Arthur, Sirzechs, and Grayfia stepped into the living room, only for Arthur to stop mid-step at the scene in front of him.
Serafall was being physically restrained.
Lavinia held one arm while Valerie clung to the other, both struggling to keep the Satan Leviathan in place as she leaned forward with a comically furious expression.
"Let me go! I'm gonna prove to her that I am the strongest female of the Three Factions!"
Serafall snapped, puffing her cheeks.
"Lady Serafall, please don't start a fight here. You're making a scene."
Lavinia tried to calm her down, while Valerie was silently holding Serafall's other arm tight.
On the couch, completely unfazed, sat Gabriel, smiling brightly like a beam of sunlight.
"It's been so long since we've last seen each other, Sera. It's really nice to see a good friend again."
This comment only made Serafall angrier as she began throwing a tantrum, but was restrained by Lavinia and Valerie.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT! WE ARE ARCH-RIVALS, YOU HEAR ME?!"
Sitting besides Gabriel was a stern blond-haired man clad in red and gold armor, twelve radiant wings folded neatly behind him.
It was Uriel, the Flame of God, one of the Four Great Seraphs.
Uriel's sharp gaze immediately shifted toward the newcomers, lingering on Arthur longer than necessary, as if measuring him.
Gabriel, however, reacted very differently.
"Arthur!"
She called out happily.
She stood up in an instant and practically teleported in front of him, her arms already halfway open before she suddenly paused.
She tilted her head slightly, looking at him with an innocent, expectant expression.
"May I?"
She asked softly.
Arthur stared at her for a second, then sighed internally.
(Well, at least she asks for consent now… Unlike last time where I was caught off guard and nearly suffocated to death, which I assume is the reason why she's hesitant now... I still have no idea how she managed to sneak behind me without alerting my senses.)
He slowly opened his arms.
That was all the permission Gabriel needed.
She smiled brightly and pulled him into a tight embrace, pressing him directly into her massive bosom.
Arthur's face disappeared instantly.
Victoria stepped forward slightly and announced formally.
"New guests, Master Arthur has arrived."
"Mmph!"
Arthur struggled weakly, his voice muffled.
(Ahh shit… here we go again… Starting to black out... Wait... Is that the light at the end of the tunnel?)
His body stiffened as oxygen rapidly became scarce.
The Devils stood frozen, completely stunned by the sight of one of the Four Great Seraphs hugging their family member.
Serafall blinked, her anger momentarily replaced with disbelief.
"W-Wait… Why is she like that? Is she allowed to do that?"
Uriel sighed faintly as he stepped forward.
"Gabriel, release the boy. He is starting to turn red."
Gabriel paused, then quickly pulled back.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry, Arthur. Are you okay?"
Arthur staggered slightly as he regained his breathing, taking in a deep breath like a man returning from the brink of death.
"It's okay… I'm fine... I'm getting used to it."
Gabriel smiled apologetically, clearly relieved.
Arthur then turned his attention to Uriel, straightening slightly.
"So, judging from the fiery aura you're emitting, you must be Lord Uriel. This is the first time we meet. I'm Arthur Pendragon. It's good to meet you."
Uriel nodded once.
"Likewise. And please, just call me Uriel."
They stepped forward and shook hands firmly.
Uriel's gaze flickered briefly behind Arthur.
"…Lord Lucifer."
Uriel said, his tone neutral but heavy.
Sirzechs blinked before responding politely.
"Good evening, Lord Uriel. I am Sirzechs Lucifer."
He stepped forward and extended his hand.
Uriel did not take it.
Instead, his eyes shifted back to Arthur.
"Why are two of the Four Great Satans here in Avalon?"
Arthur didn't hesitate.
"They're just visiting me for the first time. They're my relatives."
There was a brief pause before Arthur crossed his arms slightly.
"More importantly, may I ask what's the reason for your visit this evening?"
Uriel glanced around the room, taking in everyone present before answering.
"We were alerted to a possible invasion within Avalon. But we were informed it was handled quickly."
