Frontier of Gremory territories.

Shin drew his breath, as he watched over his prey from the branch on the tree. He made his best not to move a muscle, despite how badly he wished to go at his target right away, as his stomach was growling and convulsing, as it was in dire need of something to be put there, but Shin simply did his best to ignore it`s calls, even if it was immensely stressful to deny the calls of his weakened body, as he had almost no meals in 2 days.

It has been 3 days since Shin was confined to the northern part of Gremory estate, after he and his father had their "fight", or demonstration of absolute superiority of his parent over Shin. It wasn`t something new for Shin, to be punished severely, no matter how minor or grave that mistake was, Shin would always be on the receiving end of the worst case punishments, and confinement for a week in northern wing of estate, despite its poor state of broken furniture, with broken windows, dust, completely no heating system, especially now, when the winter was starting at its earnest. In Gremory territories, there weren`t snowfalls at all, but a temperature was dropping below 0 and with gusting winds, which were finding their way to Shin at nights, even as he was dressing in found fur at using what little magic he had to produce a barrier and sleep under it`s down, even if his sleep was poor and it was a miracle that Shin didn't get himself a ill or a high fever, especially with the fact that he didn`t have any meals. He was almost sure that his mother and father haven`t told servants where he was situated now, or specifically have told them and ordered them not to bring food to him, and with kitchen being in a whole different wing of mansion, no matter how hard would Shin try with his illusions and stealth, he would just end up caught and sent into the dungeons. Shin even thought that this was just what his father wanted, for his son to do what he wasn`t told to, despite the circumstances, and send him somewhere worse. And so, with several days out of food, Shin has decided to get out of his prison and find some food, which could be found in the woods, even if he had to hunt for it.

And so, Shin has teleported himself in the woods, with teleport taking much more power than originally should`ve, as hunger was now affecting his magic. Good thing that Shin has come prepared for hunting, as even before hunger began terrorizing him, he snatched from his room through magic his most prized possession, a set of sharpened kunai, which he got from an abandoned estate deep in the woods, which Shin has found once and got those kunai from there. He didn`t know how they got there, but he found them pinned against the wall by one of those knives. Shin didn`t look further and simply took those kunai and has been training in its usage for as long as he had them. Difficult at first to master, but with determination and time, Shin soon managed to learn how to best utilize these tools. And now… Below Shin was a minx, prowling for its pray, which was a small hare. Shin waited, with 2 kunai prepared out 10 to take down one of them. And the moment came, when minx jumped out of the grass for its prey. The moment she did so, 2 steel knives have found its target, with both of them landing right in the belly of the beast, who was now laying on the ground, howling out of pain. Shin smiled, as he immediately dropped from the branch and prepared another kunai, carefully placing his shot at beast` head. Third kunai has finished the deed and Shin went directly to it to collect the weapons and take the fur off this thing. It wasn`t the first time that Shin had to do so, but even so, he wasn`t going to do so just for fur, no. He needed meat to roast and eat it, as Shin`s strength was now at its limit and he needed to finally eat something.

However, as Shin prepared to skin the dead minx, he saw that in front of him stood somebody he didn`t know. It was a tall woman, with long raven-black hair, accompanied with red eyes, dressed in a black shallow low cut dress with parts of it being red and matching gauntlets, accommodated by raven feathers on it. On her left hip was a very long Japanese sword, with a black hilt. This woman was looking with curiosity at Shin, who, instead of speaking up first, prepared his kunai, in an even if he had to defend himself and his food that he just acquired. With one kunai prepared in front of him, his left hand reached out for several more behind him. And as he did so, the woman smiled and actually chuckled, finally speaking up to questioning Shin.

"So, use one kunai to distract me, while you yourself will use those 2 you`ve got behind your back?" She smirked to him, as Shin`s face revealed that it was true. "Not bad, kid. Most of the shinobi I`ve met aren`t that smart, despite the training they receive."

Shin remained silent to words of this woman, who stopped her chuckle and now simply looked all over Shin, as if examining him. After another minute of silence.

