Gasper let his tongue out as he began to think. 'I started with red but I can't draw anything good with it…' It was clear that by how his head began to tilt he was lost in thought.
The women let him be as it gave his sacred gear some rest and paced his training better. Also they enjoyed seeing his face when he was struggling to come up with an idea. 'So cute!' Both thought in sync.
It took a whole minute for Gasper to make a decision. "What about yellow?"
"Yellow it is." The magic circle changed to the appropriate color. "Ready?"
Gasper assumed what he liked to call his 'gamer position'. "Ready."
"Go!" The laser was shot in a random direction and the former dhampir moved some crystals swiftly to intercept.
There was no rest once the laser was out, the crystals would keep its consistency but if it touched anything else the mana would vanish. It was up to Gasper to trace where it was going, improving his perception, while moving the crystals with his fingers, testing his reaction time.
It was completely unplanned that this sort of training would appeal to Gasper's gamer instincts as while Azazel knew he spent a lot of time on the computer he didn't necessarily ask what kind of games he played.
First person shooters were his favorite and the boy could be really competitive during a match. His space awareness and eye to hand coordination was excellent for this kind of exercise.
And he was having fun during it, mostly because he liked cute things.
But Gasper couldn't immediately start drawing just because he managed to intercept the laser, he needed to create a chain using its size to his advantage while keeping its existence going.
Should he lose track of the crystals, the beam of mana or even his hands, then the thing would fall apart before the real work even began.
It was a challenge, one Gasper happened to love.
…..
"Whoa! Incredible!"
"Xenovia, don't fly too high!"
"But Master, the view here is so great!"
Arriving in Runeas was easy, the Vault of Prosperity had a magic circle directly connected to a government building in the capital so teleporting was always available for everyone who worked there.
So it took no time for the quartet to leave the building, a giant tower made of stone with dozens of magic circles for different places, and enter the capital of Gremory territory proper.
The instant they left the building Xenovia took flight, going as high as she could and as fast as her borrowed wings could manage. She quickly reached the peak and looked down with wonder.
'Never thought a city could be so beautiful.' Part of it was the glasses that were giving her night vision but the other part was the many devils of many kinds flying around living their lives. Some of them were using magic on the streets and each of their circles had its own color. 'So pretty.'
She spinned around slowly to take everything in as the other three watched. "Some people are staring." Kuisha mentioned with a small smile.
"Maybe because she is like a kid who is watching the city for the first time." Sairaorg commented with a chuckle. "Let them stare. Most of them won't bother to ask."
"Does it ever stop being magnificent?" Shirou asked with some wonder himself even if more subdued, much like his knight he was watching the city even if a little lower in the sky.
"What, the town?" Asked the Heir of Bael.
"Flying." For the first time since he flew Shirou didn't have to worry about a huge output of mana that could suddenly end and send him to his demise. It wasn't his first view from the skies but certainly it was the calmest. "Just flying around and looking down at everything… Does it ever stop being great?"
Both pureblood devils looked at each other with small smiles. "If you allow me to say, lord Emiya, I believe it depends on the view."
"You can call me Shirou or my alias. Never liked being lord of anything." The redhead was watching hundreds of devils moving from one side to the other, landing or taking flight from other buildings.
Kuisha shook her head with mirth. "Perhaps you don't care but those that follow you would certainly appreciate the respect shown to you."
"Don't try to convince her otherwise. People follow us because they see that we can be great and like being reminded their choice was not only justified but the right one." Sairaorg reminisced about his past while Shirou turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "It is how they reaffirm their trust in you and by accepting it you are reciprocating their trust, showing you will keep leading them well."
The Mage of swords frowned but turned his head, hiding his face further under the hood. "But it is still weird."
"Hah, it never stops." He patted the magus' shoulder with a grin. "Both feelings. Kuisha is right, the view helps." The black haired man pointed down. "And few cities in any dimension can compare to Runeas. Can't wait to show you all some of the sights."
Something he said felt odd for Shirou. "But aren't you-"
"Sorry Master." Xenovia returned slowly to their attitude, shaking a little but it wasn't from the flight. It was from excitement. "It is just so different from using Durandal to move around. So great! And everything is huge!" Smiles all around her had the former Exorcist blinking before offering a smile of her own. "I think I like flying."
"Wait until you can move faster." Bellerophon agreed with his statement, still a little mad about their situation.
But Shirou just smiled along and approached Xenovia who kept looking around before taking her glasses. "It looks like dozens of stars are on the ground." Then she turned upside down only to begin to shake her arms. "Whoa…" She began to fall before stopping suddenly.
"Calm down."
"I think she didn't turn on purpose."
"Damn it Azazel!"
A few minutes later they returned to the top of the tower as Xenovia took a couple of deep breaths. "Thinking that the ground is the sky is dangerous." She commented and placed her glasses back on. "Thank you, Master."
"Can't you just not use that? We are on vacation." The redhead let out a sigh as the young woman shook her head.
That made Kuisha giggle and Sairaorg laughed. "Hahahaha! Such a spirited girl. You have a good subordinate-"
"Careful there. There are people close." Most devils weren't giving them any attention but some were close enough to hear their words. "What is the point of a disguise if you blow the cover in less than 5 minutes?"
"Sorry, sorry." Sairaorg chuckled a little.
Kuisha threw him a glare that had Shirou rolling his eyes. "It is okay. Just be careful."
Another chuckle escaped the Heir of Bael as he noticed his Queen's irritation. "Sure thing. Ready to meet Runeas?"
"You bet!" Xenovia was still excited.
"Follow me then. I know a good place to start." The pureblood devils took flight as Shirou and Xenovia struggled to follow after a little.
There was also a need to land on some of the buildings from time to time as constant flight was impossible with Azazel's invention. The Mantle of Infinity Jumps as they started calling it clearly deserved its name as they could hang in the air for quite a while before the material grew strained.
Wings never lost their form and the clothes didn't change but they could feel them growing heavy and uncomfortable as the mana made the fabric grow strained by its constant use.
Shirou could midgate the problems with Alteration but landing and waiting for a bit was still the best option to not risk damaging the material. It also gave them some time to look around and take in the sights like stores at the top of buildings that usually they would see around on the ground back on Earth.
One of the few they landed close to was a candy store that promised the most recent 'human creations in candy'. "That was a lie." Xenovia commented as she licked her lollipop. A giant lollipop the size of her head. "But at least it is good."
"How is that a lie?" Sairaorg took a bite of a chocolate bar the size of his arm.
"Most of these candies have existed for centuries now." Shirou bit a jelly bean, offering some to Kuisha who accepted with a curious look after she finished her sugarbun. "None of it was new in the slightest."
"I think it depends on your concept of new. This store has been here for hundreds of years and most devils don't see your realm that much." The Heir reminded them.
Shirou and Xenovia traded a look as she kept licking her candy. "Perhaps." The magus accepted the explanation. "But the candy also is made with your own recipes so they could be called new either way."
"What do you mean?" Kuisha was curious about the difference.
"There are some flavors I never felt back home." Shirou exclaimed as that was the reason he went for the jelly beans in the first place.
Xenovia was nodding her head quickly in agreement. "It is like dozens of different flavors are assaulting my tongue at once. Most of which I don't know."
"Then maybe there is more in our world we can show you than I thought." Sairaorg sounded pleased by that. "Should we go to a restaurant later?"
The visitors looked at each other again and shrugged. "Whatever you recommend, lord Sairaorg?"
"Perhaps later. We didn't eat that long ago." Shirou reminded his knight as he gave the rest of the jelly beans to Sairaorg since he had finished his bar.
