Three and a half months had passed before the city was in good enough condition to be opened up to tourism and through traffic once more. The Gremory and Sitri families worked tirelessly day in and day out to repair their broken city, and restore peace to the region. After months of round the clock work, the city of Kuoh had finally been restored to some semblance of peace. The worst of the damage had been fixed with magic, the minds of the citizens had been effectively erased and replaced with false memories, and the underground nexus had been stripped of technology and information before being filled in with cement. Left to be buried and forgotten.

Still, even with all these measures taken into account, the damage could be felt by the cities people. Much of Kuoh's infrastructure had been destroyed. Shops permanently closed down en masse, larger businesses went under, and public utilities took forever to be effectively returned to working status.

More painful than that, however, was the catastrophic death toll the city had taken. Of the general population left after the outbreak was cured, a third was still lost to the epidemic. Over a hundred thousand lives extinguished in just a couple of days. What would eventually come to be known to the general public as the Kuoh Viral Outbreak Catastrophe would go down as one of the worst disasters in modern history.

Officially, the virus was labeled as a prototype airborne bioweapon that caused catastrophic organ failure in its victims, that was being developed illegally by Biorapture, Kokabiel's pharmaceutical conglomerate. All the blame was shifted to his company by the media, the Japanese government, and by the world at large. Many of the company's top executives were arrested and large amounts of their legal assets were forcefully seized and liquidated as restitution. Soon after, their stock prices crashed and for all intents and purposes, Biorapture was dead.

Behind the scenes, the rest of Kokabiel's underground laboratories were located and destroyed by Lucifer's Assault Tribes. In addition, agents of the Scout Regiments were sent on personal assination missions to eliminate any of Kokabiel's human conspirators. When all was said and done, the threat once posed by the Angel of Stars was nothing but a distant memory.

Eventually, the world at large moved on from the disaster. All save for Japan, who continued to lament the tragedy as being one of the worst their country had experienced since the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the second World War.

But from this dark period in the Land of the Rising Sun's history, a hero emerged in the form of Souchiro Takaga. Saya's father used the tragedy to fuel a massive political campaign that emphasized the importance of Nationalist pride with a strong emphasis on Capitalist Reformations and building strong Foreign Relations with the US. One of his key issues during his campaign was rebuilding Kuoh's domestic economy and, in his own words "revitalizing the hope and prosperity of a city devastated by tragedy". His campaign was a massive success and the National Diet voted him in as Prime Minister during the upcoming election.

With his political power secured, Souchiro immediately began establishing large social reforms to the country that greatly bolstered Japan's economy and helped secure the Gremory Family's influence over not only Kuoh, but indeed all of Japan. As promised, he then began focusing all of his attention on rebuilding and revitalizing Kuoh's domestic economy. Encouraging immigration to the city, both domestic and foreign, with an emphasis on allowing American backed companies to invest heavily in the cities infrastructure and rebuilding efforts. If anyone had any protests over the new Prime Minister's heavy ties to foreign powers, they were quickly drowned out by the celebratory cheers of a city slowly being brought back to life.

As his greatest act of symbolism in restoring the hope and drive of the city of Kuoh, Prime Minister Souchiro commissioned the construction of a massive Sports Arena over the remains of the completely devastated Lindou District, which had received the worst of the damage by far. He invested part of his own personal fortune to secure financial backing for the project, and hasen its development, further endearing himself to both the city of Kuoh, and the people of Japan at large, for what would undoubtedly be years to come.

Six and a half months after the viral outbreak of Kuoh. Their new NPB Baseball Team the Lindou Demons, took to the field of the newly built Kuoh Megadome for their inaugural game against the Kansai Panthers. The event sold out within the first week of its announcement and tourism rates in the city skyrocketed, doing wonders to boost Kuoh's economy and place it on the map as a tourist hotspot in Japan. Rumors spread of the Lindou Demons possessing a particularly talented designated hitter, a young man by the name of Matsuda Komuro, who showed a lot of promise in the National Highschool Leagues, but dropped off the map due to a strange illness. Needless to say, the city was very interested in their new Star's potential.

None more so than Matsuda's friends, the students of Kuoh Academy. During the Megadome's construction, Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri secured the rights to construct a private sky box accessible only to their Peerages and guests. In order to view the games from a more luxurious and comfortable environment.

It also allowed them to speak freely, away from the prying ears of humans.

Strangely enough, or perhaps not strange at all if your name was Rias Gremory, a Multibillionaire Tycoon by the name of Aldin Zefford also invested in a private skybox for the Megadome. Having donated heavily to the Megadome's construction and proving to be uniquely interested in Kuoh's new team for reasons known only to the eccentric Billionaire himself.

As for Jon, he was still coming to grips with the death of Irina. But so long as he had his Treasures ever presently at his side, he knew in his heart he would be okay. Which was why, that night, as the ORC and Honor's Committee made their way to the Private Skybox to watch their home teams inaugural game, he was determined to put his grief aside, and simply enjoy some quality time with his friends and family.

In the comfort of a luxurious private viewing room of course.

Upon reaching the stadium, Rias, Jon, and the other members of the ORC ascended the private elevator up to the skyboxes.

"So how are you feeling?" Rias asked her Dragon, a patient smile on her face.

"I'll be fine." He assured, keeping his mind distracted. "It's been awhile since I've been to a live sports event."

She giggled at him. "Oh trust me, Jon. You've never been to a sports event like THIS before."

He grinned in response. "I'll take your word for it."

"So...how luxurious exactly IS this skybox, Rias?" Asia asked curiously.

"Oh she pulled out ALL the stops for this one." Akeno assured, a hint of arousal in her voice.

Kiba chuckled. "How many floors were in the design plan? Three?"

"Four technically, if you count the open bath." Rias corrected.

"Jesus Christ." Jon shook his head in exasperation at her. "You are the very definition of overindulgent, you know that?"

She snickered at him, a massive grin on her features. "What can I say? You know I like to spoil us a little."

If ever there was a bigger understatement to be made in history, Jon couldn't think of it. Ever since the new Prime Minister came into power, Rias had been enjoying the benefits of a Japan almost completely under her Big Brother's control. This of course meant more tributes, more demons, more power, more money, everything. One of her first acts with the riches she acquired was to completely overhaul her Peerage's wardrobe. Which was why the girls were all sporting Luis Vuitton while Kiba and Jon were in freshly pressed full black Givenchy Suits. With Kiba sporting a black tie while Jon's was blood red. In addition, he was also wearing a watch that he somehow suspected cost more than his Harley did.

As one final feature, Akeno suggested a pair of expensive black suit gloves for him to wear to complete the aesthetic. Koneko, especially, seemed to get excited by the addition to the outfit.

"Honestly, Jon, must you fiddle with your outfit so much?" Rias chided him while adjusting his tie.

"Hey, I still ain't used to this high end designer shit you insist on putting me in." He griped.

