Chapter 9: My Worst Nightmare

Things have definitely taken a dark turn. Yoshida unlocked the power of his Sacred Gear, which looked like a rusted medical gauntlet. It shot a needle into my shoulder, and I thought I was fine. I was dead wrong. Right now, I'm standing on what feels like rocks, the top of a cliff I'd guess. So far, the temperature is warm, there's nothing but darkness, and I can only hear the sound of thunder echoing in here. This isn't Thanatos pulling me in for a chat again.

"Anyone here?" I ask.

"Oh there's something here alright!"

That wasn't in my head; that was right out here, somewhere in here. The darkness dispersed as the ceiling above here turned into dark gray clouds moving rapidly with small gaps between them looking to a dirty brown fogged sky. The ground is an endless range of rocks and desert. This is not safe territory. I have to get out of here.

"Thanatos! You in here? I need some help getting out of this mental prison."

"Thanatos can't come and save you this time, big brother!"

"Big brother? Who's big brother?"

The voice talking to me sounds cheerful, yet maniacal. It's like a madman, really. That makes him very dangerous. And no one wants a madman in their own head.

"Though not by blood in these times, we ARE related spiritual, but blood was a thing of the past."

"Thing of the past? Who the hell are you?" I asked the voice.

At that, the ground beneath my feet came in, and I fell. Below me, I saw the brown fogged sky again, but it was all going into a black whirlpool. But before I could fall into the fog, something grabbed me by my left foot. Then, it threw me up and I landed in someone's palm. I looked behind me to see its fingers. It's the left hand; their fingers look just the fingers on Yoshida's gauntlet. I turn to face forward to meet the voice. It was a tall, skinny man with rotting bright brown skin, several dozen stitches going throughout his body, a brown clock wrapped on his shoulders, and made into a hood on his head. His face is hidden behind something of a burlap sack over his head, the mouth hole being held together by loosened stitches, and bright orange eyes like lights. He looks light something out of Halloween. I look left, and see that his right arm is the same as Yoshida's. This entire time, the man had been laughing manically.

"Allow me to introduce myself, big brother!" he declares. "I am one of four seals meant to bring forth judgment upon all! I am the creeping derangement all creatures are mere inches from succumbing to! I am the dark abyss in the back of your mind that you pretend to ignore! Turn your head as much as you want, but I'll still be there to drag you INTO THE DARKNESS!"

He raises his right hand, and plunges its needles into the ground where it's still solid. Out of the ground came ghosts, ghouls, monsters, nightmares of all kinds that would terrify a normal person. Me? I'm not affected. None of these things scare me. But I am worried about this guy. He isn't human by any means. One of four seals of judgment? I know what he's talking about. That makes him…

"I...AM THE HORSEMAN OF MADNESS!" he laughs maniacally again, clearly enjoying it.

That's it then…Yoshida holds one of the four Lost Longinus. He holds the Broken Soul, Sacred Gear to the Horseman of Madness.

"But I thought only the Final Judgment and Oblivion Surge had creatures inside of them. What the hell does that make you?" I ask.

"Oh where are my manners? Time to explain things to the simple minded bat." Bat? He must mean me. I guess he's referring to the wings Devils have. "Very powerful Sacred Gear, such as Longinus and Lost Longinus, have multiple users throughout history! At times, a user can communicate with past wielders for training purposes."

"Then what the hell are you?"

"Hm-hm-hm HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That's the fun part that no one knows since we're so hard to release! The Four Horsemen were HUMANS who first possessed these after they were made!"

Humans? That means that the Four Horsemen were never any kind of special beings. I need to know more. "Tell me more you sick freak."

"Oh I'm so sorry there, Little Bat."

The Horseman raised his right hand and wagged his needle middle finger at me in a taunting matter, then came down with the needles to stab me! I moved so that the fingers would miss me so I could get under his incoming palm, and he missed. He doesn't seem to be bothered by stabbing himself. He lifts his right hand out, and holds all the needle-fingers above me. He tries to get me with one at a time, making me dance in his hand.

"I've never had a human who could release me for more than several of your human lifetimes, so as you can guess, I haven't had anyone to torture for a long time…!" he explains overdramatically. "But now that your friend has unleashed my power, and used it already, I want to have as much fun with you as possible, Big Brother!"

I'm tired of hearing this psychopath talk! I dodge his pointer, aim my left hand at his face, and let loose my Black Flame. But…nothing happened! I can't use my power! I can't summon Thanatos, and I can't spread my wing!

"Let's see what you're afraid of, Brother! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

He turns his left hand over, and I start falling into the fog below and into the black whirlpool. I fall only a short time, until I finally hit solid ground. I stand up, and see that I'm in a traditional Japanese home. It appears to be part of a shrine of some sort. I turn around and see a statue of Buddha, but it's been melted strangely. Was it on fire? I hear something that sounds like crying, and I walk toward the source. I open a sliding door, and see that it leads to a hallway. I walk left toward the crying, and it sounds like it's getting closer. I turn left again, where the crying is just behind another sliding door. I open it, and see something quite disturbing.

It's a living room, but it's utterly destroyed. There are scorch marks all across the room, the television and furniture all destroyed. The walls are marks with scorch marks, all already black. A book shelf has fallen over, and it's still on fire. Wait, the fire is…black. Black Flame? I hear the sobs of a child, and I look right. There's a coffee table sat in front of a couch, which is burnt to a crisp. Oddly enough, I see burnt clothes on it. They look like a girl's school uniform. I hear the crying getting a little more subtle, coming from behind the couch. I walk slowly to it, as the sobs every now and again lose control and are slight yelps of sorrow.

I finally reach the left side of the couch, and see who was crying sitting behind it in the feeble position. It's a young boy, possibly only a few years younger than me, and he looks…familiar. His hair is shoulder length, in the multiple patterns of black and silver. He has no shirt on, and his body is covered in burn marks. The boy looks up to the ceiling, completely unaware of my presence. Then, I saw the deal breaker. The boy's eyes with the same as mine, but oddly colored. They were cat-like, with the left eye being my green and the right being violet. This boy…this room…this is getting to familiar.

"I'm sorry…" the boy says to no one. "I'm so sorry…" He looks back down and cries into his knees. "I didn't mean to…I didn't…know that was going to happen…"

No…this kid…he's me, but this room is…no. "I…"

Don't say it. "I don't…"

Don't you dare say it kid, you can't be…! "I'm sorry...Alice...I don't…want to be…"

For the love of God, don't do it! "I don't want to be alone!" he screams.

NOOOO! This…this can't be it! I thought…I thought that was only a nightmare! But it's…this isn't a nightmare…it's a memory! This place was…this room is where I…oh my God no! No! No! No! No!

"This can't be happening! I buried this four years ago!" I say aloud on impulse.

"You did…and I brought it back from the dead!" The Horseman of Madness's voice!

I look to the younger me, who began decaying into a pile of flesh! Then, the whole room shattered, and I stared falling again! The wreckage of the house was flying all around me until we all crash around what looked like a graveyard. I stood up, and saw the Horseman standing above me in human size, his bottom half visible to me. He's wearing brown, torn up pants that have a string for a belt. I don't wanna be anywhere near this freak! I scoot back on my butt until I hit a tomb stone.

"Y-You stay away from me, you twisted s-son of a bitch! Stay out of my head!"

"And now you see, Big Brother, my power! I bring people's fears to life and make them suffer! Madness is like gravity. All you need…is a little…PUSH, and my power IS that push AAHAHAAHAHA!"

This is all an illusion…illusion! It's not real, he can't harm me here!

