Location: Team Void's Private Suite - Agreas Hotel
Time: The Day Before the Quarter-Finals
Status: Recovery Mode
The fight with Crom Cruach had been a victory, but it came at a cost. Raiden was currently lying in a king-sized bed (which was barely big enough), wrapped in high-grade healing bandages soaked in Phoenix tears.
His room was dim, lit only by ambient magical light. It was supposed to be a time for rest.
Instead, it was a summit meeting of his personal "Faction."
To his right, Ravel Phenex sat on a stool, peeling grapes with surgical precision. She wore a casual apron over her school uniform.
To his left, Serafall Leviathan was lying on her stomach on the bed, wearing oversized "Magical Girl" pajamas, kicking her legs in the air while reading a manga.
At the foot of the bed, Irina Shidou was kneeling, polishing Raiden's boots with a devotion usually reserved for religious artifacts.
And sitting on a velvet armchair near the balcony, sipping red wine, was Runeas Gremory, wearing a silk robe that left very little to the imagination.
"Open," Ravel commanded softly.
Raiden opened his mouth. Ravel placed a peeled grape inside.
"Your jaw is healing nicely," Ravel noted, adjusting her glasses. "Though you really shouldn't headbutt a dragon, Raiden-sama. It makes the medical reports very complicated."
"He tasted like granite," Raiden mumbled, chewing the grape. "Next time, I'll use a hammer."
"Ne, ne, Raiden-chan!" Serafall rolled over, poking his bandaged chest. "Since you're stuck in bed, we should watch the 'Magical Girl Milky' marathon! I brought the limited edition Blu-ray box set!"
"I am resting, Serafall," Raiden groaned. "Loud noises give me a headache right now."
"But looking at cute girls heals the soul!" Serafall puffed her cheeks. "And if you don't watch it with me, I'll start singing the opening theme song right here!"
"Please don't," Ravel sighed. "The windows are not soundproof against Maou-class sonic attacks."
Serafall giggled and crawled up the bed, snuggling into Raiden's side, careful of his broken ribs.
"Fine, no singing. But I demand cuddles. My champion fought so hard, he needs to recharge his 'Levi-tan Energy'!"
She rested her head on his shoulder, her playful demeanor softening.
"You really scared me, you know," she whispered, tracing a bandage line. "When Crom hit you... I thought my heart stopped."
Raiden moved his hand, resting it heavily on her head.
"It takes more than a fist to kill me. I haven't eaten the universe yet."
Serafall smiled, closing her eyes and purring like a cat under his touch.
At the foot of the bed, Irina finished polishing the boots and stood up. She was glowing with a strange, holy determination.
"Raiden-sama!" Irina clasped her hands together. "I have prepared a special 'Holy Oil Massage' technique I learned from the Vatican archives! It is said to relax the muscles of saints after battling demons!"
"I am not a saint, Irina," Raiden reminded her. "And holy oil usually burns me."
"Nonsense!" Irina beamed. "Your soul has transcended alignment! You are the God of the New Age! Allow this humble servant to anoint your abs!"
She pulled out a bottle of golden oil.
"Ravel," Raiden said flatly. "Stop her."
"Irina-san," Ravel stood up, blocking the Angel. "We are using Phoenix oil for regeneration. Please do not mix holy elements with the recovery process. You might accidentally exorcise his liver."
"Ehhh? But love conquers all chemical reactions!" Irina argued.
"Just sit down, Angel," Raiden grunted. "If you want to be useful, go get me more food. I'm burning calories just healing these bones."
"Yes, Lord!" Irina saluted. "I shall fetch the finest protein!" She dashed out of the room.
With the noisy Angel gone, the room quieted down.
Runeas Gremory stood up. She walked over to the bed, the silk robe shifting to reveal her pale, perfect legs.
She looked down at Raiden with ancient, possessive eyes.
"You are spoiling them," Runeas said, her voice like velvet.
"They're noisy," Raiden replied. "But they're loyal."
Runeas sat on the edge of the bed, pushing Serafall slightly to the side (who grumbled but didn't move). Runeas leaned over Raiden, her crimson hair creating a curtain around them.
"You defeated the strongest Evil Dragon with your bare hands," Runeas whispered, trailing a finger down his chest. "My descendants - Rias, Sirzechs - they rely on power. You rely on dominance."
She kissed his forehead, then his cheek, lingering near his lips.
"I am proud of you, my Sovereign. You are becoming the monster I always knew you could be."
"Is that a compliment?" Raiden smirked.
"From a Gremory? It is the highest praise." Runeas bit his earlobe gently. "Heal quickly. Once these bandages are off... I expect you to show me that stamina in private."
Ravel turned bright red and frantically started cleaning her glasses. "R-Runeas-sama! Too bold!"
Irina returned with a massive platter of roast chicken and sandwiches.
Raiden ate. He ate everything. The plates, the food, even the napkins.
Gulp.
"Better," Raiden sighed, feeling his ribs knit together faster.
He looked around the room.
Ravel was tired from managing the team.
Serafall was half-asleep on his left arm.
Irina was sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed, looking drowsy.
Runeas was finishing her wine, her eyes heavy.
"Alright," Raiden shifted, expanding the blankets. "Lights out."
"Ehh?" Ravel blinked. "I should return to my room..."
"Get in," Raiden ordered. "You're tired. You made a mistake in the schedule earlier. You never make mistakes. Sleep."
Ravel blushed, but she didn't argue. She climbed onto the right side of the bed, curling up small. "Just... just for a nap."
Irina crawled up from the foot of the bed. "Is there room for a faithful believer?"
"Don't kick me," Raiden grunted.
Runeas chuckled, blew out the magical candles, and slid in behind Raiden, spooning his back.
The Configuration:
1. Raiden: Center (The Pillow).
2. Serafall: Left side (Clinging to arm).
3. Ravel: Right side (Curled up modestly).
4. Irina: Bottom/Legs (Hugging his knees).
5. Runeas: Big Spoon (Back).
It was crowded. It was warm. It smelled of lavender, wine, and sugar.
Raiden closed his eyes. He sensed the killing intent of Hades waiting for tomorrow. He sensed the chaotic void of the Dimensional Gap.
But right now, surrounded by the women who had sworn themselves to him, the "King of Gluttony" felt something rare.
He wasn't hungry.
He was full.
"Not bad," Raiden whispered into the darkness.