Dxd: The Primordial Judge

TWO DAYS LATER!

The carriage came to a halt at the base of the grand steps leading to the Opera Epiclese, the towering structure looming above them like a testament to the Fatui's grandeur.

Rias Gremory stepped out first, her crimson hair catching the golden light of the afternoon sun. Behind her, Sona Sitri also stepped out and adjusted her glasses, her composed demeanor in stark contrast to Rias's presence.

"It's… much more packed than I expected," Sona murmured, her eyes scanning the crowd. There was a massive amount of people before them. The courtyard and steps leading to the Opera Epiclese was swarmed with individuals, dignitaries, nobles, emissaries and other influential figures across the Supernatural World.

They noticed the various emblems and insignias adorning robes and banners, each one representing a powerful faction or family from various races or pantheons. The air was filled with the hum of conversation as people filtered in.

Rias's gaze settled on the building itself, which stood like a crown jewel at the heart of the Palais Mermonia. Its towering spires reached for the heavens, adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and Fatui insignias. At the center were golden gates with Fatui guards flanking them in their pristine uniforms.

"The first trial of Neuvillette's return was bound to attract attention, but this…" She gestured subtly at the throng of attendees, "This is something else."

"It is an important moment. Nobody with any form of influence would dare to miss it." Rias stated, looking around once more before walking off with Sona and their respective peerages.

The group slowly made their way up the steps. Unlike other places, favoritism wasn't really a thing in the Opera Epiclese. Unless you were the leader of a particular pantheon or influential organization, you had to wait in line.

Thus, the duo and their peerages slowly made their way to the gates, waiting patiently in line while catching the attention of others. As they moved, more heads turned, and the whispers began.

"It's the Gremory heiress," someone whispered.

"And the Sitri heiress," another murmured.

"Do you think they committed any crimes in secret?" Another one said.

"Surely they did, I wonder if they'll get caught." Another speculated

The recognition came in waves, whispers rippling through the crowd as eyes locked onto Rias and Sona. The duo and their peerages managed to ignore it, not wanting to pay attention to the various theories and soon, they filtered inside.

"Wow, this place is incredible." Rias muttered as they entered, taking in the incredible scenes of the Opera. The grand interior of the Opera Epiclese was nothing short of breathtaking.

The ceiling soared above them, painted in rich, celestial hues like constellations across its vast surface. Rows of plush, velvet seats stretched across the courtroom leading to an elevated stage that doubled as the judicial platform at the front.

At the top of everything was an imposing yet elegant chair carved from white marble, raised slightly above the rest to signify the authority of the Chief Ludex. Behind the chair was a towering wall of cascading water, symbolizing the purity and impartiality of justice.

Rias and Sona, along with their respective peerages, made their way toward their assigned seats, moving briskly to not hold up traffic. They noticed that much of the frontal seating area was reserved for dignitaries of immense influence.

On one side, the Satans sat in their special section: Sirzechs Lucifer, Serafall Leviathan, Ajuka Beelzebub and Falbium Asmodeus were all present, with Grayfia joining them as well. 

Alongside the Satans, the crowd only grew more illustrious. The Greek pantheon representatives included Zeus, his thunderous presence muted but undeniable. Unlike his usually frivolous and promiscuous self, Zeus looked incredibly serious here, his gaze firmed as he looked on the stage.

Beside him was Athena, exuding wisdom and focus, gathering a-lot of eyes from the crowd due to her beauty and status as well.

Next to them sat the representatives of the Norse pantheon, led by Odin, who stood out with his single piercing eye, flanked by his bodyguard, Rossweisse, whose beauty also drew eyes.

The Japanese deities were also present, with Amaterasu's radiant visage and Susanoo's formidable figure both drawing subtle glances from others.

Rias nudged Sona slightly as they took their seats, leaning in to whisper, "I feel like this room holds more power than the Underworld itself."

Sona nodded, her tone calm but tinged with awe. "And more egos too." She adjusted her glasses, her gaze darting to a group of celestial beings seated farther back, their expressions unreadable but watchful.

As time passed, the massive chamber filled quickly. The buzz of conversation grew louder, blending into a symphony of murmurs and speculation.

Peerages, emissaries, pantheon heads, and other influential figures from the supernatural world found their seats, all eyes focused on the center stage.

Finally, the lights dimmed. A hush fell over the room as an ethereal spotlight illuminated the center of the stage. The atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation as the defendant was led out.

Zaorama Nebiros.

"Woah, no ways it's him."

"He got caught?"

"I thought he disappeared after that."

"How did they catch him."

Gasps and whispers rippled through the audience as the infamous Devil stepped into view. Once a prominent figure among the Devil nobility, Zaorama had vanished after the nekomata incident, a scandal that had sent shockwaves through the Underworld, and the wider supernatural world.

His reappearance now, bound in enchanted shackles and escorted by Fatui agents, was nothing short of shocking.

Zaorama's appearance was as sharp as ever, though the years on the run had aged him slightly. His piercing gaze swept across the crowd, his defiant smirk betraying no fear. His presence alone reignited whispers among the attendees, some in shock, others in fury or intrigue.

"I can't believe they caught him," Sona murmured, her usually calm voice carrying an edge of disbelief.

