Hello. I would like to apologize for the long wait all of you had to endure for this chapter. As I type this, things have gotten rough for me in my life. Depression and all of that jazz. Writing this chapter was tough as it I feel it helped cause some of my depression. It was scary. But now it's done and it's here. I hope all of you enjoy it. Please leave a review of this chapter, it helps me get better at writing this stuff. Take care my fans. Enjoy the read.
Gasps and shrieks flew, eyes were wide and mouths hanged open. Most of the male and female students of Kuoh Academy couldn't believe what was happening before them. Rias Gremory, the most popular, one of the most attractive, and coveted girls at the academy was walking next to and talking warmly with Church Diggers. The outcast, the loser, the accused pervert. Everything these people knew was being taken and thrown into a vat of acid. "There's no way this is real!" "He had to pay her o-or do her homework for her!" "S-She just lost a bet! Y-Yeah, that has to be it!" Students here and there were crying out. The school's entrance courtyard had turned into a jealous circus. "WHAT THE HELL?! I THOUGHT HE SAID HE WAS GAY!" Matsuda screeched as he clutched his shaved head and started crying. "T-T-This defies all logic! How did he score it with a hottie like Rias Gremory?!" Motohama whined as he joined his best friend in the tear fest.
"D-Does this mean we had him all wrong?!" "I guess he really was telling the truth when he said he just tripped on me…!" Murayama and Katase, the girls who started the rumors about Church, exclaimed after seeing him and Rias together. To the teachers that were out on the courtyard as well, this was quite the funny sight to see. Students going crazy over such a normal thing was hilarious to any teacher or professor. Many of them couldn't help but laugh while some held back and just silently snickered.
For Rias and Church however, this commotion all went unnoticed by them. They were both entranced by each other's words as they spoke together. Church would give her question after question, and Rias would give him answer after answer. This eventually devolved into small talk which enticed them more. Learning about one another, while very briefly, was wonderful to them. Not to mention both of them was finding the other quite attractive in appearances and personality. "Oh so you're from America?" Rias asks Church. "Yeah, I always wanted to live in Japan, and when my parents said 'Hey son, we're gonna let you finish school in japan' I nearly bolted out of the house to go jump on a plane." He replies, earning a giggle from her. "So I take it you're into Japanese culture as well?" She asks.
Their small talk was sweet and fun, but it came to an end when they moved past the crowds and got inside the building. Rias turned her body towards Church and said the thing that they both didn't want to hear. "Well this is where we part ways for now." She said tilting her head to the side with a small smile and a somewhat disappointed tone. "Yeah I guess so." Church says adjusting his bag while looking to Rias. "Now after school, I'll send someone to your homeroom to fetch you and bring you to where we all meet up." Rias says placing a comforting hand on his shoulder to dispel any more anxiety he might be feeling about all of this. Church takes a breath and nods. "Alright… thanks Rias." He smiles warmly to her and she smiles back before stepping away from him to go about her day. "Try to have a good day, okay?" She says with a wave goodbye. "I will, you have a good day to!" He says waving goodbye as well.
With that they went their separate ways and their school day was normal as always. Though Church received more stares, glares, and whispers than usual. He expected it, the biggest loser walking into school with the most popular girl, he felt like he was in some kind of anime for goodness sake. But he got passed it by focusing on calming himself down throughout the day. He helped dispersed the stress by fiddling with his class ring and necklace and repeating Rias words from this morning in his head. Throughout the day he slowly accepted the fact of his situation and steeled himself for the big meeting he would attend after school.
The school day is now over, the sun was low and a lovely golden glow painted the whole town. When the final bell rang, shivers and goosebumps shot through Church. He clutched at his bag while sitting at his school desk and scanned the room for someone who looked like they might be here for him. So far there was no one, just girls and guys chit chatting, some where whispering and staring at him. Nothing out of the norm here.
