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15.13% A Nascent Kaleidoscope. / Chapter 89: Chapter 85

Chapter 89: Chapter 85

The remnants of the attack were dealt with swiftly, the only reason they managed this level of destruction and chaos was due to the nature of their attack. I didn't really listen on the details, but apparently one of the 'elders' who was close to Yasaka was apparently a spy, or just fed up with her in general and aligned himself with the rabble.

The 'hero' faction were taken, and confined to wherever Yasaka keeps her dungeon. Only Siegfried died, several others are in critical condition. They are keeping them alive, mostly for questioning, but alive they are. Unfortunately, I couldn't 'remove' their sacred gears.....without killing them, that is. All of them except for Jeanne, they were more like 'concepts' that wrapped around their souls than actual items like the Boosted Gear. Less tangible, and I didn't know if they would die or not, and Yasaka seemed to want them alive for some very advanced interrogation. Perhaps I'll get the chance to do something with themlater. Jeanne though, I just couldn't touch her sacred gear due to the holy nature. But I helped seal them tight.....Georg's was surprisingly difficult to keep down. It seemed to want to escape whatever i did at any moment.

Well, one of the lot was up and about.

"And he won't do anything?" Yasaka questioned Artoria.

"He gave me his word he will not forgo his punishment nor will he bring you any harm." Artoria nodded.

Yasaka looked at me. "I trust her with my life." And her instinct was frighteningly accurate.

She seemed to accept that and just turned to the one prisoner who was not bound. "You plotted against me and many of my people are dead."

"Yes." Arthur spoke, not even speaking anything in his defense.

"The only reason you haven't been thoroughly forced to speak everything you know is your thin relations with Artoria." Yasaka added.

Artoria never spoke of her connection with him and by extension the Pendragon family, but the physical similarities between the two of them was rather hard to miss. Not to mention the glowing holy sword that denoted her the true king of England.

"Why?" Yasaka finally asked, seemingly exasperated.

"To protect my sister."

"Do you expect me to sympathize with you?" Yasaka scoffed.

"No, I merely gave an answer." Arthur shook his head.

Yasaka seemed annoyed with his answer but wanted more information regardless. "What happened to your sister?"

"My family would not relinquish her, and I was already doing everything I could to pressure them into not hurting my lover." Arthur explained. "She is a genius magician, perhaps only matched by her namesake. Since I left, they had doubled down on their control over here. I don't know how it happened, but Cao Cao made them back off and brought her out from under them."

Yasaka huffed, clenching her fists in anger, then letting out a long sigh. "You didn't actually harm any of my people, nor did you have a direct hand in my daughter's suffering…..I can more or less guess what your relationship is with this Cao Cao." She rubbed her temples. "Twenty years of servitude. No doubt with your abilities, living past a normal human's lifespan would be a simple matter."

"I will serve to the best of my abilities." Arthur dropped his head in a bow.

"A knight does make a vow like this lightly." Artoria said sternly.

"My word is my bond." He replied. "I would offer my sword, but I feel like I would get beaten up if I take it out."

"You have another weapon?" Artoria asked.

"Yes, I only used Caliburn under dire circumstances." He stated. "I usually stuck to using Excalibur Ruler."

"Excalibur…..ruler." Artoria repeated the words, almost like they were poison in her mouth. "Take it out."

Arthur just blinked, not seeing any negative looks from Yasaka and nodded, pulling out the sword from wherever he kept it.

Artoria snatched it, her expression unreadable, but I could tell her emotions were very turbulent. "This is not Excalibur." She sighed, placing her hands on either end and snapping the blade like it was made of wood. "Let it rest in peace." She said quietly, placing the pieces back into his hands.

Arthur just stared at the pieces his sword had once been. Even Yasaka looked genuinely surprised at what Artoria had just done.

"You said your family, the Pendragon family, is holding your lover hostage?" She spoke up again.

"Yes." Arthur said quietly. "I fell in love with one of the maids working at the family estate."

Dammit, I'm not really in the mood to make a joke with that.

"Perform your duties well and I shall go retrieve her at a later date." Artoria turned around and walked away. Apparently, she needed a moment to herself, not that I could blame her.

