94)Yokai & Holy Warriors II

“So, how were the meetings?” Asia asked as soon as Issei appeared from the Azathoth crest, giggling a bit as he groaned while plopping face first onto his bed.

“Tiring. The boss wanted to go over all of the rules that we need to follow while he is away and it’s…a lot. Did you know we have a ‘No accepting requests from clients over the age of 50 unless they have been a client for more than a year’ rule?”

“Well, Lady Rias has said that he is a very cautious & organized person and from what I’ve seen, she kind of underestimated just how much he prepares for something.” She said with a shaky smile as she remembered the battle plans that Isaiah had drawn up for their battle against Kokabiel.

There were…a lot of plans and if it wasn’t for Lady Rias & Lady Sona from stopping him, she was sure he would have just worried himself to death with all the plans he made.

“Cautious doesn’t even begin to describe him. I can’t tell you how many contingency plans he has for everyone in town in case we get hit by a mind-control spell.”

“Wait, really?” Asia asked, surprised as Issei chuckled and nodded.

“Yeah, you haven’t been long enough, but he already has a few for you too. He’s just…very paranoid, but he’s been like that since we were kids so nothing has changed much.”

“So, you two have known each other since young?” Asia asked as she laid down on Issei’s chest, smiling & snuggling as he wrapped an arm around her while humming in agreement.

“Yeah, I found one of his pamphlets on the road and decided to just summon him one day for fun. Didn’t think the pamphlet would work since I was a bit skeptical, but hey, at least it did and I got to meet you down the line.”

“That is true. So, why did you guys need to have a meeting this late?”

“Oh, right. Yeah, he’s going to meet some bigwigs in Kyoto since he was the one who got us that alliance with them and wanted us to look over Kuoh while he was gone.”

“Uh, Issei, when is that going to be?” Asia said with a nervous tone, smiling sheepishly as Issei looked down to give her a confused look.

“Next week Friday. Why do you ask?”

“Well, did you forget about the school trip to Kyoto next week Friday?”

“…Well, shit.”

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“So, we have a slight problem, huh?” Isaiah spoke with a sheepish grin as he sat at the head of a meeting table, Rias & Sona giggling & nodding in agreement respectively while their respective Queens stood behind them.

“Yep, your meeting is on the same day as the Kyoto Trip for the Second Years and our planned meeting to Lord Jesus with the Church.” Rias began with a hum, Isaiah amused at everyone wincing while all he felt was a slight ache in the back of his head that he easily ignored.

“That means that Kuoh would be left defenseless for the next few days, which wouldn’t be a bad thing if it were not for the fact that it is currently the centrepoint of our alliance with the other pantheons as well as our home.” Isaiah spoke with a frown, to which Sona hummed before her fellow Kings looked at her as she pulled out a map.

“How about this? Myself, Rias & our Queens will head over to the Vatican for that meeting. Isaiah, you along with Bardou and my older sister will meet up with the second years on the second day of their trip, which is also the same day that they are free and your meeting will take place. That will leave Samson, Meredith, Valerie, Kuroka, Koneko, Gasper, Tsubasa and the allied army stationed here as the defence.”

“I’ll also add in a few security & scanner runes for Meredith so that she can keep track of who comes & goes while we are out.” Isaiah added, to which Sona gave a thankful nod before they turned to Rias as she spoke with a frown.

“What if there is an attack? Teleporting inside the Vatican would be hard for us and I don’t believe the Youkai would very much like for you to teleport inside their boundary fields.”

“What of Seekvaira? She could look over Kuoh while we’re gone.” Isaiah proposed before frowning as Sona grimaced.

“Not likely. Her territory in Russia is constantly under attack by the rogue Domovoi and the malevolent spirits from China since the Jade Emperor doesn’t like to take care of his subjects.”

“Sairaorg, then?”

“Too busy trying to both rebuilt House Bael and its reputation. It’s been going well, but if he goes away for even a moment, the political vultures would tear down everything that he has managed to scrape back together.” Rias spoke, making Isaiah sigh before groaning as he nodded.

