The Battle Never Ends

by Arthain

The Tyrant had surpassed death once before. This time wouldn't have been any different save for the determination of one young man and his desire to protect all that he cared for. But what should have been the end instead became a new beginning. A beginning somewhere else. A beginning where Night Raid was still needed.

8. Hollow Recovery

Note on place in current timeline: After the first set of scenes, this Chapter will match up with the start of Volume 3.

Chapter 7: Hollow Recovery

The Nyuto Onsen was a wonderful place, a series of open air hot springs nestled deep in the mountains of the eastern Akita Prefecture. The place had a rustic and traditional feel to it, making it seem as if you had gone a thousand years back into the past. It got snow early in the winter season offering breathtaking views of snowy scenery while one relaxed in the baths.

The clear evening sky added to the majesty. The bright moon and stars shone down upon the pool, turning it all aglow. It was like bathing in liquid silver. A wonderful feeling.

Esdeath let out a luxurious sigh as she relaxed in one such hot spring. The biting cold of the chilly mountain air coupled with the warmth of the water created a delightful dichotomy she enjoyed. She felt a familiar presence approach and smiled. She held her glass up and the serving girl was quick to fill it with her favorite wine. "Thank you, that will be all for tonight," Esdeath said and waved her off. She watched, bemused, as the girl hurriedly bowed and rushed off. Esdeath could help but smile.

Contrary to what many thought, Esdeath didn't torture and kill everyone. Her every action had a purpose behind it and there was no purpose in spreading suffering here. This place was simply too beautiful, too relaxing, for her to even want to try. Someone had to operate it and humans were the only ones that wouldn't object to her presence. Besides, the ones here knew exactly what she wanted, needed even. She was a frequent visitor after all. The annoyance of having to train a new set of humans to get her preference just right far outweighed any satisfaction she'd gain from hurting them.

There were plenty of other places where she could spread her suffering. The major cities, for instance. They were large enough that a few hundred people undergoing agonizing torture wouldn't affect things too much.

"Ah, Esdeath, enjoying yourself?" Her visitor asked as he floated down from the sky, twelve pitch black wings sprouting from his back. His long maroon trench coat pulled tight by two black belts over a pair of black pants was his signature outfit. If that wasn't enough to identify him his black hair and golden bangs and trademark goatee were.

Azazel, the leader of the Grigori.

"I am, father," Esdeath said giving Azazel a smile. God may have created her, but Azazel was the one that raised her, the one that introduced her to the world of sadism after God died. She had needed help in those first few decades. Joy had been all she'd known before then. "I find myself liking the humans that work here."

"That's just because they know how to pamper you right." That was true. She even forgave the few odd mistakes here and there. They were quick to learn from them and that was enough for her.

Azazel let out a small laugh as he landed on the stones next to her. Esdeath made no move to cover herself. What was the point? "Do you need help with those?" He asked, pointing to the injuries on her chest.

"Just this one," Esdeath said, pointing to the large hole Mine had caused. "I'm keeping the other. A gift from my dear Tatsumi."

"I'll send her along afterwards then," Azazel said. One of Azazel's pet humans he'd seduced that had a knack for healing. Esdeath didn't particularly like the girl, for reasons few would suspect, but she was useful and Esdeath didn't want a reminder of Mine getting one up on her, even if it had been Tatsumi that set it all up. "How did the experiment work out?"

Esdeath set the glass of wine down and reached over for a small oval shaped piece of metal that looked like a closed eye. She tossed it over her head to Azazel who reached out for it quickly like a father grabbing for his child. "It only worked with the humans I tested it on. That Sacred Gear has traces of regret and resentment clinging to it. It won't accept a devil or a fallen angel as a host. The one Angel I managed to get my hands on died before I could implant it in him."

"That's a shame, especially after all the work I had to do to get it. Almost lost it to God's divine system, just barely managed to intercept it." He held it up and looked it over. "A Sacred Gear capable of seeing the past and future is unbelievably powerful. It would have been nice if we could have made it ours. I can understand why Gregorious Abaddon wanted the girl instead of just ripping the Sacred Gear from her. I don't think anyone expected Tatsumi to have the strength of will to kill his own sister." Azazel sighed before pocketing it. "I guess I'll just have to resort to duplicating it. Duplicates are never as good as the original."

"It broke him, you know, killing his own sister," Esdeath said. She had seen it in his eyes, the agony that consumed him, the suffering. It clung to him more tightly than the aura of death. It just made her want to take him away from the world and show him all the pleasures he was missing. "There's nothing left in there for me to break."

"Breaking people seems to bring out their utmost potential," Azazel noted. "You yourself are proof of that."

She was 'broken' because that was what He had asked of her just before he died. "Are you sure it's not because of the Sacred Gear you gave me?" Esdeath asked lightly, altering the course of the conversation away from what she couldn't speak of. She lifted her hand and spun icy strands about her palm and created an immaculate sculpture of Tatsumi. "It's a wonderful gift."

"It suits you, almost too much really, like it was designed for you." Azazel paused for a few long moments, giving Esdeath time to admire the sculpture. "How is the boy? We all had him pegged as a regular human but what he displayed there last night. That wasn't normal. I know those artifacts he used. They don't boost an individual's strength or speed."

"Because you're all wrong," Esdeath said. She knew what she saw. Those eyes of his, that blazing red, that cross-split iris. There was no mistaking the feeling she got. It was cloaked, hidden beneath that shroud of death, but at brief moments she had felt it. Whenever Tatsumi grew stronger, faster, something had surged through him. Something ancient and primordial, carrying with it a blood thirst that made her wet between the legs. "He's not human. He's something else entirely."

Azazel's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Really? That would explain Heaven's unnatural obsession over the boy. The angels must be scouting out potential candidates to raise."

"Their way of balancing the scales?" Esdeath offered, enjoying the little pun she made.

Azazel didn't seem to notice. "Quite possibly." He frowned thoughtfully. "What to do about Tatsumi?"

"Leave him to me," Esdeath said. A surge of desire flooded her veins. "I have plans for him."

"You'll upset Serafall Leviathan again, her little sister has fallen in love with him and she's quite attached as well."

"Oh I know." Esdeath laughed. "She came racing after me faster than I thought she would. It took a while to get away,"

Torturing Serafall was one of her favorite pass times. It both catered to her duty, and her desires. It was beautiful. While the Satan was too powerful for Esdeath to fight straight up, the same couldn't be said about those Serafall cared about. Every time Serafall fell in love, Esdeath was there to kill the man she loved. Torturing him, breaking him into little pieces, and then leaving the remains where Esdeath could look on from a safe distance. Watching Serafall's face crumple in utter despair every time she found the broken body of the man she loved were some of the highlights of her life.

