57- Instinctual Habits
…..
'Something changed.' It was an impression, a thought pestering Akeno over the last couple of days, one which grew more intense every time their group joined for breakfast. 'Something definitely changed.' Plenty of things offered the Queen clues but she couldn't exactly name what it was. 'Okay, remember what you learned; take your time and build the pieces in your mind.'
Quickly her eyes focused on the focus of the change, Xenovia, dressed in her workout clothes, had a radiant smile. Over the last few days the knight had done as her Master asked and slowed down quite considerably, even going to the lab to work on a new project Shirou and Azazel had started.
The next on the line was the Mage himself who had some of his students around him trading fast talk over the table while pointing to something or another in a couple of papers. Most of it was manipulation of metal and how to use mana to create improved steel and the redhead looked uncomfortable even if calm during the explanation.
Not his students though, they were over the moon for the lessons and took every word as gospel.
Making a note to tease him about it later, Akeno's vision shifted to the redhead's left where Medusa was reading a book.
Clearly the responsible for the change wasn't her and neither was Liz who was the last person still eating and knowing her as everyone did, nobody was in any hurry because the maid still had a few dishes to finish.
Gasper was already absent but besides a small boost of confidence there weren't many changes on the former dhampir that Akeno could observe.
No, the Queen's prime suspect for whatever was bugging her was Xenovia but Akeno just couldn't put a finger on what was bothering her. Indeed she didn't think about it most days and usually would have already left for her training like Gasper if this strange feeling hadn't delayed her.
But for a couple of days she began to watch Xenovia more carefully once she noticed that there was a certain glow around the blue haired young woman, a glow she found familiar. There was also a pep on her step and a happiness mixed that weren't there before, like most of her problems had just melted away.
On the first day Akeno attributed it to a talk with Shirou or even their trip to Runeas, which the Queen would have joined if she knew about it, but the thing about that feeling was that it stayed and the glow showed up again a few days later.
Already she could feel the blood rushing to her neck but recovered her composure quickly. In reality a part of her already suspected something in particular, something that she didn't want to really consider but after a couple of days thinking she finally reached a conclusion.
'There is also the fact that she showed up for breakfast with the same clothes she was using the other night…' Pieces began to fall into place and Akeno couldn't help but blush. Her eyes turned to Shirou and just then she noticed he also looked much more relaxed. 'Did they do it? Did they make love?' Then she sobered up and frowned. "That just isn't fair."
"But he only gave her a name, one they didn't even need." Medusa interjected and Akeno noticed she got involved in an ongoing conversation. "While compensation would be fair, she doesn't really need a sword."
"I gave my word." Shirou while his students left, much to his relief. "I said I was going to do it and it isn't right to lie like that."
"It was Xenovia who said she would check if you would do it in the first place. There were no promises involved." Medusa was starting to lose her patience. "You were the one saying that you would only give swords to those you trusted and yesterday we established you don't trust her." She gave the redhead a small glare. "As your goddess I forbid you from doing something like that just out of fake obligation."
Shirou actually laughed at that one. "Oh, we are using that card now, are we?"
"You are my protector and you have my blessings." She gave him a small smile. "I am your goddess. Or do you disagree?"
"Akeno, tie break." Liz suggested as she finished the last dish on the table, a giant bowl of ramen.
Which had Akeno blinking as everyone turned to her. "Sorry what?"
"She already casted her vote." Xenovia pointed out with a grin. "The right thing to do was to pay for the services delivered."
"A name that you didn't need isn't a service, just a convenience." Medusa shot back.
Only for Shirou to shake his head. "If he wasn't in the same place as Fiton then maybe it would have been more important. She also could be willing to give us a location but…"
"You were angry." Liz could read Shirou like a book. "Doesn't matter. You don't know her. You don't want to actually give her a sword." The maid pointed to Akeno. "That is why the tie breaker."
Giving everyone her most confident smile, Akeno tilted her head in confusion. "Apologies but I wasn't really paying attention to the conversation. What kind of tie am I breaking exactly?" Medusa threw her hands over her head in frustration as Shirou summarized the situation. "So you feel that you should compensate Lakmia-sama for her help with a sword but you don't trust her with it?"
"My new philosophy is to only make weapons for those that I really care about." Shirou acknowledged with a shrug. "But that was the price."
Xenovia nodded her head quickly. "A price that Shiro personally authorized, however discreetly. Even if Lakmia doesn't know about it." By the smug look Medusa was giving her, the bluehead knew she was making the wrong argument. "Doesn't matter; a promise is a promise."
"And you talked with him. He heard about the request."
"It still sounds underhanded."
"Shiro is right. It is underhanded and we shouldn't do it."
'That is another thing…' Only then did Akeno notice that Xenovia was using Shirou's nickname, a nickname Rias and Yoruichi also used. 'They did it!' Already in her head she conjured dozens of images, none of which she would share with present company.
What she didn't realize was that she only did it amongst friends and previously Shirou's students were around so Xenovia still called him 'Master'. That was the main reason it took so long for her to notice the change.
"You still don't want to make it." Pointed out Medusa with a pout. "Maybe if she was going to use the sword then it would be fine but she won't do that. Or will she?" The goddess knew too little about the Matron to say either way.
The redhead shook his head. "She is a fighter, her hands told me as much. I have no doubt she will be using it and someone will need to repair it after." Then the whole situation with Fiton would repeat itself, at least that was his worry. "But it isn't like she will let it happen on purpose and as far as we know nobody else is unhappy with their jobs."
"Devils respect power and skill is power." Liz commented with an annoyed look. "I still don't like it." Mostly because she didn't want to risk it, same as Medusa.
Understanding why she needed to break the tie, Akeno decided to drop her two cents. "Lakmia-sama has always been one of Rias' favorite 'aunts'. Not always most dependable as she spends more time in Runeas than in the castle but usually ready to lend an ear."
"That sounds like an argument to give her a sword." Xenovia commented with a grin of triumph.
Akeno continued with a mischievous smile. "But~ she also has a habit of doing stuff that she shouldn't, even if she is a Gremory." After a dramatic shrug, she finished with, "So do as you please."
