Disclaimer: I own nothing; however that doesn't mean I'm not petitioning for ownership. I just need signatures… lots of signatures. Sign, please? Please?

A/N: Ugh! This took so damn long! I'm really sorry for the long wait for this fic. So much of it was like pulling teeth it was painful! Anyway, I hope this chapter was worth the wait. The next one will definitely have some much needed action to get the blood flowing.

On another note, I've decided to the change the harem situation, based on how future character interactions take place. Akeno will go to Issei, considering Hajime won't around them too often or enough for me to believable create a rapport between the two. So…yeah.

Omamori will be updated later today, hopefully.

Anyway, read/review/enjoy!

Humanity's Aegis

Chapter Four

Eye Opening

The Dragon

"Oi, Issei, did you finish the DVD I lent you?" I jumped at my friend's voice and turned my head to face him. Matsuda and Motohama stood on either of my desk, studying me intently as they waited for my response.

Classes went by rather quickly, to be honest, but I wasn't really focused on the lessons. The new girl, Jeanne, came to the house with Aniki last Friday and she just happened to be related to Wolfe-sensei? I may not be the smartest guy around, but even I can notice when things are off. While I did turn to my friends, I kept an eye on her from my periphery, watching as my other classmates were excitedly asking her questions.

"Yeah, I did. It was really good! Especially that scene where…" Before I could begin to dive into the story of the Ero DVD that Motohama lent me, someone familiar stepped into the room.

"Jeanne." Aniki called out to the new girl, causing her to stop what she was doing and smile widely at him. She lifted a hand and excitedly waved him over. He walked into the room and everyone began to whisper. His gaze went across the room and when he saw me, I saw his eyes widen lightly, then he smiled lightly. "Well, well, well, looks like you got into my little brother's class, Jeanne." Aniki walked up to me and dropped a hand on my head, annoyingly enough. "I hope you're keeping an out for Jeanne now. She needs a babysitter."

The cute girl got to her feet, puffing out her cheeks in irritation. "Mou! Haji-kun! I'm not that bad!" She excused herself and walked quickly over Aniki, she smiled contentedly as she took the spot at his side, her hand taking his without hesitation.

With a sigh, I pushed his head off my head. "I didn't know you were here, Aniki. What have you been up to?" My eyes flickered to their joined hands, but didn't say anything about it.

Of course, that didn't mean that other people didn't.

"Eh? The hot new guy from this morning is Jeanne-san's boyfriend!?"

"Even more crazy is the fact that he's Hyoudou's Nii-san."

"That pervert has a brother like him?!"

"They don't act alike at all…"

I scowled as I listened to everyone's words, but I didn't miss Aniki's own tired sigh. "Is this normal?" I heard him whisper to me, a desperate plea in his eyes.

"Yeah." I replied just as softly, grinning at the subtle slump in his shoulders and Jeanne's giggling.

"Oi! Issei! This damn handsome is your brother?!" Motohama said as he went to my side, peering up at Aniki through his glasses.

Before I could say anything, Aniki regarded me, then Motohama with a friendly grin. "Oh? You're a friend of Issei's?" He lifted a hand and offered it to him. "Thanks for looking out him; someone has to since I've been gone."

Motohama and Matsuda glared unbelievingly at him, looking from his hand to his face. They looked to one another and silently debated, then nodded. Motohama stepped forward and was about take his hand, but all of a sudden one of the girls in class stepped forward and pushed him aside. My friend jumped up and yelled at the girl, "Oi! What are you doing?!"

The girl had shoulder-length, pinkish, strawberry blonde hair with a white hairband. "You were taking too long, Pervert." Katase said with a glare before turning her attention to Aniki, smiling sweetly. "Hi! I'm Katase. Are you the boyfriend that Jeanne-san mentioned?"

Aniki arched an eyebrow, not looking that surprised at what just happened. His gaze flicked to Jeanne, then sighed, "Is that what you're calling me now?" His tone seemed a bit exasperated, but also a little happy.

"Maybe." She said with a playful grin.

He rolled his eyes and looked back to Katase. "Why, yes. I'd have to say I am. Why do you ask?"

"I was just curious as to who you are." She paused, tapping her chin as she narrowed her eyes at him, then threw a look at me. Her gaze turned sharp as she glared, but before I could respond, she looked back to Aniki. "You are the Pervert's nii-san. I'm surprised that he could have family as cute as you…" She muttered under her breath.

I squawked at that and was about to retort, but Aniki let out a small laugh. "Well, allow me to apologize for Issei's…excessive appreciation of the female form." He said kindly, while clearly ignoring her previous statement. "But, I was hoping to have lunch with my little brother and…my girlfriend, so I'm afraid I'll have to cut this short. I'll be on campus over the week to gather the things I need for my classes, so if you want to talk, then find me then."

Katase blushed lightly and nodded dumbly, clearly pulled in by Aniki's easygoing grin.

He then turned his attention to Jeanne, walking passed Katase with a polite dismissal that I couldn't help but feel a little pissed about. Why!? Why does my Aniki of all people have to be one of those handsome bastards?!

"Jeanne, you have my lunch right? Because I'm absolutely starving." He said with a small grin, rubbing his stomach. At that, Katase quickly went to Murayama and they began to talk amongst themselves.

She nodded, "Yep! I have yours and mine in my bag. Just let me get them." Jeanne pulled her hand from his and walked over to her bag.

Aniki looked towards me, "You're not doing anything during lunch are you? Jeanne and I were wondering if you would join us for lunch. You could even pick the place." Then he grinned slyly, "Though, I'd prefer it we avoid your favorite peeping spots."

I felt my face heat up at his teasing, but was thankful that he kept his voice low enough to not be heard by everyone in the classroom. But I shrugged at him, "Sure." I looked towards Matsuda and Motohama and was about to ask them, but the glasses wearing bastard waved his hand at me.

"Go on, Issei. Hang out with your cool brother, we're going to debate the pros and cons of the latest Ero-DVD that came out." He sounded a little resentful, but I released a breath.

"Fine, but I'll return your DVD tomorrow. I also need to show you my newest manga!" The two nodded excitedly and I looked back to Aniki and Jeanne. "C'mon, you two, let the mighty Issei show you the best place to eat for lunch!" I lifted a hand and pointed to the door, walking towards to it to leave.

