~ 6 ~
The constellations lit the night dimly as I look up at the pitch black sky. I'm standing on the branch atop a tree overlooking the church where Asia is taken to. The only thing stopping me from charging in is years of battle instincts, from experience of knowing your enemy, your surroundings, to account for everything, expect anything, and leave nothing once done. Dwelling in my thoughts, I notice people coming into the area.
I look down to see where they are, sure enough they're right below me. Raynare and Donaseek are walking along with Kiba and Koneko? Did Rias send them? Do they know I'm above them? One way to find out as I drop down behind them. The thud was unintentionally silent enough for them not to hear. I grab a small branch from the tree next to me and snap it. They turn towards the noise; the Fallen Angels ready a spear, Kiba draws his sword, Koneko gets in a fighter stance. I raise my hands up.
"Takeo-san?" Kiba speaks up first.
"Little jumpy there guys? It's only me." I arch an eyebrow, grinning stupidly.
"Well you took us by surprise there, Takeo." Raynare comments wiping a sweat drop off her forehead.
"...Sneak." Koneko adds. Donaseek voicing his agreement with a grunt.
"You can thank Hayabusa-sensei for that. Training with him unconsciously made me into a ninja."
"That might explain why you can stand on equal ground with him in that match." Kiba says.
"In terms of pure sword work, martial arts, no other powers involved; I can barely keep pace." I may be one of the few people Ryu says that can hold their ground against him, but he makes it look easy fighting me. I wanted to call shenanigans that we're equal in a number of aspects, but every match we've had is proof. I can take hits in a battle and keep going. Though against Ryu, that's a lot of fatal injuries. Sure I'm not entirely human but then again, Ryu is in a similar boat as well.
"Did Rias send you two?" Kiba and Koneko nod. "Wonder what she's up to?" muttering this to myself before I felt Koneko tug at my sleeve.
"...She wanted us to help you." she takes a pause "...We wanted to help you." surprised at the concern for me, I pat her head lightly. Koneko blushes slightly yet doesn't pull away.
"So, did the others treat you alright when the news was given?" sure she's right in front of me, but what went on was just as important.
"Surprisingly well, the only one that didn't want to rip my head off was Rias." huh, that's unexpected. I didn't give her much to go off of to trust me, so I was presuming a completely different reaction. "So what's the plan, fearless leader?"
"Break down the doors, kick some ass, save Asia. Donaseek, would we have to worry about the other two Fallen?"
"You let the Gremory girl and her second in command worry about that. They'll subdue our comrades sure enough while we worry about saving Asia." they're helping out on this operation as well? Women after my own heart.
We walk towards the door where the sanctuary resided. I kick them down, causing a loud noise. The four look at me incredulously. They thought I was being metaphorical about breaking the door. Shows what they know.
-!
The monsters from the evening surrounded us. Raynare and Donaseek ready their light spears.
"Go! We got this covered!" Raynare yells.
"There's a secret entrance underneath the alter, that's where you'll probably find Asia!" Donaseek add in while cutting down a puppet.
Kiba, Koneko, and I nod, going on ahead. Entering the sanctuary felt strange. The feeling when most Devils enter a holy sanctuary lingered slightly, not enough to send chills. Another feeling took its place. Nothing in this place is something you'd associate with a normal sanctuary.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Someone's clapping, out of the shadows from one of the pillars, a priest appeared. It's that psycho schmuck priest; Freed! Seeing his face made me want to punch it repeatedly.
"Oh! Friends~! It's been so long~! It's not often I get to meet the same Devil twice~! Most times I hack them into pieces~! Then I kiss the corpse good bye~! But now~? You've ruined it~! My untarnished record~! So now I have to kill you now~! Please die~! I want you to die~!" and cue the crazy. He pulls his gun and handle for his light sword with the blade appearing out the end.
Kiba readies his sword. Koneko...where did she go?
A noise is heard from behind me, and I look for it. Oh there's Koneko...lifting up the pews over her head. Oh dear.
"...get smashed." I watch the pew she picked up sail over my head, towards the priest.
"Wow! Oh yeah! Come on!" he dances while slashing the chairs in half. Kiba disappears from my side and metal begins to collide. Kiba and Freed are sword locked, sparks flying off from the contact. They go at each other, swords clashing against each other. Kiba's pretty impressive, though Freed is keeping up well. Both are glaring at each other.
