Azalea, and Brandon were dropped off for their second day at Kuoh academy, just as early as the first. Azalea had a spring in her step, and while Brandon was still on edge internally, he outwardly mellowed out from yesterday's events.

"I'll see you later, Mom." Azalea beamed, as she departed from the car.

"See ya." Brandon stated. "We'll call when it's time to pick us up."

"Alright." The mother said. "Have fun out there, and don't get into any trouble."

"Don't worry." Azalea waved off.

"Unlikely." Brandon tersely replied, as his mother drove away.

"So." Azalea said, turning to Brandon. "What's the plan?"

"I figured we could check in with our clubs." Brandon replied. "You might as well get a decent second impression, without me there."

Azalea raised her finger to say something, but promptly lowered it when she had no response.

"I saw it in your eyes, Azalea." Brandon shared. "Just be careful. Specs is almost as critical as I am, I don't trust her." He warned, placing a hand on Azalea's shoulder.

"You can't just judge people by looking in their eyes, Brandon."

"Correction, you can't." Brandon countered, pointing a finger at Azalea, before moving it to himself. "I've gotten quite good at it."

"Call me sceptical." Azalea maintained. "People are a lot more complicated than that."

"Okay, see ya later, Sceptical." Brandon wisecracked, heading off in the direction of the kendo club.

"See ya, Jackass." Azalea returned amicably, before walking up to the main building.


The student council was prepared for Azalea's arrival. Today there were two more members in attendance, another brunette with pigtails and two green hair clips, and a girl with messy reddish brown hair also tied in pigtails. They all turned to the door when they heard a knock.

"You can come in." Sona spoke up.

The newest student council member pulled the door open, and stepped inside.

"Hello everyone." Azalea spoke somewhat anxiously, scanning the room. "I see I'm not the only new face." She chuckled unconvincingly.

"Right on time, Azalea." Sona addressed, disregarding the nephilim's mildly tense behavior. "Let's get to introductions, shall we." The student council president gestured for Azalea to step up to the front of the room.

"Oh, right." Azalea responded, composing herself as she stepped forward, and faced away from the wall.

"Hello everyone, my name is Azalea Margaret Byrne, and I'm happy to get to know you all." She announced, before turning to Sona, and whispering. "now what?"

Sona sighed. "I suppose we have time to have the rest of the council give you their personal introductions."

"Everyone front, and center." She called, and the entire council lined side to side just a meter or two from Sona's desk.

"Well, go make yourself acquainted." Sona instructed.

Azalea approached one end of the line, and extended her hand to the girl with reddish brown hair.

"Hello, my name's Tomoe Meguri." The girl said, happily shaking Azalea's hand. "Nice to meet you"

"Nice to meet you too." Azalea cheerfully responded, completely forgetting her initial anxiety.

"Hi, my name's Ruruko Nomura." The girl with brown pigtails, and green hair clips greeted. "Don't worry about being nervous, I was just the same when I first joined."

"Thank you." Azalea replied. "By the way I love your socks." She complemented, pointing to Ruruko's green striped, thigh high stockings.

"Thanks." Ruruko bubbled.

Next was the council member with shoulder length, navy blue hair. "Tsubasa Yura." She curtly introduced herself, giving a strong handshake.

"Nice to formally meet you." Azalea said, Tsubasa just gave an unimpressed nod.

"My name is Momo Hanakai." The white haired council member shyly greeted. "I hope we can get along." She faltered, failing to hide her uneasiness.

"Oh we definitely will." Azalea assured, shaking one of Momo's hands with both of her's. "It's nice to meet someone else with a plant name."

Momo gave a small relieved smile as Tsubasa side-eyed Azalea.

Azalea moved on to the next in line. The brown haired girl, with twin braids looked reluctant, Azalea noticed.

"Are you the girl that had a run-in with my brother?"

"Yes, that would be me, Reya Kusaka." The council member said, not making eye contact with Azalea.

"I'm sorry for whatever happened, he can get… mean to people he doesn't know well." Azalea apologised.

"Oh." Was Reya's only reply. Clearly Azalea was going to need to talk this out with her, but she had plenty of time for that after introductions were over.

Last in line was the long black haired vice president, Tsubaki Shinra, who looked quite impassive. She was the reason Azalea was nervous to begin with.

"Hello, Azalea." Tsubaki said. "I believe we are well enough acquainted."

"About that…" Azalea said, rubbing the back of her head. "I'm sorry about what happened the other day."

Tsubaki's outwardly retained her stoic demeanor. "It's nothing."

"No, it's not nothing." Azalea snapped. "I invaded your boundaries, and I have no excuse."

"If you had decided to kick me out then and there, I would've completely understood." She finished, going somber.

The rest of the student council glanced over at Azalea's declaration. Some less subtly than others.

"I should've thought before I pulled you into that hug. My brother hates surprise contact too, and I didn't even consider how you felt." Azalea agonised.

Tsubaki placed a hand on Azalea's shoulder. "It was an honest mistake, Azalea. I forgive you." She assured, with the subtlest hint of a smile.

Azalea was positively beaming at Tsubaki's acceptance, but seemed like she was holding herself back.

"Alright, you have my permission." Tsubaki sighed, with an eye roll. The council members that were present yesterday all wore shocked expressions.

"Thank-you Thank-you Thank-you." Azalea repeated, as she instantly wrapped the vice president in a tight embrace. Tsubaki awkwardly patted her on the back.

"Now that that's out of the way, are you feeling more comfortable?" Sona cut in.

"Actually yes, yes I am." Azalea affirmed, releasing Tsubaki from her grip.

"In that case, why don't you share a bit more about yourself?" Sona suggested.

"Alright then." Azalea walked back to the front of the room, behind Sona's desk, and took a breath.

"Hello everyone, Sona asked me to share some more, so here goes." Azalea awkwardly announced.

"I was born and raised in Ireland, I'm about 180 centimeters tall, and I'm a lesbian. That's pretty much it." She listed off, clearly not prepared for anything in depth.

Tsubasa narrowed her eyes in contempt, which went completely unnoticed by the rest of the room.

"So, is there any girl here you're interested in." Tomoe asked with a mischievous glint, causing Azalea to blush slightly.

"That is confidential, for the time being." Azalea spouted, refusing to give a straight answer.

"So, umm. Anything else?" Azalea moved on. Several hands were raised.

"Azalea, it's starting to get close to our first period." Tsubaki interjected, pointing to the clock, to the disappointment of some council members. "There'll be more time when we meet up after school."

"Alright, just let me have one last word with Sona." Azalea insisted, before walking up to the council president. "Thanks again for letting me join, I look forward to getting to know you too. Platonically."

Tsubaki, and several other council members tried, and failed not to snicker in response. Sona went deep red.

"I Am NOT attracted to you." Sona angrily exclaimed.

"That's the spirit." Azalea responded with a thumbs up.

"Just get the hell to class." Sona exhaled in exasperation. "Tsubaki, you can escort her."

"Okay, I'll see you later." Azalea waved, as she followed the long haired girl out the door.

"She was nice." Ruruko stated.

"I agree." Tomoe said. "So when does the fallen angel get here."

"That was the fallen angel, Tomoe." Sona groaned.

"WHAT?" Tomoe, and Ruruko both blurted.


Meanwhile Brandon was making his way to the kendo club. The quiet tranquility that came before the morning rush was something he enjoyed. So he took his time, just listening to his own thoughts on the walk to his destination.

"Knock knock." He said, as he thumped the door to his club. Murayama opened shortly after.

"Hello Brandon, glad you could make it." She greeted, changed to her school uniform instead of her kendo attire.

"Not like there's anything else to do this early." Brandon said, dismissively.

"I guess that's true." Murayama chuckled his comment off. "So, why don't you get yourself settled in."

"On it, Boss." Brandon said, neutrally walking past her. He chose an empty bench to sit at, only to be swiftly joined by Katase.

"Hey there, Grumpy. How's it going." The pink haired kendo girl merrily greeted.

"Fine I guess, Pinky." Brandon answered. "Still stuck in a girl's school." He shrugged.

"It's not so bad." Murayama rejoined the conversation. "Your sister seems to be happy here."

