Disclaimer: I don't own Highschool DxD, Sylvia Lyyneheym, nor anything within the Asdivine franchise. They all belong to Ichiei Ishibumi & Funimation, Yuu Miyazaki & Aniplex of America, and finally, Kemco respectively. You'll know which belongs to who.

What a mouthful! Onward! And responses to reviews below!

The ringing of the impact hindered his hearing and he saw the halberd redirected from the splotch of purple.

But as it spun in the air, it started flying right back at the purple.

An arm, bloodied and red, rose and the halberd vanished, gaining the surprised glances of two blurs before the point appeared in his vision.

'But...Why at my chest?'

A look down revealed why. The blade punctured right through his diaphragm and the tower lumbered over, pulling it straight out.

A tinny scream echoed distantly in his ears as the booming voice, two distinct voices whispered.

"Failure."

"A failure. Shaddus, he's not listening at all."

"Neither is our other one, Lumnus."

"Bah...what is it that these kids say now? Fuck my life?"

Silence. "I believe so. Let's...just dispose of them. These are too dangerous."

"Pfft. Bullshit. Give 'em back, nobody would be able to tell the difference. Hell they're children, toddlers even. They won't know.

"..."

"You alive?"

Ethan woke up with a stinging sensation in his arm and went to touch it when a hand held onto his wrist. As his vision cleared, he saw a concerned Sylvia smile immediately, "You're finally awake! You've been out for half a day!"

Something picked me up, "Yeah, yeah. Working on it." He grimaced, "Has it been?" The world spun, just as he vaguely remember air whizzing by him as he fell.. Down from...somewhere.

"It has," Ethan turned to the brunette standing at the doorway who was holding a tray in front of her, "And your skinned arm wasn't the most of your worries. You has a dislocated arm and an ear missing. Combined with quite some exorbitant amounts of bleeding, I'm surprised you were even alive at my doorway. Oh! I almost forgot the giant hole in your chest."

"'M-my?' Isn't this my house?" Ethan asked.

Maidame Curie gave a surprised look, "Oh my, that's correct. Anyhow, I've bent the rules I go just by a bit and healed you to...appropriate health, I suppose. You won't be doing any fighting anytime soon though."

"What rul-AH!" Ethan shouted as Sylvia jammed her thumb into his arm, "I-I won't be?"

"Nope~" came the cheerful reply, "I'll be going now, I'd just like to speak to a few people. Or..." Maidame Curie giggled and shook her head.

"'Or?'"

"Just don't go running around slaying strays." She simply walked out the door as she answered.

When it shut on its own accord, Ethan proceeded to slap Sylvia on the forehead, gaining a confused pout. "What was that for?"

"Sarcasm isn't too much of an appropriate gesture around Curie." Ethan watched Sylvia for a bit then sat up, "Lie down for goodness sake!"

Ethan swung his legs over the side and stood, collapsing shortly after as he leaned on the bedside stand with one hand.

Sylvia ran to him as he fell forward once the weight was put onto his arm, "What did I tell you!"

"When did you care?" Ethan shot back and Sylvia went silent. "Besides, I must ask something."

Sylvia shuffled nervously behind Ethan as he hobbled down to stairs and peeked into the living room, "Auntie? Uncle?"

Mr. Hyoudou looked shocked, "Hey! Ethan! I'm glad you're fine! But you should really rest for a while. Falling off a bike and tumbling down a hill, then getting up is not a good idea to say the least."

Ethan waved his hand away, "I'll live. I want to know, where have I been as a child?"

Issei's father looked at Ethan strangely, "Why, here of course. Did you not remember?"

"No, no! I mean, toddler years."

He nodded, "Ah. You were with Lily over there in the United States."

Ethan blinked, "We went there twice?"

Mr. Hyoudou looked taken aback, "No. Only once I believe."

Mrs. Hyoudou nodded, "Honey's correct, Ethan. I distinctly remember your mother panicking over your kidnapping at the time."

"Kidnapping...?" Mr. Hyoudou waved him over. "Just as a precaution Lumnus."

Sylvia followed as Ethan's uncle led the way, followed by his aunt.

The walk to the study was short, and a dusty album revealed old memories. Issei with a blonde boy, Issei growing up, Issei with the rest of the infamous Trio.

