paDisclaimer: See Chapter 1.

A/N: Here's the last chapter of my triple update. I don't know when the next chapter will be up, but I'll try to get it up before the end of January. No promises though.

Well, Happy Holidays to everyone and hope you all have a great New Years.

The Bloodstained Omamori

Chapter Twenty Five

Mounting Tensions

I followed Sona along the empty street, walking towards the park. She was silent and brisk, moving at a pace that showed no patience for anything outside of the realm of the serious. I simply followed her in silence, feeling much more in control of my emotions that I was when she first left. I knew that Sona would approach me later, as I could tell that she's the type to not let her own emotions run rampant. Still, it was eye-opening, in a way that I didn't want to know, to see the sheer anger and betrayal in her gaze moments before she left. I only hoped I didn't inadvertently push her away…

"I heard from Onee-sama that you properly accepted your Pieces." Sona started off as we came to a stop in a nearby park. It was empty and I could feel the ambient magic of a barrier in the air, no doubt one of Sona's own creation.

I nodded to her. "Yes. I did. Ajuka-sama was very helpful in showing me how to properly use them."

She nodded, humming absently. Then she turned to regard me with an intense gaze. "It seems that Kuroka-san is also now a member of your Peerage. I left without hearing your reasoning. Would you care to inform me?"

"I met Kuroka on two separate occasions prior to this one. The first was the one I informed you of, where she fought Tohsaka and I. The second, however, was the day I woke up after the battle with Kokabiel. I felt her presence following as I was returning from meeting Rias and her group at the pool. I approached Kuroka and gave her the offer to join my Peerage." Seeing a flash of disapproval in her eyes, I elaborated carefully. "I discovered, from both my deductions of her motivations and from her own words, that Kuroka killed her own Master in order to protect the life of her younger sister, Koneko, at the time Shirone. Upon learning this, I immediately wanted her to work with me; for one, I'm friends with Koneko, who seems to be fond of me, and hoped to reconcile the two. Second, I felt that the loyalty and love strong enough to go against an old law would be nothing but beneficial in my Peerage. Thus, I decided to offer Kuroka a place in my Peerage."

Sona didn't react at all for a few moments before she nodded once. "I see. That seems…acceptable. You were thinking ahead, to a certain extent, for the sake of your Peerage. It shows that you're taking your future as a Devil serious, even if you are working with an infamous Devil." Then she paused and regarded me in silence for a few moments again. After a while, Sona sighed inaudibly. "You're not stupid, Daisuke, I know that. You've proven that you're capable to understanding a person's character; I can recognize that. However…" She then shook her head. "Do you know why I left?"

I paused, frowning lightly. "I didn't show that I trusted you."

Sona nodded, "How can I trust you as my partner, when you don't trust me? You say you care for me, but…you keep something like that a secret?" She sighed and crossed her arms, regarding me intensely. "If you were hiding that, then how do I know you're not hiding anything else? How do I know you haven't lied in the past?"

I opened my mouth to refute her words, to say that what I feel for her isn't a lie, but I know it wouldn't make a difference. "I…I made a mistake, by not telling you of my intentions and for that I'm sorry. My power got to my head and I thought I could handle everything without needing to tell anyone else…"

"At least you admit your faults, but then again, I've always known that." Sona replied softly. "The logical thing to do would be to cancel our engagement, as you've just lost my trust. However…I can see that that would be rather drastic and would make the Sitri look bad, with the Young Devils Meeting coming up." I clenched my fist, knowing full well that she was in the right.

"So…" Sona said, studying me intently. "In light of what you've done for me and the Factions in general, I'm willing to give you one last chance. I will not cancel the engagement, but…" She paused and looked to me with a sharp gaze. "You must earn my trust back, Daisuke. I will not lie, I have feelings for you as well, but I cannot bring myself to trust you as well I have before knowing that you hid something as big Kuroka-san from me. Am I understood?"

I nodded to her, glad that she was at least she was willing to let me make up my mistake to her.

"In regards to Koneko-san, how were able to resolve that situation?" Sona asked me, her tone curious.

I sighed heavily, "Koneko-chan's willing to give Kuroka a chance to redeem herself. I don't know the specifics, but after hearing the real reason she killed her master, she was willing to hear her sister out."

Sona sighed then frowned. "You are far too capable with that charisma of yours. Some would call how you interact with others manipulation."

I blushed lightly as I looked to the side with a scowl. "Blame my Fallen Angel blood. Azazel said something about the species being naturally charismatic; some get alluring appearances while others are verbally gifted…"

My King nodded and asked, "Have you added the rest of your Peerage yet?"

"Yeah. I have. Though, Tohsaka decided that she wanted to be a Pawn, rather than a Bishop. Something about it having greater potential."

"Hmm, I did speak with her about that. It seems you agreed with her…" At that, she crossed her arms and cleared her throat. "During our summer break, we'll be heading down to the Underworld for the Gathering of Young Devil's. I want you to bring your Peerage as well, just so all of you can see how things are done."

"Okay. Is…is there anything you want me to do before we go?"

Sona paused, then shook her head. "No. All I need is for you to comport yourself as a proper individual." She frowned and gave me a faint glare. "I will not tolerate your excessive exuberance anymore from here on out. Am I understood?"

I hesitated at her words and smiled faintly, "Yeah. I understand…" I released a breath and crossed my arms, looking down with a soft frown. "Is…is that all?" Sona faltered at my words, but gave me a brusque nod. I paused and looked over to her, "Do you need me to walk you back to your house?"

She didn't reply for the longest time until she shook her head negative. "No. Thank you, but I can make it on my own."

I nodded to her and turned to head back to my home. "I'm sorry…" I said to her one last time before unfurling my wings and taking to the sky.

Fate's energy blade slammed into Kusanagi, forcing my feet to slide along the smooth ground. I grimaced as I flared my Sacred Gear and manipulated the ground under my feet, preventing my body from moving any farther. Grunting, I slid into her guard and attempted to slam an elbow in her gut. She jumped back to evade my counter, but she was forced to skip back several more times as I raced towards her. Swinging Kusanagi several more times, I found my attacks countered and pushed away every strike with well-timed attacks of her scythe. Energy met Holy steel as we danced along the basement floor, sending sparks off with every meeting.

