Author's Comment/Response/Notes

So you all know his Sacred Gears. Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing. There was a question about Takeo's Juggernaut Drives with both Gears. Well...yes and no? Depending on how you ask it, he has one where he's in complete control as it's an alternative. Which one? I won't say. Why one and not both? Accounting for the fact Takeo trained since seven for about eight years, he's juggling training for two Sacred Gears, his own training as an individual, and keeping up a normal life. That left him time to create a different means to Juggernaut for one of the Gears. No need to make him too over-powered if he isn't somewhat already or will be in the far, far later chapters.

That trip is coming up in a few weeks, so I'm going ahead and sprucing up the other chapters before adding them in by the day maybe. Starting up the ones I need to finish as well. That being said, enjoy the read~!

~ 4 ~

The days flew by fulfilling contracts, a lot of them I got positive feedback from. I'm on my way to the club from running an errand for Ryu...

"Hawaau!" a girlish yell cries out before hearing a thud outside of my peripheral. I look to see a girl face planted on the ground in a comical style. Guess I'm not the only one with that habit. I approach with a hand to help her up. She takes it and brushes the dirt off her clothes. A Rosario hanging on her neck. Huh, she's a Sister of the church? Blonde hair down to her waist, emerald eyes filled with innocence, and a face so cute I'd be barfing rainbows. I notice her stuff sprawled about, and begin to help her repack the items in the case.

"Thank you. Oh dear, why do I keep tripping over stuff. I don't think there was anything there at all."

"This happens often?" I would hate to be in her shoes, tripping on myself. "Here for business or pleasure? You're not from around here it seems."

"No, I was appointed here by the church. You must be a resident here, I was wondering if you can point me to the church here." she must be referring to the one on the outskirts...where those exorcist were holed up in. Great. As a Devil, I'm suppose to stay away from those kinds of places, even though I don't get much of an effect from them. I especially wouldn't want to piss off Rias. I guess I can go half-way and split, it's not far from what I remember.

"Yeah, I can point you there."

[Ddraig]: "You know where this is going to end right?" 'Well aware Ddraig.' "Your funeral."

"You can? Thank you so very much~!" she smiles with joy. Aww, how darling! We made our way towards the Church when we came to a park. A boy's cry rang out. I look to the sound thinking he might be in danger. He was crying over a scrape he got on his knees. Must have tripped when playing with his friends. Next thing I know, the Sister walks towards the boy. Is she going to help him? I follow behind her.

"Are you alright?" she asks, but the boy looks at her confusingly. Oh right, she's out of country, so it's no surprise that natives can't understand foreigner. Forgot about that part when we were talking. So used to having conversations with people normally I forget being a Devil has its perks; like understanding a person's language and they can comprehend us as well. She lays an open palm on the knee with the wound. A green light appears from it, it had an oddly pleasant sensation as the wound begins to disappear. She must be healing his knee. Magic perhaps? No, it's something else, but what?

[Ddraig]: "It's a Sacred Gear, partner." What? I look at her again. My left arm begins to react.

The wound finally healed, and she patted his head. "All better now." she says to the boy, who is still confused. "Sorry, force of habit of mine." she apologizes with a smile. The boy gets up to test his leg, it looked good as new and probably felt it.

"Thank you, Onee-chan!" he takes off with his friends though not before waving to her. She waves back and looks to me. Probably wondering what he said.

"He said 'Thank you, Sister.'" I answer. She smiles at the gratitude. "Quite the gift you have there."

"It is; the power to heal. A wonderful gift from God." even with a smile, she looked sad about it. Life must love throwing complications at us. I shouldn't pry too much, though what could happened to such a kind girl? We drop the conversation, and continue walking to the church up ahead. Minutes later, we arrive half way to where the church comes into view. Yep, same church where the squatters are setting up. I felt my eye twitch a bit. Sure, anything holy related won't outright hurt me, even kill me. Though that doesn't stop the feeling to occur.

"That's probably the church you're looking for." she smiles and nods in agreement. "It's only a straight path from here so I'll let you go on now." I turn to leave.

"Oh! Please wait! I was hoping to invite you in for helping me out..." her words give me pause for a second. Sadly I can't linger around. The tea was inviting, but here...not so much.

"Sorry, but I need to get going soon. She looks saddened for a moment. "I do hope we meet again though. Name's Takeo."

She brightens up at the chance of seeing each other again. "My name's Asia Argento! Asia works fine."

