Life. 1: Mad Tea Party
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Danhauser could do nothing but twirl the Queen Piece in his hand, his eyes never leaving the holographic figure of Ajuka Beelzebub who'd been repeating the conversation between Danhauser and Diodora for the ninth time in a row.
The Super-Devil finally finished, holding Danhauser's gaze, [We always thought the murder of the Glasya-Labolas Heir was an accident. We believed it.]
"And we were wrong. The murderer is still roaming the streets of Ars Goetia," Danhauser said, "And his name is Diodora."
[And — to an extent — the Old Satan Faction,] Ajuka added, scowling.
Danhauser briefly stopped spinning his Evil Piece, "I know Shalba and the rest are resentful of all of you but…" Danhauser drawled, once again toying with his chess piece, "What results were they expecting to achieve by completing this mission other than pissing off the Maou? I can't get in their heads," Maybe there was a warfare tactic behind it that only the greatest mind could possibly understand. Unfortunately, Danhauser wasn't such.
Ajuka shrugged, [I do not know. All I know is if the mission was — somehow — successful, they would get a nuclear bomb straight to their main quarters,] Because at the end of the day, if Ars Goetia somehow ended amidst a war, Sirzechs would be the last resort to finish it with an atomic explosion.
"It's not like Uncle Coda calls him the Ultimate F.O.A.B. for no reason," Danhauser said under his breath, "What of Diodora?"
[Straight to jail. This is the proof we need to put him behind bars. Good job,] After sharing the pleasant news, Ajuka brought a hand under his chin, [Let's concentrate on the crucial question — the searching mission he teased you about. Any idea who or what they are searching for?]
Danhauser leaned back in his chair with a stressed look, "I have no clue. I tried to make him put the cards on the table — but nothing."
The two of them pondered in a silence similar to a graveyard. Danhauser didn't know why, but it felt suffocating.
[You think they're after her?] As if to make the situation complicated, Ajuka gave a name, [After Roygun?]
Danhauser abruptly stopped playing with his Queen Piece. He could only hear his heartbeat scaling to almost frantic levels as his throat dried out, "But why her…?"
[Stop playing naïve. We both know why,] Ajuka retorted with a scoff, annoyance evident in his voice, [Her Clan Trait is off the charts and may have piqued the interest of the Old Satan for a long time.]
Being a former member of Belphegor Clan, Roygun not only inherited the horns that the Housecarl were proud of, but she also acquired the ability 'Crack' as well. He was confused by its function. From what he grasped thanks to Roygun's brief explanation, it's priority was to create a tear in anything.
However, she was a strange case compared to the other members of the Belphegor Clan.
"Her Clan Trait is mutated, just like Ruval and his blue flames," Danhauser recalled loudly, mostly to himself rather than the green-haired, "It's stupidly broken. To the point that the government of Ars Goetia, City of Dis and the Extra Demons had to step up and prohibit her accessing True Form — even if she mastered her powers."
It wasn't because of her corruption behind the Rating Games. It was to make sure she didn't spread 'cracks' all over the Underworld. Since her birth came to light — she was restricted. Likely other Factions were also going to forbid it once the Peace Treaty has been signed.
Because of the revelation, he'd understood how the Cherry-Blossom reached the second place in the Rating Games — all her matches were in her favor thanks to the King Piece and Clan Trait.
It only spoke volumes about Diehauser's skills.
[You just said it. That's why I believe they're after her,] The Super-Devil commented, [The higher-ups banned it because her True Form could fatally damage the Underworld with its release alone.]
Danhauser set his Queen aside and widened his eyes at the Satan, "They want to force it. Her True Form."
[Extremely likely,] Ajuka grunted, [Maybe that's why they accepted you into their group since you're the closest to her. Add your family bond with your brother and the Malebranche Clan.]
Danhauser felt his pulse pounding in his temple. He massaged his forehead to soothe the throbbing, "This… this is mostly conjecture and theory," He pointed out, "We still don't know what the Old Maou have in mind. We have to see what Shalba has written on that folder before jumping to conclusions."
Ajuka couldn't agree more and quickly shared his plan, [Then we will still not bust Diodora — for now. I won't tell Zekram about this either, not until that document stays under your possession. Are you up for the challenge or should I send someone else?]
"I got this," Danhauser immediately answered.
[Are you sure?]
"Totally," Danhauser averted his gaze from the hologram, "… Because of Diodora's allegiance with the Old Satan Faction, the Clan Astaroth is going to lose many of its privileges. You know that, right?"
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…
[… I'm a Maou,] Ajuka responded after a long silence, [My role is to protect the Underworld no matter the cost — sacrifice the minority over the majority.]
Danhauser slowly faced Ajuka, eyebrows furrowed, "… Isn't a Satan obligated to save all of them?"
[That's our motto, but only an idealistic Satan would buy it — such as Sirzechs and Serafall,] Ajuka said, [Let's be real. You know very well that no matter your efforts, you can't save everyone.]
Danhauser felt his head automatically nod.
Ajuka kindly returned the gesture, [If you find yourself backed against the wall, then don't hesitate to send me a call.]
"Understood," Danhauser noted Ajuka pursing his lips as if deciding something, "There's something else, right?"
Yes, there was, actually, [… Listen, Dan, I don't wish to call a surgeon once he's arrested. Even if he's a criminal, he's still the future head of Astaroth.]
"If he comes with his hands above his head, then I won't hurt him," Danhauser promised, "If he gives a fight, I'll have to return the gesture in kind."
[Something is something, I guess,] Ajuka sighed, [Good luck. But remember, he has to be able to walk!]
"Yeah, yeah…"
Once the figure of the Super-Devil faded along with the luminous green, Danhauser's shoulders collapsed as he released a long breath that he'd saved since his conversation with Beelzebub.
"Man, what a day," The second sigh that escaped his dry lips was slow, as if his brain needed that time to process what had happened. His eyes remained fixed on the desk, on the exact spot Ajuka's hologram had fled down.
"So, I can't leave Diodora badly damaged," No matter what if the green-haired was working with the enemy. He was still the next head of the Astaroth Clan and had many privileges. Plus, the Astaroth Household was a high-ranking Clan as well.
Despite being permitted to operate outside the law — there were scenarios that he had to reluctantly obey. Only the government could punish him. Whether it was executing him for his fidelity to the Old Satan Faction or imprison him to Cocytus — the Frozen Hell that functioned as home to traitors and those who'd committed acts of complex fraud — where he's most likely going to mutate into a sculpture of fine ice.
If Danhauser stained his hands with blood, he could trigger a civil war. Another civil war.
It sounded stupid the more he repeated it in his head, the stupidity increased tenfold now that Danhauser had evidence saved on a device.
But that's how the law worked within the Remaining Pillars.
He had no room to talk on what's foolish and what's not — not after accepting a dangerous role, one that could kill him if he was not extremely careful.
But he couldn't refuse the offer that they'd placed so deliciously on the table.
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"Danhauser. You're to gain the favor of the Old Satan Faction."
To think that an exhausting spar with Sairaorg Bael would conclude with a meeting with high-ranking, political figures.
"Wait. Hold up a second," Danhauser chuckled in disbelief from his seat in the office of Lord Bael. He scratched his knife-shaped ears, "Did I hear right? Did you just tell me to join the Old Satan Faction?"
