Normal talk
Flashback
Demon
Chapter 16
Raynare's face drained of color at those words.
Kokabiel was taking over Grigori!? He's taking over the organization just to have his war!? She thought. He truly was a warmonger!
"I'll meet you in Kuoh as soon as I escape this coup! Raynare - if you see Akeno Hayashi, tell her Baraquiel is sorry he wasn't able to save Shuri and that he will always love—..."
"Lord Azazel"
But no answer came, the communication circle was dead. Raynare looked to Akeno, who stared at the wall as if it was interesting.
How did she know Baraquiel-sama and who was this Shuri girl—?
!
…
…
No way…
Realization filled the young Fallen's violet eyes.
She's Baraqiel's daughter! She was the daughter said to have been killed with his wife - the human now identified as Shuri - was killed by the Himejima clan! But she was standing right there, and since she was alive, and the Cadre's daughter also meant she was…
Holy cow…
"You're—..." Now she understood why she had reaction so badly to her harsh words from earlier.
She even felt a bit of regret over it.
But that didn´t change the fact that this girl had tried to undermine their relationship with the Devils in this town and to put their lives in danger.
All that because for some reason she blamed her father for the actions of the Himejima's.
"Shut up! I don't wanna hear it! I'm nothing like him! I will never be like him!"
And with those words Akeno rushed out the room, refusing to look back.
Raynare was left speechless by the outburst, but couldn't help the pity swelling inside her.
"Bastard!" Millet roared, her voice echoing around the round causing many to jump. "That two-faced mother fucker son of bitch! That explains why he stole those swords! He wanted them in his plot to take over the organization to have war! This treason! Kokabiel's gonna die for this betrayal!"
"Millet, calm down," Kalawarner said, she too despising Kokabiel for his actions, but refused to let her anger get the better of her.
"We have to help Azazel-sama!" she protested, tears filling her blue eyes. "We have to save who else is left!"
"Who's Baraqiel?" asked Issei, only able to register that name.
"He's one of the leaders of the Fallen Angels," answered Kiba, his anger replaced by shock by the news of Grigori being under new management.
"Buchou…"
But Rias wasn't listening, she too was left in shock by Azazel's words.
Her reassures about the Old Satan Faction being defeated was now back to bite her in the ass.
Asumoto had been right. The Old Satan Faction should have been wiped out during the Civil War and since they weren't they've returned and worse, allied with Kokabiel of all people to restart the war and reconquer the Underworld!
This… was a threat that must be told to the Satans immediately! While she detested her brother´s overbearing love, he had to know of what was happening, to ensure the safety of all Devil kind, and… her family.
Suddenly she was being shaken. Regaining her thoughts, she found Asumoto shaking her with a very a serious expression on his face.
"About time you came back. Call Sona, call your brother, call all the Satans. This is threat far greater than anyone of us can handle. It is a threat to all in the supernatural world!"
"I know, Asumoto, I know!" the redhead said as she removed his arm from her shoulder.
As she prepared the magic circle to call Sona and her brother, a thought in the back of her mind was urging her to not tell them.
Telling her that she had the power of the Bael clan within her hands. She could defeat Kokabiel and gain the respect and pride she deserved.
…
'No!'
She would not put everyone's life in danger for the sake of her own pride! Something of this magnitude shouldn't be ignored!
She would tell her brother and that was final!
Her eyes flickered to Asumoto, she could see conflict in his eyes.
Was it for Akeno?
Those two had grown close to one another since her arrival in Kuoh. She saw him wanting to go after her, like last night.
To comfort her.
"Go to her."
And like that Asumoto took off out the door.
Kokabiel, the Cadre of Grigori, smiled gleefully.
He always knew this would work.
He only had to bid his time, convince their soldiers they could win the war, and plan everything perfectly.
And now after waiting thousands of years, Kokabiel enacted his plan. He was now the leader of Grigori!
"Spectacular, Lord Kokabiel! Wonderful! Your plan was ingenious! That idiot Azazel didn't know what was coming!"
The Fallen Angel's smile grew at the praises from the human strolling beside him.
"You flatter me Valper. However, I can't take all the credit for this plan. Was it not you who suggested the stealing of the Excalibur's and convincing the White Dragon Emperor to join us?
"Oh yes my lord! But we must thank the White Dragon Emperor as well for helping us gain our new allies!"
Valper wasn't wrong, the two accompanying them right now where allies to him.
A woman in purple robes with long brown hair pushed her glasses into place, a sinister smile of her own on her pretty face.
The dark haired blue robed man did not smile, only frown.