They skipped to the second half of the album, where it contained the pictures of Ethan. There he was, sitting on his mother's arm sporting a matching grin in front of their home.

When he was chomping happily on a hotdog, mustard and ketchup splattered on his face, curiously all the way up to his forehead. Sylvia giggled and Ethan lightly slapped her forehead.

"But...Auntie. I-I remember these clearly. Because this happened in the two years I moved out of Japan. I know these happened. I was old enough and the fascination of a new country kept with me. Just...never any kidnapping."

"It seems as if our stories match, but for different times then, hmm?" She replied and stood, "Either is fine, Ethan. As long...as you don't remember the kidnapping...That...Lily said that you were traumatized for weeks and..."

She trailed off and shook her head, dragging Mr. Hyoudou out of the room, "You can continue looking with your girlfriend. She'd like to know your memories too. "

Sylvia saw the shocked look on his face and him shooting his head at her. She denied that she said anything, her reaction just as mortified and face just as red.

Ethan growled and went back to the album, "Curie then..."

He was flipping through the albums and staring at the pictures without any duration or pattern. Sylvia saw him stop, go back, and start flipping through them quickly. He seemed to have a mad intent, going back and forth, staring for almost minutes, but then the next time for mere seconds at the same photo.

Sylvia stood when he slammed the album shut. "Something or someone messed with our memories."

He gave a wide grin and turned, "I know it now! Why the entire thing is bothering me!"

Sylvia blinked, "What is it?"

"Pictures! The pictures! You know why?"

"How the hell would I know? I didn't take them, for sure."

He knelt by the album, "Mom never took pictures. Never seen her use a camera. That's one. Two, these mimic what I experienced in my head a few years ago. Or...last few years. But something that is off about my own memories is that I was short. Hella short. Short enough to be a...?"

"Toddler?"

"Exactly. As a toddler, no way would I have the memory of a twelve to thirteen year old. No way. And, as a thirteen year old, I know my height wasn't at my mom's knees. Unless, my memory was wrong. Can't be, considering I know my last elementary years pretty well," Ethan went on, "It's like...I had a gap for two years and someone, or...something? Could something do this?"

He was pondering deeply, "No, someone needed to fill in the gap. So they did a copy pasta into my head. That's two. Three, I can see some parts that are too...outside of camera capabilities. It's like they took a scene from memory, or created a memory and made it a photo."

Sylvia picked up the book after a moment of silence, "You pulled that out of your ass, didn't you?"

"How did you kn-" he paused, "I did not! How dare you accuse me of such an action! A person who spouts bullshit ain't me! It's you!"

Sylvia started to retort, but a flash attracted her attention. She glanced out the window to see a series of flashes and pointed. Ethan glanced out and blinked, then proceeded to move aside the books on the shelf to grab a mirror and return a series himself.

He saw the mirror be put down at the other side and burst out the door, Sylvia doggedly following him. "I'll be at the other side!"

As she saw Ethan knock on the door of Momo Hanakai's home, she realized that the flashes were Morse code. Unfortunately, that knowledge wasn't with her. The most she could get out of this was that it was urgent.

Ethan jumped up the stairs and just when he reached the door, he bumped into Sona as she looked out, "Oh! Kaichou! Er...Sona! What are you doing here?"

The king of the Sitri peerage raised an eyebrow, "Well, you wanted to ask me something, hence I asked Momo to get you."

Ethan blinked, "How?"

"That Maidame Curie woman...your sister? She claims that you had an important question."

"About that...Do you know any beings with the names Shadows and Luminous?"

Sona narrowed her eyes, "I don't believe so...Although I could take a look into records listing beings. Do you have any leads on their race?"

Ethan shook his head, explaining that he had nothing other than their names. Sona commented that because it was exotic, if there was anyone going by either name, they would easily be found. Humans were unlikely, but she would go into the human list first. This gained a grin from Ethan, which prompted Sona to ask what was with his curiosity. He himself didn't know, but he understood both names meant something to him and Issei.

Sona nodded and gestured to the bandages, to which Sylvia explained that he fell off his bike on the way back. Sona didn't look the slightest bit impressed at the story, which was made worse when Momo entered.

