I do not own Highschool DxD nor do I own Diablo. All rights respectively go to Ichiei Ishibumi, the series' creator, and Blizzard Entertainment, the company who made Diablo.
Aidan was in his bed one night, but he had a lot to think about. He could not sleep, not just because of his recurring nightmares of those dreams or of the missing comfort of Rias which somehow quells it, but rather of more recent events that have happened. There were already two things on his mind.
The first is what Rias told him about the Evil Pieces. She had already explained whose roles were filled in: Kiba was Knight, Akeno the Queen, and Koneko the Rook. And Rias was its King, which meant she was still missing two bishops, one rook, one knight, and eight pawns.
And Aidan was the Pawn of the peerage. The weakest of the peerage members.
Aidan did not mind his role given that he still has much to learn about being a Devil in a peerage yet wonders if he will just be cannon fodder if the role of Evil Pieces is like chess. Rias did not tell him much once his role was realized as they were all to return to the clubhouse and recover after that encounter with the Hellion.
Speaking of the Hellion, that was the other thing on his mind.
Sitting up from his bed, Aidan opens up one of his books, which contained his personal notes. He flips through the pages before he stops on one to see the image of three Hellions in a circle. These creatures are summoned by dark and demonic magics, usually by cultists in league with the demons.
So the question is: was the Stray Devil Viser in league with the Burning Hells? Or did she somehow acquire magic able to summon forth a demon?
Or did a recent cultist pass by and summon a Helion and let it loose or it killed its summoner and was left free to roam the shadows?
Aidan was left rubbing and scratching his head. So many possibilities and questions and he had no answers for them.
Aidan knew that, as a pawn, he needed to get stronger. His Sacred Gear alone will not be enough if he was going to face such powerful opponents whether it be Stray Devils or demons. If Hellions are the beginning, then the rest of the demon hordes are not far behind. Not that there are more demon sightings but humans have often confused Devils as demons. But Aidan's writings, and that of the rest of his Uncle's work, had a more alarming truth that could change everything.
The demons are returning. And this Hellion is just the beginning. Whoever is behind all of this is making it clear of their existence. But when they do arrive, will the world be ready for them? Will Aidan be ready? He will need to train more and gain more power if he hopes to stand any chance against whatever comes his way.
Fallen Angels, Devils, and Angels may be powerful, but the Burning Hells and the High Heavens are far more ancient and more powerful. And they have not forgotten about this world.
Even so, Aidan must keep their existence a secret from the others. They will need to see it with their own eyes first.
With that said, Aidan returns to his sleep. It only took him an hour to fall to sleep though, worried about the future, of the darkness that was coming.
TOMORROW NIGHT…
The next night, Aidan was walking towards his next client. Earlier, he asked Rias if she could train him to be stronger and be more use to her in the next battles to come. While she did offer to help, she also said she had to complete another pact first. So with some Healing Potions at hand and the location device in his left hand, he heads towards the designated house.
The house looked like an ordinary one as Aidan arrives. He walks up the front door, surprised to see it open for some odd reason. An uneasy feeling started to creep through him, knowing that something is not right. No citizen would leave their front door opened like this. There was no light turned on inside the house. It felt haunted and abandoned.
Taking some steps in and preparing himself, Aidan walks in. Boy he wished that sword he was making with Johanna was complete right now just so that he could use it. But for now, all he had to use was a small flashlight.
When Aidan sees a series of stairs leading up to the second floor, he carefully and quietly walks up. Again there were no lights but there was a bit of shattered glass from the lightbulbs. Stepping over it so as to not make a sound and alert his presence, Aidan begins to sweat a bit and his heartbeat climbs a bit faster.
He felt like he was at the Tristram Cathedral, a haunted building where adventurers went for either treasure or to defeat a monster that lurked down below.
There was a door at the end of the hall that was slightly ajar, a faint light shining off from it. Sweat ran down Aidan's face as he approached the door handle with trembling hands. He opens it slowly and sees a living room with a television, a sofa, a table, and more. Nothing out of the ordinary as the TV was on with only static. However, there was also blood on the monitor.
Aidan looks over to his right to see a most gruesome sight, his eyes wide as dinner plates.
Staked to the wall was the corpse of a man, his arms spread out and his hands and legs were staked together like he was crucified. Upside down.
"What in all the Burning Hells?" muttered Aidan.
"Punishment to the wicked and those who do deeds of evil!" Aidan turns around instantly, activating his Sacred Gear in the process. He sees a man standing on the sofa. "I just borrow the sentence form someone important you know."
The man had a deranged look of madness and an evil smile like that of a joker. He was a young man with short white hair and red eyes, wearing clerical looking clothing.
The sound of the static television set and the blood dripping from the man were the only thing heard in the room. Aidan glares at the insane looking priest in front of him, with his Sacred Gear at the ready as the claws emerge out.
"I'm a priest boy~ A boy priest~ I cut Devil-like people~" The lunatic said, spinning around like a ballerina. "I cut them and laugh at them~ I cut the heads of you Devils, and receive my meal~"
Aidan was unmoved. "A deranged priest of the Zakarum, huh? Well I suppose Hatred's corruption still lingers within the Church."
"Zeka Zaka what now?" The maddened priest asked. "I don't know of any Zik Zakatty zakorum~!" The formal priest sneered and, oddly enough gave a formal bow. "My name is Freed Zelzan. I belong to a certain Exorcism organization."
Freed closes his eyes and turns his head away shrugging. "Ah, but just because I told you my name, does not mean I want to know yours. It's too much an effort to remember a person's name once I kill them. So please scream as much to your heart's content."
"Well, on that note, we can agree on one thing," Aidan replied, confusing the priest as he tilts his head and gives an EH? expression. "I am not interested in telling you my name." Aidan then looks at the upside-down crucified corpse. "I take it this is you?"
"That's right," Freed looked over at the corpse and smirked fiendishly. "The fact that he tried to contact you was proof he's no longer human. End of the line, sinner!" He looked back at Aidan, his eyes filled with insanity. "So I chopped him up real nicely, don't you think?"
Aidan only glared at the deranged madman.
"Huh?" Freed walks up to Aidan and leans his head forward, their faces a few inches off. "Aren't you shocked? Aren't you going to run away?" He gave a mocking smile. "Don't you already know that this man became a criminal scum just like you?"
"You know if anything, you could've made yourself a fine servant to the Burning Hells," Aidan said.
Freed looked surprised at first before he throws his head backwards and laughs. "Oh. Ho oh, this is just fucking priceless." He looks back with a twisted and sadistic mocking face.
"You really think a Devil like you can lecture me? What are you, the new kid on the block or something?" His voice changes to be more of a venomous threat. "Now listen closely, you shitty Devil; your kind uses human greed to stay alive. Relying on a Devil proves you're no longer human, see. So that's why people like me kill people like you and people like him." He jabs a thumb at the dead body. "I make a living purging sinners like him. A really good job, really."
Aidan had enough though.
