~ 3 ~

In Void's Reprieve; a dimensional space created by Takeo to house his Sacred Gears. A figure stood in front of him. He stood with blazing red hair spiked and styled flowing down his back, with a short beard on his face. Emerald eyes hiding a fire behind them. He wore an open red suit with a black dress shirt that had two of the buttons undone near the collar. His very presence indicated he wasn't someone to mess with lightly. Despite the poise he held, seeing Takeo made him grin with joy.

It has been a while since the boy talked to either him or even the other man for the matter. Before, he didn't enjoy sharing a host with him of all people. The idea of putting him and the other guy in a room alone would've been catastrophic. Over the years spent with Takeo, the two managed with each other. Eventually the two got along together well considering they were fighting each other for centuries long ago. The retrospect of their time surprised them and they laughed about it together. Saying only he would be able to pull it off since that incident the kid yelled them both down.

[?]: "So Takeo, it's not enough for trouble to find you, now you're the one causing it."

Takeo smirks "In my defense, they started it. Guess one way or another I would get involved."

[?]: "But joining a Devil? I don't mind really, but if the other factions find out about what you can do...especially with who you are..."

"I know, I know. Hopefully things don't go FUBAR when I spill the beans. At the least, I can reveal you. You must have been bored out of your mind locked up with him. You didn't try to beat each other to a pulp now?" he jokes about the relation the two had before.

[?]: "It wasn't all bad, in fact. We sparred a bit, then settled for games of Shogi while reminiscing about past users, talking about way to improve. It was good."

"Never thought I'd see the day Ddraig settle down to a life of simple pleasures."

[Ddraig]: "Ha! In your dreams kid! You sure about revealing me though? Won't Albion get jealous?"

"I'm saving Albion for a flashier entrance."

[Albion]: "I suppose I will have to settle for that."

Next to Ddraig, a man similar stature of Ddraig appeared. White as snow hair tied in a pony tail draped his right shoulder, with fringes long enough to frame the sharp angles of his clean shaven face. Blue eyes hover over a pair of glasses, his eyes deep and dark enough to drown in by the sheer power it held. Mirroring a similar style to Ddraig's attire, only dominantly white, with a blue dress shirt underneath and a white tie. He too grins endearingly at seeing the young lad. It has been some time since Takeo had to seal the two in his soul to avoid unnecessary attention. Ddraig and Albion agreed on the subject. Half of Takeo's trouble is his own existence, having Ddraig and Albion together made the other half.

"Don't worry Albion, you'll get your chance at the spotlight. Besides, using you in a fight ends too one sided."

[Albion]: "True enough. So Ddraig, you better fight twice as hard with him for me then."

[Ddraig]: "Wouldn't want you to feel left out. Like Takeo said, you'll get your chance."

Takeo smiles at the two. They came along way from that little kid traveling with Kohryu, and the times together with his other four masters was a blast. Even if it felt like going through an apocalypse. Don't get him started on the shenanigans he got into with their sons and daughter.

[Ddraig & Albion]: …?…?!

"Something wrong you two?" Takeo asks with concern. The two look at each other and back to him with sly grins. Now Takeo is even more concerned. Under no circumstances would he see this happen, in fact it's a first for him. Which terrifies him even more. "Okay, you guys, what's going on?" furrowing his brow.

[Ddraig]: "How do we put it...Your in for it now." He rest a hand on Takeo's shoulder and disappears. In a flash of light, Takeo's left arm changes into the Boosted Gear. He taps on the gauntlet, to get Ddraig to talk, but no response.

"What did he mean 'I'm in for it now'?" he stares at Albion expecting an answer. Instead, he just shrugs his shoulder.

[Albion]: "You'll find out when you wake up." he walks off with a slight grin creeping on his face.

Takeo could only imagine what it would take for him of all people to smile like that. Dragons don't grin like that unless its fighting. It didn't sound like he's getting ambushed, so what could it be? The space inside fades to black, before gradually turning to blinding light.

~ Takeo's POV ~

I raise my hand up to shade my squinting eyes from the sunlight bleeding in the room. Man what did those two meant? I attempt to get up, but feel a weight on a side of my body. I faintly smelt strawberries. Wait a minute I don't use strawberry shampoo, it was a nice scent and all. What's it doing in my room? I look around my room and see nothing, so I look down what was holding me back...

