Chapter 18 - 15 - Start of Ragnarok

* * * * *

"And? What does this geezer want?"

However, Odin was staring at something else.

"Hohoho, these are quite big--"

He was admiring Rias and Akeno's brėȧsts with lecherous eyes.

"Mou! Odin-sama, you can't look at them with such a perverted gaze! She is the sister of the Maou Lucifer-sama!"

The Valkyrie person called Rossweisse started to hit Odin with a fan.

"Geez, you are so hard headed. Sirzech's sister is famous for being a beauty with a glamorous body and a big bust, so it can't be helped if I end up wanting to stare at her brėȧsts. This is why you are still a vɨrġɨn who never had a boyfriend."

Upon hearing that, Rossweisse fell to her knees and started sobbing.

"T-T-That has nothing to do with this! I didn't choose to not to have a boyfriennnnd! I didn't choose to still be a vɨrġɨnnnn! Sob!"

Sasuke turned his attention to someone else.

"Azazel. What are you doing here?"

"What, you didn't know? I became the adviser of the Occult Research Club."

Azazel started laughing while laughing at their conversation.

"Our mission is to guard Geezer to the Underworld. We are planning to have an alliance. Barakiel is a back up support member from the fallen-angels side. This time, we are having the Gremory Group as back up as well. Sasuke, this Geezer here specifically asked for you."

Odin started to scrutinize and observe Sasuke.

"Hmm...a fine man. Someone fitting to be called the Sekiryuutei. I can see why Sirzech's sister has developed fondness for you."

"Odin-sama!" Rias started to blush so red but Sasuke was not particularly bothered.

"So it's like that, Sasuke. I hope you can help us as well. Having the Sekiryuutei as a bodyguard would be of much deterrence."

Well, I suppose I can help them out this last time--

"Why does this Geezer need bodyguards?"

Azazel then explained to Sasuke.

"There are many Norse Gods who do not approve of Odin's alliance with the Three Factions."

I see--

"Akeno, I would like to talk with you."

Is that?

Akeno and Barakiel--

Sasuke was at the kitchen located on the first floor when he heard a conversation while on his way back to the top floor.

"Don't casually call my name."

"I heard that you are getting closer with the Sekiryuutei. You shouldn't get near such a guy--"

"Don't talk about him like that. Sasuke-kun is...You are the worst. Like I thought, I can't do something like...forgiving you... ..."

"I'm saying this as a father--"

So this is her father--

"Don't act like a father! Then why didn't you come for me back then?! The one who left Kaa-sama to die without helping was you!"

"T-That's why disappear from here! You are not my father!"

Hearing that, Barakiel says it while closing his eyes before leaving.

"... ...Sorry."

Sasuke walked out and his eyes met Akeno's.

"Sasuke-kun... ... Were you listening?"

"Yeah. Sorry."

Akeno started to wipe her tears away while apologizing.

"Sorry you had to see such a sorry sight. I know you told me to forgive him... ...but... ..."

"I--"

Before Sasuke could even say anything, Akeno had plunged forward and embraced him.

She started to hug Sasuke tightly.

"I beg you, Sasuke-kun. ... ...Let me stay like this for a short while. Please, Sasuke... ..."

Her voice is trembling.

Sasuke sighed.

"I won't say much since this is your personal matter. But I will just say this--"

"Treasure whatever you have at the moment while you still can. There are others who want to but have lost everything--"

Hearing that, Akeno hugged Sasuke even tighter.

On a certain night, after several days since Odin arrival.

Sasuke and the other members were at a train station and followed Rias towards an elevator installed within the station.

Rias took out what seemed to be a card from her skirt pocket and turned it towards an electronic panel.

Pi.

Gakun!

Sasuke was seized by a sensation of going down.

"Beneath this station, there is a secret level. It's a route exclusively for devils."

Rias started explaining to Sasuke and her new members.

What confronted Sasuke's sight as he stepped out was--a vast artificial space.

After walking towards a platform, they finally arrived in front of a train with many devil-representing patterns carved into it at acute angles.

Bushu.

The train doors opened automatically.

- - - - -

While everyone else sat with at least another person, only Sasuke had chosen to sit alone at a corner while staring out the window.

