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Flashback
Demon
Chapter 20
The summer winds swept through Kuoh like a flash flood. The warmth it carried gave the citizens of the town the imagination of wrapping up in a blanket.
And with summer came its holiday that all kids around the world looked forward too.
Vacation.
For those within Japan, it was known as Umi no Hi, also known as Sea Day, and even though it was a month away, the kids of Kuoh Academy couldn't wait to have forty-days without homework, lectures, spending time with family or lovers, and most importantly, hitting the beaches to soak up the sun and catch some waves!
But not everyone was looking forward to summer, nor school.
In fact, school was the last thing on the minds of the supernatural teenagers attending Kuoh. Especially with Akeno Himejima Hayashi.
Every day, any minute, Kokabiel's plans for war could succeed and they would find themselves in another Great War. However, even war wasn't the only thing on her mind.
Her thoughts kept drifting to the man she forgave for not preventing her mother's death - Baraquiel.
After final overcoming the blame she cast upon him, she tried to come up with a topic to have with him - but was finding it more difficult than she thought. So instead, she forgave him one last time then departed to take a walk around town.
In truth, even though she accepted him as her father once more, she just couldn't come to terms with the past yet. She couldn't bring herself to reconcile with him yet. She still felt anger for not being told sooner she had a brother or that he planned to have her uncle take her into his care.
In fact, why didn't her mother listen to her father and go to her uncle? Why did Toujou-san come to her!?
This topic was brought up with her uncle when she returned home after her walk to tell him and her aunt of what occurred. It wasn't that surprising to hear both where very proud to hear what she achieved.
But what did surprise her was Iwamatsu's reply to her questions.
"Shuri was quite the stubborn one, even to me. As for why I didn't come that night... you know why... I suggested forming a blood-pact between your father and I and led myself to believe Baraqiel's spells would be strong enough to protect you both. I was wrong and even now I think back to that day and feel so much regret for not making the right choice by coming to protect you both..."
It was clear in his tone that he wished he had been there to save Shuri. Nevertheless, he had come to accept it saying, "Destiny has a habit of choosing who lives, who dies, and who tell their story."
Wise as his words were, she had a strange feeling of adding them to a song…
She shook her head. This was no time to think about lyrics to write!
"Akeno? Are you ok?"
Violet orbs shifted to the side to see Asumoto giving a concerned look to her.
Like every day before today, Akeno walked with Asumoto to Kuoh. It was rare they didn't talk on the way, but today was one of those days. What
with her mind preoccupied by yesterday's events.
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not. What's troubling you?"
Akeno sighed. Talking with Asumoto was the better option than having him pressure her for answers.
"It's my father."
"Akeno—"
"I've already forgiven him Asumoto. It's just… I still need time till I can reconcile with him. I still don't feel comfortable around him or using my Fallen powers. But I know I should be doing both. We have a madman planning to restart a war and I'm doing nothing about it."
"Hmm," Asumoto hummed with a nod of understanding. "It takes time for the heart to heal Akeno. You will forge the bond between father and daughter once more. You just need more time."
'And now much time will I have till the war begins?' the priestess thought.
"Akeno, I need a favor from you."
A favor? What would this former human need of her? She'd do anything for him after all the help he gave her.
"What is it?"
...
Suddenly an ear-splitting scream rent the air making the duo wince. Who the hell was yelling like a banshee at seven in the morning!?
Rounding the corner, they saw Issei, Raynare, and those two human friends Hyoudou hung with, both looking as if they were about to die. Clearly it had to be very important, and erotic, to make them look like that.
"Ara. Ara. What's all the commotion about this early in the morning?" Akeno asked, her fake smile showing for all the world to see.
The bald one - Motohama, if she remembered - rounded on her. A blush on his face at seeing Akeno standing so close to him.
"This bastard—"
"Language," Asumoto interrupted with a stern look to the younger boy.
"—betrayed us!"
"Ohhh? What did Ise-kun do to make my poor kohai's so upset?" Akeno asked.
"He… he beat us…."
"Hm?"
"He had sex!" Matsuda exclaimed!
….
….
….
….
A mix of different reactions was the reply that came with it. Asumoto cocked a brow, Raynare giggled while snuggling against her boyfriend, who threw his chest out proudly as if he just saved the damsels in distress, and Akeno…
"Ara. Ara. Ufufuf."
Amusement.
"My kohai beat me in the relationship game," she said.
"Y-you haven't had sex yet!?" Issei asked. Surprised that someone as sexy as her hadn't gotten laid yet.
Akeno nodded. Her smile widening slightly as she stared at her kohai with closed eyes. Her expression was the very same she had the first time Issei met her, and it still made his skin tingle.
"That's right. I'm still a virgin." Then they flickered to Asumoto briefly. "I guess that means I better find myself a man and let him ravage my body~ Ufufuf."
At this point, Matsuda had passed out from blood loss at the imagery of Akeno going through his head, while Motohama was cursing under his breath at Issei for being the first of the trio to get laid.
"That's right. Yumma-chan and I had sex! I'm finally a man!" boasted Issei proudly. "It was so fun going—..."
"Stop!" said Asumoto, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I'd rather not hear about your experience in bed."
"Ara. Asu-kun doesn't want tips on how to please a woman?"
"Akeno, as much you'd like to have this conversation. I really do need a favor from you. It's serious. And nothing perverted," he added with a sharp look to Motohama and Matsuda.
"It has something to do with my cat."
"He's got a cat?" Motohama asked.
"Yes, I do. Now move along you too," Asumoto ordered, his eyes flickering red as he made eye contact with the two perverts who walked off, with a slight droopy look on their face.
"Was the hypnotizing really necessary?"
"It was, Issei. Now if you'll excuses us, this topic is between Akeno and I." Gently taking hold of the priestess hand, he led her away from the young couple so that they wouldn't snoop in on what he was about to ask her.
"Asumoto, what's going on?" Akeno wanted to know, her eyes flickering to his hand holding hers. It felt so warm…
"This favor is very important Akeno. It's concerning my cat. Tell me, do you know of a woman by the name of Kuroka?"
