Irises x Dragons (FI) (High School DxD)
- Thread starter dingbat779
- Start date
girador
There are only four circles in this picture
- Location
- behind a screen
Ok you have me massively confused now. Is part of her powers the ability to see cutaway scenes like that?
girador
There are only four circles in this picture
- Location
- behind a screen
Ehhh from what I've heard Plutia's powers are from a place where gaming tropes happen, and the characters are aware of them, so it wouldn't be too far out there for her to have a power that lets her see things in cutscenes that she would otherwise have no way of knowing about.
TheLurker
Random Omnipotent Lazy-As-Fuck Being
- Location
- The space beyond the stars
Okay, neat, there's a reason for the powers to do that, but having powers that do that goes against the point of the insert not knowing anything about the setting.
girador
There are only four circles in this picture
- Location
- behind a screen
Near as I can tell there's still a bunch of stuff happening of screen that has not been spoiled yet that is going to be really interesting when it comes up.
- Location
- PA
Arkos (in character) has no idea of what went on exactly in the cutscene. She has a vague idea from Kalawarner and Uranus' speculations though. Besides it's not like Kala didn't already tell her who the major players in the Factions were.
ForgottonFuture
Sleepy Queen of Destruction
- Location
- The Future.
- Pronouns
- She/her
It was mostly for the reader's benefits, and due to HOW we write a spoiler would have done nothing to keep me from seeing it.
Concerns of a New Mother
- Location
- PA
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.
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.
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ForgottonFuture
Sleepy Queen of Destruction
- Location
- The Future.
- Pronouns
- She/her
I laid the verbal beat down on Riser. Also ding, there's a couple formatting errors you're gonna wanna fix.
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
Honestly, having the position of who's the superior partner in the marriage clarified this early like that, and to Riser's misfortune at that, has already thrown a few... dozen... adamantium spanners in the works of canon I'd say. That was probably the single biggest part of the beat down...
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Training Montage
- Location
- PA
AN: A Holiday Gift from @ForgottonFuture and me.
Training Montage
Training was just another word for torture in Kalawarner's vocabulary. She was an absolute sadist with her knowledge of anatomy. That being said the results were readily apparent. Kiba, Koneko, Akeno, and Rias were in decent shape before all this began. Decent, but not where they should be, according to Kala.
"You had years to train but it looks like you just half assed everything," Kalawarner told them bluntly. The Peerage was laid out before her after what she called a 'little run.' Kiba and Koneko, the most physically capable, were still able to sit up.
"What about Issei…?" Koneko pointed at the Pawn where he lay, dead to the world.
"He has an excuse for being a human civilian until this point. Does that mean I will go any easier on him?" Kalawarner asked rhetorically. Even Rias found the strength to shake her head no. The Fallen folded her arms under her generous bosom with satisfaction.
Lucifel and Asia were distributing water to the downed Devils. Plutia looked them over, her eyes settling on each of them for a second or so. If any of the devils were paying attention to their sin-sense, they would have noticed Plutia felt a pang of jealousy as she looked over Rias. Makes sense, considering she was taller and bustier then Iris Heart. "So. What's the next part of their training Kala? I don't watch Issei's training, so I'm unsure of where you go from here."
"What Issei needs more than anything else is conditioning. The Boosted Gear can give him the strength he needs but his stamina needs work. Maybe some boxing lessons since he favors his fists," Kalawarner tapped her chin.
Issei picked his head up with a groan.
"Boxing…? Like the Western sport?" Issei showed he possessed a working brain.
"Exactly. We can work on your conditioning through boxing drills. The others already have skills in combat. All they need is a kick in the...rear," Kala glanced at Lucifel before continuing, "...to hone their bodies further."
The location Rias secured for their training was a lovely mansion in the woods of the Gremory Estate. Kalawarner appreciated its relative seclusion as she could make them scream for miles. At least that was the claim. Some chuckled, thinking she was joking, but those familiar with her knew the truth. She was not joking. Period. Plutia was happy with this, for obvious reasons.
"Now. You promised me I would be able to get some training for my HDD, so Kala? What are your plans for that?" The goddess asked, before she gave Lucifel a hug.
"Honestly the same thing as Issei. We need to check your stamina and see how long you can hold it for. After that I'll have a better idea of whether it's purely spiritual, physical, or a mixture of the two," Kalawarner said.
"Are we going through Issei's training?" Lucifel didn't seem to like that idea. Kalawarner chuckled softly.
"No, Lucifel. He only has a month to get in shape. You and your mother have a bit longer than that," Kalawarner assured her. The little Fallen breathed a sigh of relief, missing the look on her mother's face. Kala wasn't being entirely honest. Their grace period was ending. Plutia bought them a much needed extension by insisting on being with Rias for this.
"So I'll transform then." Plutia closed her eye and transformed, relishing in the feeling that the transformation brought. Once it was done, Iris Heart smiled and opened her eyes. "Now now Kala. Let's begin. I wouldn't be surprised if you were looking forward to this~" There was something about her tone that confused Asia and Lucifel.
Lucifel's transformation resulted in Rias' Peerage staring at her in shock. Iris Heart was a bombshell while Iris Daughter was a cutie. She looked closer to their age but lacked the sex appeal of her mother. Upon a closer look Plutia would notice how she resembled a Goddess from Four Goddesses Online, or the Angel Processor with the halos and wings.
"Ahhh...it feels good to stretch my wings a bit…" her voice was soft but there was no hint of that in her eyes. She held a strength of will and conviction enough to stare down the Abyss itself. In her hands appeared a pair of oversized bladed chakram glowing with Divine light. Somehow the Devils weren't harmed by her light.
"Is...is that Holy?" Rias asked with surprise.
"How isn't it burning us?" Kiba looked confused.
Iris Daughter looked surprised at the questions. "Why would I want to hurt you? You're not my enemies." Her tone had a definite 'are you daft?' implied.
Iris Heart chuckled. "Makes sense that the intentions of the user would affect how it acts… Magic is tied to one's will right?" Meanwhile, her thoughts mused in darker places as the fact that it seems most Holy, which seems to come from God, hurts all Devils, no matter what said Devil is like. Confirming some of her biases of Him. "Now Kala dear, how do we start?"
"Honestly? I was thinking that you just concentrate on holding the form. Perhaps fly around and help Lucifel...Iris Daughter I mean...get used to 'HDD,'" Kalawarner said.
Iris Daughter tried to flap her wings and lift off. However she apparently put too much 'oomph' behind the action and soared off into the air with a yelp. Her chakram hit the ground and vanished in motes of light.
"Right. You take care of that…" Kalawarner watched as their daughter zig-zagged across the sky so quickly she was leaving purple contrails. Iris Heart merely chuckled before she took off, flight coming easier to the CPU then it came to her Canidate of a daughter.
Moving quickly, Iris Heart caught Iris Daughter, and with a flare of her magic the CPU kept herself from being sent flying by the force of catching her daughter. "Oh baby, you okay? Your more powerful in basically every way when your transformed." She chuckled out before hugging her daughter. Iris Daughter hugged her mother with a wild look.
"That's one way of putting it! I thought I was going plaid!" Iris Daughter laughed a tinge hysterically.
Iris Heart smiled. "So, do you believe you will be able to control your flight this time sweet daughter?"
Iris Daughter nodded, "Sure...Just uh...hold my hand?" She looked meekly at her mother. Iris Heart did, and after making sure her daughter had control over her flight, descended to the ground once more. Iris Daughter looked to her other mother. "So next you'd have Issei spar with you, but I'm decently sure Iris Mother and I are each stronger than you..."
"I would believe it…" Issei remembered how strong Iris Heart was she destroyed the church so effortlessly.
"He can spar with me," Iris Daughter beamed.
"My pride just died a little but...would you go easy on me?" Issei asked reluctantly.
"Oh no. It's not that simple. You need to improve your stamina with Boosted Gear and Iris Daughter needs a strong opponent. So I want you to use Boost and continue Boosting during the spar," Kalawarner said. Asia was already preparing to heal someone. Probably Issei.
The first Boost turned Issei into a rocket. Apparently he decided taking the initiative was the key to victory. Iris Daughter sidestepped the charge and aimed a sloppy kick at his back. His forward momentum increased so fast he crashed into the forest and kept going.
"Oops…?" The HDD Fallen sweated a little.
[Boost!]
Issei shot out of the forest and tried to nail her with a sloppy haymaker. His target slapped the fist to one side with both hands. He briefly spun in midair before hitting the ground from a wing blow to the back.
"Yowch! That smarts!" Iris Daughter shook her wing.
"Don't use your wings like that! They're fragile. Issei! Use your head! Circle around and find an opening!" Kalawarner barked.
"Okay…" Issei stood up again. He held his fists up in a decent pugilist stance.
The next fifteen minutes was full of thud and blunder. As powerful as Iris Daughter was, and Issei became, it was clear both were amateurs. Their flailing managed to do more damage to the landscape than each other. Kala had to actually deflect blasts of varying power from striking the mansion. The end of the 'fun' came when the Boosted Gear announced [Reset]. Issei's stats plummeted back to normal just as Iris Daughter's fist careened in to take his head off.
"Enough!" Kalawarner barked. The fist stopped just shy of Issei's nose.
"...That was terrifying," Koneko muttered.
"The sheer power? Their destructive might?" Rias asked.
"The major lack of skill," the Rook deadpanned.
Iris Heart chuckled. "It does not seem you inherited my talent for combat… unless… Hmm. Sweetie try seeing how skilled you are with you chakram. I have a theory." The goddess had floated next to Kalawarner, and had enjoyed the bout.
Kalawarner looked to her. "You think her possible, and by extension, your natural skills in combat are tied to your weapons?" Iris Heart nodded.
Iris Daughter shrugged and manifested her Chakram. The glowing blades appeared like normal chakram just with the HDD touch. With surety she lacked before the first Chakram was sent spinning off into the distance. She completed the turn and snapped the second faster than the first. The second Chakram hit the first and sent it ricocheting back to her hand. She snatched it from the air with a twirl, using the momentum, and sent it off again at an even faster rate. After several catches and released she played a successful game of catch. The spinning weapons returned and hooked around her fingers to fast they hummed.
"So...I think my skill with weapons is good enough," Iris Daughter smirked.
Iris Heart nodded. "Seems as I thought. Her talent in combat is tied to her weapons. Hmm. Baby can you dull the edges so if they where to say, hit Issei they wouldn't cut him in half?" The Goddess asked her daughter
Issei nodded rapidly to show his approval any plan that doesn't involve dicing him in two.
"It's okay, Issei. I can heal you," Asia assured him optimistically.
"Even if she cuts me in half?" Issei asked incredulously.
"I won't fail," she clenched her fist with determination.
"...I think she's missing the point...just a hair," Iris Daughter held two fingers maybe a centimeter apart.
The physical training was set for the morning. Magical training would be in the afternoon. Kalawarner's class was only for Plutia, Lucifel, and Asia. Devils used magic differently than Angels and Fallen after all. Plutia for her part did well in the training, as her reading had given her plenty of theoretical knowledge, but this was for applying that. "So Kala, can I ask why your having me use my magic on you?" The goddess asked, seeing as she was currently using her rabbit and her magic to move Kalawarner's limbs.
"I was curious to see if I could resist the effects. Learning to resist your magic would make me stronger in the long run. The added resistance would help to train your magical strength as well," she explained.
Lucifel's talents weren't in manipulation but in raw shaping and creation. She was amusing herself by creating little bunny rabbit figurines marching into battle with turtles. The problem was that her creations tended to start becoming 'real' if she didn't balance her focus. It was cheaper to make constructs rather than actual creatures.
Asia was working on barriers and seals. Her healing was already top notch, boosted as it was by Twilight Healing, so some diversity was nice. A fit of whimsy had Kalawarner teach her a chain bind spell that did shibari ties on the target. Asia's pure mind turned them into simple restraint locks with nothing provocative. The Fallen was so disappointed. Lucifel sent a swarm of flying turtles to buzz her head after that.
She wouldn't mess with Asia's training again. Plutia chuckled. "Makes sense. Hmm. I wonder what I can branch out my magic into… perhaps mimicking some form of necromancy via puppeting a corpse? Or maybe going into weirder territories and turning the target into a doll…" Plutia hummed, her mind abuzz with possibilities. She had a notebook on possible spell ideas, but her handwriting was horrible and even she struggled to read it at times.
"Be careful with necromancy of any form. It could look badly for Lucifel when she eventually meets the Factions," Kalawarner warned.
"Can you raise the dead?" Asia asked Lucifel in the background.
"Life and death is a cycle. Why would I mess with nature itself?" The little Fallen was genuinely mystified. To her it was easy.
"To undo the pain of losing someone you care for.." Plutia muttered aloud, her thoughts focused on her magic, or possibly something else. Kalawarner, due to being used to watching Plutia's body language, noticed she was thinking heavily, on something that was bugging her. Her daughter appeared at her side and hugged the sad goddess.
"I'm sorry for speaking without thinking…" Lucifel said contritely.
Kalawarner let the two have a moment before continuing as if nothing happened.
"Turning someone into a puppet is perfectly fine. It would certainly be amusing to see from a distance," the voluptuous Fallen smirked.
Plutia chuckled, running a hand through her daughter's hair. "Meant more turning the target into a doll like a plush one or a porcelain one… A non-lethal way to incapacitate someone while leaving them unable to hurt anyone else." Plutia yawned, her thoughts turning to the future. 'Such a thing would be very useful when, or well, if I start a nation.'
"We seem to be straying further from your goal of gaining Faith. Learning your powers is important but has anyone really asked what you want to do?" Kalawarner asked.
"If she's the mother of God doesn't that mean she shares Lucifel's?" Asia looked confused.
"Of course I believe in my mom! I believe in both of my moms!" Lucifel exclaimed loyally. She pulled a bemused Kalawarner in for a group hug with Plutia. The little Fallen indicated for Asia to get behind Plutia to join. The former nun giggled and did just that.
Plutia chuckled. "I actually haven't checked to see if my darling little one gave me more shares. I've been focused on other stuff." Plutia closed her eyes and looked within.
As she looked within it appeared to be her CPU Memory. The crystal that turned her into a goddess. There were strands flowing off towards the people who believed in her. A thick rope connected her to Asia. Issei's was half the size of hers. The ones connecting her to Rias and her Peerage were thinner. Even Kalawarner held a strong connection. She couldn't see any hint of Lucifel's...until she specifically thought about her daughter. From on high a solid pillar, as thick at the base of Plutia's Basilicom, encompassed her.
Lucifel clearly loved her mother and her Faith was vast. Plutia smiled. "She does, and by and by baby you give me the most shares. Though… I'm wondering if any of those come from the Abrahamic religions."
"They come from the love and faith of the people. Does it matter what their religion is, Plutia-mama?" Lucifel asked.
Plutia nodded. "Yes, if your getting their faith because of a lie. I hate lying, and so very little does it end up improving things in the long term."
Lucifel jerked back as if slapped. Her eyes filled with tears at the blatant condemnation.
"This faith is mine...I am in charge of the Divine System now...So am I a liar now?" Lucifel choked out a sob. She pushed away and immediately took HDD. With a pained cry she tore off into the sky and rapidly vanished in the distance.
"Lucifel! Dammit! I can't catch her!" Kalawarner looked on helplessly. She was not as fast as her daughter.
"Plutia! You have to catch her!" Asia implored.
Plutia swore at herself, before transforming and hurling herself into the air, going after Lucifel with as much speed as possible. "Me damnit… Why can't I go a single day without hurting someone's heart!?"Tears started to well in Iris Heart's eyes.
Far ahead of her was the purple light of Iris Daughter. Her flight speed was probably the highest of any of the goddesses. At least it seemed that was as she didn't appear to be slowing down. The ground was vanishing beneath them. Trees and mountains gave way to lakes and rivers. Iris Daughter turned to look back with tears streaming before turning resolutely forward.
Iris Heart boosted forward using her shares. "I'M SORRY! LUCIFEL PLEASE! I NEVER WANTED TO IMPLY THAT YOU WHERE A LIAR!" She shouted, tears gushing from her eyes as she cursed herself mentally. 'WHY MUST I FUCKING ALWAYS END UP HURTING THE PEOPLE AROUND ME?' She thought.
Iris Daughter slowed as her glow began to sputter out. She was too exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally to keep up the pace. Rather than pass out in midair she reverted to her standby form. The little Fallen turned to her mother, head down, and shoulders shaking.
"Please help me...Help me to fix things...I have to counter the actions of man and absent minded Angels. I have unlimited love for you but this hurting has to stop. I didn't want to be one of those who added to your pain. Instead I was determined to not let you see how badly each word against God hurt. You needed to be able to vent without recrimination. I...I just couldn't handle it when you saw my honest feelings...bolstered by the true believers…" Lucifel buried her face in her hands and wept.
Iris Heart hugged her daughter as tight as she could without hurting her. "...I...I'm sorry too… I… I'm horrible with dealing with people… whenever I don't think about whatever I'm saying I just end up hurting them…. Lucifel my love for you is the most intense feeling I have. Period. I would NEVER hurt you on purpose. I'll help you fix things. I can't...I can't stand you being hurt. Period." The CPU closed her eyes and tried to stop her tears.
"You were hurt so badly...I know it makes it hard. Please just listen to me and think about who is speaking. Asia, Kala-mama, and I care about you. It's so hard to unlearn the things you were taught by uncaring people. Just remember that the world is a lot bigger than a few small minded individuals. Hate speaks with the loudest voice while love is gentle and abiding," Lucifel buried her face in her mother's chest. Projecting her feelings and words directly to her mother's heart.
Iris Heart tightened the hug. "...It's not just that… and my.. Well.. hate.. Wasn't something I was taught. I found it on my own. I could not, and really… cannot, bring myself to terms with the idea of a all powerful, all knowing, and all kind god letting suffering exist. Letting people suffer forever. Letting people commit horrible acts in His name. Of being hypocritical enough to say one should not be judged for the sins of their ancestors, yet according to lore, punishing humanity for the original sin. And so many other acts of cruelness… And so I came to the conclusion. That He was a liar. That He was not all powerful, that He was not all knowing, and that He was certainly not all kind. Lucifel. I don't judge you for what He did. You're you. Not Him."
"And I won't be like that with the help of those who truly love me. I won't let people suffer if I can stop it," Lucifel promised but then her face fell. "There is a limit though. If I do everything for them they won't grow. All I can do is ensure those acting in my name do so with compassion and honesty." She sighed softly as the events of the day caught up to her.
Iris Heart hugged her, and started flying back to the others, fighting to stay awake. "I love you Lucifel. Never forget that." She yawned, and knew she was likely to collapse from emotional exhaustion as soon as she de-transform.
Kalawarner met them halfway back. The Fallen might not have been fast enough to catch Lucifel, but she still tried. She helped the tired duo back to the mansion on the edge of the Gremory Estate. Her eyes kept track of where they were just in case. Lucifel's berserk flight took her across several territories it seemed. When nothing challenged them on the way back, Kala relaxed.
Rias was waiting when they landed.
"Are you okay?" She asked Lucifel gently.
"Yeah...We had to hash some things out," Lucifel answered tiredly.
The Gremory Heiress looked between the goddess, Fallen, and their daughter. All three appeared to be emotionally strung out. A barely visible tension left her shoulders.
"Akeno is making dinner. After dinner I think you need to get some sleep," Rias said kindly.
Iris Heart placed Lucifel down before she de-transformed, Plutia looking soo tired. Yet she was still standing. "Dinner sounds nice… same with sleep… sorry for the drama Rias…. Hope I can go at least another day without something dramatic happening... " The goddess yawned, before she started to sleepily look inside, not bothering to take in the appearance of the manor. Lucifel followed, and Kala could tell both of them had gotten stuff off of their chest.
Rias looked briefly uncomfortable when she mentioned more drama and muttered a particularly nasty swear word under her breath. Inside the manor the smell of a delicious dinner beckoned all to the dining room. Kalawarner was on high alert because of how Rias' tension was ratcheting up again. The redhead hurried on ahead of them.
"Obscenely powerful Devil straight ahead," Lucifel mumbled sleepily.
"Oh f-" Kalawarner smacked herself in the face, catching herself from further profanities..
There was a new person sitting at the dining room table. She was a pretty dark haired girl with purple eyes and wearing a magical girl outfit in purple and black. The rest of the Devils, and Asia, were eyeing her with a mixture of tension and bemusement.
"...They were flying all over the Underworld. I figured a more personal touch would be less offensive than sending a message," the newcomer said reasonably.
"They're also completely exhausted Lady Serafall. Please let them rest tonight," Rias pleaded. Serafall's expression softened as she took in the exhausted family.
"We can talk whenever they're ready. There's no hurry," she looked Plutia in the eye while stressing the last phrase.
Plutia sleepily nodded. "After we eat. And me, Lucifel, and Kala if she wants some, get some sleep." The goddess yawned, struggling to stay awake when her eyes closed for even a brief couple seconds.
Lucifel hugged her mother, shying away from the powerful stranger. "I'm sorry for any trouble we caused you Ms. Rias." She said to the redhead.
"Oh no trouble at all. Not for me anyway," Rias gave the girl a fond headpat.
Serafall left a card with Kalawarner before excusing herself.
"Call me when it's convenient," Serafall said.
"Perhaps tomorrow. Later on in the day," Kalawarner offered while subtly checking with Plutia.
Plutia nodded before facing Rias. "So what's Akeno making?" She asked
With the tension passed dinner was conducted in peace. By some unspoken agreement no one brought up what happened earlier. Lucifel would have been more appreciative if she wasn't trying to keep her face out of the plate. Once dinner was done, Plutia headed off to the guest room, mumbling to herself about hugging Lucifel and never letting go.
No one really felt like training the next morning. With that being the case Rias declared it was time for a break. Homework wouldn't do itself after all. Skipping out on training for homework seemed to defeat the purpose of a rest day. Lucifel was just happy to not be included in the scholastic endeavors.
"Homework...blech," Lucifel stuck out her tongue.
"More Japanese History…" Asia groaned. Her spoken Japanese was better but the written was a work in progress. She had to translate each word slowly. What should have taken twenty minutes stretched on into an hour.
"You're getting the hang of it," Issei praised. Asia blushed from his kind words.
"Wish the same was true for me. I can read and kinda-speak the stuff but my handwriting is horrible." Plutia muttered, the goddess having already finished her homework for english and math. Those came easy to her, for many reasons.
"What do you think Serafall wants to talk about?" Issei asked. Kala tossed a piece of chalk at his head. He let out a yelp and rubbed the bruised spot.
"That is Serafall-sama to you. Even in private don't forget that. No one missed you leering at her either," Kalawarner scolded mildly.
"It's okay, Issei. I thought she was really pretty too," Asia patted his arm with a blush on her face.
Lucifel and Kalawarner both stared at the blushing girl in shock. Plutia merely chuckled. "I agree on that. Anyways with my luck, probably something stupid."
"Probably want to know my view on Devils," Lucifel shrugged. That probably wasn't too far off the mark actually. All of the Factions would want to know just where the new "God" stood on the issues.
"I don't think Lucifel has anything to worry about. Who wouldn't want to follow someone so cute and nice?" Issei patted Lucifel on the head.
"Pats~!" She chirped happily. Asia cooed over just how cute she was being.
Plutia chuckled. 'Seems Lucifel my love for headpats and physical affection like that.' The CPU hugged her daughter. "Don't see why my baby would have problems with any of the factions. We haven't met any Angels, the ACTUAL members of the Fallen we've met have been nice, and besides Riser same with the devils."
"This would be a good opportunity to talk to her about what you might want," Kalawarner suggested.
"I'll have to think about it…" Lucifel scrunched her face up in thought.
Plutia headpatted her daughter. "Something I would like would be a place to live of my own. For me, Lucifel, and Kala. I would probably less stressed if I had a bed to call my own.. And a room of my own to go to when I need to calm down. Baby you'd like your own room right? Plus I don't like Lucifel having to hide her being related to me."
"My own room…" Lucifel looked pleased with the idea.
"Oh...We probably are taking up too much room at Issei's house…" Asia bit her lip.
"No! We love having you there, seriously!" Issei was immediately in damage control mode. The blonde would not be allowed to feel bad. He would not fail!
"He's actually getting better at reading the room," Kalawarner nodded with approval.
Plutia patted Asia on the back. "It's less a matter of space and more I like my privacy. Though, if I do get my own place Asia I have no problem of getting you a room of your own as well." Plutia smiled.
"Thanks," Asia smiled gratefully at Issei and Plutia.
Serafall arrived after lunch. Their hostess, Rias, showed them to a private room where they could discuss matters. The meeting was just between the Leviathan, Plutia, Kalawarner, and Lucifel. The Ultimate Class Devil looked at the older Fallen curiously.
"I am one of her mothers," Kala said.
"Perfectly understandable. Sorry to come here on such short notice but yesterday certainly shook things up. I am Serafall Leviathan. Pleasure to meet you," she introduced herself.
Plutia nods. "Plutia or Iris Heart. Either works. If your being formal, then Lady Iris Heart. And a pleasure to meet you to."
Lucifel was sat next to her mother, and hugged her. "Lucifel or Iris Daughter." Kalawarner stood just behind her family with a hand on Lucifel's shoulder.
"We can dispense with formalities I think. Our talks will go faster," Serafall smiled kindly.
The four made themselves comfortable around the table. Lucifel sat between her mothers with a happy smile. It was taken every ounce of Serafall's self control to not hug the little cutie. She contented herself with giving the little Fallen a brighter smile.
"What brings you here?" Kala asked politely.
"A wave of power rocked portions of the Underworld in a straight line from the Gremory estate. The Devils who live nearby were concerned and panicked over what it could mean. I volunteered to come before hotter heads prevailed," Serafall said.
"Sorry...I was upset…" Lucifel hung her head sadly.
"As long as you're okay now it's fine," the twintailed woman said kindly.
Plutia sighed. "She is.. I forgot to think through something I said and Lucifel took it badly. We made it up but.. Yeah. Sorry." She rubbed the back of her head. Lucifel hugged her mother once more.
