Rewritten (11/23/2017)
Changelog:
-Changed chapter title from 'Death, Humans, and Devils' to 'Devils'
-Added Kojiro's interaction with the Devils
-Added clear reasoning why he didn't go berserk and kill everyone (aka, fixed this story's worst flaw. Somewhat.)


Yowdy.

Thank you for your supports; reviews, favorites, follows, PMs, and reads/views. It means a lot to me to know there's someone enjoying this story.
-Mahesvara
-Another Guest
-Guest
-Noctis Lucius Caelum
-xxOblivionxxx
-Issei Hyoudou
-Yoshida-kun
-AwesomeMcAwesome
-HelpfulNudge

ENJOY!


Death's Jouney: Smokes and Shadows


Chapter IV

||Devils||


No one can tell for exact when they die, despite whatever they may claim. It might be today, at this very second, or even a hundred years to the future. Death is a certainty, but the length of life is an unexpected gift.

And since the Devils weren't so fond of waiting, they became craftier. Or in rougher term: manipulative.

Oftentimes, many interfere with life and death. Some did it directly, without subtlety, killing and reincarnating their victim afterwards. Or they used the subtler way by starting the ripple of a chain of events that ended with the death of their target, then bringing them back to life as a 'second chance'.

But despite everything, not all Devils are despicable. It might be few and far in between to many. They were seen as evil, contrasting the Angels.

Once they were, but time can change. Only few are invulnerable to changes, Devils is not one of them. Like humans, they have consciousness. And like humans, their consciousness isn't always all black.

This young Devil was one. "I don't like this Onee-chan..." Naruse Gremory said, guilt-ridden. The mellow light inside the dimly-lit room seemingly made her crimson locks appear to glow. "This... This is wrong..."

"Mio..." Her elder sister spoke softly, but the frown on her lips failed to hide her slight exasperation. "How many times do we have to get through this? We're Devils. We—"

"—have to preserve our kinds. I know..." Having heard of that line more than enough to really irk her so, Mio interrupted. "But Nee-chan... Asuka-chan is... she's nice... she's my friend and I like her. I don't want her to, you know... Die..."

Mio went silent, nibbling her bottom lip. The last word had left a bitter taste in her mouth, and she hated it as much as she hated seeing other people lost their life for someone else's purpose, even if it's hers or for the good of Devilkind.

"It won't be permanent. We have our Pieces so we can her back to life, Mio."

She stared into the eyes of her sister. Those beryls were so composed and calm, but calculating. It was another differentiating trait beside the colors if compared to hers. Not often Mio wondered if she could ever be as calm and stop wearing her emotions on her sleeves.

"But..." Mio sighed. "I want to have a peerage like yours... but... not like this..." She swallowed the lump in her throat, drawing her eyes away.

It was an honest confession. After what happened nights ago, Mio had loathed herself for not doing anything. She could've tried persuading her sister. She could've stopped those Fallen Angels from wandering around their territory. She could've prevented the deaths of her peerage's three new members.

Though at the end of the day they did take care all of them, that pang of guilt won't stop stinging her principles.

Rias sighed, resting her eyes for a moment, before the enchanting green-blue shaded irises were revealed once more. Her brilliant crimson locks swayed as she stepped towards her little sister, looking sullen and all on the couch, and then sat beside her.

She exhaled contentedly as the cozy Victorian couch welcomed her softly. This furniture was arguably the best her brother added to the room. So comfy that she felt like floating.

"I understand how you feel," Rias muttered. Her voice was smooth and kind, but also guiding. It was like one of a loving sister's. "But this is your chance, Mio. I doubt there's anyone else who can beat Kiba in kendo on their first day joining. Even if he didn't use his full ability, that is no measly feat. She's the best prospect for a Knight I've seen."

Those were the encouraging words Mio received from her dear sister, Rias Gremory.

"But I don't want to!" Mio cried, raising her voice. She rarely raised her voice unless she was reayll ticked off. "She's my friend!"

"If she is, she'll continue to be your friend even after you turn her to a Devil, Mio."

She frowned. "We don't know that."

"She will." Rias insisted as her face turned grim for a moment. Mio whimpered.

