Chapter 11: Thieves, Fallen, Dragons, Oh My…

Caine

(7 Weeks 1 day after arrival in Kalichi)

Remember, keep your weight centered and 'loose', don't unbalance yourself unless it's a feint, use anything and everything to your advantage…unexpected noise, a brief glint of light off something shiny, ask an unexpected question-

"Do you think Kuroka considers you the ideal boyfriend Caine?"

"HUH?! What-"

David suddenly darts forward and I realize I really should have payed better attention to my own advice. I hastily summon my 2 Shades, now able to manipulate them equally, but I'm a hair too slow because of David's surprise question.

He leaps over the first Shade, smoothly rolls under the 2nd one as he lands on his feet and all of the sudden he's closed the 4 meter distance just like that.

I snarl and throw a vicious right hook, not having time to use one of my spells, only for him to easily dodge and lock my extended arm over his shoulder.

Uh oh.

With a massive heave I suddenly find myself being unceremoniously flipped through the air, my arm providing a convenient lever for the Priest to slam me into the ground with.

I flare my wings which thankfully slows me down enough that I merely impact the dirt floor with enough force to knock out a normal Human, and not a Supernatural one.

Not that it stops my vision from going all hazy and the air getting forced from my lungs, but silver linings and all that…

"The Sisters are a distracting topic of conversation for you Caine. While I'm happy that's so, both for you and them, during a fight it can self-evidently prove fatal if your foe is wily enough. Learn to separate your normal life and your fighting life, and you will live long enough to enjoy the former."

"Good advice…that. Be awesome…if you could occasionally…explain it without…the visual aids…"

He offers up one of those chuckles he gets whenever we spar and I say something he finds amusing, typically after he's just brought me to the edge of unconsciousness.

Well, no lesson is better leaned than through pain. Heck, even an ant will go 'over there' if 'over here' hurts.

"I think that's enough for today. Shall we practice your marksmanship next?"

I instantly feel my mouth turn upwards in a rictus of excitement and enthusiastically respond with, "Heck yes!"

He offers a small and bemused smile at my enthusiasm, still not accustomed to how readily accepting I was of learning this particular discipline.

Personally I think it's awesome.

Without any further words David leads me into a fairly small, single lane firing range located near the back of the Church that has noise-cancelling wards spaced around it's interior.

Initially I was worried that my sub-par aim was going to burn through David's limited supply of ammunition but once he showed me his stockpiled horde of literally hundreds of .22 rounds, ideal for practice but not really the best for taking down Supernatural targets, I'd stopped worrying.

When I asked where he'd got all those bullets he'd merely shrugged and said 'cheap mail order'. I hadn't believed him until he'd showed me the price of a box of those bullets.

Man, the Humans must be loaded with all sorts of weapons if they can practically give this stuff away for free…

"Focus, Caine. The gun won't aim itself."

I wince as I realize I once again zoned out and stopped paying attention to what's going on around me.

I've been doing that alot these past 2 weeks, and I really need to stop.

Blowing out a breath I take up what David had called the 'fighting' stance, arms extended straight out, sights level with my eyes and feet slightly apart.

David hasn't hesitated to berate me for not taking up a proper shooting stance and after he'd had me compare my accuracy while using the stance and not using it, I'd stopped slacking off.

2 weeks in and it's become 2nd nature to me, something that pleased the Priest greatly.

Unfortunately it also let's my mind wander a bit, barely even registering the bang as I pull on the trigger.

And, as usual, I'm still at complete loss on how to effectively get back to being the head of my family in any timely fashion.

Heck, now that I stop to think about it, there's probably more reasons for me not to just go ahead and return to being the head for now-

"Caine. Your focus?"

I snap out of it and realize my shots have been poorly grouped, in fact none of them are closer together than 11 centimeters from less than 8 meters away.

I merely sigh and start automatically reloading the revolver, manually placing each cartridge instead of the speed reloads David uses.

"You're still worried about your coming meeting with the Fallen?"

I'd told David about my meeting with Ferdinand and while he didn't seem overly pleased with my decision to go ahead with my attempt at reclaiming my family's legacy, he'd understood it and has been offering me the occasional bit of advice these past few days along with combat instruction.

"Yah, obviously…but I'm actually more worried about whether actually returning as my Family head is a good idea. The more I think about it, the more it seems counterproductive, if not downright lethal. No offense meant, but if I can't even beat up an old man like you on any sort of regular basis, I'd be pretty much helpless against anybody beyond Middle-Class Devil range."

He merely chuckles and responds, "No offense taken, although this then begs the question, what do you actually want to do?"

I give him a questioning glance and he settles into what I've started to privately call 'lecture mode'.

"For all your displayed intelligence and composure, you are still young, Caine. Something you thought was a certainty, a set and stable path, was just proven to be otherwise. Instead of viewing this as a setback and finding another way to the same goal, you are questioning whether the goal itself is worth it. So ask yourself, are you debating this course merely because it is now difficult to accomplish, or because you legitimately wonder about it's necessity?"

"…Hey David, how do you feel about giving up your life as a Good Samaritan and becoming my personal life counselor?"

He ignores my quip and stares expectantly at me.

"…It's still hard to decide. Mostly because it's not just me that might get caught in the frenzied crossfire that'll be my succession."

He shrugs and simply states, "Others can make their own decisions about whether to follow you or not. But if you aren't devoted wholly to the cause, how can you expect others to do the same?"

I'm quiet for a moment before I ask, "I know that this is exactly the opposite of what you're trying to get me to do, but…do you think I should continue down this path?"

He's silent for a moment before a small smile plays across his lips.

"I do not, but that matters little. I think you'll be far less happy in life if you don't. You strike me as the type to accomplish great things, and won't be satisfied with anything less. But that is, after all, just my opinion."

I think on his words for a moment before he gently chides, "Now focus. You likely won't live long enough to ponder these questions if you don't learn to pay attention. Run through the firing motions one more time."

It's a few hours later that I find myself dirty and sweaty…well, more than usual for Kalichi anyway…and exiting the small tile cabinet that serves as the Church's shower room. David gave me alot to think about, and so far I haven't really arrived at a real answer.

Ugh, wish I could go back to the good old days of not really caring about what my position among the proverbial food chain would be the following week. Things were…simple…

…where are my clothes?

"Guess who's back, nya~?"

…

…You've got to be kidding me.

"Kuroka?"

"Hmm~?"

"Can I have my pants back? And everything else you no doubt have that's mine?"

"Why Caine, I have no idea what you might be talking about…"

"Oh c'mon! The first thing you do to me after 2 weeks of separation is mess around with my head?!"

I glance behind me only to find the Nekoshou innocently standing there, hands hidden behind her back. Her eyes suddenly dance with mirth as she playfully asks, "Oh? Which head are you referring to?"

My face turns crimson as I now have an inkling of what she's referring to. The sisters had returned to the forest for the past 2 weeks to practice their Senjutsu while I'd stayed behind to work with David. The way Kuroka had explained it to me there's nothing wrong with meditating and trying to find the flow of Chakra inside the city limits, it's only when someone tries to actually filter out the 'good' and 'bad' Senjutsu power that problems arise.