These where two of the four descendants to the original Satans, and leaders of the Old Satan Faction, Katerea Leviathan and Creuserey Asmodeus.
When Kokabiel heard about the faction still being around, he was surprised - but nevertheless took this opportunity to form an alliance with them, one which they graciously accepted.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day where Devil's and Fallen Angel's work together," Creuserey said, his frown still on his face.
"Come now, descendant of Asmodeus - are you not happy to have a friend who will help aid in the reconquering of the Underworld?" asked Kokabiel, his smile never leaving his face.
"You better keep your promise to help in our attack."
"And I will do so. We must strike swiftly if we are to catch them before they set up defenses. However, before we can have our war, one last piece is needed for the plan."
"Is it to capture the Red Dragon Emperor? Our spies say he's in Kuoh. I can go in there and take him," offered Katerea.
"The Red Dragon Emperor is but a weak child who cares for nothing but woman. No, we need strong warriors, like our good White Dragon Emperor, who I am surprised turned out to be apart of that organization you are part of."
"Which makes me wonder. How did you convince him to join your side?" Creuserey asked to Valper.
"Oh, I simply offered him the chance to fight the strongest Satan, Sirzechs Lucifer." Replied the former archbishop, a long thin smile plastered on his face.
That boy was stupid, he just wanted to fight strong people! If he tried to fight the two most powerful beings in existence, then he would be wiped out - as would the White Dragon himself!
Not that he cared for the boy's safety, he only needed him for the war.
"Sirzechs is not the strongest Satan!" protested Creuserey, to which Kokabiel laughed.
"More importantly, what is this final piece you need, Lord Kokabiel?" Valper asked, wanting to get back to the swords and preform more experiments on them.
"Ah, Valper, you shall know soon enough," the Fallen Angel replied.
Now the Satans where curious at what Kokabiel was talking about. What could this thing be? They already had the Infinite Dragon God's snakes to boost their power, as well as most of the Artificial Sacred Gears Azazel created. So, what else would they need?
Was it a weapon of great power that Grigori had kept hidden?
A map with a layout of the Devil's territory?
"Has the descendant of Beelzebub told your group of what we are going to do?"
"He has," Katerea answered the Cadre's question. "Our leader does not care what we do nor do we care what Ophis does. We simply use the Infinite Dragon God's power to help us retake what was stolen from us."
That too surprised Kokabiel. To think the Infinite Dragon God - Ophis - would amass so many powerful beings just to try and destroy Great Red was something he would love to watch, once he won the war of course.
Soon they reached a door, a large door with many seals on it.
"Whatever's behind that door must be very important to have this many seals locking it way," Valper stated while inspecting the seals.
"Oh yes…" said Kokabiel, as he began removing seal after seal, his smile never leaving his plate face, "…very important."
Madness! Utter madness!
That was the thought going through the Governor General's mind, now as he eliminated the group of pursuing magicians!
An hour had already passed since the Old Satan Faction attacked headquarters.
An hour after learning that one of his best generals betrayed him!
Azazel had been doing his usual research on Sacred Gears when Tamiel rushed in, panic on his face as he exclaimed that Devils where attacking them... Devils of the old Satan Faction!
Surprise and horror was Azazel felt. How had all the defense he set in place not alert them of this!?
Putting the questions in the back of his mind, he tossed aside what he was doing and joined the defense.
Five minutes into the attack he spotted reinforcements led by Kokabiel arrive, only to watch them side with the Devils.
Valiantly they tried to hold out, but there were too many of them!
Traitor's! All of them!
He would ensure they all paid for their actions, especially Vali!
Vali… the White Dragon Emperor, the descendant of the original Lucifer - the boy he took pity on and thought of like a son, betrayed him!
The image of Penemue being cut up and losing her left arm to Albion's wielder was still fresh in his mind.
While she was tended to by Sahariel, leaving him, his closet friend - the vice-governor Shemhazai., Baraqiel, Tamiel, and those who remained loyal to him to battle the invaders and traitors!
Soon they were overrun, and Azazel was left no choice but to order a retreat, a retreat which he was forced to even leave behind the corpse of Penemue.
Yes… the Chief Secretary died of her wounds, and with no time to waste, they were forced to leave behind her corpse.
He would mourn her death once they were free of enemy territory!
They had to get away and warn Sirzechs of what had happened. If not them, then hopefully Raynare would.
Last time he saw her she was in Kuoh, helping the Red Dragon Emperor, who he still needed to meet and research the Boosted Gear.
"Azazel!"
The black and blonde haired Fallen looked to Sahariel, grief erected on his face.
"I'm-I'm sorry! I couldn't save her!"
