Life.4: The Archangel, Michael

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The world was as silent as if it had ended. The sun was still resolutely below the horizon and the street was as dark as an old-school black and white movie. Going outside at this hour would be a viewed death wish — especially if you had a bounty on your head in the supernatural world. The perfect hour to commit a crime and for no one to hear the victim's desperate cries for a hero.

Such threats wouldn't stop Danhauser from doing his routine.

He bounced up and down to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Sticky sweat soaked his face. He panted as he wiped his temple on his sleeve. The weights tied to his heels and arms made the exercise a tad bit challenging — something that his body slowly adapted to.

He could only imagine how badly he stunk. But something about the breezy jog made him feel rejuvenated and free of stress — mostly if they were long periods.

A shame his peerage didn't share the sentiment.

He paused to catch a quick breath and observe his peerage lagging behind and groaning. Their legs were wobbly and it wouldn't be a surprise if a rising feeling of nausea was threatening their stomachs. It never ceased to amuse him that the muscles that they were working so hard only hours ago now were struggling to hold their weight.

The only one who wasn't jogging was Bova. The dragon was in his Chibi Form and flapping his wings with the strength of an eagle. Like the rest of the peerage, the heavy weights made of resin were fatiguing him. The exhausted expression and beads of sweat sliding from his scales were good evidence enough.

Because they were reincarnated with Rook Pieces, Bova and Jeanne were obligated to sustain more weights than their peers. The dragon's weighed more than the former saint's.

The exhausted form of Tobio was the first one to stagger in his direction and place a firm hand in Danhauser's shoulder, keeping himself stabilized. He finally gawked at his master, "How heavy are these things?!"

Danhauser observed as his mutated knight repeatedly motioned at the weights for emphasis, "Not much."

"It's like I'm carrying three damn cars!"

"That's literally nothing."

At this point, Tobio was glad that Sae didn't participate in this. He didn't want to pay his respects at her funeral, "Are you carrying the same weight as us?"

"I'm carrying more," Danhauser pointed out with a matter-of-fact tone, "I don't know why you guys love complaining so much."

Valerie, who had slumped on the trunk of a tree, whispered to herself, "I bet you're using your Senjutsu."

"Of course I'm not. No pain no gain," While Senjutsu had healing capabilities that were effective for either one physical or mental condition, such as releasing any fatigue, Danhauser refused to use it throughout his training. He only used it when he was in a Rating Game match or a life or death situation, "By the way, all of you are prohibited from healing your soreness with Sephiroth Graal or any other method. Let it flow naturally."

"Jesus! Shit! Fuck! You son of a bitch!"

Everyone stopped to glance at the blonde-haired rook.

Far behind was Jeanne. She wasn't jogging but dragging her feet along the ground. Her uniform was soaked in sweat and her teeth were clenched as she pushed onward to keep up the pace with the team.

Once she accomplished her goal, she fell on her knees and gasped, her chest heaving with each accentuated breath as she tried to gather as much energy as she could for the unending marathon. She shakily fist-pumped the air, "I…I made it! I-I fucking made it…!"

Words failed to escape from Jeanne's throat once she instinctively clasped her hands over her mouth and looked up, already predicting what was coming next. She understood it was inevitable now, but she still held tightly onto that dim light of hope that she would, somehow, dodge the bullet.

Her hopes were shattered once her king brought up four fingers, "I counted four swear words from that potty mouth. You know what that means right, cutie?"

Jeanne paled like a ghost once her master casually approached her. She rapidly shook her hands and head, "Nononono!"

"Reap what you sow."

Tobio took the opportunity to slump his aching shoulders and relax a bit, "So, this is the rumored M.F.F.R. that Sae kept mumbling about?" he muttered breathlessly, "She even spoke of it with genuine fear… I get it now."

Valerie cocked a sweaty eyebrow, her curiosity already piqued, "M.F.F.R.? What does it stand for?"

"Manhauser's Fantastic Fitness Routine," Slash Dog's breath rasped in his throat, "I-I can't see what's fantastic about this..."

Valerie tucked her thumbs into the front of her waistband and ran them around to the back in deep thought. Her heart skipped a beat once the words sank in, "… Routine? A-are you saying that this torture is just the beginning…?"

"Pretty much. Isn't that great?" Danhauser answered, much to everyone's nightmare. He kneeled in front of his gloomy rook and began to work, "We will only do the jogging part, unfortunately. I need to be early at the Academy early today."

Everyone sighed with relief.

Even Jeanne who'd started fanning herself. At least they hadn't to suffer throughout this torment, they were almost free. Almost, "For how long have we been jogging?"

"Yeah, if my memory serves me right… around an hour I think?" Danhauser said unsurely while adjusting Jeanne's weights, "I honestly lost count."

"A-an hour?!" Jeanne whined once her body acknowledged the additional heaviness, "I-I feel I've been jogging for ages!"

"Did I recruit people with potential or just a bunch of crybabies? Seriously, what were you guys doing the past four years?" The disappointment was evident in his sigh as he looked up at the sky longingly, "Man, I miss Sairaorg already. Each morning we would jog until we were covered in sweat, only to run another marathon or turn it into a race. Ah, sick times."

"Look, I was trained to fight Supernatural beings, not jogging with bulky resin from town to town!" Slash Dog glared at his king, "… From Ryuukou Town to Kuoh Town in transport takes a lot of time. Now, imagine on feet."

"Nah, you guys just suck," Danhauser said plainly, standing up, "Stop making excuses and get your asses moving."

Siegfried had his emotions in check, even though deep inside he was on the same bandwagon as the others, "… M-master is right. We must not fall behind."

"Not you too…" Jeanne grumbled, "You must be tired too!"

"Can we at least get another minute of rest?" Tobio tried to persuade him, "Got an idea! You were interested in working on my bar, right? How about we relax a bit and you ask me anything? I'll answer ASAP!"

Siegfried watched the way Tobio patted the ground beside him encouragingly, "Aren't you supposed to be working?"

"… You're the skeleton at the damn feast."

"You won't get paid for whining at work. Inefficient. Now go on now."

Chibi Bova listened to their conversation and smirked, "Heh! Jeanne's right, you're tired too. Don't lie, cause your leg's been twitching non-stop since we began our training."

"T-this is nothing," Siegfried brushed off his taunts, "And what about you, Bobo? You don't look good. Maybe you should sit this one out before you further humiliate yourself."

Bova narrowed his eyes, snarling, "The hell… quit trying to act tough. You look stupid."

"Back at you," Siegfried countered.

"Shitty poser," the dragon blew smoke from his nostrils, locking gazes with the silver-haired man, "Let's settle this once for all then. First one to drop unconscious is the shittiest of the peerage."

"I'll make sure you regret it, shitty lizard," the grin that Siegfried sported reminded Danhauser of Freed, "… Yeah, I'm in."

"I won't lose!"

And just like that, they were gone, leaving behind a cloud of dust.

"See? That's what I love to see," Danhauser kept an eye on them until they disappeared in the distance, "my peerage giving their all. But all of you are just being spoilsports."

Tobio clicked his tongue while attempting to pick himself up, "Don't you get bored? I mean, all this jogging from Kuoh to Ryuukou Town must be damn boring."

"I normally listen to music to keep me distracted," Danhauser responded idly, "Today was an exception."

"How so?"

"Hearing you guys suffering is music to my ears."

Tobio stared for a long minute, "You are, without a doubt, the worst Devil I've ever met."

"Ah, but you've stayed anyway," Danhauser winked in return, "Besides, all this jogging is just a warmup. We're in easy mode. I'm making the exercise easier for all of you."

Valerie rolled her eyes, "And Pure Devils wonder why there's a sudden growth of Stray Devils nowadays…"

"Do you want the Jeanne treatment?"

Valerie became quiet all of the sudden.

"You can do it, Tobi!" Everyone looked up as Lavinia floated after them, no signs of exhaustion shown on her, "You are a member of perhaps one of the strongest peerages of this generation! Chin up and give your best! I believe in you! In all of you!"

Valerie smiled satirically, "Yes, yes, very lovely. Let us soak in your encouragement before the massacre begins."

Lavinia rubbed her wrist nervously, "Um, excuse me?"

"It must be a miracle to be floating rather than putting those legs of yours to work," the dhampir gestured the short gap between the ground and Lavinia, "It's insulting to rub such a feat in our faces."

"I-It wasn't my intention! I was just trying to spend time with all of you!"

"Is that so? If you thirst to stay with us so much then perhaps you don't mind jogging as well? Hmm?"

Lavinia paled little, "Well… a-actually…"

"The Little Missus is right," Danhauser's voice rang out and Lavinia felt a chill crawl in her bones, "If you're going to be with us, you must follow our rhythm."

"Oh! Would you look at the time?" The blonde Magician looked over her wrist which lacked a watch, "Pops must be worried about me, I should go back to-eep! W-what are you doing?!"

Lavinia observed with shock and fear as Danhauser handcuffed their wrists together with Pitch Resin. Those were the least of her problems. Her levitation magic soon stopped functioning and her feet now settled firmly on the concrete floor. She tried to cast any spell and even summon her Longinus — but to her terror, nothing happened.

"Worthlessness," she met the impish gaze of her prison warden, "Y-you sabotaged my all my magic and Sacred Gear with your Clan Trait…"

"Of course I did," Danhauser didn't have shame in admitting his mischief, "You'd likely run if I didn't. Now, ready to have a toned body?"

"I am not!" Lavinia snapped, "Y-you can't do this to me, my legs are…! W-why are you even doing this?!"

"Lavi, your legs are very fine."

Lavinia blinked incredulously and her cheeks slowly began to generate heat, "E-eh?"

Despite his fatigued state, Tobio managed to laugh, "…Hah. Living four years with your cousin and Roygun boosted your confidence, eh?"

"But even so, I think it wouldn't hurt you to try exercising," Danhauser continued, ignoring the brunet's mumbles, "You have a great body, but a good workout would show more of your curves."

From afar, Valerie watched their conversation keenly and their closeness.

She scowled and shakily stood up.

"W-what are you saying…?!" After her short-lived trance, the embarrassed Lavinia desperately tried to snatch off all the resin racked up on her wrist, her once calm and clear attitude had crumbled away, "I... I'm not part of your peerage! You can't force me to do this! Let me go!"

"But you're someone important to me, you know? I want you to be in good condition. When you jog, you enhance your lung capacity."

"I don't care! T-there's no way I'll withstand hours of jogging! I-I do not have the same inhuman stamina as you!" the torture hadn't started yet and she was sweating profusely, "I'm just a human and… and…!"

"Vasco is a human too," Jeanne panted, "that ain't an excuse."

"That's right. Discipline and patience are the key here, nothing like a healthy jog to get the blood pumping," Danhauser persuaded the magician, "Don't worry, I'll be by your side the whole time."

Lavinia wasn't convinced, not at all.

"Well, aren't you two adorable?" Tobio grew a playful smirk, "it's like you two are going on a date."

"Well, I found out I'm the romantic type."

"Eh, you got your ways."

As the conversation went on smoothly, Valerie's fingernails dug into her palms.

Lavinia couldn't stop the blood flooding her cheeks and she turned scarlet. In a flustered attempt to resolve this issue, she tilted her hat downwards, "P-please, stop you two. This isn't funny."

"Right. We're just wasting time already," Danhauser harrumphed before shouting, "Breaktime's over! Time to move out!"

"Ah shit," Jeanne grunted before standing up, "here we go again."

Danhauser spared Jeanne the punishment this time, mostly distracted by Lavinia's futile attempts to escape from running. The way she batted her eyelids at him was adorable, "Can I at least do it without weights, please?"

A disarming chuckle from her training partner eased her nerves, albeit only a little, with the gray-haired devil leaning forward and invading her personal space, "Man up, Lavi."

Once the magician felt portions of Pitch Resin wrapping around her limbs and gaining weight, she squeaked quietly and tightened her grip around him in fear of tumbling face-first to the floor.

"I'd like to join you two as well," out of blue, Valerie popped on Danhauser's empty side while looking at Lavinia intently, "… three are better than one, correct?"

Danhauser grinned knowingly at her abrupt, competitive attitude, "For real?"

"Yes, in fact," Valerie still held Lavinia's nervous gaze, "make my weights heavier. Unlike a certain someone, I can handle it."

Lavinia paused, analyzing Valerie's words before narrowing her eyes, "Did... did you just call me weak?"

"I certainly did, didn't I?" Valerie casually inspected her nails, "don't feel discouraged, it happens to the best of us. It's just that this type of training isn't suited for you."

