Author's Note: To the reviewer who pointed out The Horseman of Madness's name being "Faust" and relating it to the old German legend, I have to say you are quite imaginative. I did not even think about that when I named him. Oh well then. By the way, I've seen two versions of Akeno's Mother's name: Juri and Shuri. Which is it? And like I've said before, most of this chapter is copied and altered from the Light Novel, so I own NOTHING. (also please note that this may have been a little rushed, so sorry if editing is not top notch as usual)

Chapter 10: I'm Going to Fight!

You know, in retrospect, I should get hurt more often. Why? Well I learned this is ero-games and thought it is was only a less-than-like scenario, but since I'm experiencing it myself I have to change my opinion from less-than-likely to a HELL YEAH. What scenario you may ask? The "Getting Injured Doin a Good Deed and Then Get Spoiled By a Beautiful Girl" scenario (mouth full, ain't it). Lucile and I are alone in the living room, watching TV. She is sitting up and giving me the famous "Lap Pillow" for my head down here. She's been healing my right shoulder with her magic this whole time, having it wrapped like an actual injured arm. I've never felt a girl's thighs before, especially not with my head, so this is quite the amazing experience. Wait, there was…no, I shouldn't bring that up again. I should just enjoy the moment right now. Honestly, I'm not even watching the TV. I'm just looking u pat Lucile, her face barely visible passed her "chest mountains" (well they look like mountains down here). Lucile finally noticed where I'm looking and smiles as she sighs.

"What are you doing, you idiot?" she asks me.

"Just enjoying the view of a goddess; so…not much."

Lucile giggled a little and placed her left hand on my head. She started to pet me. This…is…GLORIOUS!

"If spoiling you when you're injured gets me cheap one-liners, maybe you should throw yourself into near-death situations more often." She said with that same smile.

"Maybe, if you make it worth my while."

Lucile laughed cutely before simply starring at me. "You know, just when I've got you pegged, you keep doing 180's. Is there an actual 'Real You'?"

"Stick around; you might meet him."

She laughed again. Man, I'm on fire! Then, for some reason, Lucile's face turned sad. Oh no, what did I do wrong!? No, please don't be sad!

"Something wrong?" I ask calmly despite my stress.

"I…did something…today. You might not like it."

Is that all? Shoot, I don't care what she does, as long as she's still here with me. I reach up with my good left hand and place it on her right cheek.

"Just tell me. I won't think any less of you if you did something bad."

Lucile's smile returned for a brief moment before she looked sad again. "I may have…suggested something to Akeno during the break today."

"Suggested?"

"Yeah…like, maybe I…said things about you."

"Said things? Lucile, just spit it out, please."

Lucile finally caved. "I may have told Akeno to back off Hyōdō and…take an interest in you…" she said in a very sad tone.

She…did that? Well…I'm…not angry, I suppose but I'm not happy either. I honestly want girls to like me natural and feel like they have to in order to be with me. But at the same time, I have to appreciate the effort Lucile is putting into making me happy as part of my harem to go and find possible members whom I actually am attracted to. Akeno is not only incredibly beautiful, but she's also very kind and gentle. Then, there's the sadomasochism that I can't ignore for obvious reasons. I actually wouldn't mind her being in my harem, but it has to be a natural attraction. I'll thank Lucile this time, but I hope something like this doesn't happen again.

"Hey, I'm not angry or anything. While I don't exactly approve of what you did, I appreciate that you'd go to such lengths to make me happy."

I move my left hand to brush some of her hairs from her face. "I'll have to make sure I do something as equally dangerous to return the favor."

Lucile's face turns a really bright shade of red, and her petting stopped. Then, the petting turned into a hard SLAP!

"OW!" I reacted to the pain. "What was that for!?" I ask angrily.

I see that Lucile is now smiling, her face still red.

"You…idiot." She says calmly.

She then takes a breath of relief and her face turns back to its shade of white.

"So, if that's the case, what'll you do now with Akeno?"

"I've already prepared for this type of scenario, actually. I'll ignore that had ever happened. If I pursue her now, then she'll now we're both pushing her toward me and create distrust. Plus, I pretty much have to since Gremory is still her King. If I hit on the Queen to a Gremory, then I might as well take a gun and shoot the bullet straight through my skull."

"That's true. But there's one thing you can try."

"One thing?"

"Yeah. You've seen how Rias and Hyōdō are together, right?"

"Yeah, I pretty much have to."

"Okay and you've played more than several DOZEN of those ero-games, correct?"

"I'm a master at them."

"So tell me, with your expertise, do you see those two in the future being together?"

"Together and a harem too." I answer without hesitation.

I know, quite a shock for me too. Lucile's eyes widen and she seems utterly surprised. "Huh? But, I thought…"

"Listen Lucile, I'll explain."

I take a breath as Lucile resumes petting me, albeit a little quicker. She must really be interested in this topic. Where do I begin…?

"It's the classic Harem Ending that most demon involved eros go. A young, perverted, idiot with a heart of gold (okay, semi-gold, considering he's a pervert) is thrown into a new life of wonder by the will of a beautiful girl who is now his master. Realizing what kind of life he now lives, he strives to get stronger to protect his friends. And it's through that will to protect those close to him that it will gain the attention of the females around him, resulting in all feeling love for him and competing for him as he remains mostly oblivious to it all. But, in the end, something happens in the laws of demons that grants him the right to be with them all, and they accept that with only a sense of competition among them as sister as they live happily ever after with the idiot demon king."

Lucile seems to be really invested, her hand having lift off my head and petting the air. "You sure about that?"

"I'm positive. Mostly because…I'll help him make it."

Lucile gasps, moving her petting hand to cover her mouth in shock. "But…why?"

I knew this talk would have to come eventually. "Remember? I could have saved him back at the park, and spared him loads of pain. He could've lived a normal life."

"But…don't you think he's happier in this life than his old one?"

"That may be, but the fact remains that I allowed him to die when I had the full capability to save him. For that, I have to repent."

Lucile chuckled oddly as I said that. "S-Sorry; it's just that the idea of a Devil repenting is a little funny."

"Eh-heh, I guess it is. Anyway, now that Issei has a second chance at life, it's now my chance to help him in his harem dream."

Lucile titled her head, most likely in confusion. "You just called him 'Issei', not 'Hyōdō'."

"What can I say; the little bugger's grown on me.

" "Like a cancer." Lucile comments dryly.

"Hey, be nice. Anyway, I'll help him in his journey to have a harem."

"Even if there are girls you would like, you'll help him?"

With a sigh, I gave my answer. "…Yes."

At that, I was caught off guard once again. Lucile stood up and flipped me like the "Flipping the Table" joke you see in anime and I fell hard on the floor on my good shoulder, thankfully. I roll to lie down on my back and looked up at Lucile, who is now standing proudly with both hands on her hips and wearing normal plain blue panties.

"No way in hell am I gonna let you do that!"

"…Eh?"

