Update (May 7/2020): You guys can check in my profile on the current plans of this story. Some are still a WIP but the general idea is still the same. Hope you guys enjoy the story.

The Devil and the Chicken

Chapter 1: The Fool, Part 1

Arc: Monk of Destruction.

Glossary:

"Greetings." Normal speech.

'Greetings.' Thinking speech.

[Greetings.] Comms and phone speech.

{Greetings.} TV and Radio speech.

Infinite

A never-ending cycle in something, be it a number to calculate, be it the universe as a whole.

No End

Black

But what happens when the end actually exist, what happens when the number has an end, what happens when the sky has a limit, what happens when you reach the end of that universe. Is it even possible to reach the end if one does not try finding it?

"The Path is closed…"

What of life?

An End

When one creates something, it is expected to end

When life begins, it is expected to end at some point

When a story begins, you are expected to end it

An unbreakable cycle

"Once something end…."

However…there are those without an end…

"We rewrite it…"

Life ends, the world ends, the universe ends

But the cycle….

"Begin anew… a fresh page… a White page…"

A blank page

A clean page

An empty chessboard

{START}

Kuoh Academy

One of the most prestigious schools in the area, stood tall as the ray of sunlight shined down on its buildings. Students walked around the courtyard, some in the hallways, others in the classrooms, interacting with one another as they enjoyed the recess break in mid-afternoon.

One such student was enjoying their lunch break. Hyoudou Issei, a Kuoh student into his second year, known by many as a member of the famous or 'infamous' Perverted Trio, a name widely hated by almost the entire female body. Stood by as his companion, a rather tall individual, looked over the vending machines' snacks and drinks.

Issei stared at his phone for what felt to be an eternity, or thirty minutes since they met up, ever since yesterday's events, he was in bliss! A full twenty-four-hour bliss!

"Her name is Amano Yuuma! And she is super cute!" Hyoudou said to his friend "Like… the cutest girl ever! Black hair! Huge boobs! Super polite! Huge boobs!" he repeated, eyes glinted in the excitement of the memory of the girl he met on the first day.

His companion simply grunted in response as he put the coin into the vending machine, pushing a few keys to get his drink, and patiently waited.

"You wouldn't believe it if I told you! Heck, I don't believe it myself!" Hyoudou continued "A girl confessed to me! Me of all people!" his cheeks puffed red, happy that he managed to land himself a girl on his own. Laughing to himself, he continued "Matsuda and Motohama got so jealous when I told them I got myself a girlfriend! I think even the other guys are jealous too that a guy like me got himself one!" The brunette bragged, his nose somehow growing bigger and his cheeks reddened "Even got our date planned this weekend! Just need to ask her out and hope she accepts!"

His friend grunted in response once more, tapping his finger fast on the surface of the machine as he waited for it to give him his drink, all the while his patience was wearing thin by the second.

"Here let me show you!" Not noticing his companion's increasing impatience with the vending machine, Hyoudou continued as he brought out his cell phone, after exchanging numbers with Yuma, she has been sending him a couple of cute pictures of herself, innocent of course, nothing lewd or anything. Yet. "She's been sending these really cute pictures of her since last night! Maybe after our first date this weekend I can get…" his eyes glinted in excitement, cheeks puffed out red as his mind went in the other direction "…Some great material now that we are together~"

Expecting a grunt as a response, but instead, his companion hit the vending machine in frustration, the vending machine has yet to give him his drink!

"Damn thing work already! I've been waiting for my drink forever!" his companion yelled in English as he hit the machine once again, a contrast to Hyoudou who is a fairly normal-looking Japanese student with brunette hair and wearing a Kuoh Academy uniform. His companion dressed consist of the Kuoh black blazer, which was opened, showing the white button-up shirt under it while leaving two buttons off on top. Black pants that have a small chain with a cross-like symbol hanging at the side finished with long black military-like boots.

But the most distinct part of him isn't his fairly customized uniform, but it's his hairstyle. A dark red Mohawk, the top being a little unkempt while the sides of his hair have been growing fairly well compared to when he first met him last year where he sported a full-on Mohawk until the student council pursued him for it for a long time, causing him to grow it out as both a way to please and to make the student council stop from annoying him.

Along with his clear European features, which earned him quite the rep around the academy, which amplified with his (good) looks that were roguish and almost rough look amongst the students.

Issei laughed nervously, he has grown accustomed to his friend's anger at the smallest of things. Particularly after what happened earlier in the morning…. Plus, he still had a story to tell!

"Come on Bazz! You can't let what happened in the morning get ya!" Issei said, trying to calm his friend's anger, even though he did not understand English that much, he can understand someone being very angry "It wasn't your fault the guy tried to take a slug at you"

Bazz turned to look at him with an annoyed look, which caused Issei to flinch back from the look he was giving "Are you telling me this because you are worried? Or because you want to continue to your dumb love-at-first-sight story?" he asked in Japanese while speaking it fluently, he had a bit of accent behind his tone.

"Uhmm…" Issei dropped a sweat at the accusation "Can it be… both?"

"No" Bazz answered with a gruff tone before hitting the machine again, after a couple of seconds passed by and nothing came out, Bazz scoffed in frustration "Fuck this…" he pocketed his hands and stepped away from the machine, he wasted a couple of coins for nothing.

Issei immediately followed him, it not new to seeing his friend being this mad, he has grown used to it ever since they started – Mostly on Issei's part always following him around as Bazz always kept to himself- of him being always angry, although he seems to have cooled off compared to last year, now he isn't in the mood to even listen or pretend to listen to his stories.

"Oh!" Issei suddenly remembered something "I forgot to tell you but Fuko-Kaicho was looking for you"

Bazz couldn't help but groan in response "We share the same class and she still went and told you of all people?"

"Well... you kinda weren't in the mood and… kinda ignoring her…" Bazz scoffed "So she asked me" he explained "Maybe it has something to do with what happened in the morning" he pumped his fist, eyes glowing in support "If that happens, I can be there to defend you, Senpai!"

"Thanks for the useless support" Bazz muttered as he continued walking through the hallway, students were going back to their classes as lunch. Most of them either moved out of the way as walked through the hallway hands resting on his pockets, all eyes were on him.

Issei couldn't help but stare in envy as some of the girls were blushing as they stare at the European descent, even though he saw the tall teen as a friend –Even if Bazz never showed it- he noted how he seems to either not care or annoyed at the attention he is getting.

Just as he was about to ask him something, he saw red, almost brighter than Bazz's hair color.

She walked through the hallway heading in their direction, bright crimson hair that looked almost brighter the closer they get to her.