So naturally I'd stuck around in the city and I may have, uh…'browsed' through The Guide to a Fucking Great Sex Life and learned a thing or 2.

Or 69.

Either way, even if my body still hasn't quite made the jump to full on 'puberty' yet, I have a decent idea of what Kuroka is implying.

Hence my burning face.

"Can…can you just cut me some slack here?"

She apparently decides to take pity on me and tosses my rolled up clothes in my direction.

I make certain not to drop the towel when moving to grab them.

"Hey Kid, how old are you exactly?"

"Uh…10 going on 11 in a couple weeks, I think. It's been awhile since I've actually checked a calendar."

She stares at me for a few seconds and just as I'm getting uncomfortable she smirks and under her breath excitedly mutters, "Another year or 2 and then…hehe, this'll be fun."

"You're whispering under your breath and have that weird look on your face again. What are you planning?"

She just negligently waves and says, "Oh, nothing~. Now c'mon, Shirone wants to see you and she's probably already halfway done through the food Lisa got for her!"

I think most people would have been offended that one of their friends chose food over them, but their friends aren't the bottomless pit that is Shirone. Besides, if I'd said hi to her before she'd eaten anything she'd probably just decide that I make a convenient appetizer.

"Oh, good to see you Caine! Did you and Father David finish your exercise for the day?"

I give Lisa an amused glance that turns to a brief wince as I sit down and jar my slightly bruised tailbone.

"If by exercise you mean him tenderizing me like some expensive roast, then yes, we finished that."

She just beams at me and happily replies, "Aren't you the one who always tells him not to go easy on you though?"

I snort at that. I've been spending alot of time with Lisa these past weeks since I was hanging out at the Church most of the days and her irrepressible happiness and cheer led us to be fast friends, her whole experience with Wyert apparently not stopping her from being friendly with a Devil.

As a consequence of being her friend though, I realized that she's actually pretty crafty with her words and that her naturally exuberant personality doesn't mean she's dumb.

Then again, that shouldn't come as much of a surprise to me. Dumb people don't last long in Kalichi unless they have the luck of the Gods on their side. And anyone who ends up having to live in Kalichi isn't what I'd call lucky in the first place.

I'm brought out of my private musings as a small hand pokes me in the side and Shirone stares up at me with begging eyes.

"…Are you going to eat that?"

I glance down at my plate where there's a slice of fresh sourdough bread straight from the Church's ovens sitting and I chuckle before handing it to her.

She reverently takes it and is about to take a bite before she pauses and tears a small chunk off and puts it back on my plate before proceeding to devour the rest with gusto.

Well, it's the thought that counts.

"Ah man…this place looks like it would be awesome to visit…fat chance of that though."

I catch a glimpse of Kuroka looking through some beat up Human magazine about amusement parks in the above world, muttering to herself and I curiously ask, "Which one were you looking at?"

She jumps at my sudden question and sheepishly grins before replying with, "Er, I wasn't really-"

I roll my eyes and use a Shade to snatch it from her grasp and dangle it in front of my eyes. Which then proceed to widen as I actually recognize the one displayed.

"Holy crap…that's Marine World! I went there with my family about a year ago!"

Suddenly all 3 of the girls are supremely interested in me and Lisa excitedly asks, "You've been to the Human World before?! What's it like? Is it like in the stories? Can you actually see the stars and the moon and the sun? Are there roads and planes and-"

I frantically lift up my hands and interrupt with, "Woah, slow down there Lisa. I've only been to the Human world once, and it was just for that trip to the amusement park. But yah, there's stars and a moon, one heck of a bright sun, way more yellow and warm than Kalichi's, tons of roads as far as the eye can see, all packed with moving cars with quite a few airplanes moving about the sky as well…the Human World is certainly different."

Shirone wistfully looks at the magazine and quietly says, "Mom and Dad sometimes talked about visiting the Human World one day…they wanted to take Big Sis and me to Japan, where they were originally from. They used to talk about something called a 'zoo'…"

I grin and offer up a scratch behind her ear which she happily takes, all the while explaining, "I think you 3 would get a kick out that. The Humans take exotic or endangered animals and put them in different enclosures, sometimes doing different shows with them for the visitors to see. Marine World had a bunch of those along with other stuff. Stunt shows done by Humans and animals, exhibits…and the ocean stuff is incredible! You'd never see something like the ocean down here in the Underworld…"

All 3 of them are hanging on every word and the obvious wonderment in their eyes causes me to make a snap decision.

"Tell you what. If this deal with the Fallen goes well, things might get a little easier for us in terms of money. If that happens, I'll have us all go to the Human World to one of these theme parks."

Silence greets me.

Kuroka carefully asks, "You're not just blowing sunshine in our ears, are you?"

"Nope. Money can do some pretty incredible things when properly applied, and if anyplace has a market for money, it's Kalichi."

No one disagrees with that.

Suddenly yawning Kuroka stands up and says, "Well that whole conversation will make a pleasant dream to fall asleep to."

"I'm offended that you still think it's a dream."

She just winks at me and continues on with, "Whaddya say we call it a night? We got a busy day tomorrow and all that."

Ah, right…tomorrow.

Lisa stretches and let's out a yawn of her own before sleepily saying, "Good night you 3, see you tomorrow morning…"

I just offer a wave and follow the 2 cats back to the temporary lodging that we have before throwing myself down on the mattress and closing my eyes.

Which then fly open as I feel 2 other bodies sandwiching me.

Shooting a look of equal parts amusement and exasperation at the sisters I ask, "You know, this doesn't work all that well on this small of a bed."

Kuroka just gives me a playful look and says, "Oh? Well, we'll just have to get used to it then, now won't we?"

I'm about to retort when Shirone snuggles into my side with a quiet purr and any denials I had are promptly booted out the window.

And who am I kidding? I've gotten used to having 2 warm bodies sharing the same sleeping space and it feels weirder to be on my own, even after 2 weeks of seperation.

"Yah, I guess we will."

We fall silent for a few seconds before Kuroka asks, "…Are you worried about tomorrow?"

I sigh and settle for a nod before Kuroka promptly plops her head down next to mine and shoots such a confident grin at me that I can't help but feel the majority of my worries disappear.

"Well don't you worry Kid, me and Shirone will have your back out there."

There's a few pats on my head that come from Shirone and she adds, "Just do your business thing, we'll make sure everyone behaves."

I briefly chuckle before raising an eyebrow.

"Why do I feel like a puppy being reassured by it's owners?"

Kuroka snorts before dragging my hand to it's usual spot behind her ear and sneakily says, "Because that's what it is. Now get scratching, I've gone weeks without a good massage."

"Ah, Caine. You made it."

I give Ferdinand a smile and shake his outstretched hand, trying to conceal my nervousness. So instead I give him another once-over, trying to glean as much information from his appearance as I can.

He's of fairly average height, around 5'10" and maybe 150 lbs. with messy blond hair and piercing onyx eyes. His eyes are slightly shadowed though, obviously from a lack of sleep.

"Good to see you Ferdinand," I greet as Kuroka and Shirone sidle on past us, currently in their cat forms, "How did the meeting with the various Gang Leaders go?"

His wince tells me plenty.

"I don't know why I expected anything different, but they weren't interested in vague and unconvincing promises of a benefactor. If anything I think I pissed them off even more. The Fallen are our last bet I think, so we better start warming up our throats if you catch my drift."