"We did," Zekram calmly replied, "During the Diehauser Belial Broadcast Intrusion, we were in a rush to ensure the safety of the victims and subdue the riot that wrecked the streets of Agreas and Lilith. As a result, we lacked enough information about the unknown figure and we misjudged their intelligence."
"Now, there has been an unfortunate loss, the future Head of the Clan Glasya-Labolas," Lord Bael continued, "We've received multiple reports from the guards that no one outside the walls made it inside Ars Goetia, nor did they find any clues throughout the investigation — dropping the case as a 'mere accident'."
"We know better. We have a traitor within the streets of the Remaining Pillars," Zekram said coldly, "We are adamant this traitor pledged allegiance to the Old Satan Faction. It's so convenient that from all the Housecarls, they targeted the Clan who has produced the current 'Asmodeus'."
"We need every last bit of information about the Old Satan Faction, the identity of their spy, future goals their location and ensure they have no secretive way to escape if they are found, or else we'll simply be repeating our past errors."
Danhauser's eyes narrowed as he slowly stood up, "So, you're telling me to get my hands dirty by fighting for the ideals of the Old Satan Faction?"
"Yes," Lord Bael responded, "We're asking this because we feel you're up to the task."
Danhauser grunted, still unconvinced, "What makes you think they'll recruit me?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Zekram laughed and gestured at him, "Danhauser Belial. The Devil who's the heir of a Clan that has fallen from glory."
Danhauser's mouth adopted a rigid line.
"… As an act of revenge, Danhauser joins the terrorists to retrieve what's rightfully his," He concluded with a hum, "My, my. I should grab a pen and write a book. I'm coming up with good character backgrounds, don't you agree?"
"A bit cliché," Danhauser snarked.
Lord Bael glared warningly.
Zekram casually shrugged, "Perhaps. But sufficient enough to guarantee you a spot in their ranks."
"Any questions?" Lord Bael said crankily.
"Why me?" Danhauser folded his arms defensively, "There must be more Devils qualified for this."
"Unlike many Devils of yours and previous generations, you're the only one who — at the age of sixteen — experienced terrorism and survived to share the story," Zekram explained, "You know how they play and take actions accordingly. There's no one more suitable for this job than you."
Aside from that, there was a lot of arguments in their favor for why they went after a member of the Clan Belial — many of them because it clashed with many political bases. Funnily enough, he still couldn't refuse orders of his higher-ups. Whether he liked it or not, Danhauser had to follow the Great King's instructions to the letter.
"And what do I get in return?" Danhauser demanded.
Zekram expected the question to arise and smirked, stopping in front of the young Devil with a hand outstretched.
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"The pride of your Clan," Danhauser repeated the exact words that sold him, fists clenched, "A chance to participate in the Young Devil Gathering."
His head repeated the scene when his whole family found out he was hired as principal intelligence of the higher-ups. His mother had thrown tantrums right in his face. His brother and cousin tried to calm her down, but deep down, they were also fumbling. His uncle thought it was cool — earning the wrath of his sister.
"For family, will I give," He knew his family would be against the idea. But the seeds were already sown — there was no looking back. Not after Zekram stowed a jaw-dropping reward in the meeting that Danhauser couldn't just overlook.
They thought it was a risky move, but a calculated risk was no risk at all.
He wasn't oblivious to the nest of snakes he'd dived into. He knew he was skating on thin ice. Now a member of the Old Satan Faction and — to an extent — the Khaos Brigade. It was a matter of time before Shalba had him executed after he'd outlived his usefulness.
He was prepared for the upcoming event.
Funnily, he was using them for his personal agenda as well and they had their own expiration date as well.
"Uncover the existence of Khaos Brigade," He knew of them thanks to the Light Novels. Unfortunately, most of the characters were unaware of their whereabouts. The only figure Danhauser believed to be close to discovering them was Azazel, "That should stop the leaders from headbutting one another."
Because when the supernatural world realized that the puppeteer behind the Army of Disaster was the Ouroboros Dragon all along, they would cast their differences aside to battle for a similar cause. Protect their home — planet earth.
But to accomplish this, Danhauser needed to first find valid evidence of their existence.
"My previous events must have changed the timeline quite a bit… no… a lot," Danhauser mumbled, hence he's hurriedly pressuring the factions to shake hands or at least reunite to talk about it. Previous accidents such as the Vatican being set aflame and the riot in Agreas and Lilith left the Three Biblical Faction at each other's throat.
"So far, the only real thorn in my side is Kokabiel," Unlike Satanael, Kokabiel was still a member of Grigori at this point and could break the frail balance if he wreaked havoc in Kuoh.
He drummed his fingers while staring absent-mindedly into nothing, "… I should focus first on the case of Diodora. I only have a few days to pull something out of my sleeve… but what?"
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He yawned behind his hand, "Too tired. Gonna get some shut-eye and think about this tomorrow."
He would come up with something in the coming days. He had to, anyway.
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Roygun stifled a yawn as she sashayed through the crowded hallway at the heart of Kuoh Academy. Lunch had started, and the halls were loud. A few students were sharing subjects to discuss or teasing one another.
Roygun stretched her arms above her head, the muscles there stiff after a tiring work. It had been a boring day, and her legs were aching from standing for way too long. All she wanted to do was go back home, take a warm bath, and watch anything interesting on the TV. Maybe pour a few glasses of something strong and sleep under the sheets afterward, but the magic circle from Danhauser had been full of commands about grabbing a specific book from his room and delivering it to his office. Roygun had slumped her shoulders, searched around his room and given it half an hour before leaving the house to answer Danhauser's orders.
Bless whoever created teleportation circles.
The bad news was that she still had to grade a lot of assignments from her students, meaning she had to read each answer.
Or she could deliver good grades to all of them — since she couldn't be bothered to check all of their scrawlings — and enjoy the rest of the afternoon either sleeping, watching TV or teasing Cleria and Danhauser. That's all she could do in this town to kill boredom now that she was restricted from the Rating Game.
After knocking on the door and getting the signal she stepped in with a faint smile, "Hey, dear," She said to the Vice-Principal while closing the door, "Why is this book is so special that you had to yank me out from an erotic dream about us in—!"
"S-stop right there…!" Danhauser breathed out without looking briefly up from the floor as he kept doing push-ups, "N-not in my Christian school! You can keep your kinky fantasies to yourself."
"Are you sure~?" Roygun grinned, leaning down enough to show a little bit more cleavage, "This was a good one — my favorite in fact. Had an engaging plot and everything."
Danhauser slowly stood up and searched her over, "Definitely. Besides, I hate spoilers," He smiled before stealing the book in her grasp.
She stuck her tongue out, "Killjoy," Roygun straightened herself before gesturing to the textbook, "Any reason why you asked for that book in particular?"
Taking a seat on his rotating chair, he invoked a towel while placing the book on his desk, "These are Nephilim's records."
"Nephilim?" She parroted, blowing a loose strand of pink hair from her eyes, "The Grigori school where your Knight and Sae graduated?"
"That one," Danhauser shot her a pair of finger pistols, "Each month, Sae swaps this book in exchange of another with updated information about new students or Sacred Gear Users that Grigori is interested in recruiting."
