Bare This Curse

Chapter 9: Deadly Actions

I grunted as I woke up on some sort of hard floor. I opened my eyes to find myself in a golden hall of some sort. I saw Issei laying beside me.
{And so one of the brothers awakens.}
I looked up and saw a blue female Nephilim and a giant red western dragon.
"Ho-ly crap."
{Hahahaha! First time seeing a dragon, I take it?}
"Nope, but it's been a while."
I pushed myself up to a sitting point as the dragon looked to Issei, narrowing his eyes.
{This is where your wet dream ends, you little pervert.}
Issei's eyes shot open and he gasped.
"I've heard that voice before!"
"Whoa! Bro, calm down. It was just him."
I pointed at the dragon and Issei scrambled back some upon seeing him. The dragon chuckled at this.
{You have heard my voice before. After all, I am inside you.}
{As am I with you, younger sibling.}
I looked to the Nephilim, then to Issei when he spoke up.
"W-What?"
{Why ask the question when you know the answer? We've been speaking to you for quite some time, but I don't think our voices could reach you because the older was too weak, and the younger didn't find his proper calling.}
"You're not making any sense, voice in my head!"
The Nephilim bowed in respect.
{We merely wanted to say hello to our partners. The ones we shall be fighting alongside from this moment on.}
"Partner!? I still don't know who you are!"
The dragon roared.
{Quit being so dramatic! You know exactly who I am.}
My eyes flared as Issei's left arm burst into flames. Then, we were forced back to reality.
-----
"Zzz... Zzzz... Zzzzz..."
*purr*
"Zzzz..."
*purr*
"Zzz- !!"
I blinked as I felt weight shift on me. I figured it was Ophis so I didn't bother waking up.
"Zzzz... Nya..."
'Wait... Nya? Ophis doesn't say... Kuroka!?'
I opened my eyes and looked down on my lap.
"Zzzz... Nyaaaa..."
Right on my lap was Kuroka herself, sleeping soundly with her kimono hanging a bit loosely around her. Ophis was still on my side, waking up just as I was. She looked over to me, then down at Kuroka.
"Ah, she has come, early."
"What about this Vali guy?"
"He is, sleeping upstairs with his sister."
"But there's only two bedrooms."
"Your parents, went on a trip."
"Oh? They went on a trip. Fascinating. Was it to Hell?"
"No. They told me, to give you the heads up. They, are going to America for a while."
"Well d***. So much for telling their children."
I shrugged as Kuroka yawned and stretched.
"Nya, is it time to get up?"
I patted Kuroka's head.
"Yup. Time to get up, for me and Issei, that is. You can go back to sleep if you want."
She purred and rubbed up against me, burying her face in my belly.
"I like my master already, nya.~~"
I looked at Ophis and she showed me that a rook piece. I nodded, assuming that she gave the the piece to Kuroka, and... Wait, his sister?
"Ophis? Who's Vali's sister?"
"Her name is, Valerie. She, is Vali's little sister and is about, Neito's age. She, possesses the Horns of Discord."
"She a Destroyer."
"She, is not herself, but she possesses the spirit, of one."
"Which means I'll have to fight her someday?"
She nodded.
"I gave her your rook piece."
"Huh, I thought you said that Vali and Kuroka were a part of the peerage too."
"They wished to be free, so I let them."
"Ah, alright."
I petted Kuroka some more, then watched Ophis as she looked up at the clock.
"I shall, wake Issei and Asia. Will you be, returning the Evil Pieces?"
"Yea. I was thinking of doing it with Issei, but... Ah, whatever. I'll save him the trouble of facing them."
"Neito will, not go alone."
She flicked Kuroka.
"Get, up."
"Nya, you didn't have to flick my ear..."
I chuckled, then pet Kuroka.
"Sorry about her. Anyway, can you come with me to the ORC. Ophis doesn't want me going alone."
"Nooooo...~"
She rolled over, snuggling into my lap. I heard a yawn from the stairs and saw a busty girl about my age with silver hair walk down the stairs. She walked to the fridge, fishing out a drink and cracking it open, sipping it at the table. It was then an idea popped in my head.
"Hey, why don't I take Valerie, Ophis?"
"Hmm?"