"You know, for a guy who says that he's willing to crush anyone to get what he wants, he's oddly willing to crush everything he has so that everyone else can get what THEY WANT!" she criticized. "You know, I hate characters in anime who blame things on themselves when it's not even their fault! And I especially hate those protagonists who say they want something, but always sacrifice everything about them so that others can be happy while he suffers! Yeah, I get it, it's a whole thing about 'being the nice guy' and 'others come before you', but you know what? There is NOTHING wrong with a selfish protagonist! Give the people a Villain Protagonist! Let the audience follow the path of a villain as he claims everything he wants, regardless of the consequences! If you won't be the Villain Protagonist, Abel, then at least don't be afraid to be at least a LITTLE freaking selfish!" Lucile declared in her speech.

She is now breathing heavily, recovering after her fiery opinion. I…I see her point. But if I end up down that path, I'll end up as that protagonist in an ero-game who rapes girls tied up in bondage while sitting in large urinals. But…I guess I could…

"Okay, fine…" I sigh. "I'll…try for Akeno. But I ain't rushing it; you have my promise of that!"

"Fine. At least you'll try." Lucile turned around and headed for the stairs. Just before she started to walk up, a question came to my mind.

"Hey, is it weird that I got a boner when Akeno was indulging in her sadism?"

"Knowing you, it'd be weird if you didn't. See you tomorrow, Abel."

And she ascended out of my view. I sighed, and stood up. I decided to head to bed as well. Well, at least I got a lap pillow for a long while. Tomorrow is another day.

Third Person POV

The Berith household is known for many things, Katsu has realized over his time here. There is one thing of many, however, he does not know: Jenova is a spy. Jenova, even though she has The Eye, decides to peak in on conversations between Lucile and Katsu to see how she can put a slight hinder to their relationship for fun. But today, she got no information related to that. She did however learn about something interesting. One name came up during Lucile and Katsu's conversation: Akeno. Jenova, who was hiding in the kitchen the whole time, emerged from it holding her chin and thinking. She walked around to where Lucile was sitting and sat there, still holding her chin and thinking. One word was going through her mind: Akeno. That name boggled her mind. She had heard the name before, but where?

She can't use The Eye on her own life, so she was forced to rely on her own past experience (something she hated to do because it reminded her of her age). She thought and thought, and then remembered one word said at the end of the conversation: "sadism". Then, it clicked. Jenova remembered a good friend who died several years ago…a good friend who wasn't afraid to share details about her "personal life" (details which inspired several issues of Jenova's dōjinshi).

A bolt of lightning went through her head; which reminded her that her friend's husband still owed her fifty bucks for a bet involving..."pain". The friend however, is long gone. Jenova removes her hand from her chin and walks over to a small drawer on a small stand by her favorite chair. She pulled out a large bottle of wine, opened before but left for celebration purposes. Jenova took the bottle out, bit the cork, pulled it out, and spat it out to the floor. She raised the bottle up above her head as she looked to the ceiling.

"To you, Juri; and to your lucky daughter." Jenova then began chugging the toast and within moments, finished the bottle and retired for the night.

Katsu's POV

The next day, Hyōdō wasn't anywhere near school. No one had seen him. What happened? I know the guy's an idiot but I doubt that he'd skip school just like that. During the break, I explained several more of Yoshida's powers to him from the book, several of my own as well. I figured tonight might be a night for me to just go instead to the Occult Research Club. Things seem rather slow, lately. Yoshida and Lucile walk back to the house, Lucile giving me a kiss on the cheek before she left to make sure Yoshida didn't get hit by a bus. As I approached the building, I saw three of the members walk out: Hyōdō, Kiba, and Koneko. I wonder where they're going?

"Yo." I greeted.

Hyōdō looked like a combination of angry and surprised. "Katsu? What're you doing here?"

"I'm here to attend the meeting. Is it over already?" I asked.

Hyōdō looked like he had something on his mind. I then noticed that Kiba was holding his sword. I think they're up to something…

"Mind telling me why you guys look like you're going to war?" I ask.

At that, Hyōdō explained everything. Apparently, over the past few days, Hyōdō has become friends with a nun named Asia Argento and she posses a Sacred Gear capable of healing anyone. She sounded like a real sweet girl, but one problem: she was kidnapped by the Fallen Angel who killed Hyōdō and was planning a strange ritual. And what's more, there were odds of being "Exiled Exorcists" being there with powers that could permanently kill Devils. A nun, huh? A group of Devils going to save a nun…sounds like my kind of fun!

"If you don't mind, I'm joining in." I crack my neck as Hyōdō looks surprised.

"Huh!? Why are you going?" he asks.

"Two reasons. One: I want as much battle experience as I can. And reason two: I want to make a statement of where the Berith Clan stands."

"Huh?"

"If I do this, I'll be showing something critical of the Berith Clan for the future: we help anyone who needs help. I'll admit, I'm not a fan of God or his special followers. But I refuse to allow someone innocent be dragged into a war that doesn't belong to them. So let's go."

Hyōdō smiled proudly and offered his hand for a handshake. I return it, and Hyōdō guided us to the church he took Argento to.

...

When we arrived, it was already night and the street lights were on. I removed my arm from the little clothe cast and stretched it out. As we got closer, I got a chill in my spine. It must be a natural Devil reaction to "enemy territory". I didn't call Lucile or Yoshida over because of the possible threat of exorcists. Plus, I like to think of that chill in my spine as anticipation for a fight. I really want to fight right now.

"Hey Kiba, you getting anything?" Hyōdō asks Kiba.

"From this presence, it's certain that there is a Fallen Angel inside. Here, look at this map."

Kiba spread out the map of the building on the road.

"How did you…?" Hyōdō asks.

"Well, it's basic when you are going into the enemy's territory." Hm, he's cleverer than I thought.

"Besides the sanctuary, there is also a dormitory. The sanctuary looks suspicious." Kiba pointed at the sanctuary.

"So we can ignore the dormitory." I caught on to the plan easily. A basic strategy, but useful.

"Most likely. Most 'Exiled Exorcist' groups usually make some alteration to the sanctuary. They usually perform suspicious rituals under the sanctuary."

"Why?" Hyōdō asks.

"It's the place they used to respect as a holy place, and by doing something that rejects God there, it makes them satisfied because it's an insult to God. Because they loved God, because they were rejected, that's why they purposely cast evil spells under the sanctuary as a representation for their hatred."

I strangely see logic in what they do.

"The sanctuary is just behind the gates. I think we can go straight in. The problem is to find the door to the basement once we get in the sanctuary and also if we can defeat the assassins waiting for us."

"It shouldn't be a problem." I commented, being the first to walk toward the church. "With your skills, Koneko's strength, and Hyōdō's incompetence, we can knock this out easily."

"Oh shut up, Katsu!" And we're back to the regular routine.

I sound rather laid back, don't I? I suppose I am. I'm trying my best to contain my excitement of my first real fight.

We passed through the entrance and ran straight for the sanctuary. The Fallen Angels had noticed that we had come in by this point. In other words, the enemy had noticed that we had entered the territory. There's no going back. Looks like we're in the shitter now. We opened the door, and stepped inside the sanctuary. There was an altar and long chairs. It looked like an ordinary sanctuary. The candle lights and the interior lamps lit the sanctuary. The strangest sight was the statue of Jesus on the cross having his head smashed in. I'm actually a little creeped out, but nothing to scare me.

