It's been at the back of my mind to revise this story for a while now. I've finished chapters 1-6 and am working on 7-9, as well as 50. I will try to get new chapters out while rewriting it, but this note will change constantly until I'm done with the rewrite.
Date: August 16, 2020
Rewritten: Up to Chapter 4; editing chapters 5 & 6; nearly complete with Chapter 7, 8, and 9
In Progress: Chapter 7, 8, and 9 of rewrite; Chapter 50 of original
Rias found herself spending more time watching the news nowadays.
"What's going on? Anything interesting?" Akeno asked as she pulled up beside her best friend.
"There's always something interesting going on now. More reports of people flying, jumping between rooftops, and fighting crime. I dunno if they're Devils, Angels, or something else," Rias said. She rested her cheek on the palm of her hand as her thoughts wandered.
"Wow. An incident in Metropolis in which a burning building was put out before the fire department could arrive," Akeno said, reading the crawl. "Not a bad thing."
"Not at all. But it makes you wonder. Whoever these people are, though, they're braver than us," Rias said. The footage shifted to a grainy red and blue blur – perhaps the figure of a flying man.
"I dunno about that. We visit peoples homes, after all," Akeno giggled.
"Sure. But think about how much we could do," Rias mused.
"That's quite a non-Devilish thing to say, Rias," Akeno said in a sing-song voice.
"Speaking of visiting people's homes, though, how'd your contract go?" Rias asked.
"The guy wanted to have sex. He was handsome, at least," Akeno said.
"You know you're free to if you want to," Rias reminded her.
"Yeah, but I want to keep my personal life separate. Besides, if all I wanted was a handsome guy, it's not like I'd have to look far. I mean, have you seen me?" Akeno giggled, running a hand down her breasts and stomach. "But it'd be nice if they were interesting. Might consider it then."
"I know what you mean," Rias sighed. She had gotten plenty of similar offers. While more than a few of the requesters were decent looking, none captivated her. "What did you do to him?"
"Wiped his memory and scared him a little. It gets really annoying really fast, no matter how good they look," Akeno said.
"Good. I wouldn't object to you scaring someone like that a lot, though," Rias said with a smile.
"Next time someone requests that, I will. Might forget to wipe their memory as well," Akeno giggled.
"That'd actually be cruel. You might be a sadomasochist, but you're not a bully," Rias reminded her. She added with a giggle, "Just a bitch."
"Fuck you," Akeno said with a smirk. "Honestly, I'm surprised those kinds of requests are so few and far between. I thought I'd get them every other contract. Maybe, what, 10% are those?"
"Thankfully I haven't had to do one in a while. Perks of being a King," Rias said in a faux-smug tone.
"You've gotten your fair share," Akeno said in a sing-song voice.
"Mhm. Comes with the territory. Not that difficult to think Devils sleep with whoever, whenever. Not surprising that a lot of people use contracts to get laid. Or, in our case, try to," Rias said.
"Never wanted to once?" Akeno wondered.
"Mmm, not really," Rias said, racking her brain. "Some of the guys were cute, sure. But that's about it. Besides, I'd rather my first time be unforgettable."
"This coming from the girl who slept with Issei the same night she turned him into a Devil," Akeno giggled.
"He needed healing. Raynare's attack did a lot of damage, after all. Besides, it was just in the same bed. He's a pervert, but still mostly a gentleman about the whole thing," Rias said, giggling along.
"The most prudish pervert I've met. Wouldn't have him any other way, though," Akeno said.
"Likewise. Although, I wouldn't mind if he didn't need to feel someone up for power," Rias sighed. "I'm sure Asia doesn't mind, though. They're so cute together."
"I thought you liked him?" Akeno wondered.
"I love him, but not like that. He's sweet and kind, but… I dunno. There's no click for me and him, you know? Not like when he's with Asia. They're made for each other. I thought there might be something after what happened between Riser, but…" she trailed off.
"But?" Akeno pressed.
"We kissed for, like, a second. I dunno, it wasn't what I was expecting. I thought he'd be more… y'know?" she said.
"I think I do."
"What about you? Are you going to make a move on him?"
"I don't think so. It's fun to tease him, but I don't see us together long term. But he's a great friend," Akeno added with a smile. "Anyway, is everyone ready? We're heading to the mountains, right?"