"… what are you trying to say?"

"Your physique isn't meant to sustain a great amount of physical exercise," Valerie explained, half-annoyed, "Do you get it now or should I explain it to you with pictures so you understand?"

Lavinia's face flushed red, "D-don't make fun of my intelligence!"

"Then understand quicker."

"J-just because I'm a magician doesn't mean I can't bear any training!" the blonde magician stuttered, "I-I can do it, it's just…"

"Why yes, of course," Valerie rolled her eyes, "and my little toe, right here, is the Black Dragon Emperor. Just go back to your magical school and read a book, I'll take it from here."

Tobio sighed at the display, "Why does Valerie always start a fight with other girls? What makes it worse is that she keeps adding fuel to the fire."

[She's jealous, yet she doesn't know,] Lycaon said telepathically in his head, [A pattern, spreading...she's learning.]

"Who cares! Dan is in trouble!" Jeanne watched the catfight in worry, "He's in the middle of a deathmatch, we gotta do something!"

[Let her be.] Lycaon said to her, startling her, [If you care for your friend, let her understand.]

Jeanne tilted her head, "Understand?" she repeated, "Understand what?"

[Understand how to be alive,] Lycaon replied, [Besides, he looks fine.]

Tobio's eyes wandered over Danhauser as he stood in the middle of the typhoon with a goofy smile. His eyes darting from Lavinia to Valerie with constantly.

The way his lips trembled told him he was suppressing his laughter.

Tobio deadpanned, "Yeah, he's all good."

"I bet I can last longer than you!"

"Talk is cheap."

"Why you…!" Lavinia clenched her teeth together before sharply meeting Danhauser's amused gaze, "That's it! I'm participating in this as well!"

Danhauser whistled at her rapid change of attitude, "Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming… or you're just being serious?"

"Yes! I'll accept the torment!"

"So cute," Danhauser bellowed a laugh while handcuffing both of their wrists, "Now that's what I'm talking about! You won't regret it, I swear!"

Valerie just grunted, feeling the sudden growth on her weights.

Danhauser looked at the two blondes at his sides and said, "Are you two ready?"

Without looking away from one another, they shouted in unison, [Yes!]

With a lunatic smirk, Danhauser took the first step, "Then let's get moving!"

.


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They'd reached their destination a few hours later, and Danhauser felt energetic and satisfied. With a long sigh, he looked up to see the entrance of Cleria's house, and, close to the entrance, Bova, and Siegfried on the plain grass.

They were must likely unconscious.

"Good job, you two," Danhauser praised both of them before peeking down at the dhampir and magician with a smile, "See? It wasn't that bad wasn't it?"

Attached tightly to his arms as if their life depended upon it, Valerie and Lavinia struggled to stabilize their quivering legs. They were covered in sweat and their legs ached. If it wasn't because of the hydraulic-press-like grip they had on his arms, they'd be splatted on the ground.

Which happened the moment they'd let go once Danhauser made their handcuffs of resin vanish and their grasp slowly weakened.

"If you ladies are going to fall, it better be for me!" after teasing them, he helped them to sit properly on the ground, "Don't worry, first days are always rough, but once you slowly get a hand of it, you'll —!"

Once free Lavinia invoked a teleportation circle and disappeared — not before firing a look of fear and betrayal at his direction.

It happened so fast that he was unable to even react.

"You traumatized her," Valerie breathed out, "… I told her she wasn't made for this."

"How rude, not even a goodbye or a thank you. I even made her weights less heavy!" Danhauser slowly stood up and gazed behind his shoulder to be met with nothing, "Huh, where did Tobio and Jeanne go? Did they seriously escape? How the hell did I miss that?!"

Then again, he was distracted by two, blonde beauties clinging desperately to his arms. There's not much he could do there. Tobio was also trained within the facilities of Grigori and learned how to mask his presence from people, leaving without a single trace or clues to track his departure. Now, if he was using Senjutsu then he would notice his disappearance.

The chance showed itself and he took it, fleeing with Jeanne.

He knew he had to cast Worthlessness on their weights, too!

Ungrateful assholes. Whatever. Nothing better than some good Touki spankings.

"While we were jogging, I was unable to hear their voices anymore," Valerie wore a thinking expression, "… I wonder if they were strangled while we weren't watching?"

Danhauser shook his head at her morbid speculations.

"Oh, you're here," the familiar voice of his cousin rang true in his ears loud and clear. He quickly spun around right in time to see her leaving the house, followed by Roygun, "I was getting worried you were gonna be late."

Both of them were already dressed up for school.

Roygun's eyes skidded from servant to servant until finishing with Danhauser. She donned a knowing smile, "Manhauser's Fantastic Fitness Routine?"

"Who even made that name up?" Danhauser muttered to himself, "but yeah we went to jog, but that's about it. I wish we had the time to do the rest."

"Even so, it seems all of you had tons of fun."

Valerie scoffed, "Hardly."

"I had fun, actually," Danhauser smiled at Valerie, "Go inside and take a rest, I'll chat with Cleria and Roygun for a bit."

Valerie motioned over the unconscious forms of Bova and Siegfried, "What of them?"

"I'll bring them inside in a second. You just go to my room and take a well-deserved nap."

Cleria whistled and fanned herself, "Ooh la la~! Inviting girls to your room already? I'm getting a little jealous over here Danny!"

"Tch! Four years living under the same roof and he still doesn't make a move on us?!" Roygun clenched her fist dramatically, "One day…! Just one day!"

Danhauser deadpanned at them, "You two done?"

Cleria stuck her tongue out, a sign that she'd step back. For now.

"Make sure to let him know if it's too quiet for you to sleep, dear," Roygun of course never lowered her guns, the way her eyebrows wiggled suggestively at the dhampir was a nod to his statement, "Invite him and he's gonna make it louder."

"You two urgently need a boyfriend."

Roygun smiled, that coy, devious, knowing smile and leaned back on the entrance with her arm slung over the back and her chest pressed out, straining her blouse in all the right ways, "Well, darling, I got a few candidates in mind. Perhaps you could help me choose one privately in my room?"

Danhauser sported a half-smile, "Something tells me that, we won't be doing much talking."

"You say that as if it's a bad thing."

The dhampir exaggeratedly cleared her throat, her annoyance not going unnoticed, "If you two are done can we proceed where we left off, please?"

He accepted her request and dropped it, his grey eyes staying focused on his cousin who'd flashed him a big thumbs up and a huge grin. He chuckled and said, "You ladies think I'm still right in time or…?"

Cleria shrugged, "Plenty, more than enough," she assured him, "don't sweat it, cos."

"Good to hear. I'll take a quick bath and meet you at school."

"Beep! Wrong! Boop!" Cleria poked his nose, "You ain't popping in at school just yet mister vice-principal!"

Danhauser wore a quizzical look, "Huh?" that's all he'd managed to utter once he pocketed his hands, "Then what do you mean? Did I miss something?"

"Take a wild guess~!"

The gray-haired devil stared deep into her mischievous eyes until he finally caught on and found himself smiling, "Mom and Diehauser are coming, aren't they?"

Unknown to everyone, Roygun cringed a little at that.

"Well, yes they are coming!" she drawled and quickly rose a finger, "But! I'll be the one picking them up! You have other stuff to do!"

Danhauser clicked his tongue, "Don't be an ass, let me go with you. It's been months since I've seen mom and Mr. Fanservice."

"Sucks to be you then!" Cleria punched his shoulder playfully, "Besides, you'll be seeing them soon enough! Don't get your panties in a knot, will ya?"

"Jerkass," he folded his arms in return, "What's the 'important stuff' then? Help out the Student Council for the Observation Class Day?"

"Nah, they're done already," Cleria waved off his qualms, "We still need to be there, though!"

"… Then what is it?"

Once he'd finished asking, he noticed how his words brought a reaction out of her. Her smile fell off spontaneously and quickly curved itself up. He slowly grew suspicious. This wasn't one of her dumb pranks where someone would share a laugh; this was something worse.

He didn't like where this was heading.

Her hand hesitantly reached inside her breast pocket and fished out a small piece of paper, lending it to him. Danhauser eyed it carefully and then met her impatient gaze.

He slowly took it and unfolded it once his curiosity grew each second. The more he indulged himself in the reading, the more he wished to turn the sheet of paper into smaller bits. Yet, for an odd reason, he couldn't stop reading each paragraph. Whether to torture himself or mentally make fun of their bullshit was still an enigma.

He finally regained his senses to glare at her, "Cleria, no."

"Danhauser," Cleria laid a hand on her waist and pinched her nose, she didn't need to be the seer to predict this outcome, "… they want to meet up. You should see what's up."

His half-hearted laugh was enough of an answer, "I don't want to see these assclowns. They're here to participate in the Peace Treaty and that's it. Why do they want to speak with me in the first place?"

"To thank you personally for helping them retrieve the Excalibur fragments and protecting the Exorcists."

"I wasn't doing this for the purpose of helping them out. All I cared was to ensure your safety and nothing else."

Her eyes showed the kind of gentle concern his mother would have. She sneaked her arms lightly around him and hugged him. Instead of flinching, he was soothed by it, "And you can't imagine how thankful I am... that's why I want you to go there."

Danhauser scoffed in her embrace.

Cleria continued regardless of his disinterested attitude, "Sometime or other, they would come here to speak with you personally. You should've seen this coming."

"What I don't understand is why me of all people?" Danhauser muttered, "Their actions not only affected me but the whole Clan Belial as well!"

"Because you were specifically involved in that messed-up stew," Cleria retorted, "You were there when you stopped Touji and his colleagues from killing… me. Of course, they would rather speak with you than Diehauser. The chances that they'll go after Diehauser and me are quite huge too, they just chose you first."

Danhauser said nothing.

"And believe it or not, this won't be the first time you'll chit-chat with them. It's now or never to settle everything."

Roygun and Valerie regarded each cousin in complete silence with different stages of nervousness, obviously not wishing to intervene in family matters unless things went out of hand.

"… Fine, I'll go," Danhauser yielded after a pregnant silence, "If speaking with them will make them go way and avoid any more dramas then fine."

The sweet squeeze of her hug felt as if he was wrapped in a blanket of her caring love, "Thank you," she slowly broke her hug, "Once you're done hit me up in Kuoh. Okay?"

"See you there," Danhauser muttered.

Ceding the last smile, Cleria headed off alongside Roygun who'd given him an encouraging parting pat on the back before joining Cleria.

Once they were out of earshot, Danhauser's shoulders slumped and kneaded his temples before flashing the silent dhampir a tired smile, "Hey… I'm sorry you had to see this drama, Little Missus. They caught me off-guard and… you know the drill."

Valerie wasn't so convinced by his words but she nodded nonetheless, "It's totally fine."

"… Right," he drawled awkwardly before pulling Siegfried on his shoulder and Bova under his other arm, "Let's… let's go inside, I'll show you around."

There was no sound afterward, yet they were moving, moving and not talking. In her eyes, time seemed to go slow motion once her concerned gaze locked on his back. This was the second time she had seen him this angry. The first time was when he disappointed his Housecarl and the second time when Xenovia verbally attacked the peerage, specifically Jeanne. The short discussion with his cousin was nerve-racking for him.

She despised that. To see him of all people stressed. He didn't deserve it.

And lucky her, she already had a good idea. A good solution to ease his nerves.

Valerie slowly grinned from ear to ear, "Maybe we should take into consideration Roygun's proposal and make your room louder."

She became nervous once his hand froze on the knob to look at her incredulously. A long second passed and she was about to stutter her apology, not until he finally barked a laugh, much to her relief, "Yeah, sure. Once I'm done taking a bath, I better see you in my room."

She was glad it worked as she'd intended it to be, but why stop the fun there? "Maybe we should bath together? I'm also covered in sweat after all."

"Good thinking, we can save water that way," he said to her, "we can even wash our backs as well if you're up to the challenge… I call dibs, though."

"It's settled then. Meet you in the bathroom then, master?"

"Door's gonna be left open for you."

"Ehehehe…"

.


.

He paused at the doorway once he'd reached the destination of the abandoned shrine, letting his eyes travel the ancient building before anyone inside noticed he was there. He'd have to go in, he knew he would, but at least this way his mind had a few moments longer to prepare and be at ease.

This was the direction that the letter had written over it. The place where Cleria had told him to go and pay them a visit. Honestly, he wished he could spin around and walk away and call it a day, leaving everything behind. But Cleria rose a good argument. They were going to collaborate from time to time, given Mastema's information over Khaos Brigade. They'd be interested along with the other Biblical leaders to know what Danhauser had discovered in his 'Mastema' persona and quickly build up counter measures for the Army of Disaster.

