Sona took a seat on his zabuton, in front of the chabudai. Waiting patiently in Jou's room. Jou stood in the other room with Asagi. "Why are you bringing so many girls around the house recently? Are you trying to make your old lady jealous"? Asagi looked up at Jou with her big, green, pouty eyes. Jou chuckled a bit.
"C'mon, you're not old. You're fifteen years older than me. Besides, she's just here to tutor me, and help me out with my homework".
"Well as long as it's just homework…Still why do you have to keep the door closed"?
"I just like privacy. There's nothing to it. Look mom, you're always going to be my number one lady".
Asagi with an embarrassed look on her face said, "Okay, I'll let you off the hook this one time, but you'll have to warn me whenever you have women over beforehand". She couldn't believe her own son had this much of an effect on her by just speaking. He's just a highschool kid and she's an adult woman. She had to get it together!
Jou left Asagi's room, and walked through the pitch black hallways. The perks of having devil night vision. He opened his door to see Sona sitting there for him. "Sorry for the wait. Now we can finally get started". Jou took his zabuton and sat next to Sona, so they were side-by-side.
"Guess it's time for some homework", Jou in jest pulled out a geography book. As Jou opened it, Sona placed her hand on his hand and closed it. "Very funny Jou, but we both know I'm not here for homework".
"Why are you here exactly? I thought your friend was supposed to contact me".
"Well after thinking about it, I figured you needed a more personal meeting. We've never got a chance to just talk casually".
After reading Sona's facial expression, he realized she wanted to hear about his intentions. "Why? You worried about Rias"?
"Um.." Sona darted her eyes away quickly. "I did talk to her, yes. However, that was just the start. I'm just curious about you".
Jou reached into a drawer and pulled out a lighter, a bag of bud, and some paper. "Sona, i intend to break away from Rias' peerage at some point".
"W-What!" Sona couldn't believe what she just heard. The sheer level of audaciousness and outrageousness completely caught her off guard. And the worst part, Jou wasn't even looking at her. He was too busy rolling up some weed as if it was a normal and everyday occurrence.
"Are you an idiot or something"? To Sona there were a million reasons why Jou should never break away from any peerage, let alone Rias' team. Her brain rushed with too many thoughts, she found herself unable to say anything. Just flabbergasted, waiting for him to say, "I'm kidding" and laugh it off.
"Maybe so, but I gotta do what I believe in".
"You know you'll be a stray, and Rias will have to hunt you down right?"
Jou finished rolling the paper. He put it in his mouth and lit the opposing end.
"Hopefully it won't have to come to that. If I can find a way for her to just release me, then I'll take it". Jou looked at Sona dead in the eyes. "Still, if I become a stray, I'll walk that path".
Sona sighed. "You don't get it do you? No reincarnated devil has ever been released from their master. They can be traded, but not released. Also, you'll lose in the long term. Even if you beat Rias' and her peerage, you'll have to face the bulk of devil society for the rest of your life. Rias isn't the strongest devil, and to be frank, you're not as strong as her".
Jou took a huge puff and exhaled. He leaned back and rested his head on the bed behind him. Jou closed his eyes, "Things never stay the same. One of these days, I'll have an opportunity. I just need to bide my time and gain information".
"But why? I thought you had a deal with Rias"?
"I never intended to honor that deal forever. I just wanted to buy myself some time and space so Rias isn't breathing down my neck. Listen, Rias seems like a nice girl, but I have to draw the line somewhere. There's just some things I'll never accept".
"Alright". Sona resigned her point. "If that's what you want to do then.." Sona's face looked downcast. "It's a shame that we'll never get to.." Her face lit up red.
"Get to do what"? Jou put his left arm around her and cupped her chin. Their faces were an inch apart. Sona's heart started to speed up. She was silently waiting for this. Jou leaned in and pulled her forward. Their lips met, soft and inviting. Sona closed her eyes and her glasses brushed up against Jou's face. He shoved his tongue in her, twirling with hers in a dance. After a few seconds, Sona found herself needing air, forgetting to breathe. Jou pulled back, with a trail of saliva connecting their lips. Sona took in a much needed breath of air, regaining herself back.
"Sona, I don't have everything figured out, but I know what I want. Why don't you join me?"
"I-I can't. Rias is my friend. I can't betray her".
Jou looked at her with a smile. "Relax, I'm kidding". He released her and she stood up.
"I have to go, but I want to see you again".