Well I was not expecting this. That weight on my body was the sleeping form of Rias hugging onto my body. Oh man did she look cute sleeping. I unconsciously brush a hair off her face, paying no mind to the fact that I had my arms around her in a hug, and that she's...she's...naked.

...

Huh, she's naked...

...

Hold the gorram phone SHE'S NAKED?!

Okay what, when, why, and how did this happen?! Mentally screaming at myself, paralyzed with fear. While this is going on, Ddraig is snickering off in a corner. 'Ddraig!? Is this what you meant?!' yelling at him.

[Ddraig]: "Whatever are you talking about partner?" he says before bursting into a laughter at the end.

Oh you son bitch dragon! You and Albion! I try to process the information of what transpired last night to lead to this, only to come up empty. Crap! I mean my boxers are still on. So I doubt we did anything. As relieved as I sound about that, I felt slightly dejected. Wait! NO! Your not suppose to be depressed! Think of the implications if this got out! As I run through worst case scenarios, she pushes her nude form onto me, her legs scissoring mine.

...I FEEL EVERYTHING! Even with a shirt on, I can feel the soft mounds press against my abs. I could only let out a light groan at the sensation as heat began coursing down where the contact was and something down below. 'Dammit, now's not the time to get morning wood!' berating myself.

[Ddraig]: "In this situation who wouldn't partner?" 'Ddraig, you're not helping!' "Hey I think she's waking up. Act natural."

She stirs of from her slumber and locks sleepy turquoise eyes with azure and verdant filled with fear.

"Mm, morning Takeo." she raises herself up, giving me a full view of her uncovered body. Every curve, every line, were seared into my eyes, unintentionally committing it to memory. I was stuck between dazed at her naked form, shocked at everything going on, and surprised at how frank she was. I mean, I can be pretty relaxed, but I'm anything but at how...naked she was!

"U-uh, g-good morning, to you too, Rias..." I stutter off looking to the side, red painting my face out of embarrassment. She picks up on this and leans closer. At this point all systems were failing, so there's no telling what is going to happen next.

"What's the matter tiger? Cat got your tongue?"

"More like the red head beauty caught my tongue." I mutter that to myself, though not quietly enough as she blushed at the comment. Dammit, it's all going to hell!

"Now you got me all bothered. Is this going to be an occurring thing with you?"

"Depends on the situation." She ponders this for a moment, and a small smile creases.

"This wouldn't be one of those situations, is it?" asking sultry while pressing her blessed breast together, edging even closer to me. Oh dear god! Calming myself down I manage a response that was huskier than expected. We're pretty much face to face.

"Maybe." Before this got any further my phone goes off ringing. The both of us jolt up as if we were caught doing something we shouldn't. Ddraig let out a frustrated groan when the scene was interrupted. I'll admit even I was slightly peeved. Though that breeze of relief was a godsend. I grab my phone to check the time, we're coming close to begin school. I mentally sigh to myself and got out of bed.

"We'd better get ready for school." scratching the back of my head while walking over to the closet, and grabbing a uniform. "I'll be making breakfast, so feel free to stay if you want." trying to act as normal as possible with a naked girl in my room. Why am I not running out? Well it's my room dang it, but I am not kicking her out when she's in that state. No, it's not a ploy to keep seeing her like this, my back is turned towards her to provide some sense of privacy. I glance behind after pulling off my shirt.

She was at least wearing panties, now's she onto her bra. I just caught her staring over her shoulder at my back. A few seconds of awkward silence later. I clear my throat to grab her attention, clearly caught her in the act with an expression of a deer caught in the headlight. I'll be damned if she's in the lead of teasing. I turn towards her.

"See something you like, Cheri?" crossing my arms over my chest. That obviously got her attention, if her facial expression is something to go by. The score's one to one. She turns her head fast enough I thought it would snap off.

"Can you help me out with the hook?" resuming her calm demeanor. I swallowed down my saliva to quench the cotton mouth simply looking at her...semi nude form. Even playing a tease in this situation has my mind running zero to ninety. I walk behind her and help her with the hook. "Thank you."

"Sure thing." I reply while buttoning up my shirt. After dressing up and preparing for the day, we walked downstairs like nothing has happened. She walked around the living room looking at anything interesting, while I prepared a usual Japanese breakfast. With her portion complete, I place the two on a tray and carry them where she was. I just felt more comfortable eating in the open space than the dining area. She takes her first bite.