"Hey, don't knock it till you try it, Bro. You're looking sharp." Kiba complimented.

"I'll say." Koneko grinned lasciviously at Jon. "You should dress like this all the time. The gloves are a really nice touch."

He rolled his eyes in response. It didn't take much to imagine what was going through her wild little brain at that moment.

"I understand how you feel, Jon." Asia assured. "Rias spoils me with this stuff all the time and I'm STILL not used to it." She tugged at the hem of her slightly too short skirt. "For goodness sake, Rias, this skirt was over two million yen. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

Rias snickered. "I just love the way you look wearing it, Darling."

"Master, do you approve of my outfit?"

Jon turned to see Xenovia standing straight, her posture prim and perfect as usual. She was dressed in a rather revealing navy blue cocktail dress with silk stockings attached to what he could only guess was an obscenely risque set of lingerie beneath the skirt as well as a matching pair of silk gloves. The dress was clearly designed to reveal as much of her bust as possible while also keeping it hoisted up for extra perkiness. That was clearly an Akeno decision, Jon deduced. Finally, a purple flower hairpin was added to complete the outfit.

As stoic and prideful as Xenovia was trying to be, she was clearly blushing like mad at the outfit. If he had to guess, the former Holy Swordswoman had never worn something this scandalous in her life.

Akeno snickered mischievously, dressed in her slender skin tight white dress that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. "Well, Master? What are you waiting for? She's waiting to hear what you think."

"I…" Jon mentally rolled his tongue back into his head, stopped staring at her breasts like a thirteen year old, and shook his mind clear. "...you look gorgeous, Xenovia. All you ladies do."

Her face flared even more red yet she kept her composure and bowed respectfully causing her breasts to bounce in a way that was completely unnecessary. "Thank you Master. I asked Akeno to dress me according to what you would find most aesthetically pleasing. I'm happy we were able to find something to your tastes."

This was a development Jon was still trying to wrap his head around. He definitely felt the Imprint with Xenovia same as his other girls but..something about it was off. Almost like her brain wasn't processing the emotions she was feeling the same way as the others. And the way she looked at him, spoke to him, ever since the battle against Kokabiel, her behavior towards him in general had changed dramatically. When she first called him Master, he just assumed Akeno had gotten into her head. But now he wasn't so sure. Something about this was different.

A couple days ago, he caught Xenovia completely engrossed in one of his Ju'Kara's S&M books. When he asked her about it, she referred to it as her new Holy Text. Something that made Jon nervous. When he asked Akeno about it, however, she simply told him not to worry.

The elevator finally reached the top floor of the Sports Arena and the ORC stepped off. Rias lead her Peerage to Box Three, where they would be viewing the game, before using her diamond studded gold wristband to open the keycard lock. The automatic door opened up for them and the group made their way inside.

Honestly, Jon couldn't even work up the capacity to be that surprised by just how ritzy it was. This wasn't just a Skybox they were standing in, it was a luxury mansion. At four stories tall, the Skybox boasted six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a bar, gourmet food and drink, a game parlor, and of course, the aforementioned twenty man luxury bath up on the top floor. The Skybox also came equipped with some special features only accessible by Devils that added some convenience to Jon and Sammy's unique situations.

"Hey hey! Look who finally decided to show up!" Upon seeing Jon and the others enter, Sammy immediately passed his fellow Dragon the extra beer he was holding and ushered them to the window. Clearly he and the rest of the Sitri clan had already made themselves quite comfortable. "You all are just in time. The Lindou Ladies are about to start their opening dance routine."

"Oh good, we didn't miss it." Rias smiled approvingly.

Jon and Sammy clinked beer bottles before heading towards the viewing window. Leather couches built into both sides of the viewing box offered panoramic seating and plenty of room to stretch your legs. As well as pillows for more informal seating on the soft carpet. Sammy had already made himself quite comfortable with his Treasures on the left couch. Momo and Ruruko were nestled up next to each other lovingly, while Sammy wrapped his right arm around both of them. They were dressed in short shorts and blouses, with Momo's being white shorts and a pink blouse with white polka dots and Ruruko's being a white blouse with pink polka dots and pink shorts.

Tsubaki was leaned up against the edge of the couch, resting against a pile of pillows looking quite comfy with her legs crossed over Sammy's lap and Tsubasa was sitting cross legged on a pillow on the floor between his legs, resting against the seat with her head while her arms daintily gripped his knees.

Meanwhile, Aika and Reya were cuddled up next to each other on the opposite side of the couch hand in hand. While Sona sat with Tomoe, who at that moment was making passing glances over towards Tsubasa and the other girls.

"Glad to see you made it." The Honor's President greeted Rias while helping herself to another sip of her blue cocktail. "We were worried you might be late."

"Getting seven people looking this nice is a lot of work, I'll have you know." Rias joked playfully before helping herself to a seat next to Jon, who immediately wrapped his arm around her waist. "Especially when some of us are a little difficult to please."

"I said I'm trying to get used to it, okay?" Asia pouted at her President before taking a seat next to Jon and curling up into his other arm. "These clothes are even more expensive than the limo we got here in. It's just a lot for me."

"It's not like you'll be in them for long." Koneko flirted with her before immediately helping herself to her usual spot on Jon's lap. "At least not if I can help it."

Asia smiled lovingly at Koneko while blushing fiercely. During which time, Xenovia and Akeno both stood in front of Jon, their hands folded in their laps.

"Master? Shall we make ourselves more accessible to you now that we're in private?" Akeno asked while swaying her chest ever so subtly. Xenovia meanwhile, immediately turned scarlet again.

He nodded. "Go ahead, Ju'Kara."

With a wicked little grin she unzipped the back of her dress and wiggled free from it. Revealing an overtly skimpy black lace bra and matching thong that just barely covered her areolas and labia. In addition to the super skimpy underwear, Akeno was draped in platinum linked diamond studs that formed a net across her breasts and a sparkly skirt along her waist.

"Well Xenovia? Your turn." The senior submissive grinned wickedly at her junior.

Xenovia took a breath before stripping out of her cocktail dress. She too was wearing an incredibly skimpy bra and panties, albeit with added wire mesh to help keep her Triple D breasts in place. Like Akeno, Xenovia was decorated in a mesh of jewels around her breasts and across the swell of her ass. But these were deep blue sapphires connected by gold chains.

"Good God…" Sammy's jaw damn near hit the floor as the two girls stripped down for Jon.

Tsubaki looked up from her nail filing and, upon seeing this, scowled sourly at her man before bringing a single immaculate foot up to close his mouth and turn his head towards her.

"That's your ONE for the evening." She warned him severely. "Anymore and you're on lockdown for the rest of the month."

He gulped. "Yes Ma'am."

Akeno and Xenovia both took their seats at Jon's feet, with the blue haired bombshell on his left and his beloved Ju'Kara on his right. Xenovia kept her knees tightly shut and her hands on her lap with her back straight while Akeno spread her thighs open and bore her brand proudly with her head lightly bowed and her eyes shut in total submission to her Master.