"But why did Sae give you a copy of that book?" Highly unlikely that that was the original version, it must be somewhere hidden in the headquarters of Grigori.
"She did so in case I'm interested in recruiting anyone to my Peerage," He wiped the sweat in his face, "With Azazel expecting something huge in return."
"So the Governor-General knows about this exchange," She tapped her lip in thought, "Interesting…"
She always saw the Governor-General of Grigori as a weird leader. No matter what the relationship between Danhauser and him, he did understand that he was giving the Devil Faction more firepower in case if a second Great War befell?
Men were weird.
Then again, they were hunting the same enemies.
"Yep, he does," Danhauser said as he ran a finger down the list of Nephilim students. After minutes of searching in silence, his eyes froze over a familiar name and picture that made him break into a smile, "Bingo," He inwardly fist-pumped before closing the book, "Found my little gem."
Roygun arched an eyebrow, "Who?"
Danhauser didn't answer back, merely fishing his phone out of his clothes and typing the number, shifting the device near his ear.
It was silence for a few seconds before someone answered the call, [Oh! Danhauser!] A male voice greeted joyfully, but Roygun knew it sounded fake, [To who do I own the honors?]
If it wasn't for her enhanced hearing, she would be missed out. She still had many questions, though, "Dan. What's—!"
He pressed a finger to her lips with a pleading look. Be quiet, got it. He better explain everything once he's done.
Danhauser gave her a little wink and turned back to his phone, walking to the window of his office, "Diodora," He said and Roygun lost her balance a little, "Let's make a deal. What do you want for the mission that Shalba gave you?"
A nasty laugh erupted from the phone, [D-don't tell me you can't take that off your m-mind?!] He said between snickers, [I told you already! Do your part and I'll — !]
"Asia Argento for the folder."
Silence.
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…
[You're lying.]
Danhauser smiled in amusement, "Cross my heart and hope to die," He mockingly said, "I know where to find the former nun. I can give her to you if you're ready to shake hands."
[… You know bad things happen to liars, don't you?]
"Watch your tongue. You said it yourself, I'm leagues above Rias and Sona — you're not an exception," The gray-haired warned, "Interested or what?"
Diodora stayed quiet.
Danhauser toned down a chuckle, "Call back when you're no longer in denial."
Roygun watched in silence as the Vice-Principal faced her while pocketing his phone, "Diodora has important information that he doesn't want to share until I've done my part. Ajuka suspects it's about you."
She flinched inwardly when the name of the Satan she'd fooled back then left Danhauser's mouth. However, her senses returned once she'd mentally repeated his words a few times, "… About me?"
"Your mutated Clan Trait," Danhauser specified while taking a seat and opening the book of Nephilim where Asia's personal information was written, "Probably force your True Form in the middle of Ars Goetia," He took a picture and send the evidence to Diodora.
Roygun bit her lip while taking a seat in front of him, "As if I didn't have issues with the… Remaining Pillars already."
He pocketed his phone and noticed her staring at nothing, "Hey, don't let them get under your skin. You're great, you know."
A few moments of silence passed between them and Danhauser fought the urge to facepalm. He wasn't someone who had the ability to grant good compliments. He mostly saw the bad rather than the good in most people. It was easier.
It took a lot of time and effort, but Roygun finally reacted, "… Keep treating me well and my dream may come true~!"
Danhauser stared deep into her eyes after delivering her less cheerful response and a strained smile. Before he could open his mouth, his phone forced him to look away.
"Diodora," He spared his companion a single glance before answering the call, "What's up? Made up your mind already?"
[Who told you that?] Diodora demanded with a snarl, [Who told you I'm after her?]
"… What kind of question is that?" Danhauser laughed, and he swore to hear a growl out of him, "Your Peerage is famous because it's made up of notorious holy maidens and nuns. I was just offering you the recent 'witch' that the Church had banished. I didn't know you got her in your sights. How convenient."
A playful lie.
Diodora stayed silent.
"Let's be real. Whenever you have free time from all the politics and stuff, you flee to the Human World to chase the next cute skirt that the Vatican labeled as heretic. I can give you the girl in less than a week and you don't need to move a single finger," Danhauser paused, "Shalba doesn't have to know about this either… So? What do you say? Are you in or out?"
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[Four days,] Diodora said and Danhauser found himself smirking victoriously, [In four days I'll go back to Kuoh and you better not be fucking lying!]
"She'll be there," Danhauser assured him, "You better bring that folder. The real version."
[See you at the abandoned church,] Diodora simply said, killing the call.
"Making things easier for me, Diodora?" Flashing a confident smile at Roygun's direction, Danhauser kicked his legs up on the table to lean further back in his seat, "Ta-da."
Roygun rolled her eyes in return, "Then I guess you have the preparations ready for the negotiation?"
"Yep."
"What about the Governor-General? Did you tell him?"
"… Shit," Danhauser clicked his tongue and snatched a different phone, "This is my new life now. Making phone calls."
"How many do you have with you, by the way?"
"Four or five I think," He replied before focusing on the answered call, "Hello?"
[Azazel's house of whores. You name the vice, we name the price! What can we do ya for?]
Danhauser snorted with a smile, "What was that?"
He could picture Azazel shrugging from the other phone line, [Got bored from saying hello over the years. Thought it would be a good idea to come up with something original. Any thoughts? I'm open to feedback!]
"I like it," Danhauser simply said, "I need a favor. I'm interested in the girl Asia Argento."
[Huh,] Danhauser heard Azazel scratching his goatee, [Weird. For a second I thought you were interested in Shigune Nanadaru — wielder of one of the Four Fiends."
"And the strongest one," Danhauser was relieved someone like her found refuge under Grigori. After all, two of the Four Fiends were still imprisoned under Satanael. What made his gears grind was that those two were the main cast of Slash/Dog — Natsume Minagawa and Kouki Samejima and they still weren't rescued, a case that Tobio took hard, "But I bet you wouldn't accept."
[Bring me Gabriel and we shake hands!] After booming a laugh, Azazel continued, [Seriously though, why her? Sure. Twilight Healing is a pretty rare Sacred Gear — but it's not unique. You got a sub-species Longinus in your Peerage and — to top it off — you can heal your own wounds using Senjutsu, yeah?]
Danhauser bit his lip, sinking into his chair. It's hard to determine Azazel's personality and his reaction to most events and topics. When Vali declared his betrayal to Grigori and joined Khaos Brigade to satisfy his thirst for a worthy battle. The old crow merely flashed a smirk, as if he had won a bet. It was obvious he was deeply hurt inside despite perceiving the act from miles away.
How would he behave when Danhauser shared his affiliation with the Old Satan Faction to the Fallen Angel? Sure, he would add he was a double agent as well, but would Azazel believe that part? Vali was a different circumstance — they had a father and son relationship. Azazel didn't see Danhauser as his son nor Danhauser saw Azazel as his father — associate at most.
"I'm working as a double agent to infiltrate the Old Satan Faction."
He decided to drop the bomb.
For an unknown reason, Roygun's stare was suddenly locked onto him after spitting such words. He pushed it aside and waited for Azazel to respond.