“I’ll figure out something for us, but unfortunately, this is our best move. Unless…”

“You have an idea?” Rias asked as Isaiah looked to be in thought, rolling her eyes as her knight simply reached into his phone and typed in a number.

“Hey, remember that favour you owe me for the swords?”

“Whatever you ask, hell no.”

“I’ll stop making them for you then.” Isaiah spoke with a smirk as the girls simply looked at each other for an answer.

“Hah, fine. What do you need?”

“For you or someone else that’s nearly as strong to look after Kuoh while we all are away.”

“…Sixty swords more on my next order.”

“I’ll do it at a 30% discount.”

“Deal!” Azazel agreed instantly, making Isaiah grin as he nodded before turning off his phone.

“Great news! I found a replacement.”

“Who?” Sona asked before sighing as Isaiah answered.

“Azazel. He’s got nothing to do but work on Sacred Gears so I thought he would be a perfect fit. That and he’s been asking me if he could check out Gram to see how it’s so strong so I thought that would be a good addition.”

“You realize that the sword will not let him touch it, right?” Kuroka spoke with a raised eyebrow, smirking as Isaiah turned to give her a knowing smirk.

“I do.”

“Now, you’re thinking like a devil, Isa.”

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“Okay, so everyone understands the plan, right?” Isaia asked as he looked at the gathered peerages, smiling as they all nodded in agreement.

“Good, then let’s get this show on the road. Second Years, your train is leaving in three hours, so enjoy your first day out on Kyoto.”

“Knowing how much work we’re going to be forced to do tomorrow, I will, boss.” Issei spoke with a grin as he stood up, the other Second Years from Sona’s & Rias’ peerage looking nervous as Saji chuckled & nodded.

“Try not to overwork dear Asia.” Rias spoke with a smirk as Isaiah turned to them, to which he chuckled & nodded.

“I’ll try. Now, you four be careful on your emissary mission, please. I’d rather our new ally not give me a reason to destroy everything they love & care for.” Isaiah spoke with a smile as he hugged Tsubaki & Akeno tightly, to which the Queen duo rolled their eyes as while Rias smiled & Sona raised an eyebrow.

“We shall try our best.”

“Good luck~” Rias spoke with a smile as Akeno & Tsubaki walked back to stand at their sides, Isaiah nodding before the Gremory crest appeared under them and whisked them away with a scarlet flash.

“Hah, right then. That just leaves you two.” Isaiah spoke as he turned to his own peerage, who all rolled their eyes while Bardou snorted as he walked over and stood next to his owner/ master.

“We remember, boss. Meredith has control of the security runes and I have to check out anyone suspicious while Val is just a few paces back to make sure that I’m not alone.”

“Good. Hah, you ready buddy?”

“The alternative is having to stress 24/ 7 here, so yep, definitely.” Bardou spoke with a nod, to which Isaiah rolled his eyes as the Azathoth crest appeared under them before teleporting them to their destination.

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“Isa!” I barely heard Serafall’s voice before smirking as a pair of legs wrapped around my waist and my head was enveloped in a soft yet firm marshmallow heaven, my hands barely catching Serafall’s thighs just as she leapt onto me.

“Hello, Sera. Didn’t we talk about you jumping onto me?” I asked as I looked up from where I was hidden in her tits to see her giving me a cheeky grin, a bit surprised to see that she was in her formal wear and not the bubblegum pink outfit that she usually wears.

“I see you have not changed at all, Azathoth-sama.” A familiar voice spoke from behind Serafall and I grinned as I turned us to see Asami giving me an amused smirk, still dressed in her shrine outfit with her ears perked.

However, I smirked and gestured at the new two tails that had joined her previous one, to which she simply giggled & shrugged.

“Yasaka-sama decided to up everyone’s training after the last incident, so everyone has gotten a fair bit stronger than before.”

“Ah, that’s good. How is she?” I asked and chuckled as Asami let out a soft sigh.