She'd even tried for Sona's life when the child was only seven. Almost managed to cut her throat while she slept before Serafall caught her. Just remembering the look in the Leviathan's eyes still sent shivers down her spine to this day. She had only survived because the Leviathan had thought she'd killed her, and most likely would have had it not been for the Sacred Gear Azazel had given her. There was a wide swath of the Underworld that was still frozen.

"I can't get to Sona Sitri, but Tatsumi is something different. He's too independent for Serafall to keep a leash on. I can break both her and her sister through him."

"Just do it after the peace conference Serafall is trying to set up," Azazel told her. "You've already riled her up enough. I'm going to have to talk fast to convince her to focus on the peace conference and to stop looking for you."

"Peace, hah," Esdeath laughed uproariously, "you just want to have unrestricted access to test subjects for your Sacred Gear research."

"You say that like we all don't have our own agenda's we're trying to push," Azazel said, smiling. "The angels and devils aren't any different. The angels though…" he frowned. "They're balking at it for some reason."

"Maybe they've caught wind of what you're trying to do?"

"They still have more to gain from this regardless," Azazel said, waving away her comment. "They get to analyze the evil piece system and build their own based off it. It'll be the first time since God died that they'll be able to add to their number. I would think any price would be worth that."

"What does Serafall get from this?" It was idle curiosity.

"Free reign to murder you as brutally as she possibly can without consequence," Azazel said, shrugging. Esdeath thought as much, she wasn't particularly worried. Serafall was one of those individuals that you really couldn't miss. Esdeath could feel her coming from a hundred miles away. "There are a few other minor things for devil kind as a whole but that's the only thing of consequence there. Still, there's nothing in what she desires that states I can't do whatever I can to hide you from her."

"At least until my usefulness runs out," Esdeath added.

"Of course."

There was no illusion in their relationship. Father and daughter they may be, but both would toss that relationship into the trash if they had more to gain by doing so. Esdeath respected Azazel all the more because of it. He didn't make any apologies for what he was, and didn't expect any forgiveness for his actions. A creature that knew exactly what he wanted in life and went for it regardless of anything.

Just like her.

"I'll do what you ask and leave Tatsumi alone for the time being. It'll give him time to grow strong enough not to have to rely on power borrowed from the angels." She gave her father a sidelong glance. "Do I need to continue pretending to be Kokabiel's minion?"

"No, that situation is already past the point of no return."

"With all your focus on these peace talks, it's a wonder that you don't do more to stop his insubordination," Esdeath said idly, probing for details. She did what Azazel asked for her, but she still wasn't quite sure of the reason behind them.

Azazel simply smiled patiently. He knew what she was doing. "Is it? Well, I suppose it doesn't matter if I tell you now. After that little stunt in Kuoh Town no one would bother to wait long enough to hear whatever you have to say." He chuckled. "I had intended to stop him earlier but then Rias acquired that… interesting Sacred Gear user."

"The Boosted Gear?"

"Yes, he and Rias have a rating-game with Riser tomorrow. I had my bets on Riser winning until you got your hands on little Ravel. Losing that Bishop and worry about her condition will greatly affect his ability to compete, and Rias is not letting him out of that game. She really doesn't want to marry him." Azazel let out a little chuckle. "Wish I could be there to watch Ddraig's new host beat him into a pulp but for some reason they don't let Fallen Angels watch. Just means I need to use my own methods to monitor his growth. If he's anything like Vali, he's going to be very interesting."

"And that's what Kokabiel is for."

"In part, yes." He looked past her in the direction of Kuoh Town. He smiled lightly as he stroked his goatee. "Once I've had my curiosity satiated, I'll have Vali deal with Kokabiel. Letting him step across the line is good for other reasons too. He's always been a nuisance, but too influential a nuisance to really do anything about. This'll give me a reason to lock him away forever." Yes, that sounded like the Azazel she knew. Very little happened that he didn't influence in some way, usually to his own benefit. "Anyways, just relax and do the usual for now. I'll send for you if I have need for more experiments to be done."

Esdeath smiled, a vacation to her private villa in Switzerland for a while. "That sounds nice." She didn't mind being used by Azazel like this. He often called on her to test the compatibility of Sacred Gears he found on various test subjects. She got free reign to work her art on countless people, spreading suffering across the land, and Azazel got the data he wanted while being able to keep his hands clean so he could look all nice and pretty for the devils and angels.

A mutually beneficial arrangement between father and daughter.

x~X~x

Tatsumi awoke to the incessant beeping of machines with a murmuring backdrop of hushed conversation. He slowly opened his eyes and almost wished he didn't. The light in the room burned like fire and exhaustion weighed upon them like stones. Heedless to the pain and needs of his own body he forced them open all the way.

The incessant beeping was a white medical machine sitting on a mobile stand monitoring his heartbeat. As much as Tatsumi hated the noise, that was something he probably didn't want stopping on him. He swept his gaze about the room, taking in the plain white wash walls and burning white lights embedded in the ceiling. The bed he was on was uncomfortable at best, and the sheets could barely be qualified to be called as such.

He knew where he was, the hospital. There was a pair of doctors standing at the bed talking two his parents. There was a stoic look on his father's face, but Tatsumi could see the worry in his eyes. His mother on the other hand looked like she was about to have a nervous breakdown. Her eyes kept darting anxiously between the doctors and him. When he noticed him looking back her eyes went wide.

"Tatsumi!" His mother bowled over the two doctors in her haste to get to his side. "How are you feeling, dear? Does anything hurt?"

"He's already awake?!" One of the doctors asked as he rushed over to check on him.

"Nothing hurts," Tatsumi murmured weakly. "Just really tired." Judging by how foggy his head felt he was probably doped up on more drugs than there were names for.

His mother let out a large sigh of relief, "you just worry about getting better, Tatsumi."

"That's the plan," he said, giving her the best smile he could. Gods, was he so tired he couldn't even smile properly?

"He's in good humor, can speak, and recognizes his own parents," the doctor said as he jotted notes down on his clipboard. "This isn't just a good sign, this is near miraculous."

"My son is strong," his mother said proudly.

"There's strong and then there's divine intervention," the doctor said. "He was dead when they brought him in yesterday. His heart had stopped and both his lungs had ruptured so badly they were no longer capable of absorbing oxygen! Now though?" The doctor shook his head, looking absolutely bewildered. "This is inhuman."

"Don't insult my Tatsumi like that!" his mother shouted at the doctor.

"I'm not insulting him," the doctor quickly assured his mother, "it's praise. I've never seen anyone heal this quickly before." The doctor turned to Tatsumi and nodded his head sagely. "Whatever the cause is, you can thank it for your survival. And it's good to see the eyes are back to normal too." So they'd noticed the Tyrant's eyes. "Miss, I can actually say now that it looks like you son might make a complete recovery. It defies all science and reason, but there it is."

