Welcome to the next chapter!

yogaratw607; Thanks for the peerage suggestions!

Bloodedge 20; Thanks, glad that you liked it! Yeah, she'd be interesting, thanks for the suggestion!

Darkwubs; Thanks! Yeah, Kuroka was. Glad you liked that. Yeah, Vali and Naota are building a good relationship with one another. Sounds like an interesting power. Yeah, they'd work as fiancees. Cool nicknames, thanks for the suggestions!

shephawk; Thanks for the peerage and harem suggestions! Yeah, it would be interesting to see characters like that fall for someone who has True Longinus.

Rider126; Naota's gonna have some male friends. The appearance is as it is in the LN's.

ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! Yeah, Vali and Naota found common ground and came together. Vali is going to work quite hard. Yeah, Diodora and Zephyrdor's plans did the exact opposite that they intended for. Naberius has some stuff up his sleeve which we shall soon see. Thanks for the peerage and harem suggestions!

Silver crow; Thanks! Yeah, that's how they are. Yeah, Naota is quite knowledgeable. Riser will be quite angry yeah. Serafall and Naota have a close relationship. True Longinus does have an effect like that on others. The Phenex wont be happy. I've watched the movie yeah. Its really good, I quite like it. Thanks for the harem suggestions. Ophis and Naota will meet at some point. Zekram has quite the political stance. Thanks for the peerage suggestions. Yeah, its hard to say which is my favourite, they were all pretty interesting. Sounds good for a Balance Breaker. Sounds good to me.

Guest 1; Thanks for the peerage suggestions! Yeah, he could have wings like that. His Balance Breaker will have some fun abilities to play around with. He could be.

Guest 2; Sounds interesting for a fic idea. Having those together would be a deadly combo for sure. Interesting background. Sounds good for his personality. Intriguing relationships. Yeah, they'd be cool powers. Good nicknames. Yeah, he could wield those swords like that, thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 3; Thanks for the peerage suggestions! Yeah, Truth Idea would. His bloodline shall be revealed pretty soon.

Guest 4; Cool pokemon idea. Ralts is a good pokemon to have. That would be cool to travel around with. Interesting team to have. Yeah, they could do, thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 5; Thanks!

Guest 6; Xenovia and Naota having a combo like that would be pretty cool.

Akeno fan; Vali has done yeah. Ravel did yeah, but she and Naota are gonna be getting along now. Kuroka and Shirone will be meeting Naota pretty soon. Thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 7; Thanks for the harem suggestions!

Guest 8; Yeah, Naota could do that. That is quite true.

With those reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!


Chapter 3

Running…

It was easy to do that when you have reasons to run as fast as you can.

This occasion called for, and right now, a young girl, definitely did have a reason for doing it.

She was being hunted, and attacked.

"Please, leave me alone!"

She'd call out as she dodged trees in the dense woodland she had found herself in.

The young girls name, is Akeno Himejima.

But they wouldn't stop.

She would be attacked, and attacked, and it never seemed to stop.

Even now, as she yelled that out, she was dodging an attack that contained magical energies.

Shinto in fact.

She worryingly managed to dodge it, and aimed her hand backwards.

In an attempt to protect herself, she called "Holy Lightning!" which released a burst of power that eclipsed her hand, and her lightning which contained the power of holy, came firing forward, and doused the enemy in her power.

The enemy was shocked, and a tailsman came flying off of their clothing as they slammed hard into the ground.

"You cursed girl!"

"How dare you attack Himejima?!"

"You shall die!"

The young girl tearfully held her body as she sent bolts of lightning through the trees. Pushing her powers, she managed to cause some of the trees to collapse behind her, so it would stall the enemies even for a few moments.

That's all she needed, and she used her feet to carry her away from this land.

Though she knew it would only be a matter of time before she was caught.

It didn't register with her, as she could only think of her mother in her mind, and that thought managed to carry her forward.

She wished to live, and she knew her mother would feel the same…


Meanwhile, Naota and Vali together travelled towards the home of Naberius.

Because of the hunch that Naota had, and the digging into the places the chimeras showed up, Naota was distinctively getting information that kept leading him back to Naberius.

"So this Naberius guy, is he the enemy? And is he strong?"

"Potentially, and I have no idea of his strength."

Naota answered her questions in order, Vali folded her arms, as they arrived at a large castle.

"Big castle, probably has a lot of secrets inside."

"I heard that he's a bit of an egomaniac, so who knows what he is going to be like. He has the stuck up ways that other High Class Devils can have, Serafall-sama told me as much. So expect that if it should happen."

Vali let out a breath.

"Came across my fair share of them, nothing new to me."

Naota lightly laughed, as the pair went to the door.

Naota was the one to knock.

Soon enough, the door opened, revealing Naberius himself stood there.

A look of uneasy passed through his eyes, as he went immediately to Naota.

"...What are you doing on my property?"

As he said it, Naota immediately detected more worry than usual in his voice.

Pure Blooded Devils for the most part always seemed to have some apprehension when it came to Naota, so now seeing this man's, he could tell it was simply more than his mere presence, cluing Naota into what was going on.

"Well, I guess we don't have to waste time with introductions then. Naberius-san, I'm looking into situations that also coincide with your owned locations. Both in the human world, and in the Underworld. One such case also involved the House of Sitri, who were attacked by an unnatural chimera creature. Along with that, several of these unnatural creatures have shown up in a number of locations, some being your very own land. Care to comment on them perhaps?"

Naberius looked on, Vali noticed that he was beginning to shake ever so slightly.

Naota also noticed it, but chose to not comment on it, just yet.

"And this has what to do with me? I reported those incidents already. And as far as I'm aware, there have been other territories that have been attacked. So why have you darkened my doorway?"

"Indeed, but each territory that was attacked, curiously received a visit from you, or a member of your peerage, before the incident occurred. I was wondering, what connections those would have? And also, why those trips weren't reported to the Devils society. I think making trips to others lands would need a certain kind of permission. Like a Maou's estate perhaps?"

Naota gave him daring eyes, while Naberius felt his heart beating rapidly in his chest.

But he tried to calm his heart little by little, while seeing Naota before him which was difficult for him to contemplate.

