A Year Later

"Hey, excuse me! Sorry if I'm accidentally disturbing a lovers' quarrel here, but can I stop you two for a second?"

The young couple I'm interrupting from whatever they were doing stare at me, confusion clearly evident in their faces. "What? Where did you come from?" The girl, who is sporting a couple of black wings to go with quite the provocative outfit, asks. Well, it's understandable to wonder that - after all, I'm sure the girl thought she could have a peaceful night stabbing some poor love-struck idiot to death with her amazing powers, and I inexplicably showed up at the exact wrong time. She probably didn't even feel my presence until I spoke up.

"Hmmm… even though I must say your body is top-notch, the whole S&M-dominatrix theme is kind of a turn-off, to be honest."

"S~ S&M? Dominatrix? This here is the official uniform of a commander of a small squadron of fallen angels!"

"Uh, sorry, but I think your boss is a hardcore masochist and lied to you to get you in that."

That silences the girl for a minute. It gives the opportunity for the boy to raise his hand, "I don't mind!"

A small sigh, then, "Forever the pervert, aren't you, Hyoudou-san."

"Eh? You know me? Who are you? And why does Yuuma-chan have black wings? Why is ther~"

"Ugh, shut up already!" With a wave of my hand, Hyoudou Issei falls over, unconscious.

The girl, Yuuma, notices this and nods at me appreciatively. "Ah, now this can be much easier." With a snap of her fingers, a spear of light appears in her hand.

"Ah, yes, about that…" In a split second I appear in front of her. "I'm sorry, but could you refrain from killing this boy?"

"Why not? He's a threat."

"He's a threat that has gotten the interest of some devils around here. I'm sure they're probably waiting for him to die so they can resurrect him into their peerage.

"Now think about it for a second… if a threat like him becomes a devil, then suddenly, you fallen angels who had the audacity to kill him become his number one enemy - a small skirmish here, other factors there, and BOOM! We have a whole new three-way war going on! Now, do you really want that?"

Yuuma sits there, thinking my words over. "Okay, what you say makes some sense. But still there's a chance that all that doesn't even happen."

"And do you really want to take that chance?"

"..."

"Let's consider it another way: this boy here may be a threat, but a threat for whom? It's obvious he has no allegiance to anybody. Now all of the sudden, he becomes a potential asset. Will he be an asset for heaven? Or for the devils? Or, maybe, just maybe," and a smirk on my face grows into a grin, "he becomes a fun little toy for dear old Azazel?"

Ah! A light bulb seems to pop up in the fallen angel's mind. Fallen angel girls are just way too easy - they all are so madly in love with that idiotic governor that they are willing to do whatever it takes to please him. Which is kind of a shame - this girl is right in my strike zone. Sure, the S&M getup is kind of scary, but clearly she hadn't realized her superior was just being a pervert. It's probably Barakiel - rumor has it that that guy is a serious M.

"Say, why are you doing all of this? Obviously this boy interests you, or else you wouldn't mind him dead."

Oh, the girl actually can think for herself. "To be honest, this kid is probably going to be a lot more trouble than anything else. I don't know what sacred gear he's got, but no doubt he's going to abuse it."

"... Who are you?"

"Ah, forgive me, but I'm taught not to give my name to strangers, particularly those who wear perverted clothing," I reply with a smirk, enjoying the not-so-slight amounts of embarrassment and anger that flushes the fallen angel's face. "However, I can tell you that I am affiliated with Kyoto, and though we hold no special interest in the idiot currently napping behind me, we are interested in avoiding bloodshed."

"Fine," sighs Yuuma. "The boy lives. I hope I don't come to regret this."

I chuckle and turn to the boy snoring behind me. "Say, I hear you fallen angels can mindwipe quite a few people. Wanna do that to all his friends and people he bragged about you to?"

"Sure, whatever. Say, what did you do to him, anyways?"

"It's a trade secret," I reply jokingly. "But what I will do now is change his memory a bit. Perhaps I should make it that you two had a falling out?"