Rias Gremory, the Beauty of Kuoh, the number one babe in the entire academy, and every boy dream to get her out on a date, Heck, even her attention.

Hyoudou couldn't help but ogle at her breast as she came closer to them, bouncing up and down-

Wait…

She is coming closer!

Issei stood straight, walking with the aura of confidence, or tried to with the best of his abilities as he followed along with Bazz, who didn't seem to slow down as he walked forward. Passing by Gremory as neither red-heads turned to look at each other, Bazz's head remained forward but Issei was so enamored by Rias Gremory's beauty, he failed to realize that they were already on the opposite end of the hallway and head towards Bazz's class.

"Kid, keep cranking that head of yours when a chick walks by and you'll break it in no time" Bazz criticized him.

"Huh?" confused at what he meant before blushing after realizing what he was doing was he that obvious?

"Now get moving, it won't be long before the other third years show up and gag at the sight of you"

"Hey! That's a compliment and you know it" Issei defended himself.

Bazzard Black breathed tiredly before waving him off and went into his class, not in the mood to argue. Hell, he isn't in the mood to come to school.

The day went by without any problem on his end.

Or so he hopes.

{D&C}

Later in the day…

"He will not listen, Kaicho."

Souna Shitori, Student Council President of Kuoh Academy, known all around as one of the smartest student in the entire school, walked through the hallways after leaving the club room in haste, her steps echoing in the now vacant hallway, those who remained either had activities or duties in other clubs or had something to discuss with the teachers.

With today's activities being just paperwork, and with it being the first week, there wasn't much work to do, so most members of the Council left school after the bell whistled.

"I've tried to speak with them in the last hour but I've been getting rebuffed or ignored by him." Tsubaki Shinra, her Vice-President, said in a rush as she followed her "I highly doubt he is in the mood to listen to you, Kaicho" she repeated her words.

Souna features hardened, not slowing her speed and eyes still ahead "I simply wish to speak to him, Tsubaki" she said in an acidic tone, a familiar tone Tsubaki is used to whenever the President is in a bad mood, which has been the entire week "Nothing wrong for a Kaicho of the Student Council to speak with their fellow students who have been missing for three days"

Tsubaki sighed as she caught up to her, climbing down the stairs.

"I understand that part, Kaicho"

"Then I don't see the problem in talking with a troubled student in Kuoh"

Tsubaki couldn't help but agree on that last bit but she needed to say what's on her mind "It's just that… you've been stressed these past few days, from the engagement and the deal between you and-"

"My personal life and my deal with Rias is between myself and those in it, it has nothing to do with me being 'stressed'" she air quoted the last word "My personal life is that… personal, it does not affect me", almost feeling offended at the reason behind her mood "And it's more of him being unresponsive these past few days and for being uncooperative the entire day, you said it yourself, Tsubaki, he absolutely refused to meet me during lunchtime and ignored you"

Tsubaki nodded in understanding.

"I tend to leave him be like I have for the past year after our deal, but after what happened in the morning with Saji, I feel more inclined to speak with him and ask what exactly happened"

Tsubaki grimaced, that wasn't the tone of someone who wants to speak to another about an important problem, especially about the person they are talking about.

"And the deal ended the moment he set his foot for the new school year"

Reaching the ground floor, the two council members greeted halfheartedly the teachers passing by and some of the students who remained in the school.

Trying her best to keep up with her President, Tsubaki continued addressing Souna "But... is it wise?" she asked, trying her best to calm her "I have spoken with him and he seems to be… unpleasant" Souna let out a scoff "More so than usual since he came back, I advise against you speaking with him, for now, Kaicho and try to…calm down"

"I appreciate you trying your best to advise me, Tsubaki, but you expect me to leave him be after what he did to Saji?" she spoke with venom in her voice "He is not the only one who has been unpleasant these past few days"

Tsubaki couldn't help but sigh in defeat, seeing the prospect of calming her down to be moot considering Shinra's clear enmity to the student they are trying to find.

"Kusaka sent a message that he should be by the entrance" Tsubaki reported as they came closer "They should still be there considering her love for small talks"

The two finally reached the main entrance of the school where the shoe lockers were located. Scanning around, Souna noticed that there were still some students of the Kendo club talking amongst themselves, possibly just finished with today's activities. Her eyes searched and searched and search-

'There…' She found him.

Standing close to twenty feet ahead of the rest near the door, he towered over most of the students in school, even Tsubaki, who is the tallest girl she knows, looks little standing next to him.

"And he still has that awful hairstyle…" she muttered under her breath at the sight of the Mohawk that looked like it can reach the ceiling of the school if given the chance to grow. His back was turned, speaking to a brown-haired girl with little interest, his hands on his pocket and his bag sling lazily on his shoulders.

She marched forward, with Tsubaki following her. The students stopped talking amongst themselves after noticing the marching President coming up to the tall student.

The girl, a second-year student, was speaking casually to the tall student before her eyes lingered downward as she saw Souna approaching them.

"Well…" she heard the brown-haired girl say with a tired tone "Looks like that's my cue"

"What?" the tall student said in confusion.

"Bazzard Black!"

The room turned silent, like a cold breeze flowing over the room.

She heard a low groan and sigh escape from him, muttering something "My senses are getting dull…" under his breath. He took his time before slowly turning his head and leveled his eyes with Souna in annoyance.

"Shitori…" he greeted briskly, despite speaking Japanese fluently, he had a bit of accent behind it. He did not bother in using any honorifics or even addressing her with the appropriate title.

Which did nothing but anger her further at his usual lack of respect with authority.

"Still with that pissed off look I see, never thought I'll miss it" Bazzard noted mockingly.

"Watch your language" she answered harshly.

He turned fully to face the council president, despite the clear difference of their height with him towering over her, it didn't stop her from addressing him like any Student Council president should be doing to a troubled student. She still found his hair to be the highest form of rule-breaking against school ethics and regulations that he has been doing since day one, which he aims to ignore every single day.

Both hands were inside of his pocket, the school bag relaxing by his shoulder as he stood lazily. Noting he still looked the same except for his hair, which is still a glaring look on him. Allowing it to grow a bit on the sides.

His ever-present sneer she was so used to seeing remained present, she never understood why some of the girls in the school found him appealing. Yes, he is good looking, some cited his foreign looks to be appealing, but the moment he opened his mouth…it's a different story.

Bazz looked up and observed the brown-haired girl he was talking to, more from the girl's part while all Bazz was pretending to listen to her, not seconds ago walked up to Tsubaki and stand by her side, he chuckled, not believing he got duped.

"I've gotta admit, smart to send someone I never met... might get me to listen to you..." Sending someone who he never met and a second year at that is smart, considering he was a third-year student and know just about anyone associated with Shitori by name and appearance, but he never met Kusaka.

