AN: Much
@ForgottonFuture, much wow.
Aftermath
Three a.m.
The investigative team was out there on the dark streets of Kuoh searching for Holy relics. Exorcists, Devils, and a new goddess were on a quest for the Excaliburs. The fabled Holy sword that was sundered and then reforged into new blades. None of that was as important as the fact Issei, Asia, Kiba, and Koneko were out there with the Church ladies.
The first indication that something went wrong was Lucifel practically running into Plutia's room. She didn't even slow down before diving under her mother's covers and curling up beside her. The young Fallen shivered as if cold, her eyes full of worry as her black wings trembled.
Plutia yawned, her eyes fluttering open before she hugged her daughter. "What's wrong baby?" The goddess's magenta eyes and sleepy voice were filled with maternal worry.
"Green Sister is scared...and sad...and very angry...I can't untangle her feelings," Lucifel whispered in the stillness. Lucifel's red eyes looked like they were going to burst into tears.
Plutia ruffled her daughter's hair, and gently twirled the purple streak. "Do you think she's going to need back up?" Plutia asked, as she casted her sense out to see how Asia and Issei where doing via her connection to them from her shares.
She felt a surge of triumph and relief from her connection to Asia. There was a hint of sadism as she took great pleasure in whatever just happened. Lucifel relaxed beside her mother. The goddess smiled and hugged her daughter. "They're fine. Though… it seems like I may have rubbed off on her if that hint of sadism was anything… Are you going to be okay baby?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired. I keep waiting for something to go wrong…" Lucifel trailed off worryingly. The smaller girl almost jumped right out of bed as their connection to Asia blared PANIC. She forced herself to remain still even it looked physically painful to her.
Plutia for her part remained calm, as she got up and hugged Lucifel as tight as she could without hurting her, the goddess's face one of worry, the motions of deep breaths meant to keep her calm causing her purple pony tail to swing. "It'll be okay Lucifel. It'll be okay." Plutia was keeping a eye on the connection, and was ready to transform in a instant.
"Kokabiel appeared...Green Sister and Issei are holding him off...Wow she's strong...He's strong…" Lucifel's contact with Plutia allowed the older goddess to 'see' what her daughter was seeing.
Plutia was glad they were okay.. "It must be because of Kala's training. She's really good at it." The goddess kept hugging her daughter, tempted to transform into Iris Heart to hug her better.
Lucifel nuzzled her mother's shoulder contentedly. Now that the worst was over she allowed herself to relax. "I wonder where Kala-mama is...I know she felt this too…"
There came a light knock at the door. Kalawarner stepped inside wearing a sleeping yukata, that she had to take heroic measures to close at the top. She sat down on the bed to hold Lucifel from the other side.
"Uranus called to tell me her request for backup was approved," Kalawarner said. Lucifel snorted.
"A little late, Kala-mama. Issei and Asia kicked Kokabiel's a-...ahem 'butt,'" she just stopped herself from swearing.
Plutia simply sighed. "Lucifel you are too cute to swear. Please don't." The goddess yawned, her cute face taking on a worried look. "..Lucifel.. Do you think you'll be able to sleep alone tonight?" The goddess looked to Kala, a small blush crawling up her face as she looked at the blue haired bombshell. "And Kala, how's the wards going?"
"I can sleep alone tonight. Now that Kokabiel's out of the city," Lucifel hugged her mothers.
"The wards are complete. If Kokabiel had come here we could have easily kept him out," Kalawarner said.
"Good night," Lucifel kissed them both on their cheeks before getting up to leave.
Plutia nodded before looking to Lucifel. "You can sleep in my bed if you want… this night's been stressful and you haven't gone to bed yet… I'd probably feel better if you were close as well… Kokabiel's threats… they worried me.."
"Are you sure?" Lucifel smiled impishly while not-so-subtly looking between Plutia and Kalawarner. The older Fallen rolled her eyes.
"How can you be so sure that Kokabiel was defeated?" Kalawarner asked.
"Issei smacked him with a Kamehameha," Lucifel grinned.
"And…?" The older Fallen gestured for her to continue.
"The White Dragon Emperor had to fly in and save him," the littlest giggled.
