'Italic'= Thoughts

[]=...Speaking

{}=Draig speaking

[Bold Print]= Ability/Technique being used

[Regular Print]= Title

It's been exactly one week since Anna appeared before the Occult Research Club. Nothing of importance happened to the young group of Devils, well, except for-

"You really don't learn, do you Issei?" Yukiko asked her upperclassman, who was grinning like an idiot to counter her statement, as they walked the streets on their way home from school. "You were already scolded for interacting with the Church, and I actually thought you felt some kind of remorse. But nooooo. You had to go and take this nun on a date, of all things. You should be glad Rias and Akeno aren't here, or they would've already punished you for your stupidity." She paused. "On second thought, because they aren't here I'll punish you in their stead! I hope you're ready Issei~" Using her magic, lightning danced in the bluenette's hand, scaring Issei. "H-How was that my fault!? I went to the park for extra training; I wasn't expecting Asia to show up again!" He admitted in hopes of stopping Yukiko's onslaught before it began.

"You might not want to do that." A familiar voice instructed from behind the two. Yukiko looked at the voice's owner and smiled. "Good afternoon, Anna." She greeted the blonde, who returned the greeting with a lazy wave. "You shouldn't be using magic in public. I actually thought you of all people would have more sense, Yuki." Anna scolded the first year, who looked dejected. "So, how's your training going?" Yukiko smiled. "I'd say great! Akeno taught me the basics of elemental magic and we discovered my affinity for ice magic. Plus, I've been sparring with Koneko and I've got to say she can hit hard!" She informed Anna, smiling proudly of her results. Anna nodded sagely. "I see... It makes sense, considering your name..." Anna muttered before returning to the conversation. "What about your Sacred Gear? Any closer to finding out its name or abilities?"

Yukiko grinned. "Actually..." She looked to Issei, who nodded in approval. "We found out that it can copy the abilities of others," She announced. Anna was stunned. 'It can do something like that? Seems out of place with Yuki...' She thought. "When did you discover this ability?"

"We tried sparring a few days back, seeing where we stood compared to the others," Issei said. "You should've seen my surprise when Yuki suddenly copied my Sacred Gear's power."

Three Days Ago...

"Augh!" Issei cried, falling on his butt a few feet back, his cheeks bruised. Standing up, he spat some blood out onto the field. "Okay. No more holding back." He declared his intentions, putting Yukiko on guard. Summoning his Sacred Gear, Issei raised his gauntleted hand, watching as the gem began to glow.

[Boost!]the gauntlet cried. Issei sent a punch into Yukiko's guard, forcing her back a few feet. Yukiko was stunned. "Wow!"He shouted, impressed. "A single double in your power could make you this much stronger? I wish I could do that!" She finished, hopping up and down excitedly. Suddenly, Yukiko's Sacred Gear was manifested onto her arms.

{Mimicry!} The yellow gems on her guards cried, changing to green. {Boost!} The yellow-turned-green gems shouted, sounding like Issei's Twice Critical, but feminine. Yukiko and Issei looked at her Sacred Gear. "Huh. Seems like I can do it." Yukiko stated flatly. Issei was dumbfounded. "Huh? Wha- wait a moment! You can't be taking this at face value! How do we even know if it really-" He was forced to stop speaking, as Yukiko's fist decided to make its presence known to his face, sending him flying backward into a nearby tree. "If that hurt more than normal, then we know it worked. Now back to these awesome guards..."

Anna stopped walking with the pair. "That's it? Really? It can copy anyone's abilities, so you use his to beat him with?" She asked Yukiko, sounding serious. "Hilarious! Your own power, used against you!" She then wrapped her arm around Yukiko's shoulders. "I knew I liked you for a reason, kid!" She said, still laughing. Calming down, her expression returned to being serious once more. "You said something about Gremory and her [Queen] not being here?"

Yukiko nodded in affirmation. "Yeah. Apparently, Father needed them to retrieve a package from a 'buddy' of his. I know how sketchy that sounds, but that was all the information I was given." Anna nodded in understanding. "Still though, that's a pretty unique power, probably the only one like it in existence. Guess you're pretty lucky, huh?" Just then, Anna's phone rang. Answering the call, the blonde frowned. "Alright, I'm on my way." Shoving her phone back into her pocket, she sighed. "Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but some mid-tier earth dragon is causing trouble in Shinjuku, and the group sent to stop him... her... it from causing too much damage needs backup. We'll talk when I get back though, Yuki." Receiving a nod of confirmation from Yukiko, Anna turned around and began her walk away from the pair.

