P.S this story starts a few years before the start of our favorite DXD verse!
AND I DON'T OWN ANY DXD MATERIAL, ALL CREDIT TO THE ORIGINAL WRITERS!
Student Council Room
It had been late afternoon. Everyone had left the schools, including the students who were members of a club. Rias and her peerage are the only students who used to stay back this late in the afternoon at school. However, with Rias and her peerage in the underworld due to the pillar meeting it was just literally Sona in the school. Now waiting for her queen to come back to give her final report before heading off to complete her contracts.
'Finally, the budgeting for the clubs is done' Sona sighed. With the rest of the assignments, budgeting and training of her new servant; even a workaholic like Sona was feeling overworked. Her sore wrist could attest to that!
"Kaicho" Tsubaki entered the room with a light knock to give her final report for the day.
"Yes Tsubaki, how are things looking today" Sona asked.
"Momo and Ruruko are currently helping Saji-san with his Devil duties. While Tomoe and Reya are off to complete their contracts" Tsubaki dutifully reported her findings to her King.
"Good. With hard work Saji-san soon will be able integrate in our culture" Sona said aloud.
"Do you want me to report you the findings of the Pillar meeting which happened earlier today?" Tsubaki asked her King.
With a nod from her King, Tsubaki recalled the events that transpired in the pillar meeting. To say Sona was shocked by Lord Gremory's unacceptable attitude towards his returning grandson was an understatement.
"Thankfully with Lord Marid suggestion the Maos are working towards offering some kind of concoction to the Gods of Olympus. It is said the Houses of Sitri and Bael will be involved with it in some way" Tsubaki reported much to Sona's surprise.
"Hmm I don't think that it will work. Surely the Gods of Olympus wont just let the matter go in return for their abducted heroes and some alcohol" Sona asked her queen for her own thoughts on the matter.
"Lord Marid seemed to believe this trade will work. Maos and the Elders themselves also saw some merit in the idea. Perhaps Lord Marid has learned something on his time away that can help us secure peace with the Gods of Olympus" Tsubaki suggested.
"Hmm, maybe onee-sama knows something about it" Sona thought aloud. If there was a God of irony in this world, he was definitely in action. Considering what followed after.
"SO-TAN" was the only thing the Devils in the room heard before the door was blasted open with a comically angry looking Satan Levithan standing on the other side.
"Onee-sama" Sona shrieked in shock of her older sister in her school this late and angry at her no less. It was not even a secret how much Leviathan Satan loved her baby sister so to look at her mad was shocking to say the least.
"Where is your new servant So-tan, I will have his head today. No one deserves to hurt you" Serafall demanded comically.
"Saji?!? How did you know about Saji? I reincarnated him just a few days ago" Sona asked her sister now confused. She had indeed thought about introducing her newest pawn to her sister at the weekend, but to see her angry was over her new servant was…. Weird even by the said Leviathan standards.
"You should be thanking Mar-kun that he was able to tell me how your newest pawn had hurt you. Now tell me where he is So-tan, I will have his head" Serafall demanded.
'Damn you Marid' Sona thought angrily as she took a deep breath to calm her sister down.
"Onee-sama, I only reincarnated Saji a few days ago. I swear I was going to have him meet you this weekend. However, as far the behavior is considered of my newest pawn, he has been respectful and has never disrespected me" Sona tried to calm her sister.
"I will be the judge of that" Serafall said as she crossed her arms underneath her impressive bust.
No one said anything for a next few moments before the Leviathan Satan broke the silence "oh how can I remain mad at my So-tan" Serafall shrieked, her mood taking a full 360 as she lunged herself at her sister.
"ONEE-SAMA, Tsubaki help!" Sona screamed. Tsubaki could only giggle at the Satans antics before heading into the fray to help out her overly embarrassed and blushing King.
Lucifer manor, Lilith
With the end of the pillar meeting, all the adults, including a young Millicas were sitting in the special family room of the Lucifer Manor. It had been a long day for everyone, so they all appreciated a nice cup of tea to unwind from the stress of the day before turning in for the night. Rias and her peerage had departed for Kuoh after the dinner, it was a weekday for them after all.
"I wonder what Serafall would be doing right now, with how her brain works, she will probably have Sona-san new pawn killed" Sirzech laughed. Ajuka and Marid could only agree.
"You say if you have any moral high ground over her Sirzech. As I remember from our previous conversation, should the restraints of the Mao allowed, you would have already had killed the Phoenix's third son" Grayfia teased back earning a rather disapproving groan from her husband.
"What is the deal with the third son of the Phoenix family?" Marid asked curiously.
"Ahh, soon after you left Marid, Father drew up a marriage contract between Rias and Riser" Sirzech sighed expecting another round of teasing, this time from his own son. After not hearing the expected teasing from his eldest son, Sirzech turned to look at him. TO his surprise, Marid was shell shocked, mouth open, eyes wide and body stiff.