"Then off to the next location we go." Kuisha pointed in a particular direction.
Such a location was a dome with a giant screen where the adventures of the Magical Girl Leviatan or 'Miracle Levia-tan' were being exhibited. The show wasn't bad, the effects were made with magic and the camera work was excellent. When the episode ended it changed to a Rating Game that was already underway.
They stayed for a couple of minutes but it wasn't exciting for anyone as it was going to be a long format type of game that could take days and from what the announcers were saying it was still in the opening stages with the two teams gathering supplies.
Still the next place required them to cross the Goetia Road which had quite the distance from street to street. It was also full of people just going about their business with street vendors on either side trying to get attention to their wares. Shirou ended up buying a fruit he had never seen before and finding the taste oddly pleasing but a little too salty.
As a chef he wanted to browse other stands to figure out more of the different foods of the Underworld, perhaps even make something special for his friends when everyone got together again.
He barely had any time to check all the new stuff during his 'challenge', and he would never call it that, nobody would name that competition any other thing than 'slaughter'. Either way people counted on him to make good food so he worked with what he knew but traumatizing a fellow chef wasn't his intention.
A lot of stuff in the Underworld was imported from other dimensions, mostly Earth, so he could identify quite a bit of things on the streets that he knew from home. However there were unique things, not only food, that he never saw before, stuff that tickled his and Xenovia's desire to explore.
Except that the place was too crowded, devils flying and running around the road to try and get a thing or another. Sairaorg tried to explain it was a fair that happened every other week on the Goetia Road in all capitals with devils from the main Clans bringing souvenirs or any other thing for their people to buy.
Most of the explanation was lost on the noise but the two tourists got the gist of it and why there was so much in the area. Gremory and hotels were becoming synonymous thanks to Zeoticus and so he had business all over Earth with plans to expand to other dimensions at earliest convenience.
That helped the Gremory's reputation and it was another source of income to certain classes of devils who needed to work in what they called the Human Realm.
Making their way out of the crowd wasn't easy and Xenovia grabbed Shirou's hand so they wouldn't get separated. The magus was amused but held her firmly until they were out, their companions finding them a few minutes later with an amused Sairaorg watching as Kuisha looked upset about something.
Despite every challenge they arrived at the other side and opened their wings again. "Come on." Called Sairaorg. "It is just a little further."
Still there was much to be explored as they found a phone store of all things, models designed by Ajuka Beelzebulb on display were similar to some back on Earth called Beelzebut, a huge building that served as a griffin store or stable for a fee, a park with tall trees that moved by themselves and the statue of a long haired girl sitting on a camel.
None of those were Sairaorg's target but Shirou and Xenovia were pleased with what it was. "Hope you like it." He opened the door for a store on the middle floors of a seven floor tower. "Jazl! You're still here, old man?"
"Is that a lion cub or my ears are tricking me?" A huge man with a big belly but muscle arms greeted from behind a balcony, all manner of weapons behind him and all around the store. "By Goetia himself! Baby Lion, how've you been?" The giant man jumped over his balcony and rushed to Sairaorg.
The Heir did nothing when he was involved in a hug and was thrown around like a ragdoll the moment his feet left the ground.
"How've you been, Cub? It has been years since you popped around here! Years!" He dropped the Heir on the ground and began to poke his chest. "No letters, no messages, barely hear about you on that thingy on the dome."
"Hahaha. I have been too busy, Jazl, you know how it is."
"No, I don't. Not one of the Pillars. Much less a hair." Jazl began to pat the younger devil's arms. "But look at you. All grown up! You Ma must be proud!"
A sad smile made its way on Sairaorg's face. "Heh, you bet she is." Then he turned around to the trio who watched everything with amusement. "I brought some friends. One of them is even a smith!"
"Ohoh." The older devil looked curious and quickly approached. "Kuisha! You are here as well. Today is a great day. Is the Cub giving you any trouble?"
"I would appreciate it if you didn't talk about my lord like that, Jazl." Yet she had a smile of familiarity and easily accepted the hug.
"He'll always be a lion cub, going around doing errands."
"I haven't worked for you in years."
"But you're still a cub." He then turned to the other two and sniffed around for something before giving them a hard look. "You ain't no devils… What're you?"
"Magicians." Not the whole truth but Sairaorg knew they appreciated the discretion.
A dismissive wave came from the giant devil. "That lazy lot? And one of them is a smith?"
"Jazl…" Kuisha hissed in warning.
"Bah, don't care about anything those copycats would make. Certainly nothing worth our time." Xenovia took a step and was about to say something but Shirou placed a hand on her arm and shook his head. Jazl didn't notice, turning to Sairaorg instead. "They can look if they want to see some real work but I doubt it is going to help. It barely helps with young devils these days."
"Jazl, don't be like that." Sairaorg placed a hand on the giant's shoulders. "You know most devils are starting to use weapons again. Soon enough your store will be booming."
A smile grew on the older man's lips but he shook his head. "Nah, they won't. Too much fuss about a 'Mage of Swords' brat." He spit to the side much to Shirou's amusement. "What does a human know about making weapons for devils? Weapons of magic? Nothing!"
"Why is that?" Shirou asked, doing his best to hide his smile when the devil turned. "He tries to make weapons that anyone can use. Besides," he took a sword, a great sword that was similar to the one in his back, "his words are too exclusive even if the style is popular."
"Feh, shows what you know, magician." He waved off before returning to the balcony. "You can look and buy if you want some real steel but I doubt you will find anything that tingles your fancy."
"I will do my best to find something."
"Bah." He turned to Sairaorg, calling him closer while picking a bottle and some glasses from the side. "And what about you, Cub? Tell me what a Heir does and why you can't buy more from me?"
While her King approached to talk with the smith, Kuisha turned to her guests and lowered her head. "I apologize for Jazl. He isn't the kind to meet humans often."
"It looks more than that." Xenovia commented with a scowl. "He also wouldn't know a good sword if one stabs his gut."
Shirou chuckled and began to look around the place. "Let it go, Xenovia. He doesn't need to like his competition."
"You know it was more than that, Master." She gritted her teeth but also began to look around. "This place is also a little worn down. Aren't there the best stores on the top of the towers?"
"The most expensive, you mean." Still Kuisha couldn't disagree. "It is all about perspective; the top floors make more and so can rent or even build the tallest places. But are they actually good? Some are, some just appear to be."
"I agree. The number of pieces Rias vetoed for me to make because of the requests is far too big for me to remember." The magus picked a chakran with spikes, humming in thought. "Most of them want more a piece of art than practical equipment. Rin was complaining once about how those requests were a waste of jewelry." To him they were a waste of steel. The weapons in that store weren't. "But these ones… they are good work."
"Master-"
"Ignore what he said, Xenovia. Just focus on looking around. Perhaps you will find something you want."
"I still don't like his attitude." The bluehead began to focus more on the weapons around while the blonde sighed.
The Queen of Bael decided that an explanation was in order. "Jazl is part of a generation of devils before the Civil War. They believed, at that point, that the over reliance on magic and humans was ruining the Underworld." Both guests of Gremory turned to her. "Instead of focusing on magic, or having the purebloods to just focus on power, they believed that developing their weaponry would assure us victory. A Sacred Gear System of our own if you will."
A familiar story in the Mage's mind. "Let me guess; too much of the new thing, completely ignored the old thing, got crushed because of it." Kuisha blinked and nodded in surprise. "There always must be a balance. Just because one thing isn't working anymore, doesn't mean it doesn't have merit." Still he looked to the devil, understanding some of his bitterness. "Then again, most change comes with blood."
