Chapter one. Some of you may notice a difference here, but because I removed all that I had before. Don't worry about the announcement I had before. This story will only contain light references to my current DxD stories, Recreation of a Hero and Mere Mortals.

During the late twentieth century, a catastrophe occurred right here on Earth. Meteors rained hell upon the earth, destroying many cities and wiping out populations. Many small towns such as Kuoh were never heard from again and larger, more powerful countries dwindled in power. From the ashes of the fallen economic and political systems rose the Integrated Enterprise Foundation. This single entity is a combination of companies that banded together after the Invertia to support the world economy, allowing them to hold more power than all the various countries. Because of potential future failures due to human...factors, all workers undergo a mental alteration project to ensure they all share the Foundation's philosophy. With their wealth they are able to hold contests called Festas, those who win, will be able to get one wish and one wish only, if the Foundation has the power to grant so anyways.

Now one topic is done, we will now move onto the unusual effect of the meteors. It wasn't simply a meteor strike, it introduced a dramatic change in human history. Mana, originally a hot element for games, was found within those meteors. Mana allowed technology to advance...and allowed humans to give birth to Genestella, humans with increased capabilities, albeit with consequences. Genestellas are usually discriminated by normal humans, seen as monsters. Ironically, those same humans cheer for the Genestella when they appear on the battleground of the Festas. But that is always the case for us, no? In addition to Genestella, very few special people are seen with even more abilities than simple enhancement, they can mix their mana with their flesh and blood and manipulate prana, allowing them to be even more powerful. Female Genestella with this ability are called Stregas, the males are called Dante. Simply put, Stregas and Dantes can be called magicians if you don't include any criminals.

Although he is no longer a devil, passed away along with his family, peerage, and harem, during the initial meteor strike, he is now one of these special Genestella. This story will focus on the Dante Ethan Trent Sakamoto. He will no longer have memories of his past, to remember the happiness with his peerage, to remember the grief from his lovers' deaths, and yes, lovers, and to remember that there is a such thing as Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils, whom all exist, but never appear in the human world, now meeting as allies in the Underworld and rarely, Heaven.

I hope to see you all soon, this may be the last time I speak to all of you, a farewell from Brunhilde.

Rontlicht, 8pm, Third Person POV:

The young brown-haired girl wearing a cap smiled as the boy on the makeshift stage finished singing. He smiled and bowed to the crowd that stood and clapped. He spoke, "Thank you all for coming today again. I enjoy the audience. I'll be honest, I didn't expect to be this popular. I even see the mafia enjoying my performance."

This caused the entire crowd to laugh, even the young girl. She wore a cap over her brown hair. Although it was brown, it isn't her true hair color, instead, to disguise her actual appearance. She is the Page One Rank One of Queenvail Girls' Academy, and after asking around, she found out the boy's name is Ethan Trent Sakamoto.

"So, anyway, once again, thank you, I hope to see you all again soon."

One month later, (1 year from present day):

Sylvia stood on the top of the building and breathed in, "The two pairs of wings known as thought and memory, move around move around speedily run around, hold the voice of the captive beloved child, pass the sea of clouds of the dawn, ride on the wind of twilight, open guidance from the edge of dusk, the black servant of thought and memory, come down before me and speedily show me," Sylvia sang, when she finished, the aura that flew over the city disappeared. She looked at the two feathers that landed on a street corner and frowned. It wasn't a popular place for those that aren't violent, but she was worried.

-Flashback-

"Excuse me, have you seen Ethan? He hasn't appeared today for his usual performance," Sylvia asked a woman she saw often.

The woman shook her head, "He hasn't appeared in a couple of weeks. But he'll be back. Have a nice day."

Sylvia looked at the empty stage, she had no time to visit and during that time has been quite stressful, and the one person who could help her relieve the stress isn't here.

-End Flashback-

She walked over to the corner and saw it was a tea house. She smiled when she saw Ethan working, head over the table, sitting with a girl with maroon hair in a braid, who nodded as he explained. Then Sylvia looked around and noticed that there were Rewolf students gathering around him. Without thinking, she ran and attacked them, easily defeating them all. Ethan turned around suddenly, surprised. Then when he saw her and the groaning students he laughed, out loud and so happily, so full of energy that Sylvia was confused.

"It's you," Ethan said, smiling.

"I looked for you when you went missing for a month. I was worried when you didn't come fo-" he put his fingers to his lips and winked.

"Hey guys, I'll be honest, if it wasn't for the young lady, you would have gotten me." They all looked surprised, "I was too focused. So you guys win. I will give the answers the day after tomorrow. If you leave right now, that is." This caused the Rewolf students to scramble up and run away from him.

Sylvia looked confused, "Answers?"

"It's a deal I made with all the Rewolf students, they won," he chuckled.

Sylvia leaned back, "You're in Rewolf?" she asked in disbelief.