Gabriel nodded beside him as she clasped her hands together happily.
"And I thought it would be the perfect time to come visit you, Arthur. It has been a while since we talked face-to-face."
Uriel added flatly.
"I accompanied her because Gabriel wanted me to meet the young man she kept talking fondly about."
Arthur nodded once.
"I appreciate the concern you guys have, but you're a bit late for the party, and it wasn't even an invasion to begin with."
He jerked his thumb over his shoulder toward Sirzechs.
"It was just him throwing a tantrum after I revealed something important."
Sirzechs flinched slightly, his expression turning awkward.
"It wasn't intentional... I was a little upset."
Serafall snorted.
"A 'little' is an understatement."
Uriel looked at Serafall and then at Sirzechs, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"What in God's name do you see in this man?"
Uriel muttered under his breath.
Arthur blinked.
"What?"
Uriel shook his head once.
"Nothing."
Gabriel clasped her hands together as she looked around the living room, her bright eyes scanning the area.
"So Arthur, where are Kay and Morgan? I was hoping to see them too."
Arthur glanced at her and replied casually.
"Kay's helping Le Fay out at Golden Dawn. She's working on some kind of magical project, so they're both busy right now."
Gabriel nodded happily.
"I see. That's good. I'm glad they're doing well."
Uriel, who had been silently observing everything, stepped forward slightly.
"Arthur, if you have the time, there is something important I wish to discuss with-"
"Master Arthur."
Uriel was cut off mid-sentence as Victoria appeared beside Arthur, bowing her head slightly.
Arthur blinked and turned to her.
"What is it?"
Victoria hesitated for just a brief moment before speaking.
"Another unexpected visitor has arrived."
Arthur's eye twitched slightly.
He slowly dragged a hand down his face and let out a long sigh.
"Is the barrier around Avalon made of tissue paper or something?"
He muttered under his breath.
"Why does everyone suddenly know how to get in? That's the third one tonight."
Serafall snorted quietly in the background.
"Maybe your security just sucks."
Arthur shot her a flat look.
"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that."
He turned back to Victoria.
"Who the hell is it?"
Victoria paused again, this time a bit longer.
"…It would be better if you see for yourself, Master."
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"That doesn't sound reassuring."
Victoria remained politely silent.
Arthur sighed again.
"Fine. I'll go."
He turned to the room.
"Everybody else, stay here. I'll be back. And please don't cause a scene."
Gabriel waved at him with a bright smile.
"Take your time."
Uriel crossed his arms, watching quietly.
Sirzechs frowned slightly, clearly uneasy.
As Arthur and Victoria exited the room, the remaining occupants were left in a strange, heavy silence.
Venelana leaned next her husband on the couch.
"You know, this is turning into some kind of meeting."
Zeoticus crossed his arms.
"A very unusual one."
Back at the entrance hall, Arthur walked toward the front door, his footsteps echoing softly.
He exhaled slowly.
"Please, for the love of God, this better be someone normal."
Victoria stepped ahead of him and gently opened the door.
"Good eve-!"
*SLAM!*
Arthur shut the door immediately.
He stood there for a second as he blinked once and then twice.
He shook his head slowly, then reached for the handle again and opened the door.
"-ning, Arthur!"
*SLAM!*
Arthur closed it again, harder this time.
He dragged his hand down his face.
"I spoke too soon."
Victoria blinked quietly beside him.
Arthur groaned under his breath before opening the door a third time, this time keeping it open.
Standing outside was a grinning Mephisto Pheles, his facial expression was punchable as ever.
Beside him stood a tall man in his twenties with black hair, golden bangs, a black goatee, and a loose black suit.
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly as he recognized him instantly.
It was Azazel, Governor General of the Fallen Angels and leader of Grigori.
Mephisto spread his arms theatrically.
"Arthur, my dear boy, it is truly delightful to see-"
"No."
Arthur cut him off flatly.
Mephisto paused, still smiling.
"No?"
Arthur stared at him.
