Trials of the God-Harem King [Highschool DxD/Exalted] (CLOSED)

[Alexander]

[X] Activate Boosted Gear, Fists of Iron, Fist of the Daystar Form, Orichalcum Fists of Battle and Monkey Leap Technique.
----

With little more then a thought hard earned reflexes come to the fore and you slip into your combat stance as essence pools around your fists and body.

The gorilla roars and charges at you.

Stone shatters as you propel yourself into the air, deftly maneuvering your body around one of the lumbering strikes of your target as you fly towards it, fist cocked and blazing with power. You drive your hand into the youkai's face, shattering stone and gravel like wet paper. The monster cries out in pain as the force of the blow send him reeling back and on the ground. Golden flames erupt from the injury, greedily licking and searing what pass for flesh in the monster's body.

Using the momentum you flip yourself away, giving yourself enough time to take a quick glance around the battlefield and see how your companions are doing before landing on your feet once more.

"Hahahaha!!" Shougo is laughing as he keeps landing hit after hit on the youkai's body in his usual random pattern. The gorilla already lost an arm, and it is by all means cornered.

However, suddenly it manages to catch Shougo with a kick. The young man is sent reeling back, but regain his equilibrium with a back roll.

"I felt that." He casually comments.

Then he grins as he dodges the youkai's next blow and retaliates with a spinning kick.

Kitsukawa Style, First Secret Technique – Prana Piercing Technique
Cost: 2m for dice/4m
Mins: Martial Arts 2, Essence 2
Type: Reflexive (Step 8 )
Keywords: Combo-OK, Obvious
Duration: Instant
Prerequisite Charms: None
The first personal Charm Shougo Kitsukawa created by himself after awakening his Essence. By injecting his essence directly into the target, he learned how to destroy it from within. After calculating the raw damage of a physical attack, before rolling the character can pay 2 motes to convert a single dice of raw damage into an unsoakable health level damage. He cannot convert a number of raw damage dices higher than his Essence rating.

When used to break objects as a feat of strength the Charm, for 4 motes, allows the character to complete it into within a Simple Action instead of a minute-long dramatic action.

Click to shrink...

"Die you pest!" Mittelt shouted as her weapon clashes against the youkai's fist. The monster steps back howling, his hand sizzling and bubbling where it touched the Light Tetsubo. "I'm! Not! Done!" She swings her weapon low.

"Ivory Obstruction Kata!"

The monster is hurled back a good five meters before it crashes into a wall sturdier than the one it demolished earlier and fall forward.

Just in time to meet the tip of Mittelt's Tetsubo.

Ivory Obstruction Kata
Cost: 2m
Mins: Martial Arts 2, Essence 1
Type: Supplemental
Keywords: Combo-OK
Duration: Instant
Prerequisite Charms: None
The martial artist deftly whips her weapon between the legs of her opponent to trip him and send him flying. No matter what the raw damage of a successful attack that is supplemented with this Charm, the attack deals Knockback, and the target's player must roll to resist Knockdown (see Exalted, p.153). The attacker can add her permanent Essence score either to the difficulty to resist Knockdown or to the number of yards the target is knocked back: She can increase the distance her opponent moves or the chance that he falls to the ground, but not both. Use of Ivory Obstruction Kata in a flurry is self-limiting. If the martial artist hurls an opponent beyond her weapon's reach, she cannot continue attempting to strike or throw him further.

Click to shrink...

You shed an imaginary tear of joy. "They grow up so fast..." You sigh.

Then step aside and let the youkai's fist hits only air. Your hand lands on its forearm. "Sorry. Guess I neglected you."

You clench, and its skin shatters.

"Let's remedy that."

----

"Aah.." You roll your shoulders as you walk away from the youkai's body. "In the end it wasn't anything special. I am almost disappointed."

[It was small fry. Physically strong but dumber than a rock, useful only in group. Search something else if you want to experience the thrill.]

'Like'?

[Like the white-one. Ability-wise you're more of less ready for Balance Breaker. You just lack 'something'.]

'Something'? What something?'

[Something. It's hard to define, it changes for each user. Bah, just keep fighting and it will come when you need it the most.]

'I don't have many other choices.' You mentally roll your eyes. You meet up with Mittelt and Shougo, who defeated their opponents too. "How are you?"

"Just some bruises." She looks down and the youkai's corpses. "I thought they were Tsukumogami, but I am not so sure anymore."

"My arm is broken." Shougo announces, nothing in his posture indicating he is injured.

"..." You and Mittelt stare at him.

"...Want to come to my house to have Asia fix it?"

He nods. "That was fun. When I can fight those things again?"

"Right, we need to find out what they are and where they come from." Your eyes narrow. "Mittelt, while I am away you're in change. You and the others, please investigate."

"Hai!"

----

"KAMPAI!" You all cry out as you begin the party with a well deserted toast.

"I must say, this is very good Hyodo-kun." Kiba says after tasting one of the dishes.

"...." Nearby Koneko is stuffing her mouth with sweets.

"Oh, I didn't it alone. Asia helped me." You drink the (non) alcoholic beverage. "I wanted to, but I wouldn't have made it in time."

"Your job with the Japanese faction." Kiba nods. "Any idea what you will do?"

"They want me to play ambassador." You wave your hand. "Using my presence as [Red Dragon Emperor] to have things done in their favor. Apparently I am their only reasonable option between a rusted knife and a nuclear bomb, or something like that."

"They must have it rough." He turns to the food. "So you and Argento-san made all this?"

"No. I sent part of it to Kaichou and the rest of the Student Council as an apology. I hope they will like it."

----

Elsewhere, Sona Sitri is staring at the closed bento hard enough to make a hole in it. "Tsubaki. Call the Chemistry Club. I want a full analysis done on it."

Tsubaki sweatdrops. Saji tries to make his King see reason. "With all due respect Kaichou, I seriously doubt Hyodo would put poison or so-!"

Sona's stare freezes him on the spot. He gulps. "Right, call the Chemistry Club. Let me help you Shinra-san."

[] True end of the Phoenix from the Underworld Arc.
----

I will post the first post from the next arc tomorrow. From now on we will diverge from the DxD storyline, so...

Prepare yourself (I know usually you put 'your anuses', but it's not quite so bad. Yet)

 

[Alexander]

"This way Hyodo-san." Sayanomiya-san points as she enters what looks like a private library. As you and him walks ahead you see the people inside looking at you and start whispering between themselves, only to look away as your gaze falls on them.

"Please forgive them." The redhead says with a smile. "They're merely curious about the Sekiryuutei. Tales of the Heavenly Dragons have reached even Japan."

"Oh?" You raise an eyebrow. "I know what my predecessors did. I hope they don't think I am some sort of maniac drunk on power."

"I assure you it's not the case. At most they're wary. Japan hosts quite a number of special individuals, but they tend to stay to themselves. It's rare for one of them to join the Committee. The truth is that, while we're the main Japanese supernatural organization, we have limited influence. We don't lack regular members, but we lack exceptional ones."

After a while you reach a room and enter. The inside is pretty large: judging by the carpet and the long table, this is a place for reunions. You sit down on the nearest chair, while Sayanomiya-san sits on the other side in front of you.

You cross your fingers together. "Shall we get down to business?"

"As you wish." He grabs a folder that was lying nearby and place in between you two. "The first task we want you to fulfill is a simple one, but it requires a notable force of character. The individuals you will deal with are...let's say bizarre."

Sound interesting.

"Remember when I hinted at the problem Japan is suffering? About the mundane organization with sufficient power to change the world."

You nod. He opens the folder and starts moving pages. "They are know by many names in all the world: "The Darkness", "La Tenebra", "L'Obscurité"...here in Japan, they are know as "Yami."

He shows you an old white-and-black photo showing soldiers from WWII fighting hand-to-hand. "The more accredited hypothesis says it was founded after WWII to keep the arts of old, that is martial arts, alive because many martial artists died during the war. In contrast to modern times, when martial arts are mostly a form of sport, they aim to restore the original spirit of them as a tool of war. They follow the way of the Satsujinken (Fist of Killing): the practitioners of these beliefs believe that killing the opponent is the way to use their martial arts skills. Most of their incomes come from mercenary jobs, while the rest is supplied by their most wealthy members."

You scowl slightly. "I can't say I approve of their ways, but of mercenaries and soldiers is full the world. What make them stand out?"

"Until now it was the size of their organization and the way they have contacts in basically all of the planet's governments." It's his answer. "Yet it was still not the Committee's concern for they have no hand in the supernatural. Until now."

He hands you a photo. In it is shown a large guy with long white hair in a suit conversing with a guy whose large muscular body is covered by a white coat with a hood.