She looked to the silver haired girl, blinked, then walked over to her, poking her head.
"Valerie."
She looked up at Ophis, smiling.
"Oh, good morning, Ophis. What do you need?"
"Come. Meet, Neito."
"My master?! OK!"
'Huh, seems a bit bubbly. Ah well. Gotta have the enthusiastic ones too.'
Valerie stood up and followed Ophis back into the living room. The latter sat on the recliner while Valerie waved.
"Hi, Neito! I'm Valerie, possessor of the Horns of Discord and am a Nephilim."
I nodded to her.
"Nice to meet you, Val. I'm Neito, the possessor of the Eyes of Judgement. I am also a Nephilim."
"Wow, really! Ophis didn't tell me that! That's incredible!"
"Heh, thanks. It's nice to see others out there. First Anba, now you."
"Anba?"
"Possessor of Peace, apparently."
"She still in town?"
"Dunno. Haven't seen her since the park incident with Raynare. She's still out there, though, and I have to be ready for her. Speaking of which..."
I lifted up Kuroka's head and placed a pillow under it as I stood up.
"Would you mind accompanying me to the ORC to return Issei's Evil Pieces to Rias Gremory?"
"Gremory? You mean that girl that I was told was a bit meanie?"
"Yea, her."
"Erm... Normally I'd say no, but you're my master, so..."
"I'm not gonna force you. I can very well manage on my own. Just asking."
"W-Well... OK. I'll come too. It'll be nice to get accustomed to the school I'll be signing up for with Asia."
"Signing up?"
I glanced at Ophis and she shrugged.
"Best way to, keep them safer."
I sighed.
"Next time, tell me before you make decisions, OK?"
"OK."
I grabbed my jacket and threw it on, grabbing Issei's old pieces off the counter top and stuffing them in my pocket before walking out with Valerie right behind me. I showed her various hotspots of the town before we got to Kuoh. It was a long walk though considering that I'm rather slow when I just get up and get no caffeine. Anyway, we made our way inside the gate and I'll be honest, when this place has no students wandering about talking with each other, it feels rather empty at the Academy. I stopped at the edge of the forest path when I felt a familiar signature make itself known.
"Ah hell..."
"You felt that too, Neito?"
"Yea... Phenex... Keep your guard up. This guy thinks he's tough sh** and that everything around him is inferior, so he won't hesitate to make a move or attack you. You may be a Nephilim and you may be powerful, but please, stay behind me at all times in there."
She nodded and followed me in when I opened the door. I heard Riser's voice from above as I climbed the steps.
"Ah, and Riser has arrived to the human realm. I've come this far to see you, my beloved Rias."
"Also, dude's a major a**hat who's engaged to Rias."
"Perfect couple?"
"Not even close. Rias may be a mega-selfish b****, but even I wouldn't wish her with Riser."
"He's that bad, huh?"
"You have no idea."
"Lord Riser. Please, sit."
"Yes, Lady Grayfia."
Valerie widened her eyes.
"The Ultimate Queen?"
"Yup. She's up there, but we can take her if things go south."
She nodded, eyes narrowed.
"Right."
We slowed our pace when we reached the hall with the double doors leading into the lounge. I stopped at the side of the door, listening in.
"Lovely. The tea prepared by love's queen is most delicious."
"Thank you for the compliment, sir."
There was a pause for a moment. Valerie wanted to take charge, but I shook my head. She held off and waited till my signal.
"That's enough, Riser. Let it go. Why can't I make you understand? I have no intentions of ever marrying you."
"But, my darling. Riser believes that your family's circumstances are as such that you cannot afford to be so selfish."
"I will not bring my family to ruin. I have no intentions of denying you the right to our name, but let me be clear, my husband will be MY choice."
I heard footsteps coming up the steps. It was Ophis and Issei. I held my hand out to them to stop and they did right behind Valerie. I continued to listen in.
"Remember, it is imperative for Devils to remain Pureblood. We're still recovering our numbers from the last war. Both your father and Sirzechs had this engagement arranged with the future of Devils in mind."
"Engagement?"
I nodded at Issei, then put a finger on my lips. I whispered to him.
