Hello, and welcome to the next chapter.
Crenin; Thanks for the vote! They could do~
NoaRien; No, because Issei's Isane in this story.
Yuu-Alter; Thank you for the vote! Thanks!
Isao Gin; She is yeah, gonna be fun to explore some stuff with her. Maybe it will be Lavinia~ Yeah, seems so~
Ivan Tridelan; Thank you~ She can't trust they're better, she doesn't know much about them, she doesn't know if they have ulterior motives, her interaction with Devils has been limited, and what she's seen they aren't that great, she has to worry about her little sister as well, so it's quite stressful for her. Naberius isn't being built up to be powerful, he's more of a political threat than anything, and even as Serafall said last chapter, she has more political power than he does, and that's why he's very desperate. The arc by this chapter has been going on three chapters, and ends next chapter so four chapters in total.
BlkBird; Thanks. She doesn't know him that well, she doesn't know if he can truly be trusted. As you said, it's a gamble, a gamble she doesn't know would benefit or ruin her chances at a better life for her, or her little sister. It's difficult for Kuroka, but as we'll see, she'll learn on how to trust others, that Haruki has no ulterior motive other than trying to prevent something that happened to him personally with his elder sister.
OechsnerC; Thanks! Ingvild not sure about her yet, either she'll join Rias' group, Isane's group, or Haruki's group.
MDM11; Tiamat, that's an interesting idea. They'd be pretty cool, and yeah joining hers could be fun. He will be training a few of the girls in the future yeah. Cao Cao and Haruki could be considered rivals.
ShadowUzumaki55; They are yeah, as Haruki pointed out, it's a team effort. Hehe, it seems that the ice doll isn't a fan of Riser's~ He did yeah, he wouldn't allow anyone to harm his sister, or his new friends. Haruki will help her bring forth her power of Holy Lightning. They might offer at least yeah~
bonkxd; To an inferior King like Naberius, yes she was worth two Bishop's, to someone who's got a lot more power and a Longinus like Haruki has, since the power of the King as well as the servant plays a factor when reincarnating Devils, then it would be rather plausible for Haruki to use less pieces reincarnating Kuroka than Naberius. That's not to say Kuroka's weak, she's very strong actually, but she had a weak King in canon, Haruki's shown to match someone like Vali in battle as a kid, along with killing a Head of a clan so he's clearly a lot stronger than Naberius is.
Guest 1; I'll probably be rewriting that story.
Silver crow; Thanks. She is yeah. Hehe, it seems he can handle Serafall. Elmenhilde will have something that makes her unique for the peerage. Thanks for the suggestions! Yeah, she didn't hesitate. It is a shame, but that's how it is. Those are Vali's reasons alright~ Kuroka's going through her own kind of arc with these chapters, which comes to a head in this. Naberius is quite afraid of Haruki. Ravel has her adorable moments~ I'm thinking of a few names, something unique. Serafall's doing her best. Val can admire his abilities, and he admires hers also. Naberius is quite rattled. Yeah, Kuroka did it. Yeah, everything before him will freeze. Akeno got some feelings alright~ Hehe, it just prolonges their torture~ Yeah, the guards stayed out of Serafall's way. Haruki will be rather tall. Naberius deployed it, Kuroka was monitoring it, and thought it had a different agenda than it actually had. It's not just for Fallen Angels, but it wouldn't hurt having a former half Fallen Angel in a high position in Devils society. Maybe something like that will be brought up later by Haruki when he meets his Dad. Shinra could do. Maybe Azazel would say something like that. That position would be good. Lavinia will get something, that's all I can say about that. Haruki and Absolute Demise have a special relationship. Maybe they could be. He'll meet them in time. Haruki will have some good familiars.
Cipherdragonite; Yeah I will be when I've thought of the next stage for the story.
The5Reds; Sorry for the wait, there will be a continuation of the story. Not sure when yet, but there will be.
Drake-san; That's one of his reasons, there's more that have either been said or implied. We'll have to wait and see for that. No problem. I don't know much about the Fate series, but I'm going through it when I've got time, so if I do a story, I'll keep those ideas in mind. Not all of them will appear on the poll, some will. Depends if I've got good enough ideas for those stories. I like those ideas, thanks for the suggestions.
Skull Flame; Yeah, she has her moments~ She is yeah, she's not sure where to turn, she doesn't know if she can trust Haruki, or Serafall, she doesn't know if they have hidden agendas, but this chapter will show her that he can, by displaying his emotions to her.
Guest 2; Probably a harem. The girls don't have to be necessarily powerful to be interesting to someone like that type of character. Ophis and he probably would have a romantic relationship as the story went on. He'd probably want to see the potential of others, and only ever give power if he believes that it is what is best for that person or for any future that they'd need that power.
Guest 3; I do like RWBY, I haven't had much chance to catch up with the latest season lately. Cool Black Clover idea!
Guest 4; Yeah, a son of Gabriel could be like that, thanks for the suggestion.
Ideas; Digimon is a series that I love, those ideas sound great. I'd probably do seasons 1 to 3 since they're the ones I'm most familiar with, and ones that I really do like the most. I don't really know much about the Fate series, not watched/played all of the stuff that's available, but I'll keep those ideas in mind if I do a story for it.
Morregen; Yeah, he's going to be kicking some ass rather soon~ Hehe, Absolute Demise seems to like having her own kind of fun huh~? A freezing field like that could be pretty interesting to see. Thanks for the suggestions! No problem at all.
Ashkan Dehno; Well, thank you very much! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far!
Guest 5; No problem at all, don't worry about it. Thanks for the Fairy Tail ideas! The poll would be a mix of new and old.
Guest 6; Yeah, I am.
kurenai lui; Thanks. Glad you liked their talk. Yeah, she's more interesting in finding strong opponents, and learning more about someone that has a similar circumstance as she does. They have cute interactions huh. It's to show that it's hard for her to believe in anyone when she's had nothing but bad experiences. Yup, Naberius is quite worried about Haruki. Yeah, it's to show that Akeno's thinking about it. It seems the ice dolls still unsure about a few girls near Haruki, while she seems to dislike Riser. It seems that she has to yeah. Hehe, very noble~ Yeah, I've been thinking about the healer, between Asia and Valerie, and after thinking about it, which would make the most sense on the group, and what would get the best story out of it. I don't know much about the Fate series, but I am catching up with some stuff so I'll keep the ideas in mind if I decide to do a story for it.
haibara-san; Thanks. It will become more of a name that she uses with most people. He very well might give them some training. She'd still know that he's really kind, so her opinion wouldn't change. We'll have to wait and see, that answer will come rather soon on how he feels about her, and vice versa though it's already been hinted at a few times. Yeah, he knows not everyone would be into things like that, and that's fine with him. Yeah maybe. One day it will be rewritten. We'll have to wait and see what happens there. That oc would have a harem also, love doesn't have much to do with power. A villain maybe. Thanks for the suggestions. He'll have a cool outfit. Yeah, lets see how he takes that.