"Yup, to the ranch house. You all deserve a break, especially after everything that's happened," Rias said kindly.
"Speaking of Issei, he's coming up pretty well. Same with Gasper, which was surprising," Akeno noted.
"I know, right? I don't think he's ready to take Vali on, but he's getting there. I need to think up a new training schedule for him. Something harder. But Gasper's a bit more difficult. He's still having a hard time connecting with us," Rias said. Her heart went out to the young vampire. Though they hadn't spent much time together, she was extremely protective of him.
"I hope he can open up to us soon," Akeno said softly. She turned her attention to the TV again. "Maybe Issei can try to look for some of them?"
"Reports indicate that three green arrows were struck inside the abdomen, left leg, and right arm of James Holder. Mr Holder is expected to go to trial after his recovery and answer charges of knowingly installing defective smoke director's in low-income neighborhoods, leading to multiple deaths. Credit for the arrest is being given to the Star City vigilante known as the Green Arrow," the newscaster reported.
"Fucking scum," Rias snarled.
"Holder?" Akeno asked.
"Yeah. What a bastard," Rias said. It took a lot to get her agitated, but injustice did it quick. "Looks like a human did it this time, though. No way a Devil would use a bow and arrow."
"Can't be cheap, either. If it was a Devil, it'd have to be an old family," Akeno said.
"Can't be easy either. We might have advanced senses, but you couldn't tell from how often we miss," Rias sighed. Issei soon barged into the room with a massive grin.
"Rias! Akeno! You ready?!"
"Yes, Issei. Is everyone else on their way?" Rias asked.
"Yeah. Oooh, I heard about this!" Issei said, sitting down in front of the TV like a kid.
"Every guy must be dreaming of being the Green Arrow," Akeno said.
"You've no idea. Even Kiba's impressed. Wish we had someone like that in Japan!" Issei said.
"We're Devils and we're in Japan," Rias reminded him.
"Yeah, but this is mysterious! It's way more fucking exciting! This guy is shooting people with fucking arrows, Rias! Do you know badass that is?!" Issei exclaimed.
"Boys will be boys," Akeno sighed while Rias giggled.
"We don't know that it's a guy. Could be a girl," Rias said.
"Oooh, man," Issei said, his drool seeping into the carpet. "What do you think she's wearing? Probably something that lets her move easily. So the less, the better. That means… skin."
"The perv is at it again," Koneko grumbled as she entered. She sat next to Rias and watched the story with just as much interest, sans the drool.
"Try not to drool so much, Issei," Kiba sighed as he entered, Asia with him. Still, he couldn't be to upset. This was part of what made Issei, Issei.
"Do you think there's many of them, Lady Rias?" Asia asked as the segment changed.
"The vigilante known as the Batman was sighted once again in Gotham. There have been several sightings of the vigilante at the same time in different places, leading authorities to believe there are, in fact, multiple Batmen," the reporter said.
"It sounds like it, Asia. The Batman, the Flying Man, the Green Arrow. I even read something about a glowing green guy, but that was months ago," Rias said. That was one of the few were they could clearly see the outline. It was of a man levitating high in the air, a green mask covering half his face. They had to squint to make out any features, and even then it was a blur.
"Couldn't you find out who these people are, Lady Rias?" Xenovia asked as she came in beside Asia.
"I don't think it's that easy, Xenovia," Rias explained to the newest member of her peerage. "According to my parents, a lot of Devils have tried. But it appears this is a case of them not wanting to be found, so they won't be. They cover their tracks well and any leads people have found so far end up hitting a dead end."
"Speaking of them not wanting to be found, there's something I'v been wanting to ask for a while, prez," Issei said, unusually thoughtful. "Are there a lot of Devil's living on Earth? How come we don't really interact with them? I know there's us and Sona's peerage, but that's all I got."
"Plenty, but most split their time between here and Hell, like us. I've also heard rumors of a Devil's presence in Gotham – but even then, no one has been able to track it. It's supposedly a Stray, so they're even more cautious. Some Devil's do live on Earth full-time, but we try to be cautious of them," Rias answered.
"Why?"
"The Underworld has a tiny population. Everyone knows everyone else to some degree because it's so contained. Earth is different. You can lose trails here; it's why a Stray is so hard to find sometimes. Usually if a Devil comes up here for a long time, they don't want to be found," Rias said.