With a well-timed spin, Fate ducked under my slash and aimed to slash me from waist to shoulder in an upwards diagonal slash. Leaning back at the very last moment, I watched as my shirt was torn from the attack and countered with a one-handed slash at her opened side. She slapped my sword away with the butt of her staff and spun, aiming a backhanded slash at me. Sliding a foot back, I evaded by a hairs-breadth and leapt back, leaving the remnants of the front of my shirt. Releasing a slow breath, I slid my foot back and held Kusanagi at the ready.

Lightning danced along its edge as I gathered magic into my legs. Fate did the same, preparing for one last lunge as she too gathered Lightning into her body. Then, in an instant, we both flickered from sight. We clashed several times in the span of a few moments, testing one another in a bout of speed and strength. She was faster than me by seconds, outpacing me by a hair; it didn't seem like much, but it made all the difference as she kept me on the defensive. However, I was physically stronger of the two of us, pushing her back nearly every time we clashed.

The ground around cracked ever so lightly under the force of our attacks, Lightning dancing along the basement floor. We moved in tandem, trying to outpace and outmaneuver each other, but our foreknowledge on one another's ability made sure to help us give very little. We clashed and clashed, pushing the other back; then, in an instant, we came to a stop. Her energy scythe was poised behind my head, the blade itself inches from the back of my neck; at the same time, Kusanagi's blade was held against Fate's throat.

The two of us remained stationary for a few moments, before we relaxed. Fate gave me a soft smile. "Looks like this is your win, Daisuke."

I sighed and looked down at my ruined shirt. "At the cost of one of my shirts; you've gotten much faster, Fate."

She flushed under my praise, her gaze flickering to my now bare chest.

There were a spattering of applause off to the side. Everyone, save for Rias, Issei and Asia, was now in the basement and happened to witness the latest training session between my Queen and I.

However, Rin looked perplexed, "What do you mean it's Shizuka-kun's win? The both of you were evenly matched at the end?"

Fate shook her head. "I can see how you would believe that, but we train in the pretense that we're currently on the battlefield, stopping short on killing blows. The reason Daisuke won is because he was closer, if only by a few inches, his Kusanagi was closer to the killing blow."

I cleared my throat, sliding Kusanagi into its sheathe. "Even then, Fate is marginally faster than I am. Even my Balance Breaker is slower than hers." I shrugged a single shoulder as I held the sheathed sword in my left hand. Rin nodded and looked between the two of us; I could see the gears turning as she clearly started to strategize. Then I looked towards Moka and Koneko. "Moka, Koneko-chan, do the two of you want to spar each other a bit? I need to find a replacement shirt and I'm sure that the two of you have some frustrations to let out. Since you're both Rooks, it could be a way for Koneko-chan to test her new kouhai." I grinned as I noticed a twinkle in the petite girl's eye.

Moka sighed and looked to her fellow Rook, who nodded once. "Fine. We'll can train for a bit. Maybe we can teach other a few things."

I looked to Rin and said, "Keep an eye on things for me. You're far more levelheaded than I am, so I'll leave you in charge whenever I'm away." Placing a hand on her shoulder, I squeezed lightly as I walked passed her. "Don't let Moka hurt her too much." Hearing Rin's response, I headed upstairs and towards my room. Walking inside, I placed Kusanagi on my bed and went to my dresser. I then opened one of the drawers and pulled out a clean, short-sleeve, button-up shirt and a T-shirt to wear under it.

Putting them on, I rolled my shoulders and allowed the button up to hang open. Striding over to the door, I grabbed Kusanagi and made my way back downstairs.

"Alright… Time to see how things are going…"

"So this is the set-up of your workshop, Tohsaka-san…" I said as I looked around the extra room within the basement floor. I took in the shelf covered with books and various knick knacks that aid in a Magician's research. The table had a collection of books stacked on each other, along with various utensils whose names I never really got around to learning. "What was it you needed my help for?"

Rin sifted through the bag next to her table while she spoke, "I need to see how Demonic and Holy energy interact with my gems." At that, she pulled a box out of the bag and placed it on her desk. Opening it, she searched the contents of various expensive looking gems that glistened in the light.

"How many of those do you have?" My voice sounded slightly incredulous.

"Practically all of my life savings goes into my research." She said absently as she pulled out what looked like an amethyst. Rin then nodded and handed it to me. "Funnel magic into this, but be careful." She said with a scowl. "These are obscenely expensive and I'd rather not waste one because of your excessive power."

I let out a small laugh. "You know, you'd be rather wealthy if you sold one or two of those." Her responsive glare simply caused me to sigh and shake my head. Closing my eyes, I focused on the gem in my hand. Carefully and slowly, I pushed my power into the gem; it began to heat up and fill with my magic.

"Stop!" Rin's voice broke my concentration and I quickly cut off the flow of magic. "Not even five seconds and you've already filled one of my lesser gems…" Her eyes narrowed as she lifted the gem from my hand and examined it. Humming lightly, Rin studied it closely and nodded. "This is good. I was afraid that they wouldn't be able to handle the strain." Then she frowned. "No Holy Energy?"

I shook my head and crossed my arms. "Not yet. I haven't practiced enough with my ability to use Light to feel comfortable using it experimentation like this." I paused and continued, focusing on Rin. "My father's sending someone from Grigori to help tutor me since he'll be busy with Rias's group."

"Shouldn't you have precedence since you're Azazel's son?" Rin asked as she walked over to her desk, placing the gem on a pad.

I grunted once and looked around the room for a safe spot on the wall. Seeing one, I leaned against it and crossed my arms. "He's a Faction leader; besides, Issei needs more help with Boosted Gear than I do with my Light energy. When it comes to my Zenith Tempest, I'm experienced enough with it where I know how to safely train with it."

"Hmm, makes sense…" Rin scowled lightly. "Doesn't sit right with me though; a Magician should always have a teacher in their parent to show them the right way to work. That also goes for other subjects." She looked to me with a hint of sympathy. "It couldn't have been easy learning how to be a Magician growing up."