"Impressive for a foul mouth exorcist."
"Same goes for you ya scum bag Devil! This is awesome~! I haven't had a fight like this in the longest! I was about to be brought to tears for it!"
"Maybe I should get serious for a bit as well." Kiba's voice lowers with an intensity to them. Then his sword begins to turn black. As if darkness has enveloped the sword, or better yet, the darkness is the sword. The blade swallows up the priest's blade of light, devouring it till nothing was left. "Holy Eraser, a darkness sword that devours light."
"Wha, what the hell?! A Sacred Gear user!?" he was confused at the change. Giving me an opportunity to strike. I activate Boosted Gear and charge straight at him. He takes notice and pulls his gun at me. "Don't you know it's impolite to interrupt a fight between two people?! Wait your turn like a good little child, and die when I tell you to!" he takes a shot at me. Now!
"Promotion! Rook!" the pawn piece inside changes to the demanded rook. I raised an armored hand and the bullet simply deflected off the plating.
"-!? Promotion?! a Pawn!?" he was shocked even further.
"Like I said before! I'm the guy who's going to kick your ass, ya jizz for brains excuse of a priest!" {Boost!} I throw the left hand in a punch aimed at his face. Something tried to obstruct its path, but was demolished and my fist makes contact. He gets sent to the far end of the room!
"Damn that hurt like a bitch! Don't fuck with me you shit! I'll definitely kill you now! I'll cut you up, yes~!" he howls. We circle around him, and he notices the disadvantage. "Sadly I can tell I'm out numbered so I'll have to call it quits here!"He pull out one of his buttons from the jacket and slams it one the ground. Then a blinding light stunned us! Flash bang!
Our eyes recovered for a bit to look for the priest. He's not there anymore. "Hey, Takeo-kun was it? I'll be honest and say I just fell in love with you. So I really want to kill you at some point. Okay? So you better remember me when we meet again~!" He left with those parting words...creep. I didn't bother wasting time on him as I go to the alter and kick it down.
The three of us go down the flight of stairs till a passage is in front of us at the bottom. They're likely further down the hallway. With Kiba ahead, we walk down the path until coming up to a large door. I felt the urge to kick it for an odd reason.
"You're not going to kick this door down like the last are you?" Kiba teases.
"Are you going to spoil my fun?" I arch an eyebrow. He just shrugs. Koneko was indifferent. I'll take that as a no then!
I spin into a straight kick, nearly knocking the door off its hinges. The room was filled with priests carrying swords like the one Freed had. In the center of the room stood a man in his late stages of life wearing similar clothes to a Father of the church, more ornate. Above him was a girl attached to a cross.
"Asia!" she hears my yell and looks at me.
"...Takeo-san?"
"I'm afraid you're too late. The ritual is about to be complete" -! Asia's body begins to glow, her noticing the change was cut short with her screams. I charge into the fray, swords readied. The priest try to stall me, their light swords ready to kill.
"Get out of my way!" They couldn't get their swords up fast enough when I drive the blades down their limbs. Other set upon me, only to fall short as more blades appeared in their legs to stop them. I run past the bodies. Some stood there shocked. Others try to flank me from behind. They didn't get far. Kiba using his Holy Eraser took away their weapons ability to generate light left them open to the mercy of Koneko's brutal punches. While the priest focused on them, my path was clear with two objectives. Save Asia and kick this old man's ass. A bright light comes out of Asia, and the man takes it in his hand.
"Finally! With this power, I can do God's work!" he takes it in his chest. The light envelops the room, then dies down. Now the light covers his body. "AHAHAHA! Yes! The Sacred Gear Twilight Healing!Now I can accomplish eradicating the Devils that taint this Earth!" He lets out a laugh while he walks down the stairs to meet me. I didn't bother with him and pass him by, only paying attention to Asia. He didn't take kind to that and sneered. "There's no point in helping her. People who have their Sacred Gears forcibly taken die within the next few minutes. You only have those at best."
I cut her from the chains tying her to the cross and catch her in my arms. Her breath is getting harsher and I can barely feel her energy. She smiles weakly at me. I try a strained smile, but tears begin to swell. Asia raises a hand to my cheek. The dams close to burst, through tear hazed eyes I hold in a croak. Then her hands fall from its position, indicating she passed on from this world.