Ethan put his hands on his hips, "I'll have you know, a good student can be in a school with a bad reputation." He looked around, "Let's find a place where they won't see us. This is somewhat Rewolf territory. It'll be bad if they find out that not only a Page One of Queenvail, but also Rank One of Queenvail is here in Rewolf territory."

"Y-you know who I am?" Ethan laughed, and putting his arm around her, they walked toward the main city. "It took me a moment. You fought them quite easily and they aren't bad at fighting, next, you seemed to have a familiar voice. Third, your face is also familiar."

"...I-I'm in disbelief."

"Of course, be glad it isn't one of the mischievous students of Rewolf. The only other person you'd want to meet is Priscilla Urzaiz here." Priscilla nodded shyly in acknowledgement.

"So, Sylvia Lyyneheym, how did you find me?"

"I...am a Strega, so I used my Prana to track you."

Ethan looked at Priscilla, "Ah, which is that?" Ethan turned and saw her remove her hat, and her signature headphones appeared over her ears.

"These help me. I can imagine who I am looking for and sing, simply put. Then the feathers will appear on a map in front of them."

"So, you imagined my cute face~" This caused her to slightly blush. "You didn't have to worry about me. I told the others I wouldn't perform for about a month or longer because of the school tests we had to take."

"Ooh. I never knew Rewolf had tests." Ethan laughed while Priscilla giggled.

"Of course not, we are only known for our violent nature and tendency to duel...Sylvia?"

"Yes?"

"May...I see your hat?" Confused, she handed it to Ethan, who held it for a moment and nodded, "I see. Thank you."

"What happened?"

"Ah, nothing. Hey, Queenvail is right over there, I'll drop you off then I'll be on my way."

"Good-bye. Perform again."

"I will. See you soon." Then as I turned, I heard the girls talking:

Is that Ethan?

What is he doing with Sigrdrifa?

Are they dating? We both blushed and quickly faced them, he shouted, "NO!"

Wow, he doesn't look like a Rewolf student, is that even a Rewolf uniform?

Idiot, that's Seidoukan! He only helps Rewolf because they are all idiots!

Look at the girl next to him, is that Priscilla?

It is, is he dating both of them? "I AM NOT DATING ANYONE!"

Sigrdrifa and Ethan won't be a bad couple you know.

Ethan turned and stormed off, annoyed at the Queenvail student comments, with Sylvia staring after him and Priscilla following, reassuring him that that's the usual talk of Queenvail and to ignore them.

Sylvia ran to him, "You're not really in Rewolf?"

Ethan scratched his head, "No, I'm truly in Seidoukan."

This made Sylvia look up shyly, "C-Can I know your rank?"

"Three, but I haven't...actually tried? Yet?"

She started, "S-so you use just a school weapon and made it to Page One?"

He blinked, "Is that something wrong?"

"N-nothing!"

"Ah, well, I'll see you next time Sylvia. Let's get you back, Priscilla." He turned away towards Rewolf Black Institute then returned, blushing, "Can I have your number?" He chuckled nervously.

She blinked then blushed slightly and laughed. "Sure, I will, partly because I'd like to talk to you, and partly because you are the first to flat out ask it." She held forward a screen, "This is my personal number, and my address. Priscilla, if you'd like, you can take it down too."

Present day:

"I declare this duel void," said a blonde woman with me following behind.

"The Student President and Vice-President, what are you doing here?"

"Gah," I scoffed, "Mr. Amagiri still has to fill in some final forms before he is accepted. If you may, follow Claudia. The rest of you, leave, except Julis."

She raised an eyebrow, "What do you want?"

"Let me ask bluntly, do you have any enemies here?"

"Not that are willing to fight me up front."

"Hmm. What was that then?"

"What?"

I pointed at the spot the arrow should have flown to, "The arrow."

She turned around with her arms crossed, "Nothing. Even if it was something, I could handle it."

I sighed, "You know you can't handle everything, you shouldn't, you need people to help."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you."

"Ah, you are always like this. You nee-"

She turned around, "Need what?"

"Later," I started into the nearby forest, with Julis Riessfeld calling after me. I ran into the darkness and saw the hooded figure running away. I stopped short and backflipped onto safe ground, arrows hitting the spot I would have run into, I turned clockwise, then stopped and listened. I faced north and started running, then reached a clearing and with a look of contempt, sat down, leaning back against a tree, "Gone."

Third Person POV:

"You're still not mad right?" Ayato asked nervously.

"No...not mad. But you saved me, so I owe you one. If you wish, I'll come to your aid just once." Julis walked away after that, not leaving Ayato time to answer.

Yubaki Eishirou sat up, "Well, somebody got dumped!" He chuckled, "But it's the princess, what'd you expect?"

"Who are you?"

They walked out, Yabuki held his hand and Ayato shook it, "Yabuki Eishirou, I guess you're my roommate, nice to meet you."

"You called Julis 'princess' is that her nickname?"