"Of course she is, she's as gay as I am." Brandon snarked, resting his chin on his knuckle.

"Oh, so that's what you meant the other day." Katase exclaimed as if she just had a major revelation.

"What did you think I meant by 'I don't swing that way'?" Brandon questioned.

"I don't know. You're above peeping, or something." Katase answered in defense.

"That's also true." Brandon stated. "Although it would be a lot easier for me." He jokingly considered.

"So, any boys at all you're interested in?" Murayama cut in. "Have you seen the school prince?"

"You mean Eye Candy? Yeah, I ran into him the other day." Brandon said. "I'm guessing it's all downhill after him."

"Yeah, pretty much." Murayama confessed. "But, hey that's a pretty high peak."

"I suppose that's true." Brandon conceded. "But also a steep drop." He muttered under his breath.

"So, where are the rest of the club?" Brandon asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, they don't normally show up until later, so it's just us in the morning." Katase answered.

"The peace and quiet must be nice." Brandon stated, before taking a deep inhale and exhale.

Murayama and Katase opted to remain silent for a moment to let Brandon breathe in the atmosphere.

"Sorry to interrupt the quiet, but I just realized we barely know anything about you." Murayama spoke up, taking a seat next to Brandon. "Can you tell us a bit about yourself?"

"There's not really much to talk about. I grew up in Ireland, got into about as many fights as you'd expect, being a gay kid attending an Irish school, and needless to say I didn't stay in the same school for very long." Brandon explained.

"Oh, and I'm defensive of my family, but I like to think that's fairly normal." He added.

"I guess the fighting makes sense, considering how we found you with Matsuda, and Motohama." Murayama supposed.

"Are they a common issue?" Brandon asked.

"Daily." Katase confirmed.

"Maybe I should've broken their legs."

"There's always next time." Katase encouraged, earning a light chuckle from Brandon.

"You're alright, Pinky." Brandon approved.

Just then the morning bell rang.

"Guess it's time to go." Murayama sighed.

"See you later." Brandon bid farewell, getting up to leave.

"Wait, before you go." Murayama called, and Brandon turned back to face her. "Do you mind if we join you for lunch?"

"Sure, why not." Brandon said, flippantly. "I'll be at the table no one else is sitting at." With that Brandon left.

"Man, I still can't get a read on that guy." Katase commented.

"Me neither, but I guess he's not so bad."

"Definitely a step up from most of the guys here."

"Now that's the truth."


Both Brandon, and Azalea went along with their class routines with no major incident. Azalea was social between periods, but a diligent listener when class began, while Brandon's abrasiveness prevented any other student from acting as a distraction around him.

The bell signifying the end of the fourth period began to ring.

"Finally." Azalea exclaimed, packing up her class supplies, before turning towards the girl sitting next to her. "Hey Tsubaki, wanna eat lunch with me?"

"I appreciate the offer, but I need to discuss something important with Sona." Tsubaki answered. "However, I do hope you enjoy yourself."

"Aww, thanks." Azalea smiled. "I hope your thing with Sona goes well."

"I hope so too." Tsubaki sighed.

"Well, see you later, I'm off." Azalea stood up, waved goodbye, and trekked off to find the lunch room.


Brandon, Murayama, and Katase met up at the beginning of lunch, true to his word Brandon had been sitting at a large table on his own. The two kendo leaders gathered their trays of food, and sat next to each other, opposite of Brandon.

They exchanged pleasantries as they began to eat, waiting for the fourth occupant to arrive.

"So, when is Azalea getting here?" Katase asked after finishing up her meal.

"Hopefully before lunch is over, she tends to lose her way." Brandon answered, before taking the last bite of his own meal.

As if on cue Azalea arrived carrying a tray stacked with an unwholesome quantity of food, and took a seat by Brandon.

"Hey everyone." She said, before beginning to scarf down her lunch like a starved bird of prey.

"Right on time, Sis." Brandon said. "Pinky was just asking about you."

"We have told you our names right?" Murayama questioned.

"I could've sworn we did." She mumbled.

"I just don't make a habit of using names." Brandon explained. "I do remember yours though."

"You're Murayama." He smirked, pointing to Katase.

"And you're Katase." He said, pointing to Murayama.

"You Dick." Murayama light-heartedly sneered.

"Now you've got him figured out." Azalea threw in, speaking with a stuffed mouth.

The four of them shared a chuckle.

Azalea swallowed. "Hope this doesn't come off as rude, but Murayama, Katase there's something I've been wondering."

"What's that, Azalea?" Murayama asked.

"You two seem really close." Azalea made notice of. "Are you a couple?"

"Oh, no I'm straight." Murayama waved off.

"I prefer guys." Katase shared.

"How about you, are either of you seeing anyone?" Katase teased.

"Not at the moment." Azalea answered. "But there's still plenty of time in the school year."

"I feel like the whole school would try to crucify me if I asked Eye Candy out." Brandon said. "So that's exactly what I'm going to do."

"You do that, and we'll crucify you personally." Katase jokingly threatened.


Tsubaki made her way to the student council room, and let herself inside to find Sona explaining the Azalea situation to Tomoe, and Ruruko. She decided to let her finish before announcing herself.

"Glad you could make it Tsubaki, what is your report?" Sona asked, turning around after catching her last two peerage members up.

"After extensive study, I can confirm that Azalea is genuine." Tsubaki got straight to the point.

"Are you quite certain?" Sona queried.

"Yes, after that second hug I was able to get a full read on her." Tsubaki confirmed. "I could tell she doesn't hold any malice whatsoever, and likely isn't even aware of her power."

"So that's why you let her hug you." Tomoe exclaimed.

"I thought it seemed a bit out of character." Ruruko commented.

"Back on topic, that does leave credence to my theory that Azalea is a nephilim." Sona advanced. "It makes sense, grigori members have been known to sleep around."

"So she's not dangerous?" Ruruko asked.

"We don't know that for sure." Sona contested. "It's imperative that we keep an eye on her and her brother, to ensure no incident occurs. This is still a highly unprecedented, and delicate situation."


"And so I broke his arm." Azalea stated.

"Wow, I didn't think you had that in you." Murayama commented in disbelief.

"What can I say, I didn't know my own strength." Azalea bragged, flexing her own arm.

"And she cried for the rest of the day." Brandon indelicately added.

"Hey, it was a traumatic experience for a nine year old!" Azalea defended. "And you were the reason I did it in the first place. I couldn't let that middle school douche keep picking on my brother."

"So what happened after that?" Katase asked.

"After his arm healed he did everything in his power to avoid us." Azalea answered. "That's pretty much it."

"And he didn't press charges?" Murayama asked.

"Mom had a little chat with his parents." Brandon answered. "Let's just say, she can be frightening when she wants to be."

"Coming from you, that's totally terrifying." Katase blanched.

The school's bell rang, lunch was over.

"Already?" Azalea whined.

"We were talking for quite a while." Brandon supposed. "At least you remembered to eat your food this time."

"Don't look so down, we'll meet back up tomorrow." Katase reassured Azalea.

"So I'm guessing this is going to be a daily thing." Brandon predicted.

"You betcha." Murayama confirmed, getting up to leave. "It's been fun, see you later, Brandon."

"You too Azalea." Katase waved, following after Murayama.

"See ya tomorrow." Azalea called out, standing up, and waving her hand in a large arch.


During his gym period Brandon opted to join the rest of the kendo club on the field in practice. He was dodging blows from Murayama's shinai when a familiar blond passed by.

"Ahh, it's Kiba!" Several club members squealed. Brandon, and Murayama halted their practice to peer over.

"Oh, it's Eye candy." Brandon said, to himself.

"So Murayama." Brandon spoke, turning to his training partner. "He seeing anyone?"

"I don't think so." Murayama answered.

"In that case." Brandon began briskly walking towards Kiba, much to the shock of his fellow club members.

"Hey, Eye candy." He brazenly called.

Kiba stopped, and irresolutely turned around.

"Is it me you're talking to?" He politely asked, hiding some discomfort.

"Don't see any other decent looking guys." Brandon answered.

"Is there something you needed then?" Kiba questioned.

"I wanted to ask if you preferred guys, or girls." Brandon flat out stated.

