Disclaimer: High School DxD is a Japanese light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero. The Fate series is owned by Type-Moon. I do not own any of the characters mentioned here.
Is it worth sacrificing one's ideal for the sake of your loved ones? Maybe or maybe not, nonetheless, for him, it's worth every lives that he took... for his very own hypocrisy of saving everyone...
Betrayed him in the end.
"Shirou, will she be alright?" A feminine and monotonous voice asked him.
"Her vital signs are stable now. She will wake up anytime soon." The young man replied to the voice as he puts a wet towel on the forehead of the sleeping woman in the bed.
Her appearance in one word can be described as... heavenly. Her long and blonde curtain locks covered the frame of her face. Even he can admit that her beauty is inhumane and by that, she is certainly not human. She maybe has the looks of a human on the outside, but her ancestry is that of an Angel.
"Is it even possible for a Seraph to fall?"
The most baffling thing about is the colour of her wings. When he first found her on the city outskirts, the supposed to be the pure golden colour of her wings is starting to dull in colour. That only means one thing; she may have succumbed to one of the Seven Sins causing her to become a Fallen Angel.
"As far as I know, it's impossible for an Angel of her stature to fall. Unless the impact of the sin that she committed is so great, inevitably making her like this..."
Shirou Emiya can say that the Heaven Faction won't be happy once they heard of this. He can imagine the normally composed Michael to go ballistic once he found out that his only sister, Gabriel, has fallen from grace.
"Do you think that we should surrender her to the Grigori?" A floating wand is hovering above him, the magical Kaleidostick Sapphire. She is the younger sister of Ruby and as Mystic Codes created by the Wizard Marshall, they can turn their users into magical girls.
"Knowing the Governor of the Grigori, he won't let this opportunity to pass. Gabriel is a Seraph and her power can rival those of a Devil King. Let's wait for her to wake up and ask her." Shirou stood up from the side of her bed and opened the curtains.
It already passed the morning and he had to make his rounds to his work. He quickly made his way downstairs and whipped up a quick breakfast with Sapphire following him. "Just watch over her, alright? I'll be back soon."
"Yes, Shirou." She merely bowed down at his words as he took off to his part-time job. She was ultimately left alone in the two-story apartment with nothing to do. While guarding the Fallen Seraph is the job that Shirou gave her, she rather missed her mischievous sister.
It has been two months since she and Shirou end up in this world. The young man didn't take it all too well since he insisted to go back to their homeworld. However, Sapphire doesn't have that ability, only her creator, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, is capable of doing just that.
"I wonder how Nee-san and Rin-sama are doing..."
Is she dead? That shouldn't be the case, she can still think and use her mind. Only dead people aren't capable of doing exactly what she's doing.
How did she end up in this floating abyss of darkness? It suddenly hits her... she was accompanying her Queen to hunt down the traitorous wretch of Eden, Samael. However, she did not expect to be outnumbered by 2 to 1. The last thing that she remembered is that...
"Griselda!" Gabriel shot up on her bed only for the pain to invade her right arm and she took note of it. A sling is attached, indicating the injuries that she had suffered last time. She shook her thoughts away and slowly made her way to the slightly ajar door.
It seemed that she was taken in by someone in his or her home and took care of her. Though she can feel that no one is around considering that it was too quiet. She sat on the side of the bed and think of the moments before she lost her consciousness. Nevertheless, whenever she tries to go deep into her memories, it only brings a sharp pain to her head.
'Griselda... I hope she's alright.'
The Seraph sighed to herself and decided to go outside for some fresh air. She's been out for long and it would be a wise move to know where are her current whereabouts. She looked at herself in the mirror and to her surprise; she is not wearing her armour anymore. Instead, she's wearing a white T-shirt while the armour that she's using is magical in nature, whoever dressed her might have seen her body.
She shook her thoughts away and trek downstairs. The living room and the kitchen were connected to each other though there wasn't anyone around. She was about to open the front door when suddenly...
