Author's notes:

June 11, 2016 - Just doing some quick edits (More to come). This was posted unrefined because of the short span of time in which it was written, sorry Xd. As per request a last name has been given to our "Nameless" hero. Until the next edit. -Szulu

Nanashi Ametsuchi.

Rias Gremory, stared at the file on her desk, searching for candidates. He was average almost disappointingly so. Average height, average grades, average, social life, average fears. Black hair, brown eyes. The only thing even remotely unique he had going for him was his feminine looks, but even that wasn't enough to make him anything special. Well at least not to a normal person.

No what she was interested in wasn't his looks or his grades, but rather magic. He and his family were registered magicians in her territory after all.

She flipped through the file before discarding it, but alas, even in magic the boy was completely and totally average. She put his papers in what she had dubbed the desperation pile and continued on to the next candidate.

"Better luck next time, Nanashi-kun."

—Just a Normal Mage—

Leisurely Nanashi peddled his bike towards Kuoh academy, it was about a month into his freshman year, and things were finally settling into routine. He would wake up in the morning and prepare breakfast (alone) and then eat (alone). Then he'd get dressed, and spend some time cleaning up from the previous nights practice (alone), before grabbing his bike and leaving for school (alone). It almost hurt how normal it was becoming, not having his family around anymore. Especially Yoshiko, his twin sister.

He stopped for a short brake and closed his eyes taking a deep breath. No he shouldn't think like that, he could still see her, anytime he looked in a mirror he'd be able to see their special bond, the one thing he had left of her. He would keep his chin up and be happy because he was sure she didn't want him to be sad.

With that he continued biking toward the massive architectural masterpiece that was Kuoh Academy.

—

Nanashi finished locking his bike up and made his way into the school, the building was truly massive, and a real oddity in this day and age. Even odder still was the fact that it had been built in two days, not impossible but a true feat of modern technology, and money. But the thing that really took the cake was that it had been an girls school until this year, which was a great relief for him, and saved him a great deal of trouble.

But of course most great things come with… drawbacks, namely the huge girl to boy ratio. This huge disparity meant there were quite a few… less academic males at the academy. Oh make no mistake he could sympathize with them, but sometimes they went to far and he did his best to steer clear of them.

Not paying attention to where we was going, Nanashi's foot caught on a loose stone and he fell to the ground glasses sliding off his face.

Worriedly the boy carefully searched the ground around him, though his vision wasn't exactly stellar without his glasses, he was sure he'd find them eventually.

"~Ara Ara~ were you looking for these?" A kind, very feminine voice called from his side. Blindly he turned his head to face the voice, spotting his glasses in the hands of a black haired blob.

"Ahh yes thanks so much, I can't see very well without them." He explained smiling at the blob while sheepishly scratching his shoulder. The blob placed the glasses back in his hands and he put them back on, the blob coming into focus.

His thoughts immediately turned to his earlier mental dialogue, the one that brought him to this situation, great things don't come without drawbacks. You see, while to most, receiving help from the beautiful black haired yamada-nadeshiko and her equally buxom red haired friend would have been a blessing, to Nanashi it was more then slightly surprising.

"Ah! Himejima-senpai, Germory-senpai, I apologize that you had to go through the trouble…" he stammered quickly standing and bowing.

You see Nanashi, knew that they weren't the normal humans they pretended to be. Rather they were Devil's beautiful and kind Devil's but Devil's none the less, and if there was one thing he had learned from his family it was that you should always be kind to the one in charge of the territory you lived in.

"No, worry, my cute little kouhai, it was my pleasure. You better hurry off now class is about to start."

"R-right, I'll be going then have a good day." With those final words he rushed off to class. It wasn't the first time he'd met them, but it didn't change the fact that they were intimidating. The magical power they exuded even passively, dwarfed his own by a wide margin, though he supposed that was to be expected he was an average human mage after all, it was hard to imagine being able to match that kind of strength within even three or four lifetimes.