"And by doing so is on my 'dislike' list… But yeah, I have no problem with you sleeping in my bed. Being close would probably help with both of our nerves." Plutia smiled, as Kala merely rolled her eyes playfully.
"The White Dragon Emperor, as our daughter put it, is like Azazel's adopted son. Vali Lucifer was only ensuring that Kokabiel didn't escape I imagine," Kalawarner said. Plutia nodded before sighing. What was with Azazel's kids and her getting off to a wrong start with them?
"Too much talking, not enough sleeping," Lucifel yawned hugely before curling up under the covers.
Plutia nodded, before retreating back under the covers, next to Lucifel. "I agree…." Plutia yawned, before her eyes settled on Lucifel. "...Wonder if I should use my new spell… could help Lucifel sleep…" The tired goddess muttered to herself.
"Mmm...just wanna sleep…" Lucifel murmured.
Kalawarner watched the two curled up together with a fond smile. She checked to make sure the two were tucked in before leaving the room. The Fallen stood at the door for a long moment before shutting it softly behind her. Plutia gently pulled Lucifel to her, hugging her daughter as her eyes felt so heavy. It didn't take long for the two of them to fall asleep. Plutia wouldn't let go until she woke up either.
The next morning Kalawarner was up early to make breakfast. At the table was Uranus with a phone up to her ear. She was chatting away to the person on the other end.
"Who is that?" Kalawarner asked.
"Oh just my brother, Vali. He was actually impressed with his 'rival's' performance," Uranus rolled her eyes.
"Tell Vali I said 'hi' and thanks for being there! Even if he didn't do anything," Lucifel smirked while skipping into the kitchen.
"God says 'hi,'" Uranus said to the phone before laughing hysterically.
Plutia chuckled as she walked in, her pace and exhausted look, combined with the fact her hair was kinda messed up made it clear she wasn't fully awake. "Good morning Uranus…"
"Good morning, Mother of God," Uranus giggled playfully. She snorted with amusement as a clearly audible 'click' was heard. "He hung up. Good news on the Kokabiel front. He's being tried as we speak. I really doubt he'll get much sympathy. The punishment is banishment to the Abyss."
"Oof...It would be kinder to kill him…" Lucifel shivered.
"Hmmm? The Abyss? That came up in some of the history books.." Plutia asked, her interest peaked. She was a sadist after all.
"There is no hope, no end in sight, no reprieve. It's considered the most extreme of all punishments. He's not getting out, ever. Kokabiel made his last mistake," Uranus said.
"He was always pushing the envelope. Trying to see how much he could get away with. I'm glad that someone stopped me from follow that path," Kalawarner gave Plutia a grateful look before turning back to serving breakfast.
Plutia smiled. "Your welcome…. Kala do you have any more of that wake up juice? The stuff you used when Issei woke me up stupidly early."
"We will probably have to go to the ORC," Kalawarner sighed. She prepared the tonic for Plutia. As she walked by Lucifel, the Fallen stopped to pet her daughter's hair tenderly. Lucifel beamed happily with her cheeks stuffed with pancakes.
"Do you have to be so cute?" Uranus teased but that didn't stop her from snapping a couple pictures. Cuteness should be saved after all.
Plutia drank the tonic, before hugging Lucifel. "Never stop being cute baby." The goddess loved her daughter with all of her heart.
"I promise to always be cute, and totally hot as Iris Daughter," Lucifel beamed.
A snapping sound heralded the destruction of a spatula. Kalawarner slowly set down the broken pieces, rummaged through the drawer, and pulled out a new one.
"Do you break spatulas often?" Uranus asked curious. The drawer was full of cooking utensils.
"Only when contemplating disturbing things," Kala answered absently. Something in her tone informed Uranus that 'there be dragons here.'
Plutia facepalmed. "Lucifel please don't drive Kala to break all of the spatulas please. Anyways… we should head out soon."
"Yes Plutia-mama," Lucifel cocked her head to the side.
"There's a lot to talk about I imagine," Uranus sighed.
Today was not going to be fun for anyone.
Plutia sighed, and transformed. Iris Heart quickly stretched as her fairy like processor unit formed behind her. "Aaah. That feels better. Anyways, I suggest we make haste so we can see Asia and get this over with."
