I do not own High School DxD, Code Geass, or Campione! I am only writing this for fun and for no other reason. If you don’t like it then please go and find something more suitable to your tastes because I will not change my stories to try and please everyone. For those of you willing to continue, I hope you all enjoy.
God Slayer DxD
By Ten-Faced Paladin
Chapter 4: When it Rains, it Pours
The days since the struggle at the church proved to be relaxing ones, which Mike and his friends in the ORC were thankful for since after that much excitement they all needed a little bit of time off. Asia had begun going to classes at Kuoh and was proving to be very popular. Of course, some of the most vocal about how cute she was came from Issei’s fellow pervs. The biggest hubbub came from when it was discovered that Asia was living with Issei of all people, outraging the male population and putting the female population into high alert, wanting to make sure Issei didn’t try anything. Not that Issei was that desperate for some action despite popular opinion. Asia was just too pure for that kind of treatment.
That morning in particular, Mike was in a vacant lot, unused by anyone. He was alone for a change, not even Villetta nearby to watch over him. He was simply standing in the middle of the lot and had his eyes closed in deep concentration.
“Deep within the earth, my reign grows onward. My wealth swells, my treasures increase, all for the prosperity of my kingdom. The vaults are locked to all but me and now I shall open the doors and bask in the radiant glow!”
The ground rumbled and splintered as his Authority activated, but Mike didn’t immediately summon spears, gems or any of the common implements which he was normally able to call. Instead, he lifted his hands and brought them together like he was holding a ball of clay. Twisting his hands, his eyes still closed in thought, he focused on the image he intended to create. Before him, the ground seemed to churn and groan with the movements of his hands.
It had begun as a simple exercise to get used to how The King’s Treasury worked and to see what he was capable of doing with it. It had eventually given him an idea of doing something to perhaps placate the anger of the Heretic Gods who he defeated. So with a lot of practice and some determination, an exercise turned into something of a post-battle ritual.
Mike opened his eyes and the ground splintered, letting his little project rise up. It stood about as tall as Mike’s thighs, but it was a beautifully rendered statue of Siegfried with his sword in his hands, the tip on the ground. He stood on a rounded base and carved on the base was a small dedication, ‘To my Honored and Revered Foe.’
“Whew,” Mike sighed. Walking to the statue, he picked it up with ease and began walking back to his apartment. A short elevator ride and he was back on the top floor where he and Villetta lived. He walked over to one of the spare rooms which hadn’t been occupied before opening it.
Inside was a room with a large pedestal which took up the far wall, looking out to the window which brought in a large amount of sunlight. The pedestal was adorned with flowers, false ones but still flowers, and there was a lot of open space on it. Also placed on the pedestal was a statue of King Solomon, standing tall and wise in the same image Mike remembered him bearing when they fought, albeit a little more regal than during their encounter. The base of his statue had the same words as Siegfried’s, ‘To my Honored and Revered Foe.’
“There we go,” Mike grunted, setting the Siegfried statue down next to the Solomon one, allowing it to look out into the bright blue sky next to its comrade.
“Finished your memorial, Lord Summers?” asked Villetta, appearing in the doorway.
“Yeah, just finished,” Mike nodded, checking the new statue for imperfections before stepping down from the platform.
“You know, no Campione before has gone out of their way to remember their enemies like you do,” the knight commented as Mike approached her.
“Maybe, but if I show I respect the gods then at least they’ll have one less reason to hate me,” Mike reasoned, walking past Villetta for the kitchen so he could grab a glass of water.
“Some may consider it you keeping score,” his knight retorted, crossing her arms.
“Maybe, but I can’t please everyone,” Mike shrugged, filling a cup before taking a sip. “By the way, have you heard back from the Whitengamont yet?”
After the incident with the Fallen Angels and Siegfried, Villetta had made a full report to the Whitengamont, warning about a possible coup or offensive push made by the Grigori, the organization founded by the Fallen. She recommended that all known Sacred Gear users be either watched or placed in protective custody depending on how rare and/or valuable they were. They had been waiting for a reply since magi weren’t exactly the most technologically competent people around. They still dealt with paper and messengers instead of email and cell phones.
“Actually, yes I did,” Viletta answered, pulling a sheet of paper from her pocket. “They’ll take our suggestions into consideration and since you’re advocating those measures they’ll likely be put into place. One thing they did ask though is that we, meaning you unofficially, go examine the church in case the Fallen left any clues behind as to their intentions.”
“Kind of late for that don’t you think?” asked Mike. “The Grigori or whoever was ordering them around had to have cleared out anything, much less the cops when someone noticed all the damage done.”
“Not so,” Villetta shook her head. “A privacy barrier was placed around the church so no mundane humans would go near it. Those don’t vanish overnight even if the ones maintaining it have been dead for a week. If the Grigori or the other Fallen had come to clean up anything then your senses would have at least picked them up.”
“Well, in that regard it has been quiet,” Mike frowned. “Nothing divine at least.”
“Then we can investigate and probably have a good chance of finding something,” Villetta agreed. “I suggest we head out immediately. That way we still have daylight to work in and we can finish early so we can come back and have a nice romantic evening together after you go through profiles of several potential agents I think you’ll like.”
It was a good thing Mike wasn’t sipping his water at the moment, otherwise he would have choked. Instead, he grunted and sent a level stare at his knight, “Villetta...we’ve been through this. I’m not collecting a harem! Who do you take me for, Issei?!”
