24 Chapter 24(1/2)
Grigori`s HQ Reception Zone. Zurich. Switzerland.
Alex and his friends checked up on their belongings, seeing that they got everything that they needed and were now ready to go back to Kuoh and their lives, along with a few serious additions. Alexander`s Peerage, of course, was coming with him and a few certain arrangements had to be made in order to let them all live in Alex`s place and also act as one group. First of all, through Grayfia, Alex managed to order a remodeling of his estate, increasing the number of rooms up to 24, adding an extra kitchen and 4 new bathrooms, a game room and magical workshop for magical experiments and researches. The decor and style of the place was the same as before, adding only more space for the estate and 2 extra floors.
It was neat and well done, according to Grayfia, who was basically left all to herself in the estate, as Alexander`s Peerage was with him in Zurich along with his daughters, resting up and relaxing a bit, along with getting to know the new partners better, plus all of Alex`s Nephilims were interested in his little cutie girls, whom they all taken a liking to. Medea was especially smitten by them and promised them to tail some very cute and fancy dresses. Raynare got along with the group fairly well, just as Kuroka did, while the main issue was still Ravel and her attitude. Alex understood that it would a lot of work and time to get it fixed. Still, even with all that, he had to admit to himself that he couldn`t hold any grudge against her for what happened to his mother and himself. She wasn`t even born when she was in her family`s possession and her ill words were influenced by her family, which was now dead. It would time getting used to each other, of course, but at least he didn`t wanted to kill her on sight as he would`ve done to all those that tortured his mother.
Overall, despite the talk with Gremory, this was a very productive and relaxing stay for everyone here. Akeno was finally able to fully reconnect with her father and mother, with whom she was right now saying goodbyes for now. Sona was able to relax and get rid of some built up stress and get her mind finally set with Alex. Serafall was in good mood as she managed to get a non-aggression pact signed up with Azazel and territories with neutral status were created, which was a great success, considering the fact that this was the first meeting of such manner and scale since the stalemate was created. One that benefited better then then all of them was Alex, as he got himself a powerful group of friends along with him and was also now appointed from the provisional governor to an official governor of Kuoh, and he had a few plans in mind already, which he wanted to discuss with Sona and, much to his irritation, Rias.
Alex looked at his dad and spoke to him, smilingly.
"Well, thanks for the resort." Alex thanked his dad. "It was great seeing you again, old man."
"Hey, it was good seeing you too, son." Azazel smiled to his kid and kneelt down to his granddaughters. "And I really loved spending time with your little rascals here." Azazel petted their heads gently. "If you ever want to spend some time with your awesome grandpa, just give me a call, `kay?"
Illya and Sakura nodded to that one and hugged their grandfather, who hugged them back as well. Alex could only smile to that one, as his daughters really adored his dad and Azazel was already their official grandfather.
While Alex and his daughters were saying their goodbyes to Azazel, Akeno was hugging her mother, who was wearing her new miko outfit, brought by Akeno. Akeno pulled away and smiled happily to both of her parents. This weak was the happiest time in her life, as it was the time with her full and complete family. She completely forgot about all the horrors and tragedies that happened and was now able to live a live with no regrets and nightmares, all thanks to Alexander, as he reunited her family, giving her mother life again and returning her father both his daughter and wife. Himejima family was in great debt to Alex, one that grown even more just yesterday with his another gift to Shuri Himejima. As it turned out, Azazel has kept Lucia`s Queen Piece, one that was retracted from her body by Shemhazai through magic, but in the process it lost all of it properties and was basically useless. Alex found this thing and after careful thinking and consulting with Azazel and Baraquel, he decided that he would do his god-father another favor. Due to Alex being a Nephilim, he managed to recharge the Queen Piece and reconfigured it into a Nephilim Queen Piece, with all the properties. Afterwards, he gave it to Shuri and turned her into a Nephilim, as he knew that even with her full life-span; her husband and daughter will outlive her by a wide margin. So, Lucifer decided that this family should stick together longer, and granted Shuri the life of a free Nephilim, which she was now going to enjoy with her family and possible grandchildren she keeps wishing for.
Akeno smile to her mother and father.
