The Golden Dragon Empress - Chapter 34: Condemnation

Natsuki's parentage continues to screw her over as the Shinto Pantheon begins to answer the Christian Pantheon's secrecy in the matter...

Kushina did not know what to expect when her eldest child returned from outside along with over a dozen other people, but she knew immediately from the expression on Natsuki’s face that this was serious. 

The Children peeked nervously out from behind the doorway to the kitchen, staring wide-eyed at the strange group of visitors standing inside the orphanage. 

“Kushina-sama,” Natsuki said, unclenching her jaw. “These are… guests of mine, I know them through the ORC. They didn’t tell me they were coming, so I had accidentally confused them for burglars, I’m sorry for worrying you guys.” 

“That is a very rude way to describe us,” Nurarihyon complained loudly from behind her, though the grin stretching across his face. 

Natsuki fought the urge not to glare at the Youkai, keeping her gaze on Kushina. She was just glad that she had been able to convince them all to use glamours to change their appearances, even with what she was coming to see as Nurarihyon’s irritating personality, it would have been infinitely harder to not make this look suspicious. 

But from the way the matron looked at her, Natsuki knew that failing. 

“Is that so?” Kushina asked, her eyes remained fixed on Natsuki, her expression telling everyone just how unconvinced she was by Natsuki's explanation. 

Yasaka then stepped forward, offering Kushina a graceful bow, showing off the unnatural elegance to her movements. 

Natsuki flinched when she felt Senjutsu coming from Yasaka and being directed at Kushina and the children. The Devil wanted to immediately step between them and rip the Yokai’s head off but stopped herself when she remembered that she would end up revealing the supernatural to them with her actions. 

“Forgive us for arriving unannounced,” Yasaka said warmly. “We had business with Natsuki-san and failed to consider how abrupt our sudden appearance may have seemed.” 

Kushina’s eyes became hazy, and she blinked once before smiling brightly. “Ah… no, it’s alright. I just wasn’t expecting to see such and interesting group.” 

Natsuki glared at Yasaka, understanding what the Youkai Leader had done and gritting her teeth. 

Yasaka ignored the killing intent that she could feel emanating from the young Devil, seeing action more like a pup trying to intimidate an elder and was amused by it. 

“Oh! Are these your friends, Natsuki Onee-chan?” Nariko asked excitedly, rushing to Kushina’s side and staring openly at Yasaka’s group. “They look really pretty!” 

The other children followed Nariko, nodding eagerly in agreement. 

Nurarihyon barked out a laugh. “You hear that? At least the little ones around here have good taste.”  

“You look weird,” Renji declared bluntly.  

The old Youkai froze. “...What?” 

“You smell weird too,” Daisuke added, squinting suspiciously. “Like moldy socks.” 

Behind him, several of the Youkai from Nurarihyon’s faction burst into laughter while Yasaka covered her mouth delicately, clearly amused.  

“Daisuke! We do not speak like that to our guests!” Kushina scolded, clear embarrassment in her voice as she gently pulled the boy back by the shoulder.  

“But he does!” Daisuke protested. “I’m serious!” 

Kushina smacked the back of his head. “Apologize to him.” 

“I’m sorry,” Daisuke grumbled reluctantly. 

“Little gremlin,” Nurarihyon muttered. 

“I was hoping that I could take them down to the basement,” Natsuki said quickly before Nurarihyon could start an argument with a literal child. 

Kushina looked at her for a long moment, her smile fading for a moment before her eyes glossed over again and it returned at full force, infuriating Natsuki further. “Alright, but don’t stay down there too long, dinner will be ready soon. Hey, maybe your friends could join us?” 

“Maybe,” Natsuki said softly, turning away from the woman and leading the Youkai toward the basement door before Kushina could continue the conversation.

~X~

The moment the basement door shut behind the group and Natsuki led them down to the bottom of the stairs, the atmosphere changed completely. 

Natsuki hated coming here, even with the renovations that had been made, being reminded of how Asia had been tortured and murdered, her stomach churning at the thought. 

The basement no longer resembled the bloodstained and dilapidated mess that it had once been, the cracked walls had been repaired and painted over, the old ritual markings scrubbed away, and pews and altar had been replaced with two couches, a table and chairs, and shelves that were stacked high with canned food, blankets, spare clothes, and old toys. 

The Devil immediately turned to look at Yasaka, her eyes glowing gold as she glared at her. “If you ever use magic on any of them again, you fucking-” 

“I only did that to make things easier for us all. Your guardian had already become suspicious,” Yasaka interrupted, the softness in her voice doing little to lessen the sharpness in Natsuki’s gaze. “And you didn’t want the humans to learn the truth either, did you?” 

Natsuki’s jaw clenched because if Kushina and the others learned what she really was, then there would be no taking it back, but even understanding Yasaka’s reasoning did not make her less furious about it. 

“You said that your Queen sent you here to talk to me, so what do you need to tell me?” Natsuki growled. 

“Ah, young people, always so aggressive and impatient,” Nurarihyon sighed dramatically, jumping onto one of the old couches. The rest of his party lined up behind him as they all allowed their glamours to fall. “Back in my day, people offered their guests tea before growling at them like an animal.” 

Before Natsuki could say anything else, her King’s magical sigil formed on the floor, and a teleportation circle bloomed, bathing the room in crimson light. 

Oh right, I forgot that I sent Midnight to alert the others. Natsuki thought as she saw that her friends had arrived ready to fight an unknown threat, Sacred Gears drawn and Demonic Power flooding the room. 