“And I always say that you need a collection of agents to help you in your goals,” Villetta argued back. “If they’re a bevy of beautiful women who all adore you like I do, then all the better.”
“Again with the magi association bit,” Mike groaned. What would he need his own secret group for? Just because other Campione had one like Luo Hao and Black Prince Alec it didn’t mean that he needed one for himself. What would he use it for? It wasn’t like he had some grand ambition or something.
Mike shook his head, “Whatever, I’m not arguing about this again. Let’s head to that church and see what we find before moving on with our days.”
“Very well,” Viletta nodded, but Mike knew that the conversation was far from over despite how heatedly he’d deny Villetta’s suggestions. He knew she was trying to wear him down.
He wouldn’t cave. He wouldn’t become another Issei.
(LINE BREAK)
The duo of Campione and his knight travelled to the abandoned church for their mission. When they reached the front gate, the stopped when they saw a woman walking her dog beside it. She turned to look at the church, but then suddenly stiffened before she started hurrying along like she had remembered something important.
“Well, at least the wards which keep the mundane out are still active,” Villetta observed as the woman left. “Odd though. I would have expected them to take a little longer to take effect since the ones powering them are now gone. Perhaps they tied it to a leyline?”
“Your department more than min. I just fight gods,” Mike shrugged. “Still, we’ve got a job to do so let’s get going before we attract the wrong kind of attention.”
They stepped through the gates and walked up to the church. All the damage from the battles with Siegfried and the Fallen were still there. Likely it would remain until the wards keeping the mundane out fell and someone would finally notice that what looked like a small war had gone on in the property. Mike was just thankful that the church had been abandoned rather than in use. He didn’t need the Vatican breathing down his neck.
“Well, let’s do this,” Mike sighed, grabbing the wooden door and opening it with a loud creak. “Okay, I’ll go-!”
*SHING!*
“WOAH!” Mike cried, seeing a spear of light firing towards him. He pulled the door shut, allowing the spear to crash through it and get stuck. It remained for a moment before it fizzled out, allowing the duo to see inside the church.
“Get away! Get away or I’ll kill you! I swear I will!” a female voice shrieked from the inside.
Mike frowned and peered inside the hole to spot someone standing at the altar. She looked to be a teenager, albeit on the petite side. She had what remained of a short-skirted gothic lolita dress, but it was torn, stained, and portions of the skirt and one shoulder were missing, exposing some of her frilly white underwear. She had blonde hair in twin pigtails, but it was dirty and unkept. Her face could have been pretty with nearly cat-like eyes, but she had bags under her eyes and she had a snarl on her lips. Sprouting from her back were a pair of black wings, but they looked to be in bad shape, like they had lost a bunch of feathers in a hurry. In her hand was another spear of light as she glared almost crazily at the doors Mike and Villetta were behind.
“Lord Michael, I recognize her,” Villetta hissed in whisper. “She’s one of the Fallen Miss Gremory and Miss Himejima split off from us to deal with that night.”
“Huh. Thought Rias wasted them all,” Mike frowned. “Obviously not.”
“So what should we do?” asked Villetta.
Mike gnawed on his lip for a moment before he decided to try things out in the peaceful way first, “We’re not here to hurt you! We’re just investigating why you were here! Just calm down! We just want answers!”
“Bullshit!” the Fallen shrieked back, hurling another spear which stuck in the door, forcing Mike and Villetta to back off again. “I wasn’t born yesterday! I know you’re here under orders from Kokabiel to kill us loose ends!”
“Kokabiel?” Mike frowned. He looked to Villetta. “He’s one of the higher ups in the Grigori, right?”
“The only one higher is Azazel,” Villetta nodded. “Perhaps these Fallen were working under his orders?”
“Maybe,” Mike frowned, not liking the implications to the distressed Fallen’s words. Steeling himself, he peeked through another hole. “Listen, we’re not Fallen or with the Grigori! I’m the Eighth Campione! I’m not here to kill anyone, but if you throw another spear I will take steps to neutralize you!”
There was silence for a moment and Mike watched the teenage Fallen glare at him lke she was analyzing something. Mike waited with baited breath for a few moments as the Fallen began glancing back to a door where the priest’s quarters would be. After another minute of that, she lowered her spear.
“If you’re a Campione, that means you’ve got access to all kinds of resources, right? Healing magic and crap like that?” she asked.
“I know some people who can hook me up,” Mike called back. “You going to let us in?”
More silence before the Fallen replied, “Fine! You get me what I want and I’ll tell you anything you want!”
Mike and Viletta nodded to one another before they opened the doors to the church, stepping inside. They got a better look at the Fallen and saw that she was panting, leaning against a broken cross and obviously exhausted.
“Okay, what is it you need?” Mike asked.
“Not for me,” the girl replied. “Follow me.”
The blonde Fallen stumbled down some steps before reaching the priest’s quarters and stepping inside. Mike and Viletta followed, ending up in a small room/office which had large empty bookcases against the walls and a simple bed. On the bed though was an image of heaven and hell blended.
Laying on the bed was a naked woman, obviously gifted in all areas feminine and had long silky black hair and what was once a pretty face. However, her body was covered in blackened burns which marred her physical beauty and her heavy breathing made it obvious that the burns still hurt despite having gotten them a week ago.
“Oh my god,” Mike grimaced at the sight while Villetta gasped.
“Nnn,” the woman groaned. Opening her one good eye, she looked to the teen Fallen. “Mittelt...what did...you…?”