"...I don't know what you're trying to pull half breed, but you're not pinning anything on me. And if I were you, I'd stay out of others businesses."

"Good thing you're not me then."

Naota countered, causing Naberius to breathe in slowly.

"Tch, you don't know anything. Keep your nose out of my business, and I might not report this."

Hearing the threat, Naota held back his bemusement, deciding to keep a straight face, and shrugged his shoulders.

"Go ahead, report it. And I'll report exactly where you've been, Naberius. Go ahead, I'm waiting."

Challenging him directly, Naberius could feel the weight of it pressing down on his body.

He looked worried, and unsure.

He looked as if he was going to drop into a large body of water with no way out.

"Get off my property! Right now scum!"

Naberius snapped, as he wasn't able to think of any other way to deal with this.

Naota lightly laughed, and turned his back to Naberius.

"See you later, Naberius."

With that, Naota and Vali walked off, leaving Naberius to feel worried about what was going to happen now.

Though he knew deep down, what he needed, and that was the girls he had been targeting, his mind briefly going to their faces in his mind, thinking "Those damn Nekomata's shall be mine, even if I have to force it. Before this half breed gets wind of them, afterwards I'll leave here, and continue my research..." as he tightened his hand, as no matter what, he wouldn't bow down to anyone, no matter what, and especially those girls, and now a half Devil like Naota, he wouldn't allow it.


Vali and Naota made it away from the Naberius estate, with Naota seeing the confusion on Vali's face.

"What's wrong Vali-san?"

"What are our plans now? Did you find anything out from that?"

Naota could see why she would think that, so he began explaining his own thoughts.

"I was able to ascertain a few things yeah. For one, he most likely is involved, as I spoke about the connections, I could see the fear growing in his eyes, and how he became more combative as I spoke about the recent places he could have been. Also, we distracted him while I had something's prepared."

"Distracted? And what did you have prepared?"

Vali looked momentarily confused, so Naota cleared it up.

"Yeah, while we were talking with Naberius, I asked someone to do a favour for me."

Naota revealed, with Vali looking curiously.


Soon enough, entering their vision, was Serafall, who did a forward flip, and then bowed majestically.

"Here I am! Your Magical Girl Detective!" Serafall winked at Vali, who felt complicated whenever in the presence of Serafall. "Nao-chan, I looked around, but I couldn't find much, though I did find some things that he had been delving into recently. I made some quick scans of them with my phone~ I'll send them to you~ He tried to hide them and everything, but I quickly got around his little security measures and then put it back exactly how it was so he is none the wiser~ In case he would try and inform, if anyone, who could be helping him~"

Naota didn't have any doubt, he could see Serafall accomplishing this rather swiftly.

"Thank you. Seems like you're excellent at infiltration Serafall-sama."

Vali raised a brow.

"Infiltration huh."

"Yeah, while we kept him busy, I had Serafall-sama check a place under his control. We also have to find out if he has partners, and how far it goes. Though, I am grateful for her to take time out to meet with me like this."

Naota explained, Serafall winked at Vali, who cringed as a response.

"Nao-chan is a smarty alright~ Solid plan, and I'm totally fine with it, anything in the name of justice!" Vali looked on with half lidded eyes, trying to work Serafall out. "Though I couldn't find anything about what he's been up too, I did find some stuff that was off the books, places that he had acquired without many peoples knowledge. Places in the human world as well, out of the eyes of the Devils."

"Wonderful, we'll go over these, and see if there's anything that stands out."

Vali was impressed, folding her arms in some delight.

"Even having swayed the Maou to your side. You've got quite the connection, Naota."

Naota beamed at Vali, as he did the peace sign.

"Of course, Serafall-sama and I are very close~"

Vali looked on curiously, as Serafall leaned to Naota.

"Nao-chan, remember what you promised~?"

Naota shuddered at her sweet singsong like voice, to the worry of Vali.

"…Yes, I recall."

"Great!" Serafall bounced up, and produced her magical staff. "Say, think we can get Vali-chan in on this? We need all of the support we can get~"

Vali looked confused

"What are you trying to get me on?"

Naota lightly laughed, and continued to Vali.

"Aah, Vali-san in that outfit would be cute. She'd be a Magical Girl with the iron will~" Vali pulled back, even more curious. "But yes, I recall what I promised. I'll do the photo shoot with you Serafall-sama, and be a Magical Boy for a day."

"Yay! I can't wait! Magical boy Nao-chan! Aren't you excited!?"

"Super excited~"

Naota said with a small and soft smile on his face, causing Serafall to feel content.


A while later, Naota was sat together with Sona, out in the middle of a field. Alongside her, was a friend of Sona's and by extension Naota's as well.

It was a cute girl with long red head, and possessing a keen sense of adventure, the young girl showed an appeasing expression on her face.

Her name is Rias Gremory.

"Nice to meet you." Rias began with a strong smile on her face. "My name is Rias Gremory."

"Aah, nice to meet you Gremory-sama."

Rias waved her hand.

"Rias, please."

Naota gave amused eyes.

"Rias-sama then. Its a pleasure. I'm currently guarding Sona-sama, but you don't seem to be a threat." He said it with a straight face, though internally he chuckled, upon seeing Rias giving a sideways glance. "Regardless, its nice to meet one of Sona-sama's friends. She's told me a lot about you. Like how you love the idea of free love. Ufu, it seems someone is going to be a very excitable person in the future~"

Sona cracked a small smile, Rias gives bemused eyes.

"Definitely. And Sona has told me about you, and while I am curious, for now I wont ask many questions."

"No, ask away. I don't mind."

Naota said with a grin, Rias was rather happy he was an open person.

Sona glances at Naota, seeing that he was reading through some documents that he had printed off on his phone.

"What are you reading, Naota-san?"

"Stuff your Onee-sama got from Naberius's, I think he's doing something rather dodgy. He's got a lot of documents though, I'm sure Serafall-sama worked so hard and fast to get images of all of these...still, its a lot of crap. Most of it seems pretty nothing, mostly endeavours he's done, which I don't think coincide with what we're investigating. Still, you never know."

Sona looked intrigued, Rias tilts her head.