That is until a girl entered the classroom and made her towards Church. It was Yumi Kiba, the Princess Of Kuoh Academy as she was called throughout the student body. She was Church's height, had long sun bleached blonde hair, a large bust, and stunning light blue eyes. Church has actually spoken to her a few times before, mainly about little things that didn't last long, but they were on friendly terms with each other. Most of their conversations happened out of sight so most of the students have never seen them speaking together, which elicited shocks and gasps from the girls and guys in the class. Today was just filled with shock and horror for these students. "Oh, hey Yumi. Do you need something?" Church asks her when she gets to his desk.
"Hello Church. Actually I do." She says flipping her to the side. She then gives him a serious looking smile that says she's here for more than just chit chat. "President Rias actually sent me to come and get you." What she said sent a shockwave through Church's body and mind. He knew a Devil would come and retrieve him. He just never expected it would be Yumi. With eyes wide and mouth agape he slowly rises from his chair and grabs his bag. "U-U-Uh o-o-okay." Was all he could get out. Yumi was prepared for his reaction, thus she only gave a simple "Alright, follow me then." and began making her way out of the classroom with a shaking Church in tow. The students of course began whispering and shouting amongst themselves just like this morning.
As they made their way through the school, Church remained quiet and could only stare at the back of Yumi's head. As she led him outside, she slows down and starts walking alongside him. She dips her head forward and turns it to him. "Surprised huh?" Yumi says, obviously talking about her racial identity. The way the sun hits her face make her look so cute and the sweet little smile she has causes him to blush and look away. "W-Well of course I am. I mean can you blame me?" He says rolling his eyes and rubbing the back of his head. "No, no I can't. It's normal to react the way you did. I would to if I was in your place." Yumi replies. He smiles but stays quiet. He was so nervous that he couldn't say much anyway. This was really gonna happen. He was really gonna meet a large group of Devils that have been secretly going to his school for God knows how long. He was somewhat prepared, but he just couldn't grab a hold of his nerves. His hands were trembling, his color had faded a little, and his legs felt like jelly. Yumi spots his abnormalities and takes action.
"Church are you feeling okay...? Your hands are shaking. And you look a little pale." She asks with worry, stopping in her tracks. Church tenses up and stops to. He did not want to discuss his unease as to not cause anyone to worry. But he reconsiders, based on how he was feeling and how the situation as a whole was playing out. He slowly wraps his arms around himself and musters up the courage to tell Yumi how he's feeling. "N-No… no I'm not okay… f-f-fuck… I'm so scared and I feel like I'm gonna be sick… all of this… it's just so much." He uses all of his strength to hold back his tears. But he's shocked when he's gently pulled into a hug from Yumi. She holds him close and warmly. He's embarrassed somewhat by being hugged suddenly by a popular and beautiful girl like her, but that quickly disappears as this hug is what he needs the most right now. "It's gonna be alright Church. We'll help you alright?" Yumi says with a comforting tone. Her words and hug send the extra bit of strength he will need to make it through this meeting, and only that much. She release him from the hug but keeps her hands on his shoulders.
She could see that her comfort did little, but it did something none the less. When she lets go Church looks to her, the golden sun shining on her sun bleached hair, her twinkling light blue eyes, and that caring smile. She was so beautiful and warm at that moment. After they first met, Church had a feeling that Yumi was a good person, and right now there was no doubt about it. Church musters up a nervous smile and he takes a deep breath before nodding. "Thanks Yumi…" He says nodding with closed eyes. "You're welcome Church." She replies, giving a chuckle. Seeing him smile made her feel warm inside. She was happy to see that Church was staying strong through this. They stay standing there for a minute and then Yumi decides it's time to move so they aren't late for the meeting. "C'mon. Let's get this done so you can have a well deserved rest." She smiles at him and starts walking ahead again. "Alright…" Church mumbles following her again. The walk doesn't take long and soon they reach their destination. When Church sees where Yumi has been leading him, 2 and 2 were put together and he was just dumbfounded. 'You have to be fucking kidding me…' He thinks to himself. Their destination was none other than the old school building, home to the Occult Research Club.
