The Devil and the Chicken
Chapter 4: The Chariot, Part 1
Arc: Monk of Destruction.
Glossary:
"Greetings." Normal speech.
'Greetings.' Thinking speech.
[Greetings.] Comms and phone speech.
{Greetings.} TV and Radio speech.
{START}
~Souna Shitori~ Monday – TIME: 08:30 AM
Mornings ordinarily are Souna Shitori's ideal time of day, more so in the Human world than back in the Underworld where the sun is nonexistent. She doesn't mind waking up earlier than anyone else in her house, breathe the morning air and get herself ready for a brand new day. While Devils are in nature nocturnal species and prefer to be in the dark, even become stronger in the dark, with some saying that is one of the plausible reasons Vampires are their cousins because of the similarity the two species have.
But for Souna Shitori, no, Sona Sitri, a Devil, she favors the daylights, she enjoys spending her time early morning over anything else.
For the past two to three years when she came to this Academy and Kuoh Town, always looking forward to coming to school with a clear mind and focus on her studies as a student and eventually her duties as Student Council President when she won the election two months into her second year.
So far, she succeeded to reach a point of success in her life in the academy through hard work and dedication on her part.
However, that changed quickly upon taking office. All her validation she received from her hard work to get into the position she is now, have grown into a constant battle on whether it's worth it with all of the feelings of exhaustion the moment her sights were set on a single student, even before she was named as Student Council President.
And now she is staring him dead in the eyes, which is an everyday occurrence by this point between them.
Bazzard Black glared at the Council President as he sat on the sofa opposite her. Unlike the Student Council President, he never liked mornings, no sane person does, and it's just a reminder that you have work/school or whatever people do in their mornings, but then again, he is not, in his opinion, exactly dealing with a normal person.
"What did I tell you about getting into fights?" Souna cited, eyeing the bandage over his cheek, there wasn't one yesterday when Tsubaki reported seeing him "Do you want to be suspended? Because that is the fastest way for it to happen"
Bazz scoffed and grimaced in pain, clutching his shoulder before reacting "Shit, if I knew that defending myself would get me kicked out and get the hell out of this academy I would have done it every day" he answered in sarcasm "And before you go Sherlock on me, no it's not a fight and it's more my fault than anything else"
"Language" she scolded him "And you expect me to believe that you received those wounds did not come from fighting?"
"Woman, if you want this meeting to turn from me knowing you are a Devil into you lecturing me about me possibly fighting, now it's not the time"
They were the only two occupants in the room, she ordered her Council members to sit this one out (and made sure to not to mention to Saji of the time because she knows he will try and assert himself) to make their conservation... she shuddered to even say it, pleasant, or at least tolerable.
"Fair enough, but that doesn't mean you are off the hook" cited the Council President before leaning forward with her hand clasped together, her mouth hidden behind it "How long?"
Not helping himself with the way she asked the question, Bazz quickly answered casually "Depends if you can take it or not-"
He moved his head out of way from the oncoming stapler aimed at his head.
"Do you have to be this vulgar?!" Souna questioned in fury, she tends to keep her emotions in check whenever she is in an important conversation, but this is not a normal conversation, and its importance is growing thinner by the minute "If you want to make this meeting go longer then I am more than happy to do so, I will make sure you will not get out of here satisfied"
The so-called 'troubled' student felt a sudden chill raise around the room, like the temperature getting lower the more she spoke.
Sighing, Bazz eyed the bespectacled woman with a careful look before explaining "Two months after I arrived here, thanks to Himejima Akeno" he revealed "She was talking to me one day, don't ask why, and I started noticing something different about her. You Devils have this aura about you compared to Humans and even other creatures that make it… unique…"
Sona raised an eyebrow, curious, this was the first time she gave him an expression that doesn't correspond with 'Loathing' or 'Rage' or a mix of both "And you did not know about any of us on day one?"
Bazz's brows furrowed "No, I didn't and if I did I would have taken the first train out of here. Being around any supernatural is troubled in for itself" he answered honestly "Which was the first reason I came to this back end of a town" he finished before chuckling after realizing the irony of his situation "And now look what happened in the end because I couldn't keep my head down..."
'There it is again...' Sona made note, 'He always says he is keeping his head down... Rias said the same thing when he explained his reasons for interfering and coming to regret it...'
Sona's eyes narrowed "And you've never bothered once to come to me or to Rias of that knowledge during that time?"
"And say what exactly?" Bazz asked in irritation "You want me to walk up to you and say 'Hey, I know you are Devil' like some moron or try to blackmail you with it?" he wondered, before scoffing "Please, I am not desperate enough to lower to that level. I've been trying to avoid your people since last year before the crow decided and ruin it for me. And let's be honest, it wouldn't really change much how we interact"
"Why?" she asked suddenly, which shocked her at how quickly she went and did it.
Bazz's eyes twitched at her question, "Why what?"
"Why are you trying to avoid us, or more accurately, trying to avoid dealing with any sort of supernatural? You said it before you came here to avoid any sort of trouble"
"I have my reasons..."
"Being?"
"Do you want this meeting to go any longer than it has any right to be? Or do you want to get to the point of this?" he asked, growing irritated by the questions "Why I am avoiding you and your kind is for my health from all the trouble that follows whenever I turn my head in that direction, can't a man just live out his life normally?"
"It's that simple?" she scoffed "You can't think I will just accept that sorry explanation"
"Take it as you well, Shitori. I have my reasons, personal reasons, and they are not for you to get your pretty little head in it" he chided, repeating the same words he told her last week when she asked him of his reasons for being absent the first few days.
Now it's Sona's own eyes turn to twitch after realizing she rushed too quick with her questions "Fine, if you want to be a child about, then I won't pry too much into it, but if these reasons of yours do come back and harm anyone I care about" she warned, eyes narrowing "I will make you regret it"
Her threat, however, did not seem to affect Bazz or even humor him like he tends to take her threats. He instead carried a blank expression before answering quietly "It won't"
"How can you be sure-"
"Because if it did... well, at least you wouldn't have to worry that much about me..."
"...!"
Sona was flabbergast at this explanation. She expected him to argue, get angry at her question like always, even up try and leave the room like the last time she dragged him here.
"Now off to another stupid topic because you ain't getting anything out of me if you keep asking that one" Bazz chided, even though he was leaning against the leather sofa, his eyes told a different story, he wasn't in the mood to explain it, and even if he did, it looks like it would take a long explanation.
"Fair enough, but this doesn't end things in this topic"
"Whatever..."
She scolded inwardly herself for rushing head first right away without properly building to it, She usually takes her time in trying to understand the situation, but her rush made him quickly close up from revealing too much about himself but it left one thing for sure in Sona's mind.
'He is hiding something, or from someone... From his tone and the way he explains his need to keep his head down is clear, it is why he chose Kuoh, the far end of the world, far away from anything that could recognize him...' she realized, not wanting to point it out to the foreign student. She has seen that look from others, those who simply wish to move on and not talk about their past much or at all. However, she is good at reading people, and Bazz is a mystery the moment she decided to read up on him.
His knowledge of the existence of Devils, Fallen Angels, and possibly more explains some things Sona could never get in the past year whenever he becomes absent. Added with his powers... even though she did not get enough details of it, but judging from Rias's explanation, he did not seem worse for wear except for a shoulder injury. Which means he is very much capable of taking care of himself.
Added with him being from Europe, and more specifically, from Germany. Not unless they are rich or bored or have family here, people find themselves in Japan and Kuoh town unless they don't have any other choice.
"Are you are exorcist?" she asked abruptly after a period of silence between them.
"Oh for the love of... No, I am not an exorcist" Bazz chided "Do I look like a zealous to you?"
"From what I've seen, you are only zealous with that ridiculous hair of yours" Sona regarded, seeing Bazz's eyes turned into a vicious glare after commenting on his hair "And you are right, you are too impulsive, prideful, miserable and quick to anger to be an exorcist"
Bazz's eyes twitched in irritation "Do I even need to ask if that is from your observation or you just want to point out how much of an asshole I am to people"
"Language" Sona scolded "And yes, on both accounts"
Bazz grumbled under his breath but did not mention it aloud, already wanting this whole thing over and done with. Clearing her throat after seeing how he is trying to change the subject and both of them not wanting this to be any longer as it is, she quickly turned into another subject she's been meaning to ask other than his background 'Which I will go back to it at some point' and it's one the most puzzling.