"It's part of my charm to get people to listen to me" The brown-haired girl noted in response before bowing her head "Kusaka Reya, second year, pleased to finally meet you" she introduced herself "Kaicho has said many things about you"

"I am sure they were colorful…" he noted before turning to Tsubaki "Shinra…" he greeted "Wanted to say thanks for giving me the materials I missed when I wasn't around".

"You're welcome, Black-San. But you should thank Arisawa-san, she written some notes before leaving for the nationals" she greeted back, her eyes still centered like daggers stabbing in the air at the tall student, still not happy with him ignoring her request to meet the Student Council President "She asked me to hand it to you in case you do show up this week"

Bazzard scoffed "Good to know people are thinking about me" he noted amusedly before turning back to Souna Shitori, whose eyes were narrowed in anger. He smirked "Never knew the school had a welcoming committee just for me"

"If you consider us such, then you are thirty minutes late when Tsubaki told you to come by the Student Council office during the break"

"No offense, you asked me during lunch break, I have more important things to do like say… eating then go to that sorry place you call an office" he cited "And we both know thirty minutes is not enough"

"It will be enough if you bother to listen" her eyes went back to his hair "I see you still insist on that hairstyle of yours" she commented at his Mohawk he has been sporting since he arrived last year, which has been growing these last few months.

"What can I say, it makes me easy to spot by your lovely eyes" he stated with sarcasm.

"Then I thank you for helping me know the difference between you and a chicken" she snarked, which removed his smirk and twitched his lips in annoyance, trying his best to control his anger after her clear insult to his hair "I commend you for having the sense to grow your hair a bit" she noted, the top of his head was still fairly long and standing high, but the sides were starting to grow. Still remembering when she first saw him sporting a full-on Mohawk was the first time they met, and he kept it going until during the last few weeks of the last semester when he decided to grow it out.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" he wondered.

"No, an observation for you actually listening to my warnings"

"Don't worry, I'll shave it off the sides by the time graduation rolls around just for you" he cited with venom, which made the President glare at the tall student.

If there is one thing that can get Bazzard Black a quick reaction, other than addressing Souna Shitori herself, is someone commenting on his hair, which is always an insult.

Slowly swiveling his head to the audience of students watching the scene unfolding "And the hell you lot are standing for? A talking cat? Piss off!" he shouted, his tone blanket in anger.

The temperature turned up all of the sudden, like a heatwave suddenly passing through and The students present turned white in fear before they started to pack up to leave in a rush.

The two went back to glaring at each other, the air turning cold and hot at each of their position that even Tsubaki and Kusaka felt the air growing heavy from the two.

"Language" she scolded.

"So what the hell did I do this time? No need to prolong this talk more than it should be" Bazzard cited, growing impatient "Is it because I ignored your people's request to come to that dungeon of an office, or you are secretly in love with little old me"

Souna scoffed, not amused with his humor "I'll rather shoot myself than be in love with you, Black"

"Guess we both agree on something for once"

"As for what you did, there are several things"

Bazzard sighed, turning his head at the side tiredly "Here we fucking go…"

"First, I want you to watch your language" she clipped icily, the temperature turning cold "Second, which is your insistence in wearing that metal chain of yours" she pointed at the cross-like chain on his hip.

"What can I say, I have great taste in fashion, and can't a man have his faith so close to his hip?"

"Questionable taste and no, you are not wearing that for religious purposes" she noted "And a complete disregard with the academy's dress code, not to mention that hair of yours and the red dye"

"My hair is naturally red"

"Not scarlet red"

"Just be glad it's not orange" he cited "I don't see you hounding Gremory for her crap"

"Language" she warned.

"So what's the third offense I've done?" Bazzard interrupted, not in the mood to discuss his way of words "Not coming to your tea break? Still wanting to reform your troubled student?"

"Your scuffle with Genshrio Saji"

"Who?" he cited in genuine confusion.

Tsubaki joined with her President in scowling at the tall student, not happy with the clear disrespect and aggressive tone he has been using during the duration of the conversation.

"The blond-haired boy you pushed earlier in the morning" Tsubaki chimed in "He is part of the Student Council board"

Bazzard was still confused, thinking real hard on who is Genshiro Saji, before concluding.

"Oh! That dog was yours" another Second Year he did not know about.

Souna's eyes hardened at the mocking tone he gave her.

"His name-"

"Dog" he sneered "And I will be calling him that until he stops hounding at me in your name," he said in anger, looking down at Shitori, eyes leveled "As for me 'pushing' him, your dog forgot to mention he tried to take a slug at me? Of course, he did, all I did was move out of the way and the idiot fell face-first on the concrete"

"You expect me to believe you-"

"If I did beat your dog up, a bloody nose and a chipped tooth is not enough and you know it" he cited "If you don't believe me, I have a witness"

"Hyoudou Issei isn't a reliable witness" Tsubaki answered with venom

"But he is honest" he bit back "To a fault of course, but at least he is honest"

Souna grimaced, not helping with the fact that she agrees with him. She has seen him… beat up delinquents from other schools who sometimes pester (Challenge) him just from his appearance alone, and the results were never pretty. So if Saji was to antagonize him, he would never answer back with force unless he forced him to do so.

Which she will know and will be even more displeased with the result.

And Hyoudou Issei being honest managed to make her dumbfounded at his wording but made sure to hide it from the foreign student.

"Then his chipped teeth and bloody nose was because of-" Tsubaki tried to ask before Bazzard swiftly cut her off.

"Hitting face-first on the concrete floor after I moved, kid swung too hard" he reiterated, turning to Souna with a look "Guess he didn't mention that part"

"He did not…" Souna muttered, not detecting a hint of lie behind his tone.

Bazzard Black is many things, abrasive, rude and impatient, but he is no liar that is for certain.

"Great! Now that's all settled, your reasons are given and my phantom crime got thrown out" Bazzard said with fake joy, not hiding his annoyance with the conversation, turned and started walking to the door "I'll be off-"

"And fourth" Souna's sharp voice stopped him at his tracks "You have been missing for the last few days, missed even the opening ceremony" she cited "Your excuse states that you had 'personal reasons', care to elaborate further instead of a text message?"

Bazzard turned slowly back to the council President, sneering at her.

"Butting into my personal life now? Don't you anything better to do? Oh right, just remembered you made it your mission to annoy me" said the tall student in anger "My reasons are just that, personal. I don't need to explain my absence to you, the message you people got is enough of an explanation"

"My duty as council president is to take care of all the students in the academy, even troubled ones"

Bazzard scoffed "Is that what you see? A troubled student? Someone you can put in the CV that you helped save from his troubled life?" he walked up to the President, the average person would have been intimidated by the glare he is giving, but Souna was no average person, she is the Student Council President, and she has been a recipient of the glare far longer than anyone in the student body combined.