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…
[… Huh, caught me off-guard,] Azazel whistled, [Kid, you really love sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, right?]
Maybe Yasaka wasn't wrong at all. He was indeed a magnet of trouble.
"All for a better cause, old timer," Danhauser retorted, "What do you want in return?"
[Before jumping into that, answer me this last question,] Azazel said, [What does the Old Satan Faction want with that girl?]
"I'm partnered with Diodora Astaroth who has a fetish over nuns and holy-maidens," The Devil explained, "We have a mission written in a document that he won't share until I kill Rias and Sona."
[Kill the Heiress of Gremory and Sitri?] Azazel snickered in disbelief, [Kid, you're gonna be dead meat if you pull a single hair out of their heads.]
"That's why I need the girl, Azazel."
[Lemme guess. You're gonna bribe Diodora with her, is that it?]
"That's the whole story," Danhauser didn't tell him he already made the deal, "So?"
…
[Tell you what — the nun is yours,] Azazel accepted, quickly adding, [But! I want a copy of what's inside that folder. Who knows what the hell those clowns have in mind.]
Danhauser arched an eyebrow and said nothing, clearly waiting for him to add anything else, "That's it?"
[That's it. Unless you can somehow make Gabriel fall from grace...] The Fallen Angel dragged with a hint of hope in his voice.
Danhauser deadpanned, "You really need to stop thinking about her."
[Don't tell me what to do, brat,] Azazel warned humorously, [Honestly, I don't like your plan, but I guess you're out of ideas...]
"Hit it right in the nose."
[Hm. Thought so. Just make sure the girl doesn't actually end up in his hands. I'll send a few reinforcements to escort the girl to Kuoh Town. Later.]
"She won't end up in his hands, right?"
Roygun was fast to tackle the conversation once Danhauser hanged the call.
Surprising it took her this much to berate him about this.
Then again, maybe she was still locked in her world because of the Old Satan Faction taking interest over her capabilities.
But that was Ajuka's theory — Danhauser hoped.
He turned his attention to the pink-haired devil, "Temporally," He saw the thin line her lips turned into, "There's a huge chance that Diodora could swindle me and give me fake data. I need to make sure it's the real deal."
"How are you going to determine whether it's an imitation or not?" Roygun asked, "When you have no clue what it is about."
"He told me it's a searching mission," Danhauser recalled, "That's all I know, unfortunately. I'll use Senjutsu to detect if he's lying once I ask for answers."
"Danhauser," Roygun only said his name like that when she was serious or sad, "The girl. Is it mandatory involving her in this mess?"
"She won't get hurt," The words fell from his mouth, a reflex, "Diodora won't pull a single hair out of her. I'll make sure of that. Word of honor."
Roygun batted a hand in the air, "I know she won't get injured, but what does a banished nun have to do with the Old Satan Faction or Ars Goetia?" She narrowed her eyes at him, questioning, "You understand you're using her as bait?"
"… It's too late for backing off," Danhauser said softly, "I've found what Diodora's feasts on and how to exploit it. I will not misuse this opportunity. All I can promise you is her safety throughout the 'exchange'."
In Danhauser's view, a good outcome excused any wrongs committed to attain it — Roygun believed so. Him joining the Maou descendants and tangle an innocent bystander along the way were nods to her statements. Despite how much Danhauser assured both Cleria and her that it was for the best of all, both women weren't persuaded by his words.
She just hoped once he had acquired Diodora's documents he will burn bridges with the Old Satan Faction and drop the espionage stuff once for all.
His part of the discussion was over. Roygun folded her arms with a look of begrudging acceptance, "Was Cleria at least warned about this? You'll need her blessing to allow entrance to the Fallen Angels after all."
He groaned in return, "Crap. You're right," Quickly leaving his seat, he approached the exit of his office and unlocked the door for the pink-haired, "You coming? I'll take both of you out to eat if you want. There's still time left before Lunch is over."
"Hah… charming," Roygun cooed as she sashayed her way through the exit, "Food better be tasty, Vice-Principal."
"I'd rather die than disappoint you both," Danhauser laughed before locking his office.
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"He should be coming right now," Raynare guaranteed, arms folded beneath her ample bust, "Any second now."
The blonde, Gothic Lolita kept propelling herself in the swing with a bored look. A big lollipop in hand, "You said that like the fifth time already. He's fucking late."
"Just wait."
"Didn't the Governor-General gave us his phone number? Just call him already."
"I did. He told us he's on his way. We just have to wait."
"Hmph! I bet he thinks only cool people are late."
"Lord Azazel told us he's a busy man," Raynare pointed out, "Stop acting like a crybaby and shut up."
Mittlet rambled quietly.
"E-Excuse me…"
Their heads wheeled at the new voice. It was a young boy by the age of ten or — if not more — toying with the corners of his shirt.
Such a forgettable face — they thought mutually.
"The hell you want?" Mittlet asked and Raynare facepalmed.
The boy winced before shyly pointing at the swing occupied by Mittlet, "C-can I use it?" He stuttered, "… I-I think it's my turn to —!"
"Fuck off squirt!"
Raynare watched flatly as the boy ran away in tears, "You're making a scene. Lord Azazel told us not to make a public scene."
Mittlet scoffed aloud, "Looks who's talking," She pointed with her lollipop at Raynare's choice of clothes, "Keep dressing like a one yen whore and you'll be swimming in ugly bastards!"
Raynare huffed indignantly and said nothing. She refused to play her childish game, not for something Lord Azazel had assigned her. She was the smartest and most mature of the group with Kalawarner just behind. The washboard was just fumbling with jealousy and baiting her — she thought.
Her mind adjusted in matters at hand. She was nibbling her nails about the bond between her leader and this Devil. Weren't the Three Biblical Faction suffering from severed ties? What's the relationship between these two? Had they worked together long ago?
She couldn't tell.
A rumor had spread throughout Grigori's installations that one of the Fallen Angels' top fighters was a reincarnated devil of all things. She didn't know if this was a myth or not. If it's the latter, then it would be obvious this reincarnated devil was a member of the Devil who patrolled this town.
How strong could he be? She didn't find thrill in combat as Dohnaseek would, but they were in unknown grounds and if the top fighter of Grigori resulted to be in Prince Belial's nobility, then Raynare and her group should tread lightly all over his territory. Unless they yearned for their feathers to be plucked one by one.
Plus, this Devil was a member of the Clan Belial. Those were pretty tough to fight against alone.
The Champion of the Rating Game was a nod to her statement.
Mittlet's groan disrupted her daydreaming, "Why is he taking too long…?!" She almost pulled her twin tails in despair, "He's as slow as old people fucking!"
"Who's slow?" A man's voice, refined and polished.
The hair behind the back of their necks stood up, and they cautiously turned around only for their hearts miss a beat.
A young man in a suit towered over them, looking at them with an eyebrow arched.
What made them pale like ghosts were the hair and eyes resembling the Rating Game Emperor — the Belial grey.
Raynare screamed inwardly.
"U-Umm…" Mittlet looked everywhere but him, her eyes settling on the candy stained in drool.
An idea popped up in her mind. She nervously offered her candy, "Lollipop?"
Danhauser stared, "I don't like candy."
…
…
…
She brought her lollipop to her mouth and lifted up a corner of her skirt, "Some fuck?"