Xenovia could understand but didn't like the man's attitude. "What is his relationship with Sairaorg? Are they old friends?"
"He helped my King in the past." Kuisha hesitated. "This is a personal matter for milord. I suggest you ask him."
They still looked around the store for a while more and if Xenovia was going to give the devil anything was that he had a bigger variety when compared to Shirou's workshop. The redhead had many creations but he tended to stick with swords even if he worked in other types of projects.
Jalz, regardless of his attitude, was a master craftsman that made hundreds of weapons from all over the place and all kinds of forms. The man had worked on so many types of work that there were alleys just divided by category or the number of blades in a given piece.
Shirou felt a little bad that all of it was being stored on his Reality Marble but he promised himself to buy something expensive for compensation even if he never was going to use any of them.
The swords maybe but the rest of the weapons were either things he had little practice with or too weak in comparison to his own body of work. Noble Phantasms aside, Shirou wouldn't be arrogant by calling himself the better smith of the two but that was because he was more focused and had a Reality Marble.
On the other hand the collection from the devil was made over the centuries with a lot of blood and sweat.
Still now the Mage of Swords took many of those skills to himself but he would not take them for free. "How much for this one?" A dagger was presented and an extremely sharp one.
It was perfectly balanced between a black pommel and smooth handle with a decently sized guard. Shirou also noted that it was good for magic and it was made to not only stab through bone but could challen spells or just mana for the creation of magic circles. Nothing he would use but still the most expensive thing he could carry.
Jazl's smile disappeared and he suddenly was looking at his dagger and Shirou. He couldn't see the magus' eyes but still tried. "You really want to buy something?"
"As Saraorg said, I am a smith myself. Better to study your work closely if I want to learn your techniques."
A wide eyed devil suddenly began to laugh. "Hahahahahaha! Hahahahaha! Still finding interesting people, Cub." He punched Sairaorg's shoulder who just smiled at his friend's cheer. "Well, well, with such admission, I can't just sell it for cheap, can I?"
"Is this going to suffice?" He threw on the counter some coins Zeoticus had given him before he departed the Gremory Castle, making the devils' eyes grow wide.
"Kid, I was joking. This is just a knife- I can't take 20 lucertes for it! A few leviertes would be enough."
"Nonsense. I did say I was going to study your techniques, didn't I? This is also for the lessons." A quick flourish of the dagger and the young man played with it swiftly without missing a beat. By the end he could tell the devil was impressed. "Besides, I am good with blades and this one may find some utility today."
He was trying to be honest with the possibility since he was restricting himself to his disguise but the magus didn't really think much about it. All he wanted was to compensate the man for his techniques.
If nothing else, it was a good dagger to join Bakuya and the Green Knight's Mantle on his collection even if not a Noble Phantasm.
"Still feel bad for selling it for so much…" Jazl admitted with a frown. "Tell you what, you magicians use a lot of blood in your rituals, right? For your version of magic circles?"
Shirou shrugged. "I don't use magic circles." That made the devil pause. "I am sort of a third rate magus. Can only use a couple of spells."
"Fuck me…" Jazl looked sorry and shook his head. "Fine! I'll take your coin but let me also sell you a kit to polish swords. I notice that beauty on your back and you will need something for it."
"Even if it was made by the Mage of Swords?" Xenovia asked with a frown and the devil waved her off.
"Not dealing with that hack. I'm dealing with this kid." He brought forward a case and pushed it to Shirou. "There it 's. It has the best oils, a stone for sharpening retrieved from a mystic waterfall and some other stuff."
"But I just-"
"Take it or I ain't taking your money."
"Just take it." Sairaorg shrugged at the look of disbelief Shirou gave him. "Jazl is stubborn-"
"You goddamn right!"
"-and won't let us leave with it without selling it for what is worth or including something close." He patted his old friend in the back.
"Fine." Shirou said with a sigh, collecting the coins and throwing them on a sack before leaving them on the counter. "Pleasure doing business with you." There were some extra coins there.
"Pleasure was mine." It was time for them to go and Jazl knew it. "Come visit again, Cub. Need to see if your fists really grew or you began to slack without me to put you through the paces."
"I would never." A firm shake of hands later and the quartet began to leave the store.
It was then that Shirou and Xenovia had a revelation. "It is already morning?"
"How?" The bluehead took off her glasses and cleaned her eyes to make sure she wasn't hallucinating. She wasn't. "It wasn't- We just- There was no dawn." The former Exorcist managed to form with some sort of coherence. Shirou also was so surprised he just nodded. "There was no sun from the horizon. Nothing."
"Did you two forget that the sun here is a product of the boundary field?" Kuisha asked with mirth, her King chuckling from the side.
"So what? Did you guys just turn on the lights?" Shirou asked as a joke but the devils just nodded. "Ah, I see."
"Come on, it is almost time for dinner and I know a place." Sairaorg took flight again.
Soon all opened their wings and began to fly but Shirou felt like he was being watched by someone. Turning his head he saw no one, most devils weren't flying anymore because of the 'sunlight'.
However, his eyes noticed something. 'Is that a crow?'
"Master?" Xenovia stopped, prompting the devils to do the same, as she noticed Shirou was looking elsewhere. "Something wrong?"
"I thought I saw…" When looking for the crow again, the Mage found nothing. "Strange… Maybe the sudden sun is messing with my head."
"Hahaha! You wouldn't be the first." Sairaorg found the thought more amusing than he should.
There was no way for the duo visitors to know how long the 'sun' was up or what time it was. Indeed both of their internal clocks were already in shambles because of their time spent on the Vault and now it was worse. Both were sure it was afternoon, or at least night in Japan, but it felt like noon.
Not having any point of reference both started to hate the fact they didn't have watches but there was nothing to be done at that point because the devils seemed to know exactly what time it was or didn't care about it.
Either way Sairaorg took them to a restaurant on the 2nd floor of a tower of restaurants. Obviously the most fancy one was at the top but the Heir of Bael preferred a more humble one.
It was a run of the mill shop most people would stop for a drink with tables outside and some finger foods on a display heated with a magic circle. Sairaorg showed once again that he knew the owner by just approaching and trading hugs with the man who tried to push his daughter on him.
All was in good fun as even the girl was playing around and it wasn't long before they got a table inside the place with two comfortable benches for seats. The daughter of the owner showed up again with a green apron and dress, her shining brown eyes still on Sairaorg as she distributed the menu.
"Call whenever you are ready to order." Her hand landed on the Heir of Bael's arm with a beautiful smile. "It is good to see you again, Sairo."
"You too, Becka." The green haired girl nodded to everyone and turned to the left with her hips dancing in case the Pillar's Heir was looking.
He wasn't but his Queen, sitting by his side, was. "She is too bold for her station."
"Let it go, Kuisha." The blonde woman nodded and began to peruse the menu.
"So, Sairaorg…" Shirou started carefully. "Couldn't help but notice that you know a lot of people around here. Do you come to Runeas often?"
"No, I used to live here in the past." His new acquaintances looked at him in confusion.
A confusion Xenovia gave voice to. "But aren't you the Heir of Bael? This is Gremory territory."
"Huhuhu. I think this is the first time I have to tell this story in a while." Then he raised the menu. "Should we order first?"
After they did and while they ate the man avoided the previous topic for a little, asking Shirou about his Ki which in turn had him revealing he learned from Yoruichi and that he was teaching the same to Xenovia.
"My Element is Light." She revealed and puffed her chest at the astounded looks from the devils.
"That is… rare."
"Haha, just shows how straightforward she is as a person." Sairaorg commented while taking a sip of his drink. The bluehead was a little confused until he explained. "For your fighting spirit to manifest as Light means you don't like to hide your intentions."