Guest 7; Yeah, Ophis probably could create one without anyone else. Being Ophis' child, they'd be able to change to any form they'd like. That's how it would be. He could have a connection to Asia. That could be cool with Ophis. Thanks for the suggestions!
More ideas; When I catch up with the Fate series, I'll keep the ideas in mind~ That would be pretty cool for Digimon, thanks for the suggestions!
Andrew123456; Yeah, I can't wait~ I'll get one eventually. Thanks!
Valtryek-sama; Thanks. Not sure what race they'd be, maybe Half Angel or something. Depends what story it would be used for. Haruki doesn't need it yeah.
Well, with those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
The Neko's pain
Late into the night, after the incident with the strange Devil and how Kuroka had been acting strange, Shirone had called, and as soon as he could, Haruki rushed towards her side.
Bypassing the security of the Naberius house like he had done with Himejima in the past, he made his way towards the young girl who was in the garden, hiding away.
Getting to the right hand side towards her, Shirone's eyes met with Haruki's.
Without saying a word, he bent down towards her, and gave her a gentle pat on the head.
"Shirone-chan... What happened? Has he done anything?"
He looked over her, and was glad to see that he didn't have any wounds on her which relieved him.
"...I'm not sure yet if he has. Onee-sama...she and our Master...they were fighting. Onee-sama was really upset. But when I spoke to her...she dismissed me...I'm worried about her, Haruki-san. Lately...Onee-sama's been away more...I've seen her less...and he said...he wants Onee-sama...to do something with you..."
Haruki could hear the trembling within her voice.
Followed by her small body trembling also.
Haruki continued to pet her head, trying to help her become more calm than before.
"...Onee-sama always seems sad. I don't know what to do Haruki-san...I don't know how I can help Onee-sama...he said things about...her taking care of you...I don't want...you to be hurt...and I don't want...Onee-sama to disappear..."
Haruki, hearing the pain in her voice, bent down and gently embraced the young girl.
Her face was surprised as Haruki gently patted the back of her head.
"You're helping her now, Shirone-chan. What we do now, will help her."
"But...she always has taken care of me...I feel as if I'm..."
"You're her Imouto, she naturally cares about you Shirone-chan."
As he said it, she began tearing up.
"...But, maybe I'm just a burden...Onee-sama, could have lived on her own...but, with me...I might have gotten in the way..."
"I can tell you right now that isn't true." Haruki comforted, gently stroking the back of her head, as she leaned her head against his shoulder, his finger under her eyes to dry her tears. "Your Onee-sama wouldn't go through such things, if she didn't care Shirone-chan. If she loves you...then she'll do anything for you. So don't say you're a burden, or you've got in her way. I've seen all sorts of people Shirone-chan. People that love and care for their family, people that toss their family away for stupid or awful reasons. Your Onee-sama is in the former. She stayed here with you, she does what she does to protect you."
Drinking in his words, she began to feel better.
She felt as if he was telling her the truth.
That she had to be reminded of it after believing that her being unable to do all the stuff Kuroka could do was causing a lot of burdens to be placed upon Kuroka.
"...S-So, I'm not a burden?"
She hiccupped.
He could see that it had bothered her more than he had thought.
"Of course not Shirone-chan."
"...Can you call me Koneko again? I...like that name."
"Okay Koneko-chan~" Haruki allowed his eyes to meet with her own, and he gave her a gentle smile, a smile that made her feel good deep inside. "Naberius...He isn't a good person, Koneko-chan-"
As he was trying to explain, Shirone cut him off.
"...Yes, he is a bad person...but, we don't have anywhere else to go..."
Haruki could feel for her.
Being in a situation like that himself for a good while ago.
"That's not true Koneko-chan. I'll take care of you."
Shirone gasped.
She...was shocked that he'd say something like that.
"...But why?"
"Because I want too, that's why. I also was someone that didn't have anywhere else to go Koneko-chan. If I didn't come across Serafall-san, then I don't know what would have happened to me. So, I wont let anything happen to you either Koneko-chan. Just wait a little longer. Serafall-sans already working hard to get you out of here, and it should be within the next day or so."
Shirone was astonished that someone would do anything like this for her.
But it felt nice at the same time.
More than her elder sister, there were people out there that cared for her, and Kuroka.
That would want to be around them.
That would even protect them from dangers.
Even at a risk to themselves.
Shirone shed more tears.
But they were happy tears.
"It's alright Koneko-chan, he wont be able to harm you for much longer. And I'll make sure you and your Onee-sama can live happily together."
Shirone peered into his eyes, and she looked thankful of him and his words.
"...Thank you, Haruki-san."
Haruki gently petted her head, and made sure that she felt alright.
He didn't want her to ever worry about anything like that again.
When Haruki returned back from visiting Shirone, he searched for Serafall, knowing that Akeno was busy with Rias right now. He was glad that she had a friend like that, where she could speak with. He himself also had grown to have a few friends.
When he went to Serafall's office, he knocked on the door.
No answer.
Curiosity came over him, and he walked in…
She wasn't there.
"Guess she's still at work."
He murmured, and went to turn, when he heard a phone ringing.
He looked into the office, but couldn't see anything.
Following the noise, he went to the back of the office, and saw that there was some kind of cloth covering what he presumed was the phone.
He uncovered the cloth, and saw that it wasn't exactly a phone.
It was a statue that had 'Gabriel' written on the bottom of it, he presumed the statue was of Gabriel.
He quietly went to put the cloth back, when he heard "HARU-CHAN NO!" causing him to accidentally touch the statue, which activated a hologram surrounding the statue, Serafall's face fell more and more as the hologram appeared.
It was a beautiful buxom young woman, with flowing blonde hair. Eyes that sparkled in the hologram. She wore a long robe outfit, her white outfit looked to be rather beautiful. The robes even barely contained her large breasts within her outfit.
"Ooh my, Serafall-san! You finally answered! It's been weeks!"
Haruki glanced back towards Serafall who gave an innocent smile, but her lips trembled from the sight before her.
"Hello Gabriel…"
She said with a sad tone of voice.
Haruki's eyes shined brightly.
"Ara, so this is the Angel Gabriel-san then?"
Serafall inhaled slowly through her nose.
"Yes...that's her."
Haruki could tell that Serafall wasn't pleased.
Gabriel placed a hand to her face.
"My, I don't even know who this is~" Serafall exhaled slowly, dramatically. "But, it seems that he's your friend, Serafall-san?"
"Yes...he's someone I cherish...you can't have him Gabriel!"
She snapped, Haruki blinked at the change of tone.
But Gabriel let it roll off of her.
"Ooh my, I don't know what you mean by having him, but he's rather cute."
Serafall looked devastated.
Her eyes displayed rage, and she rushed forward, hugging Haruki into her chest, while stroking the back of his head.
"This boy isn't for you Gabriel, don't even try anything with him! He's a Fallen Angel, you know?"
Haruki found it cute that Serafall was trying everything to make sure that Gabriel didn't try anything with Haruki.
