Tangled in the past of Tragedy
Chapter 5: There it goes! Akeno and Jinga – The first taste of a Stray Demon.
With the wind taking its gentle breeze throughout the city of Kuoh, the people gathered in many groups to hang out, walk around or enjoy their stays in cafes like Jinga himself does currently. Given how he has no access to any currency nor had asked anyone of the peerage to lend him some sum, it would be safe to assume that no one wishes to know how he will pay for his order afterwards.
Since two days ago, the group of four made up their mind and allowed Jinga to train them. It came pretty quick, unprepared, mostly harsh in sessions from Jinga's part. He was an effective teacher, yet very strict.
It had to be noted that he was more of an help for Kiba and Koneka, as the pair fights close quarters, and even their magic usage supports that asset. Rias and Akeno where a different Story. Getting to know their prowess in their element was intriguing, moreover, their powers have great potential to be used versatile, yet the two seem to not be in full control of their powers, or simply lack the evolution in their skill tree. Rias and Akeno, even though powerful, have barely scratched the surface of their magic.
If Amily would be here, she could have helped the girls more than he ever could, but also would have had started something with Akeno the way she had treated the Horror on her lessons.
If he wills to fulfill his goal, he has to play a certain role and this is a necessity for it. He has to find a way to also train the eldest duo in magic somehow. Until then, it is no sin to train them further in hand to hand combat as they need it badly.
Tap, tap.
Feminine hands drew his attention towards the source: Rias, accompanied by Akeno ,,Hey there. Mind if we join?"
Nothing against it.
Taking seat, Rias began anew ,,I would have to say, seeing you relax so casually is something else considering the side we witnessed in training."
Yes, yes, the tease gets to him a little ,,It is morning. Would have thought you two would be in school."
,,That would have been the case if it weren't for the meeting with Sona regarding the monster last night. After you had left yesterday, we four thought of contacting her and tell her about it. The more help we can get, the better we can coordinate our next steps." Sufficient explanation from the black haired beauty in Jinga's eyes.
Her mentioning of that Sona name in context with the Horror the other day gave Jinga the idea who she may be ,,Sona? Is that the person you mention the other day?"
The red head gave an assuring nod ,,Sona is a childhood friend of mine and I could always count on her." Whilst the two spoke further, Akeno had the found the time to give the order to the waitress until she rejoined the conversation with the upcoming task she would later on attend to ,,By the way, Rias, haven't we spoken about our guest helping me out for the client meetings later?"
Of course, how could she forget. Akeno had appointments with two clients today. It should be of advantage for Jinga to go with her. It would help build up on the trust front, moreover, since the four are oiled like a machine, they function very well together unlike any of the individual paired with Jinga alone.
Rias's thought was rather simple by going off of Akeno before the others, since especially Kiba seems to be on guard around their new member, while Akeno was quite – dare she even think – submissive the other night. It is thrown into the room how it came to be that quickly – It happened how it happened ,,Ah, yes, you are right, dear Akeno. Jinga, it would be a great help if you would lend Akeno a hand in those matters. You will soon see how we normally structure our days here on earth, as we can't be without duty to the greater devil society. Kiba and Koneko are busy due to their own client calls-"
Although the beginning being very alluring, Jinga kind of understood where she is trying to correct this course she took. After all, he wasn't stupid, neither blind to not have been noticing it during the two training days. Coldly he cut into her sentence after a sip on his coffee ,,You mean because of that idiosyncratic behavior she displayed the other night?"
Idiosyncratic? No one had ever described her masochistic side like that. Most of the time words like "awkward", "overactive" or "too much" were commonly associated with that side, if it appeared, which was rare for her case given the fact that there was no man so far in the real world that made Akeno ride that rail, despite that, Rias of all people knew that sometimes her best friends fantasy can overwhelm Akeno, nothing abnormal there.
,,I wouldn't-"
Once again, Jinga stepped into her sentence ,,I have a few other words to describe it to be honest and the most fitting is masochist."
