The group was slowly heading to one of Rias' summer mansions, which was many times bigger than the apartment the Knight had, making it realize that Rias was filthy rich, not that it cared. The mansion itself was at least three stories high, with a massive backyard and forest surrounding it. It was perfect for practice of all kinds, which is what they would be doing here.
The Knight stood in the middle of a massive backyard, all but Asia surrounding it. It then changed into it's vessel form, the blade ready. The plan was simple, not get hit and smack them with the blade. The total of thirteen devils around it, all with their weapons drawn. Tomoe Meguri had a katana, while Yuuto Kiba had a sword of some kind, which appeared from the ground. The two located closest to it.
Right behind them both Tsubasa Yura and Koneko Tojo were ready, both with massive boulders in their hands. Close to them were Saji, Issei and Ruruko, the former one having some kind small lizard like gauntlet and Issei having his signature crimson one with green gem. Sona, Rias, Akeno, Tsubaki, Reya and Momo stood in the back.
"Are you ready, Knight?" Sona asked.
"… I am, don't hold back," It ordered and watched as both Kiba and Tomoe launched themselves towards it.
It could see their blades aiming for it, but it was ready and before either of them could come close enough, it gathered power and unleashed a devastating cyclone slash, using the flat side of the blade. Neither of the duo were prepared for it and were smacked multiple times, as it rotated in place, making them yelp, before they were sent flying and landed on the ground, a few meters away from it, the two disqualified upon being hit.
Soon after that, both rooks threw massive boulders at it. It was able to dodge to the side the one Tsubasa threw, before Koneko threw her own. It dashed again, neither of the rooks able to hit it. However, this gave Issei and Ruruko time to dash forward, the boy sending a punch towards it, while Ruruko tried to kick it right in the face, showing part of her panties in the process, not that it cared. It jumped upward, easily avoiding both attacks, before it smacked Issei in the head, making him yelp and propelled itself upward.
However, this is what the other six devils were waiting for and unleashed everything they had towards it. It could see lightning coming from above, sent by Akeno. It could see the power of the destruction in a shape of orb racing towards it from the front. Beneath it's feet, Sona unleashed a water geyser. Not even it's sides were safe, as both sides were cut off by both Momo and Reya launching valleys of magic towards it, it's back route blocked by Tsubaki, who also sent a valley of magic towards it. A perfect trap for somebody less experienced than it.
However, it wasn't the first time it found itself in similar circumstances and using it's wings and dash ability it was able to squeeze past the attacks, which then collided resulting in a massive explosion. This did nothing to slow it down and as soon as it landed, it rushed forward towards the casters in the back lines. The devils took into the sky, but the Knight was ready and jumped before it smacked Rias right in the head, making her yelp and fall to the ground. He used that momentum to jump off Rias and delivered dash slash towards Akeno doing the same to her.
However, as soon as it fell to the ground it noticed two massive boulders heading towards it. By dashing between them, it was able to avoid being hit by them. However, that proved to be a distraction as Saji launched some kind of line towards it that shone blue. Acting on instinct, it slashed at it, destroying it and making the boy scowl. However, right behind the line a barrage of magic followed, forcing it to dash away from the danger. It's what it was good at after all, hit and run tactics being the only reason it won most of the fights.
As soon as it tried closing the distance, both Ruruko and Issei tried attacking it again with Saji launching another line towards it, forcing it to destroy it again. However, this was yet another distraction, another barrage of magic heading towards it. Forcing to back away, while Ruruko and Issei continued their assault. It was actually impressive, their coordination was not bad, definitely could use an improvement, but they were making it work for it, which it enjoyed.
It began running in circles, as it tried to outmaneuver the devils, but they refused, with Tsubasa and Koneko throwing boulders at it, making it hard to get closer. It was able to get them the first time, but they learned of it's weakness, range, requiring a change in strategy. It turned away from the devils and began dashing, trying to get as much distance as possible. However, with magic being launched towards it, Crystal Heart was not going to help it unless it was able to get a moment of peace. So, it seemed like it had to get rid of Issei and Ruruko first. Immediately changing its direction, it began running forward, the two teenagers trying to back away. Just as it was able to get close, another barrage of magic and boulders prevented it from getting a clean hit in and forcing it to dash away.
That was actually a bit annoying, as it wasn't able to exploit any opening as the devils were doing their best to cover their backs. At this rate, it was going to turn into a war of attrition with it dodging constantly, until it's opponents got tired. It could do it, definitely, but honestly, it had a better idea. Well, it was time to unravel another of it's tricks.