Rias’ gaze immediately shifted toward Natsuki, concern flashing across her face. “Natsuki! Your familiar told us that the orphanage was-” 

Natsuki sighed, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. “Sorry about that, things escalated kind of fast, but the orphanage isn’t under attack. Apparently, the Shinto Pantheon now knows about my existence and their leader has sent these Youkai here to speak to me on their behalf.” 

Once Natsuki said this, the East and West Youkai Factions allowed their disguises to fall, no longer resembling normal humans. 

Issei stumbled backwards in shock. “Whoa!” 

Koneko’s eyes widened the most of out the Peerage, it having been a long time since she had been around a large group of Youkai, both because of their rarity among reincarnated Devils and within the Underworld and because of the stigma that surrounded heels due to Kuroka’s actions. 

Rias' Power of Destruction dissipated as she recognized the blonde fox Youkai. “Yasaka-sama?” 

She had met the Youkai once before as a small child, when her parents had first taken her to the mortal world, her father having business with the Youkai and her faction. 

Yasaka chuckled, a small smile resting on her lips. “Ara~ Little Rias Ojou-sama has grown up. And is a King of her own Peerage, time really does fly, doesn’t it?” 

“Yasaka-sama,” Rias said respectfully, although her eyes narrowed as she looked between the Youkai Leader and Natsuki. “I was not informed that Kyoto and Kanto would be involving themselves in my domain.” 

“That is because we were not informing the Underworld,” Nurarihyon answered before Yasaka could speak, still lounging lazily across the couch. “We came to speak to the kid directly.” 

Rias’ expression hardened immediately. “Natsuki is a member of my Peerage and-” 

“And she is also the daughter of Amaterasu-sama,” A young looking cat with seven tails, bright blue eyes, and white fur with black spots behind Nurarihyon said flatly. She was sitting on the shoulders of another Youkai, one that looked like a humanoid turtle, her tail flicking lazily behind her. “That makes this an issue for us, especially as your kind has sought to conceal her existence for years, in line of breaking the treaty between our two sides.” 

The atmosphere in the room dropped at her words before being broken when Nurarihyon let out a bark laughter, the old Youkai clutching at his stomach. 

“Take it easy one the little ones, Magari! Just look at their faces; they probably think we’re going to resort to violence with how cutting your words are,” Nurarihyon said, still laughing. 

“Apologizes, Boss,” Magari said, lowering her head slightly before looking at Koneko, making the hybrid Devil stiffen under the attention. 

Seeing the stare, Kiba subtly stepped closer to Koneko, shifting his stance enough to place himself between Koneko and the unfamiliar Youkai. 

Yasaka sighed softly, growing tired of her fellow leader and his subordinates’ behavior. “May we return the conversation to back to the topic at hand?” 

“That depends entirely on what you people want,” Rias replied, her stance remaining guarded. “Because from where I’m standing, a joint appearance from the leaders of the East and West Youkai Factions inside my territory without warning is not something to take lightly.” 

Nurarihyon lazily waved his hand. “Relax, Red, if we wanted trouble, you and your little Peerage would already be dead.” 

“That is not reassuring at all,” Issei muttered. 

“The moment news spread that a demigod child of Amaterasu-sama existed and had been turned into a Devil at that, many began demanding answers, and retribution for the deceit. And for you to be placed into our custody,” Yasaka said. 

“Natsuki is not an object to be handed over and taken at one leisure,” Rias said. “And how can we trust that you have her best interest at heart? We all know that story of Zhuan Chen, so you cannot blame me for being cautious when people suddenly begin demanding one of my servants, regardless of their relation to her. How can I know that your Gods do not wish to possess Natsuki so that they can get rid of what they view as a mistake?” 

Natsuki crossed her arms when Rias said the word ‘mistake’, hating the way it made her feel even as she knew that the older girl did not mean to offend her and was simply speaking from the perspective of the Gods, and was trying to protect her. 

“And Natsuki-sama has been safe under your protection, Ojou-sama? An enemy God nearly killed her a few days ago, say nothing of the countless other moments she has come to near death under your watch, including her becoming your servant in the first place. From our perspective, the Underworld has not only stolen someone of great importance but done a very poor job safeguarding them.” 

Rias clenched her fists; she could not deny the truth in Yasaka’s words no matter how much she wanted to because Natsuki had nearly died repeatedly since becoming part of her Peerage despite her best efforts. 

“Since you are here, you can save us all the trouble and tell your brother and his fellow Maous that the treaty between our two sides will need to be reconsidered once I have taken Natsuki-sama back to Kyoto.” 

“Who said that I’m going with you?” Natsuki asked. 

Yasaka turned to face Natsuki. “Your mother-” 

“If your Goddess wishes to speak to me then she can come here herself,” Natsuki said coldly. 

Several Youkai shifted awkwardly at the disrespect Natsuki had in tone toward the Sun Goddess. 

“And what would you do when the Children of the End attack again?” Nurarihyon asked, smirking when Natsuki stared at him. “They want you, as I’m sure you already know, and they won't stop at anything to kill you, so are you going to put your friends and family in danger by staying here for the sake of your pride?” 

I’m going to kill this old man. Natsuki thought to herself, imagining all the ways she could break open Nurarihyon’s oversized head. 

Fukiaezume had known that she lived in Kuoh Town, and the barrier around the city had done nothing to keep him from sending a Tengu after her, so it would stand to reason that his allies would also be aware of her presence. 