He got her there right shot on the spot. Akeno can only displayed her open palm like presenting something and throughout kept that polite smile of hers instead of being flustered or baffled. She was not entirely easy to force into a flustered mess like the Gremory girl, which could be because she can hide it better than her ,,I guess that is exactly the point. As I tried to say, I wouldn't say I neglect that side of me, just hadn't had the chance to experience it with someone. Nonetheless, I hope I can count on you for the day, Jinga."
Respectable that she says that with confidence in her tone. Without exception to say, Jinga will not say anything, stamping it off as a weak moment.
Since nothing else was to say about the clients or any new information, the three drank their coffee and parted ways. Rias excused herself for the day, cue Akeno walking besides Jinga to take preparation.
The duo made their way to a shrine located on the southern outskirts of the city where some shrine maiden asked Akeno about assisting them in finding a stray that was spotted around one and half week ago in the nearby woods around the area, terrorizing them since its discovery.
Arriving there, the maidens had already awaited them. Their hopeful and gentle bow to greet the duo was only thanked by the blacked haired beauty with a bow of her own.
Then the girls came together into a hug that was more personal, leaving Jinga with notification, but the interest to ask further questions why that would be vanished. What he did do though, was to get strictly to the point of them coming together ,,The demon you had spotted around the woods, was it something we can categorize, see if it was a stray we are hunting or just a maniac with a big fantasy?"
The odd wording of the question aside, the maidens understood where he came and wanted to land. One of the group stepped before the two to gesture to follow her.
Firstly, thinking about Akeno's methods to enter this shrine spread inside Jinga, since her entire demon persona and such – Different in that aspect are Horrors, no question, they can enter these holy places without question, nonetheless, she was a demon of Christian religion and how he remembers is that shrines are like churches for many demons. A powerful aura, blessing or spell could prevent a demon from entering.
Cue his somewhat surprised expression as the queen of Rias did enter the shrine's ground without much consequence.
Doesn't matter now anyways, because the leading maiden began speaking to them to repress that thought ,,The demon comes at night to attack us, which happened for a while now. Our blessings are of no use, moreover, we can't seem to make out why it does it, so it could be just bloodlust. A reason why you see mainly us right now. The other maidens stayed at home out of fear. Although thanks for your help Akeno."
,,You guys then know each other?"
,,Quite frankly, Jinga. I often come here to work when I have free time and help the girls out." Would explain the friendliness between them.
As the group progressed through the grounds, many broken buildings where pointed out, explaining when the demon had attacked them and what it did. The duo didn't see any pattern, hence why they would not go any further than a few questions of whether there were any special objects it could have wanted from inside those buildings. So far it was none of those factors, leading to believe it was simply a blood lusting beast ending in these woods by coincidence.
,,I see that as no big deal," Jinga began ,,insofar as we can track it. It should attack at night again but then it would be late."
,,Your spell should work well, no?"
Akeno would assume right if his spell would have actually been a spell for tracking, adding another lie to those already existing ,,I can try, yet can't promise much. I got the thing last time because it was no ordinary demon. My spell is specifically designed for those special demons."
If we ignored the shrine girl totally, hearing that what was just said, we had Akeno and Jinga argue over the methods on how to proceed with the plan. Jinga argued for his sole involvement in this, that Akeno should stay behind and protect the maidens should the stray show irregular patterns, while the queen of the Gremory heiress argued to accompany him for support unbeknownst to his veiled goals – Of course, a few can guess what that would be.
Lastly it was sorted out by the second girl picking up her voice and headbutt right into their conversation with that rasping sound coming from her throat ,,I'm sure this is fine how you two try to make this out, but please, focus on the task ahead for the time is dire. The more we waist time, the closer the beast will get."
Her concern was not to write off and shame the black haired priestess to think about arguing in this important time.
She apologized in her behalf. Meanwhile, Jinga stepped away from the group to set up his "spell".
During the momentary requests of Rias's household, the king of the whole band planned a different trip in order to get to the core of their newest friend. She remembers clearly from the night – His words constantly taunting her – He is free, huh?
