Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

A/N: Here's the second chapter of the day. More character development and character interaction. Also, I'm not entirely sure how well I handled the last scene with Akeno. I won't say what it was, to avoid spoiling my own chapter, so I'll let you give me your thoughts on it.

I want honest criticisms, so have at you! I can take it!

Anway, read/review/enjoy!

The Bloodstained Omamori

Chapter Thirty Five

Letting Go Is The First Step

"Where is it? Where is it?" I mumbled the room number a few times as I walked through the middle school building with Kunou at my side. She was now clad in the Kuoh girl's uniform, shoulder cape and everything, following me dutifully. It didn't take long for me to find the room, the closed door resting between us and the classroom full of short people. "This is the room, Kunou-chan. Do you have the location memorized?"

The Kyuubi looked at the room number, then down the hall, before she paused in thought for a few moments, then nodded to me. "Yes, Daisuke-nii-sama."

"Got everything? Lead, eraser, pencil? Paper?" She nodded and I trusted her judgement, since Fate was the one who helped her get ready. My Queen was meticulous like that. "Alright. Lunch is the same time for all grades so if you want I can come by and pick you up so you can eat lunch with the rest of us?"

"I'd like that, if it's not too much trouble…" Kunou said politely, hands clasped in front of her, though she looked at me with this adorably hopeful look.

I smiled kindly down at her, causing her to blush and look down shyly. "It's not too much trouble. You're my guest and friend." I gave her a wide, playful grin. "You've no idea the trouble I get into for my friends."

That caused her to giggle and give me a small smile. "Thank you, Daisuke-nii-sama. I'm ready."

"Alright. Here's to new friends." I then lifted a hand and knocked on the door to the classroom. A voice on the other side replied an affirmative and I heard footsteps approaching the door. It was opened, revealing an older woman. "Hello, I'm here to drop off a new student." I stepped aside so Kunou could walk up to the teacher.

"Hello." She said shyly, looking up to her with a subdued gaze.

The teacher nodded to me. "I received a notice of her arrival. Thank you."

I accepted her words and turned my attention back to Kunou. "I, or one of the others, will come by at lunch to pick you up. Okay?" She nodded to me and smiled down at her. "Be good now. I'm sure your Mother would love to hear that your first day here was a great one." Kunou gave me a wide smile as I turned and began to my trek out of the middle school branch, to get to my own class.

Luckily, I reached my classroom in record time, slipping into my seat just at the last second. Tsubaki gave me a sidelong glance, arching a slim brow. I offered her a playful grin, getting a faint blush in response. Sitting back in my seat, I pulled out a notebook and placed it on my desk. I've been away from school for technically a year, let's see if I still got it.

"How has school been so far?" I asked Kunou as she walked next to towards the first year classroom.

"It's been good so far. Everyone's really nice to me, asking about Kyoto and stuff." She answered softly, carrying a pale blue box, her bento.

"That's good. What about the subjects?"

"It's pretty easy. Okaa-sama homeschooled me before I came here. Quite a few of the subjects are things I already went over."

"I know how you feel. I aced all of the tests my tutors gave me when I was at the Vatican."

Kunou gave me a wide-eyed look. "You've been to the Vatican! That's…in Italy, right?" At my nod, she asked me something else, excitedly jumping up. "Where else have you been? Before now, I haven't ever left Kyoto."

I grinned widely, "I've been lots of place, all around the world." Her wide-eyed, unbelieving look was absolutely adorable. "Maybe, in the future, we can go traveling the world too? There are some things I've been wanting to collect."

"Really?! Oh, that would be really cool, Daisuke-nii-sama!" Kunou clenched her fist tightly. "Ooh, I hope Okaa-sama says I can go!"

At the moment, honestly, the chances of her saying 'yes' are slim to none. I have yet to really gain Yasaka's trust. This happened because of Amaterasu's persistence that I have Yokai presence in my Peerage as a show of loyalty.

It didn't take much longer for us to reach the entrance of the first year classroom. I peered inside and looked around before I heard, rather than saw, Koneko and Ravel.

Before I could do anything, though, a familiar voice caught my attention. "Kunou-dono! I hope you've been doing well?"

"Un. The other students are very nice to me, Himari-san."

"That's good." I turned around and saw Himari and Kunou speaking amicably. A small smile appeared on my face and I approached the two, stepping to my Nekoshou's side. She looked to me in surprise and her expression brightened. "Daisuke-sama! It's good to see you here. Are you looking for Koneko-dono and Ravel-dono?"

I nodded to her. "Yeah. I was coming to get them so we can get lunch."

Himari hummed lightly and gave me a playful look. "Should I get them? If you walk in there, then the other students will start to talk about all sorts of things." She had to cover her mouth to hide the clearly wide smile that appeared on her face at my falling, deadpan expression. At my nod, she giggled and walked inside.

"What's wrong, Daisuke-nii-sama?"

I paused and sighed heavily. "Nothing, Kunou-chan. Just an inside joke I'll explain later." I smiled lightly down at her, one which she returned brightly. Not a minute later, Koneko and Ravel walked out of the classroom with Himari behind them. "Hey you two. You're not tearing the roof down with your arguing are you?" I gave them a wry smirk, to which Koneko flushed and looked away. Ravel blushed and looked down. I let out a small laugh and asked, "I'm just about to head out to eat lunch, meet up with the others. Do you three want to join me?"

Ravel nodded at that, her pig tails bouncing in response. "Of course, Daisuke-sama." Then she paused, shuffling lightly in place. "A-Also, I brought one of my cakes… I'd like you to try it." Ravel looked up to me for a few seconds, before her eyes turned away shyly.

"Sure." Her face lit up at that, as if I just made her day.

"I can't…" Koneko said with a cute frown. "Buchou wants to meet as much as possible to plan out the next Rating Game." She looked so defeated, clearly wanting to stick with us.

"Oh, well. You can't win 'em all, I guess." I offered her a small smile.

"We did beat you and Kaichou, though." Koneko added cheekily, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

I felt my brow twitch as Himari chuckled behind her hand. "Yeah, you did. Just make sure that Rias-san knows that it was you who won the Game for you. If I wasn't caught off guard, I'd have ended it immediately."

"Only words, Senpai. You lost. Accept it." Koneko said resolute, a challenging smile on her face.

"You're too much, you know that?" I deadpanned to her as Kunou giggled next to me. I sighed and shook my head. "Do you want me to walk you to the clubroom?"

Koneko paused and I could clearly see that she wanted it. However, she reluctantly shook her head. "No. Buchou said that no one except us are allowed in the old school building. I can make it on my own." She was about to turn, but paused for a moment, then suddenly wrapped her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly. I smiled lightly and gently returned the embrace before she broke away, her face flushed. I caught the subtle smug look she shot to Ravel before racing away.