“I...I got us help Kalawarner!” the girl, Mittelt insisted, dashing to her fellow Fallen’s side. “Now you can get better! He’s not with the Grigori so we’re safe for now!”
“Mitt…” the woman groaned, but went slack as she passed out, obviously weak like her friend.
Mike was snapped from his shock at the sight and quickly turned to his knight, “Villetta, I don’t care who you have to call or what favors you have to burn up. Get an expert on healing Devil-inflicted wounds back to our place! Tell them the Eighth demands it if you have to! I want help for this woman now!”
“Yes Mi’lord!” Villetta nodded, quickly pulling out her cell phone and beginning to dial up contacts who might be able to help.
(LINE BREAK)
Mike’s Apartment
It was amazing what the word of a Campione could bring.
Villetta had made contact with the History Compilation Committee, a group which was formed to manage supernatural events in Japan and ensure the mundane people didn’t find out about them. When Villetta said that the Eighth demanded on expert on healing Devil wounds for a Fallen, they scrambled three of the best they had, all of which who ironically lived in or near the Kuoh region. They converged on the church and they quickly got to work, first cleansing Kalawarner’s wounds of residual Devil energy before setting to work on healing the burns.
It was a lengthy process, but once the female Fallen was safe to move, Mike had the group bring her back to his apartment where they set her up in a spare bedroom for the three priestesses to finish their work. After an hour, the leader of the trio reported as her co-workers began packing up.
“We have done as much as we can,” she reported. “The rest is up to the Fallen Angel. Her naturally strong regenerative powers should be able to heal the rest of the damage, but she will likely be weak for some time.”
“Okay,” Mike nodded, escorting the three to the door. “Thank you for your quick response and hard work. I’ll keep the HCC in mind when I need help while I’m in Japan.”
“Thank you for your efforts in keeping our lands safe during your stay,” the priestess bowed back before she and her comrades left.
“Whew,” Mike sighed. The three women tried to hide it, but he could tell that they were as nervous as hell with having a Campione so close to them while they were working. They couldn’t leave fast enough. It made for an awkward feeling in the air to say the least. Still, it served to help Kalawarner and Mittelt so he couldn’t complain. With one job done, he turned back for the living room where his knight and the younger Fallen were sitting.
Viletta was sitting in a chair while Mittelt was on the couch, wearing a fluffy white bathrobe and her hair down while she ate out of several containers of takeout at a pace only professional eaters could match without puking. She didn’t even stop when Mike took a seat across from her in one of his kitchen chairs, the back facing front. After she finished the container, he coughed politely to catch her attention.
“Feeling better?” he asked rhetorically.
“Hell yeah,” Mittelt sighed, leaning back as she chewed a wonton before gulping it down. “Man did I ever need that.”
“You looked like you needed it,” Mike nodded. He rested his arms on the back of his chair before resting his chin on them. “Okay, I came through with my end of things. Care to answer my questions now?”
“Don’t have much of a choice, now do I?” asked Mittelt, crossing her arms. “Ask away.”
Villetta cut in, asking first, “How did you manage to survive Gremory-san’s attack?”
“Pure luck,” Mittelt sighed. “Dohnaseek took the blast head on and got incinerated. Kalawarner got grazed and that was how she got fucked up. Me, I got blown back by the shockwave and got knocked out. When I woke up I found Kalawarner and after tearing a bunch of feathers out of our wings to make it seem like we were dead, I stashed her in the church after you guys left. I couldn’t leave her alone and leaving would have meant exposing myself to trouble. This is a Devil’s turf after all.”
“Makes sense,” Mike shrugged. One question answered, it was time to get to the meat and potatoes of the argument. “Since this is a Devil’s turf though, what the hell were you four doing here and doing crap like stealing Sacred Gears in the first place?”
“It wasn’t our idea! It was that bitch Raynare who ordered all that to happen!” Mittelt snapped back.
“Explain,” Mike insisted, sensing a story coming.
Mittelt huffed, “Raynare got us together saying Azazel-sama ordered us to go and keep an eye on that perverted kid. Said he had some kind of badass Sacred Gear that we’d need to keep an eye on in case it went berserk.”
“Considering Issei-san turned out to be holding the Boosted Gear, it was a valid concern,” Villetta nodded.
Mittelt blinked, obviously shocked, “Seriously?! Raynare said it was a Twice Critcal!”
“She was wrong, obviously not one who can be called an expert in Sacred Gears,” Mike shrugged. “Okay, so you four were called in to keep an eye on Issei in case he accidentally activated Boosted Gear and he went nuts because of it. How’d it change to orders to execute him and try to steal Sacred Gears from others?”
Mittelt sighed, but began to fume, “A while after the assignment started, Raynare came back with new orders we thought were from Azazel-sama. Said that the kid was too dangerous and we had to take him out by either killing him or taking the Sacred Gear. Raynare said the kid was useless so she tried killing him. You know the clusterfuck that turned into.”
“Yeah, he got turned into a Devil,” Mike nodded. “And the mess with Asia?”
“More orders said to secure powerful Sacred Gears for our side,” Mittelt shrugged. “Everyone knows Azazel-sama’s a nut for researching Sacred Gears and the orders were authenticated so we figured they were legit and got to work.” she dropped her chin into her hands with a huff. “Then you showed up and we got Siegfried to cover our asses but then everything got fucked up.”