Aniki snorted and Jeanne giggled, "Lead on, Great Issei. Show us lowly peons the best places to dine on our meals." He spoke in a sarcastic deadpan, smiling lightly as we left the classroom. We walked relatively slowly through the school as I tried to add in a somewhat tour of the building, pointing out different places to the two of them. Jeanne looked around excitedly while Aniki was simply acknowledging her excited statements with a smile.

As we walked through the large courtyard, I looked back to the two of them. "So…how did you two meet?"

Jeanne's eyes widened at the sudden question and hummed faintly, crossing her arms under her perky breasts. They must be on the larger end of a C cup… Damn, if only I had Motohama's ability to measure the three sizes! "Hm… I'd have to think it was when Haji-kun met in our club."

He nodded at that, "Yeah, definitely at the school's Debate club." Aniki gave Jeanne a surprised look. "I was honestly surprised to see Jeanne there, though." He looked to me and motioned towards her. "Seriously, can you honestly imagine her in something like the Debate club?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the angry, pouty look on her face as she glared at Hajime. "Mou! Haji-kun, why are you so mean?!" She slapped him on the arm, getting him to laugh. "I'm much smarter than you think, you know. You don't need to be so cruel." Jeanne crossed her arms and gave him a petulant glare.

"Of course I know that, but someone has to make sure your head doesn't get too big." Aniki said with a playful grin. Then he looked to me, "So, about that place to eat?"


The rest of the day passed by relatively calmly after lunch. The three of us had spoken about random things, catching up and everything. The end of the day came quickly and Hajime met Jeanne when Wolfe-sensei said our final class was finished. Thankfully, I had finished both my composition and Future Path form, turning them in without trouble. What surprised me, though, was that Sensei and Hajime seemed to already know each other. That must've been why he asked me if I had a sibling or not, since he mentioned something about being connected to the boarding school Aniki went to over the past few years.

I asked Aniki if he wanted to stop by home, but he gave me a rueful smile and said that he had a few things he needed to do before heading back. I nodded, feeling a little put down, but he quickly made the promise that we could hang out later, have an afternoon devoted to the two of us hanging out. Definitely sometime this week, but not at the moment. As I left the school, and made my way home, I tried to come up with things Aniki and I could do that day.

However, as did that, a sudden voice caught my attention. "Ano, are you Issei Hyoudou?" I looked at the source of the voice and saw what I swore was one of the hottest girls I've ever seen. She wore a school uniform from a school outside of town, but the blazer did little to hide the shape of her large, bountiful breasts and a really short skirt that showed off her long, slim legs. Long black hair that fell well past her shoulders framed her round, innocent face as her light violet eyes looked to me shyly.

"Um, uh, yeah." I floundered lightly, not really sure why this obscenely pretty girl was talking to me.

She gave me a sudden and happy smile. "Oh, good." The girl paused and clasped her hands in front of her. She chewed her lip nervously before releasing a breath. "Ano, I…I've been watching you Issei-kun."

My eyes widened at that as I felt my heart begin to race. A girl this cute was watching me?! Awesome!

"I can't help but notice how earnest you are and…" The girl flushed heavily and looked to the side, an embarrassed look on her face. "I…I really like you, Issei-kun…"

I had to physically hold myself back from jumping for joy. A really cute girl was telling me that she liked me! I'm one step closer to my dream harem! "Y-You do?" I asked her carefully, scared that my voice would fail me.

"My name is Yuuma Amano and…I was wondering if you would be my boyfriend?" The newly named Yuuma asked me shyly, her voice coming quickly as if she feared she would lose her nerve.

"Ah-um-oh, sure! I'd love to be your boyfriend!" I answered quickly and nodded excitedly as I saw her wide grin.

"Good! I'm happy you agreed." She grasped her school bag tightly in both of her hands. Looking to the side, her eyes widened. "Oh! It's really late. I need to get home. Can you meet me here tomorrow after school?" Upon seeing my excited nod, she gave me a happy smile and waved at me, turning around to head off in the opposite direction.

Walking away from the bridge, I couldn't help but grin as I made my way back home.


"This is your new girlfriend, Issei?" Aniki asked as he studied Yuuma, his eyes meeting hers for a moment.

Honestly, I expected him to act in a similar way to Matsuda and Motohama, minus the whole shock and disbelief, not studying her like they would any girl. However, all Aniki did was look right in her eyes. Well, I shouldn't be surprised, with a girlfriend like Jeanne, I doubt Aniki would feel jealous.

After a few moments of silence, he smiled faintly and lifted a hand to shake. "Well, it's nice to meet the lady in my little brother's life. I hope you know what you're getting into though." Aniki said with a joking tone.

I couldn't decide whether to scowl or smile at his playful tone, but simply watched as Yuuma paused, regarding me with a small smile, then carefully take his hand. "It's nice to meet you too, Hajime-san." The two shook hands, but I couldn't help but notice a subtle flush on Yuuma's face.

It seems Aniki noticed too, because he arched and eyebrow and said, "Well, it's nice to meet you. Now, if you don't mind, there are other people I need to meet." He looked to me, "I'll see you at the house a little after school. I'll be a bit late, but I'll be there." With that, he lifted a hand and walked off, leaving Yuuma and I alone.

"I have to go, Issei-kun. I'll see you this weekend?"

I nodded to her, "Yeah! Definitely!"


Aniki and I walked through the town, along the streets as we took in the different cafes and shops. He rubbed his chin in thought, "You're having a date this weekend and you're asking me for advice, huh?" He hummed and looked towards me. "Well, first I have to ask is what do you know about Amano-san?"

I paused, trying to think of what I knew about her. Nothing came to mind. "I don't…know anything about her."

He nodded and crossed his arms. "Well, you've just started dating her, so it's understandable that you don't know much about her. So, we'll have to go with something generic, then." Aniki lifted a finger, "First thing you need to know, Issei: always arrive early."

"I already know that much, Hajime." I said with a frown, crossing my arms.

He gave me a deadpan look. "Who's the guy that's had a steady girlfriend for longer than a few days?"

"You."

"Exactly. So listen to my advice and you'll go far, little bro." I frowned at his joking grin. "Ready for more?" I nodded, "Second, compliment her. Clothing, hair, accessories. Something small and subtle. It shows that you're paying attention to her. Girls love that sort of thing." With that, we walked a bit more around the mall area while Aniki supplied me with more advice, to the point where I had pulled out a notepad to write them down. A few hours later, we were sitting in a fast food restaurant, munching on some burgers. "You got everything?"