"Ooh! That stupid Cat!" Ravel seethed as she glared in the direction Koneko retreated. Himari subtly cleared her throat, regarding the girl with an amused look. Face turning a cute scarlet, Ravel tried to cover her tracks. "N-Not you, Himari-san! She always causes me trouble and it frustrates me so much!"

Himari didn't respond, still studying Ravel closely, as if debating something. My Bishop fidgeted under my Knight's intense gaze, her face darkening noticeably. After a few moments, she gave the Phenex Devil a teasing smile. "I know, Ravel-dono. I just wanted to make you squirm." The smile widened at Ravel's pout. "You're just so cute when you're embarrassed."

Ravel's face turned an interesting shade of red as she gave Himari a glare. She then threw me a betrayed look at my chuckle. "Sorry, Ravel-chan. Himari-chan's right. You're mighty cute when you're flustered." If possible, her cheeks darkened even more as she folded in on herself. I chuckled lightly as I placed a hand on her head. "Fine, fine. I'll lay off. We're wasting time, let's go meet up with the others."

Kunou, clearly amused with us older kids, nodded with a smile; as did Himari and still red Ravel. We walked down the halls at a relatively quick pace. I returned the greetings from other students and ignored the jealous glares. It didn't take long for us to reach the Second year classroom and I paused upon seeing Fate in the classroom, apparently talking with Asia, with Aika Kiryuu standing next her. Fate had a noticeable blush on her face after a remark from Aika. I walked inside and said, "Fate?"

She jumped and turned to look to me, her face brightening noticeably. "Daisuke! I was just looking for you!" Then, as if realizing what she just said, she blushed and looked down shyly. "I…I mean, I stopped by to see if Moka was ready to get lunch…"

Moka, who was sitting at her desk, got and smirked at Fate. "Of course you were, Fate." Her wry retort got my Queen to flush a little more, but also give her a frown at the tease.

Next to Fate, Asia waved kindly at me. "Hello, Daisuke-san. Have you had a good morning?"

I nodded to Asia with a soft smile. "Yeah, I have, Asia-chan. Thanks for asking." I then motioned for Kunou to step forward, "I was just showing Kunou-chan here around."

Kunou bowed to Asia politely, "It's nice to meet you; I'm Kunou."

Asia beamed widely and bowed as well. "Nice to meet you, too, Kunou-san. I'm Asia Argento."

Aika interjected easily, eyeing me with a wry smile. "Hooking 'em young, aren't you, Senpai. I don't blame you, though, she's a cutie." She gave a blushing Kunou a welcoming grin. "I'm Aika Kiryuu."

Asia cocked her head to the side in confusion. "What do hooks have to do with Senpai and Kunou-san?"

I groaned as I heard Moka chuckling at my side. Throwing her a glare, I replied to Aika tiredly. "I'm looking after her for an undetermined amount of time for a friend. I'm not 'hooking 'em young'." My deadpan gaze only caused her smile to widen just a bit more.

"Yes, yes, I believe you of course. With all of the girls you've already surrounded yourself with, there's no need to go searching for more." Aika's grin turned conspiratorial as her shot to Ravel for a moment. "Or are you that insatiable, Shizuka-senpai?"

Thankfully, I didn't have to respond, thanks to Xenovia's and, surprisingly, Irina's timely intervention. "Ah! Senpai! You're here! I have really big news!" Irina basically skipped over to me, a wide grin on her face. Trailing behind her were Issei and his perverted friends arguing over something inane and stupid.

I offered her a thankful look, getting a knowing grin, before I replied. "Irina? You're coming here too now?"

She nodded excitedly, "Yep." Her gaze shot to Aika for a moment, before she looked back to me, silently letting me know that she had something to tell me that wasn't for those not in the know.

I nodded to her, both in recognition of her words and letting her know we'd talk later. Looking to Xenovia, I said, "I was going to ask the two of you if you wanted to join me for lunch, but Koneko-chan told me you have a club meeting."

A rueful look appeared in place of her normally stoic expression. "Yes. Buchou is rather adamant about preparing. It'll have to be some other time, I suppose…" Xenovia's somewhat hopeful look pulled a smile out of me, her cheeks dusting ever so lightly.

"Definitely. We'll need to talk later, though."

She nodded and looked to Asia, then Issei. "Asia-san, Issei-san, we need to head to the clubroom. Buchou will no doubt be wanting to see us as soon as possible."

Asia nodded and gave Kunou, Fate and I a smile. "It was nice talking with you." We returned it in kind.

"Gah! Matsuda, Motohama, stop spreading those damn rumors! Kiba and I are not like that!"

"Oh! But you are enslaving Rias-senpai in a vicious cycle of blackmail and threats in order to make her sleep with you!?" Matsuda spouted off without a care in the world, loud enough for everyone in the room hear.

"Stop lying you damn baldy! Now, I need to get to the clubroom, so back off!" He turned and gave me a tired smile. "Hey, Senpai. Can't talk right now. Glad to see you're back though."

I waved him off. "Duty calls. I got it. No problem. Get going." He gave me a thankful smile and followed Xenovia and Asia out of the room, with Irina tagging along and offering me a goodbye wave. Turning my attention to Fate, I asked her, "Seishuuin is in the other Second Year class, isn't she? With Kiba-san?"

She paused and nodded at that. "Yes, however, Rin-san went over to that class right after class ended. Something about asking her for a second opinion on…you-know-what." Fate trailed off near the end of the statement, her gaze shooting to Aika, who seemed to be rather amused because of…something.

"Hoh. Shizuka-senpai, you seem to be rather close to Testarossa-senpai~. Should Shinra-senpai be worried of you being stolen?" Aika said playfully, hiding a wide grin behind her hand. That had the effect of causing quite a few of the girls in the room to not-so-subtly turn their heads in my direction in curiosity. Her grin widened just a bit more when she too realized this.

I arched a brow at this while Fate blushed and frowned at Aika. "Kiryuu-san, while I am flattered that you're interested in my love life, I will tell you, and everyone else who happens to be listening, that it is none of your business." I allowed myself to smile smugly as I shrugged ever so lightly. "Besides, who's to say that they don't already know about each other?" I then tapped Kunou on the shoulder and pointed to the door. She nodded and quickly went to the door, with myself and everyone else I was looking for following closely.

As we left, people began to whisper excitedly amongst themselves in the room. I allowed a small, playful smirk to appear on my face, to which Moka rolled her eyes. "You do realize that will only make them talk more, right?" She said in a complete deadpan, her magically-induced green eyes focusing on me.