"The guy with the hood." Sayanomiya-san points. "We don't know his name, but we know he is an important member of Yami's upper organization. While we know the name of the other one." His finger shifts over the other figure. "He forsake his original name and took the moniker of "Earth Beast". He is a member of Reunion, an organization with Korean origins that study what are dubbed "supernatural martial arts"."

Your interest is instantly picked up. "Like?"

"Like manipulating the elements of nature, among more exoteric things. Do you know about Ki?" You nod. "Good, this will be faster then. Supernatural Martials Arts use Ki like other high-end Martial Arts, but use it to do more than reinforcing the body. The downside is that it takes much more time, more than half a century, to build the necessary strength since the Ki drain is much higher. Japan has many practitioners of them, many that originated in the Edo period. What is worrying is that Reunion is not only a large organization like Yami, even if not as large as them, but that they managed to revive many lost martial arts through unknown means in mere ten years."

"And now there is the proof they have contacts with Yami." You connect the dots. "You are afraid Yami is taking an interest in Supernatural Martial Arts and may decide to employ them on large scale."

"Correct." The redhead smiles sadly. "Hopefully it will not happen, but we must prepare for a worst case scenario. The first step, is collecting allies."

He hands you another photo. This one shows an old, large Japanese house. The tag over the main gate says "Ryōzanpaku".

"Ryōzanpaku is the main foe of Yami. They are a group of exceptional Master Martial Artists that follow the way of the Katsujinken (Life Fist): it's the opposite of the Satsujinken, in that the followers believe that martial arts practitioners should not kill an opponent, even if their own lives are at risk. Despite being somewhat poor, they had always been a thorn in Yami's side."

Master Martial Artists? 'Are you thinking what I am thinking?'

[It's time for a challenge?]

'Hell yeah.' "Are they aware of the supernatural? Ryōzanpaku I mean?"

"Oh yes." Sayanomiya-san crosses his arms over his chest. "We have reports of them defeating some particularly vicious Youkai and evil mages. Despite that us and them haven't a true relationship: there is a verbal accord that we will not interfere with their fight against Yami and vice versa, but that's it. Now however, if Yami is starting to use supernatural powers we need to get involved. And we would like to have Ryōzanpaku as an ally."

He sighs. "The problem, like I said, is that the members are very eccentric. We fear that normal diplomatic methods may not work, so..."

"Say no more." You collect all papers inside the folder and close it. "I will talk with Ryōzanpaku and convince them to help."

"Simply alerting them of Yami's new interests would suffice." He smiles and stands up. "Their mission is admirable, and it would pain me to see them caught unaware."

"Understood." You reply. "When I leave?"

----

Immediately it seems. After the conversation Sayanomiya-san gave you a train's ticket and a map, saying it's the way to Ryōzanpaku.

The journey took most of the morning, but at least you reach your destination.

The main gate is bigger than what it looked in the photo.

[Woah.] You hear Ddraig sniffing heavily. [I smell strong people. Human, but still strong.]

'You can tell someone is strong by smell?'

[Dragon's secret partner. I am the Emperor, I know every trick there is. Beside the white-one's original ones of course.]

Scary. But now is not the time.

You knock at the wooden gate, idly noticing that there must be metal inside by the sound, and wait.

SQUEEEAK

The gate slowly opens, and from it peaks out...

A really, really attractive One-san with big oppai in a traditional dress!!

...Who wears a chainmail under it.

...Who has a real katana in her hand.

...Who has a mouse perched on her head.

...Whose eyes seem to shine as they observe, nay analyze you without saying a word.

Weirdness meter: full.

Conclusion: she is probably strong enough to kick your ass and thus must not be underestimated.

Right, diplomacy. How does it work again?

[] Write-in.
----

Some times I just don't know what possess me to write the stuff I write. I just know it's never enough ) .

 

[Alexander]

[X] "Good evening, my name is Hyodo Issei. I have been asked by the History Compilation Committee to speak with the Masters of Ryōzanpaku on their behalf over a matter of grave concern." You say while giving a respectful bow.
----

Let's keep things short, polite and possibly empty of blatant references to the supernatural.

"Good evening, my name is Hyodo Issei. I have been asked by the History Compilation Committee to speak with the Masters of Ryōzanpaku on their behalf over a matter of grave concern." You say while giving a respectful bow.

"..." The One-san doesn't answer, she just slightly tilts her head. Her expression didn't change, but you almost get the feeling she's...confused? "...Who?"

"Who? You mean...the History Compilation Committee?" She nods. 'What. Kaoru-san said they know about the supernatural and-but of course! It's possible they don't know the exact name of the Committee, just what they do.'

This poses a little problem.

"They're...we're.." You search for the right words. "We deal with the bizarre happenings of the world, you know the ones that are kept a secret from the public?"

She tilts her head again.

Your voice lowers to a whisper. "The supernatural. Mages, youkai, that sort of things."

"Ooh." She nods to herself, her fist (the one still holding the sword) hitting the palm of the other. "Come...with me."

Finally. "Excuse me." You say as you step inside the property and follow the still-without-name One-san. As the two of you walk you take the chance to observe your surroundings: the photos gave you a preview, but this place is really old. The main building is as traditional as one can get, and the materials are worn out and cracked in many places. Despite the age it's all clean through, so this means they took good care of it.

It's as you're busy not looking ahead that you bump into something. 'Oops. Did I walk into a pillar?' You look up-

"Hi. I'm Appachai!!"

And stare at the smiling face of a giant of a man. Foreigner, he has light dark skin and short spiky silver hair, and he's wearing only a yellow tank top and red shorts.

You raise a hand in greeting. "Hi. I'm Issei."

"Nice to meet you!" The giant replies with a happy tone before walking away.

You turn to the One-san and point to the retreating Appachai. "That's normal?"

She wordlessly nods.

"Ah, okay." Having received confirmation you quickly put the odd encounter away. It's not as if it was the oddest thing you're ever seen.

As you enter the building proper you notice that the mouse sitting on the One-san's head is staring intently at you. You also notice it has a pink ribbon on its tail.

You guess it's cute?

Realizing you have noticed him the mouse jumps on its owner's shoulder and starts squeaking in her ear. The One-san turns around to stare at you with a quizzical look.

"Is...something the problem?" You ask.

She points to the mouse. "Tochūmaru..." That's the mouse's name? "Say you smell...like a wild beast."

Urgh!

[Hahaha!!] Ddraig laughs. [The little morsel knows his betters by instinct! Tell him he doesn't need to worry: he's not worthy eating.]

'I will try to be a little more diplomatic, thank you very much.' "Eh eh, I guess?" You laugh nervously and scratch your cheek. "But I am not going to do anything unsavory. I am here just to talk."

She regards you for a few seconds before nodding. "...Sincere." Then she starts to turn around.

"You know." Your words stop her. "I never got your name."

"...Shigure." She says slowly. "Kosaka Shigure."

"A pleasure to meet you Kosaka-san. Tochūmaru." You say with another bow.

She stares at you for a few seconds before her eyes lights up and she returns the bow. Tochūmaru keeps squeaking.

----

"Elder." Kosaka-san opens a door. "A guest."

Inside the large room is yet again another giant of a man, if possible even taller than the silver-haired foreigner: Japanese, nonetheless he has blond hair reaching mid-back and also sports a chest-length beard complete with a mustache. Despite his advanced age he has largely muscular and well-defined built, few wrinkles, and not a single gray hair.

The "Elder" is sitting seiza in front of a shogi board. On the other side is a man in a traditional hakama with messy brown hair similar to your own. Despite his seemingly small physique, the exposed skin shows nothing but muscles. Oddly, his pupils are nearly colorless.

"Oh? A guest?" The giant turns in your direction, the other guy doing the same. "Did you come here to join the dojo?"

"I am afraid that's not the case." You ignore how both seem to deflate at that. "My name is Hyodo Issei. I come at the behalf of the History Compilation Committee to speak over a matter of grave concern."

"Ooh?" The Elder quirks an eyebrow. "The History Compilation Committee? That's odd."

"Indeed." The other guys finally speaks. "If I am not wrong this is the first time they contact our dojo directly."

"A matter of grave importance you say?" You nod. "I see. Akisame, Shigure: please call the others."

Two minutes later you are sitting seiza on the pavement, the Elder, who presented himself as Hayato Furinji, sitting in the same position a meter in front of you. Sitting on his sides are, included Kosaka-san and Appachai, five other figures.

"History Compilation Committee? What the hell is that?" Asks a muscular guy with a scar on his face, who presented himself as Sasaki Shio.