"Well…." I broke the small silence. "I guess that puts an end to this matter?"

Yasaka looked….unamused, pacing back and forth for a few more moments. I think she wanted to ask some things, but she refrained for now.

It also seems Yasaka still has much to say to this young man who is on the wrong end of her ire.

"Wilhelm, bring me to see my daughter before I start kicking him out of annoyance." Yasaka finally turned away from the blonde knight.

"With pleasure."

Gathering both Artoria and Yasaka, we entered Zelretch's living room. It was rather spacious all things considered, and there wasn't anything particularly private in the area, so I felt fine bringing a guest here.

"Mommy!" a shout across the building drew all our attentions.

"My little fox." Yasaka swept her daughter up in her arms.

Zelretch and Rin followed right after her.

"Thank you so much." Yasaka turned her eyes towards the two unfamiliar people.

"Think nothing of it." Zelretch gave a gentle smile. "I was more than happy to meet my great granddaughter." He said with a laugh.

Oh goddammit....whatever.

"Wilhelm spoke of you briefly, it's good to finally meet you." Yasaka gave a polite bow towards Zelretch.

Oh, here we go.

"It seems my grandson is still up to no good with the ladies." Zelretch chuckled. "Do I have yet another granddaughter now?"

"I'm trying." Yasaka replied. "He just continues to heartlessly reject my confessions." Yasaka dramatically feigned heartache.

"Daddy." Kunou slipped out of Yasaka's grasp and collided with with me, I couldn't help but wrap my arms around her.

"Did you have fun with gramps?"

"Uh huh, he showed me some toys he made, Ruby was really nice too."

Oh, that could only end well.

"Whose Ruby?" Yasaka asked, turning towards Rin.

"No, no." Rin denied. "I'm Rin Tohsaka."

"Another of Wilhelm's harem, is it?"

"What!? NO." Rin shouted shock. Before turning towards me. "Wait, you have a harem!?"

"You didn't know?" Yasaka tilt her head, eyeing me.

"You didn't tell her?" I pushed this question off to Artoria.

"I-I never found the time to bring it up." She turned slightly red.

Zelretch just cackled.

"Was Saber not enough for you, – you -- You manwhore!" Rin pointed at me.

"Rin, jealously isn't a good look on you."

"Who would be jealous of you!?"

"Kids." Zelretch stepped forward.

"Hmph." Rin crossed her arms, clearly overcome with jealously.

"What a fun bunch you are." Yasaka smiled. "I really can't you all enough, Kyoto is always open to you and I would love to host you at some point." She stopped for a moment, taking in her surroundings. "Why does it feel so strange here?"

"Never been to Kyoto." Rin mused, seemingly changing the subject with haste. "Actually, I never been to anywhere in Japan outside of Fuyuki."

"Hmm, isn't that in the Oita Prefecture?" She tilted her head.

"Yeah, I'm the second over there." Rin beamed.

"Second owner?" Yasaka asked in confusion.

"Erm.." Rin paused. "It's a mage thing." She waived her hand dismissively.

Yasaka didn't dwell on it thankfully.

"A trip would be lovely, I'll see if I can squeeze in the time for a future visit." Zelretch lied with practiced ease.

How much effort would it take for him to leave this world line like that?

"I apologize for the suddenness of my visit and now I'm leaving abruptly as well, but with the recent attack on my territory, I have a great many things I need to take care of." Yasaka spoke, clearly indicating that she needed to leave.

"My dear, is it completely understandable." Zelretch quickly eased her discomfort. "I'm sure we'll be seeing much more of each other. I do of course wish for my great granddaughter to visit as well."

He is really enjoying this. "Yeah, yeah, keep playing it up." I rolled my eyes. "I'll take you both back." Kunou was still grabbing me as I pat her head and Yasaka gave me a smile.

Yasaka said her goodbyes we I opened a portal for us right back where we left.

"You going to be okay?" I looked towards Yasaka briefly, before taking in the damage around the area.

"We should be fine now…..comparatively." She sighed. "I thought we cleaned up enough last time, and here we are again doing this all over again. Atleast I'm positive we weeded out all the traitors this time."