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP A clap echoed through the sanctuary.

Someone who looked like a priest showed up from behind the pillar.

"Meeting! It's a reunion! So emotional!"

And we just met the "Caca for Cocoa Chunks" guy.

"Well, I never met a Devil twice before! See, because I'm super strong, I cut Devils into pieces when I first meet them! Once I see them, I cut them up on the spot! I then kiss the corpse and say goodbye! That's how I used to live! But since you guys ruined my style, I'm so lost! That's no good! It's not good to interfere with my lifestyle! That's why! You guys piss me off! I hope you guys will die! Actually die! You trashy Devilsssssssss!"

I pulled out my scythe and aimed it at him. "Who wants first dibs on the nut case?" I ask.

Out of his coat, the man drew the hilt of a sword, and a blue blade of light emerged from it. Based on my past experience of being stabbed with a Light Spear, I'd have to guess that I shouldn't touch that sword at all.

"You guys came to rescue Asia, right? Hahaha! Devils are big hearted for coming to rescue a bitch like that who would even heal Devils! Well, just being entranced to a Devil should make that Sister die!"

Uh oh, he shouldn't have said that to Hyōdō

"Hey, where is Asia!?" Hyōdō asks angrily.

"Well, there are hidden stairs under that altar. From there you can go to the place where they are doing the ritual."

This guy is awfully cocky for pointing us to the right direction.

"Sacred Gear!" Hyōdō shouted.

As part of his command, a red gauntlet appeared on his left arm. Kiba took his sword out from the sheath and Koneko... lifted a pew. I'm…honestly surprised by that. It's always the loli's with super strength, ain't it.

"...Get smashed." She said blankly.

"Wow! Oh yeah!"

The Priest did a small dance and cut the chairs in half with his light-sword. The chairs that were cut in half hit the ground.

"There." I thought Kiba went ahead, but he already had disappeared. His speed is impressive.

Kiba clashed blades with the Exiled Priest.

There were sparks between Kiba's sword and the Priest's light-sword. Is the light-sword solid?

"Such a bother! Why are you guys so noisy? I'm sorry for talking in a death language! Forgive me after you die!" The priest seriously needs to take his meds.

Next thing I know, the guy pulled out a gun and fired it.

Kiba dodged the soundless bullets with his proud legs, but he didn't stop his attacks. That's where I come in. I charged with my scythe and swung once. He blocked it but I used the momentum to swing the bottom at his head. He ducks, swings his sword back and blocks an attack from Kiba while he aims his gun at me. He shoots a few bullets but I block each of them with a swing of my scythe and the bullets hitting the staff part. I swing again as Kiba jumps back the forward, coming from above. The priest rolls out of the way, forcing us both to miss. But Kiba, being faster, went in and attacked the priest. Kiba and the Priest started to battle head on. Both of them glared at each other.

"Impressive. You are strong." Kiba commented.

"Ahahahaha! You too! A 'Knight', huh!? Not even a single blind spot! Now this is great! Yes, yes. This is it. I haven't had a battle like this lately! I was about to cry because of it! Hmmm! Hmmm! I'm going to kill you!"

"Then I will fight seriously for a bit then."

This sounds interesting.

"Eat this." Low pitched voice.

At that, Kiba's sword turned black and began growing more of the black stuff out of his sword. The whole sword was now darkness.

Darkness.

If I were to describe it, that would be the only thing.

The darkness covered the sword.

No, it was more like the darkness was shaping into Kiba's sword. The darkness sword that was clashing against the Priest's light-sword was starting to expand and was engulfing the light-sword.

"Wha, what the hell is this!?" The Priest seemed confused.

"It's the Holy-Eraser', a darkness sword that engulfs light."

"You are also a Sacred Gear possessor!?" I should've guessed.

The Priest's light-sword was so completely engulfed by Kiba's sword that its light had disappeared and it had lost its shape. Hyōdō charged in.

"Activate Sacred Gear!"

[BOOST!] The gear cried out.

"That's why I'm saying it's annoying!" He pointed his gun that was loaded with light-bullets at Hyōdō. The bullets were shot without making any sound of gunshots.

"Promotion, Rook!"

Say what?

"Promotion!? A Pawn!?" The priest sounded surprised.

So…this is the true power of a Pawn. Lucile mentioned this to me a long while ago. The Pawn can Promote itself to another piece while in enemy territory dictated by the King. For the first time ever, I see one of Hyōdō's brighter moments.

"The traits of 'Rook'! Impossible defense and..!"

Hyōdō landed the punch, but the combination of the Boost from his Sacred Gear and the Rook's power sent the priest flying!

"Ridiculous attack strength." Hyōdō laughed out loud. I'll admit, I smiled. It's good to see his bright moments.

"That's for hitting Asia that time. I feel relieved that I hit you once."

The Priest was getting up slowly and he spat his blood onto the ground. His right cheek was swollen.

"...Hmmmmm... Huh...? Not only I got punched by a trashy Devil, but he's saying something that I don't get...to me... Don't mess with me." The Priest made a howl.

"Don't mess with me! You shit! You low life Devil, don't mess around with me! I'll kill you! Definitely! I'll definitely kill you! I'm going to cut you into pieces, you shit!"

The Priest took out his second sword which only had the sheath. The four of us quickly surrounded him, using our numbers to our advantage. The man smirked at us.

"Wow, wow. Is this what you call a crisis? Well for me, getting killed by a Devil is a no-no, so I feel like retreating. It's a shame that I can't exorcise you guys, but I also don't want to die!"

The priest took out something round and smashed it on to the floor. Instantly, our eyes were blinded with a shining light. A smoke screen!? Who the hell has those!? The priest vanished in the smoke, but his voice was clear as day.

"Hey. The grunt Devil over there...I think your name was Issei? To tell you the truth, I have fallen in love with you. So I will definitely kill you. Definitely, okay? I won't forgive a shitty Devil who punched me and gave me a lecture, okay? Then, bye-bye."

As he faded from my sense, I couldn't help but make a joke. "Well, looks like there are people psychotic enough to date you, Hyōdō. Congrats on your new love life!"

"SHUT UP!" I chuckled at his reaction.

The four of us walked down the staircase under the altar. The light-lamp was active under the basement as well. With Kiba in front of us, we walked ahead. After the stairs, there was only one passage that led deeper in.

"Possibly at the end of this passage...Because this smell is that person's..." Koneko updated us while pointing at the end of the passage.

"Is that it?" Hyōdō asks.

"Possibly. I'm sure there are groups of Exorcists and Fallen Angels inside. Are you ready?" Kiba asks.

The three of us nodded.

"Okay. Then we'll open the door..."

Strangely, the door began opening on its own.

"Welcome, Devils."A Fallen Angel spoke from the end of the room.

The room was full of Priests. They all had a sword handle that makes the light-sword in their hands. Hyōdō looked at the girl who was attached to the cross and shouted:

"Asiaaaaa!"

I looked up and saw a rather cute girl dressed as a nun tied up to a cross similar to a crucifixion. I am trying so hard not to sing "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" (if you readers get that joke, I will LOVE you!). The girl noticed Hyōdō's voice and looked up.

