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.

9. Crushing Expectations

Note on DxD Universe: In many cases, like Azazel in the last chapter, I don't feel I'm making the characters all that much darker than they are in the Light Novels. The writer of DxD sprints over the concepts and consequences of various actions and then dumps a truck load of humor and gratuitous nudity to cover up the underlying darkness of what's being said/done/shone. The DxD Universe, when you peel back all that humor and sex, is actually a very dark place with horrible deeds being committed by people on both sides. It's very much a case of 'bad' versus 'evil.' You're going to see a lot of that darkness here in my story, especially since I'm trying to blend the darkness of AgK with the lightheartedness of DxD.

Note on Hiding the events of Esdeath: I got several people asking why this wasn't hidden. The reason is simple: It was too big to hide. That live broadcast from the news helicopter meant millions of people saw it live as it happened. By the time the supernatural became aware of the broadcast those millions had become hundreds of millions with tens of thousands of websites and more phone calls, text messages, emails, and letters than even God could sort out. It simply became too big too suppress anymore. They'll still suppress what they can, but events that affect too many… that'll become public.

Note on Tatsumi not knowing Sona and Serafall are devils: I really didn't want to comment on this but so many people keep bringing it up every chapter that I felt I had to put it to rest. If you go back over everything I've written thus far, at no point does Sona or Serafall give Tatsumi any reason to believe they're devils. Does he think they're more than regular humans? Yes, of course. Devils in particular? No. There are any number of explanations for their powers. Sacred Gears, magicians, some other race/mythology perhaps. Youkai aren't devils and Tatsumi doesn't have any issues with them. They don't have to be devils. Tatsumi doesn't have an issue with supernatural creatures. His hatred is specifically targeted towards Devils and to a lesser degree Fallen Angels. He'll still protect Humanity from all supernatural forces, of course, but the hatred itself is very focused. We know they're devils so it seems obvious to us. It's not to Tatsumi. You can't let your knowledge color your perspective.

Chapter 8: Crushing Expectations

Everything was just as Sona liked it in the Student Council Rooms. The desks were straight, chairs not in use were pushed in, the floor was swept and not a speck of dust could be found anywhere. The few members of her peerage that were in the room, Saji, Tsubaki, and Tomoe, were quiet as they ate their lunch or dealt with paper work associated with their respective duties. Even Koneko was quiet as she happily munched on a lunch Tatsumi's mother had unknowingly made for her.

Despite everything being as she liked, she felt uncomfortable. A tense silence clung to the Student Council room like a dampening haze. The source of all that was the boy sitting across the chess table from her. Nakimori Tatsumi, the boy she'd fallen in love with.

He moved his chess pieces in response to her own, but there was a difference. There had always been an energy before, a desire, however small, to challenge himself. To be better. What she saw in these moves was just mechanical movement. He was doing it to humor her.

That set her teeth on edge. She didn't want to be humored. This was the third day he'd been like this. He'd show up, sit down, give Koneko her lunch, and play chess silently until the bell rang. His answers would always be polite, but curt and to the point.

Sona moved her Knight forward and took his Queen. "You're going to need to do better than that if you want to win again."

"I know." He shifted the bishop up and took her knight, which she promptly took with a simple pawn.

"That was a foolish move, Tatsumi," Sona chastised him again. "The you that beat me wouldn't have made such a mistake."

"I'll do better." He moved a pawn forward.

Sona ground her teeth in frustration. That wasn't the hollow, empty reply she wanted! "Doesn't look like you are." She moved a bishop forward and took a rook he'd left unguarded by moving that pawn. "How are you feeling? I know Esdeath had stressed you out."

Tatsumi shrugged and moved the same pawn as before forward again. Another utterly pointless move. "I'm doing fine."

A flash of anger surged through Sona. She jumped to her feet and knocked the chess board off the desk. The pieces clattered noisily across the floor drawing everyone's attention. "No you're not!" She snapped at him. "You've been moping about for the past three days and I'm sick and tired of it. If you're not going to tell me what's wrong then get out! I have no time for children!"

"Oh, I'm sorry that I have worries," Tatsumi retorted sarcastically. "Knowing that there's a devil nearby interested stripping your humanity from you tends to do that to a person."

"Are you still upset about Rias' words? I've already explained it to you that she wasn't serious! It was a joke. A very bad joke, yes, but that's still all it was!"

"It's not just that!" Tatsumi snapped angrily as he rose to his feet. "The biggest issue here is that you're best friends with a devil and you have no problems with it! She's a monster that deserves to be put down, not make idle conversation with!"

Sona slammed her palms off the desk as her anger surged to the surface. Rias a monster? What did he know about Rias? He was the one with the body count approaching three score, not Rias! Sona had lost count of the number of times Rias had spoken to her secretly to spill her insecurities about how she had handled her peerage, Issei and Asia. Rias had been the one to extend an olive branch to Tatsumi when he'd pointed out her flaws. She had been willing to become a better person.

Tatsumi wasn't willing to even entertain the thought that she was seriously trying to become a better person!

"From where I stand she's less a monster than you are!" Sona threw her words into Tatsumi's face. She gasped the moment the words slipped from her mouth and desperately wanted to take them back. She didn't need to see the shocked and hurt look on Tatsumi's face to realize she'd stepped over the line.

Tatsumi's mouth opened and closed several times before he finally managed to get any words out, and when he did they were low, and quiet. "You... think I'm a monster?"

Sona quickly shook her head. "That's not what I meant, Tatsumi. I—"

"Words said in the heat of the moment often reflect an individual's inner most feelings," Tatsumi whispered. "Is this how you've seen me all this time? A monster? Is all this—" he gestured to the chess board and the council room, "just your way of restraining a monster?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Sona returned evenly, regaining her composure. She needed to remain calm if she was to salvage this. Tatsumi hadn't seen anything but Rias at her worst, Sona couldn't expect him to know Rias like she did. "Why would I invite a monster into my sanctuary here at school? This is where I come to relax and unwind, it's why I'm so annoyed at your moping. I wouldn't make you stay here each lunch if I didn't want you here."

"Then maybe I should leave," Tatsumi said as he reached down for his duffle bag. "I can't accept someone so willing to be friendly with a devil. You might even be a..." He shook his head from side to side as if he was trying to desperatley banish a horrible thought. "I don't want to... I... you're not are you? Or is that why you're so quick to defend—" Tatsumi suddenly stiffened, his eyes glazing over as a soft blue glow started to leak from his eyes and mouth. The chess board and pieces jumped into the air and quickly rearranged themselves back on the table. Everyone could only look on as Tatsumi mechanically returned to his earlier sitting position at the table.

Then the light was gone and Tatsumi blinked twice in surprise. He looked up at her confused, "Souna, why are you standing?"

"I just needed to stretch my legs for a moment," Sona said quickly. She needed to quickly shift the conversation away from what they'd just been talking about. "I've been sitting all day and they became cramped."

"Ah, I could always… ah… never mind," Tatsumi coughed and looked away.

Sona put the best smile she could on her lips as she took her seat once more. She gestured to the others to return to their duties and pretend that nothing strange had occurred. "I would appreciate a massage if it's from you." She heard a pen snap across the room. "Stop breaking pens Saji." Tatsumi looked past her to Saji and chuckled. It was a friendly, good-natured one, like what she was used to hearing before the whole Esdeath incident. "I'll arrange for you to leave the Kendo Club early."

Tatsumi looked startled by her words. "You're serious?"

"I am." She really was. She hadn't been lying about her legs. They were a little cramped and could use a good massage. "And we can use that time to discuss our date tomorrow." Another pen snapped across the room. "Saji, if you break one more pen I'm going to make you pay for the next set."

"Yes, Kaichou."

She'd have to do something about Saji eventually. His infatuation with her was starting to become a nuisance. She had hoped it would just naturally fade away when faced with the obvious affection of others, but that didn't seem to be happening.

"Our date…" Tatsumi blinked, as if suddenly remembering it. "I've been so busy enjoying normal school days I actually forgot—" he quickly clamped his mouth shut and gave her a nervous look.

Sona gave him a stern look. "I'll forget that you said that… if you give me a proper massage this afternoon."

Tatsumi swallowed nervously. "Yes, Shitori-senpai."

Sona smiled this time. "I believe I told you to call me Souna. Don't make me extend your lunch time detention."

Tatsumi let out a pleasant laugh. "I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a deterrent or an incentive."

