The Lightning Knight of the Hero's Village

by domgk115

Arata Tojo has always been in his brother Basara's shadow. Despite loving his brother he always craved recognition, but didn't get it, even when he drew the legendary sword Takemikazuchi. Now years later after being forced away from the village Arata has new stepsisters who are strangely perverted.. but he'll need to show all his power to protect them(M for sexual content)

1. Jin's Other Son

The Lightning Knight of the Hero's Village

Chapter 1: Jin's Other Son

"Dad, I really don't like this," I said, poking at the curry with my chopsticks. "Don't know much about relationships, but you're moving awfully fast with this lady."

How was I supposed to take the news he was remarrying to some random lady he'd only met a few months ago? It was a drag, and a cruel reminder for me of things I didn't want to remember. My dad had told me to stop thinking about it so much like Basara had. Basara was only a year older than me, and I knew he was just as bothered as I was, he just did a better job of hiding it. I guessed I was just the hotheaded one.

"Relax Arata, everything will be fine," Dad said, putting out his cigarette and scooping curry into his mouth. "You and your brother will survive, you always do, don't you?"

"I guess…" I muttered, leaning back again. "Where did Basara go anyway?"

"Bathroom, now listen here Arata, I need you to pay close attention to what I'm about to say," Dad said, leaning forward on both elbows.

I narrowed my eyes, why was dad getting so serious?

"Yes…?" I asked. "This sounds serious."

"It is," Dad said. "Listen here Arata. I need you to promise me, you'll look after your brother and your new sisters."

"New sisters who are late?"

"You're a real smartass you know that kid?"

"I learned from you," I said dryly.

Dad laughed. "Ha, you're not wrong there. But I mean it, I need you to promise you'll keep a close eye on Basara and your new sisters. They'll need you."

I scoffed. "Basara can take care of himself, he doesn't need me."

"I wouldn't be so sure… you know why," Dad said in a low voice.

A chill went down my spine, I knew what he was talking about. He didn't talk about the village a lot, but when he did… I couldn't stand it. He knew how I felt on the subject, I never blamed him, or Basara for us leaving, how could I? Still, I didn't have a day go by when I didn't miss it, miss Kurumi.

"Arata, are you listening?" He asked again.

I nodded, my head back in the conversation. "Yeah… I am, but it's like I said, Basara can handle himself, he doesn't need me to babysit him anymore, he's way stronger than I am."

My dad laughed and reached over, patting my head. "You still underestimate yourself, that needs to stop kid. I know your strength better then anyone, you'll get there, but try to enjoy it, your new sisters are even cute."

I groaned. "What difference does that make…"

Kurumi… I'm sorry I left without you.

Dad sighed again. "Oh, come on kid, don't tell me you're still hung up on that purple-haired beauty from back home, it's been five years."

"Please… don't talk about it," I responded to his teasing, picking up and drinking some of the water I'd gotten.

Dad sighed. "Gonna have to get over it eventually kid, it'll do ya good. Maybe your sisters can help with that. You'll be spending lots of time together after I leave-."

I choked and spat out onto the table, glaring at him. "You're what?!"

"I'm leaving, heading out on a new job," Dad said, ignoring my spit. "Gonna be gone for a while, you and your brother are gonna take care of your sisters."

"You mean, you're leaving me and Basara in a house, with complete strangers," I said, unable to believe what I was hearing. "Kids of a lady we've never met, on top of going to a new school. You're not dumb dad, you can't seriously not see all of the red flags here."

Finally, Dad sighed, and narrowed his eyes. That made me shut up, I may have been right, but I knew when he got that face, he didn't want to hear any arguments. You didn't argue with Jin Tojo, something you learned quick as his son.

He looked annoyed for a minute before sighing again. "You know, you're too smart for your own good Arata, always have been. Mouthy and sarcastic as hell too, got that from me."

"You're damn right I did," I said, leaning forward on the table. "Dad, please. If there was ever a time for you to actually listen to what I have to say let it be now. This. Is. Bad. News."