“One way to describe it,” Mike nodded. “Okay, so why was it when we arrived you sounded like you were expecting Kokabiel or someone under him to be trying to kill you? Care to explain that?”
“Yeah, the fucker faked the orders we thought were from Azazel-sama,” Mittelt snarled. “The sick fuck wanted us to get Sacred Gears for him to use as weapons so the war between the Three Factions can start up over again! He ordered Raynare to kill the pervert since he had Boosted Gear and he didn’t want anyone to stop his precious Divine Dividing we had stashed away!”
“The Grigori have the user of the Divine Dividing?!” Villetta gasped. “The one Sacred Gear which can match the power of Boosted Gear?!”
Mittelt blinked, but then huffed, “Ah, fuck. I wasn’t supposed to say that.”
Mike frowned, “I assume this Sacred Gear divides strength instead of boosting it like Boosted Gear does?”
“Yes,” Villetta nodded, “And it has the soul of Albion, the White Dragon Emperor sealed inside. Much like Boosted Gear holds the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig. Dragons so powerful even the forces of Paradiso and Inferno knew better than to cross them. Both are noted to be fierce rivals and are driven to fight whenever they appear.”
“So that’s why Kokabiel ordered Issei killed instead of trying to take Boosted Gear away,” Mike frowned. “No way Ddraig would work on the same side as Albion.” Mike sighed. “Okay, so Kokabiel ordered you guys to destroy Boosted Gear and start swiping Sacred Gears for the Grigori. Is the reason why as obvious as I think?”
“Duh. Kokabial wants the war to start again,” Mittelt grunted. “He’s always trying to convince the other higher ups that it’s time we start fighting again. We’ve got the edge this time or so he says. I guess he got tired of trying to get Azazel-sama to go along with it.”
“And how do you know Kokabiel faked the orders?” asked Mike.
“I raided Raynare’s room looking for something to eat or to help Kalawarner,” Mittelt scowled. “Right there on her desk, plain as day, were messages from Kokabiel which said they had the fake orders sealed inside. Wrote them up like love letters so that fucking slut Raynare would fall all over herself to make sure she obeyed. Shoulda figured something was up when she started getting all giddy about getting the nun.”
“Like she was about to find the perfect gift for her lover or something?” Mike guessed, prompting Mittelt to nod. “Well shit. We’re in a fine mess this time.”
“Indeed,” Viletta agreed. “Kokabiel, one of the most powerful of the Fallen is possibly attempting to restart a conflict between the Three Factions. This was likely just trying to collect resources and deal with a possible opponent. His plan to actually start the conflict likely hasn’t begun yet.”
“Which means we have time to prepare for it, or a chance to even stop it,” Mike frowned, but then looked to Mittelt again. “Is there any way you can get me into contact with Azazel?”
“What!?” Mittelt cried.
“Lord Michael!” Villett gasped.
“Look, we don’t have much of a choice here,” Mike explained, sitting up. “Kokabiel is working behind the scenes to try and start war. Obviously Azazel isn’t okay with that or else Kokabiel wouldn’t have to falsify his orders to fool the other Fallen. If we don’t stop him soon then we may be looking at a war the world can’t survive!”
“R-right,” Mittelt gulped. “U-um...I think I might know a way. W-we generally use it to contact each other but we can only contact each other if we have the right words for it.”
“Do you know the way to contact Azazel then?” asked Mike.
“Maybe,” Mittelt answered. “Just rumor really since he doesn’t really answer his own calls. It’s usually Braquiel or Shemhazai that takes calls like that.”
“Well it’s going to have to be Azazel himself since we don’t know who else Kokabiel has on board,” Mike grimaced.
“Right. Just a sec,” Mitelt hopped to her feet and walked to an open part of the apartment. Lifting a finger, it began to shine with light which she began writing a complex magic circle which hung in the air. After the circle was complete, the centre of it began to shine before it rippled like water and formed a window-like imade into what looked like some kind of lab.
“Uh...Azazel-sama?” asked Mittelt.
“Just a sec! Just a sec! Don’t hang up!” A figure shouted before a crash was heard with some cussing. After the crashing died down, a man in a red jacket with a bit of his chest exposed stepped in front of the image. He had black hair with blonde bangs with a black goatee. Although he looked like he was in his twenties, Mike could feel the divine power coming off of him even through the circle. He panted like he had been running before grinning, “Okay, what’s up?”
“Uh…” Mittelt blinked, unsure if she was really talking to her leader. “Um...I’m with a Campione that wants to get into contact with you.”
“Seriously?” the man grinned, a gleam in his eye but then he got suspicious. “He doesn’t want to kill me for an Authority does he? I’m not taking flak for my Heretic God twin anymore.”
“No, no I don’t,” Mike interrupted and stepped out where Azazel could see him. “I’m here in Kuoh and some recent events have brought up information that you really need to know about.”
“Oh yeah?” Azazel raised an eyebrow, looking at Mike in scientific interest. “What info?”
“I can’t tell you like this,” Mike shook his head. “Is there anyplace we can meet up, preferably where we won’t be overheard by supernatural agents?”
“Oh, that kind of info,” Azazel frowned. “Okay, I know a spot. It’s a nice little ramen joint. Devil’s Ramen Joint. It’s near Kuoh Academy. Know the place?”
“Seen it a few times,” Mike nodded, recalling one of the restaurants he’d seen his fellow students flock to when they had a chance.
“Meet me there in one hour,” Azazel replied. “And let’ s keep the funny business to a minimum, shall we?”
