Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
JhotoLoraxius; Hehe seems so huh~?
Xionremind22; She could be.
Isao Gin; Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Dharak23; Yeah, we'll see what happens next~ A little bit steamy yeah. Glad you're enjoying those scenes~ Thanks for the suggestions!
derivativeGod; Yeah, she'll be in the story.
Funny-Little-Cute White Fox; Thanks very much!
Bruvvv; I can understand that.
Clarent excalibur; Yeah, it's going to be wild, and glad you enjoyed them~
NoaRien; Thanks very much!
Morregen; It seems that he is yeah~ More of the details will be revealed in the next few chapters. We'll see their reactions this chapter, and thanks very much!
OechsnerC; Thanks very much! It's going to be quite wild~
treeofsakuras; Yeah, possibly~
MDM11; Yeah she could do. He'll help them if he can yeah. They'd be cool members. Him training Haruki would be cool. Those as Sacred Gears would be cool.
ShadowUzumaki55; I'm happy you're enjoying their interactions so far~ He does yeah, he knows quite a bit about how Asia's feeling from his own experiences. He does yeah. Haruki can handle Mil-tan, he's been doing it for a good while now. They did yeah, what happens next we'll see~
Guest 1; I've not decided if I am going to include them or not yet.
Silver crow; Thanks! We'll see what happens with that. Yeah they could be. He did yeah, he's quite connected. It seems that he did yeah~ Yeah, she'll see that Haruki's not a bad person and is only looking out for her best interests. He does yeah, he knows it also affects them since they live in the town and he wants them to understand the current circumstances. Glad you liked the Isane's moments! Yeah, he quite likes his life now. It is Mil-tan and Serafall did show an interest in canon so I thought it would be fun if Mil-tan was someone Haruki had contracts with~ Haha, seems that his lightning has that effect huh. Glad you liked that scene~ Probably. Yeah, you're right about Vali. They might appear. Shalba dies in vol 11 in canon. Yeah, it is sad we don't know their powers yet. Unless another surviving member appears later on, Ingvild did so there are chances a secret member might exist. It might be discussed later on about that. With the giants I don't see why not. Depends if the Devil Fruit would fit them or not. Two fruits, who knows, he might have. I'm sure Rias' parents will be happy about that. Merry Christmas to you also! I hope you also have a good day!
Kaiserguardian; Thanks very much! I'm glad you're enjoying Haruki so far. You're right yeah.
Guest 2; It is yeah, I've always thought Dimension Lost could be used in unique ways. A Vampire based story would be a cool take on DxD, maybe one day~
Guest 3; Thanks very much!
Andrew123456; Thanks for the votes! Thanks, you too~
Kamen Rider W; I've been meaning to catch up with them, I haven't had a chance yet. So I'd have to get back to you on that.
Guest 4; I'd probably go for Guila for Seven Deadly Sins, Esdeath probably for Akame ga kill, and Vanessa for Black Clover.
Guest 5; Unfortunately not, there will be one coming up quite soon.
Well, with those reviews out of the way, it's time to get on with the chapter!
Zephyrdor's scheme!
An hour after Serafall had heard about the death of the clan heir of Glasya-Labolas, Haruki was being contacted by Serafall in hologram form.
Haruki secured the room so no information could be leaked. He knew that Zephyrdor might have some kind of way of finding out, so he didn't want to take any chances, and the same for when he was going to explain to the others as well.
Haruki listened to what she was saying, and then began nodding slowly.
"So, he did it then?"
"Yup, he's trying to frame you for the murder."
Haruki wasn't surprised.
Zephyrdor had a grudge against him for a good while now.
More than that, he knew Zephyrdor was going to do something like this eventually, Haruki was already mentally prepared for this day to come, and now that it had, he was quite happy to finally see it through till the end.
"Well, I guess that it is time for us to finally shut Zephyrdor down."
Serafall showed her usual happy smile.
Despite what was going on, she had absolute faith within her Queen, and knew that he'd be able to accomplish this mission.
"Indeed Haru-chan. Are you ready?"
Haruki didn't have to think twice, and merely inclined his neck in agreement.
"Yes, I believe I am ready. Don't worry, I'll make sure that we play along quite carefully, and convincingly." Serafall inclined her neck. "Sera-tan, remember..."
"I know Haru-chan, I wont be making a move until he's done so. Doing so wont do any good for us."
"Yes...that's right. I'll alert the others in private, and make them play along. I'll make sure no outside force can interfere while telling them, like I have here."
Serafall was glad.
Seeing him accomplish so many things, and now they were about to do another thing, it filled her with the same determination that she could see on Haruki's face.
"That's a good idea Haru-chan. Then, come tomorrow...we'll be at the ready."
Haruki nodded strongly, then cracked his neck side to side.
He now was ready to enact the final part of the plan.
After spending time with Serafall, Haruki gathered the others in the groups.
Sona's, Rias', and his own consisting of Kuroka, Ravel, and Koneko. Each of them were listening to Haruki's words, Akeno didn't look exactly thrilled about it, but she had to believe in Haruki and what he could be doing for the Underworld. In fact, she had seen how he handled himself in the past, and this time wasn't any different, she believed in him.
"Tomorrow...you're going to be 'officially' charged?"
"Yes, I'll be taken to the Underworld in pubic. Depending on how long Zephyrdor takes, it might be a day, or a week...it just depends. Zephyrdor will either make a move here, or with me. So we're going to be prepared on two fronts."
He answered Sona's doubts, Rias folding her arms over her torso.
"It's a wise precaution, we'll do what we can here."
Rias' words caused Haruki to smile.
"Just be safe. That's what Zephyrdor is counting on, without me or Sera-tan here, that he'd be able to do what he likes."
"He'll think we'll be easy pickings. No doubt, that's what he's thinking right now."
Sona added, Haruki inclined his neck.
"Yes, to frame myself, and Kuroka-san. Kuroka-san, because of what happened in the past with Naberius, believing that all this time she's been acting, waiting for the chance to strike at Devils society, and myself because...well, he's an idiot."
"...That's a nice way to put it Senpai."
Koneko added, with Haruki chortling.
"Yeah, probably~ Anyway, more likely, he'll come here Kuroka-san, and make sure she's taken out, before he frames her for...maybe attacking you guys, or doing something else disgusting like that. From what information we've gathered, he's got some kind of grudge against the pair of us, and is trying to plant evidence we were at the scene of these crimes, including the incident involving the Glasya-Labolas clan."
Kuroka folded her arms.
She didn't like Naberius being brought up, nor the past.
But, if this was to get rid of Zephyrdor and Naberius once and for all, then that's what she was going to do.
"Don't worry nya, as soon as he shows up in town, I'll be able to sense him. He wont escape my senses, I'll keep it active for as long as I can and switch with Shirone as well."
Haruki was grateful, and he knew Kuroka would be able to take care of herself, but he did want to make sure that they were prepared for while he wasn't going to be there.
"Still, while we wont be far behind. Please be careful. All of you. We aren't sure, but he might have those creatures from years ago, and they were strong. I remember sensing some Ultimate Class powers within them. If Zephyrdor does have them...then it could be dangerous. Also, until he does make a move, and to find out who's aiding him, we can't appear to be in this town at all. No backup until he's made a move."
Haruki's warnings were something that Sona did appreciate.
She understood about what happened last time, and how Zephyrdor had been doing stuff that he shouldn't be for a good while now, so seeing that Haruki was doing everything he could to prevent and also stop Zephyrdor before he went too far...then Sona didn't have any complaints whatsoever.
"Understood. Don't worry, we will be prepared. As soon as he shows up, we'll alert the Underworld, and get you here quickly."
Haruki nodded, and summoned his doll of ice.
"Princess, stay with Ravel-chan. Please follow her orders until this is over with."
The ice doll merely nods, and goes to the side of Ravel.
"He wouldn't expect this Haruki-sama, he doesn't know the full capabilities of Absolute Demise like this. He probably isn't aware that you can separate like this for such a great distance."
Ravel added, Haruki gave a soft smile.
"Yes, it seems that he wont. I'll also have another...helper in case there's some trouble. Don't worry, this should be over soon."
The girls and Yuuto looked relieved.
They believed they understood who this 'helper' of his was, and that in of itself was something that made them worry less.
Haruki then stretched his arms above his head.
"Well, that's it really...oh wait. I nearly forgot. Tomorrow, I'll be going out with Asia-san."
As soon as he said it...the temperature dropped.
Usually, it didn't bother Haruki.
But seeing the cold auras of Rias, Akeno, Kuroka, Koneko, Ravel and even Sona to a lesser degree than the others had a cold aura, Yuuto laughed awkwardly, while Haruki just continued to smile.
"So...Haruki's going on a date with the nun.."
"It seems my Otouto also likes the innocent girls fufu~"
"Nyaa, a nun and a Devil together, what a thing~"
"...It seems we might have some more competition coming our way."
"Yes...it does seem like that Koneko-san."
"...This is rather weird, I feel uncertain about this...but, not for the reasons I should be..."
Rias and Akeno both shared a strong look, Kuroka seemed to be half serious, and half carefree. Koneko and Ravel on the other hand were deadly serious, and Sona seemed more conflicted within herself for feeling this way for reasons she wasn't aware of.
"Kuku, it seems that there's some hostile auras going on in here~" The girls just stare at him as he continues to smile. "Don't worry, I'm going to help this girl. I don't even know if it could be called a date or anything, it's more like a tour of the town."
The girls remained unconvinced, as they stared at the young boy.
Each had things they wanted to say, some tried to keep it hidden though.
Either way, Haruki's mind was preoccupied with what was going on with Zephyrdor.
It was a dangerous thing, but to make sure that Zephyrdor exposed himself without being able to wiggle his way out of the situation, then they didn't have a choice.
He had to make sure that Zephyrdor was stopped once and for all, before he could harm anyone else.
The day had come, for Haruki and Asia to go out together. Haruki went to the place Asia had been staying. Knocking on the door, Haruki waited for Asia to come, and she did within moments.
He saw that she was indeed wearing her usual nun outfit, but for reasons Haruki didn't know, it just worked with Asia, since she was rather pure and kind.
Showcasing her smile, Haruki smiled back towards her.
Though it wasn't really a date...for some reason, it felt like one.
Even Haruki couldn't deny that feeling.
And Asia, who by all accounts didn't know much about dates and things like that, still took it rather seriously.
"You look really nice Asia-san~"
Asia smiled cutely, and also had a small redness dancing on her cheeks.
"T-Thank you...s-so, what are we going to do?"
"I was thinking that we could go into Kuoh, and I'll show you the different things around the town."
Haruki suggested to her, and she seemed to become much happier when she heard it, as if it was something she was ready for.
"Ooh yes! C-Can we also get a...cheese burger?"
"Haha, you like them don't you?" Asia nodded shyly as Haruki gave a small laugh, finding it rather humorous that a nun would love something as simple as a cheese burger. "Of course! We'll go and get a cheese burger! We can even get some milkshakes also if you like?"
"Milk can shake?"
Haruki began chortling.
He found that really adorable that she didn't know what he meant.
Though he did think it made sense for her to not know what that actually was due to how she was raised within the Church.
"Come on, I'll show you."
Haruki said, offering his hand.
Asia looked down at the hand, then took it gently within her own.
She continued to smile as Haruki smiled back towards her.
Whatever was going to happen, she knew that at least, she'd be able to be with Haruki and find new things out about the place she was living.
Going into the town of Kuoh, Haruki began giving her a tour of the land. Showing her different shops, and different areas.
As Haruki explained more, Asia was enamoured.
Even simple things such as where a park was, or where the supermarket was.
All of it was interesting to Asia.
Going past the school as they cut towards their next location, Asia's eyes were drawn towards it.
"Haruki-san, is this your school?"
She asked, seeing the sign for the school on the gate.
"Yes that's right, this is Kuoh Academy, High School division."
"Only the High School is this big?"
"Hehe, that's right. There are other places such as University but they're located a little ways from here."
"Amazing...so many people must come here everyday...and spend time together...and learn..."
Haruki saw the twinkle in Asia's eyes.
It was something she clearly liked, and not just that, it seemed that she liked to learn about new and exciting things.
"It's closed for today, otherwise I'd give you a tour. Maybe on a school day, I could bring you here Asia-san~"
Asia nodded.
"Yes, that would be fun Haruki-san!"
Haruki continued to smile as he walked with Asia.
Then they passed by a place that they could buy milkshakes, so Haruki brought her to it.
"Here, look at these Asia-san. There's many types. Chocolate, strawberry, banana, all sorts of milkshakes."
"Ooh my! I haven't seen such things before...erm. Can I have the chocolate one?"
"Yes of course~ I'll have the same~"
Haruki got two of them, and gave one to Asia.
She looked at the cup it came in, seeing that it was closed off at the top, so Haruki took his straw, and poked it through the hole.
Asia was bedazzled by what she saw, and then took her own straw, poking it through the hole so she could drink it.
"There's so many things I didn't realize...even a simple thing like using a straw through a closed hole like that..."
"Hehe, that's only the start of it Asia-san, there's many things to enjoy. I'll show you."
Asia became more thrilled to find out, so she followed Haruki while drinking the milkshake.
"The taste is so nice~ Chocolate...I haven't had that before Haruki-san, but it tastes so...sweet~"
"I'm glad you're enjoying it Asia-san~"
Haruki continued on with her, watching her face curl up as she sucked on the straw.
Simple things he didn't even think about, and she was enjoying it so much.
They continued on for a few minutes, until they arrived at an arcade.
"All of these people Haruki-san...there's so many~"
"This is an arcade, people come here with friends or family to have fun. I thought we could play some games together~"
"Yes! Lets!"
Haruki began laughing as he went along with Asia.
Seeing it through her eyes for the first time made everything seem new.
Things that he had taken for granted, like the arcade.
To someone like Asia, that was new to these things, she saw them with great appreciation and happiness.
Haruki took Asia to some arcade games, one where they were racing in cars, one where they had two fighters fighting one another. Though Asia was inexperienced, seeing her concentrated face, her trying to do her best, was something that he found to be rather precious.
They then came to a claw machine, and Asia came across a stuff yellow toy.
"Haruki-san, look at that yellow toy! Isn't he so cute?"
Haruki chortled, overlooking it.
"Looks a bit like Pikachu to me."
"What's a Pikachu?"
Asia curiously asked, Haruki waved his hand.
"It's nothing, don't worry. But, you like the toy huh?"
"Ooh yes, he's rather cute~"
"Then I'll get it for you."
Asia gasped, and went to speak, when Haruki already went to the machine. Taking a coin, putting it into a slot, he operated the claw in the machine. Moving it left, then up, then left again, Asia watched with keen eyes.
He then made a grab with the claw...and didn't get it.
Haruki exhaled slowly, and tried again.
"Sometimes, these machines don't work properly."
Haruki informed Asia, who watched on without saying a word.
Haruki gave a few tries, and he believed the claws grip strength wasn't enough, which seemed to be intentional on whoever made the game from what Haruki could tell, so he ran some magic through it, and allowed it to grip tighter.
Then with that, he got it first time, dropping it into the hole, and allowing it to come out of the bottom.
"Here you go~"
Haruki presented it to Asia, who wrapped her arms around the toy, hugging it into her chest.
"Thank you, Haruki-san. He's really cute~"
"I'm glad you like him. So, want to continue?"
Asia didn't even have to think about it, and she accepted it rather quickly.
"Yes!"
Asia felt her face heating up ever so slightly at the beginning, and more as they went through the day.
With Haruki showing things to her, her experiencing knew and interesting things…
It was something that she couldn't deny.
She truly was feeling new things.
She was experiencing things and she was glad that she was experiencing them together with Haruki.
The kind boy that had come beside her, and had brought her happiness.
After spending a good portion of the day together, Haruki sat down within a park with Asia. Having got an ice cream, Asia was rather happy.
She experienced a lot of new things, yet she also had something's on her mind.
Something that Haruki could see something was heavily on her mind.
Even more as the day went by.
"Asia-san, is there something wrong?"
Seeing it on her face, and how she had been quiet for a little while, Haruki decided to ask outright.
Asia smiled towards Haruki, but at the same time she looked sad.
"Haruki-san...I haven't told you...everything about me...and why I am here..."
"I see...we all keep things back, Asia-san. Even I have."
"You have?"
Asia showed her surprise, so Haruki nodded.
"Yes...there's something about me that I should tell you..."
"...Then can I go first? I...I want to tell you about me Haruki-san. You've shown me so much...I want to explain about me."
Haruki shook his head.
"If you want to, then I'll listen."
"Then...Haruki-san...the Church, I'm...not with it anymore."
"You let it slip when we first met. I didn't press you on it, seeing that it was hard for you to speak about."
"Yes...I did...but, I didn't tell you why...why I had to rely on the Fallen Angels..."
Haruki didn't know still, the Church had been rather private, and didn't release any information about her either.
"If you want to tell me, then I'll listen. But, if you don't...then that's okay too. It's up to you."
Asia truly appreciated that.
That Haruki was allowing her to reveal or not reveal as much as she wanted.
"I want to tell you...because you've been so nice to me. You've helped me so much...Haruki-san, I...I healed a Devil." Haruki furrowed his brows. "When I was...out one day, I came across a Devil, and I healed them...someone from the Church saw my power...and they deemed me to be a Witch..."
As she spoke, Haruki could see that her eyes were beginning to form tears.
He placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It's alright, Asia-san. You don't have to tell me anymore..."
"No, it's okay. Haruki-san, I don't...regret doing that, healing that boy. Even though he was a Devil...I saw that he was hurt, and I didn't want to let him die. Even though...I was cast away from the Church...what I did, I wouldn't change it."
Her words were something Haruki understood.
She was a girl that was raised within the Church, she had a pure heart that didn't want to cause harm to anyone. Even though she had healed a Devil, someone that was against what she believed in...she still did it.
She still healed someone, and that showed that she was a kind girl.
And it also made Haruki understand the circumstances behind why she wasn't with the Church anymore.
"So...that's the reason. Because you healed a Devil, they banished you from the Church."
"My Sacred Gear...Twilight Healing, it has the power to heal. But…it isn't limited to humans. It heals...everything, whether that be human, Devil, or anything else that could need healing with my power. They...banished me for this power...because I used it on a Devil."
Haruki quietly listened as she told him her story.
From how she was abandoned as a baby at the Church. How her Sacred Gear activated at a young age, and she was revered as a high member of the Church. To how she spent her days, and how she also wanted to experience many things in her life.
"Asia-san...you're a good person. You did what you thought was right."
"Yes...I did what I thought was right. But God...I..."
Haruki could see how hard it was for her to speak about it.
The fact that she was being torn between her nature and her belief.
It must be difficult, Haruki thought that at least made the most sense.
"God...to be honest, I'm not religious Asia-san, so I can't comment on God, or the Church's handling of the situation. But God made your Sacred Gear, he made it so that it could heal even a Devil. I'm not saying he's right or wrong in doing that, all I'm saying is that is a fact. You were able to do it, because God gave that power to the Sacred Gear."
"Yes...that's true..."
Asia didn't even think of it like that before.
It gave a new perspective on her thoughts now.
"So...after the Church abandoned you...you didn't have anywhere to go. And the Fallen Angels...offered you salvation, right?"
Asia nodded, tears beginning to escape her eyes.
"I...I didn't know the world outside...I didn't know what to do...I know that Fallen Angels...are cast away from God..."
Haruki gave a soft smile.
"Asia-san...I'll tell you something's about me, okay? Since you've told me so much about yourself." Asia tilted her neck as he continued. "You know...can I ask, even though the Fallen Angels were going to harm you...do you resent them? Fallen Angels as a whole?"
"No...I don't know many Fallen Angels, and there might be good ones..."
Haruki liked that answer.
It showed that even to Fallen Angels, some people that were going to use her, she didn't hold a grudge against Fallen Angels as a whole.
"Then...I'm a Fallen Angel, Asia-san."
Asia gasped.
But...she didn't seem to be afraid either.
She looked more puzzled than anything else.
"I hid it, because I didn't want you to be scared of me...I didn't want you to be shocked. I am...well, technically, I was a Fallen Angel, but also a human. However, for the past few years, I've been a Devil, under a woman named Serafall. My name, is Haruki Himejima."
Haruki clarified, and waited for her reaction.
She didn't say anything for over a minute.
It felt like hours.
"...So, you're Leviathan-sama's Executioner?"
"So you've heard of me?"
Haruki wasn't that surprised.
He knew that the Church probably was aware of his existence.
He didn't know how far it was though, for even a Holy Maiden like Asia to be aware of him.
"Yes...I remember people of the Church saying that you were scary..." Haruki exhaled slowly as Asia continued. "But that can't be true...because, you've been nothing but kind to me, Haruki-san. Even if you're a Devil, or a Fallen Angel...it is shocking...but, I've seen the kindness you have Haruki-san, so I am happy that I met you."
Haruki couldn't contain the smile that was bursting onto his face.
"Thank you...you see, I can understand how you feel. I was banished from my clan at a young age. It was because I was a Fallen Angel and a human. My clan...didn't like that I existed, or my Onee-sama either. They came for us...and they killed my Kaa-chan."
Asia was stunned by the revelation.
She had no idea that he had been through something like that.
"Ooh my...how awful..."
"My Kaa-chan died...and I fled, but was separated from my Onee-sama for about a year. I wont go into everything...but, I understand about being cast away from everything you ever know, into a cold world that doesn't seem to make sense, and people that you aren't sure if you can trust or not. For a year...I couldn't trust anyone either, people turned on me when they found out my heritage."
Asia was glad that there was someone that understood how she had been feeling, what she had been through.
"Yes...I didn't understand many things...even now...there's things that I don't understand..."
Haruki chortled, he remembered a time when he was like that also.
"Hehe, it took me a while to understand the factions, and what was good, how people would react to me. My clan called me a cursed being, and wished for my death. Eventually, we came to an agreement, and they banished us away without interfering with me anymore, nor my Onee-sama. But not before I had to fight the Head of the Clan. I don't know if you're aware of that fact, I've heard in the past few years, some have found out about what happened between me and Suou Himejima, and I don't mind either way if people did know about us. But yes...I ended up winning our fight."
Asia listened to what Haruki was saying, and hearing about his hard life.
She truly did admire that despite having to go through something like that, he still had kindness within him, and his willingness to help even her who was a former member of the Church, it brought her to a conclusion that Haruki truly could be trusted, and that she was safe and happy with him.
"Haruki-san...I had no idea..."
Haruki shook his head.
"It was a while ago, it doesn't bother me now. I mean yeah...my Kaa-chan was someone I loved, and I still love. Even if she's gone, she's still in my memories and while she's there, she'll never truly be gone. That's how I feel about that situation. I do wish everyday she was alive...but, she's always with me. As long as I remember her."
Asia smiled bright at his words.
They sounded so beautiful to her.
"That's so nice Haruki-san. Devils...I was always taught that they were scary and would hurt me...but, you're really kind. A Fallen Angel...Devil...human...Haruki-san, it seems that you've been a lot of things~"
Haruki chortled.
"Seems so~ So, you're not worried about me?"
Asia shook her head.
"No, I'm happy Haruki-san is a good Devil. Though...does this count as a pact with the Devils?"
Haruki laughed loudly, causing Asia to begin laughing cutely.
"No, this isn't a Devils pact, don't worry~"
"Then...even though Haruki-san is a Devil...I can stay with you Haruki-san?"
"If that's what you want...do you want that Asia-san? I'd understand if you didn't want that."
At his question, Asia looked down at the toy that she had gotten, and she smiled at the sight of it.
"With Haruki-san...I am happy. Though I haven't known you Haruki-san long...I know you're a good person. I can feel that you're a good person, and what you've done for me already...I am glad that I met you, Haruki-san. Every word you speak, fills me with warmth."
"Yes...I'm glad I met you also Asia-san. Even though you can't return to the Church...there's many things you can do. Tell me...what would you want to do?"
Asia got into a thinking pose.
"I...I would like to meet new people...and become friends with them."
"We're friends, aren't we?"
Asia smiled even brighter.
"Yes!"
"I know more people you can become friends with. I'm sure they'd love becoming friends with you."
Asia's eyes lit up.
Meeting even more people was a dream of hers.
"That would be good...then we can pick flowers together...and we can go to book stores...I've always wanted to see different places around the world..."
"We can do that. We can do anything you like Asia-san. I know going from the Church to this new life might be worrying. But...maybe it could bring you a different happiness. And if you want to keep helping people...why not? You have that Sacred Gear, you can help many people. Like that boy in the park. You can keep doing that, it doesn't have to stop."
Asia's eyes lit up with happiness.
Her face matched the happiness she felt deep inside.
"Haruki-san...do you think...I could do all of those things?"
"I'll help you do everything you want, Asia-san. Devil, Fallen Angel, human, from the Churches side, from the Devils side...I don't think it should matter. People can be different, but they can still be friends. It's one of the goals I've been working towards for a good while now. It's something my Master also believes in, part of the reason I became her Devil was because she shared that belief."
Asia smiled at his words.
She never expected someone she had heard was a scary existence...to be so kind.
So nice to her.
Some might've said it was an act, to lure her into a false sense of security.
But Asia could tell it wasn't like that at all.
He was being genuine in his words.
His passion made her smile.
Even though he was a Devil...she didn't feel in danger at all.
In fact, she felt like she was with someone that understood her rather well.
Someone that she was beginning to truly like.
When Haruki took Asia home that night, towards his home, he walked in to see that Rias was stood there, together with Sirzechs and some guards. Asia looked perplexed, but Haruki gave her a soft smile.
"Don't worry Asia-san, it's alright."
"Is this...because of me?"
"No...I'm not sure what this is about."
He lied, as Koneko came into the room.
Wordlessly, she went towards Asia, and took her hand.
"Follow me."
She said in a deadpan voice, Asia's eyes went towards Haruki who nodded.
"It's alright Asia-san, she's someone I trust."
Haruki smiled as Asia walked off together with Koneko.
Then his eyes went to Sirzechs.
"Sirzechs-sama, what's going on?"
"I think you know, Haruki-kun...no, Haruki Himejima."
Haruki looked on, showing a curious face.
"No...I don't. What's happening?"
"...There's been a death within the Underworld, and your DNA has been found."
Rias, faking a surprised look, gasped.
"No, it couldn't be Onii-sama!"
"It is Rias, I'm afraid. I also like Haruki, but if his DNA is there. Then I have to do my duty and take him in."
"...No, it can't be. Haruki wouldn't kill someone. Who was it?"
Rias asked, her eyes going between the guards, then towards Sirzechs.
Sirzechs paused for a brief moment, then he continued on.
"The heir to the Glaysa-Labolas. We have heard of your relationship with Zephyrdor-san, and there are some who believe that this might be an act of rebellion against his clan as a whole. The person that died was a good Devil, so Haruki. You're under arrest."
Haruki gave an uncomfortable look, his eyes looking on towards Sirzechs seriously.
"You know I didn't do this."
"I want to believe you, but evidence says otherwise. Please come with me without trouble. Your King is waiting for you."
Rias looked between her brother, and Haruki, disbelief on her face.
"Onii-sama! You can't do this! Haruki hasn't done anything like that!"
"I'm sorry Rias, but this is how it has to be."
Rias showed a dissatisfied face, but Haruki placed his hand out.
"It's alright Rias-chan, I'll go with them and sort this out. This is clearly a mistake, it will be sorted out soon."
"Haruki..."
Haruki lowered his head, moving closer to Sirzechs.
Allowing handcuffs to be placed on him behind his back, Haruki glanced at Rias who looked back towards him.
Sharing a small look between them for the briefest of moments, Haruki then walked away with Sirzechs.
Haruki, Sirzechs and a few guards left together in a flash of light, with Rias looking on sadly.
Once they had gone, Rias exhaled.
"It's time to wait and see who's been with Zephyrdor. Don't worry Haruki...we'll play our part now, and see what happens next."
Rias didn't voice her thoughts, and merely walked away.
Zephyrdor, receiving the news about Haruki being 'arrested', was kiddy with joy. The fact that he had 'succeeded' was something that he couldn't contain. Even as he met with Diodora once more, he was showing his brightest of smiles.
"This is it Diodora, he's finally gone down!"
"Yes, according to the information we've received, even the Maou's are in doubt."
"Now, it's time to finish off the plan. Pin the deaths of the others on Kuroka and Haruki, and gain the powers of those in Kuoh. With the Maou, and Haruki now gone...they'll be easy pickings for us. First, it's time to take care of Kuroka."
"She's still a force, we need to plan carefully, Zephyrdor."
Diodora warned.
Even he wasn't an idiot when it came to things like this.
Zephyrdor though boasted a grin.
"Kuroka might be strong, but I've got some allies that will help me now. Even she wont be able to survive my assault on her, and then I'll amass even more power, together we will bring down those who oppose us."
Diodora didn't show it on his face, but he was rather thrilled to see what was going to happen next.
"Yes, it seems that we're on the way there. But, we have to be careful-"
"I know that!" Zephyrdor snapped, and pumped his fists. "It's just, this is a long time coming! I'm glad that we're finally able to move forward in our plans! And to see that Fallen Angel being taken away. It's so great...I can't express how happy I am right now!"
Zephyrdor's attitude was something Diodora wasn't thrilled to hear.
He really didn't seem to care one way or another.
All he wanted was something Zephyrdor had.
"Then maybe we should begin making plans for when we should strike. We should do it soon, so it would be believable."
"Yes...and we have Freed there, so we can get the drop on them. With him, we'll be able to get there, kill Kuroka, and take some of the unique powers for ourselves, before saving the people that aren't aware of what happened. We'll kill two birds with one stone."
Diodora hummed.
"Yes, and the creatures..."
"You're quite obsessed with them."
Zephyrdor noted, Diodora shrugged.
"I'm just thinking about Kuroka, I heard her power was that of an Ultimate Class Devil, if we're going to do things, then perhaps you should think about using one or two of them. Then we'll be able to make a clean sweep."
Diodora offered, Zephyrdor ran a finger across his chin.
"You make a good point. I don't want to be going in without some kind of backup. Even with Haruki and Serafall not being there, Kuroka might have some strong power, and on the off chance that she could try and get the better of me...alright, I'll take your advice Diodora."
"With what happened to Naberius, we should do what we can and continue his research to create the strongest kind of Devil, and make sure that we are with those in the upper tiers of this world. Surpassing even Sirzechs and the others, with the powers we could gain...it definitely will be worth it."
Diodora filled Zephyrdor's head with words that he believed he'd want to hear.
And he was proven right when Zephyrdor showed a wild and sadistic grin.
"That guy...he really has pissed me off for years. I'm going to make sure that he's going to disappear...him and his little cat..."
Seeing his cold and callus smile on his face, Diodora was quite pleased.
Whatever was going to happen next, Diodora was going to make sure that he gained rather than lost.
After being taken away, a day had gone by, and Haruki sat within a holding cell. He had been 'interrogated' about the crime that happened with the previous heir of the Glasya-Labolas clan. Though it wasn't real, it was very convincingly real.
He looked down at his arm, and had what seemed to be some kind of wristband on that supposedly would alert people to him using his powers, something that he had forced onto him, making it seem more real.
Though it didn't actually do that, Ajuka had made it so it seemed like it did that, when it had another function.
As he was sat there, he saw the door opening.
"My cutest Queen! It's awful what they've done!"
Serafall acted in a cute manner as she rushed Haruki.
Allowing her arms to go around his form, she embraced the young man who did the same thing back.
"It's nice to see you, Sera-tan, it's odd not waking up next to you, or any of the girls. I've been doing that for years at this point."
Serafall giggled, and gave a sad smile.
"Being unable to sleep next to you Haru-chan is awful! Almost as bad as speaking to Gabriel! Which is probably one of the worst things anyone would have to do! You know what I mean Haru-chan?!"
Haruki sweat dropped at that...admission he guessed.
He chuckled awkwardly at what was going on.
"Eh...that's something."
"Don't worry Haru-chan, I'll fight to get you out of here! I know that you're innocent! These naughty guys and girls don't see that my Haru-chan is a good person! And that he wouldn't ever do these horrible crimes!"
Haruki smiled at her words.
Even though he was in no true danger…
He could feel the raw passion from her.
She was a good actress it seemed.
"Thank you for believing in me Sera-tan, with your support I know that I'll be okay from now on."
Haruki smiled out, with Serafall showcasing a grin on her face.
"I know you will Haru-chan! Just wait for me, I'll make sure that you're okay!"
While they exchanged words, Haruki continued to smile while Serafall did the same thing.
Though their was an air of dread that hung in the air.
The atmosphere being easy to read, for anyone that might be reading into it, and observing.
Two days after Haruki had gone, Isane was becoming increasingly worried.
She hadn't seen him for two days now, even though she didn't know what was going on...she felt something was off. The fact that Rias, Akeno and the others all remained quiet on the subject, wasn't something that was thrilling for her.
So she went towards the Occult Research club.
Wanting some answers, she walked into the room, and saw Rias sat down having a cup of tea.
"Ah Rias-senpai...there's something's that I want to ask about."
Rias turned her eyes towards her, and gave a soft smile.
"Of course, what is it you want to discuss?"
"It's to do with Haruki...I haven't seen him in a while. I was wondering if there was something going on that I'm not aware of?"
Rias remained calm.
But on the inside, she did feel a little nervous.
She knew that Isane would ask eventually.
But she didn't want Isane to be in danger either.
"...It's nothing to worry about, he's just doing something for his King, that's all."
Isane didn't know if she should believe Rias or not.
It was something that didn't sound right.
"Is that all Rias-senpai?"
"Yes, of course. Don't worry, he should be back within a day or so. He's just rather busy right now."
Isane didn't have a choice but to believe her.
But she still had some reservations about it.
It just seemed odd that Haruki didn't just say he'd be gone to her directly.
It was true that he didn't have to do that, but she had come to know Haruki over the times they had hung out together, and understood that he wasn't the type to just up and leave without informing others, or if he didn't have a choice, and had to leave at that moment in time.
"Maybe it's some Devil secret that I can't be told about because I'm not a Devil..."
Isane thought, but she didn't know if that would be a good explanation or not.
Rias could see the perplexity on Isane's face, so she spoke up.
"Don't worry about Haruki, he'll be back really soon."
"W-Who said I'm worried?"
She played it off, but Rias could see that she was.
"I know that it must be troubling for you, but I promise you that he is fine."
Rias said with a sincerity that couldn't be any more true sounding if she tried.
Isane nodded slowly.
"Ehehehe, maybe I'm just overreacting or something~ I've just grown accustomed to seeing him in class, and all that...weird, isn't it Rias-senpai?"
"Not really, I think that you and he have a good relationship. It's only natural, I wish I could reassure you more. But that's all I can do. When he's back, I'm sure he'll explain what's been going on. So please wait until then."
Isane nodded.
If she got an explanation later, then she didn't mind at all.
"I understand! I'll wait until then!"
"That's good, then please sit down. I've been wanting to ask you if you wish to become a Devil."
Isane chuckled awkwardly, and moved closer.
Sitting down nearby, she looked on towards the red head.
"To be honest, I can see why it would be good to become a Devil. I wouldn't mind if I did...but..."
"Hmmmm?"
"Like...the fighting. Do you think I could be strong? Haruki said that...I had something special, and while I want to believe that..."
Rias cleared her throat.
"Ise, I'm sure you do have a lot inside of you. You might not know it yet, but I also do believe that Haruki is right. Your potential could be great, your Sacred Gear, while I haven't fully confirmed without it being awakened...it could be on the same level as Haruki's. It feels very strong, powerful. Even if it is in a dormant state like it is now."
"Haruki said...if I awoke it as a human...it could be dangerous..."
"Yes, that's right. It might overwhelm your body."
"...So, I couldn't awaken it without becoming a Devil?"
"Safely, probably not. I'm sorry."
Isane shook her head.
"It's alright, I don't know if I want to awaken it anyway~"
"I see."
Isane furrowed her brows, as she thought of something she wanted to ask.
Something that had been on her mind for a little while.
"...By the way, I've been observing Haruki and such for a little while...and your Evil Pieces...do they only go to people like you, Rias-senpai?"
"You mean...pure bloods?" Isane nods, Rias shakes her head to Isane's bewilderment. "They can go to any High Class Devil, there's been plenty of Reincarnated Devils that have received a set of Evil Pieces. How come you wanted to-"
"C-Could you build a harem with them?!"
"Harem..."
"Y-Yes! A group like that, could be a harem, right?!"
Rias pursed her lips.
"Certainly, it's possible. Why are you asking? Do you want to fill it with attractive guys? It would be alright if you did."
Isane to Rias' bewilderment shook her head.
"Actually, I want to fill it with beautiful girls!"
"Girls...huh?"
"Yeah, then Haruki would have the ultimate harem!"
Rias was...definitely surprised that Isane had said that.
"...I'm sorry?"
"Yeah! It would make the most sense! I've always thought about a harem! Ever since I was young! Being apart of the best harem ever! It's been a dream of mine! A group of my own, all loving and affectionate with Haruki! Wouldn't that be the best thing ever?!"
Rias blinked a few times, trying to get into the head space that Isane had.
"Eh...I haven't thought about it before, but if that's what you have decided...then I don't see why you couldn't do that..."
"That would be amazing, don't you think so Rias-senpai? Aah, that would be a good dream..."
Rias just smiled at the young woman.
She believed Isane could do it for that reason, she had seen many things happen within the world, so doing it for that reason made sense to her, when it came from Isane. Though, Rias felt as if there was something more to her words than she had actually said.
As if Isane was thinking more deeper than simply having a harem.
As that was going on, within Kuoh, Freed managed to walk around, and was using the cover of darkness to make his way towards a certain house, and decided to lay in waiting for a certain girl to appear there.
When he got there, his excitement grew more and more, higher to the point that Freed wasn't able to contain it for very long.
Staring through the window, he saw that Ise's Mother, and Father were having a normal conversation, unaware of the dangers that they were going to be in.
"Ooh my, it's time for me to go and get what I desire! Hahahaha!"
Freed ran towards the house.
His high speed made him cross the road within a second.
When his hand went towards the door...
Something strange happened.
The door began to glow, as did the house.
His eyes went up to see that there was some kind of barrier forming around, but then electricity came out, and struck him in his upper body.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
The lightning was so intense that he was blown away by it.
Flying across the road, his body slammed hard into the ground, causing him to wince at the feeling.
"W-What the..."
Freed's eyes went towards the house, and saw a holographic Haruki waving his finger as he winked and stuck out his tongue.
Freed's anger began to bubble over, and cursed "You bastard!" but due to it being a hologram, it didn't answer.
Freed twitched his eyebrows as he stood up.
"Then, I'll have to go with my back up plan...hehehehe..."
Freed laughed darkly as he ran away from the house.
A small time later, Kuroka sat within the living room, her eyes on the TV before her, acting rather causal.
Using her Senjutsu to sense all around the town, to make sure that she wasn't ambushed, she had to do it the best way that she could do.
Though it was hard to do it, to scan the town constantly…
She knew that she'd have to do it.
However, each time she did, she felt something was...blocking her.
She didn't think it was Devil in origin, she would have known that if that was the case, since she had spent a long time with Devils now.
It was something else entirely.
"What is this...it's not that large...it can't be Zephyrdor, the power isn't that strong...Zephyrdor's power is around High Class...and this feels weaker than that...but there's definitely something that's going on..."
Kuroka tried harder.
Using her powers to pinpoint what she was sensing.
She had picked up bits of it over the past few days, but each time she did, they disappeared relatively quickly, and she didn't think much of them, even having some people look into it, but she still didn't find anything.
This time though it was staying in a single place, and she was sure she was beginning to feel what it truly was…
"Damn, it's small...but it's definitely there...shit!"
Kuroka jumped to her feet, and readied to contact someone else…
When she felt a new power coming.
She looked towards the door, and felt the power at the door.
She scowled, and she placed her hand outwards, creating a barrier that repelled the incoming attack that came. The barrier around the house blocked off the hit, and then she moved forward, opening the door.
As she did…
She saw him stood there, his hand crackling with demonic power.
Zephyrdor.
Not just Zephyrdor, but his peerage also.
His Queen, Rooks, Bishops, Knights and Pawns.
All of them having a scary appearance, looking otherworldly.
"So you've come, Zephyrdor. Cockily I might add."
"Hey Kuroka, it has been a while, hasn't it? Having fun in the human world?"
Zephyrdor's cold words didn't make Kuroka flinch in the slightest.
"Are you supposed to scare me? I'm sorry but I don't get frightened so easily."
Kuroka said while manifesting an aura around her.
Zephyrdor scoffed at the aura.
"You don't scare me."
"Really? You should be scared of me Zephyrdor."
Kuroka growled out, but Zephyrdor showed a dirty smirk on his face.
"Is that so? I don't think that's the case. Because, you're about to die, and I'm about to win, at life. You and your Fallen Angel scummy boyfriend are going to be blamed, and there's nothing that you can do about it."
Kuroka scowled.
She expected this.
But seeing the cocky expression on his face…
She didn't like it.
Whatever he had planned…
It wasn't something she cared for, so she felt like she was going to stop him no matter what.
However, she also made sure that this would be caught, so he couldn't wriggle his way out of it.
What he said, his actions.
Everything, she wasn't about to allow him to do as he liked.
Meanwhile, having heard of the situation being dire, Isane was transported back to her home by Rias...
Or so she thought.
When she was transported, Isane looked around the room she was in.
It wasn't her bedroom.
It wasn't a room she recognized actually.
She saw that the walls were dirty.
The floors had holes in them.
The windows looked to be in a complete mess.
"E-Eh..."
Isane looked around, seeing a door.
She went out of it, and saw an empty hallway.
"Did...Gremory-senpai get it wrong?"
Isane mumbled, as she heard a noise coming from downstairs.
Becoming increasingly worried about what might be happening, Isane rushed down the stairs.
She looked into the living room...and saw nothing there.
She didn't dare even try to find the source of the noise, she felt worried, sick even.
But then, when she went to leave, she heard the sound of a bullet, then the piercing sound that was right by her head.
"Aaah!"
She jumped, and whizzed around, seeing someone stood there on the stairs.
In priest clothing, having white hair and red eyes that felt like they were piercing.
Freed was stood within her living room, and he held a dirty smirk on his face.
"Hello there Isane-chan~"
Isane clutched her hands together, her eyes building with her worry.
"...You...who are you?"
Freed showed a disturbing expression on his face, and he skipped forward.
Isane pulled back, seeing the deranged look on his face, and went into the living room, as Freed forced her into that way, blocking her escape.
He might've been handsome to her, but she knew that he wasn't a good person by the way that he was looking at her.
"My name? It's simple! It's Freed! I'm going to be the one that takes you out! Associating with Devils, and thinking about becoming one. That truly is a sin that's worthy of punishment! First of all, I'm going to kill your parents!"
When he said that...her world began to shatter.
She felt her arm suddenly burning for some reason…
No, it didn't feel like she was being harmed from the heat.
But it felt intense.
As if it was going up her arm.
"No! You can't! They don't know anything about this!"
Freed stuck out his tongue, showing a strange grin on his face.
"That's how it's going to be! Your parents are going to die before you! Well, once I capture you that is, and deliver you back home, they'll surely come out and play with me, right? They care enough about you to come out of that damn barrier that damn Haruki set up, right?"
"Barrier...he set up..."
"That's right, he set one up to protect your family against forces of darkness like me~ The only reason you're here is because I got a device from my benefactors that allowed me to highjack your teleportation circle, since it is a simple one from a Devil, a device from them was enough for you to come here~ It's a wonderful device, but so hard to come by, it must be shocking right!?"
Isane felt her stomach churning, yet at the same time was happy her parents weren't in any danger.
"So...you're going to capture me...then have my parents come out of their safety barrier...so you can kill them?!"
"Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner here! Well, a loser I should say~ Then after I'm done with them, I'm going to kill you! Though you do have a cute face, I'm going to have to show you my incredible power and slice you down! Fufu, I wonder what your body is going to look like cut up into tiny pieces?! Do Devil lovers bleed good!? We're about to find out!"
Isane panicked.
Feeling it rising within her body, she was scared that her parents could be killed for something they had no control over.
She also felt the weird sensation on her arm again.
She wasn't sure what it was…
But she knew that with Haruki not around, and no way for her to call for help…
She had to do something.
To make sure her parents didn't suffer.
End chapter!
So, this chapter had Asia and Haruki bond a bit more, showing her the town and revealing to her that he was in fact a Devil and because of how he had cared for her, showing her that all Devils aren't so bad, she was quite accepting of the idea that he was one, and the two have grown even closer.
Zephyrdor's plan has been set in motion...or at least he thinks it is succeeding, with Haruki and Serafall being quite aware of what's been going on, playing along to see who has been helping them from the Devils side, the people mentioned back when the Kuroka and Shirone arc was going off.
He's even planning to implicate Kuroka in the deaths of those in Kuoh, and Freed, trying to get his hands on Isane's parents failed due to Haruki stopping him, decided to go with a different plan, and use Isane as bait. But, it seems that something is happening with her, her arm, so we'll see what happens next time!
Happy Holliday's to all and I hope you enjoy your day!
Well until next time, thanks for reading!
Haruki's peerage
Queen; Vali.
Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.
Bishops; Ravel, Asia.
Knights; Lint, Meredith.
Pawns; Elmenhilde (two pieces), Kuroka (three pieces), Le Fay (three pieces).
Haruki; Serafall, Sona, Ravel, Koneko, Kuroka, Gabriel, Akeno, Vali (fem), Isane, Xenovia, Rias, Irina, Asia, Rossweisse, Le Fay, Meredith, Elmenhilde, Lint,