So in other words, utilizing all three of those divine artifacts at the same time had basically killed him, or at least it would have if the Tyrant hadn't kept him alive? Those three artifacts made a powerful combination, but if it resulted in near death after only ten minutes of use… Tatsumi wasn't sure he wanted to rely on them in the future, if he even could. It was doubtful Sensei would lend them to him a second time.

All that could be figured out later though. Right now, he just wanted to go back to sleep.

"Mother, father, mind if I sleep?" Tatsumi whispered. "I feel really tired for some reason."

"Not surprised, your body is probably hyper focused on healing itself at the expense of all else," the doctor stated. "Sleep right now truly is the best medicine you could take."

His mother gently stroked his head. "Sleep well, my little boy. Mommy and daddy will be here."

"Thanks…" Tatsumi murmured as he drifted off to sleep.

Tatsumi slept a lot for the next little while. Every time he opened his eyes he was much stronger than before and it wasn't long before he was actually strong enough to push himself up into a sitting position. It was around that time that they removed some of the more uncomfortable tubes from his body and, after an embarrassing and invasive probe of his ass, deemed him fit to eat solid food.

His parents were there the next few times he awoke as well, just like they promised they would be, as were the doctors. There were always doctors about him, watching and analyzing. From the way they stared at him like he was some sort of fascinating creature, Tatsumi had a feeling their presence wasn't just to help him recover. There were probably vials of his blood and samples of his flesh being sent to medical facilities across the world by now, but there wasn't anything Tatsumi could do about that.

He was just glad to be alive after getting into a confrontation with Esdeath. That wasn't something many people could claim.

The fourth time he awoke the doctors were conspicuously absent and a different pair of eyes were staring down on him. One of the pairs of violet eyes was filled with irritation as they glared down at him from a beautiful face frame with short black hair. The other pair stood just behind her dressed in a pink magical girl costume.

Souna Shitori and her sister, Serafall.

He snapped his eyes shut and quickly prayed for sleep to come quickly.

"Too late for that, Tatsumi."

Shit. Souna had noticed. She did not sound happy at all. Tatsumi couldn't really blame her either considering he basically spoken what were his last goodbyes to her at school and then had gone off to fight an incredibly powerful Fallen Angel with virtually no hope of victory. The fact that he was alive was nothing short of a miracle. The doctor was right, he should be dead.

"You saw nothing! I'm asleep!" He wanted to stay alive, so he was going to quickly go back to sleep and recover his strength. He didn't want to face Souna at anything but his best condition.

He could feel her trembling beside the hospital bed, like she wanted to hit him or something. "Tatsumi just… please look at me."

Tatsumi cautiously opened his eyes. Souna stood there shaking, her arms wrapped tightly about herself. Her luminous eyes were wide with fear and concern as they glistened with unshed tears. He hadn't been sure what he expected to see, but it wasn't this, a vulnerable Souna just felt wrong.

"I guess saying 'sorry for worrying you' isn't enough?" Tatsumi asked quietly.

Her eyes closed and she took several large deep breaths to calm herself. "Esdeath… Why Esdeath Tatsumi? Rias told me about that church incident. You knew you couldn't win, so why?" Her eyes opened, a tear rolled down her cheek. "Why did you throw yourself into such a battle?"

Tatsumi turned away and stared up at the white-wash ceiling. Pure, and unblemished, the exact opposite of him. "This is what I do, Souna. Night Raid is an organization that exists to cut down all threats to Humanity. Esdeath is a threat, a threat unlike any other. While Devils look at Humans and see slaves or tools, Esdeath just seems something to break for her own sick pleasures. That has to be opposed at every turn, no matter the cost." He turned back to her. He could see that she still didn't understand. "Souna, that battle wasn't about killing Esdeath. I knew the likelihood was low even before I accepted. The primary goal of this battle was to save the people Esdeath had taken." At least that's what his primary goal had been, regardless of what Azazel had desired. Killing Esdeath or chasing her away had always been secondary for him.

"So you'll just throw away your life for the sake of people you don't know?"

"Yes I would." It was what Night Raid did. They put their lives on the line to kill those that threatened the safety and peace of society. "I know you don't like the thought of me dying, but the same goes for all those people I saved. They all have someone they're equally important to. You need to understand Souna my life isn't any more valuable than any other human life. If I can save a dozen people by giving up my own life, then I would do so with a smile. That's what the fight against Esdeath was all about. It wasn't about killing her. It was about saving the people she'd taken."

Souna reached out and gently touched his bandaged hand. There were tiny little stains on it from his own blood. "Why does it have to be you?"

"Because there isn't anyone else," Tatsumi said. He gave her and Serafall long looks. "I can't find anyone else doing the same, never heard of anyone else doing the same. I am all there is. No one else is willing to stand up for humanity against all the super natural forces of the world and protect them. Everyone else… is simply in it for themselves. The Angels, Devils, and Fallen are all the same in that regard. If it doesn't benefit them, they don't care."

For some reason Serafall looked as if she'd just been slapped in the face. Her hand came to her breast as she looked away from him. Tatsumi could have sworn he had seen guilt in her eyes, but that didn't make any sense.

"So that's it?" Souna whispered downcast, "you'll throw yourself into impossible fights against powers you can barely comprehend, let alone actually defeat, just to save the lives of people you don't know and may never thank you?"

"Yes."

"What about you?" Souna asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Who's going to save you?"

Him? Why would he need to be saved? He was the one that saved others. "No one, I'm the one that does the saving. I've learned over the course of my life that progress can't be obtained without sacrifice. I will be that sacrifice," Tatsumi told her flatly. She reeled back as if slapped. Serafall place a hand on her sister's shoulder and squeezed it tightly. "Don't worry about it, Souna. Another thing life has taught me is that I'm not allowed to be happy. Every time I've tried, life has taken from me something that I cherish. I'm warning you now so you can take steps to distance yourself from me. If you stay near me, you will die like everyone else." Sayo and Ieyasu. Sheele, Bulat, Chelsea, Lubbock, Mine. His sister here and more. The faces of every friend and family member he'd lost over the years flashed across Tatsumi's mind in rapid succession. "If I'm not allowed to be happy then the least I can do is ensure everyone else is."

Souna was staring at him like he'd completely lost his mind. "How can you even think like that? It's not healthy!"

"If you want to blame something, blame life," Tatsumi said without emotion. He was a product of his experiences, nothing more, nothing less. "Better someone as screwed up and cursed as I be sacrificed than someone like you who has so much going for them."

Souna turned her back to him. Her hands clenched tightly into fists. Was she angry? "Tatsumi, I won't let you be sacrificed. I will save you." She stomped out of the hospital room with an aura of determination surrounding her.

