"Ugh… Whe-Where am I?" Groaning in pain, I try to open my eyes but found something obscuring them. I try to move, but someone stops me.

"Don't move. You were hurt badly by that stray exorcist, the light he used was quite potent." A soft voice whispers. "I was able to heal most of the damage done to your thigh, but your shoulder is taking much longer."

"My shoulder? What-" Freed! The house! Asia! "I was shot! Asia! I need to help her-"

"Calm down!" The voice became harsh as pressure is placed upon my body. "The more you struggle, the harder it will be to help."

My anger, confusion, and the pain is replaced with calm. "What… ?"

"Relax, we're almost done." It felt like an eternity passed when finally, the pressure on my body was removed, and whatever was obscuring my eyes was removed. "Okay, you can open them." Light flooded my vison, grunting in pain I try to lift my arm but found I couldn't. It took a bit, but the light dimmed enough to see Rias's concerned face staring down at me.

"Rias?"

The red-head slowly nods. "How do you feel?"

"Like I was run over by a truck, and that truck was Optimus Prime." I slowly start to look around with a frown. I am in a large tiled room with a shower… Okay, I'm in a bathroom. Next to me is several bloodied bandages, a bottle of rubbing alcohol, and a pan with a bullet inside it. "Is that what took so long?"

My devil master nods, a frown marred her features. "Most exorcists use bullets made of pure light, similar to their blades."

"Guess that freak Freed likes to be different." I mutter darkly. "Rias, we need to get-" I try to sit up but was forced down by the older girl. "-Ow."

"I know you're worried about that girl, but you can't do anything in your condition." Rias spoke with a stern tone. "Right now, you need to rest." She's right… But I still can't just leave Asia… Freed will- "Sleep."

(Third Person POV, Rias Gremory:)

Rias exhales as exhaustion fills her body, the healing magic, and sleep spell taking its toll on her. "I should take my own advice and get some rest." Slowly standing up, the devil heiress, leaves the clubhouse bathroom to see Akeno standing by the door.

"How is he?" The black-haired teen asks.

"Exhausted and worried. I had to place a sleeping spell on Magnus; otherwise, he would have rushed after that girl." Rias crosses her arms as she leans against the doorframe. "I am sorry for making you stay this late."

Akeno bows her head. "Not at all president, I am more than happy to help."

A small and grateful smile appears on the red-head's lips. "Thank you. What have you discovered?"

"The fallen angels, along with the stray exorcist, and girl have retreated back to the church. It seems they are preparing for some kind of ritual. We would have found out specifics, but because they are on high alert, I didn't think it wise to have our familiars risk getting caught."

"Good thinking." Rias nods as she began to think. "Is there any indication that these fallen are with the Grigori?"

Akeno shakes her head. "As far as I can tell, they are a splinter group, there is no sign of any official support from their higher-ups."

As the devil-heiress took in this information, a plan began to take shape in her mind. "Akeno, have you contacted Sona like I asked?"

"I have, and sadly, she is in the Underworld on family business, and won't arrive until the day after tomorrow."

That is disappointing. "I was hoping to have her support, but we'll be fine without her."

"Wouldn't it be better to call in reinforcements from the Underworld?" Akeno asks with a raised eyebrow.

"No. If they aren't a splinter group, this could cause a major incident." Rias huffs out a sigh. "I wish we could do more surveillance, but given the situation, we'll make do." Moving away from the door, Rias walks to the couch and sits down. "What these fallen have done is unforgivable, killing two innocent humans…" Rias grits her teeth in frustration, before sighing. "On top of that… The girl. Asia, I believe her name is... We will rescue her if we can."

"You are quite the softie." Akeno comments with a smirk.

"Perhaps." Rias doesn't dispute her best friend as she stands and walks to the bathroom. "For now… I'll take Magnus home and help him heal overnight. He should be healed enough by tomorrow morning; I just hope he is ready for what will happen."

(First POV, Magnus:)

A groan slowly escapes my lips as my eyes open in confusion. "Where…? Wait, I'm back home?" I slowly sit up in my bed. "I thought I was in-Why am I naked?"

"Mmm…."

I lift the blankets to see the sleeping form of Rias Gremory, and much like myself… She is naked. "She must have healed me again…" Wait a second….Asia! I need to go-

"Magnus?" Rias groans as she sits up and looks around.

"Oh…" I avert my gaze with a blush. "We've got to stop meeting like this."

The crimson-haired beauty cracks a smile. "If you're making jokes, I guess you're feeling better."