He had thought long and hard on this the night before and felt this was the right decision on helping Kuroka gain her freedom.
Akeno scrunched her brow together, trying to think of anyone by that name.
Kuroka… Kuroka…
"I've never heard of anyone by that name. Why?"
Good! This would make it a lot easier.
"I'll get straight to the point. She's a Nekomata, a wielder of Senjutsu, Stray Devil, and Koneko's older sister. Branded a triple S class criminal under false crimes."
Akeno's face filled with surprise. Koneko was a Nekomata and had an elder sister!? Why didn't she tell anyone? And what about this false crime?
What had she done to make her that dangerous?
"Asumoto, start over. What exactly happened? Why didn't Koneko tell us this?"
If she was going to help she needed the full details.
"Well, Koneko was once known as Shirone. She and her elder sister where once servants to another Devil who tried to perform tests on Koneko to see how she could use Senjutsu. So Kuroka killed their master and fled before she could retrieve her sister. This caused some issues that led to near execution of Koneko, as well as her fear of using Senjutsu. She, like the rest of the Underworld are under the assumption that Kuroka went crazy while using Senjutsu."
Well that was quite a sad tale to hear of Koneko, but how did this add to Kuro—
!?
Oh…
"You've been harboring her ever since that incident, haven't you?"
Asumoto couldn't hide the smile. "You really are a smart girl, Akeno-chan. However, I did not know of what happened until I found her two years ago, stumbling on the outskirts of town in her cat form. I thought she was just a cat… until Izumi recognized she wasn't a normal cat. Next thing I knew she was talking and eventually showed her true self and explained everything to me. Since then, she's been living with me as my cat, Kurohime. Enjoying the life of comfort while hiding in plain sight and checking on her sister."
"So, what is this favor you're asking of?"
Asumoto stopped and turn to face the ravenette. So far Akeno had been taking this news quite well, now he just had to tell her his favor, which he prayed she'd agree too.
"I need you to say you found Kuroka instead of me."
"Why?"
"If I tell Rias this, she may very well sentence me to prison or execute me for harboring a traitor to the Underworld."
"No! She'd never do that."
"Not if she hears I've been harboring a criminal they've been hunting for years, who suddenly vanished form the world two years ago. All I'm asking is that you say you found Kuroka and suggest pardoning her of the crime."
Akeno shook her head. The problem with Kuroka can be handled differently without getting her roped into Devil affairs. Asumoto just needed to find a better way to solve this issue without involving her.
"I'm sorry Asumoto, but I can't go along with your plan of using me to convince Rias Kuroka's innocent. However, I will support it. I believe Koneko should be reunited with her sister and know the truth."
Well at least she supports the plan. That meant it would take a lot of convincing to the Devils.
As long as he kept calm and had Akeno's support they may achieve their goal.
Still...
"It will not be easy. Rias is stubborn and won't listen without a fight and Koneko may not want anything to do with her."
"We must try," Akeno urged with a confident face.
"And we will."
So, preoccupied in their talk they were the pair didn't realize they reached the academy until the shouts and cheers of Asumoto "fans" reached their ears.
"Its Asumoto-kun and Akeno-sama!"
"He's so handsome!"
"Look their holding hands! They are dating!"
Dating?
Holding hands!?
Looking down Akeno saw their hands where still interlocked together. This emulated a light blush from her.
Ever since her revelation of being a Fallen, and his reply of having no issues with it. She couldn't keep the former human out of her head. She couldn't stop thinking about being more than friends with him.
With so much going on, she hadn't stopped to think thoroughly on it.
Could it be possible to be in a relationship with him?
Thought she was flirting with him all those months ago when she first transferred here to Kuoh, she wasn't lying when saying he was both very handsome and charming. The more she got to know him the more she came to see how kind he was.
His kindness was on full display when he said he would still be her friend, even if she was a Fallen Angel... and even saying her wings where prettier than his.
It had been a silly compliment. But for her, who was so insecure about her Fallen Angel heritage, it meant incredible much.
It was time to be honest with herself, she thought. She knew that she liked him, and more than as a friend...
... And she was pretty sure that Asumoto returned her feelings.
But she was a Shinto Priestess - and a Fallen Angel - and he was a Devil, if by his own choice or not.
It would be difficult. But if her mother and father, a Fallen Angel and human could be together, she was sure a hybrid like herself and a Devil could do the same.
A Devil striving to be human again, she remembered. Akeno had almost forgotten about Asumoto's deal with Rias to turn him back. And frankly, it was unclear how that deal would end. But seeing him interact with the red head more often meant this deal could end in Rias favor.
And if she won, Asumoto would lose his chance to regain his humanity.
But was that possible, could he even become human again?
Akeno heard that if an Evil Piece was removed from a reincarnated Devil, they'd die. This filled her body with fear for Asumoto. Even if his goal was understandable, she didn't want him defying death a second time just to return to the life of a Shinto.
If it did succeed, she would be happy for him. Not only would he be able to pray, but he'd probably try to rebuild what he lost…
Which meant he'd need a wife…
Though she was blushing, she couldn't hide the smile that formed at the idea of marrying him.
'If we had a child… what would it be like?' She placed a finger to her chin. What would a child made by them be like?
Would it have Asumoto's eyes?
Her Fallen Angel powers perhaps?
…her sadism?
It could be any of those things, or even everything.
"Akeno?"
The ravenette turned to the samurai when he addressed her. A look of confusion on his face.
"You ok?"
"Y-yeah I'm fine. It's just the heat."
Asumoto eyed her before nodding and releasing his hold on her hand. "Well, then I suppose we should get to class. Before I go, I should tell you, I've been thinking on what you said earlier about Kuroka."
He looked around before dropping his voice to a whisper as a means, so no one would listen in.
"You are right. This is a Devil affair and should be handled by Devils. I'm sorry for trying to bring you into this."
Her lips twitched. That's what he was thinking about instead of holding hands with her?
Guess it couldn't be helped. This ordeal with Kuroka was important and he was determined to ensure she was freed of her crime.