"I'm not here to yell at anyone. I promise," Serafall said.
"That's good to know," Kalawarner said in a reserved tone. Even if she was plainly curious to know just what brought the Devil here besides that.
"My moms' are too polite to ask. Is this because you want to know my views on Devils?" Lucifel asked. Kala muttered something under her breath to the effect of 'am I the only one who understands subtlety?'
"That would be nice," Serafall gestured for Lucifel to continue.
"Whoever you are, wherever you came from, as long as you act with compassion I will accept anyone," Lucifel said. The sincerity in her voice left Serafall struck silent in amazement.
Plutia headpatted Lucifel. "I follow that same line of thought as my daughter."
"Excellent," Serafall chirped pleasantly.
"How long until we have to speak with the Angels?" Kalawarner asked.
"I don't know. They're applying for permission to enter Kuoh as we speak," she replied.
"Is it really such a problem?" Lucifel asked with a puzzled frown.
"Despite the years since the last major conflict, we're technically still at war. We want to stop but the issue is finding terms all of us can agree on," Serafall said.
"Like what?" Lucifel asked.
"Mainly how the Angels use their Light or how the Fallen lack an actual leader. They have their generals but no one is really in charge," she explained.
"And these are the dominant Factions?" The little Fallen facepalmed. Kala smothered a laugh.
Plutia nodded. "If the Light is harmful to even just devils… yeah. I can see why it's a issue. Hopefully relations with normal humans is important as well…. The sooner they know of the supernatural, the better."
"We have been slowly bringing humanity around. During the age of religion it was actually dangerous for us. Humans now are less likely to jump to using nuclear weapons on us. That is something humans have over the supernatural. When truly determined their capacity for violence is staggering," Serafall sighed.
"It's a matter of safety?" Lucifel asked Kalawarner.
"Essentially yes. Some of the older and stronger could survive modern weapons. However the younger of us wouldn't last through military firearms," Kala said.
"And I doubt anyone could survive a nuke to the face." Plutia yawned. "...I doubt talking to the angels will be as nice as this. Anyways. Anything else that needs to be talked about?"
"I admit that part of this is putting our best foot forward. We do want to work with you. What can we do to make the deal sweeter?" Serafall asked.
"Be totally honest with us. Keep us up to date on what's going on. Uhm...Maybe someplace to live? We're staying at a friend's house but it's a little cramped," Lucifel glanced at Plutia and nodded.
"You need money and a place to stay? I'm certain we can come up with something. Would you like to stay in Kuoh?" She asked.
Plutia nodded. "Of course. Our friends are there. I'd also like some more books on magic and history If possible I want the house where the Old Church that Kala worked out of was.." Plutia's motive of keeping the crystals safe was obvious to Kala and Lucifel.
"The place warded against detection? Of course you may have it. We'll buy the land and transfer it to your name. How about enough money to have the sort of house you want built? Our construction teams are the best. We could have it built overnight. Literally," Serafall said.
Details were discussed throughout the afternoon. By the time dinner rolled around an agreement was reached. The house would not be small as the church ground was quite large. Books on a wide variety of subjects, both mundane and esoteric, would be delivered for their library. A tidy sum of money was allocated for any expenses not covered by the initial agreement.
Serafall impulsively embraced Lucifel who returned the hug warmly. She patted the little Fallen on the head and waved goodbye to her mothers. Kalawarner let out a jaw cracking yawn as the door closed.
"If we have to deal with another Faction head so soon I'll scream," the older Fallen groaned.
"Think she would let me call her aunt Serafall?" Lucifel asked.
"As if anyone could say no to that face," Kala ruffled her hair fondly.
Hopefully they wouldn't have to find out how true that was too soon.
Training Montage
Training was just another word for torture in Kalawarner's vocabulary. She was an absolute sadist with her knowledge of anatomy. That being said the results were readily apparent. Kiba, Koneko, Akeno, and Rias were in decent shape before all this began. Decent, but not where they should be, according to Kala.
"You had years to train but it looks like you just half assed everything," Kalawarner told them bluntly. The Peerage was laid out before her after what she called a 'little run.' Kiba and Koneko, the most physically capable, were still able to sit up.
"What about Issei…?" Koneko pointed at the Pawn where he lay, dead to the world.
"He has an excuse for being a human civilian until this point. Does that mean I will go any easier on him?" Kalawarner asked rhetorically. Even Rias found the strength to shake her head no. The Fallen folded her arms under her generous bosom with satisfaction.
Lucifel and Asia were distributing water to the downed Devils. Plutia looked them over, her eyes settling on each of them for a second or so. If any of the devils were paying attention to their sin-sense, they would have noticed Plutia felt a pang of jealousy as she looked over Rias. Makes sense, considering she was taller and bustier then Iris Heart. "So. What's the next part of their training Kala? I don't watch Issei's training, so I'm unsure of where you go from here."
"What Issei needs more than anything else is conditioning. The Boosted Gear can give him the strength he needs but his stamina needs work. Maybe some boxing lessons since he favors his fists," Kalawarner tapped her chin.
Issei picked his head up with a groan.
"Boxing…? Like the Western sport?" Issei showed he possessed a working brain.
"Exactly. We can work on your conditioning through boxing drills. The others already have skills in combat. All they need is a kick in the...rear," Kala glanced at Lucifel before continuing, "...to hone their bodies further."
The location Rias secured for their training was a lovely mansion in the woods of the Gremory Estate. Kalawarner appreciated its relative seclusion as she could make them scream for miles. At least that was the claim. Some chuckled, thinking she was joking, but those familiar with her knew the truth. She was not joking. Period. Plutia was happy with this, for obvious reasons.
"Now. You promised me I would be able to get some training for my HDD, so Kala? What are your plans for that?" The goddess asked, before she gave Lucifel a hug.
"Honestly the same thing as Issei. We need to check your stamina and see how long you can hold it for. After that I'll have a better idea of whether it's purely spiritual, physical, or a mixture of the two," Kalawarner said.
"Are we going through Issei's training?" Lucifel didn't seem to like that idea. Kalawarner chuckled softly.
"No, Lucifel. He only has a month to get in shape. You and your mother have a bit longer than that," Kalawarner assured her. The little Fallen breathed a sigh of relief, missing the look on her mother's face. Kala wasn't being entirely honest. Their grace period was ending. Plutia bought them a much needed extension by insisting on being with Rias for this.
"So I'll transform then." Plutia closed her eye and transformed, relishing in the feeling that the transformation brought. Once it was done, Iris Heart smiled and opened her eyes. "Now now Kala. Let's begin. I wouldn't be surprised if you were looking forward to this~" There was something about her tone that confused Asia and Lucifel.
Lucifel's transformation resulted in Rias' Peerage staring at her in shock. Iris Heart was a bombshell while Iris Daughter was a cutie. She looked closer to their age but lacked the sex appeal of her mother. Upon a closer look Plutia would notice how she resembled a Goddess from Four Goddesses Online, or the Angel Processor with the halos and wings.
"Ahhh...it feels good to stretch my wings a bit…" her voice was soft but there was no hint of that in her eyes. She held a strength of will and conviction enough to stare down the Abyss itself. In her hands appeared a pair of oversized bladed chakram glowing with Divine light. Somehow the Devils weren't harmed by her light.
"Is...is that Holy?" Rias asked with surprise.
"How isn't it burning us?" Kiba looked confused.
Iris Daughter looked surprised at the questions. "Why would I want to hurt you? You're not my enemies." Her tone had a definite 'are you daft?' implied.
Iris Heart chuckled. "Makes sense that the intentions of the user would affect how it acts… Magic is tied to one's will right?" Meanwhile, her thoughts mused in darker places as the fact that it seems most Holy, which seems to come from God, hurts all Devils, no matter what said Devil is like. Confirming some of her biases of Him. "Now Kala dear, how do we start?"
"Honestly? I was thinking that you just concentrate on holding the form. Perhaps fly around and help Lucifel...Iris Daughter I mean...get used to 'HDD,'" Kalawarner said.
Iris Daughter tried to flap her wings and lift off. However she apparently put too much 'oomph' behind the action and soared off into the air with a yelp. Her chakram hit the ground and vanished in motes of light.
"Right. You take care of that…" Kalawarner watched as their daughter zig-zagged across the sky so quickly she was leaving purple contrails. Iris Heart merely chuckled before she took off, flight coming easier to the CPU then it came to her Canidate of a daughter.
Moving quickly, Iris Heart caught Iris Daughter, and with a flare of her magic the CPU kept herself from being sent flying by the force of catching her daughter. "Oh baby, you okay? Your more powerful in basically every way when your transformed." She chuckled out before hugging her daughter. Iris Daughter hugged her mother with a wild look.
"That's one way of putting it! I thought I was going plaid!" Iris Daughter laughed a tinge hysterically.
Iris Heart smiled. "So, do you believe you will be able to control your flight this time sweet daughter?"
Iris Daughter nodded, "Sure...Just uh...hold my hand?" She looked meekly at her mother. Iris Heart did, and after making sure her daughter had control over her flight, descended to the ground once more. Iris Daughter looked to her other mother. "So next you'd have Issei spar with you, but I'm decently sure Iris Mother and I are each stronger than you..."
"I would believe it…" Issei remembered how strong Iris Heart was she destroyed the church so effortlessly.
"He can spar with me," Iris Daughter beamed.
"My pride just died a little but...would you go easy on me?" Issei asked reluctantly.
"Oh no. It's not that simple. You need to improve your stamina with Boosted Gear and Iris Daughter needs a strong opponent. So I want you to use Boost and continue Boosting during the spar," Kalawarner said. Asia was already preparing to heal someone. Probably Issei.
The first Boost turned Issei into a rocket. Apparently he decided taking the initiative was the key to victory. Iris Daughter sidestepped the charge and aimed a sloppy kick at his back. His forward momentum increased so fast he crashed into the forest and kept going.
"Oops…?" The HDD Fallen sweated a little.
[Boost!]
Issei shot out of the forest and tried to nail her with a sloppy haymaker. His target slapped the fist to one side with both hands. He briefly spun in midair before hitting the ground from a wing blow to the back.
"Yowch! That smarts!" Iris Daughter shook her wing.
"Don't use your wings like that! They're fragile. Issei! Use your head! Circle around and find an opening!" Kalawarner barked.
"Okay…" Issei stood up again. He held his fists up in a decent pugilist stance.
The next fifteen minutes was full of thud and blunder. As powerful as Iris Daughter was, and Issei became, it was clear both were amateurs. Their flailing managed to do more damage to the landscape than each other. Kala had to actually deflect blasts of varying power from striking the mansion. The end of the 'fun' came when the Boosted Gear announced [Reset]. Issei's stats plummeted back to normal just as Iris Daughter's fist careened in to take his head off.
"Enough!" Kalawarner barked. The fist stopped just shy of Issei's nose.
"...That was terrifying," Koneko muttered.
"The sheer power? Their destructive might?" Rias asked.
"The major lack of skill," the Rook deadpanned.
Iris Heart chuckled. "It does not seem you inherited my talent for combat… unless… Hmm. Sweetie try seeing how skilled you are with you chakram. I have a theory." The goddess had floated next to Kalawarner, and had enjoyed the bout.
Kalawarner looked to her. "You think her possible, and by extension, your natural skills in combat are tied to your weapons?" Iris Heart nodded.
Iris Daughter shrugged and manifested her Chakram. The glowing blades appeared like normal chakram just with the HDD touch. With surety she lacked before the first Chakram was sent spinning off into the distance. She completed the turn and snapped the second faster than the first. The second Chakram hit the first and sent it ricocheting back to her hand. She snatched it from the air with a twirl, using the momentum, and sent it off again at an even faster rate. After several catches and released she played a successful game of catch. The spinning weapons returned and hooked around her fingers to fast they hummed.
"So...I think my skill with weapons is good enough," Iris Daughter smirked.
Iris Heart nodded. "Seems as I thought. Her talent in combat is tied to her weapons. Hmm. Baby can you dull the edges so if they where to say, hit Issei they wouldn't cut him in half?" The Goddess asked her daughter
Issei nodded rapidly to show his approval any plan that doesn't involve dicing him in two.
"It's okay, Issei. I can heal you," Asia assured him optimistically.
"Even if she cuts me in half?" Issei asked incredulously.
"I won't fail," she clenched her fist with determination.
"...I think she's missing the point...just a hair," Iris Daughter held two fingers maybe a centimeter apart.
The physical training was set for the morning. Magical training would be in the afternoon. Kalawarner's class was only for Plutia, Lucifel, and Asia. Devils used magic differently than Angels and Fallen after all. Plutia for her part did well in the training, as her reading had given her plenty of theoretical knowledge, but this was for applying that. "So Kala, can I ask why your having me use my magic on you?" The goddess asked, seeing as she was currently using her rabbit and her magic to move Kalawarner's limbs.
"I was curious to see if I could resist the effects. Learning to resist your magic would make me stronger in the long run. The added resistance would help to train your magical strength as well," she explained.
Lucifel's talents weren't in manipulation but in raw shaping and creation. She was amusing herself by creating little bunny rabbit figurines marching into battle with turtles. The problem was that her creations tended to start becoming 'real' if she didn't balance her focus. It was cheaper to make constructs rather than actual creatures.
Asia was working on barriers and seals. Her healing was already top notch, boosted as it was by Twilight Healing, so some diversity was nice. A fit of whimsy had Kalawarner teach her a chain bind spell that did shibari ties on the target. Asia's pure mind turned them into simple restraint locks with nothing provocative. The Fallen was so disappointed. Lucifel sent a swarm of flying turtles to buzz her head after that.
She wouldn't mess with Asia's training again. Plutia chuckled. "Makes sense. Hmm. I wonder what I can branch out my magic into… perhaps mimicking some form of necromancy via puppeting a corpse? Or maybe going into weirder territories and turning the target into a doll…" Plutia hummed, her mind abuzz with possibilities. She had a notebook on possible spell ideas, but her handwriting was horrible and even she struggled to read it at times.
"Be careful with necromancy of any form. It could look badly for Lucifel when she eventually meets the Factions," Kalawarner warned.
"Can you raise the dead?" Asia asked Lucifel in the background.
"Life and death is a cycle. Why would I mess with nature itself?" The little Fallen was genuinely mystified. To her it was easy.
"To undo the pain of losing someone you care for.." Plutia muttered aloud, her thoughts focused on her magic, or possibly something else. Kalawarner, due to being used to watching Plutia's body language, noticed she was thinking heavily, on something that was bugging her. Her daughter appeared at her side and hugged the sad goddess.
"I'm sorry for speaking without thinking…" Lucifel said contritely.
Kalawarner let the two have a moment before continuing as if nothing happened.
"Turning someone into a puppet is perfectly fine. It would certainly be amusing to see from a distance," the voluptuous Fallen smirked.
Plutia chuckled, running a hand through her daughter's hair. "Meant more turning the target into a doll like a plush one or a porcelain one… A non-lethal way to incapacitate someone while leaving them unable to hurt anyone else." Plutia yawned, her thoughts turning to the future. 'Such a thing would be very useful when, or well, if I start a nation.'
"We seem to be straying further from your goal of gaining Faith. Learning your powers is important but has anyone really asked what you want to do?" Kalawarner asked.
"If she's the mother of God doesn't that mean she shares Lucifel's?" Asia looked confused.
"Of course I believe in my mom! I believe in both of my moms!" Lucifel exclaimed loyally. She pulled a bemused Kalawarner in for a group hug with Plutia. The little Fallen indicated for Asia to get behind Plutia to join. The former nun giggled and did just that.
Plutia chuckled. "I actually haven't checked to see if my darling little one gave me more shares. I've been focused on other stuff." Plutia closed her eyes and looked within.
As she looked within it appeared to be her CPU Memory. The crystal that turned her into a goddess. There were strands flowing off towards the people who believed in her. A thick rope connected her to Asia. Issei's was half the size of hers. The ones connecting her to Rias and her Peerage were thinner. Even Kalawarner held a strong connection. She couldn't see any hint of Lucifel's...until she specifically thought about her daughter. From on high a solid pillar, as thick at the base of Plutia's Basilicom, encompassed her.
Lucifel clearly loved her mother and her Faith was vast. Plutia smiled. "She does, and by and by baby you give me the most shares. Though… I'm wondering if any of those come from the Abrahamic religions."
"They come from the love and faith of the people. Does it matter what their religion is, Plutia-mama?" Lucifel asked.
Plutia nodded. "Yes, if your getting their faith because of a lie. I hate lying, and so very little does it end up improving things in the long term."
Lucifel jerked back as if slapped. Her eyes filled with tears at the blatant condemnation.
"This faith is mine...I am in charge of the Divine System now...So am I a liar now?" Lucifel choked out a sob. She pushed away and immediately took HDD. With a pained cry she tore off into the sky and rapidly vanished in the distance.
"Lucifel! Dammit! I can't catch her!" Kalawarner looked on helplessly. She was not as fast as her daughter.
"Plutia! You have to catch her!" Asia implored.
Plutia swore at herself, before transforming and hurling herself into the air, going after Lucifel with as much speed as possible. "Me damnit… Why can't I go a single day without hurting someone's heart!?"Tears started to well in Iris Heart's eyes.
Far ahead of her was the purple light of Iris Daughter. Her flight speed was probably the highest of any of the goddesses. At least it seemed that was as she didn't appear to be slowing down. The ground was vanishing beneath them. Trees and mountains gave way to lakes and rivers. Iris Daughter turned to look back with tears streaming before turning resolutely forward.
Iris Heart boosted forward using her shares. "I'M SORRY! LUCIFEL PLEASE! I NEVER WANTED TO IMPLY THAT YOU WHERE A LIAR!" She shouted, tears gushing from her eyes as she cursed herself mentally. 'WHY MUST I FUCKING ALWAYS END UP HURTING THE PEOPLE AROUND ME?' She thought.
Iris Daughter slowed as her glow began to sputter out. She was too exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally to keep up the pace. Rather than pass out in midair she reverted to her standby form. The little Fallen turned to her mother, head down, and shoulders shaking.
"Please help me...Help me to fix things...I have to counter the actions of man and absent minded Angels. I have unlimited love for you but this hurting has to stop. I didn't want to be one of those who added to your pain. Instead I was determined to not let you see how badly each word against God hurt. You needed to be able to vent without recrimination. I...I just couldn't handle it when you saw my honest feelings...bolstered by the true believers…" Lucifel buried her face in her hands and wept.
Iris Heart hugged her daughter as tight as she could without hurting her. "...I...I'm sorry too… I… I'm horrible with dealing with people… whenever I don't think about whatever I'm saying I just end up hurting them…. Lucifel my love for you is the most intense feeling I have. Period. I would NEVER hurt you on purpose. I'll help you fix things. I can't...I can't stand you being hurt. Period." The CPU closed her eyes and tried to stop her tears.
"You were hurt so badly...I know it makes it hard. Please just listen to me and think about who is speaking. Asia, Kala-mama, and I care about you. It's so hard to unlearn the things you were taught by uncaring people. Just remember that the world is a lot bigger than a few small minded individuals. Hate speaks with the loudest voice while love is gentle and abiding," Lucifel buried her face in her mother's chest. Projecting her feelings and words directly to her mother's heart.
Iris Heart tightened the hug. "...It's not just that… and my.. Well.. hate.. Wasn't something I was taught. I found it on my own. I could not, and really… cannot, bring myself to terms with the idea of a all powerful, all knowing, and all kind god letting suffering exist. Letting people suffer forever. Letting people commit horrible acts in His name. Of being hypocritical enough to say one should not be judged for the sins of their ancestors, yet according to lore, punishing humanity for the original sin. And so many other acts of cruelness… And so I came to the conclusion. That He was a liar. That He was not all powerful, that He was not all knowing, and that He was certainly not all kind. Lucifel. I don't judge you for what He did. You're you. Not Him."
"And I won't be like that with the help of those who truly love me. I won't let people suffer if I can stop it," Lucifel promised but then her face fell. "There is a limit though. If I do everything for them they won't grow. All I can do is ensure those acting in my name do so with compassion and honesty." She sighed softly as the events of the day caught up to her.
Iris Heart hugged her, and started flying back to the others, fighting to stay awake. "I love you Lucifel. Never forget that." She yawned, and knew she was likely to collapse from emotional exhaustion as soon as she de-transform.
Kalawarner met them halfway back. The Fallen might not have been fast enough to catch Lucifel, but she still tried. She helped the tired duo back to the mansion on the edge of the Gremory Estate. Her eyes kept track of where they were just in case. Lucifel's berserk flight took her across several territories it seemed. When nothing challenged them on the way back, Kala relaxed.
Rias was waiting when they landed.
"Are you okay?" She asked Lucifel gently.
"Yeah...We had to hash some things out," Lucifel answered tiredly.
The Gremory Heiress looked between the goddess, Fallen, and their daughter. All three appeared to be emotionally strung out. A barely visible tension left her shoulders.
"Akeno is making dinner. After dinner I think you need to get some sleep," Rias said kindly.
Iris Heart placed Lucifel down before she de-transformed, Plutia looking soo tired. Yet she was still standing. "Dinner sounds nice… same with sleep… sorry for the drama Rias…. Hope I can go at least another day without something dramatic happening... " The goddess yawned, before she started to sleepily look inside, not bothering to take in the appearance of the manor. Lucifel followed, and Kala could tell both of them had gotten stuff off of their chest.
Rias looked briefly uncomfortable when she mentioned more drama and muttered a particularly nasty swear word under her breath. Inside the manor the smell of a delicious dinner beckoned all to the dining room. Kalawarner was on high alert because of how Rias' tension was ratcheting up again. The redhead hurried on ahead of them.
"Obscenely powerful Devil straight ahead," Lucifel mumbled sleepily.
"Oh f-" Kalawarner smacked herself in the face, catching herself from further profanities..
There was a new person sitting at the dining room table. She was a pretty dark haired girl with purple eyes and wearing a magical girl outfit in purple and black. The rest of the Devils, and Asia, were eyeing her with a mixture of tension and bemusement.
"...They were flying all over the Underworld. I figured a more personal touch would be less offensive than sending a message," the newcomer said reasonably.
"They're also completely exhausted Lady Serafall. Please let them rest tonight," Rias pleaded. Serafall's expression softened as she took in the exhausted family.
"We can talk whenever they're ready. There's no hurry," she looked Plutia in the eye while stressing the last phrase.
Plutia sleepily nodded. "After we eat. And me, Lucifel, and Kala if she wants some, get some sleep." The goddess yawned, struggling to stay awake when her eyes closed for even a brief couple seconds.
Lucifel hugged her mother, shying away from the powerful stranger. "I'm sorry for any trouble we caused you Ms. Rias." She said to the redhead.
"Oh no trouble at all. Not for me anyway," Rias gave the girl a fond headpat.
Serafall left a card with Kalawarner before excusing herself.
"Call me when it's convenient," Serafall said.
"Perhaps tomorrow. Later on in the day," Kalawarner offered while subtly checking with Plutia.
Plutia nodded before facing Rias. "So what's Akeno making?" She asked
With the tension passed dinner was conducted in peace. By some unspoken agreement no one brought up what happened earlier. Lucifel would have been more appreciative if she wasn't trying to keep her face out of the plate. Once dinner was done, Plutia headed off to the guest room, mumbling to herself about hugging Lucifel and never letting go.
No one really felt like training the next morning. With that being the case Rias declared it was time for a break. Homework wouldn't do itself after all. Skipping out on training for homework seemed to defeat the purpose of a rest day. Lucifel was just happy to not be included in the scholastic endeavors.
"Homework...blech," Lucifel stuck out her tongue.
"More Japanese History…" Asia groaned. Her spoken Japanese was better but the written was a work in progress. She had to translate each word slowly. What should have taken twenty minutes stretched on into an hour.
"You're getting the hang of it," Issei praised. Asia blushed from his kind words.
"Wish the same was true for me. I can read and kinda-speak the stuff but my handwriting is horrible." Plutia muttered, the goddess having already finished her homework for english and math. Those came easy to her, for many reasons.
"What do you think Serafall wants to talk about?" Issei asked. Kala tossed a piece of chalk at his head. He let out a yelp and rubbed the bruised spot.
"That is Serafall-sama to you. Even in private don't forget that. No one missed you leering at her either," Kalawarner scolded mildly.
"It's okay, Issei. I thought she was really pretty too," Asia patted his arm with a blush on her face.
Lucifel and Kalawarner both stared at the blushing girl in shock. Plutia merely chuckled. "I agree on that. Anyways with my luck, probably something stupid."
"Probably want to know my view on Devils," Lucifel shrugged. That probably wasn't too far off the mark actually. All of the Factions would want to know just where the new "God" stood on the issues.
"I don't think Lucifel has anything to worry about. Who wouldn't want to follow someone so cute and nice?" Issei patted Lucifel on the head.
"Pats~!" She chirped happily. Asia cooed over just how cute she was being.
Plutia chuckled. 'Seems Lucifel my love for headpats and physical affection like that.' The CPU hugged her daughter. "Don't see why my baby would have problems with any of the factions. We haven't met any Angels, the ACTUAL members of the Fallen we've met have been nice, and besides Riser same with the devils."
"This would be a good opportunity to talk to her about what you might want," Kalawarner suggested.
"I'll have to think about it…" Lucifel scrunched her face up in thought.
Plutia headpatted her daughter. "Something I would like would be a place to live of my own. For me, Lucifel, and Kala. I would probably less stressed if I had a bed to call my own.. And a room of my own to go to when I need to calm down. Baby you'd like your own room right? Plus I don't like Lucifel having to hide her being related to me."
"My own room…" Lucifel looked pleased with the idea.
"Oh...We probably are taking up too much room at Issei's house…" Asia bit her lip.
"No! We love having you there, seriously!" Issei was immediately in damage control mode. The blonde would not be allowed to feel bad. He would not fail!
"He's actually getting better at reading the room," Kalawarner nodded with approval.
Plutia patted Asia on the back. "It's less a matter of space and more I like my privacy. Though, if I do get my own place Asia I have no problem of getting you a room of your own as well." Plutia smiled.