"This is it." Yumi says to Church as they enter the ORC's club room. It's a large beautiful room on the second story of the old school building; the only light being from several candles that were held in beautiful and clearly expensive candlesticks and candelabras. The dim light creating a mystical and serious tone to everything. High-class Victorian-style wallpaper and trimming were the walls to this room and beautiful paintings and portraits in Victorian-style frames hanged from them. Expensive and fancy Victorian-style furniture, and a shower, which was in use, were the things that filled this large space. 'A shower…?' Church thinks to himself. In the middle of the room, on a large rug, were two couches separated by a coffee table with a candelabra on it; a chandelier hung above them.
On left couch, sat on the left side, was a young petite girl with white hair and gold eyes that Church hasn't met or seen before. The front of her hair has two long bangs going past her shoulders and several loose bangs hanging over her forehead, while the back has a short bob cut. She was also wearing black cat-shaped hair clips on both sides of her hair. She wore the Kuoh Academy girls uniform. She was a toothpick to eat a large bar of chocolate that was cut into portions. Hearing Yumi and Church enter she looks to them, and they look back. "This is Koneko Toujou, a first year, and a valued member of the Occult Research Club." Yumi says, holding her arm and hand out towards this Koneko. "He-Hello. I'm Church Diggers. It's nice to meet you." Church nervously says to this new Devil, giving Koneko a polite tip of his hat. "Hi." Koneko responds with an emotionless tone and a polite nod before returning her attention back to the chocolate she was eating.
Church nods back and then looks to the shower that was currently in use. 'So they have a shower here? Weird. But it does seem convenient.' He thinks to himself. Looking at the curtains he could see a familiar outline and some long, beautiful red hair. It was Rias who was using the shower. 'Rias? Huh, wonder why she's getting a shower now. Oh well.' He thinks before the sound of a door opening and a new voice rings out, turning Church's attention to it. "Your clothes are laid out when you're ready Miss President." Says this new girl who entered the room with Rias' clothes, and placed them just outside the shower for Rias. "Thank you Akeno." Rias replies. Akeno Himejima has entered the scene. 'Ah, so this Akeno Himejima.' Church thinks while taking in her appearance. After she places Rias' clothes down she looks to see Church standing with Yumi. "Huh? Oh, hello! I didn't see you." Akeno says before walking towards him with her eyes closed and her hands together at her front. Church doesn't react when she stops before him. Now that she's in front of him, Church is able to see just how beautiful she is. 'W-Wow… everyone here is so attractive.' He thinks, forming a small blush. "You're the new guy huh…? I'm Akeno. I'm the vice-president here. It's nice to meet you." Akeno says, giving him a bow greeting.
After she bows, Church responds. "H-Hello. I'm Church. I-It's nice to meet you too." He says nervously with a nod. Sensing his unease, Akeno gives a small chuckle. "There's nothing to be nervous about. Everyone here is super nice…" She says earning a bigger blush from Church. "Ehehe sorry… just trying to get use to all of this." He says, giving a nervous smile. Akeno giggles at seeing how cute he looked. "Don't worry, it'll be alright." She smiles with closed eyes. "O-Okay." Church replies with a nod. Meanwhile, having turned off the shower, dried herself off, and gotten dressed, Rias overheard Akeno speaking and realized Church was finally here. "Ah Church you're here." She says, opening the shower curtains and stepping out to see him. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I know it's terribly rude, but I didn't have a chance to wash after leaving your place." She says while still drying some of her hair with a towel. "A-Ah no you're fine." Church says waving a hand to dispel her worry of keeping him waiting. She smile and says "Well now that you've arrived, I think everyone is here."