The rest of the lunch period passed by uneventful, almost pleasant even, especially when compared to how it had been. Sona tried her best to keep a light, playful smile on her face throughout. It was difficult though, knowing what had happened to Tatsumi. A crisis had been averted, but she didn't like the method.

The moment Tsubaki informed Sona that Tatsumi had disappeared down the hall Sona quickly focused on a familiar presence in the city and wove a complex spell beneath her feet. The demonic circle emblazoned with the SItri family sigil glowed with a bright blue and Sona found herself in her kitchen back at her estate in the human world.

"Why did you do that, onee-sama?" Sona demanded as she crossed the room to her older sister. Serafall was sitting at the table eating something she'd made herself with one eye closed. No doubt she was using that eye to see through the eyes of her familiar which she always had following Sona about.

Serafall opened her eye and leapt to her feet. "It's all for you Sona-chan!" The magical girl Satan said cheerfully as she spun about in her pink magical girl outfit.

"I could have handled it!"

"No you couldn't," Serafall said, suddenly becoming serious. "I love you So-tan, and I like Tatsumi-chan too, but I needed to do that. I've removed all memories associated with Rias' joke. He was too close to figuring it out. It has to be at a time and place of our choosing." She let out a soft sigh as a sad look came across her face. "He'll never accept all devils… but you're our only hope for him to ever accept some. As your onee-sama I want to see you happy with Tatsumi-chan and as a Satan I need Tatsumi-chan to accept our race on at least some level. Sirzechs and the others... I'm to do whatever I can do ensure that, or put him down if I can't. Your personal feelings are irrelevant at this point. If we are to save him he needs to hold you in the highest regard when it comes time for you to reveal what you are to him. If he harbours any sort of ill-will towards you, he'll turn you away and depending on how violent he is… I don't want to put him down, Sona-chan. I really don't but I will if it's for the sake of our people. Sirzechs, Ajuka, all of us. We all agree that we can't let such a powerful unknown to harbor indiscriminate hatred for our people, not when we're still struggling just to survive and there are so many other threats to deal with."

Sona clenched her hands tightly and looked away. She hated this. That fight with Esdeath had done more than reveal the supernatural to the world, it had revealed Tatsumi to the supernatural. If his attitude didn't change, even a little, it might not even be her onee-sama that put Tatsumi down. How long would it be until Tatsumi killed someone close to Bedeze Abaddon, Diehauser Belial or some other powerful, and influential devil?

It didn't matter how powerful Tatsumi was. If an Ultimate Class devil came down upon him with their entire peerage, he, Bennia, his parents, and everyone he knew was going to die.

Still...

"I don't like winning my battles this way," Sona muttered under her breath.

"I know, Sona-chan, but you need to choose which battles to fight. You can't save Tatsumi-chan if he hates you. Focus on what's important and let your onee-sama handle the niggling little details. If he finds out, this magical girl will shoulder all his hatred so you can shoulder all his love!"

Sona grumbled but relented. There wasn't anything else she could do. Even if she wanted to protest, and the logical part of her didn't, her onee-sama would do whatever it was she wanted anyways. "Just… promise me one thing."

"Maybe?"

"Don't interfere with our date tomorrow?"

Serafall blinked once before she threw her arms around her squealing like a little kid. "Don't you worry So-tan! Your onee-sama wants that date to go off perfectly as well! I'll be there on the side cheering you all the way so pounce! Pounce! Pounce!"

Sona blushed heavily. "I'm not going to pounce."

Her sister had a wicked smile on her face. "That's easy to say now, but when it's just you, him, a romantic dinner and all the alcohol you can drink…" Serafall hugged her tightly. "Don't worry Sona-chan! Your onee-sama will support you one hundred percent!"

Sona suddenly had a very bad feeling about how this date was going to end.

x~X~x

"Don't worry, mother, I have everything," Tatsumi said for what must have been the fifteenth time.

His parents had pulled over into a small parking spot near the venue he was to meet Souna for their date. He had a little time still and his mother was making certain that he had everything he needed, again. His father just sat in the driver's seat with a patient smile on his lips.

"If you're sure…" his mother trailed off. She suddenly started to sniffle. "My baby boy is growing up so quickly."

"It's just a date, mother," Tatsumi reminded her.

"Date one night, grandchildren the next, I know how it works," his mother said, nodding sagely, "your father got me pregnant with Mira on our first date."

Tatsumi gaped at his father. "Seriously?!"

His father at least had the good graces to look away embarrassed. Tatsumi didn't think that was going to happen but he was now certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that the people of this world were different on a very fundamental level. They all seemed just far too eager to open their legs the moment they find someone they're even remotely attracted to.

Thankfully Tatsumi knew that Souna was a very logical and leveled headed individual, not one ruled by her desire.

"It was a lovely evening, not all that unlike tonight," his mother said, blushing as she went back down memory lane. "Your father was so gentle at first, but by the end of the night he had me—"

"Ah-ah-ah," Tatsumi quickly interrupted her. He really didn't need to know about his parent's sex life. "I need to get going right now. Souna said seven sharp and if I'm not there at seven sharp, she's going to tear a strip off my hide."

"Right you are," Tatsumi's father said as he put car into gear. He wanted to be gone as much as Tatsumi wanted them gone. "Dear, we need to be off." He hit the gas and peeled out of the parking spot with Tatsumi's mother hanging out the window.

"Be gentle with Souna," his mother called back as they drove away.

"Be gentle with me?"

Tatsumi jumped in surprise and whirled around to find Souna standing just behind him. Just how did she get behind him so easily? It was like she could teleport. She'd make an amazing assassin. Not even Akame could get that close to Tatsumi without being felt.

Before he could follow that thought any further his mind froze as he stared at what Souna was wearing. She wore a beautiful cobalt blue dress that was tied tight about the waist. It was a strapless dress that seemed to defy gravity as it left her shoulders bare and exposed the uppermost curves of her breasts. Below her waist it flowed like water, loose and free, ending about midway down her thighs. She had a matching pair of delicate shoes on her feet. She hadn't donned any makeup, but she didn't need to. She had naturally flawless skin.

"Ah, it's just my mother being my mother," Tatsumi said hurriedly. He couldn't seem to keep his eyes off her. "I told you she's all about grandchildren right now. It's just her getting lost in one of her moments."

"I see," Souna said, nodding in understanding. "I trust you'll be gentle with me regardless?"

"Yes?" He certainly wasn't going to be rough with her. He had a feeling Souna would turn him inside out if he did. "You look beautiful." He said, hoping to change the subject.

It worked as she smiled. "Thank you, you've cleaned up nicely yourself."

He glanced down at his own wardrobe. Tatsumi didn't think that much of it. His parents had gone out of their way to find him a nice set of clothes for tonight. Black dress pants, dress shoes, a white button up shirt and a coat to go with it. The shoes and coat had been his father's when he was younger. The same ones he'd worn on that first date with mother. The coat was a little tight around the shoulders on account of Tatsumi being far more muscular than his father, but beyond that it fit well.

"You think?" Tatsumi asked hesitantly. "It pales to what you're wearing but I'm glad you like it."

"Tatsumi-chan must really like what he sees if he doesn't even notice I'm here."

Tatsumi's head snapped to the side so quickly he felt something crack. There was Serafall, Souna's sister, standing just off to the side. Tatsumi really wasn't surprised that she was wearing her milky way galaxy magical girl whatever outfit, complete with the star-shaped staff and sparkles.

"You're coming with us?" Tatsumi asked hesitantly. It wasn't like he disliked Souna's older sister… it was more…

"Oh don't worry about it," Serafall said, laughing cheerfully as she spun in place sending tiny little sparkles darting about the evening sky. "I wouldn't dream of ruining your date even if I might be spying on you from across the hall and taking pictures every second." Tatsumi felt a large drop of sweat roll down the back of his head. She sidled up next to him and winked. "Feel free to make a move on her, she wore her special underwear tonight," she whispered secretively to Tatsumi.

"Onee-sama!" Souna shouted at her sister. Her cheeks had developed a healthy blush. "Stop that!"

Serafall laughed as she threw herself at her sister and twirled around neck with by her arms. "Oh don't you worry So-tan. Onee-sama promises not to interfere with your time with Tatsumi-chan."

"You had better keep your promise," Souna told her sister.

"I will, although I am going to be taking pictures."

"Onee-sama!"

Serafall laughed and danced away from Souna. "Have fun you two! And don't do anything I wouldn't!" With that said Serafall was gone, racing off down the street to do who knows what.

"Is there anything she wouldn't do?" Tatsumi asked hesitantly, not really certain he wanted the answer.