After a few moments he spoke slowly, "Did Rias agree to this?"
"No Marid. To be honest, even I didn't find out about that until I received the paperwork for the contract. At that time, I had already been too late to do anything. Thankfully due to my position as a Satan, I was able to include a release clause in the contract. Should Rias be able to achieve it or should Phoenix family backs of the contract completely" Sirzech explained much to Marids surprise.
"But how weren't you told about this beforehand. You are her brother after all" Marid asked dumbfounded. Still having a hard time getting his head around the situation.
"You may have forgotten Marid during your history lessons on the civil war from when you were younger; one of the reasons why the Great Satan Faction actually supported us in the civil war was that they wanted complete autonomy from the Satans. So, when me and the rest of the Satans took charge of hell, we had to agree to the deal we had agreed prior to starting the civil war. All the pillars are entitled to their own decisions regarding their houses as long as they stay true and loyal to us Satans" Sirzech explained much to Marids growing shock.
"Is my marriage contract still in place" Marid asked slowly after a few moments.
His parents were completely caught off guard by his question, "Why would there be a marriage contract under your name?" Grayfia asked in confusion.
"This is because I had overheard about Rias's marriage contract just when it was being finalized, I believe. It happened just before Mine and Rias match" Marid explained.
"Why didn't you tell us about it?" Sirzech asked angrily. Now under the impression all the unpleasantries between his baby sister and the rest of the family could have been avoided.
"Because at the time I didn't really understand the political implications for it. Also, I thought if worst comes to worst, should a marriage contract for Rias is drawn, then you could just save her hide like you always do. That's not even considering, Lord Phoenix and my dear grandpa was hellbent on having either me or Rias tied to the Gremory family. At that moment I thought better her than me" Marid explained innocently.
"Still, you should have told us about it Marid?" Grayfia asked, also visibly annoyed. She never truly liked the third son of the Phoenix family, and to see him marry Rias, who she had come to view as a little sister was infuriating for her.
"Who was your magical contract drawn up against?" Ajuka asked, having been silent for most of the conversation.
"Take a guess uncle."
"Ravel" all three adults said aloud.
"Bingo! Ravel was supposed to be my supposed bride. But fortunately for me they went with Rias instead of me" Marid replied.
"But how did the Grandpa and Lord Phoenix come to a conclusion regarding that brother" Millicas asked innocently. He was trying his best to understand the political junkyard the Devil world was. But due to Millicas age, most of the stuff went straight over his head.
"I imagine they chose Rias because Lord Gremory was her father, so no one would question his authority for choosing such a partner for Rias. While our parents can't help out Rias due to political implications, it would have been a completely different ball game if either one of us had been chosen as the one for marriage. Our parents would have never agreed to such a marriage. Even with potential political benefits they could have picked up if the marriage had gone through. They would rather we marry someone we love rather than marry someone just for the sake of money and power" Marid explained to his little brother who suddenly felt relieved over the fact he won't have to marry anyone anytime soon. His reaction earned him a smile from all the remaining adults in the room.
Millicas reaction took everyone's attention away from the fact how much the Great Satan Faction was hard balling to get the House of Gremory and by its extension to bring Sirzech Lucifer under their control. Rias marriage to Riser Phoenix was nothing but a political maneuver to get the House of Gremory under the control of Great Satan Faction.
'SO that is why Father deemed Rias worthy to use the Gremory crown during her battle against Marid. Had Marid won the battle, it would have been Ravel who would have married him. However, knowing Marid, that maneuver would have turned on its head had Phoenix clan decided to have Ravel marry Marid' Sirzech mused to himself.
"I will see what I can do with this Marid. If what you say is true, I might be able to buy Ria-tan some more time. Also, don't worry about your marriage contract as well, I will make sure such a contract is nulled" Sirzech Lucifer, adding one more task to his to-do list.
There was a tense silent in the room which was broken by Ajuka Beelzebub, "Marid do you have any idea about what concoction you will be creating for the Olympian Gods" Ajuka asked off handedly.
"Why would you think, I can even make wine uncle Ajuka" Marid asked curiously.
"I may not be an alchemist, but I do know alchemy and wine making go hand in hand Marid. And I also know you have earned quite the reputation for forming luxurious contracts with various groups of the world" Ajuka smiled back at his godson. Showing that he knew more about his travels than Marid told them about it.
"You were tracking me through my Evil pieces" Marid said as an observation rather than a question. A returning smile from his Ajuka all but confirmed his observation.
Without wasting another moment, Marid created a magic circle to enter his personalized separate dimension. Marid then swiftly moved his fingers in a pattern which no one else recognized. Soon popped out a large wooden barrel which Marid placed to the side. After carefully inspecting it, he let out a satisfied smile.
