Author's Notes I: I'm back. Frankly speaking, I was really busy. The last four to five months have been hectic for me and will be so from now on, given how my routine has changed. I'll try to update at least one of my stories on a monthly basis, but don't expect too much. I rarely log in, and NO this story is not dead. I even have the ending clearly in mind. It'll take time, cause I try to write in a way that's not too jarring. Anyways enjoy. I know some of you have been waiting for this.

||xXxXx—ADM—xXxXx||

Rias often pondered if she was cursed.

Power, wealth, fame—all three she had. Yet misfortune hunted her, like bloodhounds hot on her tainted trail—eager to find her, rip her flesh apart with baneful fangs, take their rightful morsels and leave the leftover for crows to feast on. Her Pawn had been left with a nasty wound last night. Nothing too grave, but it required a fair bit of magic to mend the broken arm. Thankfully, she did not need to sleep with him and heal him with her Devil's Touch. Issei, in her opinion, had enough distractions on his mind and making appearances in his bed, naked no less, would deter him more.

That was the tip of the iceberg.

A priest showing up, wounding her servant, murdering her client, that was a problem, and by Lucifer, she was livid. Had her Peerage not arrived on time, the boy would've been dead considering the number of Fallen that had flocked there.

"You're distracted," Sona said. Lunchtime was dull today, and she decided to spend it with her childhood friend, and co-owner of Kuoh. The Sitri heiress' eyes observed her keenly. She'd always found the gaze of those purple eyes piercing. "More than usual might I add. Does your Pawn bother you that much?"

"Not as much as yours," Rias replied with a smile. It was game between them. Two young flowers blooming into ladies and learning to tongue lash whoever stood in their path. "He is the reason why I'm distracted, yes, but not because of his behavior. He was shot last night by a priest."

"The Vatican removed all their exorcists from here eighteen years ago." Sona reminded her. She drank some water before continuing, "I'm assuming the Fallen were there too."

"Twenty," the redhead said and Sona's eyes widened behind the oval glasses. "I know. Here I thought there were five to six at best. They're planning something. Those miserable-"

"Did you tell your brother about it?" Rias shook her head causing Sona to sigh. "I know you're angry at him, at everyone, but this is beyond you, Rias. If things get heated-"

"They already are," Rias cut her off this time. Fury danced in her turquoise eyes. Every fiber in her body commanded her to rush out there, unleash her powers and reduce all of them to ashes. "They killed one of my clients, and someone else in Downtown while they were at it. I sent a letter to the Grigori's outpost."

Rias pushed back into her chair, the chessboard before them showed Sona's overwhelming victory against her. The beige army stood mighty, tall, unwavering as a lone white King remained alone. Not the first time it happened nor would it be the last, Rias knew that much. The Sitri heiress was talented in strategy, always planning six steps ahead along with contingencies in mind. How she envied the brain Sona had. Despite the defeat, Rias had made Sona struggle a bit more than usual this time.

"You know what this means," the Sitri heiress leaned forward, chin resting against her conjoined hands. Despite the seriousness, Rias couldn't help but notice how Sona had pulled off the Gendo Ikari look pat down. "Don't do anything foolish. You've got enough on your plate as it is."

"I'm not doing anything until I have guarantees," Rias smiled. "I'm not the same girl you know."

"Yes," Sona replied, eyeing the clock a bit. There wasn't much time left before the break ended. "You've changed a bit. Which is why I have to ask, why the sudden transition?"

Rias thought about her answer and it all went back to that day, when she went to bring back the night she resurrected Issei. The fear she felt that night, someone sneaked up on her, weapon in hand, and there wasn't a damn thing she could do about it. It was a wake-up call for her as she slowly realized over the last few weeks. Naruto Uzumaki, ass that he was, was the wake-up call. He proved nothing was easy. His own life, from what little she found out, was riddled with misfortunes left and right—events that affected him even now from what Akeno relayed.

"I was counseled."

"By who?" Sona's intrigue peaked."You're pretty stubborn, always have been. So just who was it that made you become just a tad bit more serious?"

"A friend," Rias didn't hesitate. It took time, but the redhead felt she could truly say that now, especially after yesterday.

"Well, he is a good friend then," Sona's momentary smirk did not go unnoticed. The school council president stood up, "I'll be leaving. The chat with you was lovely as usual."

