Chapter 05A: Plan Of Attack – Know Your Enemy

A few days have passed. I'm now more or less recovered. During this period the Pandemonium family has been using every resource at its disposal to learn what they can about the situation within Thanatos.

Alicia, Wolfy, Father-in-law, Kuro-san, Mother-in-law, and myself are sitting around a large table.

“Right, now lets begin the meeting,” Father-in-law states. “Shortly after the takeover, Cocytus publicised a demand to Hades-sama to officially reinstate him as the head.”

I heard about this, Cock is threatening he will attack the Underworld capital if Hades doesn't comply. We still have no idea how he's planning to attack it, there have been suspicions regarding a wide ranged Reaper Technique, to bomb threats, to just a direct assault by an army. Therefore large portions of our forces have re-stationed themselves to help avert the crisis. Tonight's the deadline for the demands.

“Obviously, Hades-sama cannot give in to such a threat,” Kuro-san says as he folds his arms, “It's Underworld policy not to negotiate with terrorists.” Even though they're from a noble family Cock and Disturb are now only considered terrorists.

“Which means we can only disarm the situation with force?” Alicia asks.

“The moment Disturb kidnapped Lilicia-chan, I wouldn't settle for anything less.” I'm definitely going to pulverise him for making her cry!!

Father-in-law nods as his face turns serious, “Well said, Yuichi-kun,” He applauds, “Their crimes are far too big to grant amnesty, so we will destroy them.” Everyone present nods back, the decision is unanimous.

“Lilicia, I wonder if she's okay,” Mother-in-law says solemnly.

“Don't worry, Annette. They have too much on their hands to think about, I'm sure for now, she's safe.” Father explains, but I can tell it's a brave front for his wife.

This all happened because I failed, forgive me, Mother. I grit my teeth in frustration.

“Now, moving on, we have confirmed some of our notable opposition.”

Three holograms appear above the table, depicting Lycan, Van, and another girl that I don't know.

“Priscilla!?” Alicia says in shock as she stares at the scarlet haired girl. “Does that mean that Orthrus are backing Cocytus and Disturb!?”

“That remains to be seen at the moment, but at the very least Priscilla is.” Father explains as he gazes at the girl's hologram.

“Um, sorry,” I speak out, something is bothering me.

“What is it, Yuichi-kun?” Father asks.

“Not that I'm complaining, but Father, Lycan wasn't in a swimsuit when we fought her.” I state.

“To notice that, as to be expected of you, Yuichi-kun. I went the extra mile when I paid to have this machine installed and added a certain patch. The system analyses all girls it displays and puts them into swimsuits that are best suited to bring out their charms!!” Father opens his arms wide, “The best extra two hundred and fifty million of taxpayer's money I've ever spent!!”

What a godly machine!!

“By the way, I'm planning on upgrading it so that they can be shown in erotic cosplay soon!!”

“Seriously!! Do you have Alicia and Lilicia-chan's data stored!?” I ask in excitement.

“I'm their father, of course I do.” Father gives me a smile, wink and a thumbs up. I return the gesture with my own. This is why I respect this man so much.

“OWWWW!!!” A fist knocks me off my chair.

“I WON'T LET YOU!!” Alicia shouts as a vein appears at the top of her head.

“Dear,” Mother approaches Father with a smile, “I thought you told me the patch was a free service. What is this about an extra two hundred and fifty million?” Father sweats as Mother's smile holds pure malice behind its façade.

One huge lecture later and the meeting resumes.

“Lycan #13, this girl is an unknown,” Father begins and Lycan's image grows as we discuss, “According to Alicia she is capable of moving at intense high speeds and her claws are strong enough to cut through a Reaper's Scythe.”

“Yes, I was able to beat her by using the restraining device on her, but next time they'll probably have a countermeasure.” Alicia explains.

“In other words we don't have any details of her background or what she is, so exercise extreme caution.” Father states. “Next is the man Yuichi-kun faced, Van.” Van's image enlarged. “Please tell us about him, Yuichi-kun.”

“He's a Human Anomaly who has the power to give life to his paintings. When I fought him he used a tree and brick wall against me. When he gives life to objects however it takes a few seconds to accomplish. But he is also capable of pulling inanimate objects such as a gun out of his paintings instantly. I'm unsure if there is any limit to his power.” I explain everything I learned.

“Quite a difficult opponent you had to face, Yuichi-sama.” Kuro-san states. It was less him being tough and more the fact that I was trying to rush things that was the problem though.

