AN: In which
@ForgottonFuture inflicts massive burn damage.
Concerns of a New Mother
Explaining Lucifel to Auntie Hyoudou wasn't too difficult. The little Fallen was just so adorable the older woman melted. Asia was wrapped around her little finger by the end of dinner. She didn't need hypnotic powers to completely turn the household to her whims. Good thing she was too innocent to do anything with her powers of mental domination.
"Kalawarner and Plutia had a daughter…" Issei mumbled. His poor perverted brain overloaded.
"We didn't tell you so you could have bizarre fantasies. Knock it off already," Kalawarner scolded. She was clearly itching to discipline him but Lucifel gave her sad eyes. The older Fallen wasn't strong enough to resist. Plutia meanwhile was glaring at Issei, clearly figuring how how to punish him without upsetting Lucifel.
"Issei please...This is serious...God was reborn as Lucifel," Asia fretted. She was distressed over finding out God was dead only to meet Him as a Her. Alcohol should have been involved with the big reveal. Getting her drunk might have made it easier.
"God is a girl...Like that American movie 'Dogma'..." Issei snickered.
"What's Dogma?" Lucifel tilted her head cutely.
Plutia shrugged, breaking her death glare. "A movie I haven't seen before." The goddess hugged her daughter.
Lucifel hugged back. "Maybe we can watch it later? With Asia and Issei and Kala-Mama?" She asked.
Plutia bit her lip. "Later. After I've seen it first." Kalawarner nodded. Issei leaned closer to Plutia.
"Good call," he whispered. When Lucifel first mentioned watching Dogma he started shaking his head discreetly.
"I'm not sure how I feel knowing that G-god is dead…" Asia stammered. Lucifel took her hand kindly.
"He died saving the world from a great evil," she said comfortingly. Plutia held her tongue, as to not ruin her daughter's attempt at cheering up Asia.
"Then why are so many atrocities committed in His name? Is it because He's not here to stop them?" Asia squeezed her eyes shut painfully.
"I wasn't really interested in 'God' and all that. People should do the right thing because it's right. Not because they're afraid of punishment," Issei said.
"...And leering at girls without their permission is good?" Kalawarner frowned. She wasn't calling him out on his former behavior. It was just curiousity. Issei flinched as if struck.
"It's not right...I know that now…" Issei nodded.
"Plutia-mama? Is he the purest hearted pervert in the world?" Lucifel asked. Issei visibly paled and sweated. Asia tried to comfort him but that innocent question speared him through. Plutia for her part simply pulled out her bunny and flicked it in the nose, all while glaring at Issei.
"Not sure. Never really met any perverts before all this. But, I do like your idea of doing something with everyone… I've spent a lot of my time here sleeping, reading, or trying to figure out what to do next…." The goddess sighed. "Any ideas?"
"We need to gather strength. At the moment we're safe as no one wants to anger the Satans by entering Kuoh without permission. However that won't remain true for long. We'll step up your training and work on your magic," Kalawarner made sure Plutia and Asia knew she was talking to them.
"Can I join?" Lucifel asked. Kala stroked her hair.
"Of course you may," she said. The little Fallen beamed happily.
"How can I help?" Issei asked. The older Fallen grimaced.
"Sorry, Issei. I can teach you but there is nothing you can do to help. It wouldn't look good if you aided us when you are Rias' Pawn," Kalawarner explained. It would be a political dumpster fire. Plutia sighed. She hates politics.
"Okay…" He slumped dejectedly. Asia wormed her way under his arm eliciting a small smile from the downhearted boy.
Plutia mere gave Issei a pat on the head. "I was thinking we train HDD. If we can make it more efficient I don't need to worry about fainting like the first time I used it… That and I like being Iris Heart." She smiled.
Lucifel perked up. "Mamas I wanna see what I can do as Iris Daughter as well!" Plutia nodded at that.
"She can transform too?" Issei's head jerked up. He remembered what Iris Heart could do. To his credit his eyes didn't instantly glaze at the memory of Iris Heart. He shrunk under Plutia's glare of 'stare at Iris Daughter and you will know pain.'
"Yup!" Lucifel bounced excitedly.
"I guess it makes sense…" Asia managed to work up some enthusiasm.
"We should find a place to practice. Perhaps the Underworld... " Kala mused to herself.
"Like...Hell?" Asia asked.
"The Underworld is a realm like any other. We'll have plenty of space to train. I can get us to the Fallen controlled area," she promised.