Sona created a teleportation spell and disappeared. Jou got up, walked into the hallway, and opened the front door. He closed it and stood outside in the walkway. He thought about his situation, the dark orb, the teacher… He was frustrated at his inability to think up a perfect solution to his goal. He knew he needed more information, but he didn't know where to start. Researching online and in the library seems like a good idea, but he was skeptical of the accuracy of it all. It's not like humans have a detailed map of devil society and all of its innerworkings.
The next day
Jou stood up and leaned against the wall. He had a lit joint in his mouth and a pair of pitch black magnoli clothiers on his eyes. Hiding his devious intentions.
"You have to forget about Asia. You're a member of the Gremory family now"!
Issei's face throbbed red as he looked away from Rias' scolding. He knew it was for his own good, but he couldn't just sit down and wait.
"Fine…Then maybe it's time you released me from your household", Issei stated in pitiful mutiny. "Cause I refuse to just let her go!"
Jou's ears perked up for a second. It was funny, he found himself relating to Issei for a moment. Nevertheless, he would never do so just for a woman he barely knew. That's where he felt him and Issei splitting.
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that".
"Of course not, I'm your precious pawn…Can't do without your most important piece, can you?!"
"That's enough, Issei!"
"I guess Sona was right", Jou mused. In truth he didn't want to attend these meetings anymore. Instead, he resolved himself and would go regardless of how he felt, so he would gain as much information as possible.
"Pawns are important…They're not the weakest piece in the game by any means. Do you remember when I told you my 'evil pieces' have the same attributes as their chess characters"?
"Yeah, but so what, what can a stupid pawn do"?
"In this chess game…Quite a bit…If a pawn advances deep enough into the enemy's territory, it can be promoted to any other piece besides the King".
"So does that mean eventually I can have all the same powers as everyone else"?
"Yes, but only if the master declares the place enemy territory…"
After talking a bit, Akeno whispered in Rias' ear. Then they stepped out.
"No matter their rank, a single devil cannot stand up to a fallen one". Those words stuck with Jou. Were fallen angels really that strong, or did that just apply to Issei's current state? As Issei headed for the door, Kiba asked if he was going. The bullheadedness and resolve was written all over Issei's face.
"This is suicide" Kiba's face had a calm hint of amusement to it. He took up his sword and holstered it to his waist. "I'm coming with you".
"What"?
"Weren't you listening. The President basically said you get in that church, and you're promoted". But she said you wouldn't be able to do it on your own".
"Yeah". Issei stood there dumbfounded. He really believed that he would rush into the fallen angels' headquarters alone and succeed in rescuing Asia.
"So we're gonna back you up, and there's no way in hell we're gonna let you go in there without us so you might as well save your breath, dude".
"Koneko too"?
"There's nothing else going on".
"So you coming Jou"?
Jou got off against the wall, and walked towards the exit. "Heh Of course, I'm going. I was getting bored just standing around".
In the brush of night, our four heroes hid in the wilderness. Confident in their stealth, they conversed on what plan of action to take. "Oh man, can you feel that"?
"No kidding, there must be a ton of priests inside there".
"Seriously".
"Good. I can fill my daily quota of ass kicking tonight", Jou smirked.
Kiba chuckled to himself, he wouldn't say it at the moment, but he felt just a tad bit lighter. Kiba allowed himself to feel the rage he was about to release on the fallen angels. Tonight will be a wraithful one, filled with the suffering and blood of the Fallen. "No, they aren't people", Kiba had to remind himself of that. Koneko casually strolled up to the door and kicked it open. For Jou, this was perfect, his body ached to unleash the aggression. Compassion, be damned. If the night wasn't filled with the screams of heaven's rejection, then he failed himself. The devils walked into the darkness. The dead silence alluded to the enemy's prudence. Was there an ambush? Was the enemy deep inside the church? Was the location correct? It was best to not let the mind wander too much. Better to focus on the immediate surroundings.
Tap. tap. Tap.
A single pair of footsteps could be heard in front of the devils. "So we meet again. Glad you could make it". Siegfried stood in front of the altar, a smug grin and a wave of his hand… "I'll bet I'm a sight for sore eyes huh? Here's the thing,I pride myself on the fact that I never have to battle any devil more than once. And yet here you are just rubbing it in. If there's one thing I won't abide, it's being mocked by maggot devils in the house of god. So what do you say? Let's finish this!"
