Volume 1 - Chapter 3

The next week brings with it some changes, though it feels mostly the same. Though, if not for the number of eyes on her, she'd be much more relaxed - she doesn't complain, nor does she blame them. Other than that, does a stable life feel like this?

Is it truly this boring?

A yawn bubbles out as she scrolls through the news at the store's counter - it's the middle of the night and no sign of customers. Why can't Japan follow other countries, where convenience stores close at reasonable times? She sighs.

At least she's getting paid. The opening of the door brings her out of her thoughts as a man walks in, perhaps to buy alcohol.

Her mind goes to that meeting not long ago.

Asia sits on the lone chair as the Gremory peerage all but surrounds her - Rias Gremory sits on the opposite couch as her servants either stand or sit around her. They'd moved her here - the other building would've been too public...

Gremory had felt the stray devil's demonic magic and had decided to investigate. They'd arrived too late to encounter the stray, yet early enough to spot her. It's been a minute and Rias Gremory has done little else than to stare.

Asia fidgets with her hands and licks her teeth.

"Why didn't you just tell us you were a vampire?" Gremory starts speaking, her voice deathly serious and leaving no place for jokes. She narrows her eyes and holds the bridge of her nose, "Those should have been one of your first words." A sigh, "Explain."

Asia looks down and takes a deep breath, "Usually, if people know I'm a vampire - they send exorcists or hunters after me." She slowly moves her head up, "I deal with the exorcists and run from the hunters. I…" erase all evidence "No one dies."

"I see." Gremory comments. She glances at her peerage for their opinion.

"That still doesn't explain why you'd lie about being from the Church." the blond, Kiba, holds his chin. He narrows his eyes as his expression faintly changes to that of disgust. "Last I heard, the Church will take out any non-human they can - much like how we treat most of our strays." He lets out a breath as his expression is replaced by his usual one. "I understand lying to humans, but devils?"

"I was scared, and this was the first time I'd met a devil overseeing an area, well, an area without a functioning church at least."

"Cut her some slack, Yuuto - she did deal with that stray on her own." Himejima teases, then places a cup of tea in front of Asia and faces her, "There is a reason we attack them as a group, after all. Well, It's clear you made her suffer before going for the kill - you have my approval." she giggles as a sweet smile settles on her face.

Asia nods, not wanting to admit she would've gone for the kill had she been given the chance. She glances at the remaining peerage member, Toujo, who simply stares at her with a calculative look in her eyes.

"As Akeno said, good job on dealing with that stray - you noticed her much sooner than we would have and saved several lives - even though you stole from them." Gremory comments with thinly veiled disgust on her actions. "That said, what are you doing about blood? About your urges as a vampire?"

Asia eyes the floor, hoping Gremory wouldn't see through her. She takes a breath, "I… I've always stolen some from hospitals. I was thinking of doing the same here." She closes her eyes for a bit and continues, "I pretend to be a doctor."

Gremory sighs - it's one of relief, "Akeno, give us the vampire registration form please?" She smiles at the other woman before looking over to Asia. "That's... nice to hear. Now, what have you been doing about weapons and funds? I doubt you're allowed to buy bullets, legally at least. Have you always stolen to get by?"

Himejima places the registration form on the table and Asia takes a sip to calm herself. It demands her information, from the expected, such as name and address to the more complex like her preferred blood type, when she craves blood, and the like. It's when Gremory taps her foot does Asia realise she hasn't answered. "Ah, sorry! I have savings for both. For the money, I-I try to find some odd jobs and… well, I steal when I have to, like what you saw." She quickly speaks, "As for bullets, they're…" taken off of corpses that won't need them. "Old. I don't remember when I got them."

Asia gulps down the rest of the tea - wincing as its heat travels down her throat. She places the empty cup down and it is quickly replaced by a pen. Gremory nods, "I see, well, I hope you look for an actual job after this. I'm not letting Kuoh's residents be robbed, at least from forces out of their control. A night shift will do. Now, have you bitten someone in Kuoh? You may fill in the form."

Asia shakes her head, "I won't have to. My medicine helps with the urges and keeps my body working. I've only drunk that Stray's blood and well, it's never caused a problem before." She starts filling in the form after thinking of what she'll write.