I wryly grin, this time around far more aware of what exactly he's implying.

"Where's Linus if you don't mind me asking?"

"He's upstairs keeping himself scarce, he's not exactly the best of diplomatic speakers and he knows it."

How thoughtful of him…

"Well, how's things on your end? Any luck figuring out a way to get back in charge of your family?"

I grimace and run a hand through my hair before replying with, "Not really, and the more I think about it the worse of an idea it seems like."

He frowns and asks, "Why's that?"

"Well for starters I'd have to-"

I'm abruptly cut off mid-sentence as there's a knock on the door and I exchange a confused look with Ferdinand.

"Is that our guests?"

He shrugs nervously.

"Probably, but I hadn't figured they'd be here so early. Quick, what's our game plan?"

"Why do I have to figure things out?! Ugh, ok how about this, we play things confidant and focus on the benefits they would get from taking over these routes. Fallen tend to be greedy and do enjoy a good amount of excess, so all of this stuff should appear attractive. We go with that angle, alright?"

He quickly says, "Got it, try to let me do most of the talking.", before heading to the door and smoothing his face into a cool and collected mask.

Opening the door he pastes a smile on his face and says, "Ah, you must be the Fallen Magellan spoke of. Please, come in."

A relaxed male voice lazily says, "Well don't mind if we do."

The voice's owner steps through the threshold-

-and I almost choke on my own tongue as I recognize the person immediately.

What the flip is AZAZEL of all people doing here?! Shouldn't this kind of grunt work be beneath the leader of the Grigori?!

He must have caught sight of my shocked expression because he suddenly grins and asks, "What's the matter Kid? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

I quickly rally myself and force a smile onto my face before replying, "My mistake, I was just shocked at how early our guests were."

He fixes me with a curious gaze as he asks, "That seemed like a pretty extreme reaction just for having some people arrive a bit ahead of schedule, don't yah think?"

"Well I've been accused of being overly dramatic before. And surprises in this city tend to be for the worse."

He stares at me for a few seconds longer before just chuckling and turning away to sit on one of the chairs scattered about.

I quietly let out a breath and try not appear too relieved at his shift in attention.

12-winged Angels man…they're something else.

"Well don't just stand around aimlessly guys, come on in!"

Azazel cheerily shouts and 5 more figures walk in, all varying wildly in appearance as Ferdinand holds the door.

While Azazel is the closest one to wearing something business appropriate, with a dark burgundy and purple suit that seems to hang off his frame, the rest of his entourage run quite the gamut of fashion choices.

There's an older guy that looks like he stepped right out of those old Human spy novels, trench coat and low slung fedora giving him a rugged, Dick Tracy appearance.

Then there's the stereotypical Fallen Angel most people would imagine, a tall blue-haired woman with some sort of red half-coat that exposes more than a bit of leg, with the zipper undone to show off her generous amount of cleavage.

The last 3 are…not what I would consider normal, but at least a bit more restrained in their choices of attire.

The taller of the 3 with long raven hair that reaches down to just above her rear is clad in some sort of leather coat and pants, although I spy a few conveniently placed zippers that look like they could make the outfit a lot smaller than it is now if need be.

The other Fallen has her blonde hair supported by some sort of hat that reminds me a bit of Aunt Grayfia's, in fact her attire reminds me alot of what Riser once described as…what was it again? 'Gothic-lita' or something?

The final member of the Fallen group is…different.

She's a girl that looks to be around my age and maybe an inch or 2 shorter, wearing a dark t-shirt and jeans alongside a grey sweatshirt. It's her face that draws my attention though.

Striking grey hair and pale blue eyes that almost seem to glow with an inner light and a regal look to her features, reminding me a bit of an Eagle or something along those lines.

She'd be intimidating if it wasn't for the look of utter apathy and lifelessness she's sporting.

I briefly narrow my eyes at her in confusion, thrown off balance by her contrasting appearance and legitimately powerful presence.

Strange…normally I wouldn't be able to just size up someone's level of strength at a glance, I'm still getting the hang of that particular skill, but something about her just seems to radiate power like some sort of Human shaped generator.

"Well now that we're all here how about we all go ahead and introduce ourselves?"

I shake myself out of my investigative stupor and focus on the more important matter on hand, putting the strange girl out of my mind for now.

Ferdinand easily nods and begins with, "My name is Ferdinand, no surname. I suppose my current role is as a sort of successor to Magellan, since he was the one who took me in a few years ago. That over there is Caine, a business partner of mine in this city. And you are?"

The Grigori head gives me a brief look out of the corner of his eye before he leans back in his chair with a relaxed air around him, replying, "Name's Azazel, leader of the Grigori and Sacred Gear enthusiast. Good to meet you Ferdinand, Caine. Sorry to hear about Magellan, I always figured that stubborn bastard was gonna outlive all of us just out of principle…"

I've gotta give credit to Ferdinand, the only surprise he shows at realizing he's suddenly talking to arguably the most powerful Fallen in all of the Underworld, if not existence, is a sight stiffening to his posture for a moment before he's back to his usual relaxed stance.

"Man, so a kid like you is the leader of all the gangs and stuff in this city? That would explain why everything's gone to shit."

I glance toward the blonde Fallen and scowl as she wears a smug grin on her face, obviously pleased with her words. Ferdinand takes her insult like a champ and merely lifts an eyebrow while the rest of the Fallen just seem resigned to her provocation, rolling their eyes as if this is a normal occurrence.

Well I'm 10 years old, so I can pull the petulant child act and probably get away with this.

"Fine words coming from a couple centuries old grandma that barely looks like she crested puberty. Inferiority complex much?"

…That insult sounded way more mature in my head before I said it out loud. In fact every pair of eyes in the room, sans the grey-haired girls, are locked on mine with mildly shocked expressions on them.

The blonde slowly ratchets her head around to lock gazes with me and I briefly wonder if she's mad enough to just stab me with a Light Spear here and now.

The tense moment is suddenly broken as the black-haired Fallen suddenly doubles over cackling like a madwoman, barely managing to stammer out, "B-barely cresting puberty?! Oh he's got your number down good Mittelt!"

The newly named Mittelt's eye twitches and she rounds on the other Fallen with a snarl of, "You wanna go Bitch?! Because that's what it sounds like you're asking for!"

Her counterpart just laughs harder and just as I'm certain that Mittelt is about to pull said light spear Azazel intervenes with, "Alright, alright…everyone just take it easy now."

With one last enraged look in my direction the blonde Fallen makes a visible effort to calm herself and the meeting looks like it's about to return to a sense of normalcy.

"Whoa, now that was a bit of a confrontation there. Is it safe to come out now?"

Forget what I just said.

Ferdinand just scowls as Linus walks down the stairs, sheepishly scratching the back of his head, Kaleidoscope Eyes still active and running.

Does he ever turn those things off?

I notice the 4 Fallen aside from Azazel are looking at him like they aren't quite sure of what they're seeing and quite frankly I don't blame them.

Brown hair that looks like someone just rubbed it with a balloon, lanky frame and face that border on skeletal and a lopsided grin that seems permanently attached to his visage.

Dude looks like the archetypal mad scientist.