"Do you think it was a good idea to tell her what your Sacred Gear can do?" Issei asked Yukiko, who simply shrugged in response. "She's not an enemy, so what harm can it do?" She answered. "Anyway, back to what you were saying before, I'll think about helping you with your rescue mission. Just give me a while to make up my mind, okay?" Issei looked at his fellow peerage member, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Thanks, Yukiko. Even if it's not definite, I appreciate you willing to listen this time before rejecting me." He said while grinning, causing the bluenette to blush. "W-Whatever! It's not like I'm completely heartless, I just don't like when you're being an idiot. Besides, Rias made you my responsibility while she's not around, so I have to make sure you're not being an idiot!" Yukiko retorted while turning away, making Issei laugh.

Yukiko looked at the teenage boy, her cheeks heating up even more than before. "S-Stop laughing, you ass!" She commanded him. Calming down, Issei looked at Yukiko with a smirk. "So you can act like a teenage girl." He stated, angering the girl. Yukiko kicked him in his leg before storming down the street, much to Issei's surprise. "Ouch! Hey, wait, Yukiko! Yukiko!" Issei cried out, hoping the girl would stop. She didn't.

Town Park, Fifteen Minutes Later...

'Stupid Issei! I was trying to be nice, and he goes and insults me!' Yukiko thought, sitting on a park bench, still fuming about what happened earlier. Watching the fountain, she sighed. 'Guess I could continue my magic training now since it's still a bit early...' She thought. Closing her eyes, she began to meditate, imagining a gathering of light in her palms.

"Whew! Good thing I followed you, or I would've been fucked!" A new, feminine, voiced admitted. Opening her eyes, Yukiko looked at who was speaking to her: a blonde haired girl, no older than herself, dressed in a gothic lolita dress. Standing, Yukiko dusted herself off before walking up to the girl. "Are you new in town? Need directions?" She asked the girl, offering to help her. The girl scoffed at her. "Please. Like I need help getting around this sorry excuse of a town. I just came here for you." She continued, surprising Yukiko. "Um, okay? Look, I'm not joining any teams or groups or whatever, so you can just go on back to where you came from." Yukiko said, standing firm on her decision. The girl huffed before pushing Yukiko to the ground. "Listen up, girly. Since your sister isn't here this message goes to you: Stay out of our way. We're just using the Church for now. We'll be done before sunrise, so leave us alone, unless you want to die." And with that, the girl sprouted wings, black feathered wings, and took off into the sky, leaving Yukiko stunned on the ground.

"That was... weird. But who does she think she is, pushing me over after I offered to help her! Not only that, but ordering me to not get involved in whatever craziness is going on at the Church!? Oh, it's on, Crow Bitch, it's on!" Pulling her phone from her pocket, she dialed Issei's number. "Yeah, it's me. I've made up my mind, Issei," She said with a smirk. "Let's go save us a nun."

"Okay, I know why I'm here, and I know why the idiot's here," Yukiko began, slightly confused. "But why are you two here?" She asked, looking at the two unexpected additions to Issei's rescue mission, Koneko, and Yuuto. Issei scratched his head sheepishly. "I... may have asked them to help me after you ran off earlier. I figured I could use the backup, just in case." He reasoned, causing Yukiko to blink. "You surprised me, Issei. Never thought you could think tactically," she said, making Issei sad while the other two chuckled. "Anyway, Issei's plan was just too reckless for us not to get involved, so we decided to work with you," Yuuto admitted, gaining Yukiko's attention. "Really? And what, pray tell, was this oh so brilliant plan of his?" She asked, the sarcasm practically dripping off of her words. "He wanted to rush in, take the nun and leave, fighting anyone who gets in the way," Koneko said bluntly. Listening to this, Yukiko shrugged. "Eh, it's just about what I expected from him. Plus," She said, stretching her legs. "I was going to do that, anyway. That fight against Vizor wasn't really a good test for my new [Rook] abilities."

"Is that what we're agreeing with, then?" Yuuto asked, getting a nod from everyone. "Then we should at least know where they may be keeping her." He then pulled out a map of the Church from his pocket. "Most likely, she's being kept in the basement, or she's on the main altar. If that's the case, stealth would be the better-"

"They already know we're here." Koneko interrupted, ripping a tree out of the ground. Throwing it into the sky, she knocked down two black-winged girls, one of which Yukiko recognized. "You!" She cried out in surprise. She looked over at the boys, finally looking serious. "Issei, Yuuto, go on ahead. Koneko, with me." All three nodded in agreement with Yukiko's instructions before following their instructions. "It's time for some payback." Yukiko said, cracking her knuckles as the two black-winged girls sat up, rubbing their heads.