I shake her, hoping she just fell unconscious. Nothing. No breathing, no pulse, not even a drop of her life energy. I fell on my knees and sat there. For a moment I stood there howling sorrow, not bothering with the group of priests stalking me from behind.
"...No mercy for the vile..." barely muttering out after breaking from my grief.
[Noctis]: "...No surrender to the cruel..."
"No solace against our wrath."
~ Narrator's POV ~
Howling. That's what halted Kiba's and Koneko's movements. They turn to the sound and see Takeo down on his knees. Crying with a dead girl in his arms. Who wouldn't? That's when they notice a group of priests armed with blades creeping close. They try to reach him, but were interrupted by more of them. Even in all the commotion, they can scarcely hear Takeo out. He muttered something, then was joined by another voice. The two look around to see who it was but found no one new that has joined the scene. Then both voices combine to chant out a line.
A flash of purple scorches the room in vibrant light. Blinding everyone unfortunate enough to look in that direction. Kiba was the first to recover, along with Koneko. What they saw rooted them to the floor. Takeo still stood there, with Asia in his arms. Only something felt wrong. He was venting killing intent heavy enough to smother everyone in the room. A specter loomed over him in an unfamiliar armor that almost looked organic in some spots underneath the plates. A katana with a white handle in both the specter's and Takeo's hand. Blood dripping down the former's blade. Blood from the three that tried to ambush them, who are a head short.
'He didn't budge an inch and they just dropped dead?!' Kiba thought to himself. Takeo gets up, leaving the lifeless body on a table under the cross. He walks down the flight of stairs, deathly calm. Eyes glowing silver, void of any emotion. The spectral ghost disappeared but the intent and aura still present, if not palpable in the air.
'Nothing.' Koneko was terrified at the expression Takeo wore. Most of the priest try to put on a brave front, even with their legs shaking. One of them works the courage to run straight at him with a battle cry.
SWISH!
The sword of light hits the floor, completely missing the target. No, the target moved, but where? Koneko looked around and was shocked at where she found her comrade. Right behind the Father who took Asia's Sacred Gear! Takeo sheathes his katana with a click, and the priest that attacked separated in half down the middle! The Father looks stunned, barely noticing Takeo stood right behind him. He turns around but Takeo already vanished.
'Where?!' Koneko couldn't even smell his scent anywhere in the room.
A scream heard, a life taken when Takeo slashed down a priest. He doesn't stop as he disappears instantly to his next victim. Then another in a fluid motion. He flings the scabbard behind, impaling one from the force. Happening in speeds incomprehensible to even a trained eye. Takeo kept killing in a single stroke while teleporting to the next, at one point he took a group in one slash. Now he does something no one in their right mind would do. He flings the katana like a boomerang! Shockingly the blade spins around on an axis, slicing through enemies in a circular motion in the room. Takeo catches the blade and rams it back into the scabbard that is still occupying a man's guts. He pulls the weapon sheathed out of the corpse and walks to the Father.
'What was that? We couldn't even keep up with his movements!' Kiba couldn't form words, not without stuttering over them. Koneko wouldn't blame him, as she just stayed silent to prevent her from babbling herself. As Takeo closes in, Koneko sensed a new group of presence similar to the ones that they met back at the hunt, and at the entrance. Reaper Ghouls, colored white and red, scythes set ablaze and bone rushing him from every possible blind spot.
She should be helping, but after seeing what happened, she thought it was unnecessary. Kiba had to agree, he considered himself pretty fast but Takeo moved like something not of this earth; no wasted movements, no traces of his presence, not even a sound when he steps.
Everything went into slow motion for Takeo when the scythes closed in. He bats them away with his sword still in its home, and began to draw the blade out a quarter of the way. The first to die was in the middle of the air as it split in half like the first priest in the last fight. The blade swats off another assault of scythes and he spins in a crescent arc, slicing through the group in one strike. He sheaths the sword when a next batch comes up to the plate.
One swings downward, Takeo dodges and smacks it with the pommel. He draws his attention on another as he counters a slash, trips it with the scabbard, somersaulting it into a horizontal slash separating torso from legs. Another brings its weapon up to defend, but Takeo cuts through the staff and its wielder. He dashes to another, tripping it again and slashing outward. He makes short work of another before parrying a scythe from a second attacker, twirling its wielder into a third body and cutting both of them down.
