The Golden Dragon Empress - Chapter 33: Party of One

Natsuki takes some time away from the rest of the Peerage, wanting to come to a decision on her own.

Two Days Later 

Issei groaned as he walked into the massive ante room that stood at the far end of Gremory castle, throwing himself into the closet chair to him. 

“Are you okay, Ise-kun?” Kiba asked, slightly amused by the Pawn’s dramatics. 

“No, I’m not,” Issei muttered, rubbing the side of his face tiredly. “Azazel-sensei is a sadist.” 

Kiba chuckled. “Well, at the very least today was your last day of testing, you have survived Azazel-sensei’s curiosity.” 

“That’s not comforting,” Issei groaned, slumping further into the chair. “I’m pretty sure I died at least three times during that last test. I mean, why did sensei even feel the need to throw dozens of Holy Light Spears at me yesterday? I’m a Devil, using my Juggernaut Drive shouldn’t change the fact that I’m weak to Holy energy!” 

For the past two days, the Fallen Angel had been overcome with excitement after discovering that Issei had managed to enter Juggernaut Drive and did not die in the process. And in that excitement, had subjugated the Pawn to countless experiments to see if anything had changed about Issei’s body and abilities, stating that he would most likely never get another opportunity to do so. 

Issei had been worked like a slave, barely having enough time to catch his breath before Azazel came up with something even more insane to try, and all while Azazel gleefully took notes on just how much abuse his body could survive. 

“And the worst part?” Issei continued, throwing an arm over his eyes. “He kept smiling the whole time. Like—like he was having fun.” 

“That is because he was,” Koneko said flatly from across the room. 

“That’s not reassuring!” Issei shot back. 

Rias let out a soft laugh, though it lacked its usual playfulness. “But you handled it quite well, Ise. And if Azazel tries to take you again, I’ll keep you safe from him.” 

Issei smiled softly but could not fully enjoy his King’s attention as he knew that there was a glaring presence missing from the room. “Natsuki’s still not back yet?” 

Rias, who had been standing near the window, turned her gaze away from the courtyard below, the smile disappearing from her face as the atmosphere in the room shifted. “I’ve spoken to Tiamat-sama, and she doesn’t think Natsuki is ready to come yet.” 

When Natsuki had stormed out of the observation room, the Peerage immediately began to worry when she did not return to the castle, only being stopped from trying to go out and look for her when the Dragon King had sent word to Rias’ father that Natsuki had entered her domain looking for respite. 

 “But we’re supposed to be heading back to Kuoh the day after tomorrow,” Asia said softly, looking just as sad as the rest of them. “Will she even want to go back with us? What will happen then?” 

“R-Rias-Buchou,” Gasper said, twisting his fingers anxiously. “Do… Do y-you think Natsuki-senpai w-will become a Stray?” 

“No way!” Issei exclaimed, jumping to his feet. “Natsuki would never do that! She wouldn’t just… just abandon us like that, not over something like this.” 

“You didn’t see the look on her face,” Kiba sighed, his expression softened. “This was far worse than when she first found out about Sirzechs-sama's manipulation. She was so far beyond being angry; she even tried to attack Sirzechs-sama.” 

Silence followed Kiba’s words and Issei’s hands clenched at his sides. “So what? That doesn’t mean she’s just going to walk away from all of this!” 

“Natsuki has always tried to carry things on her own… even before all of this,” Akeno said, speaking for the first time, her fingers tightening around her arms as she stared at the floor. “But now, now even more of her life has been revealed to be a lie. All of this may be a step too far even for her to ignore.” 

Asia looked down at her hands. “Natsuki-san… must feel very alone right now.” 

“She is,” Akeno murmured. 

Rias closed her eyes briefly. 

“Akeno-senpai…” Issei faltered for a moment, his voice catching. 

To see Akeno of all people unsure of what Natsuki’s actions, and unable to fully believe that she would not break away from them, shocked him. 

“We can’t just assume-” 

“Natsuki is not going to leave us,” Rias said, interrupting Issei. She stood up from where she had been sitting, looking around at the others with a determined and serious expression on her face. 

Akeno shook her head. “Rias-” 

“If she needs time, we will give it to her, but we will not let her walk this path by herself. She wouldn’t just watch any of us drowning and turn her back, so we’re not going to do that to her. She’s angry,” Rias continued, her gaze softening slightly. “She has every right to be. What she learned… what was done to her… none of it was fair, but that doesn’t mean she has to face it alone.” 