"Rias has been engaged to Riser Phenex for a while now. This is the whole reason why you were brought into the peerage. To free her from that a**hole, which, I might add, is a somewhat excusable reason because of how bad this guy is."
"He's that bad, huh?"
"Yyyyyup... Now shh..."
I turned back to the door.
"My father, my brother, and my entire clan made this decision because they are in too great a rush. For the final time, Riser, I will NOT marry you!"
"For the last time, Rias, Riser bears the name of the House of Phenex. Besmirching our good name is unacceptable, and Riser does not care if he has to incinerate everyone in this room. You WILL return to the Underworld with me!"
I heard the sizzling of a fire and walked to the center of the door, reeling back my foot and kicking it open.
{Time Break!}
I dashed over in front of Rias's peerage, summoning a pure blue Magic Circle. Once time resumed, the fire was doused out by the Water Circle. I lowered it as my current team walked in.
"And Neito says if anyone's gonna f*** up Rias's life, it's gonna be me, a**hole."
Issei stood by me, summoning the Boosted Gear along with Valerie jumping beside me, preparing to summon her Nephilim Gear if need be. My eyes glowed indigo as I rose my hand to him, summoning several Indigo Circles that floated around me and my team. Ophis merely sat down at the couch, taking Riser's cup of tea and drinking it.
"Akeno Himejima's tea, is really good."
Akeno perked up and bowed to her respectfully.
"T-Thank you, Ophis."
"Ophis?!"
I turned my hand and guarded Ophis with the Indigo Circle when Grayfia used her ice magic on her. I grabbed Ophis with a Telekinetic Circle and placed her on Issei's shoulders. She rubbed his head, muttering 'Big Brother Issei'. Grayfia glared at me.
"What is the meaning of this intrusion?"
"I'm not here to cause a scene. Or, at least I wouldn't be if Riser hadn't tried to fry Rias's peerage."
I turned my attention to the man himself.
"You claim that Rias has to marry you, and she doesn't want to. Whether or not it was arranged for the 'good of all Devils', this forced engagement is wrong, and I think both Houses agree."
"Silence, human! Do not speak to Riser as if you are on the same level!"
"Actually, you seem to misjudge me there. I'm not human, and neither is Valerie here."
{Judgement: Overdrive!}
{Discord: Burst!}
My eyes burned a blue flame as two horns stuck out from Valerie's head.
"I am Neito Shumitto, the bearer of the Eyes of Judgement. I am a Nephilim."
He choked on his words as Rias noticed Issei, finally.
"Issei, where were you? I called you here an hour ago."
He glared at her, making her back down. Hearing her voice made me remember why I was here.
"Ah, right. The reason I'm here. You need your pawns, don't you, Rias?"
She nodded, no doubt thinking that I'm here to deliver Issei. I fished out the bag of pawn pieces and threw them on her desk.
"There you go. 8 pawn pieces returned to you. You're welcome."
"W-What?"
"I don't want to serve someone who throws away an innocent life away, especially to the enemy. You're lucky Asia survived because Ophis was there to create new pieces for me to inherent."
"Inherent? Issei, what are you talking about? Without these Evil Pieces, you will die!"
"Actually, that's where you're wrong, Rias. Ophis created a new set of Indigo Pieces for me to recruit my own little team. Issei, Valerie, Ophis, Vali, and... someone else... is on my team."
"Neito, why? Please, just tell me. Why do you hate me to the point of stealing my servants away?"
"You mean reclaiming my brother?"
I looked up at Ophis and she nodded, feeling it was time for me to open up to everyone, even with the d***head in the room with me.
"Hahhh... Alright, fine. Aside from the obvious points I can clarify about you, I hate you because you've killed me more times than I can count."
"Wait, what?"
"Have you ever heard of Cursed Sacred Gears?"
"Yes. They're Sacred Gears that permanently fuse with the user, forever staying with them. They're only so many so they're incredibly rare."
"Yea, and I happen to possess one. Would you like to know which one?"
She nodded hesitantly. I nodded at Ophis and she looked at Rias.
"Neito has, Cursed Time; A Sacred Gear, that was never controlled or utilized by anyone. Whenever, someone were to die, the world would rewind, to a certain point, forcing that user to play out their, lives over and over again. There, are other powers such as the demonstrated Time Break, and there are others he has not found yet like, Speed Break. Most, users go insane after about a, hundred reruns of the world, and that's what surprises and interests, me about Neito. He, has gone through 3058 reruns of this world, dying in numerous gruesome ways."