"Okaa-sama, Otou-sama." Akeno bowed to both of them. "I have so enjoyed our time together. I hope you will come visit me soon."
"Akeno, dear, we will visit you surely." Shuri smile to her daughter. "But don`t expect us in anytime soon, dear. Me and your father have some.. catching up to do." Shuri giggled, in the same manner as her daughter when talking about sultry topics. "You father has been?a very?naughty boy without me around. So we will be pretty busy with his punishment." Akeno caught a familiar gleam in her mother`s eyes, as she herself had these moments in her life.
Akeno was well aware that she has inherited intimate preferences of both her parents and neither of the sides was the dominant one. She greatly relished from both spectrums. Her mother on the other hand, was a true goddess of sadism and indulged in it with Baraquel very often in Akeno`s childhood. And now, after being revived and spending an entire year rehabilitating, Shuri wanted to 'punish' her husband?really?hard and?really?long, but she kept herself in control while Akeno was here, not going too far, but still getting her own little fun during the nights. She wasn`t afraid that Akeno would think less of her, as Shuri knew that her girl was already old enough to understand things men and women do. Besides, Shuri has guessed that Akeno herself had similar preferences in intimate act, so she also gave her little girl a couple of advices, just in case. After all, she knew that Akeno was madly in love with Alex and she fully supported her daughter, just like Baraquel did. Alex has done so much for all of them and even more, without even asking anything back. He even went out of his way again for Shuri`s sake and turned her into a Nephilim, with full free will and without any leash or whatsoever. Such selfless act only solidified former miko priestess` desire to see Akeno and Alex happy. Along with new life, came also powers and.. new sexual desire and drive. In the past, the only thing that was holding Baraquel and Shuri back was her endurance as a human, but now.. Shuri will have her beloved Baraquel all to herself for?days?without stop.
Baraquel soundly gulped and spoke up.
"Shuri, let`s not talk about it in front of our daughter." Baraquel advised, but ladies only giggled at that one.
"Ara ara, Baraquel, you and I have nothing to worry. Our little Akeno knows a couple things herself." Shuri giggled. "I`m sure she will do just fine when they decide to move their relations to a new stage." Akeno blushed a little at that statement.
While Himejima family was having their heartwarming moment, Sona and Serafall were in the middle of their sadness. They were sad because after experiencing the heavens of spa, they were now banished back to their mundane lives. Serafall was the first to voice her disappointment.
"Uwah~.. Why do we have to go now?!" She was almost breaking down in tears. "I only got to massages~. And they were?so?good~."
"I know what you mean." Sona sighed in defeated manner. "I would give anything for another day in hot springs or those malls. Alas.. At least we got a permission to come her on vacations." Sona reminded her sister, who brightened up a little bit. "Next school break before summer for any reason, we get here and relax to the fullest and leave all the work for others?"
"Now that my Sona!" Serafall agreed instantly, noticing that Sona has significantly changed in her attitude. "You know, this resort did wonders to you, Sona. It`s good to see you so.. relaxed and carefree. It certainly bodes well with you."
"Well, I may`ve taken a note or two from your book, Sera." Sona adjusted her glasses. "By the way, is this true that Alex returned Frostmourne to our family? I thought that he would need it, seeing as we have to face so many strong adversaries."
"I was surprised too when he came to me and returned the sword." Serafall reported. "Apparently, our family sword doesn`t bode well with anything that has Holy energy, and Alex possesses both Holy and Demonic powers. My guess is that it must be the curse placed on blades core."
"Hm.. It would make sense." Sona agreed. "It`s a shame that Alex had to give it up. I wouldn`t mind seeing him use it against Rias in their Rating Game. Apparently, he`ll have to now rely on his Projection swords to fight with. Too bad, for he does have makings of a very skilled swordsman."
"I think that Alex already has this situation covered." Serafall expressed her opinion, pointing at Arturia. "I did my research on his new Quean and I`ve found out that she possesses a very interesting Sacred Gear, Infinity Forge." Sona was surprised to hear it.
"A Sacred Gear that creates weapons and armors of any property and power, renowned for their fortitude and strength.." Sona trailed. "That would explain her armor and Divine Excalibur, as I haven`t found any information on this sword at all. Arturia must`ve created it through Infinity Forge."