She would not be surprised if they had a way of tracking her and the others, especially as they were not an inconspicuous group. 

“You’re too weak to fight them off should the worst happen; besides, you thinking that you have a choice in the matter is laughable,” Nurarihyon continued. “The Gods will be descending soon, no doubt because of the actions of Maou Sirzechs Lucifer, and they certainly will not be as kind as we’ve been about that big mouth of yours.” 

Rias inwardly questioned how Nurarihyon and the others had gotten the information that her brother was the one directly responsible for Natsuki’s concealment, but she supposed it was foolish to underestimate the reach of the Youkai factions. 

And the idea that the Shinto Gods would be leaving Takamagahara sent a ripple of unease through her and the rest of the Peerage. 

Natsuki let out a slow breath through her nose before speaking again. “If your Gods are coming, I’m assuming to rip Sirzechs a new asshole, then I don’t see why I need to go anywhere. The way I see it, I’d just be trading in one prison for another if I went with you, and like Rias said, how can I be sure they won’t get rid of me at the first opportunity to do so?” 

“Hah. You really don’t trust anyone, do you kid?” Nurarihyon asked. 

“Can you blame me?” Natsuki shot back instantly. “Every powerful piece of shit I’ve met lately keeps acting like they’re entitled to decide what happens to me.” 

Rias glanced toward Natsuki, guilt flickering across her face before she masked it. 

Yasaka exhaled softly. “No one here wishes to cage you, Natsuki-sama. Yes, your presence has surprised many, but I promise you that we would not be here right now if your death was guaranteed.” 

“Bullshit,” Natsuki said with a laugh, looking more tired than before. “Everyone thinks they know what’s best for me, but they just want to use me for their own ends, I’m sure your Goddess is no different. This conversation seems to be going in circles, when will your Gods be descending and where?” 

“C’mon Natsuki, you can’t actually be considering this!” Issei said, looking at her as if she had lost her mind. 

Natsuki said nothing, her silence was more than enough of an answer for everyone. She wanted answers and the best way to get them would be to meet Amaterasu directly, but more importantly, Natsuki did not want her friends to get hurt in some fight that they would not be able to win, or the Three Great Factions to throw themselves into a war for her. 

“The Gods will be descending in Kyoto, won’t they?” Natsuki asked the Youkai, ignoring Issei. 

“They will,” Yasaka confirmed, meeting Natsuki’s gaze evenly. “And once they arrive, a formal summons will be issued so the Christian Patheon may negotiate directly with Takamagahara. It will be easier to protect you there with the ley line then it would to do the same here.” 

“Ley line?” 

“The Kyoto ley line, ley lines are invisible lines that connect significant landmarks and sacred sites to each other across the world, carrying spiritual energy through them. I possess access to that power, and I am the one who regulates the line and prevents it from falling into imbalance. If I am gone from Kyoto for long or if I were to die, the line would become erratic, and the energy would destabilize the city.” 

Asia looked stricken. “Natsuki-san…” 

Rias stared at her Pawn, disbelief and frustration appearing on her face. “Natsuki, you do not need to make this decision right now.” 

Natsuki sighed. “Rias-” 

Akeno stepped beside Rias; her violet eyes fixed worriedly on Natsuki. “We’re not going to just let them take you, we can’t trust them to keep you safe. They’re just trying to scare you into-” 

Nurarihyon looked between Akeno and Natsuki, his smirk becoming even more malicious. “Ah, a banished daughter of the Himejima speaks of not being able to trust us? Do you truly speak from a place of worry, or are you simply letting your grudge against your family get the better of you?” 

Akeno glared at the Youkai, resisting the urge to blast him on the spot. 

“What grudge?” Natsuki asked, keeping her eyes on Akeno, placing a hand on the older girl’s shoulder, causing Akeno to relax. 

Nurarihyon was the one who answered her question. “Oppai-chan here does not trust me because of the agreement my faction once had with the Five Principal Clans. We swore to protect the others’ territories and people, but I suppose it was my fault for expecting mere mortals to keep their word, they will always choose fear over honor and loyalty. I'm sure you know fact well, don’t you, Oppai-chan?” 

Nastuki wanted to strike the Youkai down for his insolence toward Akeno but held her tongue as she looked at Yasaka. “Can I have some time to decide?” 

Yasaka took a moment to respond, studying Natsuki carefully. “I can give you twenty-four hours, that is all that can extend for you.” 

Nurarihyon clicked his tongue, knowing that she was risking the Kami’s ire by doing this. “You’re being far too soft, Yasaka.” 

The old Youkai then leaned forward on the couch, resting his chin against his hand as he stared directly at Natsuki. “Whether you like it or not, the moment your lineage became public, your life stopped belonging only to you, it even stopped belonging to your master here.” 

“Are you done, or do you just like hearing yourself talk?” Natsuki asked sarcastically. 

Before Nurarihyon could say anything else, Yasaka spoke again, looking at him from the corner of her eyes. “That is enough, Nurarihyon. And you wonder why I was chosen for this mission and not you?” 

“I’ll never understand why people think you are the nice one between us. I guess that face and body of yours are enough to distract everyone from the truth,” Nurarihyon huffed before hopping back onto his feet. 

Yasaka ignored the other Youkai, walking over to Natsuki as she reached into the sleeve of her kimono and handed the Devil a small golden talisman that became warm the moment it touched Natsuki’s hand. 

The paper was covered in intricate kanji she could not read, but Senjutsu pulsed through it so densely that even the other Devils shivered when looking at it.  