"Do you want someone one of those vigilante's in the peerage? You've still got a Pawn and Rook piece left," Kiba said.
"I don't know if they'd want to join. They all seem to prefer keeping to themselves. But I wouldn't say no out of hand. It'd depend on the person, I suppose," Rias said.
"Yeah. Bonus if they're hot and interesting," Akeno giggled.
"I wonder if they know each other?" Kiba asked.
"I don't think so. Probably not when there's so many in different places. They probably don't go the Vigilante Club," Akeno said.
"Says the devil part of a club," Issei said, eliciting a laugh from her.
"The College of Cardinals is expected to go into sessions later today to elect the newest Pope. Pope Benedict XVI retired under less than auspicious circumstances. The Roman Catholic Church is divided, with reports showing that the role of faith is declining in the United States. Child abuse scandals continue to dampen…" the reporter continued.
"They should just call it what it is. Child rape," Issei said.
"No kidding. I hope the next Pope does something about it," Rias sighed angrily. She looked over to Koneko and Asia, two of the youngest members of her peerage alongside Gasper.
"That almost sounds like faith," Akeno teased.
"Hardly. Those kids deserve better, though. They don't deserve that," Rias said seriously. The others nodded in agreement.
"What do you think, Xenovia, Asia?" Akeno asked.
"I am in agreement with Lady Rias. It hurts to know that the last Pope brushed those cases aside and housed the priests responsible for the sins. I certainly hope the next Pope won't be afraid to be a bit harsher. Unfortunately, it's as much politics as it is faith," Xenovia said.
"I agree!" Asia squeaked.
"Can't the Angels do something about it?" Issei asked, frowning.
"They are as sworn to noninterference as much as possible, much like Devils," Xenovia said.
"That's bullshit," Issei deadpanned. Xenovia shot him a look but opted not to say anything.
"Anyways, enough about that. We have our own problems to worry about. Let's head out guys. We've got a long walk. Come on, Gasper!" Rias said. The tiny vampire came stumbling out, a fearful expression etched into his face like usual.
"I-I'll see you guys there, then," Gasper said, teleporting through a Magic Circle.
"Wait! Why does Gasper get to teleport but we have to walk?!" Issei demanded.
"He's weak to sunshine. You know that. Besides, walking is way more fun," Rias said with a sweet, devilish smile. Issei grumbled as they began to file out. Rias and Akeno stood back for a second longer as the news report changed; it showed a man that wore a greek facemask an gently glowed. The photo was zoomed in on his face, revealing a grainy grin. With a sigh, they followed.
The ranch house was nestled in the hills of Kuoh Town. It was, like the rest of the town, owned by the Gremory family. Rias had decided on this outing a week ago – a reward for the servants in her peerage for all they contributed and dealt with. Recent events left most everyone winded and needing a break. And as pleasant and quaint as the town was, it was nice to get away from the lights, people, and commercialism and escape into a respite.
The yellow sun illuminated the dewy grass and flowers. They walked along a golden-yellow path towards the ranch house which sat atop the hill, surrounded by a lush green forest. The sun sat high atop its perch, casting a warm glow over the city. A gentle wind whistled through the trees, rustling the leaves and branches and pinecones and needles, and cascading a fresh pine tree scent over their path. The chorus of the birds, bees, squirrels, and other creature melded for a symphony that was second to no music devised by humans, devils, angels, or fallen angels.
"It's beautiful out here," Asia said as they walked, her hands clasped in front of her.
"Very. I didn't know there was such a nice place nearby," Xenovia said.
"I haven't been out here for a long time. My family owns a ranch in the hills. It doesn't get much use, but it's pretty nice to get away from it all. You all deserve it," Rias said.
"So long as there's Internet, we'll be fine," Issei said, decidedly immune to the natural beauty.
"Internet?" Rias asked.
"Of course! I… uhh… have school work to do!" he said.
"Sorry, Issei, but there's no Internet. No cable as well, so you can't watch TV. Didn't you bring a book or Kindle or something?" Rias asked.
"Wait, what?!" Issei exclaimed in terror. "No Internet?! You said no Internet?!
"I did," Rias said calmly.