"Then…you're attacks are useless. This is psy-psychological warfare. You're trying to break my mind. It won't work! I'm more than smart enough to outsmart you!"

"Katsu?" I hear a girl's voice. No…no it can't be her. This isn't real!

"Turn around, Big Brother. See what your fears have brought from the grave! But don't worry; she's not what you're REALLY afraid of. Just as Jenova has pierced your mind with representation of your paranoia, SHE is your guilt!"

"I'm not turning around, you sick creep!"

At that, I felt what seemed like a dead, wasting hand touch my shoulder.

"Katsu?" the voice is right next to my ear!

"Get the hell away from me!" I turn around, and she's not there. This…this sick f-!"

"Move it, shit-head!" I hear a familiar voice call out. It's Thanatos!

"Stay out of this, Thanatos!" I turn around to see the Horseman of Madness looking up to the sky. "I'm having too much fun with this Bat!"

"Go back to the darkness, Faust!"

At that, pale green fire rained down like a meteor storm and started burning everything. The Horseman of Madness didn't react. He seemed more annoyed than anything else. I felt something tug on my collar. What it is, I don't know. I just want it to get me out of here! As I'm being pulled away, everything starts to go white. The Horseman looked at me as I went away, and his stitch mouth smiled.

"So long, Little Bat. Remember: you never forget your first time! AHAHAHAHHAHAHA!" Everything fades to white…


Third Person POV

For several days, the Berith household has been kept under massive activity. Katsu had collapsed on the street to the house, and Lucile Paimon and Ayumu Yoshida had brought him back. Jenova looked at him, and didn't know what was wrong. Katsu was placed in his bed in his room, keeping only his uniform pants on, and looked after by Jenova everyday as she researched what had made him collapsed. She had realized what it was on the first day, and upon Lucile and Ayumu's return, she declared that she would not tell them until Katsu had reawakened. Lucile never left Katsu's side any time before and after school. She would make sure he was taken care of. Ayumu however, kept his distance from everyone and stayed in his room. Though he did remember Katsu's orders, and asked Jenova to give him Berith Clan leaflets so he could pass them around town. Jenova agreed, but only because she wanted Ayumu out of the house until Katsu was awake.

On the final day in the morning, Katsu's Sacred Gear appeared by his bed side, and Jenova explained that Thanatos had lost patience, and intervened. All that was left to do was wait a few more minutes until it finally happened. As Jenova specified, Katsu awoke with a loud gasp and breathe for air, his Sacred Gear vanishing in the process.

"Jenova!" Lucile called from her seat. "Jenova, Katsu's awake!"

At that, rapid footsteps could be heard from downstairs rushing up. Jenova emerged into the room, and rushed over to stand next to Lucile, he help Katsu sit up and patted his back. Katsu coughed several times, and looked around to analyze where he was. Lucile knew something was wrong right off the bat. Katsu had never acted this erratic before, telling Lucile that something had happened to him. Lucile placed her right hand on Katsu's cheek, gaining his attention. Katsu looked at Lucile with eyes full of fear and fright, something Lucile never knew Katsu was capable of.

"Katsu…what happened?" Lucile asks in as gentle of a voice as she could.

Katsu was hesitant to speak, but just as he was about to, Jenova spoke for him.

"He was hit by the basic power of the Broken Soul, Sacred Gear to the Horseman of Madness."

With this new revelation, Lucile wasn't sure how to react to this news. So instead of more questions, she moved to sit on the bed by Katsu's side, wrapping her arms around Katsu's neck into a hug. Both she and Katsu looked at Jenova as she stood by the side of the bed and explained.

"I found a book depicting the legends of the Horsemen and their powers. It was written by an Angel in ancient times to be used as a guide in case they ever came back."

"Came back?" Lucile asked, Katsu appearing to settling down.

"Turns out what we know about the Horsemen was a little false. But enough about that; to what happened to Abbey…"

Jenova placed her right hand on her hip and sighed before explaining.

"The Horseman of Madness's powers revolved around psychological warfare, basing all attacks and powers around the mind. The most basic of powers and first to learn is the 'Touch of Fear'. Basically, any contact with those needles on Ayumu's gauntlet will put someone into a coma where they will experience their worst fears, and won't wake up unless someone goes in to save them, they fight the fear, or their will overpowers the fear. You can guess which ones happen more often. From the looks of things, Thanatos came in and saved you, Abbey."

Jenova looked to the small dresser by Katsu's bed where the lamp stood. It was also where Jenova had some tea ready for Lucile, and an extra cup next to it for Katsu. Jenova poured tea into the second cup, and presented it and its small plate to Katsu.

"Hear you go, Abbey." It took a few moments for Katsu to realize that Jenova was offering him tea.

He nodded his head, and reached for the tea with Lucile still hugging his head. Both Lucile and noticed Katsu's hands and arms shaking wildly as he reached for the tea. Katsu's right hand grabbed the plate while his left grabbed the cup, and both immediately were smack against each other in rapid succession. Katsu pulled them back and took a tip from the cup, his shaking arm forcing a small amount to splash on his face. He took the whole cup down in one gulp, and gave the tea back to Jenova.

"Thank you…" he says in a quiet voice.

At that, Lucile knew that Katsu should not be alone at the moment. She looked to Jenova.

"Jenova, I'm skipping school today. I can't leave Katsu alone like this. Please…"

"Go ahead. He needs it." Jenova answers without hesitation. "Just don't make him too excited." She warns.

Jenova presents the before-mentioned book about the Four Horsemen and placed it on the dresser as she took away the tea tray.

"Get well, Abel."

Jenova pleaded Katsu. Katsu simply nodded, and Jenova left the room. Lucile was even more worried that Katsu hadn't realized that the left side of his head was pressed against her breasts. She pulled him tighter into the hug, but Katsu still didn't respond. All Katsu did was stare at his lap. Lucile got increasingly worried. She decided to try using Katsu's perverseness to knock him back into his regular self. Lucile moved to sit on Katsu's lap, straddling him as she moved to rest his head on the head board, but tilting it so he could look at her. Lucile quickly disposed of the top of her school uniform, wearing only her lace blue bra.

"Katsu~…" she said his name in the lustful voice she knew got Katsu's attention.

But Katsu still didn't respond. Lucile got even more worried. She moved to grab Katsu's left hand, and placed it quickly on her right breast. While the contact was odd at first, Lucile felt comfortable since it was Katsu's hand. Katsu's eyes moved to look at his hand, now touching Lucile's breast. He still didn't respond as much as she had hoped. She then moved Katsu's hand to under her bra, hoping the nipple-to-hand contact would finally get him. Katsu simply looked back down to his lap. Lucile removed Katsu's hand, and re-arranged herself so that her bra was on straight.

"You really are out of it." Lucile commented sadly. "Katsu…what's wrong? What did you see?" she asks gently.

Katsu looked up into her eyes, but he didn't say anything.

"Please…let me help you." Katsu still didn't respond. Katsu looked down a mere inch more, and his black hair moved and covered his face.

"I…" he spoke. Lucile was surprised, but didn't do anything to startle him. "I don't…" Katsu's hesitation was evident. Finally, he said it. "I'm afraid...of being alone."

He said in the saddest tone of voice Lucile had ever heard. She was shocked, and placed her right hand over her mouth to cover a gasp. Katsu had just revealed his fear. It was being alone. Then, Lucile placed all of the pieces together. Katsu had always acted cold towards others, due to some unknown reasons Lucile still didn't know. But these unknown reasons have made Katsu cold, yet afraid to be alone completely. But it wasn't loneliness itself. It was getting close to others and them leaving him because of his coldness. Lucile then figured out why Katsu took an apprentice out of Ayumu; it was because Ayumu was a worshiper, and would never leave Katsu alone. Lucile, out of pity and duty, grabbed Katsu's head and pull him into her cleavage, catching Katsu off guard.