Once he'd hardened his mind, he placed his knuckles over the old wood, sending a shiver up his already quivering arm. Deep breaths. Once he was ready, the door opened by itself until there was a crack in the door. He saw the violet eye peeking from the small gap and instantly, the swung open the door to the fate that awaited.

Blocking the entrance was Akeno wearing her Shinto priestess attire. The attire was the reason of her epithet — The Thunder Priestess.

Issei's a lucky man — Danhauser thought.

He permitted his eyes to drink over her perfect figure, "You look beautiful wearing that, Akeno."

"Ara, to think I caught Vice-Principal's attention… maybe I should wear this in school often then?" Akeno leaned forward with a playful grin to show a little bit more of her cleavage, "Just to satisfy you, Vice-Principal."

He chuckled, "Save yourself the trouble. The whole thirsty student body would die from blood loss once they spot you in those clothes. Hell, I'll fume in jealousy if they were even to peek at my favorite student."

"I should use this only around my favorite Vice-Principal then!" Akeno noted before shifting to the side, smiling all along, "Welcome to my humble house. Please, follow me, I'll be your guide."

Once he stepped inside, he made sure to take off his shoes and place them in a corner before following the raven-haired woman upstairs.

While climbing the stairs, Akeno looked over her escort with a contagious smile, "You seem stressed, Vice-Principal. Is anything troubling you? I may help you…"

"… Am I really that easy to read?" Danhauser rubbed his neck uncomfortably before answering, "Nothing you should worry about, really. Thanks for worrying."

"Are you sure? I know a thing or two to relieve some stress…"

Danhauser raised an amused eyebrow before shaking his head, "It's a long story… I just don't like them for what they had done to... that's about it."

"… How funny," Danhauser met her violet eyes, once her playful and mature mask fell off, revealing her weak side to him, "We share a similar case, but unlike you, mine involves these Fallen Angels… I can't stand any of them."

"Why?" Even if he knew why she harbored hatred over the Fallen Angels, especially her father, Danhauser had to keep an act.

"It's… a long story," she paused, her voice cracking a bit.

Danhauser sensed how the atmosphere downgraded and rebuked himself. If he just had kept his mouth shut, then he wouldn't have to reopen old scars. He quickly acted by patting her shoulder, "Look at that, we both have very much alike, tragic pasts. We're meant to be together."

"Ara, it seems you're right," Akeno managed to giggle, much to Danhauser's relief.

"Hey, how's Rias' peerage holding up?"

Akeno's smile fell a bit, "Not great but it could be worse… Yuuto is acting strangely. But at least he didn't flee this time… he's just locked in his apartment. Doing nothing and not answering President's or anyone's calls. Koneko is spying on him in case he makes another thoughtless move."

"Let's keep our fingers crossed so nothing wrong happens then," What was he saying? Of course, Yuuto would pull something out of his sleeve that would impact many people negatively, "What about Asia? Is she doing alright?"

"The nun? She's living with Ise in the meantime," she placed a hand on her cheek, her lips curving up playfully, "Fufufu… she's a cute one indeed, I'm worried if my junior will make a bold move on someone so innocent like her. He's a lascivious young man after all."

"Well, Rias better keep an eye out on her boyfriend then," he could feel the odd stare of the Queen, "What?"

"President is not dating Ise," Akeno pointed out, almost making Danhauser trip over his steps, "Yes, she may find his honesty and perversion adorable and sometimes she pampers him too… but other than that… why would you come up with that in the first place?"

"O-oh," he snapped out of his visible shock, "It's just that… I thought that Hyoudou—!"

"Ise likes President?" she interrupted with a knowing smile, "We're on the same page then. He always has that look in his eyes whenever he gazes at her direction. And with his bold statements… he makes it so obvious… Fufufu… they would certainly look cute together."

"So you don't mind if they date?"

She offered a sly shrug, "If that's what makes her happy then I don't mind," her expression became distant, "… the government, on the other hand…"

Danhauser frowned at that. If Rias and Issei were to get married and if the former succeeded as an heiress and then later became Lord Gremory, they'd have trouble with the 72 Pillars. They'd be away from Zekram's radar but from Lord Agares? Highly unlikely. The punishment would either turn the Gremory into a Lesser Duke, kicking them out of the 72 Pillars or change their status as 'extinct' Clan if the Housecarl were to be controlled by mixed blood.

The reason was obvious: blood purity above everything. Because despite the Four Great Satans holding power on the surface, the older Devils only recognized the blood in the veins. Clan Bael, being the first Housecarl to be created by Lucifer and Lilith, had the purest blood amongst the 72 Pillars and possibly the Extra Demons, right behind the Four Original Maou who were confirmed dead eons ago.

That's why the marriage between Raiser and Rias was signed between the Gremory and Phenex in the first place. A deal that Danhauser believed would benefit the Archduke Faction and Great Marquis Faction.

Funnily enough, if they were to get married, Rias would have more power and control than Raiser. She was the heiress. Raiser, like Ravel, wasn't.

Raiser would no longer be a Phenex, but a Gremory.

Now, if Rias were to marry the Heir of Phenex, Ruval, the outcome woul be the same. Duke's higher than Marquis after all.

Once they'd reached their destination, Danhauser spotted two familiar Exorcists acting as guards, "Should've guessed you two were still here."

While her expression was stoic and calm, Xenovia's posture sent a different message. She was ready to pull her sword any second now, "You told us, didn't you? We were supposed to keep the sector clear for the Archangel."

"I did say that, didn't I?" He trailed off, "How's Kuoh been treating you two?"

The stars located in Irina's eyes could replace a whole constellation, "It has been nostalgic! The neighbors are as kind as they were years ago, they told me that they are building a new square not so far from dad's previous home! I wonder what they will sell? Clothes? Shoes? Paintings of saints and popes?! To see where I was raised grow more and more brings me no greater delight and…!"

"Irina usually does that," Xenovia turned to Danhauser and Akeno as Irina continued gushing in the background, "It's better if you go ahead. They're expecting you to be already there."

Danhauser clicked his tongue, "Not like I have another alternative," he eyed what was behind the arch of the shrine, the exterior, his final destination, "I'll be going then. The faster, the better..."

"Wait!" Imagine his surprise when Irina suddenly cried out for him, "I-I need to tell you something!"

Danhauser narrowed his eyes warily but remained still, "Thought we'd lost you there for a second. What's wrong?"

"Before you go… I-I need to take this off my chest."

"… Go on."

"… What I'm about to do next is against my teachings," Irina said after another silence, uncertainly approaching Danhauser and Akeno, "… I had in mind to do this the moment I'd seen you… but I never had the chance… too shy about it I guess…"

"Irina," Xenovia called out, disoriented by her partner's actions, "What are you trying to say?"

The orange-haired exorcist dropped to her knees and bowed to the devil.

Xenovia's mouth hung open, words unable to express her thoughts.

Danhauser and Akeno were aghast by the gesture as well.

"As an exorcist and devotee to the church, this is a sacrilege," Irina muttered beneath the floor, "… but as a daughter, I-I had to express my gratitude for sparing my father. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much."

Danhauser regained his composure by coughing on a fist, "Um. Yes, sure. No problem. Get up already."

"Fufufu, why are your cheeks so suddenly red, Vice-Principal?" Akeno teased him, "Perhaps the heat of the shrine is affecting you or maybe… you're flustered?"

While the raven-haired woman was trying to pull an emotion out of him, she was already interested. What past had he that involved the parent of an exorcist? Perhaps it was, in a way, connected to his relationship over the angels? Just questions and more questions kept popping out. He was quite the mysterious one, something that Rias and Sona had agreed many times.

She always thought it fit his character very well. It made him more attractive.

Danhauser rolled his eyes, half-annoyed, "I'll leave it to your imagination."

"Even so… she seems to know you very well, Vice-Principal," she was testing the waters at this point, "Perhaps you two are acquaintance with one another? I'm getting a little jealous…"

Xenovia sharply turned to Irina, eyes narrowed, "Is that true?"

Irina's face was scarlet at this point, she shook her hands rapidly, "W-what?! No! N-nothing like that! Four years ago he just —!"

"Again, I'll leave it to your imagination, Akeno," Danhauser harshly cut off Irina, "I have a bone to pick with someone."

"Yes, of course," Akeno bowed once she'd failed to gather more information, "I hope everything goes well. Good luck."

"You and me both," Danhauser grunted, keeping his stare trained over the retreating hybrid before facing the two exorcists, "You two are going to stay?"

"… Yes," Xenovia managed to respond, still caught off-guard by Irina's performance, "We won't leave until the Archangel gives us the signal."

"And you two will still act as bodyguards once the Peace Treaty begins, right?"

"Not really," Irina replied once her cheeks cooled down, "he told us the chances to report back to the Vatican are quite high... I hope we don't need to go back yet. I want to see how much my home has changed while I was gone these past years."

"What's the point of this conversation again?" Xenovia groaned out, "You're wasting their time already."

Irina fidgeted a little, "Xenovia…"

"I'm still at the top of your blacklist, aren't I?" Danhauser chuckled dryly after the bluenette didn't reply, "Alrighty then, suit yourself. Love you lots."

Xenovia's eyes widened a little as her breathing hitched, "… Love me? Why?"

"I don't know. I just can't stop thinking about you."

"Then you meant it. You really want us and Seraph Gabriel in your harem."

"Yeah."

Irina heaved a sigh, "He's being sarcastic again, Xenovia."

"Sarcastic… you said that once in his office Irina," Xenovia slowly turned to her partner and held her eyes for a long minute, "What's that?"

Irina's shoulders slumped, "Oh my Lord…"

Knowing their conversation won't head anywhere at this point, Danhauser bid his second farewell before reluctantly passing through the archway until he stood outside in the fauna.

Akeno's house may look like shit from the inside, but it was easily compensated by these types of sceneries.

The gate behind him suddenly was locked with a magic spell, soundproof to be precise and a radiant light bloom from the sky, forcing Danhauser to look away before it could sustain damage to his eyesight.

They're here.

"Here goes nothing…" Once the light slowly subdued and was safe to gaze back, he spotted the two figures hovering in the sky. As they calmly descended, Danhauser took the time to study their angelic features.

White wings.

Golden wings.

Golden halos.

Blond hair.

Green eyes.

And surprisingly, both beings looked like they caught a fever, their paler faces and faint blushes proving his thoughts correct.

Once their feet were firm on land, the beautiful woman took a hasty step forward and bestowed him a breathtaking smile, "Do not be afraid; for see, we are here to talk with you of all people. I am Gabriel, one of the Four Great Seraphs."

Danhauser couldn't find his voice to reply back. His heart pounded in his throat — threatening to break out. Her beauty was out of this world and he was easily charmed by it. She certainly deserved her epithet as The Most Beautiful Woman in Heaven.

What a shitty way to leave a first impression — he managed a thought.

Thankfully, the chuckle of the Archangel pulled him back to his senses, "We meet at long last," he came closer for a handshake, "I am Michael, leader of the Seraphs… I see, your face and aura, it's exactly like your ancestor, I wonder if your Clan Trait... nevermind that. How would you like us to call you?"

"The people who know me call me Dan," Danhauser stated dryly, hesitantly reaching for his hand before shaking it, "Either go with my name, Dan or whatever comes to your mind."

He couldn't care less.

Except if it was Dan the Man. That nickname should be erased from existence.

A difficult task, but he was working on it.

Gabriel took the offer seriously and laid a finger on her lips in deep thought before clapping enthusiastically, "Daniel! Daniel! Daniel! It suits you!"

"Daniel," Michael repeated the name a few times before humming, "Indeed, it fits you very well. Of course, if you don't feel uncomfortable."

Danhauser swallowed his retort and just did it, he forced a smile and move on, "Suit yourself."

Happy thoughts, Danhauser, happy thoughts.

Gabriel beamed, proud of her results.

"It's decided then," Michael announced, "We will call you Daniel from now—!"

Michael couldn't finish his sentence once Gabriel started to cough out of nowhere. The Archangel was quick to react and rush to her side, grasping one of her hands and rubbing her back in concern.

It was worse than a smoker's cough, she was hacking and wheezing at this point. Danhauser had to look away out of respect and discomfort. Even so, there were times that he would steal quick, worried peeks at their direction before facing another direction once again, acting uninterested.