"We both know there's another reason you're here," Rias told her. "What did you want?"

"I was coming over to tell you that I would be going to the Familiar Forest," Sona didn't sugarcoat her words. Rias frowned. Getting a familiar helped a Devil in multitasking with the small problems, and her friend doing this would hamper her new member's progress. The Guide, or the Poképhile as Koneko labeled him, was a man with ironclad rules and very rarely did he bend them. "However," the Sitri paused. "I've decided not to go this month. You can take it."

"Why?" Rias asked, curious as to why she would give up such an opportunity. Sona was more calculative. To others it seemed cold at times, even cemented her position as a kuudere among some circles, but the truth was simple: Sona Sitri did not like wasting time on things that held no significant results to her own progress. That and her lacking in the chest department, which Serafall Leviathan pointed out, caused her to 'embrace the serious path of the flatty.'

"We're friends," Sona didn't waste time. She raised her hand, "Don't bother with frivolities. I'm sure you would've done the same if our roles were reversed. Besides, you working a bit harder served as incentive. I do hope it will be enough."

Bidding her goodbye, Rias waited and waited for her bat to return since last night.

The Grigori didn't exactly have a customer care center where she could complain about asshole Fallen Angels preparing a gang-war on her turf, so sending one to Tokyo, to Shemhazai, was the only option she had. The Fallen was reasonable from what she heard and counselor to Azazel if memory served right. Sighing, she reluctantly left the room to go to classes as lunch time would be ending soon. The white tiles of the old building were polished so well she could see her own reflection on them.

"Buchou," a voice echoed in the corridor and the King saw the Knight running towards her with great pace. The blond had an anxious expression. "We've got trouble."

"What happened?" Rias braced herself for the words, but Yuuto's words only angered her more. "What do you mean he skipped classes?"

||xXxXx—ADM—xXxXx||

The strong smell of pungent liquids, a repeating, irritating 'beep' and pain in her stomach beckoned her to wake. Her throat was dry and she rasped, begging for water. Slowly, she got up from her uncomfortable bed and looked around. All she saw was white. White floors, white walls, white sheets, it stretched everywhere. She felt lightheaded, doozy as she struggled to keep herself straight and her eyes open, she needed to make heads and tails out of where she was.

"Here," she heard and looked to her left. The first thing she noticed was the glass of water moving towards her. She shakily grabbed it with both hands and drank, guzzling down the liquid as Adam's ale cooled her parched throat. She felt the soft touch of the pillow behind her and leaned back on the tilted bed. Kara Squall realized she was in the hospital, the bed, the colors and the smell should've been a dead giveaway. Sister Aria always did bring her for the annoying shots and-

Memories rushed back in.

"Mom!" she yelled and tried to jump out, but a firm hand held her back. Her shoulder cushioned against the raised mattress. She looked again, past the strong hand that held her, the arm, the shoulders until finally she saw his face. Solemn faced, the blond man gave her a blank stare. She quivered at the gaze.

"Calm down," he told her. She remembered him. Naruto Uzumaki. Ruto as Sister Aria called him.

"I can't stay here, my mom's-" Kara tried to continue, but tears fell, chokes echoed and she wailed. "M-Mea culpa," she stuttered. It was all her fault. She should've never opened the door when accursed knocks came on their door; she should've run when the smiles grew wide, when the slick knives shined, when the yells of her mother arrived. And now-

"Look at me," the words were impassive and stern. It ordered her to cease her sorrow and gaze up. The blond looked sleepless, bloodshot blue eyes were surrounded by endless streaks of veneer red. Yet there was a dreadful dank air about him.

Her mother was always fond of him. Even in her younger days, before she learned the meanings of 'right' and 'wrong', Ruto was the apple of Aria's eyes at the orphanage, always talking about the sad boy who was too old to be a child. She thought nothing of him; grew jealous at times, but never spared an excess thought. Now, up close she saw what Aria had noticed: sorrow. He placed a hand on her head, callous and warm, soothing and relaxing, slowly chipping away at her terror.

She gasped and cried at the loss of her mother. The look in Naruto's eyes was the deliverer of grave tidings. Aria had been suffering from cancer for some time now, she always tried to hide how weaker she grew with each day, and Kara had been bracing for it for months, for Death to come with his slick scythe and darkened cloak and snatch away her mother, her light and hope.

Now she was gone! Kara did not know what to do.