"Yeah."

"Good, now forget all of it."

That caused me to blink in surprise. "What?"

He nodded at me, "Yeah. Forget all of it. The tips I gave you are just a bunch of generic pieces of advice that can be given to anyone. But what's most important is if she likes you for you, not for anything that you have or what you can do for her." Aniki said to me, his tone completely serious. "Issei, it doesn't matter how beautiful a girl may look on the surface. What's most important is if she is beautiful on the inside." Hajime smiled lightly, "Be yourself and treat Amano-san right. That's all you can, and should, do on your date."

"…Thanks Aniki." I said with a faint flush, rubbing the back of my head sheepishly.

"No problem, Issei. It's my job." He leaned forward and crossed his arms. "Now, let's go over a possible itinerary for this date. Just so I can offer my…expertise." He smirked at me.

I took a swig of my soda. "Alright, this is what I have in mind…"


The Disciple

It was the day after I had spent the afternoon with Issei, helping him plan his date that I had decided to drop by the Tennis club to see Kiyome.

"Nice to see you could make it, Hyoudou-kun." Kiyome said with a faint smile as I approached the tennis courts after school that Monday. She wore a white form-fitting short-sleeve shirt and rather short pink skirt, showing off a pair of long legs.

I offered her a small smile. "I had to talk with my brother first, so sorry if I'm a little late." Looking around, I saw a collection of other students milling about and limbering up for possible practice matches. I also saw that everyone was wearing tennis outfits, leaving me wondering whether I should be wearing a set of my own. "Do I need to change, or is this good enough?"

Kiyome took in my question and I felt her study me closely. A faint blush appeared on her face as she said, "Can you move well in your current clothes?" At my nod, she shook her head. "Then no, you don't need to. Only members of the Tennis club have to change into their tennis uniforms, but that's because it's easier move in compared to the school uniform." She motioned me forward, "C'mon, you can join me in my stretches. I just got here a few minutes before you."

Removing my jacket and placing it on a bench, I did so, though it was more of a formality for me to be honest. My training with Shishou imparted me the idea that I should always be limber and ready to move. So, when other members of the club joined our own stretches, I decided to keep the full extent of my physical abilities to myself.

With the stretches done with, Kiyome expertly told every one of the day's activities. I watched with an appreciative gaze as she managed to lead and guide the other members of the club without so much as a stutter or hesitation in her words. It's not every day I run into a natural leader, so it's a rather pleasant experience, especially when it's a cute girl like Kiyome. She directed everyone to different courts and had them gather in groups of similar skill level, for practicing. With everyone, save for her, myself and two others, gone, Kiyome turned to me and the other two. "Now that everyone else has begun practicing, I figured that we could play a few games as doubles." She then introduced me to the other two, her Vice President and a senior member of the club, a rather skilled second year girl and a laid back third year boy. The girl shyly lifted a hand and greeted me politely while the guy simply acknowledged me with a wave of his racket.

When the introductions out of the way, we started playing, with Kiyome and me on a team facing the other two. The game progressed rather well, to be perfectly honest. My agility and reflexes were enough for me to keep up relatively well, though I tended to either put too little, or too much strength behind my swings. This was both a practice in patience and holding back, as my training with Shishou had shown me that I have excellent kinesthetic learning ability, so much so that it took only a few attempts of trial and error to obtain the correct physical stances or movements. Essentially, I didn't have to try to flub the first game, the second came easier, and the third I was able to keep up with them enough to be mistaken as an experienced player.

Shishou did say that learning how to fight would have fringe benefits, but this is absolutely ridiculous.

It wasn't until the fifth game that we had gained an audience in the form of the younger club members. We had kept the same teams as when we began, so I had gained a surface understanding of how Kiyome moved on the tennis courts. Splitting my attention between following the ball, the opposing team and Kiyome herself, I managed to learn how to predict my teammate's patterns from the subtle tensing of her shoulders, the shifting of her lead foot and how she flicked her wrist to get the ball to go where she wanted. While I wouldn't know her most subtle movements like I did with Jeanne, I was able to memorize enough so that I could adequately support her. It also allowed me to catch the flutter of her skirt, the subtle rise and fall of her generous chest as she breathed and the swift movements of her slender legs.

Yeah, you could say I'm a bit of a pervert. I'm just much more subtle about it. Very much unlike Issei.

When the fifth game came to an end, Kiyome gave me a surprised look as she caught the ball from a bounce off of her racket. "I thought you said you never played tennis before!" At my nod, she scoffed, a small smile playing at her full lips. "I'd probably call you a liar if you didn't start off so clumsy." I couldn't help but restrain a faint scowl at that, though I just let out a small laugh.

"I promise you, I have never played tennis before today. I'm just a fast learner, is all." I replied with a small smile as I held the racket out to her.

She took it and looked to the rest of the club, a flicker of surprise appearing in her eye, before she addressed them. "Enough gawking everyone, you all have your own practices to do." With that, everyone else went back to their own games, though I couldn't help but notice several of them looking over to me with curiosity evident in their gazes. "Have you played other sports before?" Kiyome asked me as she began to walk around the courts.

Following her, I grabbed my jacket and placed it on my shoulder. "Sports? No, not anything significant. I have had martial arts training though, so I'm no stranger to physical activity."

"Martial arts?" Kiyome asked, curiosity coloring her tone as she turned her head to look at me. "What type?"

I hummed faintly as I shrugged lightly, "A smattering of different types to be honest; whatever felt most comfortable. What about you? How long have you played tennis?"

Kiyome smiled lightly, "Since middle school. I've always liked playing it, finding it really fun." We walked around the tennis courts, talking about the most inane things, from school, to hobbies, while she helped the occasional member of her club. I even offered some pieces of advice on how to better move on the court. Time flew by as we helped others and talked, laughing faintly at whatever stupid jokes I made up on the spot.

When the time had finally come for everyone to leave, I was standing with Kiyome at the entrance to Kuoh. "You're sure you don't want me to walk you home, Abe-san? It is late and I don't have anywhere I need to go." I offered politely, though I did honestly want to continue talking with her. While I do enjoy talking with Jeanne, speaking with someone new is always a treat.