"They're the main national Japanese association for keeping the supernatural hidden." Replies the guy in a hakama, who presented himself as Akisame Koetsuji.

"Mmmh.." Hums a short middle aged man with a long mustache, who presented himself as Kensei Ma. "They sent a child? How unusual."

You're not a child.

{How old are you? Sixteen, seventeen? Yes you're a child.}

'Is the experience of an old woman talking?'

Sling!

"Is everything alright Hyodo-kun?" Furinji asks as you stiffen.

"Perfect." You breath out, trying to ignore the phantom pain of your internal organs being brutalized. "Just a bad memory."

"Mmh, okay." He smooth down his beard. "All the members of Ryōzanpaku are here. The only ones missing are my granddaughter and our dojo's only disciple, but since they both ignore the existence of the supernatural world there is no need to wait for them. Now Hyodo-kun, what is this 'matter of grave concern' that you want to talk about?"

[] Write-in.
----

Sorry for the many images, but the Ryōzanpaku's Masters are badass enough to deserve one each.

 

[Alexander]

[X] Plan Least Devotee
----

You begin by bowing respectfully to the masters. Your knees creak at you a little but you ignore them -- you've dealt with much worse than just sitting in an uncomfortable position.

"Honored masters, thank you for taking time out of your day to meet with me. My name is Hyoudou Issei,-" Time to show why the HCC sent you. "-though in some parts of the supernatural world they call me Sekiryuutei."

The effect is instantaneous. The short old man's hand, who was fumbling with his moustache, stops. Furinji-san's other eyebrow joins the other near the hairline, and while it isn't threatening his aura is less easygoing than before. Koetsuji-san is now observing you with interest.

Kosaka-san and Apachai seem confused. You suppose they aren't aware of what Sekiryuutei really mean.

"Ahahaha! [Red Dragon Emperor]?" Finally, Sasaki-san laughs. "Isn't a title too grandiose for a kid like you?"

You laugh good-naturedly. "Yeah, I'm told I have big shoes to fill. I'm doing my best on that end, but I still have a long ways to go." The three that recognized the title visibly relax. "However I didn't come to talk about myself."

You draw the folder of images that Sayanomiya-san gave you out of your bag and present the evidence, sliding it across the dojo floor to Master Furinji. Fast, so fast you scarcely saw it, he takes the folder and open it.

"My visit this evening concerns the organization known as Yami. I was told you all know it well." At the mention of Yami everyone, even Apachai, assume a serious face. Furinji-san's face is hard as he skips the contents of the folder. "The Committee has evidence that Yami has come into contact with another group called Reunion, a Korean organization which is deeply involved with the study and use of what are commonly called supernatural martial arts. I trust your know what I am talking about?"

"Apa? Super what?" Apachai asks.

"Remember that guy, an year ago, who could set himself on fire without burning?" The silver haired giant nods at Koetsuji-san's question. "A martial art like that."

"Apaaa.."

"This isn't all." You continue as the Elder passes the folder to Kensei Ma. "Reunion has shown the ability to train others in their use in a very short time frame, and the Committee is concerned that Yami may begin using these arts to advance their agenda. In the worst case they might already be doing so."

"Ah!" Sasaki-san shouts harshly. "I wouldn't put it beyond those bastards. Who are those 'Reunion' guys anyway. I've never heard of them."

Before you can answer the Elder beats you. "I've heard of them. The group Reunion is connected to various firms on the continent such as China and India, while having various investors from Europe and the United States. And...is speared by the Heaven Riches faction of martial arts."

Interesting. You weren't aware of that. More useful information to give back to Sayanomiya-san.

This time it's Ma who speak. "Didn't the Heaven Riches faction died off during the first Sino-Japanese war?"

"Not exactly. I know the last pureblood Heaven Riches master is dead, but the Style and the Faction is still kept alive by the new heir Yuri Linus."

"What's so important about this faction, Elder?" Akisame asks.

"They're an old Satsujinken group equal to the Furinji clan." He replies sourly. "Their martial art, called [Heaven's Richest Divine Fist], is said to be powerful enough to kill even Gods. What's more, the main family is protected by five branches, each with their own powerful style. Together they're called the Five Heavenly Paths. They are: Fire Dragon, Lightning Tiger, Liquid Shark, Ancient Wood and-"

"Earth Beast?" You interrupt him. As his questioning look you mention to the folder. "Look at page 46. The photo in there shows Earth Beast meeting an important member of Yami."

When he reaches the page his face, if possible, hardens even more. He puts the folder down so that the others could look at it too.

-!-!-!

'Woah! That's some murderous aura they're releasing.' You are thoroughly impressed.

"Is that..?" Sasaki asks.

"Yes. The body shape is unmistakable." Koetsuji replies with a deep frown.

"An acquaintance of yours, I presume?" You question with a raised eyebrow.

For some reason they all blink at you before the atmosphere visibly relaxes. The Elder coughs. "You can say that. So, why the Committee decided to share this information with us? We're grateful, but I don't think they simply want to alert us."

"In truth my direct superior finds the last one an acceptable outcome." You confess. "However, there is more. Up until now the Committee refrained from interfering in your affairs, as their purview falls solely on supernatural events. However, if Yami is seriously going to employ supernatural martial arts, with the possibility that people not in the known may witness them, I hope you understand the Committee will be forced to interfere."

"I see." The Elder strokes his beard. "Yes, that's understandable. What does the Committee want to do?"

"Ideally, a collaboration with Ryōzanpaku." You reassure them with a quick Irresistible Salesman Spirit. "We of course wouldn't think of ordering you around. We just wish to act in concert with you, to maximize collective efforts and avoid possible misunderstandings."

"Uhmm..." The Elder assumes a thought pose. "Could you wait outside Hyodo-san? We must discuss this together."

"Of course." You stand up and bow again. "Take all the time you need. You can keep the folder."

With that you step outside.

----

"Well, that's a troubling series of events." Akisame comments.

"Indeed. I feared such an outcome, but I hoped it would never come to pass. Sadly my prayers weren't answered." The Elder says.

"And?!" Sasaki crushes the beer can he has in his hand. "Yami got some new trinkets. Nothing new, we will just crush them as-what are you watching Ma?"

The old Kempo master shakes his head, looking away from the door that Hyodo used to leaved. "Nothing, just wondering. The Sekiryuutei, after all those years..."

"Right, what's up with that? You all made a strange face when he said that word." Sasaki's questioning look was shared by Apachai and Kosaka.

"You don't know?" Ma adjusts his hat. "Do you know what a Sacred Gear is?"

"Aren't those strange powers from Christianity?"

"Right." Akisame confirms. "Strange powers, otherworldly weapons... they can take many forms. Among them, there are thirteen unique weapons of unmatched strength. The Sekiryuutei is the possessor of one of them, the Boosted Gear. The one possessed by the Emperor of Dragons."

""Eh?"" Sasaki, Apachai and Shigure say simultaneously.

"That boy..." The Elder crosses his arms over his chest. "Has the power to kill god and destroy the world."

"So young..." Ma's voice is filled with remorse. "The God of the Bible is too cruel."

"Wait, what? Destroy the world? What are you talking about?"

As Sasaki starts firing questions, Kosaka Shigure mutters a single word. "...Weapon?"

----

[Aren't you going to listen? You should be capable of it with the earing of a Dragon.]

"Nah." You sit on the porch's edge, enjoying the traditional atmosphere. "First, it would be rude. Second, I don't need to. I said what I have to say. Now I only need an answer.]

{Indeed. Leave sneaking around in shadow to the Night Castes and social interaction to the Eclipse Castes.}

'I always wanted to ask: why are the Solars divided into five Castes?'

{Uhm, indeed it may appears as a rough simplification. However there are reasons behind the decision, both practical and theological: first of all, the symbolism...}

As Bright keeps talking (and your head hurting more and more), you hear the main gate opening and new voices, a female and a male.

"Hang in there Kenichi-kun! We're almost there."

"Haaa, haa..M-Miu-san...my muscles are killing me..."

'Uhm, they must be the Elder's granddaughter and the disciple.' Pushed by curiosity you stand up and walk in the voices' direction.

Woooah! Now that's a true skinsuit! And on a blonde bombshell, even better! She has the Elder's eyes and hair, so she must be the granddaughter.

The other one...wait, have you not seen this guy somewhere else? If yes he wasn't carrying a lot of shopping bags with steel balls chained to his feet, that's for sure.

The boy, who now that you notice is probably your junior together with the girl, sways.

Covering the distance between you and him in a scarce second you put a hand on the backpack, preventing him from falling. "Need help?"

"...Yes..." He wheezes out without looking up.