"Well this one smells good" Marid said before presenting a glass of wine to his father and Ajuka. If someone did notice Grayfia not getting a glass, they didn't comment on it.
"Hmm it is really good. The flavor of fruit punch mixed with the darker flavor of the red wine. How long has this been aged?" Sirzech asked surprised.
"Exactly three hundred and fifty years" Marid announced proudly, much to everyone shock.
"How did you age them that long brother, you aren't even that old yet" Millicas asked innocently. His innocent question earned him a hearty laugh from Marid, much to his embarrassment.
"Magic" Marid laughed, refusing to give away his secrets. His brother could only pout in return.
"What do you think?" Marid asked cautiously after returning the barrel to his personal storage after noting his mother's disapproving look.
"It has potential, I am sure you will be able to improve on this once we are able to get resources from Bael and Sitri families" Sirzech nodded.
"Wait so you guys are giving me a contract to make wines for entire Pantheon?" Marid asked, shocked. He did want to start a wine business as a hobby, but he hadn't expected a contract right off the bat.
"You already have a very decent product. So it is natural if the product is approved by other Maos and the Elders then we can provide you with a official contract. Considering the fact that you are the only Devil we know that could brew a satisfactory wine, I would say the contract is pretty much yours" Sirzech smiled at his son. Proud of what his son was making of his life. It had been a dream of his to see the next generation of Devils live in a world without war and seeing what the new generation was becoming, he couldn't be more proud to be called a leader of such people.
'Oh yea I forgot wine making in the underworld is actually dog shit, that is why most if the nobles buy alcohol from Earth' Marid suddenly remembered when he tried underworlds wine for the first time. It was truly awful, which is why most Nobles bought their stuff from Earth while the general populace consumed the local underworld alcohol products.
"Hypothetically speaking, what will I get if I agreed to supply an entire pantheon with the concoction? All of this more of a job and less of a contract" Marid asked curiously.
"If you did pull through on this Marid, then you will earn yourself a very lucrative contract since you would be doing the Devil nation a huge service" Sirzech replied.
"Nah, if I decide to work on the wine on behalf of the Devil nation, I want something more" Marid said seriously. In doing so he also earned the undivided attention of all the adults in the room.
"What do you have in mind?" Ajuka asked curiously, wanting to know where this conversation will lead to.
"If I do this, I want a lucrative deal and all the research work you guys have on the Devil sleeping disease" Marid demanded much to their surprise.
"What will you do with the research work on the sleeping disease Marid. You know it incurable right?" Grayfia asked her son in confusion.
"Let me be the judge of that Ma. Apart from my own vow to Aunty Misla…. My own queen suffers from the same fate" Marid sighed. His reply caused both Sirzech and Grayfia to feel sad on their sons behalf. The sleeping disease was indeed incurable, after all the Devil nation had spent a lot of resources to find a cure for the disease.
"I am sorry son" Sirzech spoke softly while Grayfia squeezed Marid comfortingly.
"You will have all the research regarding the Devil sleeping disease by early next week" Ajuka said out of nowhere much to Marids shock.
"I have looked at the research work a few times and tried to come up with a cure a few times as well. I believe it will do good in the hands of the next generation rather than old coots like us" Ajuka shrugged before heading for the door. It was way past midnight after all.
"Thanks Uncle"
"Don't mention it Marid" Ajuka gave a rare smile before heading out the door.
"Jeez look at the time already. We should go to bed" Sirzech spoke after noticing the time.
"Dad can we please stay up a little longer pleaaseeee" Millicas whined cutely.
"You are way past your bedtime Millicas, even by weekends standards." Grayfia spoke seriously once she realized the time as well. Her professional character coming out in full force.
"She is right little brother, it has been a long day for everyone. We can continue once you are done with your studies tomorrow" Marid suggested.
With that the entire family headed to their room to have some well earned rest. Well most of the family went to their rooms.
Later
It had been the early next morning, Both Sirzech and Marid had been awake for the better part of the hour; making small talk on the underworld politics and potential of the upcoming generation of Devils. Soon their attention was divided when the room to the dining room opened only for groggy Millicas to walk in.
"Somebody's awake" Marid teased Millicas, having been the last one to wake up.
"Where is Mother?" asked a groggy Millicas.
"Grayfia has gone to the Gremory manor to complete a few of her tasks. You should get something to eat son, it will be long day for you" Sirzech replied with a smile before returning to his breakfast.
"What are you going to do today brother?" Millicas asked curiously while tucking into his own breakfast provided by a maid on Satan Lucifers direction.
"Head to Kuoh, I still have a few very annoyed friends" Marid chuckled before returning to the paperwork he had been reviewing for the last few minutes.