"Thanks," Asia smiled gratefully at Issei and Plutia.
Serafall arrived after lunch. Their hostess, Rias, showed them to a private room where they could discuss matters. The meeting was just between the Leviathan, Plutia, Kalawarner, and Lucifel. The Ultimate Class Devil looked at the older Fallen curiously.
"I am one of her mothers," Kala said.
"Perfectly understandable. Sorry to come here on such short notice but yesterday certainly shook things up. I am Serafall Leviathan. Pleasure to meet you," she introduced herself.
Plutia nods. "Plutia or Iris Heart. Either works. If your being formal, then Lady Iris Heart. And a pleasure to meet you to."
Lucifel was sat next to her mother, and hugged her. "Lucifel or Iris Daughter." Kalawarner stood just behind her family with a hand on Lucifel's shoulder.
"We can dispense with formalities I think. Our talks will go faster," Serafall smiled kindly.
The four made themselves comfortable around the table. Lucifel sat between her mothers with a happy smile. It was taken every ounce of Serafall's self control to not hug the little cutie. She contented herself with giving the little Fallen a brighter smile.
"What brings you here?" Kala asked politely.
"A wave of power rocked portions of the Underworld in a straight line from the Gremory estate. The Devils who live nearby were concerned and panicked over what it could mean. I volunteered to come before hotter heads prevailed," Serafall said.
"Sorry...I was upset…" Lucifel hung her head sadly.
"As long as you're okay now it's fine," the twintailed woman said kindly.
Plutia sighed. "She is.. I forgot to think through something I said and Lucifel took it badly. We made it up but.. Yeah. Sorry." She rubbed the back of her head. Lucifel hugged her mother once more.
"I'm not here to yell at anyone. I promise," Serafall said.
"That's good to know," Kalawarner said in a reserved tone. Even if she was plainly curious to know just what brought the Devil here besides that.
"My moms' are too polite to ask. Is this because you want to know my views on Devils?" Lucifel asked. Kala muttered something under her breath to the effect of 'am I the only one who understands subtlety?'
"That would be nice," Serafall gestured for Lucifel to continue.
"Whoever you are, wherever you came from, as long as you act with compassion I will accept anyone," Lucifel said. The sincerity in her voice left Serafall struck silent in amazement.
Plutia headpatted Lucifel. "I follow that same line of thought as my daughter."
"Excellent," Serafall chirped pleasantly.
"How long until we have to speak with the Angels?" Kalawarner asked.
"I don't know. They're applying for permission to enter Kuoh as we speak," she replied.
"Is it really such a problem?" Lucifel asked with a puzzled frown.
"Despite the years since the last major conflict, we're technically still at war. We want to stop but the issue is finding terms all of us can agree on," Serafall said.
"Like what?" Lucifel asked.
"Mainly how the Angels use their Light or how the Fallen lack an actual leader. They have their generals but no one is really in charge," she explained.
"And these are the dominant Factions?" The little Fallen facepalmed. Kala smothered a laugh.
Plutia nodded. "If the Light is harmful to even just devils… yeah. I can see why it's a issue. Hopefully relations with normal humans is important as well…. The sooner they know of the supernatural, the better."
"We have been slowly bringing humanity around. During the age of religion it was actually dangerous for us. Humans now are less likely to jump to using nuclear weapons on us. That is something humans have over the supernatural. When truly determined their capacity for violence is staggering," Serafall sighed.
"It's a matter of safety?" Lucifel asked Kalawarner.
"Essentially yes. Some of the older and stronger could survive modern weapons. However the younger of us wouldn't last through military firearms," Kala said.
"And I doubt anyone could survive a nuke to the face." Plutia yawned. "...I doubt talking to the angels will be as nice as this. Anyways. Anything else that needs to be talked about?"
"I admit that part of this is putting our best foot forward. We do want to work with you. What can we do to make the deal sweeter?" Serafall asked.
"Be totally honest with us. Keep us up to date on what's going on. Uhm...Maybe someplace to live? We're staying at a friend's house but it's a little cramped," Lucifel glanced at Plutia and nodded.
"You need money and a place to stay? I'm certain we can come up with something. Would you like to stay in Kuoh?" She asked.
Plutia nodded. "Of course. Our friends are there. I'd also like some more books on magic and history If possible I want the house where the Old Church that Kala worked out of was.." Plutia's motive of keeping the crystals safe was obvious to Kala and Lucifel.
"The place warded against detection? Of course you may have it. We'll buy the land and transfer it to your name. How about enough money to have the sort of house you want built? Our construction teams are the best. We could have it built overnight. Literally," Serafall said.
Details were discussed throughout the afternoon. By the time dinner rolled around an agreement was reached. The house would not be small as the church ground was quite large. Books on a wide variety of subjects, both mundane and esoteric, would be delivered for their library. A tidy sum of money was allocated for any expenses not covered by the initial agreement.
Serafall impulsively embraced Lucifel who returned the hug warmly. She patted the little Fallen on the head and waved goodbye to her mothers. Kalawarner let out a jaw cracking yawn as the door closed.
"If we have to deal with another Faction head so soon I'll scream," the older Fallen groaned.
"Think she would let me call her aunt Serafall?" Lucifel asked.
"As if anyone could say no to that face," Kala ruffled her hair fondly.
Hopefully they wouldn't have to find out how true that was too soon.
Wait, You Mean We Actually Get a Break?
- Location
- PA
AN: Come forth from the Shadow Realm @ForgottonFuture
Wait, You Mean We Actually Get a Break?
Serafall wasn't joking when she said the Underworld construction crews were the best. By the time the little family returned to Kuoh their new house was built. The Western style mansion would serve as a fine start to Plutia's future Basilicom. A gal had to dream big in this business.
Training was over. Now it was up to Rias and her Peerage to secure victory over Riser. The Devils weren't quite up to inviting the goddess and her family to watch. That was just fine with Plutia. Her family needed to rest more than be trotted out for a photo op. Asia brought up the rear. The only one of the group who was despondent over not getting invited. She wanted to watch Issei pummel more people.
"Didn't you get enough violence?" Kalawarner teased her. Plutia cracked a small smile.
"I-I just want to cheer him on!" Asia protested. No one missed how her eyes tended to glaze when she stared at him too long.
"Blegh...boys. Blegh...girls. I'm too tired to care," Lucifel pouted, having been worked hard by Kala-mama. The littlest of the group needed to be able to defend herself. Kalawarner almost seemed frantic to make sure the little cinnamon roll was safe as possible. Plutia approved, but she didn't want either of them to burn out.
"We'll do some relaxing then baby. Anything in particular you want to do?" She asked her daughter, hugging the small fallen/goddess hybrid as she yawned.
"Lounge around in my pajamas and do nothing," Lucifel leaned into the embrace. Without fail the little girl wore her dresses. She eyed her smaller mother's choice of attire a trifle enviously.
"Okay dear...Come on. Let's see how the Devils did," Kalawarner picked up Lucifel and carried her inside. Asia linked arms with Plutia on the way.
The inside was decorated tastefully but impersonally. It lacked a certain warmth of a home. In time it would change as the residents filled it with memories. The interior was quite spacious. Already Lucifel could spot several places to get in some indoor flying practice. Kala patted her hair as she also saw the potential. The older woman smiled ruefully.
Plutia for her part simply looked around, noticing how the house seemed to have two floors. "The bedrooms are probably on the second floor. And below us is where Lucifel was born… I'll take a look down there later.." Plutia mused to herself as she continued on. The main room served to connect the two floors, as it had a small staircase in the center that led to the upper floor and it was these very stairs Plutia was heading up in search of the bedrooms. "What do you all think of this place?" She asked. However her thoughts were elsewhere. 'The locals hated the old church… how will they respond to this place being built where it used to be?'
"It's so big…" Lucifel gazed in surprise. Her little wings quivered with anticipation.
"There seems to be enough room for all of us," Kala nodded approvingly.
"What am I feeling down below? Like...It's vibrating...and seems to be calling…" Asia looked down towards the hidden chamber.
"That's where I was born. Don't go down there without an escort, okay?" Lucifel went from tired to fully alert in an instant. Asia was visibly startled at just how quickly her demeanor changed.
"Oh I won't! It wouldn't be polite!" Asia protested. The smaller girl calmed so suddenly it was as if she hadn't gotten spooked.
"Great! We'll take you down there sometime," Lucifel chirped.
Kalawarner stood beside Plutia with an inscrutable expression.
"She can feel the Sharicite it seems…" Kala noted.
Plutia shrugged. "Makes sense. The stuff is quite literally crystalized faith… But I do agree with Lucifel. I don't know what would happen if you touch the stuff Asia, so please be careful." Plutia yawned. "The place has quite a bit of room. Hmm. I wonder if it would be possible to make a room for video games… I lost my collection when I first arrived to Kuoh."
"We have the room. I think we may have more room than it seems from outside…" Kalawarner started out of the room musing to herself.
"Is she okay?" Asia asked.
"The Devils added some space expansion spells. We have fifty percent more room on the inside. Though the windows manage to match up and the pipes as well…" Lucifel looked around in bewilderment.
Kalawarner was going to probably going to know how the spells worked by the time she was done. Lucifel figured it out with a guess but didn't understand the mechanics. There was probably something profound to be said but the upshot was more room to spread out. The rest could take care of itself.
"The refrigerator is fully stocked and so are the cupboards…" Asia helped Kalawarner take stock.
"The library is the largest room in the building," Kala reported to Plutia. The goddess smiled at that.
"Zzz…" Lucifel...napped on the loveseat in the living room.
Plutia sat on the loveseat next to her before yawning. She hugged Lucifel tight and laid down, fully intent on taking a nap with her daughter. "Hmm.. Wonder if it would be a waste of shares to transform so Lucifel can cuddle up to me…" She quietly mused to herself.
"That is something we need to discuss. Shares," Kala joined them on the loveseat. Considering just how small Plutia and Lucifel were it was cozy. Asia took a seat in a large armchair.
"My Shares are also Plutia-mama's," Lucifel said sleepily.
"For now, yes. However someday you will need them yourself. Your mother needs to be able to rely on herself," Kala said softly. She could see Plutia's independent streak and agreed with her. It was better if she could rely on herself more.
"Right...gotcha…" Lucifel yawned.
"Since you're in charge of the Divine System does that mean prayers are being answered?" Asia asked curiously. The littlest Fallen opened her eyes again.
"Most prayers were answered before I came. Basically the ratio was twenty percent divine intervention and eighty percent personal effort. Some situations received more intervention, some less, but there was always a component of effort from the supplicant," Lucifel recited as if she were reading it somewhere.
"O-oh...I wasn't doing anything so my prayers weren't heard…" Asia looked down at her hands.
"Your prayer was heard but it wasn't the 'right' prayer. You wanted to be accepted back into the Church. It is, right now, a bad fit for you. There are just too many shady things that a kind person like you shouldn't be involved with. Didn't you find a better place here?" Lucifel asked.
"Yes...Yes I did," Asia agreed readily.
"There we go then," Lucifel laid her head on Plutia's shoulder.
Plutia smiled. "Anyways, getting myself shares of my own is a good idea. When the truth about what happened with your predecessor gets out, unfortunately I would not be surprised if your shares plummeted massively. People can be fickle when it comes to things like faith." Plutia hugged Lucifel. "So any ideas for getting me Shares?"
"Youtube," Lucifel said immediately.
"What would she even do on Youtube? I know she's photogenic but there has to be something else," Kalawarner said.
"Singing? Playing video games? I dunno," Lucifel shrugged. Plutia ruffled her hair at that.
"She could go back to her original idea and help the people," Asia beamed.
"She does have the power for it…" Kala mused.
Plutia hummed in thought. "Helping people could work… and as for the Youtube idea… I honestly have no idea how good of a singing voice I have." The goddess shrugged. "Then again, I could always sing as Iris Heart..."
The sad thing was that Youtube would absolutely love Iris Heart, not for her singing voice, but for the killer body. It would get her Shares in a hurry by appealing to the lowest common denominator. Asia seemed to realize that as her face turned bright red. Lucifel gave her a suspicious look.
"Are you being infected by Issei?" Lucifel asked suspiciously. While Asia sputtered denials Kalawarner laughed.
Plutia chuckled. "We'll table that idea for later then." The goddess looked in the direction of the hidden chamber. "Hmm. We should probably check on the shareicite, make sure the devils didn't accidentally disturb it or break it or anything."
"Can I come?" Asia perked up.
"Just don't touch anything," Kalawarner said.
To be on the safe side Lucifel decided to hold Asia's hand. She seemed really anxious about Asia coming into contact with Sharicite. The hidden chamber was blocked by a secret door. Kalawarner found the latch behind the refrigerator. The Fallen muttered that she was going to have to move the latch. A flash of light and the far wall of the kitchen vanished to reveal the stairs down.
A little bit theatrical like most things Devils did.
"Wow…" Asia breathed as they entered the chamber at the bottom.
The way ahead was blocked by a shimmering violet and gold forcefield of solidified Share energy.
"I don't think anyone could get through there…" Kalawarner made to touch the wall only to fall through.
"...It's not going to keep you out, Kala-mama," Lucifel sighed.
"Now she tells me…" Kala sighed before gasping.
The inside of the Share chamber was different than when they left. All of the refined Sharicite now lined the walls neatly shedding light over the chamber. In the very center of the room was a crystal statue of Plutia and Kalawarner embracing Lucifel.
"It feels so holy here…" Asia murmured.
Plutia smiled. "Makes sense. The crystals are crystalized faith and it's where Lucifel was born."
Twilight Healing appeared on Asia's fingers. The rings of her Sacred Gear pulsed faintly in rhythm with the Sharicite. Lucifel steered the former nun away from the wall.
"What is it doing?" Kala asked.
"My Sacred Gear feels hot…" Asia tried to make it vanish but the rings refused to leave.
"Uhhh...Good question…" Up until this point Lucifel had more knowledge about what was going on. Now it looks like she's as confused as everyone else. Asia opened and closed her hands to relieve the tension that was building.
"Please Lucifel…" Asia implored the younger girl.
Lucifel looked to Plutia for guidance. She was completely lost at sea.
Plutia took a deep breath, her thoughts had been racing as soon as Twilight Healing appeared. "Okay. I have a idea… I think Asia's Sacred Gear might be resonating with the sharicite. Considering they were made by Lucifel's predecessor and this is where Lucifel was born. Asia, besides hot do you feel anything else? And I'm wondering if keeping you away from here might be a good idea. Try heading a bit up the stairs and seeing if that makes Twilight Healing act normally." The goddess then turned to the shareicite and casted out her senses, to see if it was acting up. She received a sense that the Sharicite was waiting. Not reacting so much as 'holding its breath.'
Asia was able to leave the room easily enough. Twilight Healing stopped pulsing and receded. When she came back in the Sacred Gear reappeared. There was a brief flash of bright green light as the Sharicite connected to her aura again. Kalawarner gestured for her to leave the room again and the effects receded. Plutia got the feeling the Sharicite was getting annoyed. Judging by Lucifel's vaguely peeved expression she was feeling the crystals' aggravation.
Plutia sighed, and Kalawarner had to hide a chuckle when she noticed the two goddesses were holding similar expressions. "Okay. The Sharicite is connecting itself to what I assume is Asia's soul, and is trying to do.. Something. Not entirely sure. Could be trying to upgrade Twilight Healing, could be trying to upgrade Asia in some manner. Not sure. Lucifel does that give you any idea of what it's doing?" She asked her daughter.
Lucifel nodded slowly. "I can see it now. Asia doesn't want to become a CPU or 'goddess.' The Sharicite isn't trying to turn her into a Candidate. I wasn't sure until I saw how the Sharicite was reacting to her…"
"What would being a 'Candidate' entail?" Asia asked curiously.
"Hmmm...You would actually be my Candidate. Kind of like my understudy or head angel...Whoa! Her interest just shot up!" Lucifel gawked. Asia blushed.
"And well, Lucifel is my Candidate and daughter." Plutia added on.
"What if I wasn't so pure…? Could I Fall?" Asia asked sheepishly.
"The only way you could fall is if you choose hate over love," Lucifel assured her.
Plutia nodded. "The choice is yours."
"Maybe it wouldn't be so bad…" Asia looked at the crystals almost longingly.
The Sharicite pulsed excitedly in response to her decision. Lucifel and Plutia instantly changed into their HDD Forms as Kalawarner's wings manifested. The youngest laughed as the crystals were as eager as Asia.
"Just step forward and touch the statue," Iris Daughter said.
Asia stepped forward slowly, reverently, treating the situation with gravity. It took all of Iris Daughter's self control not to urge her on faster. Iris Heart for her part hugged her daughter and was ready to swoop in if something bad happened. The former nun was preparing to take a big step after all. When she reached the statue her eyes locked on the image of Lucifel. She laid her hand on the head of the statue. Her Sacred Gears exploded with pure radiance. Asia's head fell back as the sublime feeling filled her. She was obscured by the light for a moment.
The light died down slowly to reveal the change. Oddly enough it looked like she was using the Compile Heart Processor. Around her wrists and ankles were slowly turning gold rings with four green gems on each. They looked like Twilight Healing only larger. Her bodysuit and processor were pale green with gold trim. It was strange but her hair and eyes didn't change color. Aside from the Sharicite symbol there wasn't much of a change. Asia would be happy though as she picked up a couple inches in height (and other places.)
"If she is your Candidate...why is her color scheme different…?" Kalawarner asked carefully.
"She likes green," Iris Daughter shrugged.
"Would I be Green Sister…?" The newest Candidate asked curiously.
Iris Heart shrugged before hugging the new Candidate. "The choice is up to you. Anyways Asia, how do you feel? Transforming can be a bit of a rush." The goddess blinked and adopted an annoyed expression. "I'm going to need to talk to Rias. Again." Her voice made it clear how much she did not want to annoy the heiress.
"I might go with Green Sister. It fits...sort of...but I also feel like I've defied a cosmic joke," Green Sister tilted her head pensively. If Green Heart caught wind of her the original CPUs might find a way to this world. The idea was...amusing. And also terrifying. Plutia did not want Yellow Heart to break her spine.
"Why would you need to talk to Rias?" Kala asked.
Iris Heart started counting, raising a finger each time, crossing her legs as she started to float. "1. She deserves to know the Sharicite can ascend people, 2. She deserves to know Asia's ascended, and 3, If I tell her it lessens the chance of any assholes like Riser from being able to do stupid politics crap to us if the devils find out I was hiding the previous two."
Kalawarner nodded approvingly.
"That was what I hoped you would say," the older woman smiled.
"Mom's learning politics. Very carefully," Iris Daughter teased the new Green Sister.
"Who else would even benefit from this?" GS asked.
"Good question," Kala remarked.
"Honestly? I have to like the person. I know we all smile when we see Asia," ID shrugged.
"And if someone we didn't like tried using it?" Kalawarner asked.
"Hope they're ready to see the afterlife," the youngest said with chilling finality.
Iris Heart shrugged and looked to Kala. "Not matter what it does, well, Kala can you make something to keep others out of here unless we let them in of our own free will? Also we should probably tell Uranus if only to keep any jerks in the Fallen from trying political crap." The goddess looked to the two candidates. "Anyways, I suggest we de-transform, as to not waste shares." The fact that a small chunk of Iris Heart's mind wanted to hug the two candidates and never let go because they were adorable and she wanted to keep them safe was unsaid. Once Iris Heart said that, she dropped the transformation and Plutia landed gently on both feet.
The calculating look in Iris Daughter's eyes should worry anyone familiar with Iris Heart. She changed back but the look didn't disappear. Asia reverted but needed to steady herself. Good thing Kala was watching as the Fallen kept her standing. Even if was funny watching Asia briefly get lost in Kalawarner's cleavage.
"Please don't make Uranus into a Candidate without at least asking her father first," Kalawarner seemed to glean what her daughter was thinking.
"Candidate? Why would I do that?" Lucifel looked confused. Kalawarner started to relax until the younger girl finished. "She would make a better Heart."
Plutia sighed and clapped her hands together, having left her doll in the living room. "Lucifel no. In fact new rule. No letting anyone using the Sharicite without me and Kala's permission." Plutia sighed. 'Last thing I need is Lucifel ascend someone who ends up like Rei or Kurome.' She thought.
"Fiiiine…" Lucifel pouted.
"You don't even really know Uranus yet," Kalawarner reminded her.
"She seems nice," Asia opined. Kala sighed.
"She is nice and very ernst. Somehow she hasn't succumbed to the politicking and backstabbing inherent in Fallen affairs. That being said she is quite clever. Otherwise Azazel wouldn't ask her to perform delicate missions. I agree with Plutia, however. No ascending anyone unless you have our permission," Kala said. At first Lucifel looked excited like her other mama was agreeing. That is until she repeated Plutia's words. Now the littlest was pouting again.
"There there…" Asia patted her head. Her funk was too deep even for headpats.
Plutia sighed and hugged Asia and Lucifel. "It's just to make sure we know who ascends and could probably help keep you from accidentally ascending someone who couldn't handle it. I trust you, but the more failsafes the better when it comes to this kinda thing. Also Kala come here I'm making this a group hug." Kala rolled her eyes as her reputation for sadism was pretty much gone. She joined the group hug without complaint.
The paradigm of the universe fell on its head ahead. Plutia wanted to make sure Asia was actually okay and not just caught up in the moment. There was no such thing as buyer's remorse for this gift after all. Would it operate like the CPU Memories or was Lucifel closer? Outright killing someone who tried to take the crystal would certainly prevent thieves. What about people who were just curious? The Sharicite assured Plutia that no one would get through the barrier.
There was that at least.
"Hello Plutia. Was there something you needed?" Asia asked. The former nun was in the study looking over a book of barriers, wards, and binds. For someone who didn't want to hurt people it was a good choice.
"Yeah. I just wanted to make sure your okay. Ascending is a life changing kind of thing so." Plutia shrugged as she plopped herself down on another chair then the one Asia was on. The study was nearish to the bedrooms, so Plutia guessed she'd probably be using the room a lot in the future. "Any questions or anything for me?"
"I feel great. Also confused. Why did the Sharicite want me so badly? I know Lucifel likes me, but she likes everyone," Asia said.
Plutia looked to Asia. "Your a really good person. If I had to guess a reason? That's it.. So how did your ascension feel? I… can't remember mine." The goddess yawned. 'That… and well I honestly wonder if me becoming Plutia counts as ascension.
"It felt like I was waiting for this moment my entire life. I felt a sense of peace greater than I ever knew before. My other is so much more self assured but I can be that way too. I just have to try. Honestly Green Sister is everything I want to be. She told me, in my heart, I can be her with work. All of my beliefs are so much stronger now and are actively supporting me," Asia spoke wonderingly. '
"Huh. For me there's no real mental divide between me and Iris Heart or anything like that.. The only major difference is when I transform is that the transformation strengthen some parts of my personality and makes it easier to stay calm and focused." Plutia replied. "Anyways, any more questions? While I may be a sadist I do like helping people."
"How are you doing? I guess that's my main question. We haven't had much time to relax. It's been one stressful thing after another," Asia said.
"Well I suppose. Being able to relax is going to be nice." Plutia yawned once more, a look of familiar annoyance on her face. "Might try out my new bed. See how soft it is… Actually have we decided who's room is who's yet? I know we've looked at all four bedrooms as their in the same hallway…"
"Lucifel said that yours was the one closest to the library," Asia giggled before gaining a sly look, "...Is Kalawarner really getting a separate room?" Someone was corrupting the girl and doing an amazing job.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah. I like being able to have someplace I can have just to myself if I need to calm down. That and I don't want to waste a room. And thanks for reminding me. Lucifel's is the one across from mine, while Kala's is next to the study and yours is I think right across the hall from Kala's."
Asia looked obscurely disappointed that Plutia took the insinuation so calmly.
"A quiet place does sound nice. I like having somewhere to meditate and pray in peace. Preferably somewhere I'm not giving everyone in listening distance a migraine," Asia sighed. Prayers from a devout follower were like Devil and Fallen Kryptonite. Lucifel wanted to dig right into the Divine System and fix this mess, but she needed to be patient. For now.
Plutia hummed. "Maybe the sharicite room? The place is basically made of faith and pretty isolated compared to the rest of the place, so prayers might flat out get absorbed into Lucifel's shares…" She mused, the goddess closing her eyes in thought.
"I didn't even think of that...I can go down there now without anyone taking me. There isn't much else beyond Candidate," Asia realized. Well it was somewhat murkier than that. She could upgrade further, gain a Next form, or transcend to something else altogether. The universe seemed to run on shonen logic.
"Yep, only reason I'm not thinking of using it a place for me to be alone is that I like being able to lie down on a bed." Plutia replied before yawning, her eyes sleepily fluttering open.
"I'll let you get some sleep then. I want to expand my repertoire of spells. Twilight Healing isn't only for healing after all. It can also help with casting barriers. Since 'HDD' acts as a force multiplier I want to get as much use out of it as possible," Asia beamed.
Plutia nodded. "A good idea. Do you know where Kala is? I want to talk to her before I go off to take a nap… Oh. By the way, if I act more sleepy in the future don't be worry. I've had to deal with chronic sleepiness most of my life, and it tends to flare up when I'm relaxed." And she wasn't lying, there was a reason she liked her namesake after all.
"She was investigating the practice hall out back," Asia said. She leaned over to hug Plutia warmly. The goddess returned the hug, before heading out to the practise hall.
"Kala? How are you doing?" She asked when she arrived.
The Fallen was running through spear drills using the golden Sharicite spear she acquired. Kala was always careful about showing the spear to others. This was probably the first time since the time she received the weapon that it was being used. Kalawarner ended her current drill slowly.
"I'm doing well. Just getting the feel for my spear. I didn't want to bring it out around the Devils, or even Uranus, as its power is difficult to control," Kalawarner said. The golden crystal spear was also shedding holy light like an arc reactor.
"Yeah. That thing's kinda smiting in the form of a spear with how much light it's giving off. Anything you want to talk about? We haven't really gotten a chance to just sit down and talk."
Kalawarner allowed the spear to shrink down before placing it in her cleavage. The radiance completely shielded by her body.