"Romantically speaking, you mean?" Kiba asked, receiving a positive headshake. "Girls, exclusively."

"Damn." Brandon exclaimed under his breath.

"In that case, have a nice day." Brandon bid farewell in an uncharacteristically polite manner, and turned to rejoin the kendo club.

Kiba shrugged the foreign student's question off, and went his own way.

"What was that?!" Katase blurted.

"He said no." Brandon replied.

"I can't believe you just did that!" Murayama exclaimed.

"I said I was going to." Brandon shrugged.

"And I said I'd crucify you." Katase growled, raising her shinai.

"Not sure why you're mad, I just confirmed he's straight." Brandon attested.

"That is true." Katase contemplated, slowly lowering her weapon. "Thanks for the info." She gave a thumbs up.

"That was a switch." Brandon remarked.

"Well, you did just kind of ask out the most sought after boy in the school." Murayama said.

"And?" Brandon replied. "Not like anyone else was about to do it, I don't see the issue."

"You can't just do that, he's… out of bounds." Murayama said.

"And yet, here we are." Brandon shrugged. "So are you going to get back to trying to hit me, or what?"

"Oh, yeah, right." Murayama said, grasping her shinai. "Here goes."

Brandon spent the remainder of the period dodging Murayama's swings, which isn't far off from what he'd be doing if his attempt at flirting had been successful.


It was the sixth school period when a large cicada flew into Azalea's class, through an opened window. The insect landed on one girl's hair, who then panicked, and ran to the opposite side of the room, startling the cicada back into flight, further shaking up the room before it landed on a wall, continuing to buzz as if nothing had happened.

One student slowly moved over to the wall the cicada rested on with a raised book in order to crush the noisy intruder. Azalea rushed to the scene when she realized what was about to happen, knocking her own desk over in the process.

The book was about to slam into the clueless arthropod, but before it was splattered Azalea caged her hand over it, taking the blow instead, before closing her fingers around it.

"What's wrong with you?!" Azalea chastised her fellow classmate, and walked towards the window before receiving any response. "I swear, that much panic over an insect."

Azalea stuck her hand through the window, allowing the oversized leaf hopper to fly off into a nearby tree. The short haired nephilim then calmly walked over to her desk, set it back up, and took a seat as the class began to settle down.

"Hey, Tsubaki." Azalea whispered over to her side. "What was that thing?"

"That was a cicada, Azalea." Tsubaki curtly replied.

"They aren't venomous are they?" Azalea abashedly asked.

"No, but why did you grab it if you didn't know?" Tsubaki questioned, completely perplexed.

"I couldn't just let it die." Azalea stated resolutely.

"Their life expectancy is little more than a month." Tsubaki informed.

"I don't see why that's a reason to shorten it even further." Azalea argued. "No one should be able to make that choice for something else."

"That's quite an interesting viewpoint." Tsubaki responded, before turning her attention back to the assignment. Azalea's words had surprised her quite a bit.

"Alright everyone, back to work." The teacher announced in discontent. Clearly ready for the day to end.

Azalea's focus went back to her assignment as well.


At the end of the school day Azalea, and Brandon met up with their respective clubs.

Azalea helped haul gym supplies to replace old and damaged equipment, the sheer amount of work prevented her from having any meaningful conversation, but to everyone's surprise Azalea was able to shorten three days of work into just over an hour.

Brandon on the other hand practiced with Katase, who had been surprisingly much faster, and harder to hit than Murayama. Unlike the previous day most of the matches ended in under five minutes, and Brandon had only got a couple hits off near the end of the practice sessions.

The duo met up after their club activities had concluded, Brandon was a bit winded, but Azalea was no worse for wear. The sister called their mother, and they awaited pickup across the street from the school bridge.

Brandon leaned his back against a building. "So how was the student council." He asked, making conversation as they waited.

"Pretty boring just hauling gym equipment." Azalea answered, before taking a seat on the cement. "How about kendo?"

"Pinky is way faster than she looks, could barely hit her." Brandon griped. "All that padding just slows me down too."

"Makes sense, she's been training for who knows how long, and you've been for what? An hour, and… Brandon, look at that." Azalea suddenly got up, and pointed to the corner.

A small white cat, with a ribbon, and two bells acting as a collar, was intently watching them.

"Isn't that just the cutest thing you've ever seen!" Azalea squeed, before slowly approaching the kitten.

"Hey there, it's okay." She said as she delicately reached forward. The cat was hesitant at first, but after a couple moments it rubbed up against her hand, and allowed Azalea to pet it.

"Aren't you just the cutest? Yes you are, yes you are." Azalea cooed at the purring bundle of fur.

Brandon just groaned at the sight before him, before walking up to the corner himself. He leaned down, and the kitten strutted over to him, expecting to receive even more affection, only to be disappointed by a flick to the nose. The kitten hissed, and dashed across the bridge, through the school gate, and into some nearby bushes.

"WHAT THE HELL, BRANDON!" Azalea yelled, jolting up with clenched fists.

"The last thing we need right now is you falling in love with another stray, and bringing home a new pet." Brandon stated resolutely. "Besides, that little flick wasn't enough to hurt it."

"I wasn't going to take the little guy." Azalea defended.

"Like you weren't going to take that raccoon, back in Ireland?" Brandon countered.

"That's completely different, this one had a ribbon." Azalea maintained. "I'm not going to steal someone else's kitten."

"You can never be too safe." Brandon stated, with a nonchalant shrug.

"You are just the-" Azalea was cut off by the sound of honking. Her mother had pulled up right beside them.

"Oh look, Mom is here." Brandon said, nonchalantly walking past his sister. "I call shotgun."

"Damn." Azalea said, begrudgingly climbing into the back.

"Hey kids, how was your second day?" The mother asked as the two took their seats.

"No new complaints." Brandon said.

"Mine was going well until some asshole scared this adorable kitten away." Azalea grumbled, glaring at the back of her brother's seat.

"Now Azalea, you know you're not allowed to bring home pets after the raccoon incident." The mother chided.

"Not you too." Azalea grumbled, pressing her forehead against the window.

After a bit of driving Azalea noticed something on the bridge looking over the street. A girl with long black hair, and violet eyes, wearing another school's uniform was speaking to the boy who tried to spy on her gym class. It looked like she was blushing.

"What's that cute girl doing talking to that Strap-on?" Azalea groused. "What a waste."

"Who?" Azalea's mom asked.

"Just some perv that was spying on my gym class." Azalea answered.

"Semi-messy brown hair?" Brandon queried.

"Yeah?" Azalea responded.

"Sounds like the same guy who got away after spying on the kendo club." Brandon presumed. "I'll have to have a little chat with him tomorrow."

"Do I have to go 'Madame guillotine' on someone?" The mother enquired.

"The more you say things like that, the more serious I think you are about it."

"Oh silly Azalea, Mommy's always serious." The mother said, with a dark smile.

"Am I the only one in this town not okay with murder?" Azalea questioned, throwing her arms up.


Back at the occult research club Koneko arrived with information to share.

"That guy's a dick." The white haired girl bluntly stated, carrying the small white cat that had been spying on the Byrne siblings.

"Yes, I believe that's been established." Rias remarked. "But do you have any urgent news?" She enquired.

"The fallen from the abandoned church asked Issei out for a date, and the english guy flicked Shiro's nose." Koneko summarized with a hint of contempt, before her cat climbed up her shoulder to meow a complaint.

"So that harlot's plan is finally beginning." Rias mumbled to herself. "We'll have to increase watch on Hyoudou."

"And what about the fallen partnered with Brandon?" Kiba put forward.

"She's not too bad." Koneko stated impassively.

"What do you mean by that?" Akeno questioned.

"She just walked up to pet Shiro." Koneko clarified.

"I suppose that's something." Rias judged. "I'll share what we know with Sona, but from now on we'll be shifting most of our attention to the group residing at the church."


On the next day the student council had nothing scheduled, having finished what was expected to take multiple days in just one. Azalea took advantage of the free time by trying to get to know her fellow club members better.

"Hey Reya." Azalea approached the brown haired girl.

"Yes?" Reya replied, turning to face the partial blond.

"So you seemed kind of shaken up when I mentioned my brother the other day." Azalea mentioned. "Would you mind talking about it?" She implored.