With Issei and Yuuto

Running through the two front doors, the boys stopped as they saw a lone priest, who was whistling Amazing Grace.

"Oh, great. It's you again, Freed. Why can't you leave us alone!?" Issei groaned. The priest, now known as Freed, turned to the pair, a sinister smile forming on his face. "If it isn't the Little Devil that Could! Y'know, I kinda pride myself on not seeing the same Devil twice, so seeing you here, now, I'm going to have to correct that!" he cried, charging at Issei with his blade of light drawn. "Not this time! Go, Sacred Gear!" The teen declared, putting his arms up to defend himself as he summoned his Twice Critical.

"Sorry to cut in!" Yuuto said, clashing his sword with Freed's. "Kiba!?" Issei backed away, surprised. Yuuto looked back at Issei, keeping Freed away from him. "This is your mission, right? Then it should be you who rescues Asia. Now, go find her. I'll deal with Freed!" He said. Freed chuckled, making both boys eye him suspiciously.

"What's so funny, priest?" Yuuto asked, reaffirming his grip on his sword. Freed waved him off. "It's just that you're after a dead bitch, that's what!" He exclaimed, laughing maniacally at Issei's look of despair. "But don't let that stop you. Go ahead, she's downstairs behind the altar." Motioning towards the altar with his head, Freed continued his clash of blades with Yuuto, who now looked more determined than earlier.

"Thanks for the tip, but I guess I should be keeping you here with me now. Go, [Holy Eraser]!" He declared, his sword's blade becoming pitch black. Suddenly, tendrils of black energy began latching onto Freed's light sword (A/N: That totally isn't a Lightsaber) and began sapping it of its light.

"The Hell!?" The stray priest cried, backing off of the Devil [Knight]. "What did you do to my sword, you piece of Devil scum!?"

Yuuto chuckled. "Thought the name gave it away. This sword devours holy energy. In other words, it's the perfect weapon to use against your kind and their weapons." He explained with a smirk. Freed looked shocked, for a second. Then he realized-

"Bet your friend isn't as prepared as you!" Freed cried as he aimed his pistol at Issei. Yuuto looked at Issei worriedly. "Issei!" He called out, trying to rush over to the [Pawn] in time, who didn't appear worried in the slightest. "It's okay, Kiba. Promotion, [Rook]!" Issei called out, feeling the magic of the Evil Pieces increase his offensive and defensive power as he charged at Freed.

"It doesn't matter! See you in the next life, Devil!" The stray priest cackled as he began firing round after round of blessed bullets at the [Pawn] turned [Rook, watching as they bounced off of him harmlessly. "Two of my friends showed me that [Rooks] have great defensive power! And that they kick major ass, too!" Issei cried as he readied his fish for a punch.

"Aww, poopy." Freed mumbled solemnly, right before Issei's fist reached its destination: his face. Smashing right through the altar and into the back wall, revealing the stairs Freed mentioned earlier. Dusting his hands off, Issei looked at Yuuto. " Now, let's go save Asia." He said, getting a nod from Yuuto.

With Yukiko and Koneko

"Achoo!" Yukiko rubbed her nose, gaining Koneko's attention. "Caught a cold, Yuki?" the white-haired loli asked, concerned. Yukiko shook her head. "Nope, so someone's probably talking about me. Anyway, we should worry about these two more than me getting sick right now." She said, motioning to the two Fallen Angels in front of them.

"Hey! You knock us out of the sky, then ignore us!? Who do you think you are, treating your superiors like that!?" The short one Yukiko ran into earlier exclaimed, raising a fist in anger. However, before she could act on it-

"Mittelt, isn't that blue-haired girl the one you were assigned to watch? The one you were supposed to inform Lord Azazel about if anything happened to her?" The taller, dark blue-haired woman asked the now named blonde- who froze- with an eyebrow raised. "W-Well, you see, Kalawarner, w-what happened was..." Mittelt stammered, gaining an exasperated sigh from the also now named Kalawarner. "I think becoming a Devil counts as something happening to her! Now what are we supposed to do?"