"As you probably suspect, no, no there really isn't." Souna let out a long sigh. "It's past seven, Tatsumi, let's go and hope our booth is still reserved."

It turned out there wasn't really anything to worry about. When Tatsumi and Souna presented their tickets to the ushers at the front door wide smiles lit up their faces and the two of them were quickly let in ahead of everyone else where they were quickly escorted through the extravagant venue to their own private booth.

The booth was a circular platform that partially jutted out over the crowded venue. A luxurious circular couch with a small section near the edge overlooking the venue removed, dominated the platform. There was a round table in the middle of it upon which there was a touch screen embedded in the center that had a menu of what the place was serving to their special guests that night. A semi-transparent screen had been pulled across the front of the booth, giving them privacy from prying eyes, yet still allowing them to watch the play if they desired. There was a second, thicker, curtain that could be drawn as well if they needed to be completely concealed for… more intimate reasons. A pair of large screens hanging from the ceiling on either side of the platform would still allow them to enjoy the show.

The place was designed with its client's needs in mind. Tatsumi could only assume the place was primarily used to conduct business instead of actually watching the play, using it more as a pleasant backdrop.

"These are our wines on special for tonight, is there anything in particular the two of you would like?" Their waitress was a middle-aged woman wearing a maid outfit.

"But we're only—"

"You're both twenty, I know," the waitress said, winking at the two of them, "so what shall it be?"

This place wasn't entirely on the up and up it seems.

"We'll have the Akita Seishu sake," Souna said, pointing to a particular item on the wine menu.

"Very good, we'll bring it along shortly," she said smiling. "Please make yourself comfortable." She bowed and quickly left the room to see to their order.

"So who's footing the bill?" Tatsumi asked as he slid onto the circular couch and scooted around until he was facing the stage. "That wasn't exactly cheap sake." He had seen the price on it before the waitress had taken the menu away. As much as he wanted to foot the bill, that sort of price tag was out of his budget.

Souna chuckled darkly. "I used onee-sama's credit card to reserve this place. Everything we order gets charged to it." Tatsumi could have sworn he heard a wail of horror come from across the theatre but he had to be mistaken. "Feel free to order everything." Now he could hear sobbing.

"Does Serafall know?"

"She will when the bill arrives."

In other words, no she didn't. Well, if Souna wanted him to rack up a huge bill on Serafall's credit card, who was he to deny his date? "I did see several hundred thousand yen dishes there I am interested in trying."

"So did I," Souna said as she joined him, sliding over to him. Her dress bunched up at one point, giving him an unimpeded view of what she wore beneath. Serafall hadn't been joking about the underwear. That tiny lacy black thing was hardly appropriate for everyday use. She gave him a small, satisfied smile as she settled next to him. "I might try all of them."

Another wail of horror jerked Tatsumi attention across the venue, along with everyone else it seemed. There was a particular seat in the distance that was filled with someone dressed in a very bright and very pink outfit. Serafall had been serious about those pictures it seemed and from the smile on Souna's face, she'd known all along that her sister was there.

Well, if Tatsumi was going to have to suffer being spied on by Serafall, he was going to make her suffer in turn.

"I could use some take out," Tatsumi added. "My mother is always looking for new dishes to create, maybe I'll bring her one of each."

"My, that's a very good idea. It would certainly save me from having to prepare lunch tomorrow."

And there went Serafall, falling over backwards foaming at the mouth. Tatsumi was sure she was only playing, but it still felt satisfying to bring her low. Her credit card would be brought low very shortly as well.

The lights dimmed and the audience quieted as the theatre director came out on stage and began the standard introduction. Then the curtains rose and the music started up in the background signalling the start of the play. It was a re-enactment of a famous love story during the Edo period. Tatsumi really only found himself half watching. It was more the atmosphere he soaked in. The pleasant music, performed with instruments of the time, accompanied a theatrical, acrobatic re-enactment. It was Souna that truly made the evening though. Her warm, little smile. The subtle, yet soothing perfume that clung to her. The beautiful dress that perfectly accentuated her pale skin. If he had been here alone, he'd have been bored and left. Yet seeing someone like her look so relaxed and carefree, made him feel as if, at least for this one night, he could do the same.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Souna asked him, breaking his gaze from the soft skin of her neck. "Tonight I mean."

"Yes… I don't think I've just sat back and relaxed in a very long time," Tatsumi said as he turned his eyes to the play below.

"I know that feeling. Duties as Student Council President and… dealing with my onee-sama, doesn't give me a lot of free time either. But that free time is necessary." She rested her hand on his thigh and gave it a little squeeze. He looked at her and saw a real smile on her lips. "How can we truly appreciate life and all that it is we do, if we ourselves don't take a few hours every now and then to enjoy it?"

"Or the people," Tatsumi said without thinking.

"Or the people," Souna agreed as she squeezed his thigh again and then slid it around beneath his leg and left it there. A hint of desire entered her eyes and her smile widened. "You're one of those people to me, Tatsumi. I was serious back there at the Hospital. I may not be able to help you fight your battles, but I'll give you a place to look forward coming home to."

Tatsumi gently touched her arm, unsure. "That… almost sounds like a proposal."

She took his hand and placed it on her own thigh. It was warm and soft to the touch. He couldn't stop himself from gently kneading that soft skin. An instinctual urge suddenly welled up inside him and he fought back the desire to slide his hand up. "You're free to interpret that as you will." Souna said lightly.

"Ah, well, there's Bennia and—"

She squeezed his hand. "Tatsumi, do you intend to marry her?"

"I do, when we're of age," Tatsumi said without hesitation. "I owe her, but more than that I… she's always been there and I honestly can't envision a life without her. She's as much a part of my life as my own limbs."

"That includes children, correct?"

"Once we figure out how to have them without my parents questioning how children are popping out of thin air," Tatsumi muttered, looking away. That was something he still hadn't quite figured out. Bennia just didn't care and as soon as he was old enough to marry without his parent's consent, he was certain she'd force the issue.

And that was if she hadn't already prior.

"Then you need assistance," Souna said firmly. "If you had someone else with child, someone your parents could see, it would justify being at the Hospital alongside Bennia—" She coughed and looked away, blushing. It seemed her words finally caught up with her and she realized what she was suggesting.

"Did you just offer to carry my children alongside Bennia?"

"Well, if our dates go well and we grow closer, it's only a natural conclusion, right?" Souna said quickly, like she was sprinting across hot coals. "That's why men and women date is it not? To determine if they're suitable life partners?"

Tatsumi wasn't sure if she was trying to convince him, or herself.

"I already have—"

"I don't mind sharing and from your own words, neither does she." Souna was really blushing now. Her own words embarrassed her but true to herself, she didn't let something as inconvenient as emotions slow her down. "You know how I am Tatsumi. I see something I want and I try for it. If it turns out that I want you, I'm not going to walk away just because someone like Bennia shares your bed." She turned to face him once more. Her cheeks were red and her eyes promised great suffering if he even thought about making fun of her embarrassment. "The only thing that would prevent that from happening are your own feelings. I will respect them, of course. If you truly only desire Bennia, and no one else, I will step back and allow you two to live happily. I won't ruin that relationship for my own selfish emotions."

"I—" He paused as the door opened up and the waitress returned with their bottle of sake and two sakazukis. The conversation went on hold as the two of them ordered the most expensive meal on the menu. Once the waitress left, Tatsumi continued. "I don't know how to respond to that." He said honestly. "I'm not sure life is willing to allow me to be happy."

"My onee-sama said something meaningful to me once, one of the few times she'd ever said anything worthwhile in her life." Tatsumi sweat dropped as an indignant squawk pierced the air of the hall. "Those that live hard lives should not turn away from happiness. They, more than anyone else, should cling onto what little comes their way as tightly as possible. Because with or without that little bit of happiness, life is still going to find a way to make you miserable."

Cherish what little happiness you have? Tatsumi just stared at Souna. He didn't know what to think. He wanted to embrace those words like they were a lifeline, but... was he allowed to? If she wasn't... but it wasn't like she said life wouldn't make him miserable... Tatsumi groaned. He had no idea what to do. "I don't know. I really want your words to be true... I just... I mean… my own feelings are confused on the matter. I guess if I were to embrace happiness I wouldn't really be against having you." few guys wouldn't want several beautiful, loving and loyal women at their side and Tatsumi wasn't one of them. "I want everyone to be happy, but..." another thought had occurred to him. "I also really don't want to be like Issei."

