Following Week)
"Hey Inumbro. I want to make something clear to you".
Despite the amusement he got from witnessing the pervert's clear lack of survival skills, not to mention the fact that they were ridiculously easy to goad into saying something that would result in further humiliation, Dante found himself sending the least aggressive member of the trio an irritated glare.
"What is it now Hyoudou? I would have thought that the lesson not to bother me would have sunk in by now. But I suppose given the fact that your victims prefer to aim for your head, I shouldn't be too surprised to see that your memory is less than stellar".
Gritting his teeth at the mocking tone of his black haired classmate, and fighting his first impulse to slug the foreigner in the face since he was responsible for all the injuries he and his friends had suffered during the course of the week, Issei gave himself a moment to calm down before he delivered his ultimatum.
"I've come to warn you that if you even think of ruining my date, I don't care what kind of punishment I'll get from your brainwashed fan girls, l will personally make you regret the day you were born".
Amused by the brunette's rather pitiful attempt to intimidate him, Dante merely adopted a fake expression of sympathy as he swiftly moved to crush the pervert's delusions.
"I had no idea that your injuries were so serious that you started to believe that your wanking hand was an actual person. But not to worry. I have no intention of ruining your, hopefully, private date with your long term girl friend".
Smirking at the mixed look of embarrassment and outrage that had come over the pervert's face, the black haired Austrian was surprised that instead of dissolving into a barely intelligible pillar of fury, Issei managed to retain control of his temper and calmy refute his mocking remark.
"Ha ha. Very funny Inumbro. But the thing is, I actually have a date with a living, breathing female. She's kind, beautiful, and the best part is, I didn't even need to ask her out on a date. She asked me".
Despite the serious expression on the brunette's face as he boasted about his newest achievement, Dante couldn't resist the chance to once again alleviate his boredom by mocking the pervert's allusions of grandeur.
"Well Hyoudou, I'm impressed. You finally accepted that you will never convince a girl at this school to go out with you, so you have turned to the option of paying a professional for their services. Though I must admit, I would have thought that Japan's red light districts would have refused entry to a minor. Still, I suppose that such things can be overlooked if you have enough cash and a fake id".
Sputtering in indignation at Dante's continued mockery, though truth be told he had once or twice considering paying for female services on the day that he could be legally considered an adult, Issei was about to offer what was, in his mind, a scathing retort when his friends decided to interfere in his conversation.
"Issei dude. Why didn't you tell us you hired an escort to introduce you to the pleasures of a woman"?
"Yeah man. If we had known you were considering this, we could have pooled our money together and gotten a really classy lady".
Trying his best not to cry in frustration at his friends misunderstanding, and desperately hoping that the rest of the classroom was not listening in to this latest example of humiliation, a futile gesture as it turned out judging by all the looks of disgust that were being sent their way, Issei tried to clear up the misunderstanding created by the smirking Austrian.
"Guys that not what's going on. I was just warning Inumbro here that he better not try to do anything that might interfere with my date tomorrow".
Naturally, instead of voicing their support for their like minded comrade, who unlike the pair of them had actually managed to get a girl to talk to them rather than throw sharp and heavy objects at them, Matusda and Motohama angrily accused their like minded comrade of holding out on them.
"WHAT THE HELL MAN? WHAT THE HELL? I thought we were supposed to be in this together. But now we find that you've been secretly hitting it up with the ladies behind our backs. You fucking bastard".
Nodding his head in agreement with the hairless perverted, the glasses wearing member of the trio voiced his own opinion on Issei's "betrayal".
"Matsuda is right Issei. We swore that as soon as one of us scored a date from a hot woman, we would do what ever it takes to ensure that we could enjoy our comrades success before being set up with a woman of our own. So tell me. Do you have naughty pictures of this girl yet? What are her 3 sizes? Is their any chance she believes in polygamy"?
Watching with mild amusement as the 3 perverts argued over the rather disgusting procedures of their dating methods, and noticing that most of the classroom seemed to be on the verge of once again revealing their displeasure at having such lecherous students amongst their ranks, Dante decided to voice his own opinion regarding the nature of their so called agreement.
"Did it ever occur to you dummkopfs that the reason why your so unsuccessful with the ladies is because you continue to act like depraved lunatics whenever you managed to get a quick look of skin? Perhaps if you were capable of devoting that energy towards improving your limited intelligence instead of wasting it on discovering new ways of how to spy on a undressing woman, you wouldn't be forced to resort to such loathsome tactis of sharing in your friend's happiness".
