Dxd: The Primordial Judge

The West Youkai Faction in Kyoto was experiencing a serene tranquility. With the horrifying events that occurred to the Nekomata village, many Youkai had began engaging with their communities more than before, coming to value the fragile life they lived in this cruel world.

The Youkai in Kyoto had mostly lived in Urakyoto, which is a alternate dimension created in a similar way of Devils Rating Game fields, and provided them with relative safety.

Throughout this dimension, one could spot various young youkai running around, playing childish games together with a whimsey that one could truly only spot in a child.

Various adults sat around, looking at their children and chatting calmly as they discussed the news of Neuvillette's return, that had already spread throughout the Supernatural world after his appearance in the Underworld hours prior.

This tranquility was disrupted by the arrival of a figure whose presence was as striking as it was commanding. The skies, previously clear, now held a faint silver hue, a soft drizzle cascading down from the heavens.

Unlike the storm that had been unleashed in the Underworld, this rain was gentle, a soothing drizzle that healed injuries and invigorated the masses, whilst still carried that undeniable aura of authority.

Neuvillette strode calmly through the cobblestone streets of the West Youkai Faction's capital, his silvery-blue hair shimmering faintly as droplets of rain refracted the sunlight.

His long, flowing coat fluttered slightly with each deliberate step, and though his expression was serene, the dignified air about him made it clear that this was no ordinary visit. 

The various Youkai children who were playing had all cleared the streets, returning to their parents. The adults stood up and looked on respectfully, whilst Youkai of various forms and sizes peeked out from their homes and marketplaces to catch a glimpse.

Most bowed respectfully, before beginning to whisper to those beside them, their voices filled with a combination of awe and trepidation as they chatted.

"Is that… him?" One fox-eared merchant whispered, clutching a bundle of silk as her tail twitched nervously. 

"It must be," another murmured, a tanuki whose round eyes widened, "The Chief Ludex." 

Despite the murmurs and stares, Neuvillette remained unbothered. His calm, measured demeanor seemed to diffuse any tension in his path, and the gentle rain that accompanied him had an oddly calming effect on the Youkai around him.

Yet, his mere presence demanded respect, and none dared approach him. That is, until a small voice broke through the silence. 

"Hello, mister!" 

Neuvillette stopped mid-stride, his gaze lowering to find a young fox Youkai standing before him. She couldn't have been more than twelve-years old, her golden hair tied into twin ponytails that bobbed slightly as she smiled up at him.

Her large, inquisitive amber eyes shone with a mix of curiosity and excitement, and her fluffy tails swayed behind her. 

"K-Kunou!" an older kitsune nearby whispered in alarm, her hands covering her mouth, "Get back here!" 

But Kunou paid her no mind, taking a step closer to the towering figure before her. She tilted her head slightly, her small hands clutching a stuffed fox plushie. "You're really tall! And you smell like rain! Are you here to see Mama?" 

Neuvillette regarded the child for a moment, his piercing eyes softening just slightly. The edges of his lips curved upward in the faintest of smiles, a gesture so subtle that it might have gone unnoticed to anyone not paying close attention. 

"And who might you be, little one?" he asked, although he knew the answer, his voice was still gentle, yet carrying the same unshakable dignity that defined him. 

"I'm Kunou!" she declared proudly, puffing out her chest, "And Mama is Yasaka, the leader here. Are you here to talk to her? Mama talks to lots of important people!" 

Neuvillette's gaze lingered on Kunou as he continued sensing the unmistakable bond of blood between this child and the one he was looking for.

"I see," he said, his tone warm yet composed. "Kunou, would you be so kind as to lead me to your mother? I have matters to discuss with her." 

He didn't mind that she didn't know who he was. With twenty years gone, his appearance had properly not been regarded as the most important teaching material, especially for the youngest children.

Kunou's face lit up with excitement, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Okay! Follow me, mister!" She turned on her heel, her tails swishing behind her as she began to lead him down the cobblestone path. 

As Neuvillette followed the young kitsune, the other Youkai watched in stunned silence. The sight of the fearsome Ordainer of Judgement walking so amicably with a child was almost surreal, yet it only added to the mystique that surrounded him. 

Kunou chatted animatedly as they walked, her voice light and cheerful. "Mama's really nice! But she's super busy sometimes. Are you a friend of hers? Oh! Do you like sweets? We have really yummy mochi here!" 

Neuvillette listened patiently, offering small nods in response to her questions. Despite the gravity of his purpose, he found the child's unfiltered enthusiasm refreshing, especially after such a long slumber.

As they approached a grand shrine at the heart of the city, Neuvillette could sense Yasaka's presence before he even saw her. The air here was thick with spiritual energy, and the aura of the nine-tailed fox was unmistakable. 