"…Issei?"

"Yeah! I've come to save you!" Hyōdō's just a regular hero, ain't he?

He smiled at her, and I noticed a tear fall from her eye. Quite…touching, really.

"It's a touching reunion, but it's too late. The ritual is about to finish now." The Fallen Angel spoke.

Wait, I recognize her. She's the one who killed Hyōdō!

The ritual is finished? What does she mean...? Suddenly Asia's body started to glow.

"...Aaaaaah, nooooooo!" The nun screamed very painfully.

"Asia!"

Hyōdō tried to reach her, but the Priests surrounded me.

"I won't let you interfere!"

"I will destroy you, Devil!"

"Move, you bunch of shits! I don't have time to bother with you all!" Hyōdō

Koneko jumped in the way and punched one of the Priests away.

"...Please don't touch me."

Kiba also drew his darkness-sword.

"Looks like I will have to go full throttle from the beginning. I hate Priests. If there are this many, then I won't hold back to devour your light."

Kiba's eyes became sharp and I could feel he was getting heartless. The darkness was showing a very black killing intent. This would be an all-out war.

"Nooooo..." the nun said with fading strength.

At the same time, a large light came out of Asia's body. The Fallen Angel caught it with her hand.

"This is it! This is the power that I craved for a long time! Sacred Gear! With this, I will be loved!"

With an expression of ecstasy, the Fallen Angel hugged the light. Then the bright light wrapped up the ritual room. When the light stopped, there was a Fallen Angel with green colored light pouring out from her body.

"Fufufu. Ahahahahaha! I finally have it! The supreme power! With this...! With this I can become a supreme Fallen Angel! With this I can payback all those who were looking down on me!"

The Fallen Angel gave a big laugh. I didn't pay attention to her and went straight to Asia. This is taking too long!

"Guys, get down!" I placed my scythe down as everyone ducked.

I stretched my arms out, and imagined…a big inferno. At that, Black Flame emerged from my hands and shot out toward the army of Priests. All began screaming in pain and crying out for relief, something I won't let them have!

"Hyōdō, with me! Kiba, Koneko, guard the exit for any stragglers!"

They followed my orders, me running in with my scythe, Hyōdō following me, and the last two moving to the door. As I ran, I noticed a few priests still trying to attack despite the fire. I know they're useless, but Thanatos is feeling…hungry. I slash my scythe at their necks, effectively killing them in one strike. Eventually, Hyōdō reached the stairs to the alter and looked back to me.

"You going to be okay, Katsu?" he asks.

"I turn back to face him, and while I moved I noticed my reflection in my blood stained blade that I had changed once again.

"I'm content here, Hyōdō. Just get your ass in gear."

He nods with a confident smile, and ran up the stairs. I charged forward and killed several more Priests. I fought hard and avoided their light swords, slaying each one without hesitation. I'll admit, I never thought I'd be using this on humans. But now, I have no problem with it. I may admire Fallen Angels, I hate these Priests. So, I'll kill then with no issue. Odd enough thought, is that every Priest I kill, my body feels…lighter. My I feel something grow in me, like a hidden form of energy. Once I was finished, I looked around to see who was left.

Hyōdō had vanished with the girl, and only I, Kiba, Koneko, and the Fallen Angel were left down here. I was hoping the other two would leave, but it seems like they don't plan on leaving. I walk to the center of the room and take another battle stance.

"Mind telling me your name, Fallen Angel?"

As I look up to the Fallen Angel, I notice that she has a VERY seductive body, wearing what appears to be a dominatrix outfit with black feathered wings.

"I have no reason to tell a filthy Devil my name." she said proudly.

She generated a light spear, and threw it at me. I swung my scythe at it, and the light was destroyed. That's odd; a Sacred Gear easily shattered a Light Spear. Hmm…this could require some more thought. But, not now. I take my stance again.

"I know you don't know me, but I do know something about you, Fallen Angel. You killed Hyōdō, right? So, I'm gonna return the favor for him."

"Oh, and how do you know that?" she asks.

I can't say it in front of Koneko and Kiba, so I'll lie. "A lucky guess."

"Oh, you sure you don't mean Jenova giving you that vision of when I killed him?"

Oh no…no no no no!

"One of my allies visited your home during your first day. She says Jenova offered you the 'Seven Sin Challenge', a special way to obtain High-Class without the usual methods."

There was a spy!? Dammit all!

"And to complete four of the challenges, Jenova offered you the chance to save Issei. Instead, you chose to let him DIE in order to obtain your status. How 'noble' of Devils to betray their own for power!" she began laughing proudly, thinking she's won.

I dare not look back toward Kiba or Koneko. The Fallen Angel thinks she's breaking my spirit. Oh, she's not breaking my spirit. She's pissing me off! I gathered up large amounts of Black Flame on the blade of my scythe, and swung it! The Flame went out as a slash attack and chopped off the Fallen Angel's left wing. She screamed in pain, and fell to her knees.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHH! YOU BASTARD!" She raises her arms to her missing wing, and the green light glows, but nothing happens. "Why won't it heal!? Heal dammit!"

So…there's a weakness to that nun's Sacred Gear: it can't regenerate limbs. I charge up the stairs and throw my scythe ahead of me. She turns and sees it. She brings out a Light Spear, and swings it upward to knock away my scythe. I'm just a few steps from the top where she stands, and she brings down the spear. I jumped back and spread my wing, giving me flight. I hold both of my hands out and was about to fire away the Black Flame. But before I could shoot it, four small tornadoes of black feathers began appearing along the steps. Out of one came another Light Spear toward me! I dodge it, and see four more Fallen Angels come out of the tornadoes as they vanish! But these ones are different. They're all wearing black suits of armor, and move…rather like zombies.

The Fallen Angel I was going to attack spread her wing and flew, the others coming in front of her. One flew over and grabbed me, pulling me back down to the ground and smashing me into it! Everything is a little blurry at first, but my vision recovers as the Fallen Angel on top of me brings out a small Light Spear, and is about to stab my face! I open up my mouth and shoot out Black Flame onto his face. He doesn't respond. He just sits there lifeless at first, but then starts moving to stab me. It takes Kiba to stab a sword throw his head to make him stop. I lift my legs, and kick him off. I look around and see that the other suited Fallen Angels are down as well, but the leader one gone. I look to Kiba, who's staring at me blankly. I guess that Fallen Angel's words set it in. I hold my left hand out, and Final Judgment flies from the ceiling where it was stuck and lands in my hand.

"I just want you two to know…" I look to Koneko, who is standing among the other bodies of the Fallen Angels. "…it wasn't anything personal."

I turn around and go to run back up stairs to chase the Fallen Angel. Well, it seems like I'll be booted out of the Gremory-Berith alliance. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Too bad, Yoshida was starting to get used to having three new cute girls around him. At least I won't have to see "Prince Charming" anymore. I guess…I really won't…be seeing them again. Hm, look at me. I turned a simple matter of business into something personal. For a High-Class Devil, I'm really bad at my job. I guess the title really isn't worth much if the people I'm working with find out how I got it. But I suppose…it's my burden now. I have to accept my mistakes, and whatever follows. Hey, look on the bright side: maybe Lucile will give me another lap pillow out of pity. Hm, worth a shot. I ran as fast as I could up the stairs, and I eventually get back to the ground level.