"Abel…" she said his birth name as sweetly and kindly as she possibly could. "You're not alone. You have me. I'll stay with you…no matter what you do, what decisions you make, even if you start going down a dark path…I won't leave you. Even if you drag us into darkness, I'll never leave your side. I'll stay here…"

Katsu looked up from Lucile's cleavage, and was even further surprised by her sweet, gentle smile.

"…As long as you need em." Katsu then caved in, and fell onto his back while covering his eyes with his left arm. Lucile could tell that he was trying his damnest to not cry. Lucile simply laughed to herself, and got off the bed for a moment. She removed the bottoms to her uniform, leaving her in only her lace blue bra and panties, and got back into the bed under the covers with Katsu.

"It's still morning. You can sleep all day until tomorrow." Lucile said.

Katsu only nodded in response. Katsu turned to his left as Lucile turned to her right, and Lucile pulled Katsu into a hug. This time, their heads rested on each other's shoulders, Lucile on Katsu's right shoulder on top of his head. While there, she could tell that Katsu went straight to sleep the moment he rested his head on her shoulder. Lucile noticed where she was, and curiosity took over. She leaned her head to his Katsu's hair, and smelled it. Since Katsu hadn't bathed for days, he only had his natural smell. And it was a smell Lucile found surprisingly well. With one last sniff, she soon followed Katsu to sleep.


Katsu's POV

The next morning, I was surprised that I was still resting in Lucile's arms. I had thought that she would throw me against the wall "just in case". Lucile woke up the same time as me, and had a content smile on her face. I remembered everything, so she didn't need to explain. Lucile helped me out of bed, find a clean uniform, and followed me as far as the shower. She left my room to take a shower as well. Once I was done, I changed into my new uniform and went to my drawer. I remember mom putting that book about the Horsemen there on yesterday, so I grabbed it and put it in my school bag. I went downstairs for breakfast, and Lucile had made me a largely egg based breakfast. I only ate her fried eggs, not having much of an appetite. Lucile surprisingly wasn't mad. She seems more patient with me lately. It must be because of last night. Thankfully, she didn't ask me about what I saw. I'm actually glad for that, since this was something I've suppressed.

I…hurt someone pretty badly almost four years ago when I was 14. My powers went out of control at a young age, and someone was hurt by it. I'd rather not talk about. As I finished up breakfast, I realized that Yoshida was nowhere in sight. I asked Jenova, and she said that Yoshida left already. I left the house, and Lucile followed close behind. Out of nowhere pretty early on in the walk, Lucile walked over and wrapped her arm around mine, making us look like a couple. Not false, but a little confusing. She seems awfully clingy. She must really be concerned for me. Eventually, we reached school and we turned more than a few heads in the place with Lucile holding on to me.

I spotted Yoshida around the middle of the grounds, and he saw me as well. Lucile let go of me so I could run after him. He ran behind the old school building where the Occult Research Club meets. I slowed down and walked, reached the back of it in the mist of trees. The other side was…surprising. Koneko was on the other side, Yoshida on the ground next to her with her right hand holding his collar. Something tells me that Yoshida ran into something he was not supposed to.

"I apologize, Koneko. Yoshida and I just need to chat."

"…Fine." She responds.

She lets go of his collar, and steps back a little. Seeing as Gremory still probably doesn't trust me, she's here just to observe. Fair enough. I approach Yoshida, who is now sitting on his knees.

"Stand up." I command.

Yoshida does what I ordered, and is shaking the whole time. Then out of nowhere, he broke. "I'm so sorry, Ueda! I didn't mean to! I mean, I was really excited when I saw my Sacred Gear, I was too stupid to realize that I might hurt someone! I'm so, so sorry!" He bows his head several times.

I sighed and walked over to stand by his side, still looking the other direction than him. I placed my right hand on his right shoulder.

"Listen to me you idiot." I spoke to him. "I don't care what the hell your power is. Frankly, I more than happy that you have this power. So I'm letting you know something right now."

I look to him as he looks to me. "No matter what your power is, or how strong you become, I'll be there to stop you before you go nuts. If I think you've gotten too big for your ego, then I'll flick the back of your ear until if flies off. Alright then?"

Yoshida looks like he's about to freaking cry. "Oh thank you for your forgiveness!" He tries to jump and hug me, but I step out of the way and he lands on the ground. I stomp my right foot on his back two times.

"I have a strict 'no hugging guys' policy, Yoshida. Besides, you've still got a bit until you regain MY trust."

I remove my foot, and Yoshida stands up with a salute. "Yes, sir!"

Yoshida acts like an idiot, but the dumbass means well. The least I can do is give him a bone. I reach into my bag and take out the book Jenova lent me and I hand it to Yoshida.

"This book apparently has details about how to use your powers. Read it during classes, but DO NOT test them. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!" Yoshida bows and takes the book. At that, the bell rings for classes to start, and the two of us hauled ass to class. During our talk, I noticed that Koneko seemed to be listening rather intently. Hm, I guess something was on her mind; hard to tell with that girl.


Lucile's POV

After what felt like FOREVER since classes started, the bell finally rang for break. I stretched my arms in my seat, and I grabbed the bento I made this morning for Abel. I'm really glad that Abel seems to be feeling better, but I'm a little worried about him. He seems less…"him" than usual. It must have something to do with whatever his worst fear is. I can't really imagine having to face your worst nightmare for a few days. He told me yesterday that it's being left alone, but what did he see that made him that way? I'd ask him, but...I don't want him to open old wounds if he doesn't want to. Maybe…maybe it's that loneliness that justifies his harem in his mind, because he'd never be alone. So that's why they have to willingly join, why he has a "plan" for it, makes sure everyone's happy: he never wants to be left alone.

If that's how it is…then it's my duty as his Queen to do something. I'm still a little nervous about the whole "sharing" thing with other girls, but if it means that Abel's happy, then I'll be fine with it. Now…who do I know that Abel gets a "stiffy" for? I'm sure Rias is out of the question (YES), so who else in this school? I'd ask Sona, but she's not that open minded to me AND she won't want anything to do with people who aren't smarter than her. Hell, that's why she broke her engagement. Tsubaki? Hell no. Well…the other girls I can think of are all in Sona's Peerage, and no other girl here seems to reach Abel's standards. Though, since I'm in his Peerage, it's understandable that his standards would be so high! So…who else can I try?

Wait, he IS a masochist after all…maybe I could ask-NO! I can't ask Akeno directly, that'd be suicide! Maybe…the power of suggestion is powerful…if I can just steer her away then maybe Abel will be happy. No…no, Abel wouldn't like that. He wants them to join WILLINGLY, not being persuaded into it. But…I suppose…the power of suggestion. I'll just drop a few hints and do NOTHING else. I'll leave what she does next to herself, I will have NOTHING to do with her choices!

Rias always has been a little clingy to her stuff…wait, there's an argument I could use. I went to find Abel first and give him his lunch, and a quick reassuring kiss on the cheek to let him know I'm still here for him. The look on Ayumu's face was disgusting. The kid looked like he was watching a porno from just one kiss on the cheek! But, Abel flicked him in the ear again. I swear if that boy doesn't control himself that ear is coming RIGHT OFF! I went looking for Akeno, hopefully she'll be running an errand and be AWAY from Rias. After a few minutes, I couldn't find her at all. I don't think she's around at the moment.