"Stop."
"Eh?"
Gabriel wandered her eyes around to look for the voice that called for her. However, she cannot trace where it's coming from.
"I'm here at the table." The voice spoke again and she found the source of it.
"Are you... talking to me?" She wondered, her eyes examining the odd thing lying on the countertop. For starters, the thing that's talking to her is more on the borderline of a toy. It brought back certain memories of a certain Devil King who wants to be a magical girl. It has a frilly design with a star at its very tip.
"Please, refrain from going outside, for now, miss."
"I'm just checking for something..."
"Is it really necessary for you to leave the premises? As far as I can see, you are still yet to recover from your injury."
She frowned at the words of the wand. While she is no stranger when it comes to dealing with these kinds of things, Gabriel felt something odd about this wand. She did not assume that it was some kind of a Sacred Gear since she hasn't heard of such. To be exact, the wand is more of a sentient magic item and for some odd reason; she can't discern its overall structure.
"I guess, I'll be staying here then." Gabriel sat at the entrance with a sad look on her face. Maybe it's for the best to just lay low until she fully recovered.
"It's for your safety as well. You'll be an easy target for the injuries that you accumulated. Once you recover, you can leave as you please." The wand declared devoid of any emotions that made her wonder who made the wand like that.
"Is your creator the one who took me in?" She asked the wand who is floating near her shoulders.
"No, but my companion is the one who brought you here. Your whole body is a mess that it took him a day to properly heal you." She replied, causing her to wonder on one part.
"Him? Your companion is a male?"
"Yes, and if you're wondering who change your clothes that you're wearing, that would be me."
The Seraph didn't mind that much since the wand sounded like a girl. She may be a bit of an airhead but it doesn't mean that she's oblivious to the things that her gender needs to do and avoid.
"Do you have a name?"
"You may call me, Sapphire."
"Okay then, Sapphire. My name is Gabriel and... I think you already know what I am, correct?"
Sapphire nodded in confirmation of her identity as an Angel and the two shortly talked with each other. At her part, Sapphire only told the Seraph the details of their travels with Shirou. Even though they are more in a vacation mode, she and Shirou are on the search for something in this world.
"Where is your companion by the way?" Gabriel questioned who is now in the kitchen searching for something to eat.
"He's currently working at a local eatery around town."
"Is that so?" How can she ever repay them for the goodwill they have shown to her? An idea formed in her mind, even though she has a slight injury on her arm, it won't stop her from doing the one thing that relaxes her.
Cooking.
As a Seraph that is always busy, let's just say that having some kitchen utensils and ingredients around her makes her more relaxed and composed. Even her brothers would also comment on how good she was at this, to the point that they would make jokes about her having the makings of a great housewife.
"You cook?" Sapphire noticed as the blonde-haired woman is now wearing a white apron.
"Yes, I use to cook meals for some of the orphans back at the Church. Don't worry; I'm really good at this." Gabriel said with confidence as she opened the fridge to look for ingredients.
"That's not what I meant; Shirou would prefer that you rest rather than exerting yourself." Sapphire tries to make her stop but the Seraph insisted on continuing.
"I'm sure that 'Shirou' wouldn't mind. Can you help me with these?"
'I'm gonna need to check on her after this.' Shirou muttered to himself as he duly cleansed the tables of the restaurant. As of now, he is working as a waiter to a trattoria in the region of Tuscany in Florence, Italy. He's been working here for almost 2 months now since he and Sapphire ended up here.
"Hey, Takumi... I don't think that I'll stay here for long." Shirou said with a hint of disappointment to the blonde haired boy beside him who is arranging the chairs. The young man had blue eyes and short blonde hair with a fringe that parts to both sides and one long bang in between the two.
"It's alright, Shirou. I and Isami really do appreciate the help that you gave us," Takumi smiled at the redhead waiter. "Ever since you came here, our load of work has been lifted. If you ever decide to become a full-time employee, my father will always welcome you."