"No dramatic speeches. Just tell me what you want to say so you can go fuck off somewhere at the other side of the Earth."
Azazel chuckled lightly from the side.
"Straight to the point, huh? You were right, Mephisto. I like him already."
Arthur crossed his arms.
"What are you doing here, Mephisto?"
Mephisto placed a hand on his chest dramatically.
"Is that how you greet me, my dear ol' buddy ol' pal ol' friend of mine? I'm hurt~ And just when I believed that we had something special~ I guess the jokes on me for believing that you and I have a connection~"
Mephisto began snuffling and shedding crocodile tears while one hand began wiping them away with a handkerchief, and the other hand began playing the world's smallest violin that appeared out of nowhere.
Arthur just stood there, unamused.
"We're not even that close. It's only because of your connection with Lavinia and Georg that you and I became close acquaintances."
Arthur replied, showing a neutral expression as he looked at the amused Azazel.
"And may I ask why is it that you brought the leader of the Fallen Angels right here on my doorstep?"
Azazel chuckled and answered.
"Relax, Red. We're not here to cause trouble."
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"That's exactly what people who cause trouble say before doing something stupid."
Inside his mind, Ddraig spoke up, his tone amused.
(Well, this is quite the situation you've gotten yourself into, partner.)
Arthur mentally sighed.
(Tell me about it.)
Ddraig continued.
(You've got the leaders of the Devils, Angels, and now Fallen Angels all in one place. Plus the chairman of the greatest magician organization ever. That's practically a historical meeting.)
Arthur's thoughts spiraled for a moment.
(First its Sirzechs and Serafall… then its Gabriel and Uriel… and now its Azazel and Mephisto? What the hell is going on tonight?)
"Master Arthur."
Victoria's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
He blinked and looked at her.
"Right… The guests."
He turned back to the two men at the door, rubbing his forehead.
"Alright. Both of you get inside before I decided to change my mind and slam the door shut on your faces."
Arthur said, exhaling slowly.
Mephisto instantly changed his expression from "sobbing" to grinning like a hyena high on Joker Venom.
"Splendid!"
Azazel smirked as he stepped forward.
"This is gonna be interesting."
DxD
Ten minutes later, the ticking of the clock became painfully loud in the living room.
Arthur sat on one couch, leaning slightly forward with his elbows resting on his knees, fingers interlocked, his expression calm but clearly done with everything that had happened tonight.
On the second couch sat Sirzechs and Serafall.
Sirzechs looked conflicted, his gaze occasionally drifting downward in thought, while Serafall sat unusually quiet, her usual playful energy replaced by cautious observation.
On the third couch sat Uriel, posture straight, eyes vigilant towards the other Three Faction leaders, while beside him Gabriel hummed softly, swinging her legs slightly as if the situation wasn't absurdly tense.
On the fourth couch sat Mephisto Pheles, casually flipping a coin between his fingers, while Azazel leaned back, one arm draped over the couch as he scanned the room with interest.
The others had already left.
The residents of the mansion understood what this had become a meeting of leaders.
The Gremory family had also taken their leave, though not before Venelana insisted on giving Arthur several contact methods while Rias and Millicas waved goodbye reluctantly.
Now, only the major players remained.
*Tick* *Tock*
*Tick* *Tock*
*Tick* *Tock*
Azazel suddenly let out a low whistle, glancing around the room.
"Well, ain't this is quite a situation we are in."
No one responded immediately.
Azazel smirked slightly and continued.
"Let's see… we've got two of the Four Great Satans, two of the Four Great Seraphs, the Governor General of Grigori, which is yours truly, and the chairman of Grauzauberer… All sitting in one room."
He gestured lazily toward Mephisto.
Mephisto bowed his head slightly without stopping his coin trick.
"I'm quite honored to be here."
Azazel leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he grinned.
"And all of this is happening in a hidden supernatural city run by an overpowered teenage redhead whose entire existence sounds like it came straight out of a fanfiction novel."
He pointed at Arthur.
There was a brief pause.
Then Serafall snorted.
Gabriel giggled.