"Ah! A guest" The girl claps her hands together. "Are you here to join the dojo? Or to challenge it? Do you want tea?"

"I would like tea. And, I'm here because..."

Wait. The Elder said those two don't know about the supernatural. So you can't tell them the truth.

And you also need to phrase you answer well enough that, when the Masters come out, they don't say something contradictory by accident.

You doubt Furinji-san would appreciate you messing with her granddaughter's memories.

[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

"Just delivering a message to the Masters." Better to be vague. "You know, an odd job while resting from training..."

"Training? Are you a martial artist too? Ah! Where are my manners? I'm Furinji Miu."

"Shirahama Kenichi." He puts down the bags and sits down, clearly exhausted.

"Hyodo Issei. I'm more of a brawler than a proper martial artist. Speaking of training,-" You look Kenichi up and down. "I may be wrong, but I saw you a few days ago, pulling a guy on a tire, and now this..."

"Yeah..." He says with a lifeless stare. "Koetsuji-sensei's usual morning training session."

You nod. "Nice routine, but when are you going to graduate from the beginner's course?"

At that he turns from lifeless to stony. "Beginner's course? You consider this a course for beginners?!"

"Eh eh." Miu laughs nervously. "Kenichi, you only started training a few months ago after all...did you do a similar training when you started studying martial arts Sempai?" She then asks you.

"Well, I started by pulling a boulder." You admit while crossing your arms over your chest. "Then my trainer came up with the idea to put steel balls at my feet while I complete a circuit too. Only they were fivefold the size of yours, had a bomb inside so I was forced to run to complete the training before they detonate and I also had a pack of tigers chasing me."

""..."" Uh, it may be a trick of the light but you swear their eyes had become small black circles with total white inside, while the mouth had disappeared.

"Tigers aren't aggressive animals, you know. On the contrary, they're very calm and cuddle like cats." You tilt your head. "Unless you starve them. In which case they're ravenous beasts that will start devouring you even if you are still alive. Because usually they kill preys by snapping their-!"

Your body moves without your conscious control. Your body just leans a bit more to the side by itself, just as your left leg kicks the ground and the right one bend before straightening itself.

The result? You do a lateral cartwheel, missing by a hair's breath the blade of the sword aimed at your side.

"The hell-!?" You shout.

"Shigure-san?!" Miu shouts back. Indeed, the one who attacked you is none other than the sole female of the Masters' group. Kenichi stays silent, too busy staring at the blade that embedded itself into the ground a few centimeters away from his crotch.

"Are you and the others done talking? Wait, before that why did you-!" She tears the blade out and attacks you again, forcing you to evade blow after blow.

'Why is she trying to kill me?!?'

{She's not.}

'What?'

{Her swordplay is good, but it's clear she's holding herself back. Right now. She increased her speed after seeing you could dodge her previous blows.}

So what, is this a test?

To hell with that! With your foot, you kick a small pebble to her face. She cuts it in half, but the momentary opening is all you need to retreat out of her sword's range.

"Shigure-san!" Miu puts herself between you and her. "What are you doing?! You can't attack a guest like that!"

"...Why?" Despite her emotionless face you can sense a feeling of perplexity as her gaze shifts from her blade to your face. "Why won't you show me your..." She doesn't finish.

Show her what?

[Your *beep*?]

'Absurd. And we will have words later about who the fuck taught you that word!'

Wait. You said you are part of a supernatural association. Does this mean...she wants to see a supernatural trick? Well she should have said so-wait!

"I can't!" You firmly refuse, pointing to the dumbfounded Kenichi and Miu. "Not in front of them!"

She stays silent for a few seconds before her eyes light up in understanding and her mouth opens in a 'O'. "Ooh...Okay."

Her free hand shoots inside her kimono and takes out a chain with a weight at the end.

The next instant the same chain is tied around your right forearm. "Wait a mo-!" But your protests are for naught, as Kosaka-san jumps on the roof pulling you behind her. The both of you disappear.

Leaving a blank-faced Miu and Kenichi.

Behind them an a frog, a rabbit and a monkey run around on two legs while waving a branch.

----

"Alright, that's enough!" You grit your teeth after Kosaka-san dragged you into a room completely full of weapons, mostly of Japanese origins. With a forceful pull you remove the chain from your arm. "I am not someone who lets himself be kidnapped all the times. I am not going anywhere until someone tells me what is going on!"

"...Your weapon." She replies completely unconcerned.

"My weapon?" Wait, could it be? "You mean Boosted Gear?"

She nods. "Akisame...called it that."

"You should have said it at the beginning." You sigh. You pull back your sleeves, exposing the two armlets.

Her eyes widen slightly as the two accessories open up and unfold into the two gauntlets.

"Don't ask me to take them off, because I can't." You tell her as she holds your left arm in her hands, her gaze examining every centimeter of the weapon. "They aren't fused to my flesh, but they are stuck to my skin like scales. I would need to break them."

"Mmh..." She hums. She takes out a kunai and taps first the jewel, and then the red metal. "Steel? Similar, but no."

"It's Spiritual Steel." You answer. "Which is a catch-all term for every metal-like material that made up a Sacred Gear. They're just magical constructs stored in the soul that are given physical shape when called forth by their wielders."

"Mmh...signs of forging." She points to your wrist.

You shrug. "Could be. I never said I am an expert. That's my teacher."

"Aah..." After a few minutes of silent observation she seems satisfied. "One moment."

She searches among the weapons and takes out a steel bar. She puts it between two anvils. "Hit it."

"Hit?"

"Try...to break it."

You look at the bar.

'Eeh, why not?'

How do you try to break the steel bar?
[] Just a simple punch.
[] Maybe you can add a Charm?
[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

I would like to join this quest Alexander.
Sorry for not presenting myself before.

Click to shrink...

Welcome to QQ and my quest! 8) There is nothing to be sorry about.
----

Your call upon your training to maximize strength. You focus on your muscles, your legs spread and your body lowered.

Then you punch downward.

CLANK!!

The sound produced by the bar and your gauntlet meeting is quite ponderous. You expected something more high-pitched. The wooden pavement give up a little, letting the anvils sink down a few centimeters.

"No damage." You comment as you flex your fingers. "Usually I can shatter stone. It must be pretty good stuff."

"Wrong." Kosaka-san comments. She lifts up the bar horizontally to your eyes' level, letting you see the depressions formed by the shape of your fist.

"Oh. It's still good stuff in my opinion. Is it some kind of special metal?" You run a clawed finger on the surface.

She nods, her eyes gazing intently on Boosted Gear. "First time...happened. Can you...increase damage?"

"Yes, I can use a technique similar to Ki. Do you want me to..?"

She nods again and puts the bar between the two anvils again.

"Okay. Fists of Iron Technique."

This time your punch leaves a crack on the bar.

----

You spend the next hour and a half between hitting samples provided by Kosaka-san and watching her works on new and old ones on a forge. Yes she has a forge in there.

[You know, I find it strange that you're going along with her requests without complains.]

You mentally shrug. 'It's a way like any other to pass the time.

[So it has nothing to do with you sucking up to a pretty girl?] He asks in a teasing tone.

'First, I like to think of myself as a helpful guy, just cautious enough to avoid having my goodwill being abused. Second, older sister-types are the best!'

[Once a pervert, always a pervert!]

You ignore your partner to focus on how Tochumau, despite being so small and a mouse, is skilled enough to act as an assistant to her owner. Here at Ryōzanpaku even mouses are Master-level! If this isn't proof of them being awesome you don't know what makes one.

After a while Kosaka-san stops her activities and begins putting away all her tools.

"Are we done? Can I go?" Tochumaru answers for her, raising a tiny thumb-up. Or whatever counts for one for a mouse. You smile as you reach to the door and open it. "Thanks for the pleasant time Kosaka-san. It was a pleasure helping you." You step outside.

And feel yourself the target of a myriad of gazes. All the members of the dojo are there, staring at you with various expression that range from amused to embarrassed to shocked.

You raise an eyebrow. "What?"

"My, this is the first time Shigure brings a boy to her room." Koetsuji quietly laughs.

"Well done boyo! Never seen anyone working so fast!" Ma-san shows you a thumb-up, a trickle of blood dripping from his nose and a camera in his free hand.

"Apapapa!! What's going on?"

The Elder's grin, a very big one, if the one of a mischievous grandfather who caught a child with his hand elbow down in the jam.

"Oi oi oi! No matter how you see it he's too young for that!" Sasaki is outraged.

"Wawawa...Shigure-san likes younger boys? Wawawa!" Miu-san's face is beet red.

And so is Kenichi. "Is this the world of the adults?"