With it's mind made up, the Knight began running forward towards Issei and Ruruko. Just like the last time, Saji launched a line towards it, while Sona and others launched magic towards it. Just as the last time, it destroyed the line, before it could hit it. However, as the magic got close, it activated one of the most powerful abilities it possessed, Shadow Dash.
For a moment, it's body turned pitch black, it's eyes shining white, allowing it to phase through the magical volley without getting hit in the process. This shocked the devils and gave it just enough time to smack both Issei and Ruruko with a dash slash, disqualifying them from the battle. It meant that only around half the devils were left on the battlefield, Sona and others looking a bit worried by the sudden shift in it.
"What was that?!" Saji yelled, not able to believe his own eyes.
"Everyone spread out, Tsubaki stay with me!" Sona ordered, while Devils did as told.
The Knight used this moment to move towards Sona, while Tsubasa and Koneko ran towards. However, the girls were slow and the Knight was able to smack Tsubasa in the head, before she was able to get a hit in. Koneko tried to do the same, but as her fist swung by, it gently tapped her on the head, before moving towards the spell casters.
However, Saji decided to play a hero and tried punching him, only for the Knight to phase through him, before smacking him in the back of the head, only four devils left. Reya and Momo tried launching magic towards it, which it easily avoided, before it smacked Reya, making her yelp and tapped Momo, leaving only Sona and Tsubaki in the battle. It rushed towards it, a mirror appearing in front of Tsubaki, the Knight phasing through it, before it smacked Tsubaki in the head, making them her yelp and tapped Sona, the battle finished.
"… I win," The Knight said.
Sona sighed as she touched the spot where Knight tapped her, before she turned towards it. "You do, may I ask what was it? That ability that lets you avoid damage?"
"… Won't say," It replied, Sona giving it a deadpan. In the meantime, Asia was using her Sacred Gear to heal injuries of the devil, well, what little they sustained. Everyone gathered around it, the Knight shifting back to it's human form.
"Okay, I am pretty sure, I just saw Knight turning into a living shadow, which then phased through attacks," Kiba said.
"Same here," Tomoe added.
"How did you do it anyway?" Momo asked.
"… Secret," It replied, while Momo frowned.
"I thought we are past secrets at this point?" Sona pointed out.
"… Some of them, not all of them," It replied. "… So, can I kill Riser now?"
"Why do you want to kill him?" Tsubaki asked.
"… Most permanent solution, can't hurt anyone, if he is dead," It replied.
"You mustn't think like that!" Asia protested, while Knight looked at her.
"… I will try," It replied, before turning to Rias. "… So, can I fight Riser now?"
"I guess so… I have to meet up with him, which will happen next week, so we have got some time left," She explained.
"… I understand," It replied. "… So, what do we do now?"
"Now? Now I think we all need a break, too much happened today," Sona replied. "Shall we go back home everyone?"
"I think that's the best solution," Tsubaki replied, while other devils agreed with her.
Returning home took a decent amount of time, the devils splitting themselves at school, the sun slowly descending beyond the horizon. Just as it planned before, both it and Koneko were heading towards it's apartment, where hopefully Kuroka would be. It let her out, so it hoped she didn't run away from it. Koneko seemed a bit nervous, as they walked, glancing around, as if expecting something to jump her.
"… Something wrong?" It asked.
"I-I'm nervous," She admitted, while Knight raised an eyebrow.
What was it supposed to do in this case? Hug the girl? No, she wasn't crying, that didn't seem like the best solution. What did humans do to calm down? Took deep breaths? How did it help, it wasn't sure. What else? Well, it remembered, when girls were nervous other girls dragged them by hand to push them forward. Perhaps it could apply the same knowledge here?
"… Here," It said and presented her with it's hand.
Koneko blushed, but she grasped the hand and muttered quietly, "Thank you…"
"… You're welcome," The Knight said as it continued towards it's apartment. "… I think we might have to swing by and buy some groceries."
"Why is that?" Koneko asked and tilted her head.
"… Kuroka ate most I had," It replied, while Koneko giggled.
"That sounds like her, let's do that," She replied, while the Knight nodded.
So, the duo swung by the shop, the girl refusing to let go of it's hand, not that it minded. It was funny, Kuroka wanted to hold hands with it, but instead it was here and was doing it with Shirone, on its own accord too. It really didn't understand why others put so much attention on the whole hand holding thing. It was just touching hands, it didn't seem that different from holding a nail to it, but then again, it wasn't normal teenager, so who was it to judge? A few moments later, the duo emerged from the shop, both it and Koneko holding a bag each, the girl smiling at it.
"… That should be enough," The Knight said, as it carried one of the bags, Koneko still holding hands with it.