My smirk grew into a grin. "It's not like they aren't already talking. Rumors will have occurred regardless of what I, or anyone else, will say." Moka nodded to that, her hair bouncing lightly as we walked. Then a thought occurred to me. "There's a side room attached to the Student Council office. It has places for us to sit and some tables. Moka, can you lead everyone there? I'll send Rin and Seishuuin-san there when I find them."

Moka nodded and gave me a dry look, "I can do that. Just try to not get into too much trouble."

"We're at school, what sort of trouble can I get into?" The moment I said that, I paused and simply stared at her deadpan expression. "I shouldn't have said that, should I?"

"Congratulations." Moka drawled out in a perfect deadpan. "You've just doomed this school to a third destructive battle." She shook her head. "If we didn't have access to repairing magic, you would be making the repair costs for this school surpass the amount it took to build it."

"I'm sure I did that the first time." I said, a hint of reluctance in my tone as I gave Moka a playfully insulted look. Letting out a heavy sigh, I looked over to Fate. "Can you keep an eye on Kunou for me? I'm going to pick the other two and I don't need an entourage." I finished with a wry smile, getting her to laugh lightly.

"I will, don't worry." Fate looked to Kunou and smiled kindly. "Come on, Kunou. I'm sure you're hungry now. We can start early."

The Kitsune turned her head to me. "Where's your lunch, Daisuke-nii-sama?"

"Fate's carrying mine, so you don't need to worry. You just need to save me a seat. I'll meet up with all of you in no time." She nodded and followed Fate closely as my group went ahead of me. I sighed heavily as my shoulders fell. "Only half the day is over and I'm already this tired…" Shaking my head, I made my way towards the other Second Year classroom. It didn't take me long, but I was surprised to see Ena and Rin walking out the room, the latter regarding my new Knight with a disgruntled expression.

Ena caught sight of me first, waving at me with the hand she held her purple sword wrap. "Heir-sama! Tohsaka-san and I were going to look for you!"

Rin gave her a sudden look. "You can't yell stuff like that out loud!"

I gave Ena a tired look, before shaking my head with a small smile. "Don't worry about Rin-san. Knowing the rumor mill of this school, they'll probably come up with something like I'm the heir to multi-billion yen organization. Or some contrived cliché like that." I reassured her with my deadpan reply.

She huffed, crossing her arms. "You say that now, but eventually, an idiot will lucky. You of all people would know that, wouldn't you, Shizuka-kun?" Rin gave me a playful smirk.

Rolling my eyes, I motioned them to follow. "Yeah, yeah, sure. Come on. We're all meeting for lunch. I figured you both would like to join us."

"Ena wouldn't mind joining everyone for lunch. Ena's feeling a little hungry after all." She said with a small grin, lifting her purple wrapped box.

Rin nodded at me, her cheeks gaining some faint color. "Well, I suppose I can accept your offer this time. It's the fair thing to do after all."

I couldn't hide the faint smirk that appeared on my face.

The rest of classes today finished without incident and I didn't pull any more attention to myself, aside from what I normally get. I turned in my summer homework and left the classroom with Tsubaki at my side, clothed Naginata resting on her shoulder. Sona was at my other side, looking through a book in hand as she flipped through the pages. It turns out the narrow loss we had against Rias had ignited her competitive nature something fierce, as she was reading a book on viable Rating Game strategies to gleam some inspiration. It was disguised as a Sun Tzu's 'Art of War', which was funny because she told me that she had read at least eight times by now.

I was partly guiding her, partly holding her arm for the sake of just touching her. Sona didn't say anything against it, though she didn't react to it. As we left the room, I was surprised to see Fate, Ravel and Kunou waiting on us. "Hey, you three, what's up?"

Fate spoke up, "I told Ravel and Kunou here that I help Sona-san with paperwork when I can and they decided to tag along." She looked to the two of with a smile. "Right?"

Ravel nodded resolutely. "Yes. I'm good at organizing and writing quickly but neatly, so I can help you, Daisuke-sama!"

"I won't lie, it's pretty boring." I grunted faintly at the harsh poke in the side Sona gave me without looking away from her book. I gave her an exasperated look. "Like I said, I won't lie."

"I can still help." She said with enthusiasm.

"If it's what you want." I said to her with an amused look, shaking my head with a small smile. Then I turned to Kunou. "What about you? I'm sure I could get one of the others to walk you back to the house if you want."

She hummed and shook her head. "No, I want to see what you and Sona-nee-sama do. I can help too, if I can." Kunou just sounded adorably pitiful as she looked up to me with those beseeching eyes.

Even Sona peeked over the top of her book as she looked to Kunou. Then her eyes went to me, her light, smug smile hidden from the three by her book. I sighed as I looked to Kunou and Ravel with an exasperated gaze. "Fine. You want to be bored by the nonstop paperwork, then who am I to stop you?" Motioning them to follow with a jerk of my chin, I rolled my eyes at Tsubaki's small, playful grin. It didn't take long for us to reach the Student Council room and I opened the door for everyone.

I looked inside and saw that everyone else was already there, diligently working at their stations. They noticed us entering and welcomed us kindly.

Sona closed her book and approached her desk, pulling out her seat and beginning immediately. "Daisuke, your allotted work has been placed on your station. If you want to get out at a reasonable time, I recommend you work efficiently." I noted how she said 'efficiently' and not 'quickly' as she began to write.

Looking to my desk, I felt my shoulders droop as I took in the foot and a half high stack of papers. "I see that nothing's changed. You're still a slave driver, Sona. I can tell that no amount of love will change that."

"I love my sister Serafall dearly, but that still doesn't change the fact that I know she's a lunatic." Sona replied evenly, though I could hear a bit of jest in her tone.

Ruruko giggled, "Oh, I wouldn't say that, Daisuke-senpai. There used to be far more, but Kaichou decided to do some extra work one night." She gave me a sly look. "Lo and behold, when we came back, we couldn't help but notice that your stack was significantly smaller." I couldn't help but notice Sona twitch lightly at that, a glare coming over her glasses as she continued to write.

Tsubasa hummed in assent, a small smile on her boyish face. "She also got quite short with us when we pointed out such. Almost like she didn't want us to tell you that Kaichou lessened your workload. The blush she got was so adorable, if only Leviathan-sama was here to see it." Her smile widened as she too noticed the growing blush on our King's face.

Reya shook her head, placing one of her papers to the side. "Now, now, Ruruko-san, Tsubasa-san, there's no need to tease Kaichou. She is our leader after all." Then her expression turned mischievous. "Else you bring up how she looked to Daisuke-senpai's desk with this cute lost expression. Almost as if-"

Sona cleared her throat, silencing Reya instantly. "Enough. If you have enough to talk about something that clearly didn't happen, then you have more than enough time to get your work done." I found it hilarious that no one commented on the deep blush on her cheeks as she glared/pouted at the giggling members of her Peerage.