“A handful as always, though Kunou-sama is quite the help now that she’s learned the power she has over her mother.”

“Well, isn’t that lovely? So, I assume you and your friends are here to escort us to the meeting hall?” I asked while glancing at the Tengu & Kitsune under their illusion spells, to which they all waved sheepishly while Asami giggled and shook her head.

“No, like before, we need to prepare the meeting hall and Yasaka-sama has extra guests to attend to for the rest of the day so she’ll be unavailable.”

‘That’s definitely code for ‘We trust you but not your companions so we need to make sure they’re not a threat to our leader before we let them meet them.’

“Right, then is that dango place from before open?” I asked, grinning as she nodded.

“Very well. If the day is not over and she wishes to meet us, you will find us there. Come on, Bardy.” I called out to Bardou while spinning Serafall around my body for a piggyback, making her squeal in excitement while Bardou rolled his eyes as he walked after me.

“You spell nice.” Serafall whispered as she snuggled into my neck, making me smirk before a chuckle escaped my lips as Bardou gagged.

“Thanks. Akeno bought it as an anniversary gift.”

“She has good taste. So, that was definitely a lie back there, right?” She asked, humming as I nodded while smiling & nodding at the Youkai I passed.

“Yep, they did the same thing to me when I first arrived. It’s mostly just them checking you out & scanning you to make sure you don’t have any malicious intentions towards Yasaka or her daughter.”

“Wait, she has a child?” Serafall whispered and I blinked before a sheepish grin appeared on my face as I saw some of the guards face-palming while others just shook their heads in disappointment.

“…You didn’t hear that from me.”

“You weren’t supposed to say that, were you?” My silence made her giggle as Bardou snickered, a groan escaping my lips as she hummed.

“Don’t worry. That secret is safe with me, but only for a price.”

“I know I’m going to regret asking further, but what do you want?”

“A date. Me & you. Tonight.”

“While we’re supposed to be doing work? For shame, Lady Leviathan.” I spoke with a mock gasp, to which she simply grumbled while Bardou walked faster to get away from us.

Oh, we’ll get a woman soon enough, buddy.

“Also, sure, I’ve been meaning to take you on one.” I answered Serafall’s question, chuckling at her excited squeal before flinching as I felt a pair of boobs being pressed into me.

“You know, I never did get that kiss you owe me.”

“Wait, what kiss is this?”

“You know~” She whined and I turned to look at her pouting before shaking my head as her eyes widened as I leaned & gave her a quick peck on the lips, my eyes widening a bit as I felt her tongue licking my lips just as I pulled back.

“If you want more, that’ll have to wait until later tonight.”

“…Oh, I’m definitely getting more.”

‘Why do I feel like I’m in danger? Bardy, can you come back?’

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“Ah, nothing like the poisonous aura from the Vatican to wake you up.” Rias spoke with a blissful sigh as she appeared from the Gremory crest, to which Sona just shook her head while Akeno giggled & Tsubaki smiled in amusement.

“Ara Ara~ Buchou, what would your mother think if she heard you speaking like that?”

“Pride because her little girl can deliver sarcastic & snide comments with a smile on her face.”

“Well, if I knew the aura around here was poisonous, I should have made it pleasant for you, Heiress Gremory.” Yeshua’s voice came from behind them, making Rias jump before she blushed as she saw the amused smile on his face as well as the twin glares from Xenovia & Irina.

“O-Oh, I meant nothing by it, Lord Jesus.”

“Call me Christ. Saying my name or any variation of it is painful to you.” Christ spoke as he saw the four of them flinch the moment Rias spoke his name, to which Sona gave a thankful nod.

“Of course, Lord Christ. Ms. Xenovia, Ms. Irina, good to see you two in excellent health.”

“It’s good to see you two, Sona!” Irina greeted with a happy smile, Xenovia giving a nod in greeting before nodding at the Queens as well.

“Concubine.”

“Fianceé, actually.” Akeno corrected with a smug smile, Christ having a pleased smile while Xenovia’s eyes widened and Irina let out an excited squeal.