"Wow Takeo, this is delicious." impressed with the taste.

"Eh, it's nothing. Living alone, it's no surprise I pick up a few skills like cooking."

"Your parents away? I noticed the house looking a little empty."

"They passed away when I was young, so I didn't get to know them well. My uncle and aunt raised me for the most part." answering the question as if it didn't have much weight. It did, but no reason to let it weigh me down. They wouldn't want that for me...right?

"Oh, sorry to hear. I think they would be proud to have a son like you grow up to now." cheering me up a bit.

"I hope too." given my career choice at one point, they're probably concerned out of their mind. Being a freelancer I took jobs as long as it didn't cause an all out war between the three factions, it didn't conflict with my morality, and that the price fit the job. However that still means a lot of high risks.

"So, that talk with your brother go well?" changing the subject, hoping for a lighter mood.

"It did. That's why I was there in your room. I already completed the ritual when you were asleep last night." I guess that explains why she was in my room. Though not why she was naked. "For the record, I can't sleep unless I'm naked, so there's my reason if you want to know." can she read minds now?

"I suppose it does. Though that begs the question; why were you hugging me in your sleep?"

"You were cuddling with me last night to begin with." she answers without missing a beat. Wait I was cuddling with her? Uh oh...wait, if I was, she didn't push away?

"And you didn't object to it at all? The bigger question now is why did you jump in bed with me?" I was even more curious about that last part.

"Well I have the same habit of using something as a hug pillow. As for the last part...well..." she trails off while her cheeks light up slightly. What are you thinking?

"It wouldn't have anything to do with what you saw this morning?" smirking at the face she gave me. Hook, line, and sink.

We finish up breakfast, the both of us cleaning up afterwards. I offered to clean up, but she insisted she wanted to do it herself. That led up to a staring match, ending in a stalemate; so we both cleaned up after ourselves. With that out of the way, we exited the house for school. Fortunately, no one from the academy was around to see the both of us come out. We both walked side by side, with time to spare. Not sure if she wants to enjoy the silence, or waiting for me to strike up a conversation. I do have to divulge some things with her, particularly about Ddraig, but it could wait until I met everyone else.

"Out of curiosity, what did it take for the thing to actually work?" I forgot to ask that during breakfast.

"Hmm, you mean the ritual? Eight Mutation Pawns." stating proudly. Hmm. Auntie Raven told me about the workings of Evil Pieces when I was a kid. Pawns were something of an anomaly as they can promote to any other piece except King. Eight regular pieces would warrant the use if I had either Ddraig or Albion. Having eight Mutations made sense when someone has both.

"So what do you have that would take that many pieces? Let alone Mutation Pieces" asking curiously.

"I'll fill you in when we get the chance to meet the others. No need to repeat myself. Like I said last night, You'll have my explanation one day, but I need to keep some things secret. It won't endanger your friends in combat, rather it would catch some unwanted attention I wouldn't want for you."

"Sounds reasonable enough. You've clearly speak from experience, so I hope I can trust you on that." understanding that the subject will be brought up when necessary. 'It's all I can ask' I thought to myself.

The school begins to came into view, and my stomach took a nose dive. Steeling myself for the assault of comment I'm about to take for simply walking next to Rias.

"It's only been a month, and he's already making moves on her?" "He must have done something right if we're seeing those two together."

"Noo! He's already taken?!" "Jealous as I am, they look good together." "But still, I wanted to be with him!"

"What the fuck?! Our Onee-sama is taken from us!" "Frakking Renegade! I hope he dies a horrible death!" "No one touches our idol and gets away with it!"

It felt like someone was firing arrows at the back of my head and it's driving me insane. I was about to break boiling point when I felt a hand placed on my arm. I turn towards it and notice it was Rias shaking her head while smiling. I wanted to stay angry, but I relented. I grumble to myself and let the feeling go away as we entered the school building. The comments didn't get any better at the action. It certainly didn't get better when we neared the entrance. No, the moment we walked in, everyone was staring at the two of us together. I could literally taste the seething the guys were emanating towards me. The girls didn't make it better, some were star-dazed at the sight, others were lamenting me taken already. I let out a sigh from lowering the mental barriers.