"And nothing was solved." Shirou commented with a chuckle as Medusa and Xenovia pouted. A compromise had to be reached.
Liz offered one. "Just give her a normal sword."
"My, my~ What is that about a 'normal sword' now?" Akeno asked with her usual smile.
"She wants a sword just for her and that needs measurements and a serious discussion." The Mage of Swords looked serious as he rested his chin on his hands. "What kind of sword does she use? Is it a rapier? A flamberge? Perhaps something bigger? Or even smaller, just slightly taller than a dagger?" Shirou had a look of absolute fascination. "Then there are the gladius, broadswords, dao and others. If she wants a sword just for her, I need to know what kind of weapon she prefers."
Akeno found herself lost in fascination at how passionate Shirou was about the topic, be it swords or his word, and she wasn't the only one. "That is why you should make it." Xenovia commented with a victorious smile. "Also it can be a decent break on Noble Gears."
A wince from Shirou had the goddess and Queen giggling. "It is their name, get used to it." Medusa said with mirth. "Just a combination of two things."
"That we haven't been successful in making as of yet." They were making strides but Shirou knew that Durandal was making the work easier for them. And it wasn't the only thing helping. "You sound really interested about this too."
"What can I say? It may be something more to work on, something that is related to my Gift to you." With a look from the goddess, the necklace on Shirou's neck began to glow. "If it works, maybe I can make something else like it?" Medusa was curious about her own possibilities.
But Xenovia wasn't going to let the topic change for long. "If Lakmia is getting a sword then talking to her is the next step."
Immediately Medusa refocused. "That hasn't been decided yet."
"It is just one sword, right? Then make it and if Lakmia-sama does something wrong, you go and get it back." Akeno observed with a gentle smile. "She is a little mischievous but she is a Gremory and since you are the Clan's magician there is nothing wrong with you making a sword, is there?"
That was something nobody else could disagree with. "Then it is decided." Shirou said with some relief at the decision while Medusa shrugged in defeat.
Akeno wasn't done. "Oh yes, it would be so rude if you didn't make a sword, it would certainly be something she would hold over your head during any parties you are together. Like weddings~" Her smile was angelic but the Mage froze. "Can't you imagine her objecting because you didn't give her a sword? It would certainly be a scandal."
"I already said I am going to make it." Not that Shirou would even acknowledge the wedding part. Everybody knew what Akeno was implying as her smile turned a little impish. "Just need to drop by Runeas to ask exactly what she wants now."
"Are you going today? Azazel said he needed to do some experiments with Durandal, right?" Which meant he needed Xenovia's help so the bluehead already knew she wasn't going.
"The sooner the better, I think." Already Shirou considered he took too long to come to a decision and would no longer procrastinate. Still he was satisfied with the decision. "Just need to get some of the guys-"
"Your students."
"-to come with me…" He threw Medusa a small glare but she just smiled innocently.
"Why though?" Akeno asked curiously.
"To open the door of the Underground Arena?" Shirou's confusion was clear and he wasn't alone in it. "It takes a devil to open those things…"
"Oh~ one of those. I forgot about these since I spend most of the time in the Gremory Castle or back home." Indeed, Akeno barely had to interact with such locks. "You know you could just-" Then she paused just short of suggesting he called ahead and asked Lakmia to have a guard escort him. 'Wait a minute, isn't this my chance?'
There were many things that she wanted to ask Shirou but most importantly Akeno wanted to spend time with him, a thing many girls had managed so far while she stayed on the sidelines. Even Rias had gotten involved, someone who had no interest in the Mage in the beginning while the Queen liked him for longer and had nothing to show for it.
'I was there first. It isn't fair if I can't be part of it too, right?' Besides, the idea of getting with Shirou while Rias was busy with training was too tempting to pass up. 'Xenovia already had her fun now it's my turn~'
"Akeno?!" The Queen snapped back to reality thanks to the person she was thinking about. "Are you alright?"
"Just realizing I can take Shirou-kun there, Xenovia." She said with a confident smile that had everyone paused. "I mean, I have been training everyday for almost two weeks now. Maybe I should take a break? And what better break than going around in the city and checking this 'clandestine' arena? Sounds fun."
Shirou, unaware of her real intentions and most private thoughts, smiled at Akeno. "I don't see a problem with it and if your instructor doesn't mind." Then he turned to Medusa with the same smile. "Want to come with us this time? You still haven't checked the city out."
The goddess was about to reply when she noticed the pleading look, at least an unconscious one, that Medusa found oddly cute.
A chuckle escaped the purple haired goddess, one which confused her protector. "Not this time. I am not in the mood. Liz, you don't mind making me some company again, do you?" She sent Akeno a smile and the Queen gave her a small nod. "Since Xenovia is going to be busy with Azazel, I thought we could just look around the vault and stay away from any potential explosions."
"It happened once!" Durandal was as wild as ever and Xenovia had a lot to learn.
"Azazel was also at fault." Shirou spoke in her defense anyway and his newest lover nodded in thanks. "Anyway, do we meet after lunch or do you want to go a little later, Akeno?"
"Why don't we go right now?" The suggestion surprised most of the table. Most but not Medusa who had to hold back her laughter. "Nothing like starting a break early."
Xenovia began to look at the raven haired woman with confusion. "The arena is only open at night- I mean, day. If you guys go now..."
"We will have plenty of time to explore the down." Akeno leaned forward on the table with a cute pout. "Or did you guys already look at everything during your Stray Hunt?"
"I suppose we didn't." Shirou acknowledged while scratching his head. "Well, I don't see a problem if you are sure-"
"I am." Akeno stood up and instead of marching towards training she moved to her room. "See you in the magic circle?"
"Sure…" All watched Akeno walk away with a sway of her hips which had the redhead blushing. Sobering up quickly and coughing on his hand, he ignored Medusa's knowing look. "I better talk with Azazel so her coach knows they are also on a break."
"Aren't you going to comment on her attitude or boldness, my protector?" The goddess didn't hide her mirth which grew at Xenovia's look of confusion and Liz's lack of reaction. "I do believe you are not blind enough to not realize what is happening…"
"I also try not to presume." By the look of his face he was being honest too. If that was from a true honest response or him blinding himself to reality, only Shirou knew.