"A Fallen Angel?" Gabriel mused, her eyes dancing across Haruki's body. "Ooh my, so he is! Hehe, even though you're a Fallen Angel, I believe that many people should become friends~ Forgive me, my name is Gabriel."
"Nice to meet you Gabriel-san, my name is Haruki Himejima."
"Himejima...ooh, so then that would mean...I see, so this is the person Serafall-san took in. That was very nice of her~ Serafall-san truly is a nice person, I really like her~"
Haruki didn't see why Serafall didn't like her.
Even now she was giving Gabriel a face that was sour.
"Geez Gabriel..." Serafall murmured, only to see that Haruki was giving her a curious look so she tried her best to smile. "...S-So Gabriel! What do you want? I'm rather busy right now!" Serafall glanced at Haruki who shook his head, so she bowed her head. "I mean...is there anything that I can help you with Gabriel?"
"Nothing really Serafall-san. But I wish that we could get together sometime? Maybe over dinner~?"
"Dinner?" She looked reluctant so Haruki coughed into his hand, Serafall scowled, then allowed a slightly timid smile to appear on her face. "I-I mean...dinner...ooh, I don't know. I'd have to check my schedule..."
"She'd loved to, Gabriel-san."
Gabriel clapped her hands together while Serafall looked devastated.
"Aah I see! Then Serafall-san, please tell me where you would like to go~"
Serafall looked tired.
She seemed to be so tired that Haruki thought she might pass out.
Perhaps it was because she felt mentally exhausted by what was going on at that moment.
"Ugh...f-fine...yes, I'll call you sometime..."
"Promise~?"
Gabriel said with her eyes wide, and shining.
Haruki thought she looked sweet.
Serafall shuddered at the sight before her, looking to Haruki for assistance.
Haruki stared at her, so she relented.
"...Yes, I promise."
"Thank you~ See you later super best friend~" Serafall began shaking while Haruki chortled lightly at the sight before him. "Goodbye Haruki-san! I hope you enjoy your time with Serafall-san~"
"I'm sure that I will~"
He said with a grin, his eyes shooting for Serafall who remained looking annoyed.
She then disappeared as Haruki turned fully to Serafall.
"What have you got against her? She seemed nice to me."
"That girl isn't nice. That was a facade. When we're alone...trust me, she's got a sharp tongue."
"She's an Angel, she probably doesn't have the capacity to insult people."
"You don't know Gabriel, she's...something alright."
"You're going on a meal with her."
Serafall puffs out her cheeks adorably.
"But Haru-chan..."
"No buts, she was being friendly. Go on a dinner with her~"
Serafall still seemed reluctant.
"Ugh..."
"Be kind to the nice Angel-san. She didn't seem evil to me. If anything, it seems that she really likes you. She called you her super best friend."
Serafall exhales slowly, and then walks to her desk.
"Look at this then, it will convince you she's a bad girl."
Haruki looked, and saw a small letter that had been handwritten.
Overlooking it, Haruki saw the words 'I'm going to get you' but the other words were covered up by Serafall.
"Your thumbs in the way Serafall-san."
"There's nothing of interest written~ See though? She's going to get me! I would never threaten someone like that! How is she going to get me!? Jump me? The possibilities are endless!"
Haruki rolled his eyes at her antics, and uncovered her thumb to see the entire message.
It read 'I'm going to get you a lovely present for your birthday, what would you like?' something that Haruki found nice.
"That's nice, Serafall-san."
"Haru-chan...you don't understand. She's...ugh, Gabriel. She's...Gabriel."
"That doesn't tell me why you don't like her."
"There's many reasons." Serafall jumped back, and then winked towards Haruki. "Never mind that though~ Come on Haru-chan! Lets go and have some fun! Fufufu, I know, maybe we could play a game together~?"
Haruki gave her a bemused look, before lightly poking her forehead.
"Maybe when you're a good girl."
"But I am!"
"Agree to go on a dinner with Gabriel-san, or no more cuddles."
Serafall's world shattered at that moment.
"B-But Haru-chan! That's a little far! Cuddles are what get me through the day!"
Haruki gave a teasing smile.
He liked seeing Serafall looking like she was worried about something simple as cuddles. It was rather cute in his eyes.
"Then I guess you'll have to go out with Gabriel-san sometime~ She's a nice woman, at least be a little civil back. Maybe it could lead to your factions getting to be a better place than they are now, you know?"
His words made sense.
It made her want to at least try it.
But there was something holding her back.
Something, she found difficult to get over.
"But..." Haruki raised an eyebrow, so Serafall sighed in resignation. "...fine, I'll go out with Gabriel. Now cuddle time?"
"You promise?"
He said with a raised eyebrow.
She grinned, and then winked.
"I promise Haru-chan! Now please can we cuddle?! I can't help but want to be beside you!"
Haruki chortled, and opened up his arms.
"Alright then, cuddle times~"
Serafall beamed from ear to ear, and she leapt towards him, hugging him tightly around his head.
"Aah, hugging Haru-chan is the best~ Even if I have to make a sacrifice with Gabriel~"
"Fufu, I didn't know you didn't like her this much. Maybe I could cuddle Gabriel-san sometime~?"
He teased, seeing her giving a cute expression towards him.
"B-But if Haru-chan cuddled her...then you'd not be cuddling me!"
"Seems so~"
Serafall rejected it, and surprisingly kissed the top of his head, catching him off guard that she'd do something like that.
"No, I can't let you go to that Angel woman! You have to stay with me always Haru-chan! Promise me that you will!"
"Alright, I promise that I will~"
"Yay! Now lets cuddle for a long time!"
And that's what they did.
Haruki seemed to find something that Serafall was weak against.
Apparently, it was something as simple as hugging him.
Something he definitely believed he'd be able to do.
Meanwhile, as that was going on, Akeno and Rias were walking through the castle of Gremory together. Since they had first met, they had gotten to know one another more. She also felt a little gratitude to Rias and her family for being at the right place at the right time, allowed her, and her brother to meet back up with one another once more.
"So, Akeno. I've been hearing stuff from Serafall-sama recently."
She began to Akeno who was bewildered.
"What's that?"
"It seems that she's been thinking about making Haruki-san her servant."
Akeno wore surprise on her face.
Akeno could hardly believe that Serafall would want something like that.
"But...why does she want to make Haruki her servant?"
"Serafal-sama is...she's someone that is very eccentric, but she also has expressed an interest in Haruki-san's uniqueness, according to Sona. It seems that she would want to have him on her peerage."
"I see. If it is Serafall-sama, then I will trust in Haruki's judgement."
"But something tells me you're worried about him, aren't you?"
Rias added, Akeno nodded in agreement.
"It's natural, he's my Otouto. I'm always worried about him. Though...to be honest, he's stronger than I am. In many different ways."
Rias curiously stared at Akeno as they sat down on a couch together.
"What do you mean?"
"Holy Lightning...he's able to use it without worry. I just can't understand. When I do...all I can think about is that man...the man that left us alone..."