“Master fought such an enemy whilst I wasn't present, I'm ashamed of myself.” Wolfy laments.

“Don't mind, I should have used the whistle you gave me. I couldn't think straight at the time though.” I explain.

“Then finally, I'm sure all of you but Yuichi-kun and Wolfy know about this girl, Priscilla Orthrus,” The final image enlarges at Father's words, “She's the oldest daughter to the head of Orthrus, a rival family to the Cerberus. In terms of family hierarchy Orthrus would be fourth, just below the three families. Although not to the same extent as to someone like Carrisa, Priscilla could also be called a prodigy, her flames are to be feared.” All the Hex Class appear to be troublesome individuals. “Unfortunately we know nothing of the other three members, so moving onto our main nemesis'.” The three images disappear and two more take their place. One is a older man with cyan hair, and the other is...

“DISTURB!!” I get up and punch the hologram, despite knowing its futility, I can't hide my anger seeing that scum's face.

“Calm down, Yuichi-kun. That anger isn't just your own,” Father pacifies and I retake my seat.

“The ones behind the entire affair, Cocytus and Disturb Thanatos,” So that other one is Cock, I engrave his face into my memory, so I know exactly who to break. “Fortunately, neither of them are capable of using the Grimoire. However, as Thanatos, Disturb and Cocytus are able to manifest eight and ten Photon Options respectively, making them both incredibly powerful opponents. In addition, they will do anything to win, so don't expect a clean fight. Also, be wary of the Thanatos' other innate ability of Kyrokinesis, although by nature they seem to lean towards using Photon Options, just remember that isn't their only power.” I see, so Thanatos have more than just their Photon Options. Kyrokinesis is the ice version of Pyrokinesis isn't it?

“Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, Hades-sama cannot stop this conflict himself. We have also received orders prior to put the lives of the capital's citizens as our top priority, so it will be difficult for me to move as well.” Father-in-law looks down in anger, his position is preventing him from taking direct action. I can sense the huge dismay in his face, it isn't always easy being in a powerful position.

“Don't worry, Father,” I look him directly in the eye, “I will definitely rescue Lilicia-chan, and kick Disturb in the nuts whilst I'm at it.” No, wait a second, doing so would contaminate my beautiful foot. “I take that back, I'll slice his nuts off.” This way I don't have to touch him.

“Thanks, my boy. I'll provide as much support as I can.” Father pats my shoulder when suddenly...

Beep beep beep!! - A loud alarm rings out.

“What's that!?” I shout when suddenly a huge image of a man I saw just a second ago appears in the sky. It's Cock!!

“Good evening ladies and gentleman, boy and girls.” He greets with a smile, “It appears that your leader hasn't come to his senses of giving back what is rightfully mine. Therefore, as promised, your lives are forfeited. Squirm in fear at the might of the Crusader!!”

Suddenly the image changes to that of a fleet of four huge flying ships. “The Crusader!?” Father shouts in shock, “He awakened an ancient weapon!? This is beyond what we imagined!!” Father opens up a communication line to someone who looks like a scientist. “Where is the current location of the Crusader, how long till it reaches the Capital!?”

“Sir, we're locating it somewhere in the Dark Plains, at its current speed it will be in shooting range of the capital in three hours!” Father is shocked at the report, Cock must have gotten himself one dangerous weapon. “Begin evacuation of the Capital, pass along all our information to the Cerberus family and request them to aid the efforts. Prepare countermeasures to stall the Crusader for as long as possible. Every second counts, get to work!!”

“Yes, Sir!!” The scientist salutes and the line closes. “To think he went this far, I underestimated him!!” Father states clenches his fist, “No, that's not it. Cocytus isn't capable of something like this. Has he had help?” Father asks himself before hitting his fist into his hand, “I see, so that's how it is. That's why Hades-sama had to leave at such a time!!”

Has Father figured something out?

“Yuichi-kun, my apologies, it looks like I will be needing your help sooner than I thought.” Father declares, you needn't worry, from the very start I was set on helping you. “Yuichi-kun, Alicia, Wolfy, Kuro-kun, you will stop the Crusader for good.”

We will? Those four ships, I'm worried.

“Don't worry, Yuichi-kun. I have a plan. Kuro-kun, go and prepare two Dual-Cores, they will be required!”

“Yes, Master!!” Kuro-san salutes before running off.

“But Father, how do you expect us to stop that weapon?” Alicia asks.