"Sorry, I'm new to the party. Naberius is doing something dodgy, with what?"

"Aah, its to do with some chimera looking creatures that have been showing up. Here and there, they've caused some panic in the Low Class and Middle Class Devil communities, so its been something that others haven't necessarily picked up on. But now that I'm getting somewhere, I don't know where yet but for sure, I'm getting somewhere quickly."

Rias had to admire that he seemed to be really an intriguing boy.

"Say, it seems that you love the idea of mysteries. I have one if you'd like to hear it?"

Sona gave quizzing eyes.

"That unidentified signature that could be a Fallen Angel?"

Sona wondered, Rias nods.

"It seems that it isn't a huge problem right now, but something tells me there is more than meets the eye." Naota looked confused, so Rias filled him in. "You see, I have been having what appears to be some kind of Fallen Angel appear in the lands of those connected to me and those in my family in the human world. But its been tricky to track them down. I don't wish to bother my Onii-sama, since right now it isn't a major issue. Still, I'd like to understand what's going on."

Naota rubbed under his chin.

"So, you're having difficulty tracking down a Fallen Angel?"

"Exactly. They haven't posed any sort of problem personally. However, we have had sightings of humans tracking this Fallen Angel as well. These humans-"

"Sacred Gear wielders?"

Naota posed, but Rias shook her head.

"As far as I'm aware, no. If anything, there's been unconfirmed reports that they belong to magical heritage. If they're Japanese, or what have you hasn't been discerned just yet."

Naota tilted his head in thought.

"I see, and they're hunting this Fallen Angel huh?"

"Yes."

Rias answered straight away, Naota began to wonder about a few things, and he also hoped that if it came down to it, there could be an interesting challenge.

"Well, since I haven't seen it personally, I can't say for sure where they'd be. But, if I were you, I'd get out a map, and mark out the locations they have previously visited. Afterwards, from that, you'd probably be able to notice details they do, what patterns they follow, and what they'd need to do next. I do find it odd that the Fallen Angel hasn't simply teleported out of there if no nefarious things have been reported, I'd have to conclude that they either don't know how to do it, or they can't for whatever reason."

Rias thought his words were rather insightful, and she could see the merit of doing what he was saying.

"Yes...Yes, I see what you mean…"

"And if that failed, then perhaps employ someone with good tracking abilities. Plus finding out these humans, perhaps making contact with them would be the best way."

Rias gave an optimistic smile.

"Yes, thank you Naota-san."

"Not at all, glad to help. If you need anymore advice or assistance, don't hesitate to call. In fact, here." Naota pulled out one of his cards, and passed it onto Rias, with a bemused Sona looking on. "My card, it has on the back what I do, and if you like my service, please don't hesitate to tell your friends."

Sona lifts her lips upwards.

"Selling yourself again Naota-san?"

"Naturally~ Gotta get my unique brand out there~"

Rias looked at the card, and then flipped it over to see the services that he provided.

She looked rather pleased, then placed the card away.

"Thank you very much, I'll keep that in mind."

Naota nods strongly, but then exhales.

"Hmmm, the more I think about it, I am becoming more curious. Can you give me the details on where the first sightings would be?"

Rias could see a fiery passion in his eyes, she was rather curious about it.

"Of course, but I'm not interrupting anything you're doing?"

"Its alright, it will take a little time to go through these documents anyway, and Serafall-sama said she'd help me."

Sona gives intrigued eyes.

"If its going over documents, I'm quite a fast reader, so if you'd like me to go over them for you Naota-san, I don't mind. Besides, Rias on this problem is causing her more worry than she's letting on. Not in a negative sense, but she wishes to see what's going on."

Naota gives a thankful nod.

"Aah, thank you fiancee~ I'll definitely repay you~"

Sona did a spit take, Rias gained a wide smirk.

"Sona, you never said. Congratulations on your engagement~"

Sona gives a flustered cute look, while Naota and Rias lightly laugh with one another.


Later on Naota had been searching various places that Rias had sent to him where the supposed girl had been.

As Naota was checking the various locations of the attacks, Naota together with Vali came to a dense woodland area.

Surveying the area, Naota looked at various places, including seeing some trees that had been blown down, or rather, blasted down.

"I can sense a faint holy power here."

Vali raised a brow.

"Holy Sword?"

She posed, but Naota wasn't so sure.

"I don't know, it feels different to that kind of power...and these burn marks across the trees, it seems different to what a Holy Sword would do. In fact, it seems like some kind of...maybe fire, or lightning."

"Holy Fire or Holy Lightning huh."

"Well, if this is a Fallen Angel, then there is a famous one that possesses Holy Lightning. That would fit into everything Rias-sama gave me to work with so far."

"Who is that? Are they strong?"

"The man's name is Baraqiel, and he's famous for having Holy Lightning that can kill a High Class Devil in one strike, and wound an Ultimate Class Devil, number one in terms of damage output among the Fallen Angel's, I believe."

Vali looked rather impressed.

"If that man's here, wouldn't the area be a little more destroyed?"

Naota inclined his head.

"My thoughts exactly. See here, there's only really like three trees that have been damaged. If it was Baraqiel in some kind of fight, I'd imagine the area would have more destructive battlefield. It still could be him, though like you I'm leaning on more of the no side…"

"If not him, anyone else have Holy Lightning?"

That made Naota ponder for a small time.

While doing so, Vali came across a tailsman on the ground.

She picked it up, and looked over the symbols.

"Naota, here."

Naota turned fully to her, and leaned closer.

He inspected the tailsman up close and personal, looking at the symbols, and furrowed his brows.

"Hmmmm, I wonder…."

Vali raised a brow.

"Know what this is?"

"Its the kind of tailsman used by those related to Shinto magic I believe…or perhaps Buddhist magic...but, if it is either of those...in Japan...and Holy Lightning...why does that sound so familiar…?"

Going through his mind for any kind of connection the best that he could do, Vali casually looked around.

A minute later, Naota clicked his fingers.

"Yeah...yeah, that could be it…"

"Hm? Figure something out?"