What does that mean to him? Is this because he doesn't belong to a system, strolling through life without master or duties? Is this a philosophical thing for him or even unbound by the laws of their world!? – No. She doubted last option deeply.
Nonetheless. At the current time, a family consisting of high ranked devils, had the privilege of a visitor: Rias Gremoy.
The young devil went up and down her ways to arrange a day in Gremory territory and see if she can acquire some information about what these Horror's truly are.
Recently being unleashed onto her stress level, those special demons are hard to kill, powerful, likewise a mystery. For the entire time they dealt with them, Rias did not get to gather knowledge on them, yet with new found source in Jinga, the Ruin Princess can finally be a bit loose, taking her time for proper investigation.
The trip came with its usual annoyances in and out, further more fatigue was written all over her forehead, since with the training Jinga forced inside every single cell she barely could move a muscle. She knew from that moment on how things would seem, besides the fact how much she profits from the training alone, she can't convince herself disregarding basic observations, like Jinga never giving her or Akeno a single lesson in magical offense.
Solely that was nearly 90% her thoughts wrapped around during the ride in the train to the underworld. Most likely just his preferred way of fighting cqc, hints of Hema maybe? Even though some of his techniques came a bit out of his own wardrobe. Whatever it was, he was master class.
Outclassing Kiba in sword fights is no easy feat in Rias's eyes, especially considering who his master was.
Anyway. Enough of the thoughts scrambling through her brain.
In front of the main gate to the Gremory mansion set a pair of familiar faces for the purpose of welcoming the returning heiress.
The greeting faces of a young boy with red hair, half the size of Rias including a woman strictly taken out of a fairy tales when you spoke about her elegance and beauty. A Single stance was enough to change the mood of an entire room, such could only be one: The mother of Rias, Venelana Gremory.
Across the paved property both parties walked until meeting before the countenance radiating by the Rome styled fountain – A similar build to the Trevi Fountain but replaced the statues with important historical figures of the underworld who have built the very basic foundation of society they now know.
A bit of silence went around the room before taking a chance for a hug. Embraces sowed by the joy of seeing her daughter after a while, for all she knows with the weight of years measured in the feelings, called for a tight cuddle.
Rias set the feelings in motion like her mother does, returning the hug. Unfortunately though, the visit was not solely for homesick reasons ,,Mother, Milicas. What a warm welcome I get. Aren't that special, you know?."
Yes, yes, she was the opposite for Venelana, hence why the higher voice ,,Rias, darling. You will always be welcomed like this by your own mother. What reason brings my little devil back?."
One hug for Milicas as well had the answer lingering on her tongue ,,Good grief, Milicas, you have grown." Then her head attended Venelana ,,My visit is at such pace, mother. I apologize if I intruded on with bad timing. I assure you that my stay will not assert itself onto you guys. I will occupy the library for a little."
The library fully for Rias's use, nothing against it from her mother's side. She was though curious to why Rias wanted to use it so suddenly. Well, shall she delay the need for the question for later ,,Oh, I'm curious now, but be sure to not over work and don't be shy to ask for help, dear."
,,I will, mother. Excuse me now, since the amount of work I have set in mind is quite the mountain, I should begin immediately. Milicas, happy to see you."
Milica felt the same way, politely bowed and responded ,,A pleasure to see you too, Rias."
Now it was time to find out who Jinga really is and what those creatures' reason is, which all is said so lightly but done difficultly.
Rias did set the her mind on going through every book she can lay a hand on, because their date of history reaches far back into the darker age of devil history, but by the farthest stretch could she never have thought about the deep hole she would dug herself into:
In the candle lit room of giant shelves filled with books, set the ruined princess on the chair acquainted to a desk in use by a pile of books sorted out in many categories and sub categories. A heavy head was propped by shaking palms suspiring the last tint of hope.
Hours passing proven by the icy cold of her tea at the desks corner, touched merely after the 6th book having no ounce regarding any information for those creatures, neither the data she wanted the most: Jinga's armor and sword.