“Then you must be the concubine.” The bluenette spoke as she turned to Tsubaki, who smiled and shrugged.

“I am the mistress. Kuroka is the concubine.”

“Infidelity? I should have expected it from Azathoth for he is the embodiment of the devil.”

“Xenovia, what have we said about using stereotypes?” Christ spoke with a soft smile, chuckling as Xenovia gave an apologetic nod.

“To not use them. My apologies, Himejima, Shinra.”

“It’s okay and please, call me Akeno.”

“And me, Tsubaki.”

“Now that we’re acquainted, can I ask why we were selected and not our leaders? This is a bit too big of a task for two simple High-Class heiresses and their Queens.” Rias spoke to Christ, who chuckled as he nodded.

“It is indeed, but unfortunately, the meeting was urgent and your leaders are too busy helping Michael & the other gods fortify both Heaven & the Underworld after the attack from a few weeks ago.”

“The one where they stole the Tree of Life?” Sona asked, frowning as Christ sighed & nodded.

“An unfortunate loss for Heaven, but not a permanent one as the Tree will decay within minutes without the unique atmosphere of the Third Heaven. However, while the tree decaying is a good thing, the fruit it bore is not as the enemy now has those.”

“How many did they take, Lord Christ?” Akeno asked as they all walked up the stairs towards the largest cathedral in the city.

“Thankfully, at the time, the Tree only had four fruits, but by just consuming half of it, any being whether they be mortal or divine can be resurrected from the dead.”

“Hah, so we have potentially eight Evil Dragons that joined Qlippoth?” Sona asked, shaking her head as Christ smiled & nodded.

“Indeed. Now then, be prepared for the meeting.”

“Some people still upset that you joined forces with Devils & Fallen Angels?” Tsubaki asked, turning as Irina gave a sheepish giggle while Xenovia nodded.

“That would be an understatement, if anything. There are those that understand and wish to follow Lord Christ’s wishes, but there are the more fanatic ones that would rather we die than join you all in alliance.”

“The same could be said with the older generations of our species. They don’t have the best…perspective of the Church & Heaven in general.” Rias spoke with a sheepish smile, Christ chuckling as he nodded before stopping as they neared the doors of the cathedral.

“Hello, Matthew, Matteo. How have you two been?” Christ asked while smiling at the two guards standing in front of the doors, to which the two men bowed their heads before the one on the left spoke.

“We have been well, my Lord. While there have been a few attacks, none have made it past the borders. Xenovia, Irina, I see you two are as tightly attached to the Lord’s hips as usual.”

“We are his bodyguards, Mr. Matthew. We kind of need to.” Irina spoke with a giggle, to which Matthew chuckled while Matteo was quiet as he looked at the devils.

“Usually, you would be dead by the time you made it here, so I’m guessing you four are the devils for the meeting, correct?” Matteo asked, humming as Rias gave an amused smile while Sona nodded.

“We are. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir Matteo.” Sona greeted with a bow of her head, to which Matteo looked at her before a chuckle escaped his lips as he nodded.

“To you as well, young devil. It appears you two are not as arrogant as the usual devils I slay.”

“You will find that we can be quite friendly, Mr. Matteo.” Rias spoke with a giggle, to which Matteo hummed before looking at Christ as his chuckles lit up the atmosphere.

“Here, I was worried that you two would be wary of having devils here, but it appears my worries were not needed.”

“We, unlike the others of our faction, trust your judgement my Lord, despite how much we think that it’s a bad idea.”

“And I thank you for it. Now then, let us go meet the others before they come looking for us.” Christ spoke as Matthew & Matteo nodded, opening the doors for the group before nodding at them as they passed through.

“It was nice meeting you sirs.” Rias greeted as she followed the group, to which the duo nodded in unison while watching them walk away.

“The Cardinals are going to eat them alive, aren’t they?”

“Oh, without a doubt. Wanna get some food to watch the show?”

“A new pizza place opened just a block from here.”

“Now, you’re speaking my language.”