"Back on the topic of your powers..." she began, which made Bazz sigh, clearly expecting this question coming from a mile "From what I gathered, it seems it originates from the cross you carry around" she pointed at the cross hanging from his hip, the same cross he's been carrying around for the last year "Odd choice, even though you are clearly not an exorcist but you still carry around an object that signifies some form of religious symbolism"
"It's not a cross" he corrected, glaring at the object like it's an eyesore to look at, which admittedly is very distracting because of its size "I don't know why you people insist it is but it isn't a freaking cross"
Sona raised an eyebrow "You might not see it that way but it's a cross, even if it hasn't any religious meaning behind it"
Bazz felt a sweat drop after her rather specific explanation "So... are you trying to confirm I am a religious guy but still not an exorcist?"
"Yes," she answered bluntly, studying the cross.
Sighing, he unhooks it from his belt and raised the cross by its chain, showing its silvery glint to the Council President. Its blue orb located at its heart glowed from the sunlight that lit into the room. Sona found herself studying the object in interests.
Before Bazz immediately threw the object to the Council President, who on instinct, caught it by her hand. Shocked at his action before her eyes widened, realizing her mistake, she squeaked in fear and promptly threw it away.
"What are you doing?!" she demanded in anger "I know you are a shallow person but even you must realize what crosses do to me!"
Devils, as powerful as they are, have weaknesses like any other species in the world. For her kind, holy elements are very dangerous to them. Not just for weapons and objects blessed by a Priest, but spell work that connects deeply with God and His Angels, crosses and holy waters, Bibles and Sacred Gears blessed with holy elements. Their affinity for light contrasts with the Devil's powers. It's why it is dangerous for weaker Devils to fight Fallen Angels as they too possess the usage of holy elements, even after falling, a single touch from their blade would mean instant death.
Bazz chuckled at the woman "One thing you and Vampires have in common" Bazz noted in mockery before pointing at the cross that was on her desk "You should check your hand, crosses leaves a mark whenever a Devil touches it, you might be surprised"
"What are you-?" before she could finish her question, her eyes widened after seeing her hand, unharmed and unmarked from anything resembling a cross.
"As I said, it's not a cross… well, not the kind you are used to…" Bazz repeated and picked up the cross, wrapping the chain around his hand to his wrist "This thing isn't blessed by a priest or made with any material the Church usually make with their stuff" he explained, "You asked about my powers, so I can take a guess Gremory explained it to you?"
Getting her bearings back in order, Sona fixed her glasses in frustration with Bazz's action, nonetheless, she nodded at his question "Yes, she says your cross allows you to conjure a bow? If I am not mistaken, an odd choice of weapons for you use considering who you are"
"Thanks for the useless compliment," he remarked in sarcasm "Bows are the least of my ideal weapon to use in a fight but it gets the job done, I honestly prefer a crossbow, but Gremory is wrong on one account"
"...?"
"The cross isn't the weapon, it's the conduit or my focus, the place where I can channel my power through it" Sona's brows furrowed in confusion. Bringing his arm forward and letting the cross hanging from his hand, taking a deep breath, he flicked his wrist and light began to form from the palm of his hand.
The Council President felt the air around grow warmer, and denser from his action as if something is being collected around her. Slowly, unto Bazz's hand, a weapon began to form, before taking shape into a small arrow.
Sona's eyes widened, the arrow's shape was perfect, nearly look like any other arrow except it was made out of energy, or wherever Bazz drew from.
"You're the weapon..." Sona realized as she studied between the arrow and back to Bazz.
Bazz frowned at her comment "No need to make yourself sound like a warmonger" Bazz noted calmly, but with an edge behind it "But yeah if you put it that way"
Sona felt the air around her grew warmer but she kept her cool, "It feels like magic but yet it's different... very different" she quickly continued, staying the course on the conversation.
For his part, thankfully, Bazz answered "It is and it isn't" his expression becoming neutral as he twirled the arrow around "Kinda like how an apple and a banana are fruits but taste differently. Or something more complicated like that as the idiot who trained me explained it in simple terms" Bazz noted "You felt it?" he asked, he waved his free hand the room they were in "The air around you getting tightened? Like a weight being either lifted or dropping down on you?" Sona nodded and Bazz continued "When you use your magic, you form it from somewhere. You can't just shoot a fireball without actually taking it from somewhere"
Sona nodded, understanding his meaning "I am aware of the basics of magic. But Devil magic works differently from human magic" she began, her mind gearing into something familiar "Humans need to calculate based around the magic they need to use in a given moment. Magic circles, gemstones, and other magical items to help a magician in their incantations. Humans call it Magecraft to differentiate it from Magic because of how complex it is" explained the Council President, adjusting her glasses "Devils, however, use their powers from their imaginations. We still need to know certain magic's and its different types, but we are not limited like how Magecraft is" she studied the arrow once more "And this... this is the closest I've seen close to our powers"
"... I did not need a lesson about magic I won't be using..." Bazz groaned and simply listened to the Heiress's explanation, almost half-paying attention "Back on topic, my powers or my main ability is to draw out the particles in the air. You call it magic particles, but I extract something called 'Spirit' Particles. Look, I am not gonna bore myself with the details, or you going on another history lesson on me but you know that magic particles are basically oxygen for anything supernatural whenever you guys need to fill up your tank or something? Like a phone?"
"In simple terms, yes, a bit crude and very simplistic" Sona cited "But Magic Particles contain different elements, and yours seem, from the description, to be pure energy. Be it holy elements or devil elements"
"I am getting to that point… I can't believe I am really explaining this…" Bazz muttered lowly.
"Don't worry, Black. If it's too much for you, please explain it in small words"
Bazz glared at the girl, clearly mocking him but continued with his explanation "Spirit Particles are… well… if I can explain it without sounding like a brainless bastard and not confused myself…"
"Language" she scolded him, despite mocking him, she was listening intently, for all of his faults and temper, Bazz can be intelligent if he puts the effort into it and was motivated enough, which is one aspect she can admit respecting him for having.
"…It's the spiritual materials, it is a part of the Magical Particles you Devils, Angels and mages use, but it exists to shape it, not to be used… except for creatures who can interact with souls"
"Souls?" Sona wondered "As in… Human souls? Spiritual life essence"
"Yeah" Bazz nodded, feeling happy with himself that he managed to get that first wording out from memory "Soul Particles is the main component for souls and before you ask, no I do not absorb souls, doing so would be… impossible for me to do it and very inhumane. The particles I absorb are like the elements you Devils or even the Angels absorb from the Magical Particles except-"
"Except you absorb only the Spirit elements, like picking a specific fruit in a fruit basket" Sona finished it, understanding his simple explanation "When you say materials, you mean objects created from these particles?"
Soul Manipulation, she has read that from somewhere, the ability to use Soul materials, but from his descriptions, he seems to indicate that he can even absorb human souls, which is a bit of information that worried her. If he possibly can create weapons just from these particles, what more he can do?
"Basically if you want to use the fruit example for simplicity" he shrugged.
"But it isn't that simple" Sona noted "You are dealing with a lot more than just picking a single particle or fruit, you need more focus to absorb such singular element in a large basket of energies"
"That one takes a long time for me to explain but if you want me to shorten it, I can absorb other elements and my body can pick out the spiritual particles, it's just…"
"Your body reacts negatively to it"
Bazz nodded, but Sona noted that there is more to it than that explanation "Here in this realm or the human realm, has spirit particles" Bazz explained, waving the air around him "Just lower concentrations compared to realms that deals with souls on a daily basis like Heaven or Valhalla"
Sona nodded in understanding, he uses remnants of the spiritual residual in the world. Magic Particles are like atoms, it possesses many elements and an element that focuses on Souls exists among them 'Or so I think… I need to check on it…' places such as Valhalla and Heaven do handle departing souls but not as frequent or common for some time.
Valhalla has more or less became closed off since the days of the Vikings, and rarely do they interact with the outside world since Asgard has faded out in power following the rise of the Three Factions (But are still dangerous). Heaven still handles the souls of the dead around the world while in Japan, one of the few countries (Along with Egypt and India to name a few) not influenced by any of the Three Factions (Even with numerous attempts from Heaven in the past) and still has a strong standing with their beliefs in Shintoism.