Koneko’s ears twitched slightly, but she gave the King a small nod. 

Kiba exhaled quietly, a faint smile touching his lips. “Then what would you have us do, Buchou?” 

“Right now, we give her one more day to calm down and figure out everything that’s probably going through her head.” 

“And what if Natsuki-san still does not want to come back with us?” Xenovia asked. 

Rias grinned. “Then we drag her back to Kuoh kicking and screaming.” 

“This is totally going to end with one of us getting our ass kicked,” Issei sighed. 

“Are you afraid because it's going to be you, Ise-senpai?” Koneko asked. 

“You don’t know that!” Issei shouted but was indeed worried that it would be him.

~X~

“While I have come to enjoy your presence, little one, you are aware that you cannot stay here forever, yes?” Tiamat asked the Devil. 

The dragon floated above the Lifeless Shallows in her human form, watching Natsuki who was standing in the center of the lake. The girl was breathing heavily, swaying on her feet as she looked up at Tiamat, her body battered and bruised, and her clothes, which had already been ruined due to her fights with Diodora and Fukiaezume, were even further destroyed. She was left in just her pants, which looked more like shorts, uncaring that she was naked from the waist upwards. 

When Natsuki had come to the Lifeless Shallows, demanding to fight her, Tiamat had obliged the Devil, not hesitating to meet her challenge with overwhelming force nor question what had brought Natsuki to her and in such a wrathful state. 

Each time Natsuki had been struck down, her body shattered against the water’s surface or had been driven beneath it, and each time, she had forced herself back up. 

After the first few hours of nonstop fighting, after seeing how savagely Natsuki fought, not even bothering with any type of strategy, the dragon discreetly created a water clone and sent in the direction of the Gremory territory, wanting answers for her disciple’s strange behavior. 

And when she had finally gotten it, Tiamat could not fault Natsuki for her outburst, knowing that if their positions were reversed, then she would have done far worse. 

Tiamat tilted her head slightly as she observed Natsuki. “You have been at this for two days without proper rest, your body is reaching its limit.” 

Natsuki let out a shaky breath, wiping the blood from her mouth with the back of her hand. “I don’t fucking care.”  

Tiamat’s eyes narrowed just slightly. “Is that so? How pathetic, you fight without though, without purpose, lashing out like a wounded animal.” 

“Shut the fuck up!” Natsuki roared, her aura flaring wildly as she attacked again, faster now, but even sloppier. Every blow missing as Tiamat effortlessly dodged, looking at Natsuki with a bored expression on her face. 

“You are angry,” the Dragon King said. “At the Maous, at the Gods, at your mothers. You’re even a little angry at your Peerage and your King.” 

This made Natsuki hesitate, and she glared at Tiamat, her expression twisting not just with anger, but with uncertainty. 

“You are furious that your life was manipulated,” Tiamat continued. “That you were hidden, used, shaped into something without your consent. You are angry that your mothers abandoned you—both, in different ways, and you feel you are being punished for actions that are not your fault.” 

“…Shut up,” Natsuki muttered, her voice quieter now, her next attack faltering. “That’s not…” 

“It’s not what?” Tiamat asked softly, floating down and landing in front of the Devil. 

“…I didn’t get anything,” Natsuki muttered, her voice shaking as her head dropped and she looked down at the water. “Not my life, not my powers, not even my own death, everything was decided for me, and now I’m supposed to just what? Smile? Be grateful? Pretend like none of this matters?” 

“And so, you wish to break away from the Gremory Peerage and become a Stray Devil?” 

Natsuki let out a bitter smile, falling to her knees as her body could no longer hold itself up. “I keep thinking about it, but… but I also know that there would be so many problems that would come along with that.” 

If she did run away, she would immediately lose the protection that came from being in the Peerage of a Maou’s sister, and even if she did not always benefit from it given her fights with Dohnaseek, Kokabiel, Vali, the Khaos Brigade, Diodora, and Fukiaezume, but Kushina and the other children at the orphanage did. 

What would happen to them if she decided to abandon the Gremory Peerage? Would she even be able to leave in peace? Rias could let her, but would the rest of Devil society be alright with her leaving like that or would she be hunted down and killed? Would other races try to kill her once word spreads about her being a demigod? Could she try and find her human or goldy families and beg for protection? Would they even want her? 