"Save the tears for after we get out of here! Where almost to the barrier! Once we pass it we can teleport out and—"
He stopped his sentence as a massive surge of power was released at the headquarters! A power so great it caused a bead of sweat to roll down his cheeks.
"Lord Azazel, what the hell was that!?" asked a four-winged Fallen.
None of the remaining leaders of the Grigori answered the question, only sharing a look of worry and fear.
They hadn't felt that power since…
"Put all your strength into your wings!" ordered Shemhazai as he flapped his ten wings faster! "Don't stop! Keep flying toward the barrier and teleport to Kuoh!
"I don't know where that is!" yelled a female single winged girl, as she tried her best to keep up with her leaders.
"Will teleport you there! Just stick close—"
"It's too late!" "It's too late!"
Pain.
A feeling nobody wishes to know. But it unfortunately was exactly what Akeno was feeling right now.
Not physical, emotional - she was wrecked with anger and sorrow.
Her mind flashing back to the day her mother died, her last words repeating over and over again!
"Akeno, I love…"
Those words were like knifes stabbing her heart repeatedly.
Her mother loved her, her mover died for her.
And it was all Baraqiel's fault! He promised to protect them, and he broke that promise! He failed to save her mother!
She hated that man!
She was nothing like him! She would never be like him!
He better have died in that revolt Kokabiel enacted! He deserved it for the pain he caused!
Like everyone else though, she too was shocked by the Cadre's coup against his own organization and alliance with the Old Satan Faction.
This brought up the fearful question of if Kokabiel would declare war on the Shinto Faction. No, he wouldn't do so, she thought. He only wanted to destroy the Devil's and Angels. Youkai, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, were of no interest of him.
Nevertheless, Kokabiel's actions had to be told by the Shinto clans to prepare for war if that monster ever did feel like killing more.
Taking her phone from her pocket she scrolled through to find her uncle's number.
Her teary eyes stared at his name as a memory of long ago filled her mind.
Akeno sat beside her uncle as he wrote on the sealing tags that lay before her.
Two days ago, she had turned thirteen, which was the age all young maidens within the Shinto ways where to start learning purification magic.
Although she already learned purification by her mother years ago, she would officially begin proper training under her uncle's guidance.
"Akeno-chan," the aging clan head said, a smile on his face. "Today is the day you learn how to purification magic. We use this magic to remove evil from the world."
"Does that mean Devils and Fallen Angels?"
The question caused Iwamatsu to chuckle. "No, my curious niece. We use it to purify spirits who have become consumed by the evil within them."
After writing the last words he set the brush aside.
"Now Akeno, watch my hands, I shall teach you an advance purification spell used to purify a whole house of whatever evil may dwell within it."
Akeno's eyes were glued to her uncle's hands, that moved slow for her to watch each hand sign, before a surge of magic burst from him, followed by the glowing of the paper tags.
Remembering the movements, Akeno grabbed a tag and brushed the writings on it. Once finished, she copied the hand seals her uncle preformed and concentrated her magic.
Instead of a burst of magic all that occurred was a faint glow. Nevertheless, the fact that she was able to do something as advanced as this so easily excited her.
"Uncle!"
"Oh, ho, ho. You really are skilled, my little niece," praised Iwamatsu in a jolly tone. "When your magic reserves grow you'll be able to do this without any sorta of issue."
If only her mother was here to witness this! Then today would be the best day of her life!
"Uncle Iwamatsu."
"Hm?"
"Do you think mother is safe in Heaven?"
Iwamatsu's face never faulted at the question, "Of course, Akeno-chan, she is with our ancestors with the Gods watching over us. She may be gone from the physical world, but she'll always be with us in spirit."
"Then how come I can't see her spirit?"
"Ah, but do you ever get a warm feeling whenever you think of Shuri?"
Akeno put a finger to her chin in thought. Now that he mentioned it, whenever she thought of her mother, like just now, she felt a strange warmth course through her body. A feeling of protection and love.
When she nodded, Iwamatsu smiled.
"That is your mother visiting you. Showing that she loves you and will always be here for you," he said that as he pointed at her heart.
"Is there truly a spirit world?"
Very few ever mentioned a spirit world among the Factions of the supernatural world. Was it only a myth? Her uncle's face said otherwise.
"My dear, Akeno, we live in a world of magic and fairies. Of course, there is a spirit world, but very few have been able to reach it. To go to it is to detach your soul from your body. But like I said, very few have been able to do. It is also very dangerous."
"W-why is that?"
"Few can do it. But only two have ever come back to their physical bodies. This technique is forbidden by all among the Buddha Factions."