"Maybe Rias would let me go!" Issei perked up.
"Maybe…" Kalawarner hedged.
"Would I be able to go?" Asia asked.
"Of course," she agreed.
Plutia hummed in thought. "First I need to talk to Rias. Lucifel would you like to come with me?"
Lucifel nodded and clung to her mother's side. "Kala you're coming with me as well." Plutia started on her way out, Lucifel following her.
Issei and Asia got up to follow them. Kalawarner took up the rear position. She was clearly assessing them if the worst happened. Issei's berserker fury that brought down Mitelt was filed away. It wasn't something to rely on. During the walk she discussed what training he needed. The young man listened attentively as it was clear the subject was important. Asia's role was essentially the same as Compa's. Stay in the back and heal when there are better fighters present. It was unclear just what role Lucifel would fill in combat. She didn't have the same attitude as Peashy so it was doubtful she was melee.
"Oh! Hey guys!" Uranus called to the procession. She was exiting the Occult Research Club building.
Plutia waved. "Hiya Uranus. Just talked to Rias? I'm on my way to do that before training then hopefully relaxing back home."
"My ears are ringing. She wasn't exactly happy to hear I was operating in Kuoh without telling her. If I want to stick around I have to keep her informed on anything Fallen related. Small price to pay considering she could have just kicked me out," Uranus shrugged.
"And being Azazel's daughter your information would be from the source," Kala smirked shrewdly.
"Bingo. Rias is a smart cookie," Uranus smiled.
"Is she in a bad mood?" Issei asked. The Faction Leader's daughter sniffed.
"She's very happy actually. She has a back channel with the Fallen," she explained.
Plutia sighed. "That's good to hear at least." With that she entered the club, Kala and Lucifel at her side. "Rias? I need to speak with you."
"What can I do for you…" Rias trailed off as she caught sight of Lucifel. The young girl waved eliciting a bemused smile and a return wave.
"I'm not surprised that she would sense something...Considering who her brother is anyway," Kalawarner murmured.
"Ahem...what's going on here? Are we suddenly playing host to the Fallen?" Rias looked puzzled.
"Well you see I'm actually-mmph!" Lucifel had her mouth covered by Kalawarner quickly. The older Fallen gave her a slightly exasperated look.
"Tact, dear. Tact. We almost broke Asia, remember?" She asked rhetorically. Asia wobbled unsteadily in the background as if to illustrate her point.
"Sorry Kala-mama," Lucifel pouted.
Plutia rubbed her forehead. "To sum it up, there was a sacred gear extracting thing in the base under the old church, it tried to eat my shares, overloaded, and now the area it was in is covered in crystals. Not the important part. The important part is that much of my shares plus Kalawarner's own energy was enough to create a new goddess, same kind as I am. That's how Lucifel here, my daughter, was born. She's staying with me because where else would she stay… In addition she's somehow managed to link up to the Divine System… so there may be attention focused here. Not sure."
"How could she connect to the Divine System? God controls that…" Rias winced at mentioning 'God.' She was hit with too much information at once and clung to something to steady herself.
"I am in so much trouble for telling so many people-"
Plutia interrupted Kala. "Because the fucker, and Lucifel never use that word, is dead." Asia whimpered in the background. Even as Issei put his arm around her he sent a sharp glare at the back of Plutia's head. Lucifel looked back at Asia, biting her lower lip in distress.
"You may have an issue with 'God' but that does not give you the right to act so heartlessly," Rias stated firmly. Seeing the gentle girl so distressed caused the Devil to see red.
"Yes, God is dead, and Plutia has strong feelings about Him. Can we please calm down?" Kalawarner looked uncomfortable playing the part of peacemaker. Reluctantly, Issei backed down, but Plutia would feel the connection to him fray. Asia's own thread was thinning but it would take more to break her belief.
Plutia for her part facepalmed and shrunk onto herself, her body language making it clear she was upset with herself. "...I really need to get my temper under control around that topic…" She sighed, "Sorry Asia… I'll see if I can get ice cream or something to make up…"
Lucifel hugged her mother tight, clearly trying to cheer up the older goddess. "Anyways, anything else of note Rias that we need to know about?" Plutia asked.
Rias took a deep breath to steady herself.