And there was also her Peerage, it had taken a while given the nature of the world she had been forced into and her own experiences with people her age, but Natsuki had come to care deeply for each one of them, and that made everything so much worse. 

If I didn’t care, this would all be so easy. Natsuki thought, letting out a shaky breath, her fingers curling into the water beneath her and the surface rippling violently around her knees. 

“…I hate this,” She admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I hate all of this.” 

Tiamat said nothing, letting the Devil speak freely. 

“I hate that they lied to me,” Natsuki continued, her shoulders trembling. “I hate that they decided everything for me, I hate that I was just… something to be managed, something to be fucking used.” 

She did not know how things could possibly go back to normal, or what the future now held for her now that this bombshell had been dropped. 

“What would you do, if you were in my place?” 

“I would have slaughtered anyone who tried to control me.” Tiamat said plainly. 

Natsuki’s head snapped up, her eyes widening slightly. 

“I would have burned their lands, shattered their governments, and made an example of anyone who thought they had the right to decide my fate,” The Dragon King continued calmly. “That is the nature of dragons; we do not submit, and we do not tolerate chains. Although, given how weak you are, I don’t think that would be a viable option for you, you would just get yourself killed.” 

“Wow, thank you so much,” Natsuki said dryly. 

Tiamat smirked for a moment before her expression flattened again. “I cannot make this decision for you, Natsuki. Whether you remain with them or walk away, that choice is yours alone.” 

“Tiamat is right, Natsuki,” Lux said, speaking to her host for the first time that day, her voice somber and quiet. “What was done to you was not your choice, but what you do next is.” 

Natsuki exhaled slowly, dragging a hand down her face. “…I don’t want to run, I mean, I do want to, God, I really want to just disappear, tell all of them to go fuck themselves and never look back. But I can’t pretend like they don’t matter to me, Kushina, Akeno, Issei… all of them… They didn’t do this to me.” 

Tiamat’s gaze softened just slightly. “No, no they did not.” 

“Whichever choice you decided to make, محاربي الشجاع, I will support you,” Lux said. 

“Thanks, Lux,” Natsuki said softly. “And thank you, Tiamat. I know I’ve been a terrible guest these last few days, and I shouldn’t have made my problems yours.” 

“You have nothing to apologize for, although, if you feel so bad, promise to give me a proper challenge in the future. It is hard to enjoy a fight that your opponent is either not giving their all in whether consciously or not,” Tiamat said with a smirk. 

“Of course!” Natsuki grinned brightly. 

“You two are entirely too exhausting,” Lux said dryly, unsurprised by the love the two shared for battle. 

Natsuki and Tiamat laughed at the dragon’s exasperation, and Natsuki felt lighter than she had in days, able to focus on just this moment and nothing else.

~X~

Hours Later 

“Good evening citizens of the Underworld, I am Lord Xyndrell Astaroth, Duke of House Astaroth, and I am sure you are all now well aware of the tragic events that have recently unfolded at what should have been the Rating Game between the Peerages of Rias Gremory and my son, Diodora.” Xyndrell said his son’s name like it was a curse, spitting it out as if the mere act of doing so offended his sensibilities. 

When the Duke’s form suddenly appeared on screens across the Underworld, tens of millions across all races stopped what they were doing to watch. 

“Is this a normal occurrence?” Xenovia asked, staring at the magical floating projection screen that had suddenly appeared in the room. 

Rias glared at the screen. “No, it isn’t, but given the severity of Khaos Brigade’s attack, and the fact that a Maou’s close relative and a minor God were involved, this situation has become far too public to deal with quietly. The people demand punishment and justice otherwise they will question the strength and objectives of our leadership.” 

“Punishment? Justice?” Issei asked incredulously. “Buchou, I don’t think that would be possible, not unless someone manages to sweep that fucker Diodora’s ashes into a dustpan and said ashes are then put on trial.” 

Rias shook her head. “Diodora may be dead, but that does not mean the matter ends with him. His actions still reflect on House Astaroth, and the Underworld will demand someone be held accountable.” 

“Let me be clear,” The Duke said, a stoney expression resting on his face and his voice cold and measured. “Diodora Astaroth was a traitor to Devil kind, a collaborator with terrorists, and an enemy to the peace we have worked so tirelessly to build.” 