"No worries," she said with a smile. "I still believe Rias won't execute you. She truly cares about you, as well as the others. If you choose your words carefully, maybe you'll be able to convince her that Kuroka isn't a criminal."
"Asia-chan, what I can do for you?"
The bell had just rung to begin the lunch break and when Asumoto made his way out the class, the entrance was bared by his kohai and fellow Devil Asia Argento. The blonde only came around to deliver something Devil related. So, since she was here, Rias must want him for something.
"Rias-sama is requesting a meeting. All club members are to attend."
Everyone? That meant this must be serious.
Motioning the Italian to lead on, he followed beside while ignoring the whispers that began.
God, he hated hearing these stupid rumors. First, they say he's dating Rias, now Akeno!? This school had a bad rep with spreading rumors, some that were way too far-fetched.
Like the one of him and Kiba…
He still couldn't find the asshole who started that rumor! If - or when - he found the culprit, he would dish out Rias signature punishment; the thousand spankings.
Normally a simple lecture would do it, but saying he was gay and dating Kiba made his blood boil.
Never would he take a man as his lover. He was into the opposite sex. He loved woman.
But which woman did he love?
Every girl, no matter how pretty they are, was put in the friend zone - each having a good reason.
Rias may be kind and caring, but those where outweighed by how bossy, prideful, arrogant, greedy, and stubborn she was, which would lead to many fights.
Kuroka was beautiful too, but she was way too flirty and lazy, meaning she'd do nothing to support a relationship.
Asia and Koneko were both too young and didn't find anything in common with him.
Akeno.
….
What reason did he have for the shrine maiden?
He had none.
She was a little flirty, very beautiful, and probably the nicest girl he ever met.
Okay, there was her sadistic streak. But she seemed to have it under control for the most part. And nobody was perfect, right?
And then there was her hypocritical racism against the Fallen, despite being one herself. But it was looking as if she had mostly overcome that.
She just needed more time to come to terms with her heritage.
Oh, I almost forgot about her cooking, he thought causing a small smile to form. She had a knack with that, as well as tea brewing. The taste of that bento box she gave when he returned to the human world after the Rating Game still could be felt on his tongue. Maybe when this war was over, he could ask for another of those.
So aside those two issues, did she have any other flaw to her?
He couldn't find any.
While she may have flaws, like all beings, Akeno Himejima was the best choice out of all the girls he knew to have a relationship with.
In fact, the last time he had even thought of having a relationship with someone had been…
…the day his clan was exterminated by those bastards.
Noticing a shade of gold at the corner of his eye, he glanced at Asia, who kept looking at him from the corner of her eye, a tint of red was on her cheeks.
Out of everyone within the Peerage, the former nun was the least he spoke to. Even if it was now two months ago that she joined them. All he knew was what Raynare had told him about her; She was a nun, excommunicated and had the power of Twilight Healing. But why was she excommunicated? he asked himself. What sort of action could this, as Raynare told him, sweet and innocent girl have done to commit the church to exile and label a witch?
Maybe he should talk to her a bit, he decided. It couldn´t harm to know his fellow peerage-member a bit better after all. Especially since they all would most likely face live and death battles together very soon.
When they were outside and away from prying eyes he asked. "Asia, I'd like to get to know you better. What was life like before you become a Devil?"
Green eyes looked to the ground in sorrow. Cleary this was a sensitive topic. But he heard everyone else sad story so might as well hear hers.
"My mother and father abandoned me when I was still a baby. It was long till I was raised in a church. During my days there I gained the ability to use Twilight Healing. Everyday people would come pleading to heal them and I would. I was praised for my Sacred Gear - called The Holy Priestess. But then I was banished. Banished because of healing a wounded Devil."
"And so, they excommunicated you and labeled you a witch."
Asia nodded. "I couldn't leave him there to die. God granted me this power to save lives, not take them. I don't care if someone's a Devil or a God. I'll help them however I can."
"Even if their an enemy trying you kill you?"
"Yes. I want to help whoever I can."
Asumoto gave a blank stare before replying to such a naïve answer.
"You are very kind, Asia, but very naïve. Think before you speak. Do you really wish to heal Kokabiel? A madman who's willing to kill just to have a pointless war?"
He saw her expression turn unsure for a moment.
"If he were injured, defeated and no longer a threat, I would."
"And what if your healing him would give him a chance to recover enough to break out and attack even more people?" Asumoto asked her.
The uncertainly morphed into sadness as tears formed in her eyes.
He didn't wanna be too harsh, but it was true. Her kindness to help anyone could lead to more death and possibly being kidnapped and used as a healer for the enemy. Or worse, having her Sacred Gear removed - which would kill her.
"Asia," The former humans voice was soft now, "I'm only saying to be careful on who you help. Not everyone will return your good deed with kindness."
Asia nodded. She knew he was right. If she tried to heal Kokabiel she would be seen as a traitor. But as a follower of God and a healer, she had a duty to uphold. That duty was to show kindness to everyone. As the Bible says; `Thou shall not hate thy neighbor´. Or in this case, `thou shall not hate thy enemy´. Which she didn't.
Asia was scared to take part in a war. But she did not hate Kokabiel. She was sad for him.
Because he couldn't let go of the past. Because he would rather spill blood than move forward in life.
Even the Church, the ones who spread the word of God, couldn't let go of their hate. They showered her with hated just for saving a Devil's live.
Perhaps someday they would relinquish their hatred and truly follow God's way; love.
"You're right, Onii-san."
Asumoto's lip twitched.
They're was that word again.
Ever since the Rating Game, Asia had been calling him this.
Why did she keep saying that?
What reason did she have?
"Asia, why are you calling me Onii-san?"
Asia turned to her senpai, her sad expression instantly replaced by a bright smile. "Because you are my brother to me."
"No, I am not. We aren't related by blood, or relatives, or even race."
"I know that. But I still see you as brother for what you did for me."
"For you?"
"Yes.
"What do you mean?"
