18 Chapter 18(2/3)
"Let`s cut to the chase." Alex began. "All our time is precious and I don`t feel like wasting it on minor chit-chat. What is it that you wished to discuss with me?"
Serafall was the first one to speak, in her serious mode this time.
"Very well." She began. "First of all, I would like to personally thank you, Alex, for saving my little sister Sona. If it wasn`t for your sacrifice, I don`t even know what I would be doing right now.." Serafall was true in her feelings.
Ever since that little talk in Sitri`s vault, Serafall was far more considerate about Sona`s feelings on the public and was restraining herself from acting like she used to. She loved her little sister very dearly and couldn`t even imagine what would happen if she had lost Sona, her little sister and dearest person in all her life. The fact that she did die almost drew her to the point of breaking down, but once she learned that Alex performed a Reincarnation to bring Sona back, sacrificing a very good portion of his own life.. Serafall simply hugged her little sister tightly and ended up crying out of sheer happiness and the fact that he sister was safe. And along with that, she actually began to feel a strong attraction to Alexander, which was present even before all of this, but after what he has done.. Serafall was really, really sad and pissed that Rias has used her own position and Alexander`s situation to get him as his fiancée. Not to mention that Sona was also broken after she learned of that and Serafall was there to comfort her, acting as a big sister towards her. Just the fact that Sona was crying was enough for Serafall to sparkle Rias into oblivion, but it wouldn`t do any good.. Unless she was found out.
Alex simply nodded to that and replied.
"It was nothing, really." Alex replied. "I couldn`t simply let Sona and Akeno die there just because they were caught in my own battle with Gilgamesh. Besides, it was exactly why I`ve learned the Necromancy in the first place."
"Still, the fact that you`ve used a forbidden art is quite troublesome." Sirzechs pointed out. "I`m sure you can understand that usage of Necromancy was prohibited for a very good reason."
"I`m fully aware about Sodom and Gomorrah." Alex spoke surprising both Satans. "And I`ve already informed you both that I`m a practitioner of Reincarnation, not Reanimation. And that comes at a very high price, which I gladly paid for saving Sona and Akeno. And if push comes to shove, I won`t hesitate to do so again."
"That is very admirable of you, but I highly suggest that you refrain from such actions. After all, you and Rias are destined to be wedded after your school graduation." Sirzechs reminded with a smile, trying to ease up the tension, but he did the opposite.
"I would rather not talk about it at the moment." Alex replied sharply. "Also, I know that this meeting isn`t just about me being a practitioner of Necromancy. Is this about me being a Nephilim and about my Fallen Angel lineage?"
Sirzechs and Serafall looked at the serious expression on Alexander`s face and they both had to admit that he was just as smart as Rizevim, if not smarter.
"Yes, that is also the topic we came here to discuss with you." Serafall spoke. "Alexander, I believe you do understand that Nephilims aren`t something we can simply ignore and we have to be very careful with. Especially considering that the last one was died nearly 27 centuries ago. I believe, you do understand what power Nephilims possess?"
"Yes." Alex simply said it. "An ultimate command over the Demonic and Holy energy and being immune by both elements, along with the capacity for great growth in power. After all, Nephilim is essentially a basis for both Devils and Angels, being capable of serving each one of the races and rise through the ranks within. If you are concerned about where my allegiance is, I can tell you that I have no intention of siding with either Heaven or Grigori. I`m a Lucifer`s Heir and as such I know that my path lies with Devils, that`s why I stand with you."
Serafall was relieved when she heard that. Sirzechs decided to ask something that has been on his mind all this time.
"Still, there is a certain matter that concerns all of us here." Crimson Satan reminded. "Alex, while the matter with your mother has been settled, there is still the fact that we have no knowledge of an identity of your father, which is why.."
"My father died not long after my mother was killed." Alex sharply replied, lying on the run. "I was taken in to the Grigori when Baraquel found me in Ural Mountains. He recognized me as a son of his long dead comrade and took me in. After that I`ve met Governor General and was placed under a protection of Grigori as son of Fallen Angel. They weren`t aware of my mother`s lineage and believed me to be only a half-human and half-Fallen."