"Kara," Naruto spoke, ruffling her hair softly. "What happened last night?"

She broke down again, albeit a bit more controlled, strangely. She recounted how the two men entered their house, how the silver-haired priest smiled and quoted the verses of the Bible, claiming to be Jehovah's Justice as he . . . stripped her naked, lashed away at her with a whip decorated with thorns, mortified her for her sins and her mother's sins, and then tied her up, bit on every corner of her body, before he carved out a chunk of flesh. He waved it around on the pointy end of his knife, rubbing it across her cheeks and lips, making her taste the 'wonders of human delicacies.'

Kara retched, a bile rose in her throat and she pushed herself away to the other side. Vomit shot out of her mouth. Yellow, smelly fluids smeared the clean tiles as the air grew damp and disgusting. A piece of cloth rubbed against her mouth and she grew terrified again, it ceased once she realized it was Naruto. He looked at her for a long time before he broke his peace.

"Did members of the Church come to your house before?" She shook her head. "Anybody else that looked peculiar?"

"No," Kara drank more. "I don't know why they came! Mom never harmed anyone, and yet those, those men they just," she breathed in, "I don't know what's going on!" Her hysteric cries echoed against the walls as the doors opened. Nurses rushed in trying to seize her flailing arms, she pushed them back with her strength and would've continued, but felt dizzy and weak and tired. Something was pressed against her forehead, a comforting numbness washed over her nerves and her vision tunneled, focusing only on Naruto.

He looked at her sadly before mouthing something. She could read the words clearly.

'I'm sorry'.

Why was he apologizing?

He'd saved her from dying. Her eyes grew heavy, burdened with sands of slumber she'd never known as they closed.

||xXxXx—ADM—xXxXx||

Raynare scoffed at the sniffs. Her scowl grew with each passing moment. Earlier she'd agree to let the girl roam around a bit; nobody would bother a nun and Raynare had her ravens follow her closely—Familiars. The Fallen deemed her act as mercy. Uncaring she may be towards humans, but even she felt a bit lenient especially after enjoying the cherry red blush on the blonde's face after reciting the entire erotica to her in the middle of the chapel.

With the righteous Godsend away, Raynare had traveled down to the catacombs. Ever since the days of the Great War, churches had massive chambers built beneath them for weapons, food and other necessities. While it seemed Machiavellian considering the 'holier than thou' air Michael seemed to bask in, it was a good decision in hindsight. The Holy See for all its divine righteousness was not above treachery. While she found no weapons down there, she did find something else. It made a Cheshire grin spread across her cruel, elegant face.

A bed made from black stone, the Sinner's Cradle, was still around. Raynare tended to the old bed, reinforced the shackles, and cleaned the surface all so the ritual could go smoothly. She had witnessed Asia's ability firsthand last night; Twilight Healing Maxima, the rarest among the healing type Sacred Gears. She had reconstructed fragments of a broken holy sword into its former glory. Freed had been instructed to bring it to test Asia's power—it was fruitful.

Miraculously, the sword had been shipped away by other Fallen to Lord Kokabiel; she enjoyed the scowl on the Mad Priest's face, especially after she learned how he'd been denied a spare bit of blood whilst he was on his night around the town. A few murders here and there didn't matter, not when her goal was so near in sight.

Then that joy was tainted. The ravens returned—dark words on their dark wings. Her ticket to redemption was gallivanting around town with a Reincarnated Devil, one she knew quite well. Anger on her mind, she flew out to confront them. Issei Hyodou was stupefied upon seeing his murderer before him again. Shockingly, the boy had actually awakened his Sacred Gear. Raynare was impressed even if he carried a meager Twice Critical; she was surprised his mind functioned outside of focusing, praising, and dreaming about breasts. After dressing down the boy for attempting to attack her all the while as she brushed off his attempts at offense, again impressive, she whisked away the girl who had a soft spot for the pervert. To each their own, Raynare concluded when she was done separating the 'lovers'.

That was three hours ago, and now Raynare was at the end of her patience. Grabbing a fistful of golden locks, she pulled the nun up close. Her green eyes were misty. "I'm going to need you to shut the fuck up." More wailing ensued and the Fallen had half a mind to stitch her lips. The girl was scared yet defiant. A sense of rebellion that the Fallen had in spades once when she was a blind sheep.

"Why?"

Raynare raised her fine brow at that. "What?"