"At the moment there is nothing. Please, Plutia. Keep a reign on your temper. I know you're a good person but thoughtless words have ruined more than a few friendships," Rias said softly.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah.. uck…. training's gonna be delayed then… I just want to relax and calm down." Plutia sighed, the goddess's body language making it clear how tired she was.
Everyone was tired. Anger was fierce but it often left everyone burned. Asia brushed Plutia's shoulder lightly. She was still feeling hurt but her kind heart didn't like to see a friend so tired. For her sake Issei managed to keep his peace but the bond was tenuous. He was one step from the edge. Lucifel sent waves of love along the connection but she didn't know how to magically make it better.
Hopefully tomorrow would be a better day. As soon as they got home Plutia curled up on the couch and started trying to keep her emotions calm after nearly fucking up two of her friendships, when she doesn't have a lot of friends. Lucifel snuggled up to her mother and hugged her. Plutia's face made it clear she wanted to fix things, but wasn't sure how.
"Talk to them. Tell them what they mean to you. Sometimes the best thing to do is talk," Lucifel brushed her mother's hair with a tender hand. A peculiarly old gesture.
"That works… uck… I'm horrible at dealing with people.." The goddess got up, and looked for Asia and Issei. She was able to find Asia readily enough. The former nun was seated on the couch hugging a throw pillow.
"Plutia…?" Asia looked up as she entered.
"Hey Asia… wanted to say I'm sorry for losing my temper like that… I… you're my friend and I feel horrible for upsetting you…" Plutia sighed, her long braided ponytail seemed to be hiding behind her, a reflection of her upset mood.
"Come here…" Asia set the pillow aside and held her arms open to the repentant goddess. "Why don't you help me understand?" She was opening her heart to really listen.
Plutia hugged her. "...I can have trouble explaining emotional stuff at times.. Would it be ok if you asked questions and I answer?"
"What hurts?" Asia asked softly.
Plutia sighed. "What do you mean? ...Cause to be honest a lot of stuff…"
"Tell whatever you want. You don't have to tell me everything. I just think that maybe you keep too much bottled up inside," Asia stroked her hair.
Plutia hugged Asia tighter. "...I miss my home.. I miss my friends back home… They where basically family..."
"You poor thing…" Asia murmured sympathetically. She nuzzled Plutia's hair comfortingly.
Plutia sighed. "And I looked up myself using the school computers, and I didn't find any news about me vanishing from the states… found nothing about me at all in fact… So now I'm worrying if this is even my world or not, and everything I found points to not." Plutia didn't mention she used her old name for the search, as it didn't matter.
"It might not be the same but I know you have a home here...You don't need to be so strong all the time...We're here if you need a shoulder," Asia spoke soothingly.
Plutia nodded, trying not to cry. "Thanks… It's...I'm just used to being the strong one I guess when it comes to emotional stuff…"
"You were strong for me when we first met. The least I can do is return the favor," she said with a tender smile."
Plutia hugged Asia, while Lucifel hugged the both of them. "Thanks.. Any questions? Again I find it easier to answer questions then it is to well… talk.."
"Can we start over? I feel like you weren't at your best...You were so kind to me when we first met. I guess the stress has been getting to you," Asia offered the olive branch.
"Yeah… it has been getting to me… I have to deal with my studies from Kala, learning Japanese, getting shares, making sure everyone is okay, and I've just never been the best with people… and now I have to keep Lucifel safe as the supernatural world focuses on her… and my temper is not helping…" Plutia sighed. Asia rubbed her back gently.
"You're not alone. Just take it one step at a time. The most important thing I learned is that patience is a virtue," Asia smiled.
Plutia shrugged. "I..I've never been good with being patient." Lucifel hugged her mother. She stayed back to let the two have their moment. It was a good call as her mother really needed to get this off her chest.
"Patient doesn't mean 'doormat' Plutia-mama. It just means taking a little more time to think," Lucifel nodded sagely. Asia giggled and pulled the smaller girl in for a hug too. The little Fallen beamed as she returned the hug.
Lucifel suddenly stiffened in surprise. She turned slowly towards the hallway.
"Someone just teleported into Issei's bedroom," she said.
"Who could it be at this hour?" Asia looked mystified.
"They're not hostile but it is weird…" Lucifel shook her head.
Plutia frowned, got up and grabbed her doll. "How so baby? Asia keep a eye on her please."
"I think it's Rias, but why is she here?" Lucifel would have tried to stand up but Asia tightened her grip. The former nun bit her lip in consternation.