"Hm.. That explains why Azazel decided to entrust you the command over his operatives and why he agreed to assign Raynare as your servant." Sirzechs admitted. "Very well, that settles the matter at the moment. And now, I believe it`s time for the real reason why we`ve called you out here." With a simple gesture of a hand, on the table materialized a small box with the Lucifer`s personal crest on it. "I believe that this is yours."
Alex looked at the box and opened it up without hesitation. There, lied something he didn't expect to see so soon. A white chess set with 15 pieces, excluding only the King piece. Alex knew exactly what those were.
"Evil Pieces." Alex said. "Does that mean that now I`m officially a High-Ranking Devil with the right of building my own Peerage?"
"Yep, that`s how it is." Serafall cheerfully admitted. "But, before you go at it, there is certain procedure to be carried out here. You see, this set is absolutely free of all magical properties and can`t be used properly. In order to make them your own, you have to infuse them with your own powers and essence, which will.."
"Essentially, I`ll transfer the core of my being into them, creating a magical catalyst that allows the bodies of those whom I choose transform into the same species as I am and also maintain a control over them, since the Evil Pieces will be directly tied to my own being." Alex ended, shocking everyone in the room. "I may`ve lost Galeran, but that doesn`t mean that I didn`t learn anything from him. Energy Weaver has taught me quite well in energy transferring and it`s manipulation, along with how to conduct it. Plus, I`ve studied the usage of magical crystals back in Grigoris and I know their real potential. It was obvious for me from what Evil Pieces are made of and how to best utilize them."
And with that said, Alex simply leaned forward and extended his right hand, generating his own powers and carefully sending it out his energetic properties. In a short section, the white silver energy was infused with the pieces and Alexander`s own set was finally completed. Once he ended, the pieces from white became crystal silver and were now not the same as before. Those weren`t the Pieces used to create Devils. No, these were the Nephilim Pieces. Alexander actually smirked at the fact that now he can potentially create 15 more Nephilims just like himself. And if he were to find out the way to create his own set of Pieces.. That was still too much to ask for right now.
Alex looked up at the Satans and Heiresses.
"I believe now it`s done." Alex said. "And from the looks of it, all of the Pieces can create Nephilims instead of Devils. Well, that`s good enough for me. Don`t worry, I`ll be sure to keep my unit in check."
"Alex, I hope you realize just what kind of responsibility lies now with you." Rias finally decided to speak. "Creation of your own Peerage is a very important task for all High-Ranking Devils and each of your members represents you as a whole, along with shows just what kind of a Master you are. It is imperative for you to have capable and strong members, as they will be your greatest weapon and will show not only your own prestige, but also reflect on Gremory household`s as well."
Rias just couldn`t mention that Alex still essentially belonged to her. Well, now with Nephilim Pieces, that wouldn`t be for much longer.
"Believe me, I fully understand that and I know just what people I want in Peerage." Alex smirked and leaned back, picking up the box with him. "As the matter of affect, I already have perfect candidate to become a Nephilim. And she just so happens to be here." Alex glanced back at Raynare. "So, Raynare, how would you like to a Nephilim?" Everyone stared in shock at Alexander`s decision, especially Raynare.
She honestly didn`t expect this one. She, of course, was honored to be a member of the same race as he, but to become his first chosen Nephilim.. She simply couldn`t find the right words.
"I-I.." She didn`t know how to respond.
"It`s not a mandatory for you." Alex assured her, standing up with a box and coming to her. "Raynare, you may`ve been sent to me as servant, but I can`t see you as one. I consider you to be one of my closest and most trusted persons in the world. My reasons for choosing you to be a member of my team are my trust in you, fact that we are very close friends and because you are someone who helped me to improve. Without you, I might not be who I am right now and owe you for helping me. For that reason, I give you this choice: choose to become a Nephilim and my trustful companion, or refuse and remain a close friend to me. No matter what you choose, I won`t hold against you any animosity. It`s your life and your choice."
"You do realize that you are capable of forcing her to become a Nephilim, right?" Rias asked. "She is bound to follow all your orders and if you command.."