"It should," Koneko agreed, enjoying the sensation of Knight's warm hand.
"… How are you feeling now?" It asked.
"Better," Koneko replied with a smile.
After that, the duo made their way to the apartment, the girl looking a bit more nervous. The Knight opened the door, before it let Koneko inside, Kuroka already there. As soon as the girl passed the door frame, she tensed and let go of the bag, the two girls watching themselves intently neither speaking a word. The Knight used that moment to put the two bags filled with groceries on the table, before it stood next to Koneko.
"...Shirone, nya," Kuroka began. "I… I am sorry, nya! I should have never left you, I should have come back for you, I, nya..." The girl bowed deeply, Knight and Koneko watching her intently.
Biting her lip, Koneko began taking slow steps forward, while Kuroka slightly raised her head. "It...wasn't your fault."
"Shirone…, nya," Kuroka said, but before she could react, she was wrapped in a tight hug.
That seemed to be a breaking point for both of them as the two embraced each other, crying tears of joy, the Knight watching them with it's lips curled slightly upward. Neither of the sisters wanted to speak, the two too busy hugging each other. However, that left the Knight with nothing to do, so it shrugged and began unpacking itself, while the two nekoshou figured it out.
"Shirone… I'm not sure what to say, nya," Kuroka said.
"It's fine… you tried, I remember," Koneko replied and smiled.
"You smiled, Shirone, nya… After what happened… I never thought I would see you again, nya… or see you smile, nya," She admitted and hugged her sister even tighter in response.
"I thought… that you lost your mind… that I would have to hunt you down myself…," Koneko admitted. "Why… didn't you?"
"Well… the only reason I didn't become stray was because I kept thinking about you, that I wanted to know the truth and… maybe punish those who treated us like this, nya," Kuroka admitted.
"… So, who wants tea?" The Knight asked, while the two girls glanced towards it.
"A strawberry based one with three spoons of sugar, please," Koneko said.
"I will take the same one, nya," Kuroka added, while Knight nodded in response. "So… That's your friend, isn't he, nya? Cute, isn't he, nya?"
"I won't let you take him for yourself," Koneko said sternly, while Kuroka giggled.
"I had no intention of doing so, I thought about sharing him with you, nya," She said, while Koneko blushed. "Still, the fact that my little sister fell in love before me? That can't be right, nya," She teased her sister, who only blushed further in response.
"… We are not dating," Koneko muttered.
"You're not, nya? Hey, Knight, is that true that you aren't dating, nya?" Kuroka asked, while Koneko blushed further.
"Sister…," She muttered and shook her lightly, while Kuroka giggled in response.
"… Not dating, Shirone is a friend to me," It replied and put two cups of tea on the table. "Your tea."
"Thank you, shall we, Shirone, nya?" Kuroka asked, while Koneko nodded, the two slowly letting go, before they sat at the table. "So, Knight, how did you two meet anyway, if you don't mind me asking, nya?"
"… Rooftop, shared some sweets with Shirone," It replied, while it sat next to Koneko, who smiled slightly in response.
"I bet she ate a lot of sweets, didn't she, nya?" She asked, while Knight nodded.
"… She did, but she still eats less than you," It replied, while Kuroka gasped and Koneko giggled.
"You're a meanie, nya!" Kuroka protested with a pout. "That reminds me, did you sign the deal with the devils, nya?"
"… I did," It confirmed, while Kuroka frowned.
"Really, nya? Why, nya?" She asked, not able to believe her ears.
"… I didn't like the first deal, tore it apart, signed the second one, which was better," It replied.
"Wait, what, nya…?" She asked. "You… tore a deal between you and Four Satans in front of them, nya?"
"… I did," The Knight confirmed, while Kuroka's jaw fell to the floor.
"… How did you survive, nya?" She asked. "You know what, nevermind, nya. What about reverting evil pieces, nya?"
"… Delayed, a few months, half a year at most," It most.
"Is it due to the deal you made, nya?" She asked, while the Knight nodded. "… I see… nya. Wait, that time frame, nya… Peace treaty, nya!"
"… Peace treaty?" The Knight asked, both it and Koneko looking right at Kuroka.
"A peace treaty between devils, angels and fallen angels, nya," She replied. "Right now, three factions are in something akin to cold war, nya."
"… But, why wait till then?" It asked.
"Probably because of your power, nya. If you can keep up with one of the Four Satans, it's not easy to kill somebody strong like that without drawing attention, nya," She replied.
"How do you know about it?" Koneko asked.
"Well, nya… Chaos Brigade is planning to attack during it and kill the leaders of the three factions, nya," She replied.
"… And how do you know that?" The Knight asked.