She shook her head, smiling appreciatively. "I'm completely sure, Hyoudou-san. I'll be fine on the way home." A small tinge of pink appeared on her cheeks. "And I told you, it's fine if you call me by my given name…"

I gave her a playful smile. "I'll do so when you call me by my given name."

"Ah, uh, okay…Hajime-san." She smiled with a hint of embarrassment.

I nodded to her, "Alright, well, I hope you make it home safely, Kiyome-san." She waved goodbye and walked away; I kept an eye on her until she turned the corner, just to make sure she stayed safe, for the most part. Once she disappeared, I turned and walked back towards the school. Walking relatively slowly, I looked around the now empty school with a practiced eye.

"Hajime." I turned around to see Shishou standing at the end of the hall, a black bag in hand. "Still here?"

I nodded to him as I walked over to his position. "Yeah. I promised someone I'd meet her at her club. It just let out and I saw her off."

He hummed faintly as he gave me a searching look. Then an amused smile appeared on his face. "Abe-san does seem to like you. Does Jeanne know you're inadvertently creating a harem?"

I rolled my eyes at him as we began to walk out of the school. "I'm not doing anything, I just wanted to talk with someone new. Jeanne and I know each other well enough that we're able to predict what the other says."

"Yet, what would you do is she started talking to other guys?" He asked me, not bothering to hide his amusement.

"I'd make it clear that she's with me and go about my day." My answer seemed to amuse him even more, as he let out a faint laugh. "How goes teaching? You've never shown yourself to be an academic type."

Shishou simply shrugged a shoulder, "It struck me as something that I could do to help others." He then smirked and shoved me to the side playfully. "I taught you, didn't I? I'm not that bad of a teacher."

I snorted, "Yasaka-sama and her aids were my academic tutors, not you."

He rolled his eyes, a wide smile playing at his lips. "Sure, sure. Now get on home. You've work to do, don't you?"

"Yeah… I need to get on that…"


I knew who 'Yuuma-chan' was when Issei introduced her to me. I knew her real name was Raynare, one of the Fallen Angels that I'm assigned to watch over and impede on their unsanctioned missions. I knew that she was staking Issei out, most likely for a Sacred Gear he may possess. I knew that I was capable of bringing her down in an instant. I…I also know why I did nothing when she introduced to me as Issei's girlfriend.

As far as I knew, Issei had difficulty getting close to girls due to his personality. There's nothing wrong with it, per se, as he's just being true to himself, but…I wanted to him be happy, even if it wasn't by someone who actually cared about him. I wanted him to at least feel close to a girl; I only hope that my selfish mistake doesn't get him killed.

Imagine my surprise when I get a message from one of my scouts telling me that Issei's date with 'Yuuma' is nearly done. Grabbing my cloak, I pulled it on and slid Carnwennan into my belt. I wouldn't need both of my blades for this, but I couldn't be too sure. Putting on my gauntlets and greaves, I stood and walked over to the hidden exit that was added onto the house.

"You're heading out?" Jeanne called out to me as I reached the exit.

"Yeah. I've got to keep an eye on my foolish little brother."

"Do you…need help?" She sounded concerned.

Turning lightly, I gave her a grateful smile and shook my head. "It's just a single Fallen Angel. Besides, I won't be alone. I'll have back up. Look after the house for me and prepare the holding cell." I tossed her a plain key with a single hand, watching her catch it almost effortlessly. "I'm bringing back one of our targets to get information."

She nodded but still gave me a worried look, an uncharacteristic expression on her normally widely smiling face. "Just…be careful okay?"

I nodded to her and said, "I will. Try not to worry."

"Some things are easier said than done."

With that, I left through the exit and reached into my cloak, grasping the sheathed Carnwennan to disappear from sight. Bending my legs, I leapt upwards and hopped a nearby fence. Racing through the various yards with well-practiced efficiency, I sped through the neighborhood without trouble. It didn't take long until I was called through my earpiece.

"Taichou, they're leaving the café. Where are you at the moment?" Natsu spoke softly, her voice even and controlled.

"I'm on my way. Be ready to interfere the moment she shows hostility."

"Understood."

I picked up the pace, keeping my breathing even as I sped through the neighborhood, cloaked in darkness by my enchanted dagger. The moment I reached a wide open area, I took off in a straight sprint, moving as fast as I could. My cloak billowed behind me as I sped down the straight away, focusing on my objective as I kept my balance. Years of training under one of the few immortal humans culminated into a body that could handle hours of physical exertion with very little effort. Granted, my metabolism was at the point where I had to eat an exorbitant amount of food to stay healthy, but I'm only human, after all. Humans may be highly adaptable, but there's only so much one can do.

Vaulting over a fence, I kicked off of it and grabbed onto the side of a light pole. I scanned the surrounding area, searching for a familiar spot that I could use as a reference point to locate the park. That was the last place Issei told me he was going to take 'Yuuma' at the end of his date. Eyes scanned the surrounding area quickly and efficiently, taking in specifics and glossing over the general. Then I found it: the café. If I move quickly, I'll beat them to the park.

Kicking off the park, I landed on the ground in a crouch and shot forward, while making sure my hand was still holding onto Carnwennan. Moving quickly, I took the straight shot towards the park, keeping an eye out for Issei and his 'date'. Within moments, I reached the park, but before I could enter, a voice broke into my concentration.

"Taichou-"

"I'm just entering the park." I cut Natsu off, breaking into the tree line. "What do you see?"

"They're next to the fountain. The target has stepped away from noncombatant. Orders?"

"Standby unless she acts." She replied an affirmative as I silently raced through the trees, trying to reach the fountain in time. It didn't take long until I came within throwing distance of the pair. I ducked behind a tree and informed Natsu of my arrival, but told her remain hidden. As I watched them, I narrowed my eyes and waited.

"Neh, Issei, in commemoration of our date, I'd like to ask you something."

"A-Anything for you, Yuuma-chan!"

I tensed my body as I waited for the inevitable. "Takaoka, when I interfere, get Issei out of there. I'm bringing in the target for information extraction."

"Orders confirmed. On your move."

"Will you die for me?" Her voice came rougher than before, belying the former harmlessness of her previous tone, as her expression turned dark.

Issei blinked in surprise, "Wha?" Raynare suddenly threw a spear at him, one she created from seemingly out of nowhere.