Flashing the two more violent members of the trio a look that clearly revealed just how little he thought of them, Dante turned his attention back towards the brunette. Who appeared to be facing an internal struggle on whether he should reject or agree with the new students observation.
"And as for you Hyoudou, I have no intention of getting between you and the poor fraulein you've managed to con into going on a date with you. However, if you want a second date to happen, then I suggest you keep your hands to yourself, and your eyes firmly fixed on her facial features rather than her chest. Most women tend to get upset if you simply treat them as an object you know".
Shocked by the fact that Dante was offering him advice, even if his tone still conveyed the usual level of mockery he had come to expect from the new student, Issei was prevented from making any kind of comment by the unexpected, but extremely welcome voice of the one person at the academy that was unaware of his..hobbies.
"Issei, what are you still doing here? I thought you were going to wait outside my class so we can have a private lunch together. Don't tell me that something came up? I would be very sad if that was the case".
Quickly turning his head so that he could stare into the violet eyes of his, hopefully, future girlfriend, Issei allowed a sheepish expression to come over his face as he apologized to the raven haired beauty.
"I'm sorry Yuma. Me and my friends lost were just having a little debate over something. But since we go caught up in all the details, we lost track of the time. Hopefully your not mad at me".
And truthfully, despite his attempts to appear casual, yet apologetic, Issei was fervently praying that he hadn't doomed his chances before they even started. With a curvaceous body that could rival that of the Great Ladies, a innocent smile that always seemed to brighten when she saw him, and the fact that she appeared to be totally unaware of his well known lechery, the brunette pervert was desperate to ensure that he gave no reason for Yuma to dump him.
But thankfully, judging by the teasing smile that quickly spread across her face, Issei was relieved to discover that he was still in the clear.
"Oh I could never be mad at you Issei. Though you should know that its rather rude to keep a lady waiting. Now, aren't you going to introduce me to your friends? Or am I going to have to ask them to accompany us so I can get to know them a little better"?
Seeing as he had no intention of letting his friends interfere with his developing relationship, Issei quickly made the proper introductions before his more aggressive friends decided to seize the iniative and speak up for themselves.
"No need to do that. Guy's this is Yuma Amano, the girl I was telling you about. Yuma these are my friends Matusda and Motohama. Anyways, we should probably go before the lunch hour ends. It was nice talking to you guys. See you after lunch".
Thankful that his friends were unused to having such a gorgeous woman treat them with respect, though truth be told he was still trying to come to terms with it himself, Issei had to keep himself from weeping as he was instantly reminded that their was a far more dangerous rival sitting right next to him.
"I'm shocked Issei. Even though it's only been a week since we've known each other, would have thought that I would be considered your friend. Espcially after all the..amusing things that I have done for you".
Doing his best not to scowl as the black haired foreigner reverted back into the charming persona that had allowed him to effortlessly gain the admiration of the female populace, Issei had to keep himself from crying as Yuma asked him a question that he was loath to answer.
"And who is this Issei? It's rather rude to forget one of your friends when your the one making introductions for them".
Desperately trying to think of a plausible excuse to explain why he hadn't introduced a gorgeous woman like her to one of the current banes of his existence, Issei was shocked when the foreign born boy surprisingly decided to come to his defense.
"Oh you shouldn't be so hard on him Miss Amano. Afterall, most men tend to forget their obligations to their friends when a beautiful woman makes an appearance. But I am forgetting myself. Dante Inumbro, at your service".
Eye's narrowing at the slightly flirtatious tone the blue eyed pretty boy was using to speak with Yuma, Issei had to keep himself from screaming as the wonderfully busty girl replied to truthful comment with a giggling smile.
"Flattery will get you no where Mr. Dante. Though I would imagine that isn't quite true in your circumstances".
Allowing himself a moment to enjoy the looks of utter anguish that were now appearing on the perverts faces, Dante, to the surprise of all present, decided to make his exit before he was acused of 'putting the moves' on Yuma.
"You would be surprised Ms Amano. Anyways, since I suspect that both you and Issei are famished, I will leave you two to have your lunch in peace. And Issei, try to remember our earlier discussion if you want to reach your goal. Ok"?
Not bothering to wait for a reply, and doing his best not to smirk at the flabbergasted expression on the trio's face, Dante exited the room.