The train advanced down a dark tunnel.

As someone who possess the eyes of the Uchiha...

My victory is inevitable.

Now...

Now, I can finally be alone!

Farewell...

My one and only...

Friend

- - - - -

How long has it been since that fight?

Sasuke reached for his pouch as he took out the forehead protector Naruto had given him at the doors of Konoha.

"I'm returning this."

"I'll hang on to it....."

".....Until our real match."

- - - - -

"We'll arrive soon, since it seems that his train passes through the dimensional barrier using official means before it eventually arrives at the Underworld."

Akeno had sat beside Sasuke while explaining to him.

She gave a small smile.

"Thank you, Sasuke-kun. If not for you, I don't think I will have the courage to face my father again. Thank you."

- - - - -

After another 10 minutes after the departure, an announcement could be heard.

[We will momentarily be breaking through the dimensional wall. We will momentarily be breaking through the dimensional wall.]

The scenery changed from the darkness before and a landscape appeared.

- - - - -

For some ten-odd minutes after that, the train continued until it reached it's final destination.

[We will be arriving soon. Everyone, thank you for riding this train.]

They had finally arrived at the territory of the Maous.

- - - - -

After travelling for a short distance, they finally reached a castle.

The surroundings were already close to pitch black, with occasional lighting's to illuminate.

However, the castle in front of Sasuke was brightly lit.

On board the train, everyone had changed into formal dressing except for Sasuke, who was dressed in a black cloak over a black shirt and pants.

His usual attire.

The meeting was not only for the alliance, but also the gathering of young devils, old families, and high-class devils were also in this building.

After travelling up to the top floor pretty quickly, the elevator then stopped at last and the door opened.

As the group took a step outside, they found themselves in a wide hall and a person who seemed to be an employee bowed slightly.

"Welcome, Gremory-sama, Governor Azazel, and Odin-sama. Maou-sama is waiting inside."

- - - - -

It was a large ballroom and the place was filled with guests.

The moment Sasuke stepped into the hall, he noticed something.

A black silhouette.

That is--

"I have never seen Satan-class devils gathered in one place like this." Xenovia exclaimed while looking at her surroundings.

"Make sure not to offend anyone." Rias warned her peerage members.

"Good evening, Rias." A young bespectacled woman, with a slim figure called out while walking towards Rias.

"Good evening, Sona."

Suddenly, a high pitched voice rang out.

"Welcome! Sona!" It was a beautiful girl in her late teens.

Sona turned around in a shock.

"S... ...Sister?"

Rias bowed her head slightly, "It's been a while, Lady Serafall."

"Oh Rias! Is this the rumored Red-Dragon Emperor?" Serafall started staring intently at Sasuke.

"He is quite handsome. Sona-chan, you better not fall for him. Onee-sama is your only love."

Just as the commotion with Serafall started to die down, Sasuke noticed a silhouette in front of him. It was a girl wearing a dress, staring at him really hard.

Huh? I feel like I've seen her somewhere before...

"I-It's been a while, Sekiryuutei."

Sasuke finally recalled after recollecting his memories of his fight with Riser.

"Ah, the sister of that yakitori."

"It's Ravel Phoenix!"

Ravel sighed.

"Thanks to you, Onii-sama has been in low spirits. Well, since he had always relied on his talent and got ċȯċky, it should have been a good lesson for him."

Hah...

I don't care.

Of course, Sasuke didn't speak that out loud.

"I see," Came his usual cold reply.

"Ravel-sama. You have to greet other guests."

A servant walked over and lightly bowed.

"I understand. Sekiryuutei--...No, Sasuke-sama. The next time we meet, would you like to have some tea with me? A-A-And if it's okay with you, maybe try a homemade cake m-m-made by me?"

Ravel raised the hem of her dress, curtsied and hurriedly left.

As Sasuke looked around, a small shadow from the corner of his eye cause his sight.

It was Koneko.

She was quickly heading out of the party room and her expression was absorbed in something.

Then, Sasuke saw that black silhouette again.

Hmm...

Sasuke also noticed another figure.

Rias?

Rias was chasing after Koneko.

- - - - -

Unbeknownst to anyone, Sasuke had gone to an obscure corner of the hall.