"Sylvia, as far as I could tell, Ethan never got on a bike in his life."

She jumped, "Err...well...That's...exactly why! I was trying to teach him!"

Ethan laid a hand on her shoulder, saving her from further embarrassment. He went in length about Lu Bu and Sylvia added in his strength and abilities.

Sona seemed deep into thought as she looked concerned. "Sona," Ethan added, "This may be a cause for concern, but in addition to being that strong, Lu Bu also seems to be...Lu Bu. Get my drift?"

"As in...the hero himself? Or in this case, the villain?"

"Right. Has there been any events like this?"

Sona shook her head, "Not as of recently, the closest we have is direct descendants, which I believe the Diva here has, no?"

Sylvia pointed to herself and then rubbed her arm, "Well...I don't like introducing people..."

Sona glared at her while Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Fine...fine," she muttered and turned around, walking out the door and letting out a earsplitting whistle as a call. A magic circle appeared as Sylvia stepped back and from it stood two men with similar outfits.

One was obviously a mage with spectacles and a robe mimicking the stereotypical outfit. His eyes shifted from side to side, not of anxiety, but observance.

The other was more casual, with steely eyes but emotionless gaze. Save for his exotic Asian cloak and uniform underneath, he could have passed for a normal male idol of an academy. "Diva."

"Cao-kun," Sylvia replied, "Ethan here is an...an acquaintance of mine and you may have noticed, but we fought Lu Bu. The general himself."

"Not a descendant," Cao Cao mused.

"If he was, he would be...inhuman."

"So Lu Bu isn't human either? If I vaguely remember, Lu Bu shows lust in the 'Three Kingdoms', a human-like trait," Cao Cao smirked.

"I-Shut up!" Sylvia cried, "I hate it when people tease me! Okay, if he's a descendant, he is for one, too large compared to humans. Two, he is easily on par with you. No Sacred Gears except his weapon. A halberd...I recognize it as his, but the name is slipping away from me."

Cao Cao seemed to stiffen, "His weapon. Not a Sacred Gear, but just as powerful?"

Sylvia nodded and Cao Cao glowered, "The only case of a hero being reborn and getting a particular weapon on par with Sacred Gear, with rare occasions equal or stronger than a Longinus is a 'Servant' with a Noble Phantasm."

Sona interjected, "Such as the servants in Holy Grail Wars?"

Cao Cao nodded, "Yes. That is their origin. But as far as I know, that magic has gone extinct two decades years ago. Your supernatural magic has completely, or should, have erased the traces."

Sona frowned, "Yet here we are, twenty years later, with a possibility that Servants may still exist."

Cao Cao nodded, "I know one person who may know something, but he's left Japan during that time."

"It wouldn't happen to be Shirou Emiya, would it?"

Cao Cao turned, his action answering the question, "He should be in his thirties now, sadly I have nothing on his whereabouts. Along with Rin Tosaka. If we are to find out anything about Lu Bu and where he went off to, we need to find them first."

Sylvia rubbed her temples as she leaned on Ethan, "Then go."

"Hold on," Momo cut in, "What about that...Shadows and Luminous?"

"Right," Sona nodded, "Cao Cao, if you don't mind, could you see if you find something about those two? See if they are somehow tied into the Holy Grail?"

"...dus...lu..." Sylvia grabbed Cao Cao's shoulder and he turned, nodding, "Sure. I'll take my leave. Georg."

The mage nodded and they left. Ethan glanced at Momo, who nodded, He knew something.

Did you catch what he said?

Shaddus and Lumnus.

So you messed up the names?

Can't say I didn't, but it is a possibility. Should I...

No. Keep it between us. If people start suspecting, we'll see then.

...Okay. If he's like me, I envy him.

'Like you?'

Ethan widened his eyes at Momo's questioning look, Ah...uh...nothing.

Momo smiled, Suit yourself. Remember I am here.

Always, Ethan smiled.

"Guys? Would you stop staring at each other?" Ethan and Momo turn to Sylvia who snapped her fingers. The two gave each other glances and shrugged. Being really close, this was the closest anyone in the world could get to telepathy. They could share looks in their eyes and expressions to the point of conversations. However, as noted, there are downfalls.