*POW*
Freed was sent backwards and landed hard on his back against a wall. Catching up to the dazed priest, Aidan picks him up and throws him to another wall hard, with such strength that Freed makes another wall crater, feeling like his ribs were cracked.
He stands back up and looks at Aidan with an expression of pure madness. "So, that's how you want to play it, huh?" His gleeful sadistic smile grew. "Okay then. I was going to jack-it tonight, but I really am wanting to fight some now."
Freed reaches into his coat to pull out a one-handed sword with no blade and a silver gun with a cross engraved on both side. He sees Aidan give that dark glare, his eyes glowing red for some odd reason.
"You're now starting to irritate me with that look, so can I cut you? Can I cut out that Devil hear of yours with this Blade of Light? Can I shoot you? Can I really blow your head off with this cool looking gun?"
But Freed is once again given a punch by Aidna in the form of an uppercut to the chin, sending him crashing to the roof before Aidan jumps and slams him to the ground by grabbing onto his right foot.
"OKAY THEN!" Freed was pissed as he gets away and begins to slash at Aidan with his Blade of Light.
Aidan blocks it with his claws before he manages to kick Freed's gun out of his hand.
"What the-?" An angered Freed said before his attention was brought back to Aidan when he had to parry an upward slash. Aidan goes diagonally left and right at the priest before ramming him into the couch, making the furniture and them flip over before they regain their footing.
Filled with pure madness, Freed lunges to bring his sword down at Aidan, but he easily blocks it before sending a right slash, only for the Exorcist to block it. He begins to swing wildly at Aidan, who dodges easily. Keeping a cool-headed mind, Aidan was able to block all of his attacks and tries to go on the offensive, only to be countered almost every time.
Blades clash and sparks fly as Freed backs off with an excited expression, laughing as he does.
"Hahaha! Anything else, shitty Devil?"
"How are the legs?" asked Aidan in a bit of a taunting tone. "Getting tired?"
Aidan empowers his Sacred Gear as a red and black aura illuminates off of it.
"Oooo~" The deranged Freed expressed gleefully. "A Sacred Gear? Now that makes things even more fun!" He charges at Aidan and does a downward slash, only for Aidan to sidestep to his right and slices at his back with both claws.
"ARGH!" Freed lost his balance and falls to the ground. All six of Aidan's wolverine-like blades made bloody marks on his back, making Freed bleed. He growls to look at Aidan.
"You shitty brat! You think you can fuck with me, huh?!"
Aidan made no comment as he stomped on Freed's back, digging his shoes into the wounds as Freed is pressed into the ground, screaming in pain.'
Freed was getting really pissed. "Argh, damn you!" He points his gun at Aidan, which makes him back off as three shots were fired. He runs to the right as Freed back rolls to the center of the room, standing up and shooting wildly. As Aidan runs in circles, bullet holes were everywhere, covering the room. They hit vases, mirrors, furniture, wood, and more.
Freed was laughing as he was shooting aimlessly.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Freed laughs hysterically. "THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!"
On his last shot though, Freed heard a click.
"Heh?"
His gun was empty of its cartridges. He tries to fire again only to hear the same click. Throwing his empty gun over his shoulder, Freed pulls out a candle and lights it with his Blade of Light before setting it on the table. He tries to look around to find Aidan, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Well then, shall we shitty Devil?"
Freed turns to block an incoming strike from below as Aidan attempted to claw at him. He then goes for the neck but Freed blocks it before thrusting a stab at Aidan's head. Aidan ducks below and goes for an upward slash, making Freed back off again.
Soon the two charge again as sparks fly with their blades now dead locked.
"You're getting me all hard now, little boy," Freed's sadistic grin widens. "That's good, maybe it will make your death painless, scumbag."
"Save your vitriol for someone who cares," Aidan coldly responded.
The two jump back, with Freed insane look growing as he sticks his tongue out again.
"Then you're going to have to do better than that, shitty Devil," He exclaimed. "But do you know that I am going to send you back to the pits of Hell form where you came from!"
"Sorry," Aidan said. "But you're going there first."
"PLEASE STOP!"
Aidan gasped as his eyes widened in shock. Not wanting to believe his ears, he turns his head towards a familiar voice that shouted. He was left to see Asia standing there by the doorway, looking at him with just as much surprise and confusion as he did with her, along with worry and concern.
But then…
*BANG*
Aidan feels a sharp pain as his left shoulder was hit by a bullet. Turns out that Freed had time to reload in that moment of distraction. This however does not deter him as he regains focus and stands in front of Asia.
"Good work, my little assistant," Freed said to Asia, who had her hands over her mouth as she looked on in horror. "You distracted the evil Devil for me." He holds up a second gun that he pulled out of his coat. "Now I can cut him up, like I did with this sinner."
Asia soon noticed the corpse and her face was soon filled with dread. She brings her head to her face as her eyes widened with tears ready to pour forth.
"N-Nooooo!"
Aidan, realizing what Freed was intentionally doing, only glared at the son of a bitch for such a cowardly move.
"Oh yeah, this is your first time seeing a corpse like this, isn't it, Asia?" Freed asked. "Take a good long look, my dear. This is what we do to humans that are seduced by a Devil. Death is the only answer to such a corrupted soul."
The young nun backed away from the corpse and turned towards Freed, only to notice Aidan, her eyes widening in shock. "Father Freed…that person…"
"Do not listen to him, Asia!" warned Aidan.
"Person?" The madman laughed. "No, no, my dear. This shit here is a Devil."
Asia could only stare in shock at the man. "Aidan… is that true?" She took a step closer to him. "Are you a Devil?"
"I'll explain later, Asia. Just get out of here now!" cried Aidan, focused on the mad priest. But Freed was surprised when Asia called out Aidan's name.
"What is this!? You guys know each other!? Wow! Now that is funny. A forbidden love between a Devil and A Sister. Are you serious?"
"Aidan…" Asia continued to look in horror.
"I'm sorry, Asia," Aidan relented. "But I knew you were used by the Church as their tool, a means from which to attack those associated with demons. Completely unaware of the corruption within. If only had fate not been so unfortunate on us, we could have been friends."
"Ahahaha!" Freed threw his head back laughing. "Devils and humans can never coexist! Especially not someone from the Church. The Devils are the enemies! Also, we are a group of heretics that deserted by God. Asia and I are humans that cannot survive without the support of the Fallen Angels."
That made Aidan think in his mind for a bit.
'Fallen Angels? Then he is in league with them.'
"But the job is not done yet until you die. Are you ready?" Freed points his Blade of Light at Aidan with his tongue sticking out.
Aidan didn't have time for this. Using his demonic magic, he slams the ground with his palm as a red seal emerges on his position before it appears under Freed, to the madman's confusion. Then, the whole floor by Freed collapses as he falls, yelling as he does.
Freed is gone for now but he is just one floor below them. Aidan grunts in pain as his left shoulder burns with the bullet still inside of him. He pushed on though, approaching Asia.
But a violent boom rang to show Freed popping up from another part of the floor. Aidan's attention is grabbed as he sees the madman.
"Baah! That was weak! Here I come!"