Church's eyes and mouth open wide a little. This was all of the Devils at the school? Four people and him? The way that Rias spoke this morning made it sound like there would be more than this. "S-So… you're all of the Devils at this school?" He asks confused, looking to everyone in the room as he does. Rias chuckles before replying. "No, we're just the members of the Occult Research Club, the only ones you need to meet right now." She says putting her towel in a hamper and walking to the front a large Victorian-style desk in the room, and leaning her rear on it. So there were more. But if they weren't here, and if Rias thought it wasn't necessary for to meet the rest right now, Church guessed that there wasn't a point in worrying about it. But he couldn't help but wonder why these were only Devil's he needed to meet right now. "Now, why don't you sit next to Koneko." Rias says to him. Yumi and Akeno move to the couch opposite of the one Koneko was sitting on. "O-Okay…" Church says, following Rias' advice and the two girls' actions. Sitting on the couch, he felt a little more at ease, due to how nice and comfy it was. Koneko doesn't respond to Church sitting down and continues eating her chocolate. "Now then. We'd like to officially welcome you into the Occult Research Club." She says with a hint of pride in her voice, looking at Church. They were making him a member of this club? For what reason did this choice come about? Church wanted to ask, but before he could, Rias spoke again. "By now, I'm sure you've realized that the name of the club is just a front. It's supposed to look like this is some sort of hobby. But in reality, it's an excuse for us to meet up whenever we need to." She says. Church chuckles at this. "Heh… yeah. When Yumi brought me here it wasn't that hard to figure out…. But if you don't mind. Can we… get down to the real business here?"
Immediately, a serious feeling enveloped the room. Rias told the rest of the girls about this earlier, it was time to answer the rest of Church's questions. Rias frowns, closes her eyes, and sighs. Then her expression changes to one more sympathetic. "Yes, we can…" Rias mumbles, but at a volume that everyone can hear. Koneko at this point has stopped eating her chocolate and placed the plate on the coffee table; now she sits laid back in her spot on the couch with folded arms. Yumi and Akeno have adorned more serious expressions. Church's nerves have calmed a little, now that he was able to gain the answers he seeked. He was ready. "... I asked you why you resurrected me this morning… why you brought me back instead of just leaving me to die. And after thinking about it today… I feel your reason for doing it was similar to the reason of why Yuma tried to kill me last night… Am I wrong?" He asks, staring at Rias' face with a level of seriousness he had never felt before. Rias sighs again, then looks to Church. "No. You're right about that Church." She replies to him. Church nods to her and takes a moment to think of what to say next. "That Fallen Angel attacked me because… I have something called a Sacred Gear." A memory flashes in his mind, of Yuma before she disappeared. 'Or… you could blame God~ After all he gave you the Sacred Gear in the first place~' He remembers vividly. "This morning I had only one question for you, but now I have two. Why did you resurrect me Rias… and what is a Sacred Gear?" He asks, waiting for his answers. However the answer to his second question comes not from Rias, but from Akeno.
"Sacred Gear's are basically a very intense and unique power that's found in a rare few. In fact, the only people I know of who have possessed them are historical figures, so you're kind of a big deal around here." Akeno says in a cheery tone with a smile, trying to brighten the mood a little. However this doesn't work. Church gasps silently, he really had something like that? But before he can asks for confirmation, Rias speaks again. "The thing is… this power can be so uncontrollable that some who have it become a threat to those in the underworld. Church… please stand right there and hold out your left hand." She says pointing to just behind the coffee table. Church tenses up a little, but does as she asks. 'I-Is she gonna make this thing work?' He thinks, holding out his arm above the table. "A-Alright… n-now what?" He stutters out. Rias pushes herself up onto the desk and holds and replies "Close your eyes and think of the part of your body you feel is the strongest. Then focus hard on that strength." She says now wearing a serious smile and holding a finger to her cheek. This was really happening, but better now than later. Church closes his eyes and nods.