Asia shuddered when she stared into Xyndrell’s eyes for too long, looking away and clenching her hands. 

“Are you okay, Asia-chan?” Issei asked, having noticed the reaction.  

Asia smiled weakly. “I'm fine, Issei-san. It’s just… Astaroth-sama looks very much like Diodora.” 

Issei could not deny that Xyndrell looked like a taller, more serious and rugged version of his son. But where Diodora had always worn a fake, princely smile, Xyndrell looked as if he had never smiled a day in his life, a cold glare currently resting his face. 

“He acted without the knowledge or consent of House Astaroth,” Xyndrell continued. “And for that failure… we will bear responsibility, my son's sins will not be excused, nor will they be ignored. As of this moment, all assets, territories, and privileges held by Diodora Astaroth are to be seized and redistributed under the authority of the Maou. Furthermore, now that the investigation into any more possible ties between my house and the Khaos Brigade has been concluded, House Astaroth will also be relinquishing control over the Brogmorod Institute which is known for being one of the few places administering the promotion test for Low-Class Devils to rise to Middle-Class, Astaroth Laboratories, and the right to send out new candidates for the position of Maou and vote on a new Maou canidate.” 

“They can no longer send out Maou candidates?” Kiba’s eyes widened. He and most of the others were just as surprised by this final lost privilege. 

“What does he mean by ‘the right to send out new candidates for the position of Maou’?” Issei asked quietly, seeing the looks on the others’ faces. 

“After the Devil Civil War concluded, and the surviving members of the original Four Great Satans clans were driven to the outskirts to the Underworld, Sirzechs Gremory, Serafall Sitri, Ajuka Astaroth and Falbium Glasya-Labolas, as the aces of the war, were asked to become new Four Great Satans. It was decided after their rise to prevent a case of another civil war, that when a Maou were to either die or become indisposed that all clans within the 72 Pillars would be given a chance to put forward a candidate, who would then be evaluated along with all the others and the winner will be selected based on merit, power, and influence rather than bloodline alone by Parliament.” Akeno explained. “House Astaroth losing that right means their political influence has been severely gutted.” 

Issei blinked. “So, they basically just got… demoted?” 

“In a sense,” Rias said, her gaze still fixed on the screen. “It’s a punishment meant to forever shame them.” 

“And finally, as of the end of this broadcast, I will be stepping down as Head of my clan. My nephew, Barzes Astaroth, will rule as interimun Head until the new heir of our house, his daughter, Latia Astaroth, reaches the age of maturity and can assume the role in full.” 

“I suppose he would be the only sensible choice,” Rias muttered, unsurprised by the revelation of Xyndrell stepping down from his position as her father had alluded to this yesterday when he had gotten back from an emergency meeting at Parliament last night. 

“Rias-san, who are Barzes and Latia Astaroth?” Xenovia asked. 

“They are members of the Astaroth Clan branch family. I have only met both a few times and am more familiar with Latia-san given our closeness in age, but more importantly, Barzes-san is Ajuka-sama's younger brother,” Rias explained, her tone thoughtful. 

Given what I've heard of Xyndrell and Barzes’ relationship, with Barzes as interim head, Xyndrell will still be able to maintain some modicum of power and influence. Although he still would lose a great amount of face, I can’t imagine what he must have been thinking when the heads of the 72 Pillars undoubtedly voted to have him removed. Rias thought. 

The screen flickered slightly as Xyndrell’s speech started to come to an end.  

“House Astaroth will spend generations atoning for this failure,” He said coldly. “That is my responsibility—as its former head. Let this serve as a warning to any who would seek to undermine the order of the Underworld. No title, no bloodline, and no legacy will shield you from the consequences of betrayal.” 

The projection vanished, and silence filled the room as the young Devils digested everything they had just heard. 

Gasper shrank slightly. “T-That w-was… kind of scary… H-He l-looked so angry.” 

“I would be angry too if I had an asshole son who did this to me,” Issei muttered, crossing his arms. “That Xyndrell is probably regretting the day his wife ever gave birth to Diodora.” 

 Is this what accountability looks like in the Underworld? Issei thought, seeing this as overkill. 

Rias exhaled softly. “To lose that much influence in a single decree… House Astaroth may never recover, and even if they did, it would take generations.”  