That was when I acted. Racing forward, I put as much strength into my legs as I could and managed to reach them in time. Reappearing in front of Issei, I heard his surprised cry and saw Raynare's expression turn angry as I slashed forward, destroying her Light Spear without issue. Flipping Carnwennan in my grip, I held reverse style and lunged forward to attack Raynare. She clicked her tongue and unfurled her wings to take to the sky. In my periphery, I noticed Natsu appearing at my flank, wielding a katana with a snow-white blade.

"You!?" Raynare snarled at me, brandishing another spear in her hands as though she was going to throw it. However, it seemed she vividly remembered the defeat she had at my hands because she hesitated. "What are you doing here, Human?"

I smirked faintly but quickly dispelled it as I squared my shoulders and spoke. "Clearly, it's to stop you. Why else would I choose to appear right when you were going to kill this perv?" I couldn't hide the amusement in my tone as I saw Raynare scowl.

Before she could reply, Issei jumped into the conversation. "Oi! What the hell is going on?! Why did Yuuma-chan try to stab me? Who are you people!? And- Hey! What the hell are you doing here, Takaoka!?"

"Saving your life, obviously." She replied scathingly, the sheer dislike in her tone even causing me to let out a small laugh. "Though, I doubt it would've actually killed you, being the cockroach you are."

Issei growled angrily at her, "Shut your damn mouth, you Handsome Bastard!"

"I would say that you should feel grateful I'm saving you, but I'd rather lick the bathroom floor than accept your gratitude."

"What's wrong with my gratitude?!" Then he cleared his throat, "I mean, mind your own damn business!"

"Is that all you can say? At least come up wi-"

"Takaoka." I said evenly, cutting her off and causing her to stiffen. "You're in the field. Need I inform Hunter of your misconduct?"

"No, Taichou. It was simply a mistake I made in the heat of the moment. It won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't." I couldn't keep the amusement out of my tone, something she clearly caught as I saw her glare faintly at me. Turning my attention to Raynare, I noted that she was still hovering a few feet above us. I'd have thought she'd have fled already, considering how badly I defeated her and the others last time. "Takaoka, take Issei back to his home. I'll finish things here personally."

"Understood. Let's go, Hyoudou." She then stepped backwards, making sure to keep an eye on Raynare, and dragged Issei with her.

Raynare's eyes widened in anger as she heard me. "Where do you think you're going!?" She threw a pair of spears towards Issei and Natsu in an attempt to skewer the two of them. She failed to account for my presence, as I intercepted the two of them. Crouching, I jumped upwards and grabbed the first to toss it to the side. Swinging Carnwennan, I destroyed the second. Dropping back onto the ground, I simply lifted a hand and waved a finger at her. "You'll regret getting in my way!"

"W-Wait!" Issei called out, causing me to turn my head ever so lightly to see him out of my periphery. "Who are you?"

In the span of a few seconds, I debated on whether I should tell Issei the truth. For one, it could be detrimental as he could accidentally blow my cover, whether by telling our parents or letting it slip to the wrong people at school. There's very little more annoying than having the police visit your home on suspicion on carrying lethal weapons. At the same time, it'd make my ability to act much more difficult as Issei would either try to stop me or, even worse, try to join me on my current mission here.

On the other hand, he's my brother. Issei deserved to know why his life was being targeted and given a chance to learn the truth about the supernatural world. Especially if he carried a life-changing Sacred Gear.

Fuck it.

Lifting my free hand, I pushed my hood down and smirked over to him, amused by his surprised expression. "For shame, Issei. You can't even recognize my voice."

His eyes were widened as he looked to me. "Aniki…?"

"Stay with Takaoka. She'll escort you home." I turned back to fully face Raynare and lifted Carnwennan. "I'll meet you there so we can talk after I'm done here."

Raynare sneered down at me, her wings flapping so she could stay aloft. "You act like I'll let you leave here alive."

I scoffed up at her, "Really? You say that as if I haven't already kicked your ass before." That caused her to scowl and prepare another spear. "Takaoka, get my idiot brother out of here. I'll meet with you and the others after I capture Raynare here." Hearing her affirmative, I waited and kept an eye on the Fallen Angel in front of me as the two behind me fled the scene. After a few minutes of silence, I released a breath. "Since it's protocol and Knight-Errant will be pissed if I forget…" I cleared my throat, "I'm Hajime Hyoudou, Aegis Operative G-1052-HD, Codename: Pup. Fallen Angel Raynare, will you come with me peacefully for questioning? Or will I have to use force?"

"'Pup'? Hah! Some agent you are, to be called 'Pup' of all things." She smirked maliciously down at me. "To think, you're a member of that upstart organization founded by humans and the brother of my current prey." She gave me a look of mock-pity. "I'll end your suffering quickly."

I released a tired breath, not shaken at all by her words. It wasn't first time someone laughed at my title. It was play on Shishou's name, Lyall, which meant 'wolf'. Though, no one knew his real name, save for a select few, so the play on words was lost on people. "It seems like I'll have to do this hard way." I rolled my shoulder. "Try not to complain when you regain consciousness under Aegis custody."

One second I was standing on the ground in front of Raynare, the next I was right in front of her, having leapt from the ground without her noticing. My fist sheathed itself in her gut, causing her to drop her spear and lurch forward from the impact. Twisting midair, I crashed my heel onto the side of her head, sending her careening to the ground with a crash. Landing back onto the ground in a crouch, I shot forward and lunged towards Raynare.

Looking shaken, she looked over to me with a look of fear in her eyes as I raced towards her. She summoned a spear and threw it at me, point blank. Leaning subtly to the side, I evaded the spear with the least amount of effort and slipped into her guard. My fist crashed against the side of her jaw, causing her to fall limp and land on the ground, losing consciousness.

Swift, clean and without trouble. Just as Shishou taught me.

Reaching into an enchanted pocket in my cloak, I pulled out some rope and went about to hogtying Raynare to make transport easier.

"Ara ara, what have we walked into Buchou?"

"I don't know, Akeno, but it doesn't look good. Tying up a defenseless Fallen Angel."

"'Defenseless' isn't something I would call a Fallen Angel, Rias…"

I hefted Raynare's unconscious form and put her on my left shoulder, standing and turning to see that I had company. Four people: Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra. The four most important Devils in Kuoh city.