I knew it was futile, why the hell would he listen to me now of all times? I could go talk to Basara about it, but that was useless. He'd just tell me to go along with what dad said, and a part of me knew I should too, but every thought that ran through my head was screaming at me to put a stop to this.

The same thing had happened that day in the village all those years ago. But the truth of the matter was honestly really simple, why the hell would anyone listen to Jin Tojo's younger son? That's all I was, all I'd ever really amount too. I didn't resent my brother, despite trying to hate him, I just couldn't. It had been easier however in the village to push the resentment away.

That had been because, I wasn't alone, I had someone else then who knew what it was like to be in your older sibling's shadow.

"Arata, listen to me, I know you won't believe me, but you have things your brother doesn't," Dad said, leaning and poking my head. "Brains for starters, your brother is very trusting, that's why I need you to look after him and your sisters. I know you can handle anything that comes your way."

"So, you're admitting somethings coming our way?" I said, thinking I caught him.

He sighed and smushed his cigarette. "No, Arata, I'm just saying you'll be ready in case your paranoia turns out to be true. Kid… trust in your old man's intuition, please."

I sighed; I knew I'd get nowhere… but I also knew Dad was right. He hadn't steered us wrong since we left the village. That was a day that played over and over in my mind, only a few months after I thought I'd finally get somewhere. I thought that maybe I could finally rise above being 'Basara's little brother', or 'Jin's other son'. My sword, it had been my ticket, my chance to finally rise above it all.

But then, that incident happened, and that all went away. Still, since then, Dad hasn't steered us wrong at all, we'd been kept safe so far. So, I'd do what I always did, be the dutiful son.

I leaned back and sighed. "Fine… if you say so."

"That's a good lad," Dad said, leaning back. "Now, I wonder where your brother and-."

"Oh, Jin! Sorry we're late," A new voice said.

I turned with dad, and a shorter girl with silver hair was suddenly standing next to our booth. She was cute, seriously cute, so at least dad had been right about that, not that it made a difference to me. She had purple eyes, and a very short skirt on, with two black and pink hairclips. She smiled sweetly enough, but I'd been waiting there for so long, and I had already been in a horrible mood.

"Oh, hello there Maria," Jin said, smiling and getting up from his seat, coming to sit next to me.

"You're a little bit more then late…" I said, poking at my now cold food again. "You would think that you were told a different time."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," She said, bowing profusely and getting into the booth. "Mio and I were running so late, we had to get all of our things packed and-."

"Don't mind him. He's just a little grumpy, it becomes endearing after a while," Dad said, elbowing me in the gut, hard. "Go on, introduce yourself to your sister Arata."

I felt like a child again, and it annoyed me, but I supposed I deserved it.

Sighing, I looked up at the girl, who did look apologetic. Come on Arata, stop being a brat, it's not her fault for your shitty life.

"Sorry…" He muttered half-heartedly, holding out his hand. "I'm Arata Tojo, nice to meet you… Maria was it?"

"Oh, it's okay believe me I'd be a bit tense too if I was you," She said, reaching out and grabbing my hand. "I'm Maria Naruse it's nice to meet you!"

GAHH! What the hell?! I thought, wincing internally, doing all I could to keep the shock off my face. The minute she'd touched my right hand, it was as if I'd stuck my hand in an electric eel tank. I'd had way worse wounds, so I managed to hide it, but it was as if something was screaming at him.

After she let go, I shot my hand back to my body, my mind a jumble as I looked at it.

Dad of course, was more perceptive than anyone. "Huh? You okay kid?"

"I'm sorry, did I hurt you somehow?!" Maria said, seemingly very concerned.

One thing I could spot from a mile away, was bullshit, so I eyed her and slowly nodded. "I'm fine, I'm going to the bathroom too, I'll find Basara."