Focus… focus… focus…
The part of him that was the strongest. What was that? Church delves deep into his memories and thinks about everything that he has ever done. His strangest moments were the memories that were most focused on. Based on everything that he ever did, he had to admit. Every part of him was strong. His mind. His body. His bodily strength. And his will. He had always been abnormally strong. So strong it raised major questions throughout his life. But that wasn't important. He needed to focus on his strength. Focus. Focus. Focus. Focu-... something is shining in front of Church. He sees the light through his closed eyes. "Church…!" He hears Rias say to him. He has to open his eyes and see what's happening. When he opens them, he's shocked to see that his entire left forearm was glowing white. All of the girls were staring at him with excitement, all but Koneko who had a more serious expression. Church is speechless, with wide eyes and mouth hung open. "I-I-I-Is this… is this it?!" He exclaims. "Yes Church." Rias says in the calming tone she used this morning to help Church calm down. "It's fine. Just focus on it some more. You can do this Church…"
Her words send strength into Church. He closes his eyes and mouth, takes a deep breath and keeps focusing. Rias was right, it was fine. Despite what his arm was doing, it didn't feel any different. He opens his eyes and stares at his limb. A million things are racing through his mind. And some of those things would be counter productive for him. His arm doesn't change further. In fact, the light started dimming. "C'mon…" He grumbles. He tries harder to bring out his Sacred Gear, but fails. The light slowly disappears until it's gone completely. Rias and the rest of the girls make disappointed faces and sounds, not towards Church, but towards the Sacred Gear that wouldn't appear. Church stares at his arm for little longer and then sighs. "W-Why wouldn't it…" He begins to say but is stopped by Rias to keep him from feeling at fault. "It's not your fault Church." She says sweetly, hopping off the desk. "Sacred Gears are difficult things to understand, control, and to summon. You've never done this before, but you managed to almost do it. That's very impressive for a novice." Church thinks about what she said for a second before nodding. He'll be able to see it and perhaps use it at some point. But now that he had experienced that, it was time for the main event, why Rias did what she did.
Church moves back to his spot on the couch and folds his arms. Things are silent for a bit, the girls waiting for Church to speaking. Eventually he does and stares at Rias. "So… what's the reason?" Is all he says, and all he needs to say. Rias understands; biting her lip she closes her eyes and then sighs. She hopes Church will take this information well. "Do you remember this morning? When I explained how I reincarnated you, and showed you one of my Evil Pieces?" She says looking to Church now. Church thinks back and remembers it vividly. "Yeah." He responds to her. "Well… did you wonder why they were shaped like chess pieces?" Rias says, sending a large wall into Church mentally. He didn't. He never wondered why they were shaped like that. "N-No… why are they?" He stutters out. Rias takes a quick second before replying. "Because the person that owns the pieces becomes the master of those they use them on." And that was enough to make Church understand his situation somewhat. He was revived and bound to Rias as her servant. "W-What? You're saying that you're my master now? A-And that I'm your servant?" He didn't feel sad or scared or worried about this information yet, but perhaps that would come in a minute, or maybe not. Was this really bad? Or was it good? He needed to know more. "Yes…" Rias replies. "You see Church, when the Evil Pieces were created, it was decided that to help the reincarnated Devils adjust to being Devils was to have them become the servants of high ranking Devils. To help them adjust and to learn, and to also keep them under control should anything go wrong with a certain person. The owner of the pieces is of course the master, but is also the King. The pieces were modeled after chess pieces because it was believed to be a good basis for order in the King's group of servants. These groups being called peerages."