"To be honest I'm lost. There was a point to my becoming your maid. Mainly because I didn't want to die and because I could tease you relatively safely. Until I realized that you had a hair trigger temper at times," Kalawarner said. Her shoulders sagged a little. "You're also kind to your friends and you genuinely care for people. You're so young and make mistakes like anyone else. Over time I've come to actually care about you." She would never admit it even under pain of torture but they were alone.
Plutia nodded. "Thanks. If your feeling a bit lost well… I've been wanting to spar as Iris Heart. Think you'd be up for that? I'll probably go take a nap either way once I'm done."
"Not the kind of 'lost.' I've become a mother, and from how the other Factions will treat me, consort to a goddess and mother to God. The part I'm stuck on is being a mom. I have no idea what I'm doing and I certainly don't want to pass on some of my hobbies to her," Kalawarner groaned.
Plutia nodded sheepily. "Yeah.. I'm kinda lost on it as well.. I just try to be kind to Lucifel and keep her out of trouble… Hope she didn't inherit my sleepiness."
"We really should talk about what we want to teach her. Even though she's showing signs of maturity beyond her years...We're starting to see the limits," Kala said.
"Well. Math, Science, History, Magic, how to interact with people, and how to take care of herself are all good things to teach her." Plutia yawned. "Wish I had the second to last…"
"Asia is a blessing. When we falter with good things to teach her, Asia can help," Kalawarner sighed with relief.
Plutia nod. "Yeah. Asia's definitely a good role-model for Lucifel… well.. Anything you want to ask me? I wouldn't be surprised if you had questions for me." Plutia blinked. "Also. Now that Issei doesn't live in the same house as us, you can start wearing the maid outfits and such again if you want to, as long as they're not a bad influence on Lucifel."
"You missed seeing me in form fitting maid outfits?" Kalawarner placed her hands behind her head and arched her back coyly. The action causing her bountiful cleavage to strain the front of the suit she wore.
Plutia blushed. "Yes. You looked good in them."
"Nice to know I'm appreciated," she smirked. Kalawarner laid a hand on Plutia's shoulder. "I have to say this has been fun. Unending life gets boring without something to shake it up. I didn't realize just how bored I was becoming before meeting you. Is there anything you want from me? Just ask," she said warmly.
Plutia nodded. "A chance to spar with you as Iris Heart. I'd feel more relaxed if I had a outlet for my sadism. The verbal beatdown on Riser helped but that's not something I can repeat." With a deep breath and a flash of purple light Plutia transformed. Iris Heart grinned as she looked over Kala. "Now now Servant, maybe switch to something that wouldn't get torn to shreds if it gets hit…" She smiled and summoned her sword.
Kalawarner drew her spear in a flash that also changed her outfit. Whether it was an actual combat outfit, or meant for distraction, was up for debate. It looked like bands of black leather wrapped over her torso, crossing her hips, and trailing along her arms and legs. Her waist was covered by a tight dark purple mini skirt. She twirled the spear before assuming an aggressive stance.
"I don't often get a chance to use my fighting clothes," Kalawarner smirked.
Iris Heart chuckled before taking flight, giving her some height on the fallen angel before swinging her weapon and willing it to extend, sending the whip-blade right at Kala. The Fallen also took to the air. Her spear broke into chain segments as she used it to ward off the flexible sword. She twirled the section in her hand and thrust forward. The spear point shot out for just past Iris Heart's neck. Kala pulled back as if telling the chain spear to wrap.
Iris Heart ducked down, before lashing out with her blade again, trying to get the whip-blade to wrap around Kala's legs. As she did this she reached out with her other hand and clenched it, staring right at Kalawarner's neck. The Fallen grit her teeth, summoning her resolve, and threw off the voodoo effect. However the effort wasn't without cost. The whip sword still scored across her legs and throwing the older woman off balance. She spun the chain spear around rapidly in a web of defense to buy herself time to recover. Iris Heart hung back before darting under Kalawarner, coming back up right behind her, where the goddess kicked the Fallen right in the back.
"Ah!" Kalawarner took the kick causing her to tumble forward. She deliberately threw herself into the tumble, briefly spinning rapidly in midair, before sending the chain spear out with the speed of a striking snake. It wasn't the point but the blunt end aimed right for Iris Heart's breastbone.
Iris Heart attempted to catch it, using some of her magic to slow down the spear. Kalawarner focused her will to push through the goddess' magic. The desire to win was growing as the spear glowed with radiant light. Deciding speed was the better part of valor, Iris Heart used her magic to boost how fast her hand went and grabbed onto the blunt end of the spear. Then, she started pulling on it, trying to drag Kala to her. Kalawarner took advantage of the pull and, instead of fighting it, she narrowed her profile and flew through the air leading into a kick for Iris Heart's stomach. Iris Heart responded with a wide kick of her own, trying to deflect Kalawarner's own kick.
The kicks struck with such force as to throw both goddess and Fallen back. Kalawarner panted as the fight was getting her blood pumping. She slowly smiled an unsettling grin like Iris Heart at her best (or worst).
"I haven't had anyone make my pulse pound like you...I might even be falling for you…" Kalawarner's smile widened into a leer moment's before the spear shot out again. The tip vanishing as if the chain weapon turned into a flurry of striking snakes.
Iris Heart was also panting as her heart was pounding. Lashing out with her weapon she deflected any of the attacks that got close to her. "Heh. This is more fun than I thought it was going to be Servant. All the fun of letting out my sadism and the thrill of a challenge. If we can I suggest, no order that we make this a regular thing." Her tone was full of excitement, The goddess condensed her magic into her processor unit to boost her speed before hurling herself into the air and diving at the fallen angel, ready to kick her in the belly.
"Fine by me!" Kalawarner snapped her weapon back swiftly. As the chain recoiled she snapped the length around Iris Heart's leg and attempted to bind her. Iris Heart parried the chain with her sword, a vicious smile adorning her face. The Fallen blurred forward in an attempt to physically grapple with the other woman. Her weapon wrapped around her arm and across her torso like armor.
Iris Heart blurred as she tapped into her shares, lashing out with her hand and leg, attempting to kick and choke the Fallen. "Glad to hear that. Now cry out if you want mercy!"
Kalawarner bent her will again to blunt the effect of the goddess' Force Choke, but it wasn't as effective. She sacrificed some power in her defense to remain mobile. The experienced Fallen brought her wrapped forearm around to solidly block the kick. She made to grab the kicking leg and trap it under her arm. Her breathing was shallow but steady for now. Iris Heart chuckled, before swinging her sword at the fallen's arm. Her heart was pounding, and she could feel herself start to pant again.
"Ha ha ha ha ha…!" Kalawarner managed an excited laugh as the sword bounced off her defending arm. The panting only increased but it wasn't all due to lack of air. If anything she was starting to enjoy the deprivation. She tried to yank Iris Heart down and grapple her to the floor from midair. Iris Heart clenched her hand into a fist, as she kept the choking effect going, before lashing out with a punch to Kalawarner's face.
The simple punch broke the Fallen's concentration. Of all the things she was expecting that wasn't it. The force held in abeyance suddenly constricted her airway. She seized up, clenching onto Iris' leg even more tightly. Kalawarner's eyes were glazing over as she struggled to breath. Iris Heart pushed Kala to the ground and as her heel was pressed down lightly on Kala's stomach, did the goddess unclench her fist and stopped using her magic. "Do you forfeit Servant? My heart is pounding, and it seems like I've won." She smiled, even though she panted from exertion.
"Y-yes…" Kalawarner almost mewed as her chest heaved. The sweet taste of air was intoxicating.
Iris Heart chuckled as her heart rate and breathing slowly returned to normal. "That was amazing if I have to say. I enjoyed it. How about you?"
"I did...mistress…" The Fallen smiled. Getting her to spar again wouldn't be a problem.
Iris Heart chuckled as she moved away from Kala and dropped her transformation, Plutia looking both happy and incredibly tired. Her sword had transformed into her doll. "...That was…. Amazing… I.. don't think I'll be able to make it to my room without falling asleep halfway there.." The goddess yawned. "I order you to carry me to my bed."
Kalawarner stood up slowly. She was so incredibly tired that carrying Plutia would drain the last of her strength. Yet somehow the Fallen managed to do as ordered. Her combat outfit still on full display. She carried the smaller figure into her room and laid her down on the bed. It was at that point her strength fully gave out. Kala collapsed on the bed with a weary groan. Plutia fell asleep as soon as she touched the bed. Lucifel and Asia saw Kala, and poked their heads in to get a idea of what was going on. "Kala-mama what happened?" Lucifel asked.
"...I'll tell you when you're older…" Kalawarner turned away to hide the sudden blush.
"Looks like what happened after Issei sparred with Akeno," Asia blushed too.
Lucifel said something suspiciously like 'my family is full of perverts' before pasting a bright smile on her face. "Sleep well then. I'm not ready to be a big sister yet." She ducked back out again, dragging a giggling Asia after her.
A bit later, Plutia yawned as her eyes fluttered open. "..Damn. The spar took more out of me then I thought it did stamina wise.. adrenaline is one hell of a drug… worth it…" Her eyes drifted to Kala, and the goddess merely sighed before getting up and pulling out the bedroll Kala had used at Issei's place before using her doll to place her in it without waking her up. Yawning once more, the CPU debated going back to sleep or seeing how Lucifel was doing. 'Hmmm. Eh. I'll probably crash till tomorrow next time I go to bed… I'll go see how Lucifel is doing.. Now where is she?' The CPU quietly left her room in search of her daughter.
Lucifel was in the practice hall working on her own skills. She was determined that no one was going to wreck her in melee if she lost the Chakrams. The young Fallen took a more free flowing approach as opposed to Issei's pugilist approach. As soon as Plutia entered she wound down to a stop. Her practice clothes were an oversized t-shirt over a tank top and bicycle shorts.
"Sleep well, Plutia-mama?" Lucifel asked.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah. I'll probably crash till tomorrow next time I fall asleep. Me and Kala's spar took a lot from me. It was fun though…. Even if I was too tired to walk back to my room." She smiled. "So how are you doing?"
"I'm doing well. I started practicing since I had too much pent up energy myself. You weren't awake when the phone rang earlier. Surprise, surprise, we do have a landline. Rias wanted to tell us how the match went," Lucifel stretched languidly.
Plutia nodded. "Ah. Did she tell you? And anything else happen when I was out?"
"Asia left to tend to Rias' Peerage. Even with all the training they were still really banged up. Turns out Riser wasn't kidding about having the regenerative powers of a phoenix. Every time they thought he was defeated he just got back up. Then Riser made the mistake of remarking on Rias' fitness to oversee Kuoh. Issei used 'Balance Breaker' and broke the idiot over his knee. Repeatedly," Lucifel developed a faintly savage smile by the end.
"Idiot can't help but be a bigoted asshat can he? Least Issei got him. I would have payed to see Issei beat him like that. Would have made for some good entertainment…" The CPU shrugged. "Has Uranus or anyone else showed up or passed by while I was out?"
"Well...Uranus is here but I didn't want to wake you up. I kind of...might have forgotten she was here...when I got involved in training," Lucifel laughed nervously.
Plutia facepalmed. 'Seriously. Seriously. Lucifel you are adorable.' The CPU sighed. "Where is she?"
"Skulking around and being a superspy," Uranus said from her perch in the rafters. Lucifel let out a yelp and clutched her chest.
"How long have you been there?" She demanded.
"Long enough. Seriously. I wasn't really sure I could hide from you," Uranus smirked. She waved to Plutia.
Plutia waved back and hugged Lucifel. "Hi Uranus. What's going on?"
"Dad wanted me to extend an invitation to you but I asked him to hold off. He said okay. I had to do something otherwise everyone would want to poke and prod. Lucifel really doesn't need that," Uranus smiled at the younger girl. Lucifel smiled back even if she still looked irked about getting startled.
"Invitation for?" Plutia asked, as she yawned.Lucifel hugged her mother, making sure she stayed awake.
"To meet with him. Faction stuff. Tell me whenever you're ready to schedule something, but it's entirely in your court," Uranus assured Plutia.
"How much is this costing you?" Lucifel asked in concern.
"I'm basically calling on my bond with my dad. The Fallen are really in an uproar," the Fallen girl replied.
Plutia sighed. "Greeaaaaaaaaat. Why. And I talked to Serafall earlier.. Have you heard anything about the non-fallen angels trying to get into Kuoh or planning something? They're the only faction I don't have someone from to talk to about."
"The Fallen felt essentially betrayed by how God made it so easy to Fall. The same freedoms he gave to mortals were denied. Each of us is possessed of a vice. Vices are something Angels aren't supposed to have. Might as well tell you mine. My vice is pride. I might not seem like it but I do like to win," Uranus smirked.
"The fact you tell us how awesome you are kind of gave it away," Lucifel remarked dryly.
"Yeah probably. I was born Fallen so I'm not as angry or hurt. The real reason the Fallen are so divided is because the vices often clash. The Fallen want to know what your intentions are. Are you going to somehow purify us, destroy us, or what?" Uranus shrugged.
"Honestly? It would have to be on a case by case basis. When you try to take a 'one size fits all' approach someone gets shafted," Lucifel shook her head.
"And if they don't want to be purified I see no reason why they should be. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.." Plutia added on, quoting Optimus Prime. "And have you heard anything about Heaven or whatever they call themselves? Are they up to anything?"
"The Angel Faction is dispatching a representative to speak with you. The Devils flat out said 'no way' to a high ranking Angel. So the rep will probably be from the Church. They're going to want to put their best foot forward so prepare for a lot of whitewash," Uranus sniffed indelicately.
"Lovely...I won't be talking with someone who actually matters…" Lucifel actually growled. The Fallen girl quickly waved her hands.
"I could tell them you want to talk to someone important," she did not want God furious with anyone. Uranus' views were made plain. She couldn't care less about the Faction mess.
Plutia hummed. "Talking to someone up the chain would be useful in getting to know whatever it is they really want. Though. If they insult anyone in the house I am throwing them out wings first. Anyways, any idea of what they want with Lucifel?"
"The Church would want her as a figurehead to lead them on a glorious charge against the 'evils' of the world. Pretty much a grand crusade across the planet. The heads are mostly old farts who don't even know what a cellphone is. However the Angels are the ones who give them their marching orders," Uranus said.
"Uh huh...What if I told the Church to knock it the Hell off?" Lucifel was growing angry at just the thought that someone would declare a religious world war. Uranus smiled kindly.
"Calm yourself lil' cousin. They wouldn't dare go against your orders. Once you're in control of the Divine System it literally is Your Will Be Done. No one wants to be on the wrong side of that," Uranus assured her.
"I won't rule through fear either," Lucifel insisted.
"Then be cute. Be your adorable self. People will go to stupid lengths to make pretty little girls happy," she said.
Plutia's left eye started twitching in rage the moment she heard what the Church would try to do. Because she knew, even without her divinity, she would be 'evil' that the church would try to slay. "Uranus I doubt it would be that easy. There's likely to be assholes who think Lucifel's a liar, or worse… the assholes who use religion as a pretext to be horrible people will rally the idiots around them and try to do something stupid. And if the Church tries to do anything to Lucifel or even start that fucking crusade, then the leaders and anyone who gets in my way will die screaming." Slowly and surely the goddess tried to calm herself down by deep breaths. Lucifel's hugs certainly helped.
"Yeah how do we stop them from just dismissing me?" Lucifel asked. Uranus looked honestly bewildered.
"Right now they might but anyone who hears you speak with believe the Truth in your words. As long as you don't lie no one would doubt your words. That's why people believe an Angel when they appear. Fallen are known deceivers, so are Devils, but an Angel can't lie or they fall. The mechanism was designed by God based on the restrictions He placed on Himself," Uranus said.
"No offense Uranus, but if I designed a system like that? I would probably shoot myself. No one with any common sense would design a system that doesn't allow them to lie. Because lies can range from 'is your steak overdone' to 'does this dress make my butt look big?'. I won't lie because of how Plutia-mama feels, but I also wouldn't speak hurtful truths either," Lucifel said.
"Who said He had any common sense?" Uranus shrugged.
"Not me." Plutia added on, before taking a deep breath. "Thanks for the info Uranus… I'll talk to your later when me and Kala have figured out a time.."
"Take all the time you need. Since we already got the interview out of the way," Uranus smirked playfully. She hopped down from the rafters and gave Plutia a hug, then Lucifel. The capricious Fallen waved as she stepped through the door of the practice hall and disappeared. Lucifel blinked.
"She's smooth…" Lucifel breathed.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah.. I'll probably be going back to bed, my temper's tired me out…" Plutia yawned. "Any questions or anything you want to say before I go back to bed baby?"
"I love you Plutia-mama," Lucifel hugged her tight.
Plutia hugged her daughter tighter. "I love you as well Lucifel. If you ever want to talk or ask me questions I'd be glad to answer." The goddess yawned and started to walk back to her room to sleep away the day.
Lucifel smiled as her mom left the room before slowly turning to the open window. She frowned pensively. Aunt Serafall was sweet and Uranus was fun. Calling her 'cousin' was a kind gesture that touched her deeply. She hoped the Angels made a good first impression. Uranus was, in her own way, as biased as anyone. Kala-mama was the only one who attempted to strip out the bias. She was just born and already had to deal with politics. The thought was there to just let Plutia-mama deal with it but the fallout would be tremendous.
Fun though.
Lucifel giggled as she imagined the strait-laced Angels dealing with Plutia-mama.
A girl could dream.[/b][/i]
Wait, You Mean We Actually Get a Break?
Serafall wasn't joking when she said the Underworld construction crews were the best. By the time the little family returned to Kuoh their new house was built. The Western style mansion would serve as a fine start to Plutia's future Basilicom. A gal had to dream big in this business.
Training was over. Now it was up to Rias and her Peerage to secure victory over Riser. The Devils weren't quite up to inviting the goddess and her family to watch. That was just fine with Plutia. Her family needed to rest more than be trotted out for a photo op. Asia brought up the rear. The only one of the group who was despondent over not getting invited. She wanted to watch Issei pummel more people.
"Didn't you get enough violence?" Kalawarner teased her. Plutia cracked a small smile.
"I-I just want to cheer him on!" Asia protested. No one missed how her eyes tended to glaze when she stared at him too long.
"Blegh...boys. Blegh...girls. I'm too tired to care," Lucifel pouted, having been worked hard by Kala-mama. The littlest of the group needed to be able to defend herself. Kalawarner almost seemed frantic to make sure the little cinnamon roll was safe as possible. Plutia approved, but she didn't want either of them to burn out.
"We'll do some relaxing then baby. Anything in particular you want to do?" She asked her daughter, hugging the small fallen/goddess hybrid as she yawned.
"Lounge around in my pajamas and do nothing," Lucifel leaned into the embrace. Without fail the little girl wore her dresses. She eyed her smaller mother's choice of attire a trifle enviously.
"Okay dear...Come on. Let's see how the Devils did," Kalawarner picked up Lucifel and carried her inside. Asia linked arms with Plutia on the way.
The inside was decorated tastefully but impersonally. It lacked a certain warmth of a home. In time it would change as the residents filled it with memories. The interior was quite spacious. Already Lucifel could spot several places to get in some indoor flying practice. Kala patted her hair as she also saw the potential. The older woman smiled ruefully.
Plutia for her part simply looked around, noticing how the house seemed to have two floors. "The bedrooms are probably on the second floor. And below us is where Lucifel was born… I'll take a look down there later.." Plutia mused to herself as she continued on. The main room served to connect the two floors, as it had a small staircase in the center that led to the upper floor and it was these very stairs Plutia was heading up in search of the bedrooms. "What do you all think of this place?" She asked. However her thoughts were elsewhere. 'The locals hated the old church… how will they respond to this place being built where it used to be?'
"It's so big…" Lucifel gazed in surprise. Her little wings quivered with anticipation.
"There seems to be enough room for all of us," Kala nodded approvingly.
"What am I feeling down below? Like...It's vibrating...and seems to be calling…" Asia looked down towards the hidden chamber.
"That's where I was born. Don't go down there without an escort, okay?" Lucifel went from tired to fully alert in an instant. Asia was visibly startled at just how quickly her demeanor changed.
"Oh I won't! It wouldn't be polite!" Asia protested. The smaller girl calmed so suddenly it was as if she hadn't gotten spooked.
"Great! We'll take you down there sometime," Lucifel chirped.
Kalawarner stood beside Plutia with an inscrutable expression.
"She can feel the Sharicite it seems…" Kala noted.
Plutia shrugged. "Makes sense. The stuff is quite literally crystalized faith… But I do agree with Lucifel. I don't know what would happen if you touch the stuff Asia, so please be careful." Plutia yawned. "The place has quite a bit of room. Hmm. I wonder if it would be possible to make a room for video games… I lost my collection when I first arrived to Kuoh."
"We have the room. I think we may have more room than it seems from outside…" Kalawarner started out of the room musing to herself.
"Is she okay?" Asia asked.
"The Devils added some space expansion spells. We have fifty percent more room on the inside. Though the windows manage to match up and the pipes as well…" Lucifel looked around in bewilderment.
Kalawarner was going to probably going to know how the spells worked by the time she was done. Lucifel figured it out with a guess but didn't understand the mechanics. There was probably something profound to be said but the upshot was more room to spread out. The rest could take care of itself.
"The refrigerator is fully stocked and so are the cupboards…" Asia helped Kalawarner take stock.
"The library is the largest room in the building," Kala reported to Plutia. The goddess smiled at that.
"Zzz…" Lucifel...napped on the loveseat in the living room.
Plutia sat on the loveseat next to her before yawning. She hugged Lucifel tight and laid down, fully intent on taking a nap with her daughter. "Hmm.. Wonder if it would be a waste of shares to transform so Lucifel can cuddle up to me…" She quietly mused to herself.
"That is something we need to discuss. Shares," Kala joined them on the loveseat. Considering just how small Plutia and Lucifel were it was cozy. Asia took a seat in a large armchair.
"My Shares are also Plutia-mama's," Lucifel said sleepily.
"For now, yes. However someday you will need them yourself. Your mother needs to be able to rely on herself," Kala said softly. She could see Plutia's independent streak and agreed with her. It was better if she could rely on herself more.
"Right...gotcha…" Lucifel yawned.
"Since you're in charge of the Divine System does that mean prayers are being answered?" Asia asked curiously. The littlest Fallen opened her eyes again.
"Most prayers were answered before I came. Basically the ratio was twenty percent divine intervention and eighty percent personal effort. Some situations received more intervention, some less, but there was always a component of effort from the supplicant," Lucifel recited as if she were reading it somewhere.
"O-oh...I wasn't doing anything so my prayers weren't heard…" Asia looked down at her hands.
"Your prayer was heard but it wasn't the 'right' prayer. You wanted to be accepted back into the Church. It is, right now, a bad fit for you. There are just too many shady things that a kind person like you shouldn't be involved with. Didn't you find a better place here?" Lucifel asked.
"Yes...Yes I did," Asia agreed readily.
"There we go then," Lucifel laid her head on Plutia's shoulder.
Plutia smiled. "Anyways, getting myself shares of my own is a good idea. When the truth about what happened with your predecessor gets out, unfortunately I would not be surprised if your shares plummeted massively. People can be fickle when it comes to things like faith." Plutia hugged Lucifel. "So any ideas for getting me Shares?"
"Youtube," Lucifel said immediately.
"What would she even do on Youtube? I know she's photogenic but there has to be something else," Kalawarner said.
"Singing? Playing video games? I dunno," Lucifel shrugged. Plutia ruffled her hair at that.
"She could go back to her original idea and help the people," Asia beamed.
"She does have the power for it…" Kala mused.
Plutia hummed in thought. "Helping people could work… and as for the Youtube idea… I honestly have no idea how good of a singing voice I have." The goddess shrugged. "Then again, I could always sing as Iris Heart..."
The sad thing was that Youtube would absolutely love Iris Heart, not for her singing voice, but for the killer body. It would get her Shares in a hurry by appealing to the lowest common denominator. Asia seemed to realize that as her face turned bright red. Lucifel gave her a suspicious look.
"Are you being infected by Issei?" Lucifel asked suspiciously. While Asia sputtered denials Kalawarner laughed.
Plutia chuckled. "We'll table that idea for later then." The goddess looked in the direction of the hidden chamber. "Hmm. We should probably check on the shareicite, make sure the devils didn't accidentally disturb it or break it or anything."
"Can I come?" Asia perked up.
"Just don't touch anything," Kalawarner said.
To be on the safe side Lucifel decided to hold Asia's hand. She seemed really anxious about Asia coming into contact with Sharicite. The hidden chamber was blocked by a secret door. Kalawarner found the latch behind the refrigerator. The Fallen muttered that she was going to have to move the latch. A flash of light and the far wall of the kitchen vanished to reveal the stairs down.
A little bit theatrical like most things Devils did.
"Wow…" Asia breathed as they entered the chamber at the bottom.
The way ahead was blocked by a shimmering violet and gold forcefield of solidified Share energy.
"I don't think anyone could get through there…" Kalawarner made to touch the wall only to fall through.
"...It's not going to keep you out, Kala-mama," Lucifel sighed.
"Now she tells me…" Kala sighed before gasping.
The inside of the Share chamber was different than when they left. All of the refined Sharicite now lined the walls neatly shedding light over the chamber. In the very center of the room was a crystal statue of Plutia and Kalawarner embracing Lucifel.
"It feels so holy here…" Asia murmured.
Plutia smiled. "Makes sense. The crystals are crystalized faith and it's where Lucifel was born."
Twilight Healing appeared on Asia's fingers. The rings of her Sacred Gear pulsed faintly in rhythm with the Sharicite. Lucifel steered the former nun away from the wall.
"What is it doing?" Kala asked.
"My Sacred Gear feels hot…" Asia tried to make it vanish but the rings refused to leave.
"Uhhh...Good question…" Up until this point Lucifel had more knowledge about what was going on. Now it looks like she's as confused as everyone else. Asia opened and closed her hands to relieve the tension that was building.
"Please Lucifel…" Asia implored the younger girl.