"How do you not have Internet there, Rias?! I thought you guys were loaded?! What kind of hell are we going to?!" Issei demanded.
"We're going to relax. If you're on Reddit, YouTube, HN, or PornHub the entire time, I don't think you'll get a lot of relaxing in," Rias said.
"Plus we don't have any homework," Kiba reminded him.
"He's upset because he can't watch porn now," Koneko said, pointing out the obvious.
"That's not true!" Issei exclaimed.
"Perv," she deadpanned, eliciting a whine from him.
"Crap. Gotta fill the spank bank somehow," Issei muttered to himself as Asia patted him comfortingly.
"See? Adorable," Rias giggled.
"I don't know why they don't just get together. Then he won't need porn anymore," Akeno laughed. "But I don't mind. It'll be nice to just rest. No Internet, no TV, no other distractions. Just a comfy bed, a couple of books, and a beautiful place."
"No kidding. It's been a rough few weeks," Rias said, running a hand through her hair.
"Make sure you relax too, Rias," Akeno said frowning. "I know it's hard, but you need to take some time off."
"I know," Rias responded.
They continued the rest of their walk in peaceful silence until finally, they arrived at a large farmhouse. Its yellow exterior looked like an extension of the sun and it welcomed them just as much. Even after everyone took a room, there were enough to accommodate any visitors. Oaks & yews, mighty-trunked and thousand-leaved, stood sentinel nearby. Though their planters were long gone, the fruit of their labors would stand for centuries to come, providing shade for passerby and resident alike.
While most everyone began to get situated inside, Akeno joined Rias as she sat under the shade of one such yew. Her expression was suddenly sullen.
"You feel it too?" Akeno asked despondently.
"Yeah. I just hope that whatever it is won't be stupid enough to try to disturb us here. I really just wanna relax for a few days. Even devils need rest," Rias groaned.
"Maybe a little fight would liven up the mood? Never know – could be a vigilante or something. Maybe even a hot and interesting one," Akeno said, sucking on a finger. Rias smirked at that before shaking her head.
"As much as I wish it was a hot, interesting vigilante, I don't want to deal with them either. Besides, they mostly seem to be in the States, so we probably won't have to deal with them here," she said.
"Where's your sense of adventure?" Akeno asked.
"I left it at the clubhouse so I can relax," Rias quipped.
"Have you had any word on Raynare?" Akeno whispered.
"Not yet, no," Rias said, rubbing her temples. "I can't believe she got away from us, though."
"We'll get her – them – soon. After what they did to Issei & Asia, they deserve it," Akeno said in a low snarl.
"Is it my fault?" Rias suddenly asked.
"What do you mean?"
"What happened with Issei. I knew Raynere was a Fallen Angel. I could've done something for him beforehand. I could've… I dunno, helped him somehow," Rias said with a deep sigh.
"If you're at fault, so am I. So is Koneko. We all knew, remember? It's not as simple as you're making it out to be," Akeno said.
"Isn't it, though?" Rias inquired.
"No, it isn't," Akeno said, her voice firm. "We didn't know she would move on him that quickly. Not to mention there was no other way to protect him - you know that. The only reason he didn't get so many Fallen Angels going after him is because you gave him your protection."
"I know. Still, I'm really uneasy about it. I think I – we – will have to talk to him about it someday," Rias said.
"I guess that means you're more human than you might like to admit," Akeno joked. "He might not be so understanding, though. They did kill him."
"I know, but he deserve to know. It's like how it was with you or Gasper or Koneko," Rias said. Akeno pulled her in for a hug, which the redhead happily returned. It was nice to have her Queen to lean on in such times.
"We'll tell him once we settle things with Raynare and her friends. He should know that they're not a threat to him first," Rias said.
"Right," Rias said. She vowed to redouble her efforts to find Raynare and bring her to justice.
As day gave way to night, Rias and Akeno got a fire roaring on the grounds. Rias turned her eyes upward and breathed deeply. She couldn't remember the last time she had simply taken a moment to look upon the night sky. Even with all their powers, some things still seemed out of reach.
"Stargazing, Rias? So unlike you," Akeno said.
"Really? You know I love to look up when I get a chance. Can't help but wonder who or what's up there," Rias said, smiling at the sky. Akeno admired her best friend sitting so peacefully under the sky, the stars twinkling in her stunning blue eyes.