"You don`t look like most Low Level Devils, nor like any Stray Devil, and not even as a Mid Class, plus these red hair and dark purple eyes." She noted. "From your get up, I see that you are a High Class, but a mere look at you tells me that you`ve had better days in your life." And then she looked at the dead minx. "You can`t get too much food from this either, but still…" Woman looked again at Shin with a knowing look. "Well, well, now I think I know who you are, Shin Gremory."

Shin looked surprised and shocked as this woman has called him by his name, but decided to remain on high alert. Red-eyed lady simply chuckled and spoke up again.

"No need to be so fierce with me, kiddo. I am not going to hurt you." She stepped a little bit closer and opened up a small bag she had with her, taking out of there a sandwich and extending it to Shin with an earnest smile. "Here, it`s not that much, but I think you need every bit of food you can get."

Shin`s grip on his kunai, which was wavering, has finally given up and his hunger gotten the better of him, as he released his weapons and snatched the given food for himself. He haven`t seen good food in all these days and he was starving, he needed something to eat and it didn`t matter now that it was from someone whom he didn`t know. Shin simply needed something to eat and he did so, as he finished up this sandwich in one going, finally filling his stomach with something. He didn`t even get to taste it, nor did he care for such un important detail. It has lessened his hunger, at least, to a bearable level, but still…

Red- eyed woman looked with amazement how this little kid just eaten the food she had given to him. She had a feeling that he was hungry, but she didn`t realize that he was that hungry. She simply took a bottle out of her bag and offered it to kid, who took it and began drinking. And while he did so, she looked at the kunai he used, taking one in her hand and examining it. After she had a good look upon it, she gave it back to Shin and took her bottle, speaking up.

"I don`t know where did you get these kunai, but you lucky to have them." She commented. "They are very well made and balanced nicely, though, I doubt they are easy to carry for a kid of your age."

"I`ve gotten used to them." Shin finally spoke up, closely watching this woman. "How do you know my name?"

"Shouldn`t you first ask who I am, or thank me for the food I`ve given to you?" She reminded him. "Though, no need to bother. I know you needed it a lot. And as for how do I know who you are, Shin, let`s just say that I`ve been… interested in you for quite some time."

"That doesn't answer my question." Shin noted out, with red-eyed woman chuckling at his answer to her.

"Yeah, it sure doesn`t, but let`s just say I`ve known about you for a very long time, Shin." She kneeled down, to be on the same level as he. "My name is Raven, Raven Xiao Long. And I am a Karasu Tengu."

Shin looked surprised to what she just said. The name of her species wasn`t something unknown to him, as it stemmed, but he wasn`t expecting to meet one in person. Karasu Tengu are raven Youkais, hailing from Japan, living primarily on its main island, within the borders of Kyoto. Out of all known species of Youkais, Karasu Tengu are famous of being one of the most dangerous species of Youkais, as members of their species are known for their high control of their Ki and natural energy, which they can manipulate to their hearts` content with great skill and power. Most of Tengu species prefer to become warriors of Youkais and Shinto Gods, with Karasu Tengu being no different, exceling in using various mysterious forms of magic and spells. Along with that, Karasu Tengu are also known for their inherit mastery of illusions and mind manipulations, Shin`s primary directions in magical development.

Still, he was suspicious and decided to check, whether or not, she was a real Karasu Tengu. He didn`t know the specific energetic pattern of Karasu, but he knew Nekomata`s, Devils` and Humans`, so he knew how to distinguish one from another. Focusing up his magical energy, he begins to probe her energetic field for the clues. Raven suddenly raises a brow, but she then immediately smirks as she seemingly understands what he is doing. She simply stands there for a second, until Shin`s energetic sense got overloaded by unknown power and he was forced to back away from Raven. He looked at her with fear and surprise, as he realized that her power was not just great, it was practically on the same level as Grayfia, even higher. And… it was much different from anything that he had felt before. Raven smiled to Shin and spoke up.

"So, I guess you`ve got an evidence you wanted." Raven told him. "Don`t worry, I only let down my defense, so that you could get your answer. Though, I have to admit, your energy sensing is quite well attuned, especially for a child of your age. Some of the adults of my race have a weaker energy sensing then yours."