"Raynare-chan told me you talked her out of killing Issei. You helped her choose a better path. Which helped Issei to find happiness and help me have friends. You even helped Buchou gain her freedom to marry whoever she wants. When you said my life as a Devil would be better and that I would have friends. I couldn't refuse the offer because I never had friends at the Church. But now I do. Kiba-kun, Rias-senpai, Akeno-senpai, Ise-kun. All of them are my friends and it's because of you. You've help me adapt to my new life as well as change it for the better. That's I call you my Onii-san Asumoto-senpai."
Asumoto stared at the short blonde, her smile never wavering.
So, she called him her Onii-san. Her answer was reasonable. Their lives, especially Asia's, had changed for the better because of his actions. She saw him as her brother because of all the help he gave her, Rias, Issei, and Raynare.
Speaking of Raynare, surprise was his action at hearing the Fallen told Asa what happened all those months ago. Hopefully Rias wasn't told this, otherwise more problems would arise. Problems he did not want to deal with, especially since they had Kokabiel to worry about.
"Asia, you realize you should never tell Rias about this," he said.
"Why not?"
`Okay, here goes nothing, ´ he thought. It was better to tell her now and destroying part of the image she had of Rias, instead risking of her telling Rias at some point in the future.
"Because Rias had hoped that Raynare would kill Issei so that she could resurrect him and turn him into her servant," he admitted openly.
"You - you mean she..."
"Let's say Raynare is not the only one who had changed her ways since then," Asumoto stated. "But it could still cause trouble for everyone if Rias ever found out about this detail."
This calmed Asia down somewhat. She had known about Raynare-chan, but Rias...
"Don´t worry, I won´t say anything. Raynare-chan had actually asked me as well not to tell the other Devils."
That's a relief. Since Asia would keep the secret, he wouldn't have to face Rias wrath about sabotaging her plan to recruit Issei. Well, even if he did, he would not cower before her. He was a warrior and faced much worse than a rich girl throwing a temper tantrum. But he didn´t even want to think about what problem this revelation could cause for his idea to recruit Kuroka for them.
It wasn't long till they arrived at the old school building and when they entered the top floor they were met with quit a surprise.
"Tsubaki wha—Sona Sitri?"
The former Shinto follower stood among the Gremory peerage... and beside her a shorter woman with short black hair in a bob cut style, violet eyes, and wearing glasses.
This was Sona Sitri, Tsubaki´s King, third most popular girl in school, heir to the Sitri clan, and childhood friend to Rias Gremory. Behind her where a group of women and one boy. This was her peerage. What was going on to have Sona and her whole peerage here?
"Greetings Asumoto," Sona said while pushing her glasses into place, "congratulations on winning the tournament."
"Thanks. What are you all doing here?"
His answer was the appearing of a familiar silver symbol of the Gremory clan. Out of it came the Strongest Queen.
It only took one sweep over the room before she spoke. "Good. Everyone is here."
"Grayfia-san, what's going on? Why are you?"
The maid did not show any emotion at Asumoto's question but answered.
"I am here to inform you all of a plan Lucifer-sama, and Azazael have devised. As well as some troubling news."
"Troubling? What's happening? Are the Fallen Angels attacking?" Rias asked, worry filled her tone.
"That is the problem Rias-sama. They haven't attacked."
Everyone looked at the maid with confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"Perhaps I should explain. Before coming here, I was attending a meeting between the nobles the Satan's on what they should do and…"
"How could you do these things without notifying us Lord Lucifer!? Releasing your sister's dysfunctional Bishop? Forming an alliance with Azazel and the Church!?"
Sirzechs inwardly sighed. The Lord of the Bail House was a Devil he greatly detested. The man was the embodiment of the old ways; crude, selfish, prideful, and arrogant.
If he was like the Old Satan's he'd have obliterated him for speaking like that to him. But Sirzechs wouldn't stoop to that level. So, he would keep his composure, listen to his rants, and reply to them.
"You seem to forget our numbers have dwindled because of the Great and Civil war. We need all the help we can get in fighting Kokabiel."
"I have no objections about this alliance, Lord Lucifer but we must act! Four days have passed since Kokabiel's coup and no attack has been made against us! We must assemble our forces to attack first!"
"House Amon agrees with House Gamigin!"
"No. If we strike first will be seen responsible of starting the great war again."
"This isn't a great war, Lord Lucifer! It's a war about survival" yelled the Lord of the Zepar house. "Kokabiel has taken over Grigori, the Old Satan faction returns, and a terrorist group is on the loose with plans we don't know of. We must attack first."
"Lord Zepar," Asmodeus said with one eye open, "everyone. I understand your urge to end this issue as soon as possible. But the best offense is a good defense. If we commit our armies to an attack. It will not only make us the aggressors of reigniting the war, but they may lead us into a trap. Which would destroy our forces and leave Lilith open for an easy take over."
"Gentleman," the calm voice of Diehauser Belial said. "I think we should talk about the stupidity of the Church. It was the stealing of their precious Holy Swords that started this problem. This whole ordeal could have been avoided if the Church had taken precautions if the fragments of Excalibur where ever stolen. Then again, Kokabiel is a powerful being, as are the descendants of the Old Satan's. Still, even if the Church put up a fight in protecting the swords, they should have sent their strongest Exorcists to reclaim them or plead with the Angel's to stop Kokabiel. Instead they send three young Exorcists, two of which each taking along an Excalibur that should be locked and guarded. They clearly don't seem to take this issue seriously."
Many within the room, including Ajuka Beelzebub nodded at the Belial clan leader's words.
He was right. The Church was clearly not handling this matter like it should.
Meanwhile in Kuoh, the present Devils had quite similar thoughts.
"Well that is something I have to agree with. If the Church were desperate to recover their swords, they'd have taken this more seriously."
"Those agents of the Church also said if they fail to take back the swords, they'll destroy their own Excalibur's," Koneko added, remembering Xenovia's answer if they were captured.
"So, the Church is basically sending them on a suicide mission. If they fail, the Church still won't give a damn like they always do."
"How could you say that Kiba!?" Asia gaped with horror at the boy's words.