“As I said before I cannot be away from Kyoto for very long, but once you make your decision, burn this and it will bring you directly to my territory,” Yasaka said softly. 

Natsuki nodded her head, ignoring the ways that her friends were looking at her, turning over the talisman in her hands. 

“I guess our business here is finished then,” Nurarihyon said as he began walking toward the stairs. 

He paused beside Natsuki on the way, his deep purple eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked up at her. “You really are an unlucky kid.” 

Natsuki stared at him flatly. “And you’re really fucking annoying.” 

The old Youkai barked out another laugh. “Good! Keep that spirit you’re going to need it because the world’s about to get a lot uglier for you.” 

“I’ve noticed.” 

He then turned to look at the rest of the Peerage, his gaze lingering on Issei, Akeno, and Koneko the longest. “Interesting little group you’ve gathered around yourself; the younger sister of Sirzechs Lucifer, two Holy Sword wielders, a Dhampir, the Sekiryuutei, Fujimai's youngest daughter, and the daughter of Baraqiel… The younger generation really has become terrifying these days.”  

Koneko’s eyes widened at the mention of Fujimai, and before she could question him further, Nurarihyon suddenly appeared behind her, playing with a lock of her hair. 

“Hey! Get away from her you old pervert!” Issei shouted, immediately stepping forward with his [Boosted Gear] materialized over his arm.  

Koneko herself spun around with a snarl, Senjutsu flaring around her fists as she tried to strike Nurarihyon directly in the face.  

The old Youkai vanished before her punch could connect, and a crater exploded into the basement wall where he had been standing in front of a moment earlier.  

“Kushina-sama is going to kill me,” Natsuki whined. 

“Oops,” Nurarihyon’s voice echoed, and floated above the group. “Looks like the kitten’s got claws.”  

Koneko’s ears flattened against her head; her golden eyes narrowed dangerously.  

“Koneko,” Rias warned gently. 

The Nekoshou exhaled slowly through her nose before lowering her fists, though her gaze never left the old Youkai. 

Nurarihyon cackled loudly at that. “Ah, there it is, that look. You really do resemble your mother more than you’d probably like.” 

Yasaka looked genuinely tired of the other Youkai. “Nurarihyon.”  

“Fine, fine,” The old Youkai sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up. “You’re all so serious. Come now let's go, I’ve had my fun for the day.” 

The members of the East Youkai Faction followed their leaders out of the basement, with Magari casting one last glance at Koneko. 

“I truly must apologize for him, Nurarihyon and his faction were not supposed to be here today, but he insisted and refused to be deterred,” Yasaka said, giving the group a brief bow. 

Rias shook her head at the leader of the West Youkai Faction, exhaustion gracing her features. “No apology is necessary, Yasaka-sama. Though I would appreciate it if your ally refrained from antagonizing my Peerage the next time, he visits my territory.” 

“I don’t think I can promise that,” Yasaka sighed before looking back toward Natsuki. “Please consider what I have said carefully, Natsuki-sama." 

Natsuki’s fingers tightened around the talisman. “I will.” 

For a moment, Yasaka’s expression softened. “You are not responsible for the circumstances of your birth, do not allow others to convince you otherwise.”  

Natsuki blinked, caught slightly off guard by the sincerity in her voice. 

Yasaka smiled faintly before turning away and leading the remaining Youkai out of the room, leaving the Devils behind. 

The silence that had settled over the room was quickly shattered when Issei let out a loud groan, falling backward onto one of the couches. “Ugh, why is it that we never get a moment’s peace? Every time things calm down, some new crazy supernatural bullshit shows up trying to kill us or drag us into politics.” 

Akeno ignored what Kiba said in response to Issei’s complaint; her attention was fixed entirely on Natsuki. The younger girl stood near the center of the basement silently as she stared down at the golden talisman in her hand. 

Her face was expressionless and Akeno hated how difficult it had become to tell what Natsuki was thinking lately. Ever since the truth of her parentage had come out, it felt as though there was an invisible wall between them all and Natsuki, one that the Pawn seemed content to keep up. 

“Natsuki-chan…” Akeno said, hesitating when Natsuki glanced up at her. “Are you really considering going to Kyoto?” 

Everyone’s attention immediately shifted toward her while Natsuki stared down at the talisman in her hand. 

“The Shinto Pantheon is coming either way, it would be easier to go instead of being dragged there kicking and screaming, and if I’m not here then you guys won’t have to worry about becoming targets because of me.” 

“That’s bullshit,” Issei said, sitting upright again. “You seriously think we’d just sit around feeling relieved because you left?” 

Natsuki huffed. “It’s not about you feeling relieved, it’s about you guys being safe. As long as I’m here, you will just be endangered.” 

“Natsuki-san,” Asia said softly, hurt flashing across her face. “You’re our friend…” 

“And friends protect each other,” Xenovia added firmly. “No matter what.”  

Natsuki let out a dry laugh. “You say that now, but this is different. We’re talking about Gods, Youkai, Devil terrorists, whatever the fuck Vali and Khaos Brigade are-” 

“We’ve already fought all of those things,” Koneko said bluntly, crossing her arms. “And we came out on top.” 

“For now, and after almost dying! What is so hard for you all to understand about this?” Natsuki snapped, frustration bleeding into her voice. “I’m not just some random Devil anymore! Every time people look at me now, they see a weapon, or a threat, or some political bargaining chip. Now every supernatural faction in the world probably knows my name and is going to want to hunt me down! And what happens the next time someone attacks? What happens if it’s not just me getting hurt? What if Kushina or the kids get caught in it? What if one of you dies because of me?” 