Yeah, something is definitely wrong with her, and probably this other girl too, I thought, getting up past dad and going for the bathroom, looking at my shocked hand. I don't know what's going on with Dad, but I'll need to be careful…. Are you trying to tell me something?

I didn't stop looking at my hand. One thing I'd learned, was that my sword was very much alive. Every now and then, I could feel it twitch, trying to tell me something. It got anxious, and wanted to be released, that would be when Basara and I had late night sparring sessions. But it'd been years since I had to unleash my weapon fully. It was that voice that had called me to it in the first place, when it bid me to draw it from the stone in the village temple.

"What could you be trying to tell me…" I wondered, looking at my hand before sighing. "Of all the times for you to act up," I got to the bathroom door and knocked. "Hey! Basara, it's Arata I'm coming in, what the hell are you-."

When I opened the door, I was cut off by a scream. A girl's scream. When I finally got my bearings, my eyes as wide as dinner plates, I tried to digest what I saw, I wanted to shout, take in the view, make fun of my brother in this rare opportunity.

But all I could do was sigh. Today had really been a long day.

"Basara…" I said, looking between the two people. "What in the hell are you doing?"

"He's a peeping tom!" The girl with red hair shouted. "He barged in here while I going to the bathroom!"

"Did you lock the door?" I asked the girl.

Her face got red. "Um… well… I… no but-."

"See it was an accident I swear!" Basara said, my older brothers face as red as it possibly could be as he looked at me. "Arata, I promise it's not-."

"Did you knock?" I asked dryly.

"Um… no," Basara admitted.

I let out another long, exasperated sigh.

And with that I closed the door, leaving the two of them to yell.

"This is just going fucking great," I said, pinching the bridge of my nose.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Haha see! Now your hair looks just like mine!" Kurumi said, smiling as I looked over at my reflection in the water.

My young self-looked into the water. "Ugh! I really do look like a girl now!"

Kurumi laughed. "Hahaha, now you see how hard it is to get ready every morning. You're the one who asked me to show you."

"Yeah, and now I see that it only looks nice on you," I said, trying to tug at and undo the ponytail she'd done for me. It was a tiny one, but I had enough hair back then. "OW! Dangit, I can't-."

"Here, let me silly," Kurumi said, smiling as she walked behind me and started carefully untying my brown locks of hair. "Ha… I actually think you looked very nice."

"Well…if you liked it I guess it was fine," I said with a red face.

She finished and my hair fell back into place. Under that tree she smiled and came to sit in front of me, her golden eyes absolutely delighted.

"Thanks for letting me do that, it was fun," She said with a massive smile.

That made me smile. "You're welcome… say do you wanna come back here after we train? When it starts getting dark? Maybe we can look at the stars again."

"That sounds awesome! I'll have big sis help me get some food for us too," She said excited. "I… really like being out here with you. The stars are always so-."

A loud CLANG cut her off. We both looked over, and not too far away a group of elders and other adults were watching the other kid's practice. Sure, enough there was my brother, the only real difference between us was Basara was about a head taller, and his eyes were green while mine were bright blue. He was in the middle of sparring with Yukki, Kurumi's sister, and while Basara won it was close, and before you knew it both adults were crowding around them, complementing, and praising them.

Including my father, who smiled as he watched.

My shoulders slumped, and I knew Kurumi's did too. We'd had a fight like that in our morning training session, and nobody had gathered around like that. They never clapped like that for us, gave us the extra instruction that they gave them. It wasn't that I hated my brother, it was impossible too, but sometimes it became hard to be around him, and while Kurumi had a better relationship with Yukki, but it still bothered her, I knew that.

"Hey… it's okay!" Kurumi said, smiling as she grabbed my hands. "If we keep practicing, I know that eventually we'll be as good as-."

"I… I don't care about being better really," I said, sighing and looking over at them. "I just want them to well… to notice me at all, Dad and everyone else."

Her smile waned. "I… I know how you feel. Big sis does get a lot of attention… but it's not so bad, I have you! I know you'll always be here."