Souna grimaced like she'd bit something bitter. "Yes, I can see that and I am thankful of it. However, there's a significant difference between you are Issei. Respect. What bother's me isn't so much that you and Issei reach the same final destination, it's how you journey to that destination that I care about. The fact that you're hesitant to accept anyone else because you don't want to hurt Bennia's feelings speaks volumes for your loyalty and I find that very appealing." Her little smile shifted, becoming wry, "it's also completely unnecessary in this particular situation."

"You think?"

"It is. This is simply my opinion, but just let emotions run their course. Don't deny them for irrelevant reasons. If we end up not being compatible. So be it. But neither should we push each other away if we are."

"I… I suppose I can agree to that." He'd have to make sure with Bennia after this date though. Even if she had said she was fine with a threesome, that didn't actually mean that she'd been serious, or that she was fine with sharing him with another for the rest of his life.

Tatsumi shook his head lightly. Was he seriously considering starting a harem? This world was rubbing off on him in the wrong ways it seemed. He needed a drink. He leaned over the table, reaching for the bottle of Akita Seishu.

Souna's hand slid up his thigh. "Besides, your mother wants grandchildren and you shouldn't keep her waiting too long."

Tatsumi pitched forward, choking on his spit and almost dropping the bottle of Akita Seishu sake on its side. His hand on Souna's thigh went shooting up, eliciting a sharp pleasant gasp from his date. He quickly pulled his hand back from that warm, damp lacy fabric and turned his considerable focus upon desperately trying to right the bottle again.

He seemed to be having some trouble.

"Here, let me help," Souna said as she slid forward on the seat, sending his hand shooting back up under her dress again. Before he could pull his hand out again she clamped his fingers between her legs with a grip like iron. She popped the bottle and poured filled their sakazukis with sake. "I find myself parched as well."

Tatsumi swallowed hard and adjusted the collar of his coat. "It is rather hot in here." Sweltering even. He really wanted nothing more than to take his coat off, and his shirt, and possibly even his pants. He was sweating like crazy and that satisfied smile on Souna's lips was part of the reason.

She raised the sakazuki to him and he did the same before they both downed the contents.

The sake was smooth and gentle, even if there wasn't any taste to speak of. It almost felt like he was drinking water. He filled the sakazuki a second time before downing that as well. The warmth filled his stomach and spread out from there. It was nice, relaxing. He could almost feel his worries just melting away the more he drank. A third and fourth made things even better. Souna seemed to be matching him drink for drink. The smile on her face getting a little bit wider, a little more carefree, with each fill.

The both of them had a lot of responsibilities on their shoulders. It couldn't hurt to just set them all aside for a single night, could it?

The food came not long after. It smelled good, but tasted like ash just like his mother's cooking. Tatsumi, for once, didn't even care, and by the eighth glass he couldn't even taste the ash anymore. It was just nice to be sitting here with Souna, enjoying the evening. What was also nice was Souna herself. Beautiful and intelligent. Why someone like her had any interest in Tatsumi, he didn't know, but she did.

Small talk made up the conversation for the rest of night. Neither of them were in any mood to really discuss stuff of substance. They spoke of the weather, of a happier past when neither had responsibilities. Hobbies and hopes and dreams were shared. Neither of them noticed as the sake bottle was emptied and a second replaced it, and then a third.

By the time the play had ended, neither of them cared much about anything but enjoying the other's company. Tatsumi wasn't quite sure how they made it to Souna's place. One moment they'd been stumbling out of the theatre, arms linked and laughing together. The next they were at her door. Tatsumi could only assume they'd taken a taxi and he'd blacked out. There had been a flash of blue light, taxi lights?

"I had a wonderful night, Tatsumi," Souna said, her words slightly slurred as she spun around on her steps to face him. She stumbled and Tatsumi had to rush forward to catch her before she fell. "Whoa… the world is a little spinny right now."

"I know what you mean," Tatsumi said as he righted her on her feet. He didn't let go and held her in his arms. "They really should have some of remote control we can use to control the spinning."

"Exactly! That makes perfect sense!" Souna said as she smiled at him. "Tatsumi?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you." She kissed him. It was a sudden, quick thing, but one that took the breath right out of Tatsumi. When she pulled back her eyes were lidded, filled with desire and he could feel her body heating up in his arms. "Really, thank you. I… don't think I've ever really had the chance to just relax and not care for a night."

"I should be the one thanking you." He didn't know it was possible to feel this light. "Sometimes it feels like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. But tonight… tonight I'm just Tatsumi."

"And I'm just Sona," she whispered as she leaned into him.

He could see it in her eyes. Feel it in her body. She wasn't ready to finish this night. Tatsumi wasn't either but he knew he had to stop right here, right now or they would—

He kissed her. Tatsumi hadn't even realized he was kissing until he tasted her lips on his tongue. His mind had no idea what was going on anymore. Doors were flung open, clothes were thrown haphazardly about the house and before Tatsumi could even begin to get his bearing the two of them were in her room, on her bed and he was staring down at her beautiful, naked body.

Gentle, those were his mother's words. He had to be gentle. The legs that came up around him and pulled him inside however, demanded that he be anything but. It was at that moment the rational part of his mind handed the keys over to his urges and left.

Tatsumi spent the rest of the night making Souna scream his name.

x~X~x

His head hurt.

That was the first thing that hit Tatsumi as he woke up. That pounding in his skull like a dozen little gnomes were bouncing hammers off the inside of his skull. He just wanted to dig a knife inside there and rip them all out. Then he could go back to sleep in wake up in another twelve hours or so. His bed was warm, soft, and seemed to breathe upon his neck in time with his own.

Wait a minute.

Tatsumi's eyes snapped open. He ignored the stinging pain that the light of the morning sun brought with it through the curtain window of a room that was most certainly not his, and focused instead on the source of that breathing. He froze when he saw her.

It was Souna Shitori, her head nestled in the crook of his neck. Each breath she took washed over his neck like a gentle breeze. She looked so different than he was used to. Asleep and without her glasses she looked so peaceful and content. Tatsumi couldn't help but smile at that peaceful visage as he ran his fingers down her back. The smile slipped a little as his fingers trailed further down to her rear. Hesitantly he slipped his hand between her open legs. She murmured pleasantly and opened her legs wider.

The truth was easy to discover.

There was no denying the distinct moisture he felt there. He'd just had sex with Souna Shitori. His memories of last night were dim, almost like a fog was over them, but if he focused he could remember bits and pieces, flashes. They corroborated what he felt.

Tatsumi came to a single conclusion. The moment Souna woke up, he was dead. Perhaps he could sneak out before she woke? Maybe she'd just think it was all a dream and go on about their lives like it never happened.

A camera flash shattered that hope into a million pieces.

"This is one for my book!" Serafall said in her ever cheerful voice. She gestured like she was highlighting a billboard. "I can see the caption now! Souna-chan and Tatsumi-chan in the afterglow of their passionate love making!"

"Serafall," Tatsumi hissed as quietly as he could, "Souna is going to kill me when she wakes up!"

"No, I don't think she will," Serafall said laughing. She poked her sister in the back. "Isn't that right So-tan?"

"It's too early, onee-sama," Souna grumbled irritably as she burrowed her face into his next and held him tighter. "Let me enjoy Tatsumi a little longer."

"It's Monday, So-tan, you still have school!"

Souna groaned in annoyance. "I can skip once."

Tatsumi just stared at Souna in complete and abject shock. Was this really Souna Shitori? The perfect model student? The Student Council President that was so strict with the rules that she kept virtually the entire student body in line through sheer force of will? Did she just suggest skipping school?

And why wasn't she upset at what just happened in an alcohol induced stupor?

"Souna, you realize we just had—"

"I know what we did, Tatsumi," Souna said sleepily as she slowly pushed herself to her knees. She stretched her arms out above her head, drawing his eyes to that beautiful naked body. She didn't seem to care how she was exposing herself to him. Tatsumi supposed it was probably a little late to bother covering herself after last night. "I spent three hours marveling at your stamina. I had thought men could barely last fifteen minutes. That's what all the books said anyways." She reached between her legs and smiled at him. "You really are something special and as I said last night, I intend to make you mine." Souna stepped out of bed and stretched once more, giving Tatsumi a complete and unimpeded view of her everything.

He was certain it was deliberate. Souna rarely did anything without reason. "You know what. Both you and your sister are strange."