Iris Daughter soon made her appearance as the Fallen spread their wings.
"How is that we somehow avoid anyone seeing us?" Uranus asked.
"I don't want us to be seen so we're not," Iris Daughter shrugged.
"That's...huh. Dad would flip...He would want to study it," Uranus shook her head.
"Can't. It's classified," the young Candidate flipped her hair.
"Girls! Fly now, joke later," Kalawarner said sternly.
Thankfully the trip was mercifully short. At the Occult Research Club the Devils, Exorcists, and Asia were having breakfast. The emissaries of the Church looked more than a little frazzled. Someone must have told them about God, and mentioned just who they mouthed off to yesterday.
Iris Heart smiled as she saw Asia and Issei where alright. She dropped the transformation, and Plutia gently landed. "Glad to see everyone's ok.." She yawned.
As the transformations dropped Irina and Xenovia's eyes widened.
"God is...adorable?" Irina asked confusedly.
Xenovia just stared in profound shock and a faint blush. She could be heard muttering "No way God can be this adorable…" Lucifel merely preened in response.
Plutia chuckled. "Of course she's adorable. She's my daughter after all." The sleepy CPU quickly wiped the last remnants of sleep from her eyes.
Rias walked over to Plutia. The well built redhead looked amused at the Exorcists' reactions.
"They didn't believe us about Lucifel. We were trying to explain her all morning," Rias giggled.
"It's one thing to hear it...but to actually be in her presence? I can't believe we didn't make the connection earlier…" Xenovia looked abashed.
"That's why I like to use Iris Daughter form. My alternate form conceals my true nature," Lucifel waved her finger playfully.
"Why would you need to hide?" Irina asked.
Asia made room on the sofa for Plutia with her and Issei. Kalawarner joined Akeno in serving refreshments. Everyone looked curious for Lucifel's answer. The child deity's impish smile dropped immediately.
"I was curious to see what the emissaries of my Church were like," she said blandly. The Exorcists paled as their first impression wasn't exactly the best.
Plutia sighed. "And somehow you managed to seriously upset Asia… who's one of the, if not the sweetest person I have ever known."
"I can sense the two of you have wonderful hearts. I'm just mystified and just where all of the hostility comes from," Lucifel shook her head.
"Anything we say would just sound like an excuse…" Irina looked down at her feet in shame. Lucifel gently tilted her head up.
"Try," she urged kindly.
"We're one of the most successful teams currently in the Church. The Church sends us into dangerous situations on a regular basis. It's hard to trust when we're taught to fight the darkness," Irina sighed. Xenovia took her hand comfortingly. Lucifel sat on the twintailed girl's lap and turned her body to hug them both. Her action surprised the pair.
"Sounds to me like you have PTSD," Lucifel said. Constantly fighting in dangerous situations, with no rest, would take a toll on anyone.
Plutia nodded. "Sounds like it to me baby… Your better at reading people then I am at least." Plutia looked to the two exorcists. "Anyways, any questions or anything for me? I wouldn't be surprised if you have any."
The pair turned worshipful looks on Plutia, but also a little wild around the eyes. God was hugging them and Her mother was being friendly.
"Who was the father?" Xenovia asked.
Kalawarner waved cheerfully. The tight maid uniform looked quite fetching on her. Xenovia wobbled in her seat at the implications.
Plutia chuckled. "The jerk who had been in charge of the fallen before I sword-nuked their base had made or gotten a sacred gear stealing artifact. Me and Kala where looking around the area where there base was, and we found the thing. It drained most of my energy from range, and when we investigated it the thing was broken, crystals covered the room it was in, and a big crystal was in the middle. Thing took some more energy from both of us, broke some more, and then Lucifel popped out." The goddess elaborated.
"Immaculate conception," Lucifel smiled. The smile dropped off her face as she tried to keep the Church girls from keeling over. Luckily Kiba and Issei were watching for when the two overloaded.
"That was worth the price of admission," Akeno smirked.
"You got in for free," Rias teased.
"A bargain at twice the price," Akeno rebutted.
"Please try to be serious," Asia said. A few moments later her facade cracked and she laughed. "Okay so that was kind of funny."