I smiled, my young face blushing as I grabbed her hands and nervously smiled. "You… you're right! And I know the same goes for you… which is why…. Well, Kurumi… why don't we leave together?"

"Leave?!" She said with wide eyes. "Arata, we're too young to leave, we don't even have our spirits or blades yet!"

I chuckled nervously. "Obviously not now. I mean… after we get a bit older. Kurumi, I want you to be my partner when we go out on missions. I… I know if I have you with me I'll be okay."

Her gold eyes widened, and she smiled, squeezing my hands. "Of course! Of course, I will Arata, I don't wanna be separated from you… you mean a lot to me."

"It's settled then!" I said, never more excited in my life. "We'll train together, and stick together, no matter what happens!"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Light pierced my eyes, and the minute they did, my ears started working. I was disappointed in myself. I knew that in the last few years, when Basara and I's training had been a bit laxer, my sense may have dulled, but not waking up when someone came in my room? That was embarrassing. I almost instinctively summoned my sword, but I settled for grabbing one of my pillows, and swinging around from the wall.

"Who is that?!" I yelled, throwing my pillow across the room.

"AHHHHH!" The person yelled, until my blue pillow smashed into my bookshelf.

While Basara's room was a mess, mine was well kept and extremely tidy. Kurumi had kept hers like that, and one time when she'd come over our house in the village she shouted at me that I needed to keep my room cleaner. She came over for about two weeks every day and helped me clean, and I'd kept up the habit since.

My pillow had smashed into my bookshelf, which was filled with all sorts of old history texts, and of course classic non-fiction and other… secret tastes of mine. I had a tall lamp, a desk with my pc under my window, and of course my bed, with a few pictures over my headboard. I had one of me, dad and Basara, a few school photos, some photos from movies I liked. Dad had tried to get me to put the new family photo we took yesterday up, but I didn't particularly want to see that, so it was in my desk drawer.

The last one, was of me and Kurumi when we were little. It was the only thing from the village we had except our swords. Dad had given it to me just after we left, it was probably the nicest thing he ever did for me outside of training me.

Now however, there was a girl on my floor. I would have apologized since it looked like I threw the pillow pretty hard, but one thing I hated was people in my space, even Basara or Dad.

"Maria?!" I demanded, standing up from my bed. "What the hell are you doing in here?"

My new stepsister groaned and looked up. Her eyes went wide, and she nervously shot up to her feet. "Oh! Good morning Arata! I was just well… coming to see if you were getting up for breakfast!"

"You can't bullshit a bullshitter, what do you want," I demanded, not in the mood at all after having been woke up from that dream. "If you really… oh god what the hell are you wearing?!"

I turned and covered my eyes, my annoyance replaced with embarrassment. I didn't think she had on anything other then a very short, and very revealing maid outfit, I could see pretty much her entire ass, pretty much nothing was left up to imagination. It was way more then I needed, or wanted to ever see anyone in, let alone a new stepsister.

"Oh, don't you like it?!" Maria said, take a step closer, smiling and spinning, which made my head go straight up. She laughed. "Aww you're blushing how cute! Come on, don't act like you don't enjoy the sight!"

"I don't," I told her, not daring to look down. "Now get out!"

"Your room is so much cleaner then Basara's," She said, ignoring me, and walking past me. I wanted to tell her to get out again, but if I turned around, I'd see her ass. She giggled again. "Aw, is that little you and little Basara, you guys were so cuteeee. Oh! And what do we have here… aw little Arata had a little girlfriend, who is this?!"

"That is none of your damn business," I said, ignoring the embarrassment and turning to snatch the picture of Kurumi out of her hands. I glared at her and realized I practically saw everything and turned away from her. "Look I didn't fight you guys living here nearly as much as I could. Stay here fine, I don't care, but stay out of my damn room, you understand?!"