"I'll be sending someone to escort you to where the rest are meeting after school."

"Sure thing. See at the end off classes then." I wave farewell and we part ways. Now if only I can have a few minutes of peace and quiet to myself.

I near homeroom and a disgusted expression painted my face. One; because my wish of silence was denied, and two; the reason came in a pair. What pair? The Perverted Duo pair that's charging me like a bull seeing red down the hall way. I can imagine why they're out for blood, but I didn't have time for it.

I slam the door behind me before they can get a word out about how Rias and I were walking together towards school. Does anyone know the meaning of coincidence? Well that's complete bullshit, but it's better than hearing 'I slept with Rias last night'. That one sentence can start a war, even if nothing happen. Everyone in the room was staring at the noise I made, wondering why the peeved expression on my face. Ryu-sensei took the hint when I pointed with my thumb behind me as Matsuda and Motohama came barreling through. I took my seat and they walked to my desk.

"Matsuda! Motohama! I won't be having that attitude in this class!" Ryu snaps at them.

"Sensei it's not fair! Come on you guys, the new guy's only been in for a month, and already making moves on our Onee-sama!" Matsuda vents out. Really? You're complaining to Ryu of all people. All Ryu could do is pinch his nose bridge and shake his head.

"It's systematically improbable, no, impossible for it to happen! It has to be black mail, extortion, bribery! What does he have that any guy in this school doesn't?!" Motohama points at me accusingly.

I'll tell you a few thing you might have and could be missing if you don't pull your finger away in the next couple seconds. However that might not be safe to say around kids. The rest of the class doesn't look like they want to get in the middle of it. The havoc Ryu-sensei or I can rain down on alone would cause the earth to split; against each other, heaven would tremble; together we could bring hell onto its knees.

The room drops to near cold, they all only notice that. A blessing to them as anyone noticing the cold irritation Ryu and I directed towards the two idiots would have them claiming insanity for possibly months. The two didn't notice at first, man they are dense! That soon changes as they both freeze up from terror of seeing Hannya and a dragon ready to bite their heads off. The two took their seats without a peep. We subside and the room returns to normal temperature in an instant. Everyone shrugs it off as a malfunction. I clap my hands together in thanks towards Ryu and he waves it off. He'll probably figure out who by the middle of the day. Now I'll have to worry about going through the entire day.

~ Time Skip: After School ~

At the sound of classes ending, I slump over my desk, bang my head on the desk and let it rest there. I cannot believe I managed an entire day of putting up with questions fired at me in rapid succession and the comments behind my back. I need to build a tolerance, otherwise it'll be a long two years in school. The sound of girls going wild fill the classroom. I peek out an eye to see who would cause their hormones to kick in.

"Oh my god! It's Kiba!" "Kyaa! Kiba!"

I'd wager he's in his second year, same as me. Blonde hair worn straight. Blue-gray eyes. A face any woman would swoon over. Apparently the girls like him...a lot. Poor guy's swarmed by girls left and right. The guys have a different opinion that's similar with how they treat me. As he's talking to the girls, a familiar dark presence came out of him. Probably the one that was watching the match between me and Ryu. Kiba talks to the girls for a moment before leaving the group while they voice their sadness of seeing him go. Man he must be having it rough with the girls. Wait a moment, he's walking towards...me?

"Hello, Takeo-san. My name is Yuuto Kiba. I was sent by Buchou to escort you to the meeting area."

"Oh, your him? Okay then lead the way." I grab my bag and follow along.

"Takeo is walking with Kiba!?" "You don't think they swing that way?" "Even if they do, I'd support it!"

I face plant while Kiba sweat dropped at the scene they're making. How the frakking gorram hell did that line of thought come to be conceived!? I get back up and pinch the bridge of my nose.

"Kiba, how did you put up with this during school?"

"Bear with it. That's all I can say to you." he tries to laugh it off. Oh Kiba, my condolences. We walk out the room, bracing for the worst. The walk with Rias towards school was bad enough. Now it gets worse with Kiba; the girls are practically fainting at the sight of their Renegade Knight and Prince walking together.