“Don't you know that all things with a hard shell have a weak inside?” Father smiles. “Go get ready. My presence will be required in the Capital, Annette, please look after our territory.”

“Leave it to me,” Mother replies. Father's quick thinking in such a crisis, as expected of one of the few people I look up to. I should do my best as well.

As Father begins to walk off at a quick pace, I hurriedly catch up to him and make sure no one is listening in. “Father, I have a question, or maybe a request.” I state.

“What is it?”

I can't fall a second time so I'll do everything to ensure that I don't.

Chapter 05B: Plan Of Attack – The Cerberus' Basic Policy (Perspective: Ren)

I recall my first official meeting with the boy who has since been my best friend.

I ran down the corridor and return to my classroom after popping out for a brief moment. As I wandered back to my seat I noticed two oranges and a banana placed in a certain formation. I turned to my new classmates “Who was it that put my fruit in such a suggestive pose?” I ask as I gaze back at the banana that is pointing to the ceiling with an orange either side of it.

At my question, thirty odd fingers pointed to a single boy with brown hair, Yuichi Shiro. The boy looked left then right at his opposition before pointing his finger at a random boy, “He did.” He says in a confident voice that made him look more pitiful than anything else. Its thirty to one so I have my answer as I heave a sigh. The last spectacle of pitifulness destroyed all my previous anger.

For some reason after that he latched onto me, even if I ask myself how we became friends I wouldn't be able to give a logical answer. It just happened.

I feel my heavy eyes slowly open as I take in my surroundings through the capsule I'm in. Elizabeth, Reno, and Sakura are all looking in at me.

“How are you feeling, Ren-sama?” Elizabeth asks as I gaze at my new arm, I open and close my fist to get the feeling.

“Much better, it feels like I'm whole again.” I reply.

“Nii-san,” Sakura calls me from the other end, she looks stressed. “Senpai was attacked.” She states.

What! Yuichi was?

“What's happened whilst I've been asleep?” I ask with seriousness leaking into my voice.

The three quickly fill me in regarding the assault on Yuichi and Alicia-san, the kidnapping of Lilicia-san, and the coup within the Thanatos. I can't believe so much has happened in so little time.

“Elizabeth, can you let me out of here? I'm feeling much better now.” I ask, Elizabeth nods and walks to the capsule. After pressing a few buttons the liquid I'm in drains away and the door opens. I step onto the ground with my bare feet. Reno throws me a robe, I'm only wearing clothes on the lower half of my body. I quickly put it on.

“Knowing what is happening, Ren-nii, what do you want to do?” Reno asks.

“If I said I wished to assist in the rescue of Lilicia-san, would you stop me?” I ask the brother and sister in front of me.

“Nii-san?” Sakura looks worried, it can't be helped though, sometimes I just have to do these things.

“We've received a request for help in handling the Crusader from Alexander-sama. Father said that he is going to the Capital, and that we're free to do as we please.” Elizabeth explains, “If Ren-sama wishes to help, then I too will lend my assistance. I can't let Alicia and Yuichi Shiro take all the credit.” I'm glad to see your heart's in the right place, sort of.

“I too will...” Sakura begins.

“Stay put!!” I stop her, it's way too dangerous for a non-combatant to get involved.

“But Senpai will....”

“Will only be burdened if you marched into the danger zone.” I forcefully finish her sentence with my own interpretation. “Yuichi is strong, he'll be fine. Staying in the safe zone and welcoming the heroes back when they return is the role of the maiden Sakura. Just trust me on this.”

“But what if Senpai, or you, or anyone else...”

“Have some faith in your brother, and the boy you've liked for so long will you?” I pat Sakura's head in an attempt to console her, she still seems upset, but she nods.

“Then shall we go, Ren-sama?” Elizabeth asks, and I nod.

“Sorry to be a third wheel, but I'll have you take me along.” Reno interjects, “I'm worried about Lilicia and the triplets as well. And I think you'll need all the firepower you can get.”

“Thanks, Reno.” I say gratefully as I walk past Sakura to the exit. Reno and Elizabeth follow me close behind as Sakura stays still, almost as if she's praying.

“Definitely come back safely you three!!” She shouts. Without turning around I raise an arm whilst pacing onwards.

“This'll be the perfect time to test out my new arm,” I smile as I look at my arm glowing with glyphs made up of the three primary colours.

Don't worry, Yuichi, I'm coming to help like the total bro I am.

Onwards to our new battlefield.