"Why did you kill Issei-san?"

The Fallen smirked. How could she not? A part of Raynare deeply enjoyed the pained look the former Maiden had. "Tell me something, do you know what I am?" Asia nodded. "Then why bother asking me?"

"Because," the blonde hesitated a bit before mumbling something.

"You're going to have to talk louder, girl. A minute ago you were sobbing as if your favorite Pope had choked on his breath." Interestingly, every time one of the 'Holiness' died Raynare would open a vintage bottle of wine and celebrate the loss. However, the girl didn't buy her answer. Bizarre, Raynare released her grip as the blond fell to the floor. They were in her room, or rather the office which belonged to the former priest who was in charge of this place. Yankee something, she didn't bother to remember the name.

"I . . ." Asia stood up cleaning her knees, the brown dust fell off the blue threads. "I don't think you did it out of amusement, Lady Raynare."

"Excuse you?"

"You could've harmed me," Asia shrunk under Raynare's gaze but continued, "You didn't let Freed Sellzen hurt me. Then you even read that," the girl blushed and paused, no doubt embarrassed, "book to me."

"I read porno in a church, girlie. If that's not telling God to go fuck Himself I don't know what is." She did do something far more bolder, but now was not the time to remember such things.

"I don't think you're a bad person."

Raynare's smiled faded and her face twisted into a uglier mask. "What the heck would you know?"

"You could've killed me," the nun explained. "I heard about Fallen Angels killing Sacred Gear users, but you didn't kill me."

"Oh I'll kill you alright," Raynare assured her. Violet eyes hardened like diamonds. The nun grew quiet as Raynare stared at her, capturing the moment, she wanted to see the seeds of grim fatality grow. "I'm going to take your Sacred Gear. You know what happens when a Gear is removed from a person?" She let the answer hang in the air and the tears that formed at the corner of those green eyes didn't . . . satisfy her. Not as much as she thought it would.

Perhaps she wasn't in the mood.

Raynare went back to reading the old scriptures again. This was probably her fiftieth time reading it today. Simply put, she couldn't fuck up. Not this late in the endgame. The nun still hadn't left the room and her presence was becoming annoying now. Preparing to let loose some acidic words, Raynare stopped herself. Asia Argento was on her knees. Crying, mumbling, praying to the God that failed her.

"What do you think you're doing?" Raynare stood up, angered at the sight before her. There were many things she hated, praying to God was at the top of the list. He'd never heard or answered her prayers, and this vile excuse of flesh and blood dared to do this in front of her.

Asia Argento, weakly, smiled. "I was thanking God for everything," she continued, "I've been given a lot of blessings in my life. Having the chance to follow His way was the greatest. Helping people with this gift was one of them too." The nun paused, Raynare hated the way Asia looked at her. "I also prayed for Issei-san. He may be a Devil, but he's such a nice person. His friends too. I hope they stay happy, and . . . I prayed for you."

It was all she needed to hear. Her hands sliced through the wind. A loud smack echoed as the nun fell on the ground. Raynare heaved, her violet eyes shone with fury. "How fucking dare you pity me," Raynare all but hissed as she picked up the girl by her throat, choking her. "You think I want your precious God's mercy." As her head cooled down, she released her grip as the girl gagged for air.

The Fallen breathed in again. She tried to calm herself down again. The girl stood again. What was wrong with her?

"It wasn't pity, Lady Raynare," Asia's voice grew more timid if it was possible. "I just . . . I don't know why, but for some reason I can still feel it."

"You'll be feeling my spear next, girl."

"Forgive me," the girl was shedding tears now. Yet she stood defiant as ever. "But I just can't ignore it. Your faith, it's still strong."

"Don't you start," the Fallen beauty hissed. Her voice grew distorted with each word; the venom in them was stark clear. "I know what your God is like. I've seen His mercy, I also know just how fucking USELESS He is. I'm a Fallen Angel, I accept that. What about you?" Raynare narrowed down on her. The girl stepped back and she pressed onward. "You're a saint compared to me. Always healing and helping people, never going against God, making sure you keep everyone around you happy and giddy. What did that get you?"

The silence must've been terrifying to the girl, Raynare assumed. What answer could this girl possibly have for her? Raynare had seen it all, the pathetic paradoxical nature of human beings. Wage war to bring peace, shed blood to save lives, kill others to protect your own. No greater good. No just cause. Winners would live and losers would perish. "For here the mighty rule," the original Beelzebub had said.