“And even then,” Akeno added quietly. “Their name will always be tied to this.” 

“A lot’s happened in just a few days, huh?” Issei muttered, leaning back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. 

No one disagreed, and Rias glanced toward the window again; her reflection faintly visible in the glass. 

The Khaos Brigade, the Children of the End, the truth about Natsuki, and House Astaroth all sat at the forefront of their minds, and they knew that each were far from finished. 

And it only made them question what else could be coming next for them.

~X~

Two Days Later 

The Gremory Peerage stood outside the castle, preparing to head back to Kuoh Town. 

Akeno stared at the gates of the property, looking for any sign that Natsuki would come walking through them. 

She had been worried sick about Natsuki ever since the other girl had ran away from the observation room. And it was only because of Rias that she had not immediately gone to the Lifeless Shallows once they learned that Natsuki was staying there. 

While Rias had claimed that they would go after Natsuki if she did not return once they were ready, and Akeno would do everything in her power to get Natsuki to see reason, she wanted Natsuki to come back on her own. 

She wanted to be assured that Natsuki wanted to come back just as much as she wanted her back, regardless of how selfish that may have sounded. 

“Okaa-sama, you really do not need to give Ise all of that,” Rias said tiredly, staring at her mother as she continued piling food into Issei’s already overstuffed bag 

“But Buchou’s Okaa-sama insists!” Issei protested, struggling to hold the bag upright. “She said I need ‘proper nutrition’ after all the testing!”  

“And I stand by that,” Venelana said warmly, placing yet another container inside. “You’ve worked very hard, Issei-kun.” 

“It’s not even physically possible for him to eat all of this,” Rias muttered, a small blush appearing on her cheeks as she knew why her parents were doing this. 

Zeoticus chuckled, folding his arms. “If he can survive Azazel, I’m sure he can manage a few extra meals, Ria-tan.” 

Issei let out a weak laugh. “I-I’ll do my best, Zeoticus-sama.” 

Venelana’s warm smile soon fell away as she turned to face her daughter. “Are you truly going to the Lifeless Shallows?” 

The matriach knew Rias enough to know she was planning to do as Natsuki’s missing presence had become too glaring to ignore, especially now. 

“Dragons do not tolerate interlopers in their territory, Rias. Even you would not be an exception if Tiamat feels you are overstepping.” 

Rias met her mother’s gaze without flinching. “I know, but we can’t just leave Natsuki there, she is a member of this Peerage and our friend. And I am sure that Tiamat will understand that our arrival in her territory will only be to take Natsuki back with us.” 

“She does have a point dear,” Zeoticus said, his expression becoming serious. “Given Natsuki-san’s revealed parentage, being near someone like Rias will ensure that others will think twice about attacking or kidnapping her. It will also give our side more bargaining power when the Shinto Pantheon eventually comes looking for answers and keep them from launching an attack on the Underworld if she is instead in Kuoh.” 

Rias hated her father's more analytical and cold approach to agreeing with her and the way that her mother had relaxed once he had given it. Natsuki was not a political asset to be positioned or a shield to hide behind. 

“She’s my friend,” Rias said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. “And I’m bringing her home.” 

Venelana held her gaze for a moment longer before nodding once. “Then go. But be mindful of where you tread.” 

Zeoticus stepped forward, gently placing a hand on Rias’ cheek. “Just… come back safely. All of you.” 

Rias softened slightly at that, leaning into the touch for a moment before stepping back. “We will.” 

Akeno’s eyes flicked back toward the gates one last time and when she saw nothing there, her chest painfully tightened.  

“Let’s go,” Rias said, leading the forward. 

“You all leaving without me?” The Devils of Rias Gremory’s Peerage froze at the sound of Natsuki’s voice.  

Every head snapped toward the gates, seeing Natsuki standing against the stone archway there, leaning lazily as if she had not been gone for nearly four days. Her arms were crossed; her expression unreadable, but her eyes were clear, steady in a way they had not been before. 

Her clothes were different than the ones she had been wearing before she left, a plain white t-shirt, blue jeans, and black sandals, which did nothing to cover up the cuts and bruises that laid across her face and her exposed flesh. 

“Natsuki,” Rias breathed, her widening as she took Natsuki in with her eyes. 

“Natsuki-san!” Asia cried, being the first to break out of her stupor and running forward without hesitation, throwing her arms around the Pawn. 