I, on the other hand, simply turned and regarded my Peerage with a playful grin. "I love it when stuff like this happens." Fate let out a small laugh as Ravel giggled, Kunou simply covered her mouth with a giggle. Shouldering Sona's glare, I motioned to my desk, "Anyway, I seem to have a lot of work to catch up on, so I wouldn't mind the help."

Ravel perked up as she nodded to me. "I'll help, Daisuke-sama. Just show me what to write."

Fate gave her a kind smile, "I'm sure all of our help would be best, Ravel-san." That caused my Bishop to flush as she looked to the ground sheepishly.

I walked over to the side and grabbed a pair of chairs. Heading to my desk, I looked to Kunou. "What about you? This isn't the most riveting thing to watch."

Kunou hummed lightly, but before she could say anything, Tomoe jumped up and down in her seat. "Ah! Ah! Over here! I'm finished with my paperwork! I can entertain Kunou-chan!"

"Meguri, try not overwhelm the poor girl." Sona said without looking up from her paperwork. "Not everyone is capable of keeping up with your excitability."

She pouted at Sona, but threw Kunou a playful grin and motioned her over.

Placing the two chairs next to mine, I took the seat in the middle. "Ravel, just watch what I do for a few minutes so you know what to do. Fate, take this seat and start as soon as you feel comfortable." Fate took the seat at my right and grabbed a pen, moving some of the papers in front of her to begin. Ravel sat down next to me and watched as I started my assigned work. It didn't take long, around three finished sheets, until Ravel also began in earnest, her intense expression focusing on the papers that she took.

For the next few minutes, all anyone could hear from my table was the sound of scratching pens as Fate, Ravel and I plowed through a backlog of work. Slowly, but surely, the 'in' stack was being moved over to the 'out' stack. In my periphery, I couldn't help but notice Kunou watching us with a look of surprise at the intensity of our work. After a few moments, I placed my pen down and shook my wrist lightly.

"How are we doing?"

"Coming along nicely, Daisuke." Fate gave me a playful smile. "It looks like you did need our help, huh?"

"Yeah." I looked to the focused Ravel, who was working efficiently. "How is it Ravel?"

She paused, placing the butt of her pen under her lower lip. "It's a little fun, Daisuke-sama." At my unbelieving look, Ravel blushed lightly, bowing her head. "I like monotonous stuff like this. It's simple to do, given enough time."

I gave her a grin. "Well, I think you'll like following me then. Apparently, I'm the type of person who causes the paperwork to pile up." She laughed lightly as she covered her mouth with a hand.

"You have no idea." Sona said in a complete deadpan.

Fate gave Sona an apologetic look. "You haven't seen anything yet, Sona-san. Daisuke's caused all sorts of problems for people back at the Church."

I snorted, leaning back in my seat. "That was half accidental, half payback for being jerks. Though, I did have fun causing them a few issues…" I paused and sighed heavily, "Until they got wise to it and made me do my own paperwork."

"Yes. As I recall, you were the reason that Exorcists had to begin filing their own papers in addition to their duties." Fate looked to me with amusement. "I never had a problem with it, since I rarely caused collateral damage, but I remember Moka being rather short with you for a few days."

"Hmm." I hummed with a small smile. "Yeah, those were fun days. I enjoyed screwing with my old allies." My smile widened into a grin. "It was hilarious."

Ravel giggled at me. "Well, I guess it's a good thing you're a part of our Faction, now, huh?"

I grinned at that, throwing a look over to Sona, who was still working. "Yeah. Best thing that ever happened to me in a long time." My grin widened as I caught her cheeks flushing in response. Before anything else could be said, there was a knocking at the door that caught our attention. Sona called out for the person to enter. The door was opened, revealing Akeno standing on the other side.

"Kaichou." She addressed Sona first, though I caught her gaze flickering towards me.

"Akeno." Sona replied professionally. "Can I help you?"

"Ah, I'd like to speak with Daisuke-kun. If he's not too busy."

Sona arched an eyebrow Akeno's hopeful tone, but nodded nonetheless. "He's done a substantial amount of his leftover work. I'm sure he can spare some time." She threw me a look, to which I nodded.

I got up and looked to Ravel and Fate. "Take a break until I get back. You two have done enough already." I then looked over to Kunou. "I'll be back in a bit, alright?" With positive responses from all three of them, I walked over to Akeno and left the Student Council room with her. She didn't speak for a few moments, simply grasping my arm with both of hers and pressing it against her chest. I didn't say anything as we walked, simply waiting for her to speak when she felt comfortable to do so.

"I spoke to him after the Rating Game, you know…" She said quietly as we walked, squeezing my arm just a bit tighter. "I…thought I would be capable of keeping myself under control; that I wouldn't be as affected when I say him again. I had hoped that your comforting words would help…" Akeno chewed her lip lightly as she looked down to the floor. "I…can't stop being angry with him. But…there's something else that I'm feeling, something that I don't… fully understand."

I studied her carefully, frowning in concern at her anguish. I simply let her hold onto my arm, my presence giving her the comfort she feels she needs. Grasping her hand, I gave it a comforting squeeze to catch her attention. "Akeno." She looked up to me, her violet eyes meeting mine. "I won't pretend to know what you're really feeling about all of this. But I know it's killing you. I can tell that you're hurting." I gave her a faint smile. "I'm sure Rias-san can see it too, considering you're not strategizing."

Akeno smiled and giggled lightly. "Ufufu, we've been at it ever since the Game against Kaichou. Buchou finally said that we've been through it enough, so she's given us the next few days off." She sidled against me as we walked.

I smiled lightly at her. "So diligent. Though it's nice to see that Rias-san is willing to rest, considering I didn't make it easy." Akeno's wry look caused me to grin widely. Then I gave her a sideways look. "Well, since your next few evenings are free, there was something I was wondering…"

A look of interest flashed in her gaze as she leaned closer to me. "What?" A small, tentative smile on her face, cutely unlike anything I've seen on her. I found that I liked this look on her.

"Tomorrow, afterschool, I was wondering if you'd walk around the shopping area with me. Just the two of us. What do you say?"

Her cheeks darkened ever so lightly as she looked up to me through her lashes. "Like a date?"

"Well, everything's on me and I'll have the honor having you at my side. I suppose it would count as a date." I gave her a sideways, lopsided grin.

Akeno's expression brightened instantly. "An entire day? Where I'm the only one who gets you?" She hummed contemplatively, barely restrained giddiness in her expression. Then Akeno gave a nod, stepping up on her toes to kiss me on the cheek. "I'd love to."

"I'll make sure you enjoy yourself. That way we can take your mind off your father for a little while so you can gain a fresh perspective later." I slipped my arm out from her grip and stepped in front of her, cupping her cheek with my hand. "We'll resolve this situation with your father, I promise you."