But this particular look was a vicious one, one he doesn't give out unless he truly ran out of patience.

"I am not your pet project, Shitori," he said her name with venom. Suddenly, the temperature once again, like a heatwave washing over the room "So back off, you can annoy me with anything else, but my problems are my problems, not yours to swoop in and solve it because you think it's your goddamn duty"

The trio flinched at the last bit of his words, but Souna's eyes leveled with his, trying to match his glare…

…before closing it, clearly seeing she managed to upset him even more, which makes it impossible to have a civil conversation.

Seeing this as a sign, Bazzard turned to the door and walked, leaving the trio council members in their silence.

Tsubaki took a deep breath, feeling the temperature going back to normal.

{D&C}

Bazzard Black.

A third-year student at Kuoh Academy.

Arrived at Kuoh Town last year from Europe. His sudden appearance and enrollment to the Academy, which was once an all-girls school, joined in just in time when it was changed into a co-op, making him remarkably unique as the only male amongst the second year at the time. Any other male student might have found that situation to be ideal, even a dream come true.

But Bazzard Black immediately revealed himself to every one of his complete and utter disinterest to be around people or the academy in general, even the girls who try and show interest to him, he responded with hostility or disinterests. Clubs who want to recruit him, he rebuffed and told him to piss off. Anytime someone tries to approach him, he responds in his own (aggressive) way.

Of course, that didn't stop his rising popularity amongst the student body, his roguish appearance, his hairstyle, and personality has earned him the title 'The Red King of Kuoh' for his continued effort to not integrate himself with any school activity, his aloofness, his aura and very foreign appearance, his fierce dislike, and hostility with Souna Shitori.

And even the beatings he gives out to delinquents outside the school earned him the title, which is rumored to be either because they challenged him, or him helping someone out.

There are Beauties of Kuoh, Princes, and Princesses. But only one so far earned the title of King in the Academy.

Much said king's lack of interest.

Watching from high above in the classroom's windows, a beautiful red-head girl spied on the empty courtyard before turning her head after hearing the door of the main entrance being violently opened.

And out came Bazzard Black, with an angered expression, scrawled all over his face.

"Looks like Sona pestered him again," The red-head said in a matter of fact, the tall student looked like he was fuming, whatever he and the council president talked about ended up as always when those two shared the same room "She sure knows how to push people's buttons"

She watched on, her eyes directed on the foreign student as he walked up the gate and found a brown-haired student waiting for him, Hyoudou Issei, a second-year student, waved at him. Bazzard Black simply walked past the youth, ignoring his wave.

"They weren't kidding when they said he is very disinterested with people, even though he has one following him," she said with a smile as she saw Hyoudou following Black into the street "Even earlier today he didn't even so much as look at me"

A giggle escaped from someone seated near her, her black raven hair was tied up in a ponytail, its length managed to reach the floor. Like the red-head, she was beautiful, stunningly so.

"Ara Ara~ Buchou" the black-haired girl by her side giggled "Finally a boy decides to not give you any looks and you feel left out?"

The red-haired smiled as she turned to her friend "Last time I checked, he has done the same thing to you when you two shared classes" she noted in a tease "But I am not insulted, it's a nice change of pace instead of what I usually get. Although it would have been nice if he greeted"

Himejima Akeno, known across the academy as one of the beauties of Kuoh, smiled and giggled, not seeming offended that Bazzard Black never once looked at her like most (Usually all) students tend to look at her, even though he was the only and still is a male student of his class, he never once bothered to try and interact with anyone, not even with the girls who seem interested. Her interactions with him simply ranged from simple greetings here and asking a question about a lesson there, but most of their interactions were limited to small talks as he kept to himself.

Turning her head back to the window, she watched as the last visage of the two students growing smaller as they walked further away until they were completely gone.

"When are we to move forward? Buchou?" Akeno asked the red-head, picking up hers and the red-heads things "It won't be long before they try and mark him"

The red-head turned her head to Akeno, giving her a wide smirk.

"Not long, I want to give it some time before we speak to make things more… presentable" she turned back to the window, the sun was beginning to set, its orange light slowly fading "Although I fear you may be right, Akeno. It won't be long before more start piling around the city when they sense it. Thankfully, we marked him long before they knew about his powers"

Rias Gremory, president of the Occult Club in the academy, gave the view one last look before turning and walking towards the waiting Himejima Akeno, her vice-president.

"New players on the board… when the time comes, we will be there…"

{D&C}

"And… you just turned around and left?"

Issei turned his head as he asked Black, drinking the orange juice that he got from a nearby store as they walked through the busy street heading home, in one hand he held the juice box up while the other he held a bag of groceries. The tall student just finished explaining what kept him long in the academy and Bazzard explained it in his short version.

"Of course I did. What am I supposed to do? Take a swing because she was doing was she thinks was right?" Bazzard asked abrasively and scoffed, currently down on one knee as he fixed the glass of water that was knocked over "I am amazed she hasn't taken a swing at me by now…" he muttered, replacing the empty glass with fresh water. He then signaled the boy to give him something he bought alongside the grocery.

Fishing it out of the bag, Issei took out a batch of flowers and gave it to Bazz. Who proceeded to put the flowers inside the glass and neatly set it in its place.

Standing up, Bazz took a step back to stare at the altar. It showed various items were put in the place as a sign of respect, some flowers, others were bread crumbs and toys. Leaning against the wall was a picture of a young girl, age 14, brown-haired and innocent-looking from her picture, she had a long life ahead of her.

Before it was taken away.

'So young…'

Issei looked solemnly at the resting place, setting his drink aside, giving a silence of respect while Bazz stared at the picture before closing his eyes and waited in silence. He never knew the young girl, but the news of her death was still sad to listen to, especially with it happening in their neighborhood. So many locals paid their respects and put up an altar where she passed as both a resting place and a memorial for the girl.

It's been now a tradition for the two to come and visit the shrine, putting up flowers or fixing it up if any of the local hooligans mess it up.

Bazz took a deep breath, opened his eyes, and turned back to walk, continuing his walk. Issei quickly followed him and matched his pace.

"You know, Bazz. You shouldn't be that hard to Kaicho" Issei remarked after a period of silence passed, turning his head at the tall student "She is looking what is best for you and you being you don't exactly make it easy for her to be… well… being Kaicho"

Bazzard turned his head and gave the second-year a glare.

"Are you seriously advising me? Harem King?" he asked mockingly at the nickname Issei gave himself a few months ago, cringing inwardly the moment he said it aloud.