I thought for a moment before taking out several Talismans. "Kunou, sweetie." I knelt down next to her. "Would you do daddy a favor and keep this on you at all times?"

"What do they do?"

"They're good luck charms, I made them especially for you." I gave her a smile. Experimental, but they should trigger upon receiving an attack of sufficient damage.

"Okay!" She happily took them.

Yasaka looked me over and sighed again. "You really are a good man…" She gave a small smile, watching her daughter's happy expression. "Before and now... how am I supposed to pay you back if you keep rejecting me?" She gave a light laugh.

To say I don't have a soft spot for her would be a lie. "We barely know each other." I know I'm being hypocritical for saying that, but it just felt different this time. It makes it even weirder considering I have basically accepted Kunou as my daughter….

She just laughed. "Maybe I've been going about this wrong then?"

"I like the mischievous side of you." I admitted. "But I can rarely tell if you're being sincere or not and I don't want my heart played with."

She paused, her expression changing. "I see….is that how you've felt?" She muttered to herself seemingly lost in thought before sighing again. "Kunou, sweetie, say goodbye to Daddy."

"Come back soon." She wrapped me up tight again.

"Of course." I hugged her back.

"Please come back and visit soon…..Kunou has grown rather attached." Yasaka rubbed her daughter's head. "Though she isn't the only one wanting you to visit more."

"Perhaps…..we can spend some time together later." I offered.

"I would like that." Yasaka brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, giving a bright smile as I left through a portal.

***

I let out a long breath as I stepped back into Zelretch's workshop.

"Long day?" He asked, gesturing for me to have a seat.

"Has Artoria told you everything?" I sat right next to the mentioned woman.

"Some things." He replied. "But filling in the blanks would be helpful."

"Yeah, like why was there a Phantasmal beast, a 9 tailed fox dropped ontop of me." Rin deadpanned.

"You mean that literally or –"

"Quite literal." Zelretch chuckled.

"Damn, I'm good."

"I hate you." Rin drolled.

"Alright, alright, I got some goodies for you from my trip, I'll give them to you later."

"Hmph, you better." Rin huffed.

I looked at Artoria and I couldn't help but put my arm around her shoulder. She gave a small smile as she nudged herserf closer to me. "So, basically, that was Yasaka, she rules over half the Youkai in Japan. I'm on pretty friendly terms with her."

"Friendly terms?" Rin raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I can think of two BIG reasons for that."

Ah, well, her breasts are magnificent, I can't deny that. "Anyways!" I expertly changed the subject. "Long story short, saved her daughter, blah blah, that was the first time Artoria came over, met Izanami things happened. Next thing I know, they are attacked again and I kind of panicked and sent Kunou here because it was the safest place I knew."

"That's….actually really adorably." Rin sighed. "How come she was calling you 'daddy'?"

"I may have been adopted by her." I admitted.

"Well, I approve." Zelretch nodded. "She is a wonderful little girl, I look forward to spoiling her."

"I guess she handled Ruby well too…" Rin muttered something about how cute Kunou was and how she was called 'auntie'.

"But….thanks for the help and looking after her." I said sincerely. "Honestly…..I don't think I could handle anything happening to Kunou."

"You've known her for how long?" Rin looked surprised.

"I know." I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Don't know what happened, just got rather attached so quickly." Am I projecting my own father issues onto this situation?

Zelretch shrugged. "Why even question it? It doesn't' harm anything, and everyone involved is happier for it."

That….is a good way to look at it.

Fuck it, then.

She's my daughter, I'm adopting her.

"How you doing?" I turned towards Artoria.

"I am….still processing what happened." She looked down at her hands. "I know it is not the same as our world, but still, some things still weigh on my mind." She waved her hand bring out Caliburn.

"Is that what I think it is?" Rin's eyes widened.

"Indeed, atleast that world's version…..it is a very peculiar blade."

"Yeah, I think the god of the bible even had a hand in its creation." I added.

Zelretch rubbed his chin. "Curious, I wouldn't mind taking a look at it later."

"Speaking of…..I also have this, but it's refusing to obey me." I took out Gram and set it on the coffee table. Yasaka didn't even question my intent to take 'spoils' but the others didn't really grab my attention.