I chuckled as I closed my eyes sadly.
"First, it was death by Raynare about 15 times, then Dohnaseek for a while, then Kalawarner, then Freed, then Raynare again, and the Priests from inside the church we stormed, and don't even get me started on the suicides. I'm actually surprised I didn't go bonkers either."
"But what does that have to do with me?"
I gave Rias a passive glare.
"When I reached the point where I defeated Riser Phenex for the first time, in run 158-"
"Ha! What a joke! Now we know you're lying because you can never defe-"
"Shut the f*** up!"
I flared my power, making him take a step back. I cooled it and turned back to Rias.
"When I defeated Riser in run 158, I came back to celebrate with all of you. I even made a pledge, a promise, to serve you for eternity. But, it didn't work out like that. You all held me to the ground, telling me I played my part as you ripped my lifeline from my beating heart. You told me that was the pact, and that I was destined to die after the engagement was ruined. Do you know how many times you've done this to me?"
No response. I chuckled, then glared at her with a grin.
"2900 times, and each time, I would always trust you because I kept thinking it'd all be different one of these times... Nope... Every f***in run was the same. Defeat the bad guy, save the girl, get killed by said girl. By run 196, I began to stop caring, and at 267, it all became numb, and at 1856, it all began to be a blur, and when I hit the three thousands, I... didn't... care... anymore. It wasn't until Ophis came along in run 5038 that I began to feel again. She's the only one who remembers, and I owe her for being here for me and keeping me myself throughout all this agonizing pain and despair."
I glared at Rias again, this time, with a bigger and edgier smirk.
"I... HATE... YOU... Rias Gremory. You not only threw my trust away, but you stomped on in, ground it under your foot, and spat on it numerous times. And every time I got stronger for you, I felt like I was getting weaker. Do you know how it feels to be surrounded by loved ones, to have a real smile, only to die by leader, go back, and wonder why she did that? Yet, each time, I vowed to never become scum like you, and to protect those I love FROM you. Do you get why I do this now?"
"D-Do what?"
"The fake smile, the feign happiness."
Issei frowned at me.
"I guess that's why you were acting so differently while we were moving. When you woke up... Well, you weren't like this before. Not in the beginning."
Ophis nodded.
"In, the previous runs, his soul was pure. I, have observed Neito throughout the various runs while, also trying to contact him. His, soul was different in his previous lives. His smile, his laugh, his cries. They, all meant something."
Valerie blinked, confused.
"So... Neito's current personality is his only hope he has left?"
"The, first time Rias Gremory killed Neito... I will admit, the look on his face concerned me. It, made me wonder if he was to break."
Ophis floated off Issei and hugged me from behind.
"He, always tried to find out why, but never got any answers other, than what Rias always told him."
My grin began to falter as tears came down my face. Ophis rubbed my chest as she continued.
"'This, must be a bad dream'. 'Why, did she do that?'. Neito, is right. After, so many lives taken, he started wondering many things. The, obvious one was whether or not he should tell someone, but deep down, he knew that nobody would, remember. So, he became distant, and cared less..."
I sniffed as I had a hard time keeping my grin up.
"He, either wants to see what happens after, or die. Anything, but go back. So, to avoid being pained, he put himself on a set of rails, having his own sentences mentally, recorded. He was the literal, definition of a record player on repeat."
I chuckled, then wiped my eyes as I laughed a bit, remembering the pain and feeling it all over again as flashes of those suppressed memories flooded back.
"He, only loses himself, when he fights. Before, he awoke from his prison of looping worlds, he was relentless, brutal, and unforgiving. I, have seen what he is."
I chuckled again as I recited two verses I always spoke to Raynare when she grovels at my feet in defeat.
"Why... even try...? Give up... I did..."
I saw tears welling up in Rias's eyes as the rest reacted to this. Issei was in a saddened shock, Kiba was frowning in sorrow, Akeno was actually crying, Koneko and Grayfia just looked depressed. Riser, however, showed no care. He just looked like this was taking up his time. Ophis pointed at Rias.