We reach the old building I've been wondering what it was used for. I guess this is where the Devils dance. Entering the building, up a flight of stairs, we halt at a door. Kiba opens it and lets me enter first. The room was furnished, two couches standing in front of each other with a table in the middle, a desk at an end of the room. Seated on one of those couches is a petite girl with white hair cut short to her shoulder, a black cat hair clip in her hair. Huh...same presence like last time. Why does she remind me of a kitten? I mean she looks cute, sure, but where did that come from. She's snacking on some sweets.

"Mugetsu Takeo, this over here is Toujou Koneko. First year. A member of the Occult Research Club." Kiba introducing the girl. I nod and bow my head in greeting.

"Hello." she greets and resumes eating. Not much for words huh? The sound of a shower head is heard. Wait there's a shower in this room? Who's idea is that? I look around and spot shower curtains at the far end of the room. Behind them, a shadow stood. Further inspection, that shadow belongs to a...girl? My prude senses kick in and I walk towards the window to my left with heat flickering on my face.

"?...Prude..." Koneko comments.

"...yep." I flatly add. She clears her throat, grabbing my attention. She holds a piece of chocolate in front of me. I look at it confusingly. She waves it a bit, silently saying I should grab it. I did, leaning forward to take it in a bite while she was holding onto it. My lips brush slightly on her fingers, causing her to blush lightly and retract her hand. Must have overdid it with that one.

"Here you go, Buchou." a girl's voice is heard. Not Rias's. Another girl in the club?

"Thank you, Akeno." this time, it's Rias's voice. I hear footsteps coming closer, and someone appears out of the room. It wasn't Rias, but the girl in front of me...looks familiar. Hey, I saw her on my first day here.

"Ara ara, I didn't think we'd see each other like this. Himejima Akeno, pleasure to meet you again, Takeo-kun." the black hair beauty spoke.

"Same here, Akeno-san." replying back as Rias steps out of the shower room fully clothed. If looks could kill; her hair a little wet...among other places...wait, bad Takeo! No bad thoughts! "I guess in hindsight, I should have offered you to use the shower this morning, huh?" rubbing my neck.

"It's alright, I was already intruding. So I couldn't possibly impede on you anymore when you offered to make breakfast." she answers with a smile. "So I can assume you probably know about the other members."

"I had a slight suspicion when I was sparring with Ryu-sensei. I detected the two presences but didn't put a name or face to them until meeting Kiba and Koneko here. As for Akeno-san, well with that body, how can she not be one?" Akeno blushed a bit at the compliment. Rias raised an eyebrow at that, but let the feeling pass.

"So with that out of the way. We, the Occult Research Club, welcome you as a Devil." Like that, they accept me into the fold.

"Thank you for taking me in Buchou. Everyone, I'll be in your care."

"So, Takeo, you wanted to explain parts of your story to everyone."

"Right. Before being reincarnated as a Devil, I was already part Devil by birth." That got everyone's attention. I took a seat next to Koneko who fidgets a bit. Akeno walks over to a table where a teapot was kept.

"That's only one part of my past I can share with you, the rest isn't something I can discuss openly with others, so I hope everyone can understand that." Out of my peripheral, Akeno hands me a cup. I peer at the content for a moment and accepted it.

"During my childhood I've kept up with information in the supernatural world. So I have a good idea of who's in power, but never delved in politics." I stir the contents of the cup, and took a sip. "Mm, this is some good tea. I'm not one for tea, but this is nice. Thank you Akeno-san"

"Ufu, how kind of you to compliment." she smiles and takes a position next to Rias who was sitting in her desk. I take another sip, letting it sink in for a bit.

"Also to note, I am the bearer of the Longinus: Boosted Gear." I explain before the Sacred Gear activated on my arm. Now everyone's eyes were shocked. "You think that's crazy, I'll have to tell you about the other things I mentioned one day."

"I'll hold you to that. But to be a wielder of the Red Dragon Emperor is something of a rarity as it is. What could possibly top that?" oh you have no idea Rias.

"Like I said, it gets complicated once I explain. For now, I would hope everyone understands I won't endanger anyone because of those reasons." everyone nods, they might not like not knowing, but at least they won't push the topic further.

"Now then. With that out of the way. Ddraig, say hello!" I poke at the jewel.

[Ddraig]: "W-what? Oh-right, haven't had outside contact with anyone else in the longest so pardon me if my social skill aren't all there. As he told you all, I am Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon of the Boosted Gear. I hope you treat him well in your peerage." he greets through the jewel. Everyone returns the gesture, slightly surprised at the dragon talking to them.