The Shinto gods, or Kami, still hold power in the country, just not as active as the other factions, simply leaving things to the Humans in the country. The followers of the Shinto also handles the passing of souls, with the group known as the Soul Reapers that represent them come from such a place she fails to remember it by name…
'If I remember it correctly, the Shinto has a realm that deals with the departed…' she drove through her memory, trying to remember the name of the place 'What is it called? Soul Socie-?"
"Are we done here?" Bazz's voice quickly cut off her thought process "Because we both got important stuff than this stupid meeting… if you consider judging me as part of your important daily routine" he cited, picking up his bag he set on the floor.
Glaring at the tall student, Sona cleared her throat to answer him "I still have a few questions but seeing as we have little time…" she looked at the clock and saw there was still ten minutes remaining until their classes start, and if there is one thing she absolutely must uphold other than being the Student Council President, is being a student in Kuoh Academy "…Such as this… Spirit Particles"
"Hey, if you want to make it easy for yourself, search up the word Reishi, a common term people use who practice it"
"And those who practice it being?" Sona asked. Reishi, that's a word she is familiar with.
"Old farts, you might like them, they are pretty sticky when it comes to abiding rules"
Sona glared at him in answer before sighing, no use in arguing now that they are done here…
There are still many questions she has yet to ask, scolding herself for not making this meeting earlier or for prolonging it over simple questions. She could have pressed him more on his background, why did he end up in Kuoh. What did he do before coming here? His knowledge and fighting against the Fallen Angel has shown that he was trained, but by who? Why? Did he work in the church? Did he work as a hunter? And many more.
But she also knows Bazz well enough that it would take a lot for her to get any sort of answer with her questions that would satisfy her, especially with her asking it, he would make it difficult, as it is shown he is very protective of his past. His powers are the one thing she could probably get out of him just because he was seen using it, even if briefly by someone else.
Bazz, for his part, did not answer in sarcasm or annoying her like he usually does whenever they finish speaking. He simply stood up and slung his bag on his shoulder, walking toward the door in silence and grabbed on the handle, leaving Sona to her thoughts to process about this meeting and possibly think of future questions should they come back to it…
"Can I ask you a question?"
Sona looked up from her desk, realizing that Bazzard has yet to leave the room.
Staring at her with a bored look, hands still on the handle of the door. His eyes were concentrated on her after he asked his question.
"Considering you've been annoying me this early in the morning and making me lose any decent sleep to come here. I do have the right to ask you a question of my own, right?" Bazz asked, his head was facing her direction while his hand still held the door handle.
"It depends on the nature of your question" Sona noted, crossing her arms over her chest, she nodded "But I will allow it"
Bazz scoffed at her consent, nonetheless proceeded with his question "It might sound weird but… Your name, why did you change it? Why not keep it like Gremory?"
Sona blinked her eyes in the surprise of his question, indeed it was an odd one.
"Is that your question?" she asked sincerely.
"You don't have to look at me like I am stupid" he responded in annoyance "If it was anyone else I could have just said to myself you are trying to keep up with the whole masquerade and I am probably thinking too hard about it, unlike Gremory" he explained, putting his free hand in his pocket, he continued "But I know you, you aren't the kind to hide from the public, with all the speeches you did in those debates last year before you won the President seat shows that"
Sona remembered those days, when she competed against oppositions for the seat of the Student Council President after the previous one stepped down to focus on their studies, it was a month-long of preparation and debates to see who would get it. There were a lot of oppositions who not only done a lot of good work in the Academy but were also part of the previous council circle, some were even nobles and Devils from the Underworld. In the end, however, she managed to win out, albeit with some difficulty because one of the opposition was a third-year who did a lot of work than any of the other candidates, combined.
'Kiryuin was a terrifying foe to oppose in those debates…' thought the council president at the memory. She leaned forward, listening to the tall student as he resumed talking.
"So I am wondering, for all your pride and glamour, and with the fact, your Student Council are basically your peerage who answer not only to you but also represent your family, so why bother with the alias?"
Sona, for once, did not answer immediately, which is a first for her. Usually, she is up and ready for any sort of questions and always has an answer for. She has trained herself to be prepared to answer from simple questions to complicated ones.
But this question… it is very simple, but yet… she is still forming an answer much slower than usual, actually thinking of an adequate one that would be satisfying for Bazzard Black and herself.
"Because…" she started before stopping for a moment, for Bazz's part, he was patient, waiting for an answer. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and stared at the tall student, her violet eyes were focused on his green eyes. "Because I wish to pave my path without using my family name… even if my family name holds significance in the Underworld but I don't want to be given an opportunity based on my blood or who I am related, I want to earn it and create it with my name"
She waved the office around as a way to signify it "All of this? I could have asked for it, all with one call to my sister and I could have been given this office, but I did not, because I know those who are hungry for an opportunity, and I have met those who are just as greater than me with their name, not their family name, their own name" explained the student council president remembering those she has competed against for the Student Council and nearly losing if it wasn't for her speech during the last days of the debates. "Humans in this world carve out their name into history, and I aim to do so, not through my family name, but with my merit and work"
It's true, she could have done it after all the school is owned by the Gremory and the Sitri clan, she could have simply asked and it would be given to her but she did not, she refused to do so, to beg for a position.
Bazz didn't move as she said her speech uninterrupted, keeping the same position along with holding a neutral expression listening intently.
"Hmm…" Bazz hummed as she finished, seeming satisfied with her answer. Slowly opening the door, Bazz turned to exit but not before leaving one more remark.
"You know Shitori… for a Devil, you are honest, too honest," he cited in an honest tone "Even if you made it your mission to annoy me like hell."
Undeterred, Sona smirked, seeing it as a compliment, not an insult.
"And for a miserable person, you can be tolerable when you let people talk to you." she answered, leaning against the chair "Until then, Black"
The door closed, leaving the Council President alone in the office, enjoying the silence.
Taking a deep breath, she looked back at the door, eyeing it for a few seconds, thinking over their discussion. His background is the one thing she wanted to know, it is the main reason for this discussion, not his powers.
'To know one's powers look for their pasts and how it defined them…'
She didn't get any closer to his past, he refused to confirm or deny anything. His powers are more or less explained but she feels there is more to it than that, much more.
She stood up from her chair, getting ready to head to class and start her day but not before one last thought crossed her mind.
'Just what are you…? Bazzard Black…'
{D&C}
~Bazzard Black~ TIME: 08:50 AM
'That went better than expected…'
Walking through the crowded hallway heading to class, Bazz thought over his meeting with the Council President. He honestly anticipated the two would just waste time arguing over something insignificant, and that is not including her pestering him over his powers or worse, his background.
Shitori, however, was very patient, even though she looked like she had a hundred more questions to ask him but she didn't rush head-on liked he thought this meeting would turn out to be. She seemed very… receptive, in her way. Fascinated even.
'From the looks of it, this isn't her first time in making these meetings…' the way she phrases her questions, as blunt as they are and as rehearsed as they sound, Shitori knows how to get the most out of people without delving too deep, and she is smart and pays attention.
He made sure not to reveal too much considering he gave her enough bullets that would fill a gun, all she has to do is piece together and put the chamber in it. But the question is, how long before she figures it out?
Gremory, as smart as she seems to be, has a very narrow view of people, very narrow-minded. Basing on their skills first and not the person. Even with what he gave her, it would take a long time before she could piece together unlike Shitori, and that is as close of a compliment he is giving to those two.
Walking through the hallway, people around him began to get out of the way, giving him an easy trail to his class uninterrupted. It was usual for him by this point to see people staying away from him in fright and some… much to his confusion, in awe. Girls being their usual selves in giggling in their little groups and staring at him with looks that annoyed him 'I swear… if I open my locker and see another pink letter I am making a fucking bonfire', and the boys (the stupid ones) tried to act either tough or (the smart ones) avoided him.
Compared to most sane people, he hated mornings, and not having enough sleep after last night (and injuries) meeting with Azazel did nothing but make him overthink all over again, but this time is back to his old home, a place he took a long time to force himself to stop thinking about it.