I smiled lightly at her. "It was trial and error, but my sword master always made sure that she, or someone else, was around when I practiced." I shrugged with a sigh, "Besides, I inherited my kaa-chan's talent, so it came pretty easy to me." Then I grinned playfully at Rin. "I'm honored that you worried for me though, Tohsaka-san. It's an honor to have such a pretty girl concern herself with me."

She blushed and stammered at my response. "I'm not w-worried for you, idiot! I-I'm just shocked that you got as far as you did." She crossed her arms and looked to the side with a pout, murmuring her reply. "Your prettied words won't work on me…"

"Nya nya, calm down, Twin-tails-ojou-chan. It's fine to accept the occasional compliment, nya." Kuroka suddenly appeared in the room, looking over the gems in the box on the desk. "These are some nice jewelry you have here, ojou-chan, nya." She didn't touch any of them, thankfully, but looked closely at them, her ear twitching lightly. At that same, I caught a patronizing tone in how she referred to Rin.

Rin jumped at the sudden appearance of Kuroka. "Where did you come from?!"

Kuroka regarded her with an arched brow, then smiled playfully. "You see, ojou-chan, when there is a man and a woman who get together and decide to have sex, a certain thing can happen to the woman called pregnancy, nya."

Rin flushed heavily, her face turning a very noticeable red as she levelled a glare at Kuroka. "Y-You sordid feline! I know where baby's come from! I asked where you came from in this house!"

Kuroka chuckled lightly, "Don't worry about it, nya. I was curious where Daisuke-chin went off to, nya." She looked to me, then to her with a sly smirk. "What were the two of you planning? Going off on your own to 'play', nya?"

Still thrown off from the earlier vulgar teasing, Rin scowled at the Bishop, crossing her arms with her face still flushed. "That is none of your business, cat."

My Bishop had a playful look on her face when I cleared my throat, catching both of their attention. "As funny as it is watching the two of you go back and forth, this is rather important. We're still a new group, so asking for you to get along is a losing bet for right now." Rin gave a snort as Kuroka placed a hand on her hip with a smirk. "At the moment, all I ask is that you both try to be civil." I looked to Kuroka, "Kuroka, don't tease Tohsaka-san so much; try Fate or Xenovia, the two of them could loosen up a bit anyhow." That brought out a small laugh out of the former Nekoshou. Then my attention went to Rin, "Tohsaka-san, please attempt to not be so confrontational. If you want to vent, then talk to Moka, she has a few tricks that help with putting up with crazy." Though, most of it involves trying to kick my ass…

Rin released a calming breath, her gaze flicking from me to Kuroka. Then she crossed her arms. "Fine."

I looked to Kuroka to see her studying me with her head cocked to the side, like…a cat studying something that caught her interest. Then she smiled slyly, "I can follow those orders, nya; though, can I tease you and Shirone, nya~?" She sidled towards me, leaning forward with a playful grin.

"You might want to wait a while when it comes to Koneko-chan; but you're free to try and tease me." I smirked, and shrugged lightly, "You can try to tease me, but I think it'll take something drastic to get a rise out of me."

A challenging spark appeared in her slitted, hazel eyes. "'Get a rise out of you' nya? I really like a challenge, nya." I smirked and locked gazes with her, causing her to lick her lips subtly.

"Okay, I think that's enough of your flirting." Rin said with a growl. "If there's nothing else to be done, I'd prefer it if you leave." She then cleared her throat and looked to me. "Shizuka-kun, when do you think you'd know how to put Holy energy into a gem?"

I shrugged at that, getting off of the wall. "At the moment? I don't know yet. If learning how to control my Light magic goes like everything else I've done, then it shouldn't be too long."

Rin nodded, but it was Kuroka who spoke up next. "You want to put Holy magic into one of the gems, nya?" She sounded contemplative and just a little, only a little, intrigued at the prospect.

My fellow Magician nodded, "Yes. I figured it would be a good foundation for future projects pertaining to combining magical energies."

"Ah…" Kuroka said, her attention shifting even as Rin spoke, bringing a scowl to her face. Catching this, my Bishop smirked brazenly. "Then you'd be a Wizard Type…like me, nya."

That brought a confused look to her face, one which I mirrored. "Wizard Type?" The two of us asked almost immediately.

Kuroka lifted a hand and waved it lazily, her eyes flicking to me. "It's a term started in Rating Games, nya. There are four types: Power Type, Technique Type, Wizard Type, and Support Type, nya." She pointed to Rin and said, "Like me, ojou-chan is a person who relies primarily on her magical attacks, nya." She motioned out of the room, "Your other kitten is a Technique Type with that sword of hers, nya." Then she cocked her head to the side with a look of contemplation in her gaze. "Though, you and your ex-Exorcist friends are different, nya. You're a Power Type and a Wizard Type; Testarossa is a Technique-Wizard Type, from what I've seen of her abilities; and Akashiya is a Power-Technique Type, nya…"

"So…that's a good thing?" I said as I considered how this in comparison to others that I have seen. That fact brought forward so many possibilities to the table. If there were people who were only one Type, then Fate, Moka and I were wild cards in future Rating Games. Especially because Kuroka has yet to see any of Fate's more destructive spells; they can even rival mine in sheer destructive force.

"Well, yeah, nya." Kuroka said as her tail flicked back and forth lazily. "Normally, people are only one Type and are limited to what they can do. If you pull something out of nowhere on your opponents, then you'll catch them off guard, nya."

I chuckled lightly, "Well, then I guess you can count me as a Technique Type too. Considering the amount of times I've countered Xenovia in a straight sword fight, I can redirect with the best of them. What I'm worst at, though, is anything not having to do with destruction." That brought a chuckle from the former Nekoshou.

"Though I prefer to not fight up close," Rin started as she crossed her arms contemplatively, "I do know some martial arts in case someone gets too close." Her gaze went to Kuroka with a frown. "As I'm sure you know."

Kuroka smiled playfully, "It seems I've joined quite the interesting group, nya."

At that, a growling sound echoed in the room. I frowned and blushed lightly as I glared at my stomach. "And a famished one. I don't know about you two, but I need to feed the beast. He gets angry when he's not nourished." I stepped away from the wall and went to exit Rin's Workshop.