Relieved at the departure of the mocking student, Issei fought the urge to give a sigh of relief as he returned his attention back to his strangely silent date.
"Sorry bout that Yuma. Dante is still getting used to the culture, so you'll have to forgive him if his manners aren't exactly perfect. Hopefully didn't do anything to upset you"?
Though it disgusted her immensely, the Fallen Angel quickly flashed her target a reassuring smile. In fact it was only the knowledge that the miserable worm would be dead soon that provided her with the strength to maintain her sickening charade.
"It's alright Issei. Trust me, I've dealt with similar people in the past. But enough about that. I do believe we're wasting our lunch period. And maybe if we have enough time, you can tell me what you have planned for our date tomorrow".
Ignoring the excited chattering of the soon to be deceased pervert, though she was sure to keep up the façade of an interested, naïve school girl, Raynare's thoughts drifted back to that less annoying human she had just met. Certain that like her, he was hiding something. She just wasn't sure what it was.
Pushing that thought aside, since it was irrelevant to her current mission, the Fallen Angel turned her attention back to the task at hand. Hoping that she would be able to continue her appointed task without anyone discovering her secret.
She was soon proved to be wrong.
...
(Later that day)
Since she was unable to use even the most basic of her powers within the boundaries of that Devil Run school, and unwilling to risk the chance of using human forms of communications on the off chanced that those bat winged bastards were listening in, Raynare had been forced to wait until later in the day to report her progress to her waiting comrades.
"Honestly Kal, the humans are taking almost all the fun out of this. All I have to do is stick out my chest, smile like a nun, and act like a clutz, and their literally falling over themselves to do whatever I ask of them. I know few races are immune to our natural charms, but it's pathetic how these monkeys slobber over the barest hint of skin.
Though the reception was somewhat weak given that she was using a low powered communication spell to talk with her blue haired comrade, Raynare could still hear the soft chuckling of the more mature Fallen Angel.
"Well Raynare what do you expect? Most men are easily seduced by a woman's charms. Even our beloved leader is no exception. Though considering he's one of the most powerful beings in existence, not to mention the most handsome, I suppose he can be forgiven for his unrepentant lechery".
Despite the fact that she wished the opposite was true, the younger Fallen Angel conceded that Kalwarner was spot on when describing the unreptant nature of the Grigori Leader. While brilliant in innumerable ways, Azazel's extreme obsession with women was enough to make even a devoted follower like herself question whether or not she would have been better off serving the sanctimonious forces of heaven. However such thoughts always passed quickly, since she clung to the belief that if she amassed enough power, she would be prove to her perverted leader that all he needed was a singular strong woman at his side.
Though she knew that Kalwarner would probably chide her for getting so upset, Raynare was about to admonish her for her lack of respect towards their leader when the sound of shattering glass echoed through the seemingly deserted alley that she had chosen for privacy. Eye's narrowing in suspicion, with the barest traces of fear flashing in her violet colored orbs, Raynare terminated her connection before cautiously examining her surroundings.
Judjing that the sound had come from the dumpster, since it was the only thing present in the deserted alley that could successfully conceal an attacker, the Fallen Angel conjured a purple spear of light into her hand, intending to fatally punish whoever it was that had the nerve to be in the same location as her. However before she turned the container into a twisted pile of scrap, the cause for anxiety decided to make its appearance, and it was accurate to say that she was slightly confused by its identity.
Rather than some drunken human down on his luck, it was a small black cat that was currently staring at her a look that could be only be described as intelligent.
Since she couldn't dismiss the possibility that the inquisitive looking feline was more than it appeared, it was without a shred of regret that she hurled her spear at the silently watching animal.
However, instead of making contact with the umoving creature, the spear merely passed through it like their was nothing their at all.
Momentarily taken back by this rather disturbing outcome, and highly unnerved by the fact that the unconcerned looking feline simply disappeared as it walked into the ominous darkness of the alley, the low ranked Fallen Angel summoned another light spear as she tried to both calm herself down and taunt whoever it was that was watching her to reveal themselves.
"You know I must admit that little display of yours impressed me, if only because you went with something practical instead of something extraordinary. Or is it because you only have enough power to create something small and harmless? Either way I must congratulate you on your skills, if not your common sense. Its never wise to sneak up on a Fallen Angel, let alone one such as myself. However I'm feeling a tad generous, so here's the deal. If you immediately reveal yourself, I will ensure that you receive a quick, and rather painless death. If not, well...I think you get the picture".