Lucifel looked to Plutia for guidance. She was completely lost at sea.
Plutia took a deep breath, her thoughts had been racing as soon as Twilight Healing appeared. "Okay. I have a idea… I think Asia's Sacred Gear might be resonating with the sharicite. Considering they were made by Lucifel's predecessor and this is where Lucifel was born. Asia, besides hot do you feel anything else? And I'm wondering if keeping you away from here might be a good idea. Try heading a bit up the stairs and seeing if that makes Twilight Healing act normally." The goddess then turned to the shareicite and casted out her senses, to see if it was acting up. She received a sense that the Sharicite was waiting. Not reacting so much as 'holding its breath.'
Asia was able to leave the room easily enough. Twilight Healing stopped pulsing and receded. When she came back in the Sacred Gear reappeared. There was a brief flash of bright green light as the Sharicite connected to her aura again. Kalawarner gestured for her to leave the room again and the effects receded. Plutia got the feeling the Sharicite was getting annoyed. Judging by Lucifel's vaguely peeved expression she was feeling the crystals' aggravation.
Plutia sighed, and Kalawarner had to hide a chuckle when she noticed the two goddesses were holding similar expressions. "Okay. The Sharicite is connecting itself to what I assume is Asia's soul, and is trying to do.. Something. Not entirely sure. Could be trying to upgrade Twilight Healing, could be trying to upgrade Asia in some manner. Not sure. Lucifel does that give you any idea of what it's doing?" She asked her daughter.
Lucifel nodded slowly. "I can see it now. Asia doesn't want to become a CPU or 'goddess.' The Sharicite isn't trying to turn her into a Candidate. I wasn't sure until I saw how the Sharicite was reacting to her…"
"What would being a 'Candidate' entail?" Asia asked curiously.
"Hmmm...You would actually be my Candidate. Kind of like my understudy or head angel...Whoa! Her interest just shot up!" Lucifel gawked. Asia blushed.
"And well, Lucifel is my Candidate and daughter." Plutia added on.
"What if I wasn't so pure…? Could I Fall?" Asia asked sheepishly.
"The only way you could fall is if you choose hate over love," Lucifel assured her.
Plutia nodded. "The choice is yours."
"Maybe it wouldn't be so bad…" Asia looked at the crystals almost longingly.
The Sharicite pulsed excitedly in response to her decision. Lucifel and Plutia instantly changed into their HDD Forms as Kalawarner's wings manifested. The youngest laughed as the crystals were as eager as Asia.
"Just step forward and touch the statue," Iris Daughter said.
Asia stepped forward slowly, reverently, treating the situation with gravity. It took all of Iris Daughter's self control not to urge her on faster. Iris Heart for her part hugged her daughter and was ready to swoop in if something bad happened. The former nun was preparing to take a big step after all. When she reached the statue her eyes locked on the image of Lucifel. She laid her hand on the head of the statue. Her Sacred Gears exploded with pure radiance. Asia's head fell back as the sublime feeling filled her. She was obscured by the light for a moment.
The light died down slowly to reveal the change. Oddly enough it looked like she was using the Compile Heart Processor. Around her wrists and ankles were slowly turning gold rings with four green gems on each. They looked like Twilight Healing only larger. Her bodysuit and processor were pale green with gold trim. It was strange but her hair and eyes didn't change color. Aside from the Sharicite symbol there wasn't much of a change. Asia would be happy though as she picked up a couple inches in height (and other places.)
"If she is your Candidate...why is her color scheme different…?" Kalawarner asked carefully.
"She likes green," Iris Daughter shrugged.
"Would I be Green Sister…?" The newest Candidate asked curiously.
Iris Heart shrugged before hugging the new Candidate. "The choice is up to you. Anyways Asia, how do you feel? Transforming can be a bit of a rush." The goddess blinked and adopted an annoyed expression. "I'm going to need to talk to Rias. Again." Her voice made it clear how much she did not want to annoy the heiress.
"I might go with Green Sister. It fits...sort of...but I also feel like I've defied a cosmic joke," Green Sister tilted her head pensively. If Green Heart caught wind of her the original CPUs might find a way to this world. The idea was...amusing. And also terrifying. Plutia did not want Yellow Heart to break her spine.
"Why would you need to talk to Rias?" Kala asked.
Iris Heart started counting, raising a finger each time, crossing her legs as she started to float. "1. She deserves to know the Sharicite can ascend people, 2. She deserves to know Asia's ascended, and 3, If I tell her it lessens the chance of any assholes like Riser from being able to do stupid politics crap to us if the devils find out I was hiding the previous two."
Kalawarner nodded approvingly.
"That was what I hoped you would say," the older woman smiled.
"Mom's learning politics. Very carefully," Iris Daughter teased the new Green Sister.
"Who else would even benefit from this?" GS asked.
"Good question," Kala remarked.
"Honestly? I have to like the person. I know we all smile when we see Asia," ID shrugged.
"And if someone we didn't like tried using it?" Kalawarner asked.
"Hope they're ready to see the afterlife," the youngest said with chilling finality.
Iris Heart shrugged and looked to Kala. "Not matter what it does, well, Kala can you make something to keep others out of here unless we let them in of our own free will? Also we should probably tell Uranus if only to keep any jerks in the Fallen from trying political crap." The goddess looked to the two candidates. "Anyways, I suggest we de-transform, as to not waste shares." The fact that a small chunk of Iris Heart's mind wanted to hug the two candidates and never let go because they were adorable and she wanted to keep them safe was unsaid. Once Iris Heart said that, she dropped the transformation and Plutia landed gently on both feet.
The calculating look in Iris Daughter's eyes should worry anyone familiar with Iris Heart. She changed back but the look didn't disappear. Asia reverted but needed to steady herself. Good thing Kala was watching as the Fallen kept her standing. Even if was funny watching Asia briefly get lost in Kalawarner's cleavage.
"Please don't make Uranus into a Candidate without at least asking her father first," Kalawarner seemed to glean what her daughter was thinking.
"Candidate? Why would I do that?" Lucifel looked confused. Kalawarner started to relax until the younger girl finished. "She would make a better Heart."
Plutia sighed and clapped her hands together, having left her doll in the living room. "Lucifel no. In fact new rule. No letting anyone using the Sharicite without me and Kala's permission." Plutia sighed. 'Last thing I need is Lucifel ascend someone who ends up like Rei or Kurome.' She thought.
"Fiiiine…" Lucifel pouted.
"You don't even really know Uranus yet," Kalawarner reminded her.
"She seems nice," Asia opined. Kala sighed.
"She is nice and very ernst. Somehow she hasn't succumbed to the politicking and backstabbing inherent in Fallen affairs. That being said she is quite clever. Otherwise Azazel wouldn't ask her to perform delicate missions. I agree with Plutia, however. No ascending anyone unless you have our permission," Kala said. At first Lucifel looked excited like her other mama was agreeing. That is until she repeated Plutia's words. Now the littlest was pouting again.
"There there…" Asia patted her head. Her funk was too deep even for headpats.
Plutia sighed and hugged Asia and Lucifel. "It's just to make sure we know who ascends and could probably help keep you from accidentally ascending someone who couldn't handle it. I trust you, but the more failsafes the better when it comes to this kinda thing. Also Kala come here I'm making this a group hug." Kala rolled her eyes as her reputation for sadism was pretty much gone. She joined the group hug without complaint.
The paradigm of the universe fell on its head ahead. Plutia wanted to make sure Asia was actually okay and not just caught up in the moment. There was no such thing as buyer's remorse for this gift after all. Would it operate like the CPU Memories or was Lucifel closer? Outright killing someone who tried to take the crystal would certainly prevent thieves. What about people who were just curious? The Sharicite assured Plutia that no one would get through the barrier.
There was that at least.
"Hello Plutia. Was there something you needed?" Asia asked. The former nun was in the study looking over a book of barriers, wards, and binds. For someone who didn't want to hurt people it was a good choice.
"Yeah. I just wanted to make sure your okay. Ascending is a life changing kind of thing so." Plutia shrugged as she plopped herself down on another chair then the one Asia was on. The study was nearish to the bedrooms, so Plutia guessed she'd probably be using the room a lot in the future. "Any questions or anything for me?"
"I feel great. Also confused. Why did the Sharicite want me so badly? I know Lucifel likes me, but she likes everyone," Asia said.
Plutia looked to Asia. "Your a really good person. If I had to guess a reason? That's it.. So how did your ascension feel? I… can't remember mine." The goddess yawned. 'That… and well I honestly wonder if me becoming Plutia counts as ascension.
"It felt like I was waiting for this moment my entire life. I felt a sense of peace greater than I ever knew before. My other is so much more self assured but I can be that way too. I just have to try. Honestly Green Sister is everything I want to be. She told me, in my heart, I can be her with work. All of my beliefs are so much stronger now and are actively supporting me," Asia spoke wonderingly. '
"Huh. For me there's no real mental divide between me and Iris Heart or anything like that.. The only major difference is when I transform is that the transformation strengthen some parts of my personality and makes it easier to stay calm and focused." Plutia replied. "Anyways, any more questions? While I may be a sadist I do like helping people."
"How are you doing? I guess that's my main question. We haven't had much time to relax. It's been one stressful thing after another," Asia said.
"Well I suppose. Being able to relax is going to be nice." Plutia yawned once more, a look of familiar annoyance on her face. "Might try out my new bed. See how soft it is… Actually have we decided who's room is who's yet? I know we've looked at all four bedrooms as their in the same hallway…"
"Lucifel said that yours was the one closest to the library," Asia giggled before gaining a sly look, "...Is Kalawarner really getting a separate room?" Someone was corrupting the girl and doing an amazing job.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah. I like being able to have someplace I can have just to myself if I need to calm down. That and I don't want to waste a room. And thanks for reminding me. Lucifel's is the one across from mine, while Kala's is next to the study and yours is I think right across the hall from Kala's."
Asia looked obscurely disappointed that Plutia took the insinuation so calmly.
"A quiet place does sound nice. I like having somewhere to meditate and pray in peace. Preferably somewhere I'm not giving everyone in listening distance a migraine," Asia sighed. Prayers from a devout follower were like Devil and Fallen Kryptonite. Lucifel wanted to dig right into the Divine System and fix this mess, but she needed to be patient. For now.
Plutia hummed. "Maybe the sharicite room? The place is basically made of faith and pretty isolated compared to the rest of the place, so prayers might flat out get absorbed into Lucifel's shares…" She mused, the goddess closing her eyes in thought.
"I didn't even think of that...I can go down there now without anyone taking me. There isn't much else beyond Candidate," Asia realized. Well it was somewhat murkier than that. She could upgrade further, gain a Next form, or transcend to something else altogether. The universe seemed to run on shonen logic.
"Yep, only reason I'm not thinking of using it a place for me to be alone is that I like being able to lie down on a bed." Plutia replied before yawning, her eyes sleepily fluttering open.
"I'll let you get some sleep then. I want to expand my repertoire of spells. Twilight Healing isn't only for healing after all. It can also help with casting barriers. Since 'HDD' acts as a force multiplier I want to get as much use out of it as possible," Asia beamed.
Plutia nodded. "A good idea. Do you know where Kala is? I want to talk to her before I go off to take a nap… Oh. By the way, if I act more sleepy in the future don't be worry. I've had to deal with chronic sleepiness most of my life, and it tends to flare up when I'm relaxed." And she wasn't lying, there was a reason she liked her namesake after all.
"She was investigating the practice hall out back," Asia said. She leaned over to hug Plutia warmly. The goddess returned the hug, before heading out to the practise hall.
"Kala? How are you doing?" She asked when she arrived.
The Fallen was running through spear drills using the golden Sharicite spear she acquired. Kala was always careful about showing the spear to others. This was probably the first time since the time she received the weapon that it was being used. Kalawarner ended her current drill slowly.
"I'm doing well. Just getting the feel for my spear. I didn't want to bring it out around the Devils, or even Uranus, as its power is difficult to control," Kalawarner said. The golden crystal spear was also shedding holy light like an arc reactor.
"Yeah. That thing's kinda smiting in the form of a spear with how much light it's giving off. Anything you want to talk about? We haven't really gotten a chance to just sit down and talk."
Kalawarner allowed the spear to shrink down before placing it in her cleavage. The radiance completely shielded by her body.
"To be honest I'm lost. There was a point to my becoming your maid. Mainly because I didn't want to die and because I could tease you relatively safely. Until I realized that you had a hair trigger temper at times," Kalawarner said. Her shoulders sagged a little. "You're also kind to your friends and you genuinely care for people. You're so young and make mistakes like anyone else. Over time I've come to actually care about you." She would never admit it even under pain of torture but they were alone.
Plutia nodded. "Thanks. If your feeling a bit lost well… I've been wanting to spar as Iris Heart. Think you'd be up for that? I'll probably go take a nap either way once I'm done."
"Not the kind of 'lost.' I've become a mother, and from how the other Factions will treat me, consort to a goddess and mother to God. The part I'm stuck on is being a mom. I have no idea what I'm doing and I certainly don't want to pass on some of my hobbies to her," Kalawarner groaned.
Plutia nodded sheepily. "Yeah.. I'm kinda lost on it as well.. I just try to be kind to Lucifel and keep her out of trouble… Hope she didn't inherit my sleepiness."
"We really should talk about what we want to teach her. Even though she's showing signs of maturity beyond her years...We're starting to see the limits," Kala said.
"Well. Math, Science, History, Magic, how to interact with people, and how to take care of herself are all good things to teach her." Plutia yawned. "Wish I had the second to last…"
"Asia is a blessing. When we falter with good things to teach her, Asia can help," Kalawarner sighed with relief.
Plutia nod. "Yeah. Asia's definitely a good role-model for Lucifel… well.. Anything you want to ask me? I wouldn't be surprised if you had questions for me." Plutia blinked. "Also. Now that Issei doesn't live in the same house as us, you can start wearing the maid outfits and such again if you want to, as long as they're not a bad influence on Lucifel."
"You missed seeing me in form fitting maid outfits?" Kalawarner placed her hands behind her head and arched her back coyly. The action causing her bountiful cleavage to strain the front of the suit she wore.
Plutia blushed. "Yes. You looked good in them."
"Nice to know I'm appreciated," she smirked. Kalawarner laid a hand on Plutia's shoulder. "I have to say this has been fun. Unending life gets boring without something to shake it up. I didn't realize just how bored I was becoming before meeting you. Is there anything you want from me? Just ask," she said warmly.
Plutia nodded. "A chance to spar with you as Iris Heart. I'd feel more relaxed if I had a outlet for my sadism. The verbal beatdown on Riser helped but that's not something I can repeat." With a deep breath and a flash of purple light Plutia transformed. Iris Heart grinned as she looked over Kala. "Now now Servant, maybe switch to something that wouldn't get torn to shreds if it gets hit…" She smiled and summoned her sword.
Kalawarner drew her spear in a flash that also changed her outfit. Whether it was an actual combat outfit, or meant for distraction, was up for debate. It looked like bands of black leather wrapped over her torso, crossing her hips, and trailing along her arms and legs. Her waist was covered by a tight dark purple mini skirt. She twirled the spear before assuming an aggressive stance.
"I don't often get a chance to use my fighting clothes," Kalawarner smirked.
Iris Heart chuckled before taking flight, giving her some height on the fallen angel before swinging her weapon and willing it to extend, sending the whip-blade right at Kala. The Fallen also took to the air. Her spear broke into chain segments as she used it to ward off the flexible sword. She twirled the section in her hand and thrust forward. The spear point shot out for just past Iris Heart's neck. Kala pulled back as if telling the chain spear to wrap.
Iris Heart ducked down, before lashing out with her blade again, trying to get the whip-blade to wrap around Kala's legs. As she did this she reached out with her other hand and clenched it, staring right at Kalawarner's neck. The Fallen grit her teeth, summoning her resolve, and threw off the voodoo effect. However the effort wasn't without cost. The whip sword still scored across her legs and throwing the older woman off balance. She spun the chain spear around rapidly in a web of defense to buy herself time to recover. Iris Heart hung back before darting under Kalawarner, coming back up right behind her, where the goddess kicked the Fallen right in the back.
"Ah!" Kalawarner took the kick causing her to tumble forward. She deliberately threw herself into the tumble, briefly spinning rapidly in midair, before sending the chain spear out with the speed of a striking snake. It wasn't the point but the blunt end aimed right for Iris Heart's breastbone.
Iris Heart attempted to catch it, using some of her magic to slow down the spear. Kalawarner focused her will to push through the goddess' magic. The desire to win was growing as the spear glowed with radiant light. Deciding speed was the better part of valor, Iris Heart used her magic to boost how fast her hand went and grabbed onto the blunt end of the spear. Then, she started pulling on it, trying to drag Kala to her. Kalawarner took advantage of the pull and, instead of fighting it, she narrowed her profile and flew through the air leading into a kick for Iris Heart's stomach. Iris Heart responded with a wide kick of her own, trying to deflect Kalawarner's own kick.
The kicks struck with such force as to throw both goddess and Fallen back. Kalawarner panted as the fight was getting her blood pumping. She slowly smiled an unsettling grin like Iris Heart at her best (or worst).
"I haven't had anyone make my pulse pound like you...I might even be falling for you…" Kalawarner's smile widened into a leer moment's before the spear shot out again. The tip vanishing as if the chain weapon turned into a flurry of striking snakes.
Iris Heart was also panting as her heart was pounding. Lashing out with her weapon she deflected any of the attacks that got close to her. "Heh. This is more fun than I thought it was going to be Servant. All the fun of letting out my sadism and the thrill of a challenge. If we can I suggest, no order that we make this a regular thing." Her tone was full of excitement, The goddess condensed her magic into her processor unit to boost her speed before hurling herself into the air and diving at the fallen angel, ready to kick her in the belly.
"Fine by me!" Kalawarner snapped her weapon back swiftly. As the chain recoiled she snapped the length around Iris Heart's leg and attempted to bind her. Iris Heart parried the chain with her sword, a vicious smile adorning her face. The Fallen blurred forward in an attempt to physically grapple with the other woman. Her weapon wrapped around her arm and across her torso like armor.
Iris Heart blurred as she tapped into her shares, lashing out with her hand and leg, attempting to kick and choke the Fallen. "Glad to hear that. Now cry out if you want mercy!"
Kalawarner bent her will again to blunt the effect of the goddess' Force Choke, but it wasn't as effective. She sacrificed some power in her defense to remain mobile. The experienced Fallen brought her wrapped forearm around to solidly block the kick. She made to grab the kicking leg and trap it under her arm. Her breathing was shallow but steady for now. Iris Heart chuckled, before swinging her sword at the fallen's arm. Her heart was pounding, and she could feel herself start to pant again.
"Ha ha ha ha ha…!" Kalawarner managed an excited laugh as the sword bounced off her defending arm. The panting only increased but it wasn't all due to lack of air. If anything she was starting to enjoy the deprivation. She tried to yank Iris Heart down and grapple her to the floor from midair. Iris Heart clenched her hand into a fist, as she kept the choking effect going, before lashing out with a punch to Kalawarner's face.
The simple punch broke the Fallen's concentration. Of all the things she was expecting that wasn't it. The force held in abeyance suddenly constricted her airway. She seized up, clenching onto Iris' leg even more tightly. Kalawarner's eyes were glazing over as she struggled to breath. Iris Heart pushed Kala to the ground and as her heel was pressed down lightly on Kala's stomach, did the goddess unclench her fist and stopped using her magic. "Do you forfeit Servant? My heart is pounding, and it seems like I've won." She smiled, even though she panted from exertion.
"Y-yes…" Kalawarner almost mewed as her chest heaved. The sweet taste of air was intoxicating.
Iris Heart chuckled as her heart rate and breathing slowly returned to normal. "That was amazing if I have to say. I enjoyed it. How about you?"
"I did...mistress…" The Fallen smiled. Getting her to spar again wouldn't be a problem.
Iris Heart chuckled as she moved away from Kala and dropped her transformation, Plutia looking both happy and incredibly tired. Her sword had transformed into her doll. "...That was…. Amazing… I.. don't think I'll be able to make it to my room without falling asleep halfway there.." The goddess yawned. "I order you to carry me to my bed."
Kalawarner stood up slowly. She was so incredibly tired that carrying Plutia would drain the last of her strength. Yet somehow the Fallen managed to do as ordered. Her combat outfit still on full display. She carried the smaller figure into her room and laid her down on the bed. It was at that point her strength fully gave out. Kala collapsed on the bed with a weary groan. Plutia fell asleep as soon as she touched the bed. Lucifel and Asia saw Kala, and poked their heads in to get a idea of what was going on. "Kala-mama what happened?" Lucifel asked.
"...I'll tell you when you're older…" Kalawarner turned away to hide the sudden blush.
"Looks like what happened after Issei sparred with Akeno," Asia blushed too.
Lucifel said something suspiciously like 'my family is full of perverts' before pasting a bright smile on her face. "Sleep well then. I'm not ready to be a big sister yet." She ducked back out again, dragging a giggling Asia after her.
A bit later, Plutia yawned as her eyes fluttered open. "..Damn. The spar took more out of me then I thought it did stamina wise.. adrenaline is one hell of a drug… worth it…" Her eyes drifted to Kala, and the goddess merely sighed before getting up and pulling out the bedroll Kala had used at Issei's place before using her doll to place her in it without waking her up. Yawning once more, the CPU debated going back to sleep or seeing how Lucifel was doing. 'Hmmm. Eh. I'll probably crash till tomorrow next time I go to bed… I'll go see how Lucifel is doing.. Now where is she?' The CPU quietly left her room in search of her daughter.
Lucifel was in the practice hall working on her own skills. She was determined that no one was going to wreck her in melee if she lost the Chakrams. The young Fallen took a more free flowing approach as opposed to Issei's pugilist approach. As soon as Plutia entered she wound down to a stop. Her practice clothes were an oversized t-shirt over a tank top and bicycle shorts.
"Sleep well, Plutia-mama?" Lucifel asked.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah. I'll probably crash till tomorrow next time I fall asleep. Me and Kala's spar took a lot from me. It was fun though…. Even if I was too tired to walk back to my room." She smiled. "So how are you doing?"
"I'm doing well. I started practicing since I had too much pent up energy myself. You weren't awake when the phone rang earlier. Surprise, surprise, we do have a landline. Rias wanted to tell us how the match went," Lucifel stretched languidly.
Plutia nodded. "Ah. Did she tell you? And anything else happen when I was out?"
"Asia left to tend to Rias' Peerage. Even with all the training they were still really banged up. Turns out Riser wasn't kidding about having the regenerative powers of a phoenix. Every time they thought he was defeated he just got back up. Then Riser made the mistake of remarking on Rias' fitness to oversee Kuoh. Issei used 'Balance Breaker' and broke the idiot over his knee. Repeatedly," Lucifel developed a faintly savage smile by the end.
"Idiot can't help but be a bigoted asshat can he? Least Issei got him. I would have payed to see Issei beat him like that. Would have made for some good entertainment…" The CPU shrugged. "Has Uranus or anyone else showed up or passed by while I was out?"
"Well...Uranus is here but I didn't want to wake you up. I kind of...might have forgotten she was here...when I got involved in training," Lucifel laughed nervously.
Plutia facepalmed. 'Seriously. Seriously. Lucifel you are adorable.' The CPU sighed. "Where is she?"
"Skulking around and being a superspy," Uranus said from her perch in the rafters. Lucifel let out a yelp and clutched her chest.
"How long have you been there?" She demanded.
"Long enough. Seriously. I wasn't really sure I could hide from you," Uranus smirked. She waved to Plutia.
Plutia waved back and hugged Lucifel. "Hi Uranus. What's going on?"
"Dad wanted me to extend an invitation to you but I asked him to hold off. He said okay. I had to do something otherwise everyone would want to poke and prod. Lucifel really doesn't need that," Uranus smiled at the younger girl. Lucifel smiled back even if she still looked irked about getting startled.
"Invitation for?" Plutia asked, as she yawned.Lucifel hugged her mother, making sure she stayed awake.
"To meet with him. Faction stuff. Tell me whenever you're ready to schedule something, but it's entirely in your court," Uranus assured Plutia.
"How much is this costing you?" Lucifel asked in concern.
"I'm basically calling on my bond with my dad. The Fallen are really in an uproar," the Fallen girl replied.
Plutia sighed. "Greeaaaaaaaaat. Why. And I talked to Serafall earlier.. Have you heard anything about the non-fallen angels trying to get into Kuoh or planning something? They're the only faction I don't have someone from to talk to about."
"The Fallen felt essentially betrayed by how God made it so easy to Fall. The same freedoms he gave to mortals were denied. Each of us is possessed of a vice. Vices are something Angels aren't supposed to have. Might as well tell you mine. My vice is pride. I might not seem like it but I do like to win," Uranus smirked.
"The fact you tell us how awesome you are kind of gave it away," Lucifel remarked dryly.
"Yeah probably. I was born Fallen so I'm not as angry or hurt. The real reason the Fallen are so divided is because the vices often clash. The Fallen want to know what your intentions are. Are you going to somehow purify us, destroy us, or what?" Uranus shrugged.
"Honestly? It would have to be on a case by case basis. When you try to take a 'one size fits all' approach someone gets shafted," Lucifel shook her head.
"And if they don't want to be purified I see no reason why they should be. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.." Plutia added on, quoting Optimus Prime. "And have you heard anything about Heaven or whatever they call themselves? Are they up to anything?"
"The Angel Faction is dispatching a representative to speak with you. The Devils flat out said 'no way' to a high ranking Angel. So the rep will probably be from the Church. They're going to want to put their best foot forward so prepare for a lot of whitewash," Uranus sniffed indelicately.
"Lovely...I won't be talking with someone who actually matters…" Lucifel actually growled. The Fallen girl quickly waved her hands.
"I could tell them you want to talk to someone important," she did not want God furious with anyone. Uranus' views were made plain. She couldn't care less about the Faction mess.
Plutia hummed. "Talking to someone up the chain would be useful in getting to know whatever it is they really want. Though. If they insult anyone in the house I am throwing them out wings first. Anyways, any idea of what they want with Lucifel?"