"Ohhhh?" Maria said, slowly crawling on my bed towards me. Before I knew it she leaned up and had her hands on my shoulders. Her lips went near my ear. "And… what if I decide to ignore that order? Don't tell me you'd be so opposed to a cutie half-dressed being in your room this early!"

Okay now, I was annoyed, embarrassment be damned. I growled, annoyed, and grabbed one of her hands to throw them off my shoulders. I grabbed her by the collar of her outfit and dragged her to the door.

She cried and shook her head. "Awwwww come on Arata, you're no fun at all!"

"Stay the hell out of my room," I told her, dropping her in the hall and glaring down at her. "If you wanna bother someone, go bother my dad or Basara-."

"GAHH YOU PERVERT!" A loud scream came from the direction of Basara's room, followed by the distinct sound of a slap.

For a minute, my annoyance was replaced by bewilderment.

There's no way he walked in on her again somehow did he, I thought with half horror, half amazement. Now, I never had eyes for anyone but Kurumi of course, but that didn't mean I didn't enjoy boobs as well. Not that I wanted to see my stepsisters, but still… my brother had unfathomable luck. Good or bad, I wasn't sure.

"Oh, those two are getting along so well!" Maria said from the ground, smirking up at me as she slowly got up to her knees. "I hope we can too Arata! Come on, what boy doesn't dream of a cute stepsister waking him up in the morning!"

"Me, now leave me alone," I said, before slamming the door in her face.

I groaned, and was about to leave the door, when something made me stop. It wouldn't have been possible unless you had training like mine to hear, but I heard Maria's voice from the other side.

She sighed, before muttering. "What is his problem…? Maybe Mio and I should have switched, but still, he may be a problem."

After that, only footsteps as she walked away.

My instincts kicked in right away, going through the list of possibilities in my head. What the hell could she possibly mean by 'a problem'. The first thing I thought, would be to tell Dad, but I knew he'd just call me paranoid. I came to the choice I'd talk to Basara; he didn't really take me that seriously either, but I knew he'd at least listen.

"Who the hell are these two…" I wondered, walking to the center of my room. "It won't be nothing we can't handle, but it could lead to… what the hell?"

I saw a box, a game box under my desk and mentally slapped myself. I hadn't even gotten out of Maria what she'd been doing here, but I knew my room inside and out, that box hadn't been there. It was enough for me to deduce she might have been trying to plant it.

"A threat? Some kind of weapon…?" I said, getting down and picking it up. "A secret camera or microphone?" I said, turning it around.

And my jaw dropped.

"What in the hell kind of freaky pervs are you having live in our house dad?" I said, before scoffing and throwing the game in my trash.

After that I push more trash over the copy of My Dream Stepsister: Eroge Classics, just so nobody could see it if they did walk in.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Basara!" I yelled, knocking on his door. "Come on let me in, I know you're awake."

A minute later my brother opened the door with a yawn and looked at me. "Morning Arata."

"Morning Basara," I said dryly. "Did you have fun staring at our new step-sisters massive chest again?"

"It was an accident!" He said, suddenly awake, his green eyes wide.

I rolled my eyes and looked up at him. "Twice it was an accident?"

"Yes!" He pleaded. "You know I'm not like that!"

I managed to laugh, I knew of course he wasn't, but I couldn't help myself. "Haha, I know, don't blame you though, she is really pretty."

"Arata…" Basara said, clearly exhausted as well.

I smiled and walked into his room. "Either way, I need to talk to you."

"What is it?" He said, as we walked in.

His room was the complete opposite of mine. Along with a few boxes of still unpacked stuff, he had a few scattered shirts and other clothes, his bed wasn't made, and his desk was a bit of a mess. Still, I fell into his computer chair and spun in it as he plopped down onto his bed.

"We haven't really had a chance to talk since Dad sprung this on us," I told him, leaning back and picking up a small rubber stress ball he had on his desk.

"I know, I've been meaning to talk to you," He said, as we tossed the ball back and forth to each other. "Dad told me you were nervous, which I honestly expected, I am too but we just gotta do what we can for them."