Raynare almost cried out behind her hands. Plan backfire. Lord Azazel himself had told them to keep their nose clean in the town — an order both Raynare and Kalawarner took to heart. Unfortunately, their other two peers didn't bear the command in mind — seeing it as the mere wit of their goofy, high-spirited Governor-General.
The bastards. How do they dare to paint their leader as a clown?
Now, because of Mittlet's motor-mouth, they were doomed to a mouthful of pique coming from the gray-haired Devil and a good spanking by her higher-ups. Great. That's not how she wanted to give her first impression as a member of Grigori.
Danhauser blinked several times before laughing, "And get jailed? No thanks!"
Or maybe not.
Mittlet's head had been red from the start, but it only grew when she saw his cheeky smile, "Listen he—!"
Raynare was quick to cover her mouth. How much she wished she had duct tape in hand, "Prince Belial. Lord Azazel sent us here to escort someone — Asia Argento is her name I believe."
"Yep. That's the girl," Danhauser beckoned to follow, "Where is she?"
With a warning glare, Raynare slowly released Mittlet before following suit, "Two members of my team are waiting for her in the airport. They should be on their way here."
"Good to know," He harrumphed, "Any ideas where your team is going to stay in the meantime?"
Raynare nodded, "While flying our way in this town we'd spotted a church," she said, "By the looks of it, it appears to be abandoned."
"For four years that church hasn't been touched," Danhauser brought to mind, "All you're going to see in there is relics, dust, and cobwebs."
"We don't mind," Raynare suddenly smirked at her partner, "As long as we get to destroy a few religious icons that is~!"
Mittlet licked her lollipop and returned the expression in kind, "Best part of the job~!"
Danhauser eyed them both oddly, "Suuure," If he was interested in what was inside of the former base of Touji, he would have taken it long ago, "That's where the drama is going to happen in two days."
"Then we'll stay hidden once it happens," Raynare vowed, quickly averting her gaze, "… W-what's this 'drama' by the way?"
Danhauser spared her a brief glance before looking back to the front, "An exchange. That's all you need to know," He stopped and spun to face them, "Since you and your team are going to stay here for a few days. I expect you four to behave. We don't want to lessen the population of the Fallen Angels, agreed?"
A chill ran through their spines and quickly saluted simultaneously, "O-of course, Prince Belial!"
Danhauser eyed them both for a long second and smiled, "We're on the same page. Great," He resumed his walk, "Where's the delivery point is going to be by the way? At the abandoned church?"
"Yes, Prince Belial."
Danhauser pulled one of his phones to peek at the hour. Satisfied, he pocketed it back, "Any of you hungry? I'm starving here. Wanna stop somewhere to eat?"
"For free?" Mittlet had to ask.
"My treat," They better don't leave his wallet empty — he thought.
Mittlet's eyes lit up, "Really?!" She licked her lips, "Sign. Me. In!"
"H-Hold on!" Raynare wasn't easily convinced, "Prince Belial, shouldn't we focus for the — !"
"You want to think about strategies with an empty stomach?" Danhauser looked at her incredulously but stopped.
He absentmindedly stroked his chin,"… Nevermind. You're right. While I know what to do. There's a slight chance everything could fail horribly if we don't treat lightly… I can't afford to fail. Change of plans, ladies."
"Whaaat?" Mittlet invoked the puppy eyes, "For real?"
"For real," He eyed them both, Raynare in particular, "First, we need to urgently stop on a clothing store… I don't want someone to get any ideas."
Hopefully, clothes in discount were available.
Raynare growled, glaring daggers at her blonde partner who'd burst in a fit of laughter.
.
.
"A-Almost done!"
The extremely shy nun said, settling two cubes of sugar neatly on the porcelain teacup. Danhauser watched carefully as she poured the boiling water, the two sugar cubes dissolving. Unable to flee, the last remnants of sweetness crumbled under the dark brew.
Danhauser held his cup once it was completed. He stared at the blonde through the steam of his tea. Her emerald eyes contemplated him as if waiting for something. The intensive attention from the blonde had his grey eyebrow incline ever so slightly, "Something wrong?"
"T-the tea…" She awkwardly pointed at it, "Is it… good?"
Danhauser's eyes widened slightly in realization, "Oh, right. Sorry," He blew the steam and took a careful sip.
After savoring and gulping it for a good second, he winked at her. "My compliments!"
She brought a hand to her chest and sighed in relief, giggling, "Thank you. I was worried I may have added too much sugar…"
"It's all good," Danhauser set carefully his tea to the side, "But why make me some tea?"
He'd thought he would get a headache for stepping inside the deserted church because of his nature as a Devil. To his relief and surprise, Raynare and her squad destroyed any religious relic in the process out of spite for their former leader — God of the Bible. While they didn't do it for the sake of his health, their vandalism became handy in the end.
A shame they were forced to enjoy their picnic on the dusty floor since Raynare had thought it would be awesome to not spare even the chairs.
"As a way to show my gratitude, of course!" Asia beamed a smile, hands clasped, "I never expected to meet someone who could speak my tongue and guide me in this town. Oh, this is thanks to the Lord!"
Danhauser ignored the throb in his head, "Guide you?" He repeated, batting a hand into the air, "You got the wrong guy. That was Raynare and her goons. You should thank them too, you know?"
"A-ah!" Asia looked down, fidgeting, "I-I tried to invite them to drink some tea with us… but they, um, declined. They told me they were just following your orders…"
"… I see."
A heavy silence settled upon them, so thick that someone could cut it with a knife. Unsettled eyes glanced unceremoniously around and tried to avoid catching their own glances. From time to time, the drinkers took a quick sip but still said nothing.
"Why is it so difficult to hold a conversation…?" He pinched his nose when Asia wasn't looking. He could speak to family, friends, work colleagues and other people with authority such as Azazel and Ajuka just fine.
But here he was, pondering whether talking about the weather with the nun was an excellent idea or not.
As the future Head of Belial, that wasn't tolerable.
"E-excuse me…" Asia rose a hand like a student full of doubt, "Can I ask you something?"
Danhauser warily narrowed his eyes but gave her the 'go on' gesture.
"Why did you help me?"
He stared for a long second, putting the nun a bit on the edge. His expression softened, "You will see," He said before nodding at her, "What about you? A bit surprised that a follower of Him would not distrust a Fallen Angel."
"Oh! Oh! You may have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'," Asia quoted sagely, "But the Bible said to us, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven!"
The blonde had trouble socializing, but whenever the conversation involved anything about her religion, the girl took a one-eighty degree turn.
"Besides…" She averted her eyes, twiddling her thumbs up and down, "I didn't have anywhere to go…"
Danhauser lowered his gaze, staring inside his half-empty tea, "They gave you a chance and you took it," He drank the remaining tea with one gulp.
"Y-yes…" She drawled before meeting his grey eyes with resolve and happiness, "I-I promise I'll be useful in this town! First, I'll start by cleaning this church!"
Danhauser looked around the ruined place, "That's a tough challenge," He stated, "Are you sure you're up to that?"
"Yes I am…!"
He smiled, "Alright. I'll leave it to you."
…
…
…
"D-do you have black wings too?" Asia tried to pat her own back, no avail, "Are you like them…?"