"Y-your power…" Shin panted as he looked at Raven. "You are too powerful to be a simple mercenary."

"Hm, do I look like a mercenary to you?" Raven asked him, chuckling. "And yes, you are right in that regard, Shin. I am wildly considered to be the Strongest Karasu Tengu in Japan, along with being one of the strongest members of Shinto Faction."

"And what does someone like you, who is affiliated with Shinto Gods, wants with me?" Shin asked her. "There is no way for someone like you to visit Underworld without any reason, and there is no reason for you to take an interest in me, of all Devils."

"And you think that you aren`t that interesting?" Raven asked him, taking out of her bag a skinning knife and stepping to minx. "Well, it would be a waste, to let this get rotten, so I think I`ll be able to cook it up. I have a feeling that you are still pretty hungry." Raven kneeled down and started to skin the dead beast, catching Shin`s suspicious look. "What, you still don`t trust me?"

Shin simply took his kunai and put them in his holder, looking at Raven and answering her question.

"No, I don`t." Shin answered, gathering the wood for a fire. "But I know when a person is lying and how to recognize lies. And you don`t lie."

Raven smiled to him and nodded, as she proceeded to skin the dead animal. She wasn`t all too surprised to find this kid trusting her out from the bat, but that look in his eyes… Raven has seen quite a lot of troubled people and children with problem, but Shin`s eyes were completely different from all the others she has seen so far. As if this kid doesn`t know the meaning of genuine care towards him and doesn`t know when people are kind to him just out of kindness of heart. Aside from all of that, he looked like he really hasn`t eaten in days, especially when he has been eating that sandwich. He didn`t care if it was poisoned or badly cooked, he simply wanted to eat it. The clothes that he wore may`ve been purposed for nobility, but his were ragged and very old, crudely adjusted by Shin for his size. And hunting alone, at the age of 11 no less, and yet so well and concentrated and focused…

'Shin, just what in the hell have Zeoticus and Venelana done to you?' Raven thought to herself. 'My poor boy…"

From just one look at it, Raven could not help herself but to feel immense pity and sorrow for this little boy. The least she could do now for him is to cook this minx for him and have him fed, even if it was only for a little while, but at the very least, Shin won`t be forced to endure hunger for some time.


2 hours later.

Shin finally have finished the piece of roasted meat on minx`s bone. It may`ve not been the food cooked in the kitchens of his family`s mansion, but it was very, very much needed and quite tasty for Shin`s tastes. Raven did a very good job to cook it up for him and was quite attentive to him, far more attentive then his own parents and most of the maids and butlers, often asking questions about him, his life and his family, but Shin was trying his best to avoid them and evade from them. Raven quickly understood that he won`t answer any of her question, at least while he is waiting for food to cook up and while he is eating, so she stopped asking him any questions and kept to herself. And all the while she kept quiet, Shin kept an eye out for her, just in case, but he suspected that Raven noticed him watching her and making sure that she was not doing anything.

However, all the time as they were here, Shin was getting a strange feeling from Raven. Nothing negative or badly influencing him, nor was it something from illusions or mind manipulations, because Shin has studied them in texts and scrolls that he found in the library of his family, which stored quite a number of interesting books and numerous incredibly valuable texts, books, scrolls and documents that had highest value to those that looked in into them, such as Shin. His parents were far too busy with their own affairs and didn`t care about a bunch of books. Rias and her Peerage were only interested in what they just wanted to do and it wasn`t studying, as long as they weren`t told to, so they weren`t in library any time at all. As for Sirzechs, who was a very often guest in their family… Shin was honestly questioning as to why Devils have elected him of all people to be their leader. Sirzechs had charisma and winning complexion, along with incredible amount of power, but Shin looked at him and saw a man, obsessed with his family and wanting nearly nothing to do with Devils` matters, completely focusing all of his attention on what Rias was doing. At first, he was also highly interested in the matters of his little brother Shin, but as soon as Shin began to see his parents` not caring for him and his sister getting all their attention, Sirzechs has seemingly also paid much less mind to him as well. And so, Shin became a legitimate outcast of his family, with Rias being seemingly the only one who was paying him attention, but all of her advances, infatuation and desire to have him was more than enough for Shin to do all that he could to distance himself from Rias and her Peerage, as he didn`t wanted to test his luck and find himself as one of Rias` Servants, whether he wanted or not. And so, isolation from his family and animosity from them all has manifested into Shin`s absolute and total distrust to anyone. He simply didn`t believe that there was someone worthy of trust and that he could feel care from somebody.