"I'm not nervous," I said, catching the ball and tossing it back. "I'd say cautious is the better word. Come on Basara you can't really not think this is fishy."

"I wouldn't call it fishy, just weird that it moved so fast," Basara said, as calm as he normally was. He caught the ball and met my eyes. "But Dad's never steered us wrong. Remember what he said yesterday? They've been through a lot, we gotta help protect them. It's a good thing we're doing."

I had thought that after talking to dad yesterday too, but this morning with Maria had my mind going a mile a minute again. It annoyed me, especially since I'd been enjoying my dream from last night, although I counted it just as much a nightmare as a dream.

A month after that day, after that promise I had fully intended to keep I had drawn my sword, and I thought I could make it come true. A month after that, I was breaking the most important promise I ever made.

And now, here I was making another promise. Dad had told us what Mio and Maria went through, and while I felt bad, I had been hesitant. The idea of promises of anything, and especially promises like this to stick together and protect, they brought back bad memories and bitter tastes in my mouth. I had given Dad my word, but that didn't mean if I thought either of them were some kind of threat, I'd protect my Dad and Basara. I knew how Basara felt drawing his sword, and I'd stop him from having too if I could.

You could never be too careful I always said.

"I know but… well, I had a little visitor this morning," I told my brother. "I caught Maria sneaking into my room."

Basara scoffed. "You don't even like me in your room."

"Yeah, and she was trying to leave some pervy step-sister eroge game," I said, turning his desk chair. "I can't believe… oh for fucks sake."

A similar game with an innocent stepsister was on Basara's desk. I turned and glared at him. "Please tell me this was left here."

"It was I swear!" He said, shooting to his feet.

"And the sound of Mio slapping something I heard earlier?" I said dryly.

"Well… um… she was trying to… help me wake up," Basara said, his face red. "And when I got up I slipped and may have fell…"

"Pervert."

"It was an accident I told you!" He insisted, and I knew he was right, I just couldn't help myself.

Sighing I dropped the game. "These girls are weird Basara! Come on, please tell me I'm not crazy, if there was ever a time to listen to me please let it be now, we should be careful."

He looked at me with a shake of his head. "I listen to you all the time."

"Yeah, okay," I said with a snort. "Look I wanna believe Dad too, wanna believe that we can just be some happy family but… I heard something weird."

I went on to tell him about what Maria had said outside my door, and by the time I was done, I felt like I was going crazy.

"There has to be something going on," I said, determined now. "It's not only that, my…" I leaned closer to whisper. "My sword arm was tingling yesterday when we met them… bad."

"What?" Basara said in a hushed voice. "How long has it been since that happened?"

"Years," I said shaking my head. "You know its ability. It tingles and warns me when something big is about to happen. It's the god's instinct."

"Well, maybe it just tingled because we're getting a new family," Basara suggested half-heartedly.

I rolled my eyes. "You know that it doesn't work like that. Basara come on! Please just-."

"Arata…" He said, sighing as he smiled at me. "Look, I know this is hard especially for you. Promises like the one we made to protect them… they're not your thing since… well-."

"Please, don't bring it up," I hissed at him.

He held up his hands. "I won't, but I know it was hard on you and… it's my fault you lost her, so I'm sorry-."

"No, don't apologize, you know I never blamed you…" I told him with a sigh.

I wanted to blame him, but I never could. Just like no matter how much I wanted to hate him for leaving me in his shadow, I couldn't. I loved my brother, more then I loved anyone, but that didn't mean he didn't annoy me like all brothers did. It didn't mean we talked all the time, as a matter of fact we were pretty sperate in what we liked to do, and only really talked in situations like right now. He never really praised me, we never really hung out like most siblings do.

All I had ever really wanted was to impress him, him and my dad. I looked up to him despite it all, so when he smiled to try and calm me down, put a hand on my shoulder I let out a breath.