“I will if you will,” Mike nodded.
“Good. See you then,” Azazel nodded before the image faded and the circle disappeared.
After a moment, Mike shrugged, “Well, that was easier than I thought.”
“I would have thought that considering his position Azazel would be more wary about being called to meetings with people not associated with the Grigori,” Villetta agreed.
Mittelt shrugged, “He’s a research nut. Sacred Gears are his obsession, but Campione are a close second. I guess he sees it as a chance to examine one without them trying to kill him thinking he’s a Heretic God or something.”
“Explains the Heretic God Twin part he mentioned,” Mike nodded. He then turned to leave the apartment. “Okay, I’ve got a meeting to go to. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck.”
“Your funeral.”
“You’re so encouraging,” Mike sarcastically tossed back over his shoulder to Mittelt, making her smirk.
(LINE BREAK)
Devil’s Ramen Joint
The ramen joint was a small point which catered mostly to the students of Kuoh Academy, although adults who were looking for a quick meal would stop by for something to eat. Considering the spicy flavor though, it was a good place with good atmosphere so it was reasonably popular. When Mike arrived, it was relatively full as usual.
“Okay, now where is he?” Mike sighed, trying to look for Azazel’s unique hair color. It shouldn’t have been too hard to spot him…
“Hey Eighth! Over here!” Mike looked to the front bar counter and sure enough, there was the leader of the Fallen Angels himself, slurping down a bowl of ramen while waving to the front door.
Blinking at the somewhat indignant sight, Mike made his way to the man and sat down next to him, “So, Azazel, right? Kind of an odd choice of venue for a meeting like this.”
“Ah, don’t let the name fool ya. This place is one hundred percent mundane,” Azazel finished his bowl. “Ah! Another one Rin-chan! And one for my friend too!”
“You got it!” the girl tending the counter beamed.
“If you say so,” Mike chuckled, unable to do anything but relax in the Fallen’s presence. “Sorry this meeting has to be about something serious though.”
“Eh, what can you do?” Azazel shrugged as the waitress brought to fresh bowls of ramen over for the two. “So lay it on me. What was so important that you actually asked one of my people to directly contact me?”
Mike poked at his ramen, trying to get his hands on the chopsticks right so he could eat, “Well,you know that squad you sent down here to keep an eye on Issei in case Boosted Gear activated and he couldn’t handle it?”
“Ah, boy did that turn into a mess,” Azazel grimaced. “Raynare was always eager to please but she sure screwed the pooch on this one. Glad the kid’s okay though. The Gremory are good people to serve, especially the little heiress. He’s probably happy with the fact she’s such a babe anyway.”
“Doesn’t stop him from trying for the harem ending,” Mike grunted, causing Azazel to chuckle almost knowingly, like he knew exactly what Issei was going for. If stories about Azazel in the Book of Enoch were right, he likely knew it all too well. “Anyway, the Whitengamont asked me to look into their base for clues to see why they went on their little killing spree for Sacred Gears. I found Mittelt and Kalawarner still alive and managed to get them some help.”
“Really? Well thanks for that,” Azazel grinned, slurping down more noodles. “I hate having to send my people on missions where they could end up dying but the world isn’t exactly fair, you know?”
“Yeah,” Mike nodded. “Anyway, according to Mittelt, Raynare suddenly received new orders from you to kill Issei and start harvesting Sacred Gears for the Grigori.”
“What? I wouldn’t order that,” Azazel frowned. “Things are tense enough and Heaven and the Underworld would think I was hoarding weapons for an offensive if they heard of this.”
“Yeah, but get this: the orders were falsified by Kokabiel and Raynare knew it,” Mike continued. “Kokabiel fed her some love poetry and she was ready to kill even an innocent nun if it meant giving him a Sacred Gear for his war efforts. Mittelt found Kokabiel’s letters in Raynare’s room revealing that much.”
Azazel frowned before taking more noodles. After he took a moment to savor it, he swallowed and sighed, “Well shit. He always was the one trying to push the offensive back on the other factions. Do you have the letters?”
“Still at the church they used as a base,” Mike replied. “Kalawarner needed medical attention and I didn’t know they were there until I asked Mittelt what the deal with the operation was.”
“I’ll drop by myself and see if I can’t find them,” Azazel frowned. “Dammit, and in the middle of some promising experiments too! How’s a guy supposed to perfect his hobbies when he’s got so much political backstabbing going on?”
“Thus is leadership,” Mike shrugged, finally getting some noodles of his own. “At least humans don’t try to stab me in the back since they’re afraid I’ll level a town or two with my Authorities.”
“Yeah, those were the days,” Azazel chuckled before finishing off his bowl in several gulps. “A shame how times change.”
“I wouldn’t know yet,” Mike shrugged. “Speaking of politics, do you want to keep this on the DL or should I get Rias to talk to the Devil leaders and warn them about a possible splinter group?”
“I’d appreciate it if you kept it quiet for now. If the need comes I’ll warn them myself,” Azazel answered. Standing up, he sighed, “Anyway, I’d better get moving before one of my rogue agents gets rid of the evidence. Take care of the tab for me will ya?”
“Huh?” Mike looked up, but Azazel was already heading out the door. The waitress then planted herself in front of Mike and presented the bill, making for an impressive number.
“Damn Fallen,” Mike growled, but reluctantly reached for his wallet. “He really is evil!”