"Hey!" Yukiko shouted, gaining everyone's attention. "Your infighting can wait. Now, you're dealing with me!" Kalawarner smirked at her statement. "I knew letting you live with them was a bad idea. Here you are, proving my point," she said, sounding cryptic. Yukiko eyed Kalawarner suspiciously. "What do you mean, 'Live with them?' The only people I've ever lived with are my Mother and Father, my brother Sirzechs, and my sister Rias." She said. Kalawarner laughed, surprising the Devil duo. "Wow, you've been with them for so long you actually think you're one of them? Hilarious!" she finished laughing, wiping a tear from her eye. "Listen, Yukiko; You wouldn't recognize Mittelt here since she came into the picture years after... this," the dark blue-haired Fallen Angel motioned to Yukiko and Koneko, whose eyes widened in surprise from what she was hearing, "But I was still a teenager when I met your family, and these guys? They're-" She didn't finish, due to being punched through a few trees by Koneko, who surprised both Yukiko and Mittelt.

"Don't believe these crows, Yuki." Koneko said to the bluenette before chasing after her victim- I mean Kalawarner. Yukiko slapped her cheeks, getting into a fighting stance. 'Koneko's right. I can't let them into my head. Who knows if their lying or not.' She thought. "Hey! Mittelt!" She shouted at the blonde, shocking the Fallen Angel. "This is for earlier, brat!" Charging at Mittelt, Yukiko sent an open-palmed strike into Mittelt's stomach, making the blonde double over and gag. Raising her other hand, Yukiko created a blue Gremory seal. "Now, freeze! [Blizzard Wave]!" The bluenette cried as a flurry of ice and snow was launched at the blonde, burying her.

Yukiko smirked before turning to walk away. However, just as she took a step, a Light Spear, no bigger than a kitchen knife, grazed her right arm. Covering her wound, she turned back to Mittelt, who was sitting up in the snow, an icicle hanging from her reddened nose. "H-H-Hey! Imma g-g-get you for th-that!" Mittelt declared, shivering. Yukiko smirked. "I should be the one saying that, Rudolph." She teased, enraging the blonde. "You want me? Then come and get me. [Hanran]!" Yukiko held her left hand out in front of her, summoning her katana she received from Yuuto. Creating a Light Spear, Mittelt charged at Yukiko, who sidestepped the Fallen Angel and dropped her elbow down upon her back. Mittelt crashed into the floor next to Yukiko, who stood over her. "Come on, get up. I haven't even used my blade yet." She said, nudging the downed Fallen Angel with her foot.

Mittelt finally rose, albeit struggling to stand, and formed another Light Spear in her hands, this one more like a sword than a spear. "Don't think you're great just because you landed a lucky blow on me!" She shouted, visibly angry. She charged at Yukiko once again, but the bluenette didn't move. In fact, she smirked, like she was prepared for that. "First mistake." Yukiko muttered, getting her sword ready. Their blades clashed, the sound of steel grinding against steel filled the area these two were in. With a flick of her wrist, Yukiko twisted [Hanran] so that it cut Mittelt's dress, the fabric falling off with ease. "You let your anger make you act recklessly." Yukiko informed Mittelt, making the blonde even more upset.

"Who do you think you are, trying to mentor me in the middle of a fight!?" Mittelt asked angrily. She tossed Light Spears of all sizes at Yukiko, who simply sighed before cleaving each one in two, making them shatter upon contact with the ground. "Second mistake," Yukiko started, pointing at Mittelt, "You use Light Spears, which are a Devil's weakness, but there's no substance to them."

"Grrr, I'll show you substance!" Mittelt growled, before throwing a Light Spear the size of a school bus in Yukiko's direction. "Try to... hah... survive that..." She said, panting triumphantly. Yukiko just looked at the Light Spear in amazement. "I didn't think you had this much left in your tank, blondie. Guess I should get serious, as well," She rolled her shoulders before staring the Light Spear down. "Go, [Sacred Gear]!" Following the command, Yukiko's twin arm guards manifested, their topaz gems shining brightly. {Mimicry!} {Boost!} The gems roared, as Yukiko smirked. The Light Spear, finally close enough, began to irritate Yukiko's skin. "If this is your everything, then I'll break through it with my everything!" She roared, surprising the blonde. Yukiko tossed her blade to the side and concentrated her power into her right fist. "Take this, and shatter!" Yukiko cried as she punched the Light Spear. As if on cue the Spear shattered, making Mittelt panic. "H-How..? That was all I had..." She stammered, backing away from the approaching Yukiko. Growing tired of their game, Yukiko used her magic to make the Fallen Angel trip, landing on her butt. Yukiko suddenly stood over her, examining the damage she caused. "Wh-What? I-If you're gonna kill me, then just do it already!" Mittelt ordered, glaring at the bluenette. However, when Yukiko returned the glare, Mittelt looked away. Another minute passed with Yukiko just looking at Mittelt, before finally sighing.