Danhauser grinned down at her, "What if I am?"
At cue, they looked up in sync when a green light illuminated the abandoned church.
Danhauser felt his jaw tightening, "So, it's time," He stood up with a sigh.
"T-time?" Asia followed suit, "Time for what…?"
He looked at her with pity, like she was a homeless girl asking for a coin.
The light dimmed and a familiar figure left the circle, "Alright, Danhauser. Where's the…"
…
…
…
Diodora didn't think twice and marched forward with a stupid grin, stopping halfway as an arm blocked further progress.
His nails dug deep into his palms, forcing a smile, "What now?"
"The document," Danhauser stepped between the green-haired Devil and the blonde nun, hand outstretched, "Or no girl."
Diodora hesitated, glancing from the waiting hand to the grey eyes and behind his partner in crime.
He saw her.
And time slowed down.
Golden hair cascading all the way to her back.
Green eyes shimmering with naiveté.
The sinless face of a beautiful, young maiden.
Her beauty and innocence could even put angels to shame.
So gentle. So pure.
So corruptible.
His instincts as a Devil drove him into his desires, begging him to mark her like the many nuns and holy-maidens that had met him. He felt his heart beat in rapid succession. It even filled Diodora with a taste of grief to see the former nun away from his grasp.
He wanted to taint it — her everything.
"… Fine!" Diodora yielded, invoking the folder and shoving it to Danhauser's chest, "Keep it! Let me see her!"
Reluctantly, Danhauser took a slow step to the side and opened the folder, engrossing himself in the reading.
"U-umm…" Diodora quickly centered on the puzzled girl, "W-what's happening?"
He completely ignored the question, merely cutting distances between them, "Asia Argento… we meet again. I'm Diodora Astaroth."
She tilted her head to the side.
"… I understand," He flashed a small smile, "I was told I have a forgettable face. Here, maybe this will help…"
Asia saw him unbuttoning his shirt. In return, her cheeks were suddenly kissed pink as a spring rose. She quickly covered her eyes, "W-wait, please!"
"If it wasn't for you, I would die in a pool of my own blood back then," He evoked, "But because of your kindness and your Sacred Gear, I was gifted with another chance to live."
Hesitantly, she uncovered her eyes and her breath hitched, "T-that scar…" Her digits absentmindedly brushed over the X-shaped scar covering most of his chest, "… I healed that?"
He grabbed her hand and kissed it, dropping to one knee, "If love at first sight exists, then I may as well be experiencing it. Asia Argento, please! Become my woman! Marry me!"
Asia's blush seared through her cheeks and for a minute she thought her face was on fire. She suddenly felt awkward, demure, and coy – even going as far as attempting to hide her embarrassment behind her digits. The blonde haired nun knew that those golden eyes were locked on her – all eagerly waiting for a reaction, a response, like a predatory beast.
But she couldn't speak, she was loss of words.
"What is this bullshit, Diodora?" Danhauser ruined their moment as he stormed to their direction, "Is this for real?"
To Asia's surprise, Diodora wasn't genuinely offended by his intrusion. On the contrary, the man stood up and flickered a psychotic smirk, "Whoa. Relax, Danhauser! What's with the language? Don't swear in front of my fiancée, pretty please?"
"I-I'm not your…"
Danhauser sharply shook the folder near his face for emphasis, "I read half of it already. How reliable is this?"
"Trustworthy enough for Shalba to put pressure on you so we can proceed on the mission," Diodora fluttered his golden eyes and grinned morbidly, "Believe me, it caught me off-guard as well."
Asia cocked her head to the side, not following.
This wasn't just a piece of paper and a string of prayers. For Danhauser, this was a map to power. "Holy shit…"
Diodora couldn't help but laugh at his bewildered expression, "Amazing, isn't it? No matter how small this world is, there are people like her that could be born and hide in the shadows so easily... If there really is such a thing as fate and miracles, she may as well be that. Or maybe an abomination, it all depends on perspective. Wouldn't you agree, Danhauser?"
The gray-haired paid him no mind. His gaze repeatedly switching from Diodora to the files in his grasp.
Diodora didn't mind as he summoned a magic circle, wrapping an arm around Asia, "Well, if you don't mind, I'll take my leave with — !"
"You won't," Applying a growing pressure to his shoulder and lifting Diodora off his feet. Danhauser smashed him against the wall, rattling his bones and sending dust billowing into the air.
Danhauser disregarded Asia's shriek of horror, fixated in his strangled prey, "Diodora Astaroth. You're under arrest for the murder of the Glasya-Labolas Heir as well as plotting future terror attacks with the Old Satan Faction."
The girl heard none of his words, deaf. Her wide eyes haunted by the sight.
"Y-You fucking tr-traitor…!" Diodora managed to choke out, trying to break free of the strong grip, "H-had… to kill you… the c-chance I got…!"
"Kill me?" The gray Devil repeated, letting a low growl roll over his whisper, "You think you stand a chance?"
His head shook out a terrified no, but his wicked hand fiddled a spell ready to fire. He squinted from the blinding radiance of his magic circle. He was desperate to drive the spell into his skull, anything to get Danhauser away from him.
"Go ahead," Danhauser challenged.
His eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't let his permission linger long. He took aim at his face and fired, but nothing happened, his magic supply rendered worthless.
Nonetheless, he'd fought back, kicking the air, trying to claw his face, even scream and throw temper tantrums, to no avail.
Shock registered on his face when Danhauser placed his other hand in his chest before letting him go.
…
…
…
The effects were instantaneous. On his knees, he felt his torso being squeezed in a vice that mildly grew and grew. It felt as if his lungs weren't there as he'd tried to suck the air in. He could feel his muscles straining and the thoughts in his head turning from fear to a dizzy confusion.
What's happening?
What's wrong?
Was the air gone?
But if the audience around him could breathe properly, why couldn't he?
Why was it so suddenly hard!?
He clutched his chest and strived to glare daggers at the one responsible of his illness, noticing his hand warped in grey, demonic energy — in Worthlessness.
He didn't hold back the loud gasp as he'd attempted to fill his lungs. Even trying to speak up only to choke on his own words.
Danhauser stared up as it echoed from the abandoned church. The moonlight gleamed through the heavily cracked stained-glass windows, casting an eerie glow onto the dusty alter. A baby angel was pressed to the colored glass — watching and smiling.
He turned back to Diodora once he'd heard a sigh of relief. His breath seemed to stutter in his lungs before he let it go, feeling the tension drain from his system. His health back to normal. Truly, the body of a Devil was far superior to the likes of a mere human.
He summoned his spear and let the tip brush the quivering pulse in the neck of the Devil underneath him.
"Fight back, and I'll do it again," He promised.
"N-no don't!"
Danhauser drew his weapon back when the exiled nun quickly stood in front of Diodora, acting as his personal shield. He halted his attack in return. He had to expect this outcome — this was Asia Argento after all. The girl who wouldn't wound even a fly.
Diodora scrambled to his feet and wheezed, using the wall as support while snarling at the gray-haired Devil. Beneath those golden eyes, there was fear and confusion, "My… m-my heart… you — "
"I-I'm begging you…" Asia pleaded shakily. Her Sacred Gear already in her fingers, "N-no more…"
"Don't tell me you're protecting him," Danhauser said, low and even, "Just look at him. Cowering behind you. Only if you knew what he had planned with you."