But, today was somehow different, with Raven doing seemingly what he would`ve expected his father and mother doing for him- caring for him. Her questions, this caring voice and tone, complete absence of any hatred, animosity or ulterior motive, aside from helping him. Shin`s cold armor was somehow melting little by little, but underneath of it, he had heart of steel and it would take far more than that to get inside of Shin`s soul. And yet, Shin in presence of Raven felt himself… safer and without any need to keep himself fully composed and with his defenses up. And it wasn`t illusions, because Shin has trained up in defending his mind from those same illusions and he would`ve also felt a small leak of energy from her. And there was none from her part…

For the first time, Shin didn`t know what to think of it and what to do. He put aside the bone of minx and was now sitting closer to the burning fire, with hunger now completely gone, he simply was warming up. Raven looked at him, but kept quiet, all the while she packed the remaining meat from minx and moved it closer to Shin. Shin looked at the package and then with a questioning brow, he looked at Raven. She spoke up the first out of two of them.

"Keep it for yourself. It is not much, but it should be enough for a couple of days, if you manage to last it." Raven said to him. "Still, if you do run out, then I`ll…"

"Why are you doing this?" Shin asked her directly, getting Raven to look at him questioningly.

"Doing what, exactly?" She asked him.

"This." Shin pointed around. "You went through a lot of trouble, making this fire, cooking up this minx, making sure it taste well, along with spending a long time with me here, all the while you have your own business and matters to attend to. And all you are doing is taking your time with me, a disgrace of a Devil, in the territories of House of Gremory; all the while you yourself are a Karasu Tengu, a Youkai from Japan. Just because of that, you shouldn`t have any reasons to be in Underworld."

Raven looked at him with sympathy and sighed, as she moved the burning wood in the campfire with a stick. After a couple of minutes of silence, Raven has finally spoken up.

"You are right." She admitted, throwing her stick into the fire. "I am a Karasu Tengu and I really am from Japan. To be perfectly fair with you, Shin, I have little to no desire to remain in the Underworld. I have more than enough reasons for myself to hate every single Devil and I especially distrust and despise House of Gremory and its heads. I would truly prefer to be as far away from Underworld as I can, but… There is something that I have to find first, and until I find it, I have no right to leave the Underworld, no matter how badly I want or how much will Devils try to force me out of their lands."

"And what is it that you have lost, Raven?" Shin asked her directly, with Raven fixating her gaze upon fire for a minute, until she spoke up again.

"Many years ago, I`ve met a handsome man. He wasn`t like others, at least in my eyes, and he quickly managed to win my heart over, despite how nearly all of my friends and even my adopted daughters have told me not to trust this man, and yet… I was a fool, the worst kind of fool to ever trust the words of that man. I`ve went out of my way to be with him, cutting practically every tie I had with my friends and nearly forgetting about my daughters, all because of that Devil. But, in the end, I had to learn the hardest way possible just what kind of a man he and his family were." Raven sighed, as she looked at flame, with a single teardrop moving down her cheek.

"So, a Devil has betrayed you and you want to find him?" Shin asked her, with Raven shaking her head.