"I wonder what the other 'beast' sounds like when he's hungry for something else?" Kuroka asked sultrily as she pressed her breasts against my back, wrapping her arms around me from behind.

Before I could respond, I heard Rin growl. "New rule: No flirting my Workshop." She then grumbled, "I need to make a sign that says 'keep out'…"

I can't cook worth a damn, so I'm immensely glad that there are people who live in the house that can. From what I can recall from my time as an Exorcist, Fate and Moka were two of the people I knew who could prepare a few dishes. However, while I learned that Akeno could cook, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Melusine, Himari and Rin had some experience in the culinary arts, though they themselves said that it was limited. Being the polite and considerate person that I am, I offered to help in the kitchen, but was unceremoniously kicked out by Moka. Fate, the kindhearted person I knew she was, simply asked if I would set the table.

I sighed as I began placing the various necessities on the table. "Was it really necessary to try and bodily throw me out of the kitchen?" I grumbled as I faintly glared at the door.

"To be fair, Senpai, you're ability in the kitchen was still infamous back at the Church, the last time I was there." Xenovia said as she helped me at the table.

I let out a strangled gasp, "Oi. I thought we agreed that you wouldn't bring up my failure as a cook and I wouldn't call you a Power-idiot…"

She had the grace to blush at that. "Ah, it must have slipped my mind…"

With that, the two of us worked rather quickly and managed to get everything place and had quite a bit of time until dinner was finished; considering it was the first day that all of us were staying at the new house, the girls wanted to make something special. Melusine had estimated it would take an hour for all of the preparations to finish. Rolling my shoulder, I decided that I could take a bath before dinner.

"I'm going to take a bath. I'll be back before dinner is finished." I said to Xenovia, who nodded at my words and hesitated lightly. "Yeah?"

She shook her head. "It's nothing, Senpai." Though she looked like she wanted to say something, in spite of her admittance.

I cocked my head to the side at her words, then frowned. "You don't need to hide anything from me, Xenovia. We've known each other for so long, that you can speak your mind to me without any fear."

Her eyes locked with mine for a moments, then she sighed. "You know me too well, Senpai." That got a smile out of me as I chuckled. "I…I was wondering if I could join you…in the bath?"

I felt my eyes widen at her question and my face heat up ever so lightly. Then I sighed, "I don't see why not…" That brought an inordinate amount of joy to Xenovia's normally controlled expression. I chuckled lightly at her and shook my head at her, smiling lightly. "I'll be using my personal bath. Just…get your things and meet me in there."

"Okay, Senpai, I'll see you then." Xenovia smiled faintly, but happily.

With that, the two of went towards our respective rooms. I went up the steps and strode down to the end of the hall, but as I passed the door to Serafall's room, it was thrown open. The Leviathan Maou stretched her arms to the side as she yawned cutely. "It's been such a long day!" She grinned and crossed her arms, nodding with confident hum. "I knew it was a good idea to do all of my paperwork early." Then she noticed I was there, "Ah, Daisuke-chan! Are you…feeling better?" She asked me with a hint of concern.

I paused and smiled, "I spoke with Sona earlier, so I'm a little more in control than before. Thanks for your concern, Sera-chan."

She smiled beautifully, "You're welcome, Daisuke-chan." Then her expression turned somber. "I know you're a good person and you just made a mistake. I already spoke with Sona-chan and she wants to make up with you, but she's just being stubborn." Serafall grinned and chuckled playfully as stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly. "You're kind and strong, so I don't want to let you go, Daisuke-chan."

I chuckled as I returned the embrace. "Thanks for that, Sera-chan. You really know how to raise my spirits."

Serafall slipped out of my grip, lifting a hand to her face and held up a sideways 'V'. "It's to be expected of the Magical Girl Levia-tan, after all!" She giggled lightly as I smiled and shook my head. Next, she cocked her head to the side and asked, "What are you up to, Daisuke-chan? I thought everyone was downstairs."

"Akeno-chan, Fate, Moka, Himari, Tohsaka-san and Melusine are currently preparing a celebratory dinner for the first day everyone is here; it won't be finished for around an hour. Kuroka and Koneko-chan are…somewhere. I, on the other hand, am going to take a bath…and Xenovia has made it clear that she wants to join me." Granted, I was a little hesitant at that, but if she wanted to join me, then I wouldn't stop her.

"Ah! Really? Can I join you too?" Serafall jumped up and down excitedly.

I felt my eyes widen at that. "You…want to go into the bath with Xenovia and me?"

"Yeah! It's called 'skinship' here in Japan, right? I'd like to do skinship with you to better get closer to you, Daisuke-chan." Serafall smiled widely at that.

"Um…okay." I get the chance to bathe with Xenovia and Serafall? I am not going to screw this up at all. "We'll be in the bathroom attached to my room. I'll be in their first so…" With that, she told me to go ahead as she went back into her room to pick up a change of clothes and stuff. Releasing a breath, I went the rest of the way towards my room and walked inside. Searching my drawers, I grabbed a change of clothes and entered my bathroom. Turning on the water for the tub, I stepped back out and pulled my clothes off and tossed them into the hamper for cleaning later. Then I placed my folded clothes, to change into later, onto the stand next to the hamper, grabbed a towel and walked inside the bathroom.

Sighing lightly, I dropped down and sat on a stool and watched as the tub began to fill with water. After a few moments, I filled to a satisfactory amount and I shut the water off. Taking my towel, I draped it over my lap; I them began to lather the soap into a washrag and started on my arms.

It didn't take long for me to hear the other two approaching the door to the room. "Serafall-sama? You're going into the bath as well?"

"Yep! Daisuke-chan said I could get closer to him through skinship. If you're here, then we can all take part!"

"Skinship, huh? Kiryuu-san said something about that to Asia-san. I see, you truly are knowledgeable about social interactions, Serafall-sama. I look forward to learning from you in the future." My wayward kouhai said that to Serafall with a serious tone of voice.

"Heh, heh. Of course I am. I'm Levia-tan, the Underworld's foremost Magical Girl!" The door was pushed open, revealing Serafall and Xenovia in a state of undress. Serafall had her towel wrapped around her chest and it fell to her upper thighs, she was also carrying a bottle of shampoo. Xenovia, on the other hand, simply held her towel in front of her body with a hand, while carrying her own bottle. Upon seeing me, the two smiled widely, and Serafall said, "I'll wash your back, Daisuke-chan."