Even Mephisto's grin widened.
Arthur almost laughed.
Almost.
(He's not entirely wrong.)
Arthur admitted internally.
He quickly coughed into his fist, straightening up as he composed himself.
"Alright, as ridiculous as this situation is…"
He exhaled slowly, then looked around the room, his expression turning serious.
"Everybody, listen up."
The room quieted immediately.
"I'll introduce myself again, just to make things clear. I'm Arthur Pendragon. Commander of the Counter Corps (C×C). Protector of Avalon. And every other titles that the supernatural community knows."
He gestured vaguely around.
"I have absolutely no idea why all of you are here tonight. This entire situation is a chain of strange coincidences, and I'm declaring right now…"
He paused for emphasis.
"This has officially been one of the weirdest evenings of my life."
Serafall raised a hand slightly.
"Seconded."
Arthur ignored her.
"I want this to end peacefully."
Arthur went on, his tone sharpening slightly.
"No fighting each other. No insulting each other. No one declares a Second Great War in my living room."
His eyes swept across all of them.
"And if anyone gets any ideas, I will start throwing hands. I don't care who it is. I will dropkick you in the face."
There was a brief silence.
Azazel grinned wider.
"This kid is awesome."
Uriel remained stoic, though his eyes narrowed slightly in acknowledgment.
Sirzechs exhaled slowly.
"Understood."
Serafall raised both hands.
"Okay then."
Mephisto chuckled.
"No lollygagging. Got it."
Arthur nodded once.
"Good. Now here's how this is going to work."
He leaned back slightly.
"Each of you will state your reason for being here. No interruptions until the end. After that, we'll discuss whatever needs discussing."
He turned his gaze toward the two Seraphs.
"You two go first."
Uriel met Arthur's eyes for a moment before speaking.
"We were alerted to a disturbance within Avalon. A surge of demonic power significant enough to be considered a potential invasion."
Sirzechs shifted slightly but said nothing.
Uriel continued.
"However, upon further observation, it was determined that the situation was contained."
Gabriel nodded.
"Very quickly, too."
Arthur gave a small shrug.
"Yeah. False alarm."
Uriel didn't comment on that.
"The true reason for our visit is separate from that alert."
Arthur leaned forward slightly.
"Go on."
Uriel's gaze hardened slightly.
"Archangel Michael has requested your presence in Heaven."
That statement caused immediate reactions.
Sirzechs frowned.
"Michael wants to bring Arthur into Heaven?"
Serafall blinked.
"That's unexpected."
Azazel tilted his head, clearly intrigued.
"Now that's interesting."
Arthur raised a hand slightly without looking away from Uriel.
"No interruptions."
The room quieted again.
Arthur then looked directly at Uriel.
"What's the reason?"
Uriel remained silent for a moment.
Then Gabriel spoke instead, her usual gentle tone now noticeably serious.
"It concerns Dulio's one-year mission."
She said softly.
Arthur's eyes sharpened slightly.
"And… someone whose name we cannot speak here at the moment."
Gabriel hesitated briefly before continuing.
Arthur didn't speak for a few seconds.
(Gilgamesh.)
His mind supplied immediately.
"…I see."
Arthur said quietly.
He leaned back again, his expression now completely serious.
"Alright, then. We'll discuss the details later."
He said after a moment.
He looked at both Seraphs.
"I'll go to visit Heaven tomorrow."
Gabriel smiled gently.
"Thank you, Arthur."
Uriel gave a single nod.
"We will inform Michael."
Arthur nodded once in return.
"Good"
Arthur leaned back slightly, folding his arms as he shifted his gaze from the two Seraphs to the pair of Devils across from him.
"Alright... Next."
Sirzechs inhaled quietly, but before he could speak, Serafall leaned forward, her entire demeanor shifting.
Gone was the playful magical girl and in her place was the Satan of Foreign Affairs.
She crossed her legs neatly, rested her hands together, and spoke with composed authority.
"The reason for our visit is exactly as it appears. There is no hidden agenda, no political maneuver, and no intent to interfere with Arthur's life."