"Well, well, well. How can I help you ladies?" I said as I subtly sheathed Carnwennan into my belt under my cloak. I noticed that none of them recognized that movement, save for Sona. She narrowed her eyes slightly as they shot to waist height of my cloak.

It was Rias who spoke up, placing a hand on her hip. "We were simply curious to what happened here. The explosions caused by that Fallen Angel's spears were heard all the way from the school."

I hummed faintly as I looked to the side, where I had sent Raynare's thrown Light Spear. "Really? I see. Well, you've no need to worry. I've incapacitated her." Lifting my free hand, I poked her in the side of her head, letting it loll to the side as I gave the four in front of me an amused smile. "See?"

"Yes…you have." Rias said with amusement of her own.

Akeno gave me a somewhat impressed look. "That's fine workmanship you have there, tying the rope." That caused the redhead to shake her head with exasperation.

"Really? I was kind of in a hurry, considering there are unwanted people stepping into my mission and all." I gave them an easygoing grin as I caught sight of them tensing in response to my words.

Sona narrowed her eyes suspiciously at me. "Who are you really, Hajime Hyoudou-san?"

I gave her an amused grin, lowering my hand back under my cloak. "Ah, that's the question I was looking for, even though there's nothing wrong with a little banter." Nodding my head to them, I replied, "I am Hajime Hyoudou, agent of Aegis, Gate Division, with the unofficial rank of Captain. Nice to make your acquaintance."

That caused the four of them to freeze and regard me with more wariness than before. "…Aegis?" Sona continued the impromptu session of twenty questions. "How is someone as young as you an 'unofficial' Captain within Aegis?"

"Now that is a very good question." I said mysteriously, tapping my foot as I looked up and to the side, as if in thought. "One that I won't answer right now. Though, I'm curious about something: why would the Heiress' of two Pillar Clans allow four Fallen Angels and a small army of Stray Exorcists stay within their territory unaccosted?"

That caused the four of them to freeze in shock at my words, caught completely off guard. Sona Sitri was the first to recompose herself, followed by Rias Gremory. The former replied evenly, though her tone had an anxious quality to it. "How do you know this?"

"I saw them for myself, though I don't a specific number." I motioned to my capture by cocking my chin towards her. "That's why I have her. She'll tell me everything I need to know." With that, I nodded and turned to walk away.

"Why are you here?" I heard Rias Gremory ask.

I released a breath, trying to rein in my growing frustration. "Can't I have returned home to see my family?" I was given a deadpan look by Rias, to which I let out a small laugh. "I was given a mission that happened to take place in town. Can I go?"

"What mission is it?"

I gave her a deadpan look. "Ever hear of client confidentiality? It doesn't look good for Aegis if its operatives talk about the specific aspects of assigned missions to outside parties. So forgive me if I don't tell you it and my life story. I have information to collect." I turned from them and was about to leave again, but Sona called out to me again.

"What can you tell us?"

I stopped and looked over my shoulder at them. A few moments passed before I replied. "Meet me in the Student Council room tomorrow. I'll tell you what I can then." Before any of them could ask anything more, I grabbed Carnwennan's hilt and vanished from sight.


"So you've got her trapped in the basement?" My houseguest asked as I let him inside. At my nod, he hummed lightly. "You haven't tortured her have you? Oh, don't tell me you seduced her?! I've heard you're good with the ladies, so it wouldn't be that much of a stretch. After all, Raynare's pretty sexy for a Fallen Angel, but she's rather weak-willed if you know the right words to say." He paused and grinned playfully. "Oh~. I know what you did. You had your pretty blonde partner help you by touching her in sensitive places to lower her inhibitions; am I right?" Before I could reply, when we reached the entrance to the basement, he continued, "Yeah, that has to be it; there's no better way to gain information from a Fallen Angel than se-."

"Azazel. Please, shut the hell up." I said with a combination of amusement and exasperation. "No, I have not seduced the information out of Raynare. I simply had her restrained and waited for you to arrive." Yes, I used the information provided to me to call in the leader of Grigori. The man stood a few inches taller than me, wearing a casual brown yukata and had brown hair with blonde bangs.

He pouted at that. "You're no fun, Hajime. Sometimes I wonder if you get that from Hunter or if you're naturally a killjoy."

"I assure you, I know how to have fun. It involves me, a willing female partner, and a few hours of free time. It relieves quite a bit of stress." I said in complete deadpan as I typed in a few numbers into the keypad keeping the entrance locked.

Azazel let out a laugh, "Sounds like my kind of fun. How many girls have you snagged, Hajime? Huh? How many notches you have on that belt of yours?"

The door unlocked with a click as I regarded one of Aegis's regular clients and backers with a dry look. "Out of respect to the women in my life, I will not dignify that question with an answer." I shook my head and walked inside, seeing Jeanne standing guard in front of Raynare, who was strapped into a seat with a subtly glowing seal underneath it. I regarded my captive with an empty look, before turning to Jeanne as I walked inside. "How was she?"

"I'm right here!"

Ignoring her, Jeanne replied with a wide smile. "Noisy, but trapped."

"Mm, well we do need to get info, and neither of us know magic, so having a silencing equation added to the seal would be counter-productive."

"Stop ignoring me!" Raynare snarled as she struggled against the bonds, trying to lift her hand. In response, the seal under her seat glowed a little brighter, absorbing the Light magic from her spear.

"…I'll talk to Archmage about a silencing equation."

"Good idea. I'll see about getting someone from Bastion to join our group."

Azazel walked inside as Jeanne finished speaking, looking around our holding cell with a studying gaze. "Hoh. You guys have a nice set up here. Not too much space is taken up, but you've got everything you need." His critical scrutiny flickers to Raynare and a melancholy gaze sets in before he looks at the seal keeping her powers suppressed. His eyes widen at it as he crouches down and looks closely at it.

"Try not to get too close, Azazel-sama. The equation for the seal was created by Archmage himself and its strong enough to hold even someone of your level." Jeanne said to him with a warning tone.

That caused him to regard us with a wide-eyed look. "You're serious?" Then he quickly shook his head. "Never mind, don't answer that. Your organization is synonymous with 'serious' to the point I think you're filled with nothing but killjoys." That caused me to let out a snort. "Though, I have to ask. Why so powerful?"