"Either way, I'm sorry," He told me, before smiling again. "But I think you're overreacting. You've been on edge for a while now, it's been just me you and dad for fives years, maybe this whole situation is just a little overwhelming."

I bit my lip; I knew he'd say that. "Dad told me the exact same thing."

"You're even more like Dad then I am," He joked, crossing his arms. "I was worried too, but… let's just treat this as our first mission of sorts. What were the three ideals of heroes, you always used to tell me when we were kids."

I groaned; I hated it when he used my words against me. Of course, I remembered the ideals. "A hero will protect those who cannot protect themselves. They will protect those they hate, so long as it is right…. And… and they will accept there will be those they cannot protect."

"You always were a nerd about studying the histories," Basara said. "Think of this as you upholding the first ideal, you're protecting them because they can't protect themselves."

"Basara our step-sister literally tried to put a step-sister porno game in my room," I said, trying my last argument.

"What was the second ideal now?" He teased. "Even those you hate, so long as it is right."

"I hate it when you use my words against me."

He laughed. "Haha, sorry you're too smart. Just try alright?"

"Like you're trying?" I said. "So, I should start grabbing their tits?"

"Smartass," He grumbled, before smiling and reaching out to my brown hair. He messed it up and laughed. "Ha, do it as a favor for me little brother."

"I'm only a year younger than you jerk," I said moving his hand.

"Aw come on, you always used to call me big brother," He said, wrapping his arm around my head and rubbing my head. "Come on, say it! Say it little brother!"

"GAHH, get off me asshole!" I said, moving him off me, to which he found hilarious.

I groaned as he smirked at me. Finally, I bit my lip and swallowed my pride.

All I had ever wanted, was to become a hero, follow the ideals, be with Kurumi and impress my brother and dad. I couldn't do one of those things… but all the others could be on the table still.

Come on Arata, stop being a brat, I thought, sucking in a breath and pinching my nose as Basara smirked at me. I supposed then, if Kurumi didn't hate my guts, that she'd have wanted me to keep doing my best to follow the ideals.

"Fine, I'll listen to you," I muttered, turning to the door. "I guess I haven't even really given them a chance."

"Exactly! Maybe Maria was uh… trying to give you a moving to the family present?" Basara guessed.

I rolled my eyes at him. "So, I get a porn game, and you get a porn game and Mio on your crotch when you wake up? I don't think that sounds very fair."

"Shut up I told you it was an accident!" He said, getting red again.

I laughed and left his room. For a minute, I let out a breath I'd been holding and looked at the floor, thinking of that scene from my dream. I'd never forget that day, as well as never forgetting what I had wanted to do my entire life.

I will protect those who cannot protect themselves, I will protect even those I hate so long as it is right… and I will accept there will be those I cannot protect. Those were our ideals, our promises, right Kurumi? I'll keep following them, I told myself, balling my hand into a fist and trying to forget about the fact she probably hated me now.

"Oh, Arata, good morning," A voice said.

I looked up and my eyes nearly popped out of my head. It was Mio in a bath towel. It was barely able to contain the size of her chest, and I forced myself to look away.

"Oh, um… good morning, Mio…" I said, stuttering.

She didn't seem to show any shame. Were they really some sort of perves?

"I'm finished in the bathroom if you want it," She said, her voice happy, and when I looked at her she was smiling.

I slowly nodded. "Right um… thanks."

And with that I went to walk by her. She seemed a bit disappointed, and when I realized, I bit my bottom lip and turned around before she could walk away.

"Hey um…" I started, rubbing my head, trying not to look at her chest. "Do you… well… have anymore boxes you need help unpacking?"

"Oh… um, I actually do," She said, seeming surprised. "It isn't much, but there's some heavy stuff."

"Let me help you," I said, letting out a breath and finally feeling embarrassed. I managed to meet her eye and shook my head. "And… well I'm sorry. After introducing myself, I haven't really talked to either of you. I guess well… I'm just nervous. It's always been just me Basara and Dad. Please, let me help you, and if you need any more help, you or Maria I'll help you. I promise, please accept my apologies."