"And, according to what I managed to get from Medusa, when we just so happened to be in spa the other day, Arturia have already given Alex her latest weapon created. She didn`t go into much detail, but I`m pretty sure that it has to be something in the same league as her Divine Excalibur, which, as far as I can tell, equal in power to the original Excalibur."
"In any event, I hardly see any potential chance of Rias winning the Game." Sona noted. "While Rias` Servants do have their own strengths, she has very little loyalty and power as a leader left now. Akeno`s Holy Lightning is a true nightmare against anyone, but she and Rias are no longer as cooperative as they used to. Shirone`s newfound skills with Senjutsu and trainings with Kuroka make her a formidable threat, but her loyalty is now to her family, not Rias. Kiba`s skill with sword is easily overshadowed by the experience and skills of almost every member of Alex`s Peerage, especially Scathach, Arturia and Cu Chulainn. As for his Sword Birth, it may be his trump card, but I have a feeling that it won`t do him much good. Asia`s Twilight Healing is very useful, but as a combatant she lacks in every way. Yet, Rias does possess one trump card over Alex."
"The Red Dragon Emperor." Serafall was well informed of that fact. "Is this true that he became a Dragon?"
"Yes, actually." Sona admitted. "And, I have to say, it is a good thing that he did. Ever since Hyoudou became a Dragon, his entire perverted nature seems to have all but disappeared and was instead replaced by a persona both strong in physical sense, but also in morals and persona. There were no reports?at allabout him peeping on other girls or even glancing at them. His grades have improved, although he did become far more aggressive and aggravating, as just yesterday he got into a fight with Saji, who was caught by Tsubaki peeping on naked Asia. She told me that after Issei heard of that, his dark red scales came out in the open and he went berserk on Saji, beating the living hell out of him and almost traumatizing him. Rias wasn`t able to make him stop and only when Asia spoke to Issei, he calmed down and listened to her. I recall Tsubaki saying that Rias was promising to show Issei her breasts and let him do whatever he wanted with them if he stopped, but he ignored that completely. It would seem like Rias has lost the only leash she had on Issei."
"And it would seem that he is now after only one girl, Asia." Serafall nodded. "Hm.. Sona, of what Dragon species Rias` Pawn?"
"A Red one. Demonic, as he calls himself." Sona recalled.
"That makes sense then." Sera sighed. "I`ve read about differences between the Dragon species. The Red species are noted to be the most aggressive and violent among all other Dragon species, but they are also known to be the most protective of their families, going into berserk`s rage when they feel like their loved ones are in danger and only stop when they are said to by their chosen mate. Apparently, Rias` Bishop is Red Dragon`s chosen."
"Meaning, that Issei`s loyalty now lies not with Rias, but with Asia." Sona pondered about it a little. "Dragons aren`t the kind that would serve someone weaker than they are without a good reason. And Issei right now is a powerhouse already: draconic powers already put him in the same league as Alex, as he was able to defeat Tsubasa, Ruruko, Momo?and?Tsubaki in a full contact sparring match that Rias proposed to have a few days ago. According to Tsubaki, Issei wasn`t even using his Boosted Gear to do battle, but instead, he changed his form from a human into a Dragon, covering his body in dragon scales and growing a little in height and size. Apparently, that is his Draconification, a new trump card that gives him the strengths of a Dragon. No wonder he defeated members of my Peerage without even a Boosted Gear to back him up. If anything, Issei Hyoudou is the strongest member of Rias` Peerage, but he is also the most dangerous for her, as he now holds very little loyalty to her and will only follow her if Asia is in Rias` team. In other words, Rias doesn`t command Issei, but Asia."
Serafall agreed with that one, as Sona was completely right in this regard. However, she had a feeling that Issei would want to have a battle with Alex, as he was basically the strongest fighter in Kuoh and that status was uphold by the fact that Alex was a Nephilim and a training expert, building up his own strength and growing more and more powerful. His growth was extreme and if Alex was given enough time, he would surpass even her in power output alone in just under a year or even less. Leviathan was aware that one of Alexander`s goals was getting a payback for his mother and grandfather through battling Sirzechs, The Strongest Devil alive. Serafall knew that if Alex were to do battle with Sirzechs, then he would most certainly have to deal with Ajuka Beelzebub as well. And both of them were in The Top 10 Strongest in the World list, meaning that each of them alone could battle gods and destroy them without much trouble. Alex was strong, but even with his growth, it would take everything he has and will have to even come close to beating just one of them. Defeating both.. One Lucifer might not be enough..
