A little AU for your enjoyment. I hope you enjoy it. Just to clarify, Japanese honorifics are not by forte, I ended up limiting them to characters who actually would use them (For example, I imagine the Fallen Angels as a whole are European like Rias and therefore wouldn't use Japanese honorifics with each other since I doubt they all share her love of Japan).
Chapter 1: Azazel's Gamble
It was a beautiful end to a most promising day. It had been easy enough to get the human to follow her around like a love sick puppy on what he was convinced heart and soul was a date. The cherry trees were in bloom and the setting sun behind her set just the right mood. All that was left now was to finish the job. Her partners would be pleased with her success.
The look on the boy's face was priceless as she used the cutest voice she could muster. "Ise-kun, can I ask you a question? I thought of the perfect way to end our first date."
The brown haired teen could barely do more than gulp dramatically and nod his head like a dumb animal. The dark haired girl leaned in, a smirk on her face as she whispered into his ear. "What do you want from life?"
The boy leapt back in a flash and raised his fist towards the heavens. "That is easy, I seek to one day become the ultimate harem king with a host of beauties at my beck and call!" His piece said, Issei's face was frozen in a grin that stretched from ear to ear. It took him nearly half a minute of silence to come down from his emotional high and realize the awkwardness of the situation. He hung his head in defeat as if expecting the girl to turn and leave in indignation and disgust like any who had heard that sordid declaration in the past likely did.
Instead she laughed, a harsh, cold laugh. "Really? That is your dream?! Perhaps I was the fool to expect more of one with your reputation." The raven haired beauty walked around a still stunned Issei and whispered into his ear. "What if I told you you had far more potential? What if I could unlock it for you?"
"Are you talking about...sex?"
The girl smirked, her teeth showing in a rather predatory expression as her voice deepened in a jarring clash with her tiny frame. "It would be a tempting offer if not made by a child. Since you are dense as a rock I will make this simple. I represent a group who has a great deal of interest in you." She walked back in front of Issie and took his hand in hers. "You have a power that would undo the greatest Seraphs and the mightiest Devil Lords. My masters would see that power developed."
"Who is we? And you still haven't said what this power is!"
Without warning large raven-like wings sprouted from the girls back.
"You...you're and Angel Yumma-chan?"
"Close, but not quite. I am a Fallen Angel. And you are a dragon."
"A dragon? I'm not a dragon!"
The girl starred into Issei, putting on her most seductive look and reached out her hand. "Not yet, perhaps. But you can be one. All you have to do is take a little leap of faith."
The human's mind looked ready to overload, his nose bleeding, but he pulled himself together just long enough to speak. "I have one question for you. Will these...Fallen...Angels...wow that is hard to wrap my head around...will they help me achieve my dream of a harem?"
The girl rolled her eyes though they were lit up in a jovial manner. "You can have several if that is what you want."
"Then why are we still here, Yumma-chan?!" Issei exclaimed while seizing the Fallen Angel's outstretched hand in a vice-like grip. She would never have admitted it, but it there was far more strength in that grip than she would have guessed.
"Call me Raynare." The Fallen Angel muttered something and a yellow magic circle sprang into being beneath their feet. Moments later a flash of light drowned out their pleasant forest surroundings and quickly replaced them with a dark room of uncertain size.
"Um...wha...?"
Before Issei could finish his purposeless question the room was lit with blinding flood lights. Once their eyes had time to adjust, Raynare couldn't help but be surprised at the number of high ranking Fallen Angels who had shown up, even given the importance of her mission. The pair stood before a large obsidian crescent moon table. Directly in front of them at the center of the table sat Azazel in a simple black robe, the hints of his usual bored expression quickly vanishing as he leaned forward to measure the new arrival. To his right sat his second in command Shemhazai, the ever loyal lapdog. Baraqiel, Azazel's stoic and generally boring agent sat to his left. As ever the geezers face was enshrouded in a great bush of facial hair which he was busy stroking at the moment. To his direct left sat none other than Kokabiel. The old warmongering general's expression was a mix of his usual hawkish skowl and a smirk that was somehow even more sinister. From the looks of it, Raynare realized, almost every leader of importance from the Grigori Institute had shown up at this meeting.
It looked like the moment of silence could last indefinitely if left untouched, seeing as Issei was too busy picking his jaw off the floor to say anything more than gibberish, so Azazel spoke, his tone uncharacteristically neutral. "Thank you for bringing us the Red Dragon Emperor, Raynare, you have done us a great service."