"Because I joined them a few years ago, nya," She replied.
"Why did you join them, sister?" Koneko asked.
"Well, Shirone, I told you before, didn't I, nya?" She replied, while the girl nodded. "If you join us, we can get you to safety, Shirone, nya."
"I don't want to," Koneko replied.
"But, why, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"I like Kuoh, I like being here, I want to become nekoshou once more, but I don't want to become a criminal," She replied.
"But… it's dangerous, nya!" Kuroka protested.
"… Dangerous?" The Knight asked, while Kuroka nodded.
"It is, nya. When the attack happens, all sides are going to be attacked nya," She replied. "And… I am worried that devils will try to do something towards Shirone with you being able to revert evil pieces, nya."
"… What do you mean by that?" It asked.
"Devils won't hesitate to hold those you love hostage, nya. They are not afraid to hurt, lie, deceive to get what they want, nya," She replied. "I am worried that they will trap Shirone, so they can control you, nya."
"… Is that true, Shirone?" It asked, while Koneko nodded.
"I think so… I mean, it's similar to how they did it with me and Kuroka," She replied.
It had plenty of questions it wanted to ask Kuroka about this Chaos Brigade, but it could wait, at least until Shirone was out of here. That way, the two could spend a bit more time together, while it figured out the deal with the whole Chaos Brigade and not get Koneko too worried.
"… If they try, I will protect those who I consider friends," It replied, while Koneko smiled.
"That's reassuring, but even you can't fight the entirety of the Underworld by yourself, nya," Kuroka said, while Knight shook its head.
"… I think I can," It replied, while the girl blinked in response.
"What makes you say that, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"… I did something similar before," It replied, while the two just stared at it. "… Besides, I was able to keep with Sirzechs Lucifer, wasn't I?"
"He held back, didn't he, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"… And how do you know that?" It asked.
"Well… I kind of… spied on you, nyahahaha," She replied, while both Knight and Koneko just stared at her.
"Why did you do that, it was dangerous?" Shirone hissed.
"… That was dangerous, you shouldn't have done that," The Knight added, while Kuroka scratched her head awkwardly.
"Are you worried about me by any chance, nya?" She asked.
"… Not really, not yet, not a friend," It replied, while Kuroka smiled weakly.
"Knight… could do something for me?" Koneko asked.
"… What exactly?" It asked, it's head tilted to the side.
"Could you… protect Kuroka as you protect me and everyone else you call friends?" Koneko asked.
"… I don't mind that, but only because you asked," It replied, while the girl nodded.
"Aww… my little sister cares about me, nya!" Kuroka exclaimed and sandwiched her younger sister between her breasts.
"Stop it…," Koneko begged, as she tried to wiggle her way out of the situation you found herself in.
"So, Knight, would you like me to give you a hug like this, nya?" She asked, while Knight shook it's head.
"… Not interested," It replied, while Kuroka giggled, before Koneko managed to get free.
"So, what happens now, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"… For the time being, nothing, I am going to wait for this peace treaty," It replied.
"Are you not going to warn the factions about the attack?" Koneko asked.
"… Should I?" It asked, seeing no reason why it would do so.
"Well, it would help keep them alive, but they would probably ask how you found out, nya," Kuroka explained.
"… So, it would end badly, it could also reveal that you are here," It replied, while Kuroka nodded.
"Pretty much, nya," She confirmed.
"… So, the attack happens at the time of a peace treaty. In that case, all I have to do is make sure that Shirone, Asia, Momo and Sona are close to me, so I can protect them," It said.
"Four, nya? Is that how many friends you have got, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"… Yes," It replied.
"Are they all females, nya?" Kuroka asked, while Knight nodded again. "Nyahaha, you're a player, aren't you, nya?"
"… A player?" It asked, it's head tilted to the side.
"I mean, you have got so many potential girlfriends, don't you, nya?" She asked, while Koneko frowned.
"… I don't care about that," It replied, while Kuroka sighed.
"You're making me cry, it's such a waste of a good mate, nya," She said.
"… Why though?" It asked.
It was a vessel, an emotionally dulled individual. It was great at killing, at bashing it's head against the wall, till it broke. Cooking was not something it could do, it only knew how to fight well and study. It wasn't good at socializing, it wasn't good at making friends, it wasn't good at 'having fun' like people did, why would anyone consider it a good mate material was beyond it.
"You don't know, nya?" Kuroka asked. "Why not ask Shirone, nya?"
Koneko blushed, while glancing towards the Knight. "Would you… like me to explain that?"
"… If you could," It replied.