You resist the urge to facepalm. Instead you raise an eyebrow and give them a 'are you serious?' glare. "You guys totally got the wrong idea."

Kosaka-san comes out and address you. "Thank you...for pounding so hard."

This time you facepalm as the various reactions increase tenfold in intensity. Beside Kenichi, who faints.

"You are still totally getting the wrong idea."

----

"Hyodo-kun. Me and the others have discussed on the matter and reached a decision." You and the Elder are sitting opposite each other on a table, each with a cup of steaming hot tea in hand.

"That's great. But can you please stop grinning?" You say with a polite, if slightly irritated, tone.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He strokes his beard. "Ryōzanpaku never turns down willing allies. And against Yami every help is welcome: currently there is an unofficial ceasefire between us, but I am sure it's only a matter of time before they start moving. Especially now that Ken-chan is here."

"You mean Kenichi?" As far as you can tell the guy looks harmless. "Why?"

"Let's just say that the fact that Ryōzanpaku has now a disciple will push them into action." He mysteriously replies. "There is only one problem: we of course have our own allies, old friends in Japan and outside, and honor dictates we must inform them. Could you please wait until I contacted them? It would take no more than a few days."

"I can't see why not." It's not as if you don't have the time.

Miu-san chooses that moment to enter with a tray of sweets.

"Of course, we of Ryōzanpaku would be happy to house you in our humble abode until then." The Elder says with a playful tone as he twirls one moustache around his finger. "It's the least we can do for a guest."

"Ah, I-"

"That's a magnificent idea!" Miu-san declares with stars in her eyes. "You must stay. I insist!"

You look back and forth between the two before shrugging. "Al..right. I accept your offer."

At least it will be interesting. There is only one problem.

You don't have the necessary items to stay away from home.

----

"You follow Line 35, then get off at Kame Station. Is it clear Sempai?" Kenichi asks you after he finished explaining how to reach the commercial district.

"Perfect." You nod.

"You know, I can accompany you if you want..."

"No need. I just need a change of clothing and toiletries." You pat his shoulder. "Use the time to train. Hard work is always rewarded."

"....Yeah....training..." Kenichi's face loses a bit of vitality.

You huff. "What's with that weak spirit? Light up! Otherwise you will be a easy target for the rubber bullets."

"Rubber bullets?!"

You nod sagely. "That's how one of my teachers trained my reflexes. Even if the results didn't show until another one started tossing real swords at me blade first. But in your case it will probably be something less lethal, like trunks. See ya!"

You walk away, missing Kenichi screaming and trying to run away, only to be intercepted by Kosaka-san.

It's....Random Event Time!

[] Roll me a 1d6. In case of multiple rolls, please vote for the one you want me to use.

 

[Alexander]

"Uhm..." You consult the list you wrote. "This should be all."

It took more time than you expected since you're not familiar with the area, but you now have all the necessary to stay a few days away from home: clothes, pajamas, toothbrush, tooth paste and other minor items.

"Yes." You clench your fist. 'The next days are gonna be awesome.'

[I fail to see how.] By the lazy tone in Ddraig's voice you can picture him rolling on the ground like a big, fat cat. [There isn't anyone worth fighting. And I saw those guys' television: with that you're lucky if you can see a single channel, with colors. Aaah, I want to see the next episode of Sengoku Basara...]

That's right: after you started showing various anime to Ddraig he took a liking to them. It's favorite at the moment is, as he said, Sengoku Basara.

'Don't worry, I told Mittelt to register it. Don't you see? I will be living with the some of the world's best martial artists. I can get special training and maybe learn some special technique!'

{I strongly doubt they can teach you anything worthwhile. They're just mortals.}

'Don't say that. This world doesn't have Exaltation, but is still staying strong thanks to humanity's endless ingenuity. Plus every bit of help counts.'

She scoffs. {I am still not convinced. If you want to learn more Martial Arts so badly I have some scrolls here.}

'Like?'

{More about Solar Hero Style. I also have notes about a style invented by an Exalt that liked to explore the Wyld with me. She called it Dragon Transcendent Speed Style-}

"My cat!"

"Hold on! Here, kitty kitty ki-don't go there!"

A sudden commotion distracts you from Bright's explanation. You can hear a panicked voice and a child crying.

Your feet are already moving before you even begin considering what to do. As if the answer couldn't be more obvious.

What you find is a girl, about 8-10 years old, crying her eyes out. Above her, standing in precarious equilibrium on a roof's eave is a little kitten. Considering there is a recently broken pipe lying nearby, it isn't a stretch of imagination to conclude that the cat must have used the pipe to climb up to the roof, only to be trapped there when the pipe broke.

"Urgh! Come on, I can do it!

A girl with a red shirt and a cap is already helping the girl, trying to jump up to the kitten. But you can't see it's futile: the wall is roughly eight meters tall, and there is not a single hold on its smooth surface.

[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

[X] Gathering yourself, you gently place your bags on the sidewalk. No need to do something obviously supernatural when mundane skill can accomplish the same thing. Rushing forwards, you kick off the alley wall, bouncing to the other side and back, using the steep brick as a stairway to the rooftops. Once their, you grab the kitten, and retrace your steps, handing the small animal back to the child with a flourish.
----

[Playing white knight again?]

'Can you see me doing anything else?'

[Nope. You sure are different from my past partners. Not that is a bad thing.]

Gathering yourself, you gently place your bags on the sidewalk. No need to do something obviously supernatural when mundane skill can accomplish the same thing. And you have the latter in spades.

"One word of advice: try using a leverage."

The girl turns around to see who talked, but you're already rushing forward. You kick off the alley's wall, bouncing to the other side and back, using the steep brick as a stairway to the rooftop, your feet touching its surface with a final mighty jump.

"Wooh!"

"What?!"

Once there you gently grab the kitten and retrace your steps, landing down and handing the small animal back to the child with a flourish. "This is yours I presume?"

"Chou-kun!" The girl happily takes the kitten and rubs her face on its muzzle. "Thank you Oni-chan, One-chan!" She says before running away.

You wave at her with a smile. When you turn to get your bags, however, you find the girl with a cap glaring at you with a scowl. "I didn't need your help."

Maybe, maybe. "I was just worried for the kitten." You neutrally replies.

She lowers her cap and huffs, a bit of pink coloring her cheeks, but doesn't answer back. "How did you do that?" She asks instead.

"Training."

"Training? Are you a martial artist?" She doesn't seem to believe you.

"If you train with heavy weights on your limbs, you will find out that without them your body feel light as a feather." Your lips curves into an amused smirk. "And I am more of a brawler than a martial artist. I just had extensive training regimes."

"..." The girl starts rubbing her chin with one hand, looking at you with a calculative glare. It's only when you pick up back your bags and start walking away that she speaks. "I have a proposal from you."

She turns the top of her left hand in your direction, showing the number "VII" with a cocky smile. "Join Ragnarok. Surely you have heard of us? You will have the honor of serving under Kisara Nanjou, the Seventh Fist called Valkyrie."

You raise an eyebrow. How odd, to come into contact with Ragnarok again. However you have an answer ready. "Yes I heard of you. But like I told Odin I am too busy to join a gang. Plus me and orders from others don't mix well."

The girl, Kisara's eyes widen. "How do you know Odin-sama's name?"

You shrug. "We meet while I was fighting a group of delinquents. He asked me to join Ragnarok and I politely refused."

"Absurd!" she angrily shouts. "No one say 'no' to Ragnarok. Unless..." Her eyes slowly widen in realization. She points a finger at you. "No way! You're Nidhogg, the only one who defied Odin-sama and survived without a scratch?! There is no way!"

You blink in confusion. "Nidhogg?" Why would they...right, you never said your name. They probably came up with that themselves.

[What was that? Nidhogg?] Ddraig spats in disgust. [I can understand they wanted to follow the Norse theme, but in that case they should have chosen at least Fafnir. How dare they gave you the name of an Evil Dragon?]

Uh oh, seems like the whole 'name' thing upset Ddraig. It's best to leave so he can calm down. "I don't know if I am this 'Nidhogg', but like I said I am not interested. Bye."

You manage to make two steps before a leg blocks your passage. A leg clad in tight jean, slamming on the wall next to you. "Do you really think I would let you go like this?" Nanjou-san says with a hard tone.

You sigh. 'Seriously Odin, control your subordinates.' "So what? Are you going to beat me until I join?"

"Nothing so crude." She smirks, assuming a combat stance. "We fight. If I win, you will become my subordinate!"

[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

You give her a deadpan look. "That's the same thing."

"No it's not! It's a bet!"

You sigh before a line from an anime jumps at the forefront of your mind and you smirk.