"Please do. I know that the kid was trying to make me happy, which is kind of cute, but, to be honest, the entire date was boring."

"Just because there was no S&M play doesn't make it boring."

"Will you shut up about that?! I swear, I'm getting a new uniform the minute I get back." Teasing this fallen angel is so fun. But before I can cut in with another jibe, she holds out what looks like a small bracelet. "Anyways, make sure to leave this with him."

"Can do," I wink at the girl. "Well, I'll just get this summoning circle to activate…."

"Wait, summoning circle? You're leaving him to the devils?"

"Yes. Congratulations, Yuuma-chan! You just helped bridge a gap between two great factions! Now, I'd hurry along and run away, if I were you. You know things could get messy if they find you standing over an unconscious Hyoudou-san."

"This isn't over yet! I want more answers from you!" The girl roars as her wings spread out.

"Yeah, yeah. It's a date."

"Date?!" I don't hear the rest of her complaints as I disappear from there, eager to not get between some devils and their prize. Hopefully Yuuma-chan is smart enough to do the same.

"So, any news on the Sitri and Gremory heirs?"

"Ah, yes. The two girls are seriously alike. They both spent multiple pawn pieces on perverted second-year boys. I wonder if both girls have a little brother fetish or something."

"... Is that all the information you have?"

"Well, I might have prevented a war between the fallen angels and devils by keeping one of those idiots alive…"

"Please send the details of your ventures in your weekly report."

"Remind me again why I have to send weekly reports when I call in daily."

"Frankly, I don't know. Most of the time your reports are boring - I mean, in the past six months, you've had all of three reports of the devils taking down strays, which we'd already sent appreciation for. And for all we know, this latest report is merely a dud."

"Most likely. The perpetrator wasn't incredibly too hard to sway. And she might get the credit of finally bringing peace to the two dumb factions."

"That's wonderful. Anyways, if there's nothing else, our talk is done."

"Wait! When are we getting dinner, Megu-neechan? I'd love to enjoy an evening with a lovely oneesan like you!"

"Oh,... your such a flirt, Rokkun," giggles the girl on the other end. "Oh, n~" Suddenly the phone is silent.

"Eh, Megu-neechan? Huh, hung up on me."

I hang up the phone, disappointed that the person I report to, a cute dog yokai that is a few years older than me, had to end our conversation prematurely. By the sounds of it, she was caught flirting on the phone by one of her bosses. I hope she's okay.

I sigh at myself. I'm seriously pathetic when it comes to attractive older women. All I want is to have an onee-chan that will play with me and tease me a bit. That way I can play with and tease her right back.

It just so happens that the two "Onee-samas" of Kuoh Academy, my school, are walking by me at this exact moment. I huff in disappointment and look away. Sure, Rias Gremory and Himejima Akeno are hot, but they're still basically my age. They may act like they're older and more mature, but that's thanks to their upbringing. Rich girls and their servants are supposed to act more mature than usual. No doubt, deep inside, they're like every other girl their age, desperately waiting for their prince charming to come and sweep them off their feet.

And what do you know, Kuoh Academy's very own Prince Charming is walking up to them. Well, since Kiba Yuuto is "friends" with Rias and Akeno, it's understandable. Plus, the guy is the most dense boy I have ever known. He's got fangirls practically kissing the ground he steps on, and he has no clue that those girls even exist. There are rumors he's actually not interested in girls, which I could actually start believing.

Ah, looks like Rias said something to Kiba. And by the direction he's going, he's probably going to fetch Hyoudou Issei, whom Rias was kind enough to add to her peerage just the other night…

Typical devil servants. Obey orders first, ask questions later. Seriously, these guys need to get a brain on their heads. No doubt the Prince will soon be the subject of rumors. For some odd reason, Hyoudou-san is gossiped about a ton, even though he's probably the most unpopular guy in the entire school. Just this morning, the idiot was the subject of some not-so-pleasant rumors when he walked in holding Rias Gremory's bag. He's probably going to be the subject of some rather disturbing rumors concerning the school's Prince pretty soon. Oh well - if you want to get popular in a school where 70% of the enrollment is girls, then not peeking on them would be a start. Too bad Issei and his little band of idiots are too perverted and dumb to figure that out.