The devils stood on guard, ready for battle! Kiba drew his sword, Issei activated his sacred gear, and Koneko got into a boxing stance. Jou stood in the center, hands in his pockets.
"The thought of tearing away at your flesh and eating it piece by piece makes my mouth water".
Disgusted, Issei went for the first attack, using his boosted gear for a punch. Siegfried step-dodged backwards. Koneko rushed to his right side and went for a punch in the ribs. Siegfried blocked with his gun. The force knocked him to the left hard. KIba went in to take advantage of Siegfried's lack of balance. Kiba went for a slash, but was met with a parry.
"Hahahahah!" Siegfried raised his gun to Kiba's forehead, for a point-blank shot, and fired. Right as the bullet was about to graze Kiba's face, it stopped mid-flight. A green, square field appeared over the bullet.
"Phwwwwwhht! Yo!" Jou's whistle made Siegfried turn around. KIba backed off to avoid the bullet trajectory. "Why don't you just quit? You know you can't beat all of us right?"
"Maybe, but I'll at least skin one of you alive!"
"Man oh man…I guess talking with you is pointless. Jou's confidence spiked. As Siegfried rushed Jou, Kiba was following behind. Everything happening in seconds, the bullet stopped in time began to rush back to its origin point. The round pierced from behind, through Siegfried's neck. "Splosh". A gush of blood plopped to the floor. Jou's power vanished from the bullet as it flew through the window. Kiba and Koneko rushed Sigfried for a beat down. Issei just stood there and watched. Siegfried started to swing wildly and randomly. Jou observed his swinging patterns and found an opportunity. He sprinted in, took his hand out, and went for a right hook. His fist met Sigfried's chin, rattling his brain. Siegfried retaliated by raising his gun and shooting Jou in the Abdomen as he tipped over. Jou stepped back a bit as Kiba slashed Sigfried's back. "Shit!", Sigfried thought to himself. Issei went in for another punch. Now more powerful via his promotion, he punched Sigfred in the face, pushing him back a few feet. "I'll be damned if I let devils get the best of me! You've won the battle but not the war scum!". Sigfried threw a light bomb in order to stop the devil's pursuit.
After the light faded, Sigfried's presence disappeared. "Damn, he got away", Issei complained. "Forget him; let's keep moving", Kiba rebutted. Koneko punched the podium, shattering it into pieces. In its wake, a hidden staircase was revealed. A pathway into darkness.The young devils walked down the staircase. Jou spotted one of the doors open; partial red light and poorly lit candles showed the way forward. As he pressed his body against the closed door, he peered into the room. The rest followed his lead. Kiba didn't like the odds. It was a horde of fallen angels and priests, all wielding light swords. He wasn't worried about himself, it was Issei and Jou. They were still new, and Koneko couldn't protect herself and both of them at the same time. Neither could he. Jou decided to move in to Kiba's astonishment. Didn't he realize the odds? Jou never came across as dumb or ill-perceptive. Kiba glanced at Jou's in that split second as he entered the room. A laser-focused face with a subtle hint of bloodthirst. A glee for fighting, Jou's glasses left nothing to the imagination.
"Come on in devils. Welcome to the party". Raynare addressed the devils. The horde of fallen turned their heads. For them, more sheep just entered the slaughter house. Asia's body lay on a cross, hung up by chains. A torn up white nightgown was all she wore. Enduring the lecherous groping and prodding from the male fallen. Despite the humiliation and suffering, a light of hope flickered in her heart as she saw Issei once again.
The fallen flashed their light swords, ready for a bloodbath. They waited for the devils to make their first move. Jou ran in until he was a foot away from the horde. He let down his guard, inviting attack from his enemy. A corrupt priest jetted out and attacked Jou with a downward strike.Jou side stepped, chambered his fist, and punched the priest in the chest. With his chest cavity destroyed, he flung back into the crowd. Knocking them back like dominoes. The first priest's sword cut his allies on the way down and so on.