—

"There he goes, its to bad really, those feminine features, the way his eyes water ever so slightly when he's worried or scared, and that smile… its to bad he isn't a higher priority." Akeno, rubbed her legs together a bit, truly a shame he was such fun to tease.

"I understand how you feel Akeno, but thats just how it is." Said her red headed friend shaking her head.

"Right this is for the best, without any innate potential he'd just be crushed in the world of devils and I'd hate to lose some one as fun as him." As she said this a lecherous smile appeared on her face.

Rias coughed into her hand, "Please try to keep your self together."

Akeno had the good grace to blush.

"Besides, we just got Issei, you should be able to distract yourself with that for a bit ne?"

"Im sure I will, I can't wait to teach our newest pawn so many new things."

The look appeared again, and rias sighed a deep breath it would be a long day.

—

Lunch time came around faster then he was expecting, and with it the end of school. It was a Saturday after all. Like he did most Saturdays he rode his bike into town to eat in the park. He used to come here with Yoshiko, and the it was something of a habit for him. Sitting down at a park bench he pulled out the lunch he had made that morning, it wasn't anything special, he wouldn't consider himself an especially good or bad cook. But he always preferred his own cooking, something about making it for yourself made the food taste better, at least thats what he thought.

As he was about to take his first bite of food he noticed something odd, a boy from his school, and what looked like a nun were talking on the bench across from him, seemingly enjoying a conversation.

'A nun huh… odd don't see many of those in Japan let alone outside a church.'

He was about to shrug it off and continue eating in peace when he heard a loud grumble.

'Eh?'

Looking back up the nun was blushing furiously while fiddling with her habit.

Ah so she was hungry, he looked down at his lunch then to the blonde girl. Sighing as he stood, Yoshiko would have done the same.

Nanashi walked over to the two, "Ah… would you… are you… ah… your hungry right?" He had never been good with this kind of thing. The boy, brown haired and fairly average in appearance, looked up at him, quizzically probably recognizing the uniform, the girl, blonde and foreign looking, just stared at him dumbfounded. Did he have something on his face or- The other boy turned to the girl and said somethings in english to her before she nodded furiously at him. She couldn't speak Japanese… right. Nanashi turned to the other boy instead, seeing as he was translating, "Would you two maybe like to share lunch with me?" Is question was sheepish and awkward but well meant and the other boy looked shocked before he started tearing up.

"Your so kind I didn't realize people like you were real!" Nanashi blushed furiously, well she just seemed hungry and, ah my sister would never have let me get away without at least trying to help, if she was here."

This was how he found himself eating lunch with a Nun and a Classmate.

It was nice he supposed to be thanked and to help others, it wasn't like he didn't have friends, or never helped others, but these two were just so genuine there was something special about it. The girl's name was Asia, the boy's Issei. And while he couldn't understand the girl Issei was more then willing to translate swapping between the two languages with ease. The were fun to be around and it wasn't long before the sun began to set and Asia sadly told them that she had to get to the church. In many ways the girl reminded him of his own sister, perhaps that was why when she said this he insisted on walking her home, along with Issei despite his house being in the exact opposite direction.

The church she was staying at must have been glamorous in its hay day, now however it looked run down, and he doubted that anyone should even live there. But it radiated light magic, so he supposed it must still be in use by something holy. The smile Asia gave them before walking into the church was radiant, and for a moment he almost considered the possibility that she was an actual angel.

The two boys walked back talking idly until they reached Issei's at which point they parted ways Nanashi hopping back on his bike to speed up the way home.

"I'm home!" He called into his empty house. It wasn't exactly big, nor anything fancy. Just a standard western style house. Its only non-standard piece being his workshop in the basement were he practiced magic, though even that was modest to any mage's standards, being simply a cleared space in the base meant with arcane text's and the like. Placing down his bag Nanashi glanced at the clock; 8:27 PM.

The young mage let out a deep sigh, before heading down to the basement to practice his art, he couldn't neglect his training even if he was tired.

