~ 5 ~
The evening was uneventful, though pleasant to say the least. The contract I got done tonight was helping out an upstart singer with his skills playing guitar. I got to be the devil at the cross roads like in those blues songs! It came along great, after finishing up a few tracks we talk about music, personal interests, and goals.
I'm heading through a street when my hair stood on ends passing by a house. Nothing special about it, just a regular house with the door open and... blood... stains... on the floor. Rule of thumb; never go towards the scene of death. Sure fire way to get killed. But I've dealt with, and dished out worse. I park the bike on the curb, turning off the engine, and walk into the house.
I follow the trail to a living room that ends with a man, mutilated upside down, with nails big enough to pin his body to the wall. The figure made an inverted crucifix form. Whoever thought this is demon worship needs to reevaluate their sources, cause this isn't how you do it! Off to the side on the wall, next to the poor bastard, there's writing in red. Blood most likely.
" 'Punishment for those who did bad deed!'? Well whoever thought this was a good idea of justice has a few screws loose..." commenting to myself
"I like to think that this is acceptably normal behavior, thank you very much!" the voice of a man call from the side. I look at the sound to see a guy with white hair, dressed as a priest, wearing a maniacal grin. It's the crazy ones who claim sanity for something like this fuck-o. "So who the hell are you then?!"
"No one of importance, just a concerned neighbor is all. So what did this guy do to you?" I point to the corpse. Crazy exorcist plus corpse in an upside down crucifix plus writings on the wall? Wonder what he'll answer.
"Oh, that human scum bag? Yeah, he was summoning Devils, so I had to kill him." sounding rather gleeful about killing another human. He must take his job way too seriously or not enough. "Devils are such scum, but the humans that summon them are scum as well." What kind of reasoning is that?! Devils don't go that far, maybe the really evil ones, but you don't see those often! "The name's Freed Zelzan, I belong to an exorcist organization. Now I'll ask again. Who the fuck are you?! Don't give me that concerned neighbor shit like last time, I won't fall for that crap!" but I am a concerned neighbor! I live in the area, why wouldn't I be worried about a murder?!
"Alright then, since you asked nicely. I'm the guy who's going to kick your ass, ya bucket colored head prick!" I dash at him, throwing a punch that lands his face, sending him to the wall.
"Oh, so that's how your going to play? Well, then I'll just have to cut your head off to find out~!" singing sickeningly. A sound breaks the air, and a blade of light shoots out of the handle he's lunging at me with. It misses it, he doesn't stop as he pulls out a gun and aims. I dodge out of the way, receiving a graze to my leg. It stings, but I've had worse.
"What do you think about my toys~? Pretty neat aren't they? A sword of light to cut off your head, and a gun with bullets of light to blow your limbs away! Doesn't it just grind your gears~?!" he's turned on to this? This man is a creepy fuck! We ready into a stance to attack.
"! N-NOOO!" a familiar voice shouts. The both of us freeze and look towards the source. The blonde sister I met days ago stood there, terrified and shaking at the sight of the corpse on the wall.
"Oh ho ho, if it isn't Asia-chan! Did you set up the barrier? Is this your first time seeing a corpse? If so, then commit it to memory as you'll be seeing this a lot!" You damn bastard! No human sane enough revels in death!
"...N-No..." Asia turns to me. Her eyes brim with sadness, mine with rage. Not at her, at him. I lunge at Freed with a kick, knocking the gun away. He recovers and slashes at my head. The blade plunges through the helmet, but doesn't come into contact with my skull. It was a feint to distract him in order to counter with an uppercut to his jaw, and spartan kicking him to the wall again.
"...Takeo-san...?" she wasn't expecting this at all. "...Father Freed...this person is..." before she could finish, Freed gets up and attacks me again. He slashes madly, backing me up to a wall. He plunges the sword at me. Before it found its way into my heart, I halt the blade's progress with my left hand with the Boosted Gear in use. Even with the Sacred Gear, it still burned like a bitch.
"What?!" Freed screeches surprised at how I stopped it with the Sacred Gear.
I kick him off me to put distance, and to inspect the damage. I try to move a finger, but a sharp pain rose up instead. Then my hand glows a green aura. Asia's standing next to me, using her healing powers to mend the wounds. She looks up and smiles sadly. This wasn't how I wanted our next meeting to start out as well.