With everyone seated, the opening Cheer Routine began. The sold out crowd went wild upon seeing the scantily clad Lindou Ladies, the Demon's official Cheerleading Squad, run out onto the field to get them all fired up. They were dressed in their red and black Cheerleader outfits with each of them holding red and black pompoms in both hands. The ladies dashed out onto the field, doing gymnastics and waving at the adoring audience before forming two columns on both sides.

"Look, here she comes." Aika pointed out excitedly.

From the middle of the two columns, the Lindou Lady's Cheer Captain Rei Miyamota ran out onto the field before performing a series of back handsprings down the middle of the two aisles whereupon she finished with a glorious high curl somersault. Rei nailed the landing and raised her hands gracefully into the air, dazzling the adoring spectators with a radiant smile and a wave of her hands before leading the other Ladies in a choreographed dance routine.

"It's so brave of Rei to get back into the public eye considering her scandal." Aika marveled, happy beyond measure for her friend.

At that, Rias snickered. "Yeah...about that. Turns out some 'new evidence' recently came up regarding her sexual assault case. Her former gymnastics coach is now looking at ten to fifteen years in a Japanese Prison and a formal apology letter was sent to Rei from the new Prime Minister."

Aika grinned wickedly at Rias Gremory. "I don't suppose YOU had anything to do with that, did you?"

She shrugged. "Oh, I wouldn't be so bold as to claim I had anything to do with it. Saya Takaga on the other hand...I heard she was QUITE interested in that case. And well...when it comes to her Father...all that's really needed is a couple of phone calls."

Aika turned her eyes back down to Rei. The girl looked SO incredibly happy. And she made the transition from gymnast to cheerleader incredibly well.

"I understand her Grandfather received a very generous donation towards his funeral arrangements as restitution. His family plot is the nicest one in the cemetery now."

"It's just a shame Saya and Motohama couldn't be here." Aika commented. "I kinda miss those two."

"Motohama called me before we left." Jon assured. "They're watching the game on the big screen in the Prime Minister's Office."

"I guess now that Saya's Father is Prime Minister, she'll have more time to spend with her family." Aika suspected hopefully.

He nodded in confirmation. "And since Motohama's Uncle was selected by Souchiro to be the new head of the Public Security Intelligence Agency, he has a sweet new gig working as a firearms consultant for their new branch of Field Agents."

"Does this new branch have a name?" As if she had to guess.

Rias grinned at her and nodded. "The Scout Regiment."

"Guess we won't be seeing them again for awhile, huh." Aika responded somewhat glumly.

"I wouldn't worry too much about that." Rias assured. "From what I understand that's mostly going to be a Summer thing for him. He and Saya will be back in time for the new school year….provided they're done planning the Wedding of course."

At that Sammy laughed before shaking his head in pity. "That poor poor bastard. Between her Father and her Psychic Power his Fiancee's gonna have him permanently wrapped around her finger for the rest of time."

Tsubasa tilted her head back and quirked a brow up at him. "Like you're any better?"

Momo and Ruruko both giggled at her little jibe. Sammy meanwhile, grumbled in response, deciding to keep his mouth shut and just take another swig of his beer.

"Smart boy." Tsubaki spoke plainly, her nose now buried in a quantum physics book.

"Either way, once they're back at Kuoh, I'll have their Occult Research Club Uniforms pressed and ready for them." She then pressed her toes into Xenovia's back playfully. "Yours as well, Dear."

"Thank you, Ms. President." Xenovia commented graciously.

"Alright, alright. Everyone simmer down." Sammy insisted. "Our boy is about to take to the field."

After the Lindou Ladies finished their routine, their home team began filing out one by one as their jersey number and name was called out for the crowd. Until at last, the announcer's voice boomed over the field one final time.

"Number Sixty Six! The designated hitter of the Lindou Demons! Matsuda Komuro!"

Every Kuoh Citizen in attendance raised their voices for number Sixty Six as he made his way out onto the field. The Lindou Ladies all cheered and waved their pom poms while the Captain went so far as to blow him a kiss. Matsuda caught her kiss and winked back at her before waving to the crowd of adoring fans. It truly was the feel good story of the year. A prodigy hitter taken down by illness only to return in full force on the Japanese circuit.

"Do you think it's fair letting a genetically enhanced Demon play on the Pro Circuit?" Sammy asked curiously.

"Who the fuck cares?" Koneko commented bluntly. "At least he's not perving on women's locker rooms anymore."

"I see your point Sammy, but rest assured, we made it very clear to Matsuda he was only allowed to do this so long as he kept most of his power suppressed." Sona explained while adjusting her glasses.

After the last of the opening ceremonies concluded the Umpire performed the coin toss which the Demons one. Number Sixty Six was elected to start the batting lineup for what would be the first pitch in the new arena. The away team took their positions in the field and Matsuda stepped up to bat. The pitcher eyed Lindou's designated hitter warily before knocking the ball against his mit a few times. Matsuda choked up on the bat and gripped firmly, ready for whatever the pitcher would throw at him.

The crowd went dead quiet. First came the wind up...and then the pitch was thrown as the Kansai Panthers attempted to sneak a fastball past the Lindou Demons designated hitter.

Bad idea. Matsuda stepped into it and, with perfect timing, met the ball with the sweet spot of his bat, walloping it with everything he had. The sound of the bat colliding with the ball was likened to a cannon shot by those who heard it. The players on both benches jumped to their feet. The announcer shouted, "That's it!" The ball rose in a majestic laser-like drive, rocketing into the night toward the farthest confines of the stadium. The question was never whether it was a home run or not. The question was whether the ball was going to hit the back row or the second to back row. Either way, it was a foregone conclusion and Matsuda happily ran his bases while the crowd went wild.

Sammy damn near spit out his beer, choking on it instead. "Holy *cough* what the fuck?! You call that suppressed?! He just damn near sent that thing six hundred feet!"

Sona turned her head and narrowed her eyes at Rias suspiciously. "We DID agree he needed to have his powers reduced, did we not?"

The President of the ORC chortled devilishly to herself before nodding. "We did. By the parameters I've set for his enchantments, he should still be well within the competitive range for a human player." She then added with an equally mischievous grin. "He'll only be the top in the league by a VERY tiny margin."

The Honor's President groaned at her wearily with a hand on her forehead. "So much for maintaining a low profile. You realize he's going to blow up over this right?"

Rias shrugged. "The way I see it, we'll get a contract deal with the NPB over this, maybe some sponsorship revenue. This could be our ticket to opening the ORC up to a global market."

Jon couldn't help but chuckle at her in amusement. "You are one devious little bitch, you know that right?"

"Maybe so, but I'm YOUR devious little bitch." She responded before kissing his lips passionately.

Sona shook her head in disbelief. "So that was your plan. I guess I shouldn't be surprised you'd want to profit off of this in some way."