Reya sighed, deciding to go along. "Alright, I guess that's fine."

"Okay, so what happened?" Azalea asked.

Reya paused to think about just what she had to omit. "We were pretty suspicious of Brandon, so I kept an eye out for him."

"Understandable." Azalea interrupted.

"As I was saying." Reya continued. "I came across him beating Matsuda and Motohama for spying on the changing room, then the kendo club showed up thinking he was there to peek on them, so I rushed over to clear things up."

"And then what happened?"

"He wasn't happy about being watched." Reya stated. "He gave me hell over spying on him, but that wasn't the part that got me. The way he just stares into your eyes, judging every little movement, getting under your skin, like he knows you better than you do."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that." Azalea dismissed. "Brandon thinks he can figure people out from their eyes, but I wouldn't trust it. People are way too complicated for that" she said, placing a hand on Reya's shoulder.

"You think so?" Reya asked hesitantly.

"I know so." Azalea confidently assured.

"Thanks Azalea, that puts me at ease a bit." Reya suspired, in relief.

"Don't mention it." Azalea said. "I may be new here, and I still don't know the ins, and outs of working for the student council, but I still want to help."

"Azalea, I need you over here, now." Sona called.

"Well, looks like the boss wants me, I'll see you later." Azalea bid farewell.

"I'd like that." Reya's smile was genuine, not that Azalea could tell the difference.

Azalea marched on over to Sona, who was sitting patiently at her desk.

"What's the problem?" Azalea asked with a salute.

"Something important fell under my desk." Sona explained. "I need you to lift it a bit."

"Easy." Azalea bragged, as she moved over to the side of Sona's very solidly built desk, and got into position. "Just say when."

"When." Sona replied, getting on her knees, and preparing to reach under the piece of furniture.

Azalea started to lift the side of the desk, with no visible stress, easily holding it in place, as Sona stuck her head under for longer than seemed necessary.

"Got it." Sona unenthusiastically announced, as she slowly backed out from under her desk. She was clenching what looked like a photo.

"What is it?" Azalea asked, still holding the desk up.

"You do know you can put that down now, right?" Sona informed Azalea.

"Oh, yeah." Azalea said, lowering the desk back to the ground. "So what fell?"

"Just an old photo." Sona dismissed.

"Really? Let me see." Azalea said, and before Sona could answer she was already over her shoulder. "Is that your little sister?"

The photo featured a teenage girl with the same purple eyes, and hair color as the student council president. She was dressed in a pink magical girl outfit, complete with a staff, and her hair was styled in twin-tails.

Sona sighed. "Older actually, but yes, that's my sister."

"She a cosplayer?" Azalea questioned.

"I guess you can call her that." Sona granted.

"I haven't seen her around, did she graduate?" Azalea asked.

"Thankfully."

"Strained relationship?"

"No, it's just she's so…" Sona trailed off.

"Extra?" Azalea guessed.

"And clingy." Sona added.

"Makes a habit of embarrassing you?"

"Like you wouldn't believe." Sona confirmed.

"Trust me I've been there." Azalea assured with a pat on the shoulder. "There's always an embarrassing sibling, but you love them anyway."

"You ever wonder if you're that sibling?" Sona jabbed.

"Sometimes, but then Brandon threatens to neuter someone." Azalea bluntly answered, earning a small chuckle from Sona.

"Serafall threatens to kill anyone who gets too close to me."

"Sounds like my mom." Azalea tittered. "That's family for you."

"Should I be concerned?" Sona retorted, with a barely noticeable smirk.

"Don't be, none of my family is going to hurt you on my watch." Azalea declared.

Azalea's phone began to vibrate, so she pulled it out, and flipped it open. The caller ID said 'Bro.'

"Oh, speak of the devil." Azalea said. "I need to take this."

"Go on ahead." Sona excused her.

To Sona's surprise, Azalea pressed 'answer' right there, and began to talk without stepping away.

"Hey Bro, what's up?" Azalea paused to listen. "Alright, I'll meet you by the gate like usual. Bye"

"I need to go now Sona, it was nice talking to you."

"Likewise." Sona replied.

"See ya tomorrow." Azalea said, as she headed out the door.


With Azalea now gone, Sona called a meeting. Every council member gathered at the front desk.

"We have been observing Azalea for a total of three days now." Sona stated. "And while under most other circumstances I would say that this hasn't been enough time to reach a proper conclusion, I can say with near certainty, that Azalea is clueless."

"I concur." Tsubaki attested. "On the second time I made contact with Azalea, I could tell for certain that she carried no malice whatsoever. On top of that she hasn't shown the slightest bit of suspicion with our shared classes. She just writes it off as luck."

"And we're sure this isn't all just an elaborate trap?" Tsubasa apprehensively questioned.

"With near certainty." Sona repeated.

"I also agree." Reya jumped in.

"I don't know her too well, but I've been getting a good vibe from her, even if she is part fallen angel." Ruruko said, taking Reya's lead.

"She's definitely not how fallen angels were described to me." Tomoe stated.

"She seems like a good person." Momo reluctantly added.

"Regardless of our feelings towards Azalea, she has shown a level of unawareness that simply cannot be faked." Sona said. "I have discretely tested her on multiple occasions today, and she has without fail demonstrated a complete lack of ill intent, and complete ignorance of my sister's status."

"If she were faking it she would have still had an involuntary reaction to the sight of the satan leviathan." Sona continued.

"So what do we do now?" Tomoe asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

"We simply continue to observe her." Sona said. "Who knows, she might turn out to be a powerful ally."


Brandon was waiting, bored out of his mind, in the front seat of his mom's car, as they both waited for Azalea to show up.

"You think she got lost?" The mother asked.

"This is Azalea we're talking about, of course she got lost." Brandon groaned.

"And here we are." A new voice emotionlessly announced in the distance, turning Brandon's attention back towards the school, where a short white haired girl was leading Azalea out of the front gate.

"Thanks for the escort." Azalea smiled.

"Don't mention it." The girl said, indifferently, before turning back.

Azalea noticed her mom's car, and made a b-line towards it.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Azalea apologised, bending to talk through the passenger window.

"How could you possibly lose your way? The front gate is right in front of the main building!" Brandon exclaimed, exasperatedly gesturing towards the entrance. "It's a straight line here!"

"For your information, Brandon, I did not get lost. I got distracted." Azalea clarified.

"It was the cat again wasn't it?" Brandon guessed.

"It was the cat again." Azalea confirmed, opening the car's back door, and taking a seat. "And then I got lost." She admitted.

"Of course." Brandon said.

"Well, aside from all that, how were your days?" The mother asked.

"Pretty good, I'm starting to break through to the other council members." Azalea boasted.

"I'm doing pretty well myself." Brandon reported. "I won my first practice match, and had a little discussion with Strap-on. He won't be bugging your gym class anymore."

"You didn't use any death threats did you?" Azalea asked.

"Define 'death threat'." Brandon requested.

"Of course." Azalea groused.


Over the course of the week, through effort Azalea continued to get closer to the rest of the student council, with the exception of Tsubasa Yura, who'd made an effort herself to stay distant. She proved to be quite an earnest help with the council's various functions despite her primary talent being brute muscle.

While Brandon remained somewhat infamous for his first couple days, his reputation didn't see any further negative growth. Along with people generally avoiding him, it turned out Azalea was right, and the kendo club was a great outlet for his frustration. He continued to show moderate improvement in his sparring matches.

It was the last day before the weekend, Azalea was ready to finish up with club business, and head home for some well deserved rest.

"Hey Azalea." Sona called. "Before you go I'd like to ask you something."

"Sure, go ahead." Azalea said, changing direction from the door to Sona.

"What is your plan?" Sona asked, sounding even more serious than usual.

"What do you mean, Sona?" Azalea asked curiously.

"What are your goals?" Sona rephrased.

"Oh, I guess I want to graduate highschool so I can get to a decent college, become a doctor like my mom, and find a nice girl to settle down with." Azalea listed on her fingers. "That last one doesn't need to be in that order."

"Why do you ask?" Azalea questioned.

"I was merely curious, you can go now." Sona said, fighting back the urge to smile.