Damn, I was hoping to avoid going to find her directly. I went to the rooftop to find some air. From the building I stood on top off, I could see Abel and Ayumu reading that book Jenova mentioned. Hard to believe that just yesterday Abel couldn't so much as talk without me having to break a few of my rules. I'm glad he's feeling better…

"Lucile?" I turn around to see who called me, and was a little surprised.

As the old human saying goes: "speak of the Devil and he shall appear". Akeno was up here with me, that constant smile of hers still on her face. I couldn't help but notice that even today her breasts are still bigger than mine. It's only three centimeters but still…!

"Do you need something, Akeno?" I ask.

"Oh my, yes I was hoping you could. Madame President was just wondering why Katsu had not appeared at the meetings recently. Could you tell me, please?"

I'm sure Abel doesn't want me spilling the beans about Ayumu's Broken Soul, so I'll have to BS a tiny bit of this.

"Ayumu unlocked his Sacred Gear on the way home, and it unfortunately went a little haywire. Katsu was put into a trance that lasted a while until Jenova woke him up. He's fine now."

"Oh good; Madame President was just worried that Katsu may have been up to something." She says with a smile.

The Gremory and the Berith Clans…both Dukes, but one Clan is full of red-heads the other full of assholes. Wait, this might be my chance!

"Hey Akeno, listen, I know Rias is having a difficult time trusting Katsu, a Berith, but you have my word: he's a nice guy. He just has a little…difficulty understanding authority."

That's one way to put it. Okay, just gotta sugarcoat him a little more.

"I mean, yeah, he's a little ambitious, but who isn't these days, right? Just please, tell Rias that Katsu's a good person, please?" I just said "please" to someone other than Abel. I'm going to have to brush my teeth latter.

Akeno looked like she was debating the request a little, before she finally laughed a little. "Oh my, you seem to really care for Katsu." She says with a kind smile.

Okay, this is it…! "Yeah…I really do. I mean, yeah, he's pretty much the ultimate masochist, but what're you gonna do?"

At that, from the look of Akeno's face, I got her attention. "Pardon?" she asks.

"You didn't know? Katsu is pretty much a glutton for freaking punishment! The guy's constantly trying to get himself hurt and he LOVES it! I mean, the little pervert groped me during a hug just so I could hit him with my Hell Rain Lightning! The bastard's got issues!" I think that's enough.

I can see a slight interest in Akeno's eyes, though I can tell she's trying to hide it. Alright, time to put up "STOP SIGNS".

"Speaking of perverts, how's Hyōdō?" I ask. I snap her out of her interest for a brief moment.

"Oh, he seems to be doing fine. He's finally done passing out leaflets."

"Since he started the same time as Yoshida, that means they're BOTH done now, right?"

"That's right."

"Good. So, seeing as he's 'special', how's Rias treating him?"

Come on, take the bait... "Oh my, Madame President is spoiling him, as expected." She laughs. THERE! Take it!

"Hey listen, I know you've known Rias for a while, so I think you'll know the answer to this…"

"Hm?"

"Is she…'possessive', at all?"

"Possessive?"

"Yeah, I mean, we've both known her for a few years, and I'm sure you two are best of friends, but every time I've seen her I've always wondered 'does she not like her stuff being touched'? I learned that one the hard way…"

I rub my left cheek, remembering a little "argument" we had when we were younger. It was over something stupid in retrospect, but I do remember being the one who lost. Akeno stops smiling and looks more surprised and curious. She looks up to the sky, and places her right pointing finger on her chin.

"Hmm…I suppose she is." She looks back down with her smile back on. "Why do you ask?"

Time to put those acting skills on. I sigh as though I know something tragic, and I looked at her with sad eyes.

"Listen, I know I've been a bit of a…bitch in the past to Rias, but seeing as Katsu is trying to be friendly with you guys, I want to be as nice as I can. So, seeing as you and Rias are really good friends, I just want to warn you…" I lower my eyelids a little to look sadder. "…Try…not to spoil the little newbie of yours TOO much, okay? I mean, yeah, a little teasing wouldn't hurt, but I'd beware the wrath of an angry Rias. I certainly learned that."

Despite the smile, I can see that Akeno is contemplating what I just suggested. I know I'm SUCH A HORRIBLE person, but this isn't for me; it's for Abel! Ohhhh…I have to ask Jenova to punish me later... Akeno laughs again and nods her head.

"I'll try to remember that, Lucile. Thank you." She turns around and is about to leave, but then she turns to face me again. "People call you the Ice Queen, but I see that you have a really warm heart." She comments, and then leaves.

I'm…a little stunned, honestly. I hadn't seen that coming at all. A warm heart...Hm-hm, I guess that's what happens when the Ice Queen is so close to Black Flame. The bell rings, ending the break. Oh no! I didn't eat lunch with Abel! Ah, dammit all!


Katsu's POV

Lucile didn't show up again after leaving me with lunch, which left me a little lonely. Although, I did learn some useful things from that book. For one, everything is written in vague non-rhyming riddles that only describe what our Lost Longinus can do. So, to compensate, I took the book and decided to spend the second half of school translating the riddles into possible meanings. Jenova could read it fine, but I'm assuming the book isn't going to spell out something to the two of us since we're Horsemen. After school was out, Lucile was quick to find me and give me a hug, sounding like she was sick of something. I asked her, and she replied "myself". I'm not sure what she did, but she was there for me and I'm here for her. We went on our marry way to the Occult Research Club, where we'll be participating in observing how a Devil Job actually gets done.

Knowing Hyōdō, this'll be comedy gold. We arrived when the other members besides Hyōdō were there, which didn't surprise me. We took our place in the corner, Yoshida occupied with learning how to handle his Sacred Gear in the book. This room could use some lightening up, honestly. The curtains are drawn to cover the late day light and the only lighting are the candles. I know we're all Devils and we can see in the dark, but still, never hurts to have a little light atmosphere to a room. Hyōdō eventually arrived.

"I'm entering." He said at the other side of the door. Now's the time to keep my mouth shut and observe. He walks in, acting casually.

"He's here," Gremory announces to Akeno.

"Yes, Madame President. Issei, please stand here in the middle of the magic circle."

Hyōdō moved to the center of the room. "So what now?" he asks.

"Issei, your work of giving out leaflets is finished now. Well done." Gremory says with a smile. "Now you can start your job as a Devil professionally."

"Oh! Now I can make contracts!?" Hyōdō asks wildly.

"Yes, that's right. Though, since it's your first time, it's going to be a contract with someone with a small wish. Koneko received two contracts beforehand. Since it's hard to do both, I will leave one to you."

"Please help me..."

Koneko bows her head. Hm, this should be interesting to see how he screws it up. Akeno is inside the circle casting something. Then, the magic circle starts emitting blue and white lights.

"Ummm..." Hyōdō seems nervous. Please tell me the circle is going to blown him to pieces.

"Keep quiet, Issei. Akeno is inserting your carved seal into the magic circle." Gremory tells him.

She must be referring to her clan's symbol, the oddly shaped crimson rose. Looking back, the Berith Clan symbol looks very much like a demon in a way, though more of a crest than an actually demon.

"Issei, put your palms towards here."

Hyōdō placed his left hand towards Gremory, just like she said. Gremory started to write something on his palm with her fingers. Is she writing a charm? It looks like she is drawing something like a circle... Instantly Hyōdō's palm started to glow. I don't recall doing this to Lucile of Yoshida. Jenova must've done it to us again while we slept, and Lucile to Yoshida a few days ago when Yoshida was hurt.

"This magic seal is used for transportation, and it can transport you to the client's place instantly. And when the contract is finished, it lets you return to this room." Gremory looks to Akeno. "Akeno, are you ready?"