"Heh, I don't know about that..."
The two laugh at each other as they continue cleaning the other tables. The moment that he finished his work, the Aldini brothers invited him to participate in their little bout off. He politely declined their offer and made his way out of the trattoria. He took a moment to buy some things at the market before coming home to his apartment.
Shirou puts his free hand at his pocket, thinking of the supposed to be 'surprise' that awaits him in...
The Leaning Tower of Pisa.
"I'm home, Sapphire... is she awake?" Shirou removed his shoes first and put the bags on the side. His nose was invaded by the smell of something being cooked if he would guess who it was... it's probably her.
"Shirou, you're back."
"Yeah, um... why is she in the kitchen?" He questioned her and Sapphire explained what happened earlier. Shirou rummaged his forehead as he took note of the former Seraph, humming a tune while she's busy preparing dinner.
"Ahem, Miss..." Shirou coughed and he found himself face to face with Gabriel who is holding a spatula in her hand. Her long blonde hair is now done in a bun and she's wearing a white apron. He silently thanked the Wizard Marshall that it was not Ruby that he brought in.
"Oh, good evening... Shirou, right?" Gabriel asked meekly and he would be lying to himself if he didn't find it cute and endearing. The former Seraph is acting like a kicked puppy.
'Man, what's with women and their puppy dog eyes?' Shirou thought to himself and he chose to straighten himself up.
"Indeed, you already met my trustworthy companion, Sapphire," He gave emphasis on the Mystic Code beside him. "My name is Shirou Emiya, a magician in training. It is an honour for me to have one of the Archangels of Heaven in my humble abode." He pays his respects towards her.
Of course, he didn't come into this world without at least knowing the hierarchy and flow of power within the factions. Angels, Devils and Fallen, they are the three known Factions around. There are also other pantheons around such as the Egyptian, Norse, Greek, and others. To think that the Age of the Gods didn't end in this world, he was a bit wary of contacting any of the magical authorities around. However, he rather broke that rule when he stumbled upon this Angel.
But hey, he wanted to save her, besides, she doesn't look dangerous at all.
"There's no need for any kind of formalities. This is your home after all." Gabriel smiled at him and he couldn't help but be a bit embarrassed by her. He met many beauties around like Saber and Rider but something in her presence makes him... weird.
"Well, now that's done, let me help you with those."
The two began to prepare the table with Shirou on the plates while Gabriel is in charge of the cooking. It was a bit hard for her to move since her hands are still injured.
"How about you sit and rest? I'll be taking over your work." Shirou offered his help yet she is still persistent to continue.
"No, I must continue this," A sharp inducing pain flowed through her arm causing her to grimaced even more. "Ahh, it... hurts. It hurts... a lot." While she is not a stranger to pain, something in this one that is afflicting her to... despises it.
Shirou rushed to her side and observed the Angel in tears. Seeing her in such condition triggered something inside of him, most likely because of how he was accustomed to seeing such.
Pain and Mercy.
How many times that he had seen his friends die before his arms? He was forced to forfeit his rights as a Master and abandon his Servant, Sakura died trying to protect him, Rin and Illya were in exile in concern for his and their safety.
Both he and EMIYA didn't wish for a world without suffering. They don't want to see people suffer in front of them. Right now, he doesn't want Gabriel to be in pain's embrace.
"Come on, you need to rest..." Shirou turned off the stoves, carried the Seraph on his shoulders and head to the guest room. He flipped open the switch and the lights go on. He carefully lied her down and began to think of a way to ease her pain.
"Shirou, I'm suggesting for you to use that." Sapphire perked up near Gabriel whose eyes are closed yet it is obvious she wanted to end it. As far as he knew, what's inflicting her is a special type of curse that slowly eats away her divinity.