Having expected her quarry to remain silent, or at the very least try and escape his well deserved fate, Raynare was totally unprepared for the echoing chuckle that seemed to echo throughout the now darkened alley. And what was even more discerning to her was the terrifying that she may have provoked something that was far beyond her ability to deal with.
"Since I've never been the suicidal type, I'm afraid I'll have to decline your most generous offer. Though I'm not sure if the same could be said for you. From what I understand, the head crow wishes to decrease the amount of tension between the 3 races. And considering a lowly feldling like you is operating in Devil territory, makes me wonder why you would risk the wrath of someone could kill you with a mere snap of his fingers".
Eye's narrowing at mockery she was receiving, though the fallen beauty couldn't prevent a crawling sense of fear going up her spine as she was confronted with the less loyal aspects of her mission, Raynare was about to offer her own taunting remark when her observer decided to make himself known.
But not before he ensured his own safety.
Faster than she could react, 3 sets of chains sprung from the shadows, dragging the understandably shocked Fallen Angel to the alley wall before they wrapped around her throat, arms and legs. And what was even more terrifying was that in a display of twisted humor, or perverted depending how she looked at it, her restraints were displaying her in a position that bored a strong resemblance to one of the most iconic symbols of the Christian religion.
Struggling against her bindings without any noticeable success, the trapped Fallen Angel could only watch in growing terror as her captor finally decided to reveal himself.
Instead of appearing out of thin air, something that was only possible for only the most powerful of human sorceress or mid tiered Devils, or even using a magic transport circle, her now revealed quarry simply walked out of the shadows as if he was simply walking through a door. But while his casual, if unique, entrance might not have been enough to make her ill at ease, his appearance was.
Wearing a long overcoat that expertly blend in with the growing darkness of the alley, with his hands covered by the same type of material that was covering the rest of his body, the smirking visage of her target's more tolerable companion revealed to her that her earlier suspions were correct. Only now it might be too late for her to do something about it.
As if sensing that particular thought, Dante's smirk gained a little bit of a superior edge to it as he regarded his restrained companion.
"Not to worry Yuma? I have no intention of pushing the Crows closer to the edge of extinction with your untimely demise. Provided you keep your keep your tone civil, theirs no reason why you can't leave this little chat with only having your pride a bit damaged. Of course if you want to make this difficult.."
At this Raynare felt the chain around her neck tighten until she was choking for breath.
"Well...you get the picture".
Confident that his point had been made, Dante allowed the chain to loosen its grip, and stared with a mocking smile as the raven haired girl took a moment to catch her breath.
Taking a moment to regain her composure, a task made somewhat difficult considering the fact that she was being forced by a human, albeit a dangerous one, to play the part of a weakened damsel, Raynare graced her equally deceptive school mate with an unwilling nod.
"I do. However I hope you realize that if I fail to return, my comrades and servants will make you pay for...grkkkk".
Staring impassively as the Fallen Angel experienced the consequences of not heeding his advice, Dante adopted a slightly mournful expression as he released the now glaring Fallen Angel.
"What a pity. And you looked so intelligent too. Or perhaps your simply a masochist who gets off on this type of thing".
While her first impulse was to angrily deny this claim, a subtle tightening of her restraints managed to keep her from speaking her mind. Something that managed to earn a mocking grin of approval from the black haired shadow user.
"Oh look at that. You are able to learn from your mistakes. Good. Was beginning to think you hit your head after you were kicked out of the nest. But at anyrate, hopefully you'll prove more willing to answer my questions now".
Seeing the girl nod as his inquiry, though he could tell that it pained her to bow to the command of anyone she had previously deemed to be a lesser being, Dante adopted a tone that could only be described as courteous.
"Now, first I think we'll start with something simple. Like revealing the name you were given at your birth".
Confused, and little bit unnerved by how rapidly her captor could switch between a sadistic and agreeable persona, the restrained Fallen Angel adopted a more cautious tone as she answered his question.
"Raynare"
Pleased to see that her earlier resistance had melted away in the face of his more..persuasive techniques, Dante kept his tone civil as he asked his captive a question that would allow him to gauge what other powers were active in this Devil controlled town.