(LINE BREAK)
After dealing with Azazel’s tab and swearing to get back at the Fallen for it at some point, Mike decided that the responsible thing to do was report in to Rias about his new houseguests. While he would keep the bit about Kokabiel’s conspiracy secret for the time being, he felt it would be a good idea to let Rias know he had two Fallen Angels crashing at his place for the time being. Although Rias did have a level head, he could easily picture her going on the warpath if she found out that two of the Fallen who threatened Asia and Issei were still alive.
The school day was over, Mike having skipped on account of his request from the Wizengamont and the chaos that kicked up after that. Waiting for the meeting with Azazel and then paying his tab just ate up the last hour before school ended. By the time he arrived at Kuoh Academy, most of the students were gone save for the ones with long-running clubs, the student council, and some teachers.
Sticking his hands in his pockets, Mike travelled to the old school building. The miasma around it was as strong as ever, telling Mike that the ORC as probably there and in a meeting. Hoping he didn’t catch them at a bad time, Mike traversed inside and up the stairs before reaching the ORC HQ. Grabbing the door, he announced himself, “Hey Rias, hope you’ve got time for a chess...match?”
Opening the door, Mike realized that his friends in the ORC were in fact in the middle of a meeting. In fact, they even had guests. Standing at attention at one side of the room was a beautiful woman with long gray hair done up in twin pigtails which reached her chest while the rest draped down her back. She wore the uniform of a maid, but not the sexy kind, but a functional and proper outfit a maid would wear in a noble household. The miasma came off of her in waves to Mike’s senses, indicating that she was extremely powerful, Heretic God level or close to it.
The other person in the room was seated with Rias and to Mike, looked like he was attempting to feel her up under the disguise of just loving petting like fondling hair or touching a thigh. He was dressed in a burgundy suit which was undone enough to let some of his chest show. His face was narrow and handsome with golden blonde hair which reached his jaw, parting at his forehead with a bit of a fringe. His eyes were just as narrow, but there was obviously a gleam of greed and arrogance in them.
Almost as if a side note, the remaining members of the ORC were standing at the other side of the room at attention. Although of the group Issei looked like he wanted to bring out his Boosted Gear and slug the arrogant blonde across the face for laying his hands on Rias. The pervert was probably jealous the guy was laying his hands on the redhead before he could.
“O...kay,” Mike blinked at the scene. “I seem to be interrupting something important...”
“Not at all Lord Summers,” Rias smiled, brushing the man’s hands off of her body before she stood up to greet him. It was more formal than their other interactions, making him think that the new guests were the kind of company who demanded such formalities. “It just a meeting concerning business within the Gremory Clan.”
“Rias,” the maid spoke up, frowning ever so slightly.
“Of course,” Rias nodded. She approached Mike before gesturing to the maid, “Please allow me to introduce Grayfia Lucifurge, a maid in service to the Gremory Household and Queen to my brother Sirzechs’ Peerage.”
“A pleasure to meet you mi’lady,” Mike bowed politely.
“You as well young man,” Grayfia nodded back.
“And this man is Riser Phenix, third son of the Phenix clan and one who seeks my hand in marriage for the sake of the 72 Pillars,” Rias continued, gesturing to the man on the couch who hadn’t even stood up for the sake of politeness.
“Seeking you hand?” Riser smirked. “As far as I know, I already have that. All that is left to do is hold the wedding and go on the honeymoon.”
“Bastard…” Issei growled under his breath.
Rias grit her teeth slightly, but she kept her composure as she turned to her guests, “Grayfia, Riser, I would like to introduce you both to Lord Michael Summers, slayer of the Heretic Gods Solomon and Siegfried, the Eighth Campione.”
Grayfia stiffened slightly while Riser just scoffed, “So humans are calling themselves by noble titles now? They never cease to amuse me with how they try to make themselves seem important.”
“Riser Phenix, you will hold your tongue,” Grayfia spoke up, her voice stern. “This man did with his bare hands what it takes our greatest warriors to do with all of their skills and powers: Slay gods. He has earned his title of lordship and no Angel or Devil will contest it.”
“Bah, surely it was luck,” Riser scoffed.
“While I don’t dismiss luck as a part of battle, having the skill to capitalize on it is just as important,” Mike spoke up, glaring at Riser. “And I will not sit here and have my achievements belittled by some silver spoon-fed boy who likely hasn’t fought a battle in his life.”
Riser’s smirk faded and he scowled back at Mike, “You-!”
“Riser! Enough!” Rias snapped. “I have managed to secure an alliance between my clan and the Eighth Campione. I will not have your ignorance and disrespectful attitude ruin that!”
“Indeed,” Grayfia nodded, looking to Riser again. “If you jeopardize such an important alliance now, I will take matters into my own hands and chastise you before reporting your actions back to both families.”
Riser grimaced, but took the maid’s words seriously as he sat back and crossed his arms, impatiently waiting for Rias to be back in arm’s reach again. Among the chaos, the other members of the ORC seemed to be amused at seeing Riser being chastised, but Asia and Issei probably didn’t see how much of a goof-up the man was committing politically. Getting on the bad side of a Campione was considered suicide in nearly every form in supernatural circles. Mike huffed, glaring at the no doubt spoiled Devil for a few moments before he took a breath to calm himself.
“I seem to be interrupting something important,” Mike sighed. “Would you prefer I excuse myself and we can have our chess match later?”
“Actually, I would ask you stay,” Rias requested. “Perhaps having more outside parties will help keep our heads cooler for this meeting.”