"Yes, Madame President." Akeno steps out of the magic circle.

"Now stand in the middle of it." Gremory orders.

Hyōdō moves to the center. I signal Yoshida to pull out a pre-unwrapped chocolate granola bar I had brought to watch this show. Popcorn would've been too messy and rude.

"The magic circle is responding with the client. Now you are going to be transported to that location. You already have the manual for what to do after getting transported right?"

"Yes!"

"Good response. Now get going!"

The circle glows quite brightly, and then…nothing. Absolutely nothing. I'm…surprised, though disappointed. No explosion? No evaporation? No turning into a pile of mesh? This is just like the climax to a B-rated movie. Hyōdō opened his eyes, and looked around to be surprised. I looked to see Akeno and Gremory's reactions. Gremory was putting her hand on her forehead.

"Oh my, oh my." Akeno said with a disappointed face.

Kiba simply sighed. Me? I'm holding back a chuckle.

"Issei." Gremory calls his name.

"Yes."

"Unfortunately, you can't use the magic circle to get transported to the client's location."

"Huh? What does that mean?" Hyōdō ask with a confused face.

"Magic circle requires an amount of magic powers... It doesn't require that much magic power. No, it's a feat that could be done by any Devil, even children. Transportation by the magic circle is the first and the easiest step of being a Devil."

No way…are you serious!?

"In other words Issei, your magic powers are below that of children. No, it's so low that the magic circle can't respond with it. Issei, your magic is incredibly low."

"Unsightly..." Koneko says dryly.

I knew it! AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHHAHA! I'm barley holding back my laughs. I'm gripping the chair as tightly as I can! I look to Yoshida, who is against the wall calmly out-cold, blue sparks of electricity coming off of him. Preemptive strike, Lucile! Ahahahahaaha! I can't hold much longer!

Lucile raises her hand. "Rias, can Katsu laugh into my shoulder? He's starting to turn purple."

Gremory sighs. "Go ahead…"

Lucile kneels down in front of me, and opens her arms into a hug. I dive in and hug her, laughing my ass off into her shoulder. Thankfully, the noise is being suppressed a little.

"AHAHAHAHAAHAHA! AHAHA, BWAAHHAHAHAH! I CAN'T, I CAN'T, I CAN'T BELI-HAHAHAAHAHA!" all muffled. Though I could feel Hyōdō's anger. Doesn't matter, that was funny!

I eventually settle down, adjust the collar to my blazer, and sit back into my chair as Lucile moved to stand by me.

"Thank you, Ms. Paimon." I said formerly.

"Oh my, oh my. We are in trouble. What should we do, Madame President?" Akeno asked with a troubled face.

Gremory appears to be pondering something. "Since there is a client, we can't let him wait. Issei."

"Yes!"

"It's never happened before, but you will have to go there on your own feet."

"By myself!?" Oh this is just too good for television.

"Yes. Just like how you handed out the leaflet, you will have to go to his residence. It can't be helped since you don't have any magic powers. You will have to make up for that part with your own body."

"On a bicycle!? I will have to go to the client's place on a bicycle!? Are there even Devils like that!?"

Koneko immediately pointed to Hyōdō. Oh that was too funny.

"Hurry and get going! It's a Devil's job to make a contract! You can't make humans wait!" Gremory says urgently.

Hyōdō starts crying. "Uwaaaah! I will do my best!" he says as he leaves the room quickly. Oh that was too much fun, it should be illegal.

After that, it was Koneko's turn, who left easily. Now that I've seen how it's done, I turn to Yoshida.

"Yoshida, you see how it all works now?"

"Uh-huh, I think I got it."

"Good." I turn to Lucile. "Lucile, would you mind taking Yoshida home so Jenova can give him his job?"

"Sure thing." Lucile starts walking. "Come on, Ayumu. Don't wanna keep the clients waiting."

Yoshida follows her out the room, where I'm sure she'll use a Transportation Circle to get home. I take out my book and start reading.

"Um, Katsu, you can leave now." Kiba commented.

I closed my book for a moment to give my response. "I know. I'm just here to get to know the Gremory team a little better. That okay?" I turn to Gremory as I asked the question.

She looks at me seriously for a moment. "I suppose. Though, you did laugh at my cute Servant…" Aw crap. "So, to keep our truce, I want something in return."

"Very well then. What do you want?"

"An answer for an answer. Beriths are known for being liars when not answering questions. So, how does that sound?"

She's not wrong at that one. "Deal. You start."

"What really happened to you for the past few days?" she asks without hesitation. "Akeno says Lucile said that your Pawn Ayumu's Sacred Gear acted up. That's only half the truth, isn't it? No normal Sacred Gear can put a High-Class Half-Breed for several days."

Quick to the meat, aren't we. I couldn't help but notice that we both adopted devilish smiles. I think this turned into a little competition.

"Yoshida's Sacred Gear is a very powerful illusion type. I was put into an illusion induced coma until I was…saved by someone. He required several of my Pawns to bring him to my side."

"Hm, is that so?"

"My turn." I readjust myself to sit in my seat. "You claim that Hyōdō is 'special'. I'm guessing that took several Pawns to bring him back to life. My question is: how many was he worth."

"Issei was worth eight Pawns. He really shows potential."

"Yeah…" I looked to the center of the magic circle, where Hyōdō failed to transport. "I noticed his potential."

Gremory's eyes look sharply at me, her smile almost gone. "But I'm surprised. I was afraid that he would be so out of control that he'd explode. Instead…turns out he's too weak to even use it."

Gremory's eyes were less sharp, but the smile still was. "My turn. What is YOUR Sacred Gear?"

And she caught me off guard! Damn! I didn't think she would ask that! Tsk, she's got me by the balls (not as fun as I had hoped, but close enough). Hm, I guess I have no choice.

"How'd you guess?"

"It wasn't hard to put together. Considering the book you're holding is a book about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, it was easy."

Well take my scythe and wipe my ass. She's REALLY good. Hm, I'm starting to get rusty. Very well, if she wants to know.

"I possess the Final Judgment, Sacred Gear to the Horseman of Death and one of the four Lost Longinus. I'm still learning how to use it, and my skill is only in its physical usage so far." I answer plainly. "My turn?"

"Go ahead."

As fun as it would be to ask a personally odd question, I have better uses for these questions. Let's try this… "Who rules the Underworld?"

"Hm?"

"I'm assuming since Devils have a class system, there's someone at the top? Who's up there?"

Gremory stares at me for a moment, her smile gone and looking more serious than anything. "The highest ranking members of Devil society are the Four Satans, titles given to the four strongest and High-Class Devils. Originally, the Four Satans were descendants of the original four Satans Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, and Asmodeus."

"I see. Your turn now."

"What is your true aim for the Berith Clan?" she asks seriously.

"I only want to bring my Clan to high status without having to use Kabel Berith's methods or reputation. If anything, I hope to fix any ill will between my Clan and others if possible."

"Then you had better start working on apologizing to vampires."

"Eh?"

"Among all the races that Kabel has wronged, vampires have received the worst of it. He constantly killed and sacrificed vampires during the Great War because he saw them as 'copycats' to us Devils."

I couldn't help but grip my fists together tighter, almost to the bleeding point. I let out a sigh through my nostrils. "I understand. If I happen to ever see one, I'll be sure to start working on those apologies." I take one last breath before my last question. "Has Kabel ever wronged your clan?" I ask.

Gremory is silent for a moment, before finally answering. "For a time, Kabel was almost considered to become the first Fifth Satan because of his power, rivaling that of an Ultimate-Class Devil. My older brother, who is the current Lucifer, didn't exactly like the idea. All Kabel did was threaten, but it was enough to cause some bad ties between your Clan and my own."