"You can't get something without offering something of equal value in exchange." You raise a finger, and suddenly she is the one with a confused expression. "I accept your challenge, but if you lose, you will not bother me with offers of joining Ragnarok ever again... Also, you won't tell your bosses that you saw me."

"Ah! Why not?" She smirks. "There is no way I am losing anyway."

"Confident. I like that." You put down your bags, step to the other side a little and assume a stance. "Shall we?"

"Here I co-"

[ATTENTION, ATTENTION!] A car passes near, a speaker on the top releasing a commercial announcement. [TODAY AT THE LOCAL ZOO IS 'CAT'S DAY'!] Kisara stiffens. [CATS OF ALL RACES AND AGES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO INTERACTION WITH THE PUBLIC. ONLY FOR TODAY! FREE TICKETS FOR THE FIRST 100 VISITORS! HURRY UP BEFORE THEY END!]

Beads of sweat starts appearing on Kisara's face. Honestly, she looks like someone caught in a big moral dilemma. "...Shall we?" You try again, unsure about what is going on.

"Ah..."

[ALL THE KITTENS YOU CAN HUG! ONLY FOR TODAY!]

"Nyaaa!" She goes stiff like a statue before waving her hand with an embarrassed, and beet red, face. "Oh no! I suddenly remembered that I promised my dear, dear grandmother I would help her today with the shopping! I would love to continue our fight, but I can't leave my dear, dear grandmother who can't walk very well to drag around horribly heavy bags without help, can I? Can I" She stresses the last words, and you can't help but dumbly nod. "Let's postpone the match, okay?"

"...Yes?"

"Perfect! Bye!" And with that she bolts out of the alley, running so fast that she leaves a cloud of dust in her wake.

"..." You stare at her disappearing figure.

[What...just happened?]

"I...have no idea." You wrack your head searching for a possible explanation, only to come up with blanks. "Maybe it's that time of the month for her?"

----

What awaits you at your return is an almost unusual scene.

The Elder dozing off on a massage chair? Curious but understandable.

Kenichi powering said machine by running on a tapis roulant, ropes binding his limbs on the back of the massage chair? Less so.

(link)

"Interesting contraption." You comment.

"It's one of my hobbies." Koetsuji-san says with pride. "I'm in charge of Ken-kun's physical training-What's the matter? The speed has dropped!" He chastises Kenichi by whipping his butt.

"HIIIIIIIAAAA!! If you want me to speed up, it'd be nice if you could reduce the weights!!"

"If I reduce the weights then we wouldn't be training your [Soutenshu]." Koetsuji-san gleefully chuckles. "Kensei asked me to have you do this 10,000 times today."

"10'000 IT'S TOO MUCH!!"

"Is it?" You ask aloud. "It's been awhile since I did anything less than that."

"See Kenichi? Take example from your sempai." He turns to look at you. "You must have dedicated teachers Hyodo-kun."

"Yee..aah, I suppose you can call them that." You rolls your eyes. "One doesn't know how to hold back, another is a former hooligan and the last one is too damn enthusiastic with his job...Now that I think about it you and him are similar Koetsuji-san. He too uses machines he built himself to train me." Even if they're honest-to-god ninja Sith robots.

"Oh? Sounds like an interesting person. I would like to meet him."

"He is away for work at the moment, but I would gladly arrange a meeting if you want."

That's when a big guy in monk's robes lands unconscious on Kenichi, destroying Koetsuji-san's machine.

"...Need help?"

"That would be appreciated, yes."

----

"So, what does Ryonzanpaku teach?" You ask the Elder while eating Anmitsu made by Miu-san. "I saw Kenichi practicing Karate, Ju-Jitsu and also Kempo."

"Each Master has his or her own specialty." Furinji-san explains while eating his granddaughter's dessert with gusto. "For Akisame Jujitsu, for Shio is Karate, for Kensei is Kempo, for Apachai is Muay Thai while Shigure has her own Kosaka style, who is said to have mastery above all manners of weapons."

"And you Elder?"

"Me?" He laughs boastfully. "In my youth I was a little too temperamental to learn, so I developed my own style! Since I never lost a battle they used to call me the [Invincible Superman]!"

'Prideful much?' "So Kenichi is learning all that?" You ask, impressed by your junior's determination and fervor.

"Beside mine and Shigure's styles. The first because it's a family secret, and the second...well, truth be told Ken-chan is terrified of weapons."

"Eh? How so?"

"You don't think weapons are scary?" He raises an eyebrow.

"If I were to be scared, it would be of the one holding the weapon." You shake your head. "One of my friends is an accomplished swordsman, I learned a lot from him." You tap your chin. "And it was me who asked him to go as hard as he could on me. So...I can't really complain?"

"Ahahahaha!" The Elder laughs even harder. "I wish Ken-chan would have even a quarter of your spirit Hyodo-kun! Say..." He grins. "While you're here, would you like to learn together with Kenichi?"

On the other side of the room Shigure's head appears upside down from the hole left by a removed ceiling's panel.

"Sure! Personally I am interested in-"

[] Karate
[] Kempo
[] Jujitsu
[] Muay Thai
[] Weapons
[] Write-in

 

[Alexander]

[X] Weapons
----

"I would like to continue helping Kosaka-san with her weapons research, and if possible I don't mind spending my time sparring with a weapons master." If in the future you happen to acquire a Legendary Weapon (in RPG the heroes' party finds a lot of them, right?) or something similar you need to know how to use it.

Still upside down Shigure does a fist-bump.

"So can I-WOAH!" Your body jumps to the side, once again evading a surprise attack with another chain. "Kosaka-san! Please stop attacking me from-!"

Another chain, you realize it was hidden in the shadow of the first one, coils around your leg and you're dragged inside the ceiling. "THIS IS AZAZEL-SENSEI'S TRAINING ALL OVER AGAAAAAA-!"

The Elder laughs even louder.

----

The Next Day

"See you in a few days." You give your goodbyes and end the call.

'It's a pity.' Since the dojo is a paradise for martial artists you tried to call Koneko to ask if she was interested in formal lessons. Only to discover than the whole peerage is on high-alert because a Stray Devil took residence in the town. Compared to last time this one was smart so, instead of showing himself, he is releasing Chimaeras and other artificial creatures. The creatures you fought before leaving town were also his, so Mittelt, Shougo, Eiko and Asia are helping Rias driving the Stray out.

Everyone is busy even without you. Oh well, it doesn't seem they need your help. That's a good thing.

"Coffee?" The Elder hands to you a steaming cup.

You take it. "Thanks Furinji-san. I need it."

"Did you not sleep properly?"

"I didn't sleep at all." You drink it in one go. "Kosaka-san kept me up all night."

The Elder starts laughing (you know he is aware of the real meaning of your words). Blood shoots out of Kensei's nostrils. Sasaki spits the beer he was drinking. The latter opens his mouth.

"Seriously, beer in the morning?" And shuts it at your words. You can't help a sly grin forming on your lips. "We trained. T-R-A-I-N-E-D. You can't just explode every time someone say a few misleading words."

"Chè!" Sasaki gives you the evil eye. "You're a cheeky little brat."

"Guilty as charged." You chuckle.

"You shouldn't tease Uncle Sasaki Hyodo-san." A little girl with black hair slightly chastises you from where she's playing Othello with Apachai. Her name is Honoka, Kenichi's little sister. You met her a few hours ago, and quickly discovered she's a little hellion.

She's also monstrously good at Othello. You know you're not exactly as expert, but she kept defeating you in less than a minute no matter how many times you tried!

Even more shocking is that Apachai is just behind her in ability.

"Thanks Honoka-chan." Sasaki smiles at her.

Honoka grins. "He doesn't show it but he has a big, bleeding and sensible heart. He will cry if you keep teasing him."

"WHAT?!" The roughish martial artist roars. "CRY! ME? NEVER!!"

"Please don't make a commotion." Akisame huffs while scrolling through his newspaper.

"This place is so lively." You comment. "I am almost envious." Almost: your home is quickly turning into something similar. "Speaking of which, where is Shirahama-san?"

"Well..." Akisame plays with his mustache.

A short explanation later...

"What? He ran away?" You repeat, not quite believing what you just heard.

"Don't let him run away..." Shigure-san's head pops from behind a corner. "While I am busy..."

A ninja. Whoever the ancestors of the Kosaka were, you are sure they were ninja.

"It's because everyone puts him through such cruel training." Apachai says with teary eyes. Surely he's exaggerating.

"Leave him alone, I am sure he will come back on his own."