"Ooooooooh." However a look of realization descended on Xenovia, startling everyone else. "Is she going to share your bed too?" Basically confirming what Medusa already knew and Liz suspected as Shirou's forehead missed a plate and hit the table. "I don't mind if we are all going to get together but we should organize so as not to get in each other's way. Unless you would like that, Master?"
Worse part for the redhead was that he didn't have the courage to reply at the statement as the image of Akeno and Xenovia together just got stuck in his mind.
As his neck and face grew ever redder, Medusa let out a melodious laugh that pretty much filled the lunchroom. "Fufufufufu, never change, Xenovia, never change."
"Huh?"
…
Kiritsugu's eyes moved through the books on the shelf with careful precision as he looked for a specific title Sirzechs recommended. It wasn't his usual choice for a relaxed reading but for the job so he put up with the size of the Gremory Castle's library and kept trying to find said book.
It was a gift for his parents so Sirzechs didn't know where it was and neither Zeoticus or Venelana had any idea where they placed it, much to their shame. Indeed the two were a little ashamed as Kiritsugu gave them a deadpan stare before requesting some servants to go looking for it.
That was on the third day of Rias' training and they were already getting into the second week with no sign of the book. It came to a point he requested Sirzechs to just send them another one but the man was ashamed to ask the writer for another copy. Nobody wanted to admit the book was missing and that just made Emiya irritated.
Not that he showed it, his face blank as he gave RIas instructions for the day while he went on the hunt. Kiritsugu had theories of how to help his son's lover grow but he would like some sort of reference or confirmation. That was what the book was for; it held the sort of information that could be found if Sirzechs just admitted to his friend that his parents lost it.
Suffice to say Kiritsugu wasn't impressed with his situation as hundreds of butlers and maids moved around in a panic and made a mess of the giant library, throwing around every book which wasn't their objective into a pile as hundreds of thousands that were damaged by the rush and lack of care.
Magic could fix them later but Kiritsugu didn't care. 'They need an organizer.' He thought while starting to check a book about manipulation of demonic energy. 'This could be a suitable replacement-'
"I FOUND IT!" One of the maids shouted so loud that many of her coworkers dropped all they were doing and even fell from being startled. Not Kiritsugu though who calmly placed the book he had on hand in its place and turned to the woman who was rushing in his direction. "I found it, sir! Here!"
It was a small green book, less than 100 pages long and just big enough to not fit in a pocket. However upon reading the title it was exactly the one Sirzechs recommended.
'At least it is small, that will save some time.' He picked the book, noticed how excited the petite devil was. His wife would insist he was polite. "Good job."
Kiritsugu began to leave as the people behind him began to gossip how that particular maid received the praise from the 'Magus Killer', something most of them found astonishing as they haven't ever heard his voice.
The Patriarch of Emiya didn't care as his mind isolated any useless noise and he opened the book on the first page with a small message signed by the author. It was a hopeful letter that the book would help Sirzechs and his family as well as the promise their other friends would get their own copies in the future.
'Irrelevant.' Kiritsugu skipped to the glossary to check if it would really be helpful. He stopped as some of the contents of the book promised to help any devil's development and expansion of magic.
Flipping to the pages quickly, Emiya Kiritsugu walked towards where his student would be working on the next step of her training. Thanks to the book he saw that most of his ideas had merit but now that he had confirmation the Magus Killer saw no problems in moving to the next phase.
The thought was enough for Kiritsugu to stop and wince despite his face remaining blank. 'Don't push too hard. She is your son's girlfriend, you don't want to harm her.' Taking a deep but discrete breath, he kept walking. 'This is the last time I let Iri talk me into teaching anyone. It is too slow and inefficient when is someone you should care about-'
"Kiritsugu! Leaving the library already?" Zeoticus revealed, showing up from a hallway with two women a few steps behind. "Did you find the book?" Kiritsugu raised it enough to show the title. "Excellent. I am sorry that we failed to locate it easily, we are already preparing to add a system to organize and locate anything in our library."
The Magus Killer side of him wanted Kiritsugu to just rebuff the man and walk away. "That will be useful in the future. I noticed your collection is quite complex and has multiple useful tomes in all sorts of subjects."
"You are absolutely right! I can't believe that we never thought about organizing it properly. Mostly because anyone just went inside and got what they wanted or our favorite books are in our rooms. Hahahaha." The women behind giggled in support of Lord Gremory. Kiritsugu felt like a dead fish. "Anyway, can we talk for a few moments? There is something I would like to discuss with you."
"Unfortunately I have to return and help your daughter. Now we have the book, we need to know what parts of the training were useful and what needs to be compensated." So far nothing contradicted his plans but he was using it mostly as an excuse to not have a conversation.
This was one of the occasions that Kiritsugu wished that Zeoticus was still starstruck with the Magus Killer's reputation but alas the devil had grown somewhat used to the man. "Please, I must insist. It came to my attention that we waited for this conversation for a bit too long."
"Your wife?"
"No, not exactly, one in my harem pointed out that this is an opportunity I didn't have with Grayfia; the chance to talk with the father of my child's love." Zeoticus offered a shrug. "While I knew the man we never talked and no other Lucifurge made it to the wedding. I believe this is the first time I am going to have a conversation like this."
If Kiritsugu was a normal man he would have fidget in place or at least looked a little embarrassed or perhaps laughed out loud and suggested drinks so they could have this sort of talk.
However the Magus Killer didn't know what to do and the man himself never had this sort of experience either. It was somewhat gut wrenching for him as he wanted to extract himself while also keeping a good standing with Zeoticus not for himself but for his son and wife.
Both had developed good ties with the Gremory and he didn't want to be rude. "Lead the way." He only hoped the conversation didn't become too personal.
With a smile on his lips, Zeoticus and his entourage escorted Kiritsugu towards a room with a view of the garden. All sorts of exotics flowers, trees and bushes trimmed to look like statues were upon view. Then a magic circle later the Lord of Gremory called for some drinks before pausing and turning to his guest.
"Do you have any preferences? Our wine collection dates to the Holy Roman Empire but they may not be to your taste."