"He, enjoys hurting you, and only you. Not, Raynare. Not, Riser. Not, even your peerage when he decided to, kill you all immediately in number 2011. He only, enjoys hurting you, like you hurt him."
"Do you get it now, Rias? Do you understand my hatred? What I've BEEN through? How I'm so powerful?"
"I... I-"
"Bah! Enough of this! Rias! You will return with me immediately! We have already wasted enough time here as it is! Come!"
He grabbed her arm, snapping me back to reality and countering his front. I blasted him to the wall with the other Indigo Circle.
"Don't you touch the woman I hate!"
Riser pushed himself up from the floor and the wall, growling at me.
"You dare strike a Phenex Nobleman!?"
"I dare strike the a**hole who touched the girl that will only be hurt BY ME!"
Riser sped towards me, and I planned to counterattack, but I was stopped when a hand grabbed my head, forcing me into two squishy mounds. A wall of ice came up between me and Riser. I looked up to see Grayfia had protected me from him.
"There will be no violence. If it were up to me, I would have you sent back to your household empty handed, Lord Riser. How dare you take this lightly."
"Forgive me, my lady, but this is just a sob story that doesn't involve us!"
"It does, indeed, involve us! Here we are, standing right in front of a broken Nephilim who has the Cursed Time Sacred Gear! Did you NOT hear that, Lord Riser?! If he dies again, our lives will repeat."
"Actually..."
I pushed myself away, stuffing my hands in my pockets.
"Kruonis came in touch with me by a letter from the notebook I had coming here."
"The Lithuanian Goddess of Time?"
"Yea. She told me she had no idea who gave me the Cursed Gear, or why I even have it, but she couldn't remove it completely. She could only take away Timer, which is what I call the repeat system I've had all this time."
"So, you only have a part of it."
"Yea, and I was just waiting to die at this point. That way, me and Issei can just ascend, and spend our lives together in peace, like my original dream was. I was waiting for Rias to kill us..."
"Riser has heard enough. Since you are not the matter of life or death in this situation anymore, I can kill you freely! Burn in the flames of my clan!"
I rose another Indigo Circle, blocking the flames. Grayfia froze his hand.
"Regardless if he is to repeat or not, this is still a matter of discussion with our leaders. There may be a chance that the power may copy or resurface in the Cursed Gear, and even if he did not have the Cursed Time, he is still a very powerful ally. Even I would not be able to kill him, only seal him in ice, or injure him greatly. And it is also news that Ophis has taken a side. Neito..."
I looked up at Grayfia.
"After negotiations, I wish for you to meet the higher ups of the Gremory Family. Would you be able to accompany me back?"
I glanced at Ophis and my team. The majority shrugged while Ophis nodded. I sighed, then smiled at Grayfia.
"As long as I can take a long nap on the way there, I'll be good. Ophis, I'll leave you in charge while I'm gone."
"OK."
"Now then. Back to the matter at hand. My Lady Rias? Lord Riser? As you know, I am here originally by order of Sirzechs. From this moment forward, there will be no more disruptions of peace."
Riser growled at me, then frowned as he backed away again.
"When told such an ominous thing by the one who is known as the Ultimate Queen, even Riser becomes somewhat fearful."
"My master anticipated there'd be a conflict of some sort, and as such, he has assigned me a last resort."
"Right. Would you care to be more specific, Grayfia?"
She nodded at Rias.
"If my Lady Rias thinks her own personal preferences are above those in her household, she is to settle this via a Rating Game with Lord Riser."
Issei blinked.
"A Rating Game?"
He turned to Valerie as she explained.
"It's basically a game Noble Devils play. To keep it simple, they and their peerages fight on a set battlefield for dominance."
"Like the chess thing?"
"Yes. It's exactly why the Devils were inspired by what is known as the Evil Pieces."
Riser scoffed, grinning smugly.
"Riser has played many games and has scored plenty of wins for himself. Unfortunately, my inexperienced bride has yet to even qualify for one."
"Yea, but that's only because mature Devils are the ones allowed to play. As you know, Rias is still in high school, so I don't think you can use that against her, buddy."
He glared harshly at me before looking among Rias's peerage.