Though, what I'm looking at now isn't something I should interfere with. From where I'm standing, Hyōdō has two holes in his upper legs, blood pouring from them, his bracer changed into a full red gauntlet, looking almost like a dragon claw, and held the Fallen Angel by her right arm with it. His right hand was glowing red, and he threw a punch. It landed on her face and sent her flying! She smashed through the walls of the church and landed somewhere hard. Hyōdō looked exhausted. I placed my scythe against the wall and ran over as Hyōdō was about to fall. I came from behind and caught him, holding him up by his shoulders.

"Easy there, soldier." I say to him.

He looks behind him, and smiles sarcastically. "Thanks for showing up…Perverted Black Prince."

As much as I hate that nickname, I'll let it slide. "So, feel any better now that you punched your ex in the face? I know I would."

Hyōdō looked out to where the Fallen Angel was punched through, and his smile vanished. "…Not…really." He says sadly.

Sheesh, this kid needs to lighten up. I pat him on the shoulder once. "Don't worry, you'll feel better another time. For now, just shut up."

"Well done, Issei." I hear a familiar voice call out from behind us.

I turn around, moving Hyōdō with me, and we both see Gremory emerge from the basement where we were just at.

"Prez? Where did you come from?" Hyōdō asks.

"From the basement. I finished my business, so I used the magic circle to transport me here. I was nervous because it was my first time transporting to a church." Gremory made a sigh while talking to Hyōdō.

As everyone came from the basement, Koneko walked past us and went through the whole the Fallen Angels had made on her way out. Do cats fetch? As I held Hyōdō, I lowered him down so he could sit normally. Gremory came around and got down to one knee she could be at eye level with Hyōdō. I stayed where I was so the idiot wouldn't fall back.

"So you won." Gremory says to him.

"Prez... Hahaha, somehow I won."

Gremory laughed a little. "Excellent. Just what I expected from my servant." Gremory taps his nose.

"Oh my. The church is in a mess. Is it alright, Madame President?" Akeno came from the basement as well with a troubled face.

"...Is something wrong?" Hyōdō asks Gremory.

"Churches belong to God or religions related to him, but there are cases like this where it is used by Fallen Angels. Then, if we Devils damage the church, there will be times when we get targeted by assassins. For revenge and hatred."

Well, that's useful information. I guess it's time to move to France.

"But it won't happen this time."

"Oh thank God." At that, a massive shock went through my head. "Ow." Hey, some habits are hard to kick.

"Why is that?" Hyōdō asks.

"This church was originally an abandoned one. So a certain group of Fallen Angels had come here to use it for their own greed. We just happened to have a fight in a place like that. So we didn't step foot on the enemies' actual territory to have war. So it's just a small fight between a Devil and a Fallen Angel. That happens anywhere, every year."

I guess she does know how to twist a few things. Note to self: do not underestimate her.

"Madame President, I've brought it." Koneko appeared with the sound of her dragging something.

She appeared from the broken wall, and what she was dragging was a black wing, belonging to that Fallen Angel. Silent girls always say the neatest things.

"Thank you, Koneko. Let's wake her up. Akeno." Gremory ordered.

"Yes."

Akeno lifted her hand up. Then water appeared up in the air. Akeno then dropped the water created on the Fallen Angel. The Fallen Angel coughed after getting splashed by water. The Fallen Angel wakes up and opened her eyes. Gremory stood up and looked down at her.

"How are you doing, Fallen Angel, Raynare?" Gremory asks.

"... You are the daughter of the Gremory Household...?" The Fallen Angel, now named Raynare, asks.

"Hello, my name is Rias Gremory. I'm the next heir of the Gremory Household. It will be for a short while, but nice to have your acquaintance."

Gremory greeted her with a smile, but Raynare glared at her. Then she sneered.

"...You think you've got me, but too bad. This plan was kept secret from the higher-ups, but there are other Fallen Angels with me. If I get in danger, they will..."

"They won't come to help." Gremory said it clearly to reject Raynare's words. "That's because I already eliminated all three of the Fallen Angels, Kalawarner, Dohnaseek, and Mittelt."

"Liar!"

Raynare rejected what Gremory said while sitting up straight. Gremory got three black feathers out from her pocket.

"These are the feathers of those three. You can tell them apart since you are the same kind as them, right?"

Raynare lost hope after she saw the feathers. I think I'm starting to like this side of Gremory.

"I knew that there were a few Fallen Angels plotting something in this town, after meeting the Fallen Angel that assaulted Issei, Donnasiege. But I ignored it because I thought that it was a plan that involved a whole group of Fallen Angels. Even I'm not foolish enough to take on all of the Fallen Angels. Then I heard that the Fallen Angels were moving around secretively so I went to talk to them, taking Akeno with me. When I met them in person, they blurted that it was their own plan. By helping you, they said, they would get promoted to a higher status. Lowlifes who move around secretively usually brag about their plot." Gremory smirked.

Raynare was biting her teeth with frustration.

"They looked down on us because it was just two girls who approached them. So I asked them as a parting gift." Gremory chuckles a little. "They talked without realizing who was the one to die. Such foolish Fallen Angels. Since they were willing to help in your pathetic plot, they themselves were low beings.

"Getting hit by a single shot won't even leave a trace. The princess of the Duke who has the power of 'destruction'. Madame President is a powerful Devil who is called a genius among the group of young Devils." Kiba made a comment to brag about his master.

"One of her nicknames is 'Crimson-Hair Ruin-Princess', you know? That's whom you were up against." Akeno said it while smiling.

Crimson-Hair Ruin-Princess? Okay, even I'm feeling a little scared at the moment. I guess the crimson hair isn't just for show.

Gremory looked at Hyōdō's left arm. I think she was looking at his gauntlet.

"...Red Dragon. Until recently there wasn't a mark like this... So that's what it is..." She seems a little shocked "I found out the main reason why Issei was able to beat a Fallen Angel." Buchou said it quietly.

She turns back to face Raynare "Fallen Angel Raynare. This boy Issei Hyōdō's Sacred Gear isn't a regular Sacred Gear. That's why you lost."

Raynare had a puzzled face after hearing Buchou.

"Red-Dragon-Emperor's Gauntlet, the 'Boosted Gear'. It's a Sacred Gear that is said to be the rarest of the rare. The Red Dragon mark on the gauntlet is the evidence. Even you have heard of that name before, right?"

After listening to Gremory, Raynare had a very shocked expression. Wait, rarest of the rare? No way in hell…

"The 'Boosted Gear'… One of the 'Longinus'…The ability to attain the power that surpasses Satan and God for a certain time…That cursed Sacred Gear is possessed by a child like this!?" Raynare asks in anger and surprise.

"According to the legends, in human's time, it doubles the possessor's power every 10 seconds, that's the ability of 'Boosted Gear"' Even if his power starts from 1, it doubles his power every 10 seconds, and it can reach the leader-class Fallen Angels and high-class Devils. By mastering it, he could even kill God."