"Okay then." Azalea said, but before heading off she outstretched her arms, hoping for an answer to her unasked question.

"Alright." Sona sighed. "Go ahead."

Azalea wrapped the shorter girl in a tight hug, lifting her off the ground, before releasing her, and then heading off.

"Thanks for everything, Sona. See you Monday." She cheered, closing the door behind her.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say it looks like you've gotten fond of her." Tsubaki said, stepping up to Sona.

"How long have you been here?" Sona demanded, losing her nerve.

"Long enough to hear Azalea's 'Grand master plan'." Tsubaki said, with air quotes.

"Yeah, I guess you can say she's grown on me. Like a tumor." Sona confessed. "I have to admit it's odd saying this about a fallen angel, but she's insufferably pleasant."

"I have to agree." Tsubaki said. "Even if your nephilim theory is correct, to see even a partial fallen angel act that cheerful feels unnatural."

"Unnatural as it may be, she's more than proven herself." Sona said. "I think it's best we let her know that we know what she is during council hours Monday."

"If that's what you think is best then I'll be backing you all the way." Tsubaki declared.

"Thank you, Tsubaki."


Azalea's alarm clock started blaring, only to receive a crushing blow from the drowsy nephilim. Instead of its usual beep the partially smashed clock was now emitting a low static buzz, which forced Azalea to lamentably get up to unplug it.

"Great, now I need to buy a new one." Azalea grumbled before re-cocooning herself in her own wings, and lying back down. "Good thing it's Sunday." She yawned, letting sleep take back over.

Later Azalea was awoken by the smell of breakfast, it didn't feel like much time had passed, but she couldn't tell with her destroyed clock. She weighed her desire to go back to sleep against her hunger, and like usual food would win out.

The nephilim unwrapped herself, and stretched all fourteen limbs, before sitting up. She ruffled her wings, and began preening them, meticulous checking through her plumage for anything that might have gotten intertwined with her feathers, feeling satisfied after plucking a loose semiplume with her teeth, she rushed downstairs, still in pajamas, for breakfast.

"Morning Mom!" Azalea crowed, startling her mother, who was working at the stove.

"Good morning to you too, Azalea." The mother greeted, putting her free hand over her heart, while stirring a pot with the other.

"Did I scare you? Sorry." Azalea apologised.

"Oh, don't worry about it." The mother said. "Honestly I was expecting you down here a lot earlier."

"I would've been, but I haven't preened myself since we got to this country, so I thought I'd get that out of the way." Azalea explained.

"Speaking of that, aren't you forgetting something?" The mother asked.

"What?" Azalea replied, only for her mother to point behind her back. Azalea turned her head, and realized all of her wings were still out.

"Woops." Azalea laughed, before receding them back in.

"You slept well, I take it." The mother chuckled.

"I did after I smashed the alarm clock." Azalea guiltily admitted.

"I told you it was a bad idea keeping it in arms reach." The mother chided, tilting her ladle back and forth.

"That, you did." Azalea recalled. "I'll keep that in mind when I get a new one."

"So anyway, now that it's been a week how are you liking Kuoh academy?" The mother switched subjects.

"It's pretty good." Azalea happily stated. "I'm finally getting through to the council members, well except for Tsubasa, not really sure why."

"Which one's that?" Brandon asked, walking into the kitchen, and his sister's conversation. "Aside from Smartass, Specs, and Pigtails, they all just kind of blend together for me."

"She's the one with blue hair." Azalea answered. "She just won't give me the time of day."

"And that's a problem, why?" Brandon asked, sarcastically.

"Because I want to be friends with everyone in the club." Azalea countered, with ruffled feathers. "Do you have any idea how awkward it is working with someone who treats you like a stranger?"

"Why not just directly ask her?" The mother asked.

"Trust me, I've been trying." Azalea replied. "I'll get to her eventually."

"Have you considered not trying?" Brandon suggested.

Azalea glared in his direction, not dignifying him with a verbal response.

"Breakfast is ready." The mother announced.

"What'd you make?!" Azalea asked excitedly, forgetting her previous annoyance.

"Same as when we first got here." The mother answered. "Sorry I haven't been able to diversify lately."

"As long as you're making it, you won't hear me complaining." Azalea encouraged.

"Food is food." Brandon shrugged.

Both took a seat at the table their mother had previously prepared.

"Aww, thank you." The mother smiled. "Now who's first?" She carried the pot to the table, and held the ladle above it. Azalea's hand instantly shot up.

"Careful there, don't want to break the sound barrier, sis." Brandon joked.

"Wouldn't be the first thing I broke today." Azalea replied as her mother filled her plate. The nephilim then started shamelessly stuffing her face.

"Do I want to know?" Brandon asked.

"She smashed her alarm clock." The mother answered, ladling a helping onto Brandon's plate.

"So that's what that crash was." Brandon figured. "You need to get a new one?" He turned to Azalea.

Azalea shook her head, before gulping down the half chewed food filling her mouth. "Yep, mine's fubar." She answered.

"I was planning on mapping out some of the town today, want to come along?" Brandon asked. "We could probably find one cheap."

"Sounds like a plan." Azalea gave a thumbs up.

"After you two finish your breakfast." The mother stipulated.

"After we finish breakfast." Brandon repeated, before starting to eat his helping.


Azalea went back to her room to change into a set of day clothes, a long sleeved shirt with bluish purple flowers, and honeycombs decorating it, along with a pair of pink shorts for the trip.

There was a knock at her door. "Ready yet?" Her brother's voice came from the other side.

"Just a second." Azalea walked over to unlock her room. "Okay, come in."

Brandon walked in wearing tan cargo pants, and a simple grey T-shirt under a dull green flannel.

"Come on, we don't have all day." Brandon said, gesturing for Azalea to hurry along.

"Let's go then!" Azalea said, rushing past her brother, briefly catching him off guard.

"Oh no you don't." Brandon countered with a competitive edge, running after her.

Azalea made it through the upper hallway in record time, and was halfway down the stairs. Brandon leaped over the railing, and created a platform from Shattered Glass to land on, afterward he jumped to the ground just ahead of Azalea, who was quickly regaining the lead.

"You can't win this, bro." Azalea taunted, sure of her victory.

"We'll see." Brandon countered.

Just when the door knob was a meter out of reach, Shattered Glass formed a wall in front of Azalea. She had no way of stopping fast enough so she slammed right into it, and fell backwards, allowing Brandon to reach the door first.

Shattered Glass de-apperated as Brandon opened the door, and Azalea picked herself up.

"Ladies first." Brandon smirked as he held the door open.

"Then why aren't you going?" Azalea snarked back.

"AHEM." Brandon, and Azalea slowly turned to see their mother, arms crossed, and looking quite displeased.

"What have I told you about racing in the house?" She chastised, tapping her foot on the ground.

"Sorry, Mum." The siblings said, in unison.

"Nothing's broken this time, so I'll let you off the hook, but don't let me catch you again." The mother warned.

"Alright." Brandon replied.

"Thanks, Mom." Azalea said.

"Now you two stay safe out there." The mother affectionately cautioned.

"We will." Azalea assured.

"I'll keep her out of trouble." Brandon jabbed.

"I worry about you two so much." The mother sentimentally imparted, pulling Azalea, and Brandon into a hug.

"We know, Mom." Azalea replied, patting her mother's back.

"Don't worry, I'll get us out of whatever trouble Azalea g-" Brandon was cut off with an elbow to the side of the stomach, courtesy of Azalea.

"We'll look out for each other." Azalea stated resolutely. "We always have."

"I know you will." The mother acknowledged, squeezing a bit tighter. "I love you two more than anything."

"We love you too, Mom." Both siblings stated at once.

"Okay, I've held you here long enough." The mother pulled herself together, releasing her grip. "Have fun, don't talk to anyone suspicious, and call me if anything goes wrong."

"Will do." Azalea saluted.

"I'll pick you up something if I see anything you'd like." Brandon stated, with a smile, patting his mom on the shoulder.

Brandon, and Azalea stepped outside, before turning to finalise goodbyes. They shut the door behind them, and set off on their journey.

"Just so you know, I would have won if you hadn't cheated." Azalea commented, keeping an even pace with Brandon.