With that, Freed charges in, only for Asia to appear in front of him, to Aidan's surprise. Her arms were spread out as she protected him. Freed stops yet puts on a stern and confused look.
"Hey now. Are you serious? Do you know what you are doing?" asked an annoyed Freed.
Asia stood firmly, standing face to face with the priest. "…I do. But Father Freed, I beg of you. Please forgive this person. And just let him go."
"Asia, no!" Aidan attempted to stop her. "He won't listen. His mind is too far gone to reason."
But Asia was not listening to Aidan.
"I cannot stand it anymore," She said fearlessly. "You cannot kill people just because they made a pact to a Devil and you cannot kill Devils. You are breaking one of the Lord's Commandments."
"HAAAAHHH?!" Freed exclaimed with an anguished expression. "Don't you dare talk to me like that, missy! You also learned that Devils are trash at the Church. Seriously, is there something wrong with your brain?" Freed asked as he pointed to his own in madness.
Asia seemed unnerved at first, but her resolve came back stronger than ever. "T-that's what I thought. Until I met Aidan. He is a good person. And the fact that he is a Devil changes nothing! Killing a person no matter who they are is an unforgivable sin! Lord have mercy on you for your judgment!"
Freed brought the hand with the gun back, rage overtaking him. "ENOUGH OF THIS!" He swings the gun at her as Asia closes her eyes.
*SLICE*
Both the priest and Asia, especially the latter, where shocked when Aidan grabbed the young nun with his left hand, pull her back behind him, and cut off Freed's hand that held the gun clean off with his claws. All was silent for a brief moment before a hand fell off.
And it didn't take long for Freed to realize he was missing a limb.
"GYAAAAAHHHH!?"
*POW*
A swift kick to the abdomen sends Freed hurdling back. He crashes and slides across a table, knocking off the candle and falling to the ground on the other side.
"Come on, Asia," Aidan said while grabbing the nun's right hand. "We got to get out of here."
"Aidan," Asia looks at Aidan with a sense of hope.
"Don't count on it, boy," Freed said as she stood back up with his usual grin. "Oh you are gonna pay for what you did to my arm. I will not kill you painlessly. I will cut you piece by piece until your are the new world record for the smallest minced meat!"
The insane priest jumps high with his sword in his remaining hand right at Aidan.
But before he could make the jump on them, a familiar red magic circle appeared between the two.
"What is this?" asked Freed before from the circle emerged Kiba with a sword in hand. His blade clashes with Freed's in a blade-lock.
"Kiba?" A bewildered Aidan was surprised to see.
"Aidan," Kiba called out while smiling at him. "We came to rescue you."
"Ara ara. What an awful mess here," Akeno steps out of the portal along with Koneko.
"Exorcist," The cat-girl said.
"How did you find me?" asked Aidan. But his question was ignored as Kiba turned his attention back to Freed who was beyond pissed.
"Sorry, but he belongs to us. And you're not laying another finger on him!"
"Oh ho?" Freed's insane side returned as he backs off from Kiba. "A mere Devil being concerned for one of their own? What are you, Power Rangers or something? That's nice. I can feel the heat. I'm getting excited!"
Kiba and Freed go back at it again, their blades clashing as sparks fly. Freed kept up the mad face with his tongue hanging out in disgust. Kiba was purely disgusted despite easily fending off the attack.
"Hard to believe a priest like you exists," Kiba said. "Which means you're a Stray Exorcist, aren't you?"
"Yeah, yeah! I'm vulgar! And I'm a stray! Sorry about that! But wanna know why? Because I got fuckin kicked out! That's why; screw the Vatican jerks! I'm alright as long as I get to chop up Devils whenever I feel like it!"
Aidan could yet wonder if this former priest of the Zakarum faith was corrupted. If he was, then was he just a pawn of greater and much evil forces at hand?
But Aidan could only flinch after being reminded of his shoulder injury. He then sees a green glow, coming from Asia who uses her Sacred Gear to heal him with one hand while the other held up the bullet tip.
"I'll take care of this, Aidan," Asia said as she heals the wound with no trouble at all. Aidan smiles for the appreciation of help.
As Kiba and Freed clash, the former kept a calm expression, his eyes capturing the movements of his foe. The madman was still laughing and enjoying the fight.
"You're the type of priest that are the most difficult to deal with," Kiba said. "Someone who feels like they are living by cutting Devils…the ones who cause the most harm to us."
"So what!?" Freed laughed hysterically. "You know, I don't wanna be talked off by a Devil! I'm just trying to live now like everyone else! I'm in no position where a pest like you can talk down on me!"
"Even we Devils have rules," Akeno said with a smile, but her eyes were serious, showing signs of hostility.
Freed could only grin. "Those eyes of yours and that sexy body. You truly are the best. Your urge to kill me drives you. A killing intent! Superb! This is great! I love the feeling of the intent to kill and getting intended to kill!"
"Then disappear."
A large red and black blast of demonic Power of Destruction suddenly hit Freed center mass, knocking him to a nearby wall. The magic transportation circle disappeared with Rias standing in its place. Once she exits out, she runs over to Aidan and places a hand on his cheek in worry.
"Aidan, I'm so sorry. I never thought that a Stray Exorcist would be here. Luckily, there was no barrier, so we were able to get in easily. Did he hurt you? Are you alright?"
"Just a small shoulder wound," Aidan showed the bullet hole. "But luckily, our little Sister here was able to heal me."
Rias was surprised at that last part, seeing Asia beside Aidan. While she had initially remained skeptical that a nun would help her most favored servant, she was once again proven wrong as Aidan's words from the other day rang through her head. Asia put her position aside in favor of healing Aidan.
"Thank you, Asia," Rias said with a kind smile. "You have my utmost sincere thanks."
"Oh!" Asia puts her hands up and smiles embarrassingly. "No, it's okay. I'm just glad I'm able to help a friend in need."
Rias smiled warmly at her before she turned her attention back to Freed, whom the deranged priest stood back up. Her expression was nothing but cold.
"Looks like you've been messing with my cute and adorable servant," She said in a low and venomous tongue.
"Yes, yes. I have been playing around with him for a bit," Freed taunted. "I was planning to cut his body all over for cutting off my arm!" Freed said that last part in a loud voice as he holds up his severed bleeding arm. "Then I was gonna rape that damn Sister, but I was so rudely interrupted by YOU ALL!"
Rias gave no time for the psychopath to ready himself as she shoots more of her Power of Destruction, blowing away a section of the furniture and destroying the wall behind him.
"I will never forgive you for this," Rias coldly stated. "Anyone who dare harms my servants, especially my Aidan, or any other innocent will die a horrible death."
Intense red waves of demonic power surround and radiate off of her, causing the atmosphere to freeze in its place. Aidan looked to see that despite its appearance and aura, he found it to be…fascinating.
Koneko soon detected something coming and turned to Rias. "Buchou, there seems to be a few Fallen Angels heading this way. At this rate, we will be at a disadvantage."
Rias took one last glance at the priest before sighing and powering down. "Then we best get out of here. Akeno, ready a transportation circle."
"Right!" Akeno closed her eyes and was about to make the circle.
*CRUMBLE…SNAP!*
"Watch it!" cried Aidan as he suddenly grabbed Akeno by the waist and pulls her back from an incoming burning log. Everyone looked back to see that the back wall was set ablaze, the fire burning and spreading fast.
"But how?" Rias looked in fear and shock.
Aidan looked down to see the candle Freed placed was on the floor, next to broken pieces of wine glass that he shot earlier.
'Damn. He's using it as his scapegoat.'
A loud slamming sound was heard as Aidan turned to see the door closed. Letting go of a blushing Akeno, Aidan runs over and tries to turn the door knob, but it won't budge.
Aidan soon heard Freed's laughter from outside the door. "Don't try to escape or you'll ruin the fun! Before Asia was suppose to put up the barrier to keep the other Devils out, I was able to create one trap for them! Sorry, my dear nun, but you're gonna burn alive with the rest of those bitches! I'll give the Fallen Angels my apologies after this!"
Aidan, hearing enough, empowers his right hand and casts a white lightning strike through the wooden door and hits Freed, sending the deranged priest far away to some unknown area. Aidan knew he is still alive but that doesn't matter right now.
The sound of coughing brought him back to the rest of his teammates. With hands over their mouths to protect them from the heavy smoke, they were losing precious air. Even Asia was not immune to this as she coughed terribly.
"We've got to find a way out of here!" Rias exclaimed, coughing her own breath.
"But how?" Kiba asked as he fell to one knee.
No one knew how though. With the teleportation circle useless given of their surroundings, it was likely this was their final fate. To die burning in a home with no way out at all.
Luckily for Aidan, Healing Potions were not the only thing he had packed tonight.
Reaching into his back pocket, he pulls out a scroll with a blue paper tied at the middle of it and a green band. Ripping out the band and unveiling the scroll, Aidan throws it out in front of him before a blue light shines from it. That blue light shines brighter before a large blue portal opens up.
"Quickly, through here," called Aidan as he shows the blue portal, shining bright through the smoke for all to see.
"Aidan, how did you—" asked Rias but was interrupted.
"Go, now!"
With no time to waste, everyone ran and went through the portal, first with Koneko, then Kiba, Asia, Akeno, Rias, and then Aidan. Once Aidan goes through, the portal dissipates as the rest of the house burns to the ground.
The blue portal opens up as Aidan, Asia, and the rest of the ORC emerge out, coughing up the last of the smoke in their lungs before inhaling a large amount of clean fresh air. Aidan wobbles as he walks and sits on the floor, his back against the couch. Everyone was all but covered in ash, soot, and smoke.
"Whew!" He said while gathering air to his lungs in deep breathing. "That was too close."
The room was already dark though and no one could see where they were. Rias moans as she sits up, rubbing her head.
"Where are we?" She asked. Everyone else also had the same expression, thinking the same question.
"A-Aidan?"
"Asia?" Aidan turns to her. "You alright?"
"Yeah, I'm here."
"Well," Kiba said, standing up. "As long as we're away from that Stray Exorcist I think we should be safe."
Suddenly, large yellow portals appear and golden chains that gave off a pixy yellow emerged and wrapped everyone up.
"AHH! What in the-?" cried Rias as she was tied and chained up.
"Ara ara, what magic is this?" asked Akeno in the same expression.
"KYAAH!" Asia cried when she too was wrapped up.
Kiba was stuck with his sword at his side, unable to move and swing it as he was wrapped from top to bottom.
Koneko too was stuck, trying to break free but her strength could not break the golden chains.
"Who is there?" cried an elderly yet booming voice from upstairs. Aidan recognized who it was.
"Uncle, it's alright!" cried Aidan. "It's just me."
The figure walks down the stairs as the golden chains' light reveals Deckard Kain, in his blue pajama robes for some odd reason.
"Aidan?" asked the elder. "What are you doing here? And why are you covered in…ashes?"
"Before I explain, Uncle, can you get these chains of yours off?" asked Aidan. He gestures his head to the others who were also wrapped up.
"Oh!" cried the elder. "Sorry for that, my friends."
With a wave of his hand, the chains dissipate into golden pixels before they disappear, along with the yellow portals they spawned from.
But Rias and the others looked at their professor, stunned that he knows magic. And that didn't even cover the myriad of questions running through their minds. Nobody believed that humans were capable of magic. They were a technological species, not magical. According to them, humans believe magic to be in fairy tales and folklore, not in reality.
Could their new professor and newest club member hold a lot more information from them than they think they do?
A WHILE LATER…
As everyone cleans themselves up one by one in the bathroom, Aidan and Deckard Kain had a little chat in private.
"Uncle, what now?" asked Aidan. "You just revealed your magic to them."
"Do not worry, Aidan," Deckard assured as he sweeps the floor, with Aidan holding the dust pan. "I will tell them myself. But I won't give away everything."
"How so?" asked Aidan.
"I will only tell them of the Three Factions existence and of how I know that they are all Devils. But I will not reveal to them what we know. Not until the time is right."
"Do you think they will believe you?" asked Aidan as he dumps the trash into the garbage.
"Since I have both Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima in my classes, along with the other boy, I believe that they will come to understand. I will just tell them I know some magic and that I know of their kinds' existence and harbor no ill intention towards them."
Aidan smiles warmly. He has always trusted his uncle with his intentions. And Uncle Deckard was always honest, never holding any secrets out off ill-intention. But for what Aidan and Deckard truly know about the Devils, along with the rest of the Three Factions, that is a secret that they must keep. Already the Devils at Kuoh Academy are catching up with their intent to see what they know.
But the time is not right. At least not until they see it first.
"I'm sorry for having the need to use your bathroom, Professor," Rias called out from the stairs along with the others.
"Oh, do not worry, my dear," Deckard reassured as he hands the broom and dust pan to Aidan to put away while he goes to the kitchen to make tea. "You are all welcomed here in my house for whatever you need."
"I have to say, this is my first time in your house, Professor. It's really nice," Akeno commented. While the house was your ordinary two story house complete with usual accommodations, it had a guest bedroom, study room, guest bathroom, and backyard.
Once everyone had cleaned themselves up of the ash and soot from the burning house, they all gathered in the living room. Aidan sat between Akeno and Rias on the sofa, the former clinging onto Aidan by wrapping herself around his arm. Rias could not help but feel a tinge of jealousy for some reason.
Koneko sat on the left arm rest as Kiba stands on the right side of the sofa. Asia and Deckard sat on the other couch, with the coffee table in the middle holding everyone's tea.
"Before we begin, I have something to ask," Rias said. "Professor, what was that exactly?"
"Hmm?" The elderly man asked. "What do you mean?"
"Those chains that you casted," Rias clarified. "Do you know magic?"
"I do, indeed," Deckard confirmed immediately, to the surprise of the group except Asia and Aidan. "I know enough to know that all of you are even Devils."
Whether that was either a smart move or a bad one, everyone, except Asia and Aidan, gasped as they all stood up from their spots and armed themselves with magic to wipe Deckard's memory off. But before they could even speak or cast a spell…
"At ease, my friends," The elder held a hand up from which a golden yellow light shined from his hand. Soon the ORC members except Aidan looked at themselves to see golden pixelated light overcome them before disappearing. Their magic had been canceled.
By their own professor.
"What did you do?" asked Kiba in shock.
"Helping you see that I do not want to give you any more threats than you currently have," Kain explained.
But that was not convincing for everyone as they prepared themselves.
"Wait, wait!" Aidan stepped in. "Everyone calm down! It's alright. My uncle is no threat. He, like me, knows about the existence of the Three Factions and of the Great War. I told you before, Rias, that not all humans are not aware of the Three Factions."
Rias looked at Aidan and slowly relaxed. But still she wanted some answers as to how her new professor knows magic and how he knows of the Devils' existence.
Taking her seat on the couch and ushering everyone else to do the same, Rias turns her attention towards Kain.
"How and when did you learn magic, Professor?" asked Rias.
"I was born to a secretive family known for their magic arts," Deckard said, recalling his youth. "I've traveled across the world on numerous occasions, learning about the ancient lore and of the magic of my ancestors. You could say I have also ventured in the Underworld and in Heaven itself, among many other realms of mythology that you all are well aware of, including the Norse lands of Midgard, the Greek lands of Greece, the Egyptian deserts of Egypt, and even the ancient lands of Japan where the yokai once roamed."
Rias and the others were further stunned. Even Asia was no exception to this. Their new professor, an elderly man with magical prowess, has traveled across many realms, even the Underworld. Some part of their minds thought of it all to be an exaggeration but the words and tone of the elder spoke only truth.
"But rest assured, my friends, I will keep your existence hidden," Deckard reassured. "After all, how can an old man like me ever let slip of the tongue?" He turns his attention towards Rias. "All that I ask in return is that you continue looking after Aidan for me."
"I will," Rias replied. "Thank you so much, Professor. And I will make sure to not let anything happen to my most favored servant."
"You are quite catching her favor with you well, Aidan," Deckard humored, if not chuckled a bit. According to Aidan, that is very rare coming from his adopted uncle and teacher.
"Uncle!"
Everyone in the room got a bit of a laugh, except Kiba who just smiled with his eyes closed. Koneko also smirked a bit.
After that, Deckard asked one more question.
"So, are you still having trouble with the Fallen Angels as of late?"
"How did you know?" asked a surprised Akeno.
"I learned of the Fallen Angels within the area, so Aidan and I prepared ourselves for whenever we are encountered by chance," Deckard explained as he pulls out the Healing Potions. "I made these through old scrolls I found and have been concocting more in case we find ourselves injured. Works much more conveniently than magic or modern medicine."
"So that's how Aidan's wounds healed up from the monster." Kiba exclaimed, remembering the bite Aidan took from the Hellion and of how drinking the Healing Potion helped him.
But back to the question at hand.
"We were not fighting Fallen Angels," Professor," Rias informed. "Rather a Stray Exorcist, whom this sister of the Church was aligned with."
"And who helped us after betraying him," Aidan reminded a bit harshly.
"Have you learned nothing, Aidan?" Rias retorted. "You, me, and the rest of the Occult Research Club are Devils. She is a Sister, someone affiliated with the Angels—our enemy." She pinches the bridge of her nose and shakes her head. "I told you about how I'm an heiress to a nose household and a King of my peerage. If word got out that I was involved with her—"
"Dammit, Rias! Then another Great War would have broken out and yes I was damn well aware of that!" Aidan suddenly yelled, making Rias jump a little as she comes face to face with Aidan standing up and glaring.
"W-What?" Rias froze in place.
"Rias, I just fought against a psychopathic priest alone with no way out whatsoever. If I ran, he would've escaped and killed me and start targeting other innocent civilians no matter who they are. I know you said not to fight alone as it would be disrespectful to your peerage but what damn choice did I have? When Asia came in, she could've aided Freed and kill me and I would've killed her myself if she ever did." Asia was shockingly stunned, as were the others in the room. But the nun started to have tears run in her eyes as she brings her hands to her mouth, fear and terror slowly overtaking her at that thought.
To further prove his point, Aidan showed his left shoulder where the bullet had hit him. "I just got shot by him and was bleeding to death. Asia could've left me to die and run as I told her to."
Asia's tears soon started to fall, with fear overtaking her. Even Uncle Deckard was so surprised to see his nephew like this. Aidan was never known for his anger and rage. This was the first he had seen this.
Akeno had the same expression of shock like Asia but there were no tears. Kiba was also stunned to hear Aidan say that he would have killed Asia if she had sided with Freed, something he would consider a dishonor as a Knight. Koneko's ears perked up in surprise as she stopped drinking her tea.
Rias could only look down in shame, feeling a sense of conflict within her. She knew that what Aidan had said was true, but it clashed with her judgment, her mind of tradition from all that she had been taught of. For all of her intelligence, she could not find the right words to speak back. She could see that malevolent aura behind him for her own eyes only.
But luckily, everyone's fears were all swept aside with Aidan's next words, especially for Asia's sake. Aidan approaches Rias, now calmed down from his rage.
"You said it yourself, Rias, that you were thankful of Asia helping me out. I get it, you are worried about my well-being yet Asia assured you everything was okay. I know you are just looking out for your own like any master would to their servants, but remember what I said People are never determined by their race, their ethnicity, or even by their own blood. It's their actions and motives that display the true feelings of their heart. When that is displayed, all other things matter little." That said, Aidan calmly places his hands on Rias' shoulders, making her blush all of a sudden as she comes face to face with her Pawn. "So please, trust me. Just as much as I trust you."
Rias looked into Aidan's eyes, those blue orbs seeing the honesty in them. While a part of her was upset at the thought that Aidan did not trust her, she set that aside.
"You would be wise to take heed to those words, my dear," Deckard said. "Even I have helped the Three Factions on a few separate occasions. Some even coming together for a compromise."
A professor is suppose to guide his students with the knowledge used for wisdom. And Rias is smart enough to listen and take heed. Sighing with a defeated smile, she nods and looks towards Aidan.
"Okay, Aidan, I'll trust you. Just as you do for me."
With that said she leans into his chest for a small hug, enjoying his comfort and warmth. Shortly afterwards, she turns towards Asia.
"I know I said it before, but thank you very much for taking care of my servant."
"Oh, you're welcome, but it was nothing really. I'm just glad I was able to help," Asia replied with her own smile.
"And from what Aidan has told me, you've acquired a power to heal any injury," Rias said as she crossed her arms ad gave an impressed look. "Most impressive."
"Thanks," Asia blushed a bit.
"You said you were fighting a Stray Exorcist?" asked Deckard Kain after clearing his throat.
"Yes," Kiba confirmed as he sat next to Koneko. "There are two kinds of exorcists: the ones who receive the blessing from God to perform exorcisms that can potentially harm us and there are the Stray Exorcists."
"Are they similar to Stray Devils?" asked Aidan.
"Not particularly," Rias said. "There are exorcists who start to enjoy killing Devils, taking in the pleasure and joy as if it was their purpose in life. So they were excommunicated by the Church without exception or they are executed if proven guilty."
"Asia, given of you coming to Kuoh, does that mean you were excommunicated as well?" asked Aidan.
Asia's heart sank when she heard the question. Aidan could see the uncomfortableness in her eyes, tempted to take back the question but she decided to come clean.
"Yes," She said softly. "I was expelled from the church and brought here to work as a nun at the local church." Her fists in her lap tighten. "But I had no idea what they were doing was so evil. I could never take part of that…"
"Asia, Rias spoke out, the nun looking at her. "I knw it's painful, but I'd like for you to share with us the reason you were with the Stray Exorcist and Fallen Angels? I'm guessing they were using you for their own purposes by lying to you about themselves, but why were you acquainted with them in the first place?
Asian soon began to tell her tale.
"When I was a baby, I was abandoned by my real parents. They left me in front of a Church in a small town in Europe. They told me they found me because I wouldn't stop crying, so the nuns took me in. One day, when I was around eight years old, a sad little puppy who was really hurt, found its way into the Church where I loved. I prayed as hard as I could, hoping God would spare him. And when I did, a miracle happened. After that, I was sent to a much larger Church. Men and women would come from all over the world, who were really ill, and I was told to heal them. It filled me with joy!"
The happiness on her face grew over the course of the story before it changed to one of depression.
"But then one day, I encountered an unconscious man who was heavily injured. So I used my powers to heal him, but…"
"He was a Devil, wasn't he?" asked Rias, which Asia nodded.
"When the Church found out, they exiled me, branded me a heretic and a witch. Soon I found my way here, in the hands of the Fallen Angels."
"So what will you do now?" asked Aidan. "It's quite obvious you cannot go back to them knowing you are with us now."
Asia shook her head in agreement. "After seeing what they did, I could never go back. Like you said, they want me for my power. But… I don't know where to go from here…"
"…Well we can't just take her back to the clubhouse," Koneko spike up, as everyone looked at her. "Even if she's not a bad person, she's still an enemy to the Devils."
Aidan knew Koneko was right. As much as he wanted to protect Asia, bringing her under Rias' custody was not an option for it would make their clubhouse a target. Aidan lowered his head in regret and shame, which Rias took note of.
"I'm afraid Koneko is right, Aidan," She said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Despite her helping us, she is still a nun. An agent of the Angels. If it was found out that she was seen with Devils and was housed by them, then there's going to be conflict."
"I know," Aidan sighed bitterly, well aware of that fact. "But the thought of just leaving her on the streets and be an easy target for the Fallen Angels just doesn't sit right with me."
"Then have her stay at my place," Deckard Kain spoke up. Everyone, including Asia, turned their eyes towards him.
"Uncle?" asked an astonished Aidan.
"We have a guest room for anyone staying, along with a bathroom," Deckard revealed. "It will be perfect for her. Plus I added a few protective wards and barriers should the Fallen Angels or that Stray Exorcist come after her."
"Thank you, Professor," Rias bowed. Asia then bowed in front of the elderly man.
"I-I will be in your care from now on," She said.
"Come, Asia," Deckard ushered as he stood up form his seat. "Let's make you feel at home."
Both Deckard Kain and Asia soon exited out of the living room and went down the hallway towards the guest room, leaving the ORC members alone.
Rias continues speaking to Aidan.
"Aidan, please understand that I'm just as worried as you are. I may be a Devil but I'm not without a conscience, and I want her safe as well. But I also need to figure out what to do too. If I decide to shelter Asia, it will make us the target. If I let her go, she will be taken away right from under our noses. I've placed your house under my territory, and with the magical wards your uncle has put up, it will be a safe zone for her tonight."
Despite the reassurances, it still did not make Aidan feel any better. He was probably tired at this point, but Rias wanted to ease the worries in his heart. Seeing his melancholic face, lifts his chi up to look at her eyes.
"I promise you, Aidan, that I will not anything happen to her, understand?"
He looked down before looking back up. "I understand."
"Good, then I'm sleeping with you tonight."
"…Wait, what?" Aidan asked in confusion, if not blushing a little. "Why?"
"Well, you did say that I could sleep with you again, remember?" She smiled at him. "Plus, there is something I want to try. I have been trouble sleeping lately. Then I remembered sleeping with you and how easily I fell asleep. So I'm sleeping with you tonight."
"Then can I join you?" Akeno asked, surprising the two before she turned to Aidan and clung onto his arm. "You saved my life at the burning house, so it's the least I could do to repay the favor."
Rias started at her with a hint of jealousy before sighing. "Fine. I'll allow it."
Aidan was not so sure whether this night was going to be pleasurable or restless.
Half an hour later, both Koneko and Kiba went home, using the teleportation circle prepared by Akeno. With Asia falling asleep in the guest room, and Deckard Kain attending to some final preparations for school tomorrow and finishing up his private studies, all that was left were Aidan and the two Great Ladies of Kuoh.
It was already late in the night as Aidan stared at the ceiling, awake as he reflected on tonight's events. To his left was Rias and to his right was Akeno, both naked and sleeping with each of his arms between their breasts. Their heads were on each of his pectorals, hearing his heartbeat and smiling peacefully. Aidan himself was right in the middle.
Normally any guy would either freak out and go crazy or just simply don't mind and sleep. For Aidan, it was the latter as he glances at the two beauties before falling asleep. Oddly enough, it felt very relaxing.
But as sleep took over Aidan, he could not help but feel uncomfortable for some odd reason.
The dreams returned. One of war, blood, and death. As always, Terror appeared at the end of the dream, roaring in all of its dark glory.
Rias and Akeno, somehow feeling Aidan's nightmare, cling onto him tightly, trying to comfort him.
THE NEXT DAY…
Deckard Kain allowed Aidan to take a leave of absence from school so that he could look after Asia. Rias also gave him the assignment of giving her a tour around Kuoh, along with keeping her safe. Just in case the Fallen Angels returned though, Aidan packed some Healing Potions, a little more than usual, and two Town Portal scrolls, the same ones used to escape the burning house.
Both Asia and Aidan were inside of a burger joint, stopping by for lunch, with Aidan facing Asia from the other side of the table. Surprisingly, Asia had never had a burger before, so Aidan was kind enough to buy two for them.
But for some odd reason, Asia was not eating.
"Is something the matter?" asked Aidan.
"Umm…" Asia stared down at her cheeseburger in confusion and embarrassment. "I don't know how to eat this."
Aidan can only smile calmly, not surprised given that Asia has lived in a Church for most of her life.
"Just pick it up with both hands and bite it," He said.
"Are you sure?" asked Asia.
"Yep," Aidan nodded, taking a sip of his soda. "Unless you took it home to go, then you could use a fork and knife. But here at the restaurant, no one uses them."
"O-Okay, if you say so."
Following his example, Asia takes the burger with both hands and proceeds to bite into it. Her eyes widened as the taste and flavors fill her mouth. Soon she bore a smile of pure happiness.
"Oh my, it's so delicious~!"
"Once we finish lunch, we can tour all over the town," Aidan said.
"Okay!" Asia said with a bright and happy smile, chowing down on her burger. Aidan found her smile to not just be cute, but also beautiful and innocent as per her nature.
After lunch, Aidan guided Asia throughout the town as best he could. Despite also being a newcomer in that he had not stayed for very long, Aidan had a good sense of the area and the town itself.
The first place they stopped was the arcade, viewing all the games in store. Whether it was racing games, Tsum Tsum, Taiko no Tatsujin, or even air hockey, Asia was having a fun time of her life.
Next, they went to a photo booth, where the two took multiple photos of themselves, silly ones and all. Aidan however felt embarrassed since he is not one for pictures.
Asia then spotted a claw crane game and runs over to it, making Aidan follow like a big brother to a little sister. Upon arriving, he saw that was filled with a plush mouse toy called Rache-kun. Looking at the girl, he smiles and, without saying anything, inserts his coins in and manages to win her one. Asia was so happy and accepts his gift, saying that she'll always think of him when she sees it.
Now it was already the afternoon and the two were now alone in the park where they first met.
"That was the most fun I ever had," Asia said, smiling as she walked next to Aidan, around a large park pond to their left.
"I'm glad you could enjoy it, Asia," Aidan said with a smile. In all honesty, Aidan was never one to hang out with people as his private studies and travels with his Uncle left him almost friendless. But that did not mean he did not know how to make friends.
"I know you were trying to get my mind off of the Fallen Angels," Asia said, surprising Aidan as he turns to her. "And I thank you." For some reason though, she gave a sad smile. "But…all I wanted was to create new memories with a friend. You've protected me from Father—no—from Freed, and you still wouldn't leave me, even after Rias told you it couldn't work between us."
Aidan looked and understood her, remembering his arguments with his master earlier. "I know. But my Uncle always told me that to be human, one must always help out those in need of trouble no matter who they are or what their circumstances are. Sometimes I wished I could revert my life back to being a human instead of a Devil."
"You don't like being a Devil?" asked Asia.
"I didn't mind it, at first," Aidan said honestly. "But I now realize the full responsibility that comes with it, especially when you are a servant to another. I knew that my actions with you have nearly caused a catastrophe among the Three Factions and I take responsibility for that. Sometimes I wish I could just leave and become a Stray." Aidan then sighs. "But I know that doing such selfish things would only break Rias' heart. I cannot do that. Not after she's done for me."
"What is she to you?" asked Asia, catching Aidan off-guard with that question.
"Hmm?"
"Who do you think you are to her?" She asked again in a better clarification context.
"I am just her servant. Nothing more, nothing less," Aidan answered honestly. He did not know what to make of Rias, at least not yet. While he has blushed on a few occasions, it was only on instinct and not on love at first sight. "I am not sure exactly what she thinks though. I do try to learn more about her though. But she is not one to talk about her own personal life and often sends me flyers to send, which I do not mind doing." He then takes a deep breath. "But I know that like any good master, she cares for her servants and wants them to be safe and have a good life."
Asia was astonished by his claim but couldn't help but smile for him.
"Then I'll be right there with you."
Aidan's head turned towards Asia in surprise. "What?"
"You see, my goal in life is to make as many friends as I can and have lots of thrilling and fun adventures with them. You've done so much for me, Aidan, and it's more than enough to let me tell you that you are a true friend. That's it!" She jumps off the bench and stood in front of Aidan. "I'm going to help you on your journey, wherever you go!"
Aidan can only smile as he stands up and pats Asia on the head.
"Thank you, Asia…"
"How touching of you."
Both of them look out to the pond to see Raynare, standing on the surface of the water while cruelly sneering at them.
"Raynare!?" A shocked Asia gasped.
"You…" Aidan glared.
"Surprised to see me again?" Raynare asked Aidan.
"Not really," Aidan said. "I was wondering when you were going to show up considering your dead comrades."
"Ugh. Thank you for the reminder of that," Raynare sarcastically sneered before she turned to Asia. "Oh little Asia. I was worried that you died in the fire. Then our plans would have been in ruins. But you're still alive at least. Now we can resume it."
"Lady Raynare!" Asia turned her body completely towards her, putting on a brave face. "I'm not going with you. I'm not going to be part of your evil doing."
But Raynare only glared at her. "Do not think you can run away from me, Asia. Your Sacred Gear is essential for our plan. So, make this easy on you and come with me." She started to approach her but stopped and growled to see Aidan bring out his Sacred Gear, his claws emerging out.
But Raynare finally understood why her comrades Dohnaseek and Kalawarner were killed so easily as she looks at Aidan.
"I see now why Dohnaseek and Kalawarner respectively failed. You're no ordinary human being, especially with that Sacred Gear of yours."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, let's just say that your Sacred Gear is an ancient one," Raynare said. "From a time when there was only good and evil in the universe."
'Good and evil? Is she referring to the High Heavens and the Burning Hells respectively? Does she know something no one else of her kind does?'
"But enough chit-chat," Raynare said. "If you will not back down, then I'll kill you right here and now!"
With that, Raynare conjures up a light spear in her hands.
"I was told from the higher-ups that you carry a dangerously powerful Sacred Gear, and now I know why," Raynare laughed. "But yours carries a power that you cannot control. While it can function like a Twice Critical Sacred Gear, it can double the power of the possessor for a temporal time, but having that power is no threat to me. Truly fitting for filth like you."
"Should you really be saying that to someone who had managed to kill two of your fallen comrades?" Aidan asked.
That however pissed Raynare off big time.
"Insolent mongrel! This is why you will die for that!"
Raynare jets towards Aidan as Aidan does the same, their weapons clashing against one another. Aidan blocked the light spear with both of his claws before breaking out of the lock and cutting her light spear in half with one claw before slicing Raynare on the stomach with the other.
"GAH!" Raynare stumbles back and holds her bleeding stomach. It wasn't a deep cut in that it would slow her down, but it was enough to leave a mark. Jumping a few more meters back, she conjures up two more light spears at hand.
She rushes back in to charge as does Aidan. He parries the right light spear away and blocks the left before kicking Raynare on her bleeding stomach, causing her to launch back into the air before she dives back down for a stab.
Aidan jumps away as Raynare makes contact to the concrete ground. The impact caused a dust cloud to form, covering her figure briefly. This makes Aidan conjure up some magic as he fires white lightning from the palm of his right hand at Raynare.
The white lightning hits Raynare dead on and sends her flying.
"AAGGHH!" Raynare screams. Now enraged because Aidan now knows magic, she throws both of her light spears at him, making him dodge one before catching the other in a spin and throwing it back.
She barely manages to dodge her own spear, shocked that Aidan deflected it back.
But before Aidan could launch another final white lightning, he heard a scream from behind him.
"Well, I guess you were right about him being tough," A voice said form above, making Aidan see to his disbelief.
"Asia!" cried Aidan. The nun was held captive in another Fallen Angel's arms, a young girl with blonde hair styled into twin tails and blue eyes, with a large black bow on top of her hair. She wore a Gothic Lolita attire, which consisted of a black Lolita dress with white frills, a large black bow on the front, and a green jewel embedded on the collar, white thigh-high socks, and black shoes.
"What are you doing here, Mittelt?" Raynare looked at the Gothic Lolita in displeasure.
"Now, don't be like that Raynare!" Mittelt said with a joyful smirk. "I was just coming to tll you that everything is ready." Her eyes looked towards Aidan. "But it seemed like you were busy. Say I have an idea." Her lips form an evil grin. "Why don't I take the girl back to base and you deal with this small fry for now before I rejoin you?"
Raynare formed an evil look of agreement. "That sounds great, Mittelt. This won't take long anyway."
"Will do." Mittelt soon opened up a portal.
"NO!" cried Aidan as he rushes towards her, only for his right leg to be skewered from behind by Raynare.
"AGH!" Aidan falls to the ground, landing on his back and hearing a crunching glass sound from his pouch. But his eyes were focused on the portal that Asia was being taken into.
"Aidan!" Asia calls out to him but the portal closes on her and Mittelt and she was soon gone.
With Asia now gone, Aidan was all alone. There was no time to mourn as Aidan dodges Raynare's downward thrust. He goes in for a slash with his right, but Raynare spins around him in attempt to stab him from behind. Luckily, Aidan knew her intention and blocked it in time.
'These damn claws. I am still not use to them.'
Aidan breaks out of the block, only to see a returned Mittelt come back with her own light spear that was huge. He blocks the horizontal swing from his right and kicks her away before engaging Raynare again.
Mittelt goes for the back and manages to slice Aidan, as he wildly swings backwards to chop her head off but she blocks it easily. Aidan at this point was exhausted but he had to keep pushing his physical limits if he was going to send these Fallen Angels to Hell.
Raynare lands on the ground and swings at Aidan, but he again blocks it. Mittelt then threw her light spear, making Aidan back off. Against two Fallen Angels, they were working in unison, each of their swings only a second in between as they switched attacks, trying to wear down Aidan.
But even as Aidan manages to block and parry, he was already at his limit. And the Fallen Angels had the advantage on him. This stalemate was not going to last forever.
*STAB STAB*
Two light spears went through Aidan's legs, causing him to fall to his knees. Blood pours out of his wounds as light-based weapons can harm a Devil severely. Soon another light spear went through his right arm, shattering the claw into pieces before it penetrates into a pillar behind him.
"GAH!" Aidan cried. Using his left claw, Aidan cuts the light spear and forcibly pulls his bloody right hand out of the broken light spear. Forced to fall to the ground, Aidan drags himself across in order to stand up and get rid of the pain.
But then Raynare grabs him by the face, lifts him up, and slams him to the same pillar as before, stunning him. She takes out another light spear and stabs Aidan straight through.
"GUUWAH!" Aidan cried out as Raynare sinks her light spear sadistically into him. Using whatever strength he had left, Aidan pulls Raynare close to her, much to her surprise that their bodies were touching.
"What the—" Raynare then felt a stab enter into her stomach. "AAGHHH!"
Raynare looks down to see Aidan's other claw enter into her stomach. Blood poured out but the stab was not deep enough to kill her, more so to hopefully incapacitate and severely wound her. She glares at her opponent as she pulls the light spear out of him and backs off, clutching her stomach.
She prepares herself for Aidan to stand up, but Aidan, wounded as he was, only slid down the pillar in pain, clutching his stomach with his bloody right hand.
It was his loss and Raynare's win, to his displeasure.
"Raynare, are you okay?" asked Mittelt. But Raynare kept her gaze on Aidan, looking at the bloody warrior. Now she finally understands why Dohnaseek and Kalawarner were killed.
"Mittelt, return to base," Raynare said. "I will finish him myself."
"But of course," Mittelt said as she flies up into the air and disappears.
Raynare soon approaches the bleeding and immobile Aidan. She should just finish him here and now and conjure another light spear of her own and avenge Dohnaseek and Kalawarner. But then, she had something better in mind.
Kneeling down in front of the bleeding man, she straddles him and brings her hands to his bloody face to look at him eye to eye.
"I am not one to say this, but you have my respect, Aidan," Raynare said to a bleeding Aidan. "When I am done with Asia, she will be nothing more than an empty corpse of a soul."
As a form of mockery to her respected opponent, she leans in and gives a chaste kiss on Aidan's lips, to his surprise. Soon that kiss turned a bit passionate as her tongue goes through Aidan's lips and clashes with his briefly.
She lets go of the kiss, a small saliva strand connecting the two's mouths before leaving, and gives a small sinister sneer.
"I hope she remembers you as she dies," Raynare mocked with an evil smile before she flies away on her wings, leaving a bloody Aidan alone. Feathers were all that remained as they fell around Aidan.
Struggling due to the wounds, Aidan tries to stand up using the pillar for support, only to fall back down.
"Argh! Mgh!"
He felt like death, and death was ready to take him again a second time. But he also felt a burning sensation enter into his body, like he was on fire. Aidan realized way he was struggling and it was not because of his wounds.
It was Raynare's kiss. She implanted a poison into his system via magic that would slowly finish him off as he bled to death. He could feel his insides burn as he struggles, realizing that this time may be permanent.
He reaches into his pocket for the Healing Potions but sees that in the time he was battling Raynare, they had been smashed to pieces and the contents spilled all over. And the Town Portal scrolls were also covered in red, the words now unreadable.
With no other options, Aidan pulls out his cell phone from his pocket. With enough visibility in his eyes, he scrolls through his contacts and presses on Rias' name.
Luckily enough, Rias picks it up. But for some reason, she could sense something was wrong with Aidan due to his unnatural breathing rate.
"Aidan?" asked a worried Rias. "What happened, Aidan? Answer me! Aidan!"
A bloody Aidan looks up at his cell phone, with enough time for his to give his final words before falling unconscious. A small smile appeared on his lips.
"Sorry… Rias. Looks like…. I screwed up… again."
Aidan soon spews a large amount of blood and coughs before he soon collapses frontwards, his bloody phone slips out of his hand and falls to the floor. Rias heard the clanking noise from her side.
"Aidan! Hey, Aidan! Say something, please! Aidan! Aidan, are you there? AIDAN!"
There is a lot to be said on this chapter, other than it is a fight scene from beginning to end. What started as a burning home transitioning to a fun day at town to a battle in the park that ended in a loss. Well not all's well that ends well, I would say.
And now Asia is captured by the Fallen Angels. Things just got from bad to worse. And as if it was not bad enough, Raynare knows something about the Al'Diabolos Terror Claws, which means she holds information that no one else, not even Aidan knows of. The only way he can know though is if he confronts her again. That is, if he recovers from his wounds.
Be ready for next chapter because it is gonna get pretty gory and messy but there will be a surprise cameo from Diablo coming up. Two I might say. Along with one nice reference not of Diablo.
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