At her sister's frightened look, Rias softened. "I'm sorry, Mio... I'm just... oddly tired." she sighed, massaging her temple.

Odd was understating it, because she felt like someone was flicking her head now and then. The discomfort was shruggable, not as bad when anyone mentioned anything holy near her, but equally irritating.

"It's... okay..." Mio mumbled quietly, and then Rias pulled her close for an apology hug, kissing the top of her head until her sister tittered playfully. "It's really fine, Onee-chan, geez."

Rias chuckled. "I'm really sorry, okay?"

"Nn." she tucked her chin, hugging her sister back. She could be scary at times, usually when she's using her Power of Destruction, but Mio was starting to get used to it. She's not really sure if it's bad or not.

Still comforting her, and also herself, Rias reignited the topic. "Still, you only knew her for several days. What makes her so different?"

That mild upset was quickly returning to Mio's face.

"I know..." she whined, dejected by her sister's accidentally cold statement. Despite so, she meant every word in her answer. "She... I guess because she doesn't treat me differently."

Rias furrowed her crimson brows and tilted her head. "You mean?"

"When I'm with her, I just feel like I'm her friend... you know? She sees me as myself..." there was a glimpse of sadness in Mio's cerise-tinted irises Rias failed to notice. "It's like Onee-chan with Akeno-chan, or, or with Sona-chan..."

Rias' eyes broadened as she did not expect this kind of sentimental answer from her little sister, but she was proud of her. She wanted her to mature by herself. To make her own decisions even if it contradicted with her wish.

At the very least, Mio had grown, and that alone was enough to make Rias feel happy as her older sister.

But as a Devil, she was displeased.

"Mio," Rias said, her tone stern and clear. "You hav—"

Click.

She stopped as the door behind swung open, marking the entrance of another beautiful girl with drop-dead gorgeous figure. A large orange ribbon kept her long black ponytail in shape as it tottered at her every step, swinging side to side. Aside from her looks, it was her negligent violet eyes that are pleasant to look at, and had captivated the hearts of many students, males and females, and more often than not pried unasked attention. Something she had learned to deal with.

Akeno was Rias' age, and her beauty was perhaps second only to her and might be first for her ludicrous fan base.

Her untimely appearance, however, slightly irked Rias. But Mio was more than glad and more relieved. Though by chance, Akeno had just saved her from an unwanted quarrel with her sister. She could breathe some air, at least for the time being.

"Excuse me Buchou," and to fit her lovely looks, her voice was soft and mellow soprano; soothing and calming. "Kojiro-san is here."

However, another wave of anxiety crawled back as she then realized she was about to meet her new Rook.


Break


His cold black eyes were almost absent of any emotions but vigilance, remained steadfast as he gazed of the two beautiful sisters ahead of him. Kojiro had no interest in them or anyone in this room for that matter. To him, they're just Devils. They're not far different from humans.

"Don't forget they're still Devils. If this town is their territory, those Fallen Angels shouldn't be able to walk around freely."

The silvery yet stern voice of his brother echoed inside his head, once again reminding him of the Devil's true nature; selfish and deceitful, favoring only their own interests. Not their beauties or their welcoming smile could deceive his eyes or his feelings.

"Well then, let us begin by the simple facts,"

As Rias Gremory started the lecture of a Devil's general knowledge, Kojiro paid no mind and glanced around.

Behind the Gremory sisters stood a male student with bleach blonde hair, and the female that welcomed him. The boy's eyes were relaxed, but he could read the attentiveness from both him and the smiling girl beside him.

At the other part of the room were two other Devils. One had a petite body with eye-catching white hair, quietly munching some assortment of dry snacks, seemingly minding her own business which he could respect. He also would like to have a taste on her assortments of dry snacks.

The last Devil owned the same voluptuous body as Rias and Akeno, but with blonde hair flowing all the way to her back. A beautiful lady from a foreign land, a land he had never been but certain his brother had visited. The older student was quietly eating a hamburger, also minding her business. Though, Kojiro felt a slight uneasy chill when he met her icy blue eyes.

For some reason, Kojiro found their apathetic behavior more likeable than the rest of the Devils—excluding Asia, of course, and slightly above Issei. At least that boy's honest with his ill intent.