"Nope, she's a bona fide princess, that girl. Ever since the Invertia, monarchies have been coming back. One of them is a country called Leiseltania. She's the crown princess, and a Strega."

"You seem to know a lot."

Yabuki chuckled, "Being in the Newspaper Club can do a lot."

"But...what would a princess do all the way out here?"

"That's what I wonder. A pretty, strong, girl. Even a princess, people wonder and ask. But..." he imitated slamming his fists on a table, "'Quiet!' 'Shut up!' 'I'm not a freak show!' That's her response." Yabuki grinned as he looked at Ayato.

Ayato sighed, "I could see that."

"Those who didn't take that kindly challenged her to duels, but none of those ended well. The only time that it didn't end well for her was when Ethan came, the student vice-president. So anyway, she jumped to number five faster than you can blink. But it resulted in the aloof princess you see today. Ethan once tried to talk to her, but she adamantly pushed him away, making her challenge him to a duel. He accepted the challenge immediately and the princess went all out, just to show that she was better, due to his eagerness to duel. The amazing thing was, if you look back and recall, he didn't seem to try."

"So..what happened after that?"

"After that, she showed a tad bit more respect, but still refused his help."

Something popped in Ayato's mind, "Oh, right, here this is yours." Ayato took out a handle for a Seidoukan Academy weapon.

"How did you know it was me?" Yabuki narrowed his eyes.

"Well, you sounded the same. Besides, my sister always nags me about returning what I borrowed."

"Impressive, even under those circumstances, you still pointed me ou- Hey, look." By this time, they were outside the Seidoukan Academy and were looking at a bench. On it sat Julis and towering over her was a man with a huge build. Angrily yelling at her.

Yabuki said, "Woah, talk about a scoop!"

"Who is that?"

"Lester MacPhail. Rank nine at our grade, and Page One."

"Page One?"

Yabuki didn't turn as he made a screen with a list of names and ranks face Ayato, "Each school has a ranking system. The list is called Named Cults. The top twelve among them is Page Ones."

"So he's powerful."

"But he and Julis don't get along." They heard a slam and looking, saw dust rose. Lester had brought an axe towards the ground in front of Julis, or tried to. Holding the axe was a young black-haired teen, who was wiping his nails, whistling happily.

"You know," said the boy, and Ayato recognized him as the vice-president, "someone will get hurt at this rate. From the duels I've seen, it'll be you." Ethan threw the axe back at Lester.

Lester stood straight, "I don't care!"

Julis got up and walked past him, ignoring the angry sergeant. Lester grabbed her arm, gripping it so tight, she let go and her handkerchief fell, "I'm not going to lose to a princess who is only doing this for fun!" She glared so fiercely and burned Lester's hand, even Ethan backed off.

She picked up the handkerchief that fell on the floor, "Just...for fun? Then tell me, WHY DO YOU FIGHT? There's something I need to accomplish! TO MAKE IT HAPPEN, I WILL SWEEP THE FESTAS AND GET WHAT I WANT!" Flames grew around her, small, then large, burning quickly and violently.

Ayato stared at her, Julis...Julis-Alexia von Riessfeld...Clad in Flames, The Witch of the Resplendent Flames...

She drew her sword and Lester backed off, sweating. He was saved by Ethan, who stepped in front and rather calmly, grabbed her wrist. "I don't like to do this, but as the Student Vice-President, I demand you to stop or face the consequences." She looked surprised as his clothes burned and the surface of this skin singed. Then the flames died, she turned away and crossed her arms.

Ayato raised an eyebrow, "How is he able to stand that?"

"Ah, I did say he hasn't tried in duels as of yet, he beat Julis with the same weapon I gave you, but without any family techniques. Did I mention he is the Rank #3?"

"R-rank three?"

"Ya, it's also a wonder of why he is here. He is more social than the princess, but much more mysterious. He doesn't seem to be a Genestella, but holding Lester's Lux proved otherwise. I don't even know where he comes from, although his name suggests from the United States...Hey, I noticed. If he hasn't tried yet, he could easily beat Rank One, Toudou Kirin. Then he would set the bar for Page One! Amagiri? Bro?" Ayato turned, head tilted. "Can we go back?"

"No thank you." Ayato went back to watching the scene while Yabuki quickly and quietly sneaking away from the scene, but then turned around, wanting to see what will happen. Ethan was scolding Lester for destroying school property even if it was quick and cheap to repair.

Lester stood glaring and asked, "I know you are a happy-go-luck kid, but who do you think you are?"

Ethan crossed his arms, "Haven't I made it obvious with Student Vice-President? I'm Ethan Trent!"

Randy widened his eyes, "The-the rank #3 kid? Who appeared on Page One in half a week from the day he attended Seidoukan Academy?!"

Ethan raised his hands, "Well, yeah?" This caused Julis to turn.

"You're...rank 3?"

Now he narrowed his eyes, "Yeah...?"

"Y-you didn't even go serious during our duel?"