"Rias, this isn`t your matter at all, so don`t get involved." Alex sharply corrected her, bringing a glare from her and Zechs.
"Actually, Alexander." Crimson Satan decided to speak. "There is a very good candidate for your Peerage which I`ve found for you, which I believe will be a perfect Bishop for you." And with that, behind Satans and Sona materialized a familiar looking blond girl, dressed in noble garments. "I believe that you remember Lady Ravel."
Alexander glared daggers at the person that has revealed him the truth about his mother and just what House of Phenex has done to her and him. That little girl also looked at Alex, but with fear and subjugation in her eyes, bowing down her head down. Alex was seriously questioning why would Sirzechs think that deciding for him the members in his Peerage was a good idea? Alex handed the box to Raynare, who willingly took and stood perfectly still, also glaring daggers at Ravel, knowing just what now deceased House of Phenex did to Alex and his family. Needless to say, she really hated those bastards.
"Sirzechs, care to explain, just why in nine Hells would I even consider putting a member of the family, that enslaved my mother and is responsible for her death and my tragic past, as a member of my Peerage, much less a Bishop?" Alex asked directly. "Do you honestly expect me waste a valuable Nephilim Piece for someone like her?"
"Alex." Now it was Rias this time. "As you are aware, the House of Phenex was practically eradicated, save for young Ravel here. And the responsibility for such action lies with your uncle Rizevim, under whose orders her house was eradicated."
"I`m well aware of that and I`m sure glad that it happened." That caused a gasp from Ravel and accusing looks from Rias and Sirzechs. "Is there something unusual to what I`ve just said? Do you honestly believe that after all that her brother and family have done to me and my mother, I will simply let go of that and forgive them? No, in fact, I was honestly wishing to kill them myself. If anything, I would love to thank Rizevim for avenging my mother and reigning justice upon them."
"Do you realize that you are praising a wanted criminal, Alex?" Sirzechs asked of him.
"Oh yes I do." Alex said firmly. "Now, give a very good reason as to why I shouldn`t just finish off the House of Phenex once and for all and accept her into my Peerage?"
Sona decided to add to that one as well.
"I myself would like to hear the reasoning behind such decision." Sona sided with Alex. "According to the rules, Alexander has a full independence in choosing the candidates for his own Peerage and interference in such actions is a violation of our laws. As such, he cannot be forced to take Ravel Phenex as a member of his Peerage unless he himself decides to do so. Not even Great Devils Kings can force him to do so."
Serafall actually smiled to her little sister and nodded eagerly. She herself was against such actions on Sirzechs` behalf and was on Alexander`s side all this time. Sirzechs simply sighed and turned to Alexander once more.
"Very well. The reason for doing something like that is because Ravel`s life is still in immediate danger." Crimson Satan revealed. "Ravel escaped her demise only barely and Rizevim never lets his victims get away so easily. His black swordsman has already appeared near Gremory territory, where Ravel has taken a refuge and we suspect that he simply awaits his moment to strike. Placing Ravel in any other Peerage wouldn`t mean her safety as well, but, if she were to become a member of your Peerage, it would mean that she now officially serves you and obeys all your command, effectively making her death at Rizevim`s command pointless, as she is a servant to House of Lucifer already. Aside from that, there is also the fact that losing her would result in Underworld losing valuable Phenex Tears and many other assets of her family, which will affect us quite negatively."
Alex really could see the reasoning behind Sirzechs` words and understood him perfectly. True, if she were to be a member of his Peerage, she would essentially be his property, a much worse fate then death and a humiliation no less, which would be enough for Rizevim to call off his black swordsman. That action would also secure Phenex`s fortune and powers as well, but still.. Alex understood that she wasn`t even born when her mother was abused and she didn`t treat as trash, but the fact that she was speaking so badly of her and laughed at her death.. And then, Alex`s head has suddenly produced a very ambitions and interesting idea. This was a pure gamble, but if it could work, then he would be golden for sure. Plus, it would do well for Shirone too.