Natsuki stiffened in surprise, clearly not expecting the impact, before awkwardly lifting a hand and resting it on Asia’s head. “…Hey, Asia.” 

The rest followed quickly after, Kiba let out a quiet breath of relief, a soft smile forming as he approached, Xenovia nodded once, smiling brightly as she caught Natsuki’s eye, Gasper hovered close behind, visibly holding back tears.  

Koneko stopped just in front of Natsuki and stared at her for a long moment before punching her shoulder, smiling when Natsuki winced. “…You took too long.” 

Natsuki huffed softly. “Yeah, I know. Sorry about that.” 

Akeno did not say anything at first, simply walking forward and pulling Natsuki into a tight embrace, far firmer than Asia’s had been. 

“You came back,” Akeno murmured against her shoulder, her voice quieter than usual. 

Natsuki tensed again but did not pull away as she met Akeno’s gaze. “Of course I did, I wasn’t just going to leave like that. I wouldn’t do that to you... to you guys.” 

Akeno lingered for a second longer before finally letting her go, though her hand remained lightly on Natsuki’s arm, reassuring herself she was there. 

Issei rubbed the back of his head, grinning despite everything. “You really know how to make an entrance, huh?”  

Natsuki snorted. “Shut up.” 

Rias stepped forward slowly, stopping less than a meter away from her Pawn. There was no immediate smile, no teasing when Rias looked at her, but Natsuki could see that Rias was just barely holding together her. “You’re late, Natsuki.” 

Natsuki huffed, shoving her hands into her pockets. “Yeah, yeah. Traffic was a bitch.” 

Rias rolled her eyes, this time unable to stop the small smile that graced her lips. It quickly fell as she spoke again. “I was, we were worried that after everything you wouldn’t want to.” 

Natsuki rolled her shoulders, glancing away for a moment. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m still pissed. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive your brother and the other Maous, but I’m not running. I know that it wouldn't really solve anything for me, if anything it would just make things worse.” 

Rias frowned. “Natsuki, I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay just because you’re my servant and you think that you could not leave without becoming a Stray.” 

“I know you don’t, but the Evil Piece system doesn’t work that way,” Natsuki said resigned. 

Once you are given an Evil Piece, there is no way to leave your master aside from being traded to another master, and no matter how far you manage to work your way up the ladder, you will always be the servant of your master, even if you managed to become a High-Class Devil, become independent, and gain your own peerage, you will still have the duty to act as your King's servant when they needs you. 

Even if your King was kind enough to let you go, you would still be labeled a rogue and regardless of your reason for leaving, would be hunted down by other Devils as the risk of letting roam unchecked would simply be too big. 

Furthermore, each King was only given one set of Evil Pieces, and would not be given new ones even if their servants died or ran away, so if you run they will lose that Evil Piece forever, giving them an incentive to keep you from leaving. 

A demigod Devil who comes from a family of magicians? I would never be able to live freely; Rias wouldn’t be able to promise me the opposite, no matter how much she would want to if I asked. Natsuki thought. 

“Leaving is not an option, but even if it was, I would still struggle to make that choice. While I was with Tiamat, I couldn’t stop thinking of you idiots,” Natsuki admitted, her voice quieter now, though there was a faint, embarrassed edge to it. “No matter how pissed off I was… you kept showing up in my head. It was annoying as fucking hell.” 

Issei grinned immediately. “That’s because we’re unforgettable.” 

“Shut up,” Natsuki shot back automatically, though there was no real bite behind. She exhaled slowly, her shoulders dropping as the tension bled out of her frame. “…I’m not okay, and I don’t think I will be for a while. And I’m definitely not just going to pretend like everything’s fine, especially not with your brother.” 

Rias nodded without hesitation. “You don’t have to.” 

“But” Natsuki continued, scratching the back of her head. “I’m not going anywhere either, so you’re stuck with me.” 

Kiba let out a soft chuckle. “I believe we can endure that.” 

Xenovia smirked. “Barely.” 

Gasper sniffled, wiping his eyes. “T-That’s… really good…” 

Koneko simply nodded again, though the faint upward curve of her lips said more than words could. 

Akeno’s grip on Natsuki’s arm tightened slightly before finally relaxing. “Then we’ll just have to make sure you don’t regret that decision.” 

I don’t, at least not anymore. Natsuki thought, looking away from Akeno’s eyes, unable to look at them anymore. 