"The Church would want her as a figurehead to lead them on a glorious charge against the 'evils' of the world. Pretty much a grand crusade across the planet. The heads are mostly old farts who don't even know what a cellphone is. However the Angels are the ones who give them their marching orders," Uranus said.
"Uh huh...What if I told the Church to knock it the Hell off?" Lucifel was growing angry at just the thought that someone would declare a religious world war. Uranus smiled kindly.
"Calm yourself lil' cousin. They wouldn't dare go against your orders. Once you're in control of the Divine System it literally is Your Will Be Done. No one wants to be on the wrong side of that," Uranus assured her.
"I won't rule through fear either," Lucifel insisted.
"Then be cute. Be your adorable self. People will go to stupid lengths to make pretty little girls happy," she said.
Plutia's left eye started twitching in rage the moment she heard what the Church would try to do. Because she knew, even without her divinity, she would be 'evil' that the church would try to slay. "Uranus I doubt it would be that easy. There's likely to be assholes who think Lucifel's a liar, or worse… the assholes who use religion as a pretext to be horrible people will rally the idiots around them and try to do something stupid. And if the Church tries to do anything to Lucifel or even start that fucking crusade, then the leaders and anyone who gets in my way will die screaming." Slowly and surely the goddess tried to calm herself down by deep breaths. Lucifel's hugs certainly helped.
"Yeah how do we stop them from just dismissing me?" Lucifel asked. Uranus looked honestly bewildered.
"Right now they might but anyone who hears you speak with believe the Truth in your words. As long as you don't lie no one would doubt your words. That's why people believe an Angel when they appear. Fallen are known deceivers, so are Devils, but an Angel can't lie or they fall. The mechanism was designed by God based on the restrictions He placed on Himself," Uranus said.
"No offense Uranus, but if I designed a system like that? I would probably shoot myself. No one with any common sense would design a system that doesn't allow them to lie. Because lies can range from 'is your steak overdone' to 'does this dress make my butt look big?'. I won't lie because of how Plutia-mama feels, but I also wouldn't speak hurtful truths either," Lucifel said.
"Who said He had any common sense?" Uranus shrugged.
"Not me." Plutia added on, before taking a deep breath. "Thanks for the info Uranus… I'll talk to your later when me and Kala have figured out a time.."
"Take all the time you need. Since we already got the interview out of the way," Uranus smirked playfully. She hopped down from the rafters and gave Plutia a hug, then Lucifel. The capricious Fallen waved as she stepped through the door of the practice hall and disappeared. Lucifel blinked.
"She's smooth…" Lucifel breathed.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah.. I'll probably be going back to bed, my temper's tired me out…" Plutia yawned. "Any questions or anything you want to say before I go back to bed baby?"
"I love you Plutia-mama," Lucifel hugged her tight.
Plutia hugged her daughter tighter. "I love you as well Lucifel. If you ever want to talk or ask me questions I'd be glad to answer." The goddess yawned and started to walk back to her room to sleep away the day.
Lucifel smiled as her mom left the room before slowly turning to the open window. She frowned pensively. Aunt Serafall was sweet and Uranus was fun. Calling her 'cousin' was a kind gesture that touched her deeply. She hoped the Angels made a good first impression. Uranus was, in her own way, as biased as anyone. Kala-mama was the only one who attempted to strip out the bias. She was just born and already had to deal with politics. The thought was there to just let Plutia-mama deal with it but the fallout would be tremendous.
Fun though.
Lucifel giggled as she imagined the strait-laced Angels dealing with Plutia-mama.
A girl could dream.[/b][/i]
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
You know, I'm really interested in seeing their reactions when they finally do meet the angels. At least, if the DxD Angels really are like what I've picked up they are (mostly at least) by reading fanfiction on here, SB and a couple of other places, seeing as I've never read or watched the stories...
And by that I mean, they seem to have been completed overwhelmed since God died, and it's gotten even worse over time as casualties from fighting the Devils and Fallen mounted up. As well as all the 'casualties' from Angels Falling. They're seem rather reasonable, and good people. They just have the problems of being too busy keeping EVERYTHING from blowing up or seized by their enemies to actual clean out the corruption in the church... In fact, I'd go so far as to say the Church (or the majority at least) have gone rogue, and the only reason the Angels aren't trying to wipe them out as well is because the Church is still more problematic for their enemies than the Angels, so they're saving that major PITA for when they actually get enough of a break to do so (said break being 2000 years and counting overdue). Which just leaves them needing to minimise and work around the current clusterfuck that are 'their' mortal servants.
And by that I mean, they seem to have been completed overwhelmed since God died, and it's gotten even worse over time as casualties from fighting the Devils and Fallen mounted up. As well as all the 'casualties' from Angels Falling. They're seem rather reasonable, and good people. They just have the problems of being too busy keeping EVERYTHING from blowing up or seized by their enemies to actual clean out the corruption in the church... In fact, I'd go so far as to say the Church (or the majority at least) have gone rogue, and the only reason the Angels aren't trying to wipe them out as well is because the Church is still more problematic for their enemies than the Angels, so they're saving that major PITA for when they actually get enough of a break to do so (said break being 2000 years and counting overdue). Which just leaves them needing to minimise and work around the current clusterfuck that are 'their' mortal servants.
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Down Time
- Location
- PA
AN: Come forth @ForgottonFuture to the party.
Down Time
There wasn't much to do really. School continued as it always did. Plutia was growing more popular in a mascot kind of way. She was cute, friendly, and the drowsy look was apparently adorable when combined with how shy she could be in pu. Lucifel was lucky in that she didn't have to go to school. The little one didn't like pulling in her wings and wouldn't unless she was out in public. At least she had Asia with her. The former nun turned Candidate was still trying to get over her change in status. At least her divine nature didn't harm Issei.
In hindsight she really should have thought of that before agreeing.
Rias was in a much better mood. Riser was out of her life, and aside from seeing him at social functions, had nothing to do with her. Her happy mood was infectious as her Peerage couldn't stop smiling. Issei in particular was proud of his accomplishment. Breaking a Phenex's will to live was hard, and that was the only way to stop their regeneration. There wouldn't be a better time to talk to Rias.
"Plutia! How are you?" Rias smiled welcomingly as the goddess walked in the door.
Akeno smiled and lead Plutia over to a sofa. Rias joined her as the Queen provided them with tea and cookies.
"Doing good. The house is amazing. Missed having my own bed more than I thought I did, and I adore the library. Lucifel and Kala have been making good work on the training room. But well… I've got another bombshell to drop on ya. I swear I'm a magnet for shenanigans some days.." The goddess yawned, enjoying the cookies. She'd prefer coffee to tea. "Said bombshell? Well it turns out using the place that she was born, Lucifel can ascend people. After she ascended Asia, me and Kala put down some strict ground rules for it. If she wants to do it she needs me and Kala's permission. I thought you'd want to know. That and it minimizes the risks of a asshole like Riser spinning that in a bad way." Plutia groaned. "I hate politics.."
"Oh thank goodness...I didn't know why Asia was suddenly radiating divine energy. At least now I know. Hmmm...I can spin it as something similar to the Evil Piece system. Since the systems are very similar. Asia felt like a newly reincarnated Devil only divine. So perhaps some form of Angelic being?" Rias tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Essentially we can claim that the transformation must be with your permission. Since that is the case we're not lying," Akeno clarified.
Plutia nodded. "Could work, though, I'd like to ask that you try to minimize the amount of heat this puts on Lucifel… I can take care of myself, and a part of me screams bloody murder and such at the idea of her being in danger."
"We'll tell them it's your secret. Lucifel doesn't need to be mentioned at all," Rias promised.
"You might want to mention the offer from the Angel Faction," Akeno reminded her. The redhead frowned in annoyance.
"I understand they want to speak with Plutia, but I would rather they actually wait. We have more important things to do than trot out the red carpet," Rias said but then turned to Plutia with a sigh. "Unless you wish to speak with them. I am just trying to keep them from bothering you."
Plutia rubbed her forehead. "I'd rather finish settling down and then meeting Uranus's father before I deal with the non-fallen angels. They're likely to be the delegates most likely to end up pissing me off due to my stance on Lucifel's predecessor."
"As long as you don't tell them what you think of Him, you would be fine. They do understand He wasn't universally loved," Rias said carefully.
Plutia nodded, keeping a deep breath to rein in her temper before it flared up. "Anyways, besides kicking Riser's ass, how have you been doing?" The goddess yawned and got comfy on the couch, using her braid as a pillow. "I've been doing well, but school's a bit hell on my nerves. Never dealt well with crowds.."
"My parents were annoyed that Riser didn't know who would be the dominant partner. Apparently his parents didn't explain how it was going to work. Because of the insult I now have a new Bishop who will be starting here soon. Ravel Phenex, his sister. She was a part of his Peerage. He was collecting various types of women and wanted the bratty Tsundere younger sister," Rias shivered.
"He was also trying to prevent his sister from being used as a pawn," Akeno hated playing Devil's Advocate for Riser.
"I wouldn't have suggested her as a forfeit if she didn't get along so well with Issei. She really didn't want to be in Riser's 'battle harem.' Even if it wasn't like that," Rias giggled.
Plutia chuckled. "As long as she's not a bigot like her brother I'll have no problem with her unless she makes one. Though… collecting women… the more I hear about Riser the grosser he sounds." Plutia shuddered.
"The good news is that Issei was able to unlock his Balance Breaker, Red Dragon Scale Mail. Please thank Kalawarner for me. If she hadn't pushed him the way she did it might not have happened so soon," Rias smiled.
Plutia smiled in turn. "No problem. Kala's good at training. And sparring. She managed to give me a good fight when I transformed… then again I was not throwing around stuff like the sword blast that leveled the old church because I don't want to destroy my home." For a brief second when she mentioned the spar her cheeks warmed up. "So how are you doing Akeno?" Plutia asked Rias's Queen. Akeno seemed to understand why she was blushing, but beyond a smirk, kept her peace.
"I am doing well actually. My classes are too easy. The only reason I'm still taking them is to stay in school. Though I haven't had anyone to play with in almost a month and a half. It's a bit stressful," Akeno sighed.
"Akeno offers...ah...special services to her clients…" Rias turned a shade of red almost matching her hair.
"They may look, but never touch. Mistress is quite strict," Akeno smiled beatifically with a hint of darker things in her eyes.
Plutia chuckled, obviously trying to not break down into laughter. "R-Rias your almost as red as your h-hair." The goddess had to take a deep breath to break out of the laughing fit.
"I-I can't help it! Akeno is shameless!" Rias pouted at her Queen who had the audacity to smirk.
That nearly inspired yet another laughing fit in Plutia, but she managed to maintain her composure. "You're her King are you not?" Plutia asked, trying not to laugh because that pout was hilariously adorable.
"She's my best friend too. I'm just frequently confused at her choices," Rias stared down at her hands, fiddling with her skirt.
"Plutia and Kalawarner understand completely. If her talk of 'sparring' is anything to go by," Akeno winked in Plutia's direction. Rias slowly transcending red to a color not found in nature.
Plutia shrugged, very very obviously trying not to start laughing, the sleepy CPU not even missing a beat. "We beat the crap outta each other, I won, the fight felt amazing~"
"I wouldn't mind joining in sometime," Akeno smiled.
"Now you're messing with me," Rias folded her arms. Akeno cooed over how cute her King was acting, which didn't help her image. The Gremory Heiress was stuck between dropping her arms, and continuing to pout. She insisted on stubbornly holding the pout.
Plutia yawned. "...Nah. You'd get wrecked Akeno. Kala's got a lot of skill, and she's pretty tough, and well.. I'm a goddess you've seen the results of what I can do." Plutia looked to Rias. "Yeah I'm messing with you. Can't help myself I suppose, it helps let off some of my sadism without hurting anyone." The CPU shrugged.
"Two sadists…" Rias smiles ruefully.
"Kalawarner is one as well. I wonder if she switches…" Akeno was no longer teasing, just musing out loud.
"Like you are?" Rias decided to dig back at her friend. The busty girl actually blushed a moment, caught off guard as she was, before regaining control.
"Well done. We'll make a proper deviant of you yet," Akeno smirked.
Plutia started chuckling once more before reigning herself back in. "That would be a sight to see. And well…. Kala joined me at first because she wanted to not die and because she enjoyed me beating the crap outta her."
"She reminds me of any number of Devils I know. The ones who act cranky about being nice, but are really sweet deep down. Very deep down," Rias chuckled.
"What do you think of her?" Akeno asked Plutia.
Plutia hummed. "Well… Hmm… I'd have to say at least a good friend? I haven't had a lot of time to think of it…." The goddess rubbed the back of her head, a action that caused her ponytail to gently start swinging slightly.
"Which brings me back to my earlier point. You need time to really get your feet under you," Rias gave Plutia a side hug. Akeno sat down on the other side and added her arms.
Plutia would shrug, but the hug kept her from moving. "Yeah… That would probably help me deal with my temper too… The house alone is a big help because it gives me what, two to three areas I can use as places to relax alone if I'm getting stressed out, what with my room, the library, and the study…" The CPU yawned.
"Have you been getting enough sleep?" The teasing Queen turned serious at Plutia's continued yawning.
"Yep… I'm just naturally sleepy, and now that stuff's calmed down a bit, it's a touch easier for me to relax so that's showing up more often." Plutia got comfy on the couch.
"More sleep sounds nice," Rias nestled with the CPU.
"We're usually too busy to relax. But now we have time," Akeno smiled.
Plutia yawned. "...That's good to hear you have some time to relax… huh…. My eyes feel heavy… must be more tired than I thought I was…" The CPU looked around. "A short nap couldn't hurt right?"
Rias and Akeno looked at one another before turning to Plutia.
"Nah. We have plenty of time," Rias decided.
Akeno waved a hand to summon a blanket. General nap time was declared.
Plutia yawned out a thanks before closing her eyes, and quickly fell asleep. She gently snored, getting comfortable under the blanket, which ended up looking adorable because of her small stature.
Pictures were taken by the rest of the ORC, but no one dared disturb the three on the sofa. Blackmail was had by all.
The library at home was a treasure trove of magical knowledge. Serafall certainly delivered on her promise. There was even a magic lab attached to the library for experimenting. An alchemy set sat in the corner. In the center of the room was a warded circle for testing magic. Plutia adored the lab, as it doubled as both a quiet place and a place for her to have fun with her magic.
Pulling out the notebook of spell ideas, Plutia's eyes fell on one. "Hmmm. Wonder if I can find a way to make the "Turn the target into a doll" idea work…. I'd need a test subject…" Looking around, Plutia's eyes settled on a mirror she added to make sure her spells didn't do anything to her. Well. It was more accurate to say she was focused on her reflection. "Kala and Lucifel are out getting dresses, and Asia's at the ORC I think… Maybe use myself as a test subject? It's my magic so I should be fine, and if worse comes to worse then Lucifel can probably undo it…" Underlining the spell idea in her notebook, before noting down what she was doing, Plutia made sure if she goofed up Kala would know what happened.
The goddess sat down in the warded circle, before focusing on her magic and wrapping it around her. Slowly and surely she pushed her will on the magic, wanting it to make her into a doll while still being able to think and use her magic. She kept a clear image of what she wanted in her mind, as the books on transmutation suggested.
At first it didn't seem to work, but slowly, gradually, the magic permeated the fabric. As she grew more confident it would take less time. It took nearly ten minutes to start seeing results. The room was starting to look bigger, and her body felt a touch numb, if in a soft way. "I would like this to be useful in combat… maybe if I boost it with shares?" Carefully the goddess pushed a tiny fraction of her shares into the spell.
There was a sudden twist as the magic worked a bit too suddenly. She instantly popped to a foot in height with an oversized head and plush doll features. She could still move at least. Shrugging, Plutia tried to get up and back to her notebook, but tripped when she tried to take a step. Her body's proportions were off enough she'd trip with every step. The CPU sighed and pushed some of her shares into the spell with the purpose of dispelling and undoing it. Once she was back to normal she got up and wrote down her results. "Specify the inanimateness perhaps? If the spell works it's meant to act as a non-lethal way to restrain anyone I fight… useful if someone on my side gets mind controlled or I don't want to kill the target.." Moving back to the circle, Plutia re-tried the spell, adding in how she wanted the target to be basically inanimate except for their ability to think and for her to be able to use her magic, and even added in a share or two to speed up the process.
With a 'pop' of displaced air she flopped to the ground as an adorable plushie. She tried to move, and found that she couldn't. The CPU-turned-plushie reached for her magic, and if she could have sighed she would have. She can use it, she can't move, but she can think. 'Looks like the spell succeeded…. Tch… I feel soft and comfy like this..and kinda sleepy, more so than normal…. Might mess around with this spell after I write down the results and what I need to do.'
The plush goddess thought, before dispelling the spell, and with yet another 'pop' she was back to normal. Quickly she wrote down what made the spell work. "Now… Do I want to mess around with this spell or work on some of the other ideas I have… Then again most of those I can't test on myself without hurting myself.." The goddess yawned, and looked over her notes.
Sighing, she walked into the library, as she thought over what to do. She had a bunch of free time left today… and maybe giving Kala or Lucifel a surprise would be nice? Plus, she wanted to relax a bit more… The goddess sat down on a chair near the entrance to the library and took a deep breath and activated the spell once more, and with but a single share spent and a pop in the air, she was a plushy yet again, sitting limply in the chair. Kala and Lucifel said they were going to come back in a hour or so, and to pass the time Plutia tried to immerse herself in the soft feeling that surrounded her, and she lost track of time until Lucifel came home.
Her time spent as a plushie had an unintended side effect. Lucifel cuddled with her for almost an hour when she came home. Smol soft hugs. Plutia yawned as she turned herself back. Lucifel had fallen asleep and Kalawarner seemed to be amused, though Lucifel was still clinging to her mother. "Well. Looks like the spell works. It's going to be super useful if I ever fight someone who's been mind controlled or I need to take down without hurting too badly." The goddess whispered, so as to not wake up Lucifel.
"I thought it was because the spell forces a type of lethargy on the afflicted. Your energy wasn't blocked, but it was very slow. I wasn't sure if I would have to dispel it," Kalawarner smirked.
Plutia shrugged, the action causing Lucifel to gently clutch onto her. "I was just enjoying being cuddled by Lucifel… though.. A lethargy would make sense. I did feel more sleepy than normal under it, despite the fact I can't sleep when under the effects of the spell as far as I know.. Though, the version I plan for using on other people should hopefully flat out make them unable to use magic, in order to keep them from escaping."
"Good thing you didn't use that one on yourself. My that is a scary one though...Just imagine the places you could put them…" Kalawarner stared off with a distance look in her eyes and giggled. Just a little.
"Kala-mama you sound like Issei-nii and that's not good," Lucifel deadpanned.
Plutia chuckled in response. "I'd most likely place them in the living room or such I guess. Somewhere where they won't go mad, hopefully, and they'd be easy to keep a eye on if they manage to find a way around it. Though.. Hmm." Plutia looked to Kala. "That gives me a bit of a idea… might use it on you later…. Being able to sleep in without you waking me up would be nice. Also. When is Asia supposed to get back from the ORC again?"
"Asia managed to convince Issei to take her on a date. I don't think she realizes it was a date though," Kalawarner sighed.
"She practically opened her shirt…"
"She did NOT Lucifel."
"Okay okay. She was obviously hot for him just shy about it," Lucifel hastily amended her statement as Kala-mama laid down the law.
Plutia nodded and yawned. "So least another hour or so.. Hm. Wonder how'd she respond to my new spell." Plutia smiles and looked to Kala. "Sooo. Would ya mind if I tested out the final version on you Kala? I'll be able to dispel it with ease like I did the version I used on myself." The goddess asked.
"Okay. You do need to know if it will work on someone who is resisting," she allowed.
"Yep. Plus, I spent a hour being cuddled by Lucifel, seems fair you do that as well." Plutia casted the spell on Kala, ready to catch her and hug her if she fails to resist. The spell took time to work as the Fallen brought her power to bear. She stood with her hands clenched and radiating with aura. After several minutes, a lapse in attention was all it took to render her dolled up.
"She's a chibi too!" Lucifel scooped up Kalawarner happily. The Fallen almost glowed with embarrassment.
Plutia chuckled. "Looks like that's the default style of the spell. Not that I'm complaining, your adorable Kala. If you can move or use your magic, do so now please. I want to see if it works. Just don't break the spell." Lucifel merely hugged her dollified other mother.
The embarrassment intensified as Kalawarner wasn't able to move. An attempt to build her will to cast fell flat. Her magic was slowly ebbing to a lower state as she started to doze off.
Plutia chuckled. "Feeling sleepy Kala? I get it, being under the spell is quite relaxing." The goddess cuddled up to her daughter, while keeping a eye on Kala using her supernatural sense.
Kalawarner definitely didn't like this as her irritation rose. She was losing against the lethargy which only served to increase her ire. Lucifel grimaced faintly as her other mother looked about to explode…...if she wasn't too lethargic to act.
Plutia frowned. "You okay Kala? If you need me to end the spell signal me with feelings of worry or such…" The goddess pouted, as while Kala was unable to use her magic and was getting more tired by the second, she could still use her senses. A feeling of overwhelming frustration and a hint of fear emanated from her.
Plutia gently took Kala from Lucifel's hands and placed her on the couch next to them before canceling the spell. "You okay Kala?"
The Fallen sat stiffly for a minute before starting to sag. She pulled Plutia and Lucifel in for a hug with shaking arms. Their daughter returned the hug with a look of surprised worry. Kalawarner tried to speak but nothing came out. She just sat and trembled. Plutia hugged her before looking at Kala with her supernatural sense… what was wrong? Was her mana still slow? Her mana felt fine now so it wasn't that.
"What's wrong, Kala-mama?" Lucifel asked.
"I don't like feeling completely helpless. It happened one time...and if not for an intervention…" Kalawarner grimaced as another tremor of fear ran through her. Plutia hugged her tight.
"Kala.. I'm sorry. If you have any problems with anything I do tell me, same with you Lucifel.. I'm not good at reading people. And is the fucker dead?" Plutia asked, a grimace in her face as she guessed why Kala was trembling.
"Dead?" Kalawarner laughed, a sharp brittle sound. "He probably wished he was dead after Azazel got through with him." She looked down as an obscure expression of shame crossed her face.
Plutia hugged Kala even tighter, as Lucifel also tightened her hug. "Sorry for bringing up bad memories… if it wouldn't be upsetting, besides the bad memories how did it feel under the effects of the spell?"
"I thought I could handle it because, at first, it actually felt nice. Calming. Then my fears came up and suddenly it wasn't so pleasant. Unless you use it on someone with a similar condition I think it's quite humane for most," Kalawarner spoke with a clinical detachment. Her worry wasn't completely gone but it was manageable now.
Plutia continued the hug. "Do you think you could break it from the outside? I noticed you were getting more lethargic as your mana got calmer, and I wonder what would happen if ones mana was to be fully calmed by the spell…"
"It took a minute before I couldn't even exert a little leverage. After two it was impossible to manage anything more than...helplessness," she inhaled through her nose and exhaled slowly. Lucifel snuggled closer eliciting a smile from the older woman.
Plutia also snuggled closer. "I'll see if the house has any happy movies to watch. I don't want you to be upset because if this Kala.." Plutia yawned, using the yawn to cover up her uneasiness on how to refer to Kala. Kalawarner hugged her tighter.
"I don't need a movie. I just need…" She faltered a moment before finally pushing through,"...to be held." There, she admitted it, and the blush spreading across her face burned away the lingering fear.
Plutia chuckled. "Whatever makes you feel better. Oh, by the way baby, what are your thoughts on the spell Lucifel?" The goddess asked.
"It looked like fun. You made it so you didn't have to hurt people. I like it a lot because of that," Lucifel beamed happily.
Plutia smiled. "Glad to hear you like it. Though how much of it is because you got to cuddle me without me moving at all for a hour or so?" Plutia looked back to Kala. "I asked if you think you can dispel it because I'm thinking of using the final version on myself to see what happens when my mana gets fully calmed. Will I simply lose consciousness? I don't know and it's a important thing to know as well…"
Kalawarner shook her head.
"I'm not sure that I could…" Kalawarner admitted.
"You totally can Kala-mama. Plutia-mama wouldn't fight your magic. Besides you could use the Sharicite Spear to boost your magic power. Think about it. It has a tip so it's abilities are better geared towards piercing. You could pierce Plutia-mama's magic," Lucifel beamed.
"Honestly I thought it was just a very powerful weapon...Thank you, Lucifel," Kalawarner smiled.
Plutia chuckled. "Well that's good to know. Well. Here I go, Kala undo it like a minute after my mana's calmed." Grabbing her mana, Plutia casted the final version of the spell on herself, offering up no resistance to the spell. '..Wonder what the differences between it and the previous version will feel like..' She thought. The result was as Kalawarner said. Her mana started to slow to a restful state. It grew harder and harder to hold onto her magic. There was even something that seemed to whisper to her soothingly. Sleepily. That she should just relax and enjoy the sensation. Just forget about the world for awhile…
Before the world snapped back into focus with a jolt. Kalawarner was touching Plutia's forehead with the miniaturized spear. "Are you with us again?" Kalawarner asked.
"Yeah.. I… It felt like I was falling asleep...Or maybe into a trance? How long did it take? It felt like five seconds…" The goddess yawned.
"I tried to break the enchantment twice before resorting to the spear. It took almost five minutes," Kalawarner hugged Plutia tighter.
Plutia hugged her back. "...Sorry if I worried you and Lucifel…. it felt really comfy… and it seemed like there was something… whispering? Hmm… I probably wouldn't mind spending a day under its effects, same with the previous version. It's a good way to relax."
Lucifel hopped off the sofa to get a laptop and a DVD. She came back, wedged between her mothers, and turned it on.
"Let's watch a movie now. Asia is still out with Issei," Lucifel said.
"How do you know exactly where she is?" Kalawarner asked.
"I can feel her," the little Fallen shrugged.
"I suppose Plutia can do that same thing…?" Kala turned to the goddess.