He deadpanned, "I had no reason to."

She grabbed his shirt and everyone backed off, "You. Could. Have. Saved. Me. The. Humiliation."

"Not my fault you refused to listen to me. Lester, you may want to leave now."

"Y-yessir," Lester and his two friends left Julis and Ethan.

"So...now what do you want?" Ethan asked, "We're so close I could just reach in and kiss you for your reaction."

Julis blushed then dropped Ethan in disgust, "I'd rather not."

"Thank you, I was wondering when you'll let me go."

"Why did you agree to duel, even if you knew you'll beat me?"

"Well, it is to show you that you may be good, but there are those that are better."

"Rank Three."

"Hey come on," I protested, "You yourself ain't bad either you're Rank Five."

"I'm going to ask and I demand an answer," she stated

I rolled my eyes, "Yes, your Highness." She twitched.

"Don't call me by that."

"Whatever." I shrugged. She took out her Aspera Spina and examined it.

"Did you use a academy-issued blade when you dueled me?"

I blinked, "I believe so."

"How. How were you able to match up to me? Every day in class, you slack off, you act so laid-back around the students, just the delinquent type, except you perform better than almost the entire school. How?"

"It...just comes naturally I guess. Talent. I've always been this way. Act lazy and untalented, since I left my family to go here, but above the best of the best...Although Julis..."

"Yes?"

"If you want to take a tip from me, try not to act so serious in duels."

"How is that supposed to do anything?"

"If you focus too much, you lose sight of what's important or in front of you, then you definitely won't be aware of what's going on behind you. Keep your mind alert, but relaxed, and acting casual also helps. It can make them be overconfident, then you learn as much as you can when they're going all out. Or, they get angry and lose the ability to notice even the simplest things. That's my tip."

Julis active her Lux, "Not that I will need it, when you fight, you need the most focus you can."

Next Day:

"Father was mad, you know," Haruka Amagiri turned, "Not just mad, this was a whole new level of mad."

"I didn't do anything!" Ayato yelled, "After what they said about you...I couldn't stand it!"

"You did do something then..." Haruka frowned.

"But it's not my fault Onee-san!" retorted Ayato.

"You know why father has forbidden you to fight?" Ayato shook his head and his sister continued, "You have enormous power, and with excess power, you not only harm others, but also yourself."

Ayato blinked, "I don't get it."

Haruka walked over, "You're still young, I would have been surprised if you did. You'll understand when you're older, Ayato. I promise."

"Then...when will I start?"

She knelt, "I guess when you find what you want to do."

"What...What I want to do..." Ayato muttered.

"Right, and that's when you decide what to do with your power."

"Have you found what you wanted to do, big sis?"

Haruka blinked, "Of course, that is to protect you, Ayato."

"Then I'll protect you too! That's going to be my..."

Ayato woke up, "Right..." Ayato looked at his sleeping roommate, eagle spread on his bed. Ayato dressed quickly and quietly walked out.

Normal POV:

I jogged up to Ayato, "Hey."

"Oh, hello Ethan," was his reply, "What are you doing up this early?"

"Jogging, thinking, like you, no?"

"Ah, yes. I guess so."

"So, what do you think about yesterday?"

"Interesting to say the least," we jogged toward the building when Ayato spoke up, "Hey."

"Yes?"

"Are you really the Rank Three of Page One?"

I turned, "Where did you get that from?"

"My roommate, Yabuki Eishirou. You also mentioned it."

"Ah," I nodded, "Him. Yeah, I suppose I did, I forget a lot."

"Why?"

"Nothing," I smiled, "I'd just like to know, besides, with him, I'm not surprised that he found out and told you."

"Yeah."

-Flashback-

Ayato walked out from the bushes, "Hey, how is it going?"

Julis turned, "Ayato!" Then deactivated her Lux.

Yabuki jumped in, "Ooh, what's going to happen between the transfer and princess?" I walked in front him, smiling.

"I'd let you record, but you'd probably use this to blackmail or bribe them. Put it away." With a 'gah', Yabuki turned off his camera.

Ayato asked, "What are you doing here? You are a princess, aren't you?"

Julis hesitated, "For money. I'm in need of it."

I jumped in, "But, shouldn't you get a lot of money? Being a princess and all?"

Along with Yabuki, "You should know then that the Festa is a tag team thing."

Julis flinched, "I don't get enough money, if any at all." She turned to Ayato, "And I don't have a partner yet."

Ayato looked at her strangely surprised, "Don't you have any friends to be your partner?"

She blushed, "I do have friends! None of them meets my standards. You'd be dreaming. I want a partner that is Page One-level, with a quick mind, a strong will, and a noble spirit, much like a knight."

I face faulted while Yabuki nervously said, "High-bar much?" Then Yabuki got a call, "Oh, gotta go! Deadline is soon!"

I walked away, waving over my shoulder, "I'll leave too. Give you time alone," I turned and winked, making Julis protest and blush.