I shrugged a single shoulder. "We've made enemies. Shishou and the others didn't want to take any chances, so something similar was put into various safe houses across the world." I grimaced and shook my head, "Unless you have a member of Bastion in your squad, you can't adjust it in the least."

"What's wrong, does Hunter's Disciple not know how to tweak a little seal?" Azazel joked playfully.

"Fuck no." I said instantly, leading to Jeanne poking me in the arm with a cute frown. "I have enough trouble with low level spells like basic teleportation and shield spell equations. How in the hell do you expect me to understand something like that monstrosity!?" I may not be able to understand magic, but thanks to my Occult Slayer training from Shishou, I can fight it perfectly fine.

He let out a laugh and shook his head. Then his gaze dropped onto Raynare, who had remained silent during the brief banter between Azazel and me. She was watching all of us with a masked expression, but I could see a glimmer of hope in her eyes when she looked to Azazel. As well as…excessive admiration. "So, Raynare, what did you do to get put into this situation?"

"I was simply following your orders, Azazel-sama! I was observing Issei Hyoudou and keeping an eye on him in case his Sacred Gear was going activate!" She gave me a dark look. "Then this fool came out of nowhere and hindered me, knocking me unconscious and bringing her for something as foolish as questioning my loyalty to you." I didn't react in the least to her words, simply remaining silent as Azazel spoke to his subordinate. Jeanne was the same, simply standing at my flank and waiting.

"What were my orders, specifically?" Azazel asked her, his tone brief.

"To observe the potential host, Issei Hyoudou, in case his Sacred Gear were to go out of control." Then she paused in thought, as if recalling something important. "A last minute order we received was to ultimately kill him as soon as applicable."

"I never gave that order." Azazel said almost instantly. "My orders were to just observe. No action was to be taken, aside from passive observation." His eyes narrowed at her, "Who gave the last minute order?"


I stepped into Issei's room, absently looking around as I took in the various posters depicting scantily clad anime characters. I walked over to his desk and dropped into the seat as I saw my brother close the door. He went over to his bed and dropped down onto it to sit.

"Go ahead. Ask any question you have." I said to him, leaning back in the seat.

Issei frowned lightly, "What happened earlier today? Why were you…dressed like you were going cosplaying to a Medieval Convention?"

I snorted at his description of my make-shift armor. "To answer that question, I'll have to give you the right context…" I gave my little brother a serious look. "Issei, what do you know of the supernatural?"

He furrowed his brow, "The supernatural? You mean, like, ghosts, Yokai and stuff? Not much. What does that have to do with this?"

"Everything." I said softly, but firmly. "The supernatural is all real, Issei. All of it. Angels, Devils, Yokai, Grim Reapers, Magicians, Gods. All of it. The person who tried to kill you, 'Yuuma', is a Fallen Angel."

He didn't reply, simply giving me this confused look. His mouth opened lightly, closed, then he sighed. "Chuunibyou?" Issei then folded in on himself as he grunted from my cuffing of his head. "What was that for?"

"For calling me a Chuunibyou; what I'm telling you is the truth."

"Prove it."

I arched an eyebrow at his tone, then reached behind me. When I pulled my hand out, I was holding a sheathed Carnwennan in a reverse grip. Issei gave me a confused look as he glanced down at it. "How much do you know of Arthurian legend?"

"Uhhh, not much." Issei said sheepishly.

I smirked lightly, "No worries. It's an English legend, so it makes sense that it's not as well-known here." I lifted the dagger. "This is Carnwennan The dagger wielded by King Arthur himself. It's said to shroud its wielder in shadow, concealing them from sight." I began to focus on the dagger. "Keep an eye on me, Issei." Suddenly, I vanished from sight, causing Issei to jump to his feet and look around in shock. I walked silently over to his bed and sit behind him. "Calm down, Issei, I'm right here." I said as I reappeared on the bed, placing the sheathed dagger on my lap.

Issei jumped back in surprise, nearly shrieking in shock as he looked at me with wide eyes. "H-how? What? When!?"

"It's a magic dagger, Issei. I was chosen to wield it." I explained succinctly, waiting for him to collect himself.

He blinked and dropped onto the chair at his desk. "Okay…" Then Issei frowned, "What do you mean it chose you to wield it?"

I smirked faintly, "I learned of the supernatural years ago and was trained to be able to defend myself. My resolve and hard work was enough to have it recognize me."

Issei frowned at my explanation. "I don't really get it, but okay…"

I paused and sighed heavily. Is this how Auren felt when he tried to explain magical theory to Shishou? "How about you let me tell you what I can? After I'm done, you can ask all the questions you want." He nodded to me and I stood and walked over to the desk chair, dropping down into it with a breathy sigh. "Get comfortable, little bro, this'll be a long discussion…"


I pushed my hand through hair as I tiredly regarded the door in front of me. This was something I really did not want to do, but I knew that the two Devil Heiresses would hound me relentlessly for information. There was also the fact that they might involve their siblings, who happened to be Maou, which would muck up the situation even more! I'm a member of Gate, for God's sake! Preventing political incidents is our modus operandi, not causing them! Shaking my head, I lifted a hand and knocked loudly on the door.

It was opened by Tsubaki Shinra. She regarded me for a moment, before looking over her shoulder and calling out to her leader. "Kaichou, Hyoudou-san has arrived."

"Let him in."

Tsubaki stepped to the side and motioned for me to enter. Nodding my thanks to her, I walked into the Student Council room and noticed that the entire Peerage was there, as well as Rias's. I couldn't help the amused smile that slid onto my face. A part of me registered this place as enemy territory and began to break down who would be the biggest threats. The Queens would have to go down first, as theirs oddly complemented one another; disarm and viciously incapacitate the Sitri Queen, then deflect the attacking spell from the Gremory Queen, closing the distance as she regained her stamina. A pair of swift strikes to the kidneys followed by a blow to the back of her neck would knock her unconscious. No doubt, the rest of them would attack at once, in a rage; before Sona could properly guide them, I would let them all attack me in a mass of chaos. Inevitable friendly fire would remove the majority, while leaving me with the last few. Of course, I couldn't physically harm either of the heiress's, so I'd probably hold one of their respective Servants hostage and force them into a peaceful negotiation. Unfortunately, at that point, it would be a futile gesture, as my fellows from Aegis would hear the combat and interfere, making it further more difficult to keep things under control-

"Hyoudou-san, you agreed to tell us why an Aegis operative was in Gremory territory." Sona spoke up, her intense focusing on, dispensing all motions of small talk I expected to come from Rias. The redhead frowned imperceptively at her, but was ignored.