Ethan shook his head and started for the door, "Sorry. I should be going now. You three girls just talk about girl stuff, I guess."

Sylvia tried to speak but Ethan held up a hand, "I don't belong with you here. And I'm not kicking you out."

He exited shortly after and shut the door quietly. At the door to Issei's home, he saw Issei speaking with his parents, who pointed to Momo's home. Issei turned and bowed, jogging up to Ethan, "Ethan, can you help me?"

"What's up Issei?"

"There is a sister that I met around the day before yesterday. You were never around for the two of you to meet. She's been taken by Raynare and I want your help. Buchou won't help bec-"

Ethan put his hands on his cousin's shoulders, "The moment you said 'Raynare' you could have already counted me in."

Issei stared and embraced Ethan, "Shit, thanks. This way. Kiba and Koneko are already there."

Issei took off with Ethan quickly following. The two leaped over fences and climbed walls before Issei turned to a forest, slowing down considerably and now inching forward, whispering, "They should be around here somewhere."

"Yo," a voice called and they faced left to an expressionless Koneko.

The four crouched to watch the abandoned church, the site of tonight's event. "So...what's going on here tonight with the sister?"

Kiba explained, "Asia-san has been taken by Raynare for extraction of her Sacred Gear. She, a-Kichirou-kun?"

Ethan stood, "Selfish. I can tell that Asia's an innocent based by entire operation, no?" Issei nodded solemnly. "Okay. So, pr-BEHIND YOU!"

Ethan grabbed a sword from behind him and flung it above Kiba's head, colliding with a familiar halberd. On contact, a rumble was sent across the forest and field, shaking the ground as the weapons flew in different directions. The three devils whirled around and the two sides faced each other off.

Lu bu growled and the Devils looked at each other apprehensively. He repeated his words and Ethan responded in the same tongue. Issei looked at Ethan strangely, "I think you mixed up your words there."

"Just go," Ethan laid a hand on his head, turning to Lu Bu, "Is that fine?"

"I only want to face you. Insects are nothing to me, was that not clear?"

"Wa-" Ethan was yanked up by the collar of his shirt, the speed of such a giant surprising them all.

"What was that?"

"I...uh wasn't going to say anything! Ye-eah!" Ethan was dropped flat on his ass and he stood, nodding to Issei who promptly left with Kiba and Koneko. "As I wanted to say, if I'm weaker than them, what does that make me?"

"...You amuse me. You just haven't understood who you truly are."

"And...cryptic bullshit," Ethan sighed, "Does this have to do with me being the Hero of Destiny?"

"Is that the title nowadays? Huh. I suppose you could say that. Although personally, I think 'Main Character' sounds much more likeable."

"Another thing, how come you haven't killed me yet? Aren't you going to go full on Berserker mode?"

"Berserker? Pfft, don't make me laugh," the general scoffed, "That class is so overrated. I'm a Lancer."

Ethan held up both of his hands, in a 'time-out' gesture, "Wait? Lancer? Berserker's a real thing other than a raging idiot on steroids?"

"In the case of the Servant War, almost. Anyway, enough about your cluelessness in the war. I want you to help E-us...Help us eliminate a rogue member of our group."

"And a guy who was trying to kill me not even a day ago is asking for my help," Ethan deadpanned.

"As the saying goes: An enemy of my enemy is an ally."

"Riight," Ethan stepped back and Lu Bu held out a hand.

"I assure you it is no trick. Although the other members of our group are unaware of my action, only our leader is aware and has asked me to inform you. He believes it will pay off later."

"Nice, so one less enemy. Two, hopefully," Ethan replied sarcastically.

"Correct, but not correct. It doesn't mean I won't kill you anymore, but I will come to your aid if needed. However, I won't help you if I'm killing you."

Ethan sighed, "Remind me why I have to do this?"

"I never actually said why. It matters because Bathory is eager to kill...that girlfriend of yours."

"As in Elizabeth Bathory?" Lu Bu nodded then grabbed Ethan's shoulder.

"We must go. More insects are coming." In a moment, they were gone from the church and by a cliff. "Sorry, that...Gremory king was coming. It would be wise for us to not be seen by them. Especially I."