—One Week Later—

Rias Gremory fumed silently, her pawn, had run off trying to save a Nun or something against her direct orders. He was still a young Devil so she knew he didn't understand what was at stake here, how he could possibly spark a war. But still she was unable to direct all of her anger at him, she was angry with herself as well for being unable to do anything. Her eyes drifted down to her desk… or maybe there was something she could do. A devilish smile appeared on her face as she picked up a single piece of paper, Nanashi.

—

The bell for the end of the day rang and like always Nanashi took his time to pack his things letting everyone else file out first. He thought back to the previous week, it had been fun. He hadn't seen Asia since then, though Issei took still greeted him when they saw each other. It was nice to know he'd made a friend.

From the door someone cleared their throat causing Nanashi to snap out of his daze turning his attention to them. Standing in the door was Kiba Yuuto, an attractive blonde haired boy who was something of an idol to the girls in the school, and Koneko Toujou a small white haired girl who was a mascot of sorts. Two pieces in the Gremory Peerage.

Immediately he turned his full attention to them, nodding his head to them respectfully, "Um did you need something?"

Kiba looked at him smiling, though Nanashi had a feeling that he smiled quite a bit and it felt more then a little hollow, "Ah yes we're in need of some assistance of the magical sort."

Nanashi's eyes widened and he quickly glanced around checking for eavesdroppers, "Are-Are you sure I'm not exactly powerful, average at best."

Kiba's smile persisted, "We just need the man power, plus as a human you're neutral."

His stomach dropped they wanted him involved in a conflict, it sounded dangerous. He would have to ref-

"One of our own went to save a some Nun girl from a ritual of some sort we need to get there quick to help, are you in or not."

A nun… no what were the chances… but he was speaking two languages so fluidly and… no Issei. So he was a Devil then, if he and Asia were in trouble though, he had no choice. "Alright then lead the way." With that they took off from the school Nanashi doing his best to keep up with their impossible speeds on his bike.

—

Kiba slid to a stop next to Issei, Koneko only moments behind.

"Gah, damn handsome what are you doing here, you going to try and stop me to?!" Issei fumed looking about ready to brute force his was into the church ahead of them.

"No far from it we've come to help" He gestured behind him to Koneko, "Though were still waiting for the last member of the party they'll be along shortly." Even as he said this Issei could see a figure biking full speed toward them, it stopped abruptly beside him long black hair bobbing up and down as it caught its breath, "Gah how am I supposed to keep up with devils…"

"Eh who is… Nanashi-chan!"

Nanashi looked up, at the brown haired devil, "Yeah, thats me, never would have thought you were a devil Issei."

"Wait why is Nanashi-chan here? Your not a Devil… right?"

"N…" He paused trying to catch his breath," No I'm not I'm a mage."

Issei's eyes sparkled as he seemed to forget about where he was for a moment, "Thats so cool! I didn't know humans could be a mage's to, I bet your super powerful!"

Nanashi rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "Ah not really I'm nothing special."

Kiba coughed, "while its great to know you guys are friends, I was under the impression we had something to do here."

Issei's eyes hardened, "Right, we have to save Asia."

Nanashi grimaced he had been right about everything, Asia being in danger, Issei being a Devil.

"So whats the plan?" he asked trying to get things moving.

"We don't have time to doing anything compacted, I say the direct approach is best." Kiba's face twisted into a feral grin, Nanashi shuddered.

Koneko for her part was completely impassive, but he was sure he'd caught her giving him weird looks a few times. He brushed it off, there were more important things to worry about right now.

"Well then give me a moment to prepare." After a nod of conformation from the blonde and the loll, and a confused one from Issei, Nanashi took a quick look around making sure they were alone. Before reaching into his bag and removing a small black bundle which he unfolded into a cloak. While it looked plain and unassuming to the casual observer, it was actually marked with protective runes and could be used to help him focus his magics, it was a staple for any mage.

"Right then lets go Ill do my best."

Issei looked at him oddly, "huh… I was expecting something more dramatic than that."

"Ive heard that before. Like I said I'm really nothing special."

"That aside looks like Koneko is ready to go." Apparently she was, because she had already charged head first to the church knocking the doors completely off there hinges. It wasn't the first time Nanashi had witnessed such a thing but the power of a rook still shook him a little.