"Rias, I have to ask. Is this adorable group the extent of your servants? They're all you have?"
"And so what if they are?"
"Ha!"
Riser snapped his fingers, making a Phenex Circle appear. 15 familiar girls to me appeared from that Circle.
"Riser has 15 pieces. In other words, I have a full set."
Issei stuttered at them.
"15!? And they're hot as hell! D*** it! Issei hates him so much! Why am I not this guy?!"
I laughed out, feeling lighthearted from antics.
"Oh, I almost forgot how much your antics can brighten up the mood, even if they're sometimes borderline stupid."
Ophis floated up and patted Issei's head.
"Pat. Pat."
Riser blinked at Issei.
"Rias... Why does he...?"
"Because his dream is to have a harem."
Ravel grimaced at him.
"Eww, what a total barbarian."
I smirked at Ravel.
"Says you! That's my second dream alongside being with my brother. If he doesn't succeed, I'd get a harem for him. A brother's gotta watch out for his sibling, y'know. Wouldn't you say the same?"
Ravel looked down in thought as Riser rose an eyebrow at Issei.
"Really? Hmm... Yubelluna!"
"Yes, my lord."
Yubelluna walked out of the crowd and right when she got to Riser, he lifted her gaze up to his and made out with her. I could care less, but Issei...?
"D***!"
He was being himself. Riser fondled Yubelluna and smirked at Issei.
"No matter how long you live, you'll never have what I do. You were once a lower class Devil, and now you're a lowly human."
"Shut up! Once I become powerful enough to make my own team, I'll get all the ladies I want, you stupid Phenex breath! Or should I say Penix breath?"
I laughed at Issei's attempt at humor. I looked to Rias's peerage along with Valerie and Ophis.
"Isn't my brother f***in cool?"
Riser growled as they sweatdropped at us.
"How dare you! You should know your place when you speak to me!"
"Screw you! I may not be a member of her peerage anymore, but the only person I need to impress is Rias! I don't give a sh** what you think of me!"
He raised his gauntlet up.
{Boost!}
"We don't need to play some d*** game! I'll kick your a**, right here and right now!"
He dashed at Riser and I widened my eyes.
"Karlamine!"
The knight rushed from the group of girls, charging at Issei with a flaming sword.
{Time Break!}
I dashed around the couches and got in front of Issei just in time to-
"GAK!!!"
*SPLURT*
I gasped for air as the sword drilled deep into the center of my chest. I grabbed it to keep her from pushing it in further. My Eyes of Judgement receded back into my body from the injury's affects. I grinned at Karlamine as I reeled back my fist.
"Like I said... I'd do anything... for my bro."
*CRACK*
I punched off her head gear as I broke her jaw with the punch. I yanked the sword out and snapped it in half over my knee, throwing the pieces down at the knight. I put a hand on my wound as I coughed up some blood. I stumbled a bit, trying to stand up right.
"Ha! Imagine, the bearer of one of the feared Nephilim so incredibly worthless."
"Grrrr..."
I threw up my other hand, summoning three Indigo Circles that surrounded Yubelluna and Riser. I snapped my fingers and fired, having the magic engulf them both. Riser regenerated the damage dealt, but Yubelluna was heavily scarred and burned, almost to the point of being disheveled.
"Don't f*** with the Hyoudou-Shumitto brothers, d***. Grayfia. My rook, Valerie; my queen, Ophis; my bishop, Asia; my pawn, Issei; and I will take our place as free pieces on the battlefield."
"I... will have to ask permission, but if the request is granted, then it is OK."
"O-Ophis... Help..."
I fell to my knees as she quickly floated over, pouring her magic into my body, healing me. I took a breath, sighing as the pain went away. I sat back as Rias walked over to me, checking me.
"Grayfia. Tell brother I accept the Rating Game as long as they compete with me."
"As I said, it is up to them. But, I will put in a good word."
"Riser. Believe me when I say that me and my bro are going to absolutely destroy you."
"I look forward to frying you on the battlefield, human. Your end comes there."
He disappeared through a Phenex Circle and I stood up, coughing out the last of the blood.
"Ahhhck... Ah... Ophis? Can you go home and tell Asia and the others where I'm going while I'm away?"