"And why have you chosen to operate in territory that is clearly run by the Devils? With your power, you have to be either suicidal or stupid to believe that you can take on Kuoh's de-facto rulers. And since I highly doubt the multi winged lecher would entrust a bunch of low leveled crows to carry out a mission that could possibly restart the Factions War, it makes me wonder who else might have given the order".
Failing to prevent a fierce scowl from spreading across her face as she was once again forced to listen to her captor spew insults about the only man who held her affections, not to mention the mocking reminder that she was still a low tiered Fallen Angel, it was only due to the knowledge of what would happen to her that Raynare grudgingly replied to the smirking human.
"Though he didn't give us the order directly, Lord Azazel instructed us to maintain a close watch on any human that may have a sacred gear. If we felt that the Devils were on the verge of recruitment said human into their ranks, we have clearance to taken them out before they become a threat".
Nodding to show that he understood her reasoning, though the Fallen Angel couldn't tell if he disproved of her methods or not, Dante dropped his previously congenial expression as he asked what was probably his most important question.
"And what about your former comrades. Are any of them about, or did they decided to have their sheep do the dirty work so they could maintain the illusion of self righteousness"?
Though it had been several years since she had regarded her former brethren with anything but distaste for their sanctimonious ways, Raynare couldn't help feeling the tiniest bit of concern for her former family as she beheld the rather intimidating expression of her captor. While lacking the crazed expression of either her most talented human servant or her battle loving superior, the coldly murdeous look of rage that was currently on Dante's face nevertheless provided her with another reason for being happy that she had fallen.
Doing her best to keep her composure, a task made somewhat difficult due a slight tightening of her restraints, the fallen beauty managed to deliver her answer. Hoping that her reply would not result in her untimely demise.
"As far as I'm aware, the only active powers in this town are the Devils and my group. And while we do have a fair amount of human underlings with us to help complete our mission, they were cast out and thus no longer serve the cause of Heaven".
For a brief moment, Raynare was sure that the mention of her former home would spell her end. So it was with a great amount of relief that instead of feeling her bonds tighten to the point of break her bones, she was unceremoniously dropped to the alley floor. And as she took a moment to process the fact that she had survived her interrogation session, Raynare was once again exposed to her captor's more congenial persona.
"Well I think I've got all the information I'll need. I appreciate your cooperation Raynare. Couldn't do it without you".
Wisely keeping any smart aleck comments to herself since she had no intention of once again subjecting herself to that deadly humiliation, Raynare merely responded to the creepily cheerful human's praise with a hesitant nod.
Chuckling at the rather downcast expression of the Fallen Angel, and feeling uncharacteristically charitable towards his former captive, Dante decided to keep the agreement he made with the raven haired beauty. For though she hadn't been able to provide him with what he wanted, he saw no reason to make himself an enemy of a race known for its rather inflated sense of superiority.
"Well as amusing as this little chat has been, I do have some other tasks to attend to, and no doubt you have similar responsibilites as well. But before we part ways, I do have something to say that you may want to consider when dealing with your perverted target".
Shocked that she wasn't being skewered where she stood, and seeing no harm in listening to what the black haired boy had to say before she took her leave, Raynare ensured that she had a clear path of escape as she listened to the advise she was given.
"If your going to kill him, make sure that he doesnt have anything on him that can be used to contact the Devils. A dying wish is a powerful thing to use, and considering Hyoudou has already grabbed the attention of Kuoh's ruling bats, its a safe bet that they would take advantage of his newly deceased state and turn him. Thus making you fail your mission".
And with that final piece of advice, Dante disappeared back into the shadows, leaving a very confused Fallen Angel to wonder just how the appearance of this VERY dangerous human would affect her plans to move up in the Grigori.
Still, it could have been a lot worse.
If his personality had matched Freed's, she doubted that she would be alive, let alone in one piece. But as it was, apart from some minor bruising across her neck, the only thing that had been damaged during their little encounter was her pride.
And while she would be sure to make him pay for what he did to her, Raynare couldn't help feeling that perhaps it would be a good thing if their paths didn't cross again. For while his mental health was more stable than the one possessed by the white haired exorcists, it was clear that Dante Inumbro possessed that same type of cruelty that would allow him to do what ever it took to accomplish his goals.
And considering what she had just gone through, she did not want to know how creative he could be if he treated her like an enemy rather than a reluctant informant.
ANNNNNNND That's another chapter rewritten.
REIVIEWS/NO FLAMES