unfortunately Waver was one of the few unlucky fellows called to help with the illusions and repairs after the signing of the now dubbed Kuoh Peace Treaty, Kuoh Treaty for short. There was so much damage, so many traps, such a risk of maiming if they weren't careful, Waver half expected for classes to be canceled for a few days.
However that was not to be and he got roped into the work having to act as a teacher during the day while pulling all-nighters with any devil the Gremory and Sitri could spare. It was because of his skill and deductive ability that they needed him to disable some nasty stuff so he couldn't complain.
But he still complained a little and received a check for fees of service.
A very generous check.
Enough for retirement twice over in the mundane world.
Apparently the Governor General, since he controlled the richest of the Three Factions, began his contributions to the alliance earnestly by banking the repairs, paying everyone for the extra work and by joining Kuoh's staff at the first opportunity.
Sure he wasn't teaching anything as of yet since the subjects for the tests were already established but Waver wasn't going to complain about the check.
'I should have complained about the check.' Waver let out a sigh as he removed his glasses and massaged his eyes. 'A man can't sustain himself with just mana, coffee and half an hour of sleep. Someone tried before and went mad after a month.' He consoled himself with the fact he had only another week of work.
Then he was going to hide somewhere and play games until his responsibilities showed their ugly head again and forced him back to work. Waver wasn't going to stall when the call came but he wished his vacation started as soon as possible. At least without having to take care of his students he could sleep properly.
Because of his lack of sleep there was no way he would risk placing a spell and ruin some of his brightest concentration. Instead he bit the bullet and kept his eyes roaming, daring any cheater to try and get caught. If he was more in shape he would be roaming the classroom as well but Waver was too tired.
'I want a cigarette.' He would never admit to whine. 'I want to drink a beer and lay down. To watch something funny and sleep after. To eat something sweet and-'
"Sensei, I am finished." One of his brightest, Olga Marie Animusphere, stepped forward. Her paper was all filed and he could see she would get a good score even if it wasn't his subject. "Here sir."
Waver placed the best smile he could, burying his exhaustion in the back of his mind. "Good job. Please sit down and wait if you don't mind." Policy was to only let the students leave class after two hours.
"Yes, sensei." Olga turned with her back straight, anyone could see she was proud.
From her accomplishments, Waver didn't blame her and if some of what he knew about her research came true he was excited to see what would come after. 'This makes it all worth it.'
His methods, his theories, the development of his students, everything that he accomplished made Waver joyful, enough so that he could ignore the exhaustion and refocus on watching his class.
Even if the cogs on his mind were still working hard on new places to check for traps that still needed to be swiped. Fortunately he wouldn't have to do it alone because there were still a lot of places to cover.
'A good thing most clubs are taking a break for tests. We still need to check a few installations then we are done.' While that brought a wave of relief, Waver still felt some dread. Because he wasn't going to be checking that alone. 'At least I am getting used to the Governor General but who was insane enough to think letting him become a teacher was a good idea?'
…..
Rias managed to stop herself from sneezing just as she was about to finish her exam. 'Is someone talking about me? Hope I am not getting in the way of their exam~' She joked while finishing marking the answers on her paper. Then she stood up, noticing Sona doing the same. 'Oh~ done already?' Her eyes asked her oldest friend.
Sona offered her a small glance but marched towards their teacher as if to say. 'Don't underestimate me, Gremory.'
A small chuckle came from behind and Rias knew Akeno was paying attention to the interaction. Nothing much as the two Heiresses marched towards the front of the class, one of the last classrooms with only girls since the school started to allow boys.
Both approached the teacher, a gentle old lady, who received their tests with a smile. "Good job, both of you. Now-"
"I would like to request to be dismissed early to attend to my duties." Sona spoke quickly, shocking the old teacher.
She was one of the oldest ones in Kuoh, the kind that was present from years before the devils ever took over Fuyuki. Not the kind of older woman who would fret over everything but she was a stickler for the rules. She also had no idea the two girls who finished their tests were devils and the real power in the school.