I look over the places I was wounded; both were completely closed up, but there were a couple of nasty scars. Slowly I stand up and start to rub my shoulder and thigh. "A bit sore, but I'll manage."

"Good." Rias climbs out of bed and starts to dress. "You are going to need your strength."

I turn around my eyes wide. "Wait, do you-"

"Tonight, we are going to rescue your friend."

Time passed by too slow for my liking, my every waking thought consumed with rescuing Asia. I wanted to go the moment I woke up, but Rias convinced me otherwise. She explained that I would need more time to fully recover, there was still some residual damage from my fight with Freed. By the end of the school day, I was almost at full strength, and by tonight I should be back to one hundred percent. Still, I was worried if it was enough. Not only would we be facing down Freed again, but we would also fight the fallen angels… No, I can't let that stop me. I am not going to just leave someone to the mercies of people like Freed.

It was a little before sunset as we set out for the church, all of us looked ready for battle. Koneko has a pair of black MMA gloves with a pink paw print design on the back. Kiba has his hand on his sword. Rias and Akeno didn't look too different, but I could feel a surge of energy.

"Magnus stay close by us tonight. You got lucky in your confrontation with Freed, don't expect things to go the same way again." My devil master explains as we walked through the woods. "But if anything happens, there is something you need to know. Much like the others, you also possess a special power."

"Wait, what?" My eyes widen in surprise.

"Devil pawns when they are in enemy territory or have permission can promote." Rias says with a grim expression.

Promote? I feel like I've heard that somewhere before…. "Cool?"

"She means you can turn yourself into any other piece except the king." Akeno explains helpfully. "When you are close enough to the church, just say Promotion and what piece."

"… Damn." I mutter in surprise… With this knowledge, I might actually survive a fight. Being as strong and durable as Koneko, or as fast as Kiba would really come in handy. Combine that with that boost power of my Sacred Gear… It should make rescuing Asia easier.

"Now, when we get to the church, we'll need-" Rias stops suddenly and starts to look around. "-Akeno, it seems like we have company."

With a curt nod, Akeno summons a magical circle underneath her. Her school uniform was replaced with the traditional Miko, or shrine maiden outfit. "This should be fun." The black-haired beauty laughs a little. A group of men surrounds us; all of them wore outfits similar to Freed. Each one of them had a blade of light in one hand and a pistol in the other.

"Exorcists." Summoning my Sacred Gear, I drop into a fighting stance.

Kiba draws his sword and moves closer to the group. "Looks like we'll have a little warmup before the church."

"Sorry, but you won't get that far."

Descending from the sky like the dark specter of death itself, three fallen angels land in the trees above us. The first one I recognized; was the fedora-wearing fallen angel I met a few nights ago. Dohnaseek. The second fallen angel is a young-looking girl with bright blonde hair, tied in twin-tails, she has blue eyes and white skin. The blonde fallen angel is dressed in 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. She also has on a large black bow on top of her hair.

The third fallen angel is a tall and buxom woman with brown eyes and long, navy blue hair that obscured her right eye. She has a maroon, trench coat-like top with a wide collar, a matching miniskirt, and black heeled shoes. The trench coat top was open at her chest, giving view to her breasts and cleavage. Around her neck is a gold necklace. What was truly strange, is that the two women had silver-streaks through their hair…. Just like Yuuma.

"I told you before that I hoped we would not meet again." Dohnaseek locks eyes with me.

"Dohnaseek, do you know this devil?" The blonde asks the taller man.

With a nod, Dohnaseek pushes his hat up. "I do, Mittelt. This group took care of that stray devil."

"Oh, right!" The now named Mittelt turns to look at me. "Wait, I know him too! Kalawarner! Look, it's that loser that Raynare dated!"

The blue-haired woman brushes a strand of hair out of her eyes as she puts a hand on her hip. "Well, now, that is a surprise. Who knew that the boy we watched over a year ago would become a devil."

Raynare? Is that Yuuma's real name? "Wait, you guys were watching me?"

"Before we left the Grigori, we were tasked with discovering what your Sacred Gear was, who knew it would be such a dud!" Mittelt giggles madly. "A Twice Critical! I can't believe-"

"Enough Mittelt." Kalawarner snaps with a glare. "We have a job to do, we can't let them interrupt the ritual."

Hundreds of questions burned within my mind, but they would have to wait till later. "I-"

Rias places a hand on my shoulder and forces me to look at her. "You, Kiba and Koneko go ahead. Akeno and I will remain here and hold them back."