"That's why I cheated." Brandon replied, matter of factly.

"But doesn't that diminish the victory?" Azalea asked.

"Azalea, you were born stronger, and faster than me, no matter how much I train I'm never going to reach your default, so I take whatever advantage I can get." Brandon explained.

"Even with something as consequence free as a race?" Azalea asked.

"I can't let my senses go dull, besides I didn't want to hear you bragging about your victory all the way to the shopping district."

"Speaking about that, how far are we walking?"

"About two kilometers."

"We're walking that far?" Azalea blurted. "Why didn't we just ask mom to drive us?"

"It's a nice day out." Brandon stated. "And I was going out to familiarise myself with the town anyway, harder to do that when you're being driven."

"I guess that makes sense." Azalea admitted with a sigh.

"We can call Mom to pick you up once we're done shopping." Brandon offered.

"I'd appreciate that."

The two would continue walking, chatting, and enjoying the sights. Brandon made a mental note of the street signs, landmarks, and even addresses, while Azalea's focus was on the plants, and wildlife, paying no mind to anything that she could use to find her way on her own.


The town's shopping center was bustling with people going about their business when the brother, and sister arrived. Brandon inwardly groaned at the crowded environment, while Azalea went starry eyed over the variety that wasn't available in her old, small town.

"What do you think we should check out first?" Azalea asked, voice brimming with excitement.

"Might as well get your alarm clock out of the way." Brandon recommended.

"You think the antique store might have one?" Azalea pondered.

"Hey you." Came a feminine voice.

Azalea turned to see a brunette woman wearing a black choker, poofy red shirt with bat wings, and an jagged white short skirt was suddenly by her side. She reached into a red shopping bag, and pulled something out.

"Here take a flier." She said, holding out a small sheet of paper, with an occult looking symbol drawn on the center, and roses and nude women decorating the corners.

"Thanks." Azalea said, awkwardly. Not wanting to be impolite, she reached out to take it. But before Azalea could grab it, Brandon had taken it upon himself to snatch the parchment.

"We don't need your garbage." Brandon growled, ripping the flier down the middle, before crumpling it up.

The girl wordlessly backed off, feeling threatened.

"That was a bit excessive." Azalea commented.

"Didn't like the look in her eyes." Brandon muttered, keeping an eye on the girl as she stepped away.

"Now what were you saying about an antique store?" Brandon asked, snapping back to neutral now that the intrusive girl was out of sight.

"There's one next to a used book store over there." Azalea pointed to a small, rustic looking store with a yellow painted sign that simply said 'Antiques' in english, with raised black letters.

"Worth a shot." Brandon stated, absent-mindedly shoving the torn, and crumpled leaflet into his pocket. "Might find something for Mom, too."

"Let's go then!" Azalea said, grabbing Brandon's arm, and rushing up to the small shop.

"Is this really necessary?" Brandon limply complained, resigned to being dragged along by his overly enthusiastic sister.

"I've been waiting long enough." Azalea said, skidding to a halt in front of the door.

"Don't let me slow you down then." Brandon said, pulling the door open. "Head right in." Azalea complied, and Brandon walked in after. Both decided to check opposite sides of the store.

Walking past the counter Azalea began to peruse when an odd bronze carving, attached to a necklace in a display case caught her attention.

The beetle-like ornament had six segmented legs, a long proboscis that looked sharp to the touch, a ruby for an eye, and a sickle-like fin protruding from the back. Whatever it was meant to be, it was far too expensive for Azalea, no matter how interesting she thought it was, so she moved along.

Brandon had not found anything that particularly interested him, nor did he see anything he thought his mother would enjoy so after giving his side a thorough once over he was ready to move on. Thankfully he noticed his sister was already at the counter, handing the clerk a couple hundred yen.

"So, what'd you get, Sis?" Brandon asked, approaching a distracted Azalea.

"My new alarm clock." Azalea proudly proclaimed, presenting a strange creature with a clamshell shaped head, two stock eyes, and an analogue clock in the chest. "Isn't it cute?"

Brandon wasn't sure how to answer. "It's really… something." He appraised.

"I think it's from a tv show, or something." Azalea speculated.

"Well, I'm glad you like it." Brandon encouraged. "Just don't smash this one."

"That's not going to happen again." Azalea assured.

"Good, now let's check out the book place." Brandon proposed, opening the door, and gesturing for Azalea to hurry up.

"Why the rush?" Azalea asked, walking outside, and making a turn. "The store is literally right next to us."

"They might have some volumes of JoJo." Brandon shared. "I haven't had a decent read since we moved here."

"Fair enough." Azalea shrugged, heading into the store alongside her brother.

Brandon looked over the shelves of the fiction section, but he couldn't find anything of interest for himself, so he opted to find a book for his mother instead.

"Hey Brandon." Azalea called, interrupting his search.

"Yeah?"

"Come over here, I think I found something for Mom."

Brandon crossed the store to find Azalea holding a book titled 'ornithological veterinary care.' It was written in english, and its cover showed a common scrub-jay.

"You think she'll like it." Azalea asked.

"Worth a shot." Brandon answered, before switching to english. "Maybe we'll find something about you in there." He teased.

"I know you're making fun of me, but you could be right." Azalea said, optimistically, handing Brandon her find. "So, you find anything good?"

"Nothing up my alley, no." Brandon apathetically replied.

"That's a shame. Did you check the bargain bin?" Azalea asked.

"Doubt I'll find anything decent there." Brandon surmised.

"You never know until you look." Azalea insisted, with a light push.

"Alright, might as well." Brandon shrugged.

The bargain bin sat in the center of the store, about a meter wide, and a meter tall. Sitting at the bottom was a small red book, with a badly damaged cover that only left two words legible.

"'Monster apocalypse' huh?" Brandon said, grabbing the softcover novel, and holding it along with the ornithology book.

"Was I right?" Azalea smugly asked.

"Don't know yet, but the title did grab my attention." Brandon answered frankly.

"I'm counting that as a win." Azalea boasted, making a V-sign.

"Sure, Sis." Brandon humored her, before walking up to the sales clerk.

"How much?" Brandon requested, placing both books on the counter.

"Three thousand yen for the bird book, and you can just take the other one, it's been sitting there for months." The clerk answered.

"Alright then." Brandon said, as he pulled out his wallet, and dug out three, thousand yen bills. "Here you are."

"And here you go." The cashier said, handing Brandon a bag containing his books. "Have a nice day."

"Don't worry, I will." Brandon replied, to the slight annoyance of the clerk, before heading to the door.

"You have a nice day too." Azalea chipped in, before heading out with her brother.

"Weird kids." The clerk commented to himself.


"So, what next?" Brandon asked.

"I'm a bit hungry-" Azalea started.

"As usual." Brandon remarked.

"As I was saying." Azalea continued. "I saw a cafe on the way, want to check it out?"

"Sure." Brandon replied. "Lead the way."

"You're joking right?" Azalea deadpanned.

"Of course I am." Brandon retorted. "I noticed it too, just follow me."

Brandon retraced his steps until he, and his sister arrived at a well kept diner, with checkerboard walls, and windowside booths that gave a good view of the outside world.

"Here we are." Brandon announced as he, and his sister entered, approaching the counter.

"Hello, could we please get two seats?" Azalea greeted the hostess.

"Certainly, we'll have your menus ready in a moment." She politely replied, before calling another staff member over. Moments later help arrived.

"Hello, my name is Akiyo, and I'll be your server for the day." A bubbly woman in uniform greeted the siblings, two menus in hand. "If you'll follow me, I'll take you right over to your seats."

The waitress led the two patrons to their designated stall. "Take as much time as you need." She said, passing out a menu to both of them.

"Thank you very much." Azalea graciously smiled.

"Will do." Brandon replied.


"Thank you very much." That voice sounded familiar.

"Will do." He's Here?!

Over in the next stall a familiar brown haired teenager was sitting across from a young woman with long black hair, and violet eyes.

"Is something the matter?" The girl asked, sounding convincingly concerned.

"Oh, it's nothing." The boy assuaged, before increasing his pace with his drink.


Brandon, and Azalea were rejoined with their waitress, who carried a pen and notebook, ready to take their orders.