However she knew Sona's reputation and the Sitri was well respected for her deeds and grades so she indulged her. "Shitori-kun, you do recall that the norm is to wait for a couple of hours before allowing any student to leave the class during a test, correct? Why make such a request?"
"Because I have a lot of paperwork." Rias just smiled but deep inside she was laughing out loud and holding it back. Sona could see it written in her face. "Most of which the director informed you about, I believe." Said director was up to par about both Sona's real nature and her work for the school.
"Oh dear, to let such a young one take that many responsibilities. And in the exam season no less." The teacher sounded extremely disappointed but not with any of her students. "In the past that wouldn't have happened, the Student Council also had less work but that is expected. Times are changing." She let out a sigh, debating retirement before shaking her head. "But I digress. I cannot allow you to go. Rules are rules."
Sona's eyebrow twitched as they already had that song and dance before, she never managed to convince the woman to let her leave the classroom early enough for it to be relevant. The most she was ever able to get was twenty minutes before her classmates.
Pitying her friend a little, Rias leaned forward on the teacher's desk. "Sensei, we knew that rule solely exists to prevent cheating, correct?" The old teacher turned to Rias to show she was paying attention. However, her annoyed glance told her to 'get to the point'. "But this is Shitori Souna we are talking about. Just the idea of her cheating would belong in a parody of a comedy."
It was a fair argument, a really good argument considering the teacher was just hearing them because of Sona's reputation alone. There was no other student that was more praised, legitimately since few knew her actual position, than her.
'A student admired by her classmates, well regarded and who cares for the school. Her grades are also exemplary.' She took a glance at the tests, noticing that while Rias made one or two mistakes, Sona was going to get a perfect grade. In the past that wouldn't be enough for her to let Sona go. 'If I am going soft, I might as well retire.' One of her last colleagues did so recently after winning a lottery and decided to go on a trip with his wife. "It is true many of the staff got flooded with paperwork from the surprise reforms so I don't blame some of them for trusting a few of the responsibilities to you. If your grades had slipped, I would never consider this request, Shitori-kun."
Gritting her teeth, Sona made sure her face remained calm. "Sensei, if I can ask for a selfish request?"
"You already are."
"May I request that Rias accompany me?" Rias held back a curse. She was planning to take a nap. "She is as capable as I am dealing with paperwork and since the Occult Research Club doesn't have much to do, she can take my workload."
'Oh that was cruel, Sona." Yet the redhead just smiled even if it became a little strained as they waited for the teacher's verdict.
"You are pushing, Shitori-kun. While both of you are excellent students, some of Gremory-san's activities aren't the kind that I can approve off." Since she knew nothing about Rias' position either, the old teacher showed her distaste for the ORC existence. "Having a whole building for themselves while also spending time with three boys is not what a proper lady should be doing."
"I know, sensei." Sona's smile made Rias glare a little. "But you can't deny that she is decently competent when it comes to paperwork."
"That I can not." The teacher still watched Rias with suspicion.
For her part the Gremory Heiress was fuming on her mind. 'Just you wait, Sona. I am getting payback for this with interest.' She hoped that the teacher would remain strict and deny the request.
In vain because Sona's reputation was good enough to have the woman consider the request. "Very well, I will write a note with permission for both of you. But only this once and to no one else." She looked at the rest of the class, some shivering under her glare. "You still have the next week of exams and if I see a single dip in your grades I will talk with your parents."
""Of course, sensei."" Both heiresses replied with smiles and began to leave the classroom.
Thanks to their teacher they had all the school for themselves and over an hour before the other students started leaving their classrooms.
Still Rias couldn't help with a jab. "Finally going to ask for my help with paperwork?"
"Just didn't want to owe you anything, Gremory. Besides, you have your own paperwork to deal with." Sona began to march towards the student council office with Rias in tow.
"You aren't still upset about the 'Azazel thing', are you?"
"Yes, I am still upset about that. Why have him as a Chemistry teacher again?" She looked at Rias dead in the eyes but the redhead giggled. "Why couldn't you just accept him as a member of the board?"
"It was just a suggestion."