"If it's alright with you Takeo, I was hoping to get you started on your duties as a Devil." Rias ask.

"Sure thing. It might let me gather information on that incident before."

"Hmm, what incident?" Akeno voicing her interest.

"Right, I forgot to tell you. The reason why I became a Devil was that a group of exorcist attempted to kill me. A Fallen Angel had similar orders but didn't follow them through. So I offered to help her on the subject of Kokabiel going against orders." answering as if it was a passing topic. Everyone tenses up except Rias. She continues on the subject without missing a beat.

"And you're certain Kokabiel is in on it. It's not all an elaborate ruse to fool you."

"I like to think I'm a good judge of character. Asides from that, if she wanted to kill me, she could have done it while I was dispatching the group, or even when I was asking her questions about her orders." and her eyes couldn't lie. I would hate to think it was all a fake, but you can never be too sure.

"Alright then, I hope it all turn out well in the end. For now, let us get you started on your first duty as my servant." she gestures to the desk, and a stack of papers appear from a magic circle that was glowing. She pulls a slip for me to look at. It was the same piece of paper from the date. "You'll be going around the town, distributing these for potential clients. There's a route we normally follow, we'll be providing that for you. This is only for a while so we can break you into the group."

I nod, and begin to fill the stack into a satchel for deliveries. Akeno hands me a map of the area with route in place. I head out, waving farewell to the group. Must have been in there for a while, as it was getting close to dark. I reach the school gates, when Ryu appears in the distance. He throws a full head helmet; a matte black, with two dragons intertwined on the left side. Before I could ask, Ryu points his thumb to the motor bike behind him. I could only manage a scoff as I was looking at a Yamaha V-Max. Where have you been all my life? It came black, with accents of silver and blood red for detail.

"Thought you might need a way around town other than walking." Ryu breaks my daze.

"I mean I don't mind running around, but you don't think this is pushing it?"

"Maybe a bit. But it makes for a good house warming gift, and one for becoming a Devil." good thing I have my license then. I'm not surprised he knew about my reincarnation, he has a creepy ability of simply knowing things."Also, she's here to see you." he points behind me.

Wait, she? I turn my head for a moment to be greeted with sakura petals, arms wrapped around my neck in a hug, and something pressing against my back. I spot copper hair flowing behind and recognize who it was.

"Nice to see you too Kasumi." I turn about to see her in jeans, jacket over a blouse, amber eyes lit with joy, wearing a smile I haven't seen since a long time. Around the time I was training with Ryu, I was also with hanging around with Kasumi from a neighboring ninja clan. I haven't kept in touch with her as much as I'd like, but Ryu helped me fill in the blanks.

Times were strenuous on her. She was on the run for some time after participating in a tournament, dealing with assassination attempts from her clan, I didn't bother with the specifics why. Only that I was pissed beyond belief at how her own clan could do that to her. After a fifth DOA tournament that went FUBAR, Ryu and Kasumi started seeing each other often. Strange how that began; he started out as Kasumi's guardian as a promise to her brother, Hayate. When he found out his best friend is intimate with his sister he blew a gasket before allowing them to continue on with the relation. Now she's settled in between working missions with Ryu and civilian life living together.

"Same goes for you. It's only been a few years, look how you've grown." she ruffles my hair affectionately. I turn my head to the side, looking slightly embarrassed at the gesture. She comes in closer for a hug while I stood there for a moment, before I return the sentiment by wrapping around my arms around her. "Heading off already? I was hoping you would show me around the area." we both release from each others grasp.

"Unless you want to hop on the bike without a helmet, be my guest." another helmet goes sailing over my head. Kasumi grabs it out of the air and runs towards the bike. I look towards Ryu incredulously while he shrugs it off.

"She had to get here somehow." Ryu defends himself.

"Yeah, but she's a kunoichi. I'd figure she'd get around fine on her own. Beside didn't you show her around when she got here."

"Nope, I have you for that. Besides, I have plans for him later." she winks rather mischievously. Looking at Ryu, I wasn't the only one that felt the shiver down the spine. She may be five years his junior, but I swear she can pull acting a seductress on a dime turn. Dang kunoichi training.