"Yeah, think so. If I'm right...then, this is, the Himejima. A clan from the Five Principal Clans that have their powers rooted in the Shinto. I recall Baraqiel had some kind of connection with that clan, and while I'd have to refresh my memory, I recall some kind of incident happening...aah, now lets head back Vali-san. We've got some researching to do."

Vali looked intrigued, folding her arms as she was interested in this clan.

At least, she thought that they'd be able to give her a decent fight.

As they began to leave, a small Shikigami perched itself on top of a tree, its eyes focused upon Naota and Vali...


That night, Naota was currently in the middle of going over some research he had, while Sona came into the room.

His eyes shifted towards her, seeing her curious expression.

"Ah, I found you Naota-san."

"Aah, Sona-sama. Something I can do for you?"

"Actually, yes. I've been researching through those documents you and Onee-sama got, and I think you're right." Naota became focused, and watched as Sona approached, sitting down nearby. "I can't confirm anything so far, but there's been several unreported payments towards various people. One being to some humans who's names I haven't ascertained yet. Though, it was delivered to a remote part of the human world, that as far I have been made away, no humans really occupy."

Naota mused within his mind on what Sona said, all the while continued the conversation.

"Could be a hidden base perhaps?" Naota wondered, Sona nods slowly. "That's great, gives us something to go on."

"Indeed, and your situation?"

Naota showed a strong smile and presented some information to Sona.

Sona looked over it, while Naota began explaining.

"I actually have found out who it is that Rias-sama is searching for. I'm going to inform Rias-sama tomorrow."

Sona looked impressed.

"You found out then? Rias is going to be pleased. Knowing who it is, the line of communications can be opened."

"Yeah, you're right~ Though, with how they wish the girl dead, its going to be difficult to see what resolution comes of it."

Sona put on a complicated face.

"I see what you mean. Still, Rias is going to be happy. Thank you for doing this, I know you've got other things to deal with. Not just Naberius and the likes, you've also got to deal with the increasing animosity of a good number of Devils."

"True, but this girl takes priority right now. Since she is the one being targeted, the sooner we find her, the better. And I might have a way to find her. From my research, the guy that's following her isn't pleasant."

Sona became intrigued by how his skills in detective work.

Wondering more about Naota, she silently desired to see what would become of this…

But then she recalled something, and pulled out a letter.

"Ooh yes, this came for you, Naota-san."

Naota became intrigued, and opened the letter, becoming rather astonished when he began reading it...


The next day came, and Rias was casually sat within her dining room drinking some tea, when she saw that a maid came to the doorway.

"Rias-sama, you have a guest. The young man known as Naota."

"Ooh, I see. Please, send him in."

The maid bowed, and soon enough, Naota came walking in with a small smile.

He pulled out a file, and passed it towards Rias who looked on with intrigue.

"This is?"

"This, is the person that you've been following. A girl named Akeno, from the Himejima clan. She is half Fallen Angel, half human. Possesses the ability of Holy Lightning."

Rias looked astonished, peering into the file to see Akeno herself. A grainy but clear image of the young girl.

"You found all that out?"

Impressed with what he did, Rias gave a strong smile as he continued.

"Went to a few of the places she visited together with Vali-chan, and by chance found a tailsman on the ground, and after doing a little digging, came across this interesting girl. It seems that over a year ago now, she lost her mother. While its mostly kept hush hush on how the incident went down, the fact that the Himejima clan are chasing after her, I think putting two and two together would explain what's going on here."

Rias rubbed her chin, impressed with what Naota had managed to gather on his own.

"Astonishing, so she's the girl. And she lost her mother...wait, hunted? By her own clan?"

"She's half Fallen Angel, to them she is most likely some kind of abomination. The Himejima clan are apart of one of five clans that are blessed by the Shinto, and therefore, a Fallen Angel...well, I don't have to tell you how it would go."

Rias could understand that well.

"Yes, I can see why it would be like that. Still, this poor girl is being hunted by her own clan, and she lost her mother, most likely to being killed by them. Her father?"

"In the Grigori. I don't know what the circumstances are around their relationship, why they aren't together. Perhaps she is in a place right now he simply couldn't reach. I can't say for certain."

After confirming that, Rias slowly nods her head.

"This is wonderful information. Now that we know of her, and what she looks like, I did as you have been suggesting, and planned a map of the locations she could be escaping towards."

Naota this time was intrigued, moving towards her right hand side, and looked down at the map Rias brought out.

He scanned over it, before chuckling lightly.

"Well, I can see you did a thorough job. I could see her being anywhere near there, it also makes sense why she simply didn't vanish, she is being hunted, and I assume any use of power would alert the Himejima hot on her trail."

Rias gives saddened eyes as she stares at the image of Akeno.

"Poor girl...I wish to help her. But what can we do? The Himejima, if they're this clan that has high authority, getting involved in that…"

Naota could see the compassion on Rias's face.

He was glad she was like that, showing she was the kind of Devil he'd definitely like for sure.

So he began posing his own thoughts to her.

"Hmmm, I see what you mean. But, this Akeno-san, she's an outsider to them now, I could see maybe bargaining with them, if you don't want to fight with them of course. That is an option and I could see it being a case where it might have to happen. It really is a curious situation we have found ourselves in."

Naota mused, Rias nods in agreement.

"Well, we will have to think, and I am going to try to contact this clan, now knowing who they are, and how they also entered the Devils land."

Naota lightly laughed.

"Good idea. Though if it comes down to it, I have a girl that would be more than delighted to have a fight. Even then, I think we might have a way out of this...in fact, I have some good ideas on potential locations..."

Rias looked curiously on, while Naota gives a knowing look.


Sometime after this, in another part of the human world, the young girl Akeno had finished waking up from a dream, when she heard the sound of something outside.

Startled by it, Akeno began to peer out of the little shrine she had found. Thankfully, for her, it was abandoned. So she didn't have to worry about running into any owner.

But what wasn't fortunate for her, was the fact that she felt a presence approaching her.

The sun gleamed towards her, as she slowly made her way outside.

She knew she needed to escape.

"Granduncle, he's going to be approaching any moment. Why can't I leave his grasp…? Why does he continue targeting me…?"

As she contemplated it, she caught the sight of one of the members of the Himejima in the large thick trees. Walking around them, they hadn't noticed Akeno yet, so she ducked down behind a tree, leaving the little shrine she had made.

