Chapter 31: Kokabiel - 3
The confrontation with Kokabiel had left everyone on edge, yet as the group began their walk back to the kuoh academy, a sense of unease filled the air.
Rias, Sona, and the others discussed their next steps, formulating strategies to prepare for the battles ahead. The conversations were intense, filled with tactical plans and reassurances.
Amidst this, Raizel and Akeno drifted slightly to the side, seeking a rare moment of quiet amidst the chaos. The evening sun bathed them in a soft glow as they walked together, their steps in sync.
"I'm glad we could steal a moment like this," Akeno said softly, in her usual teasing tone but mixed with genuine warmth. "It feels like we've barely had time for ourselves with everything happening."
Raizel nodded, his crimson eyes reflecting the sunset. "Indeed. The recent events have been... distracting." His voice was calm, but there was a softness to it that he reserved only for her.
Akeno smiled, a hint of mischief returning to her eyes. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be calm and composed, you've been quite protective lately." She leaned in slightly, her gaze playful. "It's... endearing."
Raizel allowed a small smile to play on his lips. "Protecting what is precious to me is not something I take lightly, Akeno." His tone was sincere, and the weight of his words lingered in the air between them.
They continued walking in silence for a moment, the world around them seemingly fading into the background. The sound of the others discussing strategies was distant, allowing the pair to enjoy their brief respite.
Akeno glanced at Raizel, her expression softening. "You've been shouldering so much, Raizel. It's okay to lean on us, you know."
He looked at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. "And I will, when the time comes. But for now, I find strength in knowing that you're by my side."
Her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, but she quickly masked it with her usual playful demeanor. "ara~ara~ quite the flatterer, are we" she teased, though her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
As they rejoined the group, the atmosphere lightened slightly, their brief moment together bringing a sense of calm amidst the storm.
Akeno walked closer to Raizel, their connection deepening with every shared glance and quiet word.
The evening pressed on, but in that fleeting moment, amidst the looming threat of Kokabiel and the battles yet to come, they found solace in each other.
----
As the group made their way back to Kuoh Academy, an unsettling stillness filled the air. The usual hum of the evening was replaced by an eerie silence.
Just as they reached the academy grounds, a sudden shimmer enveloped the area. The entire school was now encased in an invisible barrier, cutting them off from the outside world.
Before anyone could react, a large, ominous throne descended from the sky, hovering above the academy. Seated upon it was Kokabiel, exuding an aura of malevolence and power. His presence alone was enough to send chills down the spines of everyone present.
"Welcome, devils of the Gremory and Sitri houses," Kokabiel announced, his voice echoing through the barrier.
"I've been waiting for this moment. Tonight, the heavens and the underworld shall bear witness to the dawn of a new era."
Without warning, Kokabiel raised his hand, and a brilliant spear of light formed in his grasp. With a wicked grin, he hurled the spear towards the gymnasium.
The spear struck with immense force, causing a massive explosion that obliterated the structure in an instant. Flames and debris scattered across the grounds, the shockwave rattling the very earth beneath their feet.
"You dare desecrate my territory?" Rias shouted, her eyes blazing with fury. She stepped forward, her power radiating around her. "You'll pay for this, Kokabiel!"
Kokabiel laughed, his voice dripping with contempt. "Fools! This is but a taste of what's to come. I will bring war to this world, and neither the Devil Kings nor the Heavenly Hosts will be able to stop me."
The group stood their ground, determination etched on their faces. Rias, Akeno, Sona, Tsubaki, and the others prepared themselves for battle, their powers flaring as they braced for the impending confrontation.
Raizel, however, remained calm, his eyes fixed on Kokabiel. His voice, though soft, carried an undeniable weight. "Your ambition blinds you, Kokabiel. You've disturbed the peace of this world long enough. This ends here."
Kokabiel sneered, leaning back on his throne. "We shall see, Noblesse. Show me the power that has kept the balance for centuries."
As the tension in the air thickened, the stage was set for an epic showdown. The group knew that this battle would determine the fate of their world. With their resolve they prepared to face the might of Kokabiel and his twisted ambitions.
---
As Kokabiel finished his grandiose declaration, his throne emitted a bright, pulsating energy.
The ground beneath the group trembled violently before splitting open, releasing an intense heat. From the depths of the earth, molten lava began to bubble and surge. Amidst the fiery chaos, a colossal three-headed beast emerged, its form wreathed in flames.
The monstrous Cerberus, guardian of the underworld, stood before them, its eyes glowing with malevolence.
The group recoiled at the sight of the beast, but Raizel remained unfazed. His crimson eyes locked onto Kokabiel as he spoke with an air of calm authority.
"You have overstepped your bounds, Kokabiel. Summoning Cerberus—a guardian of the underworld—is forbidden. You tamper with forces beyond your understanding."
Kokabiel grinned, unfazed by Raizel's admonishment. "Forbidden? The rules of the old world no longer apply. I will use any means necessary to achieve my goals. This is the beginning of a new order, and nothing will stand in my way."
Raizel's gaze hardened, his voice growing colder. "Your hubris will be your downfall. The balance you seek to destroy is not so easily undone."
Turning to the group, Raizel addressed them with a calm yet firm tone. "Prepare yourselves. This battle will test not only your strength but your resolve. Do not waver. Stand together, and you will prevail."
Rias and the others nodded, their determination evident despite the looming threat. Akeno stepped closer to Raizel, her concern for him visible in her eyes as she changed her dress to that of a shrine maiden.
"Raizel," she whispered, her voice laced with worry. "Be careful! We will take care of Cerberus, you can focus on Kokabiel. "
Raizel offered her a reassuring smile, his usual composed demeanor softening slightly. "Fear not, Akeno. I have faced worse threats in my time. Stay focused and trust in your abilities."
Her cheeks flushed slightly at his words, but she nodded, steeling herself for the battle ahead.
With one last glance at Akeno, Raizel turned back to Kokabiel, his expression unreadable. "This ends now, Kokabiel. You will not bring ruin to this world."
The air around Raizel shimmered as he prepared to unleash his power.