"It doesn't matter if you save me," Tatsumi whispered. "The battle never ends." And he would always be there in the shadows doing what he could to save as many people as he could.

A sparkle shot past him and knocked over a small lamp. Tatsumi started in surprise as Serafall twirled into the spot Souna once occupied at his side. He hadn't realized she'd stayed behind. "I agree with So-tan, Tatsumi-chan!" She said cheerfully. "If you ever need any help you can just ask us! We'll be willing to help."

He shook his head. "I told you, life takes from me everything I care about. I'm not going to make it easier by involving you two."

"We're tougher than you think we are, Tatsumi-chan."

"I know you are, Serafall," Tatsumi said. He couldn't forget the power she displayed that day if he tried. That was the reason he agreed with Azazel and didn't tell her. "I know you're stronger than me and probably could have beaten Esdeath but… Serafall, how many humans died or were badly injured in the fight between Esdeath and I?"

"None that I heard of, well except you and those you saved. That might be more of a miracle than your survival," Serafall admitted.

"And how many do you think would have died or been badly injured if you had fought Esdeath?" Tatsumi didn't think Serafall would have thrown Japan into the sun, but the potential for significant collateral damage was high.

The smile on her lips slowly disappeared. "Many, but Esdeath would have been dead and no one else in the future would have to suffer. She survived your battle and if you think someone somewhere isn't going to suffer now because of her… I know you're not that naïve." Her face became grim. "Tatsumi, just leave Esdeath to me. I won't let her take anything from me ever again."

"That may be more difficult than you think," Tatsumi said, "she's claimed me as hers." Again. It seemed fate would always tie the two of them together. "She'll come for me even if I don't do anything."

Serafall's eyes blazed with a cold fury. "You will never be hers!" Tatsumi was taken aback by her vehemence. Was there something personal between the two of them? The fury disappeared as suddenly as it came and Serafall was all smiles again. "Take care and heal up quick Tatsumi-chan! So-tan is looking forward to your date next Sunday and I need pictures! Levia-tan needs money to set up a magical girl competition!"

Next Sunday? Wasn't it this Sunday? "What day is it?"

"You've been here for a week," Serafall said, "don't worry! Sona-chan really wants that date! She even called the venue and had the reservation moved to the next Sunday!"

Would he be healed by then? At this rate he might be at least capable of going, even if he wasn't ready to battle another Esdeath. Something else that Serafall said bothered him. "Won't Souna be upset if you take pictures though?" Tatsumi asked.

"So-tan is just too cute! I have to spread her cuteness around!"

"I want royalties," Tatsumi said, remembering what Azazel had told him.

Serafall just laughed happily and tapped him on the nose and a sudden wave of exhaustion swept over him. "Just sleep, Tatsumi-chan, sleep and get better!" The moment his eyes closed he was asleep.

~o~

When Serafall returned to the Sitri estate in the Underworld she found her little sister, Sona, standing in the main lobby staring up at an evil piece, her second knight piece to be exact. There was a morose look on her little sister's face. It wasn't difficult for Serafall to figure out what was bothering her sister.

Hiding her worry, Serafall leapt at her sister and clung to her back, "So-tan, you were really deep back there! I'm sure you'll fix Tatsumi no problem! You can count on me to help you all I can!"

For once Sona didn't seem to notice her antics. "Onee-sama, how do I mutate my knight piece?"

Serafall's heart clenched painfully. She'd hoped her sister hadn't noticed but she should have known better. Her little sister was dreadfully clever sometimes. "Your Onee-sama will wave her magical wand and sparkle it to the next level! I'll make it go super sabian!"

"I'm being serious, onee-sama," Sona said. Serafall didn't like seeing that crestfallen look on her sister's face. "This piece… it's not enough to revive Tatsumi, is it?"

"No, it's not," Serafall said, letting go of her. Her sister needed the Leviathan right now, not her big sister. "There are too many unknowns about him. He has no Sacred Gear, and yet he can summon a dormant Murasame from within him. Death clings to him like a shroud and he's demonstrated strength, speed, and healing capabilities that simply cannot be accomplished by humans without a Sacred Gear or magic, of which he has neither. Those artifacts he used as well… they should have killed him. Using all three together is a death sentence for humans, yet he lives. And that's simply what we know of. Already he is worth more than three pawns and we don't know what other secrets he may be hiding." Serafall kept one piece of information from her sister. There was a chance that he couldn't even be revived even with a mutated Knight. The Evil Piece system wasn't all powerful. The greatest entities in the world, Gods, Goddesses and a few outlying exceptions, couldn't be brought back with it.

If Tatsumi was one of those outliers… it may not even matter if Sona mutated her knight piece.

"I see," Sona said without emotion. Serafall almost reached for her sister. No matter how stoic Sona acted, she couldn't hide the disappointment from her. Her sister pocketed the knight piece and gave Serafall a small, empty smile. "I thought that might be the case." She turned away. "What do I do about these feelings? If I can't make him my Knight so they're—"

"Don't worry about it Sona-chan!" Serafall said quickly. She rushed up to her sister and hugged her from behind. "Knights will always come and go, but those that capture the heart are few and far between. It doesn't matter if Tatsumi is human. If you don't embrace your feelings with everything you have, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Your onee-sama speaks from experience."

Sona just pulled her arms away and started for her room. She paused after a few steps. "Goodnight, onee-sama, and thank you for being honest with me."

She continued on, a cloud of sorrow trailing behind her.

"I still think So-tan and Tatsumi-chan make the best couple ever!" Serafall called after her sister. There was no reaction as her sister disappeared into the hall. Serafall let out a long sigh. She had hoped to spare her sister from this for several centuries but it seemed life was going to give her a rude awakening whether Serafall protected her or not.

Serafall turned and glanced out the front door of the estate, her thoughts going back to Tatsumi's words. "Not allowed to be happy... I know that feeling."

Which was all the more reason to protect and cherish the little happiness you did find.

~o~

Tatsumi didn't know how long he slept after that. It could have been a few hours, or it could have been a few days. The passage of time was difficult to tract while you slept the majority of the day in a Hospital room. When he did wake up, night had fallen. Star light filtered in through the window blinds, casting a soft, silvery glow across the dark room.

As Tatsumi admired the way the silvery light played off the various machines in the room a brilliant orange runic circle suddenly came to life near the window. The orange glow chased away the silvery star light and momentarily blinded Tatsumi in the process. A sliver of worry ran through Tatsumi. Although the symbols themselves were different, they were arranged in a similar fashion as the runic circle that Rias Gremory employed whenever she teleported places.