She nodded as I turned to Grayfia.
"You said you wanted me to come with you after the negotiations. We going?"
She nodded, then motioned me to follow her as a grey Magic Circle appeared upon her using her own magic. I waved back at everyone.
"See you in about... a day or so."
They waved back as I stepped through. I found myself on a moving train going through some sort of void. I glanced around the place, then crashed on the couch. Grayfia sat down beside me politely. A few minutes of silence passed before she spoke.
"Are you well, Neito?"
"Hmm? Yea, I'm cool. Ophis's magic heals me up all the time. It just... *yawn* leaves me a bit beat because it requires a bit of my energy as well to patch me back together."
"Well, rest assured. I will notify the House of Gremory of this assault and your bravery as well as your... past predicament."
"Do what you want, Grayfia. All I'm doing is meeting the heads of the House of Gremory. Who are they again?"
"Their names are Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory. They are Rias's parents."
"Figures. With Rias being the Heiress, I'd assume her parents would assume the role before her since her brother's a Devil King."
I yawned again, then leaned back, slowly closing my eyes.
"Zzzz... Zzzz... Zzzz..."
Grayfia smiled and brushed my head as we continued down the track.
-----
"Neito...? Neito!"
"Zzzz... Zz- *snort* Eh...?"
"Come. We are here."
"Oh?"
I stretched, yawning again.
"Already?"
"What do you mean? It's been five hours."
"That's five minutes for me."
I stood up, lazily following her off the train with my hands stuffed in my pockets. I then proceeded into a carriage with her that was pulled by some sort of crimson horses. We rode all the way there and I used my magic to summon a can of MD. I cracked it open and took a sip, letting its caffeine sink in as we came to a halt about 5 minutes later. I got out before Grayfia and held the door for her.
"Thank you, Neito."
"No problem."
I shut the door and followed her through a luxurious courtyard that was absolutely beautiful. We soon stopped in front of a manor, a BIG one at that.
"Ho-ly crap..."
Grayfia grinned in amusement.
"Big, is it not?"
"Big? Really? You're gonna go with big? Look at this place!"
She giggled as the doors opened. 5 maids bowed at Grayfia.
"""""Welcome home, Lady Grayfia and guest."""""
She bowed back and I waved.
"Thank you. It is a pleasure to be back. This is Neito. Please treat him well."
The maids all turned to me as I took another sip. I grinned and winked at the 5.
"Heya. Name's Neito. I'm a Nephilim who possesses the Eyes of Judgement. I hope to see ya 'round."
They squealed and whispered to each other how cute I was. I sighed, getting deja vu as I followed Grayfia in. She looked to one of the butlers by the stairs.
"Where is the Mistress and Master?"
"The Mistress is right upstairs and down the hall. The Master is out, but will be back for dinner."
"I'm having dinner with you all?"
Grayfia nodded.
"It's the least I can propose after all that's happened."
I waved her off.
"You don't need to apologize for anything, Gray. None of that was anyone's fault other than Riser's. Besides, I knew very well what I was doing."
"I'm sure. Come. The Mistress is right up this way."
She led me up the stairs and down a hall. As we walked down it, a line of maids and butlers formed at my sides.
"Geez. Word spreads around here faster than at Kuoh Academy. New kid drama ain't got nothing here."
She snickered before smiling ahead at a boy who came running to her.
"Mom! You're home!"
He glomped her and she laughed.
"Millicas! Hello, my son."
'Wow, she's like a completely different person here. Then again, this is her home.'
"Hey, Grayfia? Who's the kid? Your son?"
"Yes. He is my and Sirzechs' son, Millicas Gremory."
"Whoa! Whoa! The Devil King hitched it with the Ultimate Queen!? Dude! Talk about an awesome pair up!"
She smiled brighter as she looked down at Millicas.
"Be a good boy and introduce yourself."
"OK."
He walked over to me, holding a hand out.
"My name is Millicas Gremory. It's a pleasure to meet you."
I shook his hand.
"Heya, kid. Name's Neito Hyoudou Shumitto. I'm a Nephilim who bears the Eyes of Judgement."
"Wow, really?!"
{Judgement: Overdrive!}
My eyes glowed indigo as my wings burst from my back.