"Not quiet, Shin." She spoke in saddened voice. "I wish to have nothing to do with that man and his cursed family. No, it is not that. All those years ago, that man has stolen something from me, something that I treasured more than anything, and when he did so, I was left with nothing, but despair and endless sufferings, along with feeling of void inside of me. And worst of it all, that bastard has managed to convince me that I`ve lost what I treasured myself, with him having nothing to do with it. And when it happened, he and his wife have decided to finally reveal their real faces to me. But, as that happened, I`ve paid them back for their deception and cruelty. I`ve cursed them and their entire House, using all of my despair and anger, so I`ve casted upon them all the most evil of curses known to Shinto Gods, Youkais and all of Karasu Tengu. Even my grandmother has prohibited me to use that curse, but after what they`ve done to me… They all deserve a much worse fate then that curse." Raven wiped away her tears and continued. "After that, I have returned to Japan, broken, completely crushed and morally decimated. I thought that all of my family and friends will forsake me for what they did, but instead, I found in them all support and a new will to live, healing my wounds and broken heart. Yet, the scars have remained and these old wounds still ache from time to time. And now, when I long have let go of my loss, I found out that all those years ago I was lied and tricked by those Devils, with them stealing my most precious treasure. And as I`ve learned of it, not sorrow came into my heart, but rage, fury and determination to get back what is rightfully mine. And I don`t care if I will start a new Great War or not, I will have my due and not even hell itself shall stop me."

Shin listened to Raven`s tale and he couldn`t help himself but feel her sadness and anger over that Devil that tricked her. It was clear to him that whatever he has stolen from her, he did so intentionally and Raven was just means of obtaining it. Unfortunately, but it was true that Devils would very often go to any lengths to get what they want, commit whatever atrocity and steal from anyone, just to get what they desire. Shin always knew of it and he had nothing to say in defense of his race, as he himself have come to despise his own kin for what they are. He felt nothing positive or kind towards his own race, no matter the fact that he himself was one to possess blood of Devils in him. And why? All because he was so berated as an abomination and complete disgrace of Devils` blood and entire race. Every accusation and remark in his side, all because he was simply much different from all the Devils. And Shin didn`t even have a hand in doing this, as he was born this way and it would have been more reasonable to be angry with his mother, but no. All of the accusations and hatred was directed to him and nobody else. Devils were so obsessed with purity of blood, with power of their blood and all about it, with Shin seeing nothing in it. He had no inkling of attachment or pride for it all, even more, all he saw in it was simply… child`s play and nothing more. Greed and arrogance were the best friends of Devils and that story of Raven was the clear indication of it and Shin has found only more proof to his feelings against Devils. Honestly, Shin had thought that it would`ve been better if he wasn`t even born, at least not as Devil, but alas…

He decided that he has heard enough of Raven and her story, along with her clearly not wanting to share any more of her story. Instead, he decided to speak of something different with her.

"I am sorry for your loss." Shin said to Raven, with Tengu turning to him and nodding with a small smile to him. "Do you mind if I ask you a question, regarding your kin and your abilities?"

Raven was taken aback by this question, but she immediately regained her composure and answered to him in her usual manner.

"Of course, Shin. I`ll answer all of the question you may have." Raven spoke up. "What exactly do you want to know?"

"In books that I have read, it was always stated that Karasu Tengu are known as absolute masters of illusions and mind manipulations." Shin recalled, with Raven nodding to it slowly as he spoke. "I was wondering if that statement is true or not and seeing how you are a Karasu, I wanted to ask you about it…"

Raven nodded to that and smiled to it, speaking up to Shin.

"Well, I don`t know what exactly books you`ve read, but that description isn`t quite informative." Raven spoke with a little hint of pride. "My kin indeed are quite powerful and proficient with illusions and Genjutsu, an art that we have developed, allowing us to create most powerful and strongest illusions, along with even making people do our bidding. Along with that, while Kitsune and Kyuubi have their flames and immense power with Ki; and Nekomata are quite powerful in controlling Ki, Karasu Tengu are the Youkais that are most proficient in bending Ki into various forms and jutsu, that don`t fall behind various forms of magic."

Shin listened to all that Raven said and nodded to it all and processed it in his mind. He heard of Senjutsu and Youjutsu arts and how they allow to their users manipulating the inner and external energies of world around it to their own wish and he was interested in how does it even work. In fact, Shin was curious if it had any specific requirements for Devils or other species from Youkais to learn it. Raven saw the interested look on Shin`s face and smirked a little, as if understanding what Shin had in mind.