Kojiro was rather unnerved upon knowing the boy had the same fate as him. Issei was only on his way back home from his routine activity with his two equally perverted friends of his. He did try to save him from those black-winged bastards by throwing rocks at them, which wasn't the greatest of ideas as Kojiro and Asia were still alive before he came.

He didn't feel guilt, however. It was his own decision that brought him to his death.

Speaking of which, those two were now studying in the same classroom with Asuka. As someone influential for the school, getting them in the same classroom was a simple matter for Rias.

"Very well then, Kawamura," Rias finished. Kojiro peered at her, still indignant. "Do you have any questions?"

He folded his hands, pretending to be thinking. It took patience to listen, but it took skills to pretend he was listening. In reality, when she was explaining the 'duties of Devils' and whatnots, he had his head above the clouds— wondering that certain golden haired girl.

"Yes." Kojiro replied. Rias and Mio stared at him, expectantly waiting for his question that was soon said in an aloof manner. He wanted to ask how those Fallen Angels killed him in a Devil's territory. He wanted to bring them to a corner.

But he paused, narrowing his eyes to the point he looked like he's glaring to them, while it's only his natural thinking state. Like Rias placing her fingers below her chin.

"I... toyed their memories a little. Including your pretty girl—" the corner of his eye twitched unconsciously, giving the wrong impression of being irked. "—all they know, and what they need to know, is that they found you dead on the park, and that I'm just your brother."

He was supposed to have no knowledge regarding Devils. He cared little for them, but as it was his brother's request, there's little he could do.

So instead, he asked, "Why did I die?"

"A good question." Rias said as she looked at her sister. "Mio, as he is your Rook, would you mind telling him?"

"Ah, um... sure." The younger Gremory stuttered. She didn't seem as confident as her sister. He's not an expert on what his brother said as 'social skills', skills that apparently only existed in this Realm, but he knew at least that much.

"We don't know for sure how you, uhm... die, but, guessing from your wounds, a light spear is what killed you. It's a common weapon for Fallen Angels, so... it's safe to say you were killed by them."

Kojiro scrunched his masculine eyebrows, enhancing his intimidating stare. "I was asking why I died, not how I die. Why did those black-feathered pricks want me dead?"

Noting her sister's timidity, Rias took control. "We're suspecting it's because you were with Asia. We have been keeping eye on her as she was new to this city and live with the Fallen Angels, on top of it all."

"How did you know I was with her?"

"Asia herself told us." Rias answered. It was a near blunder. It would destroy any faith he had in them had he known Koneko was there. "And not just you, but Hyoudou Issei was killed as well."

'You mean you left to die as well?' It's fortunate for the Devils that Kojiro didn't hold human life in high regard like as his brother.

But leaving and returning this portion of soul to his true body was a simple flick of his finger. He didn't have to bow to them, and he doubted he will. He just had to pretend he was. His intention was to stay a little bit more with that girl, that's all.

Otherwise, he would have forsaken all chains and went on an unholy rampage. But what they did or how they did it mattered little. Despicable, not even Gods would do such a thing, but that's why they're considered among the flawed of the Creations, sharing positions with the human race.

"I see." He muttered. He had no interest on anything else.

"Very well," Rias smiled. "Are there any questions you'd like to ask before you leave, Kawamura?"

"Yes. Can I leave now?"

There was a small spark of petulant annoyance and surprise from the Devils. They had expected this result in the back of their head, but reality's often more astonishing than imagination.

"W-wait!" Mio stammered, losing a little piece of her nobility as the man, not only he was quite rude; he was also quite scary in appearance. "Have you um... told your brother about this?"

"I haven't." so he said. And it wasn't a lie either. He didn't mention anything to his brother that he's become the creature of the night. His brother happened to know in the first place.

Hearing that, both Rias and Mio breathed in relief.

"Good. I need you to keep this a secret from your brother. It's better if he doesn't know." Rias said in a soft voice. Yet it was not a plea, however. It was more of a warning, and Kojiro did not like that.

And he was starting to get angry. "Was that a threat? Are you threatening to hurt my brother if I do?"