Koneko shook her head in mock despair at her friends' antics.
It took Plutia a moment or five to stop chuckling. "Asia, there's nothing "kind of" about that." Once the two where back on their feet, Plutia smiled. "So anything else?"
"Why is everyone so calm and laid back about this?" Irina asked.
"Honestly? Aside from people challenging them, they really don't flaunt that they're goddesses," Rias shrugged.
"They've been nice to me and taught me a lot," Asia smiled.
"Kalawarner is my teacher. Plutia talked me through a rough patch. I can't really seen her as anything but a friend. Lucifel's so cute I can't put her on a pedestal," Issei said. It said a lot that not once did he ogle anyone.
"I'm not a goddess Issei, but thank you," Kalawarner smiled.
Rias' Peerage, Asia, and the Exorcists all looked at her in mild disbelief.
Plutia chuckled. "Kala's not a goddess. 'Just' a Fallen. Wondering at this point if only humans can be ascended, though as Lucifel shows there are other ways for a goddess to be made."
"I thought I was supposed to avoid ascending people," Lucifel looked at her mother in confusion.
"Lucifel please...Plutia and Kala said you shouldn't without a consensus," Asia scolded her gently. Lucifel looked absurdly pleased at the normally respectful girl showing more backbone.
Plutia rolled her eyes. "Lucifel I was referring to how you were born. Me and Asia were ascended, though I don't know how it happened to me, but you were born." The sleepy CPU smiled.
"Ah, right. Ahem...so it IS possible for people to ascend. Just that the methods are usually complicated, dangerous, silly, or some combination of the above. The Red Dragon Emperor, for example, can ascend into a True Dragon, but only with the Boosted Gear's permission," Lucifel explained.
"Ddraig says 'not on your life,'" Issei said wryly.
"He would defy God?" Xenovia looked surprised.
"That's a Dragon for you. I have a great deal of respect for the Heavenly Dragons and their power," Lucifel said.
Uranus was quiet up until this point. Most of the room seemed to have forgotten she was there as the Fallen stepped forward.
"The real issue isn't about 'ascension' but what the Exorcists will tell the Church," Uranus reminded them that the meeting was actually a debriefing.
Plutia's smile turned vicious. "Ah. Yes. My bad. Anyways, Exorcists. You are going to keep Lucifel being
His successor-slash-reincarnation or whatever under wraps. I do not want some jerk trying
anything to hurt her. And if I find out you told them anyways and Lucifel gets hurt?" Plutia glared at them, her magenta eyes focused right on them with cold intensity. "
You will regret it. I will ensure that."
Kalawarner drew her spear in solidarity with Plutia's words. The message was clear. Lucifel merely smiled fondly at her parents' protectiveness.
"Hey whatever She wants. I'm not going to say anything that gets God, or her parents, mad at us," Irina held her hands up.
"Better keep it on the 'down low' until I speak with Michael," Lucifel said.
"Could you put the Excaliburs back together?" Xenovia asked. The little Divinity snorted inelegantly.
"Why would I do a stupid thing like that? The Church stole them from Nimue, the Lady in the Lake, so it's up to her if they're repaired," Lucifel folded her arms.
The Exorcists had no intention of arguing. Curiosity sated the two realized Lucifel was still in their laps. Xenovia was even petting her hair to the Exorcist's shock. Kalawarner put her spear away with an amused look.
Plutia chuckled. "Lucifel is adorable. It's a fact of the universe, like the fact that up is well. Up. Anyways, what did happen last night? Me and Lucifel only were able to see the end due to the link Lucifel has to Asia."
The debriefing began starting with Asia. Then it fell to the Exorcists and Peerage to explain their part. Freed was smart with his use of Excalibur Nightmare. He made illusions of himself over the fighters to confuse them. He was torn apart by high winds when Asia tricked him into the center of a massive casting circle. Easily an Exe Drive on par with turning into fighter jets. The fight with Kokabiel was surprisingly short given his power. Short but extremely taxing.
"I still feel like my head is packed with wool and my limbs feel weak," Asia sighed. Exhausting her energy, and her Shares, left her in a sorry state.