"Hey! You don't have to make it sound that bad!" Issei cried out, offended at the mockery of the title he gave himself "A man must have a goal in life and a dream to make it come true! And I will make sure it happens!"

Bazzard didn't even bother to counter his reasons.

"Anyway! We are moving off-topic" Issei cited before looking back at the tall student "What I've been meaning to say, it's never bad to hear advice from others. Like… Kaicho is looking out for everyone in school, even for me!"

Bazzard scoffed "If looking out means hounding anyone's ass if they so much as breathe, then yeah… I am sure she is doing her best" he noted in criticism.

"Come on dude… I mean… yeah, I get it why you don't like her and all because she has been coming at you since day one".

Bazzard felt even more annoyed at how he said 'coming at you'.

"…But you can't exactly blame her with you acting the way you are" Issei's eyes hardened, or hardened with the best of his abilities "Sometimes we need someone, even if they were annoying, to look out for you! Because the truth, while harsh, can help you if you look deep into yourself!" he cheered with valor in his tone, almost feeling fired up.

The tall-student raised a lone eyebrow at the tone and support Issei is weirdly giving him.

It was oddly encouraging.

He scoffed lightly, and not his normal scoff, almost an amused scoff. Taking a deep breath, Bazzard halted his stride, which made Issei stop too, confused at the sudden stop.

"I never said she wasn't doing the right thing. I just wish she left me alone… might be for the best for us both…" Bazzard noted, his tone sounding far away before grunting, causing holding his side in annoyance.

"Hey" Issei glanced worriedly at the tall student after noticing him grimace in pain "Are you alright?-"

"We are here, kid" Bazzard cut him off, nodding at their side.

Issei turned his head in confusion before he gaped after realizing they were already by the Hyoudou residence.

"Wow! That was quick!" Issei noted as he walked up to the gate and opened it "Hey, thanks for helping me with the grocery" he indicated the plastic bag he was holding up "I'll pay you back when I can!"

"No need kid…" Bazzard noted, lazily waving at the brunette as he began to make his stride forward, his apartment building is a few blocks away "Just make sure to not use your money for those video games so that I don't have to always pay your grocery" he cited before taking his leave "Anyway, see ya tomorrow"

"Hey, are you sure you don't want to come in?" Issei asked as his friend began to walk ahead "Tonight my mom is making some great dinner and I am sure my mom and dad wouldn't mind if you ate with us"

"Goodnight, kid" Bazzard wave at him one last time, not bettering to turn or answer him with the invitation.

Hyoudou continued watching at his retreating visage before disappearing after he turned in the next corner heading home...

It will be close to a year since Bazz came to Kuoh, and two months from now it would be a year since he met the foreigner on that fateful day. And compared to then and now, while not much has changed, Issei noted at how… calmer Bazzard has become compared to when he met and even when he saw him the first time, well... calmer than his usual self which isn't saying much. Before meeting him, the students always cited Bazzard as being very unpleasant, rude, and quick to annoy. His feud with Souna Shitori is pretty much the talk of the school, many consider it a normal day if the two butted heads over something or another, mostly being the same reason and always ending in the same result.

Another reason why people tend to be wary of him is that he tends to beat up the local delinquents, severely beat them. He witnessed the beating he gives them any time they try and annoy him, goad him or call him out. He tends to ignore them but in some situations, he is forced to answer back added Bazz's temper, he obliques to their callings in force.

But after hanging out with Bazzard has shown to Issei some sides of the tall student other than being his usual, sometimes pissed-off or rude, self. For one, he doesn't find fights, they find him. He always tries to avoid them but he always ends up in one. And Issei quickly noted how… quiet he can be if time passes. Especially after the young girl's death, it's why they visit the shrine regularly as it made it easier to pay their respect. It's the first time he saw Bazz being… calmer if Issei can put the word on it.

'He seems… lonely too…'

"Your friend?"

Issei squeaked in shock at the sound of his mother abruptly appearing by his side

"Mom!"

"Yes?"

"You scared me!"

Issei's mother simply giggled at her son's reaction before noticing the bags in his hand and smiled.

"Oh! You remembered the grocery!" she noted "I even asked your father to be ready in case you forgot because of how forgetful you can be"

"Mom… you know you don't have to that brutal…" Issei murmured before looking back at the corner where Bazz disappeared to.

"I take it your friend is the one who paid this," His mom asked, which made Issei laugh nervously, turning her head to where her son was staring at, she continued "Honestly, I thought he was a hooligan trying to rob you when I first saw him, that hairstyle…" she said in a disappointed tone.

"What?" Issei asked in confusion before realizing what his mother meant "Oh! No, Bazz is a cool dude! He even paid for all of this!"

"Oh?" His mother tilted her head before her eyes hardened "Issei, don't tell me you are friends with a delinquent! His hair is very unkempt!"

"What?! No, mom! It's not what you think! Like... yeah he had a full-on Mohawk last year but-"

"To think my son is befriending such trouble-looking person!" she cited in dismay tears slowly and comically falling from her eyes. Her eyes lingered at her son who was trying to explain the situation before looking at his hair "Don't tell me you too will be having that unsavory hairstyle! Are you becoming a delinquent?"

The night continued in the Hyoudou household with the young son trying to explain to his mother about his friend while his father simply tried to enjoy the evening in peace.

{D&C}

Closing the door behind him, Bazzard slowly removed his shoes and set them aside. Walking slowly in the dark living room until he found the light switch nearby. Opening it to reveal his small living room. It had two sofas, one an armchair while the other a long one. A flat-screen TV that he never uses, a window that leads to the balcony, where a pot of plants was located, looking green and healthy.

By the right, the kitchen connected to the living room. Well… where the fridge and the oven (that he doesn't bother using unless for breakfast) are located, an open kitchen as some would usually call it, a long and thin table that separated the kitchen from the living room with a few barstools that came with the apartment when he first got the place.

"Home sweet home…" he sighed to himself before turning left walking in a short hallway where three doors were located. Two were on each side, one side was his bedroom while the other was the bathroom. And by the end of the hallway was another door, a special room.

Noticing something on the counter, he walked up and picked up the envelope, reading the message written on it, he grimaced.

[Good work on the little problem I asked you to clean up, this is for the next two months. Don't waste on drugs now!]

"From your favorite uncle… Azz…" Bazz muttered as he read the messenger's name, he shook his head and threw the envelope aside "Dumb fuck…"

Walking up to the door, he removed his cross and hanged it by the door handle before going to his room to pick up some clothes for tonight and went into the bathroom.