"I apologize, I don't mean to offend you." Rias responded calmly, contrasting to Mio's fright. "It's better for normal human to be unaware of the supernatural world. It wasn't meant as a threat, Kawamura."

"It better be." So at that, Kojiro simply nodded as got off from his seat. They wordlessly watched him as he turned around without bidding a single goodbye or even a look of acknowledgment.

Rude.

"Before you leave, Kawamura." the Gremory halted him, "As you are my little sister's servant, please take care of her." At the word 'servant', he pressed his lips.

"I am no one's servant, and never will I be one. You may have brought me back to life, and for that, I suppose I owe a thank you, but I am not. Your. Servant."

"It's merely a term, Kawamura." Rias replied. As he was only seen as Reincarnated Devil to them, his words failed to intimidate them. Though, he did make Mio uncomfortable. "It's not meant as an insult, and I don't mean it that way either."

Whatever they said, servants and slaves aren't so different in meaning. And nothing he despised more than slavery.

"Whatever." He said with menace, as he left the room in cold note.

Rias let out a light 'hmph', while her sister sulked to the couch, feeling awful. The others didn't express much aside from her Queen and her usual breathy giggle.

"Mmn, he seems rough, a bit rude, but he's actually a pretty cute guy ufufu~ I was expecting a little disciplining there..." Akeno giggled. She seemed a bit too excited for that last part.

Rias held back the urge to facepalm as she stared at the closed door. "His reluctance is understandable. Just avoid using that word and we'll be fine." she said, "We'll see how he turns out to be. Not normally a human can take up two pieces of Rook."

"Two?" With amazement, Kiba chimed in.

"Ara, that's more than Maou-sama's Rook." Akeno added, when out of the blue her sadistic side surfaced. "I wonder the punishments he can take? Ufufu~ it makes me feel all tingly just thinking about it."

Rias pretended she didn't hear that last sentence. "While I'm no way near my brother's level, it's not less impressive. As a matter of fact, Hyoudou consumed eight Pawns." She folded her hands. "Those two... I can't wait to see their powers at the fullest. In the meantime, watch over them, okay, Mio?"

Reluctantly, Mio nodded.

"Don't worry. You'll be okay. I'm sure of it." Rias hugged her sister. A wide smile spread on Mio's face. She loved this kind of skinship – at least with her own sister. "Fufu~ my adorable little sister~" Rias hummed. She loved it too. "For a start, why don't you find a place to stay for your Bishop? The dormitory is always available, sure, but that is unless she doesn't have anywhere to stay."

At that, Mio's smile dimmed. "Okay... I'll do it after school..."

Rias smiled kindly as she tightened her sisterly embrace. "Don't worry. I'm sure everything will work out just fine for you and for them."

It's not that she was lazy to do it. It was one of her responsibility as her master for one, and she would love to help her new servant in any way possible. But it's the fact that her Bishop might have no place to go that saddened her.

And after what happened, that question weighed her more.

'Am I doing the right thing?'


Break


"Y-Y-You want her to stay here?!"

Not hour after he marched out from the Devils' den with unfriendliness, Kojiro was a blubbering mess at the very same Gremory he intimidated unintentionally and intentionally.

Mio fidgeted one of her twin-tails, uneasily twiddling her crimson locks. "Um... If it isn't too troubling for you, I was hoping you can take care of her... she's um... homeless."

Standing in front of him on the doorway of the Kawamura house were Mio and Asia, the latter whom caused his nervousness to skyrocket just by standing there, adorably nervous. Both donned the standard Kuoh Academy uniform, except Asia wore a vest.

Simply by seeing the worried expression she wore and her many small movements, such as the fidgeting of her fingers and her lower lip being tucked inside her mouth, it was apparent Asia was nervous.

But she's no match for him.

The thought of living under the same roof with her was just too much for him to take. It's like winning a lottery, except he never drew any. A blessing from the Creator perhaps?

Regardless, he couldn't let her stay outside. It was spring, and its evenings were chilly.

"W-Well... You'll have to ask my brother for that..." He now regretted saying that as Asia's face gloomed.

"I see..." Uttered Mio, disheartened as well. "Okay then, is Kawamura-san here?"