"Right lets go!" With those words Issei charged in after her Kiba and Nanashi close behind.

When the group entered they were shocked to find the room empty, where was Asia, if not here? Then there was an ominous sound.

"Kekkekeke, I found some shitty Devil's to hunt!" From the ceiling a man clad in the robes of an exorcist dropped, a demented smile on his face, a complete contradiction to his holy garb.

"Damnit not this again we don't have time to deal with this, where's Asia!"

"Ah shitty Devil-kun wants his shitty Nun." Issei grit his teeth about to retort, "They're in the basement, though I don't think you'll be seeing her, not alive at least."

Koneko threw a pew at him cutting off what ever he had to say next.

"Where the hell is a basement door around…" Her fist swung into the main alter crumbling it to reveal a hidden stair case. "Ahh Issei, noted dumbly."

"Not so fast shitty Devils, you think you can get rid of me that easily! No fucking chance!"

"We don't have time for this." Nanashi gulped steeling himself for a fight, "You guys go on ahead your stronger then me, I can at least hold him back, Issei, save Asia."

The others looked at him then nodded running for the stairs.

"What makes you think ill let you go so easily!" The exorcist charged at them drawing a gun and a blade firing off three shots.

Nanashi visualized the magic circle he would need and then imprinted it upon reality, "Wall"

The stone floor rose up in an instant blocking the shots and shielding the devils, "Hurry I can't do this all day." And it was true, at best he could make a wall 10 more times, that was one of his most taxiing spells.

"A mage eh? Haven't hunted a pagan in a while! I can't wait your kind always scream the most!"

The exorcist closed in quickly almost to quickly for Nanashi to react, "My name is Freed, and today ill be your executioner you shitty mage!" Two slashes both aimed with precision which Nanashi some how managed to avoid, but… a beam of light cut, which he had been skill fully maneuvered into clipped his robe, the runes inside flared up dampening some of the blow but it wouldn't work forever.

He had to counter attack. It needed to be quick no circle this time, "Spark"

With a word Freed's robe lit aflame, though this would only be a distraction, hopefully it would buy him time to make a plan.

"No fair no fair, what kinda shitty mage uses cantrips in a fight!" He yelled ripping off his garb. Charging once again but this time with more fervor. He had been holding back, Nanashi realized a moment to late, as three shots slammed into his side sending him to the ground.

Not good not good.

"Mend, Mend, Mend" with each casting he felt his skin knit back together, and his mana drain. He was left with little over a third of his maximum capacity. He'd have to do better then that, end things soon.

"Is that all you have? Just some shitty cantrips and a weak wall spell? Thats just pathetic!"

Nanashi grimaced he knew Freed was right. He wasn't anything special wasn't talented. No.

Talent. Luck. Genius.

Slowly he pulled himself from the floor, locking eyes with the exorcist, "They called me a prodigy you know said I was talented, but really I just liked killing things, and what better then shitty devils and pagans like yourself. Compared to me your nothing, so why don't you just let me fuck you up right now?" He charged, Nanashi barely stumbling out of the way.

He had none of those things.

"Your right." Freed's eyes widened then filled with manic glee.

"Im glad you see things my way. So why don't you just let yourself die!" Another swing and three gunshots, Nanashi dodged the swing taking the three bullets in the arm.

"Mend, mend, mend"

He wasn't gifted with power, or handed anything he had.

"Im not talented nor am I anything worth anybodies time. I live alone and have no relatives. No real friends, no one would even care if I died right here." He took a deep breath, trying to regain his footing after the manics most recent flurry of blows. "But. But. I- I don't want to die, not here, I want to keep living my average life."

He had struggled all his life trying to catch up.

"I want to keep waking up at the same time everyday, to see the same people to do the same things. No I don't want to I have to, for everyone who can't. So…" He felt his spine crack as he was thrown into a wall, a madman toying with his life.

"In order to keep living, I'll give it all Ive got!"

"Hey are you still talking, shitty mage, Im tired of this game time to say night night!"