"Because Asia," the swordsman said, rounding on his fellow blonde, "they used me as a test subject, they kicked you out for helping a Devil, and they've sent three agents on a suicide mission."
"And don't forget the Crusades. Or the Witch Hunting's."
Everyone looked at Asumoto when he said that.
"The Church has done many terrible thing, Asia-chan. They've killed many innocent people throughout the years. The Crusades, as well as the Salim Witch trials, are just two of many thousand atrocities the Church and their followers have done in the name of God. However, they aren't the only ones who have performed wicked acts… Grayfia." His eyes flickered to the maid, then Koneko.
Grayfia knew what he meant just by the movement of his eyes. She knew what he was talking about and knew that nothing could be said in defense of that mass extinction.
"So, what exactly is this plan Azazel has made?"
"It is a well-conceived plan if I may say. It is risky however. Azazel says when the war begins, Kuoh will be switched with a rating game field identical to the entire town."
Multiple gasps were the response to the plan. What the hell was that man thinking!? It was a smart way to keep the civilians out of harm's way, but if it backfired there wouldn't be a town to protect
"He's crazy!" Rias exclaimed. "Theirs's no way the whole town can be transported to the Dimensional Gap. Could a barrier even hold something the size of Kuoh?"
"We have talked this over for quite some time and we believe with multiple barriers sustaining it, it should be able to hold."
"And how exactly will this be done without the enemy knowing?"
"Lord Beelzebub has been working to set up transports all around the town and will activated with the push of a button. It will only activate on Ajuka's command. He has been working long and hard on this project. He said it should be ready soon."
"Hopefully it'll be before this pointless war begins."
"So that's why we were all summoned here? Grayfia-san forgive me, but wouldn't it have been easier to just inform the four of us?" Asumoto asked, gesturing to himself, Rias, Tsubaki and Sona.
"This was of great important and needed to be heard by everyone," Rias said.
"Well, I too have something important to say. However, it must only be consolidated by you five," The samurai stated, pointing to Rias, Sona, Grayfia, Tsubaki, and Koneko.
Thought confused by this, Grayfia nevertheless ordered the room to be empty. When it was all that remained where the Kings, Queens, and Rook.
"I hope whatever it is you have to say is important Asumoto," Sona said, not happy she was missing class.
"It is Sona. And I need you all to listen before you do anything… rash."
Rias eyed her Queen inquisitively. What did he mean? Was he hiding a secret? If so, what was it?
She watched her Queen looked at them each with calmly. Then he looked around the room before going to the window, opening it, and waving down below to someone. Had someone been waiting outside to speak privately to them?
"She'll be up in just a minute."
"She?"
At that moment a black blur was seen rushing up the tree before diving through the window onto the floor. It was a cat. A black cat with golden eyes.
"Asumoto… why is a cat here?" Rias asked, her confusion growing by the second.
Asumoto inhaled a breath. He prayed they would kept calm and listen to what he was about to say. If they attacked… he was screwed.
Well… here goes nothing.
"This is—"
Before he could finish there was a burst of purple light from the cat. When it faded, Kuroka stood before them in her human form and wearing a business suit.
Huh, guess she took my advice to wear proper clothing…
"I'm Kuroka," after she said she threw her hands up in surrender, "and I come in peace."
!?
All eyes were on the Nekomata. Four of the five woman stared in surprise at the appearance of Kuroka. Only Grayfia kept her composure but was inwardly surprise. Last time she heard of this woman she had gone crazy from using Senjutsu. Had she regained control of her sanity?
"Asumoto, could you please explain why this woman is here?" she asked.
"I most certainly can, Grayfia-san. I found Kuroka two years ago on the outskirts of town. However, I did not know it was her, because when I found her she was a simple cat. It was two days ago that I discovered she was Kuroka by accidently stepping on her tail which made her cry. Not as a cat. But a human. I quickly apprehended her and asked why she was here. Soon we were having a conversation and after that she asked me to help her be pardon of her crime. So, I accepted."
"You—"
"In exchange she helps us fight Kokabiel."
A long silence fell upon the room. The only sound being the shuffling of feet on the carpet. He was really hoping they wouldn't flip out over this... which he could see Rias was trying not to.
Sona and Tsubaki where thinking on this, and Grayfia was looking between him and Kuroka with a motionless face.
Koneko's eyes dilated as they zeroed in on Kuroka. Her sister ears dropped in sadness. Her sister, her mad driven sister, had been living with her senpai all this time!?
Her hands balled into fists, a sense of anger filled her fiber as she sent a hard glare toward Asumoto.
Finally, it was broken by Kuroka.
"What Asumoto says is true. He wasn't harboring me. He had no knowledge of me until recently. I know you think I'm a criminal, but I've come to tell you what really happened the day you branded me as one. I can tell you one thing. The story you have probably heard is, to say it bluntly, a bunch of lies. If you'll just let me speak to Lucifer and Leviathan, I can explain everything. And yes, I will fight with you, only if I'm pardoned of my crime of course."
"Grayfia, you are the strongest and wised of us in this room. Please let Kuroka be given a fair trial to explain her reasons. Can't you see she wants to be free? That she wants to see her sister again?"
Rias was surprised to hear Asumoto pleading. Why was he defending this criminal? How could he sympathize with this woman!?
Asumoto looked to his master. She really did look pissed. As if she had been betrayed by not being told this sooner.
"I hope your explanation is good enough to be freed of your crime Kuroka-san," Tsubaki said, her face nor tone showing resentment at all.
Like her master, she thought it was best to understand the whole situation than jump halfway in.
Her gaze shifted to Asumoto. She couldn't find a reason to be mad at him for this. Kuroka was said to be very powerful and that was proven minutes ago. Nobody could even sense her power when she was a cat.
"Will you call Lucifer and Leviathan-sama now Grayfia?" Asumoto addressed her.
"Yes, I think there is no reason to delay this," she said.
Stepping away a few feet she raised a hand to her ear to contact her master.
"Why do you have to bring my sister into this?" Sona asked.
It wasn't that she hated her sister, she deeply cared for her. It was because Serafall had a tendency to act like a child and embarrass her.