"Thank you, Lord Azazel." The raven haired beauty bowed deeply at the praise. "I live to serve."
"Now then, to business." The leader of the Fallen Angels gave a long, hard stare in Issei's direction before continuing. "I am Azazel, Archangel of the Fallen Ones. Tell me, Red Dragon Emperor, do you know why you are here?"
"Yumma-chan said I was...a dragon?"
Azazel's gaze turned towards a now slightly blushing Raynare. "Yumma-chan, eh? How adorable." Moving his gaze back towards Issei, the Archangel continued. "What do you know of sacred gears?""
"Uh...nothing, I think." There was a distinct beat before Issei scratched his head and continued. "Red Dragon Emperor?"
"I see. Do you know anything about Fallen Angels?"
"I think I remember hearing about them from a friend years ago...it's a Christian thing, right? So aren't you Devils?"
Before Azazel could respond Kokabiel had risen to his feet, his face contorted in rage. "How dare you associate us with those filthy creatures! We are far above those miserable worms and their disgusting ways!"
The leader of the assembly was not amused as he grabbed his subordinates arm and slammed him back down into his seat. He then turned his attention back towards their guest. "A common misconception, but no. Fallen Angels are Angels who chose to leave heaven. Devils are something else entirely."
Raynare couldn't help but chuckle, but caught herself before one of the elders noticed.
"Why did you leave? I always thought heaven was a place you wanted to go based on everything I've ever heard?" Issei inquired.
Azazel's smile stretched a little thinner. "Let's just say some of us gained an appreciation for the...finer qualities of human life on Earth and leave it at that."
"Right...does that mean that other gods exist or...?"
"Quite a few mythologies exist, far to many to name at this point and they are not really the focus of this discussion. I would be happy to talk about them another time if you wish."
"So...ah...what could someone like you want to talk to me about? And how am I a dragon?"
"I'm afraid a little more backstory is required. You see, after we fell from heaven our kind had to make a new home for ourselves and the underworld seemed as good as place as any. Oddly enough, the Devils did not take kindly to our intrusion and so began the Great War thousands of years ago. It wasn't long before our little feud spilled over into the human world. Heaven couldn't let that stand and before you could say 'blasphemy' there were three factions at each other's throats, eager to exploit any advantage. Humans were left with no defenses against these supernatural forces. And so God created sacred gears, powerful weapons and tools that manifested only in humans which allowed them to hold their own against all but the strongest of supernatural beings."
Azazel paused for a minute to let what he said sink in. His brow furrowed briefly before he kicked back and put his legs up on the table. Issei, meanwhile, was struggling to process all he heard. His growing fear of what he had gotten himself into didn't help the situation.
"You, Red Dragon Emperor, posses one of the most powerful of these if our studies and analysis are correct, which they almost always are. And so we want to offer you a deal. Let us help you unlock your power and learn how to use it properly. Our Grigori are adept at bringing forth the hidden potential of even the most...lacking beings. In exchange for our help an teachings, we will have a few task for you to perform here and there, nothing too major mind you. Mostly ceremonial stuff. Making sure our current peace with Heaven and the Devils is maintained. I'm sure you can understand and appreciate the potential power we offer you."
Issei rocked back and forth of his feet as his face reddened slightly. "That is...a lot to digest. I had no idea I...was that special. Thing is, I don't really want power. Oh sure, I've had my dreams of being a superhero who saves the world like I've seen in anime. I certainly couldn't call myself a man if I didn't want the power to protect those I care about. But in the end, power just isn't my dream."
The Fallen Angel leaders whispered among themselves, their muffled words echoing through the chamber, giving the impression far more people where in the room then could be seen. Kokabiel in particular looked surprised and somewhat disappointed and anyone who knew the man for more than ten seconds knew why. He could be quite single minded at times, Raynare thought to herself, though some around here find that a noble, charming quality. She turned to look towards a small crowd of dark figures watching from perches in the ceiling as the second thought crossed her mind.
Azazel cleared his throat, bringing silence to the room as attention was focused on him once more. "Then tell us, Red Dragon Emperor, what do you want? The Fallen Angels have many talents and specialties. I'm sure we can reach an arrangement."