Rias let out a quiet breath, something in her shoulders finally loosening. “Then that settles it.” 

The corner of Natsuki's mouth twitched upward, but her expression quickly flattened when she saw Zeoticus and Venelana over Rias’ shoulder, watching her with far too much awareness for her comfort. 

Natsuki straightened slightly, her posture tightening under their gaze. 

Zeoticus studied her for a moment before giving a small, approving nod. “It is good to see you’ve returned safely, Natsuki-san.”  

Venelana’s expression was softer, though no less perceptive. “You gave everyone quite a scare.” 

Natsuki stared for a moment before giving the couple a sharp bow. “I'm sorry for the trouble my disappearance may have caused your household, it won’t happen again.” 

Zeoticus waved it off lightly. “Your actions although rash were understandable, you do not need to apologize, I suspect trouble will find you regardless of intent.” 

Venelana’s smile softened, though her eyes remained sharp. “And all we can ask is that you take better care of yourself moving forward.” 

Natsuki hesitated for just a second before giving a short nod, being reminded of the dull ache of her injuries. “I’ll try.” 

Rias glanced between them before clapping her hands once, drawing everyone’s attention back to her. “Alright, enough standing around. We’re leaving.” 

Akeno created a teleportation circle underneath their feet, the familiar glow of Demonic Power spreading outward and forming the sigil of the Gremory family across the ground. 

“Everyone ready?” Akeno asked lightly, though her eyes lingered on Natsuki for just a moment longer than the others. 

Natsuki shifted her weight, glancing once over her shoulder and back toward the towering form of the castle, and then toward the expanse of land just beyond the gates. 

I don’t think I can keep that promise. Natsuki thought just as the circle flared brighter and swallowed herself and the others in its light, transporting them away.

~X~

The Next Day 

“Did something happen while you were on you club trip?” Kushina asked Natsuki as the two of them sat in the living room, ignoring the chaos going on around them. 

Natsuki did not look away from the television screen, her eyes following the movements of the football game. “What make you say that?” 

Kushina frowned. “You just seem like... like you’re being weighed down by something. I don’t think I have ever seen you this subdued before.” 

Anyone who did not truly know the teenager would assume that Natsuki was acting normally, but the matron knew better, there was now a stillness and quietness to her that did not belong. 

Kushina studied her for a moment longer before sighing softly and leaning back into the couch. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” 

Natsuki’s fingers traced the button on the remote, and when she finally looked away from the screen, she saw the tender concern in Kushina’s eyes as the older woman stared at her. 

Natsuki clenched the remote. “Do you remember the day before I left for my first club trip, and we talked about me wanting to look into my birth parents?” 

“I do,” Kushina said, placing a hand on Natsuki’s knee. “Have you found anything about them?” 

“I-” 

A loud crash suddenly came from the kitchen, followed by the sounds of multiple high-pitched voices trying to speak over each other. 

“Izo did it!” 

“No, I didn’t! And it was Enri's fault anyway! She wasn't looking where she was going!” 

“Because Kenji and Renji are running around all over the place!” 

“We wouldn’t have to if Rina wasn't being so boring!” 

“Yeah! She took away our ball and gave us nothing to do!” 

“Because you kept throwing it Nariko and Daisuke, you little brats!” 

Natsuki huffed, a weak smile appeared on her face. “You should go check on them; they’ll kill each other if you don’t.” 

“I hate that you’re right,” Kushina sighed, standing up and looking back at the girl aplogetically. “I’ll be right back, I promise, and I want to hear everything.” 

Natsuki watched Kushina walk out of the leaving room, soon hearing her stern voice from the other end of the renovated Church. “What are you all doing in the kitchen to begin with? You’re supposed to working on your homework!” 

At least it's good to know that some things don’t change. Natsuki thought, letting her head fall back against the couch as the distant arguing slowly dissolved into Kushina’s scolding. 

Her grip on the remote loosened slightly, her thumb idly pressing the button as the channel changed a few times before she turned the television off entirely. 

Natsuki stared at the blank screen, her reflection staring back at her as her thoughts continued to spiral. 

It was still hard to believe that she was a demigod, and it was now as if everything about herself both nonsecial yet made complete sense at the same time. 

“What a fucking mess,” she muttered under her breath. 