"I hope they're not hostile," Tatsumi murmured as a pair of individuals slowly rose up through the runic grid. He wasn't even capable of peeing without help right then, he wasn't really going to be able to offer much resistance if they were.

The hospital room filled with the faint scent of fire and brimstone as the two finished arriving. "You do not have to worry, Tatsumi-san. Our business here is quite the opposite in fact." The taller of the two visitors said. He was a well-dressed older man sporting bright yellow hair that seemed to spike up uncontrollably in the back. His clear blue eyes held only warmth and gratitude in their depths.

When Tatsumi's eyes lowered to the second individual he understood. It was that girl again, Ravel Phenex. She looked much better than before. Her blond hair was no longer matted with blood, but clean and pulled into two short drill-like twintails. The pink sheet had been replaced with a more appropriate attire, a knee-length light purple button-up dress with white frills and a blue bowtie. The Phenex family insignia was emblazed on either side of the dress, just below a pair of pockets. Sprouting from the back of her dress were three phoenix like tails.

"You're looking a sight bit better," Tatsumi said politely. He wasn't quite sure how to label Ravel and the older man who Tatsumi was going to assume was her father. Azazel had called them devils, yet Ravel hadn't sported devil wings, or acted very devil like in saving his life. Being polite didn't cost him anything in the meantime. "That dress suits you more than a pink sheet."

"Thank you, Tatsumi-san," Ravel Phenex said, curtseying. She made her way over to his bedside with a practiced grace of a lady raised properly. "There was never any time before to tell you, Tatsumi-san but…" she bowed her head low, nearly touching his arm with her forehead. "Thank you so much for saving me. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

He could hear her voice breaking as tears dripped upon his bed. He placed a hand on her head and rubbed it softly. She flinched and trembled, but didn't stop him. Trauma. She was hurting inside and would for a long time. Tatsumi didn't know all of what Esdeath had done to her, but he had seen what had been left of her victims in both this world and the old one. For her, it could only have been worse with her immortality.

Esdeath would have used that immortality to hurt her in ways she couldn't hurt others.

Her father placed his hand on her back and rubbed it comfortingly as he gave Tatsumi a grateful smile. "You have my gratitude as well for saving my daughter from that monster." His own voice was choked with emotion. "I had feared the worst when my daughter disappeared and the search teams came up empty, but even my worst fears paled to reality. To think my daughter had suffered under her grasp… There truly are no words that I can say that could fully express my gratitude, Tatsumi-san."

"I just did what anyone would have," Tatsumi said quietly. It was almost embarrassing having them thank him like this. "No one, no matter who they are, deserves to be subjected to Esdeath's sick perversions." He'd work with the King of the Devils himself if it saved even a single person from Esdeath.

Esdeath was a special kind of sickness. One on a level all of her own.

"As sad as it is to admit, I'm afraid you're wrong there," Lord Phenex said. "Esdeath is someone few are willing to face. Only Ultimate-Class devils even stand a chance of surviving against her, which makes your survival all the more curious."

"I had help, a lot of it." Without those artifacts Sensei had given him, he wouldn't have even gotten Esdeath out of the basement while Mine provided the power to really hurt Esdeath. All he really did was tank Esdeath long enough for other people to arrive and do their stuff.

"Help or not, it was because of you that my daughter is now safe." That man was determined to thank Tatsumi no matter what it seemed. He tapped his daughter's shoulder. "We have a small gift. It doesn't even come close to repaying our debt to you, but it is the very least we can do."

Ravel straightened and reached into her pocket. She pulled out a small crystal vial decorated with delicate golden filigree. It was filled with a pale, crimson liquid. Tatsumi wasn't particularly sensitive to magical items, but even he could tell he was staring at something special.

"This is a Phoenix's tear. It can't restore blood or replace organs, but it can heal everything else in an instant," Ravel said as she handed him the vial. "Please drink it, and think of me and my thanks to you."

Tatsumi rolled the vial in his hands, a little unsure what to do with it. It probably wasn't poisoned or trapped. As weak as he currently was they could do anything they wanted to him and he wouldn't be able to stop them.

"My daughter spent the past few days trying to create that for you," Lord Phenex said. Ravel blushed and looked away. "She wouldn't let anyone else do it for her."

"Thank you," he held up the vial and admired it in the star light. "But if I miraculously heal overnight… the stories people will tell."

Lord Phenex, just laughed. It was a good-natured laugh that felt wrong coming from a devil. "Tatsumi-san, trust me when I say that compared to the stories that are already circling about you out there, no one is even going to notice. If anything, I think they'd be more surprised if you didn't suddenly heal overnight."

He threw Ravel's father a sidelong glance. "Should I be worried?"

"Perhaps, there are some that think you're the second coming of Jesus Christ."

Tatsumi deadpanned. "You've got to be joking. Do I look like I was born in the middle-east? I'm Japanese." He wasn't even religious! "Why would Jesus Christ be reincarnated in this part of the world?"

Lord Phenex laughed loudly and even Ravel giggled at that. It was nice to hear her laugh. If she could it meant she would heal eventually. "You'll find out in due time I suppose. That may very well have been the reason why Gabriel gave you her circlet. Seeing a symbol of a Great Seraph blazing brightly has caused an unprecedented surge in faith here in Japan and abroad."

Tatsumi groaned tiredly. "Why do I get the feeling I'm a pawn in some grand scheme?"

"Several schemes, actually, but that's really just par course," Lord Phenex said still laughing. "We're all pawns in one scheme or another. What matters is how much personal benefit we can derive from being used by others, and in turn enact our own schemes that use them. It's called life, Tatsumi-san, something you'll have to grab hold of yourself soon, lest someone else takes control of your life for you."

"I'll keep that in mind," Tatsumi said. He knew Sensei's help wasn't going to come without a price, but sometimes he wondered just what the price might end up being. That, however, was something to worry about later. Right now there was a girl watching him anxiously, wondering if he appreciated her gift or not.

"Thank you for this, Ravel," Tatsumi said as he uncorked the bottle. Giving the strange liquid one last look he downed the vial of phoenix tears. He felt the effects instantly. A pleasant warmth coursed through his veins, carrying with it renewed strength and vigor. Muscles repaired, bones healed, ligaments reattached themselves and his organs shifted back into place and returned to their normal, natural functions. The visible lacerations on his body closed and the bruises disappeared. Just like Ravel had said, in mere moments he was as healthy as he'd been before going to face Esdeath, healthier even in some cases. Even old aches and pains he'd grown so used to he'd forgotten about disappeared. "Whoa," he couldn't stop the word before it slipped out.

"Most have that same reaction when they see the tears work for the first time," Lord Phenex said with a wide, amused smile on his lips. "The two of us need to be going, Tatsumi-san, but believe me when I say that you have the Phenex's eternal gratitude. My daughter's tears are by no means all the payment you will receive for saving her. When you have need in the future, we will be there to help however we can."