"You really shouldn't be." Rias insisted after finally managing to pry herself away from her Dragon. "And besides, I'd say the boy's earned it. Wouldn't you agree, Babe?"

Jon nodded. "He did kind of help save the world, I'd say he's entitled to some time in the limelight of the Japanese Pro Circuit."

"Point made…" Sona sighed before adjusting her glasses.

"I'm gonna go get a drink." Asia kissed Jon on the cheek before making her way to the kitchen.

Koneko hopped off of his lap and joined Asia. "I'll go with you."

Sensing a lull in the action, Jon leaned forward and brushed a hand through Akeno and Xenovia's hair. His Ju'Kara immediately smiled and leaned into his touch, sighing contently while Xenovia's heart began to beat madly in her chest and her face heated up.

Jon whispered into Akeno's ear and her smile turned into a wicked little grin. "I'm ready if you are, Master." He nodded to which she leaned over towards Xenovia and whispered their Master's words into her ear. The junior submissive went wide eyed and her back stiffened again.

"If that is my Master's wishes then of course I am ready." She assured.

Akeno giggled in amusement before taking Xenovia by the hair and standing her up. "Master, with your permission I'll find a suitable room for us."

"Go ahead, Ju'Kara." He swatted her playfully on the ass prompting Akeno to guide Xenovia up the stairs to one of the private rooms. He then kissed Rias and stood up. "Alright, looks like I'm heading upstairs."

"Already?" Rias asked him curiously. "It just started."

"Can you really blame me?" Jon insisted. "It's a slow ass game."

"Hey! You shut ya whore mouth, Hyodo." Sammy spoke up before pointing a dangerous finger at him. "This here is the sport of our people."

Jon quirked a brow and folded his arms in front of him. "Our people?"

"You're half Japanese half American just like me ain't ya?" The Overzealous Sitri Pawn challenged. "That's two countries who consider this game ta be their national pastime."

He smirked at Sammy. "Japan I can see, but America? I know a couple of states down south that might have to disagree with you there."

"Oooooooh, so it's gonna be like THAT is it?" Sammy raised his hands up in disbelief before standing up. "Let me educate ya here, Hyodo. Football may be more popular to have on the TV when ya curled up on ya oversized comforter stuffing your piehole. But Baseball ain't just a sport, it's a piece of U.S History. It's literally America's Pastime."

Jon shrugged at him. "Statistics don't argue. More people these days are watching football. And Baseball may be 'America's Pastime' but the NFL literally owns a day of the week."

Sammy turned away and sat back down, unable to believe what he was hearing. "Ya know what? Somebody stop me before I punch this man."

At that moment Tsubaki shut her book and tossed it aside before standing up and beckoning Sammy with a finger. "You. We're going upstairs to the bath."

"Baby, the game just started!" Sammy protested.

She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him dangerously. "Remember our agreement? When your Queen wants sex, your Queen gets sex. Now come along."

He slumped back in the couch and groaned. "Fiiiine."

"Atta boy." She spoke approvingly before motioning to Momo and Ruruko. "You two coming?"

They giggled mischievously and nodded before standing and stripping their clothes away, revealing a black bikini with white polka dots for Momo and a white bikini with black polka dots for Ruruko. Clearly, they came prepared.

"Tsubasa, you in or out?"

She shook her head before hopping up on the sofa. "Nah, I'm actually enjoying myself. You girls go have fun."

Tsubaki nodded and took Sammy by his lapel. "Will do." She blew a kiss to Sona who smirked and watched her Queen saunter off with her Pawn and half her Peerage.

Jon cortled to himself in amusement. "Talk about whipped…"

"Jon." Rias nudged him insistently. "Go take care of my Queen before she wonders where you are." She ordered.

He sighed before hanging his head, realizing he was no better. "Yes Dear…"

Jon left for the upstairs bedrooms. Meanwhile, Rias stood up and adjusted the bikini she was wearing under her blouse causing her breasts to bounce. "Kiba, will you be alright here by yourself?"

He smiled, his eyes firmly locked to the game. "You know something, Rias? I really like baseball."

She gave him a curious look. "Do you now?"

Kiba nodded. "I do. And you know something else?" He turned and smiled at her. "I'm really looking forward to figuring out what else I like about living too."

Rias smiled at him proudly. "Well...you just let me know if you find something that sticks."

With that, she left him to enjoy the game before going to find Asia and Koneko. If she knew those two as well as she felt like she did, they were already upstairs in the hot tub making out.


Upon entering the private, windowless, bedroom of the Skybox on the second floor, Jon shut and locked the door before cranking back the time dilator on the wall. The small black box looked like a regular thermostat but was in fact used to slow down the flow of time in a given room allowing minutes to pass by feeling like hours and giving Jon plenty of time with Akeno and Xenovia without missing too much.

This was easily Sona's greatest invention since awakening to her Space and Time magic as far as Jon was concerned. Sure it drained the magical reserves of everyone in the room, making it impractical for anything beyond slowing down time for longer sex and more cuddling but something like that was EXACTLY what Jon needed in his life right now what with needing to show attention and affection to five very needy ladies.

There was even talk of the ORC Headquarters getting some of these things installed. A decision he definitely supported.

"Master, I think your newest little playtoy is ready. I know I certainly am."

A massive grin spread over his lips. The lights in the room had been dimmed so he hadn't seen what Akeno and Xenovia were up to yet, but by how heated his Ju'Kara sounded, it was clear she had already been fooling around with Xenovia before he even got upstairs. Jon placed his watch in his jacket pocket before hanging it up on the nearby coat rack and rolling up his sleeves. Finally, he turned around to what awaited him.

Akeno did not disappoint, that was for sure. Xenovia was on her knees, her thighs spread and her jeweled pussy now on display for him. Her hands had been tied behind her back and then to her ankles and her bra was gone, revealing two jeweled nipples as well. She had piercings similar to Akeno's only with sapphires in place of diamonds.

Xenovia was breathing in slow, labored breaths. Her face heated and her body already quivering in arousal even as Akeno continued to delicately run her fingers across her skin.

"Now then, just like we practiced." Akeno whispered into her ear. "Tell him exactly what you want."

"I want…" Xenovia swallowed back her nerves and took a deep breath before speaking the exact words she had rehearsed. "My life...for yours. Master, this humble servant desires to be collared to you." She spoke, her voice heated and her words nervous. "I hereby submit myself to you mind and body and soul, same as your beloved Ju'Kara."

Jon walked over to them both and knelt down before turning Xenovia's gaze up to meet his. The girl blushed fiercely at his touch, a look of enchantment in her eyes as he peered into hers. The longer he stared into her two dark yellow eyes the faster her heart would race. He peered into her soul, seeing that serene sea of blue again that was so calming and utterly beautiful. But there was something new there, a blemish of doubt and hopelessness that he was certain didn't exist prior to them forming their bond. It made him nervous.