"Ah, so you're the Sacred Gear wielder Ferdinand was talking about?"

Azazel seems pretty intrigued by the new arrival while Linus just modestly shrugs.

"Nah, I'm nobody special. You on the other hand…that's alot of power you're keeping under wraps there friend."

Azazel just chuckles while Linus sets his eyes on the girl I was weirded out by earlier…and promptly raises an eyebrow.

"You've got nothing on her though. That's an aura I never thought I'd see…a pretty terrifying one too. You keep people like that around you often?"

While most of me immediately wants to ask Linus what the heck he means by that, I notice something strange about the girl as soon as he's talking about her.

She actually flinches and seems to try to make herself as small as possible, the 4 Fallen lightly scowling in Linus's direction.

Huh. I guess they don't appreciate his less than tactful analysis of that girl. Food for thought.

I'm snapped out of my brief introspection as Azazel gets right into Linus's face, all the while excitedly asking, "Those are Kaleidoscope Eyes right? The only pair I ever saw was a couple centuries ago, this is great! Can you see Magic with those eyes, or is it myriad forms of energy? Can you actually manipulate things with-"

Linus holds up his hands with a slightly overwhelmed look on his face.

"Woah, kill the motor dude I'm not good with social interaction and all that. Tell you what, lemme show you some stuff I've been working on upstairs and maybe that'll help clear things up. Besides, I hear you've got quite a reputation as an inventor, I'm curious to see what you think of my little automaton project."

The Grigori leaders eyes seem to light up as he breathlessly asks, "Did…did you say automaton?! Show me!"

Without any further ado the 2 of them practically run upstairs, now discussing technical terms way above my base of knowledge, leaving the rest of us to uncomfortably stand around and wonder what it is we're supposed to do now.

Ferdinand sighs and walks off to the kitchen, saying over his back, "Well we might as well continue with the introductions. Anyone want anything to drink?"

The Fallen shrug indifferently.

"Water."

"Beer."

"Beer."

"I'll pass."

While Ferdinand is off getting the goods the Fallen turn to me and the one wearing the trench coat slowly sticks out his hand, offering a shake.

"My name is Dohnaseek. It's a…pleasure to meet you Caine."

I get the impression that last bit physically pained him to say out loud, but whatever.

Tensions are already high enough even without us getting all pissy about manners.

I shake his hand and give a polite nod, turning to the blue-haired Woman who simply waves and concisely says, "Kalawarner."

The raven-haired Fallen grins and gives me a happy look before speaking up with, "I'm Raynare, and if you can piss off Mittelt so badly within seconds of meeting her, I think we're gonna get along fine."

I offer an amused smile of my own before turning to face Mittelt, who has a legitimately creepy smile on her face as she holds out a hand of her own.

"Hello Caine, my name's Mittelt, but you already knew that so let me tell you something you didn't know. I'm not a 'few centuries old' as you oh so politely put it, I'm only 97."

Ignoring the voice in the back of my head that says this is a bad idea I wrap my fingers around hers, surprised at the softness of her skin…before she goes ahead and tries to crush my fingers with her unnatural strength.

I don't let my discomfort show on my face and instead smile before replying with, "Ah, my mistake. I should have guessed you were on the younger side, given your appearance."

Her smile becomes strained and the pressure on my hand seemingly doubles, making it hard for me to hide my grimace of pain.

Sheesh, I hope she doesn't break my fingers…

Thankfully after a few seconds she gains an annoyed look on her face and let's go with an irritated 'hmph!'.

Slowly and sneakily flexing my hand to get rid of the stiffness I turn towards the mystery girl and hold out my non-injured hand, politely asking, "And you are? You've been quiet most of this time."

To my further confusion she stiffens as soon as I extend my hand and warily eyes me, trying to simultaneously lean away from my offered shake while not making any sudden movements.

That drags a frown out of me. Her actions remind me vaguely of an injured animal…what the Hell happened to her?

I don't get the chance to actually ask anything as Raynare smoothly inserts herself in-between us and politely but pointedly says, "Vallia prefers not to say much. So please don't pressure her into saying anything, would you?"

Her last words are a not-so-subtle suggestion to drop this line of conversation and I grudgingly do so, finding myself only getting more and more freaked out by the weird magnetism I have towards this girl who's apparently so shy she can't even look me in the eye.

"Is there something wrong with your cats, Boy?"

I turn towards Dohnaseek and find him cautiously eyeing Kuroka and Shirone, where they're currently seated on a nearby couch in their cat forms.

I frown as I realize I'd even forgotten they were here, they've been so quiet the entire…time…

What the heck is wrong with the 2 of them?

They're staying absolutely still, not moving so much as a centimeter, eyes wide and mouths slightly open, tails lashing back and forth occasionally as they stare unblinking at the newly named Vallia.

Ok, this is getting freaky.

I slowly move next to them and start gently petting their heads, although neither of them seem to notice.

"They've been staring at Vallia like this the entire time…are they perhaps sick?"

I cast a pointed glance at the subject of the sister's attention and blandly reply to Dohnaseek's question with, "More like scared sick. Is there perhaps something about Vallia they should be frightened of?"

The little girl actually shivers at my words, moving further behind Raynare as if she's trying to avoid my gaze.

Dammit why am I so fixated on her?! She's not even the point of why I'm here!

To my relief Ferdinand comes up holding a variety of beverages, providing us with a convenient distraction.

After that things get pretty awkward as we just sit around, not really caring to speak to one another after all our previous attempts have just ended in rather spectacular failures. I content myself with petting Kuroka and Shirone, who have calmed down enough to start gently purring, although their gazes never leave Vallia for more than a few seconds.

"…ell you what, I have a few prosthetic limbs lying around my lab that I never did anything with, next time I visit I'll drop a few of them off, maybe that'll give you an idea on how to create smoother joint locomotion."

"Woah, seriously? That'd be freaking awesome, I mean my resources are pretty limited down here, so anything is a big help. Ferdinand does what he can, but honestly we're poor as shit, so yah."

The 2 nerds come walking down the stairs deep in conversation and I see everyone else roll their eyes at the scene.

Enthusiastically shaking Linus's hand Azazel grins before turning to his subordinates and says, "Alright gang start packing it up, I'm all set here."

…What?

Ferdinand apparently has the same thought as me as he quickly interjects with, "You came all the way here just for a quick visit? That's it?"

The Fallen just nods and replies, "Pretty much, yah. Magellan mentioned awhile back that he'd found someone with a pretty interesting Sacred Gear, so I stopped by mostly based on that alone."

I can see Ferdinand trying to formulate a response to that rather startling admission and I realize we're actually kinda screwed. We'd assumed he was here to talk about some kind of business, not just as a purely social call.

Crap, how are we supposed to get him to listen to our deal? If we beg him to listen to our proposal that leaves us in a position of desperation, even a politics amateur like myself gets that much…

Surprisingly, it's Linus who comes in to the rescue.

"Don't suppose you would mind sticking around? Ferdinand and Caine have been hitting up a bunch of people around Kalichi with some sort of super lucrative business deal and I think you wouldn't mind getting a slice of what they have to offer."

Azazel raises an eyebrow and asks, "Oh? And just what are they offering exactly?"