Kojiro paused for the moment, until he realized she was mentioning a different Kawamura. Why didn't she just call him by his surname? Was it that bad?

"Ah, he's asleep." He said, stepping to his side. Just then, the girls saw a glimpse of the short hallway and the living room. Tidy, quaint, modern, and homely. They would love to have a closer look. "He should be waking up any time soon... So uh... come on in?"

Suddenly, a brunette poked out from his side.

"Who is it Kou-san?" Asuka immediately beamed a welcoming smile at her two friends. "Ah! Mio-chan! Asia-chan! Come on in! Come on in! Mou, what were you doing Kou-san?"

As the girls excused themselves in, Kojiro frowned. He disliked being told. Even if he's wrong.


Break


For a house of two men and a high schooler, it was surprisingly clean. Dust-free and decorated adequately that it still felt roomy and furnished. Mio took a random guess that they hired a maid service.

That or the people here were neat freaks. Which was partially right.

The living room, as they had caught a glimpse of it earlier, was indeed nice and comfortable. It exuded homey air, a welcoming atmosphere that made them wanting to stay and visit daily. Something Asia hadn't felt before.

There's also the little white furball excitedly trotting by the moment they went inside, sniffing them as they took seats in the living room.

"Aww, she's adorable!" Mio couldn't hold her smile as Yuki licked her fingers. "Who's this little goofball?"

"She's Yuki." Asuka hummed, smiling, but hurting on the inside. That name meant a lot to her too. "Shinji-san found her on the park."

After some moments of playing and talking with Asuka the house dog, all the while Kojiro watched silently at another couch, a door clicked open.

And so, the man they had been waiting for arrived to the scene, wearing nothing to hide his torso. Blushes were stirred among the girls' faces, except Asuka and Yuki. It would be terrifying and alarming if a dog could blush.

The several weeks old puppy darted towards him as the young man wandered mindlessly to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water before finally noticing the guests.

"Oh." He quipped, scratching his chest. "Hello."

"G-Good evening..." Asia nervously greeted, trying her best to keep eye contact. His naked chest bothered her, but she didn't want to be rude.

"Good evening... um... Kawamura-san..." Mio shyly smiled, also not sure where to look. The only male body she had seen was her brother's and father's, and that was years ago when she could took baths with them without feeling embarrassed. "I-I uhm... I'd like to... talk with you, Kawamura-san..."

As troubled as the girls were, it was his house, and his house, his rules. But as a good host, he retreated to his room. He came out wearing a shirt.

Afterwards, they sat on the couches as Mio explained the rough outline, his brother's sweetheart's predicament, before eventually dropping the bomb.

"You want her to live here...?" Seifer said with a cynical tone, arching an eyebrow. They nodded, diffidently. "Why should I?"

Yuki tilted her head, staring at her owner and then at the two girls with wondrous wonder. Animals could understand his words only when he's willing, and at the moment, he wasn't.

Mio felt dumb for expecting him to accept her straightaway. She should have expected this. After all, he didn't know what happened to Asia. Maybe she should've asked him in other times... Preferably not in the afternoon or several hours before it got dark or any hours as long as he wasn't in the middle of his sleep. Asuka did mention he hated it whenever his sleep is disturbed.

Regrettably, she had no good answer to reason him with.

Kojiro's expression gave nothing away, but he's clearly upset at his brother. Asuka had a frown draping her lips as she was also hoping the same with the girls, but she knew her place in the household. It's his house, his decision was what mattered after all is said and done.

"A-Anoo... Umm... I-I..." Asia jumbled. She feared this might happen. Rejection wasn't something she's unfamiliar with, but she could use a change of that. "I... I promise I'll be helpful. I-I can cook and I umm... I can clean... I'll do anything you'll ask me to, a-and um..."

"Please, Nii-san? She can share a room with me..." Asia's genuine attempt triggered Asuka. And she executed her 'lost puppy eyes' at him. How dare she.

Why did it seem that the more Asia said, the more her confidence leaked out from her frail figure, and therefore, the more sympathy she received from the other girls? Somehow, he ended as the bad guy. What the hell.