"..."

Crap. It seems like someone noticed me watching the pack of devils. A silver-haired first-year girl stares in my direction. Of all the people to catch me! Oh well, just walk away, acting like nothing is going on…

Toujou Koneko - a fifteen-year-old girl who looks like a loli. She also packs a punch that could probably bring down a building. To those who don't know about that monster-side of hers, she's known as the school mascot - and adorable little girl with a pension for eating sweets.

And she's my main target. Well, when you happen to be one of the strongest yokai clan's last survivor with known whereabouts, Yokai Central will want to keep track of you at all cost. Granted, we also keep track of her older sister, but since she's a wanted criminal… it's bad publicity.

You see, Koneko's a nekoshou - an unbelievably powerful nekomata tribe that are practically born with a mastery of senjutsu and youjutsu. Okay, maybe not necessarily born, but it's a lot easier for them to master that stuff than normal nekomata. And add to that their insane power levels, and they are easily some of the strongest yokai Kyoto - and the world, for that matter - has ever seen.

It's a shame that Koneko's one of only two left in the world. Kyoto prides itself on its intelligence network, but we still have no idea how her parents died. It's one of the biggest mysteries we have. Luckily, the family had two daughters, which means that the race will still live on through Koneko and her missing sister. Kyoto is still looking for potential mates that may help keep the nekoshou line up. Well, we're trying to keep that under wraps. If merely knowing the whereabouts of a felon would be bad, it'd be really bad publicity if it became known we were aiding her, even if it was something as trivial as a potential mate.

Just as I shake Koneko off my trail...

"Excuse me, Kurotani-san. May I speak with you for a minute?" Huh? Two third-year girls just cut my retreat off. Both wear glasses, the one speaking slightly smaller in stature and curves than her friend… Wait, I know who these two are~ Oh, come on! Why is it that I'm all of the sudden so popular?! And why of all people does it have to be the other devil of the school, Sona Sitri, heiress to the Sitri House, wanting to talk to me, with Shinra Tsubaki, her Queen, as backup?

Well, best to play dumb. "Uh, am I in trouble? Listen, just because I skip a few classes here and there doesn't mean the student council should get involved."

The smaller glasses girl in front of me gives a small smile. "Come," she orders. Typical rich heiress, expecting everyone to follow her on her command. Well, might as well go with her - I might be able to get some information on the other demons of the school.

We walk around to the back of the gym. Funnily enough, there's quite a few confessions that are made back here, for reasons I don't really understand. For privacy? If you want to confess to the girl you love, then don't be scared and ask her! That's my philosophy of love! Don't confess in seclusion; confess so that your crush knows you are not ashamed! … Not that the President would ever conf~

"I want you."

I blink at the glasses girl. "... Excuse me, President, I think I misheard. Could you repeat that, please?"

"I want you."

"... As flattered as I am by that, Shitori-kaicho, it would have been nice if your vice president wasn't right next to you. Unless," I add with a smirk and glance at the attractive girl standing slightly behind her King, "she also wishes to be in on this. If that's the case, then maybe I can make it work." I wink at Tsubaki playfully. She glares at me, no doubt slightly disgusted at my innuendo.

"Stop playing stupid, fox. I said I want you."

… Okay, not that I hadn't figured out that they were recruiting me, but having my identity revealed so openly is a surprise. Well, there's no use in my poker face anymore. "Well then, Lady Sitri, may I ask how you know?"

Her eyebrows raise a bit, evidently surprised I knew who she was. Hmm… perhaps she's unaware of my real identity… "I have a demon hunter in my peerage. We knew there was a fox demon here since the first week last year."