"With the time difference of the underworld and Japan, it should be around 5:30 am. More than enough time for me to head over there and catch both Rias and Sona before their school start" Marid mused to himself.
"Can I come with you?" Millicas asked hopefully. Wanting to visit his aunt in her city.
"As I remember, you have ethics tutoring today before some magical training with your mother" Sirzech pointed out to a deflating Millicas.
"Yea, I won't be helping you out with that, both sessions with Mother, yea you are on your own with this one kid" Marid laughed along with his father. His comment only made Millicas pout.
"Speak of the Devil uh" Sirzech chuckled as the next second Grayfia Lucifage entered the dining room of the Lucifer Manor, dressed in her professional maid attire.
"Are you ready for your lessons Lord Millicas" Grayfia asked her son formally. All sense of their relation now gone.
"Yes Miss Grayfia"
"That's good, we can then start your tutoring once you have completed your breakfast" Grayfia announced before taking her place behind her King. However, the peaceful moment was somewhat interrupted by the appearance of a teleportation circle.
"Who are you?" one of the maids serving the Millicas with his breakfast asked threateningly. Sirzech and Grayfia also raised their eyebrows for a brief moment. After all the Lucifer Manor was heavily warded to prevent any unauthorized entry or exit. There was also the fact that no one was allowed to directly teleport inside the manor itself. That privilege was only held by the Satans themselves.
However, all the tension in the room was drained once they the security guards and the maids saw the Gremory magic circle appearing on the floor.
"Please let her come through, she is my [Bishop]" Marid vouched for the identity of the newcomer causing other guards of the Lucifer manor to relax.
"Everyone, I would like you to meet Yumi, she is my [Bishop]" from the magic circle, out came a beautiful blonde young girl. Hair reaching to her lower back. The devil in question wore a Toshio-style sleeveless kimono which not only shined her Japanese beauty but also perfectly covered her modestly sized C cup breast.
"It is a please to meet you all" The Devil now identified as Yumi gave her master's family a courteous bow.
"She is so pretty" Millicas blurted out without even realizing what he had said.
"The complement is appreciated Lord Millicas" Millicas blushed at being caught so early.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Yumi. My name is Sirzech Lucifer and this lovely lady behind me is my queen and wife Grayfia Lucifage. Beside Marid sits my youngest son Millicas, but I assume my son already spoke about us. I hope my son treats his [Bishop] and his other peerage members well" Sirzech welcomed the young [Bishop] to the dining table.
"Yes, he does Mao Lucifer. Lord Marid has talked about you all multiple times. It is truly an honor to meet his family. I hope I can serve you and the rest of the Gremory family well" Yumi replied formally before giving her masters family a deep bow. Her response earned her a smile from Sirzech Lucifer and an acknowledging nod from Grayfia Lucifage.
"Since introductions has been made, I assume you have a reason to be here Yumi?" Marid asked his [Bishop].
"Yes, my Lord, the potions you asked me to create have been made, just like you asked. I have separated out a barrel at your behest as well. The barrel and the potions are currently in your Lab" Yumi dutifully reported to her King.
"That's good. I will attend to the potions and barrel before heading out to Kuoh. I need to meet my Aunt and other friends over there. I will meet you once I am back from Kuoh. Then we can continue your training" Marid replied to her [Bishop] report with a smile.
"As you say my Lord" Yumi bowed to her Master.
"Before you head out Yumi. Please give my parents and brother your Magic circle, so if there is a need, they can get in contact with you" Marid replied while going over the paperwork he is working on beforehand. His [Bishop] dutifully followed her masters wishes by giving his family her communication and summoning circles.
"Anything else my Lord?" Yumi asked politely.
"Please take this paperwork to her since she is acting as my second in command until our queen recovers. After this you can have the day for yourself Yumi. Have fun" Marid smiled to her [Bishop] who smiled back before teleporting out of the room.
"Its nice to see you have been doing well for yourself Marid" Sirzech spoke proudly, truly proud and happy his son was progressing well as a Devil. Marid could only roll his eyes to his father's compliment.
"Who is she brother?" Millicas asked excitedly, wanting to know more about his brothers [Bishop].
"She is one of my [Bishop's] Millicas. She is also wielder of the sacred gear" Marid announced proudly.
"Wow" Millicas said in awe.
"Her energy felt similar to someone I met before I can't put it my finger where I have sensed it" Sirzech mused out aloud.
"I am sure a Satan like yourself would be able to figure out the mystery of the magical signature" Marid teased before saying goodbyes to his family and heading out to his long awaited trip back to Kuoh.
Kuoh
It was still early morning in the city of Kuoh. The sun was still coming up, the morning breeze, which Kuoh was unofficially famous for, cooling the surrounding temperature. The leaves were starting to fall from the trees, a sign that the city was embracing the fall into its climate.