Serafall mind shifted back into the past as, her memory recalled the events of the past. More specifically, of a certain person Serafall knew of. A very powerful and extremely dangerous person, as his powers was rivaled to almost none and he was one of the few that could fight against 4 Great Satans and did battle against Sirzechs. Their battle was one that shuddered the Underworld itself and has been felt by all factions, from Asgard to Shinto. It may been obvious at first that Sirzechs held the advantage from the start, but as their duel went on, something became painfully obvious to Sirzechs, who has been the strongest Devil and one of top strongest beings in the world already. He realized something very important..
Sirzechs realized that line of Lucifer wasn`t as weak as he thought it was, as his opponent was none other but a grandson of original Lucifer himself, Lucian Lucifer, son of Rizevim Livan Lucifer and a cousin to Alexander. A man of mystery and power, he was as powerful as he was clever and scheming. Before the appearance of Alexander, that man was known as Lucifer`s Heir and he did fight for his rights when he led the Old Satan Faction. Only after a long and fierce battle Lucian was defeated and imprisoned. Still, now that Serafall thought of it, she suddenly saw a lot of similarities between Alexander and Lucian, both in appearances and persona, but also in mentality. It was as if they were twins, only their paths were completely separate from one another and Lucian was imprisoned for good. Leviathan didn`t know if Sirzechs saw the similarities between the two, but the actions he and his family took to secure the marriage between Rias and Alexander was suggesting that Sirzechs and his family were believing that Alex was nothing like Lucian and could be tamed for their own uses..
A grave mistake, as Serafall remembered one thing that all descendants of Lucifer shared with their ancestor.
No Lucifer can be subjugated, neither through whip or love, as they are the ones that always break free of all chains and bring defeat all those that chained their bodies and souls. And Alex most certainly lived by this motto.
As Leviathan was contemplating in her mind about things, she almost didn`t notice how everyone went towards a created portal back to Kuoh and were ready for a transportation. Sona and Serafall went to them and united with the rest of the group. Leviathan bowed respectfully to Azazel and the rest of leaders of Grigori. They answered in kind and with that settled, Alex activated the portal and the whole big group went into Alexander`s Estate, as it was a drop point of the teleportation portal.
Lucifer Estate`s grounds.
The group did a successful jump through the portal and was now on the grounds of the estate, from where all the changes from the outside could be seen and Alex actually approved of them, seeing as it wasn`t too flashy or as a sore in the eye. It was well done and in a short time as well, which was also a very good plus. It was well worth the money Alex gained after Grayfia officially transmitted him the rights of a Head of Lucifuge family.
Speaking of a Devil, Grayfia was also there as a welcoming party, along with Tsubaki, Shirone and Rias. However, that weren`t the people that have caught their attention, as Alex instantly saw a familiar looking boy near Grayfia. Lucifer was surprised to see Milicas Gremory of all people being here as a welcoming party member. Illya and Sakura also saw the familiar face and got a little bit of red on their cheeks, clear indicator that the boy was already a lady killer, as both of Alex`s girls were smitten by him.
Grayfia was the first one to speak up.
"Welcome home, Lord Alexander, Lady Sona, Lady Serafall. I hope that your visit was productive and proved successful." Grayfia greeted them in the official manner. "All the preparations for the new arrivers have been done in accordance to all specifications. Their personal rooms are ready and their personal belongings have been brought there accordingly. Would like me to show them the grounds?"
'No, thank you Grayfia, but that won`t be necessary." Alex politely declined the offer. "Ray, Ravel, Kuroka, why don`t you show the guys around, plus get acquainted with the place as well? I`ll be joining you in a bit."