A look of realization came to her face and she turned to Shirou. "That is what you said, Master."
He shrugged. "Just repeating what Yoruichi told me over the phone."
"Still you were trained by one of the Kings of Kyoto." Sairaorg whistled in appreciation.
"Heh, she likes my food."
Kuisha giggled a little. "Just makes me more curious to taste something capable of bringing tears to Lucifer's eyes." Shirou hid his face with his cup but the woman turned to Xenovia. "But how did you manage to master Touki so fast? I have been trying for a while."
Not knowing how to really explain it, Xenovia went with her gut. "I always liked fighting."
His Queen pouting had Sairaorg laughing again. "It is a matter of preference, Kuisha, preference. You are always perfecting your magic and fighting with it. Of course you aren't going to master Touki without dedicating more time to it." Not that she would, she was too proud of her Power to not focus on perfecting it. "But since you told us your Element, mine is WInd." He leaned on the table conspiratorially. "I hope you won't tell Rias. I want to surprise her in our match."
"I will try to keep a secret. Mine is Steel by the way." Shirou was just going to avoid mentioning he knew it and Xenovia nodded enthusiastically, showing she didn't intend to violate his trust.. Still something else concerned the Mage. "Now, I don't want to be rude, and if you don't want to answer that is fine but, why are you so used to Runeas?" Kuisha glared a little but he pressed on. "You know this place like the back of your hand and are too familiar with its people. Did you grow up here?"
"Stop worrying, everybody in the Underworld knows it. He could have asked anyone else and got the story anyway, maybe with a bit of bias."
"Of course, milord." Still the blonde glared at the hidden magus with annoyance.
"To begin with, do you two have a notion of how politics work in the Underworld?" The two tourists looked at each other.
"Somewhat."
"A bit."
"Let me be more specific. Do you two know what is needed for someone to be selected as a Heir of a Pillar?" Shirou shook his head but Xenovia knew the answer.
"The Power of the Pillar." The former Exorcist continued once Sairaorg waved in her direction. "To be considered an Heir, the first criteria is to check if the devil has the proper Power and if they don't have it, that at least one of their parents had it. Right?"
"More or less. It is a requisite but the Head of the Clan can ignore it. Or better yet, just say 'this is my Heir, he is worthy, powerful and capable' and if they have his blood, they are Heir." Sairaorg chuckled. "Not that the order changes much and that is more when a Clan is close to extinction. Heirs are always the children of the Head because they usually have all it is needed; the Power and the training to be the next Pillar." He shrugged dramatically. "But my father didn't want to make me Heir."
"Because you don't have the Power of Destruction?" Shirou guessed correctly. "Why do I get the feeling I won't like this story?"
The signs were there for any to see; Sairaorg familiarity with a territory not of his Clan, Kuisha irritation with the topic and how the black haired man had the Power of Taming.
Still the Heir chuckled again. "Because you are a good person, I suppose." He took another sip and kept going. "My father hated that I didn't show signs of the Power of Destruction, just hated it. When I was little he exiled me and my mother, blaming her for my failure in not inheriting his Power." His eyes grew hard. "He basically kicked us out, reneged my birthright and made the son of his mistress the Heir."
"What a prick." Xenovia couldn't help but say it.
Much to the Heir amusement. "Yes, miss Quarta. He is quite a prick." He smiled gently when his Queen's hand landed on his own. "Now my mother was still the daughter of a Pillar, the last one, so I could take her name. But it didn't feel right for a couple of reasons." Some personal, others practical. He decided to start with the latter. "On their marriage she gave up a lot of the privileges, including the right to hold territory which was annexed to the Bael. Basically we end up with little, a small house and some rights but that was it."
From riches to poverty because he wasn't born right, that was the story of Sairaorg Bael. At least the beginning.
Because he refused to take that lying down. "Uncle Zeoticus and aunty Venelana were nice enough to take us in. To help us. If I wanted I could just live with them for the rest of my life but I refused. I wanted to do something. Needed to do something" He raised his fist high. "My mother used to tell me 'trust your fist' and 'make it strong so it doesn't fail you'. That was my path to strength. I started to train and train a lot, until I could get back what I saw as mine."
"Lord Bael was wroth that day." Kuisha said with a pleasant smile.
"And still is. Funnily enough my younger brother didn't mind losing the position to me, he considers me the proper Heir, no matter what our father says to us." By the way he spoke of his half brother they had made amends. "Still, I grew up around here. When I wasn't training or spending time with my mother, I used to run errands for Jazl, something to occupy my mind, or stopping here for a bite." He looked around the restaurant with a calm smile. "This place is still the same."
Shirou felt conscious about how Sairaorg was acting. "Sorry for asking."
"It is okay." The Heir flexed his arm to show the muscle beneath his clothing. "Just made me tougher and stronger. Stronger than any Bael before me, my power is greater than the Power of Destruction." He said loudly and proudly. "Everybody knows that story anyway and I just gave you the broad strokes, nothing much. Although…" He smiled mischievously before turning to his Queen who let out a sigh of resignation. "That gives an idea of a place to take you two. You are going to love it."
Kuisha shook her head with a small smile. "Well, it certainly is late enough to do that. But we must be careful for people to not see us going in." She looked at her King with exasperation. "You are the Heir now, you have a reputation to uphold."
The tall man laughed again, a booming laugh that had him shaking. "Most wouldn't care anyway. No, they probably would love the headlines, 'Heir of Bael returns to his old hunting grounds'. Tsk, hahahaha. Oh how they would."
After that the conversation was lighter as Sairaorg told some stories of how he grew up around the Gremory Castle and how Rias was as a kid. He lived around long enough to see Akeno arriving but after that he spent most of his youth around the capital and not the castle.
During all that he refused to elaborate what his 'hunting ground' was but made sure to to promise they would see it later and he wasn't giving any hints other than Kuisha showing she disapproved of that particular stop.
Still the King of Bael was restless, excited about it.
Once their meal was done they left quickly after paying and a few goodbyes from Sairaorg to the owner and his daughter. The young man had to insist on paying or else they wouldn't have taken his money but in the end he did, joking that his mother raised him right.
The moment they stepped outside there was already a big difference in the city of Runeas, most of its population was missing compared to how many devils were flying around during the night.
Before the 'sun' rose it was almost impossible to turn one's neck and not see one or a dozen devils flying around or working or just chatting somewhere. Now, in the middle of the day, there was almost no one, a stark contrast to how things would be on Earth.
It was a difference that didn't get past Xenovia's trained eyes. 'Most of the streets are empty with the devils still looking more lethargic or even covering their heads with hoods. Is having a sun in the Underworld a good idea?' She began to wonder before she caught sight of something else, a squad of armed devils with their faces exposed and looking bright. 'No, not all are affected.'
Her eyes started to jump around the place, noticing there were devils moving normally despite the 'sun'. There were those that still looked a little slower and none was flying but all of them appeared alert.
"Not much different from our friends back home." Said Shirou once he realized that his knight was looking all over the place. The blue haired maiden blinked and turned to him. "Obviously there are plenty of devils who are used to our world so they get out in the sun a lot. Probably they got so used to sleeping at night that this is their hour."
"More or less. Doesn't your city also have a nightlife?" Sairaorg asked with a grin.
"Sure it does but if my hunch is right and with so few people around we are way past a reasonable hour." The Mage shrugged. "Then again, this is a big city, probably never stops." He also could be wrong.
Except that he also knew how devils could be slow under the morning sun and that was with Rias who still managed to get up before he woke up to cook breakfast. She was someone used to the actual sun and still showed some symptoms. At least she was more chipper at night, that Shirou knew for a fact.