"I'm not strange Tatsumi. You know how I am. I see something I want and I go for it." She gave him a smile. "I want you. I will expect you to take proper responsibility if something… arises as a result of our union." Tatsumi just gaped at her. What the hell could he say to that? Souna leaned back over the bed and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Now, as much as I wish I could spend the rest of the day in bed with you, Tatsumi. My onee-sama is, unfortunately, correct. We both have school today." She threw a look over her shoulder towards a delicate clock across the room. "My estate is not that far from your own. If you leave now, you should still be able to make it to school in time for homeroom." She paused and scoured his body with her eyes. "I look forward to seeing you at school later today, Tatsumi, and of course at our next date."

It was a very subdued and shocked Tatsumi that collected his scattered clothes and slinked his way back home. He had absolutely no idea what to do now.

~o~

Sona managed to last until Tatsumi made it out the front door before she broke down. She remembered everything with perfect clarity, each and every thrust, his gentle touches, those passionate kisses and each time his warmth had flowed into her. It made her face burn with embarrassment even as her body heated up with desire once more. Sona rounded on her sister, her eyes wide and panicked.

"Onee-sama! Tatsumi and I… we… last night together…" She was so utterly flustered and panicked about what happened she couldn't string her words together properly.

Her sister just laughed. "I was wondering how long you could hold it in." Serafall hugged her tightly and rubbed her face against hers. "You're just too adorable when you're flustered like this. It reminds me of when you were just little."

"Onee-sama! Now's not the time!" Sona had wanted to be more aggressive, to close the gap between the two of them and make Tatsumi care more deeply for her. She needed to, both to inject her into his life, and to convince him that not all devils were evil. But what happened last night was too much! Did Tatsumi think she was some easy woman now that opened her legs to anyone the moment she got drunk?

"There's nothing to worry about," Serafall said stepping back. There was a warm, understanding smile on her face. "You two care about each other, and you just expressed it last night in a more physical way than usual."

"That was more than just physical!" She could still feel him inside her.

Serafall held up a number of photos she had hidden somewhere, "oh, it looks pretty physical to me." She couldn't have! No, this was Serafall, she most certainly would have dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of pictures of her and Tatsumi together. "So you two had long, hot, passionate sex together. I don't see a problem. You both look really happy in these pictures." Her sister smiled widely at her. "That's enough for your onee-sama!"

"That's not the point!" There were more issues at her than just her and Tatsumi's feelings. "I'm the heiress of the Sitri family. We're one of the most noble and respected houses in our society. What do you think will happen if everyone finds out I'm dating a human!?" She could even be pregnant for all she knew. They certainly hadn't used any contraceptives last night. How humiliating would that be? Sona Sitri, a pure-blooded High-Class devil and heiress of one of the noblest families in the Underworld… giving birth to a half-breed. It wasn't like the thought of having Tatsumi's children that disgusted her. It was the political implications she worried about. It could ruin their family!

And then there was the difference in lifespan! Devils didn't die of natural causes, humans did. She was going to lose Tatsumi in less than a hundred years! She'd barely be much more than a child in the eyes of devil society by that time.

Now that the two of them had gone all the way Sona was finally realizing just how many things were wrong about their relationship... and how little her emotions actually cared about that wrongness.

"So-tan doesn't have to worry about that! Onee-sama will rid the Underworld of anyone that doesn't approve of Tatsumi-chan!"

"You can't do that, onee-sama!" Sona protested. "And what about mother?"

Serafall tilted her head confused, "what about Ka-chan?"

"I beat her by two years!"

Her sister actually paled at that. "Sona-chan, you can never ever take Tatsumi-chan to see Ka-chan. Ever."

That's what Sona had thought as well. That would be even worse! Sona could only imagine what would happen if her mother got a hold of Tatsumi. She might never see him again.

Sona grabbed hold of her raging emotions and forcefully reined them in. She took several long, calming breaths before firming herself once more. "I need to make plans on how to proceed from here. My relationship with Tatsumi has advanced faster than I had anticipated." She didn't dislike how it ended up, she just needed to grab hold of the situation and bring things under control. "First I'll need to normalize things to calm us both down." A few good solid days of chess and normal conversation should do that.

~o~

Tatsumi took a deep breath before he slowly opened the front door to his home. It needed to be done just right if he didn't want the hinges squeaking. He'd done it before when he'd needed to go out on a mission for Night Raid, but this time it was especially important. There was no getting around the fact that he had not come home last night and considering who he was with, and for what reason, there would be little doubt in his mother's mind what happened.

He might as well stomped inside setting off fog horns and ringing bells for all the good it did. His mother seemed to have a sixth sense and no sooner had the door closed than did Tatsumi see her rushing out from the kitchen with a wide, excited smile on her face.

"Tatsumi! You're back, did you two have fun last night?" His mother asked eagerly as she darted all about him, taking in his appearance. He was rather dishevelled, having time enough to just throw on his pants, shoes and shirt, which was still unbuttoned.

"We did, it was a great play," Tatsumi said carefully as he tried to make his way to his room. It was difficult with his mother bouncing about like a little kid.

"You didn't come home tonight… were you gentle with her?!" His mother asked eagerly.

"Mother!" Tatsumi flushed. That wasn't something he was going to tell his mother. What he and Souna did together beneath the sheets would stay there, beneath the sheets. "We had fun and it went longer than intended."

His mother all but squealed with joy. "Do I have grandchildren on the way?"

Tatsumi froze and blinked. Actually, she might. Tatsumi had no idea. They hadn't taken any precautions and Souna hadn't let him pull out even once. If it was that time of month for her… Souna was probably going to panic as well when that truly sinks in, no matter what she said prior to him leaving.

"Oh! I can't wait to see little children scampering about again," his mother said, joy and happiness radiating from her like sunbeams. "Go get ready for school Tatsumi! I'll have breakfast ready for you by the time you come down stairs! I don't want you ruining this relationship by being late!"

"Yes, mother," Tatsumi said and quickly fled from the living room. He didn't stop running until he reached his room and slammed the door shut.

It was still sinking in, what he and Souna had done. It was different than with Bennia. The two of them had always been together and their becoming intimate had just seemed like a natural next step, one made easier due to a time of grief. With Souna it felt like Tatsumi was jumping off a cliff and he didn't know if there was water at the bottom.

He liked Souna, there was no problem there, and after last night he was certain she felt the same. Hell, she probably liked him more. Tatsumi couldn't quite pin it down. Something just felt wrong about this whole thing. Like it was all going to come crumbling down around him. Things always did. What should have been the start of a great adventure with Ieyasu and Sayo had ended in their torturous deaths at the hands of Aria. Whenever he grew close to someone in Night Raid, they'd been killed. Mine had collapsed into a coma after saving them from Budo not long after they'd confessed their love to each other. Even here in this world he lost. Mira had been murdered and worse during what should have been the happiest moment of his life. And now that happiness was coming again in the form of his relationship with Souna.

Every time he thought he life was looking up, it found a way to hit him with indescribable suffering. Even when he tried to throw away that happiness it still found a way to worm its way into his life… just so it could make him suffer again.

It wasn't this world… "What the hell is wrong with me?" It had to be him. A curse that followed him from the old world to this one. Tatsumi knew right then, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Souna was going to suffer because of him.

((Well, you smell for one thing.))

Bennia was standing next to his desk, her nose wrinkling in disgust. He hadn't even noticed that she was there. Souna had completely scrambled his brains.

Her words suddenly registered. "Wait, I don't stink."

((Yes you do, I can smell that Souna girl all over you.)) Bennia suddenly grinned mischievously. ((So when's the threesome?))

"You're actually fine with sharing me with Souna?" Now was as good a time as any to ask.

((Why wouldn't I be?! I like women too! If you start a harem I don't have to cheat on you to play with them!))

Was she serious? "You're bisexual?"

((I thought I just said that.))

Tatsumi just sighed and gave up. Bennia was impossible sometimes. "You'll probably get your threesome sooner rather than later... I think. I don't know. I'm not sure how open she is to a threesome." Even if Bennia was bisexual, that didn't mean Souna was. At least there really wouldn't be any problem on Bennia's end accepting Souna. "Anyways, I need to wash and get changed. It's going to be difficult to make it to school on time as it is."

Bennia laughed and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. ((Just don't forget me because you're too deep into her.)) Tatsumi threw her a mock glare causing her to laugh again. ((Oh, and Sensei wants to see you tonight. Not sure what it's about but I got the feeling it's important.))

"I'll be there," Tatsumi said.