…Oh shit. Are you KIDDING ME!? This kid has something like THAT!? Can my Lost Longinus do that!? I mean, it's the scythe to the freaking Horseman of DEATH for God's sake (OW)!

"But even if it is a powerful Sacred Gear, it still has a big risk of needing time. There aren't that many enemies that would wait for the user to get stronger. Since the opponent was taking it lightly, this was the outcome."

THANK YOU! THANK YOU MIGHTY WHATEVER THE HELL IS UP THERE!

Gremory approached Hyōdō. I helped him to stand back up. Despite the damage, he seems to move fine. Must be the Rook powers. Gremory raised her hand toward Hyōdō and started patting his head.

"But it's interesting. Just to be expected from my Servant. Issei is an interesting boy, just like I thought." She chuckles again. "I'm going to spoil you even more." Gremory smiled at him.

"Prez?" Hyōdō asks.

"What is it?"

Hyōdō lowered his head, like he was ashamed of something. "I'm sorry. When I said I was going to save Asia and said rude stuff to you because you wouldn't help... But you were working...and I..."

I see. So that's why he's doing this. I step back and see that he can still stand on his own for the moment. Unsurprisingly, Gremory was still patting his head. Hyōdō was crying. Oh no…I looked around and saw the girl named Asia Argento. She was lying down on a pew…dead. Oh…He was too late. Well, I suppose God will get another Angel then. May she rest in peace.

"Prez... I...couldn't...protect Asia..." Hyōdō cried as he talked.

"You don't have to cry. No one would blame you after seeing you now."

"But…I…"

Gremory wiped Hyōdō's tears with her fingers.

"It's okay. You weren't experienced as a Devil yet. That's it. Become strong. I'm going to make you work hard from now on, so be prepared, my Pawn, Issei."

"Yes."

"Then let's finish this business." Gremory's eyes became sharp and looked ruthless.

Gremory turned around and got close to Raynare. The Fallen Angel became scared. Frankly, I am too.

"I will have you disappear, Fallen Angel." It was a cold tone filled with killing intent. "Of course, I will retrieve that Sacred Gear back as well."

"You can't be serious!? This healing power is for Master Azazel and Master Shemhazai..." she said desperately.

"To live your life for love is beautiful. But you are too tainted with dirt. You have no elegance. And I don't allow that."

Gremory aimed her hand towards Raynare. Looks like she will kill her in one blow.

"Me, here."

Then, a shadow appeared from behind the broken wall. The Priest. He's back? Oh good, I could use a comedian.

"Wow! My superior is in serious danger! So what's going to happen now!?"

Raynare shouted at the appearance of the Priest: "Save me! If you save me, I will give you a reward or something!"

The Priest made a sadistic smile. "Hmmm. Hmmm. I received a beautiful order from an Angel. Huh? So I can have sex with you? To me, having sex with an Angel is like the best honor. It would become a good social status for me."

"...Don't fool around and save me!"

The Fallen Angel's face changed with anger. It also seemed like she was in a rush. No, she was in a rush. She probably thought that a mere human wouldn't betray her or something like that.

"Oh my, oh my, oh my, you know that I'm actually serious...I mean, something minor like that should be alright. Isn't it, Angel? So it's a no? Is that so? Then I will take my leave now. No matter how you look at it, I'm at a disadvantage, so I will just take off." The Priest said it in a funny tone while curling his body.

"You are a Priest, aren't you!? You are supposed to save me! I'm an all mighty Fallen Angel! I..."

"I don't need a superior who loses to scum, Devils. You are pretty, but you lack plans and you are hard headed. The only thing you are useful for is for masturbation. So just die away already. Well, a Fallen Angel who is abandoned by the God won't go to either Heaven or Hell but goes back to nothing. Maybe the experience of turning into nothing will be helpful? Oh, that's impossible, because there will be nothing left. It's impossible, hahaha. So namusan. Wait, that's Buddhism. Oh yeah, I'm a former Christian! I'm such a naughty boy! Hahahaha!"

After saying it he moved his sight elsewhere, as if he had lost interest in Raynare. With that, Raynare made an expression of despair. She looked miserable. Is this the same Fallen Angel who was gathering power and making a rampage? Freed made a big smile at Hyōdō

"Issei. You have such a wonderful ability. I'm getting more interested in you. You are so worthy to kill! You are definitely in my 'Top 5 Devils killing list', so be prepared, okay? The next time we meet, let's have a romantic fight to the death, okay?"

Oh how I love these random romances. "See ya then! Bye-bye! Remember to brush your teeth!"

The Priest disappeared immediately from the scene after waving his hands at us. He was quick. He just left like that.

"Now, the Fallen Angel Raynare, who was abandoned by her own servant. Miserable."

Gremory didn't have the slightest sympathy in her tone. Raynare started to shiver. Raynare then looked at Hyōdō. She then made sorrowful eyes at me.

"Issei! Please save me!"

Her voice suddenly changed to that of a young girl. That must be the voice she had during her time with Hyōdō.

"This Devil is trying to kill me! I love you! I love you so much! That's why, let's defeat this Devil together!"

That…bitch. Personally, I'm beginning to get really angry and want to kill her myself. But, I have to hold off. I look to Hyōdō, who was looking at the ground. The shadow from his hair blocked me from seeing his eyes.

"Goodbye, my love. Prez, I'm at my limit... Will you please..."

After hearing that, the Fallen Angel froze.

"...Don't try to flirt with my cute Servant. Disappear."

Just before anything else could happen, something smashed through the walls and came toward Raynare. It looked like the tip of a spear. It looped around a few times before stabbing her in the left shoulder. She screamed in pain at first, but then out of fear as it dragged her towards the hole in the wall. She stopped near the beginning of the smoke in the hole. She looked angrily behind her into the smoke. And then she…smiled. She smiled like she had just seen her savior.

"C-Cain! My love!" she called. What the hell did she just say!?

The smoke quickly vanished, and I was stunned by the new guest to this dance. The hole in the wall knocked out the upper half of the wall, leaving room for someone to stand there. It was a young man, possibly in his twenties. He had shoulder length silver hair, sharp red eyes, a slithery grin, and wore a black kimono on his back that had several green flower decoration patterns, while also wearing a plain short sleeved blue shirt and long brown pants. Oddly, he didn't wear shoes. In his right hand, he held the spear the came through the wall. He pulled the spear toward him, Raynare coming with him. Raynare was now up against the man, still looking like a star struck fangirl.

"Who's that?" Kiba asked first.

I stepped forward everyone else, called my scythe to me, took a battle stance, and realized who it was.

"Everyone, meet the bad seed of the Berith Clan: Cain Berith."

At that, I could feel a sense of shock come from everyone. So…this is what my half-brother looks like. He still looks similar to his younger self from my dream, though somehow he looks crazier. He looked at us, and then to Raynare.

"Dear, dear Raynare, what on earth happened?" he asked in a similar manner as that Priest spoke. The difference was he sounded more in control.

Raynare pointed to Gremory. "Cain! These Devils are trying to ruin our plans! Please, you have to save me! You have to show them why you're the Horseman of War!"