Then there is the Fallen Angel unit in town, he could have asked Azazel to order them to leave town and be done with it, but he knew that would too easy, and he hated making things easy for anyone who deserves getting knocked out. Especially after what the crow did to Hyoudou Issei.
He was getting close to class, and there were eight minutes before school starts for today, a lot of time for him to at least rest his head somewhere, even if that somewhere in the hard surface of a table-
"Hey, did you hear? Someone beat up the Perverted Trios just now!"
Bazz turned his head to the two girls conversing, slowing down his walk. The Perverted trios were Hyoudou's and his little crew's name given to them by everyone in the academy, and by everyone he means everyone. From the first year to the third year to the Kendo club to the Student Council. And if you are in a school where eighty percent of students are female, then it is understandable your rep is in the shitter.
"Oh! I heard about that!" her friend nodded "Was it Kendo club again? Those three deserved it" she nodded in satisfaction.
Another note that Bazz can admit in making sure for Hyoudou is not doing his usual antics around the school. He can see he has potential he put the effort into it, and he did since last semester, but those two he hangs around with always dragging him down, two he made sure to comment his distaste for whenever he sees them and made him wonder why the kid hangs out with them. Then again, the kid is way too trusting to people and he's known them for a long time, so he'll give it a pass because of their friendship.
He scoffed internally 'Friendship is never an excuse in dragging someone to the wrong path…'
The girl who started the conversation shook her head "No, not Kendo" she looked around her for a bit, not noticing Bazz who was minding his own business in not looking in their direction while making sure to listen closely "It's Her" she proclaimed in excitement.
"Her?" asked the girl in confusion.
"You know… Her! The Dragon of Kuoh! The girl who beats up anyone who so much as peek at the girls in the wrong way!" she explained "They said she uses her hands to beat them up! Rumor has it she even beats up the delinquents outside of school-"
The girl droned on, and on, and on and Bazz felt it went on forever. But he didn't listen to anything past her description of what this person does to people, a description he recognizes.
'You've gotta be kidding me… She's back already? I thought she was supposed to be back until a while…' he thought in annoyance as he quickly made his stride to class, trying to reach there before she shows up 'The first day in and already beats up the kid… shit… she always greets the kid this way, and she did it to him it won't be long before she comes looking for my sorry ass…'
Quickly moving, he turned the corner where his classroom was located.
Only to see the backend of a shoe kicking forward in his direction.
"Oh fuck-"
Before he could say anything or react on time, he received a brutal front kick the moment he turned the next corner. It was fast and a perfect kick right to his face.
The kick pushed him back, dazing him for a second. Trying to shake it off, he felt someone grab his arm before slamming him to the ground with a violent throw, the sound of a brutal thud echoed in the hallway, leaving many of the students to stare in stunned silence at the display in front of them.
For his part, Bazz laid there sprawled in acceptance. Arms and legs spread, the injuries he received last weekend come back with a vengeance which was already added after last night's confrontation with Azazel. This whole thing has become the norm for him.
'I am getting fucking rusty…'
He coughed, the slam caught the wind out of him. Not that many people can slam him this quickly unless he allowed them to do so, and not many humans can do so.
However, he is not dealing with a normal human.
"Chickenhead!" a voice greeted him, standing over him with her arms crossed. Looking down at the fallen man with a grin, proud with what she has done "You got weaker! Didn't think you were that easy to slam down!"
Bazz looked up and sighed in misery before seating up, fighting off the pain and the injured shoulder. Turning his head, he glared at the person before finally speaking.
"Tatsuki…" he greeted the black-haired girl "Morning to you too…"
"Mornin!" the girl greeted with a grin before extending her hand "Come on get up, I just wanted to test you with your reactions" she explained before widening her grin "And you failed like a pussy"
Tatsuki Arisawa, The Karate club Captain, a very popular girl around the school, close to even the popularity of the Beauties of Kuoh, for not only the accomplishments she has done for every school she ever entered in winning tournaments and bringing trophies to the schools, with Kuoh now having some recognitions in these tournaments. But also around town, she is known in beating up the local gangs around town, which earned her the nickname the Delinquent Killer or the Dragon of Kuoh (which confused him on that part as to why people call her that) before he got dragged into it unwillingly and became another target for the local gangs to harass because none have the balls to confront her.
She is also the first person he ever spoke to in the academy, not counting Shitori annoying him later on, and Himejima being the second person he spoke to. Tatsuki and Bazz shared classes last year, and she made the effort 'By annoying me every single day…' to at least strike a conversation… well, one month after he showed up. He still remembers how she used to have judgmental eyes when he first came in before eventually befriending him. How and why that happened is still a mystery to him.
Dressed in the traditional Kuoh uniform except for the blazer, which was wrapped around her waist. Bracelets with colors ranging from orange, lighter orange, darker orange, and red. Black leggings under her skirt, and the white shoes the academy gives them to use on the campus. Black of hair, she has let it grow for the past few months by letting it grow past her shoulder, compared to short and spiked out when he met her last year.
He'll admit, she looks nice with the hairstyle, but he won't say it aloud unless he wants to get beat up. Another note he can also admit, Tatsuki almost always beats him in a straight fight. No powers, none of the bullshit, just straight fight, and he always loses.
'I feel my pride dying… again…' he thought in exasperation, she somehow always drops him with a slam, how she does it with her frame against his weight is a mystery all in itself, and he is not in the mood in asking a demonstration.
Grabbing her hand, Tatsuki helped him stand up straight. All the while holding his jaw from the kick he got from the girl. It was quick enough for someone even like him to notice it late. Dealing with a karate champion can be annoying in some days.
'No use complaining… hmm?' he noticed Tatsuki grabbing his bag that fell to the ground after she slammed him and handed it to him "Thanks…" he said and winched in pain, shit, he sounded like a pussy just now.
"What's with the weak voice? Didn't put that much effort in kicking ya in the face or sending ya ass to the floor" Tatsuki noted, resting both of arms behind her head.
"Well, I am sorry for not being excited about getting dropped to the ground early in the morning" Bazz chided, irritated. Not bothering with slinging his bag on his shoulder, he dragged it through the floor, the class is just a few feet away and his shoulder is screaming in pain.
"Wow… never knew you were that much of a pussy" she cited nonchalantly as she followed the tall student "At least Issei took it like a champ when I greeted him and his little perv buddies ten minutes ago. By the way, is it me for is Issei happier than usual? And not in the pervy kind of way"
"What do I look like? His mother?"
"His school mother" Tatsuki corrected him, which earned her a glare from Bazz "And yes, you do look like one"
One aspect that Bazz came to find out last year is Issei and Tatsuki being childhood friends, which is shocking that Issei actually had female friends, and he wasn't ogling on sight like every other girl he's laid his eyes on, for he is deathly afraid of Tatsuki, and he can't blame him for it.
From what the story he (Even though he said no) got from Hyoudou, Tatsuki used to defend him a lot back when they were kids and neighbors. She tried to get him to join the dojo her family owns and he did but the kid didn't survive on his first day. Years passed and the two drifted apart because Tatsuki's family moved to another town before coming back two years ago, and their relationship seemed unchanged except with her finding out what Hyoudou turned into these last couple of years.
Teen hormones are the bane of high schoolers, and Hyoudou is slowly finding it out.
The black-haired girl also became close enough to Bazz that he started to expect her trying to, in her words, make his reaction time better after the two had a sparring session (that she dragged him into doing) and made it her mission to make sure he has a better reaction time whenever someone tries to attack him. Plus, he doesn't mind it because it reminds him that he needs to work on it some more if he wants to avoid getting hit like what happened with the Fallen Angel.
"Fuck you" Bazz chided as he entered their classroom "And don't compare me to the kid, I have standards"
The black-haired teen snorted a burst of laughter as she entered after him, greeting a few of their classmates "Looks like someone woke up in the wrong side of the bed"
"That would be great if I had a decent fucking sleep" he grumbled, ignoring the students who were greeting him, walking towards his seat "This morning made me realize the importance of sleep and I am not in the mood to even complain…"
"Aren't you complaining now?" she asked nonchalantly, ignoring the sudden glare he sends in her direction "Hey, did ya get my notes? I gave it to Shinra-san for ya to catch up before I left for the nationals"
"I did…" he answered, dropping his bag near his desk "Thanks for that by the way"
"Don't mention it, Chickenhead"
Bazz was too tired to even respond to the clear mocking of his hair.