"Asumoto told me he knows the siblings of Lucifer and Leviathan. So that means he must know them," Kuroka answered, while adjusting the collar of her suit.
As much as she hated wearing the constricting outfit, she had vowed she would do whatever she could to win her freedom and be reunited with her sister. Even if it meant having to act like a proper lady, which she also detested doing. But since she was in the presence of the Strongest Queen and about to meet two Satan's, she'd put up with it. Even if she had the urge to pick her ear, lick her hand, or sprawl across the floor came to mind, she'd resist that too.
It wasn't long till a magic circle appeared upon the floor, it's light encasing the shadows in the room blue.
"So-taaaaaaaaaaaaan!"
Out of the light came the former heir of the Sitri family, tackling her sister to the floor.
"So-tan, I missed you sooooooooooooooooooo much!"
"S-Serafall! Stop it!" Sona protested, trying to get out of her sister's bone crushing grip.
Kuroka was trying her best to suppress a laugh that she wanted to let loose at the comical scene playing out before her.
This was Serafall Leviathan? She heard she was powerful, but this… this was the woman who took the responsibilities of foreign affairs? She was acting like a child!
Childish she may be, she knew this woman could obliterate her in an instant.
"Come now Serafall, we aren't here to see our siblings," another voice, more masculine, said.
Kuroka's eyes shifted to the second person. So, this was the man said to be the 'Strongest Satan'. The brother of Rias Gremory, Sirzechs Lucifer. He looked like Rias if she was a man. A strong handsome man.
"Hello Lucifer-san."
"Asumoto," the red head greeted fondly. "I hear you have apprehended the Underworlds most wanted criminal?" when Asumoto motioned to the side, his gaze fell upon the black haired Nekomata. He studied every feature of her thoroughly.
So Kuroka finally showed herself after all these years. In Kuoh as Asumoto's pet of all things.
"I hear you've come in peace. Is that true?" His voice was calm, but his body language said he was ready for anything the cat girl would throw at him.
"Yes."
"And why exactly are you here?"
Kuroka swallowed the lump that unintentionally formed in her threat before speaking clearly. "I would like to give an explanation of what really happened the day I was labeled a criminal. The day I was said to have gone crazy."
"Hold that thought," Sirzechs said with a raised hand.
He strolled over to Serafall and, with a casual grasp on her shoulder, pried her off Sona. "Serafall, you can smother your sister later. We have something more important to deal with."
"Oh yeah! That crazy cat girl!" Serafall said, throwing a childish glare at Asumoto. "Asu-chan! You were keeping her as a pet all this time!?"
He really wished people would stop shortening his name. It wasn't that long. First Serafall, then Kuroka, now Akeno. Who else was gonna call him that?
"He had no knowledge of who I was when he found me," Serafall rounded on Kuroka when she spoke up. "He only just recently found out who I was. Anyway, where getting off topic. I need you both to listen to me."
"About wanting your crimes to be pardoned. Yes, I know," Sirzechs said, turning his full attention to Kuroka. Though skeptical, Sirzechs would listen to what she had to say and make his decision afterwards.
"After Shirone and I lost ours parents," her eyes flickered to her sister who flinched and glared at her for saying that name, "we were taken in by a Devil from the branch family of the House of Naberius and I became his Bishop. Under his servitude, I learned to master Senjutsu and Youjutsu. My magical power became so great that I surpassed my master in terms of magical power."
"And because of that power you went mad and killed your master!" Koneko shouted, her fists still clenched with rage.
Kuroka sighed, "No, Shirone, your wrong."
"Wrong!? You went crazy!"
"Do I look crazy to you little sister?" she asked her pointedly. "Do I act crazy?" She let her words hanging in the air. "Shirone... it is quite simple... you have been told a lie."
"Ladies please!" Asumoto stepped between them before violence could erupt. "We came to talk peacefully! Not fight!"
"Asumoto is right. Please continue," Sirzechs agreed.
He recalled hearing about Kuroka going crazy from Senjutsu. Yet here she was talking to them like a civilized person. Had she gained control over Senjutsu? Or had he been told fake news?
Kuroka bowed thank you in acknowledgment of the Satan's words. "Like Shirone said. It was assumed I went crazy from using Senjutsu. But that isn't exactly what happened."
"Then what did happen? Why did you kill your master Stray!?"
"Rias-sama! Behave yourself!" Grayfia scolded.
"I killed my master to protect my sister."
There was pause and then,
"You did it to protect your sister?" Serafall asked, surprise to hear this information.
Kuroka nodded. "Our master was a power-hungry person who would make even his servants and their families go through crazy power-ups and intended to use Shirone as an experiment to test the power of a Nekomata. That was why I was forced to kill my master, to protect my sister. Believe me if you want to not, that is the truth. That is why I killed my master. A move I now foolishly regret doing…"
Her shoulder slumped, ears flattened against her ear, and her eyes seem to haze over with sadness as she hung her head.
"I should have told you Satans of what was going on. But I was enraged with what he was doing to my sister… I was desperate to save her! And in doing so I caused her more pain!"
Sniff…
Drip….
Asumoto silently gasped. He couldn't believe what Kuroka was doing.
She was crying.
And those tears where real.
Not once in his entire life of knowing her had he seen this playful woman every shed tear before.
And he admitted it pulled at his heart strings.
"I didn't wanna hurt you Shirone! I… I was only trying to protect you! I didn't know my actions would cause you more suffering! I didn't know they would lead to you nearly dying! I thought… I thought…"
Asumoto was by her side, his arms wrapping around her in a comforting hug. "Shhh it's ok, Kuroka. Let it out."
Sirzechs cupped his chin in thought, as he looked at his fellow Satan. This was a most unfortunate and suspicious tale to hear.
They had listened to each word the Stray Devil said carefully. Of course, they were skeptical about hearing it.
But Kuroka had surrendered herself to give the true story of what happened that day.
Was it true?
It was told she had gone mad form the power of Senjutsu and killed her master. Yet here she was giving a completely different story of the event.
One where she protected her sister.