"What is she doing in his bedroom at this hour?" Asia fretted.
Plutia stopped. Her mind was wondering if, well, the idea made her blush. "...I maaaaay have a idea. Lucifel if something happens let me know. If they're doing what I think they are, then we don't want to walk in on them." Lucifel appeared confused before realization dawned. She turned as red as her mother.
"What do you mean? What could they be doing?" Asia asked. Lucifel bit her lip.
"Well…" She drew it out while trying to think of how to answer before stiffening again. "Someone really powerful just showed up. Like really powerful and they're trying to conceal their strength." Her voice came out tense. Asia looked even more worried.
Plutia resisted the urge to swear. "How strong? I don't want to start a fight…."
"Really strong...All I can sense if that they're hiding their full power…" Lucifel's voice was tense. Without warning Asia leaped from the sofa and darted towards the bedroom door. She might have reached it if the small Fallen hadn't snapped her fingers and locked the nun's ankles together.
"Yowch!" Asia yelped as she collided with the ground.
"Do you even have a plan!?" Lucifel asked in a frightened whisper.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah. I'll investigate, choking the strong thing if it's hostile."
Lucifel released her hold on Asia's ankles so the girl could return to the sofa. The former nun didn't look happy about her sudden trip to the floor but at least she didn't alert the invader.
Plutia walked up to the door and pressed a ear to it, listening in on what's going on inside.
"Come along, Rias. You have a meeting with your betrothed tomorrow," a stern woman's voice could be heard.
"...Yes, Grayfia," Rias sounded sullen.
"B-betrothed!?" Issei yelped in shock.
Several moments of silence passed before the woman spoke up again, "You have someone listening at the door. Perhaps you should be more concerned with that." A barely audible sigh of relief could be heard from the living room. Whoever that was apparently left as Lucifel relaxed.
Plutia opened the door and poked her head in. "Everyone okay? The hell was with that woman? Lucifel could tell she was powerful." Issei yelped and jerked his blankets up. She had a brief glimpse of his boxer shorts.
"Ah w-well...Buchou stopped by to talk...I think she wanted to talk...and then a maid appeared! Not sure what that was about...and Buchou is betrothed!? I don't even…" Issei devolved into near incoherence as he was either making the 'curvy' gesture. Maybe he was just panicked?
Plutia sighed and slapped her bunny's nose. "Calm down." He yelped as the voodoo did it's hoodoo.
"Yowch! Okay okay...Plutia…?" He stared at the goddess in bewilderment. Issei looked hesitant to say anything but something was troubling him.
"What's going on? Lucifel sensed Rias and someone else in here…" Plutia sighed.
"Rias said something about wanting me to be her first time...Then Grayfia-san arrived and talked about a betrothal...Do you think she was serious?" Issei couldn't even look at Plutia. His shoulders were hunched defensively as if expecting some recrimination.
Plutia shrugged. "Not sure I don't know her very well. And hopefully not… we'll talk to Rias tomorrow." Issei wilted.
"Hopefully not, huh…? Yeah...that fits…" Issei chuckled hollowly.
Plutia raised a eye brow. "The hopefully not was referring to the betrothal bit. Usually that word is thrown around in arranged marriages…"
"Oh...jumped to conclusions, huh?" He shrugged it off in a self-deprecating way.
Plutia stared at him. "Issei. What's bugging you?"
He seemed to struggle with the question for nearly three minutes. The time crawled by as he sat in his bed with a helpless look. Just when it seemed he wouldn't say anything he came to a decision.
"The first girl who ever asked me out was Yuma. She was so beautiful and kind. Everything I imagined a girlfriend to be. We went out to eat, walked around the city...It was great," Issei's face softened as he spoke. All at once a new tenseness came to his shoulders. He gripped the blanket in both hands.
"...She asked me to die for her. I was so surprised at her question I didn't even notice she transformed...Then a spear was stuck through me by the first girl...I ever really liked…" Issei shook with suppressed feeling.
Plutia hugged her doll and activated her magic. "Oh…. was she one of the bitches I killed?"
"Raynare," he confirmed quietly.
Plutia sighed. "Issei. Raynare was a bitch. I doubt any of the girls you know are like her." The dark thought of 'besides me when I get upset' went unsaid.
"It's just hard to believe anyone would like me. I mean...I'm not exactly handsome...or popular…" Issei was experiencing years of teen drama in a single night.