"It's beautiful out here. And up there," Akeno said, sitting next to her and putting an arm around her shoulders. They looked up at the constellations that painted the black night with a gentle white sheen. They were larger than life figures that case their inimitable shadow across the galaxy.
"There's Scorpius," Rias said as she laid both of them down and sidled closer. She traced a finger through the stars and outlined The Scorpion. It lay between Libra, the scales and Sagittarius, the centaur; an contained Antares, one of the brightest stars in the sky.
"And there's Hercules, the hottie," Akeno giggled. Myth was preserved in the stars, an enduring and seemingly infinite legacy.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's not called the hottie, but sure," Rias giggled along. As she looked up, she thought she saw a faint green light off in the distance, but it was gone half a moment later. She quickly discarded it from her mind; tonight wasn't a night for worry.
"There's a guy whose hot and interesting," Akeno said.
"And dead," Rias reminded her.
"Ugh, don't rain on my parade," Akeno complained. "Hey, what if some of those vigilantes are aliens?"
"Ha. Yeah, right. Why would they come to Earth of all places?" Rias laughed.
"You never know. Earth is pretty nice. It's got us for one, and that's reason enough," Akeno said with a laugh.
"I won't deny that," Rias said with a smirk. "But it's also a bit out of place. I'm sure they'd head towards the galactic center, if anywhere."
"I'm impressed that you were able to say that like you knew what you were talking about," Akeno deadpanned.
"I do know what I'm talking about. Or, at least, I'm sure our science teacher does," Rias laughed.
"I hope so. I've been working on her assignments for the past week," Akeno sighed.
"I still need to get started. My duties are starting to conflict with my schoolwork," Rias said.
"You need this break more than any of us, Rias," Akeno said, pulling her back up. "Seriously – take a break. Please?"
"I will," Rias agreed. For the next few days, neither duties or homework existed.
When the rest of the peerage came out, they were in their pajamas. Everyone gathered around the roaring flame, taking in warmth that's only felt on a crisp, cold night. Embers drifted up and were carried along by the smoke and light wind. Rias and Akeno saw the flame flicker in everyones eyes as they enjoyed the moment.
"Smores!" Issei exclaimed, grabbing some graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate squares. The others soon followed suit.
"Lady Rias – what's next when we get back?" Xenovia asked as she bit into her treat. She regretted it almost immediately; the hot marshmallow burned the roof of her mouth and her tongue.
"You can just call me Rias, Xenovia," she said kindly. "First, there's plenty of training to do. You, Asia, and Issei are our newest members and have been doing well so far. That said, there's room for improvement. You guys will be coming to the Underworld with me for your Spring Break. We'll have some Rating Games ahead of us, so I want to make sure you're ready for them. A lot of devils are gonna be watching us. If you do well during the Games, you'll be considered for future promotions to Mid-, High-, and Ultimate-Class Devils."
"Wait – we're going to Hell for Spring Break?" Issei asked excitedly.
"Yes. Don't worry about it. It's actually really nice there," Rias said kindly.
"I'm kind of surprised you guys haven't tried to correct the stories," Issei said.
"What do you mean?" Akeno wondered.
"Look, I haven't been a devil for long. But it's nothing like what I would've thought it'd be. You guys are pretty cool. I thought you'd be more… well, you know," Issei said.
"Devilish?" Rias asked.
"I guess that's the word, huh? Devilish. You know, fucking killing stuff or smiting or having sex with whoever or whatever," Issei said.
"Just because we're Devils doesn't mean we want to kill or fuck everything in our line of sight, Issei," Akeno said, rolling her eyes.
"Akeno might want to torture everything in her line of sight, though," Rias giggled, eliciting a smirk from her best friend.
"I guess I'm just saying that devils are a lot more conservative than I would've originally guessed. I mean, come on – Kiba, Rias, Akeno, Koneko; you guys have been at this for longer than I have. What's the most devilish thing you've done?" Issei asked. The four paused to consider this for a minute.
"Perv might have a point," Koneko said lamely.
"Yeah, I can't think of anything myself, prez," Kiba said.
"I thought a lot of your requests were from women, though?" Akeno said, surprised.
"Yeah, to talk. Maybe one drunk lady got a little handsy, but that's about it. They just have me cook for them most of the time," Kiba said.