Before Asia could cite any arguments, a tendril of resin yanked her out of harm, leaving a frozen Diodora exposed.
It all took a smack of the butt of his spear onto Diodora's skull to send him stumbling to the ground, unconscious.
The one-sided fight finished in his favor — as expected.
He heard the cry followed by Asia ran passing him. He watched her drop to her knees as her hands were surrounded by a green glow — muttering a prayer under her breath.
Behind them, the heavy oak doors broke open, echoing around the empty church. Danhauser glanced behind to see four familiar Fallen Angels approaching him.
"W-we heard the scream," Raynare spoke for the group, awkwardly gesturing at the anxious blonde in the distance, "I guess it came from her…?"
"Yes," Danhauser massaged his neck, "She's healing the target. Had to drop him unconscious just to make things easier when I restrain him."
"Aw, fuck!" Mittlet pouted, "I missed it! The beatdown!"
Kalawarner chuckled at her whines, "Relax. It appears there's going to be a round-two," She noticed the nun attending the devil in the background, "And lucky us, we're in the front row."
Dohnaseek said nothing, but his eyes sparked with interest.
"Sorry, I was told to bring him unbruised," Danhauser stated, walking where Asia was doing her work, "As much as I would love to beat him more..."
He approached Asia as an innocent animal he wouldn't wish to startle. The nun saw him and quickly blocked any passage between Danhauser and Diodora.
"H-he's already had enough!" Asia stuttered, "Please, let him go!"
"You're protecting a criminal," Danhauser remarked and her eyes broadened, "Someone who had it in mind to provoke chaos in the Underworld."
"U-Underworld?" Asia parroted quietly, unaware of Danhauser hauling her carefully to the side, "A Devil… you're a Devil."
He tossed the fully healed Diodora onto his shoulder like a bag of potatoes and started marching for the door, "Go with Raynare," Danhauser encouraged gently, "They'll show you your new home."
"H-home?" Asia sniffed, her emerald eyes locked onto him, "You almost killed s-someone…! You want me t-to go home and pretend any of this didn't h-happen…?"
"Don't be naive. Of course it happened," Danhauser said, softening his tone, "Diodora was proposing you to expand his collection. He's captured now, you're in safe hands."
"C-collection?" The girl wore a puzzled look, "W-what do you mean?"
…
Danhauser nodded to the Fallen Angels, "Please make sure she doesn't get hurt."
They saluted simultaneously, "Yes, Prince Belial!"
"Belial…" Danhauser heard Asia gasping in realization, "Y-you're the one behind Saint Jeanne's disappearance…"
He looked at Asia. Whether it was her first time or not, she had seen the violent face of someone's duty, what he could never bring himself to show his family. Roygun was right, he shouldn't have to push Asia into this. If he wasn't so desperate, he could find another solution — a less risky plan.
But what's done cannot be undone. The good news was that he successfully stole the folder from Diodora's perverse fingers and the latter was facing imprisonment or execution once he'd returned handcuffed to Ars Goetia. Now, he needed to find a way to reveal the existence of Ouroboros and Khaos Brigade, that alone should persuade a Peace Treaty.
Because what happened four years ago had made the Three Biblical Faction bitter.
But most importantly, he had secured an invitation to the Youth Devil Gathering.
A chance to fix past errors.
It was worth it.
Totally worth it.
Unfortunately, another issue cropped up. The blonde nun was fated to stay in Kuoh Town. He couldn't let Asia saunter down the road with images of this juncture. Zekram himself had cautioned him that no one — except his peerage and Housecarl — should know about his relationship with the Old Satan Faction.
It could backfire horribly.
It could ruin everything he'd worked for.
Finally, he faced Raynare, "Alter her memories," He ordered, "Wipe the memories and all records of this scene. No witnesses."
"Yes, Prince Belial!"
The nun's mind didn't process the cold hands gripping both wrists, dragging her to a different direction. Her puffy eyes attached on the man behind Saint Jeanne's desertion, "W-where is she?" She all but demanded of the retreating Devil, "W-what did you do to her…?"
"She's in safe hands," It's all the gray-haired said before summoning a circle under his feet.
She wasn't satisfied with his short answer. Unfortunately, he teleported away before she could insist for more answers.
"Let's go," Raynare said sharply, "You'd heard him. To your new home."
It was a matter of time before she disappeared as well.
.
.
Raynare yawned behind her hand as she glared lightly at her target from far away.
Sitting alone on a bench and letting her timid eyes swing from left to right constantly was Asia Argento — the nun they were charged to ward from the time being.
Time had flown since the day Prince Belial had ordered them to erase her memories. They would take turns to spy on her whenever the blonde desired to take a peaceful walk around the town. Today was her lucky day, she was the babysitter of the exiled nun. Yay.
Asia's 'first' days involved asking for directions in her native tongue and either getting confused looks or be completely ignored. Humans weren't capable of translating as quick as a creature of the supernatural world would. They had to take classes to speak and read the language they yearned to learn and master. A few succeeded, others dropped the towel.
Luckily for Asia, she found a single friend so far. Someone who could speak Italian fluently.
It must be sad to be human — she thought. They were way below on the food chain. Only a few had potential, those who were born with a Longinus and wield demonic and holy weapons.
Other than that, the rest were pretty much dead weight. It made her ponder why Lord Azazel would waste space for humans with third-rate Sacred Gears. She would just extract them and move on for the next one.
They won't be remembered.
"A-Asia!" A familiar voice, one full of fatigue.
The blonde tore her eyes off the ground. She brightened up like a bulb, "Ise! You made it!"
The brunet laid his hands on his knees, taking deep breaths before he straightened himself with a strained grin, "Yeah…" He rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling sheepishly, "… Sorry for being late. School sometimes can be a pain…"
Raynare didn't move a single finger, letting the script play its part.
"It must be a fun experience," Asia gushed, hands clasped, "One day, I wish I could study at a school and make a lot of friends…"
Issei flashed her a thumps-up, "You will!" He said determinately, "Just approach them and speak to them, just like you did with me!"
She looked down, "I-I tried to… but they ignored me and left."
"Learn Japanese," Raynare rolled her eyes but kept her mouth shut.
"Oh, really?" Issei growled, "Well, screw them! Who cares about them?! They're just idiots! That's why, despite our meeting was bizarre, and it was a short one as well, I got to become your friend. Will you please be my friend? I'll take you somewhere to eat."
"Teehee…" Asia giggled, her cheeks dusted in pink, "Y-you said some weirds things, Ise… but yes. I would love to be your friend."
Issei's grin stretched from ear to ear as his body churned up in anticipation, "Awesome! I know a great place where they sell good hamburgers, wanna go with me?"
"Y-yes, please! Take care of me!"
Raynare eyed them sourly and huffed. Kalawarner would point out playfully they were slowly developing their relationship, that slowly, but surely, they would fall in love for one another.
"Love my ass," There was no love, only people using other people. They were in denial if they thought otherwise, or perhaps in their mental weakness, they cannot accept other people or even themselves for what they are? Their brain must construct complicated notions of things that do not and cannot exist to soothe themselves.