Once the coast was pretty much clear, he slowly turned back and paled at the sight. She was catching steady and shaky breaths with a bit of drool on the corner of her mouth. Tears threatened to fall from her innocent eyes.

Summarizing it, she looked terrible.

"Hey… " Danhauser kept his gaze steered on his shoes, "Are you feeling alright? That seemed to hurt."

Sobbing, the Seraph wiped the trace of tears and drool across her features before smiling brightly despite the internal pain, "I appreciate your concern, it's well received."

"… It isn't her first time, I'm afraid," Michael continued with a hint of sadness in his voice.

Danhauser couldn't help but stare into Michael's green eyes and slowly wander around his facial structure. He reminded him of someone and yet, he didn't recall any memories of meeting up with a Pure Angel, let alone Seraphs or the Archangel. Only Fallen Angels.

Then everything clicked together.

He resembled Satanael by a lot. The only difference being that Satanael had short, brown hair and silver eyes that weren't shaped in a sad manner.

"Are you by yourself perhaps?" Michael searched everywhere, "Jeanne didn't keep you company?"

Danhauser felt his eyebrow stick up a bit. Cleria didn't tell him that they wanted Jeanne to be present in the meeting as well. Then again, given past events, it was a fact that they were looking forward to having a word with the former Saint to clear out 'misunderstandings'.

He finally responded, "No, she couldn't come."

"A shame," Gabriel pursed her lips, "… I was expecting to know both of you… but for today, one is plenty enough."

Danhauser fought the urge to snort, "Right."

"We'd love to thank you personally for retrieving all of the Excalibur fragments," Michael said after an awkward silence, "As well as watching over the exorcists that the Vatican sent to Kuoh Town."

"And bringing Kokabiel and Valper Galilei to justice," Gabriel continued with a sniff, "If it wasn't for your help, Kokabiel may have accomplished his atrocious goal."

He inhaled deeply and folded his arms, staring, "Yeah, no problem."

"How is Jeanne doing?" the Archangel struggled to keep their conversation alive, "We hadn't heard of her for a while."

"It's been a while since she'd last prayed," Gabriel added, earning Danhauser's attention, "… she suddenly stopped doing it."

All thoughts of his grudge over them had been washed away from his mind as he gawped to the Seraph's innocent, green eyes. He wasn't expecting this kind of news to arise within their conversation. He knew Jeanne prayed back when she was a saint in the Vatican. But to slowly lose interest in praying at the Biblical God? Particularly when she was living under the roof of Vasco Strada for four years? Weird.

He had an idea, but he preferred to hear the full story from Jeanne's mouth.

There was more than meets the eye, it seems.

Also, how could she pray is she was a Devil? Unless the Archangel didn't bat an eye at her new life as a devil and still gave her access to their teachings?

"I have no clue…"

"Daniel, we summoned you here for a reason," Michael spoke up tenderly, at long last addressing the elephant in the room, "You are smart, Daniel. You can figure where this conversation is heading as well."

Before Danhauser could even come up with a snarky response, Gabriel's delicate hands wrapped around his, squeezing it gently.

His skin tingled when her thumbs caressed his hand and his heart beat erratically in his chest that the thought it might fly out or explode may occur. Her touch was soft and warm and their close proximity made it difficult to formulate appropriate words and keep a cool head. He could only stutter once their eyes met, "L-listen… w-what are you…?"

"Daniel, we were informed about the dispute you had with Shidou Touji four years ago, the exorcist who was ordered to go after your cousin," Gabriel said with her alleviating voice but for Danhauser it was a slap to the face, "As well as what happened to the Top Ten and your Housecarl losing its privileges—!"

Danhauser couldn't help but laugh dangerously at her choice of words, "My bad for cutting you off, but is it really necessary mentioning that certain event?"

Gabriel grimaced inwardly, "It… it wasn't my intention to open old wounds. I just wanted—!"

"Then stop beating around the bush and maybe get straight to the point, please?"

Gabriel bit her lower lip and nodded stiffly, "As you wish. We're here to apologize and make amends, hence we hoped Jeanne was here with you as well. We have in mind to go after each member of your Housecarl and pay our condolences, starting with you. Maybe it's not suitable to rush this… but is there a chance that your heart may forgive us?"

Rush it? On the contrary.

It took them damn long.

He knew this was coming. He had smelled it from miles away and mentally readied himself once any of them had the courage to tackle the purpose of this senseless reunion. Even Cleria had foreshadowed it for him.

He thought he was mentally ready, that by just drawing deep breaths and picturing flowers and rainbows in his mind would keep him relaxed.

He thought that smiling and nodding to their over worded speeches would solve everything and end this torture quickly.

He was wrong.

So many years of the traumatic experience that sunk deep into his mind and added a divine spice that completed the vexed dish he wished to serve, to throw at their faces. He wanted to snap at them. Punch them. A part of him knew he should put an end to it, push everything behind before he made it worse, but he just didn't have it in him to accept their apology. Forgiving them was as though he was giving them a gift. Someone who he's mad at, who'd ruined his family, who weren't worthy of his time and attention.

Now why in the world would he want to give them a gift? After what they had done to him? To his family?

He didn't want to give them the satisfaction of forgiveness.

Yet, it would only spew out more drama that his heart and stress wouldn't be able to withstand.

And to prove his statement, his head began to ache. He caught a glimpse of her hypnotizing lips parting, words failed to reach his ear, everything was muted, but most likely she was asking if he was alright. He ignored her and began kneading his temple, he was nearing the breaking point of his patience. He suppressed it, picturing the steam blowing from his ears.

The clock was ticking and time was against him. It was now or never.

It was time to take a decision.

To make the right thing.

"… You're forgiven," Danhauser said, trying to keep the tremble out of his voice as his jaw rooted, "Let's just… move on and act as if nothing happened at all, am I right?"

Her hands tightened over his, a glimmer of hope in those humble green eyes, "R-really?!"

"… Yeah."

Michael sighed, relief washing over his body.

Gabriel almost bounced from happiness after witnessing how the meeting went in favor of both parties but contained herself to remain professional. She was still squealing from the inside. If only Jeanne was here as well… "That's wonderful to hear, Daniel! Maybe we could one day —!"

"Can I leave now?" her heart ricocheted off her ribcage once Danhauser yanked his hand back. He thumbed at the exit, "I have important stuff to do."

The way his contorted lips were into an empty, smile that hid everything. His cheeks were not so compromising either. The distrustful and judgmental glint in his grayish orbs. She could feel his acceptance to be molded falsely.

In the end, that's how the meeting had truly ended, neither of them making progress in their relationship at all. She had high expectations that everything would end perfect for everyone in matters of minutes, but reality had something else planned.

It wouldn't be an easy task, not at all.

And it would take quite the time, but Gabriel was willing to try.

Gabriel shoved all negatives thoughts away and, unlike the gray-haired devil, flashed a warm smile, albeit a bit wavery, "Yes… yes, you may go. Thank you for coming."

"Indeed, we appreciate how you spared some time to speak with us," Michael said afterward, "Daniel, please watch Jeanne for us."

"If there's one thing you need, please let me know," Gabriel quickly added, "I'd love to help you."

"Alright," Danhauser flat out said before turning around and leaving without another word.

Once the gray devil was out of range, Michael couldn't help but sigh by the outcome, "It didn't go as you'd projected it, Gabriel."

"I… I know," the last thing Gabriel needed was for someone to remind her how poorly everything went, "… Do you think Jeanne feels the same way? His whole Clan?"

"… I'm so sorry it didn't go as you wanted it to be, Gabriel."

"… But unfortunately, I'm an optimist," Gabriel felt a new wave of resolve wash over her body, "Their hatred of us gives them the strength to rise… to be capable of stopping Kokabiel… amazing. I'm glad they became so strong these years… I wonder how far Daniel's peerage will go?"

Michael cocked his head to the side, "To not hold any grudge over devils… I wonder why? Perhaps Father's hand had accidentally slipped a bit while creating you?"

"Good question," Gabriel was unfazed by his playful jab, "Angels had questioned my sanity when I decided to not carry any lingering hatred over the devils and fallen angels for the past years, especially when they were one of the many reasons behind the death of our Father. A bit odd, don't you think?"

"Odd is an understatement," Michael coughed a laugh, "… Yet, that's a quirk I share with you."

Gabriel was about to share her thoughts but quickly moved to Michael's side once the latter started coughing continuously then taking in a sharp gasp of breath. She could only rub his back and pray for the best.

It continued like this for a while before the Archangel somehow managed to end it with a dry gasp. He instinctively placed a hand over his chest, controlling his breathing, "Oh my... that was a long one."

"You're worsening as time goes on, Michael," the Seraph whispered.

"All of us are, Gabriel," Michael croaked out, "I'll stay here and wait for the Sekiryuutei, I also arranged a meeting with him with the permission of Maou Lucifer and his sister. Are you keeping me company or you'll take your leave?"

"I'll be at your side," Gabriel decided, "but I'm afraid I won't participate too much this time. I need to figure out a way to reach out to Daniel and Jeanne."

Michael had to snicker at her stubborn nature, "Hah… You always come up with interesting ideas. Let's see what you pull off this time."

.


.

Once he finally made his way into the academy, he immediately stormed to the installed bathrooms in the school and used the unoccupied sink.

He cupped water in hands and splattered it all over his face. It came out icy cold, sending a shiver down his spine. No one was present in the bathroom aside from himself, much to his relief. However, there were a few curious stares that had followed his steps when he'd hurriedly shot passed the gates to make way to the bathroom. Hopefully, Cleria or Roygun didn't notice. Then again, he was in a school of all places; rumors spread like wildfire very easily in the corridors thanks to the students.

He was pent-up, and the only way to vent-off was through training his ass off to distract himself. He wanted to run another marathon. Unfortunately, he had a school to watch over with his cousin.

The way he treated both angels left him blinded by a five-course serving of rage that tasted bitter, yet surprisingly satisfying. Did he lie to Gabriel and Michael? Totally. Was he being immature? Totally. But Danhauser didn't care. He'd already humored them by 'forgiving them'. That should be enough to stray them away from him and, in the meantime, collect his thoughts.

For now.

Fuck them and Zekram.

Even after Danhauser had fully rinsed off his face, he let the sink still shoot out water from its mouth for a few minutes longer, just enjoying the sound of water spilling down, trying to melt all the tension away. He tried to stay focused.

Finally, Danhauser felt he'd gotten all the relaxation he can and shut off the water, stepping out and drying his face off. He slipped out of the bathroom with a sigh, squeaky clean and ready to resume his day.

"There you are!" Danhauser heard the voice of his cousin on his six. He looked behind his shoulder to see her coming nearby with a welcoming grin, "Thought you were leaving lil' old me alone!"

Danhauser gave a light wave at her direction, "Hey cousin, sorry for being late. Nothing bad happened while I was gone, right?"

"Well… since you asked for it… ready for another dose of drama?" Cleria thumbed at the end of the corridor and walked away, beckoning him to follow, "It's about Roygun this time."

That made him sharply look up with concern, "What happened to her?"

"Nothing… just listen. Now that you were officially invited to the Youth Gathering you'll go back to the Underworld, congratulations once again by the way," Cleria bit her lip afterward, "… I need you to take Roygun with you."

Danhauser grimaced a little, "Cleria…"

"Let's be real, she doesn't like being around here," she gestured at their surroundings with a flay of her arm, she never stopped walking, "The reason she's in Kuoh is because she feels she's endlessly indebted with us after giving her a place to stay."

Yeah, that sounded like Roygun — Danhauser thought. On the very first days, Danhauser and Cleria were unaware of this. Maybe Roygun did like sticking around in Kuoh, a new experience for her. But the enthusiasm didn't last too long, unfortunately. They slowly began to notice the hints. Not feeling like doing anything. Her slowly losing interest in the activities that she used to enjoy. Oversleeping and switching channels lazily for hours and eating. That was it. That was the daily routine of Roygun Belphegor, former second-ranked in the Rating Games.

She never left the house, exceptions were when it was time to work and when Danhauser invited her to accompany him to his reunion with his peerage in Tobio's bar. He'd tried to invite her to different places to either eat or sightseeing or even go shopping, but no results whatsoever.

He was impressed by how much self-control she packed on her. Staying for years in a place that you found boring required a lot restraint. A lot. He wouldn't last too long.

Like many aristocrats, Roygun wasn't fond of the Human World, she'd preferred her roots — the Underworld. A shame the Underworld didn't return her feelings.

"She's going to get scorned down there," Danhauser warned her, "Can she handle it?"