I could just feel my anger burning in me. It was enough that the flames on all of the candles turned black, and my hair and eyes turned against my will again. The room was barely lit now. I stood up from my chair, walked toward Gremory, and got down to my knees and bowed my head to the floor.

"On behalf of the Berith Clan, I, Abel Berith, apologize for my predecessor, Kabel Berith's, threats toward your brother. I humbly beg for you forgiveness." I stayed down there for a while, so long that Koneko returned.

"…I'm done…" she said blankly.

After a while, Gremory sighed. "Stand up, Katsu." She said with a sound of relief. I stand up, and she's smiling kindly. "You're full of surprises every time I see your face, Katsu. You truly mean what you say."

"Berith's don't lie to questions. And I thank you for your kind words." I bow my head slightly. I raise myself up, and move to gather my stuff. "Thanks for the productive meeting, Gremory. I look forward to tomorrow."


...

The next day…is glorious. Lucile and I are back in the club room (Yoshida out doing another job), and there is a plethora of good news. First, Yoshida completed his first Devil Job with flying colors. It was a man asking a question of Devils, wondering what the meaning to life is. Ayumu answered "Boobs and harems". Apparently the guy was ecstatic over the answer, and enjoyed Yoshida's company. He got positive feedback for his help, saying he might call on Yoshida again. As for Hyōdō, well…Gremory was MAD when we got back. Even Kiba laughed a little at what had occurred.

"Issei..."

The tone of her voice was deep and serious and she sounded mad.

"Yes!" Hyōdō replied with nervousness.

"You talked with the client about manga, and what happened after that? What about the contract?"

She came straight to the point.

"I couldn't make a contract... We role-played a certain manga till morning!"

"Role-play?"

"Ye..yes! We played a certain character from that manga and acted as if we were fighting."

By the flames of hell this cannot get any better. Yoshida handed me another chocolate granola bar.

"I know that as a high school boy, no, as a professional Devil, I should be embarrassed! I'm regretting it! I'm very sorry!" he bows his head after apologizing. Holy crap he means it. Well then…

"After the contract, we ask the client to fill in the questionnaire... We ask the client about their feedback about the contract they just made. The questionnaire is written in the leaflet and their feedback shows up in this paper here..."

Gremory took out a paper with feedback for the questionnaire. I could read it from where I was.

[It was fun. It was my first time having a good time like this. I would like to meet with Issei again. I would like to make a good contract with him next time.]

"This is the reply from the client..."

Oh come on.

"This is the first time I received a feedback like this. I wasn't sure what to do first, that's why I was quiet and had a weird expression."

She's not mad? Dammit.

"To Devils, what's important is that we make a proper contract with humans who summoned us. Then, we get our reward. That's how Devils have lived since a long time ago. This is the first time I encountered an incident like this... As a Devil, you failed, but the client was happy with you." Gremory looked puzzled, but her expression changed to a smile.

No! Don't praise his failure! Kick his ass to the curb! Go Freiza on his ass!

"But it's interesting. You might become the number one for unexpected things. But remember to do the basics. You make a contract with them and grant their wish. Then you receive the reward. Okay?"

"Yes, I'll do my best!"

Son of a bitch. Soon enough, Hyōdō left for another job. For jobs, these are rather slow compared to what I expected. I thought it might be something like store checkout stations during sales; hellish and full of broken noses.

Lucile and I were left in the corner of the room as the other members of the Gremory conversed amongst themselves. I start working on my book again, Lucile watching me intently. She's been sleeping in her own bed lately, saying that she won't hesitate to run back in and sleep in the same bed if I start having nightmares. That brought me comfort, to know that she'd still come on and help me. As perverted as I wanted to be, I couldn't find it in my heart to take advantage of such kindness. Eventually, I heard Gremory sigh. "Katsu?" she calls for me.

"Yo."

"Care to play our game again?"

"Answer for an answer? Sorry, not today. I'm a little busy turning some madman's riddles into sentences."

"Just one for today."

I put down the book and my pen and turn to face Gremory. "Very well then. Go ahead."

"I heard you were raised by a former nun and priest by your mother."

"Correct."

"Is your overall opinion of God anything more positive than ours?"

"Hell no. I'm overall against God, seeing as he's put down his own creation from time to time. Plus, if God is so pure and good and created everything in the universe, then how come there's evil, huh? How come there's Devils and Fallen Angels? Personally, if I were an Angel with this same personality, I'd take the first ship out of Heaven and party with the Fallen Angels."

"You don't despise Fallen Angels?"

She broke our rules. Though, I'll forgive her since everyone, even Lucile, are surprised. Well, I'm an honest answerer.

"No. In fact, I have a certain…respect for Fallen Angels. I see them as the epitome of independence, freely obeying their desires and impulses with no consequence. I have a respect for people who are honest with themselves. In fact, that's why I don't hate Hyōdō. If I may be so bold…I'd say if we weren't at war with Fallen Angels, I feel as though I could be good friends with them."

I raised my pointer right finger up. "Now it's my turn for questions." I don't really have any in particular, so I'll just throw one to the wind. "What's the weather supposed to be like tomorrow?"

"Sunny."

"Okay. And secondly, I'm half human, but I can still use that leaflet Hyōdō gave me, right?"

"I suppose you could. I've never seen a Human-Devil Hybrid use it before."

"Thank you. Could make for an interesting experiment."

I sit back in my chair and the night resumes on as usual. I get occasional glances from everyone every now and again, nothing really happening of them. I can understand what they're feeling. Later on, with no sign of Hyōdō, Lucile and I left to go home. By the time we got back, Yoshida had already finished his job and got positive feedback on it. Good, things seem to progressing nicely.

Later that evening, I ordered Yoshida to follow me to the underground training area underneath the house at the very bottom. He bitched about being up so late, but I simply brought out Final Judgment and bonked him on the head with the bottom of it.

"OW! What was that for?" he asks.

"Today is training day, Yoshida. We're taking what I've translated to work, got it?"

Yoshida immediately turned from annoyed and sleepy to awake and fired up! He stood up and brought out his Broken Soul gauntlet. Damn thing gives me the creeps.

"Okay, what're we doing first!?" he asks happily.

"Well first, you're going to see what I can do."

I walk over to a large patch of grass growing on the ground a few feet away. "Observe."

I held the scythe over the grass, and imagine one of Final Judgment's most basic powers. I open my eyes, and the grass is beginning to decay into grayness. I lift the scythe back so I could look at the jewel in the top connecting point of the blade and poll, and see a very small amount of very light green light build up. I look to Yoshida, who is utterly amazed.

"How'd you do that!?" he asks excitingly.

"That is one of my powers, Yoshida. When Final Judgment is active, I can drain the life force out of any living being, more targeted toward beings like me, you, and others, and adds them to my own."

"Whoa! You mean you can take people's lives!? Wow, you're like a Shinigami!"

"Not exactly. Beings more powerful than me are immune unless I can stick the scythe into them."

"How do you know all of this!?"

"That book translates out as our powers and how to learn and use them. So, I learned how to do this."

"Cool! What's my power?" Then, Yoshida looked incredibly depressed. "Oh yeah…fear."

"That's a basic power. But, in terms of actual fighting, just sticking it to your opponents isn't enough to be an effective fighter."

"So, what do you want me to do?"

"You're going to learn: 'Fear Aura'."

"Fear Aura?"

"A non-physical ranged attack. Now, something I've learned is that magic is based on your imagination. You have to imagine something to make it into something. The sky's the limit. BUT, one thing: you have to grow in power on it. Which is why…" I position myself to attack position. "We're going to fight now."