“As you wish,” Mike nodded, “Provided no one else protests?” he looked to Grayfia and Riser and they made to attempt to say otherwise, although Riser did roll his eyes in agitation. Seeing he had the green light, Mike took a seat on a chair across from where Grayfia was standing while Rias sat next to Riser again
“While my dear Rias can bring all the friends she wishes, I hardly see what one human can offer that he gets such preferential treatment,” Riser commented as Akeno served Mike a cup of tea. “I admit you must be powerful to slay gods, but that ability is a dime a dozen with us in the 72 Pillars.”
“Yes, I do wonder,” Mike rolled his eyes before taking a sip of tea. “Perhaps it is my inhuman durability or healing factor which allows me to continue fighting past what most humans and even some Devils can do. Perhaps my innate ability to have fortune favor me in my exploits, allowing me the edge in so many confrontations. Maybe it is my massive magical reserves which allow me to cast virtually any spell, even ones beyond only the best human mages and some even they cannot cast. Or maybe it is my ability to use the powers of the Heretic Gods and with each one I defeat, I only grow more powerful.”
Riser frowned again, but Grayfia nodded, “Yes, several times Campione became involved during the Great War and served to deal grievous damage to all sides with their multitude of powers. Only when a Maou or Archangel were present was the damage mitigated, but in some cases the Campione was still able to escape or end the battles with terrible wounds to our leaders. The few times a Campione sided with us Devils were proven to be great boons and all three factions were quick to try and curry their favor should they be neutral.”
“Surely your pride in our pure-blooded history should have afforded you this knowledge during your studies,” Rias commented.
Riser frowned again, but he kept his reserve. Instead, he looked to Mike with what almost could be called a polite look, “Well, if my adorable Rias considers you an ally then I guess you and I shall see much more of each once she and I wed.”
“Perhaps,” Mike allowed, taking another sip. “Forgive me if I am mistaken, but it does not appear that Rias gets along with you very well.”
“You’re not. We don’t,” Rias frowned, smacking Riser’s hand away from her bare thigh.
“Now Rias, you know that this marriage is for the good of the Pure Blood families,” Riser smirked. “With all the new Devils being reincarnated from other races, it’s threatening to tip the balance of power away from the Pillars. We have a duty to ensure the next generation of Pure Blooded Devils arrives, keeping our numbers up.” His eyes narrowed. “Surely you do not intend for your family to face ruin by not doing your part?”
Rias all but scowled, “I will not risk my Clan’s extinction by refusing to marry and produce another heir.”
“So then you will-?” Riser began to grin.
“No. I will marry who I wish to marry and no one else! And if I was not clear enough, that man will not be you Riser!” Rias exclaimed.
“I’m beginning to see the picture,” Mike nodded, setting down his cup. “The Gremory and the Phenix have brokered an arranged marriage between their children, likely to ensure both their bloodlines remain strong. The problem however is that while Riser seems eager for this union, Rias has proven to be anything but and likely has been trying to get out of it. Am I wrong?”
“You are correct Lord Summers,” Grayfia spoke up. “Fortunately, Lord Sirzechs proposed a solution should Rias continue to try and undermine the marriage brokered by her family.”
“Of course he did,” Rias huffed. “What has he planned?”
“A Rating Game,” Grayfia replied. “A match between you and Riser to determine if the marriage will continue or be dissolved.”
“I see,” Riser grinned. “Well, I have no complaints since I have experience with such things,” he grinned at Rias. “I must ask though Rias, are these servants here with you the extent of your Peerage?”
“And if they are?” Rias frowned.
“Then you are sorely at a disadvantage,” Riser smirked before snapping his fingers.
At the far end of the room, an orange magic circle wrote itself into the floor before erupting in a blast of flame. Materializing in the middle of it all were fiteen girls, all of them beautiful in various ways. Some were loli, like the gym bloomer-clad twins while others were utter voluptuous like one with long purple hair and revealing regal clothes.
“As you can see,” Riser smirked. “Unlike you I have a full set of servants to use and they all have experience in the Rating Games.”
“Oh dammit!” Issei gaped, admiring the bevy of beauties which Riser had for a Peerage. “You mean this douchebag actually managed to collect a harem before I did?” The pervert suddenly broke in loud sobs. “This is so unfair!”
“Rias, why is your Pawn looking at me and crying at the same time?” Riser asked with a raised eyebrow.
“It’s his dream to collect a harem of gorgeous women like you have and it upsets him that you managed to beat him to it,” Mike sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose.
“Ew. What a barbarian,” a girl in a pink dress with her blonde hair done into ringlets grimaced.
“Shut up you traitor!” Issei sobbed at Mike. “You’re the one with an Authority that can build a harem and won’t use it so I don’t want to hear any crap from you!”
“Will you just let that go already?!” Mike snapped back at Issei.
“Oh? Is that so?” Riser grinned. “Yubelluna?”
“Yes Riser-sama,” the purple-haired woman in the regal and cleavage-barring sorceress clothes replied, stepping forward. She approached Riser before he tilted her chin and kissed her deeply, obviously using a lot of tongue in the process. If it weren’t enough, he even groped her breasts, slipping the cloth away to reveal her bare breasts.
“You-you bastard!” Issei sobbed.