Damn, no one told me about that. Of course, the devils that I haven't been ordered to watch are the ones that blow my cover. And they've known about a fox demon for a little over a year now? Hmm, now that I think about it, I must be good if they hadn't narrowed down on who it was until now. That lack of information about me probably made them want me more. Well, it'll most likely be all for naught in the end. I'm too expensive as a "piece" for her at this moment.

"Lady Sitri, I understand you wish to add me as a member of your peerage. However, I have my doubts that you could … afford me. I believe I'm currently worth more than your knight, and since the only available piece of yours higher than that does not really play to my strengths..."

The class president's eyes are starting to look dangerous. "You seem to know an awful lot about my peerage, fox. Explain to me why."

"I'm sure you know perfectly well why. And by the way, if you're trying to recruit someone, it's preferable if you say that person's name, rather than a derogatory term."

"But Kurotani is not your real name, correct?"

"Eh, it's still better than 'fox,' wouldn't you agree?" I ask Tsubaki, trying to get her into the conversation.

"Kaicho, he does have a point."

"Fine, whatever. Listen, Kurotani-san, what would it take to get you?"

"Sex." I reply promptly. The two girls eyes bug out and then start to act like they're covering themselves, which is obviously pointless since they have uniforms on. "Relax. I'm kidding. You're quite the innocent Ojou-sama, aren't your, President? Especially for a devil. Anyways, I'm actually serious about being too strong for you right now. To be honest, I probably could beat your queen in a fight straight up right now. I may be able to take you on as well."

"Hmpf. I doubt that."

"... Lady Sitri, have you ever been in a fight before? Besides small skirmishes with strays, of course."

"That's beside the point."

"You don't even know anything about me! You just know that I'm good at avoiding you guys, right?" Her hesitation answers my question. "Meanwhile, I know that you specialize in water magic and have a strategic mind. And that the worst 'fight' you've ever had was a temper tantrum against your Maou sister." Again, her eyes widen in shock at what I know. "I'm here to tell you that I am too strong at the moment for you. Maybe once you get that werewolf college student…"

"?! How do you know I'm interested in him?"

"It's my business to know what's going on in the supernatural world revolving around Kuoh Academy. Remember, you are here because my people let you be here. If you think that you can do whatever you want, you might wake up with a knife in your back. And that was a warning you got from the beginning," I remind Tsubaki, who seems quite offended that I would talk to her King like that and willing to act against my threat. The President glances over and places her hand on the bigger girl's arm, calming her.

"So, is that the reason why you are here, Kurotani? To keep us in line?"

"Well, to be honest, it's more for your friendly red-headed rival and her Japanese fanaticism, but we doubt that obsession would make her decide to conquer Japan on a whim."

Sona smirks at this. "Fine, I'll refrain from asking you to join my peerage at the moment. However, that still doesn't mean I don't want you. You will be mine, Kurotani."

"... You know, if someone walked in on us at this moment, they'd have a very grave misunderstanding." This makes the President blush slightly, which I find kind of cute. Her Queen just stares at her in shock.

"Ahem. Anyways, though you do not wish to join our peerage yet, I would still like you to join the student council."

"Oh? Trying to keep me close? Lady Sitri, before you start fantasizing a future with me, I must say that a scholarly girl like you would not be good with a bad boy like me. Though that does sound like some kind of cliche rom-com."

"That's not what I'm saying at all!"

"And what would poor Saji think? He'd be devastated that his own classmate stole his beloved president! I can't do that to Saji."

"Like I said, that's not what I'm saying at all!" The poor girl has been completely thrown off of her rhythm, thanks to my stellar work. Well, it's a talent of mine and I like to do it to pass time and get me out of certain situations. I once got a few of the elders in Kyoto to start arguing about whether yokai should start up some maid cafes, just to keep them from sending me on a very boring mission.

"What Kaicho means," says Tsubaki, obviously trying to rescue her King from a very embarrassing situation, "is that we'd like you to join the student council and help us maintain order around here. Sometimes by physical means, if necessary. Say, for a certain perverted trio~"

"Oh, you want me to be an enforcer? Well, why didn't you say that before, Lady Sitri? I mean, sending me mixed messages and such."