"Do you have sake?"
A beaming smile escaped the Lord as he turned to the magic circle. "Fetch our best sake for our guest and a red wine for me. You know my favorite vintage." They sat down around a small table as relief threatened to escape Zeoticus.
What neither of the fathers realized was that both were slightly nervous or uncomfortable with the other's presence. Zeoticus learned quickly that his guest didn't like the extra attention and was far more reserved which made their first meeting a bit of an embarrassment. He and Venelana treated the man like a celebrity and in highsight that wasn't a good thing.
After that the Lord and Lady of the castle kept their distance, trading small talk during dinner but trying to not make Kiritsugu uncomfortable which was hard to judge as the man's face seemed to be made of stone.
Indeed, even upon learning the devils had his preferred drink, Kiritsugu just sat in his place and opened the book to continue reading. Quite clearly the man didn't want to start the conversation but that wasn't anything Zeoticus wasn't willing to deal with. As a business man he was used to dealing with all sorts of people.
For the privacy's sake, because he noticed that Kiritsugu was naturally a reserved person, Zeoticus said nothing until the drinks arrived and they could be alone.
Dismissing his servants, Zeoticus poured the drinks himself, a cup of glass for him and a small cup for Kiritsugu as following Japanese tradition. "I confess that I only have any sake because of my daughter's fascination with your homeland. Why, with Souji practically singing praises everyday, it would be odd if she wasn't."
"I see." Kiritsugu grabbed his cup and looked at the liquid for a second before drinking it. "I better not drink too much. Still need to revise your daughter's training."
A reminder that the black haired man was there on business and wished to get back at them but a polite one, giving Zeoticus a chance to say what he wanted but to not waste time.
Which was harder than the devil thought it was possible as he wasn't used to so much bluntness from anyone in his life. When dealing with politics there was always a dance, a dance that Irisviel was quite good at before stopping and just being herself.
Her husband was the complete opposite; there was no procedure or extra talk, the man just wanted things said and done as quickly as possible regardless of any social norms.
Still Zeoticus was a devil, he had lived the equivalent of hundreds human lives and was quite adaptable. "I am worried about our childrens' relationship." No reaction was given other than Kiritsugu's eyes focusing on him. "To be honest there are a couple of things that are bothering me… us, I should say. Venelana shares most of my worries."
"I would have preferred if you wanted to talk about your daughter's training." It would certainly be easier. Kiritsugu really didn't want to have this kind of conversation, he was not comfortable with it in the least. "Whoever our children choose to love, that is not for us to say anything." However he would say his piece. "I have nothing against your daughter and the people that worried me more are company to mine. If Shirou and Rias are happy, then I am happy."
After that Kiritsugu refilled his cup and took another sip of sake, a slower one this time. Liquid courage as it was for he knew this conversation wasn't over.
Not by a long shot. "I don't have any problems with your son either. He is a good lad, competent and brave. His food too probably can give Heaven a run for its money." Everything said with an easy going smile. "In fact I will be honored if one day I can call him son-in-law but…"
"Anything said after a 'but' usually can't be a good thing." Kiritsugu remarked with neutrality. "Say what the problem is so we can work into solving it. Leaving things up in the air just brings more headaches later."
Zeoticus paused to look at the other man for a moment. "Hah! Perhaps that sort of bluntness was what attracted lady Irisviel to you!" He took a long sip of his wine before studying the cut. "You are right, there are solutions to my problem but I don't know if you or Shirou are going to approve them or not."
Kiritsugu let out a sigh as the devil kept being vague. "You want to Reincarnate him." So he dropped any pretense of not knowing what this was all about. Upon hearing a spit take from Zeoticus, Emiya finished his second cup of sake. "Let me repeat myself; if they are happy, I am happy."
"But you must see the problem, don't you? Venelana was the first to point it out to me once the whole thing with the Phenex had settled down. Your son is human and that is a problem." Not that either would just say that to Rias, their relationship had barely started to fix itself and neither parent wished their daughter mad with them again. "If they marry- no, when they marry with how things are going, he won't be able to stay with her forever."
"There are plenty of means to extend one's life." Kiritsugu left his cup on the table and closed the bottle.
"None as ideal as Reincarnation." Zeoticus rebuffed, filling his cup more. "If he turns into a devil then they can spend eternity together." The man turned fully to Kiritsugu but the Magus Killer remained silent. "As a human your lives are limited and so short. Why hasn't he been Reincarnated yet? Rias still has a Knight Piece." He recoiled when the Magus Killer gave him a dead stare that made his soul shiver. "I mean, if he doesn't want to be a Low Class I am sure amends can be made and-"
"If that was the problem it would still be none of our business." The words were cold like the North Pole and silenced the devil completely. For a whole minute nobody said anything as the Magus Killer kept reading the book. "You tried to force things on your daughter once," Zeoticus flinched, "don't do so again. Unlike mine, she has good reasons to not do as you wish."
Avalon to name one and that was the main issue that Kiritsugu could see with any attempt of Reincarnation. To think the sheath of King Arthur would lose to an Evil Piece, no matter class or improvements, was a thing that the Magus Killer part of him agreed was impossible.
No matter what his son shouldn't remove Avalon either or he could fall victim to whatever curse may have caused the Fire of Fuyuki and Rias knew it if their relationship was as deep as Kiritsugu was told of and observed.
Even during their more drilling sections Rias asked something or another about her beloved, any story of his childhood Kiritsugu could tell. And he told them with pleasure.
Didn't mean he trusted Zeoticus with any sensitive information. "Every relationship is different and they know the risks. If they want to stay together then I have no doubt both are already thinking about the future." He began to stand up.
Only for Zeoticus to seize his arm. "Wait, please. You don't understand…" Once again Kiritsugu was in the driver seat when he saw the redhead's look of anguish. "If Shirou dies, especially too soon- If he remains human… Please sit down again. It is too much to say at once."
"... Very well." Kiritsugu had to remind himself that this was Rias' father and his son cared for her.
After the black haired man returned to his seat, Zeoticus swallowed all the wine in his cup at once. "If they have a child now, they are going to be human too. Their time will also be limited."