"I don't know," Shirou is still uncertain whether he would use it or not. "You know what... screw it. Sapphire, make sure the Bounded Fields are on its maximum output. Keep it up until I'm finished with her, I don't want anyone to interfere with our work."
"Yes, I will see through it." The Mystic Code dutifully bowed to him and exited the room.
"S-Shirou..."
"Shhh... you need to sleep." He puts his hand to her cast and mumbled under his breath as he drew some intricate design into it. "There, it would ease the pain at least."
The moment he said so, she can feel the pain slowing down. It was still there but it's not as sharp before Shirou put the design on her cast.
"I really don't know if I could sleep tonight."
"Please, try to. I'm going to do something to make the pain go away temporarily and I need you to relax." Shirou explained to her but Gabriel knew that he was telling the half-truth.
"Shirou, you're lying to me, aren't you?" He gasped a bit by her declaration and he facepalmed by it.
"I forgot, you're a Seraph and an Angel. You can tell if a human is lying or not, huh."
"Yes, every Angel is capable of doing just that. You have something within yourself and you want to keep it a secret."
"If you keep saying it like that then it's not top secret now." Shirou playfully said when her delicate hand reached for his cheek. "Stop that, seriously though this whole scenario might turn into something."
She giggled at the thought of her and him in that kind of situation. As for Shirou, he was glad that she was smiling now since it will help her, even more, to relax completely.
"Now that's a smile there. Who knows? You may dream of someone that you hold dear in your heart." Shirou tried to convince her even more but she looks up at the ceiling with a bit of sadness in her eyes.
"The one that I want to see the most... is gone now in this world. He only exists in my heart and I don't want to make a complete fool out of myself to even think that I will feel him ever again."
"But there is a chance, is there? Just trust me, whoever this man is; he will visit you once more... in your dreams that are."
Both of them look into each other's eyes and for a moment, the Seraph found herself lost in his gaze. Whenever she tried to gaze at his very soul, the only thing that she could see is him.
Standing alone, with his marred body and bloodied hands with both weapons on hold. He gazed up at the sky and let out a cry of sorrow.
"Hey, snap out of it!" Shirou snapped his fingers at her face. "If you really can't sleep, how about drinking some tea or milk?"
"I'm not a child anymore, Shirou. But some tea won't be bad."
"Alright then, I'll go make some." He hastened himself back at the kitchen as Gabriel tried to focus on lulling herself to sleep. It proved to be a bit difficult since she is already used to sleep in her quarters. Add the enigmatic magician that is taking care of her.
She closed her eyes and let fatigue to overwhelm her completely. When Shirou opened the doors with a tray of tea in his hands, she's already sleeping. Her breathing is even as opposed to the first time he brought her to his home.
"It is time."
What is real? If a person can see, feel, touch or taste... it's something that our mind is processing every time. Memories, they are the ones that could influence one person. Such things cannot be erased thoroughly with ease especially if it's special.
That's why the Seraph's only memories of her beloved Father is the one she held the utmost. Much like how she treasured every passing moment she spent with everyone in Heaven. Imagine her surprise when she found herself in an unfamiliar place. The beautiful and vast green fields and the pure blue sky greeted her eyes.
'Where am I?'
She stood up on her feet and begins to walk though she was uncertain where she's going.
'It has been a long time, Gabriel.'A soft voice called out to her and she recognized the one who called her. It was His voice, she slowly turned her head around, and she found Him.
The Heavenly Father.
The disbelief in her eyes was evident and her tears were amassing in. It has been long... too long; she was still young when He sacrificed Himself to seal the Great Beast. She felt grief alongside her brothers when they saw Him with His fire slowly dying out.
Yet here He is, standing before her. She slowly reached for her Father's outstretched arms and upon touching Him, the Seraph threw herself to Him.
"It's really you... Father!"
"Indeed I am," He wiped the tears from her face and gave a reassuring smile. "You have grown so much; it feels like only yesterday when I used to carry you on my shoulders." He caressed her face gently.