"While it is true that Senjutsu, Youjutsu and Genjutsu are the arts quite close to each other and Youkais have the inherited prowess in its usage, it doesn`t mean that Youkais are the only ones that can learn to use it." Raven caught the look of hope in Shin`s eyes. "Don`t worry, I know what you are wondering about. It doesn`t matter if you have any prowess in magic or not, if you have enough time, will and determination, you can learn to utilize inner power within yourself. In fact, I think that you may already have a little bit of it already at use."

Shin was caught by surprise by what Raven said to him and looked with more questions at her then he had at the beginning. Raven simply stood up and took up her sword with her, moving away from fire. She turned to Shin, who also stood up right after her, speaking up to him directly.

"Shin, I want you to cast the most powerful illusion that you can upon me." Raven asked him. "I don`t care how you do it or what energy you use for casting this illusion, your main goal is to make the most powerful illusion, using all of your power that you have."

Shin nodded to her and stood right in front of Raven, closing his eyes and beginning the casting process. He understood clearly what she asked of her and he was going to do so, concentrating all of his magical energy that he had in what he was about to do. He reached out with his energy sensing towards Raven and tapped to it, despite the fact that he knew that she had managed to establish a defense around herself, but she clearly has dropped it for his sake. After forming the concept and details out in his mind, along with gathering his entire energy he had in him, Shin immediately opened up his eyes and looked right into Raven`s eyes. In the next nanosecond, Shin`s illusions went right towards Raven and affected her. Raven looked surprised and was looking around, as if looking for something, which wasn`t there at all. The illusion that Shin has casted upon Karasu Tengu was one of his first thoughts as he began to train in the art of illusions. The concept of illusionary magic was not in creating a visionary fake, but in making the one that illusion is casted upon believe in it and make the illusion as believable as it can be. That requires not just a simple visionary fake, but to create a whole new thing right in the mind of his enemy. After realizing this truth, Shin has learned how to completely influence all six senses of his opponent, which was very, very hard to do and it required a lot of energy and control, but it paid off to Shin, as he was now constantly tricking Rias with these kinds of illusions and now, he used the most powerful concept he had in his mind at Raven. He casted upon her an illusion of her being not in the forest, but deep underwater, which would result in Raven`s mind registering it and responding accordingly, but only if her mind were to believe it. And Shin had serious doubts that Raven has succumbed to his illusion. She smiled as she turned to panting Shin and then immediately placed her palms together, with Shin feeling how she effortlessly dispelled his illusion. After that, she spoke up.

"Well, it was actually quite a lot better than I have expected from you, Shin." Raven praised him "For a second there, I even succumbed to it and was about to go catching for air. Very impressive, Shin. I would even go as far as to say that you probably have the strongest illusions out of all Devils I have met."

Shin scoffed at this response as he regained his air.

"No need to flatter me." Shin spoke up. "I wasn`t even able to affect your mind for a couple of seconds with that thing, you`ve broke out of this illusion nearly momentarily."

Raven actually chuckled to that one before answering to him.

"Shin, please consider this while making judgments of your abilities: I am not just any Karasu Tengu, but the Strongest Karasu Tengu, meaning that my skills in creating and protecting from all kinds of illusions and mind manipulations are the highest of the entire species. Even if my main barriers and defenses are down, it takes a lot of effort to even place an illusion upon my mind even for other powerful members of my Karasu Tengu. And you`ve managed to do so. You, an 11-year old boy, managed to cast an illusion upon the Strongest Karasu Tengu, even if it was for a second and not to mention that I have mentally believed for a moment. If anything, I think that it speaks volumes of your abilities."