"Now when a certain Evil Piece is used on a person, that person will be given the role of that specific piece. For instance, in my peerage, Akeno is my Queen. Yumi is one of my Knights. And Koneko is one of my Rooks. Now there's a system that was set up after the Evil Pieces were created. The more servants, or the more powerful servant, that a master has, the more of a chance that master has to increase their rank in the underworld. And your Sacred Gear makes a powerful person. Now I know what you're thinking… and I-" Rias is cut off by Church, who understand what she is saying. "Y-Y-You're saying that you… you only saved me to make you stronger…? T-To use me as a tool…?" He says as tears start streaming down his cheeks. The girls are all looking at him with worry, even Koneko.
Seeing what her words have done, Rias begins moving to the young man. "Oh Church, no I-" Church gets up from his seat and moves away, now standing between the couches and the door to the room, hugging himself tight and crying. Akeno, Yumi, and Koneko stay where they are as to avoid scaring him and Rias stops where she is. She holds out her hand to tell Church to stop, she speaks in a calming voice and tries to relax. "Church listen… I know it's upsetting and scary, but listen. You can leave the peerage if you want to." She says. Church, who was feeling a large amount of depression and fear for most of the day, now feels a good bit of hope because of what Rias said. But he's confused, she would just let him leave? "W-What… you'll… you'll just let me leave?" He stammers, followed by a large sniff. Rias expresses tenderness "Yes Church. If you want me to, I will take back the Evil Pieces I used to make you my servant, and let you go back to your normal life. Mind you, you'll still be a Devil, but you won't be a member of this peerage anymore." Her words were working and Church calms down a little. He thinks for a moment but Rias speaks again before he can. "But before you make your choice, would you like to know what you can have if you stay with us?" Similar to how Devil's were portrayed, Rias was offering temptations to draw him in. Church ponders this and decides that while it's scary, there's no harm in seeing what could be obtained from this.
"I-I guess…" He mumbles. Rias smiles and steps forward, and Church lets her. "Well first, something you might not really care about doing, but you will have the chance to gain ranks and statuses in the Underworld. Now I understand that you might not care about that since you don't understand the Underworld yet, but to let you know, it's not like what it is represented as in the Bible. It's actually a lot like the Human world." Church, while not really caring about the ranking stuff, he did feel some comfort and satisfaction in knowing what the Underworld was really like. It made being a Devil feel a little more normal. "O-Okay… what else is there?" He stammers again. "Well, first we can help you understand your new body, powers, and your Sacred Gear. Plus, by staying with us, you'll have extra protection." Rias says, sending yet another worry into him. "What… what do you mean protection? You mean from-" He is cut off by Rias. "From Angels and Fallen Angels, yes. You see, a Fallen Angel thought it was worth it to eliminate you. And if they learn that you're still alive, they might try to kill you again." Church groans at this and starts crying more. He slumps to his knees and clutches tighter at himself. He was so scared, why was this happening to him? He just wants a release from this.
And he gets it.
"Church…" He hears Rias say. He opens his eyes to find Rias leaning down, holding her hand out to him. Her blue-green eyes shining bright, and her smile sweet and warm. "It's going to be okay… even if you want to leave, we will help you. We will protect you and keep you safe." She purrs out. Seeing her smile and hearing her sweet voice sent warmth into him. He really only had a choice to make and that would be the end of this. That's it. Just one choice and he could relax again. But what to choose? He weighs his options and looks at all of the girls. And then he realizes something, these girls are just people. They're not monsters, they're people. And they seemed nice. He had lot's of opportunities with them, and perhaps he could become friends with them. He takes a deep breath, and makes his choice. He takes Rias's hand and stands up. He breathes deep and looks her in the eye, forming a smile, trying to be positive. "Rias… I'll be in your peerage." Once he says that, he feels a great burden fall off of him, and so does Rias. She smiles and actually tears up a little. The other girls smile and get excited except Koneko, who was keeping her mostly emotionless appearance, yet still having a smile. With that it was done, and now they could all move on. Church could leave anytime he wants, and he would still the peerage to rely on. Yes. This was the best choice. "Welcome, Church Diggers." Rias says smiling, shaking Church's hand a little, which he returns with a smile as well.