"It's a shame. You're a cute one, too..." Yukiko muttered, surprising Mittelt. That's when a light went off in her head. "Hey, since I won our little bout, your life is in my hands, right?" She asked Mittelt, who nodded in response. "Great. So this is what's going to happen: I'm just a reincarnated Devil right now, but I'll rise through the ranks of Devil society quickly. When I reach High-Class, I'll get my own set of Evil Pieces to start putting together my own Peerage. With that being said," Yukiko paused, helping Mittelt stand. "Your potential is too great to be discarded. I'd like for you to join me as my first prospective [Pawn]." The Fallen Angel couldn't believe what she was hearing. A Devil that didn't want her dead was one thing, but this one wanted her as a member of her Peerage!

'She surprised me with that offer. If I go with her, I'll be turning my back on the others. But if I stay, they'll make fun of me for being too weak again...' Mittelt thought, shaking her head furiously. Stopping, she looked up to Yukiko. "I accept. I'll join your Peerage." She stated, waiting for Yukiko's reaction. "Great! Welcome to the family, Mittelt!" Yukiko said, smiling honestly. "G-Glad to be part of it." Mittelt returned, blushing, before facing away from Yukiko. 'What's going on? Just seeing her smile... it's making me so hot...' She thought, trying to calm down. Turning back to Yukiko, Mittelt cleared her throat. "I-Isn't your friend still fighting? You should go help her!" She insisted, pushing Yukiko in the direction Koneko disappeared in. "Right. But first, here." Yukiko stopped, grabbing Mittelt's hand. Tapping the back of her palm, a blue Gremory seal appeared, before fading away. "Just so we can keep in contact," Yukiko informed Mittelt before running off deeper into the forest.

Meanwhile, with Koneko, she was throwing punch after punch at Kalawarner, who just dodged each attempt at a hit. Sighing, the Fallen Angel flew into the sky. "Why did you interrupt my conversation with Yukiko, Devil?"

"... Yuki isn't ready to see that part of her life yet. Our President will tell her when she's ready." Koneko said, launching herself into the air after Kalawarner. Smirking, Kalawarner dodged the attack and countered with a spear of light. The spear would've made contact with the white haired loli, if not for Yukiko's timely intervention. Launching herself into the air, she encased Koneko in a ball of ice, which shattered at the Light Spear's impact and freed the Devil.

"Glad I made it in time. Are you okay, Koneko?" The bluenette asked her friend, who nodded in response. "Thanks for the save, Yuki." Koneko responded, making the younger girl smile. Her face quickly becoming serious, Yukiko turned to face Kalawarner, who simply watched the scene unfold.

"Now, Crow, you have a choice: Either you stop fighting us and answer my questions, or," Yukiko stopped, rematerializing her Sacred Gear, "My fists will make your face their new punching bag." Kalawarner sighed, rolling her eyes as she descended to the ground. "Not like I was going to fight you of all people anyways." She mumbled, which Yukiko caught.

"Glad you're cooperative. Now, what do you mean, you won't fight me? Are you not allowed to?"

This made Kalawarner smile. "No. it's just a... personal preference to avoid harming family members." She answered with a smirk, causing Koneko and Yukiko to look at her wide eyed. "Wh-What do you mean, family? Y-You're no Gremory I recognize." Yukiko stammered. "That's just it. You're-"

Suddenly a new magic circle appeared under Kalawarner's feet, to everyone's surprise. "What? No! I just needed a little bit longer-" the Fallen Angel pleaded before being teleported to... wherever she went. Yukiko whistled. "So... that happened." She said, not getting much of a response from her friend. "A-Anyway, we should go check on the boys, see how they're doing." Yukiko tried again, to which Koneko nodded and began running in the direction of the Church.

'What was she trying to say, that Fallen Angel?' Yukiko thought as she ran after Koneko, before realizing something important. Stopping, she tapped the back of her hand to reveal the communication spell she cast on Mittelt earlier.

"Hey, Mittelt? I'd like you to do me a favor..."