"We won't find out if she keeps locking herself in her room for the whole damn day," Cleria retorted while stopping in front of the gymnasium entrance. Muffled noises came behind those doors, "It worries me to see her acting like this. I don't want her to feel like she's living here because she's in a duty-bound of sorts."

Danhauser massaged his nose, "Alright, alright, I'll see what I can do," he brought a finger up, silencing her, "but If she refuses, I'll drop it and let her be. Okay?"

"At least be slightly persuasive on her," Cleria pleaded him, "… it's obvious she's gonna refuse your attempts and tell you she's good being here…"

"Where is she anyway?"

"She's trying to avoid Diehauser," Cleria replied and looked behind him. A smirk slowly grew on her face, "Speaking of the Devil. Look who's behind you."

Looking past his shoulder and prepare to give Roygun a proper greeting, his planned response left his mouth as a surprised gasp, as he found himself instantly recognizing the two Devils before him.

From their reaction, it's quite apparent that they'd recognized him as well, and as his mother's hands reach up to cover her mouth in shock and his brother sported a grin, he was left to decide how best to respond.

Danhauser was the first to recover from the shock and, stepping forwards, he wrapped his arms around his mother, pulling her into a loving hug. She returned the embrace, hugging him close to her warm body as both shared a happy moment, before breaking away from each other. Looking into her red eyes, Danhauser greeted his mother, "Good to see you here, mom."

"It's been so long. Each day, I can't believe how handsome you've become!" Calcabrina gushed before planting a wet kiss on his cheek, "You've grown into quite young man!"

Danhauser couldn't help but snort, "Come on, mom. I haven't changed that much. No need to be overdramatic about it."

"Nonsense!" Calcabrina placed her hands on her hips with a firm look, "It's my duty to give my honest opinion! I wouldn't be a good mother if I didn't!"

Danhauser found her expression adorable, "Well, I got the looks because of you and father," he then turned to Diehauser and hugged him as well, "Glad you could make it as well, donkey."

"Why wouldn't I make it, baby brother?" Diehauser snickered while patting his back.

Danhauser pulled back from the hug, "Being the Head of a Clan and the Champion of the Rating Games can be a pain most of the time. Unless Gilles's the one keeping an eye out on the territory for the meantime?"

"Yes, Gilles is keeping everything under control," Calcabrina assured him, "Because of our rank as Lesser King in Ars Goetia, we spend less time over the politics! We have a lot of free time!"

"We also rarely get involved in meetings," Diehauser added, "The only ones we should be concerned are meetings of the Great King Faction… which happens three or four times in a month."

Danhauser's smile faltered and then faded, "You two say it as if becoming a Lesser King is great."

Which it wasn't.

It's an insult to be a Lesser Clan. A Vassal Clan.

"I hope I'm not ruining any family bonding," Everyone looked to the side right in time to see Sirzechs Lucifer approaching them, "Good day, each one of you."

Cleria whispered to herself, "Maou Lucifer…!"

"The one and only," Danhauser said back.

"Not at all," Diehauser calmly outstretched his hand, "It's an honor having you here, Maou Lucifer."

Sirzechs smiled and accepted the gesture, "Please, tone down the formalities for a bit. We're not in the Underworld anymore. Call me by my name," he then turned to Danhauser, "I've received your report from Ajuka. I don't have the rights to speak for the Archangel, the Governor-General, or the Three High Priests of the Youkai Faction, but know that the Four Great Satans are grateful that you've thwarted Kokabiel in his pursuit of another war. I can breathe safely now that Ri-Ri is in good hands."

"Crap! I almost forgot! How did everything go?" Cleria nudged Danhauser, "the meeting with the angels I mean?"

After her words, Danhauser suddenly became the center of attention, all set of eyes directed at him.

It was nightmarish, but he managed to deliver, "Everything went better than I expected," he lied through his teeth, "they seem like nice people too."

Cleria released a sigh that, unbeknownst to her, hid in her chest for a long time, "That's good to hear."

"Indeed. Harboring any grudges on someone isn't healthy, Dan," Sirzechs said sagely, "Solving things maturely was the right choice."

Danhauser remained silent. If Sirzechs knew about this, then likely the other Maou do as well.

His brother smiled cheekily, "You know, I'm slowly starting to think there's a grain of truth in the Blonde Magnetism joke."

"In every joke, there's a hint of truth," Calcabrina quoted with a giggle.

"You two still think is a joke?" Cleria scoffed, "No way. It became so powerful that even the angels are being affected by it! Danny must be stopped."

"A peculiar Clan Trait shouldn't be left to waste," Sirzechs commented jokingly, already catching on, "We may have a better connection with the Angel Faction thanks to him… will it reach the gods?"

Danhauser closed his eyes and took a steady breath. They were trying to pull a reaction out of him, he refused to lend them the satisfaction of it.

In a way, he finally understood why Rias and Sona were most of the time trying to avoid their family, especially their brother and sister respectively.

"I don't mind your presence, Maou… Sirzechs, but," Calcabrina trailed off, "You came to this town to see your young sister, correct?"

"That's correct. I was actually making my way over to the gymnasium until I stumbled upon you," Sirzechs pointed out, "My father is over there with Ri-Ri and her best friend. Perhaps each of you would love to keep me company?"

Cleria shrugged, "I don't mind. Danny and I were going inside anyway."

"We were just searching for you two," Diehauser stated and focused on his mother, "You don't mind tagging along, do you?"

Calcabrina flashed at a smile at her son, "Not at all! As long as I can spend quality time with my two babies then I'll go everywhere!"

"It's settled then," Sirzechs and Diehauser pushed the door open, signaling them to get inside first, "After you three."

They quickly slid inside and, to Cleria's and Danhauser's surprise, the place was overpopulated with students and barely any adults. A sea of people. The noise was unbearable, for Danhauser at least.

"What's happening?" Calcabrina shouted over the noise of people talking and laughing, "Are we supposed to gather here?"

Danhauser turned to Cleria for an explanation, but like him, she had no clue, "… As far as I know, no. There wasn't supposed to be a gathering here."

"Ah, you've made it, big brother," All eyes darted to the friendly laugh, noticing Rias and a distressed Sona making their way here. "For a second I thought you'd get lost."

Sirzechs smiled, "Thankfully not. The students here were kind enough to lend me directions. Where is father?"

"He's talking with Ise's parents," Rias responded casually, "They left minutes ago. The place is kind of… crowded."

"Oh well. Let him be. The good news is that I can finally spend some time with Ri-Ri! Isn't that great?"

Rias muttered something under her breath before beaming at him, "Yeah. I'm so excited…!"

"That came out really forced," Danhauser chuckled when she glared daggers at him. He nodded at Sona, "What's up with all the people? Are you going to give a public speech? You never told us."

"It's my sister!" Sona snapped, drawing multiple bemused looks from the group and a few strangers, "She's the one behind this! I can feel it!"

Rias sighed, "Sona, calm down. We'll find her."

"So, Satan Leviathan brought these people here?" Danhauser curved an eyebrow in amusement, "That gut of yours must be right. She's really someone charismatic."

Sona balled her fist, "Whatever her intentions are I won't permit it! We must stop her before it's too late!"

"Have you sent your peerage to search after her?" after receiving a short nod from her Cleria hummed, "Then it's all good."

Sona was shaking at this point, "can my peerage even find her…?"

"How many Magical girls have you seen in this school?" Danhauser rolled his eyes, "She's not a Grigori top-class member. It's matter of time before she eventually appears. Until then, happy thoughts and deep breaths. We can even hold hands if you want."

Right on cue, the lights of the gymnasium switched off.

Murmuring filled the gymnasium, wondering what's happening. A group looked nervous while another looked excited. No doubt, all of them tried to look past the darkness.

Lucky for the devils, their night vision triggered. But still no signs of the Maou behind it.

[If you ask me this or that...]

A surprisingly small and high-pitched voice spoke from a microphone, her voice echoing throughout the gymnasium. No one could find her.

[The pity of the world is what responds!]

The strobe light that once disappeared turned back on.

"Everyone, look!" Someone from the audience shouted, pointing upwards, "Up in the ceiling! Someone is on the ceiling!"

All eyes perked up on the female figure dangling horizontally from two cables and in the roof.

"Is that a bat?!" someone asked

"No, it's a demon!" someone said.

"It's-!"

"M-my sister..." Sona facepalmed to hide her noticeable blush.

"Why is she wearing an eye patch?" Danhauser suddenly asked, "And a cape."

No one answered.

[To prevent the destruction of the world!]

Serafall winked and a cloud of sparkles and stars surrounded her frame.

[To protect the peace of the world!]

She slowly began descending.

[To stand against the evils of love and truth!]

Once the tip of her feet touched the ground, she swished her cape out behind.

[The lovely and charmy, Dark Wizard Levi!]

She did a majestic spin.

[The Greatest Female Devil soars through the galaxy!]

She stopped to invoke her staff and point it to the sky.

[A white hole, a white tomorrow awaits us!]

And finished with a cute peace-sign, dropping the microphone as it awkwardly rolled out of the picture.

Not even a second and Serafall was swarmed by a crowd which consisted of mostly males and few females. Thy started to take pictures, praise her, ask her infinite questions and begging for autographs.

The life of a celebrity was tough and stressful, but not for Miracle Levia-tan. Serafall in return struck poses for the devotee audience, effective enough for several members of the crowd to shout and cheer at her performance.

"Well, that's how you make a cute entrance, I'll give her that," Danhauser praised.

"… She used equipment that belongs to the school without asking authorization of the Principal or Vice-Principal," Sona rubbed her nose to calm her nerves, obviously in disagreement, "That's an act we cannot ignore."

"But she's a Maou."

Sona stared at him incredulously, "As a Maou, that's irresponsible for her. She can't abuse her title and ranking to do what she pleases in foreign countries!"

"As long as she doesn't cause any harm then I don't mind, to be honest," Cleria thumbed at Danhauser, "And judging by Danny's depressed face, he doesn't either."

"However, I do mind the loudness in the gym, it's getting on my nerves," With nothing else to add, Danhauser made his way to where the boisterous fanbase of Serafall was gathered and shouted, "Alright, that's enough ogling! Back to your classes everyone!"

A round of groans and boos followed, but the students reluctantly obeyed his instructions and left one by one.

The ones who'd remained were those who acknowledged the Supernatural World.

"Ah, Serafall, good to see you," Sirzechs gave a light wave at the fellow Satan, "I was thinking that you couldn't make it. Glad you proved me wrong."

"Serafall…?" The black-haired Satan repeated and did a chuunibyou pose, "What an ignorant fool! Do you even know whom you address? I, the twister of fates, savior of the world, recognized Strongest Magical Girl herself!? My name strikes fear into the souls and spirits of gods and human alike! The very heavens themselves shall bear witness as I unleash my cataclysmic powers upon you!"

Sirzechs laughed nervously while bringing his hands up, "Ah, yes of course… my apologies… Dark Wizard Levi. It wasn't my intention to provoke you…"

"Hmph~!" Sera—Dark Wizard Levi pouted and looked away with arms folded, "Well, if that is the case, then I shall do my best to contain my world-shattering powers for as long as I can… B-But just know that I could destroy all of you with a mere snap of my fingers!"

Sona pushed her stylish rimmed glasses up onto the bridge of her nose, before glaring at her immature sister and scolding her, "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, sister, take that ridiculous eye-patch off!"

"B-b-but, So-taaan!" Serafall dropped her act to flail her arms, "It seals my evil powers away! If I take it off, then the whole universe could be destroyed!"

"Sister! You're embarrassing me in front of everyone! Now, not another word from you and behave like a true leader of the Underworld!"

"B-b-but So-taaaan! I'm far too powerful to be concerned with such trivial matters like ruling the Underworld!"

"Is she seriously role-playing?" Danhauser watched the two siblings discussing and, by the looks of it, Sona struggling to not drop an Abel and Cain act.

Cleria nodded before recalling, "Yes she is, and given by her eye patch and cape, this must be Dark Wizard Levi that appeared in season seven, episode ten. It's when she replaces her missing eye for a dangerous one that contains a demon. It changed her personality completely, turning her into an Anti-hero of sorts."

"Creatures of darkness that grant power to their hosts? How original," Diehauser commented.

"Season seven?" Danhauser whistled, sounding genuinely surprised, "What the hell. How is the show is still alive and relevant? Well, damn… I expected it to die on season three."

Cleria puffed her cheeks, "Hey! You watched the whole series with me! That means you loved it!"