Issei mumbled something in reply, his face an even deeper red than before. To an astute observer it was clear the boy was crying. Kokabiel looked ready to let loose a scathing condemnation of the behavior but before he got the chance Issei lifted his face and locked his eyes on Azazel's. He raised his voice, sending his cry to the heavens. "What I really want, my dream in life, is to have a harem of beautiful women. I seek to become the ultimate harem king!"
As the reverberations of Issei's bold proclamation slowly dissipated, silence blanketed the room. Every Fallen Angel in the room sans Raynare was stunned by the unexpected life dream of the Red Dragon Emperor. Said Fallen Angel enjoyed seeing her superiors down to the last man and woman trying to process the information.
The gears of Azazel's mind came to a screeching halt, reoriented and realigned, and began to turn once more as a new approach came to mind. He smiled. Not one of his usual self assured smirks, but a smile of genuine happiness as a man who found long lost cousin. "Well then, Red Dragon Emperor, you've come to the right place. I think you'll find we can do more to fulfill your dream than the prudish Angels or the xenophobic Devils."
Kokabiel was the next to pull his thoughts together as he turned towards Azazel. "Are you sure you want to help this...weakling? If he does not desire power than how is he any use to us? He could make us look weak when the next war comes and..."
"You know as well as I that we cannot afford the Great War restarting, Kokabiel!" Azazel exclaimed, his eyes flashing a brilliant gold for a brief moment. "If the other factions see that the Red Dragon Emperor stands with us but above all desires a peaceful coexistence, I believe it will go a long way towards convincing them that we want an end to the conflict once and for all."
"Azazel is correct, Kokabiel. We will only lose another war." Shemhazai interjected, his voice far more calm and level the his boss. "Heaven wants peace above all, even if it means allowing their mortal enemies to keep breathing for the time being. And the Devils have been turning ever inward in the past century after their civil war. All but the most bloodthirsty would be happy to bring an end to the fighting with us so they can focus on their own endless political machinations. The time is right for peace."
"You would say that, Shemhazai, considering who you keep company with!" Kokabiel sat down, muttering more threats under his breath but otherwise silenced for the moment.
The interruption dealt with, Azazel turned back to Issei who looked impossibly overwhelmed by the matters discussed, much to the amusement of many present. The leader of the Fallen Angels rose from his seat and circled round the table to stand in front of the boy. "So then, do we have a deal? We will give you training in how to use your Sacred Gear and thus the power to protect yourself and those you care about. In exchange, you will aid us in keeping the peace with Heaven, the Devils, and any other group that threatens us." Azazel paused for a moment, a moment in which Issei almost looked ready to panic and say no, his survival instinct to avoid conflict more powerful than and desire for power. "And, in the meantime, I will be more than happy to introduce you to some of our lovely ladies." He put his arm around the boys shoulder and held his hand out. "What do you say?"
Issie stared at the hand and the offer taking it implied, a look of deep contemplation reminiscent of a renaissance statue. He managed to hold that face for about...two seconds before he grasped Azazel's hand and gave it a hearty shake with a force and intensity that caught the Fallen Angel unaware. But the Archangel quickly returned the the intensity with a smile that was somehow bigger than the one he had been sporting before. It didn't take long for cries of jubilation to sweep through the room. Cries of 'The Red Dragon Emperor stand with us.' and 'Heaven and Hell better watch themselves now.' echoed back and forth. This was an important day for their faction and everyone present realized it. It was almost enough to bring Raynare to tears. Almost.
"Excellent. Now if you'll just come this way." Azazel motioned to his newest toy and they headed through a nearby door followed by Baraquiel and several of the Grigori chief researchers. Raynare followed only when Azazel wordlessly prompted her to. Inside the smaller room was a simple chair surrounded by surgery tools and other implements with uses she could only guess at.
"Now then, I'm sure you are eager to begin your training, but there are a couple of things we need to do on our end first. Our researchers need to figure out what the best way to help you is..."
"So you have a questionnaire or a test?"
"Ha, ha, no. We have a much more scientific way of going about it." At this point one of the researches turned around with an over-sized syringe in hand. "We are going to take some blood."
Before Issei could object, the deed was done and the blood taken. He rubbed his now sore arm. "That hurt a lot more than any other blood takings I've had before."
Azazel smirked. "I would expect no less. While you are far from the first to possess your sacred gear, its interactions with each host are unique. It will take us a couple days to do our analysis at which time we will get back to you with further instructions. In the mean time, we will send you back home. Raynare will be your point of contact for now."