"Sure, but why should I care about Sylvia? She's not my girlfriend, let alone ally. She could die for all I care," Ethan rolled his eyes.

"Ho? Not even the female 'Hero of Destiny to-be?'"

"Maybe, but I'd rather not work with her."

"Ah...How about the generic main character love interest?" Ethan gave a unimpressed look, "How about this. If you help, I won't kill you right here and now, then ask Cao Cao to do it. With a human willing to surpass his limits, fighting a Servant can test him."

Ethan blinked, "Uh...sure. Deal."

Lu Bu held out his hand and Ethan started to shake it. He gritted his teeth at the grip and used all his willpower to keep from grimacing from the pain.

When satisfied, Lu Bu took out the halberd from the dirt, along with Ethan's discarded sword and handed to him before saluting. "I'll see you again, former chief of the Seven."

"What?" Ethan asked but the general had already leapt down the cliff disappearing when he hit the rocks below.

Ethan turned and started down the slope while putting away his weapon, only to see someone stumble out of the woods, "Issei?"

"Eh? Who's this?" The man stood up straighter, "An ally of the shitty devils to make sure nobody escapes?"

"Uh, I guess?"

"Ehehe, you're so confused, but I can blame the devils for that! Don't worry, I, Freed Sellzen, will free you from your imprisonment! HIYAA!"

Ethan shouted in surprise as Freed leaped forward, covering the few meters in the one jump.

He had little time to react and barely caught the arm swinging the glowing sword.

Freed swept Ethan's feet out from under him and stabbed downward, but the teen had rolled away just as the blade sunk into the ground, all the way to the hilt.

Dirt was kicked up as Freed slashed upward, catching Ethan's side and he dashed forward, slashing to cut off Ethan's arm. As twin black and white sword appeared in Ethan's hands from the glowing circles behind his back, Freed grinned and didn't change his reaction once Ethan caught his blade, "OH! You're the other boy that was experimented on, like waaaaay back then!"

"Experimented?" Ethan repeated, gaining and enthusiastic nod for an answer.

"I think I also remember that shitty devil, Ass was his na-"

"Issei."

"Assy! I don't really care! " shrugged Freed, "You two were the lucky ones. The two leaders were always trying so hard to create humans that were easily on par with the devils and Fallen! If I recall correctly, the originals were incarnations of heroes, the latest just hosts."

"Why are they lucky?" Ethan grunted as he tried to push forward, but Freed only stroked his chin as he continued pushing without effort with his remaining arm.

"I don't know, honestly. Being a host of a hero is cooler than being able to wield holy swords. Oh well, at least I can kill devils! Better than being famous only because I have a hero inside me. I could be a hero myself, but lots of shit to slay first!"

"Then who am I?"

"Oh, you?" Freed burst out laughing, "Some nameless shit who went missing during some imperial reign in Japan. All I remember is that you were the strongest of a group of seven. And that the empire was faced with a rebellion."

Ethan frowned and Freed grinned, pushing Ethan back and as he stumbled quickly drew a pistol and fired at between his eyes.

Ethan saw the flash for a mere moment before darkness filled his eyes, his entire vision.

In his state of shock, he believed he was dead until he hit the floor, the wind being knocked out of him.

"Wow, I have to admit, Freed. You seemed to be much stronger now. Then again, you were facing an enemy who couldn't fight."

Her purple eyes shone as she grinned, "At all~" Ethan looked up at the smiling girl, bullet smoking and glowing between her fingers.

"The hell?"

Freed was just as surprised, "It's you?"

Sylvia winked as she tossed aside the bullet, "Yes, Number Two, Below One. Although I hate Dulio for that name, at least you'll know who I am."

Freed smiled and stepped back, "It's an honor to meet you again, but I don't want to die today. Soon, I'll fight you when you least expect it, and when I win." His lecherous look sent his message and Sylvia drew out her shortswords, identical to the ones Ethan wielded.

"I was going to let you off, but you haven't changed," she growled, "Just when I thought you were going to be polite for once."

Freed saw her shift in tone and widened his eyes, "Nope!"

In a flick of a hand, he was gone as the flashbang exploded. Sylvia opened her eyes slowly and turned to Ethan offering her hand, "I wanted to know where you disappeared off to, and I got word that you may be here due to Issei."