Equal to a movie playing out freely in her head had the image of it, that night, pop up in her brain. Sensation tingling in her nerves brightening the idea of the deal they now have running, moreover its sense mirroring an oath.
Spur was something else, she knew that, yet her body began to give in while her brain begged for a break. Not able to resist the urge, she agreed for a moment and leaned her back against the chair's backrest. Rias scrunched meekly ,,Urgh.. Nothing so far…"
Who is she do deceive herself? Of course there would be nothing recorded, why should something interesting be easy to dig up. However, she still has a few options left to go through and also take her time in her research. Has she overseen prior connections, accounted more illogical solutions in the authors' statements as well?
She can't honestly tell for the sake of her own sanity, but what is to say - Jinga might be a special case in this should she not find anything inside other records. One particular could bear an answer for the problem, being a book written in earlier days all around the known Sacred Gears of the three sides. Jinga's armor must be at least noted in that book, even if not, the information alone narrows down options fairly well for the beginning.
A sudden clap on soft cheeks rang through the room as wake up call for Rias. Sore, burning with passion in unison with her will for truth. Enough of foul moods for this girl! Time to stick her face back into the pages!
Sip – Slurp – Sip
The flick of rusty paper, another sip on her cold tea mixing in the unpleasant bitterness she feels, like a memory forcing itself forward in your mind and in the process decimating all the other.
This is going to be a long night for certain.
With Akeno and Jinga back into focus, the scene depicts the forest around the shrine: Crowded distribution regarding trees and bushes, often the one or two squirrels running around or the group of birds including one irregular looking one picking at the ground, taking breaks before taking on their path once more.
The queen of Rias was piqued strategically accessing Jinga's view on matters at hand by questioning specific subjects in weirdly phrased ways, to which the Horror answered weirdly as well. His answers never fully resolved for usable conclusions, fizzling, becoming a state of answered, yet circumvented somehow.
Gain of annoyance for the bombardment by the black haired female circulated the questions multiplying until a point Jinga spun around warning her in a press against the nearest branch ,,Enough of the questions, don't you think?" dead serious voice behest.
Aroused - She was exactly that, aroused in the situation, for such is a shame that to be simply a sexual attraction she felt towards this action. It wasn't out of the action, but the person doing it. Her lust to tease and take on the Horror when he does his dominant behavior slowly become a thing between them ,,Oh~ You sure? Will it be enough for you if I just stop right here, right now?~"
This nonsense made up most of their time during the practice days they had, where which the male himself has to state the degree in which he would try out her temptation just to get to her Soul.
He let the Priestess free from his grasp ,,You dream much. Make sure to stay in reality. We have a job to do."
And who would have known that the job now calls for them. In the direction from the shrine came the first screams of panicking woman, only overshadowed by howling agony. Jinga, as well as Akeno knew to hurry back immediately.
Painted destruction loomed, debris falling – Scenes of Horror Movies in their climax invoke tingling sparks inside Jinga's chest. It was the hope for some grand fight, a feeling he wanted ever since Ruyga Dougai – As things will unfold though, he will be disappointed.
The demon in question struck the meekly buildings in its path with ease. His engulfing figure made obstacles that size like a stepping stone to humans. Trampling over those and if accidentally squashing a maiden or two was simply be written off as casualty.
Every shrine maiden knew to aboard the grounds for dear life.
Their representatives arriving only now to witness the havoc running wild having taken on the absurdity of a chimera oddly designed.
Upon getting wind of two new scents, its black feathered lion head spun around like the head of an owl at its new dessert. Akeno as the first to react, spread her wings out for air mobility, whilst Jinga stood his ground. No second passed before raging clouds roar thunder down the lands without resistance whatsoever.
,,Face your punishment, Stray Demon. In the name of the House of Gremory, be gone!"
To her words the beast faced her head on during the lock of deadly sights allowing only one rebellious roar from the beast counter the thunder storm being performed in front.
The two combatents ripped their bodies at each throat: Muscled paws weaponized through diamond cleaving claws rain down onto Akeno, forcing a dodge beneath so they change positions now with the beast flying and Akeno landing, back facing to the beast.