~o~

Tatsumi knew something was wrong the moment he stepped through the front gates of the school. It wasn't something subtle like the feeling of someone watching you or a faint charge in the air. Even the most oblivious individual would have noticed when everyone turned to stare at you. He had always been rather visible here at school on account of his national achievements and the battle with Esdeath had only escalated that to the next level, but this was something entirely different.

The girls giggled and blushed as they stared at his chest while most of the boys saluted him as he walked past, murmuring their respect and condolences. A few, like Saji, glared daggers of pure death at him.

It made a sharp chill run down his spine. "She couldn't have… could she?"

The answer came rushing towards him moments after he stepped through the main doors.

Tatsumi barely had time to brace himself before Ieyasu barrelled into him. There was a huge grin on his face and his eyes were alive with laughter. "I told you so man! I knew she was giving you preferential treatment! I just didn't quite realize just how 'preferential' it was!"

"Congratulations, Tatsumi-san," Sayo said, bowing her head to him.

"Why do I have this sinking feeling that Souna's sister did something she really probably shouldn't have?" Tatsumi asked.

"You mean this?" Ieyasu asked as he showed Tatsumi his phone. He had a picture throw up on the screen, a picture of Tatsumi and Souna, in bed together. It was artfully shot, Souna had her back to the camera and the sheets covered their waists, but with Souna's naked leg over Tatsumi's shoulder and his pelvis firmly pressed against hers you didn't need to see the look of ecstasy on their faces to know as clear as day what they were doing.

"She did do it," Tatsumi said, sweat dropping. Serafall had really sold pictures of him and her sister together and those pictures had ended up on the internet. "Souna is going to go nuclear."

"It's all over the school man! The entire city! Everyone knows that the Ice Queen of Kuoh Academy and Tatsumi, the National Wonder, are now hitched! It's a power couple that most could only dream of happening! Between that fight with Esdeath and this, you're famous man, totally famous!"

"For all the wrong reasons," Tatsumi said as he continued to stare at that image deadpanned. He knew why the girls were all blushing while looking at him. Serafall had spared no expense showing off how muscular and fit he was beneath his clothes. Somehow she had made him look better than he actually was.

"TATSUMI!"

"Ah, we should probably run," Ieyasu said, jumping away, "we'll come find what's left of you after Shitori-senpai is finished!" Sayo bowed her head as well and the both of them bolted for the safety of being anywhere but near him.

Tatsumi felt utterly betrayed as the two of them left him there. He didn't even need to turn around to know what was coming his way. That voice, and more importantly, that overwhelming sense of dread that seemed to be directed at someone standing right behind, told him that Souna was there and knew.

He slowly turned to face Souna. Her eyes were wide and wild, that normally neatly kept hair all but levitating above her head, held aloft on currents of sheer rage and embarrassment. "Ah, hi Souna," Tatsumi said, trying to put his best smile on. There was probably no way she was going to calm down after all this but he had to at least try. "I take it you just heard."

"Come with me!" She grabbed him by the collar of his coat and dragged him through the school faster than he thought possible. The moment they were in the student council room she threw him into a chair before slamming the door shut and locked it tight. "Onee-sama… she… she actually..." Souna grabbed her hair and shouted in outrage. "My life is utterly ruined now!"

Souna had completely lost it. Serafall had reduced her normally calm and composed sister to an absolute wreck.

"I think most people are actually pumped about—" Tatsumi clamped his mouth shut when Souna turned her baleful gaze upon him. "I just want to say I don't think your reputation is ruined… I mean, it's not like I'm Issei or something. From what I've heard since arriving here people are approving of our relationship."

"She actually sold pictures of our time together!" Souna shouted at him. "how are you not outraged by this?!"

Maybe it was because of all the recent events he'd found himself in? Having pictures of his time with Souna spread all about the internet seemed kind of insignificant compared to a death battle with Esdeath and figuring out just how life was going to make his relationship with Souna come crumbling down about his ears.

"Do we at least have royalties?" Tatsumi inquired, "if we have to suffer, we should at least get paid for it."

"No, my damn onee-sama fled the moment I found out. Wait that's not the point!" Souna took a deep breath and with visible effort took hold of her emotions. When she opened her eyes she was the calm Souna he was familiar with. "I'm afraid I won't have time to play chess with you at lunch today. I will need to go into damage control."

"That's fine, I can just eat with Ieyasu and Sayo for a change. Do all the damage control you need to." Tatsumi made his way to the window and looked out. A number of girls out in the school yard saw him and blushed. "Honestly I don't really need any more attention than I already have."

"I will fix this," Souna vowed. "I'm not sure how yet, but I will."

Tatsumi sure hoped so otherwise his life was going to become even more troublesome than it was.

~o~

Blessedly the rest of the day went by smoothly for Tatsumi. After feeding Koneko and eating with Ieyasu and Sayo for a change, for which they were rather enthusiastic in having him there, the rest of the day's classes had gone by without a hitch. It was so refreshingly normal he even welcomed the gaggle of Kendo Girls that flocked to him when that last bell rang.

They all wanted to know more about his relationship with Souna or about the battle, but he just tuned them out like usual and it felt like any other day. Club activities had been about the same. The girls were more excited than usual, but the normality of it all was like a soothing balm. He and Ieyasu spent some time teaching and instructing the girls before facing off against each other.

It was all so nice there was actually a small smile on his lips as he ascended the long set of steps up to Sensei's place.

Sensei, that was someone who had remained an enigma for so long that Tatsumi almost was ready to accept the truth. The pieces were all there, dribbled to him piece meal. Sensei was really Gabriel, one of the twelve divine Seraphs that protected heaven and the strongest female angel in all the heavens. He'd read about her in a few books, books Sensei herself had actually recommended to him.

It just created more questions though, such as why she had bothered to take someone like him under her wing, erm wings. That was a strange phrase when used with her. It was a technical literal. Perhaps it came back to what Lord Phenex had said? That Tatsumi was a pawn in grand schemes. If what he said was right, and Sensei was who Tatsumi suspected she was, then he had already given back as much as he'd received with the renewed surge of faith across the globe.

If that was even the reason she'd approached him. Tatsumi felt like there was something else, something more.

It didn't really matter. Without her help he'd have died against Esdeath, and training with her had certainly helped raise his level much higher than it had been before. Skill wise he was better than he'd ever been back in the Old Empire. He just lacked the strength, speed and durability Incursio once gave him.

The smile on Tatsumi's lips faltered and became fragile as he stepped into Gabriel's sanctuary. While Bennia hadn't mentioned exactly why Sensei had wanted to see him, he didn't think it would be this. Instead of watching Bennia be lectured by Sensei he found two girls he didn't recognize and Bennia nowhere to be found. The one on the left was a violet eyed girl with long brown hair pulled up into a pair of ponytails while the other had short blue hair and an out of place green lock of hair overhanging her left eye. They were both wearing white, hooded cloaks with aqua colored fringes going and both had identical looks of adoration as they stared up at Sensei.

From those looks those two knew who they were speaking with, even if there weren't any wings currently sprouting from her back.

His sensei, Gabriel, was dressed differently too. Instead of her usual white ninja training outfit, she was wearing a long open-back gown that looked as if it was woven from beams of light. It clung tightly to her chest, tied shut by a gold band around her waist, from which the dress then billowed out, flowing like water down her legs.

The alarm bells in Tatsumi's head rang so loudly he was certain they heard them in the next town. He quickly turned on his heel and—

"Ah good, you're here Tatsumi. Come join us." Too late, he was spotted. "There won't be any training tonight."

He turned back around and gave the three of them a hesitant look. "Are you sure? This seems more like a private party." The two girls looked like they were ready to shoot sparkles and stars from their eyes at any moment. "I'm not really a believer you know."

"Never mind that," Sensei said and gestured him to join her. "Come here."

Letting out a tired sigh Tatsumi trudged over to the three of them. He just knew this was going to end with him in the Hospital, again. He could already feel his bones aching in protest. The two girls gave him curious looks as he neared and he noted that both of them were incredibly good looking.

What's up with every girl in this world being pretty? It was like there was some sort of hand in the sky at work here making sure every girl was at least passable in looks, and anyone of any importance was so beautiful it made the heart ache, or so cute you just wanted to hug them and never let go.

"Tatsumi, I would like to introduce to you Shidou Irina and Quarta Xenovia. Both of them are exorcists in the church, although in different segments. Irina is a protestant and Xenovia catholic." Sensei gestured to Tatsumi, "Irina, Xenovia, this is—"

"Nakimori Tatsumi," the brown-haired girl Sensei had introduced as Irina, said excitedly, "the Divine Gabriel's chosen one! He who defeated the fallen angel, Esdeath!" Suddenly she gasped in shock. "Ah! I'm sorry Lady Gabriel, I didn't mean to interrupt you!"