"I turn down the sex related ones," Akeno said thoughtfully. "Most devilish? I walk around in a bikini doing chores, I guess. None of them have seen me naked, though."
"And I barely have any. Got a few sex ones that I turned down, but they're usually vetted pretty thoroughly. I mostly deal with magical items and curses and stuff," Rias said.
"We're pretty shitty devils," Issei said lamely.
"Eyes of the beholder, I guess," Rias said. "Plus, I guess the Church got to most of humanity before we did."
"Haven't you thought how it'd be different, though? If you guys had more of a presence or something?" Issei asked.
"Not really. While the Three Factions have some control on Earth, none want to try and control humanity. First of all, there's just too many humans. Second, the Church depends on prayer while Devils depend on contracts. It's better for us to keep it secret and keep humans working with us. If that stopped, they would lose their prayers and no human would want to work with us. No, the status quo is the only way for now," Rias sighed.
"If you say so. Hell, you know more about this than I. I just wanna get my own peerage started. Mmm…," Issei said, blushing giddily as his mind drifted. Rias and Akeno giggled as Asia gave him a tight pinch to bring him back to reality.
The hours passed without interruption until Akeno finally turned to Rias with a knowing smile. Rias gave her a nod and got up with a despondent sigh. The others followed suit – they sensed it, too. Everyone shifted into a battle stance, hoping it wouldn't come to blows.
"W-what is, guys?" Gasper asked nervously. Koneko and Issei both moved closer to him.
"Nothing to worry about, Gaspie," Koneko said.
"Doesn't feel like a Stray to me, prez. Fallen angels, if I had to guess," Kiba said, getting his sword out. While facing combat usually had him smiling, the last few weeks had him on edge.
"Unfortunately," Rias said. She simply hoped it could be resolved through diplomacy.
"Ugh. Assholes," Akeno said, shifting into a kimono that was white from the waist up and blood-red the rest of the way. A red ribbon tied neatly into a bow rested just below her left breast, and electricity crackled around her.
The wait for their enemies didn't take long; a voice rang out as soon as everyone was ready.
"Apologies, apologies," it said icily. "I wasn't aware that we were intruding upon a troupe of Devils."
A couple of figures emerged from beyond the treeline. One was a man with shoulder length white hair and icy blue eyes. He sported a black top hat with yellow embroidery, a long black overcoat that covered everything underneath, and neat black shoes. His weapon of choice was a menacing crossbow on his back, its handle protruding above his shoulder for an easy draw. His partner was a beautiful blonde that wore a tight red dress and black high heels. Her eyes immediately fell on Issei who, she knew, was undressing her with his eyes – at least, the drool indicated that.
"Issei – this is not the time," Rias barked, bringing him back to reality. His perverted attitude reared its head at the inopportune moments. And, considering the natural seductiveness of fallen angels, it was more dangerous than he seemed to know.
"Sorry," Issei said sheepishly as the woman giggled.
"Your ignorance can be forgiven, I suppose. Why are you here?" Rias asked with her arms crossed over her chest, giving her full attention to the intruders. Her eyes flitted between the two, looking for any hint of combativeness.
"We were simply enjoying the sights, Your Majesty, when we noticed your presence. Alas, we thought it belonged to our comrades, which is why we approached. We didn't wish to impose on the illustrious Crimson Ruin Princess. Your reputation precedes you, my lady," the man said with a low, mocking bow.
"Fine. Leave and don't return and you might be forgiven. As I'm sure you know, we've had trouble with fallen angels recently," Rias informed them.
"Of course, of course," he sneered. "The fiasco with Kokabiel and, ah, Raynare. Yes, I know!" He laughed as Issei began to sweat a bit.
"You know where she is?" Issei asked, gritting his teeth.
"Getting her brains fucked out by her new boyfriend, maybe?" the woman said with a giggle. "Don't worry. You were a special case, sweetheart. Most of them, we just drain them and dump them. Bad luck, I guess."
"You will address me, not my servants," Rias ordered her.
"Ugh, what a bitch," the woman said, rolling her eyes. "Someone needs to get laid."
"I'm afraid you're quite right. But we ought not to insult our gracious hosts, my dear. After all, we wouldn't want to be on her bad side. Violent temper," he said.
"Hmph. As you say," she shrugged.