Plutia sighed. "Issei? Appearance means jack, fucking shit when it comes to people liking you. Popularity often makes you shallow. Also, people should like people for who they are, not what they look like."
"...Asia wouldn't lie...I mean she says she likes me...so I'm not totally hopeless, right?" Issei looked up cautiously.
Plutia nodded. "Yep… Asia's a sweetheart."
Issei smiled faintly. The fraying thread strengthened by her kindness.
"I was promised answers tomorrow. Maybe you should be there too," Issei suggested.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah. Sounds good… I..I already made things up with Asia.."
"Good. Friends shouldn't fight. Are you okay?" Issei asked.
Plutia sighs. "Yeah.. I've been stressed and it's been getting to me.. Sorry for upsetting you…"
"I can't stay mad at you. You just got a daughter and had a lot dumped on your head. Asia was more upset with me for getting angry than at you," he chuckled wryly.
Plutia chuckled in turn. "Anyways, how about all five of us, me, Lucifel, Kala, Asia, and you all do something like watch a movie? Something to calm down with…"
"Sure. Just…" He seemed to realize a very important fact before standing. "...Just let me put on my pants." Issei pulled his blanket up further.
Plutia nodded and yawned, "Yeah. I'll be on the couch with Lucifel and Asia." The goddess left the room, closing the door behind her and making her way to the couch, her posture revealing how tired she was.
"Was is 'that?'" Lucifel blurted out.
"What 'that?'" Asia asked.
"The beast with two backs, coitus, wild monkey…" Kala appeared as if by magic to cover Lucifel's mouth. Asia's face was as red as Rias' hair.
"S-s-s-s-sex!?" Asia's voice came out as a squeak of surprise.
Plutia's glare shot to the door of Issei's room, a frown on her face. "That's not something I'm telling you about till you're older. Kala you can't tell her."
Lucifel looked at her Plutia-mama in confusion. "I found it on the internet. Why are you glaring at Issei's door?" Her expression morphed to one of shock. "I was right!?" She turned bright red at the thought.
"Lucifel...No. Nothing like that happened. Your mother is tired and on a hair trigger. Try not to throw gasoline on the fire," Kalawarner said with poorly hidden amusement. Asia was busy fanning her face and checking her heart rate. It was then that the source of discussion emerged dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants.
"...Do I even want to know what happened?" He asked.
Plutia sighed. "No. No you do not… and anyways Lucifel I prefer girls." Plutia looked for the movie collection, her pony-tail swinging with every other step.
Thankfully nothing else world shaking occured. Just friends, on a sofa, watching a movie. By the end Asia was snuggled up against Issei's side sound asleep. Lucifel was situated between her mothers just as tired as the former nun. All in all it was a peaceful end to a tumultuous day.
Devils and Fallen were better able to function at night than humans. The consequence was that they tended to sleep longer in the morning. Issei proved that last part wrong by waking up with the sun. He wanted to investigate just what the hell was going on. Even if it was a Sunday he wanted to be at the Occult Research Club bright and early.
"Ugh...Slow down, Issei. Some of us aren't morning people," Kala grumbled. She finished serving breakfast to Lucifel earning a happy smile from the little one.
"*yawn* That was fun last night…" Asia smiled vaguely. She wasn't awake either.
"Sorry...I have more questions than answer…" Issei forced himself to slow down. He thanked Kalawarner for making pancakes.
Plutia was barely awake, and clearly not happy. It was only the fact that Lucifel would have been sad kept Plutia from choking Issei. "...........Why did we….. Have to get up so early?"
"We need answers for why Rias and Grayfia were here last night," Issei reminded her. Kalawarner's shoulders stiffened. She slowly turned to him.
"Did you just say The Strongest Queen in the Underworld was here!?" Kalawarner's voice rose to an alarming level.
"She said she was a maid…" Issei looked confused.
"She's Sirzechs Lucifer's WIFE and his Queen. She's an Ultimate Class Devil!" The Fallen lectured.
"Oh. That might have been hard to deal with if she was hostile. Good thing she wasn't. Pass the syrup," Lucifel said to Asia. The former nun passed it to her automatically.
"...If she tried to hurt Lucifel or any of you…. she'd die screaming…." Plutia mumbled, fighting to stay awake. Kalawarner twitched.
"Please don't say that in front of her. I am begging you," Kalawarner said with far more seriousness than anyone heard from her.