-End of Flashback-

"So, mind telling me what happened?"

"Ah, I'm going to get a tour of the Academy today. That's really all," Ayato smiled. I nodded in return.

"Well, I'll see you soon Ayato."

Student Council Office:

I tapped the forms with a sticky note containing a room number in front of me, "So, afterschool? Why are we going to this classroom?"

Claudia giggled, "I have the forms for the Ser Veresta ready for Ayato."

"Ah, I see, Ogre Lux you told me about? With the corrupted data on the previous user?"

"Precisely."

"Hmm, I wonder why he would want to wield that."

Third Person POV:

Everyone's head whipped around.

Did the princess just return a greeting?

Can she even do that?

That snob.

"H-hey! I can return greetings too! How rude are you wretches?!" Julis slammed the table. When Ayato walked by and greeted her, she returned it. Due to her actions before Ayato transferred, the possibility of this was...improbable. Then a cyan blue haired girl got up to Ayato's laugh. When he looked at her, he started.

"S-Saya?" he asked.

"Ayato."

"Huh? What are you doing here?"

"What's this? What's this? You two know each other?" Yabuki jumped in.

"Eh, yeah," Ayato answered Yabuki, then to Saya, "I haven't seen you since you moved overseas, six years or so?" Saya stuck out her thumb, pointing up.

Ayato laughed, "You haven't changed a bit!"

"No," Saya stood up, "I've grown taller, for one." Ayato sweatdropped.

"Yeah, how's your father?"

"He's doing almost too well. I wish he would just relax for a while. I've only come because my dad asked me to."

"Really now?"

Saya took out a grip like object and it transformed into a gun, making it a Lux twirled it around her finger casually then holstered it. "My dad wanted exposure to the gun he invented."

"That's really all?"

"No, I have my own reason, so I don't mind coming here."

Yabuki ran up to her with a notebook, "Ooh, what would that be?" Then Saya quickly drew the gun and pointed it between his eyes, causing him to raise his hands, "Okay! I'll leave you alone, don't blast my brains out!"

"All right! Sit down!" a orange haired lady walked in and stood behind the podium, holding a spiked bat, "Homeroom is now in session!" She turned to Saya and smirking, walked over, "Well, now you are present, Saya Sasamiya."

"Good morning," came the stoic reply.

"Why didn't you come to school yesterday?"

"I overslept."

The teacher laughed, "Overslept?!" She hit Saya's head.

"...Ow."

"Idiot! How many times have you done this? You have to attend a make-up class on the weekend!"

"That's when I can get the most sleep."

"Don't care!"

Ayato turned as the teacher walked away, "You still have problems waking up?"

"Not my fault if my bed holds me hostage." As Ayato laughed, he didn't notice Julis twitch in slight jealously.

Normal POV:

We walked in on Julis and Saya arguing. I tilted my head, smiling as Claudia walked forward, "If that's the criteria, then I should do this, no?" Ayato yelped in surprised, "After all, Julis transferred during our third year of junior high, while I've been a bona fide student since the first year~"

Saya glared, along with Julis, "Who are you?" "What are you doing here?"

"Please, Claudia, let me go before you do anything else!" Ayato shouted.

"My goodness, you are all so callous. I've decided to join in on the fun since I'm here," Claudia wiped her eyes, hurt.

"No way." "Permission denied."

I laughed out loud and the two teens fighting for Ayato glared in my direction, "Ah, girls fighting for a guy! Classic highschool problems!"

Julis blushed, "We are not fighting for Ayato!"

I rolled my eyes, "Sure you aren't." Before Julis could say more, I continued, "Claudia, remember why we are here."

"Ah, yes," former act gone, she transferred back to her usual self, "Ayato, here are the documents you need. If there are no issues, sign these, and your Lux selection and compatibility test is held tomorrow!"

Julis crossed her arms, "You seem to have a lot of time on your hands for a student president."

"Yes, since all the students are good, and I also have an effective vice-president here."

I protested, "H-hey! I'm not a tool! Don't treat me like one!"

Ayato rose, handing back to papers to Claudia, "I've been wondering, are you and Ethan friends with Julis?"

"Sort of," was my reply.

"Definitely," came from Claudia.

"No and no," said the pink haired princess.

"Oh my, how cold," giggled Claudia. I smirked while Ayato scratched his head.

Julis waved Claudia off, "Now your business is done, leave."

Saya also waved off Claudia, "Shoo. Shoo."

While walking out, Claudia said over her shoulder, "I'll let you know, he will be mine~"

The door closed behind us, "Do you really like him?" I asked her.

"He's just so fun to tease~" Just then my stomach growled.

"Um, Claudia, it's almost lunch and I'm hungry, mind if I go?"

"Sure thing, I don't mind. Have a good afternoon, Ethan." She smiled.

"What, how about you? You don't want to come? I can pay for your lunch."