Plutia casted out her senses and found that she could feel both Candidates. "I can feel Lucifel and Asia." Plutia smiled. "This could be useful for keeping you out of trouble."
Lucifel playfully stuck out her tongue in response. "I'm not the one who causes trouble," Lucifel lightly ribbed Plutia.
"I swear I will end up in trouble because of both of you. Asia is too sweet to cause trouble," Kala chuckled.
Plutia shrunk in on herself. "One time, just one time I let my protectiveness get the better of me and you never let me live it down. Uranus forgave me.."The Goddess yawned. "So what movie did you grab baby?" Lucifel hugged the repentant goddess. She didn't realize it was too soon to tease her.
"I grabbed Spirited Away," Lucifel giggled.
She's living a supernatural story and wants to watch one. Kalawarner laughed in spite of herself. Plutia smiled. "I haven't seen this in forever. Good choice."
The little family spent the rest of the afternoon together watching Miyazaki films. As day slowly turned to night, Asia still hadn't returned. Lucifel couldn't sense anything wrong with her but the absence was puzzling. Normally the nun-turned-Candidate was more conscientious.
"Maybe we should call her…" Kalawarner said before looking to Lucifel. "On the phone, dear." The little Fallen pouted. Giving her a mental ping was just faster but Kala wasn't going to allow casual use of her goddesshood.
Plutia nodded and got up. "I can't remember where the phone is. Kala where is it again?" Plutia asked.
"In the hallway. Usually people use their smartphones," Kalawarner patted herself down. The maid uniform didn't have her phone.
"I can just telepathically communicate," Lucifel shrugged.
"Right and what did I just say?" Kala eyed her sternly.
"...I'll carry my phone, Kala-mama," Lucifel pouted.
Plutia facepalmed. "Knew I was forgetting something on my to get list. Least the study came with three laptops." The CPU walked over to the phone and dialed Asia's phone number. "Asia, I just wanted to ask you what's taking so long?"
"Ah! Plutia! Well…" Asia sounded a little agitated over the phone. "...Some unexpected guests arrived at Issei's house. Guests with Holy Swords and lousy attitudes." She sounded testy near the end. A very faint pulse was felt along the share connection. Plutia could feel Asia pushing down on the urge to go HDD with both hands, metaphorically.
"Need any help? Me, Lucifel, and Kala can get there in like a minute most if we all fly." Plutia asked. Tapping her foot, she frowned. 'Holy swords? Don't the angels or the church have those? I thought Rias was keeping them out.'
"We'll meet you at the Occult Research Club room. Our 'guests' want to talk to Rias immediately," Asia again forced down HDD. For the normally gentle young woman to need to contain herself…
"Got it." Plutia turned off the phone and transformed. Iris Heart glided into the living room and looked at Kala and Lucifel. "We need to go to the ORC. Apparently two people with holy swords showed up at Issei's place and they want to talk to Rias. They've managed to make Asia upset to the point where she had to force down HDD from activating multiple times when she was talking to me." The goddess sighed, running a finger through her long hair. "I swear to me this town is a magnet for drama."
Iris Daughter transformed with a look of disgust on her face. She was able to feel the same thing. Kalawarner sighed.
"She probably didn't say what Holy Swords they are," Kalawarner rubbed her forehead.
"Doesn't matter. If they want to brandish Holy Swords I will make the swords quiet," Iris Daughter grated.
"Quiet…?" The older Fallen asked slowly.
"I will put them to sleep until these people leave," the younger goddess insisted, showing a spark of Iris Heart's own temper.
Iris Heart smiled. "And if worst comes to worst I can knock them out with the doll spell and we can take their weapons." With that she headed outside, and once her family got outside, flew off with them at her sides.
Rias was warned ahead of time by Issei of what was coming. She looked downright livid. Akeno was of a similar frame of mind to her King. Kiba and Koneko were there as well. The Rook wasn't feeding her face and instead sat rigidly straight. Kiba's face was filled with a black rage far beyond the slight to his King. Iris Heart landed and frowned.
"Where are the sword wielders? And do we have any idea what they wanted?" Iris Heart asked, agitated by the sudden drama.
"The others are coming on foot. Unfortunately we have no idea just what they want. The fact they entered my territory without informing me is too much. I asked for Uranus to come. Just in case she knew what was going on," Rias said. Upon seeing Iris Heart, Iris Daughter, and Kalawarner some of the tension eased.
Uranus burst in through the door, breathing heavily.
"Whoo...I came over as soon as I could. I asked my father if he knew what was going on...and he does," Uranus gathered herself as she approached Rias' desk. She gave a brief nod to the goddess contingent.
"Wonderful. What is it?" Rias asked. Uranus grimaced as if about to deliver some particularly troubling news.
"He didn't start looking until I asked but the answer leaped out immediately. Kokabiel, one of the big movers and shakers during the war, went missing with a number of Fallen Exorcists and a disgraced Ex-Bishop. Galilei Balba, head of the Holy Sword Project. Responsible for numerous deaths in the name of creating the 'perfect Holy Sword wielder,'" Uranus looked sick.
"Feh...so he joined the Fallen…" Kiba snarled. The Grigori General's daughter bristled.
"We had nothing to do with that bastard. Kokabiel recruited him against my father's wishes," she protested hotly. Kiba made as if to rise to the challenge before being interrupted by a sharp whistle.
"Play nice children. Let's hear the rest of it, Uranus," Kalawarner said. Rias looked relieved that she didn't have to try to restore order. Her heart clearly went out to Kiba, but the reason was unclear.
"The Church kept it quiet, but the information we received is that a number of high ranked Holy Swords went missing," Uranus reported.
"And so they sent the wielders of two more to retrieve the missing blades," Iris Daughter sighed.
"So what, do they think the damn things are here?" Iris Heart sighed. "I feel like this is going to end… poorly."
"Their intel is probably better than ours. They had longer to search. Missing Holy Swords is bad for of us. Their Light is capable of destroying Devils and Fallen. Not just killing but destroying us completely. The Church, for all their faults, regulates their use strictly," Uranus said.
"And if they were to be found here...Well thankfully no one would blame us. The Devils do not want to make waves with the Church or Angel Faction," Rias sighed.
"They won't care. Depending on the Holy Swords involved," Kiba predicted.
His dire prediction only served to highlight what a desperate situation this was.
The door opened to admit Issei and Asia with the unwanted guests. Iris Daughter kept her wings closed while scrutinizing them thoroughly. She looked quite unhappy about something. Kalawarner subtly took up a defensive posture beside her daughter. The first one through the door was a young woman, of Issei or Asia's age, with her light brunette hair in twintails. Her aura was bright and bubbly with a kind streak. In her hair was a strong Holy presence. She wore a black bodysuit that looked too fetishy. Her companion was another young woman of similar age with short blue hair with a green streak. She wore the same outfit as the first. A strong Holy presence emanated from the large sword shaped wrapped bundle on her back. Her aura was strong and no nonsense. Blunt. Both wore white cloaks.
"To what do we owe the pleasure of the Church's presence?" Rias asked sardonically.
Both girls eyed the number of supernatural beings in the room with narrowed eyes.
"Is it normal for Devils and Fallen to stand together so openly?" The blue haired girl asked.
"Never mind what I do in my territory. Why are you here?" The King asserted again.
Iris Heart chuckled. It was not a nice thing. "Again people make that same mistake." The goddess glared at the church members. "I am a Goddess, and my name is Iris Heart. Perhaps someone saw fit to tell you? Now to repeat my friend's question, why are you here?" The goddess was on edge, anyone who knew her could tell. 'These holy swords… they remind me of The Share Blade…. And Gehaburn. I am not letting down my guard.'
The emissaries of the Church stiffened at Iris Heart's assertion. At the twintailed girl's sharp head shook her companion settled down reluctantly.
"I am Irina Shidou and this is my partner Xenovia Quarta. We're Exorcists with the Church. The reason we're here is because four of Excaliburs disappeared," Irina said. Uranus, Kalawarner, Asia, and Rias' entire Peerage looked shocked. Except for Issei. He only looked confused.
"Multiple Excaliburs? I thought there was only one," Issei asked in confusion.
"There was also Excalibur Galantine. I wasn't aware of more than that," Iris Daughter folded her arms.
"There was the original Excalibur. It was shattered years ago into seven pieces. Through advanced Alchemy and metallurgy the pierces were forged into seven swords. One, Excalibur Ruler, disappeared. However the remaining are Excalibur Mimic, Excalibur Destruction, Excalibur Rapidly, Excalibur Nightmare, Excalibur Transparency, and Excalibur Blessing," Kiba explained.
Iris Daughter rubbed her forehead tiredly. "Of all the stupid…" She muttered causing Irina and Xenovia to bristle indignantly.
"Be quiet. It was one of your kind who stole Transparency, Rapidly, and Nightmare. We are the bearers of Destruction and Mimic," Xenovia indicated herself first then Irina. Iris Daughter didn't look impressed.
"One of 'our kind?' Sorry but she isn't a Fallen. Try again," Uranus taunted. A sharp whistle stopped the fighting before it began. Even if Kalawarner looked like she wanted nothing more than to rip them both apart.
Iris Heart stared down the two foolish exorcists, and flared some of her share energy around her. "Do you think I was being arrogant? Now you little bigots you are going to take your racist bullcrap you said to my daughter back. Or I will be very unhappy." Iris Heart's temper was up and going, to be expected when faced with the behaviors that helped inspire her dislike of the church in her homeworld, and the church here.
"Xenovia, please. We were told not to antagonize them," Irina was quick to run damage control. Xenovia grit her teeth.
"My apologies. I am highly sensitive to auras, as part of my profession, and the amount of hostility is putting me on edge. I am not trying to be insulting," Xenovia apologized.
"We are all on edge. You just told me that three Excaliburs are loose in my city. How did you track them here?" Rias cut to the heart of the matter.
"The thief who stole them left a trail of dead bodies leading right to Kuoh. We are still trying to find out what Fallen stole them," Irina said in a subdued manner. Uranus facepalmed drawing the attention of the sword wielders.
"Lovely...That's what the idiot is up to...I'll let my father know immediately," Uranus said.
"What do you mean? Who is your father?" Irina asked.
"My father is the Grigori General Azazel. You are seeking Kokabiel. I think you need more than just two Excaliburs," Uranus said grimly. The girls looked sick as they realized just how deep they were.
Iris Heart sighed. "If we can get the bastard by surprise I may be able to take them out quickly. Made a new spell today to non-lethally incapacitate people. If I boost it with enough shares, they won't be able to resist it." The goddess crossed her legs as she floated, taking deep breaths to calm down her temper.
"I can't believe this...After days of relaxation we suddenly have this in our lap…" Rias groaned.
"We would have to find him first…" Irina said.
"No. We will do this properly. This shouldn't have to be dealt with by Rias alone. I'm going to call my father, let him know what's going on, and deal with it that way," Uranus said firmly.
"But the Excaliburs…!" Xenovia protested.
"You will get your Excaliburs back, but Kokabiel is too much for us," Uranus' eyes briefly landed on Iris Daughter.
"What is it about her that draws your attention?" Xenovia asked.
"That's not important right now. Rias? What do you think?" Iris Daughter asked.
"Please call your father, Uranus. We can't afford for this to explode any further. No one will make any moves until we know more," Rias insisted firmly.
The Exorcists looked put out at essentially being told to stand down.
Iris Heart sighed. "I'll have Kala put more wards up at my home. With my luck the fucker will try to go after me, my daughter, Kala, and Asia. I don't want the place to be destroyed. It basically just got built."
"Why would he go after you specifically?" Xenovia wasn't going to leave it alone.
"Three goddesses and a Fallen defector, my mother, all live under one roof. It would make quite a nice target," Iris Daughter's lips twisted in a sneer. It would be a nice target, but definitely not a soft one.
"Three...goddesses?" Irina looked dubious.
"I am sick of this…" Asia's voice took on her HDD tone as she strode forward. In mid stride she activated the transformation to Green Sister. She planted a hand on her hip and arched an eyebrow challengingly.
Unsurprisingly Issei's tongue fell out of his mouth.
"So if we set up a sting in your home…" Xenovia mused.
"Denied," Kalawarner stated flatly.
"Refused," Iris Daughter deadpanned.
"Nixed," Green Sister said.
"Vetoed." Iris Heart added on. "I rather enjoy my privacy. Plus, we can defend ourselves."
Rias actually looked content that the issue was being taken out of her hands. Someone else was going to handle this mess. All she had to do was keep it out of the public eye. A much easier task than managing two Exorcists with little to no people skills.
"We're not going to hunt the Excaliburs?" Kiba demanded.
Her mood dropped again.
"We should still look for them. This was the assignment given to us," Xenovia insisted. Bolstered, bizarrely, by Kiba's agreement.
"Kiba? I might have to hurt you now," Issei said with unmistakable annoyance. To his credit the Knight looked abashed at having brought the issue up again.
"You don't understand what I went through. I was one of the children experimented on by Galilei Balba as part of the Holy Sword Project," Kiba said.
Irina looked as if her heart went out to the young man. Even her companion looked disheartened.
"Scouting mission only. If you can claim the Excaliburs, fine. At the first sign of trouble I want you out of there," Rias relented.
"We could use someone who knows the city," Irina tentatively offered to Kiba.
"You can count on me too, Rias," Issei said.
Iris Daughter sighed and made to step forward, but Green Sister was faster.
"I will go as well," she declared firmly.
"Me too," Koneko spoke up.
Iris Heart looked to Green Sister and Issei, before quickly hugging them. "Stay safe. And please, for the love of me don't give me a reason to pull a repeat of what happened to the old church." Iris Heart yawned, a sound more often found in her normal form. "Tch, I'm exhausted. Is there anything else that needs to be talked about?" The older goddess broke off from the hug. Issei returned the hug briefly with only appreciation for the gesture. Green Sister radiated light briefly at how good it made her feel.
"I better get going. I have to tell my father this immediately. Don't be surprised if someone else drops in to help you," Uranus knew her limits. She was a decent fighter in a pinch, but compared to the ones already going? She wasn't as good. Asia's HDD covered up a multitude of deficiencies in combat.
"Give my best to Azazel," Rias said. Uranus nodded and left, but not before giving Iris Daughter a hug.
"We might want to get an early start in the morning…" Irina suggested.
"Actually Devils function better at night. Maybe if you took a nap you could tackle the investigation tonight," Kalawarner suggested.
"She has a point…" Xenovia conceded.
"I will give you a boon of rest. Two hours will be the equivalent of a full night's rest," Iris Daughter tapped their foreheads lightly. Both girls stood with their eyes wide as her power flowed into them. She gave their Holy Swords a brief look and increased the intensity of their light while rendering them unable to destroy souls. The young Candidate would explain it to her mothers later.
Iris Heart hugged her Daughter. "That sounds useful. Anyways, I think we should head back home. I have had enough drama and Kala needs to work on the wards." With that, Iris Heart broke off the hug and started to head out.
With nothing else to discuss the meeting ended. The Exorcists were given a room to take a nap before heading out. Kalawarner knew this would be a long night. Lucifel would be keeping a close eye on the situation but was forced to accept a sad truth. She couldn't protect everyone all the time. A lesson that would serve her well in the coming years. Her sincere prayers for the safety of the team was all she could offer.
She hoped it would be enough.
Down Time
There wasn't much to do really. School continued as it always did. Plutia was growing more popular in a mascot kind of way. She was cute, friendly, and the drowsy look was apparently adorable when combined with how shy she could be in pu. Lucifel was lucky in that she didn't have to go to school. The little one didn't like pulling in her wings and wouldn't unless she was out in public. At least she had Asia with her. The former nun turned Candidate was still trying to get over her change in status. At least her divine nature didn't harm Issei.
In hindsight she really should have thought of that before agreeing.
Rias was in a much better mood. Riser was out of her life, and aside from seeing him at social functions, had nothing to do with her. Her happy mood was infectious as her Peerage couldn't stop smiling. Issei in particular was proud of his accomplishment. Breaking a Phenex's will to live was hard, and that was the only way to stop their regeneration. There wouldn't be a better time to talk to Rias.
"Plutia! How are you?" Rias smiled welcomingly as the goddess walked in the door.
Akeno smiled and lead Plutia over to a sofa. Rias joined her as the Queen provided them with tea and cookies.
"Doing good. The house is amazing. Missed having my own bed more than I thought I did, and I adore the library. Lucifel and Kala have been making good work on the training room. But well… I've got another bombshell to drop on ya. I swear I'm a magnet for shenanigans some days.." The goddess yawned, enjoying the cookies. She'd prefer coffee to tea. "Said bombshell? Well it turns out using the place that she was born, Lucifel can ascend people. After she ascended Asia, me and Kala put down some strict ground rules for it. If she wants to do it she needs me and Kala's permission. I thought you'd want to know. That and it minimizes the risks of a asshole like Riser spinning that in a bad way." Plutia groaned. "I hate politics.."
"Oh thank goodness...I didn't know why Asia was suddenly radiating divine energy. At least now I know. Hmmm...I can spin it as something similar to the Evil Piece system. Since the systems are very similar. Asia felt like a newly reincarnated Devil only divine. So perhaps some form of Angelic being?" Rias tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Essentially we can claim that the transformation must be with your permission. Since that is the case we're not lying," Akeno clarified.
Plutia nodded. "Could work, though, I'd like to ask that you try to minimize the amount of heat this puts on Lucifel… I can take care of myself, and a part of me screams bloody murder and such at the idea of her being in danger."
"We'll tell them it's your secret. Lucifel doesn't need to be mentioned at all," Rias promised.
"You might want to mention the offer from the Angel Faction," Akeno reminded her. The redhead frowned in annoyance.
"I understand they want to speak with Plutia, but I would rather they actually wait. We have more important things to do than trot out the red carpet," Rias said but then turned to Plutia with a sigh. "Unless you wish to speak with them. I am just trying to keep them from bothering you."
Plutia rubbed her forehead. "I'd rather finish settling down and then meeting Uranus's father before I deal with the non-fallen angels. They're likely to be the delegates most likely to end up pissing me off due to my stance on Lucifel's predecessor."
"As long as you don't tell them what you think of Him, you would be fine. They do understand He wasn't universally loved," Rias said carefully.
Plutia nodded, keeping a deep breath to rein in her temper before it flared up. "Anyways, besides kicking Riser's ass, how have you been doing?" The goddess yawned and got comfy on the couch, using her braid as a pillow. "I've been doing well, but school's a bit hell on my nerves. Never dealt well with crowds.."
"My parents were annoyed that Riser didn't know who would be the dominant partner. Apparently his parents didn't explain how it was going to work. Because of the insult I now have a new Bishop who will be starting here soon. Ravel Phenex, his sister. She was a part of his Peerage. He was collecting various types of women and wanted the bratty Tsundere younger sister," Rias shivered.
"He was also trying to prevent his sister from being used as a pawn," Akeno hated playing Devil's Advocate for Riser.
"I wouldn't have suggested her as a forfeit if she didn't get along so well with Issei. She really didn't want to be in Riser's 'battle harem.' Even if it wasn't like that," Rias giggled.
Plutia chuckled. "As long as she's not a bigot like her brother I'll have no problem with her unless she makes one. Though… collecting women… the more I hear about Riser the grosser he sounds." Plutia shuddered.
"The good news is that Issei was able to unlock his Balance Breaker, Red Dragon Scale Mail. Please thank Kalawarner for me. If she hadn't pushed him the way she did it might not have happened so soon," Rias smiled.
Plutia smiled in turn. "No problem. Kala's good at training. And sparring. She managed to give me a good fight when I transformed… then again I was not throwing around stuff like the sword blast that leveled the old church because I don't want to destroy my home." For a brief second when she mentioned the spar her cheeks warmed up. "So how are you doing Akeno?" Plutia asked Rias's Queen. Akeno seemed to understand why she was blushing, but beyond a smirk, kept her peace.
"I am doing well actually. My classes are too easy. The only reason I'm still taking them is to stay in school. Though I haven't had anyone to play with in almost a month and a half. It's a bit stressful," Akeno sighed.
"Akeno offers...ah...special services to her clients…" Rias turned a shade of red almost matching her hair.
"They may look, but never touch. Mistress is quite strict," Akeno smiled beatifically with a hint of darker things in her eyes.
Plutia chuckled, obviously trying to not break down into laughter. "R-Rias your almost as red as your h-hair." The goddess had to take a deep breath to break out of the laughing fit.
"I-I can't help it! Akeno is shameless!" Rias pouted at her Queen who had the audacity to smirk.
That nearly inspired yet another laughing fit in Plutia, but she managed to maintain her composure. "You're her King are you not?" Plutia asked, trying not to laugh because that pout was hilariously adorable.
"She's my best friend too. I'm just frequently confused at her choices," Rias stared down at her hands, fiddling with her skirt.
"Plutia and Kalawarner understand completely. If her talk of 'sparring' is anything to go by," Akeno winked in Plutia's direction. Rias slowly transcending red to a color not found in nature.
Plutia shrugged, very very obviously trying not to start laughing, the sleepy CPU not even missing a beat. "We beat the crap outta each other, I won, the fight felt amazing~"
"I wouldn't mind joining in sometime," Akeno smiled.
"Now you're messing with me," Rias folded her arms. Akeno cooed over how cute her King was acting, which didn't help her image. The Gremory Heiress was stuck between dropping her arms, and continuing to pout. She insisted on stubbornly holding the pout.
Plutia yawned. "...Nah. You'd get wrecked Akeno. Kala's got a lot of skill, and she's pretty tough, and well.. I'm a goddess you've seen the results of what I can do." Plutia looked to Rias. "Yeah I'm messing with you. Can't help myself I suppose, it helps let off some of my sadism without hurting anyone." The CPU shrugged.
"Two sadists…" Rias smiles ruefully.
"Kalawarner is one as well. I wonder if she switches…" Akeno was no longer teasing, just musing out loud.
"Like you are?" Rias decided to dig back at her friend. The busty girl actually blushed a moment, caught off guard as she was, before regaining control.
"Well done. We'll make a proper deviant of you yet," Akeno smirked.
Plutia started chuckling once more before reigning herself back in. "That would be a sight to see. And well…. Kala joined me at first because she wanted to not die and because she enjoyed me beating the crap outta her."
"She reminds me of any number of Devils I know. The ones who act cranky about being nice, but are really sweet deep down. Very deep down," Rias chuckled.
"What do you think of her?" Akeno asked Plutia.
Plutia hummed. "Well… Hmm… I'd have to say at least a good friend? I haven't had a lot of time to think of it…." The goddess rubbed the back of her head, a action that caused her ponytail to gently start swinging slightly.
"Which brings me back to my earlier point. You need time to really get your feet under you," Rias gave Plutia a side hug. Akeno sat down on the other side and added her arms.
Plutia would shrug, but the hug kept her from moving. "Yeah… That would probably help me deal with my temper too… The house alone is a big help because it gives me what, two to three areas I can use as places to relax alone if I'm getting stressed out, what with my room, the library, and the study…" The CPU yawned.
"Have you been getting enough sleep?" The teasing Queen turned serious at Plutia's continued yawning.
"Yep… I'm just naturally sleepy, and now that stuff's calmed down a bit, it's a touch easier for me to relax so that's showing up more often." Plutia got comfy on the couch.
"More sleep sounds nice," Rias nestled with the CPU.
"We're usually too busy to relax. But now we have time," Akeno smiled.
Plutia yawned. "...That's good to hear you have some time to relax… huh…. My eyes feel heavy… must be more tired than I thought I was…" The CPU looked around. "A short nap couldn't hurt right?"
Rias and Akeno looked at one another before turning to Plutia.
"Nah. We have plenty of time," Rias decided.
Akeno waved a hand to summon a blanket. General nap time was declared.
Plutia yawned out a thanks before closing her eyes, and quickly fell asleep. She gently snored, getting comfortable under the blanket, which ended up looking adorable because of her small stature.
Pictures were taken by the rest of the ORC, but no one dared disturb the three on the sofa. Blackmail was had by all.
The library at home was a treasure trove of magical knowledge. Serafall certainly delivered on her promise. There was even a magic lab attached to the library for experimenting. An alchemy set sat in the corner. In the center of the room was a warded circle for testing magic. Plutia adored the lab, as it doubled as both a quiet place and a place for her to have fun with her magic.
Pulling out the notebook of spell ideas, Plutia's eyes fell on one. "Hmmm. Wonder if I can find a way to make the "Turn the target into a doll" idea work…. I'd need a test subject…" Looking around, Plutia's eyes settled on a mirror she added to make sure her spells didn't do anything to her. Well. It was more accurate to say she was focused on her reflection. "Kala and Lucifel are out getting dresses, and Asia's at the ORC I think… Maybe use myself as a test subject? It's my magic so I should be fine, and if worse comes to worse then Lucifel can probably undo it…" Underlining the spell idea in her notebook, before noting down what she was doing, Plutia made sure if she goofed up Kala would know what happened.
The goddess sat down in the warded circle, before focusing on her magic and wrapping it around her. Slowly and surely she pushed her will on the magic, wanting it to make her into a doll while still being able to think and use her magic. She kept a clear image of what she wanted in her mind, as the books on transmutation suggested.
At first it didn't seem to work, but slowly, gradually, the magic permeated the fabric. As she grew more confident it would take less time. It took nearly ten minutes to start seeing results. The room was starting to look bigger, and her body felt a touch numb, if in a soft way. "I would like this to be useful in combat… maybe if I boost it with shares?" Carefully the goddess pushed a tiny fraction of her shares into the spell.
There was a sudden twist as the magic worked a bit too suddenly. She instantly popped to a foot in height with an oversized head and plush doll features. She could still move at least. Shrugging, Plutia tried to get up and back to her notebook, but tripped when she tried to take a step. Her body's proportions were off enough she'd trip with every step. The CPU sighed and pushed some of her shares into the spell with the purpose of dispelling and undoing it. Once she was back to normal she got up and wrote down her results. "Specify the inanimateness perhaps? If the spell works it's meant to act as a non-lethal way to restrain anyone I fight… useful if someone on my side gets mind controlled or I don't want to kill the target.." Moving back to the circle, Plutia re-tried the spell, adding in how she wanted the target to be basically inanimate except for their ability to think and for her to be able to use her magic, and even added in a share or two to speed up the process.