The two shared classes again this year, which made it easier for Bazz because he doesn't have to ask someone he doesn't know for their notes, and instead he can ask for someone he is familiar with and is familiar with him. Missing the first few days, while not important in his opinion, he still had to catch up, and Tatsuki provided it for him, even did the same when he disappeared for two weeks last semester.
Taking a seat on his chair, Bazz finally let out a deep sigh that he felt he was holding in forever. These past few days have been mentally draining for him. Fallen Angel, the Devils knowing about him, Azazel, the kid having a Sacred Gear, Azazel, Shitori annoying him this morning, and Azazel. The lack of sleep just added to his mood this morning.
Tatsuki, for her part thankfully, sat down on her seat, which was in front of him (he sat in the back), and began conversing with some of the classmates to catch up. Probably getting the message that he isn't in the mood to talk to anyone.
'I am fucking sleeping on this desk…' he mentally told to himself, slowly lowering his head to rest it on the cold surface 'I don't care if God himself comes down to wake me up, I ain't getting up-'
"Black-san" a voice immediately cut his mental note, causing him to snap his head up before it touched the table.
"Motherfuck-" he stopped himself from swearing after seeing who just called his attention. Glaring at the girl, he sighs then responded "What do you want, Shinra?..." he asked, annoyed.
Tsubaki Shinra glared at the tall student, not happy with him close to swearing at her just for calling him. Clearing her throat, she quickly said "I take it your meeting with Kaicho on the… personal matter has been resolved"
Tatsuki's ears perked up, turning to Bazz in curiosity. It's well known around school the relationship between Bazzard Black and Souna Shitori and how antagonistic the two are to each other, always ending up sniping each other with insults and disrespect. So the news of them talking can be very intriguing for anyone in school to see who "won" this time.
'How the hell did this thing turn into a spectacle?' he asked himself tiredly and sighed.
Rubbing a finger on his forehead. In any other time, he would have snapped at the person who dares to walk up to him while at this stage, but he is talking to Shinra who, in his mind, is probably the only member in Shitori's crew who did not follow her Kings example in annoying him 'Then again… I did not go out of my way to meet the rest of them so I can't judge them…' so he'll humor her, and with Tatsuki listening closely, he needs to be careful how to convey it without letting a normal human in on the fact she sharing classes with a Devil.
"At least she didn't try to kill me for being in the same room as me, so that's a plus" he explained, which caused the two girls to snort in amusement "Look, we hashed things out on the personal matter she wanted to ask me about and let's leave it at that. You can ask her for the details if you are that curious because I am not in the mood to explain to you in details"
He honestly did not expect to see a surprising look from the Vice-President but it did and it looked… weird on her, most of what he sees from her emotions either ranges from glaring at him or staring coldly at him, nothing else. Which is shared with Shitori in that department.
And now, in an hour, he got more emotions out of them than the last year in its entirety.
It's been a weird three days for him…
"You surprised me, Black-san" Tsubaki noted in astonishment "Even with your history of being very impatient with everything in life and uncooperative with the Student Council has been well documented..."
He wonders if Shitori has a detailed report on his habits, and if she does have one, he will make it his life mission to burn it.
"…You being patient sounds…" Shinra stopped as she thought over the right word to express her shock, which irritated Bazz as his brows twitched, he knows someone mocking him from a mile.
"Impossible."
The two turned to Tatsuki, eyes focused on the tall student, elbow resting on the back of the chair like an armrest. Bazz, as usual, glared at the black-haired teen.
"Oh don't give me that look. Seriously, you of all people listening to others without wanting to strangle them is like the apocalypse is coming closer." Tatsuki noted, and much to his shock, Tsubaki looked like she was agreeing with her.
Alright, he'll admit, he sucks at listening to people because half of the time gets useless information from almost everyone around him. So he made it a habit to just pretend to pay attention 'Which fails every time because I can't hide it…' or makes it clear he is not in the mood to listen. Alas, he is dealing with people who will get their word in one way or another in their way. Case in point, Hyoudou Issei. One way or another, he will make Bazz listen to his stupid stories, no matter how hard he words it out to him that he does not care, and beating him up wouldn't serve any purpose because he is not a bully and justify Shitori's opinion on him.
"I don't know if I am getting mocked or praised here…" Bazz muttered under his breath before turning to the two and sighed "Gee, thanks for the useless input. Now, can I be left alone for a couple of hours? Because her boss" he pointed at Tsubaki "Wasted my sleep for nothing."
"Ha!" Tatsuki laughed "He listened not because he cared, he listened because he didn't get enough beauty sleep!" she noted and laughed "No wonder your reaction sucked this morning"
Tsubaki for her part, smiled, which weirded him out. Nonetheless, she bowed and said her goodbyes before going back to her seat. Leaving him with a laughing Tatsuki.
Bazz grumbled under his breath and leaned against the chair, for all intents and purpose, everything went by smoothly than it had any right to be. Too smoothly.
These past three days have been mind-numbingly hectic for him, most he had since he had to help Azazel with the Chimera problem last week but that one he didn't need to do much mental work except for fighting, which was easier done than he thought when he took the job. No, these past three days have been hectic for him mentally because once again he had to go overboard with his imagination and mental masturbate himself into having a sleepless night.
'I had my fill of shit these past few days more than anything for the last year…' he thought tiredly, leaning forward after noticing the instructor coming in the class 'Hell… it's been more action than I had back home…' he sighed, opening his bag and brought his textbook and notes. his first lesson is Calculus, not a subject that you can say good morning to.
'Fuck it… I am going to sleep after I get back home…' he let out a tired yawn and went to focusing the lesson in front of him… well, with whatever energy he has left if he doesn't fall asleep first.
It's going to be a long day…
{D&C)
~Issei Hyoudou~ Time: 03:45 PM
He slowly walked through the empty hallway of the academy, step by step he surveyed his surroundings for anyone nearby, or for… her.
He was coming close to the locker rooms, near the entrance, and where he can finally escape before she finds him. Peering into the next corner, he saw the locker room area empty, not a single soul around. He sighed, he took his time in coming down to make sure everyone or at least students weren't around to make his escape that much smoother.
'Now I could just get my shoes and make a blitz back to the clubhouse then I am home free!' he thought in preparation. Buchou has some tasks for him and this being his first day, he is not aiming to screw it up!
He surveyed the locker room for anything that might look out of place, people hiding in the corner, or worse… a raging black-haired woman who is out looking for him unsatisfied with the beating he got in the morning.
"Making sure the coast is clear?" said a feminine voice behind him.
Undeterred from the unexpected voice asking behind him, Hyoudou Issei answered her almost absentmindedly, his eyes still surveying the locker room "Yeah, I've been avoiding her since the morning after she came back in the morning... she handed our asses like a raging gorilla" he shuddered at the memory, it's been a while since he got his ass handed to him, and that is not counting at the fights he gets dragged into whenever one of the gangs decides to start one with Bazz.
Wait…
What's with the dark aura he is feeling behind him…?
"Oh… shit…" he realized much to his horror at the dread slowly creeping up to his very soul. Turning his head to see the very person he's been avoiding since morning.
Like a dark cloud hovering over him in human form, Tatsuki Arisawa glaring down at the hunched over Brunette like he is a walking plague. Behind her, someone sighed, sounding tired.
Bazz, who looked like he is close to falling asleep but by sheer willpower, he is keeping himself awake, walked by the two nonchalantly as Tatsuki quickly grabbed Issei by the neck.
Tatsuki Arisawa, no need for any reintroduction for Issei, for they have known each other since they were kids when they were neighbors. He remembered when they hanged out together with another kid, Irina Shido 'Always wondered whatever happened to the dude after he moved', and became the best of friends. While it was weird to be friends with a girl, even back then he had his… interests, but he has grown used to it eventually and saw her as a friend, a very scary friend who beats him up if he does something he shouldn't be doing when she is around.
Tatsuki had always been around to defend him against the local bullies, but she moved out of Kuoh a couple of years ago to another town nearby, only coming back two years ago, and she didn't change much in terms of appearance or personality.
Which made him realize why he fears her in the first place.