While most people were still waking up, the ever-dutiful student council president was walking towards the Kuoh academy to start her day. She was still sleepy since she wasn't able to get to her bed till 3 am. All thanks to the little revenge prank played by Marid on her. After what she had done to him with Sairaorg and Seekvaira, she could hardly complain about being returned pranked. But still it was still very embarrassing for her to face her sisters over attached nature. Make no mistake, she loved her sister dearly but her sisters overly attached character was too much was for Sona since Serafall Leviathans actions towards her sister were borderline incest. While incest was not forbidden in the underworld per say, it was definitely frowned upon, and Sona wasn't sure if she ever wanted that kind of relationship with her Onee-sama.
"Long night Kaicho" Tsubaki Shinra, student councils vice president and Sona's queen met her on the front gates of the academy.
"I don't want to talk about it" Sona groaned as she jumped right back into her responsibilities as a student council president.
"Is Mao Levithan still in Kuoh Kaicho" Tsubaki changing the subject, knowing how easily her King became embarrassed by her sisters actions.
"Yes, Mao Lucifer and the other Satans summoned her back to the underworld earlier this morning. They will be trying to reopen the dialogue with the Olympian Gods. They are looking optimistic regarding Marid-kun's suggestion" Sona said off handedly, not realizing what she had said until it was already too late.
"Maird-kun not Marid?" Tsubaki teased Sona. Sona did her best to hide her growing blush but couldn't completely hide it from her queen who had become her closest friend.
The two then entered the student council office. Once settled in, Sona started making her infamous to do list before handing it out to her peerage members who were slowly trickling into the student council office.
"Saji, today you will be training with Momo for your magical training before heading out to complete contracts with Tsubaki. I want you learn all of this as fast as you can" Sona told her new pawn his task for the day.
"Yes Kaicho! I will be sure to succeed your expectation" Saji said enthusiastically. At his tone, Sona cringed and Tsubaki narrowed her eyes. Even though Sona ensured a formal atmosphere in her peerage, she still looked at all of her peerage members as friends. To her, Saji was a younger brother rather than a prospective future partner, something Saji dreamed of being to her.
"You all have your task for the day, please complete them before the day ends. Other than that, you all are free to go" Sona dismissed her peerage knowing the school was about to start.
"Hai Kaicho" the peerage said aloud before heading towards their classrooms. Leaving only Sona and her queen all alone in the student council office.
"You have been awfully quiet since we came here Tsubaki" Sona asked her queen.
"Lady Rias had asked me to tell you that Lord Marid would be visiting Kuoh soon" Tsubaki said suddenly much to Sonas surprise.
"Why didn't Rias personally told me?" Sona wondered. Usually if there was anything that needed to be said, the two childhood friends would talk it out rather than sending their queens to deliver a message. While Sona liked to keep a professional atmosphere around herself, her and Rias were very close friends, and such formality never came between them.
"Lord Marid had informed Lady Rias of Lady Serafall last night visit. I assume she wanted to give you some time to settle down" Tsubaki replied, trying her best not to tease Sona any further.
"I will beat Marid to pulp myself" Sona groaned angrily.
"I am sure Lord Marid didn't have any bad intentions with his joke. I assume he is coming back to apologize fo" Before Tsubaki completed her sentence, the door to the student council office opened.
Much to Sona's confusion came through another Tsubaki. While the Tsubaki behind her looked professional, the Tsubaki that had just entered the room looked out of breath as if she had been running for a long time.
"Sorry, Kaicho, I am late. My alarm didn't ring today, and then later I came across this floating fish near our school, which is the oddest thing ever" The clone Tsubaki apologized even before she entered the room. However, she felt baffled once she entered the room and witnessed the scene in front of her. "What is going on here? Who are you?" Tsubaki asked her doppelganger angrily.
It wasn't the Tsubaki clone that responded to her accusation, but it was Sona "MARID" Sona screamed angrily before punching the Tsubaki doppelganger behind her. The clone flew across the room and landed on one of the book cabinets that decorated the office. Soon the illusion spell that kept up the doppelganger's appearance shimmered out of existence, leaving a rather bruised Marid with a broken nose behind.
Tsubaki could only cringe at the sight of her doppelganger getting hit in the face like that.
"Hey Sona" the doppelganger now identified as Marid greeted a furious Sona nervously.
"How did you deceive me and the rest of my peerage with a clone?" Sona asked furiously. It was more of a demand to be honest.
Marid shrieked at her outburst, believing satisfying Sonas knowledge pool might the only way to leave the office alive, "I didn't use a close rather a combination of auditory and visual illusions" a scared Marid explained.