Akeno's eyes glistened ever so lightly as she looked to me, her lips parting as a small breath escaped her. Then, a smile I couldn't help but call beautiful, appeared on her face as she leaned forward, placing her lips against mine affectionately. She kept her lips pressed against mine until she broke away carefully. "I've fallen in love you, I hope you know that." She pressed her body flush against mine, head resting on my shoulder.

My heart pounded in my chest as I wrapped my arms around her tightly. "I love you too. And I can't stand it when people I hold dear are hurt."

"Let me get this straight. After meeting with Amaterasu-dono and Yasaka-dono, you received another message from the Sun Goddess. One that asked you meet her in Kyoto late that night?" Sona asked me after I relayed the events of my meeting with Amaterasu's Heiress. "Please, tell me again how you managed to anger another Divine Heir." She deadpanned at me.

I gave her a vaguely frustrated look. "For the last time, I didn't piss her off, like I did not do anything to Perseus. The both of them are just bat shit." Sona's dry look and Fate's concealed laugh caused me to sigh heavily. "Look. Sachi Hikari wasn't angry with me because of who I am, but because of whom my Divine Patron is. She lashed out at me because Susanoo was major jerk way back, and probably still is." I paused and shrugged, "Plus, she's irked that Kusanagi chose me over her and her Matron gave the Magatama to me. She feels entitled to the Imperial Regalia."

"Something tells that 'irked' is a severe understatement." Fate stated dryly from her seat next to me. I gave her a vaguely insulted/exasperated look, before I let out a resigned sigh, knowing that she was exactly right.

"The better question is why you left for Kyoto at such a late time." Sona asked, her gaze critical.

I gave her a dry look. "Sona, if the Head Goddess of the Shinto Pantheon told you that she wanted to meet, would you say no?"

Sona paused, pursing her lips in distaste. Then, her lips curved into a wry smile. "I suppose not. I guess I'll have to forgive you this time." She joked lightly with surprising mirth. The she inclined her head. "How powerful would you say she is?"

I frowned as I tried to put my thoughts into words. "Baseline, I'd say that she wasn't that impressive. Her overall skill and reflexes were pretty lackluster all things considered." I paused and rolled a shoulder. "She could use flames skillfully and control them pretty well, though. Then, there's that mirror she has, the Yata no Kagami. It blocked all of my physical attacks with ease; though magic managed to get passed her barrier."

"Capable of blocking all physical attacks while hovering around her. Do you think it'd have any other abilities?" Sona asked me as she placed a hand on her chin, her eyes swimming with thoughts.

"I'm not entirely sure. We didn't fight long enough, or intense enough, for me to see anything else in regards to the mirror. But I do know it's a Divine artifact and part of a trio. It's probably at its strongest when all of them are together." I answered her carefully.

"Did either of your artifacts react to its presence?" Fate asked.

"Kusanagi and the Magatama did, but it wasn't more than a small vibration. Although…"

"What is it?" Sona asked, her tone fierce and unyielding.

"When I called upon the Murakumo and used it against the mirror, there was an explosion. Not a normal one either. It was like two similar forces colliding, violently pushing each other away…" I frowned as I contemplated the prior night's events.

"That's because the Imperial Regalia are capable of perfectly channeling Divine energy." Ena's voice caught our attention. Sona, Fate and I looked to the doorway to see Ena standing there in the Kuoh uniform. She adjusted the corset and smoothed out the skirt with a smile. "Ena's glad she came. She really likes these uniforms."

"Seishuuin-san, how much do you know about the Imperial Regalia?" I asked her as she walked into the room, towards an open seat.

"Just what Grampy told Ena. He told Ena that if Heir-sama uses them in conjunction with his Power, then Heir-sama will be able to use more than he normally would."

"I already knew that much." I said softly, crossing my arms.

"But did you know that if you carry all three, Heir-sama can take control of all of Grampy's Power without threat to your life." Ena's words caused me to look to her in shock. "The Imperial Regalia fall under Amaterasu-sama's Domain and Authority. Since she's the Head Goddess of the Shinto Pantheon, the Regalia would've aided anyone within the Shinto jurisdiction." Then she pointed to me, a demure smile on her face as she wiggled her finger lightly. "However, it can only work for someone who has been personally chosen by one, if not all, of the Imperial Regalia. Ena thinks that Heir-sama fits this criteria perfectly well."

I regarded her carefully, then allowed a small smirk to appear on my face. "Well, that's good to hear. I don't plan on taking shortcuts for this, but one can never know what may happen."

Ena inclined her head to my words. "You're the boss, Heir-sama." She grinned and crossed her arms.

Sona placed a hand on her, "Still, that is a good thing to know, in case an emergency may occur." She looked to my Knight. "Seishuuin-san, how do you think we could get the Yata no Kagami?"

She hummed lightly, "Since Sachi Hikari has the mirror, we can assume that it was either a gift or it chose her as its wielder." Ena looked to me and continued, "If it chose her, then she'll have to die so it can return to Amaterasu-sama. If it was a gift, then we risk gaining her Matron's ire if we take it."

"So, either way, unless Amaterasu-sama is the one who gives it to us, then it's impossible for Daisuke to gain it conventionally." Fate surmised as she leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms under her bust.

I grunted and shrugged, "I'm telling you, I don't need it. I'm strong and skilled enough to better utilize Susanoo's power on my own." Then I cleared my throat, smirking lightly. "Plus, it's only a last resort for me now. I've gotten leagues better compared to how I was prior to Arturas's training." I better have, considering all of the painful Hell that bastard put me through.

"You know, aside from you showing us you calling on that power, you haven't shown us just how much stronger you are." Fate mused as she smiled towards me.

I felt my gaze sharpen ever so lightly as I felt a small grin appear on my face. "How about we go to the basement and I show you how much I've changed. I have to admit, I'm curious as to how I measure up to your speed this time around."

"I wouldn't mind a chance to cut loose." Fate said with a smile.

"Actually…" Sona cut in smoothly, looking from the two of us to Ena. "Daisuke, would you be able to fight both Fate-san and Seishuuin-san at the same time?"

That caused Ena to react ever so lightly, her red eyes flickering to Sona, then to me and Fate.

My grin widened ever so lightly.

The next day, afterschool, I was standing at the bottom of the steps leading up to the Shinto Shrine within Kuoh. Only about an hour had passed since school ended for the day, but I had managed to change into a pair of black slacks with a dark blue shirt and a black jacket. As I leaned against the side pillar of the torii, I couldn't help but feel a welcoming aura from it. Arms crossed, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to relax as I waited on my date.