Ethan refused it initially, but at her urging, reluctantly took it, "How?"

She blushed, "Curie."

"That...explains so much," Ethan smiled, "You know Freed?"

"Yes, during my Hiatus Years, I secretly went to the church, fought alongside Dulio and also the best exorcists during those years. A few were Dulio, of course, Freed, and Siegfried. Dulio was the best, followed closely by me and Siegfried, and finally Freed at third...although I'd admit he makes leaps and bounds."

"Huh. But does it explain how you caught a bullet?"

"I...ah, was just...never mind that!" Sylvia crossed her arms. She turned away and started mumbling.

"What was that?" Ethan asked.

"I said, Of all questions, you just had to ask that! Not even surprised that I went to the church during my Hiatus Years, or...how I am at the bottom of the barrel of fighting, but...that?"

"Oh..." Ethan trailed off. "Well, I am surprised that you aren't preaching about God and all." Sylvia gave a sniff and started for the trees, "Wait. Not there."

"And why?" Sylvia frowned.

"I am not entirely sure if Rias and Issei would want to have us interfering with the church raid."

Sylvia looked skeptical then nodded, walking back, "Then what do you suggest we do, or go to?"

"I don't know, stay here for tonight?"

Sylvia tilted her head and looked at the moon over the horizon, the water under shimmering as it reflected the moon's light. As a breeze picked up, she looked at Ethan, "Just us two?"

"As much as you probably hate it, yes. Besides there's no way we can get around without running into Rias. Georg was his name? Georg would be able to teleport, but I'd rather have h-"

"Just be quiet," Sylvia smiled, "Geez, I'm tough on you, obviously, but I don't hate you."

Ethan shook his head, "I think I'm dead, could you repeat that?"

"I said," Sylvia smiled, "I don't hate you."

Ethan was only quiet then shouted, "Well, that came as a surprise!"

Sylvia took out a pouch and stepped back, unzipped it and let the tent unfold, stretching and expanding until it rested perfectly on the ground.

"Where did you get that?" Ethan asked in surprise.

"I did a few jobs for a few Greek gods, including Artemis. Her Hunters gave me this as a thank you gift."

"Ah," Ethan replied monotonously and stepped up to the edge, sitting down slowly, letting his feet dangle at the side of the cliff.

Sylvia gave a pout and slowly approached him, resting her elbows around his shoulders and wrapping her arms on his chest. She felt him tense and asked, "Do you hate me?"

He didn't answer for a moment, "You want a bullshit answer or the truth?"

"Truth, of course."

"I don't particularly like you, leaning more towards dislike actually. Mainly because of the arm lopping incident."

Sylvia rested her head on his, "I'll make it up to you one day, that I promise."

"Seems far-fetched..." grumbled Ethan.

"Hey," she replied softly, "I can keep that promise. But I decide how I want to fix that."

He grunted, "Now, mind getting off of me? Do you do this to every boy?"

"Well," Sylvia leaned back, "I don't...ah, hate you, I've been told I act like this among boys I've hung out with in the past...It led to me 'friendzoning' a lot of the boys I know. You don't mind?"

"Other than I hate you slightly, no. Now, get off."

Sylvia grinned, "No."

She felt him relax and sigh out of resignation, "Fine. Just don't shove me over the edge."

"Is that all you're worried about?"

He didn't answer but stared ahead. They heard a distant crash and scream and turned towards the sound, "Looks like they're almost cleaning up. Mind staying longer? Maybe for tonight?"

"Not at all."

More silence followed and a rustling caught their attention. They saw the only knight of Gremory appear from the bushes and he bowed nervously, "Ah, Sylvia-san. I...I won't question why you're here, but Ethan-kun, we are finished at the church. Asia's now a bishop for Buchou and things should be okay."

"So she died then..." Ethan grumbled.

"Yes, we tried our best, bu-"

"No," Ethan reassured, "I don't blame you guys, but myself."

"How would you say it...? Ditto? It's not your fault either," Kiba smiled. "If it makes you feel better, Raynare is dead."

"Dead dead?"

"As dead as a...uh, zombie, I suppose."