With a 'pop' of displaced air she flopped to the ground as an adorable plushie. She tried to move, and found that she couldn't. The CPU-turned-plushie reached for her magic, and if she could have sighed she would have. She can use it, she can't move, but she can think. 'Looks like the spell succeeded…. Tch… I feel soft and comfy like this..and kinda sleepy, more so than normal…. Might mess around with this spell after I write down the results and what I need to do.'
The plush goddess thought, before dispelling the spell, and with yet another 'pop' she was back to normal. Quickly she wrote down what made the spell work. "Now… Do I want to mess around with this spell or work on some of the other ideas I have… Then again most of those I can't test on myself without hurting myself.." The goddess yawned, and looked over her notes.
Sighing, she walked into the library, as she thought over what to do. She had a bunch of free time left today… and maybe giving Kala or Lucifel a surprise would be nice? Plus, she wanted to relax a bit more… The goddess sat down on a chair near the entrance to the library and took a deep breath and activated the spell once more, and with but a single share spent and a pop in the air, she was a plushy yet again, sitting limply in the chair. Kala and Lucifel said they were going to come back in a hour or so, and to pass the time Plutia tried to immerse herself in the soft feeling that surrounded her, and she lost track of time until Lucifel came home.
Her time spent as a plushie had an unintended side effect. Lucifel cuddled with her for almost an hour when she came home. Smol soft hugs. Plutia yawned as she turned herself back. Lucifel had fallen asleep and Kalawarner seemed to be amused, though Lucifel was still clinging to her mother. "Well. Looks like the spell works. It's going to be super useful if I ever fight someone who's been mind controlled or I need to take down without hurting too badly." The goddess whispered, so as to not wake up Lucifel.
"I thought it was because the spell forces a type of lethargy on the afflicted. Your energy wasn't blocked, but it was very slow. I wasn't sure if I would have to dispel it," Kalawarner smirked.
Plutia shrugged, the action causing Lucifel to gently clutch onto her. "I was just enjoying being cuddled by Lucifel… though.. A lethargy would make sense. I did feel more sleepy than normal under it, despite the fact I can't sleep when under the effects of the spell as far as I know.. Though, the version I plan for using on other people should hopefully flat out make them unable to use magic, in order to keep them from escaping."
"Good thing you didn't use that one on yourself. My that is a scary one though...Just imagine the places you could put them…" Kalawarner stared off with a distance look in her eyes and giggled. Just a little.
"Kala-mama you sound like Issei-nii and that's not good," Lucifel deadpanned.
Plutia chuckled in response. "I'd most likely place them in the living room or such I guess. Somewhere where they won't go mad, hopefully, and they'd be easy to keep a eye on if they manage to find a way around it. Though.. Hmm." Plutia looked to Kala. "That gives me a bit of a idea… might use it on you later…. Being able to sleep in without you waking me up would be nice. Also. When is Asia supposed to get back from the ORC again?"
"Asia managed to convince Issei to take her on a date. I don't think she realizes it was a date though," Kalawarner sighed.
"She practically opened her shirt…"
"She did NOT Lucifel."
"Okay okay. She was obviously hot for him just shy about it," Lucifel hastily amended her statement as Kala-mama laid down the law.
Plutia nodded and yawned. "So least another hour or so.. Hm. Wonder how'd she respond to my new spell." Plutia smiles and looked to Kala. "Sooo. Would ya mind if I tested out the final version on you Kala? I'll be able to dispel it with ease like I did the version I used on myself." The goddess asked.
"Okay. You do need to know if it will work on someone who is resisting," she allowed.
"Yep. Plus, I spent a hour being cuddled by Lucifel, seems fair you do that as well." Plutia casted the spell on Kala, ready to catch her and hug her if she fails to resist. The spell took time to work as the Fallen brought her power to bear. She stood with her hands clenched and radiating with aura. After several minutes, a lapse in attention was all it took to render her dolled up.
"She's a chibi too!" Lucifel scooped up Kalawarner happily. The Fallen almost glowed with embarrassment.
Plutia chuckled. "Looks like that's the default style of the spell. Not that I'm complaining, your adorable Kala. If you can move or use your magic, do so now please. I want to see if it works. Just don't break the spell." Lucifel merely hugged her dollified other mother.
The embarrassment intensified as Kalawarner wasn't able to move. An attempt to build her will to cast fell flat. Her magic was slowly ebbing to a lower state as she started to doze off.
Plutia chuckled. "Feeling sleepy Kala? I get it, being under the spell is quite relaxing." The goddess cuddled up to her daughter, while keeping a eye on Kala using her supernatural sense.
Kalawarner definitely didn't like this as her irritation rose. She was losing against the lethargy which only served to increase her ire. Lucifel grimaced faintly as her other mother looked about to explode…...if she wasn't too lethargic to act.
Plutia frowned. "You okay Kala? If you need me to end the spell signal me with feelings of worry or such…" The goddess pouted, as while Kala was unable to use her magic and was getting more tired by the second, she could still use her senses. A feeling of overwhelming frustration and a hint of fear emanated from her.
Plutia gently took Kala from Lucifel's hands and placed her on the couch next to them before canceling the spell. "You okay Kala?"
The Fallen sat stiffly for a minute before starting to sag. She pulled Plutia and Lucifel in for a hug with shaking arms. Their daughter returned the hug with a look of surprised worry. Kalawarner tried to speak but nothing came out. She just sat and trembled. Plutia hugged her before looking at Kala with her supernatural sense… what was wrong? Was her mana still slow? Her mana felt fine now so it wasn't that.
"What's wrong, Kala-mama?" Lucifel asked.
"I don't like feeling completely helpless. It happened one time...and if not for an intervention…" Kalawarner grimaced as another tremor of fear ran through her. Plutia hugged her tight.
"Kala.. I'm sorry. If you have any problems with anything I do tell me, same with you Lucifel.. I'm not good at reading people. And is the fucker dead?" Plutia asked, a grimace in her face as she guessed why Kala was trembling.
"Dead?" Kalawarner laughed, a sharp brittle sound. "He probably wished he was dead after Azazel got through with him." She looked down as an obscure expression of shame crossed her face.
Plutia hugged Kala even tighter, as Lucifel also tightened her hug. "Sorry for bringing up bad memories… if it wouldn't be upsetting, besides the bad memories how did it feel under the effects of the spell?"
"I thought I could handle it because, at first, it actually felt nice. Calming. Then my fears came up and suddenly it wasn't so pleasant. Unless you use it on someone with a similar condition I think it's quite humane for most," Kalawarner spoke with a clinical detachment. Her worry wasn't completely gone but it was manageable now.
Plutia continued the hug. "Do you think you could break it from the outside? I noticed you were getting more lethargic as your mana got calmer, and I wonder what would happen if ones mana was to be fully calmed by the spell…"
"It took a minute before I couldn't even exert a little leverage. After two it was impossible to manage anything more than...helplessness," she inhaled through her nose and exhaled slowly. Lucifel snuggled closer eliciting a smile from the older woman.
Plutia also snuggled closer. "I'll see if the house has any happy movies to watch. I don't want you to be upset because if this Kala.." Plutia yawned, using the yawn to cover up her uneasiness on how to refer to Kala. Kalawarner hugged her tighter.
"I don't need a movie. I just need…" She faltered a moment before finally pushing through,"...to be held." There, she admitted it, and the blush spreading across her face burned away the lingering fear.
Plutia chuckled. "Whatever makes you feel better. Oh, by the way baby, what are your thoughts on the spell Lucifel?" The goddess asked.
"It looked like fun. You made it so you didn't have to hurt people. I like it a lot because of that," Lucifel beamed happily.
Plutia smiled. "Glad to hear you like it. Though how much of it is because you got to cuddle me without me moving at all for a hour or so?" Plutia looked back to Kala. "I asked if you think you can dispel it because I'm thinking of using the final version on myself to see what happens when my mana gets fully calmed. Will I simply lose consciousness? I don't know and it's a important thing to know as well…"
Kalawarner shook her head.
"I'm not sure that I could…" Kalawarner admitted.
"You totally can Kala-mama. Plutia-mama wouldn't fight your magic. Besides you could use the Sharicite Spear to boost your magic power. Think about it. It has a tip so it's abilities are better geared towards piercing. You could pierce Plutia-mama's magic," Lucifel beamed.
"Honestly I thought it was just a very powerful weapon...Thank you, Lucifel," Kalawarner smiled.
Plutia chuckled. "Well that's good to know. Well. Here I go, Kala undo it like a minute after my mana's calmed." Grabbing her mana, Plutia casted the final version of the spell on herself, offering up no resistance to the spell. '..Wonder what the differences between it and the previous version will feel like..' She thought. The result was as Kalawarner said. Her mana started to slow to a restful state. It grew harder and harder to hold onto her magic. There was even something that seemed to whisper to her soothingly. Sleepily. That she should just relax and enjoy the sensation. Just forget about the world for awhile…
Before the world snapped back into focus with a jolt. Kalawarner was touching Plutia's forehead with the miniaturized spear. "Are you with us again?" Kalawarner asked.
"Yeah.. I… It felt like I was falling asleep...Or maybe into a trance? How long did it take? It felt like five seconds…" The goddess yawned.
"I tried to break the enchantment twice before resorting to the spear. It took almost five minutes," Kalawarner hugged Plutia tighter.
Plutia hugged her back. "...Sorry if I worried you and Lucifel…. it felt really comfy… and it seemed like there was something… whispering? Hmm… I probably wouldn't mind spending a day under its effects, same with the previous version. It's a good way to relax."
Lucifel hopped off the sofa to get a laptop and a DVD. She came back, wedged between her mothers, and turned it on.
"Let's watch a movie now. Asia is still out with Issei," Lucifel said.
"How do you know exactly where she is?" Kalawarner asked.
"I can feel her," the little Fallen shrugged.
"I suppose Plutia can do that same thing…?" Kala turned to the goddess.
Plutia casted out her senses and found that she could feel both Candidates. "I can feel Lucifel and Asia." Plutia smiled. "This could be useful for keeping you out of trouble."
Lucifel playfully stuck out her tongue in response. "I'm not the one who causes trouble," Lucifel lightly ribbed Plutia.
"I swear I will end up in trouble because of both of you. Asia is too sweet to cause trouble," Kala chuckled.
Plutia shrunk in on herself. "One time, just one time I let my protectiveness get the better of me and you never let me live it down. Uranus forgave me.."The Goddess yawned. "So what movie did you grab baby?" Lucifel hugged the repentant goddess. She didn't realize it was too soon to tease her.
"I grabbed Spirited Away," Lucifel giggled.
She's living a supernatural story and wants to watch one. Kalawarner laughed in spite of herself. Plutia smiled. "I haven't seen this in forever. Good choice."
The little family spent the rest of the afternoon together watching Miyazaki films. As day slowly turned to night, Asia still hadn't returned. Lucifel couldn't sense anything wrong with her but the absence was puzzling. Normally the nun-turned-Candidate was more conscientious.
"Maybe we should call her…" Kalawarner said before looking to Lucifel. "On the phone, dear." The little Fallen pouted. Giving her a mental ping was just faster but Kala wasn't going to allow casual use of her goddesshood.
Plutia nodded and got up. "I can't remember where the phone is. Kala where is it again?" Plutia asked.
"In the hallway. Usually people use their smartphones," Kalawarner patted herself down. The maid uniform didn't have her phone.
"I can just telepathically communicate," Lucifel shrugged.
"Right and what did I just say?" Kala eyed her sternly.
"...I'll carry my phone, Kala-mama," Lucifel pouted.
Plutia facepalmed. "Knew I was forgetting something on my to get list. Least the study came with three laptops." The CPU walked over to the phone and dialed Asia's phone number. "Asia, I just wanted to ask you what's taking so long?"
"Ah! Plutia! Well…" Asia sounded a little agitated over the phone. "...Some unexpected guests arrived at Issei's house. Guests with Holy Swords and lousy attitudes." She sounded testy near the end. A very faint pulse was felt along the share connection. Plutia could feel Asia pushing down on the urge to go HDD with both hands, metaphorically.
"Need any help? Me, Lucifel, and Kala can get there in like a minute most if we all fly." Plutia asked. Tapping her foot, she frowned. 'Holy swords? Don't the angels or the church have those? I thought Rias was keeping them out.'
"We'll meet you at the Occult Research Club room. Our 'guests' want to talk to Rias immediately," Asia again forced down HDD. For the normally gentle young woman to need to contain herself…
"Got it." Plutia turned off the phone and transformed. Iris Heart glided into the living room and looked at Kala and Lucifel. "We need to go to the ORC. Apparently two people with holy swords showed up at Issei's place and they want to talk to Rias. They've managed to make Asia upset to the point where she had to force down HDD from activating multiple times when she was talking to me." The goddess sighed, running a finger through her long hair. "I swear to me this town is a magnet for drama."
Iris Daughter transformed with a look of disgust on her face. She was able to feel the same thing. Kalawarner sighed.
"She probably didn't say what Holy Swords they are," Kalawarner rubbed her forehead.
"Doesn't matter. If they want to brandish Holy Swords I will make the swords quiet," Iris Daughter grated.
"Quiet…?" The older Fallen asked slowly.
"I will put them to sleep until these people leave," the younger goddess insisted, showing a spark of Iris Heart's own temper.
Iris Heart smiled. "And if worst comes to worst I can knock them out with the doll spell and we can take their weapons." With that she headed outside, and once her family got outside, flew off with them at her sides.
Rias was warned ahead of time by Issei of what was coming. She looked downright livid. Akeno was of a similar frame of mind to her King. Kiba and Koneko were there as well. The Rook wasn't feeding her face and instead sat rigidly straight. Kiba's face was filled with a black rage far beyond the slight to his King. Iris Heart landed and frowned.
"Where are the sword wielders? And do we have any idea what they wanted?" Iris Heart asked, agitated by the sudden drama.
"The others are coming on foot. Unfortunately we have no idea just what they want. The fact they entered my territory without informing me is too much. I asked for Uranus to come. Just in case she knew what was going on," Rias said. Upon seeing Iris Heart, Iris Daughter, and Kalawarner some of the tension eased.
Uranus burst in through the door, breathing heavily.
"Whoo...I came over as soon as I could. I asked my father if he knew what was going on...and he does," Uranus gathered herself as she approached Rias' desk. She gave a brief nod to the goddess contingent.
"Wonderful. What is it?" Rias asked. Uranus grimaced as if about to deliver some particularly troubling news.
"He didn't start looking until I asked but the answer leaped out immediately. Kokabiel, one of the big movers and shakers during the war, went missing with a number of Fallen Exorcists and a disgraced Ex-Bishop. Galilei Balba, head of the Holy Sword Project. Responsible for numerous deaths in the name of creating the 'perfect Holy Sword wielder,'" Uranus looked sick.
"Feh...so he joined the Fallen…" Kiba snarled. The Grigori General's daughter bristled.
"We had nothing to do with that bastard. Kokabiel recruited him against my father's wishes," she protested hotly. Kiba made as if to rise to the challenge before being interrupted by a sharp whistle.
"Play nice children. Let's hear the rest of it, Uranus," Kalawarner said. Rias looked relieved that she didn't have to try to restore order. Her heart clearly went out to Kiba, but the reason was unclear.
"The Church kept it quiet, but the information we received is that a number of high ranked Holy Swords went missing," Uranus reported.
"And so they sent the wielders of two more to retrieve the missing blades," Iris Daughter sighed.
"So what, do they think the damn things are here?" Iris Heart sighed. "I feel like this is going to end… poorly."
"Their intel is probably better than ours. They had longer to search. Missing Holy Swords is bad for of us. Their Light is capable of destroying Devils and Fallen. Not just killing but destroying us completely. The Church, for all their faults, regulates their use strictly," Uranus said.
"And if they were to be found here...Well thankfully no one would blame us. The Devils do not want to make waves with the Church or Angel Faction," Rias sighed.
"They won't care. Depending on the Holy Swords involved," Kiba predicted.
His dire prediction only served to highlight what a desperate situation this was.
The door opened to admit Issei and Asia with the unwanted guests. Iris Daughter kept her wings closed while scrutinizing them thoroughly. She looked quite unhappy about something. Kalawarner subtly took up a defensive posture beside her daughter. The first one through the door was a young woman, of Issei or Asia's age, with her light brunette hair in twintails. Her aura was bright and bubbly with a kind streak. In her hair was a strong Holy presence. She wore a black bodysuit that looked too fetishy. Her companion was another young woman of similar age with short blue hair with a green streak. She wore the same outfit as the first. A strong Holy presence emanated from the large sword shaped wrapped bundle on her back. Her aura was strong and no nonsense. Blunt. Both wore white cloaks.
"To what do we owe the pleasure of the Church's presence?" Rias asked sardonically.
Both girls eyed the number of supernatural beings in the room with narrowed eyes.
"Is it normal for Devils and Fallen to stand together so openly?" The blue haired girl asked.
"Never mind what I do in my territory. Why are you here?" The King asserted again.
Iris Heart chuckled. It was not a nice thing. "Again people make that same mistake." The goddess glared at the church members. "I am a Goddess, and my name is Iris Heart. Perhaps someone saw fit to tell you? Now to repeat my friend's question, why are you here?" The goddess was on edge, anyone who knew her could tell. 'These holy swords… they remind me of The Share Blade…. And Gehaburn. I am not letting down my guard.'
The emissaries of the Church stiffened at Iris Heart's assertion. At the twintailed girl's sharp head shook her companion settled down reluctantly.
"I am Irina Shidou and this is my partner Xenovia Quarta. We're Exorcists with the Church. The reason we're here is because four of Excaliburs disappeared," Irina said. Uranus, Kalawarner, Asia, and Rias' entire Peerage looked shocked. Except for Issei. He only looked confused.
"Multiple Excaliburs? I thought there was only one," Issei asked in confusion.
"There was also Excalibur Galantine. I wasn't aware of more than that," Iris Daughter folded her arms.
"There was the original Excalibur. It was shattered years ago into seven pieces. Through advanced Alchemy and metallurgy the pierces were forged into seven swords. One, Excalibur Ruler, disappeared. However the remaining are Excalibur Mimic, Excalibur Destruction, Excalibur Rapidly, Excalibur Nightmare, Excalibur Transparency, and Excalibur Blessing," Kiba explained.
Iris Daughter rubbed her forehead tiredly. "Of all the stupid…" She muttered causing Irina and Xenovia to bristle indignantly.
"Be quiet. It was one of your kind who stole Transparency, Rapidly, and Nightmare. We are the bearers of Destruction and Mimic," Xenovia indicated herself first then Irina. Iris Daughter didn't look impressed.
"One of 'our kind?' Sorry but she isn't a Fallen. Try again," Uranus taunted. A sharp whistle stopped the fighting before it began. Even if Kalawarner looked like she wanted nothing more than to rip them both apart.
Iris Heart stared down the two foolish exorcists, and flared some of her share energy around her. "Do you think I was being arrogant? Now you little bigots you are going to take your racist bullcrap you said to my daughter back. Or I will be very unhappy." Iris Heart's temper was up and going, to be expected when faced with the behaviors that helped inspire her dislike of the church in her homeworld, and the church here.
"Xenovia, please. We were told not to antagonize them," Irina was quick to run damage control. Xenovia grit her teeth.
"My apologies. I am highly sensitive to auras, as part of my profession, and the amount of hostility is putting me on edge. I am not trying to be insulting," Xenovia apologized.
"We are all on edge. You just told me that three Excaliburs are loose in my city. How did you track them here?" Rias cut to the heart of the matter.
"The thief who stole them left a trail of dead bodies leading right to Kuoh. We are still trying to find out what Fallen stole them," Irina said in a subdued manner. Uranus facepalmed drawing the attention of the sword wielders.
"Lovely...That's what the idiot is up to...I'll let my father know immediately," Uranus said.
"What do you mean? Who is your father?" Irina asked.
"My father is the Grigori General Azazel. You are seeking Kokabiel. I think you need more than just two Excaliburs," Uranus said grimly. The girls looked sick as they realized just how deep they were.
Iris Heart sighed. "If we can get the bastard by surprise I may be able to take them out quickly. Made a new spell today to non-lethally incapacitate people. If I boost it with enough shares, they won't be able to resist it." The goddess crossed her legs as she floated, taking deep breaths to calm down her temper.
"I can't believe this...After days of relaxation we suddenly have this in our lap…" Rias groaned.
"We would have to find him first…" Irina said.
"No. We will do this properly. This shouldn't have to be dealt with by Rias alone. I'm going to call my father, let him know what's going on, and deal with it that way," Uranus said firmly.
"But the Excaliburs…!" Xenovia protested.
"You will get your Excaliburs back, but Kokabiel is too much for us," Uranus' eyes briefly landed on Iris Daughter.
"What is it about her that draws your attention?" Xenovia asked.
"That's not important right now. Rias? What do you think?" Iris Daughter asked.
"Please call your father, Uranus. We can't afford for this to explode any further. No one will make any moves until we know more," Rias insisted firmly.
The Exorcists looked put out at essentially being told to stand down.
Iris Heart sighed. "I'll have Kala put more wards up at my home. With my luck the fucker will try to go after me, my daughter, Kala, and Asia. I don't want the place to be destroyed. It basically just got built."
"Why would he go after you specifically?" Xenovia wasn't going to leave it alone.
"Three goddesses and a Fallen defector, my mother, all live under one roof. It would make quite a nice target," Iris Daughter's lips twisted in a sneer. It would be a nice target, but definitely not a soft one.
"Three...goddesses?" Irina looked dubious.
"I am sick of this…" Asia's voice took on her HDD tone as she strode forward. In mid stride she activated the transformation to Green Sister. She planted a hand on her hip and arched an eyebrow challengingly.
Unsurprisingly Issei's tongue fell out of his mouth.
"So if we set up a sting in your home…" Xenovia mused.
"Denied," Kalawarner stated flatly.
"Refused," Iris Daughter deadpanned.
"Nixed," Green Sister said.
"Vetoed." Iris Heart added on. "I rather enjoy my privacy. Plus, we can defend ourselves."
Rias actually looked content that the issue was being taken out of her hands. Someone else was going to handle this mess. All she had to do was keep it out of the public eye. A much easier task than managing two Exorcists with little to no people skills.
"We're not going to hunt the Excaliburs?" Kiba demanded.
Her mood dropped again.
"We should still look for them. This was the assignment given to us," Xenovia insisted. Bolstered, bizarrely, by Kiba's agreement.
"Kiba? I might have to hurt you now," Issei said with unmistakable annoyance. To his credit the Knight looked abashed at having brought the issue up again.
"You don't understand what I went through. I was one of the children experimented on by Galilei Balba as part of the Holy Sword Project," Kiba said.
Irina looked as if her heart went out to the young man. Even her companion looked disheartened.
"Scouting mission only. If you can claim the Excaliburs, fine. At the first sign of trouble I want you out of there," Rias relented.
"We could use someone who knows the city," Irina tentatively offered to Kiba.
"You can count on me too, Rias," Issei said.
Iris Daughter sighed and made to step forward, but Green Sister was faster.
"I will go as well," she declared firmly.
"Me too," Koneko spoke up.
Iris Heart looked to Green Sister and Issei, before quickly hugging them. "Stay safe. And please, for the love of me don't give me a reason to pull a repeat of what happened to the old church." Iris Heart yawned, a sound more often found in her normal form. "Tch, I'm exhausted. Is there anything else that needs to be talked about?" The older goddess broke off from the hug. Issei returned the hug briefly with only appreciation for the gesture. Green Sister radiated light briefly at how good it made her feel.
"I better get going. I have to tell my father this immediately. Don't be surprised if someone else drops in to help you," Uranus knew her limits. She was a decent fighter in a pinch, but compared to the ones already going? She wasn't as good. Asia's HDD covered up a multitude of deficiencies in combat.
"Give my best to Azazel," Rias said. Uranus nodded and left, but not before giving Iris Daughter a hug.
"We might want to get an early start in the morning…" Irina suggested.
"Actually Devils function better at night. Maybe if you took a nap you could tackle the investigation tonight," Kalawarner suggested.
"She has a point…" Xenovia conceded.
"I will give you a boon of rest. Two hours will be the equivalent of a full night's rest," Iris Daughter tapped their foreheads lightly. Both girls stood with their eyes wide as her power flowed into them. She gave their Holy Swords a brief look and increased the intensity of their light while rendering them unable to destroy souls. The young Candidate would explain it to her mothers later.
Iris Heart hugged her Daughter. "That sounds useful. Anyways, I think we should head back home. I have had enough drama and Kala needs to work on the wards." With that, Iris Heart broke off the hug and started to head out.
With nothing else to discuss the meeting ended. The Exorcists were given a room to take a nap before heading out. Kalawarner knew this would be a long night. Lucifel would be keeping a close eye on the situation but was forced to accept a sad truth. She couldn't protect everyone all the time. A lesson that would serve her well in the coming years. Her sincere prayers for the safety of the team was all she could offer.
She hoped it would be enough.
ForgottonFuture
Sleepy Queen of Destruction
- Location
- The Future.
- Pronouns
- She/her
Sooo thoughts on my spell people? Also. Asshole's gonna end up getting wrecked.
- Location
- latvia
Useful and not at all out of place seeing as folklore is basically full of transformations. From ill defined things sutch as mysterious old man on the road transforming ungrateful and disrespectful to Artemis transforming men in prey animals. To be honest this might bee more common than you think and thus have 101 solutions developed to counter it.
Jhin Lemon
Lawful Cute
- Location
- Trapped in the interwebs, please send help
I'm a tiiiiiiiiiiiny bit worried about the morality of it. Turning people into unmoving dolls wherein they have no method of escape...honestly, death might end up seeming better if someone stays like that too long. Then we add in the fact that the dolls are small, and how they might be damaged to lost in the chaos of combat...
- Pronouns
- She/Her/They
If it's a choice between fatality injuring or killing them a person or dollifying them it's better to dollifying them.