Linus just offers a winning grin and airily replies, "Dunno, I'm no businessman, you'll have to ask them."

Azazel thinks about it for a second before shrugging and plopping himself down onto a nearby chair.

"Well Kiddos, I'm all ears."

I make a mental note to give Linus a big hug later.

I pass Ferdinand the folder containing all of the info on contacts and supply routes as he takes up a seat opposite Azazel.

"Forgive me if this is rude, but just how aware are you of the state of affairs in Kalichi right now in relation to gang and contraband transport and distribution? And are you aware of the recent Valefor massacre in Devil society?"

"I know the rough outline of both of those things. Although wasn't that family in deep with crime or something? I'm a little hazy on the details, although I do know they were all confirmed dead."

Ferdinand simply nods and continues with, "That they were, but with them gone much of the bribes and political security they offered has dried up and disappeared, and so far not many other families have stepped in to pick up the pieces. That leaves a considerable amount of money and valuable contraband mostly just sitting around, unable to reach it's destined markets."

Azazel raises an eyebrow and asks, "By the sound of it, you want me to take over a portion of these operations, right?"

"Close, but we don't want you to take over a portion. We want you to grab all of it."

There's a brief moment of silence while Azazel thinks it over, his game-face not giving anything away.

His subordinates aren't nearly so composed though, looks of obvious surprise and caution plastered all over their faces.

Just as I'm starting to get a little nervous due to the silence Azazel gives a brief nod and says, "Sounds like a pretty good deal, but I don't suppose you could give me a better idea of what, exactly, I'd be taking over?"

Ferdinand passes over the folder to Azazel but he doesn't open it, instead locking eyes with the 2 of us and carefully asking, "And just how am I supposed to be certain that everything in here is legitimate? No offense meant, but that's alot to just take on faith."

Ferdinand shoots me a quick glance and I offer a nod in return before stepping forward and locking eyes with the Fallen.

"How familiar are you with the Valefor family's bloodline powers?"

"Hmm…weren't they really gifted in controlling shadows? It's honestly been awhile since I've run into any of them. Although considering they're all dead now, I probably never will again…"

"Not all dead."

He gives me a mildly confused glance before I see the inkling of comprehension in his eyes. Just to prove my point I summon my 2 Shades and open the folder for Azazel while simultaneously bringing him a beer from the kitchen, hopefully demonstrating my heritage.

Instead of an expression of contentment, to my total surprise he looks shocked instead.

"…You're Caine, aren't you?"

I feel a bit of wariness at his tone and carefully reply, "I am…why do you sound so surprised though?"

He seems to get ahold of himself and sheepishly scratches his chin before replying with, "Heh, sorry about that. It's just that Sirzechs used to mention you and your Brother in passing and it just clicked now as soon as you showed me your powers. Guess you're not dead after all!"

I feel my eyes widen and incredulously ask, "Wait, Uncle Sirzechs told you about us? Aren't you guys supposed to be lifelong enemies or something?"

He just chuckles at my confusion.

"Well that's what most people believe, but the truth of the matter is that him, Michael and myself are on pretty good terms! It took awhile, sure, but I can say with confidence that we're almost good friends."

I blink and try to wrap my head around this latest revelation and just decide to table it for later.

Talk about false expectations…

I give a brief shake of my head as Azazel starts flipping through the pages, trying to get myself to focus on more current matters.

It's a good thing I forced myself to get back in the swing of things, because as he continues to look through the pages Azazel's slight smile eventually turns into a frown.

…That's not good.

After almost a minute of this he sets the thing down and sighs before turning to the 2 of us.

"While some of this I have no problem adopting, alot of this is stuff I either have no interest in possessing, or would quite frankly prefer to see wiped out of existence."

His frown turns into a scowl and he archly asks, "Angel Wing? Demon Scale? Do you even have a clue what these things do?"

I can understand why he's upset.

Angel Scale is incredibly popular among Fallen Angels and some Human Exorcists, as well as a few of the more adventurous Devils. What it does is create a euphoric sense of peace in it's user, of being a part of something greater that just yourself. The Fallen liken it to when they were normal Angels, of being included in YHWH's sense of self.

It's also dangerously addictive and using no more than 3 times can create a lethal dependence on it, as well as causing severe mental problems such as schizophrenia or extreme panic attacks.

Demon Scale is…a bit stranger. Taking the appearance of a crimson fish scale it causes an incredible physical change in the user's body. Their skin will turn blood crimson and odd horn-like protuberances will grow in random spots, their eyes glowing with colors shifting from yellow to red.

They will also become nigh-immortal for a short time, gaining incredible levels of physical strength and speed…at a cost.

The longest any being has lasted under the influence of Demon scale is 5 minutes before their body expired, but in that time nothing seemed to kill them. Destroying the brain doesn't work, nor does eliminating any sort of vital organs. Even dismemberment won't stop someone using Demon Scale, as the hacked off limbs will somehow move on their own accord towards their target.

Perhaps the most well known example of Demon Scale's lethality is when a normal Human used it and proceeded to rip apart a Middle-Class Rook with no difficulty whatsoever.

So yah…I get why Azazel isn't exactly jumping up and down to let these things go through.

Someone has to keep an eye on these things though, and I'd trust a Fallen over the Crocells anyday…

So in response to his question I just nod and evenly say, "Of course I know what they do. And you seem to be under the impression that we want you to ensure that these are sold just like normal. Let me be specific. I don't care what happens to those products once they start being distributed again, or their dealers. Kill em' all if you want to. I just want them to be moving again."

Azazel is very quiet as he gazes at me appraisingly and I do my best to just return his stare with an expressionless one of my own. Eventually he just shrugs and easily says, "Fair enough, and the prospect of keeping tabs on any potential Sacred Gear wielders is a pretty nice sweetener…and I'd be lying if the alcohol and more benign trade isn't, shall we say, appealing?"

I can't help but briefly chuckle at his childish expression of glee before the temperature seems to drop several degrees as the Fallen suddenly leans forward, his 12 crow-like wings suddenly flaring out and coinciding with a rush of power that almost steals the breath from my lungs.

"So let me ask you this kiddos, what's to stop me from just killing you all and taking this little manifest with me? It's not like I need you anymore, and this is a dangerous place…a few more corpses in Kalichi won't bother anyone."

Instead of peeing myself, which is what I feel like doing in the face of his sudden aura, I force a smirk to my face and evenly respond with, "You won't do that because I already left a message with some allies I already have in this city. If I'm not back within 8 hours of this meeting, they'll tell everyone they can that Caine Valefor, the supposed dead scion of the Valefor's, met with the Grigori leader Azazel and was subsequently killed. Most people will dismiss that rumor right away…but will Uncle Sirzechs be so quick to do so? He'll no doubt be able to bring this back to you."

…This is easily one of the most long shot gamble's I've made since coming to this city, Hellfire I hope it works…

I almost lose my composed expression as 2 furry objects press themselves up against my ankles, and with a start I realize Kuroka and Shirone decided to stand side-by-side with me despite Azazel's murderous aura, not flinching away when they had every reason to.

An honestly relieved smile comes to my face as I gently reach down and pick the 2 of them up, Shirone alertly resting in my arms while Kuroka posts on my shoulder, hackles raised and never breaking eye contact with the Grigori leader.