"Who are those two who have done it?"
"Their names are lost to time, unfortunately. But Akeno, if you're trying to visit your mother, please do not do so. You may never be able to return to your body, and Shuri wouldn't want you to that. She would want you to live."
'That is why she gave her life to protect yours,' he added in thought sadly.
Akeno's eyes fell, she had hoped her uncle wouldn't figure out what she would try. If she was able to enter the spirit world, then perhaps she could go to Heaven and see her mother again.
That plan was foiled quite easily. Nevertheless, Akeno would not give up, she would find a way to see her mother again, one way or another!
But that way never was found.
Days became weeks, weeks into years, and still no sign of any technique able to send her to the spirit world.
Her only other option was to perform necromancy and she dared not ever dabble in the black arts, less she wished to be consumed by its evil power... or scolded by her uncle.
So, with a heavy heart, Akeno's attempts to see her mother were cast to the winds. Never to succeed.
It hurt that she couldn't see her mother. She had dreamed so much of wanting to see her mother once more, even for just a few minutes.
But the face of Shuri Himejima would never come to her, not until it was her time to pass on.
Aside that, she spent loads of time with her uncle.
One time she purified a whole building without any aid when she was fourteen. She really was gifted in the art of magic, something everyone in the Hayashi and Himejima clan praised her for.
Ah-the Himejima clan, perhaps during the summer vacation and when Kokabiel was stopped, she could visit her aunt.
Speaking of Kokabiel, she had to stop wasting time and tell her uncle.
Drying the last of her tears and regaining her composure, she hit the call button and waited to have it answer.
…
…
….
…..
"Hello?"
"Uncle, we have a problem."
"What's wrong!? Did someone hurt you?"
"No. It's much worse. The Fallen Angel Kokabiel has committed a coup on Grigori, stolen three of the Excalibur fragments... and allied with the Old Satan Faction."
No reply came from the other side for a few moments. But Akeno was pretty sure how her uncle would react to this.
"Get out of there," she heard a second later. "Get out of that town right now and return to Okayama this instant."
"Uncle—"
"Akeno, I don't want to argue with you about this," Iwamatsu cut her off. "You are in Devil territory and Kokabiel will wish to see it burn. The news you've brought is most troubling. I must alert the Five Great clans of this. I'm sending Tetsuishi to—"
"No."
Another pause and then.
"What did you just say?" there was an edge in the old man's tone.
"I won't abandon this town just because that warmongering bastard plans to start a war."
"Akeno, you are risking your life if you stay there!" roared Iwamatsu, "I swore to protect you on your mother's grave, I vowed to ensure no harm would ever come to you!"
"You can't protect me forever, uncle. I'm eighteen and can look after myself. Besides, we ally with the Devils we may be able to turn the tide against Kokabiel."
"Akeno, if this is about your unreasonable hatred of the Fallen, then..."
These words cut her deeply, especially who they came from.
"How can you say that? You know what..."
"I know what "Baraquiel" did," he responded sharply. "Believe me, I am certainly not a friend of the Fallen Angels. But I am also not stupid enough to blame their entire race or even the entire Grigori organization... for the failures of "one man".
I have seen this going on with you for years, and maybe I should have tried to put an end to it far earlier. But I certainly won´t let you get yourself killed over your blind hatred."
Akeno felt as if she had been slapped. If these words had come from anyone else, she would have just brushed them off. But here...
"N-no uncle, it is not like this at all. This is not about striking against the Fallen. It - I want to protect this town - and if we team up with the Devils and... and maybe even with the Fallen Angels who are still loyal," she said a bit more hesitantly - she hated the thought, "then..."
"The clans won't let something like that occur, even with Suzaku as the Himejima's leader."
"So, we just sit aside as we always do until danger comes to our border!? This is Japan Kokabiel is threatening! The very country we swore to protect from evil!"
She could hear her uncle sigh before replying.
"You are right Akeno-chan. But the clan heads will still not get involved in Biblical affairs, even if Kokabiel plans to start another great war. That war will most likely be focused not on us, but on the Angels and Devils, which the Fallen have fought against for eons."
The various faces of those she met in this town, flashed through her mind.
Rias.
Kiba.
Koneko.
Sona.
Asumoto.
The thought of abandoning them during their hour of need, was something she could not - and would - not do! If they were to fight in a war, she would stand beside them.
"Even so, I will not stand aside like the clans while destruction comes to this land nor cast blame on the Devils for living here. I still won't abandon my friends!" she defiantly told her uncle. "All my life I've wanted to have friends and now I do. Rias, Asumoto, Sona, all of them are my friends and I'll help them however I can! I won't abandon them, uncle! Not like Baraqiel abandoned me!"