Instead of shutting down the concern, Kiritsugu tried another approach. "The Power of Luck may change that outcome."
"Luck doesn't work like that, it isn't absolute. If it was, no Gremory would be unhappy." Still keeping his composure, Zeoticus refilled the cup and offered the bottle to Kiritsugu. As far as the former mercenary cared the time to drink had paced and he just stared the devil in the eyes. "I am sure you heard about the Love of Gremory, how once we fall in love it isn't a simple thing. That we can only truly love one person…"
Staring at the bottle, Zeoticus debated throwing away all decorum and just chugging it like made to try and get going with the conversation.
The Lord of Gremory was hesitating too much, knew he was hesitating and was afraid of getting past it, to get the conversation going because he feared what the Magus Killer would do.
"It isn't a devil thing and not all devils of Gremory are that infatuated with anyone. I know that my Honorable Ancestor was and she misses her husband dearly." The Lord mused as he stared at the bottle before refilling his cup. "She loved someone, they had children and here we are. All Gremory are raised in the same manner in a way; love everyone who follows you, respect them, treat them like family, save for one." He raised a finger in the air. "One who is special, one who you give everything to. Perhaps it is engraved in our souls, perhaps it is just our upbring. Either way I am like this, for my Venelana I would give the moon and stars, and my daughter is the same…" Looking back at Kiritsugu, Zeoticus looked desperate. "But this love doesn't just stay with our loved one, we feel the same towards our children, especially with those we cherish the most. Do you know how many members of the Gremory broke when they lost their child?"
More than Zeoticus could count even if their Clan never has been too big in the first place. Every time a subordinate died there was already grief, for a direct family member that could break a whole generation all at once.
Fear wasn't enough to describe what Zeoticus was feeling. "I didn't want a Civil War, I didn't want my son to be Lucifer." Kiritsugu's eyes grew wide and the devil chuckled. "Sounds strange for a devil, right? Not wishing that his son be the most powerful devil in the world…"
Sure the Gremory jumped in to protect their future Head in a heartbeat but the Lord tried to avoid a war, tried to make amends and not start a confrontation which could take the life of his only son, his only child in those times.
With all that information Kiritsugu could understand Zeoticus' point of view. "Whatever will be, will be. We have no right to force our children to do anything." Yet he wasn't going to budge. "At least your daughter isn't part of a terrorist organization." He tried to lighten the mood.
And failed miserably. "Maybe but my daugther may have to see the death of her children…"
Letting out a sigh and once again wishing he wasn't having this talk, Kiritsugu took the bottle of wine and closed it. "Listen, there are many ways to extend life and if your daughter loves my son that much, she will find them."
"But-"
"Because I did the same thing and am still working to keep Iri alive even now." That silenced the devil as the man known as Emiya Kiritsugu showed real emotion; love. "She is a homunculus, one that was never supposed to live this long. Even before I met Sirzechs I was already working on keeping her alive way beyond her time because she asked me to see our children grow up. Then she asked me to not be alone." For the first time in a long time the man showed a smile to someone who wasn't part of his family. "Evil Pieces won't work on her because the Einzbern did too good of a job in her soul, it can't be easily changed, not unless we use a Holy Grail."
Which in turn would risk an extinction level event and so Irisviel refused firmly to extend her life through it. She looked at her husband and asked him to save her in any other way he could.
"Took me a few years but I succeeded just as my daughter turned 15, just in time too. She was already falling apart." Kiritsugu didn't want to give details but decided to open a little. "I am a killer and while there are people in the world, someone will want someone else dead. It was just the matter of finding the right client and buying an elixir."
"But that never holds for long. Not unless it was from Divine making."
"And it didn't but your son helped me find clients, some who could sell other methods, each and everyone stacking to give my wife more and more time to live." Kiritsugu raised his hand but hesitated for a few moments before planting it on Zeoticus' shoulder. "It is possible and Shirou isn't Iri. He has many more options, especially since he has a goddess on his side." His hand closed tightly in what he hoped was a show of comfort. "As the Champion of a God, there may be ways to extend his life even further, ways that we still don't know. Medusa won't let him die of old age so easily."
"And her children? Our grandchildren?" Because Zeoticus could believe in Medusa but gods were fickle beings.
Nothing that Kiritsugu would disagree with. "My best advice is to try and live like we humans do; one day at the time." The response shocked the devil but Kiritsugu's face became neutral again and he stepped back. "Because if I didn't I would be panicking about my daughter even now."
It was a cruel reminder that he had his own problems but Kiritsugu wanted to get away from the conversation as fast as possible. "I am not used to thinking in such a short term. Usually I am dealing with things years in advance." The redhead sounded disturbed by the notion. "Is that really how humans do it?"
"Talk with your son about it. As the King of the Underworld he needs to think both in the short and the long term." A pause came as Kiritsugu gave Zeoticus time to think, trying to remain polite.
When he began to walk off again, "Hey, wait. We can still talk a little. I promise to not bring up our children's relationship anymore." Zeoticus tried to smile and come back to being a host. "Honestly with that out of the way, it would be better if we knew each other a little better since we are going to be family."
If Kiritsugu was the type of man who cursed, he would be cursing a lot. "Fine…" He returned to his seat and placed the bottle back on the table. "10 minutes. It is the time I would use to search for this."
"Honestly I don't know how this book is going to help. 'The Mathematics of Demonic Power' is kinda counter intuitive considering how imagination plays a role in our magic." Zeoticus happily opened the bottle and poured some wine again. "That method is good for Ajuka but I can't see it helping anyone else unless they share his mentality. Did Sirzechs tell you how… eccentric Ajuka is? When he was a boy he used to dismantle everything in his sight."
Kiritsugu nodded in half agreement before sharing his thoughts. "This is more a proof of concept than anything. How he used math to manipulate his mana and showed how versatile devils can really be." Opening the book again, he returned to his reading. "It shows that there is much more that can be done if one knows enough on a subject. Imagination combined with hard facts."
"What does that help Rias with?" Spoke Zeoticus with clear interest, never really having thought in that light.