Koneko, realizing her opportunity, ran in to follow Jou's lead. She punched a priest with greater force, creating a ripple effect for the horde of priests. The horde took this opportunity to surround Koneko and Jou. As good as they were, they couldn't step dodge everywhere. Especially as the horde shrunk the available space for them to move around. Jou stomp-kicked a random priest's knee, disabling him forever. Then front-kicked him in the chest, sending him flying. The other priests dodged with a few still getting hit. They wouldn't be falling for the same tricks anymore. Going in for the kill, they thrust their swords at Jou. Kiba jumped and landed in front of Jou. Activating his sacred gear, Kiba slashed every light sword in front of Jou in one swoop. The darkness from Kiba's blade absorbed the light, rendering the priests helpless. The priests behind Jou were met with nothing. Jou dodged and created his own opening by relentlessly attacking with his fists. Kiba took advantage of the helpless priests by cutting them down, catching multiple swordsmen with one swing. In retaliation the horde redoubled their efforts on Kiba. Jabbing and thrusting their attacks at him. As Kiba started to back up while parrying, the desperate crowd started to stumble over each other and weakened their attacks by limiting their range of motion. Kiba was lining them up in an effort to fight one-on-one and limit the advantage of having large numbers.
The priest's numbers started to noticeably dwindle. A combination of the devil's overwhelming power and the priests getting in each other's way, made the fallen a losing bet. Jou punched a priest in the chin, knocking him out.
"Jou behind you!" Issei shouted.
A few priests ran with the intention to thrust their swords in Jou's back. Jou dropped to the floor. The sprinting swordsmen tripped over Jou's body. The ones that didn't trip ended up stabbing their allies by mistake. Koneko walked up and kicked the group, sending them to meet a stone wall. Finally, the horde was finished.
"Asia!" Issei shouted.
"Wow you actually defeated them, kudos". A cocky smile besmirched her face. Jou and Kiba felt an evil lust in the air. "Since you made it this far, It's only fair you get a reward". A bright, pink light engulfed the room. A lightning bolt shaped spear appeared in both of her hands. "Your reward…is death!"
The devils stood on guard, ready to fight. Raynare made the first move. She threw a light spear at Kiba, she wanted to neutralize Kiba's sacred gear. Kiba's knight speed allowed him to dodge the attack. The spear exploded behind him. Jou passed up his chance to act. Instead opted to observe Raynare. Koneko bum rushed Raynare, throwing a flurry of light punches at her body. Raynare retaliated by swinging a horizontal slash at Koneko. Slashing her belly, Koneko leaped away. A burning sensation made her upper body feel weak. Trickling drips of blood fell into the floor. The wound wasn't deep. Issei threw a punch at Raynare. She blocked it with her remaining light spear. Then she kicked Issei in the stomach, knocking him back. Raynare felt her blood rush at that kick, increasing her bloodlust even more. "My turn", Raynare said with a guileful smile. Another light spear appeared in her hand, compensating for the one she tossed. Then a purplish pink summoning circle appeared above Raynare. In a split second, she took a quick look at all the devils before her. She saw Kiba first; "Too bad", she thought. He was too pretty to kill, but her desire for power was placed above all else. It was a shame though. Then her eyes darted to Jou. He had a dangerous smell. He hasn't moved at all, just staring at her. She felt his cold gaze everywhere on her body. Now she felt naked; it made her uneasy. Raynare looked at Konoko. Despite being small and unassuming, her punches did a surprising amount of damage to her internally. Raynare needed to kill her soon. Last, her eyes fell on Issei. Disgust rose up from her like bile. Just his presence alone filled her with anger. She hated his type. Losers, otaku, perverts, and weak boys. They were all the same to her. "Worthless virgin", she thought. "Just die quietly and out of the way". The summoning circle spawned dozens of light spears in random spots, ready to fire at a moment's notice.
"Guys get ready to dodge!" Kiba shouted.
"Heh", Raynare laughed at his ignorance. The light spears grew in length. Then they fired in every direction! Light spears would hit every square inch in their direction. Kiba slashed, and parried the light spears, saving himself. Jou, Koneko, and Issei on the other hand weren't fortunate enough. Light spears riddled their bodies, killing them. "No!", Kiba shouted in disbelief. "Hahahahahaha!", Raynare laughed. "I guess it's just you and me, pretty boy". Kiba got ready to defend himself. He wasn't sure what to do now that he doesn't have any allies.
The spears slowly removed themselves from the devil's bodies. The devils including Kiba started to reverse actions they took. The spears went back to their origin, but without the summoning circle they disappeared. "What the hell!?", Raynare shouted. She saw Jou, Koneko, and Issei standing up as if they never got killed. She saw Jou's smirk and started to panic. "This can't be happening! No devil can survive from multiple light spears in the body!", she thought.