Freed took a step forward. Nanashi pulled himself off the floor. He only had one chance at this.

He would keep struggling. For as long as he had to. For all the people who couldn't.

The exorcist continued his slow advance. Sward lashing out, cutting deep into the boys arm. He pushed the pain back he couldn't mess this up. He focused all his attention on the spell before him.

"There are Eight chains that bind the earth."

Freed smiled wider, trying somethings new, little piggy! To bad!"

"Four of heaven, four of hell"

Slowly eight small pools of light began to form around the two combatants.

"You who would call yourself mighty, I call upon the burden of your sins."

Another slash mutilated his stomach.

"Karmic chains. Bind!"

Eight chains wound themselves around Freed's body, rooting him to the spot. Nanashi felt near all his energy leave his body, and collapsed to the ground blood pooling around him as he pulled his head up to stare at the man, who's smile had yet to leave.

"Hahaha amazing you little shit! But seriously how lame, Karmic Chains really took everything outta ya huh a low level invocation of justice and your a wreck. And how long can you keep them up. You'll probably bleed out before anything else!"

"Yeah your right, like I said I'm nothing special, I'm sure any mage could have cast that spell with ease, without a whole incantation even… but me, I probably only have enough in me for two cantrips." He coughed splattering the former holy ground in his pagan blood. It was ironic really, he was a supposed pagan mage fighting to save a Nun from a holy exorcist in a church of all things.

"Already spacing out from blood loss eh ya little shit, your really worthless huh?"

"Yeah yeah I am. But. Two cantrips is all Im going to need to finish this. Summoning what was left of his strength he opened his hand reveling a shard of the pew Koneko had thrown earlier. "Enlarge arrow"

The small chunk of wood became the size of his forearm. A look of realization appeared on the exorcist face. "No fucking way! No no no not like this to some shitty mage!"

"Im so sorry but thats check mate, Launch bolt" the shard of wood flew though the air spiraling to its target, the immobile Freed. There was a sickening squelch, that he barely heard as his head hit the floor, completely exhausted.

—

"~Ara Ara~ so this is the strength of an average mage?" Akeno asked stepping into the room with Rias.

"So it seems, I've heard of tenacity, but that was something else. But all that effort for this?"

She looked around the room, having watched nearly the entire battle, it wasn't really impressive or mind blowing, it was just what was in the ability of an average mage. He'd fought the odds, and won. It was endearing to see someone try so hard.

"Still, he really wasn't lying when he said that he was nothing special the spells he used were, beginner level at best."

"Is he alive still?" Akeno asked aloud.

A series of loud wet coughs were her answer.

"Akeno tend to his wounds, I'll go provide backup if necessary."

"Right then Ill make sure our cute little kohai makes it."

—

Nanashi awoke to a black blob. His vision was spinning, more then normal, and he felt really light.

"Oh my, awake now are we?" He knew that voice, but where from.

His confusion must have been painted on his face, as moments later he felt someone slide glasses onto his face. "Himejima-senpai? Why are you…" he tried to lift his head from her lap only to realize he had no strength to do so.

"~Ara Ara~ Nanashi-kun you did well, don't worry you're safe now." She smiled as she stroked his hair.

"Issei… and the others did they, did they win?"

"I have no doubt we'll see them soon."

He nodded in response the reality of what had happened settling in. "I'm alive." With those words he settled back into unconsciousness.

—

When he next awoke it was to a commotion. But the only thing he could focus on was the blond girl, Asia.

"Good morning Nanashi-chan! She spoke tears spilling from her eyes, and with that his own tears began to fall, "Yeah good morning to you to." She was a devil now. He could tell, but that didn't matter to him, his friend was alive. He wouldn't have to live for her as well.

The red haired heiress looked down at him, "You did well, average mage, Ill keep you in mind!"

"Ah thanks but I didn't really do anything."

"Nonsense you may be average but, no one ever said that an average person can't go beyond their limits. Truly I'm impressed."

He didn't really think so but he decided not to argue and just accept the praise. He wondered, would Yoshiko have said the same?