"They're technically still alive," Erhan laughed. Kiba seemed flustered but then held out a hand, "No. It's cool. Thank you, Kiba. Tell Issei I said good job of letting go of the past."

Kiba bowed and disappeared as quickly as he came. Ethan sighed and returned his attention forward. "Is something bothering you?"

"Do you know your history?"

"Pretty well," Sylvia replied.

"How about of a general during the time of a great empire during a big rebellion?"

Sylvia thought for a moment, "Rebellion, huh? A few people could come to mind. One is Esdeath, the strongest general of all of the Empire during that time. Najenda, the leader of the Revolution, or rebellion, during that time. There's also Budo, a quite powerful general, and Tatsumi, the main figurehead of the Revolutionary Army next to Akame."

"Any the leader of a group of seven called a chief?"

"I've heard of the Elite Seven, which Akame's definitely been in, not much else," Sylvia said thoughtlessly, then blinked, "No, she wasn't the chief of it. Well, once she became the leader, but never was she referred to as the Chief."

"Whatever," Ethan replied exasperatedly, "I will ask Sona, see if the devils have noted anything. Thanks for the info, would help a lot to narrow things down."

Meanwhile

"What were you thinking?!"

"Thinking what I did was necessary."

"I should speak to boss about this."

"He gave the green light. Besides, remember who he is housing."

"Some kid who went missing during the Revolution. It doesn't matter cause he hasn't made the history books."

"Understand he had the potential to make it into the books. Saving Poney is what ended his path to fame."

"Esdeath would have surely criticized him for saving the weak."

"Undoubtedly. No worries, remember that as long as we stay back, the longer Ext-"

"Quiet!"

"What is it?"

"People are listening."

"And you're sure because?"

"They know they are. Right outside of our perception. If I told you, you wouldn't believe anything."

"Hmm, hmm. Wouldn't they know who I am based by my voice?"

"If they're smart, sure. At least they won't know who I am, who the boss, nor our identity as a whole. The less they know the better, for they know we will make our appearance in due time."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"I'd like to ask, do you think he'll be able to make in impression this time?"

"The hero Ethan has? It will depend on whether he lives or not. If he wishes to, he must train to become stronger. He can't beat anyone at this rate. If he wishes to become invincible. Hehe...there's no such thing. But he could become close. If he fights with her."

"So it'll be a good thing to find Shirou."

"No doubt."

At the same time

Sona rubbed her eyes tiredly as she set down the papers in her hands. A knock sounded from the door and she called for the person to enter.

Tsubaki quietly slid in and bowed, "Kaichou, I know this may be too early and too soon, but have you found anything?"

Sona tsked, "Maybe. I will need to check with both Cao Cao and Ethan."

"Why is that?" Tsubaki asked curiously.

Sona gestured for the bishop to come closer and she pointed at the papers, which at closer look seemed to be parchments, "These are the closest I've gotten to Shadows and Luminous, rather than those specific words, rather Shaddus and Lumnus."

"Like Cao Cao said," Tsubaki commented.

"Hmm?"

Tsubaki sat down in a chair, "When you've asked him to find the two former names, he mentioned the latter instead. He seems to know something about them. Same as you said, these names are too uncommon to be someone else."

Sona nodded, "Not to mention, Shaddus and Lumnus are both gods."

"Gods?!" Tsubaki shouted.

"Exiled, yes. There is another name of interest, Shaddi. Very similar, but it is hard to mistaken the two. Shaddi is the creator of Shaddus, and had them as the former gods of life and death."

"That...So they both served Hades' role today then?"

Sona nodded, "Sadly, that is the most I've found. Do you know what's most curious?"

Tsubaki was silent.

"A human, by the name of Uriel Ilsyon, recorded this much and has stated she didn't want more knowledge in public knowledge."

"Then...do we find the rest of the information somewhere?"

Sona stared out the window, "Maybe...Four humans are notable in this time: Zack Edelweiss, Stella Langthorpe, Harvey Cross, and Uriel. Being humans, all have died long ago, this parchment surviving due to Uriel's magic, but they have the knowledge, having fought the gods themselves."

"Is that...even feasible?"

Sona sighed, "I want to say it's impossible, but who knows. Maybe humans then are far stronger than any race today...excluding gods of course. You can see..."