"Yeah, my bones feel like they were broken and knit back together. Transforming really takes it out of a guy," Issei groaned and rolled his neck.
Plutia nodded. "Asia you're going to rest till you get your shares and energy back up. Issei once your feeling better I am going to have Kala train you with your balance breaker if Rias is okay with it. Exorcists… Not sure what to say." The sleepy CPU shrugged at the bigger girls.
"I'm fine with Issei getting more training," Rias shrugged, the red haired devil being happy to help.
"We could all use more training," Akeno suggested to her King, a thoughtful look on her face.
"Right. We all need more training if this is going to keep happening," Rias sighed.
The Exorcists looked troubled.
"We do have to report something to the Church…" Irina said.
"But if we can't mention Lucifel…" Xenovia shook her head.
Uranus folded her hands behind her head, "So what? Tell them you found out God died."
"What would they do to us if we said that?" Xenovia asked.
"Excommunication. That's how most Exorcists 'Fall.' They're not all psychopaths after all," Uranus said. The girls looked stricken, and Asia looked ill, at the thought of excommunication.
"Like it really matters when you haven an 'in' with me," Lucifel reminded them.
"Wait...what?" Irina blinked.
"Yeah. Excommunication doesn't mean I'm going to turn my back on you. We really need to work on this crap," Lucifel huffed in annoyance. How many good people were shunned by the Church over things that weren't their fault? Her red eyes started to glow with an unearthly light. Clearly she was Plutia's daughter.
Plutia head patted her daughter. "Stay calm. I do not want you to pick up my temper. You're too cute for it. And if they want to stay with the Church, perhaps have them simply report they mention me, and that I have ways to ascend people when the topic of Asia comes up? It's the truth, just not… the whole truth."
"We can add that, sure," Xenovia nodded. The thought of having an "in" with God really took away a lot of their worry.
Uranus merely watched with a calculating expression.
"Are you trying to stir the pot deliberately?" Kalawarner asked the younger girl.
"This is where Lucifel starts to form the core of her beliefs. The beliefs that will be the bedrock of Her Church. Don't you want to see a more accepting and inclusive Church?" Uranus asked.
"I see where you're coming from. At first I thought you were manipulating her," the older Fallen patted Uranus on the head eliciting a startled look. Kalawarner clearly never touched her before, let alone affectionately.
Plutia rolled her eyes. "I think no matter what, Lucifel will do a good job at her church if she wants to make one." The CPU shrugged. '...I really do need to start working on getting shares. I really need those.'
"When will you be leaving?" Rias asked the Exorcists politely.
"We must be going soon. The Church wanted us to report on the matter immediately," Irina smiled apologetically.
"I am just sorry we have to leave already," Xenovia sighed.
"You're always welcome to return," Rias said graciously.
"You're not so bad after all," Kiba smiled faintly.
"From him that's high praise indeed," Akeno teased.
Plutia nodded. "You kept Asia and Issei safe, so you two are clearly not horrible people." The goddess took a deep breath. "Anything else we need to talk about Rias?"
"Ah yes. Territory issues mainly," Rias sighed while leading Plutia out of the room for a private talk. The redhead brought the purple haired girl to a smaller sitting room. Her shadow, Akeno, was nowhere to be seen.
The goddess leaned into her chair. "This has got to be serious if Akeno isn't around…. So. I'll let you start." Plutia hugged her doll, having been discreetly carrying the bunny plush with her.
"There is an issue we're having. The Fallen didn't exactly leave a positive impression on their neighbors in your neighborhood. Before that the priest was a fire and brimstone man. He was more concerned with condemning others than tending to his flock. Akeno suggested that I simply purge all of the holy energy in the area. However I gave the area to you. She likes you, don't get me wrong, but she disapproved of having the Church and Fallen here," Rias sat back in contemplation. The heiress shook her head.
"I just want you to know I support whatever you do with the area," Rias said.
Plutia nodded. "I'll probably focus on getting to know the locals, and making the home feel more homely. And if the priest was that kind of colossal asshole… no wonder the locals hated the church according to what Kala told me… what happened to the guy anyways?" The goddess asked.
"The city council revoked their land donation. He was recalled by the Church amid complaints over his behavior. Picketing outside of a Shinto Shrine, in a predominantly Shinto area, isn't going to win a person any friends," Rias smiled sardonically.