A third group makes it appearance. Takeo doesn't bother systematically cutting them down. Instead lashing out with his sword in godlike speed, tearing through everything in his wake. The bodies drop dead as he sheaths his sword again. The only people left standing is Kiba, Koneko, Takeo, and the Father.
BOOM!
Kiba and Koneko look to see the Father change shape. What once was a man of the cloth exiled, now stood something like a primate, with black fur, dark skin, scar down its face, and a deformity where his nose normally would be. Or lack there of. The monster stood rather tall for something in this room. It screams in rage against Takeo. He wasn't even looking at the monster when it transformed. Instead he commands in a low voice laced with death.
"...Give it back..." Takeo now looks at the beast. The katana disappears and a longsword took its place on his back.
The design was eerie. Separating the blade from the cross guard were a rib-like design. The cross guard itself bears semblances to bones. One side has a human skull while the other side has horns with a cackling skull. The pommel has several spikes coming out of it. Standing taller than its wielder yet he holds it effortlessly in one hand.
"...You will give it back..." he walks again to the mutation that was the Father.
The beast lashes out with a clawed hand. Takeo dodges out of the way and swings his sword around in a dizzying arc over his body, finishing in a diagonal slash. Not stopping there, he repeatedly stabs at the torso faster with each hit, finishing in a straight stinger. The monster swipes at him, still missing. Takeo takes this chance and spins his blade like a wind mill in his hands. Following up with an uppercut slash, sending the thing's legs on its knees. The monster swings at him again, but the hand comes clean off and lands with a thud. Its face at ground level, Takeo builds up energy in his sword until it shines a dark red with a black glow. He holds it in a reverse grip.
{Boost! X15} he swings the blade upward to rip out a wave of demonic power, slashing through the body and the wall behind it. The aftermath left the monster's body thudding one time on the ground then another for the other half.
It's over. The walls and the floor painted blood and black with the lives of priests, ghouls, and whatever the monstrosity was of a man. A green light floats in the air, and it comes to Takeo with his palms open to receive it. He looks at it for a moment. The wrathful grip subsided in him only to be replaced with self loathing, and he walked to Asia. He picks up and carries her like a parent would a child. Kiba and Koneko didn't know how to approach him. They're hoping their comrade is still there, not the vengeful killer a few minutes ago. Takeo turns to them, and they tense up.
~ Takeo's POV ~
"We should get out of here...I already hate being in here." I say absently, cradling Asia in my arms. I look at Kiba and Koneko. Both are shell shocked at the display I put on. Can't wait to explain this to the others.
"...U-Um of course, Takeo-san." Kiba agrees, Koneko nods. We exit the room, and went to walking down the dark path in silence. After climbing up the stairs, the sanctuary is still void of life. I rest Asia on one of the pew and slump on the ground with my back against the end of the same pew. A minute of silence later I let out a croak.
"...it's not fair..." I mutter, tears brimming to fall. "All she wanted was a friend. Instead...she had to live a life of hardships...and now...this?" curling up, and burying my head in my arms and knees. "Pitiful. One minute I'm a merciless killer wiping out a room of enemies, the next I'm a broken down child that couldn't save a single person." berating myself.
[Ddraig]: "By the time we got to the chamber, there wasn't much we could have done. You did the best you could and at least the Father won't be causing more harm to others."
[Noctis]: "Yet it wasn't enough. What good is power if we couldn't stop all this from happening to begin with? What are we because of it?! Worthless! Because we couldn't even keep a promise to a girl..."
I didn't recognize the arms that wrap me up at first as I still held my head down.
"That maybe, but what we see in ourselves and what we choose to see it as are two different things." The voice was my only indicator to who it was. I look up with mournful eyes and she cups my face. "Right now I see my cute servant that cares too much not for himself, but for others." she helps me up off the ground.
"Do you have her Sacred Gear?" I nod and held it in front of me. She pulls a chess piece in the same color as her crimson hair. "Your well aware of how this works?" I nod again. She smiles, offering her hand and I place the Sacred Gear in her palm. I watch as she places the Twilight Healing and the Bishop piece on Asia's chest.
"On my name as Rias Gremory, I order. You, Asia Argento, to resurrect back as my servant, as a Devil. My Bishop, rejoice in your new found life!" both the chess piece and Twilight Healing enters her body.
Rias confirming the process was a success with a breath. I look expectantly, a few seconds later her eyes flutter. I held a breath when her eyes were fully open and she let out a confused sound.