Sona dragged out a drawing. Four people stood in front of one. The group of four included a male and two females and a cat, facing one woman. "Now, Tsubaki. Look"

A magic circle appeared in front of them, and Momo tilted her head, "Kaichou? What did you need?"

Sona glanced at Tsubaki then pushed the drawing in front of Momo, "Look familiar?"

"Is that...the woman who I met yesterday?"

"Maidame Curie, yes. Blonde hair, but with that maid outfit and stance, I don't have a doubt it is her." Tsubaki noticeably grew alarmed.

"So she is a god?" she asked.

"Maybe she is a god after all. There is nothing about how long ago Uriel wrote this, but I am making a hypothesis that it was written maybe six centuries ago...I would like to question Curie, but as much as I hate to admit, I'm afraid of her. I'll need to inform Rias's brother about this."

Momo nodded, "And your sister?"

"...I suppose why not. The question now is this: Will it be a smart choice?"

Chapter four in the works now, and I'm planning how to be able to intertwine many things coherently, and the next chapter will start the "character introductions in the bottom portion of the Author's Note. Not entirely sure what else to say, but PM me if you have any questions and remember: If you'd like to read any chapters before they're released and keep in contact with me to know I'm not dead yet, send me a PM and I will reply with my Line ID. Until then...

Replies to reviews:

Grimraven.V- Updated~

UpdateSylvieL - Updates up! Konoha in the works, and same thing with Prove You Wrong. Although my time constraints for completion is very tight, I do hope I can finish it.

Guest:Guest - Thank you! Continue I will!

Now to you know what! *drumroll*

Writers - all of them, from famous authors to subtle FF writers- ALL depend on the feedback from our readers. Vision Dominican brought up an interesting albeit tragically true idea:

"Lack of reviews is the greatest killer of fan fic writers out there. We at the institute wish to let the public know of how they can pitch in to save our dying writers.

1) Drop a review every other chapter. It may not seem like much, but reviews are actually what many of us want to see. That, and hits. Hits do make us happy but we don't really know if people like our story or not.

2) Visit our author page. Those kind of hits really make us happy. It's where we showcase our entourage of friends, beta readers, and stories. Some of us even tidy up with set areas for upcoming story ideas and character bios.

3) Send an email. While normally I'd prefer a review, emails are just as good. Really, it warms my heart to communicate with another reader or writer."

What you call being "too lazy to review" is what we call "a flame to the pages" as the writers. That one minute or two that you felt "too lazy" to review is another minute of creeping discouragement that all writers feel as they begin to think...

"Why am I even here…?"

"What's even the point of continuing?"

"My skills must be terrible…no one cares for my story…"

"I'll never be a good writer...I quit."

These are only a few thoughts that go through every writer's head- that go through MY head- when we put out a chapter / story with all our heart and soul within, and we sit there…and sit…and wait…and not a single person says even a word.

If you're not a writer, you have NO IDEA how much that hurts…

If you ARE a writer, then I'm sure you know just how great it feels when someone is kind enough to leave a heartwarming and encouraging review, and you read it, smiling while thinking…"Wow…fuck...I did it…"

So, why not give fellow writers the same luxury here?

Too many times I've seen epic and utterly beautiful works of literary art fall to pieces

before finally being abandoned due to the terrible discouragement that the lack of reviews can cause.

Sometimes, it is so severe that the very writer himself decides to quit, denying the world his skills of writing that I'm it would have deeply enjoyed.

So…

Just one minute, that's all it takes. Just a few gentle taps of the fingers on your keyboard, a few seconds or so of your time, and your words can SAVE a writer from a dark demise.

Do me a favor: Go find a story, ANY story, anywhere here on Fanfiction, and see if you can help it. If it has very little / no reviews at all, just check it out, and say whatever comes to mind.

And enjoy the thought in mind that you could have just SAVED that story, with just a few taps of the keyboard…

If you agree with what I have said then please copy and paste any part of this story you wish onto your profile. Modify it in any way you see fit; there is no need to use my exact words. You make it say what you want it to say.

.

.

.

If you've made it this far without leaving, thank you for bearing with this overused speech. Drop a review please~ NOW! Onward to the future!