I bowed too for good measure, looking back, and realizing what a brat I'd been being. I still didn't fully trust either of them, but I guess I had to give them a chance.

It wasn't like anyone could hurt me, Basara, or let alone Dad.

I felt a hand touch my shoulder, and it sent shivers down my spine. I managed not to jump and looked up to see Mio smiling.

"That sounds like a great idea," She said. "You don't have to apologize I… I'm sorry. I'd love for you to help; we can talk more that way."

"Great!" I said quickly, not particularly wanting to draw out the conversation longer. "I'll… talk to you later then."

I turned and went to the bathroom to brush my teeth, sighing, and looking down at my sword hand.

It was tingling again.

"What is it…" I said, hoping my sword would respond to me somehow. "What are you trying to tell me?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Remind me again, why you have to lean on me like that," I asked Maria as I peddled.

"Because I'm scared!" She said, obviously faking it. "I need to hold onto my big strong step-brother to keep me safe while we ride."

"Remember what I told you about bullshitting…" I said under my breath, before pulling up the curb to the corner store. "Okay, we're here now get off."

"You sure we can't stay a little longer?" She said, her mouth near my ear as she hugged around my neck.

"Yes, now get off," I told her, pulling my bike into the rack.

"You're just no fun are you," She pouted, hoping off the backseat of my bike.

She'd been preparing dinner, and while Basara and Mio went to the grocery store for a few larger items, Dad and Basara had insisted on the certain flavor of peanut butter ice cream the corner store sold, along with Dad wanting some slim jims, and since he was leaving, I wanted to at least do some favor for him. Maria insisted on coming along to see a little bit of the area despite her not having any need too. The worst part was she was wearing the same maid outfit, leaving nothing up to the imagination.

She looked up at me with a smile before she winked. "Thanks for my first bike ride Arata! You know, there's other first-time things we can do, maybe I can help you boot up your present I know you found it!"

"So, it was you," I grumbled, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I threw it out, don't leave weird stuff like that in my room, don't go in my room period you hear me?"

"Aw, but if you can't play the game how are you gonna take care of me and Mio!" She said excited, wagging her butt side to side, and now I realized people were staring. "Oh! If you don't wanna play the game maybe you can practice on me… oh, or what about Mio?! If Basara doesn't-."

"Enough! Shut up!" I yelled at her, grabbing her shoulder, and narrowing my eyes at her. I wanted to yell, but I bit the inside of cheek so hard I tasted blood and reminded myself I needed to help this girl. "Just… stay here please near the bike. Do. Not. Move."

"Aww but why can't I come inside with you?" She pouted.

"Because you're half dressed, they got a policy about that," I grumbled, and tried to move my hands but she put hers on mine, smirking at me. I felt like I was talking to a child.

"You know, you're gonna be so mad when I win you over!" She said confidently.

I scoffed. "Yeah, good luck with that. Now stay."

I turned and walked into the store, leaving her behind, not daring to look back. I could feel people's eyes on me as I walked through the isle to grab Dad's things and thought about the fact I'd have to live in the same house as a girl like that now. Not to mention a brand-new school and trying to keep up with my training now.

I realized that was going to be a problem too. Basara trained with kendo sticks with me, I never had him summon his blade. But now and then, I liked to go out at night and summon my sword to practice techniques and moves. That was going to be hard now, which wasn't going to help my mood. I needed to train, swinging my sword was the only thing that helped me remember the village, remember Kurumi, and all my hard work.

Coming to the freezer I sighed, and grabbed the ice cream dad liked, it was the last one thank god.

"Oh man, last one? Oh well," A voice said.

I turned and saw a kid around my age. He had on a black school uniform which seemed to be the exact same one I had gotten for my new school. He had messy black hair, and dark brown eyes, he was around the same height as me as well, and had an aloof smile on his face, but