Lord Phenex and his daughter made their way back to where they'd first arrived. A bright orange glow flared into life. The both of them bowed to Tatsumi one last time before they disappeared into the circle and were gone.

"I never did figure out if they're devils or something else like Bennia," Tatsumi mused when they were gone. He supposed it didn't really matter. They didn't need to heal him, he hadn't even expected it. Any perceived debt was entirely on their end. That was an act of charity if he ever saw one. Even if they were devils, until they gave him reason to think otherwise, he was going to make an exception for the two of them.

Regardless, right now he had to figure out what sort of excuse he could give the doctor's to explain his sudden and miraculous healing in the morning.

x~X~x

Tatsumi never thought he'd feel this way, but it felt good to be out of the hospital and back in school.

The doctors had spent the better part of the day performing every conceivable test they could on him, not just to make sure he truly was healthy, but that he was actually Tatsumi. He could understand their surprise, even Tatsumi himself was surprised and he knew why he had healed. They'd called his parents the moment they'd confirmed he really was Tatsumi and had indeed made a complete recovery almost overnight.

His mother had been there before they hung up. Tatsumi hoped she'd simply been on her way already to visit and hadn't somehow covered ten miles in less than three seconds. He didn't need any more rumors following him around.

But that was all over now. After the doctor's had cleared him, his mother had stopped weeping in gratitude, and an entire day spent fussing over him at home, along with more home cooked meals than he could actually eat, the normal rhythm of things had finally returned.

He was now at school.

"I wonder if I can actually get a full day in," Tatsumi mused as he stepped through the front gates of Kuoh Academy in what seemed like the first time in forever. Circumstances and injuries had kept him from attending a full day of classes for quite some time. His grades were sure to slump as a result.

"Yo! Tatsumi!"

"Ieyasu," Tatsumi smiled at his friend as he ran up to him, Sayo was at his side like always. The two always seemed to be together. They were a pair of refreshing faces to see. "Good morning, Sayo."

"Morning, Tatsumi," Sayo greeted him with a smile.

"What is up with you?" Ieyasu asked, laughed as he threw his arm around Tatsumi's shoulder. "I didn't know you were holding back so much power!"

"What do you mean?" Tatsumi asked, trying his best to play innocent. He had a feeling it was about what happened in the city with Esdeath.

"Oh don't play innocent with me, man, check this out!" Ieyasu said as he pulled his phone out. He opened up TheirTube and the entire front page was filled with videos about that night. One in particular came from Kuoh Town News, where the entire thing was caught on video by a circling news helicopter.

It was all there, Esdeath in all her eight-wing glory, proclaiming her desire for his blood, their clash against one another. It was all there for the world to see; the blazing crown on his head, the glowing circlet, the blue gossamer wings that was the Shroud of Longinus, and even the brilliant flower barrier of Rho Aias. "That looks far more epic than it felt," Tatsumi mused as he watched him and Esdeath clash over and over in a dazzling spectacle of light and sound. "I was really just trying my best to stay alive. She nearly ripped me in half a dozen times and I still think she was just playing with me."

"You're really blasé about this," Sayo noted as she leaned forward and peered into his eyes intently, "how often do you do stuff like this?"

"Getting locked in a death battle against super powered Fallen Angels like Esdeath?" Tatsumi asked, arching his eyebrow at them. They nodded. "That was the first time, really. They're usually not that powerful. Besides, I was just keeping my promise with the two of you. Raynare is dead, her lackies are dead, and Esdeath has been chased away. As far as I know, there aren't any more Fallen Angels in Kuoh Town."

"And there's you as well," Ieyasu said laughing, "I don't think many Fallen Angels will want to mess with us with you around here."

Tatsumi winced inside. He didn't want to burst Ieyasu's bubble. He wasn't that strong. Maybe if he still had Incursio he could probably duplicate those feats, but right now? If Esdeath came again, or someone of similar strength, Tatsumi would just crumple and die. The other fallen angels probably knew that as well. That might actually be a problem now. The weak ones would avoid Kuoh Town, sure, but the more powerful ones like Esdeath might actually see him as a threat to be removed.

Tatsumi kept his fears to himself though, no need to worry his friends.

"How wide spread is this?" Tatsumi asked, although he feared he already knew the answer.

"Man, it's been playing on TV every night since then." Ieyasu fast forwarded the video to the point where Tatsumi was floating side by side with Mine facing down Esdeath. It even had Ravel Phenex in the shot, her blazing phoenix like wings proclaiming her as something other than human. For some reason Bennia was missing. "It's all over the world. Everyone knows about Fallen Angels and whatever she is," Ieyasu said, pointing at Ravel. "I've heard the Japanese governments and governments across the world are thinking about putting together Special Forces teams specifically designed to battle someone like her."

"They'll probably approach you," Sayo added. "They've seen what you can do."

That wasn't going to happen. True, he might have more funding, support, and could reach more people with the support of a nation or group of nations behind him but… Night Raid would die. He would simply become a disposable tool for the nation to use as they saw fit. What might start as Fallen Angels and Devils, may end up being spread to other mystical entities that didn't deserve hatred, or even other humans.

Tatsumi wasn't going to be part of an organization he didn't have full control of, or at the very least run by someone he didn't explicitly trust.

"I don't much fancy the idea of being under the thumb of a government organization," Tatsumi said dryly. "I'm going to have to politely decline that."

"Tell that to them, not us," Ieyasu laughed. The three of them entered the main building together. Tatsumi was the center of attention. Everyone had these looks of awe and adoration on their faces. "You're practically a legend now. A true, modern day hero. They're going to be telling stories of you for years to come, centuries even!"

"Is that why everyone is looking at me like that?" Tatsumi asked, gesturing to the other students around them. Tatsumi deadpanned when a few of the girls squealed excitedly.

"After fighting such an epic battle against a powerful Fallen Angel in such spectacular fashion, probably,"

"Just don't treat me differently, you two," Tatsumi groaned. If everyone in the world started to see him as some sort of object of worship, he'd go insane.

"No promises." Tatsumi threw Ieyasu a mock glare and hit him in the side. His friend just laughed.

"How are things between you and Shitori-senpai?" Sayo asked curiously.

"Strained, I guess?" Tatsumi said hesitantly. Souna had not been happy that he'd gone off and fought Esdeath alone, or at least what she considered alone. "Honestly I'm trying not to think of that right now. I'd like to just get through today without anything weird happening." He shook his head and let out a bitter chuckle. "You have no idea how strange it feels to yearn for a regular school day."