"Ah... what the hell." Seifer groaned, nimbly dashing his fingers on his flock of brown locks, making them messier. "I can use an extra cook and a pair of hands for cleaning. Since these people can only boil water and won't touch a broom even if dust piles on their room."

Asuka had conflicted feelings at his words. He's right, but... still...

"Thank you very much!" Mio cheered, beaming a smile. No words could express the relief Mio received and Asia's happiness. If she could do it without being awkward, she would give him a tight hug.

"Th-thank you! Thank you very much!" Asia jumped as she bowed her head, and she was bound to cry, sooner or later.

Seifer gave them a nonchalant smile, but a smile nevertheless.

Asuka squealed happily, and tackled Asia with a welcoming warm hug. "Welcome to the family Asia-chan!" She said whilst mushing their cheek altogether. "Now you can call me Onee-chan!"

"A family..." Asia muttered, barely containing her tears from flowing. "Y-Yes! Thank you Asuka-chan!"

Seifer couldn't resist a smile. He knew Asuka would do that sooner or later, but still, it was heartwarming for him. Not many can welcome a person without knowing much with open arms. Seeing this brought back a memory of the day when his wife took her in.

That grief never flashed on his face. "Welcome, Asia." he said, genuinely. It's not the first time he 'adopted' a girl without family.

"Y-Yes! Thank you Kawamura-san!"

"Shinjiro's fine." He hummed, shifting his head towards his brother, who couldn't express his joy as well like the others had, and was trembling due to that unfamiliar giddy feeling. "Kojiro."

Kojiro's tense and broad shoulders jumped a bit. "Y-Yeah?"

Seifer stood up. "Watch the house. I'm heading out for a bit."

"H-Huh? It won't go anywhere even if I don't."

"You're stupid and dense." Seifer coldheartedly jeered, much to Kojiro's apparent confusion.

Yuki trotted, deeming to come with her master as she saw him reaching to his black coat. She barked once to ensure her presence was known. Seifer glanced down, and then at Mio, who was currently entrapped in Asuka's from hug, looking rather troubled than happy.

"Mio," He called, too casual to be bothered with any honorific. The girl didn't seem to mind either. "Want a ride back home?" It was then, he flashed a suggestive smirk. "Unless you want to take a little detour with me, of course."

There are only a few men that could tilt one edge of his tightlipped lips with a relaxed gaze and melt hearts, instead of looking like a lazy person. He was one of the few.

"E-Eh?" Mio's cerise eyes broadened, and her cheeks were quick to set aflame. "U-umm..."

"Nii-san!" Asuka scolded.

"What? I'm just joking around." Seifer chuckled, "I meant my offer, though. Do you want a ride home?"

Mio laughed sheepishly, trying to shake away the blush off her face. "It-it's fine Kawamura-san! I can walk back on my own." But the girl stood up anyway as she heard the high-pitched chiming of a set of keys.

"You sure?" the keys twirled around his middle finger as Yuki attempted to fetch it. "I can't let you walk back alone, plus, it'll be much faster." Unless she conjured her 'magic circle of teleportation', of course.

"...Umm...What are those keys for...?"

"My bike." Was his nonchalant reply, "So? You coming or not? It is getting dark out there."

Now that he mentioned it, Mio realized that it was indeed getting darker and darker outside. Though, however, it won't matter much for a Devil. Their visions and other senses are enhanced during the night. But... walking the whole way back was kinda long... and tiring... and not as exciting as riding a motorcycle...

She succumbed to her earthly wants.


Break


The cold night breeze splashed upon her face, sending shivers to within its chilly embrace. Naruse Gremory clung to his jacket tightly, in search for warmth and to not tumble over. Mio wished she had brought her sweater or jacket along with her, because spring night could be brutal.

On other note, she sure had huge bosoms. He had no interest on schoolgirls, though. They're only girls to him.

"U-Uwaaah! S-Slow down!"

He wasn't dangerously fast, but as someone who had never rode a motorcycle before, and a large one at that, Mio couldn't help but worry. A lot.

"Relax." He said, surprisingly hearable despite the roaring wind. "You won't fall."

"How can you be sure?!"

He didn't miss a beat, "I won't let you fall." It was impossible for her to see as her eyes were shut close, but Seifer had a smile plastered on his face. That man knew the girl was blushing. He's that cocky. "But if you do... well... that's too bad."