"TATSUKI! WAIT! I DIDN'T MEAN IT!" Issei begged, trying to escape to no avail. He even tried to use his newly acquired Devil powers to escape but Tatsuki had a vice grip like no other, and if Bazz couldn't take her, he is sure as hell couldn't!
"You little shit!" Tatsuki chided in venom as she held him in a headlock "First you peek the Kendo club last week! Then you peek in the swimming club!"
"That wasn't my fault! I was dragged into it!" Issei tried to explain but it fell to deaf ears "Bazz!" he called for the tall student, who is opening his locker and bringing out his boots, ignoring the two "You've gotta tell her! It wasn't my fault to peek through the hole! It was just…. Just there"
Bazz closed his locker with a loud thud, stomping his boot to make sure it's in, he turned to Issei with a dull expression before slugging his bag on his shoulder and made his way to the exit.
"Don't make me wait too long." Bazz grumbled before exiting, leaving the two behind.
"Don't worry," Tatsuki grinned, tightening her grip around his neck "It will only take a second"
"TRAITOR!" Issei shouted in hopelessness as Tatsuki began to get to work in 'disciplining' the young second-year "I WILL REMEMBER THIS! Herk-"
*5 Minutes later*
"What did I say about making me wait long?" Bazz complained as the two came out. Tatsuki was whistling a tone while Issei followed behind her, holding his swollen cheek as tears fell from his eyes.
'Holy shit… that hurt…' Issei grimaced in pain, not like he doesn't deserve it but Tatsuki sure doesn't hold back 'Useless Devil powers… at least it could have helped me in taking a punch…'
Issei has come to find out that even though he is now a reincarnated Devil (He needed to make sure to not mention it to Tatsuki, which took a lot of effort for him to keep it a secret) he should be strong, or at least stronger than the average human. His sense of hearing and sight can attest to that, his strength, however, as he has come to find out, is still abysmal. The punches from Tatsuki were still pretty painful but he has grown used to it by this point that even the Devil powers didn't factor as much as he had hoped for.
"Just wanted to teach the little perv here some manners," Tatsuki explained with a shrug, bringing both of her hands behind her head "Don't worry, I didn't go that hard."
Issei's eyes turned in shock at Tatsuki's statement, if she held back, just how much more pain would he be in if she didn't!
"I don't care if you beat him bloody." Bazz replied nonchalantly.
"Hey!" Issei complained as he followed the two behind "Could you at least pretend to care!" he asked in dismay.
Issei knew Bazz didn't mean it, but he can be very harsh and doesn't hold back if he becomes annoyed or pissed over something that might have affected him. But still… he could be more considerate with his words.
"What I care about is my time, and you two wasted it" complained the tall student as he took a step forward, already heading for the gate.
Tatsuki scoffed as she walked beside Bazz "Someone's crankier than usual, your time of the month?" Tatsuki asked in criticism.
"Shut it" he retorted with a warning tone.
"Uhmm…" the two turned to Issei, who flinched back, not expecting them to give him any attention "You two can go on ahead… I have something to do for today's club"
"Club?" Tatsuki raised an eyebrow "You? Joined a club?" she turned to Bazz "You knew about this?"
Bazz gave Tatsuki a tired look "Kid tells me more than enough with his personal life, so what do you think?" he asked, nodding at him with a knowing glance.
Issei did not tell this to Bazz, nor does he expect to do so any time soon, but he was glad that he was there with him when they went to the ORC building. If he wasn't there to make sure he gets it or give him some support, in the German's way of support, he might react differently, probably worse than being receptive after Bazz explained to him several things in the paranormal world as he and Buchou explained.
"Seriously?" Tatsuki turned to Issei, curious "Which club was dumb enough to get your stupid ass?"
"Hey! That's a compliment and you know it!"
Bazz massaged his forehead the instant those words came out of him, but Issei soldiered on.
"Just so you know, the Occult Research Club got my dumb ass" Issei revealed, beaming with pride, not bothered with Tatsuki calling him stupid. He knows his faults and he is not afraid to show it! "It's the first step before I get close to my dream to be the Harem King- OOOF!"
He got down on his knees in pain as he grabbed his stomach, Tatsuki just punched him to his gut the second he said his dream.
"Still with that stupid dream" Tatsuki glared at the groaning second year and sighed, turning to Bazz, she asked "Do I even have to ask how that happened? Like…" she pointed at the fallen second year "How did he of all people get into that club? Imagined only Gremory's favorites get to join" she asked, well aware of the reputation of the ORC that only people Gremory likes or at least is fond of can join her club. And even those are few in numbers.
"Long story… you can ask the kid about it if you care because I don't…" Bazz noted tiredly.
She shook her head before turning to Issei, giving him her hand to help him up.
"T-Thanks, Tatsuki…" said Issei through the pain "But… can you like… ease up with the punches?"
"Pfft, pussying out like grumpy here?" she asked, pointing at the foreign student, who responded with a glare in her direction "But hey, at least you are finally doing something over than being a perv" Tatsuki grinned and pat him on the shoulder.
Issei felt a sweat drop, not sure if she was complimenting him or insulting him.
"Anyway, see ya tomorrow, Issei. Take care to not make yourself look any stupider than usual" Tatsuki waved goodbye to the brunette.
Bazz for his part simply nodded in his direction and turned to the gate. Too tired to say any sort of goodbyes.
Issei kept waving at the two, with Tatsuki waving back while Bazz continued marching, head forward. After they were out of sight, Issei took a deep breath, feeling stupid (Bazz and Tatsuki would have laughed at him for admitting it) for trying to avoid Tatsuki and probably wasted precious time when he could be by now in the ORC club with Buchou, Akeno-san, and the others to indulge himself in his first day.
He was glad that Tatsuki did not press him for answers of his membership the ORC 'For now…' he shuddered, he wouldn't put it past her trying to ask him as to how he got into a club that is known for being impossible to join. Another thing he had to avoid talking about all day to everyone (raging from his parents, his fellow Perverted Trio, and now Tatsuki) is the supernatural and its existence. Buchou and Bazz stressed out that this whole thing must be kept under wraps, something to do with the balance and people not ready with the revelation that everything in history, religion, and in between is true.
Picking up his bag from the ground, which fell off after Tatsuki punched him. Issei turned back and headed to the ORC building. Buchou's promised him that he would be getting a rundown of what exactly they do.
'Better head there now,' he jogged, trying to reach there on time 'Maybe if I finish early, I can hang out with Asia!' he wondered, remembering how yesterday's little tour he did for Asia Argento around town. Mostly places he usually hangs around in, like the mall, the gaming store, the shrine temple he and his parents sometimes visit from time to time, and so on…
Eventually, he managed to find the Church Asia was supposed to be working at when she got the call. Which shocked him because he never knew there was a church in Kuoh until yesterday. The more you know, Issei thought.
The Church itself, as he has come to find out, is practically poisonous for him. Something to do with the building's very existence to be very protective of Devils. And sadly, he is one, a reincarnated Devil with the same weaknesses, making it impossible for him to get even get twenty feet before feeling an intense headache creeping into him.
'Good thing I told Asia to expect me late today,' thought Issei, seeing he is drawing closer to the ORC building, he hastened his pace 'I'll need to get Asia a phone…'
Today is going to be a long but hopeful day for Issei Hyoudou.
{D&C}
~Bazzard Black~ TIME: 07:30 PM
He can't sleep.
Turning his head to look at his clock beside his futon, he saw it was still five-thirty, an hour passed since he laid on the bed to sleep, but it felt more time has passed.
He continued turning and changing sleeping positions but nothing changed, he can keep his eyes close and relax but he is still awake no matter what.
"Fucking hell…" he muttered, facing the ceiling of his bedroom. The bedroom isn't that much to look at other than it being the only room in the apartment that is completely carpeted. The bedroom possesses a cabinet where he puts his clothes in, a hanger stand for his jackets, and lastly the futon he is using as a bed.
Yeah… he isn't exactly swimming in cash for the moment…
"Fuck this…" he got up, still tired but not enough for him to sleep. He looked back at the time and cursed under his breath, his brain has been trying to put him to sleep, and now it refuses to do what it wants the whole day just because he can't stop thinking.