"Are you sure-" My words die in my throat when I see the look on her face; she looks determined and angry. "-Okay, just be careful." I look at Kiba and Koneko, both nod and start to run. I follow behind them, both running as fast as I can.

"Get back here-What a barrier!?"

"Sorry, but you are stuck with us now."

The sound of gunfire and lightning could be heard from behind us, I briefly turn to look back at the others but found a black inky barrier obscuring my vision. "Are we sure they will be fine on their own?"

"Don't worry, Magnus, those two can take care of themselves." Kiba reassures me. "Now, pick up the pace, we need to help your friend."

I nod at the blonde a frown on my face, I hope he is right. "Yeah… They mentioned something about a ritual that didn't sound good." After several minutes of running, we found ourselves in front of the church. Standing in front of these doors, I breathe out a shaky sigh. "Guys. Thank you." I turn to look at Kiba and Koneko with a grateful look.

"We're friends. No need for your thanks." Kiba's mask suddenly slips as his real face appears again. "Plus, I have my own reasons. Let's just say I hate priests and angels, fallen or otherwise."

"I owe you for helping me with my homework." Koneko kicks open the doors to the church nonchalantly.

As we follow behind her, my mouth drops open in shock. The church is completely empty, no fallen angels, no stray priests, nothing. Everything seemed normal… If you could call a desecrated church normal. The pews were chopped up and left scattered all across the floor, the pulpit had profanities carved into it. I know I'm a devil and all but this… Just seems extremely…. "… Wrong. Let's be careful, we don't-"

"Welcome, welcome!" The sound of clapping followed the voice, appearing from the shadows near the pulpit is Freed. "I'm so glad you make it. Did you miss me?" The madman asks with a cheery grin.

I growl angrily at him. "Not on your life, you freak. Now get out of my way."

"Tsk tsk tsk." Freed clicks his tongue and wags his finger at me. "Here's the thing kid, I pride myself on never having to fight the same devil more than once. Yet here you are, alive and well!" Freed draws his sword of light and pistol. "I won't be mocked by you again! So, I think I'll peel your flesh off and eat it, piece by piece." Freed flushes and licks the barrel of his gun. "Just the thought makes my mouth water."

Koneko covers her mouth tries not to gag. "Sicko."

"This guy is a piece of work." Kiba shakes his head in disgust.

"Enough! Tell me where is Asia!?" I shout at the madman.

"Oh, you mean that devil loving whore of a Sister? She is down in the basement underneath the alter, not that you'll get there."

Kiba nods. "Downstairs. Got it. Koneko now!"

"Right!" Picking up a broken pew, the small girl tosses it at the madman.

Freed slashes through the wood easily with a grin. "You're pretty strong for a runt!"

Uh oh… There is one thing you never, ever do with Koneko. Make fun of her height. "Suck it, douchebag." Koneko tosses another piece of debris at the madman, Freed jumps over the projectile and found himself face to face with Kiba.

The two began to trade blows each swing faster than the next, both men showcasing their skills as a swordsman. The two fighters ended up in a blade lock, each one struggling from dominance. Freed points his gun t Kiba with a mad grin. "Come on, show me something interesting!"

As Freed pulls the trigger, Kiba breaks the lock and jumps over the madman. Turning around quickly, he kicks the stray exorcist in the back. "You're not bad for a fake."

"I could say the same of you, br-" Freed never finished his sentence as Kiba begins his attack once more. "Ohh, sore subject!? Well, I guess it would be with you!" Freed cackles insanely as he continues to fire his gun.

"I'm done playing games." Kiba mutters darkly as the metal blade became an inky void of darkness, the opposite of Freed's sword of light. The devil knight swung his sword down onto Freed's, inky black tendrils stretch out to the sword of light. The tendrils began to consume the sword of light until nothing remained. Kiba tries to slice at the madman, but Freed jumps away with a freaked out look. He pulls out another sword of light, but the same thing happened again.

"What the hell is that!?" He shouts in confusion and fear.

Kiba smirks as he brandishes his sword and shoots Koneko and me a look to get involved. "The Hoy Eraser, a blade of darkness that devours light!"

I run toward Freed alongside Koneko. "Time to see what this power can do! Promotion Rook!" Strength and power fill my limbs.

"I am so tired of this bullshit!" The priest turns toward us and fires his gun at me.

In slow motion, I watch as the bullet strikes my shoulder and… Nothing happened. It felt like I was being poked by a toddler. A massive grin forms on my face. "This is going to be good."