She shook her head, "No thank you, although I appreciate the offer. I still need to finish up the documents for Ayato and you. Maybe some other time."

"Ah, I see, I'm sorry to hear that. My selection is also tomorrow, right?"

"Hmm..." she closed her eyes. Then, "Yes, although you applied months ago, it had to go through many processes. Your request for that Ogre Lux is unusual, maybe even suspicious. That Lux hasn't accepted a single person yet. They've traced the last user to much before the Invertia."

"Oh my, really that long ago?"

"Yes, and it seems she has killed many people and held a lot of power, judging from the aura the Lux releases. Also, there seemed to be a deadly poison when it was used then. It's faded now, and from data samples, the remains can cause severe sickness in contrast to the full effect, which resulted in death within seconds."

"Ah, I see their suspicions now. If I could wield that Lux..."

"Anyhow, it was a plain sword before, then it mysteriously evolved to today's Luxes."

"...All the more impressive," was my comment as I wondered about the Lux, not believing how different it was.

Within Academy grounds:

I stretched and walked towards Julis and Saya, who seemed to be arguing again. Then, just before they could start a duel, they leapt away from each other. I saw why, two arrows were sticking out from the bench between them.

Julis used Longifourm and hit one of their assailants and started to go for the other when there was an explosion. I turned and saw Saya holding a gun much larger than she. "Burst."

Then, "Kaboom." This sent the fountain into oblivion and Ayato walked back, holding ice-cream although he didn't say it, his thoughts most likely went in the neighborhood of, What the fuck?

I blinked as Julis screamed at Saya about something, and when I noticed, I cleared my throat and raised an eyebrow while putting my hands on my hips, "Saya Sasamiya," I said, my tone frightening them all, "You may want to go inside and put a bra on. Don't want to get the attention of unwanted males." I smiled, making them sigh in relief. I turned to Julis, "You too, princess," I turned around, "I'm pretty sure guys would like to see what bras you would wear." I didn't she her blush furiously and curse at me for acting the way I am.

Next day:

"Hello Lester, waiting for Claudia?" I asked.

He turned, "It's you. You're trying to get an Ogre Lux too?"

I chuckled, shrugging, " I guess that's why we're here. I guess another reason is if I'm supervising, but I don't have the experience nor authority to."

The elevator behind us opened, revealing Claudia and Ayato, who started at Lester. I nodded my head, ready, along with Lester and Ayato. We went in and entered the room. It was a a large room with a barrier separating testing area from the spectators. Claudia gestured for me to go first. I brought up the screen and scrolled through the Luxes. I selected Murasame and it appeared, blade down.

[If the compatibility is 80%, you are free to use it as a property of the Foundation.]

I nodded and slowly grabbed the hilt. Malice energy flowed within me, which felt unfamiliar and...familiar.

Screaming, all while someone laughed maniacally.

Then came swords clashing, and yelling from a familiar voice.

My side, blood slowly pouring out, then a stabbing on my heart and gone.

[The compatibility rate is below zero, within the negatives! Please! Leave the testing area, Mr. Sakamoto, sir!]

Confusion, then anger. Then sadness filled my entire body, crying, lonely, afraid.

Happiness returned, along with love. More clashing with swords, joyous laughter, a hugging sensation. Recognition. Then silence as there was an explosion.

I didn't notice as the compatibility rate grew steadily. As it rose, I felt more comfortable and the sword grew more compliant and friendly. Finally, when everything seemed to calm down, I looked at the rate, barely 80.0%.

I heard Claudia giggle, "You've barely passed, Ethan." I looked down at Murasame.

"You seem to know me, how? Did we meet before this time I've held you? You were so violent at first, but as minutes passed, you grew so friendly and recognized me."

[T-the compatibility rate is changing! Ms. Enfield!]

Claudia's head snapped up, and before she could shout a warning, she saw the rate jump up, to a perfect 100.0%.

"Incredible," she breathed.

I looked up and then at the sword, "I wish you could talk, it would make life easier, you know?" The sword seemed to laugh, core growing grimly, at how ridiculous it is. Then it went silent. I grasped my chest and saw a girl, that was all.

I walked out of the testing area in a daze and Lester took my place. Ayato frowned as Lester chose the Ser Veresta, "He wants that Ogre Lux too?" Ayato murmured to himself as Murasame's blade disappeared, leaving me the handle to slide into the holster of my uniform.

I watched as Lester picked up the Lux with a pitch black blade, with purple outlines and started roaring. I widened my eyes as the rate grew from zero to twenty in one fell swoop, then blinked at the decreasing exponential rate, within seconds, it went from zero to twenty, to thirty.

[Compatibility rate, 32.3%]

"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Lester roared. He tried to swing the sword, growling. It simply and adamantly levitated in the same place. I saw the rate drop, slower and slower, until it hit zero and I shook my head, but widened my eyes as it went past zero. The Ser-Veresta pushed Lester away, but he simply gave a battle cry and tried to grab it, resulting in it throwing Lester back again. This action caused it to become angry, but Lester still tried and tried.