"Not me man, I wouldn't mind something exciting to change things up," Ieyasu chuckled. "Just nothing like what you had to deal with. Fighting until I vomit blood isn't high on my list of priorities."

"Trust me, it's not very high on mine either," Tatsumi assured him.

"I'll see you two at lunch?" Sayo asked. Tatsumi blinked in surprise and realized they'd made it to their homeroom.

Ieyasu gave Sayo a warm smile. "I'll be there."

"I'll probably be with Souna." She would probably want to see him now that he was all better. She would probably have questions as well, like how he had recovered so quickly. "But if she doesn't keep me the whole time, I'll find you two."

Sayo waved them farewell and quickly made her way off to her own class. All conversation ceased the moment Tatsumi entered the room. They just stared at him with a mixture of wonder and awe. He did his best to ignore the looks as he made his way over to his desk. They could stare all they wanted. He just prayed they didn't ask any questions.

Tatsumi eased himself into his chair with a relived sigh. How could it feel so good to just sit back in a chair and be a student? "I made it—"

DING DONG!

The PA system came alive with Souna Shitori's voice. "Can Nakimori Tatsumi please present himself at the Student Council room. I repeat, can Nakimori Tatsumi please present himself at the Student Council room."

Rage blinded Tatsumi. Seriously?! SERIOUSLY?! God damn this fucking world could he not have a single day, a single hour of normalcy? Was it really so bad to want to be able to just sit in class and take notes like a normal student for one god damn worthless day? He didn't care. He would have it and no one, not even all the forces of heaven and hell combined, was going to take this day away from him!

Ieyasu shifted uncomfortably next to him. Tatsumi forced his muscles to relax, he hadn't realized he tense he had been. The wooden desk had splintered beneath his fingers and deep furrows now ran through it. "Ah… Tatsumi, she's—"

"I know, she can wait." Tatsumi hissed through clenched teeth. "I'm sitting here, taking notes, and enjoying a normal school day. If the world is ending she can bloody well come and get me, otherwise I'll see her at lunch." He was going to have his normality if he had to wrench it from the jaws of chaos with his bare hands.

He took long, deep, calming breaths as he forced his anger down. Souna was probably just worried or something. That wasn't anything to get upset about, but he'd be damned if he wasn't getting his sliver of normalcy.

The PA system came on several more times over the course of the day, each time more insistent and annoyed than the previous but Tatsumi just ignored it. He was serious about having his normal day. Ieyasu did his best to try to fill the intervals between classes with jokes and current events that didn't involve Fallen Angels and death battles. At times, it looked as if the teachers were about to ask him to go and see what Souna wanted but every time they turned to address him, Tatsumi could see the words die in their throats.

He didn't know what his face looked like, but it probably wasn't friendly considering how quickly the teachers turned back around and returned to their lessons.

Eventually the lunch bell did ring and Tatsumi started for the student council room, giving Ieyasu a wave farewell as his friend went to go eat with Sayo. Readying himself for whatever it was Souna wanted from him Tatsumi made his way to where he knew she'd be.

Shinra Tsubaki, the vice president of the student council, was waiting for him outside the door when he arrived. "You're late," she said.

"Yes, I am," Tatsumi said unapologetically. "She's in there?"

"She is," Tsubaki knocked on the door twice before opening it. "Souna, Tatsumi-san has finally arrived."

"Let him in," Souna said tersely. She was annoyed, good, that put them in the same emotional state. Misery loved company sometimes.

Souna wasn't at her usual place by the chess board. He found her sitting at her large desk at the head of the room with her hands folded neatly atop it. There was a tightness about her eyes that showed her displeasure at his ignoring of her summons.

She wasn't the only person in the room. Rias was there as well along with her peerage, Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, Issei and Asia. They all had a different expression on their face. Asia looked worried, Issei excited, Kiba had a measure of respect while Akeno and Rias both simply looked amused. Koneko just looked hungry and was the only one who seemed to be ignoring him as she peered intently at the duffle bag he had over his shoulders. She was probably wondering if he had that second bento box for her.

He did, but that was another story.

"You ignored my summons," Souna said in a quiet voice that triggered Tatsumi's danger senses.

On any other day Tatsumi would have listened to it and moderated his voice, but not today. "I did," Tatsumi didn't deny it one bit. "I'm sorry if wanting to have a single, normal school day in what seems like forever offends you, but some of us need a little break before jumping from one life threatening situation to the next."

"You didn't have to fight Esdeath," Souna pointed out.

"We already covered this in the hospital," Tatsumi told her. He wasn't going to go over it again. "Now, is there a reason for the summons or did you just want to annoy me?"

Souna's eyebrow twitched violently.

"Ara, ara, Tatsumi-san seems to be a little on edge right now," Akeno said, her eyes twinkling with mischief and fun, "perhaps he needs some alone time with Souna to take that edge off."

"I'd need a few days to myself after something like that as well," Kiba added.

"Hungry." That was Koneko.

"I swear I'll catch up!" Issei proclaimed loudly. "I'll have my own harem that rivals and surpasses yours!"

Asia blushed while Rias just palmed her face and laughed. "You're not actually in trouble, Tatsumi-san. Souna just doesn't like it when people ignore her," Rias gave Souna a little smile and the bespectacled President of the Student Council threw a scowl back at her. The buxom read head pushed away from the student council tables and took a step forward before bowing her head to him. "I wanted to apologize for the way I acted back then in the Church. Worry over my servants' lives led me to say some irresponsible things."

Tatsumi was taken aback by the sincerity of her words. He immediately started to suspect it was some sort of trick. "Words without action are meaningless."

"I know," Rias raised her head. "Souna is always saying I'm too impulsive. You were right. We shouldn't be resurrecting humans without first getting their consent. That could end up causing resentment and anger in the future." She shook her head sadly. "That's how many stray devils come about. I promise you Tatsumi-san, any future additions to my peerage will be completely consensual."

"That's good," Tatsumi said carefully. He'd rather she didn't resurrect anyone, but he'd take whatever victories he could get. He was still going to kill her, eventually, once he had settled down and had a few more days, potentially even weeks of normality. Right now he couldn't even summon up enough energy to care about his hatred of her. He just wanted to go back to class and copy notes.

It was a very strange feeling. It was probably a sign that he was going insane or something.

"On that note, I could use another knight, do you want to be part of my peerage?" Rias asked slyly. Souna gasped behind the desk, her eyes going wide with disbelief. Her calm composure was completely thrown out the window. Tatsumi felt his own jaw drop. "It comes with many perks. You'll be stronger, faster, I can heal you with my naked body if you ever get injured, and if you do well enough you may even be able to obtain a peerage of your own."

A flash of rage helped Tatsumi regain his composure. "Is this why I was summoned here? So you could offer to strip me of my humanity?"