"Yup, and my bro's the newest incarnation of the Red Dragon Emperor, but he's got a long way to go."
"That's so cool! A Nephilim and a Dragon as siblings!"
"Sounds like a frigging fairy tale, don't it?"
"Yea!"
"Neito?"
I looked beside me, then around when Grayfia was no longer beside me. I looked ahead, seeing her by a pair of double doors.
"Please, won't you come in?"
The doors opened by themselves, making me jump.
"Umm... OK, then. Sure."
I walked towards the doors as Millicas ran ahead. I entered and nearly felt my heart drop by a soothing, motherly, and somewhat seductive voice.
"My, my. What poor behavior."

I blinked at her, then decided to just forget rationalizing it now. I motioned to Millicas as I smiled again.
"Well, we're in Hell, so that's kind of a given, right?"
The woman looked up at me.
"Well, hello there. I didn't expect for us to have visitors."
"I didn't expect to be invited here after all that crap with Rias and Riser, but here I am."
"Excuse me?"
"Please excuse his behavior, Lady Venelana. That's just how he is, and he's been through quite a lot to still be wearing that smile of his."
"Heh... Way to darken the mood, Gray."
"Oh, my apologies."
"No, no. Only messing with ya. Not as if it hurts so much anymore. Pain just went numb after I went to sleep."
Venelana frowned at me, then smiled again.
"Well, let me introduce myself. I'm Rias's mom, Venelana Gremory."
"Heya, I'm Neito Shumitto, brother of the current Red Dragon Emperor and the wielder of the Eyes of Judgement. I'm a Nephilim."
"Oh! You don't say! Well, this would be the first time I met one, especially one so young."
"Lady Venelana. There is a matter I need to discuss with you and the Master."
"Well then, please sit. He won't be back till tonight for dinner, so we can go ahead and start this conversation without him."
"Very well."
I followed them to the couches, taking a seat in a luscious recliner. I sank in it a bit and sighed in relaxation.
"So what is this matter we need to address, Grayfia?"
"It involves Neito. He possesses a Cursed Gear."
"Which one?"
"Cursed Time, I'm afraid."
Venelana frowned at me as I looked to the side. I closed my eyes and let them talk things out over this since I've already given the information once, and I don't want to do it again. It hurts a little too much. I came back in when the explanation was finished.
"Oh my... I can't imagine what you have gone through, child."
"Remember when I said the pain went numb? Yea, about a thousand lives ago, I went that way. Almost went insane one time, and even killed Rias and her crew outright in one run. I don't like to talk about it unless it's necessary."
"I see... Well, I find it incredible enough that you are friends with the Ouroboros."
"She's the only one who remembers. We've been pals since my last life."
"I understand completely on that part. Tell me, are you interested in having dinner over?"
"Grayfia mentioned something like that. As long as it's OK with you guys, it's fine with me. Usually, I'm the one who does the cooking for Ophis and my friends, so it's nice to relax for once in the kitchen."
She giggled.
"It's nice to have chefs."
"Oh! I freaking bet! Holy crap! You rich people and your freaking luxuries! Look at this place! Comparing my place to this, it's literally a room... I-I'm not even kidding! My house is a ROOM in this manor!"
I placed a hand on my head as I looked up, then remembered Riser and looked at Venelana seriously.
"Say, if you don't mind, I have to ask something."
"Go ahead, dear."
"Is it really that important to get Rias engaged like this? Especially since I hear that her engagement is supposed to be postponed till after her graduation of college?"
"Times have been tough, Neito. Some things needed to happen sooner, though I do acknowledge that my husband didn't do so good in this situation. He should have chose the boy Rias likes as a fiance to begin with."
I nodded in agreement, then looked up at her when she stood.
"Well, I must go supervise dinner to make sure it is well made. I will see you at dinner, Neito."
"Alright. See ya."
She smiled and walked away, Millicas following after her. I looked at Grayfia.
"Is it alright for me to take another nap till dinner?"
"Feel free. I will have one of my maids escort you when it's time."
"Thanks, Gray."
She bowed and walked out, closing the door behind her. I leaned back in my chair, relaxing as I closed my eyes once again.

'I can't tell if things are looking up or going down the toilet.'