Just as Natsuki was closing her eyes, she felt several strong beings suddenly appear at the edge of the forest that the church resided within, just outside of the barrier that Rias and Akeno had created to keep the supernatural out. 

She clicked her teeth when she felt the barrier break within moments, and the large group quickly moving closer to the church. 

They seem to be around the strength of a Mid-Class Devil to low High-Class, except two of them are stronger than the others. And they’re far closer to a very strong High-Class, no; they’re closer to an Ultimate-Class Devil. Natsuki did not waste time jumping to her feet, her Demonic Power flaring to life beneath her skin. 

“Kushina!” She called out sharply, already moving toward the door. 

The noise in the kitchen faltered for a split second. “Natsuki?” 

“Stay inside, all of you, and don’t open the doors for anyone,” Natsuki said, her tone leaving no room for argument.  

“…Alright,” Kushina replied after a moment, hearing how serious Natsuki sounded. 

Natsuki stepped outside, immediately summoning her Sacred Gear. “[Ethereal Domination]!” 

Her eyes immediately snapping toward the tree line as she felt the intruders approaching. 

She then called forth her familiar. “Midnight!” 

Yes, Natsuki. The black lioness said as she materialized next to the Devil. 

“I need you to find the members of my Peerage and tell them that the orphanage is under attack. And that two of them are exceptionally powerful.” 

Of course. Midnight said before disappearing in a flash of light. 

“Natsuki,” Lux said through their mental connection, her voice calm and steady. “I have felt the presence of two of these beings before, this is no coincidence that they are coming here, coming to you now.” 

“Which of the two?” Natsuki asked. 

“The strongest of the group. They and the others are all Youkai,” Lux responded. 

“Youkai? Wait, what do you mean that their presence isn’t a-” 

“Well, look what we have here, it seems the infamous Lux has found herself in a partnership with a really interesting individual! Knowing you, I can't tell if this is the greatest of opportunities or the evilest of curses,” Natsuki heard a voice loudly proclaim in her ear. 

Natsuki immediately turned her body and tried to kick the person standing behind her. 

She then saw an old, sinister looking man with a bald and sun spotted gourd-shaped head, bushy white eyebrows, a bindi on the center of his forehead, and wearing a dark green kimono, sitting on her now outstretched leg. He smiled as he caught Natsuki’s eye, revealing his razor-sharp teeth, the whites of which made his eerily deep purple eyes look even brighter in the sunlight. 

What the hell?! When did he even, how could he even do that? 

“Leave her be, Nurarihyon. This is a serious matter, you should not even be here messing around in the first place,” A sweet and melodic voice said from behind Natsuki. 

When the Pawn turned her head to see who had spoken, she saw a young woman with a voluptuous figure and very long blonde hair with matching eyes. She had delicate facial features and her eyebrows were cut very short and round. Her hair was tied in a loose ponytail, reaching all the way down to her legs, ending in a spiral, and was wearing a traditional shrine maiden attire under a white coat held closed by a red ribbon and a golden crown. Underneath her crown, Natsuki could see pointed fox ears on the top of her head. 

Behind the female Youkai were several others, each varying in just how humanoid they were in appearance. 

Natsuki’s gaze flicked between them, her stance lowering instinctively as her Demonic Power surged, forcing Nurarihyon to jump off her limb. “You brought a whole damn parade with you.” 

“Yasaka, Nurarihyon, it is rare to see the two of you in one place, and not trying to kill each other. A grand and impressive feat truly,” Lux drawled aloud, [Ethereal Domination] glowing faintly. “Natsuki, you can stand down, the members of the East and West Youkai Factions mean you no harm.” 

Natsuki instantly relaxed, but was still looking at the creatures with suspicion. “And why is that?” 

“Because I, Yasaka, leader of the West Youkai Faction of Kyoto, have been sent here on behalf of our Queen, Amaterasu-sama,” The fox Youkai said with a beautiful smile. 

Natsuki’s eyes widened slightly before she glared at Yasaka. 

The gourd headed Youkai laughed when he saw this. “Hmm. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone have such a reaction to hearing our Goddess’ name. Is this how younglings are supposed to treat their parents?” 

Natsuki clenched her fists, but otherwise did not acknowledge Nurarihyon, still looking at Yasaka. “And why did she send you here?” 

Yasaka's smile grew. “We're just here to talk, Natsuki-sama.”