It was an obvious target for anyone wishing to attack her, so she knew she had to run.

Therefore, using her ability to hide, she began making her way quietly, yet quickly, out of the forest she had found herself in.

Swiftly moving, she ducked in and around trees, until she found herself beginning to see an exit.

She knew behind her, the enemy was in hot pursuit for her, so she tried her best to escape.

But, it wasn't meant to be.

"...No…"

She felt something wrap around her as she was about to escape.

Akeno was forced to the ground, and she saw it was some kind of netting.

She knew instantly that it was some sort of magical netting, as it unnaturally bound her.

"I have found you." There was a single low-voice of a man echoing in her ears. "The cursed daughter born from our Himejima bloodline." From behind the trees, several people appeared carrying a staff. "The child that carries the blood of that black Angel. It has been a while, Akeno."

A voice with dignity says that to Akeno who was struggling to escape her bindings.

Those in robe like clothing make a path and the one who appears in front of Akeno is man who has passed his middle age. He takes his sedge-woven hat off, and looks at Akeno who is captured by the net. His eyes are filled with sadness.

"…Granduncle."

The man who appeared was called Suou Himejima, the young Akeno's own Granduncle.

"I won't let you escape now. I must get rid of Himejima's shame today. You understand me, right?"

As he said it, he bent down towards her.

Akeno continued fighting her bindings, she had eyes full of fear, and a face that said she didn't want to die.

Because she had a desire to survive, she said it directly to her Granduncle.

"…I simply want to live."

Even though she was rejected by the world around her, she still recalled her mother giving her life for her child, and Akeno never wanted to waste that opportunity to live. She didn't want to die, and simply waste anything she could.

Suou had a grief filled face, yet his eyes burned with fiery passion that caused Akeno to feel as that even with the conflicting feelings on his face, Suou wouldn't back down and he was going to end her life that day.

"Do you really think a half human with black wings will be able to experience the life of a normal person? In the past one year and six months, you should have realized it when you travelled to different areas. …You are a smart child after all. For a monster to attain the living style of a human, did you not come to realize that it isn't something you can achieve with an ordinary strength?"

Akeno felt her body beginning to seize up, and she looked fearful of those that would be targeting her.

Yet, her desire to live strove through, and she allowed her Holy Lightning to stream all around her. The netting binding her was being broken down, astonishing those with Suou, and Suou himself, who tightened his hand.

Akeno allowed her lightning to break free of her binding, and then she released a harsh wave of it for the enemies. She allowed it to strike between them, creating a shockwave that threw them off a good deal.

When the shockwave and power came for Suou however, he raised his staff, and destroyed the power of Akeno with his own spiritual power. Flames blessed by the Shinto God, he was able to defeat Akeno's attack, and then it travelled further, slamming harshly into the young girls body and forced her down into the ground.

"Argh..."

Akeno made a pained cry, while the other members with Suou commented on what was happening while glaring hatefully at Akeno.

"Damn! The power of her "Light and Thunder" is getting more powerful as days pass!"

"If we don't take her down quickly, we will be the ones getting killed eventually!"

The group begin pointing their staffs at Akeno, fully ready to shoot her down.

That's when, something astonishing Akeno happened.

"Oni!"

"Oni-ni!"

Small Oni came from the surrounding area, Akeno recalled having seem them previously, and now they had gone to protect her from the enemies.

But that also worried Akeno a good deal.

"Don't!"

Akeno desperately move her body and managed to get between them.

Wishing to protect them, Suou looked on with slight narrowing brows.

"…So you will protect the Onis huh. Looks like you have also inherited the blood from that girl Shuri." Suou points his staff at the young girl, and a power begins to gather. "I'm sorry, but this is the end for you. It seems like the black Angels aren't interfering. The least I can do is to send you off without any pain."

Akeno hated him.

She hated her situation.

But, she did have one request that she hoped he'd at least fulfil.

"…Please spare these small Onis."

"That is your request? I understand, they shall be spared if they do not interfere. You however..."

Suou raised his staff higher, and his power began to shine…


When suddenly, a white light shined brightly, which ripped through several trees, and slammed hard into the staff.

Suou was taken by surprise, seeing his staff shattering into several tiny pieces, and he was blown backwards by the shockwave, along with several others surrounding Akeno, keeping her safe.

Akeno was astonished to see what had happened, even Suou looked beyond shocked.

Landing before her, Naota grasping his spear, Vali brandishing her Dragon wings, and finally Rias who stood behind them.

Rias bent down towards Akeno, murmuring "Its okay, we're here now." causing Akeno confusion.

Suou gave suspicious eyes.

"...Who are you Devils…? No, only she is a Devil…" Suou looked at Rias. But then his eyes bewilderingly went towards Naota and Vali. "...You both also have Devil inside...but you aren't fully...I see now, you're both like this girl, aren't you? Fellow half breeds."

Akeno widened her eyes in surprise, while Naota twirled his spear, aiming the bladed point towards Suou.

Suou stared at the spear for a few moments, and right away, he began understanding what it was.

He knew this spear was highly dangerous. Even for a human like him who wouldn't be immediately hurt by the light, it still was a spear that held tremendous power, and was one that could cause him many problems, and the presence of the spear itself, sent shivers through him, and he ordered "Don't stare at the spear!" to his group, forcing their eyes away as they also felt a heavy weight upon them.

"Yeah, that's right. We've got some questions for this young girl, if you don't mind. In fact, we only really have one or two questions depending on her answers."

"I see, and what are you intending to do with her?"

"As I said, depends on what she answers. Regardless, it isn't anything outrageous like take her life, like you wish to do, Suou Himejima." Suou looked on with half lidded eyes, while Naota gave happy ones back. "Yes, I know who you are. And I know what you want. Now, you have two options. Cooperate, or we will have to do battle."

"Pick the latter, I'm itching for a fight."

Naota gave Vali curious eyes, seeing her looking battle ready.

Suou looked unsure, as Rias helped Akeno to her feet fully.

"You have the gull to say that to me. Though you maybe young and wield special abilities, you don't hold the power to face me children."