"Too bad?!"

Yuki, meanwhile, enjoyed the 'night walk' thoroughly and happily. Huddled inside her owner's thick leather jacket, and her head sticking out, the little furball was as excited as she could be.

Slowly, Mio opened her eyelids again.

All was new to her. The beastly growl of the motorbike. The howling wind. How quick things went by. How empty and silent the streets were, and how marveling the night sky. These were the small things she rarely saw and appreciated.

Without realizing it, Mio had tightened her clutch, her head no longer pressing against his back as hard as it did before, and she was relaxed enough to start up a conversation.

"Kawamura-san...?"

"Hmm?" he hummed, eyes glued on the road like the responsible rider he was.

She paused. "Are you Asuka-chan's brother?"

"Nope." He said shortly. His tone casual and unbothered by practically anything, although that was a quite the personal information he just said to her. Well, he knew her more than she knew him anyway, and she seemed to consider Asuka and Asia as her friends.

"Oh...? I thought you're her brother." He did have the same hair color. Mio thought for a moment, and then asked. "Are you um... Her relative?"

His head shook lightly as they crossed a bridge that led to her school gate. "Nope." Seifer said. There was softness in his masculine voice now. "She's orphaned. I'm just someone who takes care of her."

Mio frowned, but was glad she had learnt a little of her friend. As the motorbike stopped revving, she climbed down and stood on his left side. The trip was short, but enjoyable nonetheless. He was still on his ride, the matte black painted Kawasaki Ninja 300, purchased with hard-earned money.

"Thank you Kawamura-san." Thanked the girl with a polite Japanese bow. "See you later Yuki-chan!"

"Bark!"

He smiled a carefree smile. "Don't mention it. Next time, just call me Shinjiro. Just be casual with me."

"Oh, um... okay Shinjiro-san." Mio nodded, now smiling pleasantly. "Uh um, thank you for agreeing to take care of Asia-chan. And see you!" He nodded, and the engine revved once again. "Be careful!"

Not ten seconds later, the man disappeared from his sight, and she could hear the roar of the bike steadily growing distant. As she no longer saw him or hear the buzzing of the engine, Mio sighed, staring at her shoes.

"No family... huh..."


Break


He parked his bike a meter away from his usual bench on the park. It was nine, and the half-moon had climbed high up the sky. The small white dog rested on his lap, shuffling now and then as she made herself snug.

Dull gray smokes billowed into the air, swirling as it slipped out from his tobacco-scented lips.

He was alone with Yuki and his thoughts, absently looking at the sky above. He half-expected there would be a daring couple getting risky around, but it seemed the city's citizens weren't that audacious. Or immoral.

"It's been a while." A voice came from his right, masculine and raspy. A burgundy suit was clad over his tall frame.

Yuki raised her snout, taking a quick glance at the tall man walking towards them. She then laid her head back in between the space her front paws, wagging her tail as she yawned.

"Mhmm. It has, has it?" Seifer nodded. He cast a somewhat distant look as his mind travelled back to the past. All while taking another whiff and a puff of his black menthol cigar.

As the other man took a seat beside him, he scuffled his pocket and offered his pack. "Smoke?"

"Nah." Azazel waved a hand, flashing a smile that looked like a smirk. "That your dog?"

"Yeah. Yuki. Found her here yesterday." Seifer cooed, giving the pup a soft pat. Her tail wagged thrice before it fell limp.

Azazel smiled bitterly. "Ah... How're you doing?"

"I'm fine." he chuckled, but there was slight discontent in his looks. "And let's not go there." Seifer urged. Dealing with the past was something he had learned, he's only having a hard time applying the knowledge into action.

"How're things?"

"Been better." Azazel sighed loudly as he leaned back against the bench, relaxing his muscles. "Few days ago I heard someone killed eighteen of my Cadre's men."

"And a few days ago, my brother was killed. Isn't that odd?" Seifer countered, speaking in light sarcasm.

"Right... about that..." The Governor General uneasily rubbed his neck.

Ashes flew as Seifer tapped his cigarette. "Save it. It happened."