"I hope I didn't make you wait too long, Daisuke-kun." I opened my eyes and looked to Akeno upon hearing her voice. For a moment, I was struck breathless by her appearance. She was clad in a casual red dress with short, white sleeves; it framed her slim waist perfectly and fell to her knees. On her feet, she wore a pair of black slip-on shoes. Her long black hung loosely down her back, falling to her thighs with ease. Around her neck, she wore a silver necklace with a heart shaped accessory.

Akeno looked more like a normal girl than the casual flirt she normally portrayed herself as; this was a change I found myself wholeheartedly approving. At the same time, I selfishly hoped that this was a side she only showed me.

My silence clearly caused her to squirm lightly, her cheeks flushing in light embarrassment. "H-How do I look, Daisuke-kun? Do you like it?"

I blinked suddenly and cleared my throat, feeling my own face heat up in uncharacteristic nervousness. "Ah, um, you look great, Akeno! Really cute." I scratched the back of my head as I gave her a sheepish smile. "You just…surprised me. In a really good way."

A relieved, happy smile appeared on her still flushed face. "I'm glad you like it. I was almost up all night trying to figure out what to wear."

"It was time well spent then." I answered her honestly with an appreciative grin. Then I approached her, offering my hand to her. She took it and clasped tightly, entwining our fingers. "You ready? I've got the day partially planned out. Gotta have some room for spontaneity, right?"

"Of course. I'm looking forward to what you have planned." She said with a soft smile, her cheeks flushed with color.

I grinned widely, "Okay. Now are you hungry? If so, I know this really nice café in the district. It's a little pricey, but don't worry about that. I'll cover everything today." I squeezed her hand and my grin softened. "This is your day, so don't hold back. I promise you I can take it."

Akeno smiled widely and nodded. "I guess I'll take you up on that, then. Please take care of me, Daisuke-kun."

"C'mon, let's get going."

With that, we went to various places, the café I mentioned, a few stores where we looked at clothing and random stores with clothing, books, gifts and an assortment of other items. Of course, I had to steer us away from a 'specialty' shop that seemed to hide in plain sight between a pair of harmless stores. I guess some things don't change, regardless of her attitude. When we passed by other places that caught her eye, I couldn't help but laugh as she grabbed my hand and pulled me there.

One thing we actually had fun doing was hide from our classmates as they happened to catch sight of one of us. They had to look twice when they caught sight of Akeno, since she looked so different from her normal appearance. It was much harder when they caught sight of me, but with our enhanced senses and reflexes, getting away was basically child's play. Excited giggles escaped her as she pressed her against me, her generous bust pressing against my chest as I slid into a small alley. Her flushed face was inches from mine as she exhaled suddenly.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself." I grinned playfully at her.

"It's fun hiding from everyone." She whispered breathily. "Almost like we're hiding an affair." Her flushed, pleased expression really sold her mischievous grin.

"Well, considering Sona and I are getting married…" I trailed off with a smile of my own.

Her brow raised with playful skepticism. "Oh, are you sneaking around with me, Daisuke-kun~?"

"Maybe." I said with a grin. Sona knows of my meetings with the others. Honestly, after we reconnected with each other, she stopped really minding what I did with the other girls. Hmm, I'll probably ask her out as well after Akeno…

Okay, okay, enough thoughts about other girls, focusing on the one in your arms.

"Come on, let's go. The aquarium tickets I bought will reach their assigned time in a bit. The sharks are hilarious to make faces at." I snorted, "The greatest predator of the ocean my ass."

Akeno giggled at me, "Sure. Let's go.

We raced through the streets, evading some rather persistent people who were adamant about seeing who was with Kuoh's second most popular girl. Akeno was the one leading us this time around, her hand tightly clasping mine as I kept pace with her perfectly. "This way!" She said with a laugh as we turned a sudden corner, just in time to see one of curious female students turn a corner to chase after us. Not very subtle, are they?

"Just a little farther and we'll lose them." Akeno said conspiratorially as we turned down an alley. We raced down it fast enough to feel the wind whip around, sending her skirt and my jacket fluttering in its wake. It didn't take much longer until Akeno finally slowed to a stop, her face flushed with a combination of exertion and glee, grinning at me as her chest rose and fell with every breath. "So much fun, huh?"

I grinned at her as well. "Yeah, it was." I looked to the side and froze as my gaze fell onto a sign. "Akeno…you do know where we are, right?" I was currently looking down the street where I saw a collection of signs, all colorful and filled with lights, each saying basically the same thing: 'love hotel'. "Maybe…we should go somewhere else. There's an arcade nearby and there's this stuffed dove I'd love to pick up for yo-."

I was cut off when her hands squeezed my arm, holding me back. Akeno wrapped an arm tightly around it and placed her cheek against my shoulder, looking up to me with eyes that swam with emotion. "If it's with you, Daisuke-kun, I don't mind." She squeezed my arm tightly. "We've already made love once, a second time, or even a third time. As long as it's with you, I'll do it as often as you want."

"Ake-."

"Susanoo's Heir, trying to make love with a woman this early? You really do take after that father of yours." A familiar, elder, voice caught our attention and we turned around to see Odin of all people walking towards us, dressed in a set of casual clothing. He was alone, oddly enough.

"Odin-dono, it's pretty strange to see you in town. What have you been up to?"

Odin didn't reply immediately, but before he could say anything, a pair of voices cut him off.

"Odin-sama! You are the Head Norse God! You can't just wander into places like this!" Rossweisse called out to Odin as she walked quickly towards us. When she where we were, her face darkened considerably.

"Oh, calm down girl. You're a Valkyrie that will have to take care of heroes. You'll have to get used to places like this eventually."

"I'm a Valkyrie that has no appeal after all!" She looked like she was about to cry. I really don't like it when girls cry, so I decided to subtly catch her attention. My power flared just a bit, causing her gaze to flicker to me. "What are you two doing here? You're both high school students, so should you be at home studying?" She looked to us with reproof, though her cheeks darkened as she blushed.

I lifted a hand and said, "I'm an A student, so I don't need to study."

"A student can never study too much." Rossweisse gave me a stern look as she crossed her arms, one I challenged with a cocky grin of my own. As she said that, I felt Akeno freeze against me, her hands tightening around my arm.

"Odin-dono, I'd prefer it if you stay in my si-." Baraqiel froze and looked to Akeno, then to me. He then looked to where we all happened to be standing. "Akeno, what is the meaning of this?" His words were angry, harsh. I guess this wasn't what he meant when he asked me to take care of her.

Akeno gave the man heated glare, her face contorting into scowl. "That is none of your business! More than that, why are you here?!" She seemed to be half situating her body behind me, while standing at my side.