She wanted to spin around, unfortunately for her how the beast never let her even realize she needed to, because diving down equal to a meteorite obliterating the atmosphere of earth with its fall, our chimera sliced open our poor queen's back.
Blood gushed down her skin – God forbid that stopping her!
Quickly catching the beast despite the wounds fresh in mind and body, accumulating surges of lightning in her palm connected to the chimera's chest in a turnaround causing gigantic waves of electricity to incinerating the surroundings ,,Take this and stay down!"
Anger infused pain flock out of the adversary simultaneously grilling its pitch black feathers crispy tender. Weakened, not killed, the chimera freed itself from her grasp so distance between them was created. It learned that blindly getting into close combat is foolish, moreover, distance is also tainted in safely calculated moves. Also, there was her partner standing in the corner.
For it meant only cowardice from the man observing his comrade grasp the futile hope of victory in its eyes. The man will be taken out last and for now this woman shall serve his appetite fairly good.
Opposing to her opponents position, Akeno got back on her feet again, hugging the pain tormenting her. Had the beast cleaved in a few centimeters deeper her spine guaranteed its snap in half.
(Careful. I need to be on guard. It is faster than me rendering surprise attacks a bit pointless.) Her thoughts trailed towards Jinga in the corner and adding growls to him just standing there. What does he think!?
(If this is a test, Jinga, I swear I'm going to punish you when this is over.) Cutting off all evil thoughts made her focus wander back to the beast attacking: Its claws swung from very side all around. Left, right, up, left, down, right, back down once more in an dance with the beauty striking the paws on sight with lightning.
Strike! Lightning! Tail whip, dodge into the air allowing thunder and lightning hitting its left shoulder.
A window opened ! Now she had to attack. Invisible for the sole eye slapped the priestess the abdomen resonating the influence of her thunder / lightning combo to full force –
Right now did he decide to intervene in her matters, for a draw of his Makai Blade catapulted him forward. Swift cut presented the beast without arms as Jinga landed one step next it. Turning around he said sinister cladded words ,,I tasted your foul soul.. Bitter. Had the audacity to serve me this piece of shit."
Audacity? AUDACITY!? ,,DON'T TOY WITH ME!" It shouted furiously.
,,It can speak. A surprise for sure, but welcomed one. Since now, I can hear your voice explode in the high you will experience eating you."
Time wasn't given with how fast Jinga clenched the beasts chest similar to claws digging themselves into flesh. Its soul extracted out of its body, pure blue hugged by purple-red. A symbol for the foul taste he will have on his taste buds.
Of course for Akeno being the first time seeing what Rias had described her be done right before her eyes chilled her mind. This was more of real fear than the overplay of a sarcastic comment with the hint of her usual "ara-ara" attitude. He is ripping that things soul out like It was nothing. What if that happens to them one day?
Anyways. After the soul left the beasts body, its lifeless shell transformed into clouds circling the soul in Jinga's hand. Bite by bite he ate away on it until nothing was left, then gazed over to Akeno so that she might show him her wounds ,,You will survive."
Survive her ass ,,This was to be avoided with the helping hand of a certain someone."
,,Really? Who would that be?"
She could not but sigh at his play an forget about it. For now the maidens have to be informed that their shrine is safe again. They head out of this place. The night is already at its peak. Rias should be back soon.
At the stairway she was held at bay by the Horror for a minute, suddenly finding his jacket around her shoulder to cover the wounds. He can't tell if they have medical treatment or if the visit to a hospital is needed, but at least her back is covered, she doesn't freeze that much, plus her comfortable state not lowering.
Baffled at his gesture seconds long, she thanked him for it, likely embraced the break lines to tighten its fit ,,A knight in shining armor, huh?" Jokes between the two sparking a memory. The words "Shining Knight" showed him memories of the young man, Ruyga Dougai, the Golden Knight Garo.
In response, he shook his head ,,No need to take it so far. Didn't heal nor treated your wound. Just to keep your back covered from the cold."