All three nodded and went along as guides for the newly arrived Nephilims, who complied without any problems. Alex was left with Sona, Serafall, his daughters and the rest of the welcoming party. Shirone was the first to come to Alex and caringly hugged her husband, purring in his ear like a feline.
"Nya~, I missed you, beloved, nya~." Shirone didn`t care for Rias shooing lasers at her.
"I missed you too, Shirone." Alex kissed his white cat in the cheek and released her from his embrace.
In the meantime, Sona and Serafall were talking with Tsubaki.
"Tsubaki, I hope that there weren`t any more incidents while we were away?" Son asked in her usual manner.
"No, everything has been going smoothly and quietly." Tsubaki reported. "All normal activities proceeded without problems and the city is in no threat."
"That`s great, good job." Serafall exclaimed turning to Sona. "Welp, I gotta go and do boring stuff again~." Serafall sniffed, forming a circle near hear. "See you later Sona. Don`t forget our deal." And with that she returned back in Underworld.
"Sona, if I may ask, what kind of a deal was your sister speaking?" Tsubaki asked curious, to which Sona turned a knowing smirk.
"Let`s just say that we came to a certain agreement about our free time." Sona simply stated.
And while all the grown-ups were speaking among themselves, kids also decided to reconnect a little bit. Illya and Sakura were left with Millicas, who was also blushing a little in the presence of two cute looking girls.
Illya was the first to speak up.
"Millicas, have you come to play with us again?" Illya enthusiastically asked and Millicas got a little bit sad.
"No, mama and papa got into a really bad fight and mama decided that we should live aside from papa and the rest of the family." Millicas said with a sad voice, drawing the attention of Alex and Rias as well. "Mama said that papa has become a bad influence to me and we need to live apart from him for some time."
Illya and Sakura glanced to each other, seeing that boy was saddened and they decided to cheer him up. Silently conversing with each other, they nodded to each other and in the next second, Illya and Sakura were now at Millicas` sides, holding his hands, while blushing like tomatoes, confusing the boy, along with Alex.
Lucifer decided to consult his grandpa.
'Lucifer, you wouldn`t happen to know what`s going on? And.. why the hell do I have a feeling like I am going it want to kill this kid?' Alex asked Lucifer curious of this sudden feeling.
"Hm.. Oh man, this is about to get steamy."?Lucifer commented, adding more confusion to of Alexander.?"Kid, all I can say is this.. Pleasant thoughts, only pleasant thoughts."
'The hell is that supposed to mean, Lucifer?' Alex asked him once again.
However, Alex didn`t hear the answer to this one, as he saw what his grandfather meant. In one instance, Illya and Sakura, who were holding Millicas` hands in their own and all being red like tomatoes.. kissed the boy in his cheeks at the same time!
That was something that no one was expecting and everyone present had their won reactions. Sona and Tsubaki were looking in awe at this one. Rias was in shock, while Grayfia was also stunned, but managed to remain calm and normal, along with feeling a little proud her little boy. Alex, however.. Didn`t take this very lightly, as Shirone was forced to apply her entire strength and love to calm him down and not let him kill his cousin in an instant.
As for Millicas.. His frame hit the ground, face all red like his hair, but a goofy looking smile was present. Illya and Sakura immediately went to him, while Lucifer only smirked to himself.
"Heh.. Young love, so immature and yet so pure.."?Lucifer mused to himself, but then suddenly he turned away and looked around, as very familiar feeling went through him.
'Strange, I haven`t felt this ripple in almost 10 years..'?Lucifer thought to himself.?'Could it be..'
While everyone was preoccupied with their own dealings, Lucifer began searching his feelings and senses, trying to understand if what he felt was a mere fluke or it wasn`t a occurrence. After several seconds, he felt that ripple again, as he did all those years ago. Lucifer honestly didn`t expect to feel it again.
A presence of another Heir..
"Lucian.."?Lucifer muttered to himself.?"So, Sirzechs didn`t kill you after all. But what are you up now, 10 years later?"
However, that wasn`t the main question that spirit was asking himself. No, the real question lied in a little different parallel.
"Are you still with in alliance with her?"
Unknown place.