Her sheet and pen are collected by Kiba, who hands them to Gremory. The overseer carefully reads and pockets it as a small smile settles on her face.

"So, Argento, since we know you're a Vampire - we'll be keeping an eye on you. Alert us the moment you decide to go after a stray, be it, devil or exorcist. Can't have humans walking in, now do we?" Gremory's tone is not as serious as before, holding some amusement. "I hope you keep this meeting in mind, we'll take care of your blood but you'll have to look for work yourself."

Asia stares, "That's it?" she breathes out before realizing they heard. Noticing their looks, she shakes her head and bows, "I mean, thank you for your kindness." Best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

"That said…" her tone changes to something more soft and cautious. "I do have a request, a personal one, that is." Her peerage looks to her in question, surprise on their faces. She assures them with a nod.

"But Rias…" Himejima starts speaking, "It might be too risky."

"Trust me on this, Akeno," Gremory speaks, her smile quelling their worry. She looks at Asia, "You're not the first Vampire we've met, and honestly? You've been quite nice, considering how most others of your species act. I was wondering if you could help us with someone."

Asia blinks, trying to discern her intent. She already has what she needs; blood, money, and a place she won't have to change. "What do I get out of it?" she says, aware that these beings have the power to end her. She could decline, of course, but it never hurts to listen.

"You'll have all past reports on stray devils and we'll keep an eye out for your stray exorcist."

"I'll do it." Asia answers immediately - help's always nice. It shouldn't be that hard, she knows her limits and other vampires probably have the same - perhaps they don't even use conventional weapons. "Where are they and when do you need them taken out?" she asks, a predatory glint in her eyes.

The temperature in the room plummets as Gremory narrows her eyes. Her eyes glow as she glares before it is diffused with a sigh. A look around the room brings the temperature back up. "We don't want him dead. He's a part of my fa-my peerage after all." A few seconds pass before she regains control. "Before I can tell you anything else, know that it won't do you any good if you betray us."

Asia looks off to the side and purses her lips. Of course, her first instinct had been to attack, to kill. A part of her whispers that she's not so much different from him and... well, Asia can't help but agree. She sighs, looks at Gremory, and lowers her gaze. "I apologize for being hasty. You've not only accepted me but are also supplying me - I won't."

Gremory smiles and leans back, her smile replaced by a frown. "Good. Gasper doesn't like meeting new people and prefers to stay in his room. We don't want him to leave if he doesn't want to, but I'd rather him be prepared to leave if he has to. He's had a rough life and-"

"I'll help." The words leave Asia before Gremory even finishes, and Asia doesn't care if she's being disrespectful. A room protects one, especially from horrors outside its walls. She understands… Yet, those walls also hold one back. Asia takes a deep breath.

Someone who understood went a long way.

Gremory narrows her eyes, but her glare soon falters, "Good. You may leave. Come back here as soon as you can, after getting a job."

Asia furrows her brows, "Why not today? It shouldn't take that long."

"You smell like blood and death." Toujou comments from the side, her face scrunched up. "He'll be scared."

For some reason, pride blooms in her stomach - she crushes that feeling. Her expression changes to that of confusion. He'll be scared… of blood? That's - vampires shouldn't be scared of blood, they need it to live! She lets out a sigh once she excuses herself out. So far, this… Gasper's been an oddity. A part of her feels excited to pull apart this puzzle, while another part is more cautious. What if this is just a trap?

She shakes off that thought, knowing that if the devils wanted to get rid of her, they would've simply done so. Her mind goes to her opinion of Rias Gremory… naive? Too trusting? No, she's simply kind, yet powerful enough in case someone means harm. A sigh bubbles out of her lips, transforming into a yawn.

She eyes the time on her phone.

As the man leaves, Asia diffuses. Dealing with that guy had been something, 'Always smile! And make sure the customer is satisfied!' - Gee, thanks Manager, not like you have to deal with them. She lets out a sigh and checks the time.

Still a few hours left.

The door opens and she straightens up. Asia gives the customer, an attractive young woman of vaguely Western descent, a standard greeting. The young woman, her hair silky black, smiles at her before shopping for her groceries. No words are shared between the two until she arrives at the counter with her stuff.