"No, it's quite alright," Gabriel said compassionately. Tatsumi had to do a double take when he heard that. She never sounded that soft and understanding when she was beating his ass up and down the sanctuary.

Tatsumi coughed delicately. "Defeat is stretching the truth a bit much. I chased her away, and I had a lot of help."

"Modesty is a noble virtue," Xenovia murmured approvingly.

It was that instant Tatsumi realized he had lost this battle before it had even begun. Those two were so assured of their views of him nothing he could say or do would ever shake their faith. From the satisfied smile on Sensei's face, she had probably spent a good amount of time reinforcing those beliefs as well.

"So, what catastrophe has brought two young exorcists from two different sects to Japan?" Tatsumi asked Sensei.

"What makes you think it's a catastrophe, Tatsumi." He just gave her a long look. He knew something was going sideways in a bad way. Could feel it in his very bones. She just laughed, a pleasant noise that sent warmth running up his spine. "Now, now, it's not so bad. I'm not going to ask you to go toe-to-toe with someone like Esdeath."

"Oh good, because I'd like to not almost die twice in as many weeks," he said a little more snidely than he had meant to. "Sorry, just been a got out of the Hospital last week and I'm just not really all that eager to end up in it again."

"You shouldn't." That didn't inspire any confidence. "I just need you to kill Kokabiel."

…

Seriously?

"That's it, just walk up and murder someone so powerful even Esdeath was willing to follow his command?" When she just smiled and nodded, Tatsumi sighed. "You're trying to kill me… aren't you?"

"Perish the thought," she said quickly. "Esdeath and Kokabiel are two very different individuals. Esdeath was dangerous because you fought her face to face without any true support. She also doesn't suffer from the same issue most powerful beings do, hubris. You'll never find Nemesis hunting her down. She'll play with her opponents, but she'll never underestimate them. She hopes they show a sudden surge of strength so is always expecting it. Kokabiel is the exact opposite. He is so arrogant he won't believe anyone can hurt him until he's actually hurt. He'll take your attack just to prove how much weaker you are than him. What's more, I don't expect you to sacrifice yourself and face him head on."

"We're going to use the devils for that," Xenova said without emotion. "Might as well use their blasphemous existence for something good. While Kokabiel is busy attacking Rias Gremory and her peerage, we'll steal back the swords he stole and you'll kill him." She said it like Kokabiel was already dead and Tatsumi just needed to perform the act. It would be heart-warming to know she had so much faith in his skills if he wasn't so certain he was going to get killed by all this.

"The devils get beaten, we get our swords and take credit for ending a powerful Fallen Angel," Irina said, smiling brilliantly. "The church comes out ahead while the devils and fallen angels suffer blows and so long as Rias lives no one can justify starting the next Great War! Lady Gabriel's plan is brilliant."

"Whoa, whoa, first off, I haven't agreed to anything yet," Tatsumi said hurriedly, "and second, I'm not going to agree to anything until I know exactly what it is I'm agreeing to."

"Ah, right, you need to have the situation explained first," Gabriel said, still smiling. "Xenovia, if you will."

"Of course, Lady Gabriel," Xenovia reached behind her and pulled around in front of her an enormous sword that Tatsumi couldn't believe he hadn't noticed before now. "This is Excalibur Destruction." Irina opened her robe and pulled off a ribbon from around her arm. It magically transformed into a long katana.

"And this is Excalibur Mimic," Irina said cheerfully.

Tatsumi could feel the holy power rolling of the two weapons. They would be deadly weapons to wield against devils, or even Fallen Angels. Even if they hadn't said they were fragments of the most famous sword in history, Tatsumi would have assumed they were legendary weapons of some kind or another.

"They're two of seven pieces of the original Excalibur that was destroyed some time ago. The Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox churches each safeguarded two of the seven pieces. Recently three of the swords were stolen, one from each of the religions. We have chased the culprits here to this city, Kuoh Town. We thought the devils here might have taken them, but after having met with Rias and her servants we've come to the conclusion it was someone else."

"That was when I approached them," Gabriel said. "I couldn't just let two faithful servants of God wander blindly about such a dangerous town. Using their two fragments of Excalibur we were able to track down the location of the missing three pieces."

"Wait, this only accounts for six of the seven pieces, where is the seventh?"

"Unknown at this time. Excalibur Ruler disappeared not long after the sword was shattered. Wherever it is being kept is blocking any attempt to track it down through mystical means."

"Lady Gabriel is powerful and skilled," Xenovia went on as she continued to gaze reverently up at the Seraph, "due to her skill we discovered that it was actually the Fallen Angels that had taken them."

"This Kokabiel," Tatsumi surmised.

Gabriel smiled. "Yes."

"Then I fail to see why this should even involve me." Tatsumi said. "This seems to be a conflict between the Angels, their followers, and the Fallen. Night Raid deals with threats to humanity, not the church." It also made Tatsumi very suspicious that two seemingly young, teenage girls were entrusted with fragments of Excalibur and then told to steal back three more from one of the most powerful Fallen Angels alive. It had the reek of politics and Tatsumi wanted nothing to do with it.

"It's a threat to everyone," Gabriel said, not taking offense at his dismissal of the entire thing. "Kokabiel wishes to restart the Great War by stealing the Excalibur fragments from the church and then using them to kill Rias Gremory, Sirzechs', the current Lucifer's, little sister."

Tatsumi saw absolutely nothing wrong with that.

"If you know this, then this Sirzechs knows this, and so probably does Azazel," Tatsumi said, exasperated. Why did they think this mattered to him the slightest? "Let Kokabiel murder Rias and her peerage. Sirzechs will show up, murder Kokabiel, and then you can just go pick up the Excalibur fragments once it's all said and done." Tatsumi only stood to gain no matter the outcome.

"If it was only that easy," Gabriel said, shaking her head softly. "There are a great number of individuals on all three sides that want to restart the war. It's not just Kokabiel. They're just waiting for an excuse. If Kokabiel kills Rias Gremory with the Excalibur fragments, it will give all those war hawks who have been sitting on their posts for the past several thousand years all the reason they need to start squawking for retribution. Kokabiel and Rias Gremory are both liked well enough by their respective factions that people will listen. It won't matter if Azazel, Michael, myself, and Sirzechs want this war or not, war will happen and we'll be dragged in an attempt to save what we can."

And that was why Xenovia and Irina were sent instead of a host of powerful angels, grand exorcists, or whatever the church used to protect itself. No one would shed more than two tears over their deaths, and the loss of the Excalibur fragments while regrettable, not reason enough to start a war. It was all to do what they could to keep the Angels and the Church from the war if the worst came to pass.

In other words, politics.

"It seems this could all be solved if you simply fought Kokabiel yourself." Gabriel was at the very least, Kokabiel's equal. "Kill him before he can even attack Rias Gremory and—" He stopped when she started shaking her head.

"As you've already surmised the theft of the Excalibur fragments really aren't worth starting a war over by themselves. Kokabiel was most certainly hoping that the Church would send someone… influential to retrieve them. If I get myself involved the Fallen will see it as an attack on them by Heaven. Kokabiel won't even have to attack Rias Gremory then. He'll get the start of his war."

Tatsumi deadpanned. "I hate politics."

Gabriel laughed as she reached out and brushed his cheek with her hand, "I do too, but my position doesn't let me avoid them."

Unfortunately, Tatsumi had a feeling he knew what would happen if the next Great War broke out. The church was considered part of the Angelic faction, the source of their belief and power. The Fallen and the Devils would target them just as soon as the Angels themselves, sooner even since they were weak and easily killed. Then there would be the increased need for soldiers, more humans forcefully reincarnated and pressed into service to fight.

Humanity would be just as equally decimated by this war as the three great factions. That would no doubt be the angle that Sensei would use to rope him into helping her. Tatsumi really didn't want to get involved in this, but he was protecting Humanity indirectly by doing so. He still wasn't going to blindly accept.

"A few more questions."

"Ask," the smile on her face indicated that she sensed her victory fast approaching. Tatsumi wanted to damn her sometimes but worried that it might cause her to fall.

"Just how am I supposed to kill him?"

"With Murasame."

"Right, with Murasame." Use a plain blade to kill one of the greatest Fallen Angels alive. Yes, because that made a lot of sense. Tatsumi had a feeling even the Excalibur blades sitting in those girls' hands wouldn't do much against him. "Assuming I can even reach him. The moment I break the skin he'll back hand me across the city and I'll end up in the Hospital again. I'll never get a strike clean enough and deep enough to kill him."