…
That last bit may haven't been necessary, but she had to let out her anger somehow.
She wasn't sure how her uncle would rely but if he was going to be stubborn for her safety, then she would be stubborn about fighting. These Devils, she cared for them, she would protect them, she would protect Asumoto, like her mother protected her.
"I'm sure Shuri would say the same thing," Iwamatsu replied, his tone was tired and sad.
He already told her why he was so protective of her but Akeno was growing up and she was right that he couldn't protect her forever. Eventually he had to come to terms with this let her be her own woman.
"Your friendship with Devil's is a crime to the Shinto Clans."
"Uncle—"
"However, I will not excommunicate my niece for wanting to protect her friends," he added. "But you must be present for the emergency meeting to inform the clan heads of what Kokabiel has done. So, come back to the compound as soon as you can. I shall await your return."
"I will uncle. I love you."
"Love you too, my Akeno-chan."
Akeno ended the call and sighed. At least her uncle was going to warn the clan heads of what was transpiring.
If she was present at the meeting them perhaps she could try convincing them to join forces with the Devil's to stop Kokabiel's war before it became wide spread. Surly the Five Great Clans would do so for the safety of Japan? They were the guardians of the country and would do whatever they could to protect it.
She was thinking of what to say to the clans during the meeting when a loud rap tap came from the front door. Confusion filled the priestess. She didn't tell anyone where she lived so who was paying her a visit?
She rose to her feet and dried her cheeks of the tear strands and opened the door to Asumoto standing there.
"Asumoto-kun?" she asked with much surprise that he found her home.
"Hey Akeno, can I come in?"
She nodded and stood aside to let the samurai in. "How did you find me?" she asked as she shut the door, wanting to know how exactly he knew where she lived.
"Izumi tailed you. She kept her eyes on you all the way to this shrine."
Ah - that answered that question.
"So, this is where you live?" Asumoto said looking around, examining everything from the floor to the ceiling. A sense of nostalgia filled him as he inhaled the flowers and candles in the room.
This place… it reminded him of home.
"My uncle bought this for me when I moved here. It's actually the last shrine to accommodate residents. But be honest, why are you really here Asumoto?"
As much as she enjoyed having him around, she wanted to get straight to the point. She saw his shoulders slump, guess whatever he wanted to talk about would not be happy.
"Care to explain that episode that at the club? Who where you talking about?"
…
Akeno turned away, her anger returning with righteous furry. He was going to bring that up?
"It's nothing."
"Really? Didn't sound like nothing to me? What's going on Akeno?"
"Nothing."
"Akeno—"
"Asumoto!" the priestess tone was lanced with anger, "If you came to talk about that then please go. I don't wanna—"
"Talk about Baraqiel?"
!
"I'm not deaf Akeno, I heard everything. How do you know one of the Fallen Angel's leaders? Is he the one who…"
"Failed to save my mother."
Her eyes widened. She didn't mean the say that out loud. Shit! Now he'll know what she is!
Asumoto was surprised by this answer. She said a Fallen Angel killed someone special to her. But here she now said Baraqiel failed to save her mother.
However, Raynare said something different. Baraqiel married a human woman and had a child with her... but both died, at the hands of the Himejima Clan, the same clan both Akeno and her uncle came from.
He also heard Azazel say something about Baraqiel being sorry for not saving Akeno's mother and that he loved her.
Did that mean…
"Akeno…"
A tear rolled down Akeno's cheek. He knew! He figured out what she was!
Now all that was left to hear him say it.
"Why did you lie about that you are the daughter of a Fallen Angel?"
She heard a hint of sadness in his tone, which made more tears fall.
"Because I'm hideous."
And with those words, a pair of black feathery wings jutted from her back. Her expression filled with pain and sorrow as her crying ceased to stop.
She could no longer hid who she was no more. The truth was out. Everyone would know who she was related to and when word spread her uncle would be hated by the other clans for letting a freak like her stay with the Shinto Faction.
"I'm a freak born a Fallen Angle and human woman of the Himejima clan. That is who I really am. Akeno Himejima, daughter of Baraqiel and Shuri. He couldn't save mother and left me."
Asumoto was left speechless with what he heard. Now it all made sense! The unusual power embedded onto his weapons during the Rating Game and her hatred for Fallen Angels.
Baraqiel failed to save Shuri Himejima and abandoned Akeno afterwards.
"Hideous you say?" he asked.
"Of course, look at me," she whispered. "I am..."
"Maybe you are right," Asumoto said quietly.