"I actually thought what they said about Japan having 24/7 convenience stores was a myth." The young woman snorts, speaking in perfect English. She looks away for a second before her smile becomes sheepish, "Sorry, I just moved here. Everything's a bit new here."

"Ah, I get that." Asia smiles as she starts scanning her groceries. "I actually forgot my dictionary when I first entered the town. I didn't even know good Japanese." she grimaces at her past before handing the customer the receipt.

The customer lets out giggles, smooth and sweet. "Man, that sounds rough. I'm half-Japanese, but my father didn't let me move until I proved I'd be fine." she rolls her eyes as she retrieves the required amount from her purse. "I had to take a test and everything." she laments as she hands Asia the amount.

Asia gratefully accepts and nods, "Sounds like a kind father."

"He's overprotective."

"Same thing, same thing."

The customer sighs and turns around. "Maybe." she shrugs as she leaves the store, her groceries in hand. Asia sighs, now alone within the store once more. She checks her phone.

Yep, still a few hours left in her shift.

The more days pass, the more restless she grows. Meeting Gasper would be the first time she'll be able to talk with another vampire, at least without one trying to kill the other.

Thankfully, the young woman - who later introduced herself as Amano Yuuma, turned out to be a repeat customer. Without her rants about her new job and co-workers, Asia would've gone mad. Inherited business, she said.

Asia decides against giving advice, content in hearing words and seeing her annoyance. Unfortunately, she never shops for too long. Perhaps, she's just as bored as Asia.

The words of her co-worker drag her out of it and after thanking him, she walks out while carrying her umbrella. Early morning or not, the sun is dangerous. She stumbles home, tired. Before she can unlock the door, her eyes fall onto the package below.

It's almost freezing to the touch. She takes a sniff, smiles, and brings the blood inside. A ping goes off on her phone and she stills.

Best take care of the meeting as well as she can.

The sun dips a bit too quickly.

Asia stands outside Gremory's base and licks her teeth.

Breath In. Breath Out.

The clock strikes ten and she gives the door a hesitant knock. Himejima opens the door and smiles when she sees it's just her. As usual, Rias Gremory sits at the sofa, elegantly drinking tea.

"Welcome, Argento." Gremory smiles as she sets down her tea. "I'm guessing you got yourself a job, is it why you took so long?"

Asia nods, "Thank you for the blood, I received the package this morning." She decides against asking where it's from - it would be too disrespectful.

Gremory smiles, "Good. Well, let's get straight to the point." She stands up and nods at Himejima. "Follow us, he's on the first floor."

The building is old, but not neglected. She is led past the abandoned classrooms and to the student dorms in the back. "We're here," Gremory speaks, as she stands at the door with her queen. Asia purses her lips and stares.

The door is covered with hazard tape, large stickers labelled "KEEP OUT" and many painted seals.

She gulps. Was this one too dangerous?

Gremory notices her expression and smiles. Does she find this amusing?

She knocks twice on the door and speaks, her voice quiet and soothing. "Gasper, are you awake?"

She hears shuffling behind the door and his muffled footsteps as the other vampire nears the door. He breathes before speaking, "Y-Yes, I was just about to go to sleep."

Asia narrows her eyes. A vampire, sleeping at night... Was his biological clock that affected?

"Remember what I told you a few days ago?"

"About the person wanting to talk to me?" He sounds cautious, afraid. "They're… They aren't here, are they?"

Asia clears her throat and hears him freeze up. "Gremory told me about you. I… I know you're a vampire." She tries her best to sound approachable, but can't tell. "I wanted to talk to you as I've not talked to another one of my own before."

A whine bubbles out of him, "Why did you tell her?" he asks and she hears his back hit the carpeted floor. "Wait… 'another one of my own'? A-Are you a vampire?"

"Yes," Asia speaks, nodding. "I'm a pureblood that was adopted by humans." It's not really a lie, more of a half-truth than anything else. "I grew up sheltered and well… Here I am."

"P-Pureblood!" Gasper exclaims, she hears him back up. "You're too nice to be one!"