"Idiotic bigots are idiotic. News at eleven. I never get why assholes like that seem to think they have a right to be assholes.." Plutia snarked. "But yeah, I'm mainly just planning on being nice to my neighbors. Hopefully none of them recognize Kala. Help them out, hopefully get some shares up and going. Any concerns or anything I'll need to know of?"
"Aside from that? Not really. Just a question. Do you think I should allow other supernaturals into the area? I was trying to keep the numbers down, but with more people to secure the territory…" Rias trailed off leadingly.
"As long as they don't hurt anyone I see no reason why not." Plutia answered. "Though I would like a heads-up if any move in near where I live, so to make sure there's not any misunderstandings or such."
"Simple enough. I will let them know to come to me first. However, if they misbehave enough to catch your attention, it's up to you how to deal with them," Rias smiled in a predatory fashion.
Plutia smiled back. "I do. Probably will stick to dolling… Don't want to upset Lucifel if possible." Plutia mused, forgetting the fact she hadn't told Rias about her new spell.
"Dolling?" Rias asked curiously.
Plutia blinked. "Yeah. I made a spell meant for non-lethal takedowns. Turns the target into a plush doll like my rabbit, keeps them from using their mana, and puts them to sleep mentally till the spell is dispelled."
"That's actually a very nice thing you did," Rias was surprised. She blushed a moment later at just how that sounded. "Not that you aren't nice. Just that people who annoy you tend to have trouble breathing."
Plutus chuckled. "No biggie. I..have one hell of a temper and pray to myself that Lucifel doesn't have it. She's too cute to swear or be mad."
"I would actually be less worried if she wasn't so composed. It's usually the calm ones who have the most frightening tempers," Rias said dryly.
Plutia nodded. "Yeah. I can be pretty calm when relaxing.. Anything else Rias? Any supernaturals of note who may want to move in?" I asked.
"Thankfully no. Most of them are fairly laid back and easy to deal with. The truly dangerous ones weren't sighted anywhere. I have no tolerance for human eaters or corrupters," Rias said flatly.
Plutia smiled. "Good. Anything else?" The goddess twirled her braided ponytail around her finger.
"No, I think that covers everything. Is there anything you would like to ask me?" Rias asked.
Plutia bit her lip. "Yes. How would you recommend me getting my name out there for helping people? I'm… not the best at dealing with people."
"I can give you a template magic circle. If someone has a wish the circle would 'ping' you. This way you're not dealing with random people, but instead those willingly looking for assistance. You have enough mana to make it work. I can even provide you a copy of the app we use to determine the cost of wishes," Rias offered.
Plutia smiled. "Perfect. I'll probably spend the next days getting back into the swing of things… maybe deal with the crowds at school. I'm starting to get kinda popular…"
"How do these 'shares' work? Is it about people having personal faith in you, or just liking you?" Rias asked curiously.
Plutia looked within, looking for any connection to the school people. "I know the first gives me Shares, and being friends is enough for me to get Shares. Let me check to see if the crowds give me shares.."
There was a faint trickle flowing in from multiple sources. While each one was weaker than the connection she had with her friends, the culmination was surprisingly strong. Being one of the school's mascots came with perks apparently.
"Apparently the crowds do give me Shares… good to know. I do kinda enjoy the attention as long as it doesn't get to be too much.." She yawned.
"Well there isn't anything scheduled on the supernatural side in the immediate future. We need to take a break before we burn out," Rias sighed and stretched tiredly.
Plutia nodded sleepily. "Yeah.. I'll probably spend the rest of the day relaxing with Lucifel and Kala…" With that the CPU got up and walked out of the room.
The Occult Research Club let out for the day. Issei and Asia were going to help the Exorcists make it to the airport on time. The rest of the Peerage made themselves scarce to do their own thing. Rias declared a general holiday and threatened them, on pain of spanking, to behave themselves.
It sounded funny at first, but the way Kiba, Koneko, AND Akeno clutched their bottoms…
Well that was a thing.
The rest of the day was spent at home in the company of her family. Plutia wouldn't have had it any other way.[/i][/b]