"Master your...eyes are making it difficult for me to breath." Xenovia confessed shamefully, her voice slightly shaky. "May I turn my head down please?"

He nodded. "You may."

She relaxed somewhat upon being allowed to stare at the floor again.

Akeno giggled at her. "Don't worry, you will get used to that feeling in time."

"There's something I want to ask you, Xenovia." Jon insisted. "And I want you to be honest with your answer."

"Of course, Master." She assured. "I could never lie to you."

"Your behavior has changed an awful lot since after our fight with Kokabiel. Why is that?"

She gasped before biting down on her lower lip nervously. Clearly, the answer frightened her.

"Remember what we said about honesty." Akeno kneeled down and spoke with a hint of severity into her ear. "Master deserves nothing but the absolute truth from you, Girl."

Xenovia took a deep breath before beginning. "Master...ever since I lost Irina, I've come to realize something. About myself, about my past...about you."

Jon nodded, allowing her to continue.

"I am nothing without my faith." She continued. "For so long I lived a lie I believed so feverishly that when I discovered the truth, it nearly destroyed me. Yet in my darkest moment...you were the one that brought me back from the brink, that gave me the strength to keep going." Boldly, she stared back up into Jon's eyes, becoming transfixed once more. "And I think I finally understand why that is."

Akeno smiled approvingly. "Well go ahead. Tell him."

"I...I…" Her lip began to quiver and her breath trembled. "I see God's eyes...in you...my Master."

Akeno's expression immediately changed to one of confusion. She shared a concerned look with Jon before allowing her to continue.

"You are the Red Dragon Emperor, one of the most powerful beings in existence." Xenovia explained. "And...I believe...God's chosen here on Earth."

A bright smile suddenly formed on her features.

"When I look into your eyes, I feel it." She nodded. "Yes...I feel it right now. His warmth, your warmth, enveloping me like a soft blanket. Protecting me from evil, just as his grace once did when I was with the Church. I believe that...through worshipping your words and your flesh...Great Red Divine One...I can rediscover my faith."

Jon was floored. This definitely had taken a turn he was not expecting. Neither, for that matter, did Akeno. Xenovia didn't just see him as her Dragon. To her...Jon was some sort of avatar for her Lord.

When she said worship, she wasn't kidding.

"Xenovia listen...I don't think that-"

"Please." She quietly begged, desperation seeping into her voice. "I...I beg of you to take me. I am lost without my faith, and you...my Master, my Divine One, you are my only hope of finding it again." Xenovia bowed her head as low as she could. "I have never felt closer to God than I do at this very moment. Please let me worship you. I submit myself entirely to your mercy. My life for yours."

By the look in Akeno's eyes she was thinking the same thing he was. There was no way in hell they could say no to her. This was simply too important to toss aside so casually. That being said, this was definitely something that was going to need to be addressed at a later date.

In the meantime, he would just trust in Sona and Akeno's training and take care of her as best he could.

"Akeno, please go get the collar."

She nodded. "Yes Master."

Xenovia gasped out the breath she'd been holding in. "Thank you, Master. Thank you."

As nervous as this made him, Jon would simply have to play along for now. He'd steer Xenovia on a brighter path alongside his Ju'Kara, but in the meantime, if her faith was in his hands, he would just have to protect it as best he could.

Akeno returned with the collar in question and knelt down next to her. "Look him in the eyes as I place it around your neck."

Xenovia gazed up into Jon's eyes, that same mesmerized look on her face as if she had just been hypnotized. For whatever reason, the look she was giving him disturbed him greatly. Nothing about this seemed right and he was all but certain it had something to do with that flaw he noticed in her soul.

As Akeno placed the collar around her neck, Jon pressed his thumb into the back of it, binding her to him forever.

"My life for yours, Master." Xenovia repeated. "Now and always."


When Jon next exited the bedroom, eight hours had passed inside while only about one and a half had passed in the real world. Xenovia and Akeno were fast asleep, exhausted after a particularly rowdy play session, leaving Jon with a lot on his mind. Not knowing what else to do, and not really feeling like watching the game, he went outside the Skybox for a quick smoke break.

Once outside, Jon took out his Newports, popped one in his mouth, and lit up. After taking a long drag of the smoke and blowing it into the air, he leaned against the bannister railing overlooking the city. Kuoh was slowly but surely coming back to life. It wouldn't be long before their city was stronger than ever.

Feeling just a touch sentimental, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a silver cross connected by rosary beads. Remembering the previous owner, and how she helped to save their city. With the cross in one hand, and his smoke in the other, Jon lost himself in his own thoughts.

That was until he heard someone's voice calling out his name. Jon turned around to see none other than Aldin Zefford, dressed in Lindou Demons fanwear he must have bought online, complete with a Number Sixty Six baseball cap.

"Fancy seeing you out here, Jon." Aldin spoke politely before joining him on the bannister.

He narrowed his eyes at him suspiciously. "Getting some fresh air, Mr. Zefford?"

Aldin scoffed before rolling his eyes and leaning against the bannister with his back pressed against it. "You still on about that? I thought I told you already…"

He adjusted his baseball cap.

"...just call me Al."

Jon took another drag of his smoke before flicking it over the railing. "You've sure gotten into the spirit of our local team." He observed. "Even got a private Skybox next to ours and everything."

Aldin shrugged. "What can I say? I'm a fan. That hitter of yours is especially impressive."

"Rias mentioned we had a rather unusually large bulk order of Number Sixty Six merchandise." Jon mentioned. "I take it that was your doing?"

He chuckled. "I get a little obsessive, I'll admit. It's rare for me to find a new pastime I enjoy. But I could definitely see myself becoming an avid Lindou Demons fan."

Rabid was more like it, Jon quietly thought to himself.

"Once I've started collecting something, I can't really stop." Aldin continued. "Be it fan merchandise, gaming consoles, a particular brand of yacht. If I own one piece in a collection, I have to own them all. Better to buy in bulk, I always say."

A devious grin spread over his lips.

"I'm often told I get completely immersed in whatever I'm collecting."

Silence fell over the top floor of the stadium, with only the occasional sound of cheering from the crowds below providing any noise between them.

"Is that right?" Jon finally spoke back, his gaze becoming increasingly more suspicious.

He nodded before turning around and heading back towards his Skybox. "But then again, I'm just an eccentric bored Billionaire. So I suppose that sort of behavior is normal for someone like me. Right?"

He only made it about halfway back before Jon breathed a heavy sigh and straightened his posture, glaring at Aldin with severe intensity.

"How long are we going to keep playing this little game of yours?"

Aldin stopped dead in his tracks but otherwise didn't turn around.

"I've been wondering why the Leader of the Grigori Council has taken such a firm interest in me for awhile now." Jon snarled, flaring black smoke through his nostrils. "You'd think a being like you would have higher priorities than buddying around with an archenemy. Or am I wrong...Azazel?"

The leader of the Grigori stood in stoic silence, his back still turned to Jon. After a moment, he slowly began to chuckle, building into a ruckus laugh that echoed throughout the halls of the Stadium's top level.