"You had the gull to enter a Devils territory while trying to murder a child, and basically ignoring their attempts to contact you, so really I'm only making sure that this situation goes off without a hitch. You see? We don't want to fight."

"Besides me."

"Besides Vali-san, we don't want to fight." Naota said with a bit of a laugh coming out, seeing Vali slowly nodding her head. "Though we will if necessary. This girl, I know of her history, she doesn't deserve to die because of who her family happens to be."

When Naota said that, Akeno couldn't believe what he was saying.

Someone...was standing up for her.

And if Suou's words were to be believed, she didn't see a reason to lie, then Naota was similar to her, a half Devil half human.

"...Is this a situation were half breeds stick together?"

Suou wonders, but Naota shakes his head.

"It doesn't matter if she's that or not, what does is that you're targeting an innocent girl, condemning her to die. Regardless of heritage, she is going to be under my protection. Think of the peaceful option now, I can see in your eyes you hold some regret about this. Make the best choice for the best outcome and do not engage in a fight."

"You have quite the way with words. I commend you child. However, as long as she exists, then she is a stain on Himejima. And that cannot be allowed. So, give her up, or we will have to take matters into our own hands."

Suou closed his eyes for a brief moment.

In that moment, Naota saw his hand move to his fellow Himejima's, so Naota gestured to Vali, who nods.

"Looks like you've chosen the path of a fight."

Naota mused as the Himejima behind all began charging forward.

Akeno naturally had reservations about this, she didn't want anyone to suffer because of her.

But what she saw next, astounded her.

"First to beat those guys, gets to fight the old guy."

"Hehe! You're on Vali-san!"

Vali and Naota rapidly propelled themselves forward, as spiritual power was shot at them.

As they did, Naota placed his hand backwards, and using his demonic powers, he formed a wall around the girls to make sure they would be safe.


Vali cupped her hands, releasing a blast of demonic power that began shooting down the enemies attacks. She then got in close to one of the enemies, punching him in the gut and at the same time, her Sacred Gear activated.

[Divide!]

Siphoning off their power, and adding it to her own, Vali felt pumped, and punched another Himejima in the face, she went spinning down into the ground, eating dirt, as one member came up behind Vali.

"You bitch! Die!"

Vali turned her eyes back, seeing the spiritual power shooting for her, so she shot off into the sky, like a bullet, she then came down and at an angle, kicking the man so hard in the stomach that he coughed up bile.

"You first."

[Divide!]

The power fuelled Vali, who saw more coming for her, so she charged for them.


Naota began being surrounded by the enemies, and called out to him.

"That spear is True Longinus!"

"Kill him!"

The enemies gathered their spiritual powers, while Naota began chuckling in gleeful excitement.

"Ufufu, so this is the power of Himejima. Its too bad I'm not seeing any of those flames, but your spiritual power will have to do!"

Naota began rapidly rotating the spear around himself. Akeno couldn't even keep up with his hand movements, and neither could the enemy as when their spiritual power was shot for him, the bladed side of the spear sliced the attacks in two, causing them to harmlessly fall all around him in explosions that didn't reach his being.

Then he stuck the spear out before him, causing it to extend, and both sides of the spear, top and bottom, broke through the defences of Himejima, the bladed side released light and sent three Himejima flying, while the bottom side caught two Himejima in a row, propelling them through a tree, knocking them out.

"In...Inconceivable…"

Suou said it with doubt, seeing two children taking down his allies. His allies flew left and right across the battlefield, Akeno even was amazed to see how they did it so quickly. Rias felt relieved to see how this was happening.


Soon enough, they finished, and left Suou alone.

""Finished.""

Naota and Vali said at the same time.

The pair looked towards each other in surprise.

"...We finished together, what do we do?"

Vali mused, Naota lightly laughed.

"Hmmm, good question. Since this is our first fight side by side, how about we take this guy out together?"

"Usually, I do work alone. But, I admit that it would be interesting to team up this time."

Suou looked less than impressed, and summoned a new staff.

As he did, flames began to erupt around himself. The flames felt rather hot, the ground below him began to melt. The heat of them caused Akeno to feel as if Suou was a league above those that were with him.

Though Naota and Vali seemed undeterred and got into fighting stances.

"Do not trifle with me, children!"

Suou released a wave of flame, so Naota shot forward. He brought up his spear, and then caused it to swing down. The blade cut through the flames as if they were butter, and caused the flames to be split into two different sides, a huge chunk of them had been taken down by Naota's attack.

Vali used this chance to gather demonic power, releasing a strong burst of it through the cut apart flames, aiming right for Suou Himejima.

"D-Damn…"

Suou allowed his spiritual power to become like a shield, but even then Vali who was fuelled by the power of those with Suou, clashed violently with the shield, breaking it apart as Vali shot energy blast after energy blast for him, each time, Suou was pushed back considerably.

"You pest."

Seeing that his shield was breaking, Suou gathered his flames into a pillar, shooting it right for Vali.

Though before it reached, Naota got before her, and twirled his spear like a fan, causing the flames to begin being dispelled the moment they hit the whirling spear, then Naota followed it up by releasing a burst of light.

"Shine!"

"Break through."

Coupled together with Vali's own attack, the attacks came together, and broke through Suou's shield, forcing him flying backwards.

Wounds began to appear on his flesh, all the while his body slammed hard into a tree.

Coughing up blood, Suou looked angrily towards the two Devil human children.

"You children, hold great power. Its scary to see you two still existing, with your heritage and talent, I wonder where you'll end up? Either way, I wont allow children to defeat me!"

Suou pushed his body up, and enveloped the area before him in flames. The trees burned, and the ground was scorched.

Akeno winced, seeing that Suou was being serious.

"Wait, Granduncle! Please don't-"

Naota turned towards Akeno, seeing her panicked face, and adopted a kind expression.

"Its alright, I promise."

Naota's words soothed her soul.

She didn't know why, but his expression told her that his words would ring true.

Seeing it not working out for him, Suou used his power to teleport himself.

Naota and Vali saw a circle appear below them, so they both vacated the area as accompanying Suou, flames burst outwards to try and burn the pair of them.