I thought coming back and not going stray was the smart thing to do, but now it just feels like I was delaying the inevitable. Natsuki thought, her chest rising and falling unevenly as she looked away from them all.  

“…I can deal with people wanting to kill me, I’ve already accepted that much. But I can’t…” She swallowed thickly. “I can’t handle being the reason something happens to people I care about.”  

The room went quiet enough that the faint sounds of the children upstairs could barely be heard, and then Rias stepped forward. 

“Natsuki,” The Pawn did not look at her King, keeping her gaze locked on the floor. 

“Natsuki,” Rias said again, gentler this time. “Look at me.”  

Slowly, Natsuki lifted her head and Rias met her gaze without hesitation despite everything hanging over them.  

“You are not responsible for the choices other people make,” Rias said firmly. “Not Sirzechs’, not the Children of the End’s, not the Shinto Pantheon’s, and not ours.”  

Natsuki opened her mouth to argue, but Rias stepped closer before she could, placing her hands on her shoulders.  

“If someone attacks us because they want to get to you, then that blame lies with them, not you,” Rias continued. “And if any of us choose to stand beside you, then that is our decision to make. You do not get to decide for us that you are too dangerous for us to be near.” 

They don’t get it. Natsuki closed her eyes for a few moments, and when she opened them again, she stared into Rias’ eyes. “Okay, I won’t go.” 

“Really?” Rias asked. “Just like that?” 

“I still think that I should, but I know you idiots will just be annoying about it and probably cause some kind of international incident trying to follow me,” Natsuki muttered, the lie flowing off her tongue easily. 

“Oh please, have you met yourself? You’re the last person who should be talking about purposely getting into trouble,” Issei said, rolling his eyes. 

Natsuki snorted despite herself; it had been the most positive emotion that she showed them since the entire conversation had started, and she could feel the room collectively exhale at the sound of it. She looked down at the talisman still warming in her palm, turning it over once before closing her fingers around it. 

While the others relaxed, as Natsuki led them out of the basement, inviting them all to stay over for dinner, Akeno was the only one who did not believe the Pawn. 

She had been the only one who noticed the way Natsuki's fingers had tightened around the talisman before she slipped it into her pocket. The way Natsuki's smile did not reach her eyes as she spoke and how the shine in said eyes had become dull. 

All Akeno could do was press her lips together and look away before Natsuki caught her staring, clenching her fists, hoping that she was wrong and that Natsuki was not going to leave them behind again.

~X~

The Next Day 

Natsuki walked through the old school building, her hands shoved into her pockets, clenching the talisman that Yasaka had given her. 

Last night and all throughout today, she could only think about how she only had a few more hours to make a decision about heading to Kyoto. 

You will not be able to prevent your friends from being upset with you, Natsuki. Lux said through their mental connection. They care about you, so of course they would not want this for you. 

I know. Natsuki said, not unkindly. What do you think the chances are that the Shinto Gods will decide… Will decide to… 

Execute you? Lux asked. I do not know, I have only met one Kami in my life, and she was a gentle soul, the kind to never hurt anyone, but not all are like that. 

Great. Did you know about the Pact of Equilibrium? That my existence as a demigod was such a taboo? It was the question that Natsuki had been wanting to ask the dragon since she first heard the truth from the Maou. 

I did, the pact was quite the scandalous thing back in the day as it had come off the heels of a world spanning conflict and involved the Gods of every Pantheon that existed, even if everyone knew that the Gods would never keep their promises, it was mostly for show in the eyes of everyone watching. I had kept this fact a secret from you because I did not want to worry you needlessly or have you think that you were a mistake that needed to be corrected. And because I had assumed or hoped rather that you would have been the daughter of a minor God. 

And being the child of a minor God makes a difference? 

The less prominent or powerful a Godly parent is, the easier it is for said child to hide themselves amongst others. And of course, less power would mean that they and their supporters would be less likely to move against you. I had not thought that you were a demigod until Vali had revealed otherwise during the battle with Khaos Brigade at your school. 

I'm kind of pissed off with you right now, you know that? You knew this whole time and kept it a secret, I thought you trusted me- 

I do, Natsuki. I trust you, but I did not want to worry you over something that may never have become relevant given the lengths that were taken by your leadership to keep you in the dark. I made a judgment call, and I was wrong to do so. I am sorry. 

The apology landed differently than she had expected and Natsuki exhaled slowly through her nose. Yeah, okay. 

You are not going to argue with me? 

Would it change anything? 

No, no it would not. Lux admitted. 

Then what’s the point? Natsuki thought as she turned a corner. I’m not- I’m not as angry with you as I was with Sirzechs. You should know that. 

I do. Lux said quietly. But I understand if you are still angry regardless. 

I am, a little bit. But you’re not- it’s different with you; you weren’t trying to use me like everyone else was. 

No, I was only trying to keep you from being afraid. 

That’s the problem though, isn’t it? Natsuki’s hand closed harder around the talisman. Everyone keeps making decisions about what I should and shouldn’t do, of what I should and shouldn’t know, and then the thing they were hiding shows up anyway and I’m standing there completely unprepared for it because no one thought I could handle knowing the truth. It’s so fucking frustrating and I can't do anything about it because I’m too weak for anything I say or want to matter. 