Yoshida looks hesitant, and steps back. "I don't wanna hurt you with my Sacred Gear again, Ueda…"

Too much of a coward. I charged forward with my scythe and swung at him, but Yoshida ducked down and avoided it. In the turn around, I moved to have the bottom of the scythe and smashed into Yoshida's face. He fell and rolled back several feet until he hit his back on a rock. I walked forward and swing down the scythe, hitting the blade right next to Yoshida's head.

"In battle, you can't hesitate just because you might hurt someone. You have to hold nothing back and attack with no mercy. Until you realize that, you will never deserve the honor of being my Pawn…"

Yoshida looks horrified, then I saw determination in his eyes. He lifts his right arm up, needles aimed at me. I jumped back and avoid them EXTENDING out and they hit the ceiling! Yoshida goes up for a bit then detaches himself from the ceiling, coming down. The needles strangely shift into claws! I block the claws, and walk back twirling the scythe a few times until I'm a few feet away and in my battle stance. Yoshida moves to stick his gauntlet in the ground, and out form it come his needles again! I grow my wing out and fly above him. The claws missed, then retract back in the ground as Yoshida takes his gauntlet out. I look into his eyes, and I see nothing but a fighting spirit. Alright, things are getting interesting. Since I'm using my wing, my hair and eyes turn again.

"You wanna keep going, Yoshida?" I ask.

"Bring it on!" Yoshida screams as he sprouts his wings.

He jumps up, and he's flying slowly. But while he's slow, he extends out his claws again, each needle coming from different directions. Let's see how this goes…!


...

After a while, Yoshida is forced onto the ground and beaten down. He's breathing heavily, covered in a few burn marks and scorched pieces of his clothes. I however only have a few scratches, all from hitting things other than those claws and needles. Frankly, I'm surprised at how quickly he's adapted to using that thing for combative purposes. Near the end of our fight, when Yoshida wanted that ranged attack more than anything, he imagined it and it finally happened. The "Fear Aura" is the magical energy of the Sacred Gear taking the form of something similar to smoke, and once inhaled it takes the same effects of being stabbed by his needles. I wouldn't know if it actually did anything like that, but I do know that it from what I've translated. Yoshida looks worn out, but I know what he's trying: possum. I walk over, and tap his side with my foot.

"Get up. Ya ain't dead yet." At that, Yoshida jumped up to his feet and pulled his right hand back for a punch, gauntlet still on. He roars as the punch comes in.

Ah you fool, time to imagine this other power of mine. In a flash, I vanish from where I stood and appear behind Yoshida. This is one of my powers: False Image. Right before the moment of attack, I can teleport myself away at the last instant and replace my body with an afterimage that vanishes after a few seconds. I read that the perfect form of this power is an afterimage moving and talking for you until physical contact is needed. It'll be a while until I reach that level. For now, I'll just keep using this and whacking Yoshida on the back of the head every time he misses. Good day today, thankfully. Though I did learn ONE thing: I can't fight bare handed it's a bit of a handicap of mine. I can perfectly without a weapon, but if I should find myself in a situation without a weapon, I'll be defenseless. And considering that no one in my Peerage has close-quarters-combat experience, I may as well learn some as compensation.


...

The next day after school, we went to observe yet another meeting among the Gremory team with Yoshida staying behind to do some jobs. I know we've learned all we needed from the Gremory team, but I want to keep my eye on Hyōdō. I'm going to see what Gremory sees that's so special. And we went at a good time. Apparently, a Stray Devil has been spotted nearby. The Gremory team was picked by someone called the Arch Duke to handle this, but I asked Gremory if we could come alone with them so Yoshida could see real battle. She said yes, just not to stand in the firing range.

I explained to Yoshida that Stray Devils were once Servants like him but went basically AWOL and some even eat humans. He seemed more excited than scared to be fighting a real demon than anything else. Lucile used our magic circle at home to meet at the same location, an unused building at the edge of town. I had warned Yoshida that he was not to attack, only observe. If I'm not careful, he may turn out to be a battle maniac. The Gremory team were already there, and walked ahead of us. Eventually, we reached it, and I heard Koneko smell the air.

"Smell of blood…" she said.

I felt a small spark of anticipation in my spine. This is definitely going to be fun to watch. Gremory stepped ahead of the groups and had her hands on her hips. She's confident.

"Issei, it's a good opportunity to experience what it's like to fight." She talks to Issei.

"Wait, are you serious!? I'm positive that I won't be of much use!" He has no idea how accurate he is.

"Yes. It's still impossible now." Good, now she's being honest with him. "But you can watch what a Devils' battle is like. Today, just concentrate and look at how we fight. Oh, yes. I will also explain the traits the Servants have."

"Explain? The traits Servants have?"

I tapped Yoshida's shoulder. "Pay attention."

"Devils who become a master give traits to those who will become their Servants. Yes, it's probably about time I explain about it and the history of Devils..."

"There was a three sided war between the Devils, the Fallen Angels, and God with its Angels followers. All three sides had a large army and they fought for almost eternity. As a result, all three sides lost most of their troops and the war finished several hundred years ago with no side winning."

"The Devils were no exception. Big Devils with Peerage who commanded about 20 or 30 troops lost most of their underlings because of the war. They lost so many that they couldn't even form new armies." Kiba explained after Gremory.

"I heard that most of the pure Devils passed away in that war. But even after the war, there are still problems between the Devils, the Fallen Angels and God. Even when the Fallen Angels' and God's side also lost most of their troops, we are still in a position where we can't let our guard down, or else we will be in trouble." Akeno continued.

"Then, the Devils decided to use a system to form a small group of soldiers. And that is the Evil Piece." Gremory finished.

"Evil Piece?" Hyōdō asks.

"Devils with Peerage decide to use the traits of the human's game 'chess' to their Servant Devils. It was a sarcasm, because most of the Servants are Devils that were reincarnated from humans. Since then, chess became a popular game in the world of the Devils. We'll leave that aside. Devils who are masters are a 'King'. In our case, that is me. From there, they created 5 special traits that consist of Queen, Rook, Bishop, and Knight. Since they couldn't make an army, they decided to have a small number of Devils and give them enormous powers. This system was made in the past few hundred years, and this unexpectedly became popular amongst Devils with Peerage."

"Popular? You mean the chess rule?"

"They started to compete against each other. For example like, 'My Knight is stronger!', or 'No, my Rook is stronger!' As a result, high-class Devils started to play a game like that of chess against each other using their Servant Devils. We call it the 'Rating Game'. Anyway, this game became very popular amongst the Devils. Now, there are even tournaments for it. The strength of their 'Pieces' and also how strong they are at the game affects the Devils' social position, and their Peerage. There is a thing called 'Piece Collect' where they gather humans with talents and make them into their Pieces. It is very popular recently. Talented Servants become their status. I'm not a matured Devil yet, so I can't participate in a formal tournament. Even if I could, there are things that I need to go through, or else I can't play. In short, Issei and my Servants here won't be participating in a game for a while."

"So does that mean that Kiba and the others haven't played in that game yet?"

"Yeah." Kiba answered my question.

"Prez, what is my role and traits? And what Piece am I?"

"Issei, you are..." Gremory stopped there.

And I think she has good reason to. I felt a slight chill on my spine. I think that stray is going to show up now.

"I can smell something disgusting. But I can also smell something delicious. Is it sweet? Or is it sour?" A low voice that sounds like it's coming from below the ground. I turn to see Yoshida was smiling, but still looked nervous as all hell.

"Exiled Devil Viser. We are here to eliminate you."