At the entrance to the shrine, Yasaka herself appeared, her golden hair cascading like a waterfall and her regal kimono accentuating her ethereal beauty.

Her golden eyes, so similar to Kunou's, widened slightly as she took in the sight of Neuvillette walking beside her daughter. 

"Kunou…" Yasaka's voice was calm but tinged with surprise, "What are you doing?" 

Kunou beamed, running up to her mother. "Mama! This mister wanted to see you, so I brought him here! He's really nice!" 

Yasaka's gaze shifted to Neuvillette, her expression softening into a polite smile. She bowed slightly, her movements graceful,"Lord Neuvillette. It is an honor to welcome you to Kyoto. I must admit, I did not expect your visit." 

Neuvillette inclined his head in return, his expression respectful yet reserved, "Lady Yasaka," he said, his voice steady. "I appreciate your hospitality. My apologies for the unannounced visit. I'd like to discuss about what happened. I'm sure you've heard the news."

Yasaka straightened, her expression growing serious, yet with a tinge of delight as she remembered the news that was passed to her not too long before. She gestured toward the shrine, "Of course. Please, come inside. We can discuss this in detail." 

Neuvillette followed her into the shrine, the gentle rain ceasing as he stepped through the threshold. Kunou watched them go, her tails wagging as she waved cheerfully. 

"Bye, mister! Come back soon!" 

Neuvillette glanced back briefly, offering her a faint smile before disappearing into the shrine with Yasaka. The doors closed behind them, leaving the Youkai outside to wonder what the Ordainer of Justice's visit would mean for their future. 

Inside the grand shrine, the air was heavy with an almost sacred tranquility. The faint scent of incense wafted through the spacious room. Yasaka gestured to a raised platform where a low table was set, flanked by cushions. 

Neuvillette nodded and lowered himself gracefully onto the offered cushion, and Yasaka followed suit, her movements elegant and precise, no doubt from decades of doing this..

It was Yasaka who broke the silence, "I've already been informed of what occurred in the Underworld,," she said softly, folding her hands neatly in her lap, "The rain… it told its own story, even before the messengers came. I understand you made quite an impact." 

Neuvillette inclined his head slightly, his expression unreadable but tinged with solemnity, "Indeed," he began, his voice calm and unwavering. "The Devils' complacency and disregard for the laws set forth by the Court could no longer be ignored after my awakening. Their actions endangered not only their own realm but the balance we are all sworn to maintain."

He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as the weight of his words settled into the stillness of the room, "I made sure to punish them accordingly. Trials will be held, and the guilty shall face the full weight of the law."

Yasaka nodded, her expression grave but thoughtful. "It is a relief to hear that justice will be served," she said softly, taking a deep breath as she the trauma of the memory of the dead Nekomata's was invoked.

Neuvillette's gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained resolute. "That is precisely why I have come to you, Lady Yasaka. I wish to invite you to sit as a representative of the Youkai at the forthcoming trials of the Devils."

Yasaka's eyes widened ever so slightly, and for a brief moment, surprise flickered across her otherwise composed features, "An invitation to sit at the Court's proceedings?" she murmured, her voice laced with intrigue. "That is… a great honor."

"It is not merely an honor," Neuvillette replied, his tone measured yet firm,"It is a necessity. The Youkai have suffered their share of losses and grievances due to the actions of the Devils. Your presence will ensure that their voices are heard, and justice is rendered fairly."

Yasaka lowered her gaze briefly as she sank in thought about the offer provided. After a moment, she looked up at Neuvillette, a small yet sincere smile gracing her lips, "You honor us with this request, Lord Neuvillette. The Youkai have long respected the Court of Fatui for its fairness and unwavering commitment to justice. I accept your invitation and will do my utmost to represent my people with dignity and integrity."

Neuvillette gave a single, approving nod. "Thank you for your willingness to take on this responsibility."

The two sat in silence for a moment, savoring the delicious tea provided for them as they sunk in thought.

Then, Neuvillette rose gracefully to his feet, his presence once again towering yet composed, "I will return to my duties, but you will receive word when the trials are convened. Until then, Lady Yasaka, may the balance remain steadfast."

Yasaka stood as well, bowing deeply, "May the rain guide your path, Lord Neuvillette."

Neuvillette inclined his head in farewell and turned to leave, his silver hair shimmering faintly in the dim light of the shrine. As he stepped out into the open air, the rain began to fall once more, a gentle cascade that seemed almost like a blessing. 

Kunou, who had been waiting patiently outside, waved excitedly as he passed, "Come back soon, mister!" she called cheerfully.

Neuvillette paused briefly, glancing back at the young fox Youkai. A rare, faint smile touched his lips. "Perhaps I shall," he said softly before disappearing into the misty rain.