"Okay… well, you're a really great friend, one that is not afraid to challenge Four Satans themselves to protect those he cares about," She began. "You're fit, your scores are great, you have never acted lecherous towards anyone, never acted like a bully… um…"
Koneko blushed, the more she talked. "… Is that really that much? It seems like something most people could do."
"Do you really think most people would help others, just like that, never expecting a reward, just doing the right thing, nya?" Kuroka asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… I think so, yes," It replied, while Kuroka giggled.
"The more you say, the more I want to have babies with you, nya," Kuroka admitted.
"Don't even think about that," Koneko warned, while Kuroka laughed, her sister glaring at her.
"Well, it seems like Shirone got you first, but I will try to become your friend as well, nya!" She exclaimed.
"… If you want to," It replied.
"So, how far did you two go anyway, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"It's not like that," Koneko protested.
"I saw you holding hands though, nya," Kuroka said, while Koneko blushed.
"… Shirone seemed nervous, so I came up with this idea," It replied, Kuroka staring at it.
"You… held hands with Shirone, because you noticed she was nervous, nya?" She asked, while the Knight nodded. "… Can I have your babies, nya?"
"Sister!" Shirone exclaimed, while Kuroka giggled.
"… I have to refuse," The Knight said, the two sisters acting like two siblings as they should.
"Pity, maybe I can ask somebody from the Chaos Brigade to make a body pillow of you, nya," She pondered.
"… A body pillow?" The Knight asked, remembering hearing this term before.
"Yep, though, there should be a variant with you being more naked on one side, nya," She said.
"… Why would you do that?" It asked.
"It would make many girls happy, maybe some guys too, nya!" She joked.
"Don't listen to her, Knight, it's just a ruse," Koneko said.
"… Naked, like taking off my shirt, just as Shirone saw me?" It asked.
The room turned silent in an instant, Koneko looking as red as a tomato, while Kuroka's just gaped at it. "You… stood naked in front of Shirone, nya?"
The Knight shook its head. "… Not naked, just shirtless, had trousers on."
"Oh… I see, nya. Can I see too, nya?" She asked.
"Sister, please," Koneko begged, while Kuroka laughed.
"Sorry, sorry, Shirone, but it's too much fun teasing you," She exclaimed. "So, can I, nya?"
"… No," It replied, while Kuroka's head dropped.
"Is it because I am not a friend, nya?" She asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… Correct," It replied, fake tears appearing in the corner of her eyes, before she gave up.
"Unya… I am going to become your friend then, nya," She promised.
"… If you want to," It replied with a shrug.
After that, the Knight let the two sisters catch up with each other. Both were busy explaining what happened to them, talking about boys, Kuroka teasing Shirone and so on and so forty. Honestly, seeing them being happy like this was good enough for it and made it smile, just a tiny bit. Now, all it had to do was deal with Riser and wait for the peace treaty, should be easy enough it supposed.
"… It's getting late," The Knight pointed out.
"True, so, Shirone, want to sleep together, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"At my home?" Koneko asked, while Kuroka nodded. "… I don't think you can come."
"Why not, nya?" She asked.
"It's Rias' home, there are magic wards there," Koneko explained.
"Then, I am just going to stay here, nya," Kuroka exclaimed, while Koneko's eyes spread wide open.
"Did you share two… share a bed?" Koneko asked, Kuroka smiling, while Knight simply shook it's head.
"… No, we didn't," It replied, while Koneko sighed in relief.
"Are you that jealous of your older sister, nya?" She asked, while Koneko glared at her.
"… Kuroka is staying here for the moment, you can stay, if you want to," It said.
"I don't have my pajamas or other stuff," Koneko said.
"… Then, what if today you sleep at your home, but tomorrow here? That way you can still spend plenty of time together," It said.
"That's a good idea, I am going to escort you home, Shirone, nya," Kuroka said and turned into a cat. "Meow!"
"… That seems like a plan, shall we go?" It asked.
"Let's," Koneko agreed.
"… Where do you live, Shirone?" The Knight asked.
"In Rias' house," She replied.
"… Why?" It inquired.
"Rias is paying for most of us, me, Kiba, Akeno and Gasper. Most of us don't have too much real money or belongings of our own," She replied.
"… Why is that?" It asked.
"Rias brought us in, when we had nothing, it turned out that way," She explained.
"… I see,' The Knight replied.
"Here we are," Koneko said after a few minutes of walking. Massive mansion equal to school in size behind her. "What do you think?"
"… It's too big," Knight replied, while Kuroka nodded. She then meowed loudly, before rubbing herself over her sister, which in turn made Koneko smile a bit, as she petted her sister in response.
"Be careful, both of you," Koneko said.
"… We will," The Knight, the duo leaving for it's house.