"Quoting the book: 'to make the image in her mind more real'." Kiritsugu let out a sigh at Zeoticus' wonder. "Look, imagination may be the first step to your magic System but I had a theory, a theory Beelzebub already figured out and your son probably uses, that imagination works better when you know the science or the blocks to support the idea." From his coat he pulled out a huge pistol with a scope and the devil just stared. "This is one of the most complicated guns I have; the scope has night and infraheat vision while the bullets are custom made and capable of breaking apart once they hit the target."
Placing the weapon on the table, Kiritsugu pushed it to the devil for him to take a look. It was empty so there was little risk even as Zeoticus moved the gun carefully.
Then Kiritsugu pulled a small standard pistol, the kind that could hold six common bullets and could be considered old fashioned. "This one is similar to what Rias uses. I believe the differences are obvious?" A nod from the redhead had the former mercenary going. "Now, why does she use this one, instead of that one? Why the weaker gun with weaker bullets? Because she doesn't know how to make anything different."
"Yet." Zeoticus said with a smile, returning the weapon to Kiritsugu. "Although I don't think she has this gun in particular."
"It is just an example, something for Rias to start with. If my theory was correct." He pointed to the book. "By the looks of things, it is."
Pleased with the news, Zeoticus nodded in agreement. "Now we just have to wait-" Explosions from an area close to their location had the devil looking to the walls with a smile. "Is Rias already working with more volatile magic?"
A sigh escaped Kiritsugu's lips as he knew he had been disobeyed. "I told her to not try the grenade launcher unsupervised." At least he didn't bring any ammo that was dangerous to a devil.
"I am sorry but what is a 'grenade launcher'?" Zeoticus' curiosity just had Kiritsugu sighing again.
…
To say that Shirou was a little nervous would be an understatement as when he told Azazel he was going to go to Runeas for the day with Akeno the man dragged him to a corner and held him by his shoulders.
"By the love of the stars don't do anything you may regret later." Warned the Cadre with some panic in his face.
"Do you really think I am the type?" Shirou sounded legitimately offended.
Not that Azazel blamed him but the fallen angel had other priorities, and evidence, that didn't afford the redhead to be careless. "You are the one that has been getting laid every other night with one of his subordinates. Yeah, I know. I pay attention." He wasn't giving the Mage a chance to reply either. "And I don't mind if you want to include my niece in your harem-"
"I don't have-"
"We don't have time for labels here, Baraqiel will know…" Azazel began to shake Shirou's shoulders. "He will know if you do something with his little girl, his only daughter, that makes her unhappy. He will know and Holy Lightning is going to rain on our heads." They were trying to whisper but the fallen angel was coming close to screaming.
"I won't do anything that could hurt Akeno…" This time Shirou's sincerity wasn't going to help.
"Yeah, and an angry parent will believe the word of a playboy…"
"I am not-"
"Again, no time." Eyes were locked in place as Azazel tried to convey the seriousness of the situation. "Treat her right, show respect and maybe, maybe, you can survive tomorrow."
"We aren't going to do anything like that." Now Shirou was starting to get angry.
Until Azazel threw the metaphorical gut punch. "Want to tell that to a father that is still trying to reconnect with his daughter after a tragedy and will probably just see the worse? Especially if you come back too late?"
"Then he should have the courage to talk with her himself." Everyone else in the lab tried to ignore the conversation as both sides grew mute.
After that Shirou picked up the Mantle of Infinite Jumps, a notebook, a pen and went to his room to change clothes for what he expected to be a date. More than Azazel, Shirou knew things with Akeno weren't going to be simple, they never were going to be in any case. So he decided to be prepared and have fun with Akeno.
'And no second intentions, no matter what Azazel believes.' Shirou was grumpling under his breath as everyone else in the teleportation room kept their distance. There was an aura that promised pain to anyone who dared to even make a joke in his vicinity. 'Thinking I would abuse Akeno like that. Who does he think he is? I know her longer than him, that the situation is a really delicate one.'
More than the majority as Shirou already saw the damage Akeno could do to herself both physically and mentally.
Still he shook his head while fixing his black coat which looked just the same as his shroud and his father's work clothes. Besides it he was dressed in jeans and a black shirt with his hair pulled back.
Suspecting what Akeno wanted meant that Shirou had dressed with the intent of them having fun and just that, hoping he could deescalate the situation before the Queen tried anything she might regret.
"Yahoo~ Shirou-kun~" All eyes in the teleportation room turned to what the fallen angels could verify was a vision of Heaven. Others would claim it was a vision from Hell for it was the truest of temptations.
Funnily enough most of the devils agree but they would claim it was just too cruel that the vision wasn't for them, the worst kind of torture in their opinion. Not everyday a beauty like Himejima Akeno walked in there dressed in a frilly dress with teals of purple and pink looking ready to have a date and meet the parents.
It had short sleeves and brought attention to her neck while not showing anything else while exposing her tights for all to see even if in an elegant manner where it showed enough to be tempting but not enough to be vulgar.
Then there was the hair that was free from any bindings or braids, her usual ribbon in no place to be found even as it was pulled behind her ears to show a pair of pink earrings. Finishing the look was a pair of white sandals with heels that made sure she was just at Shirou's height.
"Sorry, did you wait too long?" Even Akeno's words sounded out of a dream, a dream pretty much everyone in the teleportation room was sharing.
But Shirou got to live it. "Not at all. I just got here." Considering the look Akeno was giving him, the redhead was surprised he didn't stutter. "Ready to go?"
"Hmm hmm." A nod and a pleasant smile were the reply as Akeno seized his arm and held it just beside her beasts in an 'innocent' gesture. The killing intent Shirou felt made him wish he was facing Kokabiel again. "Lead the way."
Soon they were stepping in a teleportation circle and departed to Runeas while most fallen angels and devils returned to their usual business, grumbles of "Lucky bastard," could be heard all over the room.
But in another room just beside them was a huge man that appeared middle aged with black hair and matching beard. He had a gruff looking face and his eyes glared at the magic circle with so much hatred it could have combusted the thing if he wasn't good at controlling his temper.
Or Azazel wasn't there to hold him back. "See? All fine. Shirou is going to behave so you don't have to worry." The look of hatred turned to the Governor General and the Cadre could swear he saw the man's powerful muscles tense even beneath his cape and armor. "Come on, Baraqiel, don't be like that. Your daughter is in safe hands."
