The Formula Of Life

Chapter 8: Reunion Under Stars

"Astaroth, why are we still here? You said we would meet with someone." Hilda questioned. Her cool green eyes locked upon her King's back.

Naruto merely flashed her with a smile as he returned his attention toward the window overlooking the entrance of Kuoh Academy. Moments after the smile he wore dropped, his blue eyes focusing upon the direction where the abandoned church laid. The climax of the okay was approaching, not only was Rias and members of her Peerage already in the area, but more parties would arrive.

"You're right, Hilda. We shouldn't keep him waiting." Naruto responded. "Let's go."

Waving his hand ever so slightly, Naruto drew upon his reserves and focused the epicenter of his magic on the ground beneath him. Seconds later, a forest green magic circle forged itself atop the building's floor. Sharing a nod with Hilda, Naruto once again willed his magic and directed the destination of his magic circle toward a certain energy signature. In a flash of majestic green, the duo were gone.


"Damn it! Issei watch out!" Tatsumi growled. His voice strained against the struggle for dominance between himself and a priest. Their blades locked in a deadly contest with neither willing to accept defeat.

Heeding the warning, Issei ducked under a sword slash and backed away from his attackers. In response to the sudden strike the red gauntlet attached to his arm surged with might. Using the opportunity to go on the offense, Issei charged. Hoping his sudden response would allow him some form of advantage against his opponents. His gambit had been a success as his fist buried itself in a priest's stomach, sending him sprawling backwards.

"Focus on yourself, boy!"

Cursing his mistake, Tatsumi hurriedly countered the incoming blow with a sloppy attempt at a parry. Moments as such in a duel were critical, if the smallest mistake was made then the duel could end in a loss. And in this very situation, Tatsumi had successfully locked blades with the priest once again. Only to find himself being brought back by the sudden display of raw strength. Acknowledging the man's superior strength, the school boy drew distance between himself and his opponent.

"Shit! I need to find a way to break his guard. Any ideas?" Tatsumi asked his partner with a frown.

Like always, no response. Cursing both himself and the creature, Tatsumi eyed his opponent warily. While he held some form of experience with the blade, the priest's capabilities at this time were far superior. Not only that, but, unlike his two companions, his physique was still human. And in comparison to the priest's his strength and durability were both lacking. Issei and Reinhard though, were both gifted with the bodies of Devils, allowing them enhanced physical feats.

"Die!"

Dodging the would be fatal swipe of the light sword, Tatsumi defiantly growled in response as he charged with his own blade poised for the kill. Only to receive a bullet in retaliation. Growling at the new wound decorating his shoulder, Tatsumi steeled his resolve and ignored the agonizing burn his flesh suffered all in favor of capitalizing of the situation. Lunging froward, Tatsumi stretched his arms to their maximum extent and drove the small sword straight through the man's chest; splattering droplets of crimson red blood across his pale visage. It was in that very moment, when the adrenaline died and his mind had settle had he realized the life of another man was taken by his hands.


"She has a charm to her, doesn't she?" Naruto mused thoughtfully. "Is that why you are so obsessed with her?"

Under the watchful gave of the glittering stars, Naruto leaned against a tree with his arms crossed and a neutral expression plastered upon his visage. Hovering by his side, Hilde watched the interaction with hidden interest. The cool night air clung against her skin, spreading a cluster of goosebumps as she stood still with little protection against the frigid air. Though her skin held little love for the chilling air, the maid cared little for her exposure to the cold, what truly captivated her interests was the figure standing a small distance away from them. Even in the dark, she could make out the identity of the mysterious figure. After all, what other Devil had green hair?

"Diodora, what happened?" Naruto asked once more, though the steel in his previous tone had subsided leaving behind a tired voice. "You were never like this."

"Naruto, were you so blind to believe my charade?" The newly named Diodora bellowed. His cold eyes burning with fury. "Why are you even here?! Why are you so invested in the damn Nun?! She's a member of the Angel Faction, our enemy!"

"It's more than the Nun! Kidnapping her is a mistake, Diodora!"

That answer had seemingly sparked rage in the other Devil. With a eerie roar of defiance, Diodora swiftly raised his palm and charged a shot at Naruto. The mossy green light illuminated the forest as a roaring beam of magic burned the patch of dew coated grass as it rushed toward Naruto. In the moments before the attack made contact, Naruto retaliated against the attack with a snap of his own fingers. Just as it had appeared, the attack disappeared in seconds following the piercing snap.

The sudden disappearance of the attack had brought forth a defining roar of frustration from the enraged heir. Like a cat, Diodora sprang from his position and cast a second spell of attack. Before the other Devil could solidify his magic into a attack, Naruto snapped his fingers once more. In an instant, the air around Diodora twisted and gleaming spikes of magical energy shot from the very air itself. Piercing through the young heir's exposed skin and entrenching themselves upon the twisted Devil, Naruto gave a nod toward Hilde before returning his attention to Diodora.

"You bastard! How could you do this to me?!" Diodora screeched in unchained rage. "Protecting one of the enemy?! Wait until the council hears of this! They'll ruin you! My brother's status as a Satan won't protect you!"

"Diodora, I only wish I could have changed you." Naruto replied in a defeated tone. As he eyed his own Uncle, a joyless smile broke from his exterior. "But, if you attack the Church with members of the Angel and Fallen Angel Faction in it, then it would be pointless in maintaining the ceasefire."


Chapter End


A/N: Hey guys, guess who's back. Yes, me. I have finally finished all my little tasks and decided to come back to this. In all honestly, I found little interest in writing for a time. I mean, with the litter of stories on this site, I could find no interest in writing again. But, here I am again. Writing an author's note in a god forsaken hour. Hmm, sorry for the lengthy absence.