"That wouldn't do." You interrupt Akisame. "Shirahama-san shouldn't skip training. I am sure he is just feeling a little down. If you tell me where I can find him, I promise I will convince to come back on his own, with also his usual determination back at full force."

The Masters look at themselves.

"Why not?" The Elder grins.

"This will be fun." Akisame comments.

"I can show you Oni-chan's school." Honoka raises her hand. "I have to go somewhere, and the school is on the way."

"Thanks you Honoka-chan. Please lead the way."

----

Later you find yourself before Kōryō High School, the place where Kenichi study as a First Year. Maybe you were spoiled by Kuoh, but...it's large yes, but it's so plain.

[Isn't the test to be allowed into Kuoh ultra hard? I always wondered why you chose such a difficult school.]

'For the high girls-to-boys ratio.' You shamelessly admit.

[...Why did I ever asked? And how did you pass the test?]

? I studied like a damned soul, constantly repeating [this is for the oppai!] over and over in my head.'

[Gah! What kind of inhuman sex drive do you have?! What is this, a power-up caused by perversion?]

'Don't be ridiculous.' You shake your head in bemusement. 'We aren't in an eroge, and neither I am a harem comedy manga protagonist.'

[You want a harem.]

'A real one. Now hush, I need to decide the best method to contact Kenichi. Classes are about to end, so I need to find him before he goes home.

[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

snip

Click to shrink...

+1 Xp to Noah.

[X] Take advantage of your bishie looks and ask the girls around school where Kenichi can usually be found.
----

Well, you're a bishonen now (the power of an Exaltation is amazing!) so why don't use it?

----

"Excuse me..."

"Yaaah! He talked to me!" She faints.

----

"Can I ask you..."

"Die you good-looking bastard!" He tries to punch you.

----

"Sorry to disturb you..."

"Noooo! Younger boys are NO GOOOODDD!" You quickly walk away from the bespectacled teacher.

----

"I feel for Kiba. What has the world come to?" You lean your head against the wall. "Why I can't have a normal conversation without people freaking out?"

[Well...] Ddraig sticks out his tongue. [Maybe it's something in the water?]

The hell.

{Those mortals are simply unable to withstand the glory of a Solar Exalted. Ignore them, you don't need their help.}

'Except, I need their help!'

"Uhm, excuse me?" Someone says. You tilt your head and see a couple of school girls, one with glasses and the other with long hair. "We heard you are looking for Shirahama Kenichi...?"

Fast as the wind you take their hands in yours. "You know where he is? Please tell me!"

They blush. "A-A-Ah-! We-We heard he's friend with a weird guy who took over the old Physic Club's room for one of his projects. It's on the second floor-!"

"Thank you!" You shake their hands before running towards the stairs.

He's yours now.

----

"I am a little busy and I will have to move on to work." Nijima Haruo tells Kenichi, Ikki and Ukita. "Everyone, please re-"

Knock! Knock!

"I'm going." Kenichi replies absentmindedly, still glad he managed to avoid Miu for the day. He opens the door.

And then bolts for the nearest window. Before he can reaches him an incredibly good-looking boy the other three never saw before tackles him to the ground. "No escape!" Hyodo Issei shouts while taking out a robe and tying Kenichi's limbs. "Kosaka-style, Rope Technique!"

"H-Hyodo-san! How did you find me!?" Kenichi is hysterical. "Wait- Kosaka-style? Since when-!"

"Kosaka-san is a very good teacher!" He grins.

"Hey! What are you doing to Kenichi?" Ikki and Ukita stands up.

"Be at ease!" The two ex-delinquents stops, as if they are hold back by an invisible pressure. "I come from Kenichi's dojo. He skipped his training and must go back!"

As the boy named Hyodo launches in a monologue to prove the veracity his claims Nijima Haruo's eyes start shinning. He feels it, the new arrival is strong, very strong. If he could convince him to join the Shimpaku Alliance he will become a great asset.

'Niijima Eye!' While the others are busy he uses his special scanning technique.

And freeze. Haruo doesn't move, he doesn't blink. He doesn't even breath.

If he makes even the smaller rumor he will be eaten.

It's a dragon.

His scales glow crimson and golden, as if someone trapped sunlight into physical form and drenched it in blood. His eyes and maw are like the entrance to the core of a star.

Haruo doesn't move. And while he doesn't move he understand.

This...is out of his league.

----

"You should have told me Shirahama-san!" You pat the other boy on the back. "Of course friends are important! They're a reasonable excuse for having a break."

"Y-Yeah..." He nervously laughs.

"But tomorrow we're going back to the dojo. Koetsuji-san repaired the [Massage Chair Special] and now it works even better!"

He cringes. Uhm, maybe he prefers to do something more serious? You can arrange that.

"So, how do you two know each other?" The blond tanned guy, Ikki, asks.

"I am running an errand for associates of Kenichi's Masters. I'm-"

"Done!" Nijima claps his hands together. "With this, we'll definitely increase the number of followers!" He shows you the screen. "What do you think?"

(link)

"Uh..." You blink in contemplation as the others beat Nijima down. "Honestly? It's like the homepage of a cult."

"He's right!" Kenichi punches. "Quit making weird stuff."

Blin!

"Oh, a mail."

"WAHAHAHA!" Haruo slips out like a eel and sits in front of the computer. "It says: [I am an officer of Ragnarok and they call me Loki]-What! Loki?!"

"For real? It is really Loki from Ragnarok?" Ukita shouts.

"Ragnarok, as Ragnarok the gang?" You ask Ikki. "Why are you freaking out?"

"Why? They're our enemies! They're after us!"

'Oh?...Ah I see.' You nod. 'Clearly this [Shimpaku] is like Ragnarok, a heaven for young martial artists. And right now they're competing for the title of the strongest between them. And they look so intense, it seems it's really a battle of life and death.'

[...He got it wrong. He got it totally wrong.]

{Leave him be. It's his fault for misunderstanding the reality of facts.}

"Kenichi, he says he's waiting for you at the abandoned church on Block Three and to come alone. You've gotta be kidding me. It's a trap, don't go Kenichi."

"Found it." You type on your cellphone. "Let's go! It's time to put your training on test! Show them your spirit Shirahama-kun!"

"Sempai!?!" Kenichi's eyes are teary.

"Wait." Haruo stops you. "There's an attached file." He opens it.

It's a photo of Honoka-chan, tied up and biting on an arm with a glove identical, save for the number, to the one worn by Kisara.

Below it's written: [DO YOU CARE WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR SISTER?]

Your face loses all emotion, becoming a mask of stone.

[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

Kidnapping girls.

KIDNAPPING GIRLS.

You are shaken out of the mental haze as Kenichi takes the phone in your hand, the screen displaying the fastest route to the abandoned church, and run out of the room. His friends follow after him.

Your face morph into a sneer of absolute fury.

Right, so where was this place and who's skull do you have to bash in again?

The window of the Shimpaku's room shatters as you smash through it and land on the ground without damage before starting running at your maximum speed where you remember the church is located.

[Partner!]

Lied to you. That fucking Odin lied to you! "Gangs should deal with gangs. Fighters should fight only other fighters" your ass!

[Partner!]

They're gonna pay. Odin and Loki, you will beat the shit out of them break their bones fucking kill the-

[Partner!!!]

A wave of Dragon Energy throbs through you, triggering a partial transformation of your legs' muscles into dragon's. The change is so sudden than you lose control and crash into a wall before falling down.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?!" You roar, uncaring of who may hear you.

[CALM THE FUCK DOWN!!] Ddraig roars back. [By the Dragon God, listen to your own thoughts! If you keep up this pace you're going to kill those Ragnarok guys. And before you answer back tell me: are you aware of the consequences, and if they truly deserve it?]

"..."

[Well?]

You push yourself up with both hands. And then start bashing your head on the ground. Repeatedly.

'Okay, I am calmer now.' Face covered in blood, the self-inflicted wounds fizzle and close. 'I am still completely mad, but I think I can manage avoid scarring them for life now.'

[Get a hold of yourself. I know it is hypocritical of me, I don't really care about other lives, but as your friend I am not going to let you ruin your life. Do you know what happen when a Boosted Gear possessor choose destruction? Countries end.]

'...I owe you.' You start running again.

[I will collect my debt when I feel like it then.] You can picture the god-like dragon smirking.

{Done? Good, it was pathetic.}

Of course, the god-queen must always have the last word.

It's as you keep running, having almost catching up with Kenichi, than you notice Sasaki-san and Koetsuji-san following him on the rooftops. With a couple of fast jumps you reach them and get on their side.

"You're here too, cheeky brat?" Sasaki throws you a quick glance.

"We noticed Kenichi is ready for a fight." Akisame comments. "Do you know against who and why?"

"Ragnarok, a gang." You grit your teeth. "They took Honoka-chan hostage."

Instantly their expressions darken and the air around them grows heavier. "Kenichi's sister got involved?" Sasaki says. "Tsk! What should we do Akisame?"

"Masters don't interfere in their disciples' fights. Because we are here, if a crisis arises we can help at anytime. If Kenichi can handle it, it's better than he does it himself."

"An interesting philosophy." You comment. "Sadly I am not a Master and I have no obligation to meet, so I am going to help Shirahama-kun."

"And we aren't going to stop you from doing it." Akisame smirks, soon copied by Sasaki.

----

The abandoned church is just as the name says: an old, decrepit building that doesn't saw human presence in a long time. It's even more worn down than the one where you fought Raynare. There is even a park behind it.

(link)

You and the Masters land on a tree's branch, just as Kenichi steps past the old cancel and meets a guy dressed all in black with a hood.

"Where's Honoka!? Hermit!!" Kenichi shouts.

[Hermit]? Obviously a codename. It seems Kenichi knows him. He's alone, so maybe...there is no one guarding Honoka?

[] Stand and watch more, maybe you will learn something important.
[] Sneak into the church, with every probability Honoka is kept inside.
[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

[X] Stand and watch more, maybe you will learn something important.
----

As much as it irks you, charging ahead without a plan would only worsen the situation. You are sure you and the masters were not detected, but it would change quickly if you start moving around: after all you don't have any experience in stealth.

You slow your breath and relax, focusing on the fight below. It's probable this Hermit is working together with Loki, so if you wait there are good probabilities than he will show up sooner and later.

You watch as Kenichi and Hermit start fighting, the former using various moves from different martial arts while the latter...you aren't sure about the style, but you think it's Chinese. The way he moves his arms while keeping them always extended seems awkward, but it's useful to hit the opponent from a distance.

"It seems the hood guy is a long distance specialist. Grapple him and his attacks are slow. It looks like the match is settled." Sasaki comments.

"I wouldn't be so sure." Akisame lets his friend takes a beer from the bag of food he keeps in his arms. "In this fight Kenichi-kun has a handicap."

"...The [Hollow Truth]?"

"Heh. So you noticed?"

[Hollow Truth]? If you aren't wrong, it's a term used to name the philosophy of feints... 'I see.' You realize as Hermit turns the table and starts overpowering Kenichi. 'Kenichi doesn't make use of feints. At all. This put him at a disadvantage against those who use them, and it makes his fighting style easy to analyze and counter. However...'

You smirk.

'A person who fight for the sake of someone he loves...cannot lose!'

----

(the fight happens as canon: I am too tired to rewrite it)

The match is short but eventful. You heard Hermit's story about how he lost his sister and hopes for a happy family because of deceit, which makes you clench your fists in anger, and how Kenichi keeps standing up and fighting, which meet your complete approval. He says Hermit isn't the one who kidnapped Honoka, so for now you will believe him: you wouldn't put it past Loki to have manipulated Hermit too.

"That's far enough."

Finally. Your gaze hardens, and barely suppressing your killer intent you turn around towards the church. There, sitting on a balcony, is Loki. With Honoka tied in front of him.

"Don't move Shirahama. Or, don't you care what happen to your sister?"

"ONI-CHAN!"

"HO..HONOKA!!"

They're focused on each other. You will have a couple of seconds to act before they notice you.

[] Write-in.

 

[Alexander]

"Wish me good luck." You whisper.

"Eh." Sasaki grins like a shark. "Don't disappoint us, brat!"

Bark shatters under your feet as you streak forward on wings of wind via Soaring Whirlwind Sprint.

Loki hears your approach several instants too late. "Wha-Ough!" You plow feet-first into his face, wrapping an arm around Honoka as you go flying off the edge of the balcony. With a graceful tumble you land gently on the ground, your passenger none the worse for wear. The same can't be said for Loki, who goes tumbling into a hedge, his broken nose bleeding profusely and the rest of his face rapidly turning into one giant foot-shaped bruise.

"Loki-sama!" The girl with him goes to help him.

"Who are you?" Hermit eyes you warily.

"H-Hyodo-san?" Kenichi's face brightens.

"Hyodo-niisan!" Honoka exclaims happily.

"Me." You grin cockily before starting to untie the ropes. "Sorry for the wait, but I had one shot and I wanted to make it counts."

"W-Who dare-?" Loki stands, one hands over his nose. His eyes widen behind his glasses. "N-Nidhogg?! What are you doing here?"

"Helping a friend, saving an innocent-" You count out. "And, most of all, stopping a cowardly asshole who resorted to kidnap!"

"That's right!" Honoka shouts. "Filthy coward! Sneaky rascal! Scoundrel! Rat!"

"Grrr! Hermit, gets him! Shirahama is on his last legs. Together we can defeat both!"

"That is, unless they receive help."

The group composed of Nijima, Ikki, Ukita and Miu steps forward, ready to battle. Except for Nijima, who for some reason looks like he's on his last leg.

"Feh..couldn't those useless shadows of mine have kept them away for then more minutes?!"

"So, you still think you can defeat all of us?" You taunt him. "Just a moment Honoka-chan, I am almost done." You finally undone the knot. "Here!"

"Thank you Hyodo-niichan!"

"Now go-"



[Partner! DOOODGE!!!]

You automatically react at Ddraig's urgency. You wrap your arms around Honoka and use Soaring Whirlwind Sprint again to get as far away as possible.

Just in time for a bright orange cloud erupting out of nowhere to cover the area with the others. You and Honoka barely escapes it.

"Onichan!? W-What is going on?" Honoka trembles. You want to know that yourself.

[This...is bad.]

'Ddraig?'

Sasaki and Koetsuji land on your sides, looking more serious than ever. "Chè! Of all the damn times.." Sasaki scowls. "Akisame, is what I think it is?"

"Yes. What a terrible timing. But to appear here, it's a bold one."

You don't understand what they're talking about, but know it is nothing good.

The cloud recedes as fast as it comes, letting you see what happened to the others. They are unconscious, but don't seem hurt. However their bodies are bound by thick roots growing out of the earth.

This...this isn't a natural occurrence.

"Aww, the best prey escaped. Oh well, I still got good appetizers."

A horrible distorted voice booms. The ground cracks and like a mole something massive comes out.

Monstrous. That's the only way you can define it. Monstrous...and deadly.

'Ddraig? What the hell is that?!'

[A Youkai, partner. But not like those guys you fought a few days ago. This one is older...and way more dangerous.]

"H-Hyodo-nichan?" Honoka is trembling as she stares wide eyed at the monster. "What...is that..?"

"Something you shouldn't have never seen." You give her a reassuring hug before pushing her back. "I will explain later. Go take cover behind a shelter, possibly not a tree or another plant."

"B-But-!"

"Don't worry." You smile. "Me, Koetsuji-san and Sasaki-san will save Kenichi and the others. We will definitely do it."

She hesitates before shakily nods and run away.

"Appetizers? Surely you are not talking about the children?" Akisame asks calmly, but in truth killing intent is rolling off him in waves.

"Oh, but human flesh is just so tasty. The younger, the better."

It advances, vines bigger than a full grown man slithering like snakes.

"Sadly I don't have many occasions to taste it. Nowadays not many come around here. The last time was two months ago, when a pair of humans chose to sleep in the building."

You know it's impossible, but you can swear the maw...is stretching into a grin.

"But today, a big hunt! I will enjoy dissolving your bodies with the acid inside my stomach, and absorb all the tasty nutrients!"

"Not if we have anything to say." Faces twisted in total fury, the two Masters are ready to fight.

And obviously you can't fall behind. "Let's go! Boosted Ge-"

Crack

"Eh?" What was that rum-

CrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrackCrack

The armlets around your wrists twist and vibrate before fading away.

"Wha? Boosted Gear!" Nothing happens. "Boosted Gear! Boosted Gear!"

"Hyodo-kun, what's happening?"

"I-I don't know! I can use my Sacred Gear!" 'Ddraig, what's going on? Bright-sensei?'

Silence.

'Ddraig? Bright? Guys?'

Update!

Boosted Gear: DISABLED
Artifact Charms: DISABLED
Dragon Knacks: DISABLED

Click to shrink...

[] Write-in.

Personal Essence: 20/20
Peripheral Essence: 42/49

Willpower: 8/8

Health:
-0 [ ]
-1 [ ] [ ]
-2 [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
-4 [ ]
Incapacitated [ ]
Dying [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Click to shrink...

----

Yes, I have just been that much of a bastard >

Is this difficult enough?

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