"Of course it doesn't, bwahahaha!" The Heir hit the magus' back hard. "Sure this is the time that good boys are in bed but Runeas never stops, never rests. At least it never did when I lived here." He turned to Kuisha who was trying to hide a yawn and failing miserably.
The other two stopped to watch her and the blonde blushed. "Sorry, I usually am in bed at this hour."
"You can return to the mansion if you want."
"Of course not, milord. As your Queen, I can't leave you alone." The smile her King gave her showed he knew there was more and she looked to the side. "So we are going to that place?"
Sairaorg shrugged to his new friends before opening his wings. "Would you two mind walking? Our destination is on the ground."
"Sure, no problem." Shirou replied as Xenovia just shook her head.
"Excellent. Flying would be faster but with Kuisha in this state it would be irresponsible."
"You don't need to worry about me, milord." She let out another yawn, a longer one this time.
'Actually, now that I think about it, it wouldn't be odd if many devils did just go to bed the moment the sun goes up.' That seemed a really big flaw in security and Shirou started to look around frantically. "Tell me, besides those Reincarnated, how many devils are at least capable of staying awake right now?"
"Is that concern I hear?" Sairaorg was amused as Xenovia began to look around in confusion.
She quickly caught up to what her Master was trying to say. "If anyone attacked now-"
"Then the light would go out and an alarm would wake everybody up." The Heir of Bael grinned. "You think we would place a 'sun' in our realm without taking the best precautions? For shame my friends, for shame. Sure it is around to help those that are Reincarnated and also to grow new kinds of plants, but we would never let such a weakness to actually be a weakness." Pointed to the sky, his grin grew savage. "For it to stay up, it takes conscious effort from our boundary fields. And if I want to," he closed his hand on a tight fist, "I can break that one myself. Does that calm you down a little?" His smile then turned gentle. "We aren't in any danger. If someone dared to invade the Underworld, all devils would rise to meet them."
For the former Exorcist it helped and she let out a sigh of relief. "It is not for nothing that the Underworld was never taken by an invading force." Shirou had to nod in agreement.
Sairaorg laughed again, this time more subdued. "Of course it hadn't. In the end, devils are the devils' worst enemy." His shoulders were still shaking in amusement before he calmed down and spoke in low volume. "That is why we need strong leaders to protect everyone."
They all opened their wings but didn't fly far, just enough to leave the tower and touch the streets again.
Sairaorg made sure to go slow as there were still plenty of devils around even if not as much as during the night, Kuisha remaned by his side as Shirou and Xenovia stayed a few steps behind.
It was much easier to navigate than before and it didn't take long for the Heir of Bael to take them to their destination.
Neither for it to leave a first impression. "Is that a cassino?" Shirou asked with some mirth as already he could see some slot machines and they didn't even get inside the building.
"Yep, Runeas Great Cassino as it is called." Sairaorg shared with another laugh. While there were many floors like any other building, it was just the cassino and nothing else. "What is wrong? Never been in one before?"
"Just didn't expect to see one here. Especially not in the middle of the day." Once again the magus had to remind himself that he was in the Underworld.
"Are we going there?" As she was previously an Exorcist, Xenovia never partake in the act of gambling before. A part of her was excited to try while the other feared to lose everything. 'Griselda would kill me if I even stepped inside one…' For some reason that just made it more tempting.
"Do you guys want to-"
"Ahem." Kuisha interrupted with a frown. "That is even worse than what you wanted to show them, milord."
"Right, silly of me." Sairaorg hit his own forehead and began to march. "Follow me and get ready for a treat. After all," he stopped to look at his new friends, "you are about to see the Underworld of the Underworld."
Color both tourists curious. "Any guesses?" Shirou asked Xenovia.
"None." She replied with a smile that he reciprocated. "But it sounds fun."
In the end they didn't even get in the casino, Sairaorg only used it as a point of reference to direct himself in a particular direction and once he found what he was looking for he let out a sigh of relief.
It had been so long but the man still knew the way and the tower was mostly the same. "Well, here we are."
"It looks like any of the towers we have seen so far." Xenovia pointed out, making the tall man laugh. "I expected a shady alley or something. Maybe even a bar with all kinds of magical drinks."
"Hahahaha, you aren't that far off." Sairaorg moved a little to the side and indeed there was an alley there. "Follow me~"
"And follow our lead." Kuisha added calmly. "I don't know how humans are going to be treated there but this isn't the kind of place you want to make a mess. The Matron certainly won't like it."
"'Matron'?"
The Queen turned to Shirou. "Know something about the Underworld's Underbelly, even if something possibly, not surely, illegal is going on, someone from the Pillars is always controlling things… keeping an eye to make sure everyone is playing nice."
"Ah, a Gremory then." Which had the Mage curious for a whole different reason. "If the Pillars approve, how is it illegal? Is it something one of the Maou doesn't like?"
"More like it is stuff that was going to happen anyway and this way we can keep some measure of control." Kuisha let out a sigh of irritation. "Just know that there is an official way of doing this and the unofficial one."
"And us devils tend to love the second kind." Sairaorg said with dancing eyebrows. "Anyway, we are here." His hand approached the wall and it suddenly began to open. Inside there was an elevator. "Oh, I almost forgot. Put on your glasses, it is dark down there."
Nobody asked anything else as they got in and the Heir made another magic circle. Neither how it got the elevator moving.
Still the Bael saw the curious glances. "The first one was for identification, technically it should only work if you are of age, at least 16, but someone younger can get in if they are registered, like a noble." He chuckled. "The second one was just to activate it."
Took some time but soon enough they arrived and loud cheering could be heard even before the door opened. When it did they were greeting with cheering and groans for an audience as well as the sound of a bell being rung.
There was also a tall man with a suit, tie and a huge sword on his back. He gave them all a long look before his eyes landed on Sairaorg.
"Lord Bael." He said, bowing his head. "It has been long since you graced our halls."
"Sorry, I don't know your name." Admitted the Heir. "But thanks for the welcome."
Clearly the devil wasn't bothered by the lack of acknowledgement. "Did you come to fight once again?"
"Unfortunately my days in that arena are far behind me. I am a proper Heir now and can't be caught partaking in illegal fights." He let out a long sigh of sadness. "A pity."
"So unfortunate. The Matron would love to see the Bael Lion fighting here again. You always knew how to work out a crowd." His eyes went to everyone else, focusing more on Shirou and Xenovia. "They aren't devils."
"One is the Sword of the Mage of Swords, Xenovia Quarta. She technically is part of the Gremory household so show her respect." Sairaorg dared him to say anything, the older devil stayed silent. "And this is an associate of Azazel."
The older devil nodded. "Very well but I hope the fallen angel's lackey will behave. The man turned around and Shirou couldn't help but check his sword's history.
It was a weapon of excellent make but was barely used. "Nice fella." He joked a little. "Didn't know swordsmen were that common around here."
"They aren't but the Matron always liked swords and insisted that her subordinates all learn how to use one." Looking around they all could see many devils, all with different swords. A quick glance told Shirou all of them were good for magic as well. "They are all great fighters, they have to be to keep things calm around here."
"So this is like a Fight Club?" Xenovia rushed ahead and looked down at one of the arenas where two devils were clashing. A wave of mana exploded outwards, making the audience cheer. "Whoa!"
"These don't look like Rating Games." Shirou pointed out, looking at a distance and noticing two more arenas with fights happening.
All of them were open rock formations with just a few obstacles, two entrances for the fighters and a display above with letters Shirou and Xenovia couldn't read.