"I healed a Devil," Asia said. Raynare reeled back.

"What?"

"I healed a Devil."

The Fallen Angel's eyes widened. She did not know this; Asia had been banished from the Catholic Church for reasons that did not sit well with the higher-ups, but never did Raynare assume the reason was this bizarre.

"Are you mad?" she asked. The air in the room felt thicker now, more humid. Raynare felt sweat welling up on her skin. "Why would you heal a Devil of all things?"

"He was injured," Asia explained. Her face grew morose. "He took refuge in the Church when I was in Sicily. The man was bleeding so much and crying in pain. The way he begged me to heal him, I just couldn't refuse."

"And you healed him just like that? Did you know he was a Devil?"

"Yes."

"You stupid, stupid girl," Raynare berated her. "Why did you do that?"

"Because," Asia spoke, her voice was clear, strong, unshaken, "I believed he deserved help. God forgives everyone, and I believe that even Devils and Fallen Angels can be helped."

Raynare braced herself to hit the girl again, but hesitated. For a moment she saw not Asia Argento, the shy, foolish nun. No, she saw someone else. Flowing golden hair, emerald eyes, a gentle smile. The dark murky room disappeared and in its place Raynare saw crystal blue skies and flawless white clouds.

The door creaked opened and it all disappeared.

"Did I miss something?" the voice was quiet, yet charming in its own way.

In walked a tall, fair-skinned man with dark curly hair. He had the same eyes as Raynare and wore an expensive suit, complete with a rose on top. Raynare was surprised to see him to say the least. Abathar was strong, much more than her. Boasted to have six wings soaked with Devils' blood, this Fallen Angel was a trusted lieutenant of Kokabiel and a very compulsive gambler. Not surprising, he always liked tipping the scales he'd been given back then.

"What are you doing here, Abathar?" Raynare wasn't too pleased at seeing him. He was one of those 'elites' who looked down on her and her posse.

"Lord Kokabiel sent me," the man said as he helped to pick up the nun. Strange, Abathar did not like humans, well not unless they were in bed and tied up to his suiting. What was stranger was the fact that Kokabiel had sent him. Did he not trust her?

"If it's something to do with the Sacred Gear, I've got it-"

"This is hardly about your little dream coming true, Raynare," the man laughed a bit. She did not like that sound. " I'm just here for the girl."

"What?"

"The girl," Abathar patted the blonde's head, she cringed at the touch. "Once you're done with her, Lord Kokabiel told me to bring her to him."

"I see," Raynare replied. Curiosity had always been one of her weaknesses. Something about this whole affair didn't make sense. The girl had no purpose other than her Sacred Gear. "What does our Lord need her for?"

"Oh wouldn't you like to know," he smiled at her. "I'm afraid that's a bit above your paygrade."

"Very well," Raynare didn't like the answer she got, but for now she would play along. "If that's all, you can leave."

"Oh don't mind me, I have this little book I need to get back to reading too."

"Is it about mass murder?"

"Oh goodness no," Abathar shook his head. "It's about a man shooting his pregnant wife, strangling his daughter, and drowning a toddler in the bath. I do love the dear tragedies humans are prone to." Asia scooted away from the six-winged Fallen and stood near Raynare, who could only sigh. "If you'll excuse me," with those words Abathar stepped out and Raynare went back to reading. Asia was still in the room. Praying.

The Fallen didn't want to waste her time any further. Let her do her shtick, she thought. Besides, it wasn't like God was going to listen to her. No, once He passed judgment it was law. Still, she couldn't help but sneak a few glances at the disgraced nun. Perfectly still, praying with an honest posture, and there was a grace around her face. Raynare looked away, nostalgia was fooling her. This girl reminded her of someone, a person she could never really go against.

That's in the past, she thought. It's all in the past. We all need to move on. Despite reassuring herself, memories would not let her be at peace.

||xXxXx—ADM—xXxXx||

"Do I make myself clear?"

Akeno held back a sigh at how things had turned out. This argument had been going on for hours now.

"Yes, but I'm going to say, 'No', Buchou," Issei replied, embers of defiant burning bright in his eyes. The newest member of their Peerage was at first assumed to be a coward. Now he stood across Rias, her Power of Destruction flared every so lightly, like will-o'-the-wisp in cursed woods. Yet, he stood. Fearless.