"As her Senior Devil, you'll be looking after her from now on. So take good care of her~."
"...Takeo-san?" I simply hug her, which confuses her even more.
"We're heading home, Asia." I'm never leaving your side. We get up and walk out of the church following Rias. The first sight that welcomes me is Akeno, Raynare, and Donaseek standing over the other two females who were in a seiza position.
"Oh, kid! Took you long enough to get done! Everything all right?" Donaseek asks merrily.
"As well as it can. I figured you and everyone else would report this to Azazel by now."
"Well we'd figured since we caused you so much trouble. You would be the one to decide our fate, and we will abide by it." Raynare adds.
"If that's the case, I'll put in a good word to your boss. I've had enough death for one night." I answer while noticing Kiba and Koneko wincing at the memory in the chamber.
"We can't thank you enough, Takeo. Even with everything that has happened." Raynare bows her head, along with Donaseek, Kalawarner, and that chick I don't even know still. I wave it off.
"Think nothing of it. Just...just try to good. Words go a long way, though actions help prove it." They all nod. I turn to the Lolita and older chick. "Mind if I ask your names?"
"M- Mittelt..."
"...I guess if we're getting introductions out of the way. Name's Kalawarner." she rubs the back of her head.
"You already know me, so don't forget it." Donaseek smirks.
"Don't worry, I won't forget. In any case, it nice to get a formal introduction out of the way. Hopefully if we see each other again, it'll be under better circumstances." we say our good byes and they fly off. Everyone from the club began heading down the path together, and stood waiting for me and Asia to catch up. I offer a hand to her and she takes it, smiling innocently. This is how we added a new member to Rias's peerage. And a new friend.
~ Time Skip: Morning ~
I peer out of squinting eyes, scanning my room for that nagging feeling at my head. I look to the side to realize that Raynare is sleeping while holding onto my arm. Raynare. Is sleeping. In my bed...!
Reciting the ABCs backwards Takeo, maybe it's just a figment of your pent up stress and you needed something to relax to. Z...Y...X...
Few seconds later I finished and open my eyes...nope.
Violet t-shirt wearing, black shorts wearing Raynare. Hair spilling on her back had an allure to it and I had to admit it was something worth staying for. Shame its a school day, I wouldn't mind sleeping in for a little longer.
[Ddraig]: "At least you're taking an interest in women. You haven't really had the chance to do something simple like have a relationship"
'It's not like I have much chances. And I always had an interest in women, just never time or interest in relationships. Those tend to get shot down with my work...and myself.'
[Noctis]: "True enough. Hope there will be a day when it won't be a problem."
I mull it over for a bit. Maybe one day. For now that day isn't today, it's time for school, and I have to deal with this predicament. I gently shake her on the shoulder. She doesn't wake up. I shake her again, this time she wraps her arms around my neck and rest her chin on my shoulder. Her chest pressing against mine. Wait a minute she's not wearing a bra?! Heat went crashing from the contact to my lower areas. Maou give me no morning wood, please! I lean in to whisper teasingly.
"Raynare-chan~ wake up~ your naughty friend wants to take you against the wall~"
I felt myself pinned down to the bed to see Raynare staring at me with a blush. She circles her fingers on my chest, trailing down to my abs, tracing each line, then ghosting them to my waist. Vexed by the sudden moment, I was absently stroking her thigh gently before gripping her behind and flipping her on her back. With her on bottom, she held both hands out to my body, not to reject, but to hold onto. I lean down in her ear again.
"Better luck next time~." I kiss her on the forehead and get off her.
"What? That's it?" turning towards her while pulling off my shirt. She blushes even darker.
"Raynare I am a slow sadistic kind of a tease, so this comes naturally." getting into my uniform quickly. "Besides that, why are you here? I don't mind you visiting me, but I would have to be conscious for that to apply."
"I wanted to surprise you." well it worked. But for what? "My orders from Azazel-sama were to restrengthen relations between Devils and Fallen Angels."
Orders for relations building between Devils and...that's new. I turned around to notice she's wearing the girls uniform for Kuou now. Where did she...
"...Raynare why are you wearing that?"
"Well I can't do my assignment if I don't go to school now, can I?" her assignment? The relations building? Azazel what are you thinking, sending a Fallen Angel to a school primarily run by Devil?
"Well, I hope the other don't bite your head off for it. Come on then, I need to attend a club meeting in a few minutes."