"Well, still am sorry." Azazel frowned.

"Uh, apology denied."

The two men laughed lightheartedly for a moment. Yuki, slightly disturbed, shuffled a little as she curled her body onto a ball-shape.

"Well... Lezaza," Finally calling his friend by his name- or his nickname at least, Seifer now laid his attention to Grigori's Governor. "You wanted to meet me so here I am. You know I don't usually wander around anymore, so what is it?"

There was slight fear in his wine-shaded eyes. It was said with a hint of annoyance and a very-skillfully hidden irritation. Seifer was not a man with a short fuse, tolerant despite his infamies, but Azazel would rather not be around when his fuse was set off.

"You know, to apologize." Azazel said, keeping his voice casual. He tried not to show his dread, to show he trusted him, though he knew it was futile.

A single eyebrow was raised. "For?"

Azazel felt as if his lips were drying quicker than usual. "For indirectly causing your brother's death." he said, "And his friends too."

"What? You can just call me for that." With a flick, the cigarette popped into a midnight colored vapor, disappearing in the air.

He would rather not admit it, but he was actually uncertain of his old friend's mood. Reading others was vital in being a leader. He had to make sure those who served under him were content; else he might risk a rebellion. It's a skill Azazel liked to think he's good at, if not excellent.

But him? He could never read him. His expression gave nothing away except when it's too late, the tone of his voice casual and slightly mocking. At the moment, he might as well be furious for all he knew.

The balls on his feet were bouncing, and his sweat had turned cold. He knew him, or who he was before he adopted his new name. After all, and as his friend, he had seen the horrors he was capable of doing, and not many was alive to tell the story. But even if he was alive, he'd rather not tell the story.

"Fine then. Apology accepted." Seifer huffed, "Welp." he quipped, surprising the rigid Fallen Angel as he lifted and tucked a sleeping Yuki between his jacket and his beating chest. "If that's all you got to say, then I'll be going now."

Azazel watched him rose from the park bench, saddling his black motorcycle. There was another question that Azazel wanted to ask, yet he was unsure if it would just annoy him and waste his time, or his, or both.

As the engine started up, and its deep grumble buzzed within the ears of the Fallen Angel, Azazel decided to pry in the end. "Wait a second." He said, standing now.

"What?"

"Are you back?"

Seifer gave him a look. He smirked.

Only the thundering engine and the chirping of the crickets were heard for quite a while. Seifer shrugged. Never had Azazel's violet eyes left those curious brown eyes once. He tried to find any hint of emotions or anything that could help him determine or at least guess the meaning of that silent response.

As Seifer drove away, not once looking back, disappearing in the distance, Azazel was left with just a guess.

He had hoped the answer would be a 'no' rather than vague silence. Anything along the same line. Maybe he should've known better not to ask, because if his scouts were right, that his brother had recently become a Devil, he won't leave his brother on his own.

In other words, he might have fucked with his life, as indirectly as it was. Those Fallen Angels were his Cadre's underlings, and his Cadre was his underling.

"Shit." was all he could say.

Azazel left the park not long after, remaining oblivious of the Yōkai watching them.


To be continued


Hellaw.

Anyways, to clear some things up, here's how the current peerages stand:

Rias:
Queen: Akeno Himejima
Knight: That silent blonde girl eating a burger. (Hint hint, she's from another Anime universe. Hint hint, the anime starts with "F".)
Knight: Kiba Yuuto
Rook: Koneko Toujou

Mio:
Bishop: Asia Argento
Rook(2): Kojiro Kawamura
Pawn(8): Issei Hyoudou

There you have it. I'll post it whenever there's a change in their peerages or a reveal. Two of them will be introduced in the next chapter.

Issei, Kojiro, and Asia don't belong in Rias' peerage for author's reasons. One of them because Rias wants her sister to have a piece or two before she then adds more to her own.

Note that I've already planned who goes where and who they are, so although suggestions for their peerages are very much appreciated, it'll be hardly considered.

Do tell me any mistakes in grammar or anything. Maybe the dialogues are too few and narrow, or maybe it's the other way around. I don't want to make them too cheesy.

Anyhow, hope you all have a nice day, and see ya!