"You know...I was beginning to wonder if you would ever figure it out or not. And frankly, I'm kinda happy you did."

His fanwear vanished, replaced with robes of black and grey before ten black wings sprouted from his back. Azazel turned around, a dark grin on his features as he glared back at Jon.

"Now what's this about us being archenemies? Seems a touch dramatic if you ask me."

"Doesn't make it any less true." Jon replied, Devil's Colt appearing in his right hand. "Their were two names Raynare mentioned after she tried to murder Asia for her Twilight Healing. Yours was one of them."

He sighed wearily. "Yeah, a depressing story that. But hey, it worked out pretty well for you in the end, didn't it?"

"She stabbed me in the chest!" Jon barked.

"Look, I had nothing to do with that, okay?" Azazel insisted, now getting slightly annoyed. "I can't keep track of every single action every single one of my Fallen Comrades makes at all times."

"Clearly not if you're spending all your time bumming around Dragons and buying up baseball merchandise." Jon spoke through gritted teeth before cocking back on the hammer of his revolver. "Now I'm only going to ask you this one time. Why are you here? What is your interest in me?"

He raised his hands out in front of him in an attempt to defuse the situation. "Okay...before we do anything we're going to regret, how about we go ahead and uncock the revolver?"

Jon didn't budge an inch, his aura was murderous.

Azazel sighed wearily before placing his hands in the sleeves of his robe. "Okay, you're upset. I can understand that. You just lost someone very near and dear to you from a guy who has the same color and number of wings that I do. I get how you can put two and two together. But...if you're willing to talk civilly, I might be able to offer you some good news in that regard."

Jon's razor sharp gaze remained firmly on him. Until finally, slowly, he uncocked the revolver and vanished it.

"That's more like it." He offered a victorious grin. "To answer your question, I'm here because, after the incident involving Kokabiel, I thought I might help keep an eye on things."

"We've got the situation perfectly under control." Jon assured angrily. "In case you missed the memo, the Gremorys basically run this entire country now."

"Well...all the legal parts." Azazel quickly corrected. "That's what's great about making your fortune from a Criminal Empire. You gain access to places you don't normally have access to."

He narrowed his eyes at him murderously again.

"Oh relax, Jon. I'm not planning on starting a war with you." Azazel assured. "That's kind of the opposite of what we're going for. I assume you've heard of the Peace Summit coming up?"

"I might have." He admitted.

"Well...you should know it was my idea."

That threw him off guard. "You're the one who suggested it?"

He nodded. "Now why would I go through the trouble of getting Lucifer, Michael, and myself together in the same room if I was gonna just fuck it all up months before the Summit is scheduled to take place? And trust me...getting those stubborn pricks to listen to me was NOT easy."

"Fine…" Jon relented. "...I'll give ya that one. Now explain why you've been interested in me."

"Oh that's simple." Azazel spoke frankly. "I wanted to see for myself how much power you've gained. You've stirred up quite a buzz in the Underworld these past couple of years Jon. Word has it even Heaven has been keeping their eye on you."

"Gee, I'm flattered so many people hold me in such high self esteem." He responded sarcastically.

Azazel shrugged. "Hate to break it to ya, Mr. Hyodo, but this is simply the price you pay for you being you. So long as you continue to gain power at such an exponential rate, the Three Factions are going to have their eye on your every move."

Jon remained silent.

"Thing is, my interest in you is a little bit different." Azazel admitted. "The others will undoubtedly be watching you because they fear your power. Me? I'm just interested to see how you stack up against Albion. After watching you in action, I've gotta say, I'm impressed. The amount of potential you tapped into for how short a span of time you've been aware of your status as a Dragon is...well...frankly unheard of."

"Why do I sense there's a 'but' coming?"

He chuckled in amusement. "Clever...yes unfortunately at your current level of power you're still not a match for Albion. He's gotten quite the headstart on you, I'm afraid."

Jon felt a pit form in his stomach.

"But then again…" Azazel added while narrowing his eyes at him suspiciously. "...I once thought the same thing of Kokabiel and look how that turned out. There's still time for you to develop as a Dragon Jon. If you continue to gain power at the rate you're doing well...who knows what could happen?"

"You make it almost sound like you want us to fight."

"You WILL fight each other." He assured vehemently, his voice deathly serious. "A conflict between the two Dragon Emperors is as inevitable as the sun rising and falling in the sky. It's not something you can fight against Jon, anymore than you can fight against that urge to collect Treasures. It's instinct. Written in your DNA. A biological compulsion to tear out the throat of your polar opposite."

"Why?" Jon challenged. "Why do we do this? Why do we fight?"

Azazel laughed. "You mean you haven't figured it out? He's your opposite. The Boosted Dragon and the Divine Divider. Two polar forces. Push and pull. Positive and negative. An unstoppable force and an immovable object. So long as you exist, then he must exist, and so long as he exists, then you must exist." He explained. "You cancel each other out. Keep the balance of power in check. Sure one side may gain a temporary advantage over the other, but it always ends the same way."

He didn't like where this was going.

"Eventually, you both destroy each other." Azazel finished. "Not permanently, of course. You can't actually die in the same sense as the rest of us can. It's more like...you go to sleep. By attaching your soul to a host via the Sacred Gear, you extend your lifespan indefinitely. You allow their bloodline to use your powers until...eventually...inevitably, you reincarnate into whatever form the host's bloodline was composed of. In your case, that would be human."

"And what was Albion reincarnated as?" Jon asked nervously.

Azazel chuckled menacingly. "You sure you wanna know that? You're REALLY not gonna like it."

He clenched his fists and growled at him. "Just tell me, dammit!"

Azazel raised his hands and shrugged. "Well alright, but don't say I didn't warn you." An evil grin spread over his lips. "His name is Vali Lucifer. He's a direct descendant of the original Lucifer himself."

Jon's blood ran cold in his body.

"He had the powers of a Demigod BEFORE he awakened to his true nature as the White Dragon Emperor. And he's had centuries to master his abilities. I'd say this go around, Jon, he's got you soundly beat. That is unless you can pull off the major upset Sirzechs is hoping you will."

He took a moment to process this. Azazel was right, he certainly did NOT like that bit of info at all.

"But hey, even if you do fail this go around, there's always next time right?" Azazel encouraged.

It was then Jon realized something. "Except...something's different this time isn't it? The Balance of Powers ain't what it used to be."

"Well well, so you even figured out THAT detail." He sounded genuinely impressed. "Color me shocked."

"So there's every possibility that...this go around, one of us could go down for good." Jon surmised.

"Again, very well thought out. It's not something we can confirm yet, but given the state of the Balance of Powers with God's…" He struggled to say it. "...disappearance, and the death of the Four Great Satans, it's quite possible that, if either of you die this time...that's it. One of you will come out as the ultimate winner. Thereby completely eliminating the Balance once and for all. Whoever came out on top would be unstoppable….the new God, as it were."