Meanwhile, Kalawarner materialized in what appeared to be an office. Standing before her was a man with dirty blonde hair, wearing a brown trench coat and a matching fedora.

"So, you called me back, Dohnaseek?" Kalawarner asked, eyeing the man suspiciously. Shaking his head, the man revealed to be Dohnaseek smirked. "I brought you here, yes, but He made the order," He said cryptically. "This is why I didn't get involved when I found out she was in this town."

Kalawarner gasped. "Y-You don't mean-"

"Yeah, he does." A third voice interrupted, startling the woman. Turning around, she discovered just who exactly it was that spoke.

"L-Lord Azazel!"

With Issei

"Huff...Puff..." Issei gasped, setting Asia down on one of the benches. "Just hang on, okay Asia? H-Help is coming! We'll get you healed soon, I promise!" He declared, holding Asia's hand gently. The blonde nun looked up at him, her emerald eyes on the verge of tears.

"Issei, it may not have been long, but I'm glad to have made a friend like you." She said faintly, pushing the teen boy over his limit. "D-Don't talk like that, Asia. This isn't it, we've still got a lot more stuff to do together, like Karaoke, a-and bowling! Just please, hang on for a bit longer Asia!" He begged of the girl, beginning to cry.

"I never meant to make you cry, Issei. I'm... sorry. Goodbye..." Asia apologized with her last breath, her eyes closing for the last time.

"Dammit! Why'd it have to be this way!? She was a healer, wasn't she!? Then you must've had a purpose for her! This isn't fair!" Issei cried, holding onto Asia's form as if it would disappear from this world. "Asia didn't deserve this! All she wanted in life was to have friends! She had one in me, and would've made plenty more! That must've been it, then. A nun befriending a Devil isn't allowed, huh!? I'm sorry then, just give her back!"

"Aww~ It's touching, really, just how far you're willing to go for this bitch." Raynare taunted, emphasizing the last word just to get under Issei's skin. Laying Asia's form back on the bench, he turned to face Raynare, or has he currently thought of her, 'The Bitch That Killed My Friend'.

"Why her?" Issei asked the Fallen Angel, his bangs covering his eyes. "Why did you specify Asia? She wasn't a threat to you. Hell, she probably wouldn't even hurt a fly!" Rolling her eyes, Raynare glanced over at the dead Asia. "Unfortunately, for those with a Sacred Gear, this is their fate: to be culled and stripped of their power for the sake of their superiors."

"Bullshit!" Issei countered with such ferocity it surprised Raynare. "You took her life just to take her Sacred Gear for yourself, just like all the other power hungry idiots out there! Asia was the most innocent and pure person I've ever met! She didn't deserve this! She didn't deserve any of this!"

[Boost!] Continuing his rant, he didn't notice his [Twice Critical] activate.

"I want her back..."

[Boost!]

"Give her back, Raynare!" Issei shouted, staring the Fallen Angel in her eyes, unaware of his irises flashing emerald.

[Boost!]

"DAMMIT RAYNARE JUST GIVE HER BACK!"

[Boost!]

Following the new announcement, Issei's [Twice Critical]'s appearance changed, becoming more...dragonic, for lack of a better term, gaining gloves tipped with claws and extending further up his forearm. Seeing the change, Raynare just scoffed. "Big deal. So your Sacred Gear grew a bit. It doesn't make you any stronger or immune to Light Poisoning!" She declared, tossing two Light Spears into his knees.

Falling over from the pain, Issei coughed up blood. Still looking down on the [Pawn], Raynare flew above him. "How's that feel? I bet it hurts like a bitch, huh?" She taunted, laughing maniacally.

"...I'm not gonna lie, this does hurt. But," Issei started, gripping the Spears. "This is nothing compared to what Asia's been through!" Ripping them out of his legs, Issei stood, albeit shakily, as blood burst from his new open wounds.

"H-How!? There's no Sacred Gear in the world that could give a Devil an immunity to Light Poisoning!" Raynare exclaimed, backing away from the boy, bangs blocking his eyes from view once more.

"Since I can't expect a miracle from Him anymore, maybe I should try Satan instead," Issei mumbled, clenching his fists. "Please, just give me the power to end this bitch, for my friend!" Looking up at Raynare, his eyes now showed an anger that wasn't there earlier, as if he was a different person altogether, Startling the Fallen Angel into landing.

A bad move on her part.

[All you had to do was ask, Partner! Explosion!] A voice boomed in Issei's head, sounding like his Sacred Gear. Radiating off of Issei in waves, his boosted energy now stood on par with his current adversary, who looked as though she may wet herself, if she hadn't already.