"I still don't like it. Akeno… I may not have the right or any say in her life but Akeno… Akeno…" Besides them other fallen angels looked ready to intervene as a shadow covered their superior's face and electricity filled the air. A mainly tear dropped from his eye before the dam burst. "SHE IS TOO YOUNG!" And Baraqiel, Hero of the Grigori and former Lightning of God, started to cry.
Azazel did whatever any good brother would do and tried to cheer him up. "I know, I know. But she is at that age, smelling the roses and going after boys." That just made the man whimper, hands on his face. "That is normal, brother, completely normal…"
The other fallen angels joined their leader in trying to console Baraqiel, all of them seeing him as one of the pillars of Grigori. Few could say they didn't admire the Angel of Lightning and even fewer could claim to not know how many sacrifices he made for their organization.
Surely Baraqiel having a daughter was excellent news, devil or not, so they all jumped at the chance to try and cheer him up.
Of all of those only a few, Azazel amongst them, knew how tougher things were for Baraqiel who couldn't even stand in the same room as his daughter out of fear. 'Okay, at least he isn't trying to go and murder Shirou… Baby steps.' He patted his brother's back. "Say, do you want another assignment? I have a thing I need you to do and-"
"I refuse to let my daughter alone with that playboy!" Baraqiel glared at Azazel. "We shouldn't have let them go out alone."
"Akeno insisted and we are in dangerous waters with her as it is." Baraqiel whimpered more. "Come on, brother. This probably won't end on anything. Shirou is a good kid."
"He is just like you! Charming every woman he can get his hands on!"
"I don't know if I take that as a compliment or an insult…"
Then another fallen angel, a younger one with just a few centuries of life, said something he shouldn't. "Don't worry, Lord Baraqiel, if that human isn't good enough, I am sure one of us must be." Clearly referring to himself. "I would be honored to take you daughter and-"
He never got to finish that phrase since he was sent flying straight to a wall and made quite the impression on it. Most of the younger fallen angels took a step back in fear while Azazel just let out a sigh and turned back to his brother and patted his back again.
Suffice to say that Baraqiel kept rambling insults and rage towards 'boys approaching his daughter' while the Governor General worked in damage control.
…
The minute they stepped foot in Runeas proper Shirou already had a hood over his head and a pair of glasses. While he had no intentions of disguising himself anymore than this, suspecting the first time Azazel manipulated him to test Red Burster, he still wanted to remain incognito.
Akeno not only didn't mind but joked she was walking around with a 'bad boy', asking him if he wanted to be punished.
Their outing had barely begun and Shirou already felt cornered but the hood had another function; hide his reactions from Akeno. She was already fishing for something and when he just smiled she pouted.
"So, we have a few hours before the Underground Arena opens. Want to go somewhere?" After asking around the Vault of Prosperity, Shirou had a few ideas and directions, all of which were approved by Azazel.
Except he forgot Akeno was part of the Gremory and had been around Runeas a few times. "I know a few places I want to go if you don't mind~" Of course he wasn't going to mind and she knew it. All he did was nod in acceptance. "Great. Follow me."
Opening her wings, Akeno floated outside the tower and for a second Shirou was worried about someone looking up and seeing something they shouldn't. "Akeno you shouldn't do this." Holding her hand he pulled her back much to her amusement.
"Maybe if you go a little faster, nobody is going to see anything." She suggested with a whisper even if she knew most people didn't bother to look up and she wasn't the first to be that daring. "And then I can teach you to fly for a change~"
After that Akeno charged away in a direction and Shirou had no choice but to follow much to the Queen's delight. Once she noticed the Mage was right after she accelerated further and a chase began in the skies of Runeas.
Dancing around the area of the teleportation tower, Akeno kept her eyes peeled for anything interesting, noticing how some were watching. She didn't mind and so moved closer to one of the buildings before doing a sharp turn and slowing down a little for Shirou to catch up.
Without Bellerophon his flying speed was barely close to a bird's as his coat struggled to keep his wings going. The magus locked eyes with Akeno for an instant as she tilted her head cutely before smiling and then accelerating again. Not willing to lose her from view the redhead used Reinforcement on the coat to push it further.
It wasn't enough, the coat was lacking everything he needed as Akeno turned again and began to fly on her back with a giggle. She had her legs together to not let him or anyone see anything but also knowing she was provoking him. To make matters worse she even placed a hand on her dress and raised it up just a smudge to tease him further.
Looking down to not give Akeno any sort of satisfaction, Shirou noticed they were barely above the majority of Runeas' buildings which gave him an idea.
Akeno kept flying at the same speed once she noticed Shirou's limits, looking back from time to time to make sure he was still chasing. 'So~ What do I do when the coat runs out? Maybe pause a little and play just above the ground~' She looked back again and the magus was still on the chase, much to her joy. 'Or just tap his back and call 'you are it'~ A game of tag sounds nice enough.'
Looking back again the Queen was surprised to see that Shirou was a little closer than he should have been. A surprise and an unexpected one until he began to lose altitude.
Truly the Mantle of Infinite Jumps had to be close to its natural limit as Akeno had no idea if Reinforcement could extend its flight time.
Either way she slowed down to prepare to meet Shirou on one of the buildings when the redhead suddenly leaped the second his feet touched the ground. His jump was faster than she expected and Akeno ended up using a little magic to push herself back and avoid his grab.
It was close though, as she almost felt his fingers touching her leg. Her escape was successful but her guard was up and she was barely surprised when the coat opened its wings again.
Shirou accelerated suddenly, using a sword on his feet for a jump mid air that directed him right into Akeno's path. She smiled, turned around and accelerated herself with the intent of completely escaping this time.
Not that he was going to let her go that easily as every few seconds a sword appeared beneath his feet and to give his coat time to 'cool down' before he took another jump and opened the wings again when needed.
Not the most efficient way of using mana to fly but a trick he remembered in his days when he fought a tengu and before he had wings. They were also in an altitude high enough that Shirou didn't fear people seeing him spam swords to help his maneuverability.