It was not clear to him why, probably haven't even noticed it, but he normally would care less about such trivial matters, unless it had some sort of pay off at the end. What the reason may have been, Akeno was thankful and responded following ,,You know, sometimes that is all it takes. Real ladies' man here." Oh, that smug smirk on her face will bite her back one day.
Currently at the way back to the clubroom was the time around the call from Rias by magic – phone. Halting for a minute with Jinga a few steps in front, she received the word to come back. As it looks like her research was over now, on top of that bear no fruits.
Hardly missed by the frustrated tone of her voice. In an back and forth they exchanged a few words, furthermore Akeno told her best friend about her experience today and the meaning it held for their story. This was unusual, especially for their standards.
But the thunder queen was sure that Rias's had placed eyes on them while they were hunting the stray. Before the meeting with Jinga at the café, she hinted towards spying action from her side while she would be gone to the Underworld.
Going by that, Akeno will be sure of her familiar having tolled Rias everything it saw at the job – She should be up to date ,,Alright Rias. We will head right to you, but before we gotta notify the Shrine Maidens." Call ended and the pair made their way to the Head Maiden to tell her the good news, promising her to repair the damage done to the shrine. Akeno in flesh and blood will take of such task around the evening.
The poor girls shouldn't be put under more stress then they already are, seeing how they nearly got killed today. It was a miracle they all managed to escape without worse outcome.
After the call ended, both knew to meet Rias at the club building. Arriving at the front so far was not the problem, what the problem was, loomed as the shadow of unease doubt in what will come if Akeno can predict Rias's action accurately. It will solely depend on how Jinga will react to her act.
Pressing the doorknob all the way down pronounced the entrance inside with further steps carrying them to the meeting room with its already open door. Dimmed lights and a little bit of the moon's presence was all source of light, so a darker tone on the atmosphere ruled, but for Jinga, it was a little bit like home: His darkness he was once, that of the Dark Mirror – A force eating the concept of hope and light and that will never leave him, be it not having the mirror anymore. It didn't matter because he IS the darkness.
Akeno felt this aspect of him, this comfort radiating from him, seemingly never having or ending up in a situation he wouldn't extinguish in that monster.
(Unusual feeling.) Every right to think that lied in her hand.
Now face to back with Rias who after they entered turned her gaze towards Jinga only.
Gently, likewise innocently, she rewarded them with a smile of elegance befitting a lady of such status ,,Ah, you two are finally back. I was waiting here all alone. Let me hear the report and we are quite done for today with you, Akeno."
,,Oh, would you mind closing the door, dear?"
,,Of course not~ Done already!~" Without questioning was it done.
Jinga had his spot between the two beauties of Kuoh Academy, opposite to what a teenage boy would imagine and hope for – Sense of twists to say.
Once again she gives the Horror a gentle smile, but this particular smile hides cold, blue-green eyes. Magnificent how she can overlap those two states of mind in a single swipe. Tension is the way of feeling the air setting ablaze at any moment with you in the middle of the crossfire. You know you are getting the full blow, although the most important part of it are the seconds you count until that tension reaches peak.
More cardinal detail to oversee lies between the females and the Horror. Jinga in his nature was a force of nature unlike the two devils. He is the protagonist leading the act by himself in this stage play, while Rias and Akeno are just violin strings the maestro resonates like he wishes. Results stem from their stimulation, thus he was more or less the conductor proven by meek flickers of his index finger alerting the two female devils.
Lightning and dark red energy engulf the floor, momentarily encircling the suspense of the situation: The girls fear losing control ,,Easy there you two." Jinga throws at them darkly amused by this ,,I'm not going to refuse a little interrogation if that is the core problem. Do you lovely girls really wish to be shown the difference between us in order for pointless argument to roam?"
On the sides of Rias have no emotions taken control so far, visible in her aura not overtaking the shape of her silhouette – Yet.
She was yet reserved mostly, steered and targeted though ,,For you it may seem easy, but don't underestimate us. A few question, nothing more."