If he does decide to waste us, at least we'll be going together…

And just like that the pressure vanishes, his wings retract and an impressed smile comes to his face.

"Heh, you're made of pretty tough stuff Kid. Alright, I'm in on this deal! Where do I sign?"

Ferdinand and I quietly release a relieved breath before the older Devil says, "No signature required, mostly because we don't actually have any paper like that available."

Azazel just nods and says, "Fair enough. And in the spirit of said fairness, let me just say you 2 did pretty damn well on my little test."

I frown and archly ask, "Test?"

"Yup. Test. You didn't really think I was gonna waste you 2 just because I wanted to keep this under wraps, did you? If that was my S.O.P I'd be a leader without an army! I just did the whole, 'gonna kill you for all the money', thing to gauge how well my future business partners did under pressure."

Ferdinand and I just stare at him for a few seconds before I scowl and say, "I hate you."

He laughs uproariously at that and grins before he continues with, "Yah, I get that alot. And while I'm impressed at the both of you thinking quick and making this deal seem appealing to me, your little bluff at the end there was a bit desperate and obvious."

Ferdinand frowns while I curiously ask, "How so?"

"Well the both of you were visibly surprised to see me when we first introduced ourselves. You hid it quick, but it was there. If you really had made plans in case you didn't return from this meeting, you wouldn't have been able to specifically say it was me you met with. It would have been better if you'd just been more general and said you'd met with a Fallen."

I curse to myself as I realize I made such an obvious goof while Ferdinand is currently face palming. Azazel snickers at our reactions and calmingly says, "Relax Kiddos, that's a mistake you learn to fix with experience. In fact, I have such high hopes for you that I'll throw 2% of the total profits your way. I'm legitimately curious to see what you do with it."

…I'm struck dumb at his offer. 2% of the entire operation?! That's alot of money, and I say that as growing up as the son of a Pillar Family. I know a thing or 2 about lots of money.

Ferdinand looks like he was just offered the lifeline of a century and graciously bows before saying, "I thank you for this offer Lord Azazel, and I promise we won't disappoint you."

"You're gonna disappoint me right off the bat if you keep referring to me as 'lord'. Just Azazel is fine."

Ferdinand simply nods, obviously lost in his own little world, before the Grigori leader turns to me with a more considerate look on his face.

"I don't know all the details of what happened to your family, but I imagine you're not slumming it down here by choice. I can get ahold of Sirzechs and let him know you're still alive, if you want?"

I almost leap at his offer with an enthusiastic confirmation, more than eager to get out of this city…before I remember all the reasons why I said I shouldn't do that yet.

Wincing I take a deep breath and meet Azazel's eyes.

"Thanks, but…not yet. In fact I'd like you to keep it a complete secret from him for now, if you would."

He looks briefly surprised by my choice and responds with, "Well if you say so. Mind if I hear your reasoning?"

"Well, put bluntly, returning to my position as Valefor family head as of now would be counterproductive, if not downright lethal."

I sigh and elaborate with, "My family is all dead, my personal level of strength is dismal, I have no peerage or political influence…I'd be completely dependent on the patronage of the Maous and whatever allies I still have. And all of that is assuming I'm not just assassinated after revealing myself…no, staying here and gaining what allies I can, as well as increasing my power, is the best hand I can play with."

After a moment of contemplation he smiles and compliments me with, "A well thought out plan. Although I hope you don't mind satisfying my curiosity one more time."

I shrug and he narrows his eyes at me.

"You seemed to give up your family's fortune and life's work with barely a second thought. Did it not just mean much to you? Or are you after something else entirely?"

I briefly debate how much to tell him. On the one hand he's shaping up to be a powerful ally, on the other…

"If you don't feel comfortable telling everyone, I can have my subordinates leave the room for a moment."

I glance at the rest of the Fallen and feel my eyes widen a bit in surprise at their expressions. Before they had been indifferent, if not openly condescending to the rest of us. Now they appear to have a grudging sense of respect for the way we handled that meeting, earning their Boss's favor.

Granted, Mittelt still looks like she wants to kick my teeth in, but I can at least understand that desire given my insults earlier.

…Well, trust goes both ways. And I think Fallen Angels of all people would understand my motives on this matter.

Meeting Azazel's gaze I bare my teeth and answer with, "I am after something else entirely, funnily enough. I want the heads of whoever was behind my family's death on a platter, whether by my hand or someone else's, I don't care. And I don't care how long it'll take, but I know Rizevim Lucifer played a part in this, and I'll be taking his damn head too."

While Azazel was mildly surprised during earlier parts of this meeting, it's nothing compared to now.

Now his eyes are practically bulging out of his head, and he looks utterly shocked by my confession.

What, is it that surprising of a goal?

"Hey."

My eye twitches as I realize the seemingly silent and scared Vallia is now suddenly maybe a foot away from my face, and judging by the looks of all of the other Fallen, they didn't notice her move either. Her voice was still utterly emotionless though, so I guess she didn't just suddenly spring to life…

Regaining my footing I turn to her and reply with, "Hey yourself. What-"

I don't get any farther as all of the sudden there's an explosion of that bizarre power that I'd sensed from her earlier…

…and then she punches me directly in the face.

The blow sends a brief wave of dizziness through my head and I'm distantly aware of several startled exclamations before I hit the floor, letting instinct take over and rolling to my feet.

I quickly shake my head and notice the girl robotically approaching me, the same dead look on her face not matching the waves of terrifying energy just pouring out of her at all.

I frantically glance at Azazel and find him intensely watching us but holding everyone else back, especially Kuroka and Shirone, who are hissing like mad at Vallia.

What the Hellfire?! Is he just going to watch?!

I lock a snarl behind my teeth and instead crouch low. If he wants this fight to continue, then he better not be upset when this girl gets hurt.

Closing to maybe an arms length away from me she suddenly lashes out with an extremely fast but simple jab towards my head, which I happily duck under and lock her arm over my shoulder, mimicking the move David used against me the other day.

I bodily lift her in an overhead throw and Ferdinand frantically shouts, "Watch the tabl-"

Just a second too late as I slam Vallia to the ground, the force behind my move easily splitting the cheap table Ferdinand often used and sending it's 2 halves bouncing away.

I smirk and look down, fully expecting this fight to be over-

-only to find a pair of almost painfully bright blue eyes staring up at mine emotionlessly.

Well then.

She's made of tougher stuff than she looks.

Before I can decide on what to do next she jackknifes her midriff upwards, her knee slamming into the side of my head and briefly staggering me. I leap back a bit and she rolls to her feet, still looking just as emotionless and dead as she was before.

Ok, at this point I just want to see if she's capable of any type of emotion, this zombie-like sterility is freaking me out.

Letting a sneer come to my lips I ask, "The heck was all that for? Didn't your parents ever teach you how to behave?"

I watch my words hit home like bullets and she flinches away, her head ratcheting downwards and refusing to meet my eyes. I breathe an internal sigh of relief…and instantly regret letting my guard down.

A sudden murderous aura spreads throughout the room and I stare at Vallia in clear shock and more than a bit of fear.

Is this insane bloodlust coming from her?!

Then I get a closer look at her face and decide that running my mouth earlier was a BIG mistake.