These words hurt Akeno even more as she thought they would. Even if she had expected them... now that he knew the truth.
But the hurt was clearly visible on her face.
"Maybe you are hideous, because you are a racist who blames an entire race - that you are part of - for the actions of "one man,"" He said, ironically mirroring the words of Iwamatsu from a few minutes before.
He hated saying things like this to her, but it was clear to him by now that she needed to break out of this somehow.
"Maybe you are... for telling us all that Fallen Angels can never be trusted and accusing them of betrayal whenever you can, while the whole time hiding from us all that you are a half one yourself. For wanting to kill Raynare-san and her team - who have never done anything to you - just because of what they are. That you are part Fallen yourself, only makes you an even greater hypocrite."
"If that is what you truly think about me," she answered sadly.
Normally she would have leashed out on whoever would say those things to her, but after all what happened today, she no longer had it inside her. Akeno was at her limit.
"Let me finish," Asumoto said. "maybe you are hideous for all this. But certainly not because of these wings on your back."
"I -... what?" Akeno needed a few moments to realize what he had just said.
"I would never blame you for who your parents are or what race you belong to," Asumoto stated. "Your wings are a part of you, but they certainly do not define who you are. You are Akeno Hayashi Himejima and will always be Akeno Hayashi Himejima to me. More importantly, you are my friend, Akeno-chan. It doesn´t matter to me what species you are. You could be a Devil, or Youkai as well, but I'd still call you a friend. Because I care about you."
She turned to fully face the warrior, her teary eyes wide in disbelief. After hearing her backstory, knowing what she was, and all that talk about being hideous, he still considered her a friend.
All her life she expected only her aunt and uncle to care about her. Yet here was a Devil - no, a man - saying that he does.
Her violet orbs watched Asumoto close the distance between them and pull her into a comforting hug, his hands gently stroking her back.
"I've told you that I care about you, Akeno-chan, and I always will. What I mean by calling you hideous is that you have allowed the death of your mother to twist your mind into hating all Fallen Angel's because your father failed to save her."
"He abandoned me," protested Akeno sadly, as she said her head on his shoulder. "He left me with the same clan who murdered by mother. What sorta of father dose that to their own child?"
"If you see him again you can ask that question. But why do you feel the need to hate all the other Fallen Angels over it? You heard it yourself, Baraquiel told them falsely that you died as well. So, they never had a reason to look for you. Why do you have to blame them for something that was absolutely not their fault?"
Akeno cringed visibly. And for the first time she realized, he was right. When Baraquiel had told them, she had died along with her mother, then... No, the rest of the Grigori had not left her for dead. They had just been lied to by her sorry excuse for a father.
Baraquiel, she thought with venom - it was all his fault.
"And you're right," Asumoto added, "no parent should leave their child after something as traumatizing s that."
"He should have been their when I needed him the most. I hate him for that. I hate having his wings."
"I don't," he replied.
Akeno looked at Asumoto in surprise, noticing his Devil wings were out, and a smile on his face. "Their much prettier than mine."
Violet eyes looked into silver, no deception could see in them, or his smile. Asumoto was telling the truth.
Suddenly Akeno had this tingly feeling in heart before it started to change into a warm sensation. A feeling.
A feeling thought to never be felt outside her family... or for who she truly was.
Love.
And that love was directed to the very man standing before her.
Could Asumoto… be more than just a friend?
She blushed at the thought of being Asumoto's girlfriend, holding hands, and going on dates. Her thoughts where interrupted by him pulling away, which she didn't want to happen.
After wiping the last of her tears away, she formed a tiny smiled. "No more secret between us, huh?"
"No secrets indeed," said Asumoto as he returned the smile. "Come, we should return to the occult research club.
But Akeno shook her head. "I can't. I told my uncle what Kokabiel has done. He's declaring an emergency meeting and I must attend."
Before the samurai could speak, the Gremory symbol appeared by his ear, someone from the family was calling him.
"Yes?"
"Asumoto, I need you and Akeno back here."
"Akeno can't come Rias. She has to tell the Shinto Faction of what is happening. They'd declared an emergency meeting."
"I understand but she must stay a while longer. Azazel has just arrived in town with troubling news. I believe Akeno may need to hear this."
The call ended leaving both Devil and Half Fallen Angel confused at what Rias meant. Of course, it was troubling to know Kokabiel took over Grigori, but what else could there be to know?
"I believe you will have to meet your father sooner than you thought you would," Asumoto told her. "Do you think you are ready for it?"