"Oh… I'm fucked aren't I?" Freed starts to back up nervously.

"No, kidding." Koneko shouts as she kicks the mad priest in the stomach.

I kicked the silver-haired man in the crotch as hard as I can, the force of the attack pushed the madman into a wall. "That's for trying to rape Asia!" Freed crumples to the floor, seemingly unconscious… Why don't I believe he is actually out cold? We should probably secure him.

"Come on." Kiba places a hand on my shoulder. "We can worry about Freed later."

"I found the entrance." Koneko rips the pulpit off the ground to reveal a hidden staircase, the small girl tosses it on top of Freed. The three of us ran down the stairs until we found ourselves in a vast underground cavern. Over twenty exorcists stood around a large altar, on top of the platform is a glowing stone cross. Strapped to cross is Asia, who is wearing a white gown, and next to her is… Yuuma!

"Easy Magnus."

I look down to see Koneko, touching my Sacred Gear. The small girl has a look of discomfort on her face. "I… Right."

Yuuma-No, Raynare turns to look at us with a smirk. "Welcome to the party devils, but if you're here for the Sister-Well, you are too late."

"Asia!" I try to move to the girl but was stopped by Kiba, and Koneko as a massive spear of light exploded right in front of us. The force sent the three of us into a wall, knocking the wind out of us all. "Oof." If it wasn't for the power of the Rook, I am sure I would have died. "That's going to leave a mark."

"Don't worry Magnus, I'll fix that. Right after I finish with Asia." Raynare turns back to the cross, as Asia begins to scream in pain. A bright light begins to come from the small girl. "Soon, I'll have Twilight Healing in my own hands."

"…. They are taking their Sacred Gear." Kiba slowly starts to stand, a look of horror on his face. "They're going to kill her."

"No!" I start to rush forward but was pulled back by Koneko. "But they-"

"It's too late." The small girl shakes her head sadly.

I pull my hand free from her grasp, but as I try to run toward Asia, my jaw drops in shock. "No… No…" Asia stops screaming as a green orb floats from her chest. and into Raynare's outstretched hands. "Damn it!" Without any more hesitation, I run toward the altar. Several priests move to stop me, ducking underneath a few blades of light, I switch promotions. "Knight!" The Rook's power and strength left my body, but it was replaced with an incredible sense of lightness… No, not just lightness. It was like everything slowed down. I move around my attackers and kick them all in the back. The world suddenly sped up, and the men went flying.

Holy crap…

"Heads up!" Kiba appears behind me, blocking an attack from another exorcist, as Koneko begins tossing the stray priests left and right.

"We got this." The small girl nods at me.

I nod my thanks and run up the stairs to the altar, the blonde looks bad… Really bad. Extremely pale and sickly, her breathing is shallow and haggard. "Asia…"

Raynare smirks and snaps her fingers, the chains holding Asia to the cross, come undone. "You want her? You can have her."

I catch Asia's body as she falls, my eyes filled with worry. "Don't worry, we're going to get you out of here."

"You… Came…?" Asia's eyes flutter open.

"I did… We're friends, aren't we?" I smile slightly, before turning my gaze to Raynare. "Put her Sacred Gear back!"

The fallen angel places a hand on her chest. "Magnus I'm hurt, that's all you have to say to me after all this time?"

"I won't ask again." I growl angrily at the dark-haired girl.

Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Raynare holds out her hand, a spear of light appearing in it. "So tough, did you finally grow a pair when you became a hellspawn?"

"Magnus, we need to get out of here, now!" Kiba shouts.

"Sorry, sweetie, but you aren't leaving here-Get back, Maverick!"

As she monologed, I ran toward the exit with Kiba and Koneko backing us up. However, as I ran up the stairs, neither of my friends followed me. "Come on, guys!"

"We'll cover you." Kiba says with a confident smile.

"You'll just be in our way if you stay." A small smirk found its way onto Koneko's face.

I hesitate for a second before nodding. "Thank you, my friends… I'll pay you back for this." I run around up the stairs into the chapel, I look around briefly to see that Freed is no longer around. He must have woken up and run away. Hopefully. "Okay Asia, I'll-"

"Magnus… Lay me down… Please?" Asia's voice is barely above a whisper.