"I don't suppose she'll be going to Kuou Academy will she?" Issei's expression was giving a puppy a run for its money.
"I'm going to pass, if I may Lord Azazel."
"I suppose this would be, what, the third time you'd be experiencing the joys of high school."
"Fourth." Raynare drawled with a roll of her eyes. "Though third if you only count those in the human world."
"I suppose that would get dull. I'm sure nothing could match up to your time in the Grigori Academy, eh." Azazel elbowed the girl who only scowled in reply. "That said, you still should find a way to keep an eye on him at all times in case something happens."
"At all times..." Issei mumbled to himself in a daze, a speck of blood dripping from his nose.
Azazel let out a deep belly laugh. "I'm sure you'll think of something. I understand his home has some spare rooms. Luckily for you and your urgent desire to repeat high school, there is someone else at Kuou who can act as a secondary liaison."
"No." Baraquiel interjected.
"No?" Azazel snickered. He turned to Raynare with a look of mocking disbelief in his eyes. "'No' he says, can you believe it?" He motioned towards Issei who still appeared to be out of it and with a snicker of her own Raynare moved to make sure he stayed that way a little longer.
"I do not approve. I cannot approve of her getting involved with him."
"You assume she will?"
"He's a dragon. You know how they are."
Azazel leaned in to speak into his subordinates ear, his tone now deadly serious. "I respect your protectiveness towards your daughter Baraquiel. I really do. But just imagine if she was able to make a...connection...that cemented our alliance with the Red Dragon Emperor." He paused to let his words sink in. "Look, I'm not going to throw them into a bed and keep them from leaving till they do it. That is a surprise I am planning for you one of these days. But I would never dream of stopping them if they went there on their own. This is too important for your sense of fatherly possessiveness to get in the way."
Baraquiel clenched his jaw and nodded. "I will respect your orders, Lord Azazel, but you better watch your new toy. If he does anything that hurts my daughter, leaves her sad, toys with her emotions, or any number of terrible things boys his age are wont to do...I will end him, consequences be damned!"
Azazel grabbed his subordinate's throat and pulled him closer. "Don't act like you're the only one who has been called to sacrifice your children for the greater good. You will control yourself!" Azazel let go and leaned back, his face returning to its perpetual smirk. "You, my friend, need to get laid. Reconnect with what it means to be a Fallen Angel."
Baraquiel continued to stare forward with his patented blank expression but remained silent. Raynare regarded it as a small mercy considering how often this subject came up around those two and just how long it could be dragged out. She, meanwhile, had been whispering what could only be called sweet nothings into Issei's ear. Literally, it was just nice sounding gibberish, but the magic in it caused humans to interpret it in the best way possible. The side conversation over,she snapped Issei out of his stupor.
"Now then, Issei, do you have any more questions before we send you home?" They boy looked ready to let loose a torrent of inquiry but he never got the chance. "Great, I'm sure Raynare would love to answer all your questions. I bid you farewell, Red Dragon Emperor." With a wave of the hand, light once again filled the vision of Issei and Raynare. A moment later they stood in an alleyway near Issei's house.
"So, I'm sure you have lots of questions,..." Raynare groaned, less than pleased with the buck-passing habits of Azazel.
"Honestly it's all pretty overwhelming and I'm sure I will be asking a lot of questions later but right now there is only one thing I want an answer to."
Raynare shifted her weight to her back foot and waited for whatever inane question about Fallen Angel trivia he was sure to ask.
"Did you enjoy our date?" Issei's eyes were downcast. "I'm sure a Fallen Angel like you has gone on lots of dates before, especially one like you, but this...this...was my first so...yeah."
Raynare almost rolled her eyes in response but quickly realized this is exactly the kind of question she should anticipate from the boy who wanted a harem more than power. A thought began to burrow its way into her mind. This was a tremendous opportunity. The kind that only came once in who knows how long. She was a Fallen Angel, beings who above all else were seductive, and here was an opportunity to wrap the Red Dragon Emperor around her finger. Still, as far as dates go I've had to suffer through far worse so...I might as well humor him. She leaned leaned in and gave him a light peck on the cheek and, adopting her Yumma-chan voice again, added. "It was lovely, Ise-kun. We'll have to do it again soon."