"Mouuu!" And with that, she storms off.

Tsubaki chuckles, impressed at my rambling. "You know, the only one who could get Kaicho so flustered before you was her sister. I must say, I find it amazing that you achieved it within ten minutes."

"Ah, speaking of her sister, is she still single?"

"Oh? Into magical girl cosplay?"

"Nah, onee-sans. Even if they act younger than their little sisters." I start to walk off, before calling over my shoulder. "Oh, and Shinra-fukukaichou, tell your King that it might take me some time before I can make my decision on the council. Though I wonder if she'll reconsider once I skip a week of school."

It's been a week since I avoided Koneko and was approached by Sitri-kaicho. I've spent most of it skipping class - the school couldn't really complain since I would still ace my tests. Unfortunately, my plan to ruin any chances of the student council through delinquency failed to shake the glasses girl from her resolve. Tch. Stupid stubborn devils - once they got their mind on something, they refuse to deviate no matter what. No doubt she's still interested in getting me to join her stupid peerage.

What's worse is, upon reporting the slight development to headquarters, I was told to "keep an open mind" and to "think about the future of Kyoto," obviously implying that they were considering taking the Sitri heiress up on her offer. I could see why - it gave us the possibility of having contacts with two of the most powerful clans in Hell. Still, I'd be much more interested in joining the president's sister's peerage than hers. Not that that would ever happen.

In other news, the Occult Research Club was busy keeping their idiot of a new teammate up to date and safe. Emphasis on the last one. Rias Gremory had been quite the moron and forgot to keep an eye on her new pawn, and the boy found a light spear in his gut. I mean seriously, is that entire team a bunch of power idiots? Why would you ever leave a newly reborn devil who doesn't even have a clue what his power is alone? Luckily, the boy's attacker legitimately thought Hyoudou Issei was a stray devil and managed to convince Rias, so relations between the two factions were still at an impasse.

Which brings me to where I am today - sitting across a table with a gorgeous girl that looks my age. It just happens that this girl attempted to kill the last boy she went on a date with.

"So, Yuuma-chan, how are you doing?"

"First off, it's not Yuuma. I made up that name to get close to Hyoudou Issei, and to be perfectly honest, it was a play on words of when I was going to kill him. The real name is Raynare."

"You came up with a name that was related to your boyfriend's scheduled time of death? Are you sure that uniform wasn't more you and less your boss?"

"Shut up about that!" Oh dear, looks like the fallen angel is about to cry. "For your information, I've changed my uniform, and my previous superior has had an unfortunate accident and will spend the rest of his life an eunuch."

Scary. Maybe I should refrain from teasing this girl too much. "Hmm… looks like you've had an interesting few days."

"Raynare-chan is always getting in trouble with the older Fallen. Many seem to think she's perfect as an S in role-play." A cute blonde girl sporting a gothic loli dress pipes up. And funnily enough, she seemed taken by me the moment I popped up in this creepy abandoned church the fallen angels call home. She's been sidling up to me as much as possible. Too bad for her I have no interest in lolis.

"Mittelt! You knew? You knew and you didn't tell me?"

"Oops. Raynare-chan found out."

"... So is the S&M thing a fad among you crows? I heard Barakiel was way into it."

"Oh, Barakiel-sama is as well? I wouldn't know, seeing as I find it somewhat disgusting. But if Kurotani-sama is interested…" The blonde girl looks up at me somewhat hopefully. Hmmm… looks like she fell due to lust. Odd, considering she's a loli.

"Nah, Raynare knows here firsthand I'm not into that stuff."

The blonde girl, Mittelt, quickly rounds on her fellow Fallen, worry about a possible relationship between me and her friend etched on her face. Raynare throws her hand up, crying it was all just a "misunderstanding," and giving me a very hateful glare. I crack up.