...! Instincts took over when I grab her body and shield it with my own. Blocking a bullet that was intended for her.
"Takeo-san!"
I cough out blood. It didn't hit anything major, thankfully. I look at the bastard with malice and he just grins evilly. He wanted me to block the bullet for her!
"Aww! Isn't that sweet of you~! Taking a round for her! If that is all it takes, then I hope you can keep her safe~!" he raises his gun at her! Before he could pull the trigger. The floor begins to glow, and a magic circle forms. The sigil all too familiar to me. Gremory.
"So, what brings you guys here? Certainly isn't for the homicidal priest, nor the corpse there." not that I don't appreciate the back up, but this much is a little ridiculous.
"It was suppose to be a regular job. But something felt off when we tried to teleport in. It wasn't until whatever barrier that was set up fell, that we notice you were here. So we came in force." Kiba answers.
"Ara ara, this is awful." "...Priest." Akeno and Koneko steps into the frame.
"Devil~! Devils~! Devils~! Finally I get to kill some scumbag Devils!" Freed slashes at Kiba. Clang! Sound of metal colliding against each other rings out. "Oh man, this is getting me so turned on! Are you feeling it too?" he sticks his tongue out and shakes it along with his head.
"Quite the vulgarity you have. I find it hard to believe you're a priest. Maybe that's why your a Stray Exorcist." Kiba looks ticked for even conversing with him. I am too.
"Yeah, well screw the Vatican! Who needs them anyway?! As long as I get to kill Devils, I'm peachy!" Akeno steps in, smiling while her eyes glare aggression at the freak of a priest. "Oh I live those eyes you're giving me Onee-san. Is it love? No! It's killing intent! I live for this feeling! The feeling of intent to kill, and receiving intent to be killed~!"
"Then disappear." a blast of demonic energy rips through, next to Freed. I look for the source. Sure enough, it's Rias. She looks at me, narrowing her eyes at the wounds I received. "Those wounds..."
"Eh he..." I scratch the back of my head, trying to play it off. Her expression turns cold at the priest.
"So you were the one taking care of my cute servant." focusing demonic energy in her hand and killing intent at Freed. Wait...cute...? Heat flushed my face at the comment.
"Oh? He belongs to you, does he? Well no matter, you'll all die the same~."
Before the fight began, the hair on my skin stood on ends from something heading our way. Fallen Angels. Akeno had the same thought when I looked at her. At this rate, well be out numbered. "Buchou, sorry for troubling you again. Can you hold off Freed long enough for me to get Asia out of harm's way?" Rias looks at me shocked and confused.
"You have a plan with that request?" I nod at the question. She didn't want to agree, I can tell from her facial expression. Reluctantly, she allows it, and orders the rest to hold off Freed. With him occupied, I slam my fist in the window for an escape route to the bike.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going with my bi-!" he couldn't even finish his sentence as a couch went flying into him. Courtesy of Koneko. Thank you!
I pull on the helmet and hoisted Asia in a bridal style before jumping out the window. The moment my feet landed, I broke into a run. We reach the bike, I place her in the seat behind me and take off blazing. None of the Fallen have noticed me driving off, that's a plus.
I reach the house after a few minutes. Parking the bike, I climb off, though slightly dizzied. Asia's face painted with concern. I offer a hand to her and she takes it, getting off the bike. We walk into the house silently, tired from the night. The door closes behind us and the lights turn on. Wonder how she's taking this. She probably knows I'm a Devil by now, if that fiasco was anything to go by.
"U-Um...thank you for saving me." Asia spoke softly. Even if she did know, I doubt she cares. I smile weakly.
"Think nothing of it. It's getting late, if you want I'll make something for the both of us." I take a few steps to the kitchen, but stumble a little. I catch myself on the wall. Mentally visualizing the wounds; graze at the leg, slash on my cheek, bullet wound in my chest to the right clean through. Maybe I should get those checked. I push off the wall, and felt hands on my back and arms. Asia's helping me to the chair in the living room. Her hands come in contact with the graze on the leg. The Sacred Gear's green aura emitting through. I feel the graze close, leaving not even a scar. She moves on to the next two, healing the wounds.
"Thank you, Asia. I'll get started on that meal." minutes after cooking, we eat in silence. Not sure how to broach the subject of everything in the last hour. Finishing up the last of the meal, I clean up the dishes. Asia looks around the house while I'm busy. "There's a room upstairs for you to sleep in. You're more than welcome to it." I offer, complete with the chore.