The redhead guessed some were the fighter names and some sort of numbers but that didn't distract him from another arena in the middle of the others with a fourth one positioned to the right a few meters away forming a pattern with four identical battlefields.
There was a 5th, however, and was built differently; it was a pit that went somewhat deep with a circle of lava around it. There were also no obstacles or entrances, no rocks, or anything else. If nothing else it was like someone dug a hole leaving behind solid rock for the combatants to stand with lava as the boundary for the walls.
Sairaorg waved around to explain. "No, you won't fight a Rating Game in this place. Here one is prized for their own strength and not for a team." He pointed down where two devils were clashing with weapons and barely any magic. "Another thing to notice is that without support and few obstacles, a Wizard type fighter would find themselves crushed before any warrior here since they honed their bodies to their limit. Many of them aren't Knight but are just as fast or aren't Rooks but can take an explosion and barely flinch. This is Runeas Underground Arena, not officially recognized but still quite a popular place."
Some things began to make sense in Xenovia's mind. "This is where your victories come from! You fought here!"
"Right on the money." Sairaorg chuckled. "And yes, I have 100 straight victories here… Wonder if someone beat my record." He began to look around with a hand on his chin.
"Milord grew strong here, fighting from the button until he became the undisputed King of the Underground." Kuisha said with pride.
"But why is this illegal?" Shirou finally asked what was nagging him. "Can't be for betting. Your former capital is the equivalent of Las Vegas."
"What is 'Las Vegas'?" Sairaorg asked with interest.
His Queen shook her head. "Because unlike most Rating Games where there is an attempt to make things fair, this place just values strength." She saw the confusion and nodded down for them to look at the arena. "No buildings, Promotions, places to hide or even support. The moment you get in you are on your own. Sure some Rating Games simulate the same but the arena may be random and so favor one of the fighters. Not here, the arenas are always the same, fixed to stay the same with the same obstacles or none at the highest level. Here you can only depend on power, not fancy strategies or even comrades."
"Which is something devils always appreciated but that Rating Games try to remind isn't the beginning or the end of a successful Peerage." Sairaorg took over, crossing his arms. "Many of the fighters here would be smoked in a proper Rating Game where magical power takes center stage. Only the real strong can emerge from here capable of competing there." He smiled. "Which also gives this place its own fighting methods in a sense. Not having to worry about fighting after or having less enemies around makes things easier and harder at the same time."
Because the other side is thinking the same thing, on giving their all in a single match and then taking their winnings or licking their wounds for the next one. There were Wizard types who tried too, nothing stopped them, but the Underground fighter learned to use their mana on the defensive, pushing their muscles to their limits.
Bets were also a source of income and anyone could bet in any of the four matches. The main arena was only used when the top fighters were challenged to fight and the bets on it always gave them the best odds. Anyone could challenge the Top 3 but seldom anyone did as they were monsters with the champion even part of a strong Peerage who won many Rating Games.
Still it was a place where those bad at magic could grow stronger, where someone without a useful Power like Sairaorg could refine his fighting style and sharpen his fangs until he felt comfortable on challenging his brother to be the Heir.
That was what he did and he had no shame in admitting that if he hadn't reached 100 wins in a roll he wouldn't even have tried. But his final score, as they found a plaque with a picture of a younger Sairaorg, was of 402 wins and 38 defeats.
There were other champions as well but Sairaorg held the most impressive numbers since he took multiple fights in the same day many times and was the undisputed record holder.
All that was found on the bar where there were also screens that showed all the arenas with eight TVs focused on the fights. Some were cheering or groaning as the fighters duked it out, drinks being sold constantly by the four barmen and a dozen or so waiters. There were tables, stools, people playing cards and shouting odds.
While they looked around, Shirou noticed the many Matron's guards keeping an eye on things, three of them blocking the view of an area that was designated for the VIPs. As advertised before all of them had a sword of some kind and the magus found some of them familiar.
Too familiar for comfort but he tried to not focus on it and instead dove in the history of the weapons themselves.
From some of those weapons he discovered that plenty of them were devils that began their careers on the arena as he could see many of them fighting on one of them. It made sense to him that the Matron would recruit some of her guards from any talented devil that wasn't in a peerage.
'Actually it wouldn't be surprising if some nobles came here for recruitment as well.' Shirou realized as he noticed some devils with fancy clothes in the audience, a couple leaving the moment the fight was over. 'Poaching here must be common.' A hand began to wave in front of him.
"You should blink some time, Master." She smiled with a glass of a drink in her hand. When she took a sip from a straw, Xenovia began to hum in pleasure. "So sweet~ Do you want some?"
"No, thank you." Soon the magus began to look around again before pausing and looking at Sairaorg. "This place doesn't have a teleporting boundary field like Rating Games, does it?"
"Nope, just enough to protect the audience." Sairaorg joined them in observing one of the fights. He could see the why of Shirou's concerns, one of the fighters was on his knees and bleeding profusely. "Everybody that gets in there is only leaving once they lose for real."
"But is there a judge?" Xenovia asked, remembering Grayfia's part that day during the spar. "I am not seeing anyone."
"There is one but he will only jump in if things get really bad." The Heir saw the shocked and concerned expressions on his new acquaintances and let out a sigh. "Look, this is why this place isn't necessarily legal; the risk. But in the end that may be the chance for one of these devils to change their lives with their power."
There was so much more he wanted to say but he failed to find the words.
He still gave his best shot. "If they become a champion here then they can have a noble recruit them, or the Matron herself will do it. Also plenty of them are desperate, not good with magic or just would never be found without a place to show their skills." Different circumstances gave rise to different fighters. "Here they have some security, guaranteed healing and money if they win. That motivates them all to grow stronger."
"And how many died because of the more lax security?" Shirou asked with great concern.
Sairaorg didn't blame him. "That is why the security is so tight, to stop things from going far." A last punch brought the defeated devil down, the winner raised his hands in triumph. Quickly a group of devils dressed as nurses came to the rescue. "You do what you have to do to survive." He then smiled. "But deaths are not common and are always treated rightfully as a tragedy. Gremory wouldn't allow this to continue if it was a recurring event."
"Out of curiosity, when was the last one?"
"More than three decades ago and an accident. The guy focused so much on the muscles of his right hand that it exploded and he ended up bleeding out." At least that was what the Bael Heir had heard, all he could say for sure was that nobody died during his time. "Come on, let's get some seats. Believe it or not but everyone here is skilled enough so little goes wrong. You are going to like it."
Finding a place to sit was paradoxically easy and hard; there were plenty of empty seats but not enough for them all to be together or they would have to pay and get in the VIP area.
Sairaorg disliked that idea, saying that the stands were the best place to get the 'feel' of the arena, something evident everytime the people cheered for their favorites. There was also a fight about to start but quickly the men in suits flew into the area and invited the involved to leave.
All of them carrying swords, swords that the Mage of Swords knew but didn't know at the same time, his Reality Marble registering them besides works he made months ago for sale. He knew that the Gremory took the designs and gave them to their men so he focused on the History of the weapons themselves.
He had figured out they would help him fight while flying, an idea that Bellerophon approved. It was almost as interesting as the fights for him as Shirou only paid half attention to the combat on the closest arena since they were still trying to find some seats.
Then the history of one of the swords, an identical twin to Souji's weapon down the number of hammer strikes, made him stop on his tracks. It was a History of blood, the blood of the innocent.
One of the few things Shirou couldn't let slide. "Master?" Xenovia tried to call him as he began to march, his breathing heavy and his eyes sharp.