Plutia nodded, before stumbling. "...I just want more sleep…. Lucifel how are you doing baby?"
"I'm good, Plutia-mama. Kind of excited actually about going with you," Lucifel beamed.
"And Grayfia will not want to create an incident by harming Lucifel," Kala assured Plutia.
"Who would want to hurt a kid?" Issei looked shocked at the thought. Asia nodded emphatically. Lucifel just looked sad with a peculiarly ancient look in her eyes. She smiled faintly.
"As long as people like you exist I have no fear for the future," she said. Plutia nodded.
"Uck… Kala can you get me something to drink please? ...NOT coffee, that'll knock me out….." Plutia yawned. Issei volunteered one of his energy drinks to the cause. Kala shook her head.
"That will just make her crash harder. Try this…" Kalawarner handed Plutia a drink that glowed faintly and smelled like cranberries.
"What is that?" Asia asked.
"Cranberry juice with a touch of vitalizing energy. Nothing too exotic," Kala smirked. Nothing too exotic...right…
"Right…" Lucifel drawled.
Plutia shrugged, and drank it. The effect was immediate. She felt like it gave her the equivalent of a full night's sleep without any side effects. Kalawarner had a sense of self preservation of course.
Issei showed his impatience by helping Kalawarner clean up the kitchen. Asia pitched in and before long the chore was done. He tried to rush for the door only for Lucifel to grab his sleeve. The anxious Devil suddenly froze stock still.
"Freeze, Issei. If you make either of my mothers run, let alone Asia, it would end badly." she warned politely.
Plutia grabbed her doll. "Let's go though. Kala? Keep a eye on Lucifel for me please?"
"Of course. She's my daughter too after all," Kalawarner smiled faintly. Quite the feat to be one of God's mothers. Even if Lucifel wasn't an adorable little cinnamon roll she would have protected her for that alone.
Lucifel let out a relieved breath as the expedition began without injury. She took Plutia and Kalawarner's hands. The little Fallen smiled cheerfully. Plutia gave her a daughter a little kiss on the cheek.
"Hey guys! Where are you going?" Uranus called out.
"How does she keep finding us?" Asia asked in bewilderment.
"I was coming over to visit actually," the Fallen General's daughter explained as she fell in step with the group. Issei took it upon himself to bring her up to speed. By the end of it she looked significantly less sure of this plan.
"You don't have to come," Kalawarner said. It might have been a trick of the light but she almost appeared concerned for Uranus.
"...Rias said I had to be there today. I was hoping you guys knew more than I did. If it wasn't an order by the head of Kuoh I would be running the opposite way," Uranus sighed.
"You're perfectly safe with us. Plutia-mama won't let anything happen," Lucifel beamed trustingly.
General consensus was that it would probably be Plutia's fault if the balloon went up. Asia and Lucifel remained trusting.
"I'll do my best. Whatever the hell is going on I hope it isn't too bad…" Plutia sighed and hugged Lucifel.
No one was there to greet them at the door to the ORC. Issei lead the procession down the hall to the main room and opened the door. On the other side sat Rias on the sofa with the rest of the Peerage standing around. Their expressions were tense. Standing by the wall was a beautiful silver haired woman. Her eyes missed nothing. An eyebrow was raised at the sight of Plutia, Kalawarner, and Uranus. However her mouth opened slightly in surprise as she looked at Lucifel. Asia, luckily or not, was ignored.
"Who are these rabble?" An aristocratic voice demanded haughtily. He was handsome with blond hair verging on gold. His arm was draped arrogantly around Rias' shoulders. The Gremory Heir looked as if she wanted to be anywhere but under his arm.
"This is Lady Plutia, her maid Kalawarner, and their daughter Lucifel. The remaining Fallen is Uranus. Lord Azazel's daughter," Rias said in a frigidly cordial tone.
"A simple group of crows," he scoffed. Grayfia's eyes widened before narrowing sharply. She opened her mouth to speak..
"And the Darwin award goes to this idiot…" Issei muttered under his breath and facepalmed. Grayfia's mouth shut abruptly as the irreverent comment almost startled a laugh out of the stoic Queen.
Riser really should have clued in that something was wrong when Rias's Peerage, previously seething with impotent anger, was even now leaning forward with interest. The unholy light in their eyes should have been a warning. He seemed blithely unaware of the old adage "the more colorful the plumage the more messy your demise." Plutia, Kalawarner, Uranus, and even Lucifel were quite attractive.