Her expression is one of equal parts terror and fury, twisting her face in a painful rictus while her hands spastically tighten into fists.

"DIVINE DIVIDING!"

…Oh PLEASE tell me I did not just piss of the host of-

And just like that, after Vallia's frenzied shout a flash of blue light illuminates the room and when it dies down there's a pair of pure white metallic wings on her back, 4 almost translucent blades of pure energy emanating them.

Oh me and my big damn mou-

That's about as far as I get before she suddenly shoots forward with a burst of speed that almost catches me off guard, forcing me to raise my arms in a cross-guard position and plant my feet firmly on the floor.

Doesn't really help much.

She slams into me with what feels like all the force of an enraged Dragon-oh who am I kidding, of course she has the strength of a Dragon, she's got the damn White Dragon Emperor of all beings sitting inside her soul!

Regardless, I grit my teeth and force us to a standstill, baring my teeth and getting right in her face.

"I don't know what got into you, but I'm not exactly enjoying this particular fight so if you could just-"

"[Divide!]"

My strength suddenly leaves me and she bears down, forcing me to slide backward across the floor. Oh just fantastic she already knows how to use the Vanishing Dragon's signature power…

Time to play dirty then.

I have my 2 Shades grab a stray chair that's sitting on the floor and fling it towards Vallia's legs, catching her by surprise and knocking her feet out from under her, which I take full advantage of. Grabbing hold of her left arm I re-plant my legs, put my own left hand against the center of her chest and just pull on her arm, which separates with a wet pop as I dislocate it.

I'll give credit where credit is due, she barely makes a sound and merely grunts as I cripple her shoulder before planting a solid kick against her abdomen, forcing us apart.

I take this opportunity to catch my breath and observe my handiwork, her shirt slightly sticking up on one side since the bone is stuck out of place, a slightly pained expression showing on her features.

Whew…looks like this is over now.

Pop!

…I really need to stop tempting fate over here. But seriously, she just yanked her arm back into place using the Milch Technique with hardly a flinch to show for it and is slowly rolling her shoulder in it's socket, glaring daggers at me.

This girl is scary.

My face growing grim I slowly and deliberately pull out the push knife I had strapped across my chest and settle into a low-ready stance.

If I want to put an end to this, I'm gonna have to-

[Vallia! That's enough. Now calm yourself.]

…Is that the-

"I was worried you weren't gonna show up in time to stop this Vanishing Dragon, I was about to step in myself."

[Azazel. It's been some time. Still up to your Sacred Gear manipulations and tricks I see…]

"Heh, yah I guess I haven't really changed all that much over the years, have I?"

The voice sounds mildly displeased as it replies with, [No, you haven't…and I can't say I'm pleased with how you handled this situation.]

Azazel sheepishly rubs the back of his head and says, "Well in retrospect it was a bit over-the-top, but hey, it got results, right?"

At the end of my rope I interrupt with, "Ok, at the risk of sounding like an idiot, is this Albion's voice I'm hearing right now?"

[It is.]

In what is certainly one of the dumber things I've done in recent memory I scowl and annoyedly retort, "You wanna get your host to stop trying to throttle me for no reason now? Seriously, is she all there mentally?"

Vallia's eyes suddenly widen and she visibly flinches, reverting back to her previous defeated state, causing the 4 Fallen to scowl at my words and move threateningly towards me.

[Enough. Everyone but the young Devil and my host leave. I wish to resolve this matter without outside interference.]

The Fallen, Yokai sisters and Ferdinand of all people look doubtful but Linus and Azazel simply nod and start shepherding everyone outside. Kuroka and Shirone give me a concerned look that somehow comes across even in their cat forms, while I just give them a small smile and a quick nod, hoping that mollifies them a bit.

After a few seconds they're all gone, leaving just me, a disembodied Dragon and a terrified girl alone in the room.

[Caine, was it?]

"Yah, that's me."

I'm carrying out a friendly conversation with one of the Heavenly Dragons. That's something I never thought I'd experience…

[Allow me to apologize on Vallia's behalf for her actions. When you mentioned Rizevim that brought up…unpleasant memories. She had no other way to express her feelings on the matter.]

I raise an eyebrow at his words.

"So she punched me? What in all 9 Hells possessed her to think that was a good idea?"

The Dragon's voice is bitter as he explains, [You can thank her family for that…]

…what?

"Albion? Please…don't tell him."

If I hadn't seen her lips move I never would have imagined that voice came from Vallia. It's soft, almost inaudible really, and begging. It's so pitiful that I instantly feel like an Ass for being so harsh in our fight earlier.

[You attacked him with intent to cause serious harm, if not kill. Whether you meant to or not, you at least owe him a basic explanation of why you did so Vallia.]

An honest-to-Maou tear suddenly trickles down Vallia's face and I feel more and more uncomfortable with this, like I'm injuring a puppy just by standing near it.

"Hey White Dragon Emperor, I appreciate the gesture, but your poor host over there looks like she's about to have a panic attack."

His voice is even more bitter than before, if that's at all possible.

[Our world isn't so kind that it will tolerate weakness in any form, and that goes double for the host of a Longinus Gear. My host can't afford to let her traumas hold her back any longer. Vallia, tell him your full name.]

For a few seconds there's silence and just as I'm wondering if anyone is going to say something she whispers out in a quavering voice, "Vallia Lucifer…"

…What?

"I'm sorry, you did just say Lucifer, right?"

She gives a jerky nod and my jaw pretty much drops to the floor. And then I realize that the child of a Lucifer is apparently so terrified of something that she's an unstable emotional wreck.

I turn to the still manifested wings on Vallia's back and voice my feelings on the matter.

"So the descendant of friggin' Lucifer of all Devils was abused as a child? And by her family?! Albion, what the fuck?!"

[Do you see now? Her damned grandfather, Rizevim, manipulated her fool of a Father into treating my host as an abomination. Ralzar Lucifer was always an insecure person, but this, abusing his own daughter…]

There's an angry growl that seems to come from nowhere and I feel a bit of that anger myself. What sick person turns his own kid into something like…like this? A petrified child that can't even properly work out her emotions because she's so messed up…

I shake my head and sigh out, "So I take it you ran away?"

[More like were forced to leave…]

Oh for the love of…

I sigh and continue with, "So when I said mentioned putting Rizevim's head on a silver platter…"

[Precisely. Much of that rage and pent up fear burst out at the idea of killing Rizevim. I again apologize that it was unleashed in the manner it was.]

I wave his apologies off.

"It's fine, don't worry about it…although that begs the question of where exactly we go from here."

[If you're not averse to the idea, I would like my host to practice her combat skills alongside you.]

…

…

"I'm sorry, did the Vanishing Dragon just ask for his host to practice with me?"

[He did.]

"Would you mind if I asked why?"

[Were you not there for the fight you 2 engaged in? You were fairly evenly matched, although I would currently give you a slight edge over Vallia based on your physical skills, Longinus Gear or not. What better path to strength than to constantly compete against one of your own skill level? And you 2 certainly share a common goal in killing Rizevim.]

"Well…I can't argue with that logic. You know what? I'm in."

Getting side-by-side training with the host of the Vanishing Dragon? I'd have to be an idiot to turn that down.