"Oh my. I didn't know you were interested in those type of shows, sweetie," Calcabrina teased him, "Then again… you're a healthy boy interested in gorgeous girls."

"… Alright, I'm guilty of all charges," Danhauser admitted, "but I just joined the ride because of the good fanservice… that's what's keeping the show from dying now that I think about it. The plot is all over the place."

"I kind of like the show…" Rias fidgeted a little with her hair, "… It's actually pretty good if you get the hang of it."

"Satan Rangers, anyone?" Sirzechs asked with a huge smile that quickly left when no one answered.

"Stop everyone!" Serafall called out, silencing all bemused devils, "I felt a great disturbance in the room!"

Ignoring the weirded-out stares, she closed her eyes and held her nose high, sniffing the air.

Everyone watched as Satan Leviathan began taking slow steps, following the scent with her amazing sense of smell.

To Danhauser's worries, she was moving toward him. He brought a hand up once she invaded his personal space, "Sorry, the only magical girl I love is Lavinia."

The Maou ignored his playful warning and grabbed his wrist before sniffing furiously his arm up and down.

Her expression darkened.

"What are you—!?" Danhauser tried to snatch his hand back, but despite her small stature and child-like looks, she had a grip that could put even Sairaorg to fumble in jealousy. "L-let…go!"

"Saggy tits."

Danhauser froze to look at her, "Huh?"

"Oh no," Sirzechs heaved a sigh, "it's happening."

Danhauser faced the redhead, "What's happe—!?"

"You smell like saggy tits!" Serafall finally released him, "that familiar and wacky scent only belongs to my archnemesis…! You…! What have you brought upon this cursed land?!"

"What do saggy tits smell like?" Cleria wondered to herself.

Danhauser kept his eyes still on the pouting Serafall while massaging his wrist, recalling his previous occurrences. His eyes quickly widened in realization, "Oooh crap, you mean Seraph Gabr—!"

"Don't say it!" Serafall instantly pressed a finger on his lips, saving the life of thousands, if not, millions, "You can't say the name of She Who Must Not Be Named!"

His response was a deadpan look before grabbing the tip of her digit and gently shove it aside, "For real now?"

Serafall used her demonic power to swish her cape out behind her as she replied, "You dare to distrust my diligent warnings?! You'll pay dearly for your insults, you ignorant fool! All I need is but a fraction of my immense power to defeat one such as you!"

Everyone cringed and groaned as Serafall continued to throw increasingly-outrageous chuunibyou threats.

The redhead just strained a chuckle, "Now, now Serafall. Remember that he protected your sister from Kokabiel."

"Wait, it's him?" Serafall blinked owlishly, "Really?"

"Yes, it's him. He also made sure we were notified about the Class Observation Day."

Rias and Sona glared daggers at Danhauser, the latter just flashed a smile.

Serafall's eyes jumped from Sirzechs to Danhauser repeatedly, "Oooh…" her personality took a 180-degree as she sent a peace-sign at his way, "then you must be the boy that Aju-Aju spoke about, Danny! Thank you for protecting So-tan from Kokabiel!"

"Aju-Aju?" Danhauser contained his laughter and answered, "No worries. Glad I could—!"

He was cut off when Serafall bonked his head with her magical staff, "What's your relationship with that thing?! Why is her scent is all over you?!" she narrowed her eyes dangerously, "… you sexed her?! TELL ME!"

"YOU! How dare you attack my sweet baby?! You big-boobed loli!" Diehauser quickly reacted by keeping his arms around his mother's waist before she could lunge over the short Maou, "Let me go, Diehauser!"

Diehauser grit his teeth, tightening his embrace, "Mother, please! You're a Belial, not a Malebranche!"

"That's right!" Cleria quickly stood in front of her aunt, using her body to block any sight of Serafall, "W-we are in a school too! Rule number one in school! N-no violence here!"

"I don't care! Rules are meant to be broken!" she tried to shove Diehauser, but to no avail, "I'll just blow up her teeth!"

"Not really," Danhauser responded to Serafall, a hint of disappointment laced in his response, "Although that would be a fine apology…"

Serafall's head slowly poked from Sona's shoulders, her frightened eyes locked on the enraged mother, "I-is that so…?"

"Yeah," Danhauser rubbed the spot where she'd hit him and winced, "She just wanted to talk with me."

Collecting enough courage, Serafall left her hiding spot and tapped her foot impatiently on the floor, thinking about the situation thoroughly. She clicked her tongue, "… I don't know what she's up to, but I'm pretty sure she's playing you like a fiddle, Danny!"

"Is that so?" Danhauser said amusedly, "That sounds horrible. We must do something."

Serafall nodded fervently, oblivious, "Yes! I bet that hag is planning something terrible under your nose!" she growled before meeting his grey eyes, fire burned behind her blue orbs, "But don't worry! I won't let that happen! You protected So-tan; it's time to repay you."

"And how are you going to repay me?" Danhauser played along with her, "I'm an exigent devil. I want something of equal value in return, you know?"

Serafall pointed her magical staff to the roof, sparks covering her frame, "I'll destroy Heaven ten times for you, Danny!"

Before Serafall could swing her mighty staff of doom, a hand reached out to pinch her cheek, "Ow! Ow! Ow! W-what are you doing?!"

"What are you doing?!" Sona grabbed both cheeks and pulled hard, veins popping from her forehead, "… attack Heaven when we are one step closer to ending the war! Are you out of your mind?!"

"Stooop! Pulling my cute cheeks is my only weakness~!" she cried out and gazed at her sister pleadingly, "So-tan! You're hurting your big sister~! Stop it!"

"… You're coming with me. We'll have a private talk in my office!"

Serafall never had the opportunity to come up with a retort as her sister started walking toward the exit.

Even after leaving the gymnasium, they could hear the cries of Serafall.

"Shouldn't we do something about this?" Rias looked at everyone present, specifically at the Principal and Vice-Principal.

Calcabrina wore a cruel smile, "No… this is fine."

"I'd rather piss off Hades," Cleria said.

"Yeah, I still want to live," Danhauser also refused before jokingly adding, "I have many goals in mind, one of them is convincing Yasaka to join my peerage."

Cleria snorted, but smirked, "Sure, because it went well the two times you placed the deal on the table."

"Hey, third time is the charm."

"Am I missing something?" Diehauser curiously eyed his younger brother while loosening his grip on his mother, "Since when did you have the chance to meet up with the High Priestess of the Sun in person?"

Cleria sighed, "… Trust me, you've missed out a lot."

"Maybe the Principal and Vice-Principal can give us a tour around the academy?" Sirzechs intervened with a nervous smile, doing his best to ignore the cries of the kidnapped Satan, "Preferable far away from the Student Council, please?"

"Follow us then!" Cleria wrapped an arm around Danhauser's shoulders, pulling him closer, "We'd love to be your guides for this occasion!"

Sirzechs placed a hand on his chest and sighed, leading Danhauser to believe he was relieved, "I'm grateful. Hopefully, we may as well spot father along the trip."

.


.

"This food is amazing!" Cleria gushed before taking another bite, "Who cooked this?!"

Danhauser chuckled and stole a seat before taking one of his own, "My knight, Tobio. He knows how to handle a spatula alright."

"Finally… some good fucking food," Cleria's eyes welled with tears as she moaned, "I've been waiting for this for many years!"

Danhauser just chuckled, "Why couldn't Uncle Coda and dad come?" he asked his brother and mother.

"Uncle was lazy," Diehauser responded, "And dad is working. They'll come to Ars Goetia once you come back to participate in the Youth Gathering."

"Even Uncle Coda will come?"

"Unfortunately," Calcabrina muttered.

Danhauser raised an eyebrow at his mother, "Well, good to know I'll see them back in the Underworld."

...

"Your house is nice," Calcabrina had a smile plastered all over her face, letting her eyes to roam freely each corner of the building, "Smaller than our house in the Underworld, but still carrying that homely feeling. I love it!"

Danhauser felt his eyebrow twitch at that. Having a house in the Underworld was an insult. Devils lived in manors and castles. But a house? So insulting.

As expected from a Lesser Housecarl.

"Baby steps, Danhauser, baby steps!" It's a matter of time before he brought his family back to greatness, "I can do it. Nothing will stop me. Nothing!"

He missed the manor he'd used to live back when everything was great, the golden age of Clan Belial.

He chose to click his tongue and remain silent. He was with his family, like hell he would ruin the moment.

"So, what business do you have with the High Priestess of the Sun?" Diehauser asked, snapping Danhauser out of his trance, "judging from Cleria's face, you two don't have a well-developed relationship…"

Danhauser gulped his munched food and replied, "You know, the usual." He grumbled, tracing circles on the table, "helping them out against outside forces and in return getting tasty, rotten tomatoes from her. Yummy, yummy."

"She blames him for everything that transpired in Japan four years ago," Cleria bluntly said while taking another bite of her food, "The Utsusemi attacking Ryuukou Town as well as the Stray Magicians and Satanael invading Kuoh Town… The High Priestess believes it's because of Danny's involvement that they'd taken an active role around Japan."

Calcabrina pursed her lips, "If what Cleria says is true… won't she make you take responsibility for Kokabiel's actions?"

"Without a doubt," Danhauser deflected sigh, "but we already did, my peerage and I took him out of the map pretty quickly before he could lift a finger."

Yasaka wouldn't be wrong on that assumption, though. In the Light Novels, Kokabiel chose to attack Kuoh because Rias and Sona were present there. Famous heiresses of influential houses and relatives of two powerful Satans, the perfect targets to trigger a war.

For warmongers like Kokabiel, that was the perfect spot to outset pure chaos.

"He wouldn't only resume the Great Wat between the Three Factions," Diehauser started before pulling his food from its envelope, "… He would've involved other Pantheons as well. The Youkai Kyoto for example. Did you use your True Form?"

"Yeah."

"Which one?"

"Pitch Resin."

"… You were permitted to use True Form from the High Three Priests, right?" Calcabrina asked him carefully, "Remember that even if Cleria is Governor of Kuoh, the town is within Kyoto Prefecture. You could get in deep trouble if you didn't."

"I used my True Form as a defense mechanism," Danhauser said in self-defense, "the Priest of the Moon had told me I'm allowed to use it as a last resource… which technically it was."

Maybe Danhauser didn't need the usage of his True Form, perhaps it was an overkill like Tobio had stated. As long as they had Tobio in his Balance Break and Siegfried wielding Gram then the one-sided fight would still end up in their favor.

Meh, better safe than sorry.

The way he gently deflected her question answered one of Calcabrina's many fears, "… You forgot to tell them, didn't you?"

"After taking care of Kokabiel, I'd made sure to keep up in contact with the High Priest of the Moon, Nurarihyon, and gave him a report of what'd happened," Danhauser stood firm, trying to ease his mother's stress, "I will not get in trouble, mom. At most, I'll only get a slap on the wrist and a long-winded speech from Yasaka."

"I hope you're right," his mother beamed at him, "Even so… good job stopping him."

He felt a hand weighting his shoulder and met the eyes of the owner, "What's up, brother?"

"Think we can talk?" Diehauser asked, before adding, "Privately?"

Danhauser almost dropped a joke, but after witnessing the serious glow in Diehauser's eyes, he just went with a nod and stood up, "We can talk in my room, no one will interrupt us there."

"Lead the way," Diehauser also stood up and followed his younger brother to the stairs, "We'll be back, mom, Cleria."

Calcabrina strained her smile, "Yes, of course."

"Be quick!" Cleria called out to them, "Or Imma eat your food!"

Once the two brothers were out of sight, Calcabrina's shoulder slumped a bit, "They're… they're going to talk about that."

"Hmm?" Cleria looked away from her plate to her aunt, "Talk about wha… oh. I see."

"Danny is going to be fine!" Cleria assured the quiet Calcabrina, "He and his peerage took out Kokabiel in a minute! They're unstoppable!"

Calcabrina tried to flash a smile but failed, "I know he's strong… but at the pace that things are going… I'm just scared that I may outlive my children one day."

Cleria's breath hitched at that, "Come on… t-that won't happen…" her eyes widened once she repeated her words in her head, "N-not saying that I want you to die or anything!"

"I know you didn't mean it," Calcabrina grabbed her fork and traced circles over the table, "I just hope I'm the wrong one."

.


.

The Belial brothers reached the second floor and were standing in front of Danhauser's locked room.

But before Danhauser could unlock his door, the one in his left opened up and he smiled after spotting a glimpse of pink, "Roygun! Haven't seen you in school, how are you doing?"