"You only need to break the skin," Gabriel stated, "the Murasame you have is dormant, but only because the curse that should reside within the blade, resides within you. While I predict Kokabiel will make his move soon I believe there is sufficient time for you to practice bringing the curse forth and infusing it into your blade. It's inexplicably tied to your very soul for some reason so it'll naturally get drawn back very quickly, but you only need an instant."

"Who's healing me when I end up in the Hospital again?" It really was a when, not an if. "I've worried my mother enough as it is. I'm not doing it again so soon. If I don't have an assurance I'll be out as soon as I get in, it's not happening."

"I'll heal you myself if it's required," Gabriel promised.

"Fine, last question, how much are you paying me?" All three of them just blinked at him. "Night Raid doesn't work for free, and considering how much I have bolstered faith in you and your God with my battle against Esdeath, I consider us even for borrowing those sacred artifacts."

Gabriel just laughed and smiled at him. She didn't seem the slightest bit offended by his demand for payment. "Angels don't have need of currency but if you kill Kokabiel I'll give you the Shroud of Longinus."

Well, it was something at least. It'd do away with his single, greatest weakness, which was being able to chase after Fallen Angels and Devils when they took to the air. Tatsumi gave Gabriel a long look. She simply smiled back. He had a feeling she'd already gone over every single protest he might have for this and had the perfect response to it.

"Fine, I'll at least give it a shot," Tatsumi said. All three of them smiled excitedly, "but I reserve the right to back out if no opening presents itself. I'm not fighting Kokabiel face-to-face." Such as if he stayed in the air the whole time. He couldn't even reach the bastard there, he was going to need to put as much force behind the strike as he could to get past Kokabiel's innate defenses. He wasn't going to get that force without both feet firmly planted on something.

"You'll only get the shroud if you make an attempt."

"That's fine." Payment for carrying out her request, he honestly didn't expect anything less.

Gabriel clapped her hands and smiled happily, "good, now, there's one final thing Tatsumi, before I can start teaching you how to draw out Murasame's power."

What else could she want of him? "And that is?"

"Girls, if you would." Irina and Xenovia both stood and undid their cloaks. As the soft cloth pooled around their feet Tatsumi couldn't help but stare. Both of them wore black, skin tight latex suits that emphasized their every curve. And what was with the little patch between their thighs that all but outlined that most private area?

Where all outfits in this world designed by perverts?

"Is that provocative clothing standard issue attire?"

"I blame Uriel," Gabriel said, laughing, "but yes it is, for women at least. Now which one do you find more attractive?"

Was this a trick question? When it came to their bodies, both were about equal, which put them way beyond the average woman. These were two girls that took very good care of themselves. When it came to looks they were both equally beautiful in his eyes, Irina had better eyes, but Xenovia had the hair. It ultimately came down to personality.

Irina was a little too bubbly for his taste. In a way she felt like a female Issei, minus the perversion, and that just kind of turned him off.

"Xenovia."

"I see, so be it." The hackles on the back of his neck rose as her smile shifted ever so slightly, become almost mischievous.

She clapped her hands and Tatsumi was suddenly engulfed in a brilliant golden light. His feet left solid ground and he floated, gently he emerged from somewhere and into a bedroom of sorts. The bright white walls were inlaid with golden designs and a large bed with white and gold sheets dominated the center of the room.

He wasn't alone, Xenovia and Gabriel had made the trip with him.

"Sensei… why are we in bedroom?"

"I noticed something interesting when you and Bennia made love in my sanctuary the other day," Gabriel said lightly. "I wish to confirm my suspicions. I'll have Serafall conduct her own test later with her sister, just to make sure."

"Uhh…" It was probably one of the least intelligent responses he'd ever had, but it was the best he could do at the moment.

"Xenovia…"

"Yes, Lady Gabriel." Tatsumi whirled around to find Xenovia undressing in front of him. There was absolutely no hesitation as she stripped off her thigh high socks, long sleeved gloves, and her latex body suit. He could only stare as Xenovia stood before him, completely naked save for her silver cross nestled in the valley of her breasts. His pants suddenly felt very tight. "I am ready."

"Ready for what?" It was an utterly stupid question that a large part of him he didn't want to acknowledge already knew the answer to. Tatsumi froze when he heard the rustling of cloth behind him. He suddenly had a very strong urge to turn around, but also the feeling that if he did, he would be killed instantly. "Sensei, are you—"

The answer came by itself when she embraced him from behind, pressing her naked body against him. He could feel her enormous breasts against his back and quickly realized she hadn't worn anything beneath that dress. "Have you enjoyed the sight long enough?"

"I'm not sure there could ever be long enough," the words slipped out before he could stop them. He clamped his mouth embarrassed. There was a pink tinge on Xenovia's face too. Gabriel simply laughed. She lifted his hand and pressed it against Xenovia's breast. His fingers squeezed reflectively, causing the blue-haired girl to let out a soft, pleasant noise.

"I see. You'll have the chance to stare all you want later." She left his hand on Xenovia's chest and trailed her fingers up his arm, sending a shiver running up his spine. "Now close your eyes." He clamped them shut tightly, knowing full well it was death to open them. "He's such a good boy."

"Sensei, will you please explain what's going on?" He knew what was about to happen, but he had no idea why it was happening. He'd just met Xenovia all of twenty minutes ago and they were about to… what was up with this world?

Gabriel didn't reply right away. She had settled herself comfortably upon the bed with his head once again nestled between those unbelievably soft and very naked breasts. Her entire body was soft. He could feel the contours of her stomach against his back and even further down...

He shuddered as his body visibly reacted to what it felt. If she noticed his now very visible arousal, she didn't let it known. It wasn't until the two of them were comfortable on the bed that she finally spoke. "Tatsumi, I need you to release a quart of your semen into Xenovia's womb."

A quart?! That was almost a litre! Could she even carry that much… no wait, that wasn't the problem here. Before that… "Why are we even doing this?"

"Because sex feels good," Gabriel said with all the patience of a mother explaining something obvious to a child. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she doesn't get pregnant."

"That's… not really the issue here."

Gabriel laughed as she softly stroked his cheek, "I have said before the Angels do not have currency, and likewise the church does not give much to its believers. We find other ways of rewarding those who help us. Just lay back, relax, and enjoy Xenovia for tonight. Just consider her… a reward for helping to drive Esdeath away."

That made no sense considering she'd been against his mission to take out Esdeath at first. There had to be some other reason that she refused to tell him. "You're fine with being a reward?" Tatsumi asked Xenovia.

This had to be some serious abuse of authority.

The bed shifted as Xenovia crawled onto it. "If it's for Lady Gabriel, I will do anything. It is a great honor to give my first to you, Tatsumi-san, the one that defeated Esdeath and brought great recognition to Lady Gabriel."

Right, he should have realized that. Xenovia was totally devoted to Gabriel and completely in her pocket. If Gabriel asked her to kill herself, she probably would without even asking why.

"Why does it have to be her?" Tatsumi asked hurriedly.

"Oh my, does Tatsumi wish it was me instead?"

…

That's it. Tatsumi gave up. The rational part of his mind packed up, grabbed the keys, hopped in the car, and peeled out of his mind. This was just too much. It'd come back when everything was over and the world started making sense again.

---

Author's Note: So, what do you think of this chapter? A bit more light hearted than the others I think, even if there was a tiny bit of drama at the start.

Anyways, leave a review and let me know what you think. If you're a guest, don't ask questions because I usually reply via PMs. I still look forward to constructive criticism no matter the source. I'm not afraid to admit that I enjoy reading every review I get, criticism or praise.

Note on that last part: No, that bit with Xenovia doesn't guarantee that she'll be part of Tatsumi's harem. That scene was done for a completely different reason than what you probably suspect.

Honestly, the harem still isn't finalized. Bennia is probably the only one I can 100% guarantee at this point in time and while Sona may look like she is, you need to realize Tatsumi still doesn't know she's a devil. Things could change. I know what I want to happen at the point of revelation, but the aftermath is still up in the air. I'm juggling between four different outcomes. Ultimately, it'll be the characters that decide whether Tatsumi completes his descent into total madness or is pulled to the surface and saved.

Another note is that I don't particularly like having two 'intimate' scenes in the same chapter and it won't happen again. The issue was that they both simply needed to happen here at this exact point and time, the plot basically required it.