"Alright then, Asia. Another time so you take care of yourself." she bows and we depart. 'Such a nice girl.' I thought to myself. I hope she doesn't get wrapped up in what's going on with the people in there. I should probably talk to Raynare about this, see if anything new came up.

~ Time Skip: Night ~

"Normally I would scold someone about going to the outskirts where the church is. Given what you told us, you're probably aware of it. So just try to be more careful." well that was unexpected. She sounded both agitated and concerned; I was expecting only agitated.

I arrived at the club, at first everything was normal. Despite that, I felt tense knowing Rias probably found out about my detour. Though she didn't voice her complaint about it. Minutes of silence later, I caved and apologized about the event. She was surprised at the sudden apology and waved it off. Leading to what's happening now.

"I'll try to make up for it." I apologize again. Akeno steps into the frame. Always smiling, she is. "Hey Akeno, something came up?" I wasn't sure why I asked her that, but she answers with a serious expression.

"A hunt was ordered from the Arch Duke." Oh, something is up. The group preps for the mission and after done, we teleport to where the target is.

Ever wonder what a Stray Devil is? Well they don't look pretty that's for sure, if my experience fighting them is any indicator. Meanest people to socialize with, they terrorize innocent people, no respect for the law nor their masters. The one were about to eliminate has been feeding on people in the dark of night at an abandoned building.

We put quite a bit of distance from the entrance, and I can smell the death from here. "Does anyone smell that?" everyone looks to me confusingly, except Koneko.

"...blood." bingo. We walk into the den, the place reeked of death. You could taste the blood in the air.

"Takeo, you've said you're aware of how Devils operate, but this might be a first for you as you'll be in a team." true, most of the time I ran missions solo. Except that one time with the silver haired maid oh long ago. I hope she's doing well, from what she told me about her master, she has it rough. "You wouldn't happen to know about Evil Pieces already?" Rias breaking my train of thought.

"The system used by Devils to set up their peerages? I heard it was based on the game Chess, the concept of what each piece is attributed for, only a bit about Mutation Pieces. You already talked to me about my piece so I'm aware of the ups and downs." She was taken off guard, but smiled regardless.

"Is there anything you don't know, Takeo?"

"Anything you have in mind?" I raise an eyebrow while smirking. Before we could continue the banter, a low voice cuts in.

"What is this soft-core crap? Where's the good stuff? Oh, I can smell something reek, and something tantalizingly sweet." the stink is probably you, whoever you are. Perish the thought I smell funky. A loud thud, it's walking out of the shadows. A topless woman appears, though the lower half is covered. I can imagine what the other half is, accounting for the noise she made.

"Stray Devil Vaizor, by order of the Arch Duke, you are to be eliminated." Rias announces. Vaizor simply laughs at the declaration on her life and walks out. Ah, there's the other half of the woman. Definitely not human, instead it's replaced by four monstrous legs with sharp claws, and...is that a snake tail? I shudder at the sight of her. Completely repulsing, I want to kill it and never have to gaze at it again.

"Want me to sit this one out, Buchou?" she nods and signals to Kiba, who dashed towards the Stray instantly with absurd speed.

"You would want to know who your going to be working with, so I'll fill you in. Kiba's Piece is a Knight. His trait is speed. His main weapon is his skills as a swordsman." Hmm, fellow swordsman. Vaizor moves in for an attack, Kiba draws out a sword and disappears. A moment later, screams echo throughout the room. Vaizor had her arms from the regular body taken away! "With these two in hand, he is my fastest Knight." I voice my amazement in an approving grunt. My eyes trail Koneko who is moving towards the beast. Definitely not the Bishop of the group as I recognized that first entering the club. So that leaves...

"The traits of a Rook is simple. Absolute Strength and Defense. Koneko can deal heavy damage and take damage in strides." Emphasizing this point, Vaizor raises its leg to crush her while cursing at her. That failed miserably as the foot didn't even reach the ground. Koneko lifts up "...Fly." was all she said as she grabs the Stray and throws her into a wall. Now that's some mad strength. Not stopping there, Vaizor gets back up and tries to attack her again. Koneko lands a punch to the monster half, sending the monster flying again! Remind me not to piss her off! Teasing I'll have to work out, that's a hard habit to kick. That one stunt with the chocolate didn't piss her off, but I can't be too sure.

"Akeno, if you may." Rias looks to Akeno. She giggles in response and nods.

"My pleasure, Buchou." I felt that comment was intended in more ways than one. She saunters to the downed monster, I thought I detected glee in her steps as she continued giggling.