Walking out of his bedroom, he headed to the bathroom to wash his face to freshen himself up. Splashing his face with cold water did little on his mind, he is still tired, still in pain, and still thinking over a lot of things.
'Azazel… the crows here… Shitori and Gremory… the Devils… the kid's Boosted Gear…' he listed over the important events he has come in contact with these past few days, a very eventful few days. But those events did not stress him out, no, something else is stressing him out, something that is… waiting in the dark.
'Something bad always follows me… no matter how far I go…'
He stared at his reflection, a few drops of water continued falling after washing his face. It's been a while since he looked at his appearance. At most he simply fixes his hair or brushes his teeth is when he uses the mirror. But to just look at himself? He has never done that without being disgusted with himself.
He took a deep breath and clenched his hands, focusing on a set of energy he hasn't used for a long time. Slowly, a blue pattern began to form, starting from his wrist before finishing at the tip of his fingers, tracing his veins beneath the surface of his skin but visible enough to the naked eyes.
Blut Vene
An old technique, one he hasn't used a long time 'With these hits I am getting from a bunch of crows… I'll have to dust up some old tricks…'
He exhaled and inhaled, letting the veins cover his arm completely as he slowly tried to control it-
"Shit!" he shouted in pain, like a sharp knife stabbing him on his chest. The blue veins dissipated, showing nothing but his skin and nothing underneath it. On impulse, his hand grabbed on his chest, the area where the pain is more intense.
Taking a deep breath, Bazz slowly lifted his shirt, it's been a long time since he has seen it, ever since that fateful day…
He stared at his bared chest, scars, some weren't healed right. The bandage on his shoulder was the most recent one, a new mark in the collection. His injuries all looked like knife wounds, some were from other instruments, weapons he could have avoided. But that is nothing compared to the most glaring one, the largest scar in his body.
Across his chest, and the most prominent wound among all of them was a large scar, ranged from his collar bone to his hip, diagonally shaped, dark red, not healed properly, will never be healed properly.
He clenched his free hand, breathing heavily for a moment before relaxing himself 'Feels fresh…' thought the German, staring at the scar across his chest with anger reserved for those who wronged him. No, this scar, among all the scars and wounds he has received, and there aren't many, was the most damming, evidence of what happened on that day.
Suddenly, a flash of memories flooded his mind, like a quick slideshow and it came in rapidly.
And violently.
"You serve his majesty's light!" said the man in a white cloak, his eyes hidden behind a set of circular glasses "Questioning him is an act of treason!"
He remembered hating this man's entire existence.
"I ain't complaining," said the black-haired girl, her eyes had a glint behind it, a glint of a killer "These people made their graves when they came to this place"
He remembered the bombs ringing his ears that day.
"We are his knights! We are the heroes of this story! We are the answer of peace against these villains" said the hulking mass of idiocy, his mask did not hate his hypocrisy.
"What?" asked the giant bearded man, aiming an energy weapon, going for an overkill "Got cold feet in killing a couple of trash? Watch me, I'll show you how it is done"
He remembered the shame that has brought him that day.
"I am sorry…" confessed the blond-haired man who he once considered to be his frien-
"STOP!"
He shouted, trying to calm himself down. The memories that washed at him with just the usage of his powers, even for a little, made his mind go haywire. Like a bad nightmare coming at him. He never had a decent sleep for a long time unless he tires himself, and right now these memories give him one defining answer, an answer he does not like hearing…
'It's been two years… and I am not any closer to moving on…'
From the water traces that lingered on his face, they evaporated the moment he cried out the memories to stop, and the fog began coming out of his body, he took a deep breath and unclenched his hands.
He got out of the bathroom, drying his face after washing once more to freshen up and calm himself. Bazz walked into the dark living room, calm stillness ruled his apartment. He never had any visitors come over, not even Azazel. He picked up the apartment because it was cheap and the building owner did not ask any unnecessary questions he might not like answering so that's a plus.
*KNOCK*
*KNOCK*
*KNOCK*
Bazz swiveled his head immediately to the door as rapid knockings came out of it. He felt a dread creep into his soul, a feeling he hasn't felt since he arrived in Japan.
No one knows where he lives, and the only other person he speaks to is the building owner and he made sure to keep up with the monthly payments. No, this was different, the knocks were strong, not soft, not the kind your neighbor would knock if they want to meet you or give you a cookie.
He slowly walked up the door, hands clenched and mindfully awake. Bazz silently came close to the door and waited, the knocking stopped for a few seconds before it resumed.
"Alright motherfucker…" Bazz muttered under his breath as he slowly tried to open the door, removing the chain lock before grabbing the key "I'll give you a noise-"
"BAZZ! IT'S ME!" A voice shouted from the other side of the door, and his eyes widened in shock.
That was Hyoudou Issei's voice.
His mind raced, how did he know where he lived? Was it Gremory? Or Shitori? He wouldn't be shocked to hear that those two must have tried to keep tabs on him. Or maybe it was a ruse? Someone disguising themselves as Issei? He knows people who can do that sort of thing, people he would rather be as far away as possible.
"PLEASE BAZZ! IT'S ABOUT ASIA! SHE IS IN TROUBLE!"
It felt like his fingers moved on their own, turning the key to unlock the door. Bazz opened the door hastily and came face to face to Hyoudou Issei, a wounded Hyoudou Issei.
Leaning against the frame, Issei breathed heavily as his head wound continued bleeding. Issei looked like he ran in a marathon at high speed on his feet, but one that was desperate and serious.
"Asia…" he heaved slowly, catching his breath and trying to get a word out as he took a step forward "Asia is... she is in trouble!"
The knife fell at the side as Bazz quickly caught Issei before he fell, fatigued and bleeding in the head.
"Cool it… cool it…" said Bazz calmly, dragging Issei into the sofa and prompting him to sit "Alright. I want you to take a breather and calm down"
"I…" Issei took another deep breath "I… I can't leave her…"
"You won't… now sit and calm down, I'll get you something to drink and take care of that head wound"
Something within Bazz's soul suddenly acted on instinct, remembering the brunette's bloody corpse back in the park, remembering all those people back in Germany…
Ten minutes later…
"And that's what happened." Issei finished his explanation, drinking a bottle of water Bazz gave him. He winched after trying to move his head, his wrapped up head that Bazz helped to make.
'Whoever thought stitching yourself up can give you practice…'
Issei explained to him everything that has happened to him in the past hour. He accepted a job that was given to Gremory's crew, something to do with some tasks or wishes people or clients ask them. jobs can range from mundane ones like helping out some guy who is into anime (Issei explained to him an example he was given) or a serious one like Stray Devil hunts. Each member of a Devil Peerages has these tasks as a way to help not only the group they represent but also granting them several clients for their personal gain, like a promotion. This sounds like a slow process but it gets some of the grunts something to do.
"And this priest showed up in your client's place?" Bazz asked, trying to summarize his explanation. Forgetting to even ask him how he found him "With Argento helping him?"
"She wasn't helping him" Issei corrected him, sounding angry at Bazz for suggesting it "Asia was trying to stop the guy from doing any more damage" he explained "He was… the old guy I was supposed to help wasn't a Devil! He just wanted me to help him in taking care of his cat!" he clenched his fist in anger of the memory "And now… now the old guy is dead… because I wasn't strong enough to protect him..."
Bazz can see it is bothering him, the guy who hired him didn't think anything would happen if he asked a Devil for a mundane task. These days Devils no longer deal with humans with their souls, so that's a positive. But some will not see it that way.
"What happened to Argento?" Bazz asked, trying to steer Issei away from the memory.
"She…" he grimaced at the memory, putting his hand on his bandaged up head "The priest almost killed me when I tried to stop him but Asia… she begged him to not do it… promising she will do anything for him in exchange for my life" his hands tightened on the bottle, and on unconscious command, his Boosted Gear appeared in its full form. "The priest... Father Freed she called him… the bastard," Issei spat in anger "He was laughing at her… like… it was just a joke to him… a sick joke…"
Bazz stayed quiet as he listened to the teen, leaning against the wall.
"But… before I could do anything Kiba and Koneko-chan saved me… teleported me back to the club," said the teen, even though his fellow peerage members saving him, Issei did not sound appreciative or at least, especially when he was this close to Argento "He threatened her… Bazz…" he greeted his teeth "The way he laughed at her when she tried to save me… the way he looked at her… the way he touched her… he promised to… to… to…"
In his anger at the memory, Issei crushed the battle with his hand, spraying water everywhere. Bazz did not say anything about the mess, he understood what the Boosted Gear user was going through, the anger, and the inability to help someone you care from danger.