When he tried questioning his sister's Rook of the events she said nothing. Only sitting where she was in silence.
"Sirzechs-chan."
He looked to Serafall, her brow furrowed in thought, which was very rare to see.
"On the day Kuroka slayed her master, the only witness to see it was Koneko-chan and she didn't say a word of what happened. Not only that, Kuroka seems mentally fine. She has her magical power in control."
That did raise questions.
Pus, what proof had there been of Kuroka going insane in the first place?
From what he recalled... there was none.
Had they been lied to? Or perhaps it was a miscommunication?
"How would you feel?" His thoughts where broke by Kuroka's question. Her quiet sobs had subsided. But her tears, shaky form, and cracked voice was still there.
"How would you feel if you were in my position, hm? How would you feel if your sibling was being used as test subject for power!?"
Again, the Satan's looked to each other.
How would they feel of Rias or Sona was in Koneko's position?
They would feel the same emotion Kuroka did.
Livid.
Just imagining the sight of seeing his Ria-tan with wires and tubs covering her body made the Strongest Satan's blood boil.
Koneko, meanwhile, had been standing beside her master. Listening to the story her sister told. Trying to think back to that dreadful day.
Had she really been used as a test subject for their previous master? She didn't recall such a thing occurring, only her sister bursting into the room and slaying her master in cold blood.
But that had been a long time ago. In a time when she was still young.
When she was still young…
Releasing her clenched fists, she began to think back to that days.
"I believe her, Lucifer-san," said Asumoto, his grip on the black haired Neko never loosening. "I have listened to that story and Kuroka's over and over and I find it strange that the story, of the Devil's side, seems suspicious. A Devil goes Stray because of Senjutsu powers? I count that highly unlikely. Especially since Kuroka is a powerful user in the art of magic. Whoever reported the incident must have assumed Kuroka gone mad."
Gone mad…
Hazel eyes widened as a memory of long ago came, crashing to the front of her memory like a freight train.
"Get away from my sister!"
"Kuroka, you've gone mad!"
It was all a blur after those words.
`You have gone mad!´ This were the words of their master, weren´t they?
He had called her that...
... and then suddenly Koneko remembered clearer.
Years ago, when she was younger, a loud bang had just awoken Koneko form her sleep, to find herself in a room that resembled a lab of sorts... and strapped to a table with wires on her.
Hearing her sister and master's voice. Her eyes looked to the doorway to find Kuroka and made her eyes widened.
The pretty smile she usual wore wasn't there. Instead she saw unrighteous fury etched on her pretty face with magic swirling around her like a hurricane.
And it scared her.
Next, she remembered was being freed and watching her sister rip their master´s face to shreds... literally.
Blood was everywhere; the floor, her face, Kuroka's hands…
When she met eyes with her, Koneko didn't see the sister she loved.
She saw a monster.
A murderer.
A deranged killer!
She saw her sister's mouth move but couldn't hear her words. When she tried to approach, her fear took over and she ran from her.
She wanted to get away from her as fast as possible. To stay as far away as she could!
Hazel eyes began to fill with remorse as they looked to the ground.
All this time... she believed her sister went mad from Senjutsu, only now remembering that she tried to save her. And that she had only been frightened at her sister's display of power.
If she hadn't, then none of this would have happened.
Koneko felt so stupid right now.
Kuroka wouldn't be marked as a criminal, and she hadn´t become emotionless, nor be nearly executed, develop a hatred for Kuroka, and a fear for using Senjutsu.
The whole time she had been blaming her sister for everything, but it was herself. If she hadn´t run away... if she had remembered properly. She could have told Sirzechs the truth years ago.
She heard Akeno-senpai was trying to reconnect with her father. Maybe… she could do the same with her sister.
It wouldn't be that simple however. It wasn't like having a fight and not talking to each other for a few hours. It had been years since they last spoke, and it was because all her life she believed a lie that she unintentionally created by not speaking of what really happened and blocking out that memory.
`Idiot,´ she thought silently to herself.
It wouldn't be easy yes. But like every obstacle Koneko Toujou confronted, this would be beaten.
But first, she had to clear her sister's name.
"She's right..." Her words made everyone look at her, "She...Kuroka-nee-san is right. I remember now. Our old master, he strapped me down on a table and... Yes, I was being used as a test subject...and she saved me.
"You see? All this was based on a miscommunication," said Asumoto, still comforting Kuroka. "But the decision is yours to make Lucifer-sama, Leviathan-sama. I hope it's the right now."
Rias had been listening to everything. She had by now managed to calm down her anger somewhat.
To say that she was surprised would be an understatement.
Koneko´s sister was not insane? She had not gone crazy through Senjutsu? And she had a good "reason" to kill her and Koneko´s old master. That meant nothing more than that everything Koneko had believed since she had joined her peerage was a lie.
But it also meant that she had now the chance to get her sister back.
Rias knew she should be happy for her servant and friend. But something about this situation just riled her up.
Why - just why had Asumoto not come to her right away? As Koneko´s master, it should have been her, who organized Koneko´s reunion with her sister, not him.
She knew the answer all too well. Did he really trust her so little?
Even after all those conversations and games, did he still only see her as an acquaint?
Were Akeno and Tsubaki his only real friends?
"Asumoto—..." But she was cut off by her strongest servant.
"Please Rias, save whatever you have to say after this meeting. Right now, I want to make sure Kuroka is pardon and reunited with her sister." He turned his attention to the two Satans. "Well? Have you made a decision? I don't mean to be rude, but as you know we must hurry this up. We do have a war to prepare for."
"I-or rather-we have," Sirzechs said with a nod. He turned his attention to Kuroka, who thankfully had ceased her crying. "I have thought long and hard on what you have said and what should be decided regarding you. While it's true you killed your master, a crime punishable by death, but it was a justly cause. A cause that nobody within the Underworld knew about nor could care for."
Kuroka frowned and readied herself for whatever the Satan would do.
"However, as I said before, you killed your master to protect your sister. And that is something I - as well as Serafall-chan - would do if we were in your position. When word gets out that you are here, the House of Naberius, as well as other nobles, will want to call for your execution. An execution I will not allow to happen. As I saved your sister from death, I will save you as well."