"Maybe he does too."
"Then...how can he use it?"
Rias furrowed her brows.
"You know, I remember Haruki once saying that his Holy Lightning is his power. Something that he uses to protect innocent people."
"But, it also belongs to that man..."
"Maybe so, but I think from what I've seen, Haruki's made his Holy Lightning his own power. He might have inherited it from your...Otou-sama, but he's turned it into something for himself. I don't know how Haruki-san honestly feels about your Otou-sama...but, I know how he feels about you, Akeno."
"Feels about me..."
Akeno murmured.
Rias continued to smile, laying a hand on top of her own.
"Yes, he loves you." Akeno began to blush when Rias said that. "He barely slept when in the Underworld when he first came. When he did it wasn't for long. Sona told me that he spent nearly every waking moment trying to look for you. He trained endlessly to just have even a small increase of power to make the difference in a fight with your Granduncle. He did it all for you, Akeno. I think that deep down, he'd want to continue helping people with circumstances such as yourself, maybe that's why he'd choose to become a Devil. You never have to worry, your Otouto, whether he's in Serafall-sama's peerage, if he's an independent person always, or if he does something else...he'll always return to you."
Rias' words brought a large smile towards Akeno's face.
She even felt a few tears by her eyes.
"...Thank you, Rias."
"It's not a problem."
"Fufu Rias, you really are a good person~"
Rias smiled lightly.
"Thank you, Akeno."
"And, what about you Rias?"
Rias cocked her head.
"What about me?"
"Jealous that my Otouto might go towards Serafall-sama?"
Akeno teased Rias, who scratched her cheek slowly.
"E-Eh...w-why would I be?"
"I don't know. Maybe you would have liked a Longinus with Holy Lightning on your peerage."
"Yes...I probably would do. But, it is his choice after all."
"Then maybe I should join Rias' peerage. He'd surely still help you if I was there Rias."
Rias blinked a few times, then chortled.
"I see, do you want to join my group?"
"When you get your Evil Pieces, ask me then. I'll give you my answer by that time."
Rias nodded, agreeing with that.
"Then, I'll ask you then."
Akeno giggled, and lightly petted Rias' face.
"Ara, Rias. Do you think my Otouto is handsome?"
"H-Handsome?"
Rias blushed when Akeno said it.
Akeno though saw an opportunity to tease her, so she took it.
"Yes, I think he's rather handsome."
"I-I see...I couldn't comment on that...if I find him handsome or not..."
Rias said with a bashful look on her face.
"Ara ara, it seems that Rias might also try and do things with my Otouto. Maybe we could do things together~?"
Rias blinked rapidly, as Akeno giggled away happily.
Rias gave her a curious stare while Akeno smiled happily.
Whatever was going on in Akeno's mind, Rias was at least happy that she seemed to be getting back to normal.
The next day Haruki went to go and make sure that the girls were okay, and to partly make Naberius nervous. Naberius nervous, would make a mistake eventually. He'd become more and more obsessed, to the point he'd slip, then Haruki knew they'd get him.
When Shirone saw him, though her face didn't change all that much, she showed a small amount of happiness that was growing on her face, and allowed her to become even more happy when he brought some ice cream.
"Here you go, Koneko-chan." Haruki said with a grin. "Ooh wait, sorry, I meant Shirone-chan~"
"...I don't mind the name Koneko, I like it."
She admitted.
Haruki was someone that she quite enjoyed being with.
He spoke kindly to her, and was able to make her laugh at certain points.
"Haha, then I'll flip between them~"
Shirone accepted the ice cream, and saw what kind of ice cream it was.
"...You got my favourite ice cream...you remembered."
Shirone had remembered she said about her favourite type of ice cream to Haruki at one point.
So the fact that he brought her some made her happy.
"Of course~ Plus, ice treats, kinda my thing with my Princess~"
"...The ice doll...I think she's rather beautiful."
"Me too! People seem to be worried about her, but I think she's one of the most adorable girls that I've ever seen in my life~ She certainly makes me feel cool when it's warm~"
"...A balance between you. Hot blooded...and cold body."
"Haha, that's right Shirone-chan~"
Kuroka stared at Haruki.
She tried to work him out.
But she really couldn't.
She also remembered what Naberius had told her.
How she had to get rid of him.
But she didn't know how she was supposed to do that.
"Here Kuroka-san, I got one for you also."
Kuroka looked at the ice cream.
She allowed a small scowl to appear.
"I don't need charity."
"It isn't charity, it's just being friendly."
Kuroka continued to look at the ice cream, then towards Haruki.
Staring into his eyes, she merely took the ice cream without uttering a word.
Shirone could feel some tension, but she didn't know why,.
Haruki hadn't done anything to her as far as she was aware.
Kuroka watched Haruki and Shirone speak, and smile at one another.
She was shocked that Haruki got Shirone to smile like she was.
Even Kuroka had difficulty in making Shirone smile as of late.
"Aah, it seems that I have to go now Koneko-chan, Kuroka-san."
When he said it, Shirone gained a disheartened expression.
"...I see."
Shirone seemed disheartened, so Haruki petted her head.
"Now, now. No need for a cute face like that. I'll come back really soon~"
Shirone's face turned upwards slightly.
"...I can't wait."
Kuroka was surprised.
Shirone, to her, was someone that didn't like being approached by others, nor approaching others either.
She liked keeping herself to herself.
But seeing that she and Haruki were able to get along rather well, it boggled her mind.
"Well then bye Shirone-chan! Kuroka-san!"
Shirone waved, while Kuroka didn't say a word.
She couldn't.
As he walked off, Kuroka inhaled and exhaled slowly, then chased after him.
Meeting him in a quiet area, Haruki stopped when seeing Kuroka approaching.
"Kuroka-san, what's-"
"Don't come back here again."
She said coldly, catching him off guard.
"Sorry?"
His question was met with a hard expression on her face.
"...Just don't come here again. We are living a private life here, I don't want Shirone to be let down by anyone."
"I wouldn't let her down Kuroka-san."
"Yeah well, we've heard that before. It will happen again."
Kuroka said it coldly.
She hoped that maybe her cold words would deter him.
Maybe he'd be able to leave without her having to do anything more drastic.
"I'm not sure who you believe I am, but I'm not the type to simply discard someone."
Kuroka inhaled and exhaled slowly.
She didn't want to hurt Shirone.
It was the last thing that she wanted.
She recalled how Haruki had brought happiness to Shirone.
"...Promise me that you'll forget about trying anything with Naberius, then you can see Shirone."
Haruki didn't voice his thoughts.
But he did believe that he understood now.
Naberius was afraid.
Haruki definitely was on the right tracks, and if he had sent Kuroka to break off their relationship, something Kuroka didn't seem to want to do, then it was because Haruki was becoming closer and closer to finding out what was truly going on.
"Kuroka-san..."
"Promise me...just forget about him, alright? You want to keep seeing Shirone, don't you?"