"Kwakwakwakwakwakwakwa…!" A crazy laugh

Oh this should be fun. From the shadows, a thing showed up. It was a topless woman up top, but it's bottom was that of a monster with four fat legs and sharp claws and a tail. It was holding something that looks like a spear in both of its hands.

"Leaving your master's side, and rampaging as you please definitely deserves death. In the name of Duke Gremory, I will gladly eliminate you!" Gremory declared.

"You are cunning for a little girl! I will rip your body and color it in red just like your hair!"

"Viser speaks in a stylish manner. Yūto!"

"Yes!" Kiba, who was near Hyōdō, sprinted ahead as soon as Gremory ordered. His speed is tremendous!

"Issei, I will continue from the lecture before." Gremory said to Hyōdō.

"Yūto's position is "Knight". Its trait is speed. Those who become a knight have their speed increased." Just as she said, Kiba was moving like soundless lightning. The monster was using its spear to attack, but it didn't seem like it would hit.

"And Yūto's ultimate weapon is swords."

Kiba stopped his movements and suddenly he was holding a European sword. He took it out of the scabbard and the naked sword was reflecting the light of the moon. Kiba suddenly disappeared again. The next moment, I heard the scream of the monster.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaah!"

When I looked, both of its arms were separated from the torso along with the spear. Blood gushed out of its wound.

"This is Yūto's power. Speed that you can't follow with your eyes, and sword skills of that of a professional. By combining these two, he became the fastest Knight."

Koneko, who was quiet enough to go unnoticed, was below the monster known as Viser.

"Next is Koneko. She is a 'Rook'. The trait of a Rook is its -"

Viser raised one of its feet and stomped on Koneko. But the monster's foot didn't hit the ground. It couldn't be. The girl with a tiny body is lifting up the monster's foot.

"The trait of a Rook is simple. Absolute strength and also very high defense. It's impossible for a Devil with that caliber to stamp on Koneko. It can't crush her."

Koneko then completely lifted up the monster.

"Fly…."

Koneko jumped high and punched into the monster's stomach very sharply.

The enormous body of the monster was thrown backwards. Holy shit. I'm not one for brute force, but that was awesome!

"Lastly, Akeno."

Akeno is laughing and walking towards the monster who went flying by a hit from Koneko.

"Akeno is a 'Queen'. It's the person who is the strongest after me. She is the unbeatable Queen who has all the traits of Pawn, Knight, Bishop, and Rook.

The monster was staring at Akeno. Akeno had a fearless laugh after seeing the monster's gaze.

"Oh my, seems like you still have some energy left in you. Then how about this?"

Akeno-san puts her hands towards the sky. Suddenly the sky sparkled, and a lightning bolt strikes down the monster.

"Gagagaggaaaaaa!" it screams in pain. Something tells me I'm going to like what happens next.

"Oh my, seems like you are still energetic. Looks like you can take more."

Flash. Another lightning bolt hit the monster.

"Gwaaaaaaah!"

Akeno's face while striking down the lightning bolt had a scary and cold expression even though she was smiling. She's…enjoying this. I'd go so far as to say that she's loving this!

"Akeno excels at using attacks made from magical powers. She could use natural elements like lightning, ice, and fire and such. And most of all, she is the ultimate sadist."

I KNEW IT! The ULTIMATE sadist! Dammit, why is forbidden fruit always the sweetest!? Fate, you cruel bitch!

"Usually, she's very kind. But once the battle starts, she won't stop until she calms down."

"I'm scared of Akeno-san..." Hyōdō commented. I am too, Hyōdō. Although, I'm strangely getting turned on at the same time.

"You don't have to be afraid, Issei. Akeno is very kind to comrades, so it's not a problem."

"Fufufufufufu. How much of my lightning can you take, Viser? You still can't die yet. The one who finishes you off will be my master." She laughs more as she keeps attacking.

For a few minutes, Akeno's lightning attacks continued. After Akeno calmed down, Gremory confirmed it and nodded her head. Gremory approached Viser that after she had lost her will to fight. Gremory put her hand towards the monster.

"Any last words?"

"Kill me."

That's the only thing the monster said.

"Is that so? Then disappear."

No, this is too easy. "Wait, Gremory." Gremory turned to face me. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to have Yoshida play with this monster a little more, just to have her suffer for betraying her master." I hope that argument works

Gremory ponders my reason, then answers. "Very well then. But seeing as we were assigned to handle this thing, he can't kill it."

"I don't expect Yoshida to. Yoshida!" I turn my head to Yoshida, who is saluting me. "Move out." Yoshida raises his right hand and brings out his gauntlet.

"Okay, let's do this!" he charged forward, and I tripped him. "OW!" he says on the ground.

"I'm being cruel to be kind. Don't just charge in."

Yoshida stands up, and approaches the beast slowly. "Okay, let's see…" Yoshida looks like he's analyzing the thing, before finally he raised his gauntlet. "Try this!" he stabbed it onto Viser's shoulder, and jumped back. "Check this out, Ueda! I can make her see whatever fear I want!"

Yoshida extends the gauntlet, and the strange orange liquid begins bubbling in those tubes. Then, Viser screamed. "

"NO! GET THEM OFF ME, GET THEM OFF ME!"

Yoshida is laughing a little. "She thinks she's being eaten by giant spiders! Oh, check this out!"

"NO, KEEP AWAY FROM ME! I PROMISE I'LL NEVER RUN AWAY AGAIN!"

"She just saw her old master."

This is getting cruel now. "Yoshida, knock it off. I think she's had enough."

Yoshida sighs before turning around. "Okay, fine…" and he starts walking back. "You can kill it now, Miss Gremory. Apparently I'm not allowed too…" Yoshida pouts like a child.

I'm beginning to think that he's getting too attached to that Sacred Gear of his. I'll have to avoid getting him combat training for a bit. As he walks, I see Viser is calming down. But then, out of nowhere, she lunges forward toward Yoshida from behind! I immediately jump in with my False Image and stand behind Yoshida back to back, and I take Viser chomping down on my right shoulder. I hold in the pain, expressing it through a loud grunt. Lucile gasps, while everyone else except Koneko simply looks surprised. I hear Yoshida turn around.

"Oh no! Ueda!" I hear Yoshida's steps go back

I grab the sides of Viser's head, and burn both sides with my Black Flame, getting her to release while screaming in pain. My shoulder squirts blood several times, and I hold it with my left hand for a moment. I pull my hand back to look at it, and see that it's stained crimson red. This freak just tried to attack my Pawn. No way in hell am I gonna let that pass.

"Sorry Gremory…it looks like I won't be able to stay out of this one…"

I held out my left hand and summoned the Final Judgment, and charged in.

"You're gonna pay for hurting my apprentice you disgusting monster!"

I jump up to be eye contact level with Viser, then swing my scythe and decapitate her easily. He body begins dissolving to ash, pale green dust being left behind. I land on the ground, and sent Final Judgment to its resting place while I grabbed my shoulder. I turned around, eyes closed and trying to ignore the annoying pain. I walk back, Yoshida rushing over to my side and supporting me. I open my eyes and see that he's about to cry. I use my free right hand and slap the back of his head.

"Why you crying? I did my job."

Yoshida was about to speak, but did nothing.

As we passed Gremory, I offered her a bow of my head. "Sorry about that. I…lost my temper."

Yoshida helped me out of the building with Lucile using a magic circle to send us back home. I don't blame Yoshida for what happened to me. I only wish he was a little less cocky out there. Although, as Lucile and Jenova were healing me, I got this sick feeling like something was going down without my awareness. I'll say this much, Hyōdō had better stay out of trouble. Last thing I need is someone exercising his ass.

TO BE CONTINUED