Thirty minutes later, he came out of the bathroom freshly bathed and cleaned up, toweling his head in peace until he heard his phone ring up, a message.

Curious, he opened up and saw the messenger.

[Dude! Yuuma agreed to go out this weekend!] Issei sends out his message, even in text form Bazz can feel the energy and excitement behind it [My first date!]

Fixing his hair up, Bazzard noted that he really let his hair grow after looking at his reflection through the window and it grew slower than he expected.

'It's better this way…' he thought 'Make me less recognizable… even if I am in this back end of the world' fixing his hair in its usual style, an unkempt Mohawk that is growing by the day. before picking up a jug of water and heading out into the balcony to take care of the plants that were growing, a hobby he picked up after coming to Japan.

Another ring, another message.

Sighing, he opened it and read through the message.

[I am so happy! My first date! First! Official! Date!] Issei messaged [I am so excited! Man! Why can't the weekend come any faster? I can't stop thinking straight!]

'One more day then the week is over…' Bazz thought over the date today as he poured water into the pots. Today's Wednesday, two more days and the weekends start on Friday, Thursday too if you want to count it after work, enough time for the kid to think things over-

He grunted in pain, holding his rib for a moment after feeling a jolt of pain come through him.

'Shit… that one came through real quick' he took a deep breath 'I definitely slowed down to get hit like that…'

He slowly lifted his shirt to check things out and found where he felt the pain was coming from.

"Thank God I didn't move around a lot today… Shitori might have noticed it right away…" he muttered to himself as he stared at the large red bump at his side, swollen up from whatever he went through 'Need to talk to the old goat about giving me these type of jobs'

He noticed his phone ring up again and opened it absentmindedly, trying to keep his mind off the swollen up bump.

[I finally thought of the perfect date! I'll tell you tomorrow everything about it! But right now I need to tug one out-]

Bazz closed up his phone, he did not need to read that last part.

Setting the jug aside, he stared at the pot of plants, noticing its length to be just as he wanted it to be. He turned to look over the city, while he lived in a tall building and lived alone. He didn't pick up on the highest floor, but it was high enough to see some parts of the city.

Feeling the small wind wash by, Bazz took a deep and stared into the city. It will be close to one year when he came here from Germany, a long way from what he considered to be home but he made do with his living arrangements.

Minutes passed, to what felt like forever, he felt a nagging feeling at the back of his mind that has been annoying him this whole week.

And it intensified after stepping foot on the academy earlier today.

'I need to make sure...'

He took a deep breath and extended his hand, closing his eyes to focus.

Inhale...

Exhale…

Inhale…

Exhale…

Inhale…

Exhale…

…

…

He opened his eyes wide, his green eyes glowed brightly as the world around him began to darken, with the only form of lights were various colored energies ranging across the city.

'Spiritual Pressure everywhere…' he noted, his eyes looking around the city. Most of these energies ranged differently but all shared in some parts. Some dark energy, familiar energies...

'Himejima... Shitori… Gremory... Shinra... a couple more... still in the same place... some new ones too.'

Another energy, it felt old, a soothing light washing over him in the north.

'The old goat is still in the city... thought he left after the chimera deal…' he looked back at the envelope still in its same place on top of the table.

His eyes narrowed, feeling another sensation wash over him.

"Four new ones… recent... very recent," he muttered before grimacing, his hands on his chest instantly, almost on instinct. Like a pain coming through him, an old pain…

'Not now... damn sword... still there'

He turned up, sensing another jolt of energy surge through the air, but unlike the others, it was weak, like it was sleeping. But it felt ancient, older than most of the energies in the city.

It felt… draconic.

His eyes lingered on where the Hyoudou household was located, where the weak energy resonated.

'I wasn't imagining it…' he shook his head 'Dammit kid…' Taking a deep breath, he went back inside to clear his head, it's been a while since he has done that…

Finding ways to clear his mind, he saw his bag he toss aside after entering the apartment, remembering he still some material he missed these last few days, he went to work.

An hour passed, jolting down on the last bits of notes Tsubaki Shinra was kind enough to give him. Bazz looked at his phone he set aside, no new messages so far, kid's probably eating dinner or doing something that he usually does if he gets excited.

After another minute of mulling over what he will do, he opened his phone and looked for Issei's contact, he did not exactly have that many contacts, so he wasn't that hard to find and opened the messages.

He quickly pressed on the phone keyboard and typed on a few words to the second-year.

'Four new energies… the kid has one of his own and now he has a new girl I never heard of before today… who conveniently lives on the other side of town...'

[Thought of a place you'll be taking her?] Bazz pressed on sent, after a few seconds he received a quick response.

[Yep!] Hyoudou responded [Been thinking of taking her to the mall-]

Bazz scoffed, of course, he would pick a mall, it's the one place he is familiar with compared to where people tend to take their dates.

[But she did say she wants to take a walk in the park, I am thinking of a way to put in my plan for the weekend]

The park? The place can be crowded at a specific time.

And empty at the right time.

Bazzard looked up from his seat and saw the hallway once more, leaning against the rather stiff chair in thought, staring at the door at the end of the hallway where he hanged the cross by the doorknob.

The cross itself looked very unique, custom made. Its steel surface was silvery, glinting in the light. Blue gem itched across at the heart of the cross, which also glowed in its beauty.

He took a deep breath and got up from his seat, going to his room, and got out wearing a black leather jacket. Picking up his keys and wore his shoes before closing the lights, getting back out to the world with something in mind…

'Need to get things ready…'

…And closed the door, sending the apartment back into the silent darkness.

{D&C}

Friday… Nighttime…

Hyoudou Issei, student, occasional gamer, and full-on dream seeker, was in bliss. A bliss that has been going for three days straight!

His heart pounded as he stared at the person in front of him, seated and eating in an ice cream shop (He had to borrow some money from his dad after he told him he managed to score a date), Issei tried his best to act casual and enjoy the ice cream they brought in but he would occasionally sneak in a look every once in a while.

Seated in front of him was a black-haired girl, her hair was silky long, and straight. Her attire consisted of a black dress and a white jacket covering over it.

Amano Yuuma is, in his eyes, a very beautiful girl. He couldn't believe his luck!.

His eyes even lingered on her… large breast.

"Uhmm… Issei?"

Issei shook his head, feeling his face red up after she called him by his name and feeling embarrassed for staring too long.

Yuuma, who just finished her ice cream, stared at the second-year shyly, avoiding it the moment he turned up to look at her. Which made Issei's heart pound faster and stronger.

'So cute!'

"It's... it's almost getting late…"

Issei blinked in confusion before looking down at his watch.