"A suggestion he took way too seriously." Sona felt the need to scream once or twice during that particular meeting. "Now we have the Governor General running around the school. I definitely never wanted that."
"But he is such a nice guy." The cold stare from Sona just made her want to laugh. "Come on, Sona. He was happy to take the job. Even paid for all the expenses for mister Kuwabara's vacation." After they hypnotized the man to believe he entered the lottery in the first place. "And didn't you want to make a school for everyone?"
"For devils and don't try to distort the subject." But eventually Sona had to let out a sigh because she knew her technicality couldn't beat Rias' logic. "Why did you really offer that, Rias? Be honest." When her friend began to open her mouth, Sona shut it with a hand. "And on more dodging or deflecting or just saying 'it would happen sooner or later'. Be blunt, like your boyfriend." Both stared at each other and Rias shrugged before Sona let her mouth go. "Well?"
Taking a second to place a finger under her chin just to egg Sona further, Rias finally replied with, "Because he needed it. Issei said he was upset about Vali leaving and, well, we felt bad for him."
Sona wanted to facepalm. "Sometimes I think you don't mind shooting any political advantage on the foot just for your amusement. No, wait, I know that for a fact." Rias smiled and she ended up chuckling. "But fine, at least he helped pay for the repairs. If only that solved the paperwork."
"The paperwork." Both shivered, remembering how much they already had done over the week. "Can't blame anyone since two armies fought in Kuoh… But I still think you should have at least let everyone rest for one day."
"No excuses. We could do the job and we did it. At this point everyone agrees checking for traps is just a formality. " They arrived at Sona's office and she stopped at the door. Then she let out a sigh. "Is your brother also sending mixed signals about 'something exciting is going to happen soon'?" She was quoting Serafall precisely minus the song-like tone.
Rias nodded but looked more relaxed. "He said that we should expect something in the Underworld but he would tell me the day after we arrived to 'keep it fair'." She shrugged. "Fair to who, I don't know but it doesn't sound like anything bad."
Which made Sona shake a little, remembering her sister was in the middle of whatever this was. "Makes me wish to not return to the Underworld this summer."
"But your Clan is calling you as well right?" Rias should have asked this earlier in the week but paperwork and exams got in the way.
"Yours too? Great. Only a Maou can order them to call us home." Her sister, or her coworkers but those were not the ones Sona feared, which only made her more concerned. "Oh by Goetia, what are they planning now?"
"Aren't you exaggerating a bit?" Rias felt pity for Sona but also thought she was overreacting. "It isn't like this is just for you, I am going too and received a similar vague heads up." Her friend still looked upset and Gremory patted her back hard. A glare later, Rias just smiled. "It isn't like they are going to announce your engagement or something."
Another glare from Sona didn't even bother Rias but the kaichou shook her head regardless. "Fine, fine. I will try to be… optimistic that this isn't one of my sister's schemes." The image of a blue magic girl outfit wormed in her mind.
Not knowing why Sona was shivering just made Rias more amused. "Well~ since you don't need my help I am going."
"You could actually help. I know you still have your own report to make-"
"Oh, those~ we finished it days ago~" And Rias was too pleased to reveal that.
Which surprised, shocked and frustrated Sona to no end. "How?"
"I asked for Shiro, oka-sama and Maya-san's help of course~" Rias giggled at her fellow Heiress' baffled expression. "Or did you really expect Akeno and I to do everything by ourselves?" It felt like a giant weight fell on Sona's shoulders. Rias' words did a lot of damage and she noticed it. "Wait a minute… Are you saying it is just you and Tsubaki doing the new budget?" Right on the mark. "Sona… you have an almost complete peerage. Why didn't you ask them for help?"
"It is our duty as Kings to take care of such matters." She grumbled something between the lines off 'and I forgot' before shaking her head. "So…"
"So…" Rias was not going to make things easy for Sona.
And pride had a way to get in the way. "Fine, go along and do whatever you want. Not like your boyfriend can leave the classroom for another hour."
"More time for me to spend with Gasper." Never let it be said that Rias can't see the positives of a situation. "He will start going to class after summer, you know? I need to make sure he is ready."