"Rabble? Crows? Heh. Your just a spoiled brat by my guess. Now who the hell are you? And why are you holding Rias when she clearly does not want you to touch her?" Plutia was smiling. It was her 'I get to lay a (verbal) beatdown on a idiot' smile. "Actually it doesn't matter. Let her go asshole before I make you let her go."
"You dare? I am her betrothed so therefore it is my right to hold her," Riser declared.
"This is Riser Phenex and he is indeed her betrothed. Please, Lord Riser, remain civil. There is nothing to be gained with rudeness," Grayfia's tone was polite but there was an implied 'or else.' Riser was sharper on the uptake than his previous actions indicated.
"My apologies. I was just taken aback by seeing our enemies so brazenly in Devil territory. Perhaps Rias' kindness, while a respectable trait, allows others to take too many liberties," Riser suggested just shy of insolence. Rias physically pushed him away before fleeing to sit beside Koneko on the loveseat. He bristled indignantly.
Plutia's body language shifted from her slightly sleepy posture to one of well controlled rage. "Let me correct you. First. Last I checked there is a treaty between the three abrahamic factions is there not? That makes them no longer enemies. Secondly. My group, which does not include Uranus, is not a part of The Fallen's faction. While Kala is a fallen angel she does not follow Azazel, Lucifel is only half fallen. And me? I am a goddess. And before you say anything it is not arrogance but fact you racist pig. And an arranged marriage? Disgusting. It ignores the wishes of the bride and treats her as nothing more than a object to be sold. Then again judging by how you don't seem to care about Rias's feelings, I doubt you see her as anything beyond a object for your own amusement."
Riser's face was completely blank by the end of Plutia's tirade. After a minute of processing the sheer amount of vitriol in her statements his face turned a mottled red.
"The number of Pureblood Devils is dwindling. We are trying to save our people. It is hardly my fault our parents saw fit to make this match. You have no say in this matter at all," Riser hissed.
"Yeah but what about Rias, huh? Doesn't she get a say?" Issei challenged angrily.
"As the heir of the Gremory family she must do what is best," Riser said. Rias glowered.
"The agreement was that we would marry after I went to college. You are moving up the timetable," Rias spat.
"Isn't Riser the third child of the Phenex family?" Uranus asked mildly.
"Indeed I am. At least you know that much," Riser preened.
"Then isn't it an insult to marry an heir to someone who doesn't stand to inherit? Unless Rias is the dominant one in the marriage," the Fallen General's daughter smiled beatifically. The room was so silent one could hear a pin drop.
"That is not how it works…" Riser started to say.
"Actually that is precisely how it works. Riser is to marry into the Gremory family," Grayfia clarified. Riser looked a bit pale at having a 'crow's' words confirmed.
Plutia glared down the racist bastard. "Anyways, considering how Rias clearly wants nothing to do with you AND her peerage looks like they want to rip your spine out and beat you to death with it…. I suggest you leave." Plutia's hand wrapped itself around the neck of her doll, yet she was not using her magic. Yet.
"I was tasked to make an offer if Rias was still against the betrothal. A Ratings Game with the stakes being that, should Rias win, the engagement would be dissolved. However if Riser won the marriage would occur immediately," Grayfia stated. Rias looked to her Peerage, her friends, before turning back to Riser. The Phenex still looked a little ill over finding out what his position would be in the marriage.
"I will take that challenge and end this farce of a betrothal," Rias stated firmly without a trace of hesitation.
"What…? Oh the arrangement...Ahem. We will meet in ten days. Make that two weeks. Yes. You have two weeks to train," Riser offered distractedly. His pride was stung by finding out what his role would be, but he couldn't very well back down from the challenge either. It was a matter of family pride. Which Plutia found stupid. Like his racism.
"Fourteen days? That is not exactly a long amount of time… and I know people like you. You've probably already prepared your forces no doubt. Your trying to stack the deck to your favor so you can force Rias to be your bride, no matter what her desires are." Plutia frowned. "Bastards like you only cause pain when you get power…"
"A month then. Yes. A month is good…" Riser seemed to be only partly listening.
"He does have a full Peerage," Kalawarner whispered to Plutia. A full Peerage was sixteen people, King included. Eight Pawns, two Rooks, two Bishops, a Queen, and a King. Rias had Kiba, Koneko, Akeno, and Issei period.