"I want to make sure you're both safe, and yes, I want to see Shirone-chan. I also want to see you, Kuroka-san."
Kuroka was mildly surprised that he said that.
But she had to remember Naberius.
She had to deal with him herself.
She couldn't rely on others.
It wasn't possible at all.
"...Well, just don't do anything. Leave him alone, alright? Please...just leave it alone."
Haruki felt as if she didn't have anything else.
"So...you're asking me to ignore his terrible treatment of you and Shirone-chan? I'm sorry, but I can't ignore that when I see it."
"But..."
"Even if you end up hating me...as long as you and Shirone-chan are safe, then that's all that matters to me. Kuroka-san, Serafall-san is going to get you out of here, then whatever Naberius is doing...we'll stop him."
Kuroka was blown away.
She didn't think a Fallen Angel would say something like that so selflessly.
It was beautiful.
She wanted to believe in it.
But she also knew that Naberius wouldn't stop either.
If Haruki found out, and if he came for him…
Shirone could be in danger.
She could be killed.
She was running out things for her to do.
"...I've got to go now."
"Kuroka-san-"
Kuroka turned, and ran away from Haruki.
He knew now there was definitely some force making her do things.
He knew Naberius was scum…
But he didn't believe that he was this scummy to do this to the girls.
Walking through the city, collecting a few things that he thought that he might need, doing it as quickly as he could so he could do some other duties.
However, when he was nearly finished, he saw walking towards him was Zephyrdor together with another young Devil, Haruki believed his name was Diodora, but he didn't know much about him.
He sighed at the sight of the boy, and tried to walk by him.
But Zephyrdor placed his hand out.
"Disgusting Fallen Angel, still here I see?"
Haruki scoffed at Zephyrdor.
"Seems so~ If you'll excuse me."
Zephyrdor narrowed his brows at Haruki.
"I heard you've been interfering in things that don't concern you."
"They concern me when there's things that are wrong and I can do something about it."
"That guy Naberius, he's an outstanding member of the Devils Society. You, are nothing but Fallen Angel scum."
Haruki furrowed his brows at Zephyrdor, trying to work him out.
"What business is it of yours? Is he your friend?"
"That's not your business what our relationship is."
From his wording and tone of voice, Haruki felt as if Naberius and Zephyrdor did have some kind of friendship.
"I'm not surprised you and he have a relationship, you both have that same air about you."
Zephyrdor tightened his hand.
"Tch, you're not going to be able to do anything anyway. In this world, you're born into higher status like me, or you're nothing like you."
Haruki rolled his eyes.
"You know, for someone that keeps trying to antagonize me, you could put your energy into something more productive. Either way, I'm not going to fall for your petty attempts at trying to make me take the first swing at you so you can get me in trouble. I have a lot more self control than you seemingly do. Go and get a nice hobby Zephyrdor that doesn't involve harming others, because I'm not playing your games. I've got more important things to do."
Haruki brushed by him, but Zephyrdor didn't accept it.
His anger at how dismissive Haruki was of him...was so rage inducing.
His face contorted with his rage, and he raised his hand towards Haruki...
But ice suddenly grew around him, and stopped him from attacking.
Zephyrdor gasped, while Diodora's face fell ever so slightly.
"W-What did you do?!"
"I didn't do anything." Haruki replied truthfully, since it was his ice doll that did it, choosing to remain hidden. "I've got to go now."
Haruki began walking, when Diodora came up to him, and placed a hand on his arm, digging in his fingers just enough to show the aggressive nature behind his intent.
When looking into his eyes...Haruki saw something he didn't like.
It was pure disgust.
More than that, the smile on his face, was clearly fake.
"You've had your fun Fallen Angel, let my friend down."
"My 'fun' as you called it, wouldn't be just freezing Zephyrdor. Now, would you kindly take your hand off my arm?"
Diodora gave a fake smile, and pulled his hand back.
"Sorry, I got a little carried away. Still the fact remains, you froze him."
"Again, I didn't. My ice doll did, because he was going to attack me. Maybe he should remember to not allow his anger to get the better of him."
Haruki snapped his fingers, dropping the ice from around Zephyrdor.
Then he turned, and walked away, leaving behind a raged Zephyrdor, and a smiling on the outside, but angered on the inside, Diodora.
Both weren't happy with Fallen Angels being in their part of the Underworld, Zephyrdor in particular felt his rage for Haruki growing more and more, partly because he knew others were speaking about Haruki's growing achievements, and speak less about him as a whole, he was angered by that.
As night fell, Haruki returned back to the castle, and decided to go to bed.
But when he did, he found that his elder sister was in his bed, surprising him.
"Onee-sama...w-why are you here?"
"Fufu, what's wrong with me being in your bed Haruki?"
"Oh, nothing really. Just surprised, that's all."
"I decided to spend sometime with my Otouto, so why don't you come to bed with your Onee-sama here?"
Haruki shrugged, and moved to the side of his elder sister.
Getting into the bed, Akeno watched Haruki lay his head on the pillow near her own.
Smiling to herself, Akeno bent towards him, resting her head against his neck, her slender arms going around him.
"Onee-sama, is something the matter?"
"Fufu, is it weird that I want to hold my Otouto like this? We haven't done so in a while, you know?"
"Ara, I don't mind."
Akeno clung to him tightly.
Her violet eyes met with Haruki's own, and she smiled gently.
"Haruki, you don't mind me staying here, right?"
"No, of course not Onee-sama. Why would I mind?"
She giggled to herself.
"No reason. It's just you've been really busy lately."
"I'm just trying to do some good, that's all Onee-sama. Like Kaa-chan would want."
He replied without worrying her.
He didn't want to be the cause of her worry.
"Are you sure you aren't in danger?"
"I'm sure, don't worry about that."
Haruki expressed his smile.
Akeno wasn't sure.
But she continued to hug him regardless.
Her body pressed against his, and she groaned happily at the feeling.
"Fufu, it has been a while since we've hugged like this Haruki. You have matured a bit since then."
"I guess so~"
"Definitely. You've grown quite a bit Haruki. I'm glad, because I finally see that you'll be able to take care of yourself. Fufufu, seeing you now...yes, you'd definitely be able to take care of yourself."
"...Yes, we had to grow up pretty quickly Onee-sama. Still, I don't mind, I learned a good deal about the world. And now that we're together Onee-sama, I'm really happy."
Akeno smiled when she heard that.
It felt good to finally be close with her brother again.
Soon, she settled into just staying silent with him, hugging him and being comforted by him also.
It was a time that she truly did love to be in.
As Akeno slept next to him, Haruki was alerted to movement, not where he was, but where Naberius was thanks to Vali.
Finally, Naberius was on the move.
Haruki quickly got out of bed, and checked to see if Serafall was back.
When he couldn't find her, he decided to go on his own, and shot off as quickly, and without being detected. He had good skills at hiding, he learned from the times that he did so with the Himejima, and could allow him to follow most without being detected.
Making it to the area that Naberius was in, Haruki hid behind a tree, and met up with Vali, and silently together they followed him.