Kiba rushed Raynare and slashed her chest. She was in too much shock to block with her light spears. Then Jou came up for a punch. Raynare went for a thrust attack to counter him. A green rectangle came into view, engulfing her left hand. It went back to its original position before thrusting. Jou uppercutted her stomach. Raynare felt an insane amount of pain, she wanted to puke. Koneko used her strength to kick Raynare in the chest. She wobbled over to Issei. He then used his sacred gear and his promotion to punch Raynare in the cheek. She got sent flying to Asia's cross. Bruised and bleeding, Raynare slowly tried to stand up. "I-I underestimated them. Impossible. How can they cheat death?" The green rectangle flashed in her mind. "What was that ability, a sacred gear? I've never heard of it before". Her mind wandered about her enemies. "Not the blonde, he has his sword. Not the girl, her strength means she doesn't need such an ability. And definitely not Issei. I've been watching him. He only has a Twice Critical". Then it hit her, the guy that was just standing there the whole time. It had to be him. Even though it pained her, she looked at Jou's focused eyes and they matched her gaze. She knew what she had to do.
"Aaaaaahhh!" Asia shouted. Her life was slowly draining from her body. She glowed green as two objects slowly rose from her.
"This is my chance!" Raynare realized. She raised her palm to claim her prize. Meanwhile, the devils hadn't realized what was happening.
"Asia, hang on!" Issei shouted.
Raynare claimed her new power, Twilight Healing. A bright green glow engulfed her body mending all her wounds. She felt fresh, light, like she just woke up. Issei ran past Raynare to rescue Asia. He then retreated back to his allies. "Issei take her and get out of here", Kiba said.
"No way!"
"Listen You can't fight while holding her!"
Issei knew Kiba was right and darted for the exit. He didn't know it but Raynare didn't care anymore. The remaining devils got ready to strike. Kiba went for a thrust. He aimed for Raynare's head. After he stabbed her, he got out of the way for their follow up attack. Jou and Koneko went for a flurry of body shots. Hitting every square inch of her body. After they exhausted themselves, they distanced backwards. Raynare by all counts should be dead ten times over. A green light engulfed her body and made Raynare right as rain.
"Don't you idiots understand? You can't kill me. I'm invincible!" She then summoned a light spear in her right hand. She then swiped horizontally, cutting all three devils at once. They fell from the stairs and onto the floor. She flew down and landed on top of Jou before any of them could get up. Raynare took the tip of the light spear and slowly cut across Jou's chest. Steam emulated from Jou's wound. As if he was being cooked alive. Like putting a hot iron rod on your skin. Jou grit his teeth in pain. The other devils saw but couldn't get up due to the damage they received. Raynare knelt down and licked Jou's wound, catching his blood on her tongue. She licked her lips as she felt a dangerous mix of arousal and bloodlust. She then lined up the tip of the spear under Jou's chin. "Too bad", Raynare uttered. Just as she was about to pierce Jou's skull, a dark red blast was fired at Raynare. She was knocked off Jou and landed in front of the stairs. Jou struggled to sit upright. He turned his head around and saw Rias standing in the middle of her teleportation circle. Her hand had a visible dark, red energy surrounding it. He felt relieved and awe. A look of concern ran across her face. Her precious family was strewn across the floor. She calmly walked over to them and saw their injuries.
"Ugh. Look at you. You're all cut up". Rias ran her hand across Jou's chest. Jou swatted her hand away.
"Wait til after, Buchou", Jou said with a raspy voice. Rias stood up and walked in front of the devils. Like a mother bear protecting her cubs. "My name is Rias of the house of Gremory". Her hair shot up as a red summoning circle appeared. Black-red magic energy fizzled around her as she was ready for battle. Raynare grew irritated due to her being denied the pleasure of killing. She summoned her barrage of spears and fired with the intent to kill everyone in one go. The spears fired off and were met with Rias' destructive magic. The aura alone was enough to shield herself and her devils behind her. Most of the spears disintegrated on contact. A few bounced off and landed in random areas. Raynare's heart sank. Her power meant nothing in the face of hell's royal family. But she couldn't show fear. As she was getting ready for another attack, one that would target the wounded, she felt an arm lock around her neck. Her eyes opened wide. She scanned the room and saw Jou missing.
"You! How are you still standing?"
Jou pressed his lips to her ear. "Your little torture bit wasn't a damaging as you thought. Now it's time to pay you back".
"You moron. I can heal from anything you dish out!"
"I know".