Which actually pleased Akeno a little. "Is that how you want to play, Shirou-kun?!" The wind on their ears made it hard to hold a conversation.
"Unless there are rules against it! If so, stop and explain!" Not that she was gonna to, Shirou knew that for a fact.
Indeed Akeno just laughed out loud and fixed her hair a little before turning around. "Catch me if you can!" It was an unexpected event but an opportunity she wasn't going to waste.
Both dive bombed towards one of the skyscrapers before Akeno maneuvered and behind it. Shirou had no choice but to follow the same pattern and notice how the Queen was dancing around some devils who were complaining about her high speed.
'It is like driving recklessly in the middle of the city!' Shirou didn't follow the exact same path as he lacked the maneuverability required. Still he kicked a wall and used it to get closer, Akeno turning around and smiling at him before going faster. 'Oh, come on!'
They were now in the thick of the city and the population was going through their day when the two began to pass by. Most people could barely see who they were with how fast they were going but some were strong enough and didn't hesitate to raise complaints.
Akeno just laughed jovially, finding the new experience too fun to stop.
The redhead started to jump from building to building while Akeno kept going in a straight line and dancing around any devil also flying around. Things started to heat up as there were too many people with some even trying to join the fun and show how fast they could go.
"Sorry but this is a private race!" Akeno announced outloud and pushed herself to her top speed, leaving the average devil behind.
Without his wings Shirou was struggling too much and his legs were starting to hurt as Akeno became a dot in the distance. Bellerophon offered his support but both knew he wasn't going to call Bakuya and expose himself further. In any case he still kept going as fast as he could until noticing Akeno had landed in a building.
"Looks like I win~" She announced, hands behind her back and an innocent smile.
"When did that become a race? I didn't get the memo at all." Shirou commented after stopping, noticing he was sweating while Akeno looked as pristine as ever. "Also you knew where the 'finish line' was so that wasn't fair."
"Oh my, did I wake up your competitive spirit? Fufufu."
"Maybe." After massaging his legs a little, Shirou stood up and looked at the store with bright lights on his face. "I suppose you want to shop here?" Akeno smiled and nodded. "Did you know about this place?" She shook her head, her smile still in place. "Did you make me run around while looking for a place like this?"
"Yes."
Realizing Akeno had no shame, Shirou let out a sigh. "What if we got into problems with any authorities?" Because with how fast they were going, that couldn't have been legal.
Akeno gave him a wink. "Then the Mage of Swords and Rias Gremory's Queen could just claim that nobody got hurt and that was that." She held his arm and hand again and Shirou fell in her rhythm as they entered a clothing store. "Now come on, time for you to get your reward~"
"What reward? And for what?" Already his blood was boiling a little.
"For keeping up, silly."
Unlike his first visit where most of the places Shirou was exposed to belonged on the more humble side of things, this time Akeno wanted him to start at the top, quite literally.
The boutique was as high end as they came with cabinets made of gold, a decoration that screamed money and attendants that were also models using the highest fashion of devil society.
And there were many kinds of fashion as wherever Shirou turned to there were isles of colors and types of clothing that ranged from victorian dresses to the latest fashion one could find on Earth.
To say he was uncomfortable was an understatement but Akeno strode inside confidently and a clerk moved to them with the same sort of confidence. The woman was all smiles but held a cautious look since they were younger than her usual clientele. It lasted until Akeno showed her a magic circle with the Gremory symbol in it and she clapped her hands.
Half a dozen other women came to attend Akeno, hearing her instructions and collecting any clothes she wanted while one directed Shirou to sit in a chair and offered him a cup of coffee or tea if he so desired.
The coffee was one of the best that Shirou ever had and was served a minute after he asked for it. Not used to this sort of treatment the redhead managed to keep his face hidden despite requests to show him some of the products. Only when Akeno told them he was there just to watch some of the women giggled and left him alone.
When he lowered his guard, the show began and Shirou suspected that Akeno had planned everything. She didn't but was taking advantage of her position in the Gremory.
In either case Shirou was escorted to another chair closer to the changing rooms, the huge spacious changing rooms that had space to at least ten people and Akeno was using it to get some help with many clothes.
What followed next was basically a fashion show with Akeno as its lead and sole model with the other women working hard to make sure every piece of clothing accentuated her supernatural beauty.
From undergarments to elaborate dresses, Akeno asked for anything that could impress a man and it was delivered. More than once Shirou ended up spitting his drink or coughing in surprise at some of the more risque outfits. It got to the point even the employees were having fun at his expense.
He couldn't even close his eyes as every new piece of clothing had Akeno asking his opinion and if Shirou was honest with himself he wanted to look.
From a green Victorian dress to a full bodysuit that barely hid anything other than the most important parts to a mockery of a nuns outfit with openings exposing her sides and nothing to protect the legs.
And after every single piece of clothing Akeno would approach Shirou and ask as innocently as she could, "Is this good?" or "How does this look?"
All with the same smile, every single time never giving anything away even if he could tell she was loving watching him squirm.
After an hour of 'reward' the Queen deemed it was time to go and separated the clothes she liked the most. "For later, if you want." Her whisper only made things worse as Shirou stood straight like a soldier.
Then there were the prices which were literally piles of gold for some clothes. For a moment Shirou just stood there in wonder, trying to figure out some sort of plan to pay for everything.
Only for Akeno to laugh and use a magic circle to drop lots of bags with gold on the counter with a smile. "The Gremory pays really well." She reminded him.
Besides what she got from her jobs in Fuyuki, Akeno also had a salary to work as Rias' right hand woman and other benefits. Between rewards from Stray Hunts, her own jobs and the investments on Gremory hotels, the Queen could claim to have a modest fortune if only because she doesn't use it too much.
"Pity we don't have a credit card system here yet." They watched as a couple of devils showed up and started to measure her lucertes. "This may take a minute." She didn't buy everything she tried but still there were at least a dozen new outfits for her to wear. "Fufufufu, maybe I should have bought something else for Xenovia too?"
"Please don't." He didn't know if it was for Xenovia or because he couldn't see any more gold being spent on clothes but Shirou surely felt exhausted and was sure some smoke was escaping his head.