"That's strange...why is he here…?"
Haruki thought as he kept his body silent as well as his breathing the most that he could.
He was being very careful as was Vali.
Naberius kept stopping, making twists, and turns.
He even used demonic power to make an eerie smokescreen.
Haruki though had dealt with things like this before, such as Himejima.
It took Haruki and Vali more than half an hour to follow Naberius.
He moved at a snails pace.
Haruki though memorized every move that he took, so he'd be able to find his way back.
However, between two trees that didn't seem any different than normal, that was until Haruki noticed that there was the tiniest of holes that was within the tree, Naberius sent demonic power through it.
As he did, Naberius looked around, but Haruki and Vali kept themselves hidden.
Vali watched the ground below Naberius began to open up.
It made no noise as the ground moved.
Haruki noticed that it opened as if it was mechanical.
He saw metal lining the walls that were heading down a flight of stairs.
He also felt something flaring its aura as well…
No, more than one.
He felt a bunch of auras within the hole, something that felt nearly overpowering for him.
But then the hole closed up, rather quickly.
"This has to be it...his secret. However...I can't go in on my own, those auras I felt...they could be dangerous. I should go and tell Serafall-san, see where to go from here."
Haruki said to Vali who nodded slowly.
"I'll stay and see if there's anything else that could happen."
Haruki furrowed his brows.
"You sure? It could be dangerous."
"Are you implying I can't handle it?"
Haruki chortled, shaking his head.
"I'd never say something like that Vali-chan. Just be careful...and thank you. We can finally see what Naberius is doing and make sure that he's stopped."
Vali this time shook her head.
"Don't thank me, it's been rather...interesting doing things like this."
"Still, I appreciate it, thank you."
Haruki said with a smile, and laid his hand onto her own.
When looking at their connected hands, Vali and Haruki both could feel their cheeks heating up ever so slightly.
They then retracted their hands, and looked away from one another.
"If you're going, then go."
Vali ordered, Haruki smiled.
"Right, I'm going."
Haruki turned, and began moving away.
Vali looked back, seeing him move away silently.
Staring at him from behind...Vali felt something deep within her.
She just didn't know what it was right now.
Meeting back up with Serafall, and Ravel, Haruki explained what he found while Serafall listened to everything he said.
"...So, he's even got a special hideout, has he?"
"The aura that I felt coming from it, thinking about it more and more, felt like the Devil that attacked your Imouto, my Onee-sama and Rias-chan."
Serafall clenched her hand together.
"...He tried to harm my Imouto...little bastard..."
Haruki could see that she was angry.
So he tried to calm her down.
"Ara, your anger is quite cute Serafall-san. But remember, we have to keep calm until we see Naberius then unleash our anger towards him." Serafall stuck out her lips in a cute pout. "We've got the location, and now we can bust him for that, get those girls away from him. Still, that place must be crawling with those regenerating creatures."
"What is he planning to do with them though?"
Ravel asked, Haruki shrugged.
"I presume nothing good. At least, if they stay as they are, they'd not be much of a threat. But if he has others that are stronger, then it could cause a lot of future problems. Fufu, makes me want to go and knock him out. Trying to harm my Onee-sama, along with Rias-chan and Sona-san, he's really asking for me to take him down."
Haruki said with a sadistic tone.
He really wanted Naberius to pay for what happened to his sister and the others.
Especially the neko girls.
"Serafall-sama, are you going to bring him down?"
Ravel asked, as Serafall hummed.
"There's one more thing that I need to do before we do, and getting last reports from a few people I've sent to the places Naberius was in. I've got a meeting tonight about this problem with the Old Devils, this meeting will be the final. I'll not stand for this guy doing things like this. Let me deal with this one problem, then once I return we'll be going for him along with getting those girls to safety."
"Aah, I can't wait to shock the bastard."
Serafall grinned.
"Trust me, I also want to do the same thing Haru-chan. Lets find out why he's trying to make those weird creatures, and get him away from those girls. Honestly, he's begging for me to freeze him solid~"
"Well regardless...they'll be saved very soon. Those two girls..."
Haruki smiled out.
Being able to keep his promise to Shirone was great.
He couldn't deny that while he wanted to make sure that Naberius was in pain, but if he could save those two girls at least, then that was going to be the best thing.
Later that night within the Castle of Sitri, Haruki was currently finishing off some food while Sona sat casually reading a book, since everyone else was either busy, or they had gone back to their homes for the night in the case of Ravel. Akeno was still asleep in the bed upstairs, he didn't want to worry her so he made sure she was well protected while he was away.
"By the way, Haruki-san. My Onee-sama, it seems that she's become rather attached to you."
Haruki raised an eyebrow.
"You think so?"
"Yes, I believe so. Onee-sama is quite the...unpredictable person, I've tried for many years for her to speak to Gabriel-san. But, she did with you, and actually agreed to have a dinner with her."
Haruki gave bemused eyes.
"She can be quite the bad girl sometimes."
"Yes, but the fact that you managed to do that astonishes me."
"It's surprising to hear that she's actually that bad with Gabriel-san. I mean, why doesn't she like her?"
Sona shrugged.
"I don't actually know. Onee-sama hasn't told me why she doesn't like her."
"Strange...well, I suppose that it doesn't matter really. As long as she can become at least on speaking terms with her, it would be good, right?"
Sona inclined her neck.
"I agree..." Sona began yawning. "...Seems like I'm getting tired..."
"You can go to bed if you like? You don't have to stay up for me, I've got a few things to do yet."
Sona raised an eyebrow at that.
But she didn't question him further.
"Then, goodnight."
"Yes, goodnight~"
Haruki watched her go off, and smiled lightly.
He then turned back to his food.
Five minutes after Sona left, and as he was finishing off his food, he heard a weird sound coming from behind him.
It sounded like a small whistling sound.
Curiosity came over him, and turned…
But he didn't see anything at all.
He couldn't see anyone there at all.
"Hello?"
He called, but he didn't get any kind of answer.
He knew Serafall wasn't there right now, so he presumed that it could be Sona that was whistling. But that didn't make sense either, and he couldn't sense any presences either. It definitely was very strange. He didn't see any of the staff either.
He stood up, and followed the noise.
"Could this be..."
He murmured, remembering what Shirone had said to him.
As he journeyed through the castle, he came to the sight of double doors, wide open.
Becoming more worried, he stepped outside to the large back garden.
The same place he had previously killed the Devil that was trying to attack his elder sister, and the others.
Looking at the vast area, he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.
Nothing seemed to be out of place.
So he stepped more into the garden, his eyes going to every location that was possible. Left, right, up and down, and still he didn't see anything. He didn't feel anything.
But he did feel as if he was being watched.
"Kuro-"
Before the words fully left his lips, some bright light above him made its presence known.
The light shone down and cast a shadow on the ground which was already in a blanket of darkness due to it being night time.
His eyes shot up, seeing that a sphere of energy was coming down towards him.