A light spear erupted from Raynare's stomach. Blood shot out and sprayed the area in front of her. Jou's hand twisted the light spear, to cause her even more pain. Raynare shouted as if she was on fire. Excruciating pain expanded to her entire upper body. Her muscles clenched and skin broke a sweat. Jou let her go and pushed her forward, signaling to Rias that she's ready to be executed. Raynare clutched her stomach as she wobbled forward.
"Need…To…Escape".
As Raynare got close to Rias, she made the decision to let her go and walk out of the room. Jou walked up to Rias, clearly upset.
"What are you doing Buchou? Why didn't you kill her?"
"Because she's still needed for Issei's growth". Rias walked up to Jou and grabbed his right hand with care.
"Besides, you should worry about yourself", Rias said with concern in her voice. Jou's hand was red as the skin on his palm was gone completely. Only burned muscle and bone remained.
"You didn't have to do that", Rias voiced as she clutched his forearm.
"I'm your knight right? It's my job".
"Yeah, you are my knight".
Rias cupped Jou's cheek.
Raynare slowly walked up the stairs. She stopped and took a moment to pull the spear from her stomach. The wretched pain caused her to grit her teeth. She would fight through this and overcome it. Once the spear was out of her body, she dropped it on the floor. It disappeared. Then her healing ability activated. Her wound closed up and she felt great again. A wide grin was plastered on her face.
Issei clutched Asia's lifeless body and placed her on the wooden seat. He was crying. Raynare heard his pleas for God and wanted to laugh. "A demon asking for forgiveness in church? What an insidious sense of humor."
"What are you doing here? And where are they?"
A green glow surrounded her hand. "Wonderful huh? No matter the injury, I heal instantly. A perfect gift for those of us who no longer have the benefit of divine protection. Wouldn't you say?" Raynare started to pray in gratitude. "And now I will never risk losing my rank in the underworld. Oh great Azazel, I'm ready to do your works".
"What does that matter? What does that have to do with Asia? She wasn't a threat, she didn't care about power!"
"Unfortunately for those with a sacred gear, this is their destiny".
"That is such bullshit! She never would have used it! She just wanted to live in peace!"
"Out of the question!"
"Why?!"
"Humans don't have the ability to survive in their world with the sacred gear. Even if they choose to use the power for good, they are seen as different and would be tortured out of fear. Have you heard of anything more absurd? That's just how humans operate. Such an unfortunate waste of power".
"That wouldn't have happened! I was her friend, I could've protected her from all that! I would let anyone hurt her!"
"She's dead! Stone cold dead, and you're whining about protecting her. You realize how psychotic you sound? You wouldn't have been able to save her back then anyway, and you can't save her now!"
"Will you shut up?! I'll never forgive you for this! I'll never forgive myself! Why couldn't it have been you! I want her back! I want Asia back!"
Issei's forearm glowed green. "Dragon boost!" His arm transformed into his sacred gear. He went for a punch. Raynare flipped over him and dodged.
"You don't pay attention do you? There's nothing you can do to win, even if you tripled the power you have".
"Heh, and you're still trying to test me". Raynare created two light spears and stabbed both of Issei's kneecaps.
"Light is toxic to devils. Just touching it will scorch your body. It's said to be the most intense and worst pain a devil can endure. So what do you think? Is it true?"
Jou walked over to Kiba and lifted Kiba up from the ground. "Thanks", Kiba said. Once Kiba was on his feet, he told Jou to let him go. Jou walked over to Koneko and picked her up bridal style. "Come on. We gave them enough time", Rias said. The group walked towards the main room in the church.
Issei punched Raynare out of the window. The pain catching up to him, he fell to the floor. Fortunately, Kiba ran over and caught him. Jou set Koneko down once she was ready.
"What held you up?"
"Rias told us to stay back".
"Seriously?"
"Seriously", Rias finished. "I believe in you. I knew you would defeat her".
"Once my business was finished, I found my way to the basement and arrived just in time".
"I don't know if we would've gotten out of there if it wasn't for you", Kiba mentioned.
Koneko opened the door and threw Raynare on the floor. Jou walked past Koneko and exited the church. He didn't care for what was about to happen next, to him the fight was over. Jou leaned back against the wall next to the entrance. Reached into his blazer pocket and found half a joint. He couldn't find the top half. Then he took out a match and lit it for whatever it was worth. The THC hit his body, relieving some of the pain he felt. After hearing Raynare's shout and a loud bang, Jou figured they executed her already. He dropped the reduced joint into the floor and stepped on it.
To be continued…