It was a duty that Sona couldn't chastise Rias for. "Very well. See you after lunch, Rias."
"Good luck, Sona." Before the door closes, Rias placed her feet in front of it and offered with a smile. "But don't hesitate to ask for help."
"Heh, who do you think I am?" Sona chuckled. "Besides, my new Piece won't mind helping me either once he is free."
"You got a new Piece? Someone I know?"
"Oh I will tell you later."
"Later when?" And Rias could only play on her hands.
"In the Underworld." Sona loved the pout but quickly closed the door. From behind it she said, "See you later."
"Mou~" Rias pouted a little more before a smile grew in her lips. "If you told me sooner we could have celebrated." Then she began to think. "Do they come to school too? She isn't going to tell me even if I ask." In the end she shrugged and moved towards the ORC.
Just like she said, Rias marched straight towards her club and spent time with Gasper until lunch.
Ever since the Kuoh Treaty, Gasper had shown great progress in stepping outside of the club but it was still too early for him to join his classmates at school. Not only the boy himself admitted he wasn't prepared yet it was exam season and he was used to taking tests on his computer.
It was then decided he would join normal classes at a later date but that didn't squander his improvement as he stopped fearing staying outside or his power altogether. He even flew to the rooftop of the school a couple of times to eat with everyone, carefully to not be seen but he succeeded every time he tried.
There was a small thing however that still baffled Rias and Akeno most days and was how Gasper still hid inside his box despite gaining greater courage. It wasn't because of fear, that much they were sure, but he still did it most days for a reason or another.
What most shocked Rias was one day when Xenovia went to drag him off his box and Gasper just stood up and began to run away. Still inside the box, only his legs were out.
The blue head laughed and there was a chase until Gasper announced that a box was a 'manly hiding spot' not because he was hiding himself but because he was waiting for the best chance to attack.
And in that day attack he did as Gasper turned into a cloud of bats and managed to startle the former Exorcist enough that she lost her balance and fell on her butt. Then the former dhampir got inside his box again and disappeared inside the club, a laughing Xenovia letting him go.
That was when Gasper earned Xenovia's respect and while she still chased him from time to time for 'training', she never again complained about the box, something that Shirou, Issei and Kiba nodded their approval of, much to the girls' amusement.
So great was Rias' pride on her Bishop she had no problem in only bringing him officially to school after summer. It would give him time to get used to people and perhaps make some friends outside of their circle.
Despite all the headache the Treaty gave her, she would take every single one for that victory alone.
Today Gasper wouldn't be joining them on the rooftop, despite having already done his test for the day the poor thing was exhausted so Rias helped him relax and left him to sleep after humming him a lullaby.
Perhaps things would be better if Medusa or Iri were there for support but once again that was exam season and Gasper insisted on them staying at home so he could focus on the tests. It was like he was trying to prove he was brave despite everyone telling him he didn't need to.
After that she took her time in returning to the school, enjoying the breeze in the recently repaired woods. 'The smell of blood is finally gone.' Rias wished that Gasper's courage didn't come with some trauma as she remembered trembling a little before falling asleep. 'At least it is not as bad as when he arrived. Mostly because this time he could do something about it.'
Didn't stop the Heiress of Gremory from wishing she could kill the witches that attacked her family all over again.
But she didn't let her concerns consume her as Gasper's improvement showed he was fine. She still went back to check how he was sleeping before making her way back to Kuoh with haste, stopping herself from going back and checking again.
"Just a few more days, Rias. Then we will be in the Gremory Castle and you won't have to worry about Gasper being alone again… I really want to convince him to move to our house. He can live alone after he comes of age if he wants." Rias nodded to herself, plan made.
She met with Koneko on the first floor, the girl leaving the classroom with a confident stride and munching a lollipop. "How did it go?"
With a click of her tongue she took the treat off her mouth and grunted. "I hate math."
"But it's all good, right?" Rias watched the former nekomata as she nodded confidently. "Good job." She hugged the white haired girl and caressed her head with her own.