"Issei, mark my words very carefully," her King stated. All the girly traits, the doe-eyed cuteness disappeared. A mask resembling that of Sirzechs' face was what she saw. "If you go to that Church, you'll be declaring war on their faction. Rogue or not, opening fire on them will result in a you likely being killed."

"She attacked me first!"

"The Fallen went after the nun who you're not even supposed to talk to. I thought I explained that part."

"Buchou," Issei closed his fist. Akeno could sympathize. The boy fancied the girl, and she him if the Familiars' words were to be believed. "I'm grateful to you. I owe you my life, you brought me back when I thought I was a useless piece of trash. Still am. But, I just . . . I just can't leave Ásia. If what you told me is true, I can't- I won't let her die!" He'd made his stand and Rias' aura flared. She raised her hand facing her Pawn, symbols of old Enoch burned and twisted. Like black flames dancing in the wind, her Power of Destruction gathered and the Sacred Gear wielder shook a bit, sweat dripped from his forehead. But he did not budge.

Then it disappeared. Rias sighed. She was disappointed through and through. "Fine. Go do what you want."

"Buchou, thank you!"

"You're no longer my Pawn," silence settled in the room. Rias bore no warmth in her tone. "As of this moment, you're a Stray Devil. So go, save that girl, run. And hide. Pray that I don't find you and rip that Pawn piece out myself." Akeno stared hard at Rias, she knew what was going on. Issei looked distraught, almost heartbroken.

"Buchou," Kiba began. The knight was fast friends with Issei. "Surely you're not serious."

"Am I your King, Kiba?"

"Yes."

"Would you betray me?"

"Never."

"What about you, Koneko?" Rias asked the petite girl who shook her head fast, but kept her gaze occasionally looked at the horrified boy. "You two can go. I have much work to do."

Issei decided to speak up, "B-Buchou are you serious?" The grief in his voice was genuine.

"Yes," her King replied as Koneko and Kiba exited the room. The King, Queen and Pawn remained, the tick-tock of the clock was the only sound they heard. "Now, leave."

Issei had tears welling up in his eyes, Himejima could see the shock, the sadness. He looked to her for support, but she looked away. It almost made her want to console him. But he needed this. "I'm sorry. For everything, Buchou. Thank you."

"Leave," Rias paused, "Stray." The second-year darted out of the room, rushed heavy footfalls of regret ceased in the distance. Her King sighed. The mask was gone. Rias Gremory looked like as if she'd shot a puppy in the face.

"I'm surprised you kept it up for that long," Akeno poured her some water, the redhead cordially took it. "You do know that Kiba and Koneko are going to help him."

"Of course they are," the heiress replied. "They're friends, although I thought I'd get you too."

"Oh Rias," Akeno smiled slyly. "You can fool everyone in the world, but not me. I know you all too well."

"Touché," the redhead leaned back in her seat. "I still haven't heard anything from Tokyo. You don't think they're behind this, do you?"

"I don't know," Akeno answered. "To be honest, the rumors surrounding Azazel and his neutrality doesn't fit into this."

"Exactly, I can't help but feel someone else is behind this," Rias bit her thumb. "Low level Fallen would never stay here this long, or even dare to attack someone in a Devil's presence. I don't like this at all."

"Neither do I, but it is what it is."

"True," Rias looked at the clock. It had been pretty late for some time, but now it was dawning on them. "Anyways, how's your day been? I couldn't get to ask much. You've been busy."

"Same old, same old," Akeno said. Her eyes lingered over the chessboard, the haphazard way the pieces were placed looked bizarre. As if her King was trying to obtain order from chaos.

"Oh, Naruto didn't do anything new today?"

"He didn't come."

"Did he say why?"

"I called him," Akeno recounted. Her favorite blond in the world sounded off today. Nothing too grave; as if he had something important to do. He did have a life, outside of hanging out with her of course. "He said he was busy with something. I think he was talking to someone."

"A girl?"

Akeno narrowed her eyes. "Haha." Her King was developing a sense of humor.

"Maybe he does have someone he meets. Someone special, someone . . . precious," Rias giggled like Gollum. Leave it to her King to make a cultural reference every now and then.

"Well, at least I'm not going to die alone," Akeno chirped.

"I'm not going to die alone."

"You don't have a boyfriend."