Quickly crafting his Holy Lightning before him, he blocked the strong attack, and caused it to explode away from his body.
But as he did, the ground below him began to become muddy.
"Ooh shit..."
The muddy ground began sucking him in. It also was thick and hard to move around in...but, he felt as if this wasn't truly the full power she could have used...it seemed as if she was holding back.
Haruki summoned the ice doll, and had her freeze the sinking mud. All of it to the point that it couldn't suck him into it anymore.
"Thanks Princess~"
Haruki shot his Holy Lightning around his body, breaking through the ice, and destroying the mud all at once after having a small time to charge the power up.
Hopping onto normal ground, Haruki shot his eyes towards the location he was attacked.
He saw her stood there.
On top of the castles roof.
She was wearing an outfit that tried to mask her appearance.
She even had a cloth around her face, and only had some holes for eyes, mouth and nose for her to breathe. It even covered her long black hair.
Using similar techniques to what he had seen from her, what Shirone had told him about Naberius wanting Haruki to be taken care of.
It could only be Kuroka.
But...he felt as if this wasn't a true attack, and something more was going on.
"Kuroka-san? That's you, isn't it? Lets talk-"
Kuroka wagged her finger, and allowed spheres to float around her. One after the other, they floated, and dangerously aimed towards Haruki. She didn't even utter a word as she thrust her finger towards him.
The spheres followed suit, and shot for Haruki.
But...Haruki didn't feel killer intent behind the attack.
"Princess, stop them."
Haruki used his ice doll to shoot projectiles towards the opponents attacks. He then added in some Holy Lightning towards Kuroka to try and bind her before she could attack once more.
However, she summoned a barrier around her, blocking his attempts all together. The barrier was strong, and sturdy, enough for Haruki to have trouble breaking through it to try and bind her, still Kuroka had a difficult time trying to keep the Holy Lightning at bay.
"Kuroka-san, stop this. I don't want to fight you, you're not my enemy."
He tried to reason with her.
But she didn't answer him, and instead she slammed her hand towards Haruki, shooting off a burst of power.
Haruki coated his arm in Holy Lightning, and slammed into it fist, breaking through the power, and shot for her at high speeds. Kuroka didn't bat an eyelid, and as he got in close, she simply vanished.
"Short range teleportation..."
As he said it, he saw a shadow moving behind him, so he turned to see that Kuroka came at him with a strong fist. Using his Holy Lightning, he blocked the fist, creating a small shockwave between the two of them.
Kuroka was then pushed back by Haruki's burst of Holy Lightning where he tried to grab her to stop her.
However, she retreated to the ground, as she allowed her Senjutsu and Youjutsu to combine, creating a wheel like energy that shot for Haruki.
"Though those powers combined...I still feel no killer intent behind her moves...all of her attacks have had hesitation, unlike the first time she had attacked me...she doesn't want to do this...as Shirone-chan told me...Naberius is forcing her to do this..."
He had the ice doll freeze it solid before it could even reach his body, then he unleashed his Holy Lightning towards her.
"No!"
Breaking through the frozen wheel of energy, Kuroka formed a barrier around her.
However, the barrier couldn't take on the full force of Haruki's Holy Lightning which broke through the barrier, and wrapped around her body.
He turned the power down before it hit her, he didn't want to hurt her.
His shock was enough to cause her to...moan.
"Nyaaaaa~ T-That felt good all of a sudden…?"
Kuroka murmured, her face filling with redness as she landed on the ground.
Haruki smiled lightly, landing on the ground also.
"Fufu, I shoot two types of lightning. One that causes pain and one that causes pleasure. It seems that you got the pleasure lightning~ So, are you going to tell me what you were doing now Kuroka-san?"
"...I'm sorry, I told you to stop. But you didn't...so, I have to make sure you can't do anything anymore."
Kuroka thrust her palm forward, and shot off another blast of energy.
Despite saying that she had to stop him, she still didn't have the intent to kill as her attack was less than her true power.
He dispelled her attack easily, as the ice doll used her ice to begin freezing Kuroka's body. She gasped, seeing the ice wrapping around her, stopping her from being able to move her feet.
If it continued, she'd be frozen solid within a few moments.
However, she managed to get off a teleportation just before she could be frozen fully, while Haruki looked around for her once more.
"Kuroka-san, I know you're probably listening to this somewhere. You don't have to do this. I know that Naberius has been a dodgy bastard, I know that he's done stuff to you. Shirone-chan told me as much. With your testimony, the Devils will be able to stop this asshole for a long time."
"The Devils...they wouldn't help people like me nyaa. I'm...a stray cat..."
He couldn't tell where the voice was coming from.
He looked around for the location.
But couldn't find it.
"That's not true. I also used to think that the Devils weren't ever going to help me either. Before I met Serafall-san, I thought that Devils were my enemy, that if I ever came across one, they'd kill me or abuse me for my power."
"Is this the part you tell me that assessment is wrong?"
She scoffed, but Haruki shook his head, continuing to look for her.
"Actually, my assessment of Devils was true. For some Devils that is. People like that Zephyrdor guy that harassed Ravel-chan, your Naberius master, they're like that. However, Serafall-san, she's opposite to that, so is Rias-chan, so is Ravel-chan and a few others I've met." Kuroka didn't speak, so Haruki changed tactics. "I found out some stuff about you, about how you wanted to protect your Imouto. How you'd do anything to save her. I'd do the same for my Onee-sama, you see. I searched for my Onee-sama for over a year, I made sure that my former clan came after me. Knowing that if they did...she'd not have to suffer. Isn't that the same with you and Naberius? You do what he wants...and he leaves your Imouto alone?"
Kuroka didn't answer.
Haruki continued to look around for her.
But since she was using Senjutsu to keep herself out of his senses.
She could be anywhere.
"Your silence tells me I'm right. Otherwise you'd deny me, and would have attacked me by now. Tell me...do you want me dead?"
Kuroka once more didn't answer.
She had a troubled face on.
She didn't know what to say next.
"Tell me Kuroka-san...do you want me dead?"
"Of course not nyaa! But it has to be like this! For Shirone!"
He finally got an answer.
He drew his eyes left, and this time, she allowed herself to stay there so she could be captured by his eyes.
"It's only been me and Shirone for a while now, Naberius took us in..."
"But you don't have to be harmed just because he took you in Kuroka-san."
"What choice do we really have nyaa?"
"You do have choices. I remember when I lived day by day, wondering if that day was the day that I was about to be killed. I went from living happily with my family, to being turned on, attacked, and nearly destroyed daily. I had to learn how to survive...like you, isn't that right Kuroka-san?"
Kuroka's eyes sunk down.
Her body began to quiver at his words.
"...Yes...that's right nyaa. I had to learn...how to survive nyaa."
"What Naberius is doing to you, isn't right. He might've taken you in, but he doesn't get the right to treat you like this. Using you for his own bidding. That Devil that came here, it was from him, wasn't it? The regenerating Devil."
Kuroka nodded slowly, feeling unable to fight anymore.