I blinked at that, but simply accepted it with a sigh. "If that's what you want…" Serafall squealed in delight as she walked quickly over to me, dropping into a crouch behind me. Xenovia simply walked over and placed her stool next to mine, sitting down with an exhalation of breath.

It was then that I felt Serafall place a lathered washrag onto my back and began scrubbing firmly. "Woah! I never noticed until now, Daisuke-chan, but you have a large back. It's no wonder you're so good at protecting people." The rag she held went across the entirety of back, from my shoulders to my waist. This went on a few more times, before it was stopped. She giggled lightly and I soon felt her hand leave my back, which was quickly followed by feeling something quite soft and bare press against my back. Her arms then wrapped my neck from behind as I felt her chin rest on my shoulder.

"Sera-chan?" I asked her as I tried to rein in my hormonal reaction.

She pouted deeply, "You've always been affectionate with the other girls, but never with me. I thought I was your favorite."

I cleared my throat and made sure my towel was still in place over my lap. "You've always been so busy with Maou work and I've had stuff to do with the Student Council. Plus, Sona doesn't hold back when she gives out work for others to do."

"Excuses!" Serafall said without hesitation, pulling a laugh out of Xenovia, as she slapped me on the chest. "You are someone who has the powers of a Magical Girl, but is a boy! That means you have the ability to do what other people can't, like me!" She hummed in acceptance and nodded against my cheek. "Yes, we Magical People are destined for greatness, Daisuke-chan. All you have to do put a little more effort forward and you'll achieve that greatness!"

I blinked at her words, arching an eyebrow. "And…I'm to achieve greatness. Which is to…be affectionate with you, Sera-chan?" My voice came out in a very deadpan tone.

"Yep."

Serafall abrupt response pulled a small laugh out of Xenovia, who held a hand to her mouth to keep it under control. Looking to her, I sighed and said, "What are your thoughts on this Xenovia? Have I not been treating you kindly enough?"

My kouhai cocked her head to the side, a pondering expression on her face. "You've always been kind to me, Senpai, so I can't complain. Though, I do enjoy it when you kiss me." She paused and nodded her head, a small blush appearing on her face. "I would like it if we did that more often, if it's not too much, Senpai."

"If that's what you want, then I'm willing to do so more often. We do live together now." I smirked when I noticed the flush on her cheeks and the pleased smile she had on her face. Then I turned my attention to Serafall, "So, when should I begin my 'path to greatness', Sera-chan?"

The female Maou actually placed a hand on her chin in contemplation. "Hmm, how about now?" She then captured my lips in sudden kiss. Placing both of her hands on my face, she turned me to fully face her as she moved her lips in a slow rhythm. A soft moan escaped her as I returned the kiss, leaning forward and matching the movement of her lips. Her hands slid up my face and into my hair, entwining her fingers into my hair and gently digging into my scalp.

After a few moments, we broke apart and I was treated to Serafall's healthily flushed expression. "Haa~." She sighed as she leaned against my back, resting her head on my shoulder. "Sona-chan's lucky that I love her so much, otherwise I'd steal you for myself, Daisuke-chan~."

I smirked with pride, even though my own face was flushed as well. "Glad to know that I passed your test, Sera-chan." My gaze flickered to my kouhai, who appeared to be torn between watching us and watching herself. "Hey, Xenovia, how about I wash your back for you?"

She looked to me with surprise, but nodded once, "I wouldn't mind that, Senpai. What about Serafall-sama, though?"

Before I could reply, the Maou cut in, "Ah! I'm not done yet! I want to wash Daisuke-chan's hair too! It felt soo~ soft when I put my fingers through it." She squealed and squirmed against my back, which caused quite the reaction to my hormones. "I'll grab the shampoo, you two take your time." I felt her get off of my back and walk over to the side.

With that, I turned to the side and watched as Xenovia lifted her stool and place it in front of me. She then sat down in front of me, leaning forwards slightly. Moving forwards so that I wouldn't have to reach, I lathered my wash rag with soap and began to firmly, but gently, wash her back. My hands slid along the soft contours and kneaded my fingers in order to get the best results. Xenovia clearly seemed to enjoy it as I felt her lean backwards and into my hands, releasing a breath when I hit a sensitive spot.

Serafall, meanwhile, was washing my hair while humming a merry tune. I won't lie, I have a sensitive scalp and am very picky over who I let touch it. Normally, I'm able to ignore it if it's in the heat of battle, but that's because it's not crippling. On the flipside, when I'm not focusing on any specific task, I feel rather…distracted, when there's someone rubbing my scalp. So, at this very moment, I was immensely glad that I had a towel covering my lap, otherwise things may have gotten awkward.

After a few moments of that, Serafall told me that she was going to rinse the shampoo out of my hair. Nodding at that, I leaned forwards and allowed her to pour water over my head. Xenovia shivered lightly as the water hit her as well. With that done, I shook my head out and grinned playfully at Serafall's sudden laugh.

"Alright, Xenovia, I've finished washing your back. Shall we move onto Sera-chan?" I grinned playfully as Xenovia looked over her shoulder at me with a faint smile.

"Of course."

After one damn good dinner and am hour or two of talking about inane topics, it was starting to get late. We bid each other good night and went to our respective bedrooms. Of course, I happened to be followed by my Bishop. "I'm sure there are plenty of rooms from which you can choose from, Kuroka. I'll gladly help you pick one out."

Kuroka gave me a playful smile, "Aw, you don't want to sleep with little old me, nya~?" She pushed her arms together to emphasize her generous bust.

I gave her a deadpan look. "First of all, there's nothing 'little' about you, Kuroka. Second, you just joined the group and everyone still hasn't fully accepted you. Third…" I paused and cocked my head to the side. "Well, there is no third point. I'm already in the dog house in regards to Sona and I'd rather not make things worse for myself."