"Neither do you," Rias shot back. Pouting a bit.

"Oh that will change soon," Akeno smiled, placing a hand on her cheek. "Then you'll be the lonely King."

"I can get a boyfriend."

"Yes but who? And no, you can't talk about your husbandos."

Much to her surprise, Rias actually gave it a thought. Akeno stared in wonder. This is interesting, she thought. Rias had never really been interested in a boy with this much thought before. Then like that her King snapped out of the daze as a red circle glowed in the room. Out of it came an adorable little bat that could claw out the eyes of humans and drop them on unwary pedestrians. Its black wings fluttered slowly, a letter tightly clutched in its limbs. Dark wings, dark words, she'd read somewhere.

Rias opened the letter, not caring about the envelope littered on the floor. An excitable one, her King. Rias' eyes gleamed with joy, and a wicked smile spread on her face. Oh, Akeno waited for her to answer.

"It's from Tokyo," her King showed her, "they're rogues. We're free to do as we please."

Oh~, Akeno shivered a bit. Glee filled her body, rage rose in her mind, and jolts of excitement began to emerge. She wanted to hang out with Naruto, just a small visit like every day—it was so enjoyable. But for tonight she'd have to settle down with smiting. Righteous smiting.

||xXxXx—ADM—xXxXx||

His breaths were heavy, his heart was heavier—filled with grief, anger, desperation. Ásia, he thought of the lovely girl who he'd known for less than two days, yet deep inside it felt different. It felt . . . right.

That was the only word that came to mind. Her smile, her voice, her hair, her everything (oppai was there as usual of course). She was so perfect, she treated him like he was a person, she liked him for being a friend. Issei Hyodou had never felt such endearment towards other people save his parents. All he knew was that he had to save her. By any and all means necessary.

"You're slowing down, perv," Koneko's bland voice made him pick up the pace. Despite the looming danger Ásia was in, he allowed himself to smile. Kiba and Koneko had shown up outside his house. One was smiling, the other was monotonous (but CUTE as usual). Kiba's simple words was the last bit of encouragement he needed to roam into the valley of death.

"Sorry!" Issei spoke in between the strides. His Twice Critical, a commonly occurring Sacred Gear – much to his disappointment – was ready to go. Yuuma's words. No, he reminded himself, Raynare. That was her name, the one who took her away, the one who killed him. The one he feared. Just remembering her face made him wince. The phantom sensation of the light constructed spear slowly bursting through his chest, clean through his spine, leaving him to rot and die. His fist clenched and he swallowed the fear.

This was no time to be afraid. All that mattered was saving Ásia. Even if it meant giving up his life to save her, he would gladly do it. For a moment he felt his pulse jump, as if the Sacred Gear had been responding. It didn't happen again. Must be the nerves.

"Issei, we're here," Kiba and Koneko immediately stopped.

Issei took a few steps before panting. The run had taken a fair bit of wind out of him. They couldn't use the teleportation circles since Buchou may have been made aware of their defection to help him. Didn't mean he wasn't less elated! They were his friends, Kiba and Koneko, weird as they were. Buchou was too! Maybe she would forgive him. Akeno-senpai would whip him and Ásia desserts after this.

"How many," Issei paused, "do you think there are?" He took a quick look at his watch. It wasn't the most expensive, but his Dad bought this for him when he entered Kuoh last year. This was perhaps the only time he didn't like looking at it, mostly because of what it read. Two minutes to midnight, he thought nervously. Why couldn't time be on his side?

"At least twenty to thirty," Kiba answered, summoning a straight bastard sword for himself. Issei couldn't help but remark how the two looked battle ready. Koneko particularly looked ready to crush everything in her path.

"Guys," he faced them, some tears welling up in his eyes. Issei couldn't control himself. He wouldn't mind being called weak, but they were following him into certain death. The boy couldn't ask for better friends. "Thank you."

"Shut up, perv," Koneko spoke, merciless as usual. "You can pay me for this later."

"Will do, Koneko-chan!"

"Careful, Issei," Kiba patted him on the back, "Her price is steep and consists of cakes. And everything else sweet."

"Don't worry! I'll work my ass off. I owe you guys," Kiba smiled and Koneko nodded lightly. They were heading towards the old abandoned church. Issei remembered the last time he went there. Some priest had died. He didn't remember the entire story, but he remembered a lot of people crying that day, it made him cry too. Not tonight, he told himself. He took a step forward. This was his moment of truth.