"I - I am not sure," Akeno admitted. "But I guess there is no way to avoid that now. Well, I admit I guess a part of me is actually glad for this chance to finally throw my anger at him - at the right target finally," she added. "But I truly want to know what Rias meant they need to tell us."
"We will see very soon," Asumoto responded.
The answer wouldn't reveal itself by standing around and doing nothing, he thought.
Communication through body motion, Akeno now nodded at Asumoto who teleported them back to the club.
When the light faded they found two newcomers standing among the group, both Asumoto recognized.
"Lord Sirzechs, Lady Grayfia."
Ah-those they were the Strongest Satan and Strongest Queen, Akeno thought. Iwamatsu always wanted to meet these two. A pity he wasn't here.
Sirzechs smiled a little. "Asumoto. I'm sorry my arrival isn't a pleasant one. My sister has told me what has happened." He shook his head, "I always feared and knew something like this was bound to happen. But to think he allied with the Old Satan Faction as well…"
"Lord Sirzechs - forgive me, it was a mistake to let them go. You should have wiped them out."
"I must agree with him master," added Grayfia. "It was foolish of us to show mercy. The Old Satan Faction mustn't be allowed to escape this time."
The red-haired Satan nodded. "You are right, both of you. They threaten the peace we've worked so hard to achieve, as well the Underworld. I've already ordered Falbium and Ajuka to prepare defense and Serafall to see evacuation for civilians."
His eyes flickered to the girl next to Asumoto, making his smile grow. "Well, well, the niece of Iwamatsu Hayashi grazes us with her presence. Akeno Hayashi, a pleasure to meet you." He strolled forward to shake hands with her. "I'm sure you already know who I and my wife are."
"Of course, I do," said Akeno, forcing a smile to her face. "I was told the leader of the Fallen Angels arrived with troubling news?"
"Akeno!"
Her brow furrowed at that voice and her grip in the Devil's hand unintentionally tightened making him wince a little. Of course, he had to be here didn't he!? This day either was jinxed or the Gods themselves wanted to punish her for the resentment she held toward them.
Akeno turned around to face the man who called her and silently gasped, her anger replaced by surprise.
Four men stood there, bruised, battered, and bloody.
The one to the left had a deep cut across his face and clutched a bleeding arm, his thick glasses and right leg were both broken, and the white lab coat was torn to shreds. He was being supported by the blond who looked worse, the entire upper part of his ornament robe was gone, with pieces of what remained of a circlet atop his head covered in blood.
The third… tall, muscular, black haired and bearded, shut eyes, and a serious expression. She'd never forget that man's face, not even if the world ended. There were remnants of what looked to be a cloak clinging around his neck with tears on his leather battle suit. He was clutching his side that, like the lab coat wearing man, was bleeding.
And leading them was the governor-general himself - Azazel - blacked hair with golden bangs and a black goatee. He was missing the left sleeve and tails of his coat, with what appeared to be a stab wound to his chest and a cut on his left leg.
The four Cadre slowly made their way into the room.
Everyone knew what they went through but still were shocked at the condition they were here.
"Azazel, what happened?" Sirzechs asked, as he helped the glasses wearing Cadre to the sofa.
"Revolt Sirzechs, that's what happened. That bastard Kokabiel betrayed me," replied Azazel, his tone held hate in it. "Nearly all of Grigori pledge their allegiance to him. Only a few remain loyal."
"I won't betray you, Lord Azazel!" said Millet. "I'll make sure Kokabiel pays for what he's done!"
Azazel sighed, at least someone's still loyal. His eyes swept over the room taking in the faces of everyone before smiling bitterly.
"It's a pleasure to meet your sister and her peerage Sirzechs. Sure, I wish it was on better terms though." Then they fell on Akeno, his smile turning sad. "Hey kiddo."
Akeno scowled at the Fallen before turning away. She may have realized that it was not exactly his fault what Baraquiel did. But that didn´t mean she liked the General Governor... or liked being addressed by him like that.
Great, Iwamatsu wasn't able to help her get over her hate for Fallen Angels, Azazel thought at the same time.
His smile came a little brighter when spotting Issei.
"And here is the Red Dragon Emperor. Issei Hyoudou, it sure is good to meet you at last, boy. I'm Azazel, the main leader of the Fallen Angels. With me are Sahariel, Researcher of the Moon, he's the one with the glasses and coat. The blonde supporting him is Tamiel, Head of Business Department. And the serious one is Baraqiel, Akeno-chan's father."
"Father!?" Gasped Issei as he stared at the bearded man. That guy was her father, he made a mental note not to make that guy mad.
More importantly, Akeno was a Fallen Angel too?! Why didn't she anyone? Did Raynare know about this?"