"Leave now. That's my final warning," Rias said.
"If you–" the began before suddenly stopping short. His eyes widened – his lips more so. The icy look turned to one of a man looking into the abyss and finding something staring back at him. His partner followed his gaze and her composure broke just as easily. Rias and Akeno glanced at each other before chancing a look upwards.
What began as a stark dark night became something terribly beautiful. Not a single star could be seen; every pinprick of white was replaced instead by a striking, eerie green light that encompassed the sky. Something was coming.
"Is that an aurora? That's impossible," Akeno said, her face pale white. The focal point of the light continued to burn a bright green, but the hues on the periphery shifted as the light extended their range. At the dead center of it seemed to be a burning ball that was emerald-bordering-white.
"Not an aurora. No way. Oh, my gosh," Rias said, her voice barely above a whisper. As she spoke, she held a hand out. The light didn't seem to hurt her or anything – it was just extremely bright.
"There's something in the center of the light!" Xenovia suddenly cried out.
"What in Gods name is this?!" the woman shrieked at her partner, soon covering her eyes. The bright light lit up the mountain and hills as though it were daytime. The aura grew more and more spectral as it got closer. Around Kuoh, every head turned up or looking out – and in every head, terror.
"Run. Run now!" the man finally yelled as he turned tail with his partner and began to run away.
"What do we do?" Akeno asked with a shudder. Every bone in her body told her that running away was the right thing, but something kept her rooted to the ground. They were all like statues with their heads aimed at the sky, fixated on the falling object.
"I don't know, Akeno. It might be a meteor or something. But I don't think I've heard of a meterological phenomenon like this," Rias said. Suddenly, she shouted: "Barriers up!"
"I think it's going to hit the house!" Issei yelled, tracing its trajectory. He aimed his Boosted Gear at it, ready to blow it to kingdom come. Asia stopped him immediately.
"Wait, Issei! We don't know what it is! I don't think we should attack it just yet!" she said worriedly, before looking to Rias and Akeno for their orders. With a glance at each other, the two nodded.
"Asia is right. Everyone, get back!" Rias ordered them. She and Akeno put up a barrier to shield them from the blast that was soon incoming. She steeled her resolve, determined to find out what was happening. Although none would voice it, all felt a rush of excitement.
"Yo, Ddraig – thoughts?" Issei asked his partner.
"None from me, I'm afraid. I've not seen or heard of anything like this. I don't sense an Angelic, Devilish, Godlike, or Draconic power from it, however. Nor does it appear to be a Sacred Gear or Longinus. Whatever it is is alien to me. Stay weary, Issei. It might not be friendly. I am ready in case the situation deteriorates," Ddraig said.
"Got it," Issei said.
Finally, the objects struck the house with a deafening boom. The house had no chance; it shattered on impact, sending wood, concrete, bricks, and their personal items to hell. There was virtually no trace of anything that might have resembled living quarters. Some debris was crushed to meal, while other pieces simply burned away into nothing. The barrier that Rias and Akeno erected saved the troupe from any damage, although everyone still covered themselves on reflex.
Minutes passed and the dust began to settle at last. Everyone slowly opened their eyes and looked at the point of impact. The chilling green aura was still burning, although it was more muted than when it was in the sky. As they squinted, looking for what caused the commotion, Rias gasped in surprise.
"Rias? What's wrong?" Akeno asked.
"I might be seeing things, but I think that's a person!" Rias exclaimed as she pointed at the center of the impact. The others looked intently at where Rias was pointing. The light slowly faded and they all had the same reaction as something stirred within. Shock turned into awe and fear when, slowly but surely, something stood up on what looked like two feet before stumbling forward.
Through the settled dust and debris, a man came through. He tried to get his bearings after the crash. Squinting, he saw several figures in front of him and walked towards them, hoping they were kindred. He got halfway there – beyond the threshold of where the entrance should've been. Quickly, however, he fell to his knees – whether because he was hurt or tired, he couldn't tell – and paused. Uncaring about his pride, he continued toward them on all fours. Turning his head up, he finally made out two figures. They were two of the most beautiful women he could've imagined – one with long, flowing dark hair and violet eyes; and one with wild, crimson hair and blue-green eyes. The two looked at him with shock and worry. Finally, however, he collapsed.