At that, a chill went through the air. I looked around and saw that everyone was surprised, even Gremory. Cain looked at us again, and still grinned. He looked back to Raynare.

"Okay, I'll see what I can do. Mystletainn needed a proper test drive anyway. These random skirmishes with Azrael are getting annoying. But first…" At that, Cain immediately began tongue kissing Raynare.

Raynare was the only one moaning in the kiss, and seemed lost in it completely. Raynare moved to wrap her left arm around Cain's neck as her other hand went to grope her own breast. It was truly a disgusting sight, but it was over soon as they separated, Raynare breathing heavily, her face red, and a small strand of saliva connecting her to Cain. Then, Cain laughed a little.

"…I need to kill you." He said plainly.

Raynare looked more than utterly surprised. She seemed like she wanted to playfully call out his bluff, but she saw that he was dead serious. Then, she looked horrified, more scared than when Gremory threatened her.

"B-But you promised…!"

"I promise a lot of things, love, but right now you're a little bit of a dead weight. So, if you mind…" At that, Cain extended his spear, hanging Raynare out.

Raynare hung there, still surprised and trying to struggle. Then, the spear began being covered in red electricity. At that, Raynare's body was covered in the red lighting and she began screaming in utter pain. Then, the green light from earlier glowed on her, but then began running up the spear toward Cain. Then, the green light emerged from the spear, and Cain held it in his free left hand.

"Later…" At that, Cain lifted the spear and sent Raynare through the ceiling, her body flying off the spear as it retracted to the size of a short sword.

Cain looked at the light, then looked to Hyōdō. He smiles.

"I think you're friend needs this." He threw the green light, and Hyōdō caught it.

The light vanished, and all I saw in Hyōdō's hands were a pair of silver rings with green jewels on them. I look back to Cain, who's cracking his neck.

"It's good to see you, Little Brother." Then, he spun the short spear in his hand. "You know, I've always wanted to see how strong you've gotten over the years. Personally, I had my doubts since you were raised by an ex-priest and ex-nun. Then again, we Beriths always have had problems with authority."

"I don't recognize you as a member in the House of Berith." I declare loudly. "Personally, I love Fallen Angels. But you've earned my contempt and that of our mother's. So…" I aimed my scythe at him. "…I'll kill you." I said as cold as I could.

Cain simply smiled. He doesn't seem bothered by the fact that his own little brother wants to kill him. I shouldn't be surprised. If this guy is as dangerous as Lord Paimon stated, then I'll have to watch my guard. Wait, did Raynare say Horseman of War? That means he has the Oblivion Surge. But how? Only Human and Human Hybrids can obtain Sacred Gears. Wait, that Raynare woman removed Asia Argento's Sacred Gear, so maybe Cain did the same. He must've had large amounts top power in the first place to remove the Sacred Gear from a Horseman. Now, what is his game? Revenge? Mental torture? Whatever the reason, I can't let the Gremory Team get involved with this.

I took one step forward, and Cain's spear lunged at me! I moved my head to the left and dodged the spears tip. It retracted back, and when it reached him his black feather Fallen Angel wing sprung out from his LEFT shoulder. In response, my right Devil-wing sprung from my back, mirroring Cain. Cain continued to smile, and held his spear out. The spear began glowing red and he turned it so that the point was aimed at the ground.

"Time for you to see why war is such a messy thing, dear brother." Cain said with a laugh.

He let go of the spear, and it plunged into the ground. The red electricity showed up again, but this time it stretched out on the ground to several directions, surrounding us in several spots. Then, small black feather tornadoes emerged again. Then the tornadoes vanished and more Fallen Angels appeared in black suits of armor; 15 in total. As powerful as everyone is, I'm pretty sure 15 beings with powers that can kill us easily isn't exactly fair odds. They all looked the same as the other ones from earlier. So, as part of the Horseman of War's powers, he can summon soldiers, eh? Makes since.

"I'll tell you what, Little Brother. I'll being my soldiers back if you and I spar. How does that sound?"

"Agreed." I said without hesitation.

At that, the red electricity covered the Fallen Angel troops and they vanished. I turned to Cain, who had moved like lighting and kicked me straight in the face, sending me back and through one of the walls of the church. I flew back and flipped a few times until I crashed on the ground outside. The pain was excruciating, but I had not time to acknowledge it. I stood back up and saw Cain coming down with his spear again. I can't use Black Flame, since any Berith can negate it, so I'll use the scythe. He swung down with his spear and I jumped back as the blade went into the ground. I swung with my scythe at him, but he moved his spear while it was still in the ground and blocked it.

I reverse spun to attack from the other side, but he removed the spear, spun it a few times, and moved to stab me when my cut missed. I moved my body to the left and dodged it, but then the spear turned and aimed for my head! I looked up, the blade barely scratching my chin. We both back off for a moment. Cain retracted his spear back to its short sword form, and went in to attack with it. I block with my scythe, then move to cut him. He blocks with the spear, but the tip bends anyway and goes to stab my head. I jump back and avoid it. He retracts the spear, then looks at me with a grin.

"This is becoming more entertaining than I thought!" he declares happily. "But I'm not yet satisfied. Maybe I should use another one of my powers…?" He spins his spear a few times before it began glowing red again.

He raises it up and points to the sky. "Normally I reserve this for large amounts of enemies, but I'll make this a special case…!"

Cain looked up to where he pointed the spear. "Now, Genocide Rain!"

At his command, the spear began shooting sparks of red electrical bolts to the sky in a rapid succession, like a machine gun. I looked up as they disappeared to the sky. Then soon after, the bolts came down as various versions from various culture versions of Cain's spear, all coming down from the sky and coming toward me. I jump back and avoid a few, but they keep coming! I jump left and right, but they still come! I look to where Cain was standing, and he had gone somewhere else! Dammit, he's probably gone back to mess with the Gremory team! Wait, I've got a plan! I stop my running and raise my scythe up and start spinning it in rapid succession like a helicopter blade. The spears hit the scythe, but were shattered like glass as they hit my scythe. Eventually, they stopped after what seemed like minutes, and I turned to run back to the church.

When I arrived, I was…in awe. Cain is nothing like anything I've ever faced! Kiba is on the ground, holding his side, Koneko is against one of the walls, struggling to stand, Gremory and Akeno stood in front of Hyōdō, the latter whom of which was standing and struggling to do so. Cain was in front of them, and looked cocky. Gremory and Akeno held their hands out, and two forms of attack came. From Akeno came her lightning again while from Gremory came a black, red aura-ed energy that shot at him. Cain simply chuckled as he wrapped himself in his kimono like a cocoon. To everyone's surprise and horror, neither forms of attacks affected him. They simply acted as electricity hitting rubber. Then, Cain stood up, flapping his kimono like a cape. The two forms of attacks went toward their origins. Akeno was hit by her lightning and flew back into the wall while Gremory ducked to avoid her own attack. Cain then laughed haughtily.

"And the House of Gremory has proved itself once more!" He laughs. "Now then, time to 'slay a dragon'."