Her mouth opened, ready to give a warm reply, but halted once she met the stare of the Emperor. She gulped and shakily smiled, "I-I'm doing fine, dear. Thanks for asking."

"There's food downstairs," Danhauser thumbed over the stairs, "If you want to try out Tobio's cooking. He's really good."

Diehauser's expression hardened, before turning to Roygun and scowling, "Can you get out of here? I have to talk privately with Danhauser and it doesn't concern you. "

"Come on, don't treat Roygun like that," Danhauser exclaimed, stepping forwards to shield Roygun from his brother, "Give her a break!"

"S-sorry! I was about to leave!" Roygun quickly interjected, before rushing over to the stairs and making her exit.

"You're unbelievable…" Danhauser stared his brother in disbelief, "Why?"

Diehauser scoffed, "Thanks to her, Bedeze and the others the Top Ten are seen as cheaters in Ars Goetia. They spat on the sportsmanship of the Rating Games and to our faces for years… I don't want to see her."

Shaking his head at Diehauser, before letting out a weary sigh and dismissively waving his hand, he muttered, "Whatever, let's just get inside."

Once they'd made it inside and closed the door, Diehauser tackled the conversation, "Where are you going to be during the Peace Treaty?"

Danhauser slowly sat on his bed, "… I'll be joining the attack of the peace conference led by one of the Maou descendants," he heaved a sigh, passing a hand through his slicked hair, "I didn't talk about it because we were in family and—!"

"Mother was present," Diehauser finished for him, "I know. That's why I wanted to talk with you privately, to not worry her more. What about your peerage?"

"They'll be hidden somewhere, ready to attack when they see a good opening or when Siegfried tells them to engage," Danhauser reported, "I've told Maou Beelzebub about Shalba's plan, most likely the leaders are warned as well, ready to counterattack."

"Dan, there's no cowardice on backing out, you know?"

Danhauser scoffed, "And what of our family?"

"What about it?" Diehauser folded his arms, "What we said back in school wasn't a lie. Putting aside the financial difficulties we are facing from time to time, everything is fine down there. We can breathe safely without getting pushed into politics."

"Everything is fine? How can you say that…?" Danhauser stared at him in disbelief, "We are a Vassal Clan, I don't want the Clan Belial to be seen as a Lesser King! I want us to be more than that! For family, I will give anything."

"We rather have you alive than a mere rank," The Emperor retorted, "When father was the Head of our Clan, he got promoted to King without risking his neck."

"What's your point?" Danhauser asked, somewhat annoyed.

"My point is that you can leave the double-agent stuff behind," Diehauser sat beside him, "No one in our family is going to blame you."

Danhauser stared at him for a moment before chuckling half-heartedly, "Mom told you to do this, didn't she?"

"No, she didn't," Diehauser said, slightly offended, "I'm your brother, can't I get worried as well?"

Danhauser massaged his nose with a weak laugh, "Right… here's the catch. We can't disobey orders from the Great King. You know this as well."

"We can speak with Lord Bael about it," Diehauser suggested.

"It won't work."

"How can you say that without giving a shot?" Diehauser stated, "It never hurts to try."

"It was the First Bael, Zekram himself who pushed this mission to us. He's a snake, you know that," Danhauser countered, "Unless you drop another coup and make the Four Great Maous as official leaders of Ars Goetia then it won't work. I'll be forced to do this until they promote our Housecarl once again."

Diehauser stopped for a moment, looking straight at him seriously, putting his young brother a tad uncomfortable,"… Is that so," he sighed and stood up, "It's not too late to back out. We'll accept you with arms wide open."

"I know," Danhauser smiled shyly, "That's why I love you guys."

Diehauser ruffled his hair, "Enough of the depressing stuff, let's go back to the others, the night is young after all," he smirked a bit, "Hopefully, Cleria didn't devour our food."

Danhauser laughed softly, "You have too much faith."

.


.

Today was the day.

The day when the Three Biblical Leaders would participate in the Peace Treaty.

The day when The Old Satan Faction would attack with Stray Magicians.

The day when Mastema would make his debut once again.

Danhauser just sat alone in his office, staring into nothing all while fiddling with a pencil between his fingers. He expected to take Vali's role here. To act as a traitor and tell them about Gasper and his Sacred Gear. He was glad he was proven wrong; Valerie would be pissed and he didn't want to hurt any of the Dhampirs.

Perhaps Vali was mirroring the same steps he took from the Light Novels? Betray Azazel and join the Old Satan Faction for the excuse to fight strong people? He couldn't tell. Shalba hadn't told him he had recruited the Strongest White Dragon Emperor in history, yet.

But his mission was different. He's supposed to meet up with them and, when the time comes, appear back to the meeting in his Mastema persona and 'kill' the Biblical Leaders.

Danhauser's frazzled nerves jumped all together, and in different directions. The moment he leaves this room he would be surrounded by terrorists. Even if he believed he was stronger than all of them, all thanks to his four-year training that did him a world of good, the thought of being in the middle of chaotic figures frightened him.

A single suspicious step could possibly ruin everything he'd worked for.

Or worse, be the death to him.

He shoved the dire thoughts to the corner of his mind and stood up, snapping his fingers to invoke a magical circle big enough to reflect his whole body.

He was wearing a heavy chestplate accompanied by pauldrons, gauntlets, and greaves. Each piece submerged in dark colors. Underneath the plates, the outfit combined Victorian fashion with that of black, full-body tights. Aside from absorbing damage for the wielder, it exposed very little skin. Perfect to hide his appearance.

This was the official uniform of the Old Satan Faction. Or rather, the armor that a mere soldier of the Old Maous had. A shame didn't include a cape, he loved capes.

Danhauser gave a rough tug on his equipped gauntlet and focused on his desk. Atop of it lied a helmet. It was rounded and it had a very large visor, giving him a better sight over the field of view. Plus, once he wore it, his voice would be distorted, unrecognizable.

He heard a soft knock in his door and sharply spun around, "Who is it?" he demanded.

"It's me, can I come in?"

"Cleria?" Danhauser breathed out, his stance slowly relaxing, "What are you doing here?"

Once she made it inside, Cleria brought her hands on her waist and pouted, "What? Can't I properly say farewell and wish my baby cousin good luck?!"

"Am I getting a good luck kiss?"

Cleria rolled her eyes, "In your dreams."

"Aw, shucks," Danhauser chuckled before gesturing at his clothes, "What do you think? Does it suit me?"

She brought a hand under her chin and circled him like a shark while humming to herself along the way, making a show of looking him over carefully. After her inspection was done, she smirked at him, "All you need is a cape and you're set to conquer the world!"

"Good thing I'm following their criteria, then," he said, "You should really go where the leaders are going to meet… things are about to get nasty in around an hour."

"I… I know," Cleria averted her eyes, tucking stray strands behind her ear, "I-I just want to let you know that, whatever decision you make, I'll support it wholeheartedly … because I know that everything you do is for good motives."

Danhauser looked at his cousin in concern, "Thank you, but are you okay? Did something bad happen?"

"I'm okay, I'm okay. Just… make sure you don't die, okay? Not just for me, but for your mom and Diehauser as well, for us," Cleria awkwardly flagged him a pair of thumbs-ups, "… Make it out alive and in one piece so we can continue with our boring and daily life together, cool?"

Danhauser blinked several times before laughing softly, "Yeah, cool. I'll be right back, I promise."

Suddenly, an orange magic circle appeared under his feet, the symbol of the Old Satan Faction, "I have to go... and you should too."

Cleria bit her lip but nodded, "Good luck."

"Stay safe," With a sudden, blinding flash of orange light, Danhauser vanished from his office.

.


.

In an instant, Dan—Mastema was standing in the meeting point, cloaked figures with their hoods up were rushing from left to right, most likely getting in position to follow upcoming orders. On the other side of the room, Mastema spotted Creuserey and a low-ranking soldier discussing over one of the many lab tables. The two of them had their backs to him, and as Danhauser laid still in the background, he'd realized that the duo in front of him hadn't noticed his sudden appearance.

He couldn't tell his current location, they could be on another continent for all he knew.

He could finish Creuserey here and now. One less vermin to worry about. The only big consequence was that he had to fight the army of devils and stray magicians patrolling the area, the place was secured as hell and most likely had magic circles well-hidden around the area that would trigger if anything was out of place.

But it didn't matter. His Clan Trait was the doom of magicians and Sacred Gears alike, now imagine once he'd unleashed his True Form.

The results were obvious.

The more he glared at Creuserey's back, the more he seemed adamant of exploiting his lowered guard.

Before he could take even count the pros and cons, a rough slap on his back erased any of his thoughts, "Mah, mah. You must be the newbie CA kept whining about!" the voice cheered and whistled, "Oi, CA! Your package is here!"

Creuserey shot a hard look over his shoulder, "I told you not to call me…!" his tongue paused once his gaze recognized Mastema, "Ah, yes. It's him. Mastema, you love wasting everyone's time, don't you?"

Mastema never replied, slowly facing the figure beside him and, once he met his silver eyes, he felt a knot form in his throat.

"What? Got something in my teeth?" the Fallen Angel spoke playfully and leaned forward, "… Weird, you're the first member of the Old Satan Faction that is wearing a helmet. Got a nasty scar or something?"

Mastema lost the ability to formulate words, too shocked after seeing Satanael of all people here.

Thankfully, Creuserey rescued him, "Mind your own business, Fallen Angel."

"Geez, chill out, didn't realize you Maou descendants wanted to keep your toys well-hidden…" Satanael feigned a dissatisfied sigh, "What a shame, though. We're teaming up and you assholes are still hiding your skeletons in your closets? I'm sad."

Creuserey sneered, "Don't take this alliance as a bond of friendship, fool. Even if we work together… we still don't trust any of you to share our information."

"Yeah, yeah, heard that one before," Satanael rolled his eyes and wiggled his eyebrows at Mastema's direction, "… if they keep your identity hidden then you're not just a mere meat-shield… you're something way more. Got my eyes on you."

Mastema managed to gulp but refused to answer him.

"Whatever, let's save this chat for another time," Satanael grinned at Creuserey while invoking a magic circle beside his ear, "Unlike you, I ain't scared of showing my cards... Burga, CC! Get your asses over here!"

That's when everyone felt a strong, draconic aura radiating in the room. The immense energy was so strong that it caused Matema's body to be covered in beads of sweat in half a minute.

Not even Creuserey could maintain a calm posture after tasting the sheer power, "… S-so it's true…"

The Stray Magicians quickly moved out of the way as a girl wearing a purple Lolita outfit and a handsome, tall man with long hair of blond and black approaching them.

Burga, CC, meet Mastema!" Satanael introduced them, "Mastema, meet Burga and CC! Hope you three get along just fine!"

Walburga just rolled her eyes.

"…" 'CC' didn't reply, his heterochromatic eyes merely looking down at Mastema.

Satanael snickered and patted Mastema on the shoulder, "Don't mind him, he always does that. He's just a bit shy meeting new people."

Danhauser wasn't even paying attention at what happened around him, gawking at the humanoid dragon before him.

He wished he could divert his stare and look somewhere else, but his mind was on many layers of fear that it had stopped functioning long ago, totally stunned as a word bounced in his skull.

Why?

Why?

Why?

This shouldn't happen.

"Anyway, now that everyone is here, I think we should get ready," Satanael suggested, "We should approach the three shitty leaders and most of their guards are located in Kuoh to arrange the peace treaty and attack them."

Mastema's heart dropped into his stomach at the words of the Fallen Angel, "W-we're supposed to attack Kuoh Town, right?"

"So you do talk!" Satanael teased him and replied, "Change of plans, Mastema. Didn't your higher-ups told you?"

For Mastema, that was the last straw that broke the camel's back as he wheeled around to face Creuserey intently, "I thought we were attacking the meeting!"

Even if Creuserey failed to see under Mastema's helmet, he could taste the agitation craving in his voice, "As the Fallen Angel has said, change of plans."

"B-but, Lord Asmodeus, you can't do that!" Mastema exclaimed, "T-the three leaders are in Kuoh, we should finish them right in the spot! Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime! Can I at least know why —!"

"Silence!" Creuserey raised his voice, his face furrowed in anger, "Remember who you're referring to, soldier," he spat out, "as well as what rank you belong to. Whether you like it or not, you must follow our orders to the letter to prove your loyalty as well as achieve the desired results of the Old Satan Faction, understood?"

Mastema's hands started to tremble as he'd lost the only true relief he got from Cleria's last words, "… Understood."