Raynare walked off into the town leaving an incredibly happy Issei in her wake. His cries of joy disturbing a small white cat who had been sunning herself in the dying light of the sun. Raynare couldn't stop herself from smiling at the sight, even if it was terribly cliche. Her eyes instantly focused on the cat with suspicion, those fuzz balls were nothing but trouble after all. The black ones somehow always managed to be worse. Shaking these unhelpful thoughts away, Raynare headed off towards the local church where her brethren had set up shop.
Back in the Underworld
Shemhazai entered the side room as the light of the magic circle faded, passing the exiting Baraquiel. With a nod from Azazel the other Grigori leaders teleported back to their stations at the Institute.
Azazel's second took a deep breath. "I haven't seen morale this high in decades. I hope your gamble pays off, Boss. This could end very badly. Are you certain The White One will still answer to you when he learns your have taken his rival under your wing?"
Azazel sighed, rubbing his temples. "He barely answers to me now as it is. I honestly expect him to do something rash any day now. He wants conflict and war and knows he can't find it here or in the world we want. If this pushes him over the edge, so be it. I get these sense we have a more loyal pawn in young Issei."
"Loyal? He's agreed to your proposal only because you offered to introduce some girls. You know as well as I the Devils could lure him in with the exact same promise if they knew."
"They could. Did you read Raynare's reports?"
"Yes."
"The you know Issei is a social outcast because of his perverse nature. Need I remind you that most of our kind were cast from Heaven for our perverse nature? I think he has more in common with us than you give him credit for. He also has shown loyalty to his friends, taking their punishments so they can get away. I must be optimistic."
"If you truly believe it, then I will support you as always."
"That's all I can ask." Azazel's smirk returned as he but his arm around his second. "On to lighter things. Tell me how is that...fiendish mistress of yours doing?"
Shemhazai rolled his eyes. "As you may recall from being at the ceremony yourself, she is my wife now."
"Perhaps, but 'mistress' is a far more exciting title, don't you agree?"
"No."
"You're no fun anymore Shemhazai."
Elsewhere Later that Evening
It had been another long and exhausting day. It wasn't school itself that was the problem, oh no, that was and always had been easy. The ability to strategically erase memories made school trivial. Not that she needed to do that (as fun as seeing people trip over the gaping holes in their minds was), every time she took a test or quiz legitimately she aced it, but there were so many other concerns filling her days. Being the sole Fallen Angel in a school ruled by Devils wasn't a picnic at the best of times and today had been worse than normal. Gremory-sama had thrown yet another recruitment offer her way and was put off again when she refused. Worse by far was Sitri-sama who was watching...always watching with that emotionless stare.
It had started one of many efforts to show peaceful coexistence was possible but, despite the truce between their factions, it often felt like the school itself had factionalized between those who admired Gremory-sama and those who admired herself, Akeno, daughter of Baraquiel. Akeno had never trusted her rival and she in turn had seen little reason to trust Akeno. It was the ongoing soap opera that was the talk of Kuou, albeit one with implications far beyond what the majority of the students could comprehend.
The Fallen Angel currently sat alone in her shrine abode sipping tea. Baraquiel was attending a meeting and was due to return at any time. It was often a lonely existence for Akeno but it could have been far worse. Her father was frequently out on missions, it had been that way for much of her life, though he had spent a great deal more time at home since...
Akeno's thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of a magic circle inside which her father quickly materialized. The girl leapt to her feet and rapt her father in a hug which he returned with equal fervor after taking a moment to recover his wits. "Hello, Akeno. You act like I haven't seen you in days." He grinned, an expression which would have shocked most of his colleagues.
"I'm glad you're back, Father." Akeno held on a little while longer before releasing her father and starting to prepare some tea. "Did everything go alright? You weren't sure what was going on when you left."
Baraquiel held his head in his hands. "Are you familiar with Hyoudou Issei from Kuou Academy? He is one year your junior."
Akeno's face scrunched up in thought, an expression her father was always quick to declare 'cute' in a most embarrassing fashion. "I've heard of him. Seen him in the halls a few times. I recall he has a reputation as something of a pervert. Ufufufufu."
Baraquiel clenched his jaw, immediately sending warning sirens louder than a bolt of lightening to his daughter. "It seems he possesses the Boosted Gear which of course makes him..."
"The Red Dragon Emperor? Ara Ara. I would never have guessed."
"Yes, well Lord Azazel chose Raynare of all people to bring him to us and, surprisingly, he didn't arrive a sensually overloaded mess."