But they proved to be too swift, avoiding the flames, then Naota shot his spear forward, firing off a few blasts of light.

"Damn!"

Suou called out, vanishing out of sight before they could reach him, but when he appeared behind Naota, he thought he had the upper hand, and attempted to burn him, when Naota bent forward, and Vali came in with a flying kick.

"Nice try."

Vali expressed, so Suou scowled.

"Burn!"

Flames came up to defend, only for Naota to twirl around, and came from below with his spear, dragging it across the ground and slicing it apart at the same time, then the spear cut cleanly through the flaming wall.

Suou was in a state of disarray when seeing his flames vanish into the ether. The spear of holy power was capable of creating many advantages against his enemies, one being able to cut through many attacks and defences, Suou's wasn't the exception.

"T-This can't be…!"

That action allowed Vali's kick to connect with the worrying Suou.

"Have this old man."

[Divide!]

Because Vali managed to make contact with Suou, the old man's power and the attack itself also caused him to hunch over, coughing up bile.

As he did, a violent burst of flames manifested, forcing both Vali and Naota backwards.

"D...Damn, these children are stronger than I had anticipated..."

Suou tried to catch his breath, feeling uneasy due to what was happening.

His eyes caught both Naota and Vali beginning to charge for him once more.

"You...think I'm...finished?" Suou pulled himself to his feet, purposely avoiding gazing at the spear. "...Because I will show you, that I'm far from finished. I am far from being done with you….I wont lose to children!"

Rallying his power, Suou erupted in flames. The flames shot high into the sky, and caused the air to begin to feel hot. Even Rias and Akeno at a distance felt Suou's flames being rather strong and ready to incinerate most.

Naota and Vali glanced at one another, then let out a breath.

"Well, looks like this is going to be it, Vali-san. Ready to end this?"

"Yeah."

Suou heard their words, and scoffed.

"I think I'll be the one ending this."

Suou then released waves of flames for the two children over and over again. The flames were strong enough to burn the earth, and through several trees.

"Vali-san! Leave those to me, concentrate on the counterattack!"

"Yeah, got it."

Naota began swirling his spear. As he did, he gathered the spears power, and from that, pulses of light energy came out over and over again. The light and flames met and violently clashed with one another.

Suou was astonished to see that Naota was able to keep up with his level of release, and therefore tried to make his attacks more concise, concentrating the incredible flames into a pinpoint and shot it like an arrow.

Feeling the incredible power behind it, Naota stopped his spinning spear, then shot his spear forward, releasing a mass of light.

"Light...Holy Light…."

Naota shocked Suou as the arrow of condensed fire was completely obliterated, as the young man noted Suou hadn't given up, causing all of his flames to form a shield before him to defend against Naota's attack.

Suddenly, however, Vali appeared where the flames are, and using her Longinus, she called "I'll be having that." with [Divide!] coming from her Sacred Gear, halving the power of the wall of flames, allowing Naota to pierce through the shield Suou set up, and hit the old man right in the torso.

The power caused him to bleed from the impact, and the resulting explosion repelled Suou through the forest.

With that, the fight ended.


Suou bled on the ground, as Naota appeared above him, the spear aiming down towards Suou's chest.

"...Are you going to kill me?"

"Depends on what you intend to do now. So, I'd appreciate if you listen to what we have to say. Some people have been contacted, and will be able to speak with you and reach agreements. Can you agree to those terms?"

Suou hated admitting defeat.

He hated showing any kind of compromise with anyone that he considered not worthy of it which included the likes of Devils, even half Devils such as Naota.

But, for this instance, he knew he'd have to, as right now, Naota held his life within his hands.

"...Yes, I shall listen."

Naota's face changed from serious to a rather plucky expression, completely free of any hardships they had just gone through.

"For the record, your power output wasn't the problem, I think that you really would have done amazing in your prime. Though, targeting a child...I never could understand why people like you, think its alright to attack children, for simply existing. But as I said, I will come between you if you choose to go for her again."

Suou said nothing as Naota confirmed the end of Suou's actions.

Akeno heard what Naota said, and she couldn't help but feel...happy.

Someone would come to her defence, and someone would be there for her.

Someone who understood her feelings and readily would fight.

Soon enough, a young man who had features similar to Rias including hair and eye colour named Sirzechs came along.

"I seem to have come at a good time. Ah, and Rias is safe and sound. My thanks, young Naota-kun, and the newcomer Vali-san as well. Thank you."

Because he protected Rias during this time, Sirzechs praised Naota, and even Vali.


Though the meeting went well, Naota could see that Akeno wasn't entirely sure on what to do.

So he approached her, and gave kind eyes.

"Its alright, he will sort it out, I trust Sirzechs-sama to be able to handle it."

"Ooh, I see, I'm grateful but…" Akeno began, fiddling with her fingers. "I was just thinking...you did all of this, you came here for me. Yet, I don't know you at all..."

Naota continued giving kind eyes.

"Because you didn't deserve to die, that's why I came here. He was in the wrong, no matter how he tried to justify it."

Akeno gave appreciative eyes.

"Thank you...Thank you for saving me."

Akeno bowed as she said it, Naota waved his hand.

"Really, its fine. I'm glad that you're safe."

Akeno continued to give appreciative eyes.

"By the way, I erm...I, I don't really know how to say it, but I...you are, like me?"

"Difference is I have Devil, you have Fallen Angel. I'd love to hear about your experiences, when you feel comfortable of course."

Akeno nods thankfully, her eyes glancing towards Rias.

"She is, the Gremory Princess, isn't she?"

"She is, she's been looking for you, and worried for you."

Akeno blinked in surprise.

"Why? I get you...because we both are what we are, but she is Pure Blooded, and I am a Fallen Angel..."

"I can't speak for her, and I haven't known her long, but I believe she is a good person. When I told her about your circumstances, she seemed genuinely concerned and saddened by everything, she even contacted Suou personally to try and resolve it."

Akeno wore surprise on her face.

"She...She did huh..."

"Yeah...ooh, by the way, do you know someone called Suzaku-san?"

Becoming shocked by the name, Akeno questioned him back.

"S...Suzaku? Y-Yes, why do you ask?"