"Ugh! Then take this!" Grunting, Raynare shot another Light Spear at Issei, who simply punched through it like it was made of glass.

"I-Impossible! All you have is a [Twice Critical]! Th-There's no way your power could be this high as a Newborn Devil!" Raynare cried frightened, her voice cracking as she fell on her butt. Quickly rising, the Fallen Angel tried to take off, but-

"Oh, no you don't you bitch!" Issei shouted, grabbing Raynare by her wrist, surprising her by how quickly he closed the gap between the two. "Pay for your crimes and die, shitty Crow!" With his gauntlet-covered hand, Issei punched Raynare straight upward, through the skylight, and back in front of him.

[Reset!]

"That... was for Asia..." Issei panted, feeling the adrenaline and the Sacred Gear's power leaving him as he fell once more, before being caught by a familiar, blonde-haired [Knight].

"I've got you, Issei." Yuuto claimed, catching his fallen ally. Craning his neck, Issei sighed. "When did you get here, Kiba?" He asked the blonde.

"About when you started making deals with the higher-ups." Yuuto answered with a smile. Issei rolled his eyes. "Jeez, you could've helped out, you know?"

"I was going to, but I was ordered not to interfere." Yuuto explained as he helped Issei to his feet. "And who gave you this order?"

"That would be me." A familiar voice answered as Issei looked behind Yuuto, spotting Akeno, Rias, Koneko, and Yukiko, with Rias pinching Yukiko's cheek.

"Am Shawwy! Id won ha en again!" Yukiko struggled to say, with Rias looking at her sister with an increasingly disappointed look on her face. "I leave for a day, and when I get back I find out my Peerage raided a Church, of all places!? Why, in Satan's great name, did this even happen!?"

"I needed help rescuing a friend, and I didn't know who else to ask. I couldn't do it in the end. Unless..." Issei answered, looking at Rias with eyes full of hope. "I-Is it possible for you to bring her back, Rias?"

"Back? Where is she?" Rias asked, causing Issei to point over to the bench Asia's form was still on, his face becoming solemn. Walking over to the dead girl, Rias noticed the twin silver rings on her fingers. 'Twilight Healing? She could be useful... Then it's settled.' She thought to herself, smiling as she faced her [Pawn] once more.

"You're in luck. Since it wasn't too long since her passing, I can revive her. However, she will become another of my servants. Is that what you want for her?"

"I don't care! I owe more to this girl than just simply giving her life, and I intend to pay her back for it all! So please, Rias, do this for me!" Issei pleaded, his eyes burning with his resolve. Turning back to the deceased Asia, Rias smiled faintly while removing something from her pocket- a crimson red [Bishop].

'Eh? So she was prepared for this the whole time?' Yukiko thought, looking up at her sister. 'How did she know we would do something like this?'

Placing the [Bishop] on the ex-nun, Rias began the ritual, chanting as her servants watched over her. Issei gasped as he saw the chess piece sink into Asia's body, just as Rias finished speaking. Looking at the blonde girl, Issei's eyes widened when he saw Asia open her eyes.

"Eh? Issei?I'm... alive?" Asia asked just before being bombarded by Issei, who pulled her into a bear hug, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Asia! You're really back! I'm sorry for not protecting you before, but I'll make it up to you from now on, I promise!" He swore, surprising the ex-nun. Eyes widening, Asia sighed before returning the gesture. "Yes. Please take care of me, Issei."

Yukiko looked on the scene, wiping the tears away from her eyes. "S-So beautiful..." She muttered, catching the attention of Akeno and Rias, who moved closer to the [Rook]. Staring sternly at her sister, Rias grabbed Yukiko by her ear. "Now that that's settled, care to explain why you sent a Fallen Angel, of all beings, to come for us just as we finished father's request?" The Crimson Devil asked, her red aura flaring slightly. Wailing in pain from the sudden ear pinching, Yukiko tried her best to answer.

"R-Riri!? You know I- ow!- don't have a familiar yet! What was I sup- ow!- posed to do, leave them here to deal with this on their own? I know you would''ve been more mad for that than you are right now."

Struggling, Yukiko escaped Rias' grip, standing before the redhead. "Oh, speaking of Fallen Angels, one of these few told me something interesting." Yukiko said, catching Rias' attention, much to Koneko's fear. "Oh? What's that?" She asked, not aware of Koneko's look of worry. "She told me that she wouldn't hurt me because she doesn't like hurting family. Know why?"