The both of us completely clothed in our uniforms, breakfast in our bellies, and left for school. Luck of the draw there still isn't people that live in my area that have to pass by my house to arrive at school. Though it's offset by the looks we've been getting when we're walking to the entrance.
We part ways after telling her where the Teacher's Office is so she can find her schedule for classes and I can go ahead to the ORC.
I enter the club-room to see Rias is the only one in the room.
"Ara. Good morning Takeo." she's sitting in her desk, drinking tea and ever looking so calm.
"Morning, Buchou." I take a seat on the sofa.
"I see you're no worse for wear. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to cut classes."
"Nah, I can bounce back quickly. So, Raynare is coming to school now. You're okay with this?"
"I don't mind. Provided she doesn't cause too much trouble. When she came to me with her orders, I had to run it through with Sona and the headmaster. Suffice to say they were shocked by it but they approved. Which is why I'm hoping you can keep an eye on her as she is going to live in your house." that will end well. "I've been meaning to ask. Are you going to be alright? Staying in this peerage I mean?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" she looks at me confused. "You thought I would just up and leave after finishing my business?" I arch an eyebrow, crossing my arms.
"I suppose not. Though I would assume after helping Raynare and Asia, at some point you would resent being here."
"Why would I resent being here? I'm enjoying my time here with everyone, and I can find reasons for staying here like a few I have now."
"So you found something to stay for?"
"Of course. I'm staying to become the strongest Pawn you can be proud of." declaring a promise to be the Ultimate Pawn for everyone in this group.
She smiles at this while getting up from her desk and stands in front of me. She leans closer to press her lips pressing softy on my forehead and heat flushed my face from the action.
"That's quite the declaration there. Sure you can back it up?" Rias pulls back, smiling affectionately.
"Is that kiss a good luck charm?" she nods. "Then I definitely will." I grin back.
"I would love to keep adoring you further. Though the girls will get jealous." girls? Who? I turn around to see Asia trying to smile, though distraught. Raynare is barely holding it in with a pout. Ah...those girls.
"I-It makes sense...Rias-buchou is a very beautiful woman, so even Takeo-san would have an interest towards her...no, no, no! I can't think like that! Oh lord, please for-" before she could finish the prayer, Raynare placed her hand on Asia's mouth who almost completed the sentence.
"You can't Asia. Your a Devil now so prayers hurt you." Raynare lets out a sigh jokingly and lets go. Asia's slump her shoulders down with a troubled expression.
"Any regrets, Asia?" Rias asks. Asia shakes her head.
"I might not be able to pray. I can still be happy as long as I'm with Takeo-san." one silver lining from all this.
"Must say, Asia. You look good in the uniform. So you're going to this school like Raynare?" looking up and down at her uniform
"Y-Yes! Rias-buchou was kind enough to enroll me in the same class as you." she blushes at the compliment while explaining. So she's going to be in my class, huh?
"I'm also going to be in your class as well~! Though you'll have to call me Yuuma~." Raynare adds. I guess I'll be keeping a very literal eye on them.
"Takeo, they'll be starting classes in a few days. So you'll be looking after them when they begin." with that, I'm tasked as the guardians of these two. As we converse, Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno enter the room.
"Good morning Buchou, Takeo-kun, Asia-san, Raynare-san."
"...Good morning Buchou, Takeo-senpai, Asia-senpai, Raynare-senpai."
"I hope everyone's morning is well Buchou, Takeo-kun, Asia-chan, Raynare-san."
Everyone greets us, even Raynare- well Yuuma, same people I suppose. There isn't any bad blood between us now. It's nice, being in a group like this.
"With everyone here, we can get this party underway~!" Rias snaps her fingers. A chocolate cake appears on the table. That's a huge cake! "Since we're admitting in new members. I...I made something for us all." she admits cutely. With a cheer, we take a slice.
I look out the window, noticing a bird perched on the tree. The bird's feathers appear as if on fire with reds, yellows and oranges. A phoenix? What's it doing here? It's staring into the room, I track its eyes, and it's looking at Rias. Without anyone noticing, I slip out of the building.
Appearing next to the bird, I grab it by its legs and jump down the tree. It struggles to break free as I dangle it upside down.
"I wonder if there's an oven in the club house..." the bird panics and disappears in a burst of flames. Yep, someone's keeping tabs on Rias. I don't like the bastard already. He better hope I never meet him.