Asumoto's eyes flickered to Akeno. He heard what Azazel said and if the four Cadre weren't in the terrible condition they are in now she probably would be sending glares to them, specifically at her father.
Approaching the ravenette he placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head when she looked at him.
He knew whatever resentment she held for the man would have to wait. Now was the time to know what exactly happened during Kokabiel's revolt.
A curious look crossed Azazel's face. "Oh ho, so she never told you guess. I shouldn't be surprise she would, especially after—"
"Lord Azazel," interrupted Raynare, wanting to stay on topic and have Akeno not be the center of attention like before, "where's Vice-governor Shemhazai?"
At that question a silent fell upon the Fallen Angel's leaders. Sahariel, and Tamiel both sharing gloomy expressions. Clearly something terrible happened if they were wearing those looks on their face.
At last Azazel broke the silence. it would be hard to accept for these subordinates, but they would come to terns eventually.
"He's dead. Along with Penemue and Armaros. The other's joined Kokabiel."
The four Fallen Angels were left stupefied by the revelation that they lost the vice-governor as well as two other Cadre in the revolt. Kalawarner and Dohnaseek nodded solemnly, understanding what had occurred.
Raynare and Millet on the other hand…
The petite blonde looked as if she was on the verge of tears, she was always close to Penemue. And Raynare… Raynare had dreamed all her life to have Shemhazai recognize her for her outstanding achievements of recruiting the Red Dragon Emperor as well as establishing a base in Kuoh and keeping the peace between the Devils. But those dreams now where shattered by the knowledge that he was dead.
Dead and never to come back and congratulate her. She felt the tears well up at the corner of her eyes causing Issei to comfort her as soon as he saw them.
"I'm sorry," Azazel said, a slight crack in his tone at seeing his best friend die in front of him. "Armaros led a last stand to defend the research section. It luckily gave us time save some valuables but not all of them. Especially the artificial sacred gears."
"You're making artificial sacred gears!?" shouted Sirzechs in surprise.
"I was," corrected the governor general. "That's why I was gathering Sacred Gear possessors, to study their gears and create copies. Anyway, Penemue had died of a wound delivered by that backstabbing traitor I thought of as a son, Vali."
"Vali too!?" Kalawarner gasped in horror. "Shit…shit, shit, shit, shit, shit! This isn't good! This isn't good at all!"
"Who's Vali?" inquired Kiba.
"He…" said Tamiel growled while Asia mended to his wounds, "Is the rival to Hyoudou-san. The wielder of Divine Divide, the White Dragon Emperor!"
The high schoolers paled at that announcement. The White Dragon Emperor was with Grigori, and betrayed Azazel! Not only that but they now have both the Heavenly Dragons!
'How much worse could this get for us!?' thought Rias angrily, now she really regretted not getting Issei sooner.
As if reading the young red heads mind, Azazel continued. "The bad news doesn't end there."
"Rias already told me about the Old Satan Faction, which I know is our fault for not exterminating them completely," the strongest Satan answered,
"But there's something even much worse than all those…" Azazel paused for a long time, unsure how exactly to say whatever the Devil's waited to hear before finding the words. "Kokabiel's released him."
For the first time, Rias saw something she never thought would been seen in her brother's eyes... fear.
What could cause the strongest Satan to show fear?
"No…"
"He did," Baraqiel said, his face showing no sign of changing. "Kokabiel truly is a monster to release him."
Azazel was sure the Holy Lightning user was looking at his daughter behind those shut eyes. He was sure someone was going to ask who they were talking about and once so… Akeno would have to know…
"What are you talking about? Who did Kokabiel release? Who could cause my brother to be scared?" Rias demanded.
Azazel kept his gaze on Baraqiel, "tell her."
Baraqiel's eyes opened slightly at that, a look of hesitation on his face.
Now everyone, except the Devil and Fallen Angel leaders, were confused at all these questions and expression. What was going on? Who the hell where they talking about?
At last Baraqiel sighed and turned to address, not Rias, but his daughter.
"Akeno."
She didn't address him.
"Akeno, this is important. It regards… your family."
This caused Akeno to glance at the Cadre, causing him to hesitate again. He had to tell her. He had to say it… but all he'd do is cause more pain, but he had to do it. He must do it!
At last after some time of gaining some courage he spoke.
"You're not my only child."
Akeno's eyes widened as she stared at her father before they narrowed in anger.
"What did you say?" she hissed.
"You...I..." He was finding it harder to tell his daughter till at last he blurted it out.
"You have a half-brother!"
End
What Baraqiel as a son!? Who is this man!? Fine out next chapter!