Bazz, who has been leaning against the wall, got off of it and walked close to the glass door that led to the balcony. Staring out into the town ahead, the sun is starting to set. It won't be long before nighttime hits and everyone is in their homes.
"And you came to me because?" asked Bazz "From the sound of it you want to save the little priestess but you came here instead" he turned to Issei with a look "You can ask your boss for help and she would have probably done so"
Issei blinked, not expecting Bazz to ask that kind of question (even if it was the most obvious), before rubbing his neck, uncomfortable all of the sudden.
Bazz's eyes narrowed "You didn't even ask her?"
"She wasn't there for me to ask her!" Issei explained "Both she and Akeno-san were out on a job and I…" he murmured, stopping his explanation after realizing how futile it is. His head turned downward, looking ashamed or disappointed with himself "I just… I wanted to save her I couldn't think of anything else… and I wanted someone to help me" he looked up and turned to Bazz "I just… I just came here… because I wanted your help. I don't feel Asia is safe in that church, and I know I can't take the guy on without any help"
Bazz sighed, rubbing his forehead, feeling the fatigue coming back to him. Issei never once asked him for anything, except for homework or lessons he might not understand in school. But never for these types of circumstances 'Well… not normal circumstances,' not even when some gangs come by to threaten him just because he hanged out with Bazz, but he never asked Bazz to help this urgently.
And now, here he is, practically begging him to help him.
And he did not need to do so.
For he had made his decision the moment Issei revealed Argento is in trouble.
"Where is the Church?" Bazz asked, still staring at the town ahead. He was shocked to hear that there was an actual church in town. Bazz thought Kuoh Town had only temples and shrines for the Shintos, but the existence of an old church building seems to indicate this town was at one point followers of the Church.
A church that, according to Issei, just started to operate a few weeks back, the same time frame when he started to sense the Fallen Angels when they first came to town.
And now, a priest is in the area? One that he suspects neither Gremory nor Shitori knew about. Even though Japan is Shinto turf. There are areas where other factions can lay claim on it, and Kuoh Town is Devil territory, with permission from the Shintos. Nothing comes in or out without one of them knowing it. Remembering his conversation with Gremory back in the park about knowing that there were Fallen Angels in the area. And Devils usually leave them be unless a dispute arises.
But a priest? That's different. A priest means the Church, as in Heaven, as in the Devils' greatest enemies and rivals, as in Archangel Michael showing up to smite all of them. A Priest showing up in a Devil-owned territory unannounced, or hell, any member of the Church showing up in a Devil turf would only mean bad stuff follows or they follow it.
"Uhmm…" Issei scratched his chin in thought, trying to remember "I think it's on the other side of town? In the east? There aren't that many people over there except the old folks from what I've seen"
"Hmm… perfect place…" Bazz noted before walking back to the hallway.
"Perfect place?" Issei asked, puzzled "What do you mean by perfect place?"
Issei heard a door closing and the sound of it being locked. Bazz came back out carrying what seems to be a black duffle bag, browsing through its contents for a quick look, he nodded after seeing everything is in place and turned back to Issei.
"You told me earlier of Asia when she healed you yesterday after you hurt yourself from falling"
Issei flinched, from Bazz's tone, he can sense the disappointment coming from him.
"You didn't have to make it sound like it's my fault for falling…"
"Because it is," Bazz noted bluntly "But her powers, when she healed you, did you feel anything?"
"What do you mean?"
"As in negative reactions to her spells."
"Negative reactions?" Issei tilted his head in thought before shaking his head "Nope, nothing. I felt even better than before my fall!"
After Bazz left them back at the burger shop and Issei showed Asia around town as mentioned. Issei somehow fell from a couple of stairs after they finished touring around the shrine temple. Which of course, hurt the kid. But Asia, with the kindness of her heart, too kind, helped Issei by healing him with powers, actual powers.
Now, it's not odd to see a member of the church to know a few healing spells, after all the Church Sisters' main duty is healing. But what truly caught his attention is that her healing powers healed a Devil. Without any consequences or after effect.
You see, healing spells are generally holy based powers, almost ninety-nine percent of spells are holy based or blessed in some form or fashion, so it's like putting poison into a Devil when using a healing spell. It is why Demonic spells don't exactly have healing based magic except for potions or elixirs, Devils have regenerative healing but it is not as effective as someone explains it. Only potions and elixirs like Phoenix bottles are one of the ways a Devil can heal quickly.
Which made it very alarming that Asia, a member of the Church, has healing spells that can heal Devils without any backlash.
'Someone wanted Argento here…in this town…'
Bazz looked back at Issei and noticed him thinking over something, and Issei Hyoudou thinking over something is alarming enough.
"Got anyone else who can help you in this rescue mission?" Bazz asked "Because we would need a lot more than just you and me" he pointed at the Boosted Gear "And you ain't ready to use that thing full potential, so we need as much backup as we can"
"Hey! You don't have to make it sound like I am useless!" he raised his boosted gear "I can handle myself in a fight too!"
Bazz scoffed but said nothing. It is true, Issei had his hand full of fights whenever a couple of delinquents decided to pick a fight with him. Issei for reasons still bugging Bazz (despite his best effort in telling him to not get involved) got involved in his fights, and almost always got his ass kicked.
So yeah, the kid has the experience, if you count getting your ass kicked an experience.
As Issei dialed on his phone, Bazz went back to his room to quickly change, and by the time he came out, he changed to a casual attire which consisted of a white long shirt with a black vest over it and black pants.
"Called your backup?" he asked, which earned him a nod from Issei "Good" he turned back to the balcony for a moment, staring out into the buildings ahead. He turned back to Issei and asked: "How good is your flying with your bat wings?"
"My… flying?" Issei asked, confused.
"I'll take that as a no." He shook his head before proceeding to open the door that window that led to the balcony, letting the wind wash over his face as he stared into the town horizon. The moon's pale light shined high above. He turned to Issei, giving him a wide grin "Nothing like learning under pressure."
At first, Issei was giving him a bewildered look, staring at him before turning to the town ahead, realizing what he is supposed to do. His eyes turned, going from a confused lost deer into a focused and eager man. Eyes of a man willing to risk his life to save his princess.
"Wait," Issei stopped him "I know I can fly but how about you? You said you didn't have a Sacred Gear?"
"I don't," he cracked his neck and clicked his boots together "And I ain't flying, I am walking."
Like an old muscle only now he decided to move, feeling the soreness, the rust, the spirit essence he hasn't used for two years.
His powers.
He knew that using it would trigger his chest wound and it did, like an old wound opening up but he ignored it, it took a lot of him to fight off the pain and focus it into his powers.
He sensed the spirit particles, for once he is using it more than trying to create arrows or sense other supernatural presence around town. Instead, he diverting it to his entire body, like Blut Vene earlier. And like that technique, he feels the pain on his chest intensifying, but he ignored it, with every fiber of his being he ignored it and marched on.
From his feet, a small blue fire began to form…
Hirenkyaku
{END}
Author Note:
Finally got this one out!
As you guys have noticed, I've changed the rating to mature because of the swearing that is happening and the fights I have planned because of how brutal they would be, hope you guys don't mind the change!
Originally this was a much longer chapter, like 24k of one chapter, with the fight to save Asia to be happening in this one, but I felt that would an overkill and I felt I didn't do a great job in writing that one, so I decided to split in half. The build-up then the fight next chapter! Good thing too which would give me time to make the second part better and enjoyable for you guys.
Also, yes, Tatsuki is in this one, one of the most underrated characters in Bleach will finally get some shine on! I did mention this was a merge universe, which meant characters from Bleach will appear in some form or fashion, and she is just one of the many who will be part of this journey!
Take a guess who will be coming next, I even made the planned arcs in my main profile for what to expect! One of the arcs hints a bit for what's to come and I hope you guys can see what I have in store!
Other than that, thanks for reading, and see you all in the second part! Which should be this week!
Stay safe everyone and stay healthy!
And remember, constructive criticism is always welcomed.