"Looks like I have to install special wards in my office once you are gone Marid" Sona glared furiously at her childhood friend.
"So we are all good righ…" Marid sentence was cut off by the appearance of a offensive magic circle bearing the crest of Sitri family.
"I can get to that once I am done with you" Sona said evilly.
Later
"Akeno, did you receive the report on the stray Devil from the archduke?" Rias asked her queen.
It had been a wonderful day. The school had just ended, it was still sunny outside, and the entire kendo club was running after the perverted trio.
"Yes, Buchou. I am currently tracking down the stray as we speak. We should be able to go for the hunt as soon as Koneko-chan returns from the store," Akeno responded dutifully to her queen. Rias nodded to her queen, somewhat distracted. Her conversation with Sona from a few days ago still running in her head.
"Buchou, are you feeling alright?" Kiba, Rias knight, asked worriedly.
Fortunately for Rias, she was saved from answering her knight's question due to an unexpected knock on the front door of her clubhouse.
'Koneko-chan usually enters the clubroom without knocking,' Rias wondered briefly before allowing Kiba to open the door for newcomers. To her shock, her nephew entered the room, heavily bruised, while covering his black eye with a large ice pack.
'Well he definitely pissed someone off' Rias chuckled mentally.
"What a surprising visit Marid. What are you doing here?" Rias asked curiously, not asking about the bruising right away.
"I came to visit my aunt. How are you doing Rias Oba-san?" Marid teased back. His teasing earned him a giggle from Akeno who was still looking into the stray Devil.
"You know for a second I actually felt bad for you with all those injuries" Rias groaned. She always hated being called Oba-san. With Marid it was worse, cause she was only a few days younger than Marid. Even then, Marid insisted on calling her an aunt and an old lady since she was his dad's sister.
"Hey that's not nice" Marid said as he winced due to one of his bruises colliding with the sofa chairs in the room.
"Who did you piss off this time, Marid?" Rias asked amused in the condition her nephew was in.
"I hypnotized Sona's queen Tsubaki with a wonder fish then took her spot. Sona had no clue that it was me and not Tsubaki. The whole prank lasted until Tsubaki came back into the student council room an hour later" Marid recalled the whole incident much to the amusement of the ORC members.
"This explains why Sona Kaicho decided to beat you up. She isn't tricked that easily and you tricked her twice in as many days" Akeno responded with a chuckle.
"Perhaps"
"By the way what is a wonder fish?" Rias asked curiously. This had been the first time she had heard about such a thing.
"It is essentially a human fish toy enchanted to float about in the air. One of the enchantments of the fish is to hypnotize people. Wonder fish is usually used by human magicians to erase memories of people who accidentally become aware of the supernatural world" Marid explained distractedly as he was busy applying healing spells on himself.
"Human magicians can do that?" Rias asked shocked.
"Yea, but the wonder fish isn't strong enough to hypnotize people born with latent magical capability or people who can develop past the threshold. Like you wont be able to use the fish on a reincarnated Devil who has been a Devil for a few years" Marid explained with a smile.
"Wait how did the wonder fish work on Tsubaki. She was born with latent magical capability, and she has been a Devil for a long time?" Rias asked confused.
"You do know I am a Alchemist right?" Marid threw her a knowing smile before completing his selfheal spells.
By this time Koneko, had returned from the supermarket and was awaiting her Kings order.
"Ok now everyone we have an execution order for a stray Devil from the Father. We are to dispose of him before he kills more innocent humans. Akeno has traced the Devil to an abandoned mine on the outskirts of the city" Rias announced to her peerage.
"A stray Devil hunt might be something interesting. Can I come along?" Marid asked curiously.
"You want to come along for a stray Devil hunt? Don't you have to work on the connections for the Gods of Olympus?" Rias asked curiously.
"I have already had a decent product ready to go. I cant really improve the concoction before getting supplies from Bael and Sitri families" Marid replied dismissively.
"Alright then. Don't complain if you get hurt on this trip dear nephew" Rias teased.
"I promise I wont Rias Oba-san" Marid teased back.
"Buchou, the transportation circle is ready" Akeno announced.
"Alright then everyone, let's head out" Rias said while heading to the magic circle.
"HAI"
Abandon mine
"It stinks in here" Koneko said as soon as the smell of the fifth entered her nose.
"By the way Rias you still haven't introduced me to your peerage. That is some bad manners you know" Marid scolded her mockingly.
"Well you already know my queen Akeno, beside her is my knight Kiba. He is the wielder of the sacred gear sword birth. And lastly, I have Koneko-chan, my lovely rook" Rias proudly introduced her peerage to Marid.
"You have a unique peerage. I will give you that" Marid replied, impressed. His eyes went over Ria's peerage members, lingering a brief moment longer on Kiba. If someone noticed that they didn't comment on it.
