Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 189 - The Underworld

After a long train journey, one spent enjoying drinks, conversing, seeing sights and enjoying the luxuries of nobility, they arrived in the Underworld. Also known as the Netherworld. However, what they saw from the tinted windows of the train wasn't a burning, blazing landscape of lava and hellfire. Souls screaming and begging for mercy and forgiveness. Yet unlike what Sona said, Kunou wasn't disappointed at the Underworld being completely different from how she imagined.

The skies of the Underworld were in dark shades of deep purple, indigo and black. There was no sun, yet the slowly darkening sky seemed to indicate there was day and night. An artificial perception of time. Yet at the same time looked like the realm was in a state of perpetual twilight, so despite the slightly brighter sky, it created an eerie yet majestic atmosphere. Paired with the stable and calm weather, there was an almost ethereal ambience.  Completely unlike Takamagahara and its divine atmosphere. A perfect one.

When they were in the train they could see the Underworld had diverse landscapes, from vast plains and dense forests to mountain ranges. The terrain seemed both beautiful and menacing, with landscapes that might appear serene but were filled with hidden dangers. The Underworld had much larger landmasses with no oceans or seas in sight, just lakes. Dark waters reflecting the dark skies.

The architecture looked amazing from up high. Cities were shaped in hexagonal blocks. Even looking around and walking in a group, the cities were busy and bustling with all kinds of devils. You never would have thought that wars wiped out most of their population and crippled Devil kind.

Yet while the color scheme of the Underworld was dark, with deep purples, blacks, and dark blues dominating the palette. There were also bright, contrasting colours in magical effects or certain architectural features, providing a striking contrast.

Walking with Rias, they weren't that far from the Gremory estate. A large noble family residence, a mansion huge compared to Jin's house. It was four floors like Jin's house, yet the mansion size seemed to stretch for blocks both in width and length.

Jin: Why are we all walking to the Gremory estate again? I thought the plan was to go to the Sitri residence. {Didn't we come to the Underworld because Sona's parents wanted to really get to know me? Now that I think about it, I can meet Rias' parents too.}

Rias: This is technically easier for you. We're walking to my family's estate because not only does everyone get to see part of the Underworld, but my family's estate is closest to the train station. Me, you and Koneko will head in then everyone else will teleport to the Sitri residence with Sona.

Rias said as this was the easiest plan and Sona agreed with it. You couldn't walk to the Sitri estate from the station in the Gremory territory. The Gremory territory was the size of Houshu Japan 1,300 km in length. With Sitri not being anywhere near the Gremory territory. Not a walkable distance.

Sona: It will also be better for you Jin because we can unpack all of the stuff. By the time you come back, you'll be welcome to a ready-made and prepared room.

Koneko: Do Hinata and Taiki have to stay at the Sitri residence?

Koneko said holding Jin's hand and walking beside him, looking up at him as she knew that if Hinata and Taiki were at the Sitri residence, she would see them a lot less. Or she would have to ask Rias or Akeno to help her visit the Sitri residence often. She didn't know teleportation magic so she couldn't do it herself.

Jin: Don't worry. When we get back to my place, I'll let you play with them before we come back. On top of that, just text me and I'll be there to pick you up and take you to them. I promise.

Jin said with a smile as he liked being a part of a fur ball that surrounded Koneko. Resting together with Hinata, Taiki and Koneko was peaceful. But Jin's words caused a blush on Konekos face, causing her to look down to hide it. Noticeably tightening her grip on his hand.

Jin: {Maybe I should've brought Hinata and Taiki on the train. Koneko would have had a lot more time with them. I just didn't know how they would react on a train so I was going to teleport them here.}

Jin had left Taiki and Hinata at home because he didn't know exactly how he was getting to the Underworld. The so-called proper method to get to the Underworld was unknown to him. Even if he knew it was a supernatural train, he didn't know the rules of the train either. Did they allow pets on board? He wouldn't want to store them in cages, Jin saw that as cruel.

Plus he didn't have cages to put them in.

Walking to the Germory mansion, they came to large metal gates that opened in the presence of Rias Gremory, golden spiked tips and statues that Jin could make much better.

Rias: I guess this is where we part.

Kunou: Awwwww. Why does Jin have to do this now? Can't he help Koneko move later?

Kunou asked swinging back and forth on Jin's shoulders. Clinging onto him, not wanting to let go. Wanting Jin to help Koneko later rather than now.

Koneko: Back off puppy. Your brother is mine for the day.

Akeno: Oh~. So forward~.

Koneko blushed again as she didn't mean it like that. Holding Jin's hand tighter with the strength of a Rook. Leaving Kunou giggling as she lost the battle, but won the war.

Jin: Kunou.

Kunou: Big Brother~.

Kunou said but Jin's silence spoke volumes. He didn't need to say anything for Kunou to understand. She was mistaken, she had lost the war. Glowing blue and turning into a fox, jumping into Akenos bosom. Letting Akeno hold her in a warm and soft embrace.

Jin: I'll be back soon. Sona, I assume I'll be sleeping with all of you, with Kunou in her own room.

Sona: You'd be correct.

Kunou: Oh come on!

Kunou said as she looked at Koneko, walking away with Rias and Jin. Koneko with a smug smile looked at Kunou. Koneko knew exactly what was on Kunous mind.

Koneko: I won the battle and you will not win the war. Try again in a few more years.

Koneko mouthed as Kunou widened her eyes. But smiled widely as Koneko softly smiled.

Kunou and Koneko had found a best friend. Each other. They both knew each other very well, despite only meeting each other a few times.