"Or that he survived this long," Rias added, her crimson eyes narrowing.

The accusers and prosecutors soon emerged, taking their places on elevated platforms on opposite sides of the stage.

Each side was composed of highly esteemed representatives, legal experts and warriors who commanded immense respect. The air grew even more charged as they prepared their opening arguments.

And then, silence.

The air itself seemed to still as a brilliant flash of silver-blue light engulfed the highest seat on the stage. From the shimmering energy, Neuvillette materialized.

He sat at the height of the Opera Epiclese, overlooking the entire courtroom like a sovereign god of judgment. His regal figure was clad in pristine white and blue robes, his long silvery-blue hair cascading down his back like a waterfall of starlight. His piercing eyes swept over the crowd, his expression composed yet unyielding.

The sheer authority he exuded made the entire room hold its breath. No one dared speak. Even the deities and leaders who normally carried themselves with unchecked confidence now found themselves awed by his presence.

Neuvillette raised a single hand, his movements deliberate and graceful. His voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the chamber like a symphony of thunder and rain.

"Since both parties are present, I declare that the trial regarding the Nekomata incident(s) is now in session." His powerful words boomed across the arena, leading everyone to hold their breath from his sheer authority.

"Firstly, in order for the audience to understand the details of the incident, I call upon the representative of the Youkai, Lady Yasaka, to explain in detail what happened with regards to both the experimentation and exploitation of the Nekomata sisters, leading to the stray devil being released, and the widespread massacre of the Nekomata that occurred rather recently." Neuvillette said.

The audience remained silent, every eye in the Opera Epiclese trained on the elegant figure who now stood.

Lady Yasaka rose gracefully from her seat, and the chamber grew even quieter as she began speaking in a calm, resolute tone, no doubt prepared for this moment, "Honorable Ludex Neuvillette," she began, bowing slightly before turning to address the gathered dignitaries,

"And esteemed members of the court. I am Lady Yasaka, leader of the Youkai faction and a representative of the Nekomata who have suffered greatly from the events that bring us here today. Allow me to recount the tragic tale that has led us to this trial."

She paused, her golden eyes glowing faintly as she drew on the strength to continue.

"Years ago, the two sisters Kuroka and Shirone, known now as Koneko Toujou, were taken under the guise of opportunity and shelter. Kuroka was made a Devil, mostly since she had no real choice in the matter, as she needed to provide for her sister. However, her life as a servant was far from what should be called suitable."

Gasps rippled through the audience, though Yasaka remained composed, her voice steady.

"Through investigations conducted by private Fatui agents under my directive, it was revealed that Kuroka's master was conducting illegal experiments on her, experiments that exploited her natural abilities as a Nekoshou. These experiments were brutal and invasive, aimed at forcibly evolving her powers at the expense of her body and mind."

The room shifted, tension mounting as Yasaka's voice hardened.

"When Kuroka discovered that her master intended to subject her younger sister, Shirone, to the same horrific experiments, she took matters into her own hands. In a desperate bid to protect her sister, she killed her master and fled. This act, though condemned by many, was done out of love and a desire to save her only family."

Rias and Sona exchanged a glance, their expressions darkening. That incident was something that was still a massive mystery amongst the Devils to this day. In fact, Kuroka was still being persecuted as a major criminal.

They were shocked to hear such a clear version of events presented before them, and it wasn't only them, whispers and murmurs quickly ravaged the Opera.

"ORDER." Neuvillette's firm voice boomed across the room, and order was quickly re-established.

Yasaka continued, her voice carrying a sharper edge now, "After Kuroka's escape, the nekomata clan came under scrutiny, suspicion, and ultimately, persecution. What followed was a massacre that occurred not too long ago. I'm sure we're all aware of it." she said, her eyes scanning the crowd.

"An act of senseless violence that wiped out countless innocent lives. The records show that Zaorama Nebiros, now standing accused before us, was not only complicit but secretly orchestrated much of the violence."

A collective murmur swept through the chamber. Yasaka's gaze turned cold as she delivered the final blow.

"The Fatui's investigators uncovered correspondence and documentation linking Zaorama to the extermination campaigns. His grudge against Kuroka and the nekomata clan drove him to incite other devils to carry out the slaughter. The blood of countless innocents stains his hands."

Yasaka took a deep breath, her expression resolute as she looked toward Neuvillette. "These are the findings of my people and the investigators I hired. I stand here today to give a voice to the nekomata who cannot speak for themselves and to demand that justice be served for the atrocities committed."

Neuvillette regarded her with an unreadable expression. When she finished, he inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Lady Yasaka. Your testimony is noted and will weigh heavily in these proceedings."

Turning his piercing gaze toward Zaorama Nebiros, Neuvillette's voice rang out once more, calm yet commanding.

"Zaorama Nebiros," he began, his words resonating throughout the Opera Epiclese, "You have heard the charges brought against you, detailed by Lady Yasaka." He leaned forward slightly, his silver-blue eyes boring into Zaorama's defiant smirk.

"Do you wish to refute these statements in any way, or shall the court proceed with further evidence?"

The entire chamber seemed to hold its breath, every attendee leaning forward slightly, waiting for Zaorama's response. His smirk widened, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and disdain as he prepared to answer.