Asia giggles, "I don't know, you're the only other vampire I've met." A sigh and her lips curve into a smile. "Thanks for the compliment… but I wanted to know more about you." Her voice is soft yet cautious.

She hates that it sounds like his.

"I-"

A sound goes off within the room and she hears the other vampire stand up, "I've something to do… Sorry!" She hears him run away as Gremory lets out a sigh. Beside her, Himejima shrugs while offering a smile.

With the meeting still on her mind the next day, Asia takes the usual path to the store. Though, before she can step into the district, the feeling hits her. It's strong and almost makes her gag. Whatever it is… Her mind tells her to avoid it, yet her gut tells her to investigate. She sighs.

She trusts her gut. A quick message alerts her co-worker that she'll be a little late.

Luckily, the feeling dies down as she nears the 'source'. It's a park she's a little familiar with, where many people gather. It's odd, it's empty at this time, when people should still be present. Right now, it's empty except for herself and…

The two people by the fountain.

"Will you die for me?"

Asia bolts into action as soon as the woman sprouts wings. Her shot breaks the fragile silence - the next moment, the fallen angel's hand drips crimson. A snarl, and a spear of light is thrown her way.

Asia jumps to the side, barely avoiding death. Her hiss transforms into a scream as the spear eats away at her arm, it doesn't touch the bones. She pants as she stands in front of the human, protectively. Perhaps it's her wanting to play the hero.

Perhaps it's her thirsting for blood right from the source.

Their eyes connect and -

"The cashier?"

"Amano?"

There floats Amano Yuuma, her dark wings flowing behind her. She's as shocked as she is, perhaps more. Black leather extends from within her sleeves and wraps up her hand, seals her wound.

Asia glances behind her and gasps.

"Asia?" Issei speaks, having fallen in shock and staring at Amano through the hole in her arm.

Her arm, a part's missing - cauterized from the heat. She stumbles, but stops herself from falling. "What… What is this?" she asks the fallen angel, hoping she'd answer, hoping she'll buy enough time to escape.

Amano, to her credit, looks guilty, albeit only a little. Her hand rests by her side, blood dripping from between the dark material. A breath leaves her as she lowers, her feet touch the ground with a tap. "How are you here, cashier? My barrier should've kept every other human out." Realisation dawns on her, "Unless…"

"Wait, wait, what's going on!?" Issei exclaims out, crawling away from them a little. It takes him a moment to find his footing, but he does so and points at Asia and the Amano. "Asia, your arm! Where's that gun and - Yuuma, what?!"

Amano sighs, "I don't know how you're standing here or how you managed able to cross my barrier but step out of my way." Her eyes start glowing, "Issei Hyoudou is my target and I'd rather not cause collateral damage." The black material from before stretches beneath her clothes before they tear off to show her erotic armour.

"Target! Wh-Why?" The thought hits Issei and he hides behind Asia, treating her more wall than anything else. Her nose picks up blood from behind, yet she dares not to show her back to the opponent.

The fallen angel blinks, "That… is classified. Look, just let me kill you and we can get this over with." Her eyes flick over to Asia, "Cashier, step away and no harm will befall you. Of course, I'll gladly kill you for stepping in my way." She starts glaring as a light spear appears in her arms, "This is my first lax job in years and I'm not letting a kid ruin it!"

"What about our dates!" Issei exclaims, surprising them. "Did they mean nothing to you?" His voice carries hurt and betrayal. Asia grimaces, her arm hurts too much to use and she'll only get one shot. Her revolver manifests in her left sleeve.

Amano's cackle brings her out of her stupor. "The dates? Sure, they were nice but you're still a child! There's no way they actually meant something." She calms down, "Look, just stand there and I'll be sure to kill you painlessly."

Instead of the revolver, something else comes to mind. Shadows mould in her arm and Yuuma prepares to throw, to impale them with one spear.

Aiming would've taken too much time.

"We need a strong devil for protection!" Asia shouts and the paper burns to ash.

The spear cuts through the air, only to be deflected towards a tree. The black-haired devil stands before them, a pair of bat wings extending out of her back. "Fallen, how dare you try to cause discourse?" Himejima speaks as a magic circle alights in the palm of her hand.