"A Fallen Angel said that?" Rias asked, sounding nervous. 'Why would a Fallen Angel call Yu family? ...Don't tell me that she's-'

"I think you guys forgot about this." Koneko said, interrupting Rias' thoughts. Throwing Raynare in front of the Devil, Koneko fell into place at Yukiko's side. Rias glared at the Fallen Angel. "Fallen Angel, you dared to harm my Servants. What can you say in your defense?"

"Rias Gremory..." Raynare started, her eyes portraying her fear. "Th-That wasn't my fault! I-I-I didn't even know-"

"Even so, you've incurred her wrath, and my own, as well." Yukiko inturrupted, stepping next to Rias, who smirked at her sister's statement before becoming serious once more. Frantically looking to avoid death, Raynare's eyes fell upon Issei. "I-Issei! I love you! I really do! So please, don't let these mean Devils kill me!" She pleaded. Issei quickly looked away from her, a single tear escaping his eye. "...Please, Rias, do it." He muttered, walking away from everyone. Stepping Forward, Rias charged her magic in her hands, before being blocked by Yukiko.

"Riri, allow me," Yukiko said, shocking a majority of the people there. Rias stopped, wanting to see where her sister was going with this. "Hey, Hyoudou," Yukiko called, catching up to Issei, who turned around at the sound of his name. Yukiko's next action surprised the group even more- she hugged the [Pawn], the person she detested for his perversion not even a week ago, the boy who angered her with a simple look, received a hug from her. "Good job not falling for the obvious trap, my sister would've had a hard time putting you down," She muttered just before releasing him. "Oh, and thanks for allowing that." Walking back to the group, Yukiko summoned her Sacred Gear.

[Mimicry!][Boost!]

As the yellow gems became emerald in color, they sounded off the activation of their ability, surprising Rias and Akeno since they weren't there when she figured it out, and Raynare, since she understood what just happened. Clenching her fist, Yukiko charged lightning magic into her hand, watching as it began to glow a faint yellow.

"This... This is what you deserve for trying to play with my friend's emotions!" She roared as she punched Raynare across her face, sending the Fallen Angel tumbling across the floor. Trying to rise from the ground, Raynare was surprised when she found her body not responsive to her thoughts.

"My lightning isn't just for show, it paralyzes whatever it touches, instead of doing damage. Surprised you when you didn't get fried, huh?" Yukiko said, explaining why Raynare wasn't a fried crow. "Now try something else. I dare you." Her tone dropping, Raynare looked like she feared Yukiko now more than Rias. Yukiko smirked. "No? Nothing else? Good. Now die. [Glacial Coffin]." A magic circle, about as big as Raynare, appeared under the Fallen Angel, and in the span of two seconds, encased her in ice.

"That takes care of that. Now if you don't mind getting rid of her, Rias, that would be great. Seeing her still here puts a bad taste in my mouth." Yukiko said, looking to her older sister, who smiled, proud of her younger sister's strength. Charging her [Power of Destruction], Rias prepared to strike the Raynare-ka-bob, but-

"I'm afraid I'm going to need you to stop right there, Gremory." A new, masculine voice stated from the entryway, shocking the redhead into dissolving her power. Yukiko turned to the sound, seeing the source of the voice- a man who appeared to be in his early 30s, with short black hair and blonde bangs, wearing a burgundy overcoat and dark gray pants. Spotting the bluenette eyeing him, the man walked closer to her, appearing interested in the girl. 'Hair color's different, but she has her aura,' he thought. Getting uncomfortable, Yukiko stepped back. "I'm sorry, but who're you?" She asked, the man raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? I'm hurt, Yu. It's me, your Uncle Azazel."

Bang! Bet no one saw that coming, huh? Anyway, yeah, in some way, shape, or form, Yukiko has a connection to not only the leader of the Fallen Angels, but his subordinate Kalawarner as well. Also, I'm not exactly sure if I portrayed Issei's reaction to Asia's death well enough, so it'd be nice to have some feedback on that. Finally, Happy belated New Year, FanFiction! Apologies for taking so long for this chapter to post, but I've been bouncing around ideas for a Pokemon FF I've been working on as well, which also has Yukiko as the protagonist, but uses her true appearance (Discovered in the next chapter) from the get go. Please, when I release the finished chapter, give it a read!

And remember, please leave a review, and have a great day! LevyTaine, out~!