I prefer quality over quantity.

"Oh my, that is a nasty sword." Zelretch admired it. "Feels rather demonic."

"Mmm, Gram, so it's about what you would expect, just not a Noble Phantasm." I left the others with Yasaka, none of them really caught my fancy, and Gram is being very combative with me.

"It's weird seeing a legendary sword like this, and it not being a Noble Phantasm." Rin hesitantly touched the flat of the blade, a small whiff of demonic power pricked her finger as she gave a small yelp. "Stupid sword." She muttered. "

"So, how's your projects going?" I asked.

"Eh." Rin gave a so-so gesture. "Probably need a couple more weeks to finish up."

Damn, a few weeks…..I don't want to rush her, but…..ugh. I want to see Meridia again, but heading there before without them just feels like it would lead to more issues. I mean, time isn't flowing the same for her, so it's only on my end I'm feeling the time, I guess I can keep putting up with this for a bit longer.

"That's fine, I guess I can see to some other matters." I turned back to Zelretch. "Been feeling a bit restless, figured I would end my little 'vacation' here. And I still have that list you gave me, I was thinking of investigating one of the worlds you left notes on, something there caught my interest."

"Oh, which one?" He asked.

"Uh…honestly the name escapes me, but you made a note of it having a broken moon?"

***

Well, DxD arc is practically wrapped up, got one more interlude next then it's on to the next world, which should be obvious to some people now. And to assuage some worries, I don't plan on the Hero faction becoming some reoccurring villains after this. The next DxD arc is more plot stuff, and he will be meeting the gremory family in full, this was basically a mini vacation for him and just his toes touching the water. With this, it opens more plot points for other factions to take notice -- Heaven knowing he will have the True Longinus now, Azazel coming around wanting to poke the sacred gears, those kinds of things.

Before i forget, big shoutout to Virdan-TheCrazedGamer for helping set up the discord.

Edit: Almost forgot, I'm sorry for missing yesterday, was too tired to write when I got home, my current plan is to do an extra chapter this weekend.

If you want to support me or read 5 chapters ahead, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone


next chapter

Chapter 90: Interlude 4

Rias Gremory POV

"Mother." I greeted as I entered the house, she gave a warm smile, wrapping me up in a hug. It was nice to see her, going to the human world for school made it so I would sometimes go days without even visiting mom or dad.

"Father." I looked towards the man who sold me away.

"Rias." He replied curtly, not even looking the least upset that I'm still barely speaking to him.

Well, I've known about the arranged marriage since I was a child, but recently he's completely stonewalled me from even bringing up any alternatives.

I wasn't against marrying someone….but why did it have to be that idiot Riser? He only sees me for either my Gremory name or my body. He couldn't even make a half-assed effort to get to know me before drooling all over my boobs.

Even if I didn't want to be here…mostly because of Dad, it was the first time we've all gotten together in weeks….since Takao went missing and everyone started fighting.

I walked into the dining room, seeing the maids start setting out dishes and silverware everywhere.

"Hello, Rias."

I turned, recognizing the voice. "Brother." I smiled towards Sirzechs who strolled in with Grayfia right behind him.

"How are you doing, Rias?" Sirzechs smiled, opening his arms for a hug. He wasn't wearing his formal 'Satan' clothing, that was a good sign.

"Good…considering." I embraced him briefly. "Grayfia." I looked towards my sister in law.

"Hello Rias." Grayfia gave a neutral smile, clearly not in her 'maid' mode. She prioritizes being a Queen and Maid over being brother's wife. Still though, she never takes off her maid outfit.

I was happy to see them…..but it just felt so awkward.

It was like everyone was forces themselves to keep up appearances.

The table was prepared rather quickly, everyone filling in. "Where's Millicas?"

"Father wanted to spend some time with him." Mother responded politely.

Oh, he's with Grandfather.

"Rias, we have some news." Dad broke the new silence. "The Phenex family is pushing to move up the marriage date."

"WHAT!?" I stood up slamming my hands on the table. "I was told I could wait until I'm done with College!"

"Rias, behave." Mother lightly chided. "Listen to everything before you get upset."