"Good. Now, not another word from you," Creuserey glared at the Fallen Angel, "Your machines, are they prepared for the event?"

"Utsusemi," Satanael corrected him, "Aye, they're ready for the big event."

"And the transportation circles, have you made sure to correct even the tiniest flaws in them?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Walburga huffed, "Do not misjudge Hexennacht's expertise over magic!"

Putting aside her lack of respect, that's all Creuserey had to hear before shouting, "Everyone, get in position! We're about to set in motion the mission!"

"Finally," Walburga hissed, "I wanna finish this as soon as possible!"

Despite not voicing out his opinion, 'CC' had to somehow agree with the user of the purple flames. The faster they left, the quicker he'd fight against the human that Satanael spoke about.

He leaned back on a wall and folded his arms, waiting for the teleportation circle to warp them to their destination point.

The shouting, running and multiple voices toned down until Mastema couldn't hear anything, devoid of any sound. Behind his helmet, his eyes were wide, looking right at the scene, but not really. Shalba hadn't brought a single word of this when Danhauser had reported him about the Peace Treaty. Perhaps he was afraid of Mastema being captured like Diodora was and being find out? He didn't know.

He could try and warn them about the turnaround flung by the terrorists. A risky move, especially when he was surrounded by the most dangerous figures in the room.

He steadily roamed his eyes over each figure, but one he'd stopped over the humanoid dragon, his skin paled like chalk.

He had to agree with his quivering legs, he wanted to disappear. Fast.

But the moment he'd tried to make his escape, he would be eliminated in a second.

He had to make his brain to work, find a solution for this mess. Anything to make it out alive and stop them before it was too late.

He could only come up with a plan. He despised it, but he had nothing else.

As much as it pained him, he had to tag and play along. Play his role as Mastema and gather as much information as he could.

Because as how things went south, Danhauser had no clue what they were plotting.

"… Can I at least know what our target is?" The fear traveled in his veins but never made it to his facial muscles nor voice.

Satanael smirked at him, "Come on, don't ruin your surprise! Just enjoy the voyage!"

Of course, they wouldn't tell him, they had to make it more stressful and difficult for his shaken-up nerves.

Fuck them. Fuck each and every one of them.

.


.

Moving into the passage, Ewald smelled the quiet air tinctured with the scent of incense, candles and the more solidly the Anglican smell of musty prayer books. The brightly lit passage with its floor of encaustic tiles and its white-painted walls and religious paintings ran the whole corridor of the immense church. The church choir echoed in the walls, their graceful notes dancing on the staves, and they sang for the Lord only.

He gazed at the exorcist keeping him company, "the Galatine user, David Serro, amuse me here," he said, "I was informed that you were to set forth with to a mission with your student, Lint. Unless you two already finished?"

"The Strongest Exorcist volunteered to watch over her," David reported, "Given his overall strength, they should be here at any moment."

Ewald hummed before turning his stare to the end of the corridor, "... any news of your other student, Freed Sellzen?"

"... I'm afraid not," David scratched his head with a sigh, "Not a single clue of his whereabouts or his kidnappers."

In a way, he was thankful that Dulio wanted to sign up on accompanying Lint on her mission. His charity was mostly because he was scared that she may be captured like Freed and Siegfried, former teamsquads before dissapearing from action.

David knew where Siegfried was, and most likely in safe hands, but Freed? That was still a mistery that the Vatican Headquarters were trying to solve out. There's always a day were Lint would ask David when her big brothers were coming back.

Thankfully, Dulio was making her day just by spending time with her. Let's be real, who wouldn't love to spend a day wth the Strongest Exorcist? The infant inside David sure as hell would love that.

"Rest be assured, we will do our best to find him," Ewald vowed to him, "we will not give up without giving a fight."

"I hope so. I really do."

Once they reached the end of the corridor, Ewald pushed the heavy iron-bound doors open and moved onward, the silence he once enjoyed easily stolen after entering the rowdy hall.

The ceiling was at least forty feet tall, and the walls were wide enough to handle a football field. The floor was made of vast, white marble that the fussy old ladies cleaned even when there was not a single stain. Pillars of the same color and material kept the building from falling apart, their corners glittering in gold.

Ewald looked up to appreciate each accentuated decoration. The sunlight gleamed through the stained-glass window, casting a gentle glow onto the middle of the hall and, somehow, illuminating the place.

He turned back over the place and witnessed how it was filled with exorcists, nuns, and priests minding their own business. Behind all the chattering, he could hear the organ music.

A strong pat on his back almost turned his spine into ashes, "Buongiorno, young Cristaldi, young Serro! Just the two gentlemen I was searching for!" greeted the gravely and old voice, "a beautiful day, isn't it?"

"Eminence Strada," Ewald kept a stoic expression in check, even if he was screaming in pain from the inside, "Indeed it is."

Vasco smiled widely, "Oh, please. None of formalities and titles my friend! It's only us."

"Nonsense. You are above me in terms of ranking, but of course, I'll show respect to the second-highest official in the Church," Ewald sighed and nodded at the two girls accompanying Vasco, "Welcome back from your mission, Irina Shidou, and Xenovia Quarta. Everything went sucessful I believe?"

[Yes! Eminence Cristaldi!] they responded in unison.

"And the Excalibur Fragments? What happened to them?"

Xenovia took a step forward, "I was speaking about this with Eminence Strada but I should report this to Eminence Cristaldi as well," she noted, "the fragments were successfully retrieved. Archangel Michael told us to give him the swords so they can be stored temporarily in Heaven."

"I see," if the Archangel had told them that, then he had no reason to suspect nor disobey, they were in safe hands, that's what mattered, "What happened to the Genocide Bishop and the Cadre Kokabiel?"

"They were stopped," Irina bit her lip, hesitating on whether or not tell them who did it, "imprisoned in Cocytus."

"By Danhauser Belial himself," Xenovia elicited a silent gasp from Irina, "He succeeded in stopping the Cadre Kokabiel with his peerage."

Ewald's expression turned cold. Danhauser Belial, an unpleasant name he hadn't heard for years… "To be capable of stopping a Fallen Angel infamous in the Bible… he's slowly becoming a big threat to the Church."

Vasco pursed his lips, "None of that, young Cristaldi," he assured him, "remember, the Biblical leaders are putting an end to this senseless grudge as we speak. He'll be our ally now."

Vasco knew Ewald like the wrinkles in his forehead. While his hardworking nature and immense loyalty to the Church was considered even by the Pope as the "Ideal Exorcist", his views were extremist and it was very unlikely that he would put the enemies of the Angels in a good spot.

What made it worst was that his views over Devils and Fallen Angels inspired many exorcists to put them in a bad light as well. He was a very charismatic individual, possibly the most charismatic amongst the Cardinals.

Vasco wished Ewald could open his eyes and see the big picture.

"Indeed," David sided with the Apex of Humanity, "… I look forward to it."

Irina nodded vigorously. Back then, she'd shared the same ideology of Ewald, that all Devils were evil beings that must be eradicated, and while that belief held a bit of truth, not most of them followed that criteria. The fact that the Heir of Belial spared her father when he could just end his career years ago proved her statement. From what her father had told her, he was protecting his cousin, and he didn't seem to hold any grudge after that event.

"… We will see," Ewald toned down a small growl, obviously against allying themselves with their supposed nemesis.

"It's a rare sight to see you without young Sellzen, young Serro," Vasco pointed out, searching everywhere for the white-haired girl, "Most of the time she's clinging at your side. Where is she?"

"Lint went on a mission with Dulio," David replied.

"Hah... a perfect partner indeed, young Gesualdo is a talented young man with a bright future ahead," Vasco said proudly, "I can assure you that no one will dare to pull a single hair from her with him around."

"I'm going to hold you to that," David said with amusement, "they should be here any—!"

"WEEE AREEE BAAAACK!"

Ewald flinched at the announcement echoing in the wall and frowned at the culprit.

"They're here," David pinched his nose, holding back a smile.

Walking onwards were Dulio Gesualdo and an eccentric Lint Sellzen.

Instinctively, Ewald looked around. A few were staring at the two of them, more than a few whispering among themselves with looks of mild annoyance. Others were just amused and resumed whatever task they were doing.

Dulio seemed to notice they were the center of the attention as well, laughing awkwardly, "Ahahaha... don't mind her, please," Dulio spotted them and smiled. He shook Lint's shoulder for his attention and pointed at them, "Look who's there."

Lint followed his gaze and beamed like a Christmas tree once she spotted the group. She literally blurred and teleported in front of David and hugged his waist, "I'm back teacher!"

"I can see that," David ruffled her hair, "How'd the mission go?"

She broke the embrace to click her tongue, "It was boring!" she pulled her gun out and twirled her pistol around the trigger finger, putting the group a bit unease, "Our client was faking to be possessed by a devil! She was just thirsty for attention!"

"Thankfully, we find out she was acting before Lint could fill the whole house with bullets," Dulio sighed, eyeing carefully her gunspinning.

"And I was looking forward to it…!" she continued, seemingly ignorant of their agitated expressions. She suddenly took aim at Irina and Xenovia, the latter halfway unsheathing her Excalibur Fragment as a warning. Lint didn't seem to care as she feigned to fire at them, "Bang! Bang! Bang! I wanted to turn the Devil into swiss cheese!"

Everyone watched as the young woman pocketed her weapon and they shared a sigh of relief.

"But other than that, everything went great!" Lint grinned at David, "Brother Dulio took me to eat! My belly was stuffed!"

Dulio scratched his cheek, "It was nothing, really. I'm just glad you enjoyed yourself."

"Big brother Dulio, think we can do this together again?" Lint winced at her choice of words, "Well, not 'together-together' like a lovey-dovey couple that won't ever happen by the way…! Not that I'm not saying that you're not handsome by the way; you are handsome, but that'd just be weird, right?"

Dulio was baffled.

"Ohohoho!" Vasco cackled, "As lively and cheerful as always, young lady! Maybe you could teach young Cristaldi a thing or two on how to loosen up."

Ewald's eyebrow jerked up a bit.

Lint bulldozed right in front of Ewald and saluted him, startling him, "It would be my greatest honor to share all my techniques to Eminence Cristaldi and…" she paled once her superior melted her with a hard look, "… ahaha…! O-or maybe not!"

"What of you, Eminence Strada?" David wore a playful smirk, "You are one of the oldest figures in the Vatican, you may as well share your experience of 'how to take it easy' to the young generation."

"Who, me?" Vasco pointed himself before booming a laugh, "Oh… I'm too old for—!"

A second later, everyone felt a chill crawling on their backs.

At first, no-one moved and everything became quiet, their brains unable to make sense of the input from their ears. Everyone inside the Church could read the muffled cries coming behind the heavy entrance of the building.

Vasco narrowed his eyes and looked up at the stained glass, unable to witness the sky, it was engulfed by a black miasma… "… smoke?"

Whispers and mumbles filled the large hall, their eyes trained on the entrance as each exorcist shakily pulled out their guns and swords.

Then like a switch had been flicked, Dulio brought his legs to work and rushed to the entrance, followed by several armed exorcists.

"DULIO!" He'd heard David calling him out, "GET BACK—!"

Before the blond could reach his destination, the heavy doors were blown away by purple flames – those close to the explosion were consumed by the holy fire. The blast didn't just launch Dulio away, it shuddered right through him as if trying to rip out his heart. The light from the fire burned for a full five seconds. It was so blinding that even closing his eyes made no difference.

He finally crashed into a wall, sliding down to the ground.

He couldn't hear the maddened laugh of the witch.

He couldn't hear the cries of the girls.

He couldn't hear David and Ewald shouting his name.

Only darkness.

.


.

Canon is dead.

All I can say it's going to be more chaotic than chapter 28 and 29 combined.

New faces will arrive sooner than expected. Wether as an ally or foe it remains to be seen.

Also, consider this chapter as the beginning of worldbuilding the Heaven Faction that I had promised long ago as well as other Pantheons I have in mind. Politically speaking, it won't be as huge as to how I wrote the Underworld, it mostly revolves around the Sacred Gear System, Angels, the Church, God of the Bible and the System of God.

No, I won't bring God back to the living.

Also, a fair warning. All am I going to say is this:

religion=/= DxD

religion=/= my fic.

You've been warned.

And no, Kokabiel never got affected by nothingness, it was something else. I felt I had to point that out because most of you thought it was that.

Thank you for the reviews and great support.


Life.5: Zenith Tempest, Dulio Gesualdo.