"And by the sounds of things…" Jon glared daggers at him. "You're already expecting that to be Albion, right?"

"It's nothing personal, I assure you." Azazel spoke sincerely. "But I need Albion as a source of leverage over the other two factions. Sirzechs Lucifer and his ilk specifically."

"In other words, you're saying I have to die so you have more of a leg to stand on in this upcoming Peace Summit. That about the gist of things?"

"Again, I'm impressed with your powers of perception." He complimented, essentially giving Jon his answer.

The Dragon laughed angrily before baring his chest to him. "Hey if my death is that important to you then why wait? Take a shot at me right now and see how that goes for ya."

"Oh for fucks sake, I'm not even gonna dignify that with a retort." He waved his challenge off dismissively. "Look, I don't hate you Jon. I really don't. And I sure as hell don't want to start trouble with Lucifer months before we finally manage to achieve peace. But the conflict between you and Albion is axiomatic. It's inevitable. Lucifer understands this as much as I do. All I'm doing is betting on the horse I think is gonna win the race."

"And keeping your hands completely clean in the process." He finished for him. "Just like any respectable Mob Boss would."

"Hey, I resent that." Azazel insisted jokingly. "I much prefer the term Crime Lord, thank you very much."

"You can call yourself Dr. Evil for how much I give a shit." Jon snarled at him hatefully. "Doesn't change the fact your faction is the one that's always starting trouble. You know, when you're not too busy engaging in Human Trafficking and pitting Dragons against each other."

"Hey, the human trafficking was Kokabiel's thing. I never wanted to have anything to do with that." Azazel insisted. "I've always kept my vices to gun smuggling and drug running." He then added with a mischievous grin. "If girls were ever involved in my business I assure you they were there purely for MY sake."

"And that makes you the good guy here?" Jon challenged. "Get real, Azazel. You've been out for my blood and the blood of my allies since day one."

"You think Sirzechs doesn't have skeletons in his closet?" He retorted insistently. "No one gets to tack LUCIFER onto their name without having a body count the size of Jupiter. And I assure you, he hasn't told you everything regarding his plans. If he's told you anything at all."

Jon looked like he wanted to ask something but decided to bite his tongue. "I'll admit...I've questioned some of his decisions. But everything I've ever seen him do has been purely retaliatory." He pointed an accusing finger at Azazel. "You're always the instigator. Not us."

He scoffed at that before turning and walking back over to the railing. "Right. It's ALWAYS our fault, isn't it? Getting banished from our own realm, doing what we needed to to survive our magical addictions. None of that matters in the grand scheme of things because if there's one thing both Heaven and Hell can agree on it's that they both hate US even more than they hate each other." Azazel chuckled bitterly. "I'll bet the fact that I'm the one that came up with this Peace Summit makes them all sick to their stomachs." His smile faded as a dark aura suddenly hung over him. "We're all just monsters who deserve to be hunted down and slaughtered, aren't we? After all, you've made a career out of that your whole life. Hunting us, and the creatures we used to defend ourselves."

Jon laughed at him incredulously. "You can't be serious right now. You really expect me to believe YOU'RE the victim here?"

Azazel stared out over the horizon for a moment, getting lost in thought.

"I wasn't the first to fall, by any means." He finally spoke up. "The Great War is almost as old as the Earth itself. There were others before me. Older Angels, names you've probably never even heard of, all of whom were lost to time. They're gone now but...we remember them as best we can. I'm merely one of millions of 'failed' progeny that came before." Azazel gripped the rails until they almost bent. "Do you have any Earthly idea what it's like being the black sheep in a family where your Father is the literal creator of EVERYTHING?"

"I can only imagine…"

Azazel sighed glumly. "Still...I remember the good old days. Living my peaceful pious life in the Fifth Order of Heaven. Another loyal soldier in my Father's Crusade of Mercy." As he slipped off into old memories he was hit with nostalgia. "I remember being at a shoreline, watching a little grey fish heave itself up on the beach. And an older brother saying, 'Don't step on that fish Azazel, Dad's got big plans for that fish.' I remember the Tower of Babel, all thirty seven feet of it, which I suppose was impressive at the time. And when it fell the humans howled, 'Divine Wrath!' But come on, dried shit can only be stacked so high."

Jon remained silent, quietly taking in everything Azazel was saying.

"Through it all, I soldiered on. Playing my part, fulfilling my role, keeping all my personal doubts and insecurities to myself…" He turned back and looked at Jon. "...do you know how many Angels have actually SEEN God? Because I can only think of four, and I'm not one of them."

Again, he said nothing in response, so Azazel continued.

"We all had our doubts. Our own personal flaws, insecurities, lapses in judgement and faith, same as these little imperfect creatures that our 'Father' was oh so proud of." His face contorted into a sour angry frown. "The difference was we weren't ever allowed to show them. Humans were celebrated for being flawed, but us? We had to set the example. We buried our sinful urges. We didn't have the luxury of Confessionals."

He turned his head back out to the horizon.

"You wanna know what it was that finally did me in?" Azazel asked in a dull depressed tone. "The reason I finally fell?"

"What was it?" Jon asked despite his better judgement.

All was quiet save the rustling of the wind, until at last Azazel answered.

"I fell in love with one of God's little imperfect creatures."

At that, Jon had nothing. He opened his mouth several times to reply, but no words came out.

"She wasn't a Queen or an Empress, or an all powerful Sorceress either." He continued. "She was the daughter of a poor farmer. Rough hands, skinned knees, a face permanently stained with dirt from years of back breaking work. She was so completely ordinary and so...so perfect…" His voice filled with genuine emotion for the first time since Jon met him. "So perfect to me, and only me. Perfectly flawed, so beautifully beautifully flawed. I loved her more than I loved anything. And I'd have given my immortality as an Angel in a heartbeat, just to spend a DAY with her. But I was an Angel, and she was a human. And because of the rules put in place by God, our love was a big no no." Azazel turned and glared at him directly in the eyes again. "Now you tell me...if YOUR Father forbid you from ever seeing the one woman you ever truly loved above all else in your eons long lifespan, for the VERY brief amount of time that she would be truly alive, before being whisked away to Heaven to become just another content emotionless THING in his machine, then what would you have done? What would you have done in MY position?"

Again, he opened his mouth to speak before finally sighing and shaking his head in somber silence.

"I don't know…" He spoke quietly. "...Dragons don't feel love that way. This is exactly WHY they don't feel love that way."

Azazel laughed at that. "I'll say it again, Jon. I envy you. I wasn't lying about that. Most people who say they hate Dragons really just mean they're jealous of them. Because you represent something impossible. Something unattainable. A massive horde of Treasure with a big scary serpent guarding it." He cast his eyes up towards the sky and spoke as if talking to his Father at that very moment. "If only we ALL could have been born that lucky."

After a moment, Jon walked over to the railing and leaned against it alongside Azazel.