"Very well, I`m willing to consider her as member of my Peerage." Alex suddenly agreed, causing Ravel snap her head up. "However, if I`m being used as, essentially, her guardian, I require a very solid compensation for that."
"I was expecting that." Sirzechs admitted. "Besides, Serafall and I both owe you for saving this town and dear people to our hearts, not to mention that you are practically a family to us with Rias. What is it that you desire?"
"Stray Devil Kuroka." Alex suddenly said a name of a very infamous Nekoshou. "In exchange for taking Ravel into my Peerage, you will have to pardon Kuroka of all her crimes and free of all charges."
Now, that caused everyone to widen their eyes at Alexander and his immediate request. Alex was expecting this to happen and was prepared to deal with the consequences of his actions, but he was going through with all of that, as this was practically the single chance for Kuroka to finally stop running away and live normally, not as a stray. Alex knew that she wanted to freely walk in city and not be tailed after; she wanted to spend time with her sister and not be forced to look behind her shoulder while doing so. And if that meant getting a hell from Satans, so be it, but otherwise he wouldn`t even think about cooperating with them. He was an underling of Gremory for enough time and if they were trying to use him, then he most certainly deserved to get some compensation for putting up with all their shit. Rias and her family may think that just having a Lucifer as their own member was enough to subjugate everyone, then they were wrong. Horribly wrong.
The first one to speak up was Rias, speaking in shocked voice.
"Alex, just what the Hell are thinking about?! Don`t you have any idea who is that damned creature?! Do you even know what has she done?! No, as Heiress to Gremory and your Master I shall.." Rias was reasoning, before she was forced to stop as she saw Alex`s White Slicer right before her face, extended all the way from his standing point.
"First of all, I do know who she really is." Alex was talking in stone cold voice. "Second, I`m well aware about her being Koneko`s sister and that she killed her former master. Third, but not the least, I`m no longer your freakin Servant, Gremory, and if you think that you can decide for me what should I do, then I`ll be glad to remind you of that fact and be freaking glad that I haven`t killed you for all the shit you`ve been doing to me all this time!"
"Alex!" Sirzechs flared up with a small portion of his power, drawing Alexander`s attention, who dropped his blade. "Just who do you think you are to threaten Rias and demand from us something so obscure!" Sirzechs demanded to know, red energy flashing around him.
Alex decided to respond with himself by flashing up his own power. He released his own fullest power just for a few seconds and then gone back to his normal limits, but it still was more than enough to make a needed impression. He was well aware that everyone here was thinking that his power hasn`t really changed from the last time, but now they all knew that Alexander`s full power now put him into a whole new league then before, making everyone here realize that Lucifer`s line was still very strong with Alexander and even if Gremory wish to subjugate him, they`ll have to do a freaking lot to do so. The first one to recover was Serafall who restored her normal composure.
"So, let me get this straight: if we discharge Kuroka of all her crimes and accusations, you will accept Ravel as a member of your Peerage and place her under your own protection?" Leviathan wanted to clarify, getting a firm nod from Alex. "Well, that settles it." She suddenly declared to everyone. "You just have to bring her here and make her testify for what happened."
"Lady Serafall, what in the blazes.." Rias was about to interject, before being stopped by Serafall herself.
"Sorry, Rias, but my word is the law." Serafall reminded to crimson haired girl. "Besides, I`ve always had a nagging suspicion that Kuroka`s case isn`t as obvious as it may seem and that the fact that Sirzechs just declared her as a criminal without even an investigation was.. not very good." Serafall accusingly looked at her colleague. "Do you mind telling us why did you act so suddenly and hastily?"
"There was nothing that I found suspicious and charges were backed up by the family of the murdered." Sirzechs declared.
"Really, Sirzechs? Do you even realize just how that looks like? It looks just like that situation with Lucia and we are still dealing with the consequences of your decision. And now, thanks to that, we possibly have lost a very powerful member of our race all because of you acting without thinking things through." Serafall said to him, sighing. "Alex, do you have a way of contacting her? I would like to hear the story from her words."
Alex simply nodded and pulled out a special crystal and activated it with his magic.