Humans were weird animals.
"Not a fan of vanilla romance?" Raynare quickly spun to see Danhauser approaching, "Hello."
"P-Prince Belial," Raynare greeted with a cordial salute before focusing back on her mission, "I wasn't expecting you to come here."
Danhauser didn't reply and joined her sightseeing. He was surprised how quickly Issei bonded with Asia, "Maybe because of Asia's compatibility with dragons? That's how she got Fafnir after all."
"Wearing the clothes I bought you, eh?" Danhauser said, sparing her companion a look of approval, "They look great on you."
"Clothes…?" Raynare's eyebrow twitched and looked down at her black jacket. That's it. A black leather jacket that hid her BDSM armor and showed a little of her thighs. He didn't even dare to buy some jeans to finish her attire, "You just bought me a cheap jacket."
Danhauser chuckled, "Well, it was the only thing in discount," He brushed away the wrinkles on her shoulder, "What's with the pout? It's a good brand with a fine texture. And black. Like your wings, am I right?"
She didn't know if he was being sarcastic or not. If the latter, then his harem must be blindly in love with him to accept 'meh' gifts with their heart's content or at least brainwashed.
Or be good in bed.
She pushed her thoughts away and stuffed her hands onto her jacket pockets, "While I'm flattered by your praise Prince Belial, I think you're here because something important arose."
She watched as the Devil materialized a file in his grasp. He lent it to her, "This bad boy right here is the cause of your presence in Kuoh Town. I need you to go back to Grigori and deliver it to the Governor-General. Take your whole team with you for a safer travel."
As her fingers firmly wrapped around the folder and softly pulled back, Danhauser's tightened his grip over it, "Protect it with your life. I don't want your leader to get angry with me and — by any means — do not peek what's inside. Unless you want to get in trouble. Understood?"
She shrunk when his eyes bored through hers, "Y-Yes, understood."
He stared at her for a long second before dubiously releasing the delivery package, "Any questions?"
"What of the nun?" Raynare rushed her question.
Danhauser raised an eyebrow in return, "What about her? I made a deal with your leader. The girl for a copy of the document. She'll stay here from now on. Anything else?"
Raynare frowned deep in thought, "Are we going to come back here to Kuoh?"
"Loving the town already?" He smiled faintly, "That depends on whether if there's a mission that involved us and the Governor-General chose you four as representatives of Grigori or not. Other than that you can't come to this town anymore. Remember, we're still in conflict thanks to past mistakes."
"… I see," Raynare slowly nodded, "That's all."
"Then better get moving," Danhauser said, "The sooner that folder ends up in your leader's hands, the better. Good luck."
The Fallen Angel, saluted, spread her wings and took flight, leaving behind a trail of loose feathers.
…
He knew very well. Danhauser knew his actions had caused a few ripples in the storyline that affected the main cast and the timeline itself.
From Issei's Sacred Gear not evolving into the Boosted Gear and not getting traumatized by Raynare's actions to Asia not joining their peerage.
And many more.
"But if I didn't lift a single finger, then I wouldn't be invited to the Devil Young Gathering," Lucky him, he's guaranteed himself a spot thanks to his intervention and espionage accomplishments.
A final glance at their direction and Danhauser took a different track, leaving Issei and Asia to enjoy their day together.
Such changes just made their upcoming Rating Game end in his favor. Yet, Danhauser believed he had the upper hand regardless if Issei used Balance Break and Asia became Rias' Bishop. Thus, he wasn't worried so much on that scenario.
Rias had it rough, especially because of her arranged wedding.
Where he was almost sweating bullets was anything that didn't circle the Rating Game.
Khaos Brigade as a whole.
As the main protagonist of the Light Novels, Issei had been fighting each organization — which were a loosely knit that composed the Army of Disaster — and left victorious with a new power-up in his arsenal for future fights. Each Faction became officially disbanded after feeling the wrath of the Sekiryuutei.
Will Issei's strength develop like in the Light Novels? Will Asia join Rias' Peerage in the future because of Issei's influence? Or did Danhauser rip it to shreds?
He didn't know.
"As long as they don't capture or extract one of Valerie's Sephiroth Graal's then no infamous Evil Dragons will be revived," And sure as hell, he won't let Rizevim get near her.
He will protect the Little Missus. No matter what.
Which brought the next question. What was Rizevim's next move? And, to an extent, Satanael's? They purposely disappeared from the radar and these two were impossible to comprehend. Deep down, he knew they weren't just going to sit with arms folded and watch the paint dry or the grass grow.
Knowing Rizevim's personality, he was preparing something big that could shake the loose balance of this world.
Most likely the Beast of Apocalypse — Trihexa 666 — played a huge role in Rizevim's goal.
But the question was how? How could they awaken it? Was Incinerate Anthem efficient enough to break all those forbidden seals that the Biblical God had placed upon it? The King Piece they had served a purpose at all?
He didn't know.
The Light Novels was his guardian angel. His bible back then when he wasn't knocking on canon's doors. Because of it, he could recruit Slash Dog into his peerage, uncover the King Piece, make sure Diehauser didn't get imprisoned because of the latter and rescue Cleria from her execution.
Unfortunately, such actions weighted him down a lot.
Maybe he still could ride on the Light Novel's coattails. But for how much would it last after all the alterations he'd committed in the past? It was a matter of time before it would burn out of its usefulness.
He didn't know.
That's what he'd feared.
The fear of not knowing what's coming next. At this point, Danhauser believed he was just beating a dead horse by clinging hopelessly on the Light Novels.
That fear only grew whenever his mind recapped Shalba's document that he'd stolen from Diodora.
New faces were coming.
Were these new faces allies or foes? That was the big question.
"All this time I thought you were the only hybrid with Maou lineage, Vali," Danhauser's expression darkened, "I was dead wrong."
.
.
Mike - That chapter has to be my favorite one tbh. Glad someone else shares the same thoughts!
Guest - Glad you liked my fic, sorry for making you guys wait a lot, lol. But here it is!
Guest -And here I thought I screwed up the beggining of canon timeline. Good to know I left a good impression.
Gravy - Haha. Yeah, sure.
Black - If Cao Cao would be satisfied with True Longinus' firepower then he would lose his Balance Breaker and sub-species Balance Breaker, it was shown in the Light Novels that someone could lose it because of that. In my opinion, it's his arrogance that kept him from sharpening his skills, I could be wrong tho.
Guest - I already had the pairings since chapter 1, Asia is not one of them.
F4 - Something tells me you don't like Diodora, lol. What I had planned for him later in the future tells me you'll love it :p.
Kalmaegi - That Dan's nickname you came up with, it will make a fine addition to my collection.
Thus, the Raynare Arc is over. Like I said before, the Arc was gonna be short. If I somehow madethe Arc longer it would come up really forced because, you know, Danhauser won't stand there with arms crossed.
Plus, Raynare and her goons are nothing against Danhauser and/or Roygun (despite losing her King Piece).
Also, don't expect the Phenex Arc being too long, either. I dunno why, but that has to be my least favorite arc, no offense to anyone who likes it, though.
Hope you guys liked the chapter. Cheers!
Life.1: Maou Bloodline