I shouldn't, but… With a sigh, I lay the girl on an unbroken pew. Taking off my blazer, I use it to cushion her head. "Just stay here Asia, I need to help my friends-"

Asia grips my shirt weakly, with tears in her eyes. "I know it wasn't long… But-I was blessed to have known you… To have…. You as a friend…"

Oh, God… No, please, no… "Asia… It's okay, don't talk like that. You'll… You'll be fine… After this, we can… Go back to the arcade, play whack-a-mole again… And see a movie…"

"I'm sorry… But I-I don't think I can make it." The blonde's breathing began to slow down. "I… wish I had known you… Before…"

"Don't talk like that, you'll be-you'll be fine!" I shout as I grip her hand in my hand. "Just… Stay with me… Okay?" When she didn't respond, my eyes widen… She's… She's dead. Shaking violently, I wrap my arms around her body as I began to cry. Why…. Why… Why…. "Why!? Why God!? Give her back, please… She is an innocent…. Please… Give her back…" I begged and pleaded in frustration and anguish.

"A devil praying to God in church? How pathetic."

My head shoots up to see Raynare, staring at me with a nasty look. "You…."

"If she hadn't met you… None of this would have happened." Raynare slowly walks around an evil look in her eyes. "I wouldn't have taken her power; your friends down there wouldn't have to die. If you had just died on your birthday like a good boy. None of this would have happened. This is all your fault Magnus, your just a walking disaster."

… My fault… My fault?

"You failed to protect her and all your little friends." Raynare shakes her head with a sigh. "It seems anyone who gets involved with you is going to meet a horrible end."

'That is the fate of those who are involved with us.'

No… No…. No… No… No! Shakily I put Asia's body down and stand up. "Gi… Giv…. Give her back!"

"Dragon Boost!"

A bright red light erupts from my body, the floor cracks, and shatters beneath my feet. Jumping straight at the fallen angel, I slam my armored fist into her face. Raynare quickly summons her wings to stop herself from slamming against the wall. As she takes off into the air, I switch to the Rook promotion. Jumping straight above the fallen angel, and I deliver an axe kick to her head. "Boost!" Raynare slams into the ground, creating a four-foot crater.

"Ho-How, are you so strong?" She asks shakily as I land in front of her.

"Get up!" I shout as I punch her again and again. "You've made a poor decision, and now you must pay."

Raynare chuckles as she shakily stands, and drives a spear of light into my stomach. "So have you, sweetie, you should have just killed me instead of playing around."

My eyes widen in pain as I fall over. "No…" Coughing up blood, I watch in horror as Raynare begins to heal her own wounds.

"Amazing, isn't it? Fallen angels lost the protection of God; thus, we need other means of healing ourselves." Raynare removes the spear of light from my stomach and drives it into my right leg. Then with another one, she stabs my left thigh. "Light is toxic to your kind, just touching it scorches your body. It's said to be the most intense and worst pain a devil can experience." My ex-girlfriend shrugs and walks away.

Am I… Going to die…? Is this really how it ends…

(Third Person POV, Rias Gremory:)

"Ugh… Take down this stupid barrier!" The blonde fallen angel shouts in annoyance.

Rias simply rolls her eyes at the demand. "And let you go and help you, your friends at the church? No, I don't think so." Ever since Akeno set up the barrier, the fallen angels, and the stray exorcists tried their best to escape and go after the others. Luckily, the two devils were able to keep them here. "Akeno, how are things on your end?"

"They're fine, though a little boring. None of them are lasting very long." Akeno sighs in disappointment as she releases another blast of lightning at the stray exorcists.

"That girl is messed up." Mittelt shakes her head in disgust.

"Tell me, something devil, what do you plan to accomplish by keeping us here?" The blue-haired fallen angel asks. "Those three you sent off will die, especially the bronze-haired one."

Mittelt laughs nastily. "Yeah, who knew his Sacred Gear was so pitiful? Our former bosses thought he could be an asset or a threat, but it turns out he is just dead weight."

A massive explosion erupts from Rias as an aura of destruction surrounds her. "You dare mock my precious servants?"

"Uh, oh." Akeno eyes widen. "Now you have done it."

Fear fills the eyes of the two female fallen angels as Rias advances toward them. "You think he is dead weight? Magnus possesses the potential to be the strongest pawn."

(First Person, POV, Magnus Maverick:)

What's the matter? Are you merely going to give up? Death awaits if you do nothing, will you let Asia's death be for nothing?

No… I won't die… Not again… Gritting my teeth, I grip my stomach with my Sacred Gear… I need to close this wound shut… If I can do that… I'll… I'll… "EXPLOSION!" Searing white-hot pain surges across my body, the smell of burning flesh, and blood overwhelmed my senses. "Ahhh!"

"What is this… No, that's not possible! A low ranking devil-like yourself shouldn't be able to do that!"