"Look at you now; you have grown into a beautiful woman."
"This is real, right?" She sounded a bit hopeful but his downcast look proved otherwise.
"I am truly sorry but I am nothing but a mere memory. I only exist within the realm of your mind."
"Then, if I wake up... you'll be gone again. I don't want that! You need to see Michael and the others." He held her dearest daughter and motioned her to calm down a bit. She politely followed as both of them sat at the landscape.
"I want you to listen to me carefully, Gabriel. Do you remember what I use to say to you and the others? It does not matter if I am gone now; I am always in the hearts of everyone who believes in you and your brothers."
"Father..."
"Even though I want to hear more of how things are faring around now. I'm afraid my time is almost up."He stood up in His feet and helps her up. While this was a short talk, she was elated to see and feel her Father's presence near her. She cannot wait to tell of this encounter to Michael and the others when she gets back to Heaven.
"Farewell, Gabriel and give my regards to Shirou Emiya if you will."
With that, the scenery around her slowly fades away and the last thing that she saw is her Father being enveloped by a golden light.
Her befuddled eyes slowly opened and she glanced at the side of her bed. Gabriel found the sleeping redhead; it seemed that he chose to guard her rather than to take a rest. She sat on the bed and felt her right arm.
"It's healed..." She slowly removed her cast and stretched her arm and to her surprise, she can move it freely now. Her whole body is rejuvenated and refreshed too. Gabriel remembered her whole conversation with her Father and His words of farewell.
'Give my regards to Shirou Emiya.'
"Wait, did Shirou..." She gazed at Shirou who is talking in his sleep.
"I'll make some ratatouille, Rin..."
Gabriel chuckled at the magician's words as she caressed his face. He really is an enigma to her, not only he was able to do something to ease her pain, but he's somehow connected with the Biblical God.
'Just what are you, Shirou?'
"Hahhhh!" Shirou stretched his body out and opened his eyes only to be greeted by the dazzling features of his 'patient'. "It seems that the healing session was successful, huh... that's good."
"Hm! Thank you for everything that you have done to me, Shirou. As a reward, I'll be taking over your kitchen!" She giddily said and his eyes widened because of her declaration.
"Alright... I'm curious on what you can put on a plate anyway."
The busty Angel happily skipped downstairs, leaving the young man who is still dozing off. Sapphire entered the room after seeing the healed Seraph making her way in the kitchen.
"Shirou, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I just need to get a good day's rest, and I can do that today," Shirou replied. "By the way, good job on maintaining the Bounded Field. If it weren't for you, we could have attracted unnecessary attention."
"You're welcome; there are other things that we must discuss too."
"Right, it's about her, isn't it?"
"Indeed, should we tell her the current situation that she is in?"
In all truth, Shirou was expecting that Gabriel knew of her status as a Fallen now. But she seemed to be still oblivious to it, shouldn't there be a sign to make her notice of it aside from the darkened wings?
"It's better to tell her sooner than later."
"Agreed, but are you planning to just bluntly tell it to her?" Sapphire was not sure if she can take the news lightly. There are times when Shirou is dense as a rock when it comes to a girl's feelings.
"I don't know, but let's see."
Shirou returned to his own room and grab his change of clothes; he's been meaning to take a shower first before going to the dining room. Shirou begins to think of a good way to tell Gabriel about her current predicament.
A/N: This is more of a revised prologue since the first one is not on par and it's more of an exposition, to be honest. Maybe I'll implement the cafe idea later on but not now. For all intents and purposes, Shirou is not a magical girl or boy here. Sapphire is more of a guide to him. As for the cause of Gabriel's fallen status, that will be explained later. I also think this is the first of its kind to have a Fallen Seraph as Shirou's companion although I could possibly be wrong about that.
To those of you wondering who Takumi Aldini is, this is a reference to Shokugeki no Sōma, a cooking manga.
If you spot any errors let me know about it and it will be fixed.