Before Lux could say anything else, Natsuki felt an arm wrap around her shoulders and a finger pressing itself against her cheek. “Hey, Natsuki, are you done brooding yet?" Issei asked, falling into step beside her. “Because you’ve been ignoring the rest of us for since we left the classroom, for most of the day really.” 

Natsuki glanced at him and then Asia, Xenovia, and Irina, pointedly looking away when they met her gaze. 

“I wasn't brooding,” Natsuki said flatly. 

Issei grinned. “Yes, you were. You had that stupid look on your face that you get when your brooding, like your constipated or something.” 

Natsuki groaned. “I’m to slap you.” 

By the time they reached the clubroom, Natsuki knew that something was wrong from how tense Rias looked from her desk, and from how Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Gasper seemed to follow suit. 

“Buchou are you alright?” Issei asked as he and the others sat down. 

Rias sighed. “It’s my brother, I told him about what happened yesterday, but he had already learned about it himself. He, the other Maous, and delegations from Heaven and the Grigori are already preparing to head to Kyoto.” 

Xenovia then asked the question that they were all thinking “Does Sirzechs-sama want Natsuki-san to go with them?” 

Rias shook her head, looking a bit relieved as she looked directly at Natsuki. “He thinks its best if you stay here because he’s not sure how the talks will go. My brother blatantly broke the treaty between our two sides by keeping you hidden, and with tensions already this high, there’s a real chance the talks could turn hostile before they even begin.” 

Natsuki let out a quiet laugh. “And he thinks that he can maintain an advantage over them if he keeps me out of reach. The perfect bargaining chip.” 

“Natsuki,” Rias said, her voice rising slightly. “That’s not what this is.” 

“Isn’t it?” Natsuki asked quietly. “I’m sorry that I don’t have much faith in that worthless bastard.” 

There was no other way to look at this for Natsuki, given Sirzechs’ personality and the fact that he was one of the four leaders of Devil kind, he would always make what he thought to be the most strategic and political minded choice that he could.  

Any exception would only ever be for his family, only then, Sirzechs would go to incredible lengths for their sake, unrepentant when his actions hurt others. 

“Look, I get that he’s your-” Natsuki froze when she suddenly felt magic swelling above them, growing rapidly in size and strength before rushing down toward the building. 

Natsuki jumped to her feet, Demonic Power flaring instinctively beneath her skin. “Everyone, we need to make a barrier! Now!” 

Outside, a large beam of energy cut through the clouds and within seconds obliterated the old school building before exploding once it touched the ground. 

“Is everyone okay?” Rias asked as the smoke around them started to dissipate. 

She, Akeno, Asia, and Natsuki had their hands raised in front of them, combining their power together to create a barrier that had barely held as the explosion tore through the building. Now the Peerage stood inside a crater where the building once stood, the air crackling as debris and dust slowly rained down around them. 

“Who the hell did that?!” Issei shouted, looking around for their attacker. 

“They did,” Natsuki growled. 

The Devils followed Natsuki’s gaze and saw four women floating above them. Each one was dressed in differently cut dress armor that shared the same pale blue, white, and gold color scheme, and each had a different melee weapon in their hands. 

“We’ve seen that armor before, haven’t we?” Xenovia asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked at the four newcomers. 

“We have, that’s because they’re Valkyries,” Rias stated. “Half-God female warriors of Asgard.” 

“But why would Odin-sama’s Valkyries be attacking us?” Asked Asia. 

“Because they no longer work for Odin,” Natsuki said, seeing this attack for what it was. “The Norse have been going through their own issues, remember?” 

The realization spread through the group fast as the Valkyries slowly began to descend.  

Now floating a few meters above them, the one at the center addressed them. She was taller than the others with long black hair, pale skin, green eyes, a scar that ran through the bridge of her nose, and with a halberd that rested across her shoulders as she looked down at the Peerage with contempt. 
“Devils,” She said, her voice was calm and with a thick accent. She glanced at them before her eyes settled on Natsuki. “We are not here for you; we are here for Natsuki Sukehiro." 

Natsuki stared back at her. “Yeah, I figured.” 

Natsuki could feel that she was far stronger than the other three Valkyries, and stronger than her and her friends, which made her feel uneasy even as she refused to let it show on her face. 

“You are Natsuki?” The Valkyrie asked. 

“Was Loki the one who sent you?” Natsuki asked. 

The Valkyrie's grip shifted on her halberd. “He did. Our king, Loki, the God of Mischief, Trickery, and Chaos, the true ruler of Asgard has ordered your death, Devil. So, I, Sigrún, Chief Walkure of Loki, and my sisters shall ensure Loki’s goal will be reached this day.” 

“Wait, Sigrún? The same one in Poetic Edda?” Rias asked; her eyes widened. 

Sigrún said nothing, a small smirk appearing on her lips at Rias’ reaction and once she finished speaking, the three Valkyrie’s next to her rushed forward and the Peerage jumped back to avoid them, the ground shattering beneath the women’s feet. 

Natsuki threw herself sideways as a war axe cleaved through the air where her head had been a second earlier, the wind from the swing sharp enough to cut across her cheek. She hit the ground, rolling away as she summoned her [Ethereal Domination]. 

The Valkyrie who had swung at her was already turning into the air, quickly flying toward Natsuki with practiced efficiency. Her red hair made her look like a large red streak as she moved, but Natsuki was able to keep up with her, grabbing her arm and throwing her away. 

Before she could right herself in the air, Gasper used his Sacred Gear to freeze her and Akeno summoned a bolt of lightning, striking the Valkyrie and sending her careening to the ground. 