I smiled knowingly at her and spoke, "Aegis protocol in these situations is to inform you of my operative code, title, and name. Then give you the public need-to-know info and go my way. Somehow I know that won't really fly with you, Sitri-san…"

Sona frowned lightly, "How about you tell me that, then Rias and I can decide if we're dissatisfied."

"Aegis Operative G-1052-HD, Codename: Pup. Name: Hajime Hyoudou. The assigned mission is to enter Kuoh city and remove the unwanted Fallen Angel presence, preferably nonlethal, as requested by the client." I answered her respectfully, my tone bored as I didn't look away from Sona.

"Were you assigned this mission because of your relation to Issei Hyoudou?"

I gave her this easy going smirk, causing a few of the girls standing on Sona's side of the room to blush lightly. "No, I was assigned this mission because I'm one the best Gate operatives, hands down." I didn't boast, simply stating it as a fact of life. Considering who my Shishou is, it's a pretty simple assumption to make.

It was Rias who replied, giving me this unbelieving look. "I may not know much about Aegis, but even I know it's not a small organization. How can someone as you claim to be 'one of the best'?"

I turned my look towards her and narrowed my eyes. To a member of Aegis, information is one of the most important tools to have. For an operative of Gate, that is especially the case. The smallest piece of info can mean the difference between life and death. As I carefully contemplated my answer, I remembered Shishou telling me something prior to leaving for this mission…

"You've grown skilled and knowledgeable enough that you're capable of fighting off all but the strongest of foes. There are few people who know of your status, Hajime. My title can gain you plenty of things: respect, hatred, fear, acceptance and countless more things. As my Disciple, I trust you to know the discretion of your skills and limitations. You are at the skill level to drop my title when necessary, but…try not get in over your head. I'd prefer to not pull your ass out of the fire every other day…"

Casually lifting my arms, I crossed them and looked to Rias with an intense gaze. "I am the sole Disciple of Hunter. I think that qualifies me as one of the best."

That caused Rias to freeze, as well as Sona and their Queens. Their eyes honed in on me, several emotions flashing across their eyes. All of a sudden, they tensed, carefully studying me with a sense of hesitation.

One of the others, a girl with brown hair tied into two tails, looked to Sona. "Kaichou, who's this 'Hunter' and why is Hyoudou-san being his Disciple such a big deal?"

"Kusaka-san, Aegis was founded over a century ago by three individuals of incredible power and skill. To this day, no one knows their names, and only their titles. Archmage, Knight Errant and Hunter." Sona paused, studying me intently. "According to rumors, they've been around long to not only take part in the Civil War that occurred in the Underworld, but also the Great War between the Three Factions…"

"You're missing the fact that it was Knight Errant and Hunter who dismembered the Hakuryuuko and Archmage was the one who practically annihilated the Sekiryuutei. It was honestly a miracle that there was enough left of the two create a pair of Sacred Gears… Or at least that's what Archmage told me at one point." I added on helpfully, an innocent smile on my face.

"But…aren't the leaders of Aegis supposed to be human?" A blonde boy on Rias's side of the room spoke up. He'd be what my brother would call a 'Damn Handsome'. "Or at least that's what I've heard from Sensei…"

"They are." I nodded to the blonde. "The three of them are completely and utterly human."

Sona lifted a hand, stalling all further questions. "What does it mean for us if Hunter's Disciple if here, then? Isn't Aegis' prerogative to defend Humanity?"

I inclined my head to her. "That's right. But we'll defend anyone who's being wronged for selfish reasons. We're kind of awesome like that." My gaze flickered to the petite, white haired girl, before I looked back to Sona. "As for what that means for you…absolutely nothing." That caused her to freeze in shock, but before she, or anyone else, could say anything more, I lifted a hand. "My connection to Hunter does not make me any more special than any other operative in Aegis. All things considered, I'm just another cog in the machine."

Sona simply studied me for a few moments, before speaking again. "If you are here, then would that mean that there are more operatives here?" That caused the rest of the Devils here to freeze.

I found myself liking Sona more and more as time went on. An intelligent woman… To me, there's little more attractive than it. "Aegis operatives are trained to maintain their cover, regardless of outside events, especially members of Gate. Only under their own discretion, or that of a superior officer, are they to reveal their Aegis-related information." I shrugged at them helplessly. "If they have not shown themselves yet, then they either still have an ongoing mission, a future mission in this location, or are simply living here as normal member of society."

"In other words, 'if they don't want to be found, then they won't'?" Sona said as she threw a look at Rias as the girl opened her mouth to retort.

"Got it in one." I nodded my head in thanks to Sona. "Sitri-san, I find myself liking you more and more." I paused and grinned, "If you ever have a mission or request for Aegis, I'll put in a good word for you. That'll bump you up the queue and allot you the best capable agents available."

Sona arched an eyebrow at me, the corner of her mouth quirking upwards. "Let me guess, the best available agent will be you?"

I snorted at her words. "Definitely not." That caused her and a good portion of the room to regard me with surprise. "My skills, while varied, aren't so good that I'd be considered the best at every category. Maybe in one, or if I'm lucky, two categories. But there are countless people that are better than at me certain things." I shrugged lightly, "Hell, I was only chosen on this mission by special request; if it weren't for that, I'd probably be elsewhere." I paused in contemplation, "I'd probably be working directly with Shishou on the trade negotiations with the Underworld."

Sona and Rias looked surprised at that. "Trade negotiations?" Sona asked me, her tone surprised.

I nodded, "Yeah. But if you want the specifics, the man to ask would have to be her brother." I pointed to Rias. "Sirzechs Lucifer-dono looked rather intrigued when Shishou approached him a few weeks back. It took a while, but they've both found the time to start talks."

The two traded looks, before looking to us. Rias spoke up first, "Where's the first meeting taking place?"

I smiled enigmatically, "Like I said, you know who to ask." Then I shrugged, "I don't have the authority to just give this sort of information out." Lifting a hand, I turned towards the door and said, "I've given you what you needed to know. Now, if you don't mind, I promised to meet someone for lunch and she doesn't like it when I'm late."