"I smell blood."

Three words. Simple as they were halted him. Froze him. Images and thoughts of a bleeding blonde entered his mind. No, no, no, he looked at Koneko who spoke those words. She was looking behind them. Sobs first reached his ears, followed by incoherent loud words, and feet shuffling against the ground. A man was running towards them—limping and bleeding and crying.

Issei wanted to look away. The man was missing skin and meat underneath his right eye. Raw flesh gasped; the red fibers contracted, expanded, shot out squirts of red liquid along the path. His remaining teeth and torn gums could be seen clearly from where vestiges of his right cheek was. He felt something rise in his throat as the man jogged past them, muttering one phrase over and over again. It made Issei's head hurt.

"Aiuto mi, Dio!"

Did he have to mention His name? Issei rubbed his forehead, trying to work past the throbbing headache. The guy was going towards the Church, that meant he was in League with those Fallen guys!

"Kiba! Koneko-chan! That guy he's . . . he's . . ."

Issei tried to speak, but he could not. He was suffocating. He didn't know why. The whole place became quiet. Too quiet, he concluded. It was almost like the night he'd been stabbed. Instead of remembering the bright light that skewered him, he saw something different. He saw something else. Darkness. Deathly dancing darkness. Like smoke from from exhaust pipes it spread around him. Polluting and tainting the air. Corrupting the very air he breathed. Moonlight was fading, cowering away. Clouds hovered and hung in the night sky. They were trying to hide this from the world. Issei felt something crawl up his spine. A murder of crows cawed and screamed from the trees, fleeting from whatever horror was arriving. Their shrieks were howling winds.

He heard footsteps. Each step echoed in the silence. Koneko-chan breathed heavily, Kiba's sword rattled, and Issei fell to his knees. It was getting cold. Too cold. He was going to die. Whatever came was going to kill him. The ghost walked past him. It strolled at a serene cruel pace. Perhaps it was foolishness that beckoned Issei to see what maimed his will. It wasn't a ghost he saw. Phantoms did not walk, phantoms did not wear clothes, they most certainly did not have spiky blonde hair.

"Senpai!" Issei gasped out. Some joy seeped out of his heart. Naruto-senpai was here. Sure the guy wasn't that great or cheerful. Didn't help him when he was getting killed, but maybe he came to help this time. Issei wished he hadn't called out. For a moment his heart had stopped. The world stopped.

Blue eyes were surrounded by pitch darkness. The white sclera faded to black. His face looked blank, devoid of all humanity. A murky air surrounded the blond. Darkness twisted around him, clinging to him like they were his demons. Issei fell to his knees. Numbness settled in as he stared into the abyss. Despair filled his vessel. Naruto Uzumaki was . . . he was death. Then he walked forward, the third year was walking towards the church. Nearing the gate with every step until he went inside.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

Issei gasped for breath. The blare signaling midnight's arrival broke him out of the daze. What just happened? He tried to make heads and tails. Was that Naruto-senpai he saw? Or was it a trick?

"Issei," Kiba murmured. He finally turned around. Kiba was sweating nervously. Koneko was holding her head, shaking and shivering. "We need to get in there." Issei nodded, but he couldn't move. His body refused. Fear had crippled him.

Get up, he told himself. You have to save her. He'd never been anything special in life. Always average, never the guy everyone wanted to hang out with, or someone a cute girl had a crush on. Now, now he had something to fight for. He needed to do this. Letting loose a war cry he charged forward. It didn't matter what lied beyond. Saving her was all he could do. He rushed into the old building, Koneko yelled at him, telling him to slow down.

He wished he'd listened to her. Issei Hyodou entered the church and the first thing that greeted him was a severed head. The smell of iron dampened the air. Blood painted the floor. Screams of pain resounded everywhere. In the midst of it all stood, Naruto Uzumaki surrounded by Fallen Angels and priests.

"Where is Freed Sellzen?"

||xXxXx—ADM—xXxXx||

Author's Notes II: Yeah, I know. The writing degraded a bit, IMO. I've been out of practice for months. Also, no Naruto POV this chapter. Wanted to write with Issei cause it was interesting from his standpoint. As always, forgive the glaring grammatical mistakes and point out the flaws, I appreciate it. Read and review, peeps. Take care.