"That doesn't matter! Regardless, you shouldn't be in a place like this. It's still far too early for you." He walked over to us and reached out to take her arm, but I stopped him. Pushing Akeno behind me, I gave Baraqiel a careful look. "Stand aside. Even if you are Azazel's son, I can't accept the fact that you brought my daughter here."

"You have no right to call me that!" Akeno snarled at him over my shoulder, her hands pressed against my back. "Not after what you did! You have no right to act as my father!"

Baraqiel gained a pained look at her words, but soldiered on nonetheless, his voice softening. "Akeno, please. Shuri wouldn't want you to-"

Akeno stepped around me and glared at him. "Don't you dare say my mother's name! Not after you let her die! Not after yo-"

I gently cut her off. "Akeno." The sound of my voice caused her to stop suddenly, turning her head to look at me, letting me see all of the pain, the loss. "Stop. Before you say something you regret." My voice didn't rise above a whisper, but she heard me regardless, stepping back to my side. I turned to Baraqiel and spoke, "Baraqiel, we came this way solely on a coincidence. I had no intention of bringing Akeno anywhere near this part of town."

Her father studied me closely, his violet eyes boring into my brown ones. Then he nodded once. "I believe you. Now, I recommend you leave this area immediately. If you're genuinely courting my daughter, then take things slower. Much slower."

I nodded to him once. "Of course." I turned and regarded Akeno with a kind smile, offering my hand to her. "C'mon, let's go." She nodded and grasped my hand with her own. With one last nod to Baraqiel, I lead Akeno to the exit of the Love Hotel district, giving Odin and Rossweisse acknowledging nods.

As we walked, though, Akeno felt the need to address her father one last time. "For your information, Baraqiel, I love Daisuke-kun and he feels the same about me. We've already made that step and he still respects me." I faltered in my step ever so lightly, coming to halting stop. A chill raced down my spine, but I did not turn around. I felt a premonition of attempted murder in my near future.

"Akeno…I think you and I are going to have to talk about keeping things between us."

"I hear that Baraqiel found out about you and Akeno…" Azazel spoke up as we sat across from one another at a table, drinks sitting in front of us. He was giving me this annoying proud grin that both frustrated and amused me on several levels. "I had to talk him out of…having a heated talk with you."

"And I thank you for that." I deadpanned to him as I took a drink of my drink, grimacing lightly at the burn that went down. "I'd rather not be the man's personal lightning rod for dating his daughter without his blessing." I took another drink, grunting at the burn. I had drunk alcohol only once before, after my first kill. It was the one secret Griselda-sama and I had from the others. Well, that and the fact that I didn't sleep well for weeks after the fact.

Azazel snorted, "That's an understatement. It was only because of our friendship and the fact that he knows you wouldn't hurt Akeno that kept him from trying." He smirked at my grimace when I took another drink. "Not handling your drink well?" He laughed lightly as he grinned at my misfortune, "Holding your liquor and managing women are two entirely different things, my boy. Being my son helps with only one those, only experience can help with the other."

"Forgive me for not being an alcoholic." I deadpanned and held back a smirk at his affronted look. "I'm just so damn exhausted as of late. I've got so much on my plate I just needed a moment to escape it all."

My father gave me a sympathetic look. "I won't ask if you're alright, because I know you'd tell someone if you weren't, so I'm just going to ask this: can you handle your responsibilities?"

I paused as I considered this. Can I really? I mean, everything's been piling on since I took on the title of Susanoo's Heir. I was expected to be strong, to carry myself with confidence and control. I've been singled out and chosen to fight opponents that, by all rights, would kill weaker people. There were countless people reliant on me to fulfill duties that I did not ask for. I had the responsibility to look after people who depended on me. I had the eye of countless important people watching me closely, to either see if I succeed perfectly or simply crash and burn. So…can I really, truly, handle all of this?

"Yeah. I can." I said with confidence, looking to my father with a resolute look, not wavering in his presence at all.

Azazel smirked with pride, lifting his drink to toast to me. "Then I'll trust you, Daisuke. After all, no one knows your limits better than you." Then he took a swig of his drink, growling as he slammed his glass on the table. "Now! Enough of this doom and gloom! This is a Father-Son night and there won't be any more of this. It's time to celebrate you becoming a man!" He lifted a hand and waved over one of the waitresses. An attractive woman who looked to be in her early twenties, dressed in a modest blue kimono, approached us with a welcoming smile. "I want your best sake! This is a special day! My boy here became a man not too long ago and we've just now been able to meet for a celebration."

"Oh? He has, has he?" Her brown eyes trailed along me, taking in form with a measuring eye. Apparently she liked what she saw because her smile widened just a little more. "Then I'll get from the special stock. I'm Sawa and I'll be your personal server tonight. If there's anything else you want, just yell for me and I'll get here as soon as I can." She pulled a notepad out of her kimono, "Can I get you two started on some appetizers?"

With that, my father and I got lost in the chaos of the night. I don't remember how many drinks we had, or how much food we ate, or even how many people we met. It was a menagerie of flashing color, laughter, and drunken confusion. In the midst of my partially drunken haze, I could hardly count the number of sake bottles we ran through, only that several of them and empty plates decorated our table when we finally left the bar, after my father picked up a few numbers of course. I stumbled through the dimly lit streets, trying not to fall as I vaguely heard my father laugh lightly at me for being a 'light weight of epic proportions'. I don't recall my retort, but it left him partially gob smacked and laughing his ass off.

It was late that night when we finally returned to my house. My hand-eye coordination was shot so I was fumbling with my keys for a few moments before my father reached over to grab them. I slapped his hand away. "I can do it." I slurred out, giving him a narrowed eyed stare, leaning dangerously to the side. "I don't n…n-need your help, old man!" I blinked quickly, my fingers fumbling as I finally managed to get a proper hold on the key. "Got it!"

Azazel gave me this deadpan look, before shaking his head with a wry look. "To think, my own son is a lightweight. I don't if I find this to be hilarious or sad."

Before both my retort and attempt at unlocking and opening the door, said door was suddenly opened from the inside. Akeno, dressed in a white, evening kimono, looked to me, then narrowed her eyes at my father. "What did you do?"

He shrugged, "Father-Son night. Proved to be too much for him."

"Go back to Hell." I retorted to him with surprising lucidity for the situation, giving him the stink eye.

Akeno looked cruelly amused as she regarded Azazel with a small smirk. "Well, you heard him."

He rolled his eyes, smacking me in the back. I staggered forward and nearly fell, if it wasn't for Akeno catching my teetering form with an unexpected amount of strength. "Yeah, yeah. Just take your drunken boyfriend and put him to bed. It's depressing seeing someone of my blood so weak to sake." He snorted when I retaliated with the middle finger. "I'm going, I'm going. Don't do anything I wouldn't do~." He called out as he waved and shut the door.