"I find it hard to believe the two of you are together." I shake my head as I pull on the helmet and strode to the bike in a few steps. I hop on, starting the engine let out a roar from the machine. A few seconds of reading the map over, I tuck it back in to a pocket. Kasumi wraps her arms to secure her position on the bike.

"Make sure to not get into too much trouble."

"Is that directed towards me or Kasumi?" she pouts underneath the helmet. Ryu lets out a light chuckle while I burst laughing. Ow! She jabs at me lightly. Guess I expected that one. I rev the throttle and take off with Kasumi screaming behind my ear, tightening her grip on me.

~ Time Skip: Shortly after ~

Driving around the city while dropping off the slips was fun. I always wondered why I did get my license for a motorcycle when I rarely go out in one. Anytime I go out on a job, the client tends to provide transport, so any opportunities to go out gets shot down. I suppose now it comes in handy.

While on the job, I struck up a conversation with Kasumi about how she was doing, barring the adventures she had. She went on about the friends she made, the sights she saw around the world, memories made with them. At one point she tried to get into her love life with Ryu, I stopped her by revving up the engine loud enough to when it got to the juicy bits. No, I don't need to know what you did under the sheets. She took joy in teasing me about being a prude.

At the same time, I went around the area spotting any unusual activity. Only to come up empty. We came to the last stretch of the route, eventually coming to an end.

"That's all of them. Now to head back to the club." I make a hard 180 turn to come face to face with two figures in the headlights. A man wearing a trench coat and hat, another a woman wearing a rather odd outfit that stops low below her buttocks, revealing a generous amount of her cleavage. 'Fallen Angels' I thought to myself.

"Kasumi, expect trouble." I whisper behind, she nods and readies her wakizashi. Wait, where did she? Oh right, kunoichi. My odds are good taking them on, though I can't account for Kasumi as this is her first time against these type of opponents.

"I wonder what brings a Stray Devil around these parts?" the man spoke first.

"Donaseek, isn't he suppose to be the kid that Raynare killed?" this time the woman asks. They must be one of Raynare's comrades.

"Apparently, he must have reincarnated as Devil. I can smell the stink on him." Really? I mean I didn't get to shower this morning, but still. I turn off the engine and walked calmly towards them before breaking into a dash. They tense their bodies, ready to kill. I target the man first. He hurls a light spear towards me, but I deflect it with my Boosted Gear arm. I jump and land a spin kick to his body. Using it as a diving board, I fly up into the air.

"Damn kid!" Donaseek charges upward to me. The lady would have followed suit, but she was interrupted by a teleporting kick to the face by Kasumi. She looks up and smirks; I give her a curt salute, letting her take care of it.

'Invictus' a set of armored gauntlets, and greaves formed and took to my limbs. Along with a energy sword emitter on my back, a mask forms on the lower part of my face. I raise my right leg high and brought it down in an ax chopping cut.

Donaseek didn't move fast enough as the foot crashed into his face, sending the both of us downward. Before he could hit the ground, I already bounced off him to land on the ground. He got back up and threw another spear. I parry the attack with a back hand and mirrored his movements with a group of energy swords. They aren't strong enough on their own, but a group like this could cripple depending where I aim. All of them find their mark in nonfatal areas on his legs, arms, and one or two spots to his body. I snap my finger, causing the blades to explode. He screams out in pain, holding onto the wall for support. I turn to see how Kasumi is fairing. I shouldn't be surprised at how she's handling herself. With a spinning kick, she sends the fallen angel flying towards Donaseek. She recovers to notice her partner covered in wounds.

"Donaseek! What happen to you?!" she checks his wounds. He mutters a swear. The both of them look at me for a moment and take off flying. Well that was boring. I look to Kasumi, she didn't look like she broke a sweat. Did she have experience fighting beings like this? I shrug it off and head towards the bike, she follows along.

"Still up to no good, Takeo?"

"Trouble always has a habit of finding me, Kasumi. Don't get the two mixed up. I'm surprised you handled it well, you have experience fighting people like this?"

"At some point in my time, I had to go up against my clone, among people of otherworldly origins. I guess I'll have to add angels to the list." I raise an eyebrow at this. Fighting a clone, huh? Guess I haven't seen it all yet.