Cain held his spear out, the bottom toward the ground. The bottom of the spear has a large red jewel covered in armor like my scythe. Cain slammed the bottom on the ground, and next thing I know the gravity around us was amplified several times over! Everyone was forced to stay onto the ground while Cain stood fine. I was forced onto my knees, Kiba and Koneko onto the ground face-first, Akeno forced to sit where she was, and Gremory and Hyōdō to their knees.

[BOOST!] A voice roared from Hyōdō's Sacred Gear. Cain left the spear standing where it was, and held out his left hand.

"Let's see if this thing really works."

A purple light shone from the ground, and the Black Flame surrounded the light. Out of the ground, something…black came from it. It was a MASSIVE sword. The sword is a broadsword from tip to handle, five feet long with a single-edged, enormous blade one foot wide; the base connecting the blade to the handle is pitch black. The whole blade is colored black with red veins covering it from base to tip. He grabs the handle, and lifts the sword high with his left hand and it didn't seem heavy at all. He lightly threw it to his right hand after he removed it from the spear.

"Do you know what this is, Little Brother?" Cain asks as he turns around to face me. "This is a Demonic Sword' Mystletainn. It is a family relic of ours, born to be a weapon only a Berith can use. And now, I'll demonstrate its power."

Cain aimed the tip of the blade toward Gremory and Hyōdō, and he thrust it forward. Surprisingly, Hyōdō somehow jumped in front of Gremory while still on his knees and spread his arms out like a shield. Nothing happened. Cain thrusts again, nothing happens.

"What the hell…?" Cain says confused. "One moment, please, guys." Cain nonchalantly swung the sword around and stabbed it into the ground.

"What is wrong with you…?" he asks the sword as if it were an underclassman screwing up an assignment.

"You're supposed to use that ancient power of yours when a Berith holds you, but so far you've done nothing but be a pain to keep in a pocket dimension, You keep this up and I'll have to hock you to a stranger in Scandinavia."

Cain knocks on the sword with his right hand like it was a door, then moved to lightly kick a few times with his left foot. He shook the handle like it was a person's neck, then finally headbutted it.

He was in a daze, and stepped back a little from the impact. Cain sighed one time before picking it up with his right hand and turning to Hyōdō and Gremory.

"Alright, fine. I'll just use you to chop then. Oh well, maybe you'll work later." He started to walk toward the pair, lifting his sword into the air as he approached.

No way…I can't let this happen! Wait! I've got a plan! This is gonna hurt like hell, but I have to do it! I placed my left hand on the ground and a green, string-like beam of energy came from it and slithered toward Issei. It jumped up and wrapped itself around his neck. I snapped my right finger, and False Image was used again! But this time…oh this is gonna hurt…

Third Person POV

Cain approached the master and servant pair, lifting his sword high.

"I've never killed a dragon before, so this should be a whole new experience!"

Cain swung the sword, and time seemed to pass slower to everyone's perception. Issei Hyōdō was prepared to defend Rias Gremory with his life, but as the blade came down he realized that he may very well die. But then, something pale green wrapped around his neck, and he vanished. He reappeared on the ground a few feet behind Cain, and someone else was where he was: Katsu Ueda. Cain's sword came down, and as it did Cain's face turned from that of a psychopath to that of someone who has seen fear itself.

The blade went into Katsu chest diagonally, sinking in a few inches. Everyone was still after witnessing Katsu's act of selflessness. He protected Issei, sacrificing himself. Rias and Akeno, who were still in front of Cain with Akeno a few feet to his left against a wall, noticed a sudden change. The gravity around them returned to normal, and Cain's face was filled with…sorrow. Cain looked like he had witnessed something horrifying. But then, his face seemed to be attempting to gather courage as he placed his right foot on Katsu's left shoulder. Cain's face forcibly twisted itself back into his psychotic grin, and he kicked Katsu off. Blood flowed from Katsu's wound and his mouth as his back hit the ground. Cain stepped back and swung his sword in one direction to remove the blood.

"Well, I think I've done all I can for one evening." Cain says as the sword returns into the purple light it emerged from the ground. "I'll have to see you all again someday."

Cain brought out his left Fallen Angel wing, and held his right hand out. His spear flung from the ground where it stood and flew to his right hand, shortening as he grasped it. He looked to the ceiling, and threw his spear at it. It blew a whole, the moonlight streaming down and basking him in it. He turned to look to Issei Hyōdō.

"Be seeing you, Issei." Cain then flew up through the hole as his spear came down and he caught it.

Everyone looked to Katsu, who was still conscious on the ground, but his body is numbed from the damage by the sword. Issei was the first to move, and ran over to kneel by Katsu's side.

"What the hell are you thinking, Katsu!?" he asks angrily.

"What…did it look like…dipshffdag..." Katsu's words were interrupted by a cough of blood.

...

And so, action was taken to prevent Katsu from dying where he was laid out. Rias Gremory revived Asia Argento, all the while returning her Sacred Gear Twilight Healing. She was revived as Rias' Bishop, her healing magical skills coming in handy. Their first priority was healing Issei's wounds, having been exposed to Raynare's Light Spear poison for so long. Then, she went to heal Katsu's wound. And soon enough, once he was healed, the Gremory team retired, Issei and Yūto Kiba moving to carry Katsu to his home (the location already known to most High-Class Devils in the first place, due to Jenova's infamy as the so-called "Last Berith").

But while the Gremory team was happy with saving both Katsu and Asia, there was one person who did not share their happiness: Raynare. She was very much still alive…and in pain. But she was more than physically hurt; she was emotionally torn. She was betrayed by Cain, who threw her aside despite what they've been through together. She was thrown through the roof of the church and has fallen into the forests of the town in someone's backyard. She crawled several feet, the blood from her wounds flowing out slowly. She looked up from the grass of the yard and saw a large house, almost like a mansion.

But she something else as well: a woman. It was a woman about her height wearing shorts, a loose t-shirt, waist long silver hair, and cat-like green eyes. She now remembers this description from Cain; it's Jenova, the mother of Cain. Cain only mentioned her a few times, calling her an honest-pervert. Jenova approached he injured Raynare, a can of beer in her left hand as she walked. She took one big sip, then looked down at Raynare.

"So, you're my son Cain's girlfriend?" Jenova asked curiously. Raynare at one time would have found the term flattering, but now…

"I despise that man…" she says with venom in her voice. "I want nothing more than to kill him…!"

"Well, you can't kill him."

"Why not…!?"

"Because I'd kill you before that would ever happen." Jenova took another sip of her beer and finished it. "But…" She crushed the can and threw it on her lawn. "I can let you meet him again…"

Jenova kneeled down to her knees and reached in between her breasts into her cleavage. "Never thought I'd get to use this…" she pulls out…a crimson Queen chess piece.

"Don't even think…"

"I can't heal or save you if you're not part of my Clan. With this, I can. So…" Jenova offered the Queen piece to Raynare. "What do you say?"

Two things were going through Raynare's mind as she stared at the Queen piece. One: the hatred she felt towards Devils. Two: the hatred she felt toward Cain. She placed the two against each other, and her hatred for Cain outweighed the other. But what mattered more than her hatred for Cain was…Why?

"Fine…"

TO BE CONTINUED