"Do you really think he's dead?"

He shook his head. "No. No I don't. I think the old man just got tired of our bullshit and left. I'd say good riddance but…"

Jon cast him a sympathetic look. "Losing your Dad is hard. Doesn't matter if you didn't always agree with each other. Believe me...I know."

"I don't think you ever mentioned your Dad." Azazel admitted. "Which is funny because I'm sure I asked about him at some point during one of our little pal sessions."

"I'm sure you did mention him. And I'm sure I gave you the same answer I would give anyone who tries to make me talk about him."

"Which is?"

Jon smirked. "Kiss my fucking ass, next question please."

Azazel laughed, finally slipping back into his old personality, if only for a moment. "Why? Was he really that awful?"

He shook his head, his eyes still cast up towards the stars. "No...he wasn't." Jon shrugged. "I think he was perfect but...then again, I'm biased."

"In what way?"

Jon smiled sadly. "In the way that all kids who lose their parents when they're young think that they had a perfect Mom and Dad. They weren't around long enough to make me think otherwise."

Finally, it was Azazel who was rendered silent. After a moment, he took a deep breath and sighed morosely.

"You're an okay guy, Jon. I wish to God that Albion didn't have to kill you."

A tense silence hung in the air.

"Welp, that's enough depressing talk for one day." Azazel clapped his hands together. "It won't be much longer before your Treasures put two and two together so Imma dip out while I can." With a self satisfactory grin he then added. "Think I'll watch the rest of the game on my Deluxe Home Theater System in my underwear. Now THAT'S how you watch baseball."

With that he turned to leave.

"Oh right!" He turned back around. "That thing I wanted to tell you about. Regarding Irina?"

He piqued Jon's intrigue yet again. "What about her?"

"Lucifer and I aren't the only ones who had eyes on you and your friends during the War for Kuoh." Azazel explained in a serious tone. "There was a third player who entered the game a little late...one who was VERY interested in your former Protege. Enough so to say...bring her back from the dead?"

He sat up from the rail and stared at Azazel with intense, deathly serious eyes. "Who?"

"Go to her grave." Azazel insisted, a patient smile on his face. "Trust me, you'll figure it out."

"What are you saying?" He whispered, trying to force back the hope welling up in his heart. "That Irina's…."

Azazel wrapped his wings around his body and began to spin rapidly in the air. Feathers went flying in all directions as he vanished in a burst of bright light.

"Azazel, wait! AZAZEL!" Jon shouted desperately.

But it was too late, he was already gone. With naught but a pile of black feathers spread across the floor left behind. Moments later, Rias, Asia, Koneko, and indeed ALL of Jon's Peerage came bursting out of the Skybox, weapons drawn and magic at the ready.

"Jon!" Rias ran up to him, immediately checking to make sure he was okay. "What happened?! We felt a sudden surge of incredibly powerful magic."

Kiba ran over to the nearby pile of feathers and knelt down, picking one up and inspecting it before scowling angrily. "Rias look...Fallen Angels."

"Dammit!" She cursed. "What the hell are they doing here? Jon? Jon!"

He didn't answer. Jon's mind was a million miles away. Back at the cemetery. Back where Irina was buried...where she was SUPPOSED to be buried. His gaze fell to the cross still clutched in his hand. He gripped it tightly and stared off into the horizon, back towards Kuoh Academy.

"There's something I have to do." He explained, a deathly serious tone in his voice.

"Jon...what is it?" Asia asked nervously. "If you need help with something we can-"

"Alone." He insisted severely before climbing the rail of the top floor.

"Jon, what are you doing?!"

Rias was about to grab him when he fell forward and leapt off the side of the massive Sportsdome. The entire Peerage ran to the railing and looked down.

"Is he crazy?!" Rias shouted angrily.

Moments later Jon swooped back into the sky on a pair of Dragon Wings before making a B Line towards the Academy.

"So...anyone got a clue what the hell THAT is all about?" Kiba asked.

"Clearly our Dragon has lost it." Koneko commented bluntly.

Rias narrowed her eyes at the rapidly fading visage of Jonathan Hyodo as he soared off into the distance.

"Not lost...found."


Jon's chopper roared down the streets of the small town where the old Monastery was located. After flying straight back to the ORC Headquarters, he grabbed his bike and took off before opening a portal directly to the cemetery where Irina was buried. After parking his bike he sprinted like a mad man into the gates of the old gravesite and ran straight for the plot of earth where she was put to rest.

His heart stopped dead in his chest along with his feet the moment he saw the now empty gravesite.

"What the fuck?" He whispered quietly to himself, his mind reeling from this new development. It looked like someone had come along, dug her up, and taken her from her resting place.

At least...that was his first thought. But then he remembered what Azazel told him. Upon closer inspection, he saw something glimmering at the very bottom of the dug up grave. Jon hopped down into the six foot hole in the Earth, intent on figuring out what the hell that thing was. Rias could bitch at him for ruining his three thousand dollar shoes later. This was far too important not to take full priority. He knelt down and sifted through the dirt a little before pulling out what it was that had been glimmering beneath all that soil.

In his hand he held a single pure white feather.

::Final Note::

Well ladies and gentlemen, we're finally here. We made it. I'll be honest, there were times I thought I'd never get to this point. The more of Arc Three I wrote the longer it seemed to go on.

But honestly? That's only because of the support you all have given these writings. When I first started down this path, all I was really doing was writing what I felt like writing. Now? This story has been a challenge for my creative thought process in the best way possible. And it's been all the comments and feedback I've gotten that has helped make the Devil's Colt series what it is now.

That said, I never intended for Arc Three to go on for forty two friggin chapters. In hindsight, I probably could have gotten away with splitting this thing in half and making it two separate Arcs. But to be fair, I never intended to write as much as I did when I first started the Arc either. Especially when I had my bout of writer's block, I ended up adding WAY more content than I thought I would to the overall writing.

Will Arc Four be as long as Arc Three? I don't know. I did A LOT in this Arc in order to set up for the next one, so while I'm certain their will be plenty of content in Arc Four, I can't say for certain if it will necessarily be longer, shorter, or about the same. Honestly, with how crazy writing this Arc has been, anything's possible.

As always I'd like to thank my wonderful Fiancee for her support as well as all my readers, followers, reviewers, and commenters for helping me turn this project into what it has become. If you'd like to help support my writing as well as give me the opportunity to expand on this project and add new ones then go to my profile page to learn about how you can. I'd love a chance to start doing stuff like this full time for you guys.

Stay tuned for The Devil's Colt: Wrath of the White One which will be coming soon. I need to rewatch and reread the original canon before I start this project in full, so I'm not going to give a specific time frame for when you can expect to see the first chapter posted. But rest assured, I am actively working on it as we speak.

Jonathan Hyodo's journey is far from over my friends, until next time, I hope you all enjoyed this wild ride of an Arc. Thanks again.

Megawrath.