"Akeno, as my Queen and Vice-President, is the strongest of the group, utilizing the traits of every piece except the King that I have." Rias continues the explanation. Vaizor glares at Akeno in disgust.

"Seems you still have some life in you. Perhaps we should change that?" She says while raising a hand up. A bolt of lighting tears through the space, striking down on Vaizor. It yells as it gets electrocuted violently. The body was burnt to a crisp, yet it kept moving. Still alive? "Ara ara, still breathing, I guess you can take a little more punishment." She says while another bolt hits the body again. Much like the last time, still breathing, only even more scorched and now smoking. Rather than stopping, Akeno strikes it down again with a third. Do I hear laughing? It's not from Vaizor, neither Kiba, Koneko, Rias, or I are opening our mouths...Wait...

"Akeno's field of expertise is attacks with Demonic power, specializing in lightning, fire, and ice." Now all I need to know is if Akeno is a 'S' and I can end the day. "She's also considered the Ultimate Sadist." and my day is complete. As the lightning kept crashing down on the monster, she kept laughing with a terrifyingly aroused face. After this I need to reevaluate myself, I'm beginning to get mixed feelings at the sight of Akeno dishing out pain. "Despite this, she's very kind to her comrades, she even said you were cute. So I can imagine the treatment she'll give towards you." Perhaps, though I wouldn't mind seeing this side of her. Provided I'm not on the receiving end of that pain. Anyone else I'm not okay with, she has my blessing.

"You still can't die yet, alright little monster? My master has yet to lay a finger on you!" Akeno still laughing while lightning continuously strikes down again and again. 'Dear god, I'm not an 'M' I swear!'

[Ddraig]: "I might have to join with you on that one." even Ddraig is slightly confused. Must be the dry spell he had to put up with while stuck in this Sacred Gear speaking. I can only imagine how Albion's case is. Akeno calms down a bit after the lightning subsides. Rias walks over to the pitiful charred body.

"Final words?" Rias ask while forming black and red demonic energy in her hands.

"Kill me..." it tiredly said, resigned to its fate.

"Then disappear." Rias shoots out the dark energy at the monster. It envelops the beast, devouring the body, till nothing was left in its wake. Just like that, nothing. Not even a corpse left behind. Rias lets out a breath. "Good work everyone, well be heading back now." signaling everyone to regroup.

We cross the door and was greeted with scattered groups of beings in hoods with makeshift scythes, scarecrow looking things with blades attached to their arms or legs, along with some porcelain looking marionettes with weapons. So Ghoul Reapers, Crow Blades, and Puppet Shadows. Dammit! Never thought they'd be here! A small group charges first, I can tell who there gunning for...me. Before the others can get ready, I rush in with Rias yelling my name to wait.

I activate Invictus and Boosted Gear before drop kicking one to the ground, using him as a surfboard to let the attackers focus on me. I pull out an energy sword, and stab the demon in the head to stop the ride.

Three ghouls jump up behind to get the drop, but was too slow to make a move when I threw three swords aimed at their heads. A snap of the finger caused them to explode, killing them instantly. One crow swipes at me horizontally but misses. I counter, brandishing two swords and pierce its body, slashing outward and spinning to its right side. Two puppets take another attempt with my back towards them, only to fall short with I hold my blades in a reverse grip and stab them in the gut without looking. Snapping my fingers to end their life, they disappear.

Crows begin to circle around me while I stand idly to let them make the first move. One takes the bait when it slashes wildly at me. I block the blade with my armored left hand, the action broke the blade on its arm. I grab it by the neck, twisting it to a snapping noise, and use the body against its friend who attempted to flank me. I lower myself with my fist back, and shoot upward letting the jets in the armor propel me, knocking the two sky high. I roll into a front somersault kick, activating the blades in the greaves for further effect, killing the other. I land back to three attacking me on either side for my reception. I charge energy in my right fist and slam downward, the impact sends the three flying and scattering into dust. One of the tougher ones raise its shield for a bash attack. I let out a flurry of kicks with the blades revving to cut the shield down, and its wielder in the process.

I deactivate the weapons and stretch out the worked limbs. Catching my breath for a moment and turning around to check my...handiwork? 'Ddraig, where did everybody go and why are the others staring with mouths open?' asides from everyone else looking at me funny, even Koneko; the place looks like a haunt, literally with the death happening.