"I...I don't know if I should impose..." sounding surprised and concerned.
"Well I can't just throw you out the house can I?"
I let her follow behind to where the room is, point her where the bathrooms are, and let her have some privacy. After a shower, I walk into my room and fall into a tired slumber.
~ Time Skip: Noon ~
It's still a school day no matter how much I stare at the phone. Fuck it, I'm skipping school simply because I'm not leaving Asia alone in the house. Certainly not taking chances of the Fallen Angels attacking her when I'm not around. I jump out the bed, strip out of the sleepwear, and into a pair of boots, jeans, white t-shirt, and a black open hoodie. May as well take her around to see the town, get away from the troubles for a while. I exit the bedroom, arriving downstairs I see Asia reading one of my books.
"Oh! Takeo-san, going somewhere?"
"Yeah, come on along with me. Now's probably a good time to have a bit of fun." she looks confused at first, then nods happily. I smile in response. We head out, best way to start out is getting something to eat as I don't feel like cooking at the moment.
We come to a fast food restaurant in one of the business districts. Which lead to this predicament.
"...Auu." Asia's having a hard time ordering something at the register. Has she never ordered from somewhere like this? Even the cashier looks baffled at what to do. To be fair, neither of them are understanding each other so that's understandable. I offered to help, but she wanted to figure it out on her own. As cute as the scene she was making, my stomach doesn't care and let out a growl loud enough for the three of us to hear. I sweat dropped at the noise. That's what happens when I skip out on breakfast.
"Sorry to bother, She'll have the number one. While I take numbers three, four, and nine." the cashier nods and looks at me oddly. Yeah, I ordered a lot of food. Cursed high metabolism.
"Auu. I'm such a failure. Can't even order a hamburger by myself..."
"Learning Japanese can go a long way here." motivating her while we grab our orders. Making our way to an empty table near the window, a bunch of the guys are looking at Asia. My eye twitched and the urge, no, need to protect her flared up. We sat down, I gave a glare at the men staring,and they went on about their way.
[Ddraig]: "Getting a little possessive there, partner? I thought you had eyes on Rias or Akeno?" 'this is brotherly affection, Ddraig, not lusting.'
While having a mental conversation with Ddraig. Asia looks at the hamburger confusingly...she doesn't know how to eat a hamburger? Oh dear, what have the church been teaching you? I wave to grab her attention. "Princess, you first unwrap the burger," talking while doing the motion with my cheeseburger "and you eat it like so." taking a bite out it.
Her eyes gleam with excitement "A-Amazing! There's a way to eat like that?!"...oh Asia. The world is truly an interesting place. She mirrors the movement with her hamburger, taking a test bite. "D-Delicious! This is truly delicious!" while she's still eating her burger, I started on the second meal, scarfing it down instantly. "My, you can eat a lot. Is this normal for you?" she asks curiously. I nod, starting on the third.
"What do you say we head to the game center at the recreational districts?" after finishing up my meal.
"Sure!" she answers cheerfully.
We head out of the restaurant. Minutes later, we're in a racing game competing against each other. You can imagine who won, though I gave her a few pointers while taking some bad turns for the fun of it. Afterwards we're playing on a D.D.R machine for another ten to fifteen minutes. For someone who claims to trip over stuff, she has some good footwork.
We take a few minutes to rest when I lost sight of her. I look around to find Asia staring into a crane game. She's looking intently at a Rache-kun doll. I flip a coin, and start the game up with her beside me confused at the sudden action. It only took one attempt, I was lucky enough with one in a good position to grab. The doll drops out. I grab it, and present it to Asia with a stupid grin.
"All yours!"
She looks flustered at first, saying I should keep it since I won it myself. Shaking my head in disagreement, I keep the doll up for her to take. Eventually, she gives and holds the doll to her chest shyly with a smile.
"T-Thank you so much, Takeo-san. I'll always cherish this doll, and the time we've spent together today." Smiling warmly, I offer a hand.
"We still have a whole day together. So let's make it a good one!" she grabs hold, and nods.
~ Time Skip: Evening ~
"Ah! I think we pushed it a little too far."
"S-Same...here. I'm a bit tired."
We spent a lot of time just running around the shops. It was nice seeing her so happy. Now we're resting on a bench. The scene bears enough semblance like the date with Raynare.