"Do the terms meet with your approval, Lady Rias?" Grayfia asked respectfully.
"A month? Thank you for your kindness, Lord Riser," Rias smirked. She apparently knew something he didn't or at the very least had a plan.
Plutia simply glared at Riser. Anyone who knew her, besides Lucifel, could figure out she was imagining horrible things happening to him based on her small smile and how her doll was still in her grip. "Now please leave Riser. Before you are forced to." Plutia's tone was polite but mocking.
Riser gave her a half hearted glare before vanishing through a teleport circle. The tension in the room lasted for a minute or two longer before the occupants relaxed.
"Okay I have no idea what just happened. Plutia was pushing his buttons but no one stopped her…" Uranus said in wonder.
"The reason was that he started it by being insulting first. We are trying to avoid alienating one of the mothers of the new God," Grayfia gave a significant look to Lucifel. The little Fallen was happily cuddling with Asia. Subtly acting as a shield to the former nun if Riser proved volatile.
"Smart. Unfortunately, based on how he was acting like a racist and sexist piece of shit I am afraid I hate him." Plutia sighed before hugging Asia and Lucifel.
"He didn't like the idea of being second in the relationship either. If he could have dissolved the agreement without making his parents angry he would have," Uranus seemed inordinately amused.
"How do you know so much about Devil politics?" Rias asked.
"As the daughter of the Grigori General I would be a poor heir if I didn't know," Uranus smirked.
"Watching Plutia chew him out was everything I hoped it would be," Akeno sighed happily. Koneko nodded with a satisfied look.
"May her barbs ever be aimed at our enemies," Kiba said with mock piousness.
Faint threads of belief streamed from Rias' Peerage to Plutia. Her actions in defending Rias having engendered affection and camaraderie.
Plutia chuckled."It's not often I get to lay into someone like that… always makes me feel better when I can."
"I am terribly sorry that no one has contacted you formally, Lady Plutia. We would like to perhaps schedule a time to speak with you about your daughter," Grayfia said politely.
"Perhaps. But not right now. I need to make sure my friends are prepared." Plutia frowned, what would they need to speak about her daughter?
Grayfia inclined her head politely before leaving the same way that Riser did. The tension dropped further as the Strongest Queen in the Underworld left.
"A month? How are we going to get a month of training with school?" Issei asked.
"I will talk to the school. We will have to do the assignments but I am certain that won't be a problem," Rias smiled confidently.
"Where would you train?" Asia asked.
"On my family's estate in the Underworld. We have plenty of room," the redhead said.
Plutia sighed. "I'll have Kala speed up her training of Issei.. hmmm. Rias can any of
your peerage use spears?"
"None of us can," Rias shook her head. She got a speculative look in her eyes. "How much do you know about training others, Kalawarner?"
"Probably more than all of us combined," Kalawarner admitted without a trace of conceit.
"Can we borrow your maid to train us?" Rias asked Plutia hopefully.
"If Kala has no problem with it, then yes." Plutia smiled. "I am not sure what Grayfia wanted to talk about pertaining my daughter…. I have never been one for politics."
"The chance of a new God would make a lot of people curious," Rias said.
"Or nervous," Uranus said sardonically.
"I don't mind since Plutia said it was okay. However no crying if you get hurt," Kalawarner grinned.
"I can heal you!" Asia perked up.
"I can train you harder since you won't break," the Fallen tried to reclaim her sadist title.
"You will never break because Twilight Healing heals everything," the former nun beamed. Kalawarner almost looked dejected as Asia ruined her attempts at psychological warfare.
Plutia snickered and yawned. "Anyways.. I'll see if I can do anything for you as well… but first I want to just spend some time with my daughter…"
"You're welcome to come with us," Rias offered.
"What do you have in the Underworld?" Lucifel asked.
"We have cities, and shopping centers, oh and bookstores and manga shops…!" Rias started extolling the virtues of the gamer life. Lucifel's eyes glazed a little but whether from excitement, or the sudden wall of words, was anyone's guess.
Plutia was focused on the manga and bookstores, as well as any video game stuff Rias brought up. "Could be fun… does visiting the underworld sound like a good idea Lucifel?"
"Yeah!" Lucifel nodded.
It wouldn't be all fun and games. The Ratings Game with Riser was on the horizon and Rias was at a major disadvantage. However it looked like the Phenex scion didn't want to win anymore. What would happen next was anyone's guess.