A tiny smile flashed across the red head's face.
"Kuroka. As of this day, you are head by pardoned of your crimes."
Kuroka could hardly believe her ears.
The Strongest Satan just pardoned her.
She was free…
She was free!
Quickly wiping away the tears of joy that were forming, the Nekoshou bowed to Sirzechs.
"Thank you."
"No problem, Kuro-chan!" chirped Serafall. Her emotions going wild with joy that Koneko could final be with her big sister. "It's true that we Devils purged Nekomata. But we would like to apology for that. Know that not all Devils, Sirzechs-chan, Grayfia-chan, and myself did not approve of the action and did not take part."
Asumoto flashed a tiny smile at the bubbly Devil. They made the right choice in pardoning Kuroka, as well as apologizing for their actions.
"There is one thing remaining," said Grayfia, finally speaking for the first time the Satan's arrived, "What of Kuroka? She is no longer a Stray, but still holds the rank of Bishop."
Kuroka frowned. "I promised I would help fight if you pardoned me of my crime. I didn't say I would become a servant, even if it's Shirone's master, I will not become the servant to anyone ever again."
"Then we have reached a problem; if you are not a servant to a house, then some nobles may try to claim you for themselves for power, or worse, try to murder you," Grayfia stated.
The high schoolers exchanged looks. That was a problem. If those greedy nobles heard that Kuroka wasn't crazy and pardoned, they would want her for her mastery of Senjutsu.
"Well, let them come, Asu-kun, and I will just cut them down," Kuroka said, a hint of laziness in her tone.
Amusing as it was to cut down more of those greedy nobles, Asumoto wouldn't contribute to that. There had to be another way to avoid bloodshed.
Kuroka didn't wish to become a servant, but she still did have those Evil pieces within her.
"What about trying to remove her pieces?" he asked.
Sirzechs looked at the samurai, knowing why he really asked that question, but answered still. "A curious question, Asumoto-kun. But Ajuka isn't available to preform something as dangerous as that. At least not until we stop Kokabiel."
Damn. So, the testing of removing Evil Pieces from a being without killing them was still unreachable.
If Kuroka couldn't be a servant, nor have her Evil Pieces removed, what else could they do?
"What about a pact?"
Silver eyes looked to Sona, her hand rubbing her chin in thought.
"Strays are free of servitude form their master and since Kuroka-san has control of her power, which is based on spell casting, she could form a pact with one of us as a magician."
"Nothing less of my So-chan to think of something as ingenious as that!" Serafall giggled, which Sona blushed at the praise.
Asumoto smirked at the glasses wearing girl. This was a plan he could work with. Pacts were a formal agreement between individuals or parties. While servitude was the state of being a slave or completely subject to someone more powerful. "A well-conceived plan by the smartest girl in school. What say you Kuroka? Will you form a pact with a Devil?"
A feral smirk made its way onto the black-haired beauty's lips. "I say I agree with Leviathan. Nya. Working under the guises as a magician wouldn't hurt. But I want this pact to be with Asu-kun." She scooted closer to Asumoto and winked at him. "I am his pet after all! Nya!"
Asumoto blinked once. Then twice. Then….
"Heh…hehe…hehehe…. HAHAHAHAHAH!"
He was laughing. A real full-blown laugh. Something everybody was witnessing for the first time.
When he regained his composure, he couldn't hide the smile nor chuckle that still escaped his lips, "W-Well call me a monkey´s uncle. This has to be the funniest thing I have heard in a long time.
"Yes well, I believe we should hurry this up. Lucifer-sama and Leviathan-sama must return to the meeting with the nobles."
"Grayfia is right. It is time we wrap this up," Sirzechs agreed, already preparing himself with news of Kuroka.
The pact was quick and simple, a drop of blood and the signing of their names on a paper and it was done.
The high school's bid farewell to Grayfia and the Satans and where now left with the only adult in the room, if Kuroka could even be considered an adult. The moment they left, she yawned and sprawled herself across the couch.
"Man, and here I thought you Devils were gonna vaporize me."
"I was considering it…" Rias said with a deadpan tone, one which Asumoto didn't approve of. "You've been living in my territory for two years under my very nose, in my Queen's house."
"Who I still didn't know until recently," Asumoto defended.
"Well, I actually meant the Devils who are "capable" of vaporizing me," Kuroka remarked snarkily. "Which you are clearly not one of."
"You..." Rias glared at her angrily for a moment, before she returned her attention to Asumoto. She admitted to herself, the Nekoshou had a point. Kuroka was far out of her league power wise. Even if she hated to admit it. Along with that she was able to hide herself directly under them, was telling of her abilities.
"Which reminds me." The red head rounded on her servant, a stern gaze in her eyes as she stared him down, "Why didn't you tell me about this sooner? Did you even consider telling me this?"
"As a matter of fact, I was," Asumoto said. He had a feeling Rias would ask this and had prepared for it. "I had it planned to tell you of Kuroka. But since Grayfia-san, Tsubaki, and Sona, where here, I thought it'd be best to do it now than later. Now that that's out of the way, I suggest we all go back to class. Except you Koneko-chan, I think you should talk with your sister."
"Hey, you're not boss of this peerage!" protested Rias.
"No. But she should spend time with her."
"Asu-kun's right, Nya. Come over here so we can have some bonding time Shirone."
Koneko looked between the ground, wondering who to listen to. She did miss her sister dearly, and was grateful to have her back, but could still feel the uncomfortableness creeping up on her.
"If you don't wanna that's fine. Go back to school and do whatever you do there. As for me, I'm gonna nap on this couch. Nya!" Turning into her cat form, she adjusted herself into a comfortable position before dozing off.
Rias rubbed her temples as a tired sigh escaped her lips, "I hope she was worth the effort."
But it wasn't Asumoto who reassured it, it was Koneko. Who was showing one of her rare smiles. "Don't worry Buchou. She won't."
End
Ya! Kuroka is now pardon of her crimes! That means she'll get to fight in the war.