She felt weak.
Both physically, and mentally.
She had been doing it all by herself for so long, that she wasn't sure on how to proceed anymore.
"...It was. I didn't know he was going to do that...I thought that...it was for something else..."
"I know. Kuroka-san, you don't have to do what he wants anymore. I know where his secret...I guess hideout is. I followed him, and he led me straight there. I've already told Serafall-san, who's going to make a raid of the place very soon. We've also been working on getting you away from him legally, now he can't wriggle out of this, we can bring you away from him. You and Shirone-chan."
Kuroka was shocked.
"Y-You...can do that...?"
"Right, your nightmare is finally going to be over Kuroka-san. All that remains is to make sure that you and Shirone-chan are safe. We have all been trying to help you girls out. Ravel-chan tried really hard, Serafall-san also found out information about what could be happening, and I found the location thanks to a girl with a Dragon. We all want to make sure you're okay from this guy. Even Shirone-chan called me...she was scared, she'd lose you. She felt like she couldn't do anything."
Kuroka bit her lower lip, understanding now why Haruki wasn't surprised when she was attacking him, Shirone had overheard their conversation, and told Haruki about it.
"...But why nyaa? You didn't know us when we met...so, why didn't you just leave us…? Everyone usually does nyaa...so, why didn't you?"
Kuroka couldn't explain it.
They were strangers not long ago.
No stranger had ever helped her without wanting something in return.
But she couldn't even think about what Haruki would get from this.
He did all of this just to make sure they were safe.
That's what she understood out of this.
Nothing more than that.
He even got attacked, by both her, and Naberius.
Yet he still wants to help her.
Haruki adopted a light smile.
"Because, I wanted to make sure that you were safe, that's why. You girls...you remind me of me and my Onee-sama. I...I didn't want you girls to be separated like we were. Trust me...it's one of the worst things that I've ever been through. Plus, Naberius is a total bastard that tried to strike Shirone-chan in front of me. Little shit isn't going to be getting away with this. I just didn't imagine that it would uncover all of this. If anything, I thought that this would be a pretty straight forward case of him being an ass, but it's gotten a lot bigger than that. Even then, Naberius needs to be stopped Kuroka-san. You don't have to live with him anymore. He is going to be punished for what he did. If I get my way, he'll be severally punished for what he's done to you both. Shirone-chan told me a lot about what's been going on, but there's things she doesn't know, and you do. So please...please tell me what it is, what's truly been going on. Then we can help you."
"...What happens to Shirone and I after this though nyaa? Do we...disappear from the world? Because...people will be suspicious of us...they wont want us around nyaaa. They'll think these strays have caused problems. The Old Devils...I've heard of cases like us...being believed to be the ones behind it...even with evidence...they only care about status..."
Haruki overlooked Kuroka's saddened face.
He could understand what it must have been like.
To do anything to make sure that the person they loved survived.
The person that they adored would be able to continue on.
"The Old Devils...yeah, they're stuck in the old ways, and only believe in the Devils, and can't see others perspectives. But people like Serafall-san...she can, and she does what she can...I want to do the same thing, to give voices to those who otherwise wouldn't have them within a society like this. And...you know, I wouldn't mind having two neko's living with me. That is...if you want that."
Kuroka began crying.
All of the sadness and pain she had held in, was escaping out of her now.
She was able to finally express her emotions.
"….Nyaaan...I'm a bad cat though..."
"Well, that's alright, I don't mind if you're a bad cat. Besides, I like playing with naughty cats~"
Kuroka lightly blushed at the tone, and felt her body quivering.
"Honestly...you're such a weird boy. But... you're also good...and Shirone really likes you...she doesn't go to people easily so...seeing you together...I can tell she likes you...and now...you've been so kind to someone like me who kept trying to reject you...you stayed here, and want to help me...no one's ever wanted to help me before. Haruki-chan nyan...can I...can I rely on you? I've...never been able...to rely on anyone before nyaa..."
Hearing her words, he could understand everything that had happened, how she was mistrustful, he'd feel the same if he was in her shoes.
Haruki gently petted her head.
"Yes, you can rely on me Kuroka-san. I promise, Naberius by the end of this night, will never be able to hurt you or Shirone-chan again."
Kuroka broke down into many tears.
She latched onto his upper body and shed those tears into his chest.
Haruki silently comforted her, and held her close.
He remembered a time when he also had to keep everything bottled in.
When he also had to be strong and not show his pain.
He didn't want that for Kuroka, and wanted her to express it, and help her move on from it.
But, it only made Haruki want to kill Naberius for making both of these girls cry, and feel as if they had nowhere else to go.
Shirone, Kuroka…
He truly wanted to destroy Naberius for what he had done, and make sure they were safe.
End chapter!
So Shirone turned to Haruki in her time of need, and he reassured her, and helped her feel better. Thanks to the combined efforts of everyone, they finally found the location Naberius has desperately tried to hide, though Kuroka acted cold, and aloof, she really was worried about what could happen to her, and her little sister, since she hasn't had the best time with the Devils, not sure who she could trust, but Haruki got through to her, and now has declared to take care of her always. Even Akeno has been contemplating what she's going to be doing next, and even worried for her little brother, but also recognizes that he can take care of himself.
Zephyrdor and Diodora (who was introduced here) appeared, and it seems that Zephyrdor's hate for Haruki is growing, while Diodora is being rather cold yet trying to appear normal.
Next time, we're reaching the climax of the Shirone and Kuroka arc!
Now onto the peerage! Thanks to everyone who suggested! Going off the suggestions and my own thoughts, which would work best, and which could bring something unique to the group, some suggested a healer for the group, and the options would be Asia or Valerie.
Thinking about which would be best, to get the most story, developing the characters, and I could see either.
Valerie being a half breed who's been through tough things with her family and Haruki who is also a half breed along with having his own family and clan problems so that would be a connection between them.
Asia with how she was abandoned by everything she knew after Diodora did what he did, and tossed to the world, simliar to how Haruki was after his clan killed his Mother and separated him from everything he knew.
Either one that does join would either become a Bishop (taking either Le Fay's or Ravel's place who'd become Pawns instead), or take the remaining Pawns.
For the Rook, I thought of having Xenovia take that role, kinda like how Strada is the Rook for Rias' group in the Rating Game tournament and since she focuses on destruction, a heavy hitter like a Rook added to her Holy Swords, I thought that would be a goof fit, and have the last remaining Knight be either Irina or Lint.
So yeah, please vote if you wish. Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Haruki's peerage
Queen; Vali.
Rooks; Koneko, Undecided.
Bishops; Ravel, Le Fay.
Knights; Xenovia, Meredith.
Pawns; Elmenhilde (two pieces), Kuroka (three pieces), three Undecided.
Haruki; Serafall, Sona, Ravel, Koneko, Kuroka, Gabriel, Akeno, Vali (fem), Isane, Xenovia, Rias, Irina, Asia, Rossweisse, Le Fay, Meredith, Elmenhilde,