"Issei!" Rias called out across the crater. 

“On it!” Issei shouted, his [Boosted Gear] materializing.  

[Boost!] 

Nearby, Kiba engaged with the second Valkyrie, a small blonde woman with close-cropped hair wielding a short sword. His Sword of Betrayer singing as he closed the distance with her and Kiba quickly fell back into a defensive rhythm when their sword’s met, finding the woman to be stronger and faster than she looked. 

Koneko jumped into the fray, swinging her fist at the blonde woman’s head, but the Valkyrie dodged the strike. And when she tried to stab Koneko, she was forced to jump back when Asia created an ice wall between herself and Koneko while Kiba tried to cut her down. 

The third Valkyrie had gone straight for Xenovia with her polearm, and the Devil met her head on with Durandal, the shockwave from the impact sending a ripple through the field and knocking the blue haired Valkyrie backwards. 

Rias joined Xenovia; her hands already raised as her Power of Destruction formed a sweeping arc that forced the Valkyrie back. The crimson energy carved through the air giving Xenovia a brief opening to drive forward again, Durandal clashing against the Valkyrie’s polearm, sparks forming along the two weapons. 

Irina then slashed the Valkyrie’s back while she was focused on Xenovia, drawing blood and forcing her to disengage from Xenovia and fly upwards to prevent herself from being overwhelmed. 

Nearby, Natsuki and Akeno attacked the redheaded Valkyrie together, overpowering her and keeping her from defending herself properly thanks to Gasper’s time stops. But just when Natsuki was going to land the killing blow, Sigrún had finally decided to join the battle, appearing in front of Gasper within the blink of an eye. 

Before Gasper could process what was happening, his world exploded in a shower of blood and pain, as Sigrún backhanded him, turning him into a living rocket as he sent flying. 

“Gasper!” Akeno cried out. 

Koneko turned at Akeno’s shouting, seeing Gasper’s body heading toward her. She disengaged from her fight and jumped up to catch him; the wind almost being knocked out of her when Gasper slammed into her chest. 

When she landed, Koneko gasped, seeing that Gasper’s jaw was hanging off the bottom of his head, just barely holding on with a few strips of muscle and skin, allowing her to see his teeth, bones, and tongue as blood gushed out of him. 

“How disgusting,” Sigrún said softly, lazily flicking Gasper’s blood off her hand. When she turned to look at her sister in arms, her eyes narrowed. “Get up, Hjalna. You embarrass our kind and our king with your weakness.” 

“Forgive me, sister,” Hjalna said, bowing her head. “I will not-” 

A loud bang echoing through the field as the Valkyrie’s head was smashed into the ground, Natsuki’s foot resting on the back of it and pressing the Valkyrie’s body deeper into the earth. She was rendered unconscious as the Devil used her head as a springboard to launch herself at Sigrún. 

Natsuki had activated her Balance Breaker in her rage, swiping at Sigrún with her claws. 

Sigrún avoided each strike with ease, looking over the gold armor of Natsuki’s Scale Mail with a critical eye. She lifted her hand and fired a torrent of flames at the Devil, the attack scorching the ground as it moved. 

“Void Shatter!” A back sun marking formed beneath Natsuki’s feet, snuffing out Sigrún’s flames. 

Once the spell had disintegrated, the Valkyrie leader was already in front of Natsuki, punching her in the face and breaking the face of the Scale Mail's helmet. 

Natsuki growled, digging her feet into the ground. “Solar Flare: Burning Judgment!” 

When the miniature sun she created detonated, Natsuki immediately moved to create a barrier in front of her, just barely keeping Sigrún’s halberd from cutting through her. 

When the smoke around her disappeared, Sigrún emerged undamaged from the Devil’s attack. She smirked again, bringing her weapon down and shattering Natsuki’s barrier. 

The Valkyrie blitzed the Pawn and Sigrún drove her knee into Natsuki’s abdomen, the impact folding Natsuki over before the Valkyrie seized her by the throat and hurled her away, sending her through the remains of the old school building. 

Concrete and dirt exploded around Natsuki as she skidded violently across the ground. When she came to a stop, Natsuki coughed blood as she forced herself back upright; pieces of her Balance Breaker falling off her body. 

[Transfer!] Issei’s [Boosted Gear] suddenly cried out, and the Pawn raised his hand and fired the oncoming beam at Rias. 

Without hesitation, Rias used her newfound strength to cross her arms in front of her to make an x shape; and coated her arms with her Power of Destruction. “Crimson Lotus Nova!” 

The concentrated beam of Power of Destruction was far stronger than the one she used against Sona during their Rating Game thanks to Issei’s power multiplier, flying toward Sigrún at breakneck speed. 

The Valkyrie looked at the incoming blast without alarm, calmly swinging her halberd and splitting the beam in half around her weapon.  

Rias’ spell then carved two enormous trenches through the battlefield before detonating in the distance. The shockwave alone shattered nearby windows across Kuoh Academy and sent dust spiraling into the sky. 

“What the hell?!” Issei shouted in disbelief. 

Sigrún lowered her halberd slowly, violet flames crackling along the edges of the blade. “A crude use of power.” 

She then ducked, and Natsuki flew over her head after trying to land a sneak attack. Natsuki righted herself in midair and fired a Black Bolt at the woman. 

Issei activated his own Scale Mail but before he could run forward, Kiba had been thrown into his side, and the two ended up crashing into Rias, all three Devils being hurled across the ruined field. 