The devil with the katana had shoulder length black hair, a golden earring on his left ear, dressed in a suit like the others and standing on guard like many of his comrades. His face had a small scar on his chin that gave him the air of a tough looking man on high alert for anything.
So he obviously saw the magus approaching, his hooded head immediately earning a raised eyebrow but he waited to see what the figure wanted.
The first thing Shirou did was ask a question. "That sword, who sold it to you?" Because he had the name of the maker and that wasn't the one who he wanted.
For a moment an amused grin came to the devil's face. "Beat it, kid. You need money to buy one of these." His hand caressed the weapon with a smug grin.
"I don't want to buy it, just need to know who had it before you." Shirou pointed out, his lower jaw visible, showing he was rather calm. Or trying to remain calm, trying to not start anything. "A big man, twice taller than you, not much muscle."
"I have no idea who you are talking about." The devil was starting to get annoyed. "Beat it, brat, or else I will throw you out."
Looking down at the sword, Shirou tried to dive deeper into its copy on his Reality Marble, digging through its History. There was nothing on his target's name, he only held the sword for a few moments to take a life with it before throwing it away. After that it was given to those the magus suspected were subordinates and put to sale.
Not enough to give an impression and even the maker of the sword was different from others but nothing that could give Shirou any leads.
But the hooded magus just standing there and looking at the sword with a hidden gaze was starting to bother the devil more and more. He already began to suspect that the unknown figure of the Mage's disguise intended to steal his weapon. A weapon he paid for and that was really good but also really expensive.
The security guard also didn't like that Shirou was hiding his face, he figured a little harm would teach the youth a lesson. "Brat." He threw his elbow towards the face hidden beneath the hood.
Only for Shirou to block it, half aware. "Why did you- It doesn't matter. Please just tell me where you got that sword."
Suddenly the devil began to sweat cold and followed the question with a punch that had the hidden Mage dodging to the side before going for his sword. Shirou stopped him from drawing the katana by holding it in place with his palm, moving his other hand to grab the man's tie.
"Look-" The Mage had no time to say anything as the devil cut off the tie with magic and turned around to run. "Get back here!"
The devil waved amongst the crowd, going in a particular direction and pushing anybody unlucky enough to be in his way. Now Shirou suspected that the man also was involved in some kind of foul play and avoided anyone else while keeping his eyes on the running man.
It came to a point where the devil opened his wings and Shirou had to jump from a wall to keep up as the security guard arrived on the second floor. When the magus landed he looked around, almost losing his target from view but soon the chase continued when he saw the sword.
While that man had that sword it didn't matter if there were other people dressed like him, Shirou would always be able to identify the guy. Unfortunately for him other devils were starting to notice that something was up and soon the guards of the arena began to move around.
To all intents and purposes one of their companions was being chased and they were part of the Gremory even if indirectly, they watched over their own.
Wasn't long when Shirou's target stopped running, smiled and turned around in an area full of people, Shirou showing up from another hallway. "Gave up?"
The devil chuckled. "Careful guys, this brat is strong." The sound of blades could be heard amongst the many voices around and Shirou realized he was surrounded. "He wanted to steal my sword!"
"No, that wasn't-" Shirou barely dodged a blade going for his chest, his back bending just enough to avoid it. He was about to straighten himself and talk but more swords were drawn and he had no choice but to get moving.
Two more came from the sides, his creations turning back against him even if by another smith's hand. Regardless he knew those swords and through them he knew their owners and their fighting styles, he knew they were excessively aggressive so he began to retreat. His retreat was noticed and another came from behind to cut his head.
For that Shirou had to duck and take the opportunity to swipe his leg and bring the devil down. That was a mistake as every devil in a suit drew their blade and began to advance now that he was identified as a threat.
Still Shirou didn't want to fight. "I just want," he jumped away, rolling once he had landed to punch a devil on the stomach and kick him to the side, "to know where," another one aimed for his shoulder but he held the sword between his hands, pushing it to the side and doing a shoulder tackle, "he got his sword!"
A jump kick on the face sent another devil flying but one of them took flight and began to attack from the air. Shirou began to run to the right and into the stands where the devils not involved got up and out of his way. A pity for him that there was more security in that direction and he took a turn to try to avoid more opponents.
Another thing he didn't notice was that he was falling into a trap as these devils were used to subdue strong fighters, more than one man went mad after some drinks or because they lost a fight and rampaged so these men had plenty of experience.
So his route of escape was predicted and two men with large swords were waiting, once again the name of the smith responsible for his target's weapon came to his mind but that was irrelevant as that sword had no innocent blood taken even if it had some blood.
However soon the image of a man laying on his front with a clear face of suffering came into his mind as the sword was used to stab his lung. No longer Shirou was sure that the weapon didn't take innocent blood. He knew nothing of that man but the fear was real and his death was swift.
Instead of turning around again or retreating, Shirou ducked between the blades with his knees sliding on the ground. He quickly let out a sequence of punches on the devils, finishing with an uppercut to the one on the right and grabbing the one to the left with his suit.
A flick with his leg ruined the man's balance before the magus threw his opponent on the other devils. The audience was already erecting barriers and magic circles but they stopped running as more of the security force showed up.
One of them was fast, his sword not one of Shirou's creations but instead something different and the weapon the man used to advance in the Underground Arena. The man was skilled and the Mage of Swords found himself in a lethal dance as the new threat aimed for his shoulders or neck, he wasn't sure which.
Only for another sword to come and almost cut off his legs, Shirou jumped when the skilled swordsman hit his chest. Touki saved his life but he still felt pain, looking down and noticing some blood coming from his shirt. It was the wrong day to forego armor, especially when his back collided with the stands.
'These guys aren't joking around.' And neither should he so Shirou jumped to his feet with a glare. "Alright, enough of the mister nice guy!" Declared loudly the Mage, his mouth visible and showing his irritation, as his hand came to the sword on his back.
More attackers joined the fray, predicting it would take too long for him to get his huge weapon ready for the fight. None of them noticed the lack of a sheath or was already too late for them as Red Buster was unleashed. Despite his frustration it wasn't the edge that met the devils heads but the side, the sword used more like a club.
Was still enough to rattled some skulls and send the devils flying as his knife-like blade landed on the stone seats. "You are going to regret this."
"You started it!" His target protested with his sword in hand and charging with a couple of others.
Admitally more than a bit upset with the current state of affairs, Shirou charged back and threw his sword in a reckless slash in their direction, forcing them all to stop. With a sword as big as he had it was clear that it would take a moment for the magus to bring it back and the devils would pounce before it.
Except the slash wasn't reckless at all, it was a feint to stop them on their tracks that could be followed up by Shirou stabbing the ground and using it for a jump that had both of his boots connecting to his target's face.
The other devils barely could react to their friend flying away with boot prints as a mask but they recovered quickly.
Not quick enough as Shirou was already between them, letting his sword go and grabbing them by the head to slam the two on the ground. His eyes were visible and there was an ominous glow on them that made many step back but the stronger devil, he who grew stronger in the arena, rose to meet the magus.
He advanced upon seeing that Shirou had abandoned his blade, aiming for a stab on the heart to finish things. But the Mage's arm was already back on his sword and he pulled it from the side to clash against the other man's steel.
Despite its superior size, Shirou's position didn't allow him to use his weapon's mass as leverage, he had to retreat but the taller man chased him. When the Mage of Swords managed to stand there were already other devils coming from the sides.
He relaxed his muscles, allowing the first attack to pass before turning and hitting the man in the back of the head with the handle of his sword . His other hand grabbed the dagger on his belt so Shirou could use it to stab the stronger devil's leg before retrieving it and blocking one of the attacks.