~ Time Skip: Minutes Later ~

We reach the school gates and parked at the the wall. I leave, telling Kasumi to go on home ahead. She didn't mind waiting for me, thinking I could use the backup if the Fallen Angels come back. I was still adamant about it, till she gave in. Before she left though, we exchange phone numbers if anything came up. I enter the club-room, surprised at everyone still around. Figured they would be at home now. Rias is the first to greet me as I plonk on the couch.

"Takeo, good work on the delivery. You look a little tired."

"Well, I did get ambushed by a pair of Fallen Angels." I wasn't looking at her but I can tell she's scowling. "No, it's not what you think. Raynare didn't tell them I was alive. But that didn't stop them from finding out I turned Devil one way or another." She looked angry at first, probably at the chance of Raynare turning on me. It's sound reasoning though, I'll give her that.

"I wonder how you can have so much trust in her? At the very least you seemed to handle it well. I would've given one of Kiba's extra contracts to you as he's swamped with work. I can understand if you don't want to."

"Nah, lay it on me. I could use the experience, and I don't feel like heading home yet."

"Well, you don't lack for enthusiasm. Alright then, lend me one of your hands." I do with my left hand, a sigil appears on the back of it for a moment then disappears.

"With this, you'll be able to use the magic circle for transporting around and being summoned for contracts."

"Thanks for covering for me here, Takeo-san." Kiba expressing his gratitude.

"Think nothing of it. I just hope you'd do the same for me." we both nod. He hands me the form for the upcoming job. "Alright Buchou, I'm heading out." a red light envelops me. She smiles and waves. Everything becomes blindingly bright for a moment. Then it subsides to where I notice I'm in someone's living room.

"Oh! Your not Kiba...wait, Takeo-san?" well I was sort of expecting that. A girl's voice sounding surprised I'm not the pretty boy. At least it takes the heat off of me. I turn to the voice. Wait, isn't she in one of my classes?

"Sadly no, he's currently dealing with other clients, so I'm helping him out while getting job experience. I hope I can be of whatever use to you."

"It's aright, if it's you then I don't mind. So what's your specialty?"

"Depending on my lady's request I'll do my best to fulfill it. I can cook, help with your studies, entertain with music; though I don't have an instrument with me." taking a page from Sebastian in Black Butler. What? I need a reference to go off of. This is a first for me.

"Then...can you help me with my school work. I would also like to try your cooking, if you have the time for it."

"Mademoiselle, I am yours to command." I follow her up to a room. We begin on the subjects that were complicated for her. I provided advice on certain problems, giving shortcuts to make the work go smoother. She was amazed at the knowledge I had on hand.

"You said you can play music?" she starts up a conversation.

"Guitar mostly. At one point I sung in a band with a group of friends." her eyes burst into stars at that last bit. Oops..."Think we can keep the Devil thing a secret between us? Along with the band thing? I might do something about that for the school later on. Consider it a surprise." I hope to honest maker she agrees.

"Of course! You'd better make good on that promise for the singing though." well that worked out well.

"I will, just need a good time to showcase it. It's getting late, want me to fix you up something to eat?"

"Sure, let me get this cleaned up."

"No, no, you go on ahead and relax. Allow me to take care of it." she nods with a tinge of a blush as she heads down to the living room. After that was over, I walk in to the kitchen, and open up the fridge to see what I can scrounge up. "Any preference on what you want?" yelling a bit.

"Chef's choice." she replies. Ten to fifteen minutes later, the meal was complete. Two servings of an omurice with beef. I set the the plates down and announce dinner is served.

"Mm, something smells great." she compliments while taking a seat.

"Let's hope it tastes as great." we give our thanks, and take our first bite. She was amazed at how the ingredients all came together. I agreed, even if I thought it needed a little something more. Eh, that's probably the need to improve talking. Minutes after finishing up and cleaning the dishes. She signs the contract, indicating my job is complete. I wave good bye, teleport in a flash of light, and arrive in the club again.

"Did it go well?" Rias greets. I hand her the form with the signature. She smiles at the success. "Impressive work, she said a lot of nice things about you in the comment section."

"There's a comment section on that form? Ah, well. Need anything else?" I didn't notice a space on the paper for review.

"No, you did well for the first time. You can go home now."

"Sure thing, see ya in school then." saying farewell and leaving. I'm settling in well. Not to bad for the first night I like to think. I start up the engine, and speed off to home. The exhaust tearing through the silent street. Sorry neighbors.