I took a deep breath, settling back down. Mother was actually on my side, not wanting me to be forced into a marriage I didn't want.

"As I was saying, the Phenex family was pushing to move up the date, we were talking about it in a few weeks…..but after everything that's happened – " He glanced towards brother. "It's going to be a few months instead, possibly up to half a year."

"I was promised until after college."

"No, you were not." Father sternly replied. "You were told we would let you continue through your schooling as long as you kept up with all your responsibilities."

"I have! I'm gone to every gathering you wanted me to, every party and every stupid political dinner." I threw my hands up.

"You have." He nodded. "But that's not everything, is it? Tell me, how's your peerage doing? How's your training coming along? It's been – a year, I believe, since the last time you showed off your power. I'm excited to see how much you've grown." He said dryly.

I winced at what he was implying. "I train every day." I countered.

"Rias, doing the same pitiful exercises every day does not count as training." He shook his head. "Not to mention your peerage."

"What's wrong with my peerage!?"

"Rias, your peerage is a complete mess. It's a reflection of you as a devil, and in essence, a reflection of our family. To call them dysfunctional would be generous." He sighed. "And I hear you added another piece, a pawn? How did that turn out?"

"I…made a mistake." I shrunk in my seat. "He was supposed to have a Sacred Gear...But he still has a dragon bloodline!"

"A dragon bloodline is impressive." Father agreed. "So what are you doing to bring out his full potential?"

"….training?"

"The same training you subject yourself to every day?" He raised an eyebrow. He picked up a napkin, wiping his mouth. "Rias, I know you don't agree with this marriage, and I have given you ample time to prepare, to fight for yourself, yet you squandered it playing around in the human world."

"What?" I looked at him in shock.

"Rias, it's obvious you were planning on using a rating game to decide your fate." He rolled his eyes. "Do you think I'm stupid? I didn't interfere because If you could get out of this mess yourself, then I would have no qualms about your future partner. Unfortunately, you seem intent on just wasting all your time away and just whining that life isn't fair, even with all the tools available for you to succeed."

"What tools!? You stopped anyone from helping me!" I raised my voice.

"I stopped your brother from using his political power because it would set a VERY bad precedent. And we both know he would have helped you without a second thought." We both glanced at Sirzechs who just gave a small smile and nodded. "And tools? Rias, I'm tempted to walk over there and smack you upside the head." He deadpanned. "You have nearly unlimited resources available to you in the form of money and manpower. You could have hired tutors, bought weapons, hell you could have found peerage members by just broadcasting your name all over the world!" He stood up slamming his hands on the table this time. "BUT YOU'VE DONE NOTHING! So you don't get to whine about this marriage, you don't get to prance around and pretend like you're some caged bird. You made your bed, it's time to lay in it." He sat back down. "You've been given a set allowance for now on. And any requests will be going through me."

My eyes widened as I stared at my father, he didn't even lift his head up to look at me and I turned towards mother. "Mom…?"

"Rias, I love you dearly, but you need to understand that actions have consequences." She calmly stated. "You have been too complacent for far too long."

"But…I'm the heir, wouldn't it look bad if I become some kind of…trophy wife for Riser of all people?" I tried to lean on the family angle.

"Rias, you will always be taken care of, but you are far from the only one able to shoulder the family." Mother replied. "Millicas is just as talented as you when it comes to his Power of Destruction, who knows how strong he'll be in the future." She explained. "Not to mention my other grandson…." She shot a look at Sirzechs, making him frown.

I didn't know what to say…..it seems like everything was suddenly falling apart.

"That reminds me, how is Okita, Sirzechs?" Mother stared intently at brother.

He took a deep breath. "He is recovering." Sirzechs said evenly.

"What happened to Uncle Okita?" I couldn't help but ask. Recovering? We have a store of Phoenix tears for things like this, are they not enough?

"Okita got in a bit of a scuffle...with your nephew." Mother spoke.

I turned towards Sirzechs who just stared down at his place and Grayfia who looked like she no longer wanted to be here.

"The news is spreading quite fast, though most people don't know who was able to put Okita into the hospital, even after a few Phoenix Tears were used he's still bedridden." Mother continued. "I've only been able to get a few pictures so far, but they show a lot of magic being thrown around."