"I'd like an extra large brownie sundae." Azalea requested.

"Certainly, coming right up." The waitress replied, jotting down Azalea's order, and turning away.

"Wait a minute, you forgot about me." Brandon protested.

"Oh, my apologies, I thought that was for both of you." The waitress explained.

"Good one, but I'd like to keep my fingers." Brandon dryly remarked. "I'll take a small fruit parfait, no whipped cream."

"And will that be all?" The waitress asked.

"Yes." Brandon answered.

After several minutes of waiting Brandon's order was ready, and placed in front of him. Azalea tried discreetly grabbing a piece of fruit, only for Brandon to smack her hand with his spoon.

"That's not your appetizer." Brandon admonished. Azalea only growled in response.

Before anything could escalate, Azalea's order had also arrived.

"Thank you very much." Azalea beamed.

"You are very much welcome." The waitress replied, before heading back off.

Azalea stared at the confection before her, mouth watering. Two dozen scoops of neapolitan ice cream, covered in chunks of brownie, drizzled with chocolate, and strawberry syrup, decorated with whipped cream, sprinkled with peanuts, and a single cherry on top.

The nephilim lifted her spoon, and mercilessly attacked the tooth rotting mountain of ice cream. Unbeknownst to Azalea, in her feeding frenzy she's becoming even more easily detectable to supernatural beings.


What's that incredible surge of power I sense? It must be Lord Azazel letting me know he's smiling down at me.


Thankfully the nearest supernatural being was a delusional idiot.

"Don't you need to breathe?" Brandon snarked, but his comment fell on deaf ears. Azalea continued inhaling her ice cream until not even a drop remained.

The only thing leftover when Azalea set down her spoon, which upon closer inspection now had teeth marks, was the cherry, which Azalea calmly plucked up by the stem, and swallowed whole. stem and all.

"Satisfied?" Brandon asked.

"Very."

"Are you going to finish that?" Azalea promptly asked, looking at Brandon's half eaten parfait.

"Go nuts." Brandon tartly replied, sliding his order over. "I've lost my appetite anyway."

"Thanks bro!" Azalea said, happily grabbing the glass.

While Azalea was enjoying her second dessert, two teens passed their table. One was blocking his face from view using one of the menus, and pulled his date along with him in a rush. Brandon immediately realized who the boy was.

"See you Monday, Strap-on." He called just as the boy opened the door. There was an underlying threat to his words, but Brandon didn't have anything planned, he just wanted to keep the perv paranoid.

"Someone you know?" Azalea asked, a clean glass now sitting in front of her.

"Just one of the freaks that keep trying to spy on the changing rooms." Brandon answered.

"Gross."

Shortly afterward Azalea opted to pay the bill herself, having ordered the most expensive dessert, and eaten most of her brother's parfait. Brandon offered no protest.

"What now?" Azalea asked as they strolled away from the cafe.

"I guess we can call Mom to pick you up." Brandon offered. "I've still got a lot of mapping I need to get done."

"Alright, let's meet her at the town square." Azalea suggested.

"Sounds like a plan." Brandon replied, correcting his sister's course.


After calling for a pickup, the sibling duo waited for their mother's arrival at the town square. Brandon was sitting down, beginning to get invested in the novel he received, but Azalea had no such distraction.

"Brandon, when is she gonna get here?" Azalea wined.

"When she gets here." Brandon replied, not looking away from his book.

"But it's been forever."

"It's been fifteen minutes." Brandon licked his finger to turn a page. "Now quiet down, this is surprisingly good."

"Come ooooon, Bro." Azalea began repeatedly poking Brandon in the side of the head.

"Pestering me won't make Mom get here any faster." Brandon stated, his focus still centered on the novel in front of him.

"Oh, Mom's here, guess you were wrong." Azalea smugly refuted. Brandon looked up from his book to see that their mother had just pulled up, and was waving at them.

"I don't know whether to be relieved, or annoyed." Brandon grumbled, picking himself up before heading to the spot his mom was parked.

"What's there to be annoyed with?" Azalea teased, walking backwards, in front of her brother.

"Oh, nothing." Brandon said, suppressing a chuckle, which confused Azalea until the back of her head hit a street sign.

"You should watch where you're going." Brandon sassed, passing Azalea.

"Asshole." Azalea muttered, jumping back to her feet.

"You two have fun today?" The mother asked.

"Tons." Azalea answered, quickly catching up. "We stopped by an antique shop, a bookstore, and a cafe."

"Speaking of that, this is for you." Brandon said, holding out the ornithology book he had purchased.

"Why thank you." The mother exclaimed as she grabbed Brandon's gift, before observing the cover. "This should be useful next time Azalea gets a blood feather."

"Did you get anything for yourself?" She enquired.

"Just this from the bargain bin." Brandon said, holding up his damaged novel. "It's weird, but not a bad read."

"What's it about?"

"So far a giant mantis destroyed the world trade center." Brandon said, straight faced, and without a hint of irony.

"... Okay then." The mother tentatively replied.

"And what about you, Azalea?" The mother questioned. "Did you find yourself a replacement alarm clock?"

"Yeah, you like it?" Azalea asked, presenting the alien shaped timepiece. "Cute right?"

"My kids have such weird taste." The mother lamented.

"You've got us there." Brandon admitted with a shrug.

"So anyway, you wanted me to drive you home right?" The mother asked, getting back on track.

"Just Azalea, I've still got some wondering to do."

"In that case stay safe." The mother cautioned. "You don't know what could be lurking around the corner."

"Don't worry, I know how to handle myself." Brandon assured, discreetly manifesting a shard of shattered glass in his hand to emphasise his point.

"And don't stay out too long after dark." The mother added.

"I won't."

"And call me if there's any problem." The mother continued.

"I will, I will. Don't worry." Brandon reassured.

"Okay then." The mother relented. "Azalea hop in."

"Yes Mom." Azalea complied, jumping to the passenger seat. "Don't kill anyone, Bro."

"Got it, just permanent trauma, and severe disability." Brandon wisecracked.

"That's my boy."

"Don't encourage him, Mom."


Brandon systematically inspected block after block, taking note of every house, every plant, and every landmark until navigation was child's play.

After a chunk of the town was fully mapped out Brandon noticed that the sun was getting closer to the horizon, and decided to call it a day. On his walk home he used the remaining light from the sunset to squeeze in a little more reading as he kept track of his surroundings through his peripheral vision.

A flash of blue cut through the air, and Brandon leapt back in response, barely avoiding a fatal injury. He stared at the glowing spear lodged into the ground in front of him, nonplussed, before it faded away leaving only a hole.

"Well this really is unfortunate." A shady, middle aged looking man in a grey trench coat and fedora approached. "Me running into you, that is. Out of all the people in a-."

"Hey Jackass! You made me lose my place." Brandon indignantly cut the man off, closing his book in one hand, and standing straight. His outrage far outweighed any shock.

"I trust that will be the least of your concerns soon enough." The man replied upon regaining his composure, brandishing a second spear just like the first.

"I somehow doubt it." Brandon bit back, glaring at his attacker. He made no change in his posture.

"You seem oddly calm for this situation."

"This isn't the first time some random asshole tried to kill me."

"A brave one I see, I like that." The man threw his second spear, aimed straight for Brandon's head, but before it made contact a mosaic barrier of glass shards appeared in Its path, and it harmlessly bounced off, sticking into the ground.

"Thanks, but I prefer younger guys." Brandon snarked. "Shattered Glass." He said, with a flourish of his arm, multicolored glass shards manifested all around him.

"What? That's not the sacred gear we were warned of." The man stated in disbelief. "No matter, I'll finish Raynare's job for her." He declared, two black wings sprouting from his back.

The man materialised two new spears in his hands, and took to the air, before tossing one with greater speed than his last, hoping to skewer the teenager.

Instead of blocking Brandon formed a vertical surface from shattered glass to his right. He jumped the approaching spear and kicked off of the glass wall to gain height, before creating a platform meters off the ground to plant his feet on.

"You're faster than you look." The man acknowledged.

"Or maybe you're slower than you thought." Brandon retorted, earning a small chuckle from the man.