"Well to officially introduce myself to you guys. Hello, my name is Marid Gremory. I am the eldest son of Rias brother, Sirzech Lucifer and Grayfia Lucifage. This makes Rias my aunt, so if you need clarification as to why I call Rias an old lady, there you go. I look forward to working with you all. Now, let's have a good hunt so we can all go and eat some good food. My treat, obviously" Marid invited all of them to dinner, which they all accepted.
"Inviting us on the first day we met. You sure are daring," Akeno replied teasingly.
"Ohhooo!! Who would have thought Rias would get herself a sadist queen. Preparing yourself for the future ahead Rias?" Marid gave Rias a pointed look, resulting in Rias getting a massive blush and Akeno chuckling.
"What makes you think I am a sadist? For all we know I might be a masochist or neither one of those" Akeno asked curiously. Interested to know Marids answer.
"Experience Akeno Experience. I have fought against and with women who are sadist. You have similar tendencies from what I have seen. They get really excited when near a battle like you. But unlike them you don't hide your scent, so anyone whose competent enough in sensing out Ki and all can actually smell of sex juices running down your thighs" Marid teased back earning a massive blush from Akeno.
"You deserve that one" Rias giggled at her queen's reactions before heading into abandoned mine.
"Alright let's head in then people" Marid said aloud before following Rias into the mine.
Soon after entering the mine, they all realized two things, one, they were not alone, and two, there was a big fight. What was more surprising was that Koneko had gone pure stiff and pale.
"Koneko-chan are you good?" Kiba asked after seeing his junior stiffen in shock.
"Kiba-san there is a fight going on the inside the mine" Koneko barely able to get the words out.
"Maybe the stray Devil caught the attention of a person from the supernatural world," Marid suggested.
"No, Lord Marid, I cannot sense the stray Devil in the mine. The fight is between Youkai's and they are releasing monstrous Ki's" Koneko corrected Marid with a shudder, scared out of her wits. She only had one weakness in this world, and now she was coming across that fear unwillingly.
"Youkai's, I thought you and Sona and your peerage were the only supernatural entities that lived in the city" Marid asked looking at Rias.
"We are the only supernatural beings that live in Kuoh but there are usually traveling Youkai that we sometime come across. But they aren't permanent residents of the city" Rias wondered why two Youkai were fighting in her territory all of a sudden, not to mention Youkai were fighting in a place where they were expecting to find the stray Devil.
'Something about this doesn't add up' Rias thought to herself seriously.
"A travelling Youkai or not, they should be informed to not to fight in someone's territory so recklessly. Let's get a move on people. We should probably identify their race before approaching them." Marid suggested it to the group. Hearing no complaints, he moved further into the mine while also keeping a close eye on Koneko.
A few minutes later, they came to more of an open patch within the mine—some sort of loading dock, to be exact. Everyone could see three Youkai with large tank-like bodies, black fur covering their body and tails. Huge claws and cat-like ears were one of the distinguished physical traits the Devils watching noted. The three Youkai were attacking someone who seemed to be from their own kind. However, one thing all the attacking Youkai had in common was that they had white hair with a single red strip and blood-red eyes. "Bloody hell they are the Kuroshishi" Marid said in horror. Helping others identify the fighting Youkai's race.
"Kuroshishi? I have never heard of such Youkai race before" Rias asked Marid curiously.
"It is really not that surprising. Kuroshishi, also known as the sons of the Black Lion. They are considered a rebel race since the Youkai themselves don't identify them as a Youkai even though they are a Youkai race. If you had to put them in a rank, they are considered a fighting class among the Youkai. They are just shy in battle prowess to the legendary fox tail Youkai" Marid explained urgently. They all knew the fox tailed Youkai, when fully matured were the strongest of their race and could potentially fight and win against high class Devils but for another Youkai race to be this strong, it was quite humbling for them since Devils looked at themselves as the best among all the other races except for pantheons of Gods for obvious reasons.
"Rias we need to take this battle as seriously as we can so go all out if words fail here. Also send away your rook" Marid commanded seriously.
"Why do I need to send my rook away?" Rias asked angrily.
"Because your rook is the one that is most affected by the dense Ki these lion Youkai are releasing. If this turns into battle then we won't have any chance to look after another, and if she freezes in midst of battle then the results could potential be fatal considering 3 out of four Youkai are killers" Marid gave Rias his reasoning to send Koneko away.
"How do you know that?" Kiba asked seriously. He looked on his fellow peerage members as a family, his second chance at life and he would be damned if he let something happen to them. So, learning more about their opponents could be the difference between life and death for himself and his comrades.