"Yes, it's hard to miss a Goddess delivering the body of one of our most popular devils onto our front door." Grayfia spoke for the first time this evening, and it was only to take a jab at brother.

I guess they're still fighting.

"What happened?" I asked quietly.

"The details are a bit vague, but Okita and your nephew fought over in Kyoto, under the supervision of one of the Youkai Leaders, apparently Izanami-no-Mikoto was there as well and is quite close to our wayward grandson. She did not take too kindly to Okita being aggressive as he was."

"Japan's death goddess attacked Okita?" I couldn't help but ask in shock.

"No." Mother shook her head. "She merely delivered his body to us. He was beaten in a duel by Wilhelm."

"Whose Wilhelm?" I asked.

"Ah, that is your nephew, apparently he has a new name." Mother explained. "Don't worry, this is the first time I am learning of this as well." She shot another glare at brother.

"WHAT!?" I shouted in surprise. "How did he beat Okita!? Okita is like…..one of the strongest in the underworld!?" I mean, he can't compared to brother and Surtr….but he's still one of the strongest knights even if he isn't at the top.

"That is quite the mystery, isn't it? How did my grandson beat someone with centuries of experience and power under his belt? Unfortunately, we'll never know because he does not wish to come back."

"Mother." Sirzechs sighed. "Are you really going to do this right now?"

"What, do you expect me to stop bringing it up? To ignore the fact that I have a grandson whom I will probably never meet?" Mother narrowed her eyes. "Is it that he wasn't strong enough for you? That he didn't have any power of destruction. That didn't seem to matter when he promptly handed Okita his ass." She huffed. "You told me when you were first sending him away that he would be looked after and lead a normal life, not that he would be shuttled away to a corner in Kuoh and forgotten about."

"Okita held back." Sirzechs spat out, ignoring everything else she said. "There was no way he would have lost if he was fighting at his best."

"Oh, then why did he say that Wilhelm held back substantially as well?" Mother countered, earning a glare from brother. "I did go meet him you now, just because I am annoyed at you and by extension, him, doesn't mean I don't care for his wellbeing." She didn't back down form brother's clearly annoyed expression. "According to Okita, he was well versed in magic, and had a mastery of swordplay well beyond what his age and experience should have allowed."

"Your SON defeated your knight in single combat, and it's only a matter of time before everyone knows this. So, what exactly is your plan now? What even was your plan then? Grab him, force him back here where he clearly didn't want to be?"

"I would think of something." He muttered. "As long as he's back, then things would be fine."

"Because everything would fit back into your picturesque idea of a life? Strongest Devil, with the Strongest Queen as his wife, a genius son, sitting high up on his throne. What's missing from that picture? You have everything you could want, but here's this little black spot called Wilhelm, and you see it and can't help but try and hide it."

Sirzechs stood up, the screeching of his chair silenced the room. He took the napkin in his lap and threw it on the table, walking out of the room.

Mother just sighed. "That stupid son of mine, just doubles down with his stubbornness." She shook her head.

"You tried." Father gently pat her shoulder.

"I'll go try and stop him from doing anything foolish." Grayfia sighed, following after him.

How?

How did Takao…..Wilhelm get so strong? Okita wasn't the strongest, nor even in the top twenty of the underworld, but he was definitely up there. I've seen him train Kiba a bit, I've watched videos of him fighting, yet….the thought of him losing to someone my age seemed impossible.

And now I have to deal with my marriage moving up…..what am I going to do?

***

Another interlude to see what's going on in the Gremory family right now. Also kind of sets a time table for events if they weren't derailed by the MC so far. Never planned on making Sirzechs some lol!evil father kind of thing, he did what he did out of some weird logic, but I don't plan on whitewashing that either. Basically, people do stupid things for stupid reasons, even if they aren't malicious in nature. So no plans on like 'redeeming' the relationship between the two. And I didn't want to come across as bashing Rias but the more I looked at it the more I was just like 'WTF Rias?'.

Anyways, if you want to read 5 chapters ahead or support me, visit my pat.reon.com/Astoryforone


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