"That doesn't sound healthy at all." Akeno deadpanned after him, before turning her gaze onto me, her eyes softening noticeably. "Come on, let's get you to bed, Daisuke-kun."

"Why are you lying to yourself, Akeno?" In hindsight, I've learned that my lips becoming significantly looser the more intoxicated I am. So, even I was a little surprised when I said those words, blinking lightly as I tried to comprehend what I just said.

Akeno froze, her eyes honing solely on me as we came to a stop. "W-what?"

"You're both hurting, you and your Father."

"Don't call him my-"

"I've been through the same thing as you." I cut her off with a hint of frustration. I blinked quickly and squinted my eyes as I tried to not see doubles. "He hurts just as much as you. Baraqiel clearly loved your Mother dearly and his pain is apparent when he looks at you."

"Becau-"

"But there's just as much love as pain." I cut her off again, shifting a shoulder to cause her hand to fall from it. "Did you know he asked me to look after you when I went to get my new eye?" I grimaced as a slow throbbing pain began to happen around my left eye, tears coming forth unbidden at it. "That day, the day you lost your Mother, he lost his wife, the woman he loved more than anything." I said softly to her. I gritted my teeth at the building discomfort, rubbing the heel of my hand at the prosthetic orb. Something must've got in it.

Akeno's soft hands grasped it and pulled my hand down. "He still failed to save my Mother; that is something I can't forgive him over." Her low voice carried effortlessly as another hand grasped my chin and turned my head to face her.

"Baraqiel didn't just lose a wife that day, you know." My sobriety was coming back much sooner than I anticipated. It had to be something magical causing this, because there's no way in Hell my metabolism is this strong. "Every day that you reject him, scorn him, it's like he loses you, his daughter, all over again. Day in and day out."

"It's his fault regardless, allowing the-"

"You're hurting yourself too. It's the same. You lose your Father again and again, the more you reject him." I gently said to her, my voice just above a whisper. My left eye pulsated and I grimaced at it, reaching up to rub at it again. Akeno's hand once again stopped me and pushed it down. Her smooth, gentle, thumb rubbed over the lid.

"I know that…" She spoke, barely audible even to my enhanced hearing. "But I just don't know how to…to…" She seemed lost for words, all while still caring for me. Wiping the tears from my aggravated eye, Akeno nodded to me.

I opened my left eye slowly, the annoying prick in the back of it becoming unbearable. Upon fully opening it, a set of seals appeared in my sight and fell upon one another, several sequences and lines shifting as they came together. I tried to ignore it and instead focused on Akeno, but all of a sudden, I felt a drain on my reserves and froze as I felt a spell being cast.

"Daisuke-kun, what are you do-"

I felt so lonely…

We both froze at that, hearing a voice that both new and oddly familiar.

I…always loved Tou-sama's wings; they were so dark, like the hair I got from Kaa-sama.

"A…Akeno? Are you hearing this?" I asked her quietly. My answer was given when I noticed her eyes tearing up suddenly. Quickly, but cautiously, I lifted my hands and wiped the tears away. "What is it?"

"I…I…" She tried to speak, apparently rendered speechless.

I was about to look around for something to wipe her tears, but found that I was unable to turn away from her, as if held still by an unseen force.

I loved Kaa-sama and Tou-sama. When we were together, we were always so happy, laughing and playing.

More tears flowed freely from her as a small breath escaped her. I kept silent, allowing this moment to continue without interruption.

When Kaa-sama was killed, I knew it wasn't Tou-sama's fault. I knew he didn't mean to let her die, but I was just so scared, so I lashed out.

Akeno slowly leaned forward, until her forehead was touching mine, arms wrapping around my neck. As soon as contact was made, everything in my vision went black.

"Neh, Kaa-sama, do you think Tou-sama loves me?"

"Of course, he does."

"I wish he was able to stay with us all the time…"

A voice I didn't recognize, but strikingly similar in cadence and pitch to Akeno's, spoke to the first. It was calm, loving and…motherly. This…this is a child Akeno speaking with her Mother.

I didn't see anything, aside from darkness, but…I had a feeling that this wasn't for me to see. I only heard what was said.

"No, you will not touch her! This is my daughter, and his as well!"

"You're mind has been poisoned, Shuri. Poisoned by an Angel that fell from Grace, a lowly Fallen one."

"No! Kaa-sama!"

I felt Akeno shake against me, clearly beginning to sob as she relived a difficult time in her life.

What is going on? What sort of magic is doing this…? Wait… Issei's Bilingual, it was the only spell I've copied. Last I checked it…allowed Issei to understand a girl's breasts. I'm doing no such thing… Was the spell changed by my intentions?

"Akeno! Are you okay?!"

Baraqiel… This is when he found them, after Shuri was killed…

"Stay away! I hate you! It's fault that Kaa-sama was killed! I hate your wings! I hate you! I hate you!"

If my guess is right, then this spell is forcing Akeno to see the intentions she holds deep in her heart, but cannot push forward due to fear or hesitation. This is my guess on the fact that Issei got Sona's plan in the Rating Game from her breasts thanks to the spell. It was created by his lust and one track mind, maybe it was changed for me when my artificial eye copied it.

Even though I said all of that to Tou-sama…I didn't really mean it. I was scared. Kaa-sama died right in front of me, trying to protect me… If I wasn't there… If I wasn't there to be protected, maybe Kaa-sama could've escaped, or stalled for time until Tou-sama made it… It was my fault that Kaa-sama died, not Tou-sama's…

I felt my jaw clench as I wrapped my arms around her waist and hugged her reassuringly.

"For as long as I remembered, I've blamed myself for being weak and stupid, stepping into a battle that I had no place in…"

That's….! That's me… Have I…affected her this much?

"You shouldn't blame yourself for what was out of your control. You didn't have strength then, but you do now. Now, you can make the difference you wanted in the past."

Her answer to my words. It's oddly fitting that it would something she herself said that helped her get over this.

I…I want to let Tou-sama back into my life. I want to talk with him about Kaa-sama. I want to remember her with him! But…I don't know how to let go of my fear…

You can do this. Work it out, Akeno. Take your time and go as far as you need to go.

I don't know how to yet, but…maybe…I can just take it slow. I'm…not alone, after all…

Then, just like that, the spell was broken and we were just dropped back into the dark living room of the house. Akeno and I simply stared at one another, tears freely flowing down her cheeks. Her eyes widened just a bit more as she suddenly leaned forward and squeezed the hug just a bit more.

"I don't know what you just did, Daisuke-kun, but…thank you!" She whispered into my ear, pressed the entire length of her body against mine in a grateful embrace.

I blinked a few times, oddly realizing that my left eye was no longer hurting.