"No, that's not what—"

"I don't want to hear it," Tatsumi snapped angrily. "Look, Rias, as far as I'm concerned, all devils are pure evil. I've yet to come across one that hasn't looked at humans as things to be used in their games." He was conveniently ignoring Ravel and her father. He still wasn't completely convinced they were devils. "You see humans as tools to elevate yourselves higher. Even if your methods are different, the intent is the same." Everyone seemed shocked by his words. Asia in particular seemed hurt.

Tatsumi turned his back to them. He was done with this. He wanted a normal day, and he wasn't going to get that arguing with a devil.

"Wait, Tatsumi, I didn't mean it like that. It was just a jok—"

"It doesn't matter what you meant," Tatsumi interrupted her harshly. He could feel his blood boiling. He wanted to be anywhere but here. He stopped in the doorway and threw a look over his shoulder at Rias. "I will die as I have lived, human, and I won't let anyone take that from me!"

Tatsumi slammed the door shut and walked away. He didn't even want to eat with Ieyasu and Sayo right then. He just wanted to be alone.

~o~

The air was so thick with regret and shock after Tatsumi left you could have cut it with a knife. Rias stood staring at the shut door, her eyes still wide as she wrung her wrists anxiously. An amused smile still sat on Akeno's lips but it had taken on a slightly sickly twist, as if conflicted whether she should feel amused or distraught by what just happened.

The rest of Rias' peerage didn't look much better, save possibly Koneko who seemed more worried about the risk to her lunch than anything.

Right then, Sona was not impressed with her best friend. "You just had to joke about it…"

Of course if someone like Rias asked him to become her Knight he'd snap. He'd probably do the same to her, albeit more calmly. It was why she had been so cautious with him before.

Not that it really mattered now.

"I didn't think he'd react like that," Rias said to her. Sona could see the regret in her eyes, she was being honest. It still caused a flash of irritation to race through Sona. Her friend was right, she hadn't thought he'd react like that. She hadn't thought at all. Typical Rias always letting her emotions dictate her words.

"You shouldn't have even joked about it," Sona told her friend flatly. She pinched her nose and let out an audible groan. "I told you to keep your nose out of my business." It was more than just that that upset her. She wasn't even sure Tatsumi could be resurrected with a Knight piece. Problems compounded atop of problems. This wasn't what she wanted to deal with on top of everything else. She let out a long sigh. "We didn't even get to ask how he healed so quickly."

"He did save Ravel Phenex, perhaps they gave him one of their tears?" Tsubaki suggested.

That was a very good point. While Riser may be a stuck up arrogant… well, had been a stuck up arrogant fop until Issei had beaten him so badly he'd developed a fear of dragons, the rest of the family were fairly reasonable, especially if they felt indebted to you. Saving Lord Phenex's sole daughter from the likes of Esdeath was sure to make them feel indebted, even if Tatsumi was human.

"That's most likely it," Sona said, agreeing with Tsubaki. She gave Rias and her peerage a tired look. "I think I would like some time alone to think. Do you mind?"

Just the sight of her friend was upsetting her. She really didn't want to look at Rias right now.

"Of course not, Sona," Rias said smiling. "If you ever need us for anything, just ask." She gestured to her servants. "Come on everyone. Just because we beat Riser in a Rating Game doesn't mean you can slack off."

There was a chorus of agreements as Rias and her friends filed out of the room, leaving Sona alone. When they were gone, Sona dropped her head to the desk and let out a low growl. "You may have just ruined all my work, Rias," Sona muttered angrily. "How am I supposed to convince him not all devils are monsters when you do that?"

It was a frustrating situation Sona found herself in. It was like the closer she and Tatsumi got, the further away they became. Every time she turned around she was learning something new about him. A new ability, a new strength, a new view, a new piece of his past. Each time she did it was like all the work she had put into him went up in smoke.

Just who was Nakimori Tatsumi? Sometimes Sona wondered if that was even his real name.

What was she to do about the date this Sunday? Would Tatsumi still be interested in going after this whole ordeal? Would he hold Rias' words against Sona since she was the one that had bothered him all day? He had stated he wanted a normal school day. She could sort of understand that desire as well. His life had been rather hectic these past few weeks and if she couldn't stop him from getting locked in death battles with Fallen Angels of Esdeath's calibre, the least she could do was ensure his school life was calm and normal so he could recover.

Why was she still even going on this date with Tatsumi? The chances of him ever becoming her Knight were as slim as could possibly be. The chance of it happening was so small that no devil would consider it. Even the Her from a few months ago would have discarded the possibility and moved on. Even if she could convince him she'd have to find some way of getting a mutated Knight piece, which may not even happen during his life time and even then, it wasn't guaranteed to work.

Sona let out a groan as rubbed her fingers through her hair in frustration. Right, she knew the reason. It's because she no longer wanted Tatsumi just as her knight. Her foolish, bottled up feelings had come rushing forth and had latched onto him.

She loved him. She loved a human. Sona Sitri wanted to marry a human and have his children. Her emotions really didn't care if their children would be half breeds. Honestly, devil society would have looked down upon them even if he had been a reincarnated devil. To all those old men in the upper echelons of society, a regular human and a reincarnated one was the same.

Why did she have to fall in love with a human?

The door quietly opened and Saji poked his head inside the room, "Kaichou, are you alright?"

Sona wiped the tears of frustration from her eyes. "Not now, Saji, I wish to be alone."

"You don't need someone like Tatsumi-san, Kaichou," Saji insisted, "just have faith in us! We'll help you obtain your dreams!"

Sona just pointed out the door. "Saji, leave."

She wanted to be alone as well.

---

Author's Note: So what do you think? Esdeath and Azazel are closely connected. Tatsumi doesn't hate all devils, he's just made an exception for Ravel and her father on account of their actions. And then Tatsumi is very rapidly spiralling down into madness. This chapter might not seem like a lot, but pay attention to every little detail. There's a lot of foreshadowing in this chapter.

Leave a review and let me know what you think.

Note on Esdeath and Serafall: They're both ice users, figured I'd make an interesting conflict between the two of them. It's also a neat tie in to explain why Serafall is so attached to her baby sister. Everyone she's ever loved has been murdered by Esdeath and she's terrified of Esdeath doing the same to Sona, and now Tatsumi. Oh my, how shall this development unfold?

Note on Reincarnation: Now you all know my plans for reincarnation. It's basically not happening. My story isn't going to feature a reincarnated Tatsumi. Honestly, he doesn't need it. Reincarnation in many stories is basically just thrown in because they can. A crutch to prop up poor story telling and give the writer a 'reason' to keep the main character close to their favorite DxD characters. I'm not going to rely on something like that.

If Tatsumi ever is reincarnated… it's not going to have a happy ending