"Still, it was fun. I haven't had this much fun in a long time." she smiles, her voice carrying a small amount of sadness. A tear begins to fall. I wipe it away with a thumb, caressing her cheek. She gets taken by surprise by the action, unsure what to say. I wasn't certain where I was going with this but I pull her into a hug, hoping she feels better after it. My chin resting on her head, a hand resting on her shoulder, letting her face rest on my chest.
"Whatever you went through in the past? They were probably idiots, and they were wrong to do that to you." I let her out of my grasp for a moment. She's holding back tears, after calming herself down, she goes into a recounting of her time before.
As a baby she was raised as an orphan by a nun in a nearby church with others. At the age of eight, she came into her powers of healing; her Sacred Gear. A person from the Church witnessed her healing a wounded puppy, and whisked her away to their main Catholic Church where she was symbolized as a 'Holy Maiden'. Over the years, she received respect as one. She didn't mind, she took joy in helping others, in fact she was grateful for the blessing, they in turn treated her kindly. Although she felt lonely; all the respect she received, and she only wanted a friend.
One day, everything changed. By chance, someone was wounded, as is her nature, she helped him. Without realizing she helped a Devil when it was too late. The damage was already done, a member of the church at the scene reported it up the chain. Everyone set upon her like savages, calling her a Witch, for being able to heal a Devil with her healing abilities. Eventually, she had to receive protection from the Fallen Angels when the organization of Stray Exorcists picked her up.
I wasn't sure who to be angry at more? The church for placing her on a pedestal, only to tear her down. Or the Devil that she healed out of the goodness of her heart. By no means was I spiteful, I just hope the bastard is grateful for what she did. I couldn't bring God into the mix. He was long gone when this happened, but I couldn't tell her that. I couldn't tell anyone that. So all I can do is...
"Asia, let's be friends from now to forever." I say out loud without a second thought. "No, we're already friends."
"? Takeo-san...why? What about you being a Devil?"
"People don't need a reason to be friends with someone who spent an entire day together having fun. Being a Human, Devil, Fallen Angel, Angel, or whatever is secondary. And no, this isn't a pact between a Human and a Devil." I raise her hand and lace her pinky with my own. "This is a promise between two people to have fun together, and to be there for each other!"
Tears were welling up in her eyes till they burst. Not with sadness. With joy.
"...Takeo-san. I'm a klutz, I don't know anything about this country's culture, and I don't know how to interact around others. Won't you get tired?" I shake my head, smiling.
"You've been doing well so far. Don't worry about the other things. I'll help you out with the rest. So let's get along together from now, okay?" she nods and smiles. That's the smile you should be wearing.
We get up to leave. My eyes dart around the area, looking for the familiar presence. I spot it. Black hair, violet eyes, while not wearing her Fallen Angel attire, I recognize her figure in the dark blue jeans, and black shirt. Raynare. She walks up to us. I was tense at what she could do, let alone why she's here.
"Hey, Takeo." she greets. No killing intent detected. That can change depending on the conversation.
"Raynare-san?" Asia asks. Her cover must have held up this long for Asia to recognize her.
"Did something come up, Raynare? You look a little sullen." wondering why the sudden visit.
"Yeah, about that. I went forward to Azazel-sama with the information you theorized. He wasn't happy about Kokabiel going behind his back. He sent me back in with order to investigate with discretion in any other suspicious activity. Soon after Asia arrived in town, a surge in demon activity spiked up near the church where we're stationed."
"So I take it the other Fallen are following orders from Kokabiel who says their from Azazel?" she nods at the question. "Speaking of them, did you know they're coming here?" detecting their energy flying in our direction. They'll most likely be here in a few seconds. She shakes her head again confusingly at the last part. Black feathers begin to rain from the sky. Theirs. I look up to see Donaseek, Kalawarner, and a blonde pig tailed girl wearing a Gothic Lolita dress. Three against two...hopefully.
"Raynare! Why are you talking with the cockroach?! Finish what you started!" Donaseek barks. Cockroach huh? Tough talk from a guy who got moderately injured in a few minutes. Raynare doesn't say anything, instead she changes into her Fallen form and lobs a spear at Donaseek. He dodges it. "Insufferable traitor!"
"Since when?! Kokabiel is the one setting us all up!" Raynare yells.