Her threat had damn weight to it thanks to actually letting an example follow in the form of her aura of destruction flying around its pray like a dragon eyeing its next kill. Additionally, Akeno was keen to test out what she can do to Jinga. She hoped to test her sadistic mold against the Horror, moreover, Jinga had first hand witnessing what her magic is capable off ,,We believe you can already guess what it is that burns in our heart to discuss with you. Fu Fu~ And if things go out of hand, I can have my fun either way~" Easy to say with electricity roasting the floor and a pistol shaped hand sparkling for the shot like hungry coyotes.
,,Then shoot."
,,Bold and brave or bold and stupid?"
Alright, settled then. Jinga was sure to show them what this is going to be ,,No answer to that. Prefer both options. Ask away now before I really lose patience."
,,Very well. That ability of yours to eat, the armor, those aren't normal. No book I consumed had any records of such. No Sacred Gear, no Longinus. Your sword in particular is very strange: A weapon that clinging to its master and hostile to others." Rias remarked that through intriguing generosity. Nothing short of the truth was spoken, since she indeed never saw such tools be used speaking for Jinga's uniqueness.
,,Horrors, special metal – All sounding like fairy tales even for our standards. There are things you're not telling us. Demand for answer is my RIGHT!" Anger dominated the kings tone of worry for the future of her peerage. It wasn't in need to be explained further when one of those beasts was so hard to kill, one as well might end one of their lives, worse, one might become one. Jinga said himself that they were once human and no one said supernatural beings couldn't turn into one.
Rias outstretched her arm right in front of the Horror as her aura grew exponentially for the glow of an magical circle to appear, the giant accumulation of her Power of Destruction threatening to disintegrate Jinga at the spot. The mere thought there were factors abysmally out of control threw her into angst. Gasoline were her emotions to the power she holds so visible by the sudden floating of her crimson hair.
It came to an extreme but this situation will be handled quickly by Jinga – Be he damned if he couldn't. Careless out of confidence, not stupidity, he set foot closer to the heiress with spread arms as well as an arrogant smile ,,Calm down. No need for such measures. The bigger picture scares you and your comrades, I understand that. People react different to the changes in their life and you have anxiety of the haunting feeling coming with the darkness threatening to devour you."
Their hands come closer with the first touch to her out held hadn causing that sensation of skin tissue disintegrating. Alerting Akeno at the same time, she came out with her own spell circles. Order, one single order from her consciousness would shoot the lightning at Jinga mercilessly ,,Rias?" She questions her childhood friend or more likely awaits the order herself to attack.
,,Both of you!" Jinga shouted ,,Take down the spells and I will not hurt you." Starting a new point, enabling a crisis from happening, he attempted to change their mind slightly ,,You had time to overthink this a few days now. Why this sudden hostility? A few books say to say nothing? Fine. Knowledge was always lacking, no reason to paint the devil on the wall." This silly game went on for too long in his opinion, getting bored slowly. Now his hand taken hers into gentle comfort, lowering it down with free view to the kings eyes watering up, as if more than the situation bursts out equal to a water dam breaking from pressure.
Akeno did follow that suggestion through the witness of Rias breaking out in tears moments after. The atmosphere calmed down drastically, allowing Rias to hang low, furthermore let herself fall into Jinga's arms, experiencing a supporting shoulder.
Sobbing covered the silent apology quivering through her lips ,,Forgive me…"
Has her king suffered in the shackles of the forced marriage soon to be set THIS deeply that she couldn't share her buried feelings? If the assumption hits the case, Akeno, as outcome, felt horrible not to harbor the solution, neither the strength to help her dearest Rias.
Jinga let Rias sank onto him for a little before setting her down onto the couch. His attempt to disengage was negated by the crimson haired princess's wish of an longer hug. He didn't know why it was him that she chose, neither does he care to be honest, moreover, it should be Akeno supporting her in this situation. She has a deeper understanding of her situation than he does.
Long lasting, frozen currently. All they could do for now was to stay by Rias's side until she can regain composure.