[T-the compatibility rate has dropped to the negatives! Please, for your safety, LEAVE THE TESTING ZONE!]

"LESTER!" Claudia yelled, but they didn't have to worry, Lester was blasted out of the testing zone and the sword attacked, but hit the barrier keeping out the sword. It pointed threateningly at Ayato and I saw him sigh. He walked through and it struck. He dodged it, but it caused a small tear in his jacket. Claudia cried out but he didn't hear.

Ayato turned his back to Ser Veresta and I was about to yell at him for being an idiot as it flew at him when he suddenly turned and caught the handle, then spun and slammed it into the ground, shouting. I shivered at the sight, smiling. It went on for a few seconds and when Ayato finally got up, breathing hard, with Ser Veresta in the floor, he looked up at the compatibility rate.

[Compatibility rate, 98.84%]

Claudia clapped, along with me, she said, "Congratulations Ayato! That was masterful."

He nodded thanks and I spoke. "This is probably why they are so powerful, they have a mind of their own. Mine rejected me at first, but accepted me."

Ayato added, "And the Ser Veresta seemed to share the same thoughts as me."

I smiled and nodded, bringing out the hilt of Murasame and inspected it, frowning.

Next Day:

I decided that since Claudia and I had free time this Saturday, I'll go to the main city of Asterisk to relax. I put my hands in my pockets and started walking up the subway stairs, whistling. I didn't see the girl who stopped at the top and I bumped into her, making the two of us fall, "AHH!"

I quickly brought my hands out of my pockets and caught myself before I fell on her, looking up, I saw a flash of brown hair and I frowned, Wait... Looking higher, I saw a signature cap and I smiled. She turned around and bristled, "Don't just stay there like that! People may ge-..." She blinked as I put away my sunglasses.

I smiled, "Hey Sylvia." I got up and helped her stand.

"Ethan?" I nodded.

Then she hit me, over and over again, "H-h-hey! WHAT'S THAT FOR? STOP!" I put up my arms as she assaulted me.

She stopped after a minute and hugged me, "I thought you forgot about me, you didn't even perform on all the days I went!"

I blinked at that, "I did perform, but that's once a week."

Her face fell, "So...I missed you on practically all the days by chance?"

"Hey songtress, no need to worry. You need a good voice, you can sing yourself too." She blushed and I turned left and led her to the plaza.

"Have you even heard me sing?"

I pointed up to a electric billboard, starring her. Then to a music shop that featured her records, she nodded, understanding. "Your voice is amazing, really heartwarming, you know?" She giggled, accepting the compliment.

We went past many shops and restaurants. I had my arm comfortable around her the whole time, she looked up, "How come you didn't call me?"

"Huh? Oh! I didn't want to bother you, I mean, you are probably busy most of the time, aren't you? So I waited for you to call me. I'll be honest, I thought you forgot about me too, I have very little people to talk to, other than Claudia," my voice grew sad. She started laughing and I looked at her confused, after a moment my heart grew warm at the sound of her laugh.

Soon she stopped then crossed her arms and I looked, "Hard for me to call you if you didn't even give me your number." Oh, well...shit.

I scratched my head, "Well, ha...I completely forgot about that. Hey, how come you were out there?"

"I...I wanted to get to Seidoukan to see you."

My heart fluttered, "See...me?"

"Well, you didn't call me at all, and I was hoping you were fine." I smiled as I listened.

"Nobody knows that you're here?"

She looked around, "Um, not that I know of."

I laughed, "Well, what do you want to do now that we have time on our hands?"

She mumbled, "First thing you could do is give me your number."

I chuckled nervously, "Right." I brought up a screen scrolled a bit, "Ah, here it is."

She noted it, when I showed it to her, "Thank yo-"

"NEVER MIND THAT! I'M TELLING YOU TO BATTLE ME RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!" We quickly turned and saw a black haired muscular man yelling at a certain pink-haired girl.

Sylvia frowned and started forward but I held up my hand, "Don't worry, I know them, they'll handle it perfectly." People quickly left the area, pushing past us. They gave us looks and I turned, "Nobody knows you, right?"

"Not in my hat," she pushed her hair aside and smiled, blushing, then added, "Only you."

"And Priscilla." I mentioned the timid girl, Sylvia nodded.

I turned as Ayato stood, "Don't you think you've gone too far coming here and demanding to fight?"

"You shut up, kid, this doesn't concern you."

"No. I won't."

"Huh?" Lester towered over Ayato, but he stood his ground, unfazed.

Ayato looked up, "Haven't you heard that Julis was attacked? If you fight here, people believe that you are also part of those cowards."

He grabbed Ayato, "You think I'm one of those guys who sneak AROUND?! I'm nothing like them." Lester brought up his Bardiche-Leo and swung it down. I cupped my hand over Sylvia's mouth as she almost cried out. The dust cleared and Ayato stood unfazed.