"Its just, I received a letter from her, it didn't say much, only "Please protect Akeno." along with a few other things like explaining a bit on who she is, and she also sent some potential marked locations you could be, it seems to me that it was similar to how Suou there was tracking you. It helped narrow down our search for you, and putting it with our research we had beforehand, helped us get here. I can't say for sure why she came to me, perhaps she saw how hard we tried to find you, or for reasons of her own. Regardless, what I can tell is that it seems she cares a lot, and she must've been doing her best with what research we got from her."

Akeno placed a hand over her mouth, and she began welling up with happy tears.

Naota could see that she needed sometime to herself for now, so he silently excused himself.

All the while, Sirzechs mentally thought "Haha, Naota-kun. Looks as if you're becoming quite the young man. I'll be sure to tell those haters of yours what you've done here today." with a joyous smile working its way onto his face.


Meanwhile, Kuroka and Shirone after having had their encounter with Naberius traversed the lands together. Kuroka could see within her little sister, there was some doubt, and a pained look to her, something Kuroka understood well.

Because of the situation going on, Kuroka also wondered what they'd be able to do now.

"Aah Shirone, I heard that in a few miles, there's this beautiful lake! I don't know about you, but I'm raring to see something else other than mountains. What about you nyaaa?"

Shirone didn't answer immediately.

She was too focused upon what was ahead of them.

So when Kuroka came to the side of her, the young cat girl was startled.

"Space out, Shirone?"

Shirone agreed.

"...I was, contemplating a few things, Onee-sama. That's all. Also...do we have any food left?"

Kuroka thought on it, and ultimately began shaking her head.

"Sorry, but I'm sure we'll be able to get something. I'm sure of it~"

Kuroka did her best to cheer up her little sister, and Shirone did appreciate it for sure.

Though she also was wondering what was going to come next.

That's when Kuroka felt a presence coming from behind them.

She felt angered, knowing who it was.

"Naberius!" She suddenly yelled, turning to see the man himself, or rather what looked like a hologram. "You just don't quit, do you? First its you being a little bastard that keeps bugging us. And now, this is plain to me that you're not able to accept that no is an answer. So let me spell it out for you-"

"Oh, I already understand, Kuroka."

Kuroka was confused by that.

"I-If that's the case, then what are you doing here?"

The Naberius hologram chortled as a response.

"I so wanted to do this the easy way. You really would have been well suited to becoming a member of my peerage."

Kuroka gave suspicious eyes, while Shirone looked on with her own brows narrowing ever so slightly.

"And what do you mean by the easy way? The hard way...you are going to force us to join up with you. That's what you're saying, right?"

Kuroka sounded disgusted with him.

Shirone on the other hand gave a worried look to Kuroka.

"...Onee-sama, I sense danger...we should run."

Kuroka believed that would be for the best as well.

So she took her little sisters hand, and began shooting across the fields they were on.

But they didn't get very far, for as soon as they made it a small distance away, Kuroka saw that a few magic circles littered the ground, and spread out far and wide.

Narrowing her brows, she watched as a few chimera creatures appeared before her.

"...What the hell...those creatures, they're not particularly strong for me!"

Kuroka opened up her hands, and then slammed them down onto the ground.

As she did, she used her Senjutsu abilities to control the ground. The strong hard earth began to soften up, spreading further and further outwards.

The chimera began sinking down into the muddy substance she had made, giving her the chance to combine Senjutsu and Youjutsu together, creating devastating looking orbs that swirled around her similar to a circle.

"Haaaah!"

Wasting no time, Kuroka shot off those attacks towards the enemy, hitting them deep within their bodies, and blew holes within them. Spreading up their bodies, Kuroka used her power to cause the top half of the chimeras bodies to be obliterated out of existence.

Shirone looked happy with her being able to do that, while Naberius appeared once more in hologram form.

"Plenty of more where they came from, Kuroka. Even you wont be able to hold out forever. You're strong, and once you're in my clutches...lets say you wish you could've decided to join me. You cats, will be mine."

As he said it, a few more magical circles began to appear.

Kuroka growled, but then heard her little sisters panicked voice.

Understanding what she needed to do, she took her little sisters hand, and rushed out of there, while chimera beasts chased after them…


End chapter!

So, this chapter had Akeno at the focus, with finding her, and making sure that she was safe and sound, even gaining some assistance along the way from surprising sources.

As that was going on, Naota and the others began investigating Naberius more, with him becoming more nervous and by the end of it, decided to try and go for Shirone and Kuroka directly, though it didn't pan out as well as he would have liked with Kuroka resisting.

Naota and Vali also teamed up to tackle the Himejima problem, and faced down Suou together, showing their growing teamwork.

Now onto the peerage!

Thanks to everyone for the peerage suggestions, and deciding the placements of those mentioned last chapter.

Xenovia is going to be the Rook. For now Ravel is going to be the Pawn, and Kuroka is the Bishop, I may switch them and if so Kuroka will be worth three Pawns, but as of right now, that's their placement. Le Fay is going to be the Pawn, piece number to be decided. Ingvild is going to be the mutated Bishop.

Some that have been suggested like Irina, I could see working with Naota wielding True Longinus and her connections with the Church, plus with Xenovia in the group, it'd be fun to see their interactions. Along with her, Jeanne has also been suggested, between her upbeat personality, and how I could see her interacting with other members of the group, plus how her Sacred Gear would work well with Naota's own, could be good to explore. Lint has also been suggested, with her wielding Incinerate Anthem, coupled with her skills, and her frivolous personality, I could see her working very well with Naota's own personality, and of course peerage and harem suggestions always welcome.

Now onto a question that has been posed a few times about Issei, and whether Issei should stay Issei, or female Issei aka Isane.

So yeah, please vote if you're interested!

Well, until next time, thanks for reading!

Naota's peerage

Queen; Vali.

Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.

Bishops; Kuroka, Ingvild (mutation).

Knights; Both Free.

Pawns; Ravel (x2), Elmenhilde (x1), Le Fay (x1 or x2 undecided), Rest Free.

Naota; Serafall, Sona, Vali (fem), Kuroka, Koneko, Ravel, Akeno, Xenovia, Le Fay, Ingvild,