"Kuroka, if you can hear me, I want you to come at my location right now." Alex asked her through the crystal. "It`s about your past crimes. I`ve found a way to get you pardoned."
As Alexander deactivated his crystal, a familiar looking portal appeared and from it walked out familiar looking black cat and behind her followed someone nobody was expecting to see. Behind Kuroka emerged another Nekoshou, dressed in the similar looking kimono, but instead of black, it was white and with light pink. She was near of Kuroka`s height with a nice looking figurine, with well-developed bust line, seductive hips and alluringly looking legs. The girl had white close hair and hazel eyes, the same one as Kuroka`s and Shirone`s. Alex`s eyes widen slightly as he finally recognized that this Nekoshou is in fact Shirone, only her body has.. matured, leaps and bounds and she was basically a younger looking white version of Kuroka. Needless to say, Shirone looked absolutely drop dead gorgeous.
Kuroka and Shirone looked around and older black cat looked curiously at her chosen mate.
"Nya, Alex, care to elaborate me, nya." Kuroka asked her future mate.
"Wait.. Koneko, is that you?!" Rias suddenly asked the white haired girl. "What the hell has happened to you?! You..you.."
"Nya~." Shirone replied with a small smirk, looking at Rias. "Onee-sama helped me by releasing my blocked chi channels, nya. Nya, I`m sorry to have been away for some time, but the procedure took time, nya."
"Nya, but~.." Kuroka looked at her little sister. "Now, my little Shirone is simply one alluring kitty, nya." Kuroka replied with a smirk. "And that`s not to mention that now she has her full potential unlocked as Nekoshou, nya."
"Shirone, are you feeling well? No problems or discomfort?" Alex asked concerned, but Shirone only shook her head. "Glad to know, it would be sad if there any trouble with a beauty like you." Shirone began to blush slightly, while Alex turned to Kuroka. "Kuroka, Lady Serafall and Sirzechs would like to hear about all the details, regarding the incident with your previous master."
Kuroka turned towards the 2 Satans and eyed both suspiciously, carefully placing herself between them and Shirone in a protective manner.
"And what of it, nya?" Kuroka asked her mate. "If tell them the full story, what do I get from it, nya?"
"About that, how do you look at an offer to join up in my own Peerage?" Kuroka`s ears twitched at what she just heard and she looked with wide eyes. "Can`t promise you a royal life, not at the moment, but I can promise you a good house, freedom of movements and full innocence, along with all the cuddling in the world you want and.."
"Stop, nya~." Kuroka was already slightly panting at the offer. "Very well, nya. I will tell you everything, nya." Kuroka turned to the Satans and began to tell everything from the beginning to the end.
30 minutes later. Outside of the ORC.
After half an hour of explaining and reasoning, Serafall and Sirzechs have finally decided to declare this case as closed and officially pardoned Kuroka of all her alleged crimes and charges. Needless to say that has brought infinite amount of joy to Shirone and Kuroka, as they could now be together as sisters and they hugged it out together, while Alex was looking at both sisters smiling, while Sona also approved and Serafall was sniffing at the moe herself. As all was said and done, now there was only one thing remaining to do. Alexander took the box of his own Pieces and came near of his soon to be members of Peerage. Alex looked at Kuroka and Raynare, who were ready to receive their needed pieces, while Ravel was in her normal mode and was simply waiting her own piece. Sona, Shirone, Rias, Akeno and Satans stood aside from them and watching the ceremony.
Alexander spook, as he opened the box ones again.
"Let's begin." Alex said and turned to Raynare. "Raynare, your skills and versatility in battle make you a powerful opponent to fight against. Your potential is great as well and you have enough power to grow just as strong as a Cadre. So, based on that, what Piece would you like me to give you?"
"W-well, I know that the Queen piece is the best, but.." Raynare was blushing a little. "I would prefer not to be in charge and.. I would prefer to be a Pawn instead all other things." That brought up a brow from Alex. "Look, I know I`m not good in leading people and you need someone who is both a fighter and leader as a Queen, but as Pawn I can fight well enough and not worry about being in charge of things.."