After Raven has explained it all to him, he actually felt his shattered pride being restored and Shin was actually impressed with himself, as she was completely right. He has managed to cast an illusion upon her. He actually smiled and chuckled a little, until he felt incredible weakness and was now falling on to the ground. Raven saw it immediately and went to him without any delay, catching him in the falling and carefully sitting him on to the fallen log. Shin had have guessed that this would happen and should`ve prepared, as he had used up all of his powers and exhaustion was immediate to follow, but still… Yet, he wasn`t expecting to have Raven to attend to him in such caring manner. When he was little and on the walks around the mansion, with the rest of his family. And while it was like it, his parents would only hold Rias` hands, not allowing her to stumble and fall. With Shin, every time he stumbled upon something and fell, he would cry, just like any little baby would. Only instead of his parents coming to his aid, they only turned their gazes upon him and it was at these moments when Shin`s hopes of his parents caring for him would diminish, as he saw with his teary eyes looks of disgust and despise. Such evil eyes, casted upon a 3 year old boy, who wanted his parents to come and help him, and not getting this help. In such atmosphere, Shin had to cast aside quite a few things, if he wanted to live in that mansion. Concept of childhood was one of them, but the need for affection stayed. A genuine affection for him, one where there was no subplot, but normal and simple care for a person. And now, at this moment, Shin actually felt that affection and care from Raven, a Karasu Tengu whom he met just a couple of hours ago. And in the span of these few hours, Shin has actually managed to feel much more care and affection from her then he ever felt from any of his parents… And at that feeling, Shin had to do his hardest not to let tears go. Raven looked with a genuine concern at Shin and checked his vitals with her own senses, learning just what was wrong with his vitals and placed her palm at his chest and applied a small amount of her own power, rejuvenating Shin`s strength and restoring his health. He immediately felt it taking affect and he felt even better than he was before. In fact he felt a lot better than in his entire life.

"What did you do?" Shin asked her.

"I`ve used a little of my energy to restore your energetic channels." Raven explained to him, looking in Shin`s eyes. "I don`t know how, but somehow, your own energetic channels were disrupted by some sort powerful magic casted upon you, as if trying to rip out of you part of your own soul or nature. However, it didn't work and the only thing it did was damaging your body and energetic flow. Unfortunately, the damage done to you was so severe that I can`t heal it all entirely, especially considering that this damage was done to you at a very early age. I think it was done when you were an infant."

Shin`s eyes widened at what Raven said to him, quickly thinking this all over and coming to a conclusion that it could only be done by his very own parents. Shin didn`t know what were the reasons for them to do that, but he knew and understood one thing very well: his own parents, who despise and are disgusted by him, were the architects of his own misery, placing the blame for their apparent failure upon a victim of their spells. That was saddening, for Shin to realize this, but sadness quickly was gone, replaced by a whole new feeling of hatred and anger. He now realized that all of his hopes for genuine care from them were pointless and he must forget about it all. They would never give it to him, no, they`ll probably have him killed off secretly, to purify the gene pool of House of Gremory. Well, they can try, but now, Shin won`t even allow them to come near him with those arrogant looks upon them, he will not allow them bath in his misery. They think that he is weak, so why not show those bastards just what a weakling can achieve. Shin clenched his fist and looked at Raven with passionate and strong look.

"Raven, can I ask you a favor?" Shin asked her, with Raven nodding to him. "Can you teach me how to become strong? I want to get over this weakness of mine and show those bastards, what a failure can achieve when pushed over the edge. I want to cast out of myself all this weakness and show them, how strong I can be. And above all else, I want you to train me, so that I can free myself from them, once and for all."

Raven listened carefully to what Shin had to say, until she stood up and looked upon him.

"What you are asking of me can be achieved." She told him with full honesty. "It will take several years for me to train you, especially considering the fact that I have to return every now and then back to Kyoto. Along with that, if I am training you, then there won`t be any holding back, not from or you, otherwise the entire point of training will be for nothing. But I see just what kind of determination you have and I know that you will manage. And once our training is complete, I can assure you, there won`t be any strings on you, for you will break them yourself." Raven smiled to him, with Shin rising up from the log. "Now, let`s begin your first lesson, Shin."

And so, the beginning of Shin`s future was planted and his life has never been the same…


Well, it took a little longer, but I think I`ve done well. Looks like Raven has some history with Devils and I don`t even know with which… Write down in comments and Reviews what do you think of her.

Also, this entire week is for this story only, so that it can catch up to my older stories.

Next time: Birthday of Gremory twins; Crimson Shadow VS. Bael`s Strongest Youth.