"Raynare-san must be losing her touch." Akeno smirked, a cold look in her eyes.
"What matters is young Issei accepted Azazel's offer to be trained by the Grigori." Baraqiel's expression turned grim.
"That is good news, with both the heavenly dragons answering to Azazel-sama, Heaven and the Devils will have to leave us in peace." She handed her father the newly prepared tea and caressed the side of his face with her hand. "So what is troubling you?"
"Do you remember Vali?"
"The White Dragon Emperor? I remember he is a quite the...aggressive fighter."
"Yes, and your mother thought pain was overrated." Baraquiel quipped, rolling his eyes in an uncharacteristically flippant fashion. "Vali is a rabid dog kept on a loose leash, nothing more, nothing less."
"Are you saying Issei is worse? Ara ara, I didn't think he had such blood lust in him."
"He doesn't, or at least claims not to. No, when Lord Azazel asked him what he wanted if not power or carnage, young Issei replied: 'A harem'."
"I can't say I'm surprised given what little I know. But why would that make you upset, Father, unless..." Akeno's eyes widened and her tone became very cold and sharp. "What exactly does Azazel-sama want me to do?"
"He has asked for nothing more than you to introduce yourself and answer any questions the boy may have. You and Raynare are to be his contacts for the time being. Not that he would complain if one or both of you whored yourselves out to keep the interests and loyalty of the Red Dragon Emperor solidly in our camp. I did make it clear what I would do to Lord Azazel if he forced you to do anything you didn't want to."
"Rip out his spine and strangle him with it." Akeno interjected with her trademark ice cold smile.
Baraquiel stared at his daughter for a moment, blinked, then smiled. "You remind me of your mother quite a bit when you say things like that. It's almost like she's in the room with us." The Fallen Archangel's expression turned to one of entreatment. "Just promise me this, Akeno-chan, no matter what happens, no matter how bleak the coming weeks may seem, don't leave me again."
Akeno took a quick step back, a hurt look on her face. "I made a mistake before, you don't need to worry every time something bad comes up. I know you'll always come for me. Besides, you cannot run away from your problems, you taught be that."
"That's true, but I know this is an important matter to you. Some things are to valuable to give away at the whims of another. All I ask this time is that if you feel you must run..." He took a step forward and encased his daughter in a tight embrace again. "Let me accompany you."
A tear ran down the girl's cheek. "You always know the right things to say to a girl, father." She waited until her father had quit shaking before she ended the hug. "Your willing to abandon your post over a girl, ara ara, what would everyone say? There is no reason to despair yet, if Azazel's promise holds. It might even be fun. Hyoudou-sama is cute enough to flirt with, Ufufufufufu."
Now it was Baraquiel's turn to have an abrupt mood change. "Akeno, I...!" As so often had happened in the past, this rant too was stopped short by an amused smile from his daughter. "You give me more pain with a few words then your mother ever could have with every whip and chain at her disposal."
Once Akeno had gotten a hold on her laughter, she gave gave a polite bow. "Forgive me Father, but I fear I must get some rest. It seems tomorrow will be even longer than I anticipated."
"Of course, Akeno. Till tomorrow."
Despite knowing the necessity of sleep, it was not forthcoming once Akeno tried. There were too many considerations, too many plans, too many ways everything could go terribly wrong for her and all the Fallen Angels if the Devils knew what had transpired. Her father's determination to protect her was endearing without question, but Akeno was not blind to the greater good, even if it meant throwing herself at one of the perverted trio of Kuou. Not that she would make it that easy for The Red Dragon Emperor...
End Notes
Well, I hope you all enjoyed my humble offering. I definitely like how it turned out. I tried to strike a balance between explaining important differences in this AU with keeping some things hidden. I don't intend this story to turn into a slightly different retelling of canon events though some will doubtless be used. Feel free to ask clarification questions and I will answer next time.
Anyone else find it odd in cannon that Baraquiel just let Akeno go? Its possible I forgot something from the novels but it feels like she just runs off at a young age and he lets her. How many parents would stop at nothing to retrieve their child even if said child was mad at them?
I want this AU to be a bit more serious, but I don't want to dive too far into grim grimness and lose the humor of DxD. It will be a balancing act and I am not sure exactly where in the spectrum the story will fall. Anyways, I am not sure exactly when I will upload a new chapter but it should be fairly soon.