Amano gasps, tries to fly away - only to be blocked by a bolt of lightning.

Himejima takes a step forwards, the magic circle glowing brighter. She hums before pointing at the fallen angel, "Death is a mercy for beings like you."

A part of Asia is relieved, but another part bubbles up and forces her to move. She'd been a monster once… at least that's what everyone said when she followed her heart.

"Please let her leave, Himejima!" she speaks, stepping between the two and forcing both to abandon their attacks. Amano doesn't lower, nor does she backstab Asia. Himejima merely narrows her eyes.

"And why should I do that?" Himejima's voice is crisp and to-the-point as if she wants to kill her on her own terms.

"Why?" Amano asks as well, still in the air, "Not that I'm complaining, but why?"

"I…" Asia tries to think of a reason, but… Well, it would be rude to admit that the fallen angel could be useful in the future. After all, a monster can be a weapon if taken care of. "She's one of my customers."

Himejima lets out a sigh, her hand still pointed at the fallen angel. "That… That's it? You know it wouldn't be a shame if something happened to her…" Himejima trails off. "But very well." She clenches her other fist and smiles, "Miss Fallen Angel, we will be keeping a close eye on you and your friends, no matter how much you run."

The fallen angel behind her gulps before speaking, "Argento. I… Thank you." her voice is quiet and her expression mysterious as Asia faces her, "A life for a life, remember that."

She flies off without any other incident, leaving the three of them alone. Himejima faces Asia and smiles, one less strained than before. "Now, let's discuss payment. Shall we?"

"Wait, what is going on!" Issei speaks and Asia sighs. Himejima giggles.

"It's… It's a long story."

The Vatican

A young woman sits at a desk, a steaming cup of coffee by her side as she scrolls through familiar news reports. She parts her lips, takes a sip, and refreshes the page. Nothing still? She sighs. It's been far too calm for her - she knows it's a good thing, but still. Vampires and other creatures could cause much harm in little time, after all.

You chose this for yourself, for answers. She whispers to herself as she closes her eyes.

A ping drags her attention back and she accepts without checking what it is. Her lips curve into a thin smile, half criticizing herself for still being too hasty. A sigh and she opens the report. Japanese shines on her the moment the link opens. A moment passes as she composes herself, as she crushes the bubbling hope inside of her.

The page is automatically translated and she lets out a breath. Her eyes skim through the comments, most of them about a creepy yet beautiful blonde walking around after midnight, yet never appearing in the morning.

Anticipation grows as Xenovia takes in her face and hair.

It's all the same.

"It's been quite a while, hasn't it?" - A predatory glint alights in her eyes before it's snuffed out by the location.

Kuoh.

A shaky breath exits her lips as she grips her necklace.

Five years ago, Hildegard Quarta had lost her life to an unfortunate and tragic event.

Five years later, Xenovia Quarta would finally find out why.

Back then, she'd denied the accusations towards the Church. Now, she knew that Hildegard Quarta's death would forever remain as one of the skeletons the Church kept in its closet.

Unless she acted.

A curse almost leaves her as the door behind her opens. She closes the laptop screen - can't have her sharing confidential information after all (at least officially). Her roommate lets out a loud yawn as she flips on the lights, almost blinding her for a moment. With a hum, she wraps her arms around her from behind, "Still working?"

Xenovia exaggerates her nod, "Shower, you're far too sweaty. Besides, I'm almost done." - 'Will be investigating the Kuoh Incident', she whispers.

Her partner groans and heads to their bathroom - Xenovia can't quite tell if it's about going to Kuoh without her or about being forced to let go.

The screen lights up once more. Anticipation growing, she books her fight and enters her name and occupation.

Quarta, Xenovia - Hunter

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AN: Here's Chapter 3, and once again - sorry for posting this late. This chapter is also the end of Volume 1, with Volume 2 bringing in Xenovia - as you can see. Volume 2 may or may not end with the Kuoh arc of this story... It all depends on how much I'll write. If not Volume 2, then Volume 3.

Anyways, here's the review answer:

Tyrant Overlord Killidia - Who knows? :)

Thank you for reading this chapter. Constructive criticism and reviews are welcome.