"Doing this will prove otherwise."

"You call me a coward and run?! YOU WUSS!"

"Whatever."

"Yo-" His two cronies rushed up to Lester. "Calm down! Everyone knows you fight fair and square!"

Then the bowlcut boy said, "Waiting for a chance to duel, you wouldn't do anything cowardly like that!" Julis started without anyone noticing. They walked away and Ayato sighed. Julis smiled as she wiped ketchup off Ayato's face, talking to him and when she turned, she noticed us.

"Have you seen the whole thing?" she questioned.

"Of course!" I put up my hands, laughing. "Amazing Ayato, unfazed by his anger, you're too calm." Sylvia nodded in agreement and Ayato turned.

"Who's this?"

Sylvia bowed, "...Kasumi Toujou. Nice to meet you."

Julis raised an eyebrow, "From Seidoukan? I don't think I've seen you before."

Sylvia shook her head, "No, from Queenvail."

"That school?" Julis blinked.

"Hai, although I'm unranked, so you won't know me. That's fine."

I turned around, "Well, that was entertaining, let's go Syl-Kasumi."

"What was that just now?" Ayato asked.

"I-I was going to call her 'sister'," I blushed, "we call each other siblings to tease each other, we're that close, you know." I scratched my head, "Knew each other about a year by now?" Sylvia nodded.

"Ah, well. Makes sense."

I waved over my shoulder walking away while Sylvia hit me. We went shopping at stores and I had Sylvia pick out clothes for me, besides, she does have better taste than me in clothing. We spent the entire afternoon shopping and as we walked to Queenvail, she told me about the day after I left, how they started rumors about me and her. I laughed, now not really minding the fact that we could date. I was about to speak up when she frowned and pointed ahead.

I looked, "Ayato, what's going on?" Then I looked at the pile of students on the floor, "Or...what happened?"

"Someone hired the Rewolf students to ambush us."

"N-not our fault! said the student who had his Mohawk grabbed by Julis, "The guy who hired us is...there!" We all turned and saw a figure run into the forest. Julis unceremoniously dropped the guy and ran with us into the forest. From one figure became two, "Let's split up!" Ayato went with Julis while Sylvia went with me. Then from that one puppet, it split again. "More?! Sylvia, take the right."

"Hai!"

We split up again and I jumped up onto the tree, smirking, I now got the guy. But he shot an arrow backwards and I dodged, then another shot at me, form the side, What the hell?! I tried to dodge, but it hit me at the calf. I cried out and landed rather painfully. I got up and fell, my ankle twisted when I fell. I got up again and stumbled, then fainted from the pain.

Third Person POV:

Sylvia panted as she caught up to Julis and Ayato, "They all gone?"

"Yeah," Ayato said, "They attacked me then left."

"Really? That explained why it disappeared suddenly," Sylvia said to nobody in particular.

"Hey, Kasumi," Ayato said.

"...Huh?" Sylvia started.

"Where's Ethan?" This caused her to gasp.

"We split up to chase another person."

Julis and Ayato frowned, "This is not good, let's try to find him, get back here in an hour, it's getting dark and I don't feel safe."

She spent the whole hour but Sylvia had no luck. Sylvia trudged back, depressed, "No luck?"

Ayato shook his head, "No."

Julis walked out, "Nothing you two?" They shook their heads dejectedly, "Do we go back then? There are the guards that should appear soon."

Sylvia waved them off, "You can go, I must find him."

"It's getting dark too," Ayato pointed out.

"No, I want to find him."

"Sure...contact us if you get him. I'd like to find him," Julis said, "But in this light, I don't see how we can."

"I will, or Ethan will get back himself."

As they walked away, Julis said to Ayato, "Do you have time after this?"

When they walked away, Sylvia sighed, then removed her cap, bringing out her headphones. Then she brought up a map of the forest, This is the second time I'll sing the song for him...But I don't mind, I'd like to picture his face.

She looked up and sang, "The two pairs of wings known as thought and memory, move around move around speedily run around, hold the voice of the captive beloved child, pass the sea of clouds of the dawn, ride on the wind of twilight, open guidance from the edge of dusk, the black servant of thought and memory, come down before me and speedily show me." She saw the two feathers land and quickly ran to the area. She looked around and saw nothing and nobody. She moved through the bushes and tripped. She gasped at Ethan's twisted foot and picked him up. She hesitated, then started moving towards her home with an unconscious Ethan in her arms.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed! These chapters for the Asterisk War story will be about this length. I'm trying to make the stories longer just so if I don't update, the length will make up for updates. Also, watching the series, and yes, I enjoy it, otherwise, there'll be no story, right? So, I have gotten to the tenth episode (although on kissanime it adds both seasons, so I guess also twenty-second of the entire series?) and on that episode is where I'm going to end it. Have that old man send Ethan back to DxD because he wanted to join team Enfield.