Raising up his index and middle finger--

"Shadow Clone Technique (Kage Bunshin No Jutsu)!"

Poof!

One clone materialized.

The two nodded at one another before the clone disappeared.

- - - - -

As Sasuke's clone advanced through the forest for several minutes, he spotted Rias.

"Sasuke?"

She pulled his arm and made him hide in the shadows of a tree.

"What are you doing here?"

"Don't ask. Anyway, what is wrong with that girl?"

"I saw Koneko suddenly leave as if she was following something, so I was worried. I have no idea as well."

Then, Koneko noticed something and turned her gaze in that direction.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Appearing without making a noise, was a woman with cat ears, wearing a black kimono.

"Hello, Shirone. It's me, your onee-chan."

Koneko's whole body shook in violent surprise.

"Onee-chan is very impressed that you came this far following after this black cat that sneaked into your party, nya."

So that was what I saw before.

There was a black cat snuggled close to Kuroka's leg.

"Nee-sama. What is this about?"

"Don't make such a scary face, Shirone. I just had some minor business to take care of. Nyan."

Suddenly, Kuroka's gaze turned to look in the direction of Rias and Sasuke.

"Even if you erase your presence, it's useless. I can detect you with just a slight variation in the flow of your spirit."

Rias and Sasuke stepped out from the shadow of the tree.

However, this time, it was Kuroka who was surprised.

"I only sensed one presence. I could never fathom that there was someone else. And to add on--"

Kuroka licked her lips.

"It's the Sekiryuutei."

- - - - -

"Michael should be arriving soon."

"It's been a while, Odin-sama."

"Hoho, Sirzech's huh-- "

The two started to acknowledge one another.

"Sirzech's, I came in response to your invitation."

"I am very sorry for making you wait." A voice that was as calm and tranquil as water issued out behind Odin.

"Lord Odin, I am glad to see you in good health."

"Michael."

Odin started stroking his beard as the leader of the Angels greeted him.

Sirzech's then faced the crowd and started his speech.

"Devils, Gods and Fallen Angels have reflected on the past and allied together, but there are ones who wish to start war again--"

After pausing for a second, Sirzech's continued--

"The new alliance with the Norse Gods of Asgard is truly heartening. Lord Odin, if you have no objections, please sign the pact monument."

However, a loud voice rang out before Odin could do anything.

"I have an objection."

Sasuke raised his head at the intruder.

"Hmph, so you came after all. Foolish man."

Odin turned around and faced the intruder.

A magic circle materialized and what appeared was a handsome young man with light blue hair and eyes like a delinquent.

He then spread out his arms as he introduced himself.

"I am the Norse God, Loki!"

Sirzechs stepped forward.

"Lord Loki, even though you are a Norse God, you have no right to cause havoc here."

However, Loki revealed a provocative smile instead--

"Seeing our Great Father mingling with other mythologies brings me intolerable pain."

Odin also stepped forward as he glared at Loki.

"Loki, if you return to Valhalla now, I will forgive you."

Loki started laughing as he grabbed his stomach.

"Fuahahaha! Forgive me? Don't joke around, old geezer. If you ally with other mythologies, we will be unable to achieve Ragnarok!"

Azazel looked up at Loki.

"I have heard that before. You are connected to the Chaos Brigade, aren't you?"

"I admit, I have partnered with them. But, this is of my own will!"

- - - - -

Chills.

Sasuke suddenly felt a slight unease.

What is this feeling....--

After proclaiming himself, Loki spread his robes and shouted loudly.

"Very well. Come out! My adorable son!"

After a moment of silence...a rift was created.

Nuuuu... ...

The thing which appeared from the distorted space was...an ash-grey dog? No, it was a wolf.

[... ...Partner, he is dangerous. If you can, you should avoid him.]

"This is bad... ...Everyone, don't lay your fingers on that giant wolf! Keep your distance from it!"

"What is that?" Xenovia asked while raising her sword.

The wolf glared down.

Azazel stepped forward as he explained--

"That is one of the worst and greatest creatures! It has the fangs which can definitely kill a God! It is among the top-class of the worst monsters--"

"-Fenrir!"