"Man, you crows are so fun to tease. You guys can't take a joke if it slapped you in the face."

Both girls puff out their cheeks a bit, slightly angry at my harrassment. It's slightly childish, which I can understand with Mittelt, but Raynare? Maybe she's not as mature as she likes to present herself. It would explain why she was so defensive about her former uniform.

"Say, Kurotani-san, why are you here? You showed up… unexpectedly."

That was the truth. I decided to pop in, unannounced, only to be greeted with three light spears thrown at my face and a fourth in the back. Luckily, that was only a copy of me. I have a very good talent in making clones. Huh… I guess I could have been doing that the entire time to keep out of school. Whatever.

"Sorry about that. I should have sent something ahead… wait, my clone was that something." I laugh at that, much to the displeasure of Raynare. Mittelt, on the other hand, seems to be genuinely entertained. "As to why I'm here… well, it's to scout out the base of a potential enemy."

"... What?"

"Hey, you guys came over to Japan unannounced and uninvited. It's only natural Kyoto will send only their best to scout out a potential Fallen Angel threat."

"I can get that reason, but why are you being so forward with it?"

"It's not like any of you could stop me anyway." My comment makes Raynare frown all the more, while Mittelt just keeps staring at me with sparkles in her eyes. It looks like she'd be more than a willing informant if I ask her. I'll keep that in mind for later. "Anyways, I'm also here to find out your next move. I understand you have a … less-than-appropriate priest here?"

"Ah, Freed." Both girls shudder when they mentioned him. He must not be a very popular guy. "Frankly, we wouldn't mind if the devils got him." Damn, that's harsh.

"Actually, Kurotani-sama, could you get rid of him for us?" Mittelt looks to me, pleading.

"That's not really my problem. Can't you take care of him anyways?" Raynare looks in the opposite direction when I mention this, stammering an excuse, but the meaning is clear. "You mean you have a lunatic in your pay who is stronger than any of you, and you have no way in taking him out if he decides to press his advantage?"

"We were desperate, okay? We're in enemy territory, so we need some protection. Besides, we're hoping the back-up will have a calming influence."

"Back-up?"

"Yes, her name is Asia Argento."

"Wait, I've heard of her. She was some girl over in Europe who was nicknamed 'The Holy Maiden,' or something like that, right? But there was some falling out with the Church. I heard her mastery of her Sacred Gear was incredible… wait, what do you guys want with her?" I glare at the two suspiciously. They seem to quiver under my gaze.

"Um… well…"

"Raynare-chan wants to take the girl's Sacred Gear for herself to impress Azazel-sama."

"Mittelt, don't answer him!"

"I couldn't help it! Kurotani-sama's gaze was too powerful!"

"Well, I understand that, but…"

"Um, you two know I can hear you, right?" The two girls go wide-eyed at being caught. They obviously aren't the brightest. "Besides, I don't care if you do that." Their eyes morph into confusion. "It's not like it will do anything to damage the peace, right? She's excommunicated, so she's free game. Granted, it's somewhat sad that you have to kill her, but it's your choice."

"You won't stop us?"

"No, and I doubt Kyoto will do anything, either. I'm here to make sure you don't attack or provoke the devils to attack. But be careful - a girl with her ability may interest the devils, too. I don't want anything happening, and if anything does happen, tell me. Here's my phone number."

"Why should we call you for help?" As expected, Raynare's somewhat sceptical of me, which is admirable in my opinion. There's been no reason to really trust me. Mittelt, on the other hand, just holds up her phone, no doubt excited that I offered my number.

"Because I can, and I'm sure I'm a lot more trustworthy than you psycho priest." The older angel nods her head at that. "Oh, and keep an eye on the guy that attacked your former boyfriend. Some stuff don't seem to add up."

A few minutes later, as I'm walking away, waving at the two, I get this feeling that I'll be seeing those two quite soon. Something is off in this town… and I'm in the middle of it. And the biggest problem is that I've got no clue what's going to happen.