"Oh shoot! It's almost ten! That was fast!" Issei said in awe, the day passed by so quickly. They've been out since five and went through every store in the mall ranging from clothing that Yuuma insisted on wanting to see and letting him try out some clothes (Which thankfully he didn't need to pay, just browsing is enough) and an arcade store, playing some of the games there.

He was worried that the date would be a bust, especially after Bazz told him that the mall isn't the most romantic place to take a girl, but so far Yuuma looked like she was enjoying being with him, laughed with him when he told stories (Mostly his stories about Bazz and never mentioning his habits) about his school adventures.

So far, the date is a success!

Yuuma nodded "I… I don't want to rush but…"

Issei got up, remembering what she wanted to end the date "Don't worry Yuuma-san! I promised you a walk in the park! We even managed to reach the time you wanted!" he extended his hand to the girl, which caused Yuuma to blush at the gesture "May I have your hand, my lady?" Issei said in what he hopes to be his cool voice, a voice he has been practicing since the morning and praying that it is effective to the girl's heart.

Yuuma's crimson face was enough to tell him of its effectiveness.

He had to control himself from jumping with joy at his success.

Thirty minutes later, the two were walking the park. The place's pretty popular for the locals, especially at the weekend where families go out, friends hang out and couples walk around the park in peaceful harmony in the air.

The air washed over his face, walking through the park with Yuuma's arm wrapped around his arm and her head resting on his shoulder. Issei could feel his heart pounding faster and faster as the minute goes by, the weather tonight was the perfect one for the date. Issei kept his head forward, making sure not to ogle her (Too much) and made sure to let the girl enjoy herself.

He suddenly felt his arm being pulled by his date, he tried to ask but kept his mouth silent after seeing her smiling face, opting to keep silent and let her guide him through the park. Going further into the park until they finally reach where he noted to be the center of the park.

The area they were at, which big enough for a lot of people to be walking around at this time but yet it's empty, not a single soul around them, not a single eye is looking at them

She let go of his arm, walking slowly to the water fountain that stood at the heart of the area they were at. Losing the feeling of her arm wrapped around his made Issei wish that she hadn't let go, it made him wish to get that feeling again.

"Issei…"

The young man looked forward to the girl calling for his name, which made his heart skip a beat, again.

Yuuma slowly turned her head, her body still facing the fountain but her eyes, her violet eyes, were focused on him.

"Can I ask you something?"

Issei nodded his head almost on command.

Amano Yuuma turned fully to face Issei, her hands closed together and in front of her shirt.

"Tonight…" she began, her eyes focused, Issei noted the edge behind it. How the innocence he saw earlier wasn't there anymore-

"It was great… beautiful even," she said, her voice slowly turned deeper, seductive "I really enjoyed myself"

She listed her hands up and grabbed the top of her dress.

Issei's eyes widened like plates, his heart trying to get out of his rib cage with how fast it's beating with the excitement he is feeling over himself.

"So my question…" she returned to her request, slowly walking up to Issei, removing her clothes. Starting with the white jacket and her shoes, her fingers were slowly loosening her dress the closer she got to him "Are you willing to love me?"

Issei's mind went into overdrive, feeling his face heat up and his heart banging like crazy at what he is about to witness, his body going rigid as she came up until she was two feet away from him. Her face close to his, noting her eyes becoming less wide and narrower, her voice turning deeper and lower, sounding like an older woman, a woman with experience.

"Yes!" he answered without thinking.

She removed her clothes completely, revealing her bare body to the teenager, causing his mind to finally go numb as he couldn't think anything else except her naked body-

Amano Yuuma leaned closer, her lips close to his ear. He shivered after feeling her breath wash over his ears, her body heat so close to his and her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Then… Are you willing to die for me?"

His mind made a surge of recovery, finally able to think straight after she asked her question. Issei's eyes went wide at how… off-putting the question came out.

And how her voice is now in a much lower pitch, colder.

"Huh?-"

Before he could ask further and opened his mouth, he spat out blood.

His view grew dim, slowly seeing his vision growing darker as around him a spark of light began to shower everywhere. Feeling a burning sensation pierce him through his chest, blood began to come out more from his mouth and his chest as Amano Yuuma stabbed her burning sword deeper into him.

Amano Yuuma pushed him back, removing the sword from him, and caused him to stagger back, holding his open chest with shock and fear. Issei looked up to Yuuma in confusion at what she did but could not ask his next question, his breath slowly leaving him, his vision growing darker by the second.

Amano Yuuma stared at Issei with a smirk, before it widens with a deranged smile. Another burst of light burst around her, shredding the clothes she threw around completely. The light sphere covering her body began to take shape, her body began to grow, her height growing a few inches, her breasts expanding and her body taking a more mature appearance. Clothing began to form around her body, covering bits of it. Her clothes now consisting of black, strap-like objects around and under her breasts, gloves that reached right up her arms, black panties, and black thigh-high heel boots.

But the most striking part of her body was not her clothes, but at the two wings that appeared behind her back. Two black crow-like wings.

Issei couldn't get any word out of his mouth. Tears began falling from his eyes, unsure of what to think or even do.

Before falling backward, slowly the last bits of life are lost and his heart that nearly tried to pop out stopped beating.

Hyoudou Issei is dead.

{D&C}

She gave it a good few seconds before he lost the last bit of life, leaving the world with a hole in his chest and his heartbroken.

"Hehehehehe…" Amano Yuuma chuckled to herself, walking closer to his fallen body, she titled her head in satisfaction, happy with her work being a success. "I could have made this go even longer, you were so hopeless I could make this go by the end of the day without you noticing~," she said to Issei's dead body "What do you think? To fast? Maybe a kiss goodbye?"

She received no answer.

She sighs, realizing she is talking to a corpse "Pity… would have loved hearing you scream…" she remarked, "You looking at me with those puppy eyes kinda make me a little guilty-"

She stopped speaking, slowly turning her head.

'Footsteps? Impossible!… I made sure the barrier was around the area before coming here… even those Devils can't bypass it in time!'

Amano Yuuma turned her body at the approaching newcomer, whoever they were, they made a mistake approaching her just as she finished doing her job in killing a stupid high schooler.

"Goddammit..." she heard them swear "Should have left thirty minutes earlier…'

He was tall, very tall, close to six feet. While she was just as tall, he had the size to make her look small in comparison. Dressed in a black leather jacket and a white shirt inside it, black pants with a chain wrapped around it as a belt, black long boots, and fingerless gloves. Amano Yuuma studied the boy until he noticed his most glaring appearance that nearly caused her to burst out laughing but held it together to keep up her image.