That gave him enough time to bring his sword back and hit the new attacker on the side and send him flying against the bystanders, an improvised barrier around them. Another devil was already coming but Shirou kept moving with his sword in a roll before turning back and bashing his sword away, jumping and hitting the devil's head with his knee.
Plenty of devils had already met the floor, plenty more were coming and the people were cheering. It would certainly be easier if the magus didn't have to worry about the audience but they looked too enthralled. To them this was just another show, another fight closer than the ones they came to see.
But they came for violence and Shirou was going to deliver with some gusto.
Spinning his sword the magus charged to another group of devils who were starting to create magic circles. They would never be completed as Red Buster tore them apart followed by Shirou punching and kicking his attackers.
However he was still in their territory and a place that big was bound to have hundreds of employees and the security to match.
Flying above everyone came more devils, swords drawn and circles ready to fire. A surge of elemental attacks followed in their wake and Shirou jumped back as an explosion shook the area.
People didn't care, they just cheered and raised more magic circles for shields.
Meanwhile Shirou dodged, the strongest devil around the former fighter had recovered and was dragging his sword out of the floor. Some of his subordinates were trying to help him but the big devil pushed them back with a bloodlusted smile. There was no hesitation when he attacked Shirou on the back.
Only his spatial awareness saved his skin as Red Buster clashed with the sword three more times before dodging to the left, leaving his opponent to take a lot of spells on his face.
Their coordination was good but not perfect which resulted in the best fighter the devils had falling on his back with an expression of pain. He wouldn't be getting up for a while.
But others were there to take his place and Shirou had to spin his sword above his quickly to repel another rain of spells. The Mage couldn't go all out, he could only use a single weapon and was afraid of unleashing its full potential in a crowded area. He wanted to call more swords, to use Reinforcement, to reveal his circuits so the fight could end.
When more swordsmen came from his left, Shirou let a snarl escape as he saw little choice but to ruin his cover or get severely wounded.
Fortunately for him Duranal came flying down, still on its scabbard and slamming hard on the stands. It had enough strength that forced many devils to stand down as Xenovia came running, her body involved in Light. Grasping her weapon, she pulled it up and beat five devils around her in submission before sliding to stand at Shirou's back.
"I hope you don't mind if I join." She was like a beacon banishing the night which silenced many devils.
The rest just wanted more.
"Hehe, kinda late to ask." Shirou and Xenovia moved in tandem, he with the side of his blade and she never revealing hers.
Soon dozens of devils were on the floor and the remaining ones were hesitating, with Durandal still sheathed it was clear they weren't considered worth the effort. Xenovia noticed how they were hesitating and put up a grin to provoke them into attacking.
They didn't and the bluehead let escape a frown. "Cowards."
"Not their fault, since they can't win, they hope to suffocate us with numbers." Shirou relaxed his sword on his shoulders, his eyes on the original target.
Something the former Exorcist noticed but had no time to ask what all that was about. "What is going on here?" A powerful feminine voice echoed and the devils parted like the Red Sea. "Can anyone bother to explain why so many of my men were easily beaten?" She took a deep breath with her pipe before letting out as much smoke as a furnace. "And by a bunch of humans nonetheless."
While her dress was different and she had a fur coat over her shoulder, both Shirou and Xenovia recognized the figure. "Lakmia Gremory." Said the former Exorcist with a look of shock. "So she is the Matron."
"Maybe I can answer that, lady Lakmia." Sairaorg manifested himself, his faithful Queen still by his side and looking around nervously. Many devils were still too shocked to react or do anything as even the fights in the arena ceased. "You see, they are my guests and-"
"Sairaorg, while you are a Bael, here I am the law." Lakmia's words sent waves all around the area for she wasn't even the main noble and still talked down to the heir of the most powerful Pillar. "Indeed, I wasn't even talking with you but those humans you brought here." Her eyes landed on Xenovia. "One of which I know; the Knight of the Mage of Swords."
On Gremory territory the title had meaning and it was clear to see as all devils suddenly began looking at Xenovia with respect.
However she didn't like it, not because of why she had the name but because some of them, including Lakmia, were looking at her companion with loathing.
He was the Mage of Swords himself and still he refused to reveal his real name so the Matron's suspicions instantly fell on him. "She is a Guest of Gremory, someone important for my Clan. But you, you are an associate to Azazel." Alliances didn't get rid of old grudges as many devils turned to Shirou with hatred. "From what I gathered you attacked my employee first. Care to share why?"
"Lady Lakmia-"
"Once again I will remind you; here I am the law." She turned to Sairaorg with a glare. "The same authority which kept your father away also keeps you silent. If this man has a good reason, he shall talk." Her eyes returned to the magus. "If not, too bad for him."
It was tempting to reveal his identity but Shirou held back because he didn't need to do it. "That man's sword took a child's life." He said while pointing to the devil who suddenly flinched and dragged himself on the ground.
Most eyes were on that devil for a moment, full of disgust. Not the Matron's who kept her gaze firmly on Shirou. "It is a harsh accusation to one of my men. An offense that I won't take lightly." She blew another puff of smoke, hatred in her eyes. "Tell me, what evidence do you have?"
Resting his sword on his back once again, Shirou turned and raised a hand. "A correction my lady; I accused the sword, not the man. I wasn't trying to steal it but asked to take a look at it when your subordinate threw the first punch."
Eyes growing wide, this time they left the magus. "Is what he said true? Did you really attack first?" When he was about to answer, her glare grew harsher. "Lie to me and I will have your tongue."
Flinching at the sudden shift of the tone, enough so that had his comrades abandoning him, the devil looked around nervously. "I didn't- I t-t-thought he was going to ste-e-eal from me.".
The hesitation, the silence, there was obviously something wrong and it was clear to all to see.
Lakmia began to rub her forehead before looking back at the disguised Mage. "I suppose Azazel would find a good subordinate to match the Mage of Swords."
Thinking quickly, Shirou bowed a little. "He searched me for my expertise."
"Huh, indeed. I suppose it is good we are allies now." Yet she still looked at him with suspicion. "Your accusation rings true and obviously he is hiding something from me…"
"Many of your men bought swords made by a man named 'Fiton'." Shirou revealed and some of the men in suits winced. "From what I gathered it was a few days later that a child was murdered." He raised his head, enough to reveal a single eye. "That is why I want to know where he bought the sword."
"That name is familiar but not that much." Admitted Lakmia who took note of those who retreated at the name. Now she was just as intrigued as furious. "Heir Bael, this is the kind of discussion that will be lengthy and probably only involve the Gremory."
"Hey, I offered to show them around. They are my responsibility." Sairaorg replied, refusing to take the escape route.
The Matron offered a maternal smile that had many flushing. "You grew up so much." She made a magic circle and raised her voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy tonight's events and forgive us for this sudden interruption. It seems some of my men have been really naughty boys." She licked her lips. "I will thoroughly push them."
Some of her subordinates quickly seized the devils and took his sword while others began to dismiss the crowd. A fraction of them lowered their heads in shame, waiting for judgment.
That would come after. Lakmia had much work to do. "I suppose you wish to be involved? Then please come with me." Shirou, Xenovia, Sairaorg and Kuisha prepared to follow but the woman suddenly stopped and turned. "Before I forget, what is your name, subordinate of Azazel?"
'Well, here goes nothing.' Changing the color of his eyes was harder than hair but Shirou was confident when he revealed his face. Blond hair akin fields of gold and green eyes greeted the world even in the dark. "The name is Nero and I am the best one in the business."
He hoped to sound confident in the character but the wide eyes or Xenovia's smile didn't tell him if he succeeded or failed.