"What are you talking about? Azazel gave us orders to kill him, and to go forward with the plans for tonight." Kalawarner speaks up. Yep, definitely getting led astray.
"Now all we need is the girl!" the little girl throws a light spear at me next. I don't bother moving.
I swat the attack down with an armored back hand. Glaring at them sent a shiver down their neck, but resumed their composure. The jets in my armor boost me upward faster than they can react. Raynare follows behind taking on the other opponents I didn't focus my attention on. Donaseek aims a spear and lets loose. Focusing energy in my feet and using it as a stepping stone, I dodge the incoming weapon and correct course. Appearing next to him, I slam him down to the ground. I land feet first next to Raynare who's handling her two-on-one battle well. The three look haggardly at us.
Light spears forming, they intend to attack as a group. Something felt off when their intent wasn't directed at the two of us. They're focus firing on Asia!
I dash towards her, blades at the ready. The combined spears blazes through the space. I throw one blade to counter one of the spears. Another for the second. By the time I'm armed with the third, it found its way in my gut. I double over on a knee. The spear disappears and blood comes rushing out.
"Takeo-san!" "Takeo!" Asia and Raynare screams my name. They both run to me, Raynare checking my wound. Asia didn't hesitate using her Sacred Gear to heal the wound. The hole begins to close, till I didn't feel anymore pain.
"Asia. If you don't want your friend to die, you'll have to come with us." the man gives the order arrogantly. Now I'm the hostage?! Not on your life! I held the sword from before in a reverse grip, poised to kill.
"I understand." Asia just accepts the order like that!? No! You can't! She looks at me, eyes of rage reflected from hers filled with regret. Dammit! Don't go! "Thank you Takeo-san, for everything." she walks off towards the three. The little one takes her and flies off with the other woman. Donaseek just stays there. So much for honor, ya pricks. He readies a light spear.
Something moves out of the corner of my eye. Ghoul Reapers!? Now of all times? Their split into groups. Both Raynare and Donaseek get taken off guard by the sudden arrivals. One of them takes a swing at them, but misses.
"What's going on with them?! They're suppose to follow our orders!" Donaseek baffled at the action. Whoever is sending them after me didn't let you take full reigns pal. I don't have time for this! Pouring energy into the emitters, I generate a field of swords over our heads in the sky.
"Take cover!" I slam my hand down in the ground. They both take the order and found somewhere to hide. Anyone who was unlucky enough, was impaled to the ground, either dead from the impact of blade coming into contact with their skull, or twitching trying to get up. Snapping my fingers resulted in the blades to explode in a blossom of black mist. Nothing was left in the after math. The Fallen Angels come out of their hiding spot, amazed and shocked at the results.
I walk towards Donaseek, fists ready to knock the light out of him. Before I could bring the fist down to his face, he brings his hands up to surrender. I still wanted to punch him, but the rage subsided. We both lower our hands. I point a finger at him without saying anything, implying if he does anything funny this is the last act of mercy he'll get from me. He gets the hint and nods silently. With that out of the way.
"So, you're working with whoever is after me?"
"If you want to know who the person is in charge of them, sadly neither do any of us know, not even the men in the church." he answers.
"Damn it all! Raynare, fill Donaseek in on about Kokabiel. Tell Rias I'm heading to the church." I just need to make a quick stop home to pick up something.
"Won't she disagree with that? Hell, they'll probably kill me on sight."
"Not if she wants to start a war with the other faction. Though you're probably on the dot. Just tell her you're the Fallen Angel I wanted to help. Hopefully she'll understand." with that, I run back to the house.
I walk in without closing the door, and head into one of the rooms next to my bedroom. It has a punching bag off in the corner, a desk with a computer in it, and a large chest by the desk. I stride over to the box and kicked it open. A circular plaque with a symbol emblazoned on the center. The design is asymmetric; a circle with one side bearing feathered wings, another with bat wings. Cutting down the middle is a sword to separate the two sides.
I place my hands on the object, tracing the symbol with a feeling of nostalgia. It begins to glow on the edges and the picture. A surge of power runs from the circle to my hands, then coursing throughout my body. The familiar part of me I locked away came rushing in a tidal wave before subsiding. A presence looms over me, I can tell who, even if I haven't seen him in a while. I turn to him. An armored warrior with his lower body absent stood a couple of foot over me.
"It's been a long time...Noctis."