"Well well~" she purred, for a human he sure was good looking "I never knew chickens were growing this big"

She recognized him, the third-year student who Hyoudou Issei tends to follow around almost every day after school, like a dog wanting approval. His hairstyle is the most glaring part of his appearance she noted and laughed at the sight of such an ugly style. He even sported a full-on Mohawk not too long ago! That would have been a sight to laugh at even more.

Bazzard Black's eyes narrowed at the woman, tensing at the sight of her standing over Issei's dead body.

"Piece of advice, leave now and I will make sure that you forget everything that has happened here… with you still breathing, of course, ~" she cited then purred after studying up close, enjoying what she is seeing.

Broad shoulders, wide chest. He is not only tall but has some fine frame and clearly in shape,

"On second taught… how about I take you somewhere quieter~ with me being in a good mood and all" she walked slowly forward, her wings fluttering side by side as she took her step closer to the tall student "Might even let you live if I am satisfied~ I'll even keep you with me whenever I am bored~ it's sure will alleviate the boredom I felt while I was talking around with this meat sack," said the winged woman, clearly she wasn't all that impressed with her date. All it did was just make her want to kill the boy even faster and quicker just to be done with it.

Bazzard Black didn't answer her, his eyes were still focused on Hyoudou Issei's corpse.

"Hello! Cat got your tongue?"

"…"

"Helloooo… I get it you are still in shock of seeing a dead body but I am not in the mood of being ignored here~"

"…"

Her eyes narrowed, slowly agitated at her being ignored by the tall student "Did you hear what I just said? I am giving a chance to your short pathetic life for something glorious" she demanded, and still no response, which made her clench her teeth in anger "You dare to ignore me! You meat sack!" she shouted in anger, her mood soured at the silence he was giving her.

Instead, he took a deep breath and turned to look up at the woman. His eyes having a natural look behind them.

"You little shit! You think you can just show up and not even acknowledge me!" she said in rage, "I was in such a good mood and you just went up and not even thank me for even acknowledging you! Me! Raynare of the Grigori!" she shouted, fluttering her wings and exuding a killing intent and energy that would send a shiver to any lowly human into a heap of fear.

Bazzard finally raised his head fully, eyeing Raynare with an unreadable expression, both hands inside his pockets, not intimidated at all with her attempts to scare him off or her killing intent.

"Kid always had a problem in reading the book and focused more on the cover page…" he finally spoke up, which caused Raynare to tense at how really low it is but still stood her ground "Can't exactly blame ya in taking advantage on the kid… he can be stupid if some random girl who he never met or heard of from out nowhere suddenly asks him out and not ask questions". His eyes firmly at her position as he stared down at her with a bored look "Despite being a dumb ass with a dumb dream… he had a good heart…"

Raynare grinned "Aw~ aren't you sweet, it almost warms my heart with you apes caring for one another" her eyes narrowed after he started removing his hands from his pockets, one hand he held nothing, but in the other, wrapped around his hand and over his wrist, was a cross. A silver cross.

She laughed, almost hysterically. It's been a long time since someone tried to use the cross against her "What's this? Using a cross to me? My my, aren't we religious. Thinking that little thing will help you kill the big bad demon if you pray hard enough?" she took one step forward, her grin widening "I am a Fallen Angel you ape! I breathe His light, His gifts flow through me! But I am willing to let you pray one last time if you think that would give you a chance"

Raynare brought her hand forward, and an illuminating purple light began to conjure from her hands, creating a purple spear. Her wings fluttered, floating a couple of feet in the air. She felt insulted by his lack of reactions to her presence and her power. But she will show him! She will show everyone!

"Let make things interesting, ape," she said in an arrogant tone, holding the spear with one hand while resting the other on her hip "I'll let you have the first hit, use whatever you want, a pebble, that wooden bench over there" she pointed out before chuckling "But it doesn't matter, I am still in a good mood and seeing that you-"

He took one step forward.

"You crows really have a habit of talking for way too fucking long…"

Like a weight suddenly being put on her shoulders, Raynare felt a surge of energy suddenly come out of Bazzard Black. From just a second, she couldn't get a single thing out of him, the next; she felt heavy.

The air was growing hotter as a heatwave came through the once cool air.

'Dammit! I thought he was some weak ape! Kalawarner said there was nothing to worry about him!' She gritted her teeth and snarled, her wings fluttered in her attempt to show strength.

"Gotta thank you for putting up the barrier around us… should keep any unwanted outsiders from seeing this little supernatural mess we are about to make…"

Her eyes widen after noticing him raise his arm, letting the cross fall while he held it by its chain.

"Here's the funny thing…" the cross, which had an azure gem itched at the center of the cross began to glow, blue energy slowly began to sprout out from the gem. From his fingertips, a faint blue pattern traced on the surface of his skin like blood veins, slowly it went through his arms and into his neck. "This isn't a cross…"

From the cross, another burst of light came, engulfing it in blue flames as it began to form. Slowly, the flames calmed down and began to take shape, becoming longer and steadier, much steadier energy than Raynare's light spear until it finally settled into a pure construct.

Holding the cross like a handle, Bazzard lifted the weapon and aimed it at the shocked Raynare.

"It's a bow"

He pulled back the blue string, from it, another energy light began to form from his fingers. It quickly began to form into a long, straight-arrow…

"Now stand fucking still…"

And fired.

{END}

Author Note:

Welcome to the story, everyone! This has been an idea that I've been thinking over for the past month or so, with the idea being what happens if you merge two settings into one? But also change some aspects of one of those worlds into something different.

As you guy's have noticed, I purposely chose Bazz-B as the main character (It was a toss-up between him or Grimmjow, but felt Bazz-B and his personality would be more fitting for the story) because there aren't that many Bazz stories or even that many stories of other characters in Bleach other than Ichigo (There are a lot of stories out there focusing on other characters, which are really great) also I feel like his personality (which will be mixed up with Ichigo's personality and habits, so Bazz is more of a composite character, as written in TV tropes, of himself and Ichigo. Just to add more layers to the character)

Of course, there is a reason for everything, such as Bazz-B being in Japan, and him being more brooding than usual. So, if I don't give up suddenly, if the story goes further I can explain much more of his backstory.

The title of the story is also inspired by the first volume of Bleach, which is called The Death and the Strawberry. Really felt the name The Devil and the Chicken fits the whole idea of the story and the characters.

Also because its a merge universe, the timeline will be different, and I will be using the Quincy and even other Bleach character's instead of the usual main ones (This doesn't mean I won't use the more familiar ones later on), just want to focus on aspects that weren't tangled on that much.

On another note, the character tags are not there for possible romance, just there to say which characters will be focused the most... at first.

Other than that, hope you guys enjoy the story!

And remember, I always welcome Constructive criticism, it's always appreciated.

EndNote