The Dragon's voice sounds pleased.

[Excellent. Vallia? Offer your thanks.]

The grey-haired girl gives another one of her shaky nods, still not meeting my eyes as she does so. Heh, she and Albion make me think of a father-daughter relationship. Isn't that something?

[Oh, and Caine?]

"What's up?"

No sooner do I finish my words than a surge of raw fury the likes of which I've never experienced before drives the breath from my lungs and I collapse to my knees.

Is…is this Albion?

[NEVER MAKE LIGHT OF VALLIA'S TRAUMAS AGAIN. SHOULD YOU DO SO, I DON'T CARE HOW LONG OR HOW IMPOSSIBLE IT MAY ULTIMATELY BE, I WILL PERSONALLY RIP YOUR THROAT OUT WITH MY OWN FANGS. AM. I. CLEAR?!]

The pressure abates just enough that I can gasp out, "Y-yah, I get it…trust me Man…I really do."

The aura slowly retracts and with a tired sigh the Dragon says, [Yes…I believe you do…tell Azazel my request for you and Vallia to train together…he will take care of it…]

And just like that the presence is gone, the Gear on Vallia's back disappearing in a flash of sparkling blue light.

Well then…

That was interesting.

And more than a little terrifying. Sheesh, first Azazel's murderous aura and then Albion's…today has just been one fun experience after another…

I shakily push myself to my feet with a sigh and turn towards Vallia, who's just standing there like a statue.

Jeez I'm oblivious…

She's acting just like Shirone used to before she got comfortable around me, terrified of anyone that's unfamiliar and unsure of how to act around them.

Well…at least I know how to start bridging that particular gap, if only by a little.

I walk up to her and slowly extend my hand, taking care to keep my voice pitched low and calm.

"I think we got off on the totally wrong foot. Try again? Hello there Miss, my name is Caine Valefor, yours?"

She gives me a shocked expression before hastily lowering her eyes and slowly taking my hand in her own before I gently shake it.

Huh. Her hand is softer than Mittelt's. I never would have figured considering how hard she punches…

"I-I'm Vallia Lucifer…nice to meet you."

Progress. I shyly grin and somewhat abashedly says, "Nice to meet you too Vallia. And, uh…sorry about what I said earlier about you being loopy. Now that I look back on it, that was a pretty crappy thing for me to say."

She just gives a motion halfway between a shrug and a nod, head still shyly lowered.

"Well, we might as well head back to the others, get things settled there."

She doesn't respond but nods one last time and I lead the way out.

"Oh? You're both still alive. After Albion let loose with that killing intent I was pretty sure one of you was dead for sure."

I give Azazel a wry look and dryly reply, "Well don't sound too disappointed…"

He just snickers and I briefly reflect that a few minutes ago I never would have been so casual with the Grigori leader.

Getting threatened with a violent death by the Vanishing Dragon tends to make other people seem less intimidating by comparison.

I notice Vallia quickly welcomed back by Raynare and Mittelt, who start fussing over her which brings an amused grin to my face. Who would have thought they'd be so close?

"You are, without a doubt, the most aggravating brat I've ever had the misfortune of dealing with!"

I glance towards Kuroka, now in her bipedal form, and embarrassedly grin.

"I think crossing paths with a certain black cat keeps giving me bad luck to be honest…"

She just scowls and Shirone gives me a quick hug, surprising me with the sudden display of affection.

"…Big Sis is right. You are trouble."

"Aw c'mon not you too!"

The older sister snorts and bops me on the head before saying, "Seriously, I think Shirone and I should start staying ten feet away from you at all times…"

"Didn't stop you from sticking close by when a 12-winged Fallen Angel was threatening to snuff me like a candle."

She has the decency to look mildly embarrassed and hastily retorts with, "Well, that was different you know-"

I cut her off with a quick hug of my own, quietly saying, "That meant alot to me. Let's just leave it at that."

I pull away and she stares blankly at me before, and I swear this is true, blushing of all things and averting her gaze.

"Sheesh Kid, you make it sound like we were some super amazing heroes or something…"

Shirone and I share a shocked glance at the fact that Kuroka of all people just got embarrassed before unanimously deciding that we just hallucinated for the past few seconds.

"So Kid what'd you, Vallia and Albion talk about?"

Thankful for the distraction I turn to face Azazel, not missing the fact that Shirone subtly moves to position herself between the 2 of us. That drags a grin out of me and I gently scratch her ear, all the while saying, "He actually wants me and Vallia to train together, he said to leave the rest of the arrangements to you."

"Oh, did he now?"

Seeming intrigued by the prospect he thinks for a moment before suddenly smirking and turn to his subordinates.

"Hey Dohnaseek, Kalawarner, Raynare, Mittelt! New assignment for you."

He grandly gestures to me and Vallia before announcing, "Starting 2 weeks from now you 4 are going to be helping Caine and Vallia with their training, hope you're up for it!"

All 4 of them stare blankly at their leader for a moment before Mittlelt explodes with, "What?! First we were babysitters and now we're personal trainers?! And for that little…brat…"

A look of dawning comprehension crosses her face and she suddenly shoots a violent grin in my direction.

"You know what? I'm ok with this."

She walks over and gets right in my face before cheerfully stating, "I hope you don't mind a bit of pain Kid, because our training is going to hurt."

She'd be pretty cute, if not downright beautiful if it wasn't the mad glee dancing in her eyes.

I just hide the chill that crawls up my spine with a smile and instead airily reply with, "Why thank you very much Grandma, I'll be looking forward to it. Just be sure not to throw out your back."

The glare she shoots me could melt steel.

I ignore her and instead glance towards the other 3 Fallen, who are shooting me smirks of their own.

…If Kalichi offers life insurance, I should probably invest in some.

"Hmph, are you forgetting about us 2?"

All eyes turn towards Kuroka and Shirone as they walk right up to Vallia and gain gleeful looks of their own.

"While your buddies are helping out Caine, I'm sure you won't object to practicing with us, now would you Miss Vallia?"

…Kuroka can also be pretty scary on her own sometimes.

To her credit the Longinus wielder just gives a quick bow and quietly replies, "…I'll try my best."

I grin at the shocked looks on everyone's faces as they hear Vallia reply so confidently, at least by her standards, and feel like today turned out ok after all.

I notice Azazel quickly glancing between me and the rest of the girls…before he smirks and slips me a wink and thumbs-up.

Ok, what the Hell does that mean?!

Whew! That was alot of words in that chapter, and it covered quite a bit of ground. In between business deals, making new 'friends' and planning a trip to the amusement park Caine has a full schedule.

On a mostly unrelated side note, when I first started writing the conversation about the Human Amusement Parks I realized that to most Devils and Underworld residents, the Human World is probably just as strange to them as the Underworld would be to Humans. A place where the sun and moon rotate places, tons of products, technological advances and even bits of their architecture and culture make it to the Underworld, likely making it seem like some sort of fantasy land.

It's an interesting angle.

Aside from that I'm curious what people's reactions are to this chapter in regards to the first meeting between Vallia, Caine, the Yokai Sisters and the Fallen, as well as any other thoughts on things. Like I said before, there was alot discussed in this chapter.

Till next time! And thanks for all the support!