"Kuroshishi aren't normal Youkai as you have seen. I don't know much about them, except that they are marked once they kill someone. The red stripe on their hair and blood red eyes is the marker I am talking about. They at least have killed one innocent to get that mark. It is one of the many reasons they are mistreated by many" Marid replied seriously while observing the fight in front of him, turning into a 1v3 beatdown. They were going to kill the sole Youkai, who was black Youkai himself.
"That still doesn't explain the fact why I should Koneko away" Rias crossed her arms under her impressive bust.
"Look at her Rias, she is stiff as a board. From her reaction to the Ki being released in front of us, I am willing to bet she is a Nekoshou right?" Marid asked without turning towards the rest of the peerage. Keeping his eyes focused on the battle in front of them.
"How do you know that?" Koneko answered shocked. She kept her Nekoshou traits hidden at all times.
"Apart from the your hidden white ears, your reaction to Ki told me everything I need to know. Like Fox tailed Youkai, Nekoshou are highly attuned with Youjutsu and Senjutsu meaning their use of Ki is highly precise. When being like yourself sense Ki being released in such a manner, it tends to have that kind of reaction" Marid explained calmly.
"Without any disrespect Miss Koneko, but if you can't use your Nekoshou powers then you will be a burden on everyone which could produce fatal results for us. It would be best if you retreat with someone" Marid replied calmly, now looking towards Koneko with a solemn expression. He didn't want to do this, but he had to send her away for her own safety.
"No I can still help" Koneko reasoned back.
"If Koneko says she is ready to take on this battle, then I trust her" Rias said as she moved behind Koneko and laid a comforting hand on her.
"Rias you need to understan…" Marid started to reply but he rudely cut off by Rias, "She is part of my peerage Marid, not yours. I decide what is best for my team". Marid glared at her, trying to see if she can see reason.
"If something bad happens then you will be responsible Rias. Just remember that" Marid sighed, knowing he won't be able to convince Rias to follow her plans.
Before anyone could say anything, the lone black lion Youkai crashed into the walls of the mine. He was bleeding heavily, his right arm looked broken and useless, and his right eye was shut. All of this wasn't even considering the claw marks all over his torso and back. He was truly defeated.
"Lets go" Rias said as her group finally came into the picture.
"Hold it right there," Rias commanded with a stern voice.
"Ah, Devils here of all places! Do you have a death wish or something bitch" the biggest Youkai out of the group rudely replied. Looking at how the other Kuroshishi reacted in his presence, he was the leader of their little pride.
"You all are trespassing in my territory, so I will ask again what are you three doing in my territory, and what has this Kuroshishi done to you?" Rias asked again.
"It doesn't matter whose territory this is. We will kill everyone to ensure we, Kuroshishi, are the best in the supernatural world. We will defeat and kill everyone who doesn't stand with us," the group leader declared loudly.
"Since you all are here, you would be the next victims for our cause," the leader said sinisterly, his red eyes filled with blood lust.
"I won't recommend it. If you attack us, you all will fall here and now," Marid threatened. Now knowing the words have failed.
"Like we will fall to Devil scum like you. Everyone attack!!!" The leader shouted to his pride before lunging himself towards the Devil, his pride just behind him.
"Fight to kill people. Anything else with these guys, and you might lose your life," Marid said seriously as he got into his battle stance. Kiba, beside him, made two demonic swords ready to fight and defend his fellow peerage members. Rias and Akeno created their magic circle, ready to unload the magic torrent onto their attackers. All the while, Koneko nervously readied her fingerless fighting gloves. It was her first time facing her worst fears since that godforsaken night, and right now, she felt unprepared for everything that was sure to follow. What if facing her worst fears turned to madness like her sister? Those questions will be answered as the battle unfolds!
Chapter Ends
Yup I am ending this chapter on a cliff hanger. I know I am a bastard.
I would like to give a huge shout out to physcopath556. He is the author of the legendary story 'Lion of Serafall'. I have taken huge inspiration from his story when writing the Kuroshishi and their pride. Please go and show him some love on his other stories. Who knows if you dm him enough, he just might return to rewrite or to continue with Lion of Serafall. Lol!
But without further delay lets have a little chapter breakdown!!
We start with a lovely prank on Sona. Marid showcases more of his hidden ability that caught Sona off guard. Do you think Sonas new wards would be able to stop Marids techniques….. Probobly not! Lol .
The battle between Rias group and the Kuroshishi will ensue in the next chapter. We will also get to know the identity of defeated Lion Youkai in the next chapter as well. SO stay tuned. To be honest I am excited to write this fight scene since I will be introducing a bunch of new techniques. Not only that Rias and Marid will let loose a little bit as well. After all they had never had to fight all out ever since.... Ever since their battle for the Gremory Heir/heiress all those years ago. This is especially true for Rias btw.
Until next time
Dragon God Zalama
Words:- 7880