Removing the spear of light from my thigh, I struggle to stand to my feet, holding my stomach. "I… Don't care what happens to me… Trust me… The pain… It doesn't exactly tickle, and I feel like dying… But… If I do… I am at least taking you with me!" I spread my devil wings and fly straight at the fallen angel.

"No!" Raynare screams as she throws a spear of light at me.

Smacking it out of the way, I slam my knee into her face. As she crumbles to the ground, I slowly walk behind her. Placing my foot against her back, I grip her wings tightly. "You… Took her life… So I'm taking your wings!" With strength, I didn't even know I possessed; I tear the feathery appendages out of her back. Blood and feathers covering the ground. "Now… When you get to hell… Tell the devil I sent you!" I toss away the now useless wings, and with the last of my strength, I throw my bitch of an ex-girlfriend out of the church's windows. Panting heavily, I start to stumble back but found someone holding me up.

"That was pretty hardcore, Magnus." Kiba says with a legitimate smile.

"Kiba…? Good to see your alive…." Oh god, I feel sick… I think I need to lay down… Everything is kind of fuzzy.

"I would have been here sooner, but it took a lot longer to deal with those stray exorcists." The blonde explains with an apologetic expression. "In fact, if Rias hadn't shown up, it would have been a lot longer."

"Rias is here…?"

"Yes, I am."

Kiba, helps me turn around to see my devil master. Rias has her arms crossed with a concerned look. "I am sorry it took so long, but I just want to say that I am proud of you. I knew you could defeat Raynare."

"You did… Wait, where are Koneko and Akeno?" I ask… Oh, no did they-

"Did someone order this?" Walking into the church is Koneko and Akeno. The smaller girl is dragging Raynare in by her hair, with Akeno politely following behind... The little girl tosses the fallen angel at Rias's feet and crosses her arms.

"Lovely entrance Raynare." Rias kneels down in front of my ex. "I am Rias Gremory, the next head of the House of Gremory."

Despite the pain of loss from her wings, Raynare looks afraid. "No… Not you…"

"I would say it's wonderful to meet you, but I'm not a liar." Rias shakes her head. "Oh, and if you are wondering about your backup, don't they aren't coming. All of your stray exorcists have been killed, and your fellow fallen angels have been dealt with."

"Damn… You guys really cleaned house…" I mutter as my head starts to spin.

"Rias's fuse is long, but when pushed, she really lives up to her nickname. The Crimson-Haired Princess of Ruin." Akeno giggles

"Whoa…. That's amazing… And scary to be honest…. Oh, look spots…"

Rias shoots me a look of concern before smiling. "Oh, Raynare, I am sure you are wondering how you could have been beaten by Magnus. Right? Well, your little friend Mittelt thought his Sacred Gear was a Twice Critical. She was wrong. You were defeated by the Red Dragon. It can Boost its power every ten seconds, which allows the user to transcend both God and Satan. It's one of the thirteen Longinus type of Sacred Gears, a god killer. The Red Dragon Emperor's left hand. The Boosted Gear."

…. Wait what!?

"The only downside is that it takes time for its immense power to build up. If you had killed Magnus outright, you might have won this little fight." Rias shrugs as a black and red aura surrounds her body. "Now, any last words before I end your life?"

Raynare suddenly turns to look at me, her face changing completely. "Magnus… Please… Help me…"

… "What…?"

"I don't want to die… I don't even know why I…" My ex-girlfriend breaks down in tears. "… Please don't let her kill me… I'm sorry…."

"…."

"You have toyed with his emotions for the last time, now be-"

"Wait…." I say in a hoarse voice. "Don't… Don't kill her…Asia… She… She wouldn't want that…." I think I must be going insane from the pain, but am I considering sparing this woman? The woman who murdered me? The woman who murdered my friend- 'It's your fault' "Please… Just… Take her into jail or something… She shouldn't die… Or else she won't…"

The group stares at me in shock, before a small smile appears on Rias's face. "You are too kind. Akeno, call the Archduke. Have him send some guards to escort this… Thing to the Underworld."

"Right away, president." Akeno bows and summons aa magical circle around her ear.

"Now, before they take you away-" Rias walks over to Raynare and snatches Asia's Sacred Gear away from her. Rias motions to Koneko and the smaller girl hits my ex over the head, knocking her out. "-Let's return these, shall we?"