[Ddraig]: "Well you did take on thirteen of them. That would explain the faces you're getting." Wait I took on thirteen in one go? Must have sworn there was more. "Rias and the others took care of some stragglers, they barely got any action in." Oops~

I rub the back of my head, slightly embarrassed at the show I put up, even more so when I charged out with swords and fists flying. They're still staring...well this is going on for too long, and I want some sleep. I clear my throat to grab their attention. They snap out of it, finally.

"Eh he...sorry for that little outburst. I got a little stir crazy from the lack of action, so I hope you didn't mind if I helped myself..." I try to laugh it off with a sheepish grin. Please don't scold, please don't scold, please don't scold...

"I...I suppose it's alright, as I got to see what you are capable of. Just try not to make it a habit, or let it happen again." that works too.

"Ara ara, that was quite the performance." Akeno compliments.

"I'll say, he's probably faster than I am." Kiba adds in.

"...very strong." Even Koneko agrees.

"Aw, come on you guys! It wasn't much, really." scratching my head furiously at the compliments I'm getting.

[Ddraig]: "You're being too modest partner. We haven't come across those enemies in a while and you handled it well."

"That might answer why you charged in. Some thing we should know of, Takeo?" Rias asks.

"They've hounded me one job, and continued throughout my time as a freelancer, I haven't the slightest clue to who they are. No idea who sent them."

Remember the maid from before? We were looking into unusual activity of random disappearances when a group ambushes us. One of them got lucky and knocked my mask off. By the end of the battle, she saw my face, but never told a soul when we completed the job. She could have, but the word was never spread that one of the supernatural world's deadliest freelancers is a young man.

"Anyways, can we head on home? It's getting late, it's a school night, and I'm tired." I ask stifling a yawn.

"You're right, we better get going then." Rias agrees. The rest group together in a magic circle and teleport of to school grounds. We bid good bye and went on our way.

The night went well as expected. The late arrivals worked in my favor, letting me get a work out. Asides from the bed in my room occupying my thoughts, another thing came to mind. Why where they here? After that mission, they have kept cropping up wherever I go. Stop by a rural town? Demon spotted in the area chomping on a man minding his own business. Drive through a metropolis? Demons terrorizing the streets. Going into a restaurant's restroom? A damn demon taking a piss next to me carrying a kill order with my name on it.

Trouble really gravitates towards me. That's what I get with being a Heavenly Dragon. Two in this case.

~ Time Skip: Days later ~

What was I thinking? Driving to school on my motorcycle? By no means is it illegal for me, I had my license, it wasn't against school rules. So where's the fire?

I arrive at a spot where I can leave the bike in peace, all of the students were staring with wide eyes. The girls? They're swooning over who could be under the helmet, who could fill out the leather jacket and look good in it. A small faction of the guys were somewhat impressed. Most likely at the bike. The rest is what to be expected...pure exasperation towards me. Wait until they find out who it is.

I step off the bike, grab for the helmet and pull it off. The reveal had an instantaneous effect on the girls of pure awe and squealing in delight. The small faction voiced their approval about my choice of bike, some wanted to talk shop if I had time. I was surprised at the gesture and accepted the offer. The rest...well, it's like a broken record with them.

Walking into the entrance, Akeno flanks my side, and walks along with me. Huh?

"I see you caused an uproar~" teasing about the morning event. I hold the helmet in one hand, letting it hang behind my shoulder, and lean closer to her.

"I'm not the only troublemaker in this school. People will begin to talk about us if they aren't already." I glance to the side. Rumors are already spreading like wildfire.

"Ufu, I don't mind. Though what will they talk about?"

"That's for me know, you to find out, and for them...never." I wink slyly. She blushes slightly and we separate to our classes. Up the stairs, and taking a turn. Ryu-sensei is walking ahead of me. He notices me walking besides him, and chuckles.

"Your not going through your rebellious years are you?"

"Perish the thought. Just cause I wear a leather jacket, ride around a motorcycle, doesn't mean I've turn punk." I smirk.

"You know, your doing the exact opposite of staying out of the lime light. Got tired of it and gave up?"

"I can afford a few eccentricities. It's not like I'm out and about seducing women."

"Someone already occupying your thoughts?" 'perhaps, but I'm not telling'

[Ddraig]: "Takeo's got a crush on a certain red head~." singing it in a tune.

'Zip it you...'

We enter the room to gossip buzzing around already. 'word must travel fast'. The boys keep giving me the stink eye, I payed them no mind. The Perverted Duo being the worst. Some of the girls greet me. I reply back smiling and nodding as classes begin.