"Nyeh." Kuroka pouted and crossed her arms, looking to the side while still following me to my room. "I thought you were fun, Daisuke-chin, nya." Her eyes flickered to me, narrowed slightly and her lips curved into a sly smile. "You just need to loosen up, Daisuke-chin, nya. You're far too tense, nya." She sped up and reached my side, grabbing my arm. "All you need to do to loosen up is to get laid, Daisuke-chin, nya." Placing my left hand against her soft breast, she pressed her side against me and gave a playful laugh. "I'd love to repay your generosity by helping you relieve stress, nya~."

Underneath my arched eyebrow and schooled poker face, I was struggling to maintain my self-control. Kuroka was a hundred-percent right: I was tense. I was a coiled spring just waiting to snap; being constantly in the presence of beautiful young woman close to my age was beginning to grate on my practiced self-control. Granted, my former line of work consistently put me in the presence of attractive women, but I've never felt so…strained. No doubt, it's due to my unsealed Fallen Angel blood that's causing me to feel this way. They are known for being lustful, due to how they fell, which is why my blood feels like its boiling with desire whenever I'm around the girls that now reside in my house.

However, I haven't practiced self-control my entire life just to give in now.

Gently, but firmly, removing my hand from Kuroka's breast, I released a strained breath and shook my head to clear my thoughts. "I appreciate your offer, Kuroka, but now is not the best time for me." I grimaced at how my voice came out in a strained rasp, betraying my attempt to rein in my rising lust.

Not put off at all, Kuroka continued to smile, "I can wait, Daisuke-chin, nya. After all, I'll just need a little patience until you finally give in and ravage the nearest girl, nya." She leaned into my side and winked at me, "This here Cat will just have to make sure she's nearby when you do snap, nya~."

I released a breath and regarded her with a tired look. "You're not going to give up and find your own room, will you?" She shook her head, which caused me to shake my head. "Do what you want, I'm too tired to argue anymore…" Kuroka's twin tails flicked to the side as she regarded me with a satisfied, smug, expression. I was starting to regret challenging her to flirt with me…

I walked into my room and quickly removed my button-up shirt and the T-shirt under it, tossing them towards to the chair in the corner of the room. Heading to the dresser, I pulled the top drawer open and pulled out a pair of shorts to sleep in. Changing into them, I looked over to Kuroka to see her shrug out of her kimono and climb onto my bed, completely naked. Quickly sliding under the covers to hide my arousal, I made sure to look her in the face, rather than below. "You…weren't wearing underwear the entire day?"

Kuroka purred audibly, lying on top of the covers with her tails flicking back and forth. "Should I have, nya?" She said with a smile.

"…They'd help." I sighed upon seeing her smiling playfully, I slid further under the blankets and said, "I'm going to sleep, good night."

"Night, Master, nya~." I was too tired to react when I felt her press her body against my back, simply allowing unconsciousness to take me.

When I woke up that morning, the last thing I expected was to have not one, but two naked young women lying with me in the bed. I was on my back and I had a girl on both of my sides, their heads resting on my shoulders with my arms wrapped around them. For a few moments, I was completely at a loss about who they would be, but the moment I looked down to see a pair of heads with black hair, I knew without a doubt who they were.

Kuroka and Akeno.

The two sources of my rampaging hormones.

When I began to feel Akeno stirring against me, I came to the conclusion that I wasn't the only who was waking up. She groaned quietly as she rubbed her face against my shoulder, her hand absently resting on my stomach. Violet eyes fluttered open, with her bangs matted down over her forehead, as she looked up to me, a small smile appearing on her sleepy face. "Fancy seeing you here…"

"Yeah. Small world, don't you think?" I answered in complete deadpan, smirking as she giggled and snuggled closer to me. "Were you comfortable? I can't have been the best pillow."

Akeno hummed to herself as her eyes scanned my face, lingering on my lips. "Much better than any old pillow, that's for sure. For one, you're warm." She smiled leaned against my body; under the blanket I could feel her bare leg hooking around one of mine.

It was at that moment, I had a premonition of sorts. Taking inventory, I turned my attention to my left arm, the one which Akeno had taken residence on, and quickly realized that she was completely…naked. The moment I realized that, it must have shown on my face, because her expression turned teasing. "Ara ara, ufufu, Daisuke-kun, did you notice something you like?"

"Why…are you naked?" I asked somewhat breathlessly, as it was early and I hadn't yet built up my daily resistance.

"Ufufu, maybe I wanted to spoil you in the morning, Daisuke-kun." Akeno lifted her arms out from under the blankets and wrapped them around my neck, pressing her breasts against the side of my chest. Clearly pouting, she gave me a look. "Seeing you so low key and subdued upsets me, Daisuke-kun. I'm so used seeing you as a bundle of energy that it's strange seeing you act otherwise." Smiling sultrily, she leaned forward and gently bit me on the ear. "So I thought 'maybe I should cheer up Daisuke-kun'." Her breath tickled my ear as she spoke, driving me even crazier.

My left arm absently wrapped around her bare waist as she continued her ministrations, eliciting a pleased hum from her. A ragged breath escaped me as I tried to not lose complete control. I was so surprised that I was speechless, unable to verbalize anything in the midst of the morning, lustful haze that settled on my mind. Clearly noticing this, Akeno giggled as she slid an arm off of my neck and placed it on my chest, slowly sliding it under the covers. I shuddered, feeling her hand rubbing my bare chest, then stomach, before it reached my waist.

"Ara ara, is little Daisuke-kun excited?" Akeno whispered as I felt her hand gingerly began to massage my erection over my boxers. "Ara? It seems you're not so little after all… Ufufu, is it because you're just waking up, or do I arouse you that much?" If anything, her harmonious voice only seemed to aggravate my arousal, eliciting a groan from me as I tried to not react overtly.

My heavily lidded eyes looked over to Akeno as I tried not to just give into my instincts and take her then and there. To do combat my raging libido, I opted to mentally list reasons to not take Akeno like an animal in heat. For one, confession or not, I had only recently gotten closer to Akeno and only wanted to get to know her a little more before taking the plunge…so to speak. Second, I hadn't warded my room at all and was quite sure that the walls wouldn't hold back the noise. Third, it wasn't just the two of us in the room, Kuroka was also in the bed with us…

Speaking of Kuroka, out of my periphery, I caught sight of a pair of lumps rising and falling from the blanket a little below waist level. My eyes suddenly widened imperceptively and I slowly looked to my right.