It was an image that had many stopping to admire and that in turn made Koneko blush a little. "Buchou, lunch?"
"Sure, sure. Let's get going." Holding hands they swiftly moved to the second floor where they ran into Issei, Kiba and Asia first. "I hope the exams weren't bad… right, Ise?"
"Come on, buchou. This time I studied a lot. I'm gonna ace this thing." The Red Dragon Emperor declared with a confidence usually absent during exams. He didn't fail per say but obviously Rias wanted him to more than just scrape by.
And for that they had Asia as an ally. "Yes, buchou. Ise-san spent most nights where he didn't have a job getting ready for the exams. He also helped me prepare for the Japanese test." All the while the Pawn nodded proudly.
"That is great to know." Rias then turned to Kiba who smiled a little. "Well…"
"All clear here, buchou. You don't have to worry about me."
"And your girl-"
Her Knight rushed to her side and whispered. "Please don't say that on school grounds?" She giggled but let it slide as Shirou, his hair fully red again, Setsuna, Xenovia, Luvia and Rin approached.
As expected the Colored Rivals were already clashing about who was going to get the best grades, usually both got top marks so there was never a winner, while Shirou, Setsuna and Xenovia just kept their distance while making sure they wouldn't get in anybody's way.
They didn't need to bother as the rivalry was so well known that the moment Rin and Luvia were seen together the students parted like the Red Sea. There were enough incidents with those two for everyone to get used to it. Nobody missed a step either, thanking the heavens that Shirou, Xenovia and Setsuna were there to give them a safety line.
Forever Kuoh's student body, and a couple of the teachers, would be grateful for the trio who kept the red and blue ogres at bay.
"Sooo, how did it go?" Rias asked when the four approached, the Colored Rivals stopping their shenanigans now that their boss was around.
Xenovia's smile was a huge one. "I like math."
"That's a new one." Issei voiced the surprise around the group.
"She finished first, believe it or not." Setsuna patted Xenovia's back in respect.
"Just because numbers are the same, no matter the country." It was with great relief that Xenovia could affirm that, for the first time in a while, she had no problems with an exam. "Still hate doing tests, though."
"Welcome to highschool life." Shirou joked as he stepped besides Rias, his hand caressing hers gently. "But at least you won't have to worry about staying behind for the summer." Thanks to her hard work she managed to catch up.
There was much Xenovia wanted to say about that but they were in school. "I wouldn't miss that trip for anything."
"I wish I could go but I have responsibilities back in Kyoto." Setsuna also had to explain to her father why her one of a kind weapon broke. It wasn't going to be a fun talk.
"You could always go next time." Kiba pointed out and everyone nodded.
The hanyou smiled and nodded. "Maybe, we will see."
"Want us to bring you a gift?" Shirou offered.
"That would be nice. Something I can share with my sister?"
"You can count on us." Issei puffed his chest. "We're going to get the best gift."
"Hum!" Asia was excited by the idea.
"Good, good. I can't wait to show you all my hometown." That was the excuse Rias was going with, an excursion to Europe. "Can't wait to show you the castles, the small village- oh, I need to remember to take you all to see the stables and-" Shirou closed her mouth a finger, an act far more intimate than he should show.
But Akeno wasn't around and she was about to say too much. "Remember you came from a well off family, not a rich one." It was the disguise Rias chose to be more approachable.
It didn't really help because of her natural beauty, attitude, confident disposition added to a highschool environment but she would kick herself later if she ruined everything.
So Rias gave Shirou a meaningful look and nodded. "Right, take you all to the small cottage in the woods my family has."
"That sounds fun." Both treated the incident like nothing had happened but rumors were already being spread how the two of them were closer than they should be.
By the end of the day the whole school would already have it rooted in the brains of every single student. Gossip could have devastating effects and be a powerful weapon in the right circumstances, an extremely dangerous one when wrong.
However this time it wouldn't be wrong as the conclusion people would reach would be the obvious one; Rias Gremory, school idol, was dating Emiya Shirou. The repercussions of that event would dominate Kuoh for a while, that was inevitable even if it was exam seasons and most were focusing on passing.