"I will admit that I`m surprised at your choice, but I respect it and if it is your choice, then I have nothing against it." Alex took up a Pawn and brought it to Raynare. "In the name of Alexander Lucifer, I reborn you, Raynare, as my fellow Nephilim and my Pawn. From this moment forth, I place you as my vanguard in battles!"
Silver light came out from Raynare and she gasped at the sudden surge of power, absorbing the Pawn Piece inside her own body. In the next minute she stood still and after adapting a little, she spread her newest silver wings. She looked amazed at them, seeing her 2 sets of silver wings, nice and smooth to touch.
"Welcome in to the team, Ray." Alex congratulated her. "Now you are neither an Angel nor a Devil, but one that came before them all."
"I feel.. I feel great and so strong." Raynare admitted. "I won`t fail you, Alex. I`ll be your vanguard, my Lord."
Alex nodded to her and came to Kuroka, who was smirking at him and waiting her turn.
"Kuroka." Alex smiled to her, and she answered back. "With you, I know just the Piece you would fit just right." Alex brought up a familiar Bishop piece. "Do you mind becoming my Bishop, or would you prefer any other job?"
"Nya, do you need to ask, nya~?" Kuroka asked him flirtatiously. "But, you`ll need more than a single Bishop to turn me, nya." Kuroka reminded him of her being equal to two Bishops.
"I know, but this one is resonating with far more power than the others." Alex confessed. "This Bishop is my Mutation Piece. Apparently, it, along with many others, mutated when I was infusing it with my own power and is now far more powerful than your previous Pieces. I would say, you are getting an even better deal."
"Nya, go ahead and make yours~." Kuroka seductively stepped closer and allowed Alexander to place a Bishop on her chest.
Alex only smiled to that and began to chant.
"In the name of Alexander Lucifer, I reborn you, Kuroka, as a fellow Nephilim and my Bishop. Weave your spells to strengthen us in battles and reign weakness to our foes!"
With that Kuroka absorbed the Bishop piece and let out a loud gasp. She spread her own wings and looked curiously at her newly acquired 6 silver wings. She touched them and almost purred at their softness.
"Nya, so soft.." Kuroka looked at Alex with grateful smile. "I promise, I will never leave your side or turn my back on you. I`m yours and no one else, my love." She said the last part out loud, getting a loud gasp from Rias, Sona and Akeno.
"I know you won`t fail me, nor shall I ask you to do something against your will." Alex smiled to her and then came to Ravel. "Well, now I have you left, little birdie." Alex said sarcastically.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Go ahead and make your second Bishop, damn it." Ravel demanded, causing Alex to smirk.
"And who told you that I`m making you my second Bishop?" That caused Ravel to widen her eyes at him. "As a spell castor you are hardly an adequate one, not to mention this attitude of yours, and don`t get me even started on the fact that I basically have no nice feelings towards you and your family. I already possess your Flames of Phoenix and even have infused them with my Power of Annihilation. Spending a Bishop piece on someone like you is hardly a wise decision, for I know a couple of mages that can fit the category perfectly. And as for the strategy department, I plan to place my Queen for such dealings, and in the mean time I`ll plan everything out myself."
"What?! You can`t do that! Don`t you know who the heck I am?! You are an ungrateful.." Suddenly, Ravel froze in place, paralyzed and unable to move.
Alex looked at her left and saw Kuroka making an oblivious face, while her hand was holding up the paralyzing spell. She casually turned to her new Master and looked at the work of her hands and spoke in perfectly innocent voice.
"Nya, I`m sorry, Master, nya. My hand must`ve slipped a spell, nya~." Kuroka was making an innocent face, while internally she was smiling. "You won`t punish me for this, won`t you, nya~?"
Alex could only chuckle at her antics. Although, that was most certainly welcomed.
"I`ll think about it later, but do please keep this spell up for moment longer." Alex pulled out a Pawn Piece and brought to Ravel. "In the name of Alexander Lucifer, I reborn you as a fellow Nephilim and my Pawn. Learn humility and respect through hardship and work for others to respect you." Pawn piece was absorbed and Ravel was released from her paralysis.
The first thing that Raven did as a Nephilim w-->>