Light brown locked with a mischievous hazel.

Kuroka was lying on my right shoulder, watching Akeno and I with a playful smile on her face. She didn't react in anyway, save for her tails flicking back and forth lazily under the blanket. "Don't mind me, nya~. This Cat was only watching her Master have a little fun, nya~." She said conversationally.

I couldn't help but watch the movements her full lips made as she spoke. Akeno hadn't stopped her gradual ministrations, though it had slowed when she too realized that Kuroka was watching, and was unable to stop myself from imagining everything she could do with those lips. My already tenuous self-control was even closer to giving out when I took in Kuroka's sensual form, to which the blankets covering her did little to actually hide her physique, added to the fact that she still attached to my right side. At first, my instincts whispered into my ear, not unlike Akeno, to just take her then and there, damning the consequences; but now, with the knowledge of the currently conscious Kuroka, my Fallen Angel blood was absolutely boiling, screaming at me to just give into my lust and take the both of them like an animal in heat.

Once again, I tried to use logic to stop myself from acting on those instincts, but unlike before, my mind came up with a blank. Nothing came to mind when I tried to figure out a good reason to not engage in a wild threesome with Akeno and Kuroka. My own rational mind began to rebel against me as it started to list reasons as to why I should get laid. One, they're both already naked and clearly willing. Two, I was a perfectly healthy red blooded male with a raging libido. Three, I was only one deft movement from stripping down to nothing.

Dammit. Even logic was failing me… No, that's not it; at this very moment, the only logical thing would be to initiate the wild threesome and leave them too sore to walk, thus facilitating the necessity of a second instant of a threesome…

"Ara ara, you're getting even more excited down there, Daisuke-kun." Akeno said teasingly as I felt her hand beginning to move just a little faster. "Maybe we should listen to Kuroka-san… Or do you want her to join in?" She whispered into my ear playfully.

"Nyaha~. Whatever should I do, nya?" Kuroka murmured as she too leaned her face closer to mine. "My Master is in dire straits and needs me to relieve him, nya." Then she promptly licked me on the cheek, causing me to widen my eyes slightly. Kuroka smiled impishly, "What are you pining for, Master, nya~?"

My face heated up as my gaze flickered from hazel to violet. Then I gulped audibly and closed my eyes to try and salvage the remnants of my fracturing self-control.

"I…I gotta go!" I muttered quickly and breathlessly, using Zenith Tempest to temporarily turn into wind to escape.

…No, I did not just use a Longinus to escape a situation most men only dream of. I just used it to…not jostle the girls as I got out of bed.

Yeah… That's it exactly.

One cold, very cold, shower and an hour later, I was walking out of the kitchen after putting my dish away after breakfast. Striding over to the couch, I dropped down and called up Kusanagi the placed it on the table. Lifting my hand, I summoned a cleaning kit and pulled out all of the necessary materials. With everything out and in place, I began to clean my Holy Sword's blade, giving it a long deserved rest and treat for being such a trustworthy sword.

I don't clean the sword often, due to the fact that it's not necessary. As a Holy Sword, it's infinitely more durable and more powerful than any other run of the mill weapon and doesn't need maintenance like them. However, I learned how to clean them years ago when I first began my training in the art of the sword. As I was taught how to do so, I found that it was quite calming. Whenever I had downtime during my time as an Exorcist, I'd take the time to wipe down Kusanagi in order to rest.

Unfortunately, I've yet to find the adequate time to just sit down and do so. With everything that's happened, I'm currently finding it to be rather soothing. Since it was still early, Akeno had returned to her room in order to get more sleep and Kuroka had went back to sleep in my bed; they had woken up to just drive me up the wall. Cleaning Kusanagi's blade, I allowed my mind to wander as my hands moved in autopilot.

My thoughts went to what happened earlier, consequently. More specifically, to how easily it was for the pair of buxom beauties to fluster me. I'm a very composed person by nature, though I probably don't show it, yet that has been quickly unraveled with the various events that were unfolding in my life. My current situation with Sona, my increasing lust conflicting with my common sense, and the knowledge that I have even larger responsibilities as both an Heir and a Devil. Granted, I could just pick one of the girls who happen to be smitten with me, and I feel strongly for, and just have sex with her. But, it wouldn't be for the right reasons. It would just be for relief, not an expression of how we feel for each other.

I know I'm overthinking this, but I don't just want to take advantage of the feelings the girls have for me. My inherent kindness and desire to do what's right was conflicting with my newly awakened nature as a lustful Fallen Angel hybrid and it was rightly pissing me off. I wanted to show one of them how I feel as well, but with the state I was in, it'd end up as just comfort; which is not what I want the act of making love to end up as. I felt my jaw clench in frustration as I tried to think of what I could do.

Kusanagi shone subtly, emitting a calming aura that slowly made its way up my arms. It did little to actually quell my frustrations, but it did pull my attention from my thoughts to the sword itself. Cocking my head to the side, I narrowed my eyes at it and hefted it up with both of my hands. Studying the blade closely, I wondered what was happening with it.

{…t's ok…}

My eyes widened as I heard the faint voice in the back of my mind.

{…n yo… he…me…}

"Huh?" Arashi, was that you?

No, it was not, Master. I…believe it is coming from the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.

From Kusanagi? I asked mentally as I placed the sword flat on my lap, resting a hand on the hilt and another on the opposite end of the blade.

{…ey…}

There it is again! Arashi, can you help me connect to the blade?

I shall do what I can. Zenith Tempest flared ever so lightly within me, sending a pulse of power down my arms and into my hands. When the power of my Gear reached Kusanagi, everything in my vision went black.

The moment my vision returned to me, I quickly looked around to see what the hell just happened and where I was. I froze quickly as I took in my surroundings; I was no longer in the living room of the house that Serafall had gotten for me. I was standing off to the side of a long reaching field with sloping hills and sporadic copse of trees decorating every other spot. The sky above me was wide, blue and empty of clouds, with the sun pleasant sitting in the horizon as though it had freshly risen.