"Interesting little hypothesis, care to put it to the test?" He responded with a grin, before flying forward in an attempt to spear Brandon, up close and personal.

Brandon backflipped a distance onto the ground, well out of the spear's reach.

"I'll admit, you came close." Brandon shrugged with his arms to the side. "If you were just a bit quicker you might actually kill someone."

"Quite cocky for someone new to the supernatural." The man stated, landing a few meters in front of Brandon. "I have to ask, have you fought a fallen angel before?"

"Maybe I have, maybe I haven't." Brandon replied, setting his book down on a surface made from his stand, glass shards wrapped around it, leaving it floating in the air, completely protected.

"I suppose it doesn't matter." The man relented, grabbing the hat off of his head. "You've never faced me!"

The brim of the man's hat morphed into a spinning saw blade, and he threw it like a frisbee aimed right for Brandon's neck. Brandon simply manifested a single shard in the blade's path. The hat glanced off of it, and stuck into the concrete.

"That trick never works." The man lamented, looking down at the modified headwear, only to be brought back by a sharp pain in his arm. A glass shard.

"Seems like range isn't working out too well for you." Brandon stated, holding another shard like a throwing knife. "Works fine for me though." He proclaimed, aiming at the man's shoulder.

The man reacted by quickly leaning to the side. The second shard only grazed his outfit. The man felt Several sharp points poking at the back of his wings. He quickly turned his head to see he was surrounded.

The shards that Brandon had manifested earlier closed in while the man was distracted, now caging him in at all angles except the front. His wings were useless. He had no choice but to confront his target directly.

"And now it looks like you've got nowhere to go." Brandon taunted.

The man retracted his wings, and rushed forward, spear in hand to jab at his opponent. Brandon moved his upper body to the side, and followed up with a punch square in the nose. The man's spear dissipated at the shock of the blow he'd received, and his hand clenched tightly into a fist. He swung at Brandon, the teenager ducked under the fist, and used the opportunity to deliver a solid blow to the man's gut. He doubled over, the wind knocked out of him, letting Brandon gain a bit of distance.

Once he had a little space Brandon encased his fists in glass shards, forming two crude, makeshift gauntlets.

"That look in your eyes, I've seen it before." Brandon stated, as the man was catching his breath. "All those conflicting emotions. Anger, frustration, exhilaration, maybe a little fear. You haven't had a good real fight in a while, have you?"

The man stood up creating another spear, and slashed at Brandon's legs. His movements were faster, but sloppier. Brandon easily jumped the slice, planting his feet on a platform he made right above it.

"Well, neither have I." Brandon smirked.

The man stabbed forward, but Brandon grabbed the shaft of the spear, and smashed his other gauntleted fist into the side of the man's head. The man didn't stay staggered for long. He brought his knee up, hitting Brandon in the ribs, and knocking him to the ground. The impact of the blow was far stronger than Brandon could've anticipated.

The man stabbed downward in an attempt to impale Brandon, but he rolled away last second, and jumped back to his feet.

"Looks like I need to take you more seriously, almost got me there." Brandon stated, dusting himself off. The man simply raised his weapon.

"Ah, come on then, this isn't as fun without a little back, and forth." Brandon said. "No one likes a spoil sport."

The man unexpectedly started to chuckle. "My apologies, it seems I let my temper get the best of me for a moment." He regained his composure, and took a battle stance holding two spears once more. "This has been quite a learning experience."

"Now this is what I'm talking about!" Brandon exclaimed readying his fists, and summoning dozens more pointed shards.

Just then a ringtone broke the atmosphere, the gauntlet around Brandon's left hand broke apart into shards, and he reached for his pocket, never taking his eyes off of his opponent.

"Hold up a minute, that's mine." The man said, pulling out a disposable cell phone from the inside of his coat. "Hello?"

"What? It's done?!" The man asked, in shock.

"You wouldn't believe how easy it was." Came a female voice from the other side, the man must have accidentally turned the speaker on.

"So he didn't escape?" The man asked, hit with realisation.

"What are you trying to imply." The woman on the other end took offense.

"Nothing, nothing." The man assured. "Just a minor misunderstanding."

"Better be." The voice petulantly grumbled, before hanging up.

"So, what was all that about?" Brandon smugly queried, his posture returning to neutral.

"This is embarrassing." The man chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "You weren't the target."

"Yeah, I figured." Brandon stated, shattered glass started to fade away. "So who'd you mistake me for?"

"Our leader was tasked to take care of someone that fit your basic description." The man explained. "His name escapes me."

"I'm assuming that woman on the phone was your leader." Brandon stated. "And do you have anything better than 'looks kind of like me?' I'd like to know who I can expect to find missing from school tomorrow."

"Come to think of it, I might have been handed a photo." The man recalled, reaching into his coat again, and pulling out a picture. "Ah, here it is." He exclaimed.

Brandon slowly approached, keeping an eye out for any funny business as he grabbed the photo. He looked over the image, but kept the man who handed it to him within his peripheral vision.

"That Strap-on?" Brandon blurted. "I'm not sure whether to be insulted you mistook me for him, or just grateful he's dead."

"You two have a history?" The man questioned.

"Oh, he just put a peephole into the building where my sister changes." Brandon scornfully explained. "Tell your boss I owe her a proper thank-you."

"I can do that." The man complied.

"Does this mean you aren't going to make another attempt on my life?" Brandon asked, arms crossed.

"Normal procedure is to either wipe your memory, or kill you." Glass shards appeared, encircling the man's neck. "But I'll make an exception this time." The shards faded away.

"What is that power of yours anyway?" The man asked. "And why couldn't my spears even scratch it?"

"You mean this?" Brandon asked, manifesting shards which arranged themselves into the crude shape of a flower, above his opened palm. "Shattered Glass is something called a stand, only other stands can affect it."

More shards appeared around the flower, coalescing into the shape of a hand, which floated over to the man's hat, and plucked it out of the sidewalk by the flat of the blade, before presenting it back to Its owner.

"Interesting, I'll have to do some research on the subject." The man stated, grabbing the hat by the crown. The brim returned to normal, and he placed it back on his head.

"Now that I've told you something, why don't you give me a little information?" Brandon suggested. "You implied that you're a fallen angel earlier, is that your species, or just an epithet?"

"I suppose I can answer that." the man said. "I am indeed a member of the proud fallen race, we who were banished from heaven, we who-."

"Okay, okay I get it. I didn't get dragged to church every week back home just to hear this all again." Brandon interrupted. "All I needed was a yes, or no."

"Very well." The man huffed. "Is there anything else you wanted to ask before I leave."

"Yeah." Brandon answered, grinning. "Want to have a rematch some time?"

"I'll take you up on that offer." The man smiled, extending his hand. "Call me Dohnaseek."

"Brandon." Brandon replied, shaking Dohnaseek's hand.

"Well, it's been fun, but it's time I take my leave." Dohnaseek said.

"See ya, Donny." Brandon waved farewell.

"You little shit." Dohnaseek smirked, before re-revealing his wings, and taking off.

"Well, that certainly was an experience." Brandon commented to himself, rubbing his bruised ribs.

Brandon held his hand out, and his book, still protected by shattered glass, floated towards him. Once the book was in his grasp his stand completely faded away, and Brandon continued his trek home, undisturbed.


Chapter three is complete, kind of all over the place, but I think I did a decent job setting things up. You can tell a lot about a character by their treatment of animals.

Writing the fight scene gave me the most trouble out of anything, so I did a one shot of Gigan fighting a Baltan Seijin as practice, which helped it along.

Got to visit my sister last month. We watched the first episode of DxD together and it was a painful experience, for me, she was having a blast. Her exact words when Raynare revealed herself were "Oh my God this is so cringe, I love it. I want to draw her."

Since I have a review (thank you so much for the review!) I'd like to answer a couple of Its questions.

First off, sorry to disappoint on that front, but this is going to be a single pairing for Azalea. Who she gets with has appeared in this chapter in some way, shape, or form.

If Brandon were to be revived into a peerage he'd go stray immediately, he's the type to take any threat to his autonomy as an absolute declaration of war.

Azalea's mom isn't very creative with names, I'll just leave it at that.

Thank-you for reading, next up is Brandon's big point of view chapter.