Darkness was looming over the realm of shadows and limited light that was able to make it to here. In the center, on a small rock, was sitting a single resident of this realm, emptily looking into nothingness and thinking of a very few things, but recently one thing was drawing most of her attention from the other, seemingly more important desire that she possessed for millennia. This person was dressed in gothic Lolita style and looked like a little girl, but in reality she was nothing less of a true God, even though she didn`t see anything interesting in calling herself as such.
Ophis, Dragon God of Infinity, had only a single desire- to take back what was stolen from her. She wished to go back in her home, her Dimensional Gap. But she couldn`t, as a single entity has preoccupied it. Her eternal enemy and rival, Great Red, was roaming in there and denying Ophis her rightful home and place. For thousands of years she was only concerned with getting back in there. However, recently, a new priority has taken over her desire to get back in her righteous house. Not long ago, something that Ophis treasured was taken away from her.
And she?wanted?it back, more so than she wanted to take back her Dimensional Gap. As Dragon God was contemplating on her own things, a familiar looking portal opened up, revealing a face that Ophis hasn`t seen in some time. Outside of portal stepped young looking man with silver hair and steel colored eyes, dressed in black and silver. He proceeded to Dragon God without any caution as he knew that he wouldn`t be hurt by her.
Ophis turned and faced her guest.
"Lucian." She spoke in emotionless voice. "You are back. Where, have you been?"
Lucian Lucifer, son of Rizevim Livan Lucifer and father to Vali Lucifer, nodded to Dragon God.
"Greetings to you as well, Ophis." Lucian greeted the dragon. "Apologies for not coming sooner. Defenses were a little too tight for me to handle in shorter time and Sirzechs has managed to inflict some serious damage to me."
"Yet, you live." Ophis noted.
"A foolish action, leaving me in a cell, instead of ending my life." Lucian remarked. "Crimson Satan could never finish us Lucifers for good, while having a gale to call himself as one. He doesn`t realize that mere power is not all what makes one worthy of a name Lucifer."
"I, don`t car for your fight with him." Ophis reminded. "But, I do need you."
"Yes, I remember." Lucian recalled. "I have noticed that you`ve already assembled many followers around you. Many of them are formidable and powerful, but all of them have little to no loyalty to you or your cause. Shalba and Creuserey only wish to gain back old titles, as for my mother has her own agendas, not known to me."
"And you, wish not get back your title?" Ophis asked him.
"I do not aim to claim what is rightfully belongs to my family through their means." Lucian answered. "Those fools have no idea about what Devils want and how they shall follow them. But, answering your direct question, no, throne of Satan is not something that I see worthy of getting. Perhaps Vali sees it as something interesting."
"He does not." Ophis noted. "His wish is the same as yours and he wants to achieve it the same way as you."
"Hm.. I see." Lucian sighed, feeling something interesting through his energy sense. "It appears that balance of powers has changed while I was away. A new power has appeared."
"Lucia`s son, Alexander, has become a Nephilim." Ophis said casually. "He is the same as Lucifer. I sense that he is powerful."
"Yes, I have felt him too." Lucian agreed. "His powers are truly something worth respect. But I have heard that he is far more than a simple pool of powers. Ophis, do you know anything about him?"
"No, but I am curious."
"Curious?" Lucian raised his brow. "That is a rare occurrence. Do you believe that he can help you in taking down Great Red?"
"I am not interested in Great Red." Ophis stated, surprising Lucian. "Great Red is not important to me. Something else is more important to me right now. And I want it back."
"I see." Lucian caught the general idea. "Did someone steal something from you?"
"Yes." Ophis nodded. "And I want her back."
"Her?" Lucian looked at Ophis again.
"My child." Ophis stated.
Two weeks later. Vatican.
Training grounds of Exorcists were filled with sounds of clashing metal and rocks being smashed. Two young girls were practicing with their trusted weapons and preparing for their newest mission. Xenovia and Irina, as they were named, have been hearing news that 3 Excaliburs have been stole from the church and so the 2 of the remaining were placed in their hands and 1 in hands of their master. For now, the girls were getting used to their Holy Swords, Xenovia swinging her Excalibur Destruction, while Irina was getting used to her Excalibur Mimic.
The two girls were in the middle of training when their master has entered the field. Once they noticed her, both girls have sto-->>