Rias all but growled and Mike had to admit that he was right there next to her. As far as he was concerned, it was a pretty blatant show of disrespect for Riser to kiss and make out with another woman right in front of his fiancee. Going so far as to even fondle her in a big show just made it even worse. Obviously Mike was right to think Riser being some spoiled brat, but said brat obviously didn’t consider Rias more than just another woman to play with.
“Take a good long look you low-born Pawn,” Riser smirked after breaking the kiss. “This is what a High Class Devil like me is granted while one like you can only dream about having such a thing!”
Mike frowned and glanced to Grayfia, “Ma’am, please tell me, is it considered proper in Devil culture to do such a thing in front of one’s fiancee? Because what I see is a gross amount of disrespect from young Riser to his fiancee for all his talk about wanting to see this marriage come through. Does he really see Rias as nothing more than breasts that talk?”
“Exactly!” Rias grit her teeth.
“As the King of his Peerage, Riser is legally allowed to do whatever he wishes with his Peerage,” Grayfia stiffly answered. Despite her words, her posture showed she was not liking the little show being put on either. “But it is considered bad form to do such things during a meeting such as this.”
Riser snickered softly and released his flushed and aroused servant, letting her return to the group. Seeing order was restored, although Issei was holding up Boosted Gear and looking for a fight, Grayfia continued, “Riser has decided to allow Rias ten days to prepare for the Rating Game. Provided Rias agrees to it.”
“Of course I do!” Rias snapped.
“Then we have an accord,” Grayfia nodded, stepping next to Riser and his Peerage. “In ten days we will have the match. Prepare yourself Rias.” With another flash of light, the group of Devils disappeared, leaving the ORC and their guest behind.
“That...that...that...YAKITORI!” Issei growled, clenching his fists in manly rage.
“What a douchebag,” Mike growled. “Rias, is this his family’s desperate attempt to make something respectable out of him? Considering his attitude, he has to be responsible for some kind of scandal for the Phenix Clan.”
“There have been rumors, but nothing concrete,” Rias frowned before signing tiredly. “But I’m under the same impression that his parents are sick of his playboy ways and this is their attempt to make him grow up.”
“And the fact he made out with another woman right in front of you shows how seriously he’s taking this arrangement,” Mike huffed. “He’ll probably start cheating on you the moment the honeymoon’s over.”
“No doubt,” Rias agreed. “I’ve tried pointing out his faults, but our families are more concerned about pureblood grandchildren than anything else and have refused to listen to me. At least my brother is willing to give me this opportunity to get out of it.” Shaking her head, she turned to her Peerage, “Okay everyone! We have ten days to get into shape! We’re going to begin training tomorrow so you’d better get ready!”
“Right!”
“I’ll take my leave then,” Mike sighed, standing up. His news about Mittelt and Kalawarner would have to wait for another time. “I’ll see you guys in ten days then and hopefully with Rias free of that douchebag.”
“Yeah! You bet your ass she will be!” Issei declared, something besides perversion burning in his eyes for a change.
“Looking forward to the big news then,” Mike grinned, heading for the door.
Still, he was surprised at how his day was turning out. How much drama can happen in one day?
(LINE BREAK)
Mike’s apartment
“And that’s what’s going on with Rias,” Mike explained, sipping on more tea as he sat with Villetta at the living room table.
“My, how surprising,” Viletta blinked. “Arranged marriages are nothing new, but to have this sprung onto us so soon after the Fallen Angel incident. It feels like something out of a drama.”
“No kidding,” Mike nodded. “Speaking of, where’s Mittelt? She tending to Kalawarner?”
“No, she’s sleeping off all the food she ate and then worried herself deeply wondering what you and Azazel spoke about and how it might affect her,” Mike’s knight explained. “After that, I suggested she get some sleep and she’s been out like a light since.”
“Convenient,” Mike nodded. “Now all that’s left is something dramatic to happen to me and we can call it a day.”
“Lord Michael, that only happens in television shows,” Villetta chuckled.
“Knowing my luck, that’s more than enough incentive for something to happen,” Mike shrugged.
The pair made quiet conversation for a few more minutes before a sharp knock came to the door. It confused both Mike and Villetta since neither of them were expecting any visitors. Mike stood up and managed to get to the door first. Opening, he blinked at the person on the other side.
The person turned out to be a woman, obviously of European descent. she had fair skin and her eyes were a shade of pink while her hair was indigo of all colours. Her hair trailed down her back while her bangs hung on either side of her face and trailed down to her chest. Just behind her ears her hair was done into braids which wrapped around the back of her head and were tied at the back. She wore a royal red uniform which made her look like she was part of some military unit with gold ties running down the centre. On her feet she wore polished white boots which matched the white cape which hung over her shoulders. Needless to say she was beautiful, not needing much makeup beyond the purple lipstick she wore. She seemed to be around the same age as Villetta, which meant she was older than him.
“Um…” Mike blinked, admittedly stunned by her looks for a moment. “Can I...help you?”
“Lord Michael Summers, the Eighth Campione?” she asked, her voice stern but pretty, almost sounding like a military princess.
“Yes?” Mike nodded.
The woman nodded and bowed her head respectfully, “My name is Cornelia li Britannia. I am here to offer myself into your service.”
To Be Continued...
A/N: Well, now we see another face from Code Geass. Despite not wanting to end up as some harem protagonist, Mike seems to keep ending up in situations which bring about the perfect opportunities to build one. His Authority, the girls around him, and now they just come out of the woodwork to ask to serve him. Please remember that the CG characters are going to be AU since this isn't the CG universe as made painfully obvious by now.
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