The two remaining Valkyries had decided to work together after Sigrún entered the fray, and Natsuki had knocked out Hjalna, seeing it as necessary once they realized that the four Devils and Angel before them were stronger than they had first thought. 

Their greater experience and teamwork allowed them to keep the Peerage constantly on the defensive and slowly push them back while Sigrún had been focused on Natsuki, Issei, and Rias. 

The blonde Valkyrie twisted around Irina's oncoming strike and slammed the pommel of her sword into her ribs hard enough to break them, before driving a kick into Koneko’s chest when the Devil tried to come to Irina’s aid, sending her flying back a few meters. 

“Koneko!” Asia cried out, immediately rushing toward her friend while the energy of her [Twilight Healing] gathered in her hands. 

The third Valkyrie appeared behind Xenovia at the same time, her polearm whipping around in a brutal arc that caught the exorcist across the side and sent her crashing into the crater wall. But before she could capitalize on this, Akeno used her Holy Lightning to intercept her, forcing the Valkyrie to retreat with a hiss of pain. 

Xenovia threw herself to her feet and used Durandal to create a pillar of light that she fired at the Valkyrie forcing her and the blonde one to fly up into the air to avoid before struck down. 

Across the field, Sigrún threw Issei, Kiba, and Rias away again when they tried to attack her, having grown tired of this display, gripping her halberd tightly before running at Natsuki again. 

The Valkyrie slashed Natsuki across the chest, blood gushing out of the wound as Natsuki’s Scale Mail fully dissipated. 

Fucking hell that hurts! Natsuki thought as her back hit the ground. 

“Natsuki!” Rias shouted. 

Sigrún did not pursue immediately, instead the Valkyrie calmly twirled her halberd once before resting it against her shoulder again, staring down at Natsuki with disappointment. 

“I assumed with your illustrious lineage that you would be stronger than this, it is unfortunate that I have proven to be wrong,” Sigrún said, walking to Natsuki and pressing her foot against Natsuki’s neck. 

Instead of cowering in fear or giving into rage like Sigrún expected her to, Natsuki smiled sharply at her, placing her hand over the Valkyrie’s foot. 

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Natsuki rasped through the blood pooling in her mouth, her grin widening. “I was just trying to figure out how strong you were first.” 

Sigrún’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she realized too late that Natsuki’s hand was not simply gripping her ankle as a black marking appeared beneath Natsuki’s palm, expanding to cover Sigrún’s entire leg. 

“Black Bolt!” 

“Argh!” Sigrún cried out as her right leg was swallowed up and devoured by Natsuki’s spell, removing the limb and cutting off at the bottom of her hip. 

Because the Valkyrie was standing above her, blood from Sigrún’s now open wound, poured onto Natsuki, covering the entirety of her head. 

“You worthless cur!” Sigrún growled, floating high enough of the ground to use her remaining leg to kick Natsuki in the face, the impact of which shattered the most of the girl’s teeth. 

Natsuki laughed, a broken, wet sound as she spat out blood and the pieces of her teeth. The pain was horrible, but it also felt incredible sweet as she drank in the Valkyrie’s own pain and humiliation. 

Sigrún raised her halberd high above her and head and as brought it back down to kill Natsuki, a sword caught the halberd, stopping just a few millimeters from Natsuki’s head. 

Sigrún scoffed as she looked at the newcomer, unimpressed by the woman’s deflection. “So, you have finally detached yourself from Brynhildr’s teat, Rossweisse?” 

“You shame yourself and all of kind with your actions, Sigrún. I have come to return honor to you by granting you a quick death,” Rossweisse said coldly. “Perhaps the Gods may grant you the mercy of entering Valhalla once you do.” 

Sigrún laughed arrogantly, leaning forward to put more of her weight against her halberd, pushing Rossweisse back a step. “You are a few centuries too earlier to think you are my equal.” 

“She may be too young, Sigrún, but I'm not,” The Valkyrie clenched her jaw, her eyes moving upward to see Odin standing at the edge of the battlefield, looking at her with a smirk. 

His presence had stopped the fighting between the Gremory Peerage, Irina, and the Valkyries, filing one side with relief and the other with dread. 

She wanted to fight the Father of Victory, to end him here and now in Loki’s name, but she was not arrogant or foolish enough to believe that she could beat him. She then looked down at Natsuki, the Devil laying behind Rossweisse. 

The moment I try to strike her down, that old bastard will be on me. Sigrún thought, clenching her halberd tightly. 

“Retreat!” Sigrún finally shouted, her voice cutting through the now quiet field. 

The blonde and blue haired Valkyries rushed to their fallen comrade, lifting her unconscious body off the ground and flying into the air, wanting to get as far away from the Chief Deity as possible. 

Sigrún did not look away from Rossweisse or Odin, her jaw tightening in clear frustration. “…This is not over,” 

Her gaze dropped back to Natsuki one last time, irritation filling her very soul when Natsuki smiled at her, looking at the space where her missing leg once was. 

Sigrún flew to her comrades, using her magic to open a portal that the four of them quickly entered, leaving the school grounds. 

Odin walked over to Natsuki and Rossweisse, kneeling next to the Devil’s head, and smiling at her. “Wow, little mutt, you look like shit. That’s pretty impressive given how ugly you were before Sigrún fucked up your face.” 

Natsuki wished that she was strong enough to move her body as Odin laughed at her, wanting nothing more than to punch the old God in his smug face.