Looking around with a healthy amount of suspicion and wary, I began to walk forward and tried to call Kusanagi to my hand. Nothing appeared in my hand, but I did feel a pull in a specific direction. Narrowing my eyes, I turned to face that direction and carefully began to stride forwards.

Interesting…

What do you mean? Do you know where we are?

Currently, your body is still sitting in your home. You're just a deep meditative trance.

I froze at that, my eyes widening. What? You're saying that I'm…in my soul right now?

Funnily enough, I heard a scoff from the consciousness of Zenith Tempest. Of course not. One cannot simply enter their own soul; I know this because I reside there and would know if you were near. No, your mind is in a construct created by…the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. For what reason, I know not.

I nodded at that, accepting Arashi's explanation. It seemed to be logical enough; well, as logical as talking with a sword, Holy Sword or not, really is.

What do you suggest I do?

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi wishes speak with you, Master. I recommend you indulge it.

Nodding, I continued the path from which I felt the pull originate from. I walked in silence as I wondered what the sword wanted to speak about. The path went on for what like moments, but when I looked to the sky, I couldn't help notice that the sun had reached the top of the sky. Frowning, I began to accelerate as I did not want to be in the forest at night, regardless of whether it was a manifested world created by my long time sword.

In a few short minutes, I came onto the opening of a cave. Coming to a stop, I felt the pull slacken just enough to let me know that I had arrived. "I'm here." I called out.

There was silence for several moments, which felt infinitely longer, until a gentle, childlike voice broke the silence.

{I…I've wanted to meet you, Wielder…} Slowly, but surely, a figure began to make its way out of the cave and into the light. The steps it made were soft and gradual, but I could quickly make out what had shown itself.

It was a dragon with scales the color of glistening topaz. Its height appeared to reach to my upper thigh and its claws had a lethal quality to them. The dragon had an assortment of tails, all of equal length that hung behind it. It had an equal number of heads, attached to the main body with snake-like necks. Eight. Surprisingly, the oddest thing about it were not the assortment of limbs, but the look in its eyes. They were hesitant, yet held a seemingly childlike naiveté with a glimmer of hope in them.

"…Yamato no Orochi?" I whispered unbelievingly.

The dragon bowed its heads in nervousness. {Ano… I'm not the original, Wielder… I came from… the essence left behind when Susanoo-no-Mikoto found the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi…}

I cocked my head to the side, listening to childlike tone with a sense of…confusion? I honestly had no idea what to feel in this situation. "Did you always live in Kusanagi?"

It shook a single head and looked to me, the remaining seven still facing downwards. {No, I've been…sleeping? I don't know what to call it, but I didn't gain consciousness until after…I sensed you, Wielder.}

"Sensed me?" I repeated what it said, crossing my arms as I tried to make sense of the situation. "Like when I awakened the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi? Or when Griselda-sama said I was ready to wield the Kusanagi?"

Once again, it shook its head. {No, from the day we found each other. I woke up for the first time when I sensed you all those years ago…}

My eyes widened at that, "Eight years ago? When I first went to Kyoto?" It nodded at me, causing me to exhale suddenly. "You've been…conscious for eight years and I never knew…"

The dragon let out a small laugh. {To be fair, I wasn't able to…communicate in any way for the first four years, as my conscious mind was developing. Through our connection, I modeled my…mental growth after yours, Wielder.} It paused every so often, as if searching for the proper word. {The entire time, though, I was able to watch your growth when you wielded the Kusanagi.} It paused, looking down sheepishly. {At first, I feared you, because your essence was similar to Susanoo-no-Mikoto and since he caused the death of my progenitor, I dreaded that you would do the same to me…}

I frowned at that.

However, before I could respond, one of the heads quickly looked up, excitement in its eyes. {But as I watched your adventures, Wielder, I realized that you weren't an unkind person. You helped others without thought of being rewarded! You wielded the sword in the name of protecting peace and those you care about. I've always wanted to speak with you, to offer what I can, but…} It lowered its head. {I realized that I'm not strong like my progenitor…}

"Hey…" I caught its attention. "Strength…comes in many forms. Whether it's the power to speak out, to fight back or be yourself, it's all the same. The only thing that's important is standing up for what you believe in; that's what I've learned." I smiled lightly, sliding my hands into my pockets. "I'm always willing to accept a new partner; besides, you don't seem too bad a…dragon."

Happiness appeared in its eyes as all eight of its heads looked to me. Then hesitation made itself known. {But…what can I do?}

"…You're the one who's been pushing that calming aura out of Kusanagi, yeah?" Seeing him nod his head, I crossed my arms with a smirk. "See? You have power within the Sword. You're not as useless as you think. Everyone has something they can do, you just need to find it."

The dragon's eyes widened as all of its heads looked up to me. {Really?} When I nodded again to prove my point, it resolutely stared at the ground. {Then I'd gladly offer my power to you, Wielder!}

"Daisuke." When I told it my name, it cocked its head to the side. "If you're going to be my partner, then you call me by name." It paused and regarded me with a sense of awe.

{Really?} At my nod, it gave a resolute nod. {I shall do my best for you Daisuke-sama!}

"Do you have a name? Or do I need to give you one like Arashi?" It shook its head at my question. "Are you a boy?" I cocked one of its heads at my question and turned one of its heads to look under it, then looked back up to me and nodded. I sighed and laughed lightly. "Okay, let's see, what should your name be…?" I paused for a few moments, studying him closely as I stood in place with my arms crossed. Thoughts flew through my mind and I smiled, "How about Yasha?"

{Yasha…} The childlike dragon said quietly, speaking with all eight of his heads as if to get a taste for the name. Then he nodded, {I like it, Daisuke-sama! Thank for you giving me the chance to fight alongside you!} With that, the newly named Yasha bounded founded and crashed into my legs, sending me sprawling to the ground. I grunted at the impact, and couldn't help but smile lightly at how he affectionately rubbed against my leg with his tails wrapped around it.

"It's no problem. I'm always glad to have a new friend." I reached forward and gently rubbed the head that was the one that spoke. He pushed it into my hand, humming contentedly. "Now…how do I get back?" Of course, as soon as I asked that, my entire world went black.