Serafall began, her tone professional and measured.
Arthur raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing.
Serafall continued.
"Sirzechs, myself, and the Gremory family came here with the sole purpose of meeting you, Arthur. To establish contact with a previously unknown member of the Gremory family."
Sirzechs nodded slowly, his voice quieter.
"I… wasn't planning to come at first. I thought it would be better to leave you alone."
Serafall snorted lightly.
"And we told him that was a stupid idea."
Sirzechs winced.
"Yes… that too."
His mother, Venelana, wasn't present, but her past scolding clearly echoed in his mind.
Serafall leaned back again, relaxing slightly.
"After some… persuasion, we convinced him to come. That's all this is. A family visit."
Arthur held his gaze for a moment, then nodded once.
"Yeah, I figured."
The tension in that part of the room eased just a little.
Arthur then turned his head toward the opposite couch, his expression flattening again.
"Alright, it's your turn."
He said, pointing lazily.
His eyes locked onto Azazel and Mephisto Pheles.
"Explain yourselves."
Mephisto stopped his coin mid-flip, catching it cleanly between his fingers.
He smiled, unbothered.
"Well, honestly, I was simply minding my own business-"
"Bullshit."
Arthur cut in immediately.
Mephisto paused and coughed lightly into his fist.
"As I was saying… I was minding my own business, when all of a sudden, this man..."
He gestured toward Azazel.
"... contacted me out of nowhere and called in a favor I happened to owe him."
Arthur shifted his gaze to Azazel.
"And you."
Azazel leaned back, crossing one leg over the other casually.
"Well, you see, a week ago, I visited Japan. Taking in the scenery, enjoying the delicacies, admiring the culture-"
"Bullshit."
Arthur said again, deadpan.
Azazel froze mid-sentence.
Mephisto chuckled.
Azazel scratched the back of his head.
"Alright, fair. But anyway..."
He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, expression turning more serious.
"Two hours ago, there was an incident."
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly.
"A luxury liner called the Heavenly of Aloha that had over two hundred students from Ryoukuu High School and a handful of teachers… completely vanished without a trace."
The room went quiet.
"Gone without a trace. No wreckage. No distress signals. No nothing."
Arthur's eyes widened just slightly.
(Heavenly of Aloha…)
His thoughts clicked instantly.
(The Heavenly of Aloha Incident… Slash/Dog… so the story begins.)
Arthur leaned back slowly, his expression sharpening.
"I need to ask for clarification… Why are you, of all people, telling me this?"
Arthur asked.
Azazel met his gaze.
"Because I got curious. This kind of disappearance? It's not random. There's something behind it."
He gestured vaguely.
"Normally, I'd investigate it myself. But then I remembered…"
Azazel smirked slightly.
"…there's a certain organization that's been getting a lot of attention lately."
Arthur didn't react outwardly but he muttered.
"The Counter Corps."
Azazel continued.
"So I figured, instead of stepping on your toes, I'd come directly to the source."
Arthur crossed his arms.
"…So you called Mephisto to meet me personally."
Azazel nodded.
"Yup. I figured it'd be easier to meet the young man, the myth, and the legend that way."
Arthur's gaze shifted slowly toward Mephisto.
"Then why are you here if all you did was to show up and dump him on my doorstep?
Arthur asked flatly.
Mephisto leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his fingers interlocking as his smile took on a sharper edge.
"Because I have to fulfill the other half of the favor I owed to Azazel."
Mephisto said softly.
Arthur's eyes narrowed.
"And that is?"
Mephisto tilted his head slightly.
"I'm here to call in a favor."
The room stilled.
Serafall stopped smiling.
Sirzechs frowned.
Uriel's eyes sharpened.
Gabriel blinked quietly.
Arthur stared at Mephisto, his expression unreadable.
"…What kind of favor?
DxD
Hello readers!
I.
AM.
EXHAUSTED.
I require more Power Stones to refuel my brain!
Thank you, everyone, and see you later!