With some help from Kiba and Rias, we walk over to Asia's body and place the rings back on her fingers. "I… I'm sorry… You all helped me and fought so hard, but… I failed…"

"You have nothing to apologize for. This world is still new to you, nobody here blames you. Least of all Asia." Rias places a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Now, look here." The crimson-haired beauty holds a chess piece in front of me.

"The, bishop…? Does that mean-"

"Yes, our dear Sister is about to be reborn." Resting the piece over Asia's heart, Rias raises her arms up. "In the name of Rias Gremory, I call to Asia Argento. Hear my command, return thy soul from the shadows of death to the human realm. Rise as my devil servant and rejoice as have you have been given new life." The Gremory crest appears underneath Asia, as the bishop piece and her Sacred Gear sinks inside her body.

Slowly, but surely color returns to Asia's face, and she begins to breathe. "Ah." The blonde's eyes flutter open. "I… Where am… Magnus? Is everything okay?"

Falling to my knees, I pull the smaller girl into a tight hug. "Yes…. Everything is fine…" Actually… No… I-Good night world.

I didn't go to school the following day due to my injuries, even though Asia healed me. I had pushed myself beyond the point of exhaustion, so Rias and the others forced me to rest in the club room with Asia looking after me. When I was able to, I gave Asia a tour of the clubhouse, showing her the various rooms that I knew about. After we were done, we went back to the main room where Asia insisted on healing me again, after I complained about some lingering pain.

"I'm sorry I can't do anything about the scaring." Asia mumbles sadly.

"Eh, don't worry about it. Plus, I heard chicks dig scars." I grin jokingly as I lower my shirt over the scar on my stomach. According to Rias, I seared my wound shut with fire. I am not sure how I did that; it was all kind of spur of the moment.

Asia smiles slightly and shakes her head. "How are your injuries?"

"Not bad, I can move around normally now." I slowly stand and move around. "Thank you again."

"No need to thank me, I am happy to help." Asia smiles happily. "Now you should sit down and rest, I'll go make us some tea."

"You know where everything is?" When the blonde nods, I sit down with a groan.

"Magnus, I have a question. How did you get my Sacred Gear back? Lady-I mean Raynare said that I couldn't get it back."

"Oh, that? Rias and Akeno explained it to me. After they got us out of there, they went back to do some research. Apparently, their ritual was extremely shoddy and thrown together last minute." Leaning my head back, I slowly close my eyes. "The Grigori, apparently use some kind of advance tech to remove Sacred Gears, according to Akeno." Though how she knew that is a mystery. "So, returning your Sacred Gear wasn't too difficult." Or at all, seeing how we just placed them back on her fingers.

"That makes sense, I think," Asia says as she walks back into the room with a tray. "Here you go."

Taking a cup with a smile, I slowly start to drink. "Mm. Thanks." Together the two of us sat silently enjoying our drinks; after a few minutes, I slowly felt myself get drowsy. "Hey… I am going to just close my eyes for a few minutes, don't let me sleep long…"

"Okay!"

"Mmm… Ugh…" Smacking my lips, I slowly open my eyes… Why is the world in a different position? Also, what am I lying on? Because it is incredibly soft…

"Sleep well?"

I turn to the voice to see Rias; the older girl has a smile on her face. "Rias… I'm not injured again, am I?"

"No." She chuckles and shakes her head. "When I came by to check in on you and Asia, you were sound asleep. So I decided to keep an eye on you."

"Oh… Wait, where is Asia?" I ask as I sit up in confusion… Was my head on her lap? Well, that explains the softness-Wait no bad Magnus!

"She's with Koneko and Akeno at the moment." Rias explains as she brushes her skirt. "Speaking of Asia, how is she doing?"

"Good, still adjusting, but I think she likes her new life." I answer with a small frown, she seems to be taking to it easier then I am that's for sure. "Hey, can I ask you something now?" Rias motions for me to continue. "So… I know you have two bishops, a knight, a rook, a queen, and eight pawns. So, will you recruit more pawns? It would be nice to have some more backup."

My master smiles as she stands and walks behind the couch. "You're the only pawn I'll ever need. When devils are reincarnated, the number of pieces they use up is determined by how powerful they are."

"That makes sense... Wait! How many pieces did you use up when you brought me back?" She couldn't have used them all… Did she?

"For you, all the remaining pieces I had left were, one knight, rook, bishop, and eight pawns." Rias wraps her arms around my neck. "When I brought you back, I used all eight of my pawn pieces to save you."

A blush forms across my face as I stare up at the girl. "Rias, that's insane… I'm just me."

"That's all I need or want you to be." She whispers so close to my ear that I could practically feel her lips against my skin. "Even if you didn't have the Boosted Gear, I would have done what I could to save you. Because you are worth it.

I look away, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "The Boosted Gear…. The Red Dragon Emperor-Wait Rias what-?" My eyes widen as Rias grabs my chin and forces me to look at her.

"The Crimson Haired Princess of Ruin, and the Red Dragon Emperor. We couldn't be more perfectly matched." Rias stares into my eyes with a sensuousness smile.

Okay, I need to think of something witty. "Go team red." Damn it!

"Strive to become the mightiest pawn, I have faith in your ability to achieve this. Make it order, my dear servant."

Gulping, I slowly nod as Rias kisses my forehead softly. "Umm… What was that?"

Releasing my chin, the crimson-haired beauty stands up straight with a wink. "Just a little spell to increase your stamina, you'll need your strength. Also, I'll have stop coddling you, or Asia will get jealous."

"Jealous?" Why would Asia be jealous? "What are you-" Rias then points behind her, and that is when I see it. Asia is fidgeting in place with a blush.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I know I shouldn't be jealous; she is prettier than me-" The blonde shakes her head. "Wait I am not jealous, I'm just insecure!" Asia closes her eyes and begins to pray. "Dear Lord, forgive my sinful heart-Ow!" The former nun grabs her head in pain

"Are you okay, Asia?" The couch almost tipped over because of how fast I stood up.

The blonde girl nods and rubs her head. "… It felt like a knife went through my brain."

"God isn't receptive to the prayers of devils, you know." Our master says with a sympathetic look.

"I guess he is angry that I became a devil." Asia mutters sadly.

Shaking my head, I cross my arms. "Screw him. What matters is how you feel about it."

Asia immediately perks up. "Don't worry, I have no regrets. Especially since I can be with Magnus."

"Um…" I rub the back of my head sheepishly. "Hey, Asia, why are you wearing our school uniform?" Why did I just now notice that?

She spins around to give us a full view. "Akeno and Koneko helped me get it, do you like it?"

"Yeah, it's great. Hey, does that mean you'll be attending school?" When she nods, I start to grin. "You got your wish; you get to go to school like a normal student."

Rias clears her throat. "Since my father is on the board, it was easy to get her enrolled as a transfer student. She'll be in your class, so take care of her."

"That's awesome. You're the best, Rias." The older girl blushes at my praise.

"Good afternoon, everyone." The door to the club room opens, and Kiba walks in with Koneko following behind him.

"Sup wuss." Koneko smirks at me and holds out her fist to me.

Bumping my fist against hers with a smile, I turn to Kiba, who hesitates for a moment before bumping. "Sup Koneko? Kiba? Hey, where's Akeno?"

"Sorry, I'm late, everyone." Akeno walks into the room, pushing a cart into the room with a cake. "There was a long line at the bakery. Since we didn't have a welcome party for Magnus, I thought we could make this a joint one, for him and Asia."

"I'll take a piece with a strawberry." Koneko and Asia say at the same time. Everyone laughs as Kiba starts to cut the cake, and pass out pieces to everyone.

Taking a piece for myself, I watch Asia interact with the others with a smile. "She finally gets to live a normal life."

'It's your fault she died, your fault she became a devil.'

…. Shut up voice.

Hey guys I am back with another chapter and I am sorry it took me a while, but I have been busy as of late, so I haven't had much time to focus on my writing. However, I am still writing when I can. Thank you for your patience! Also thank you for reading, faving and following if you have. It means a lot. Now onto the reviews!

Streetlife34: I am sorry that you don't like that part of the story.

Ace: It has been a long time Ace! Also no worries! To answer your questions in order... Ahem. 1. I am doing alright, and yes I am staying safe! 2. As for direction? See below. 3. Yes I do. 4. Who knows, maybe. 5. Endgame was enjoyable, saw some issues but I can power past them. 6. Same old stuff, just a mixture of most things. 7. Not really a question, but thanks? *Has no idea who Susan is atm*

Also I appreciate you defending me but Streetlife34 is welcome to their opinion as are we all :D

So, how are you?

Guest Questioner: That is a good question... Quality? I find it hard to put here without spoiling anything. I also appreciate the side bonus warning :D Also it is interesting to learn why things were changed. Finally... I noticed that little funny as well xD

Well everyone I got to go, but first I am sure some of you will notice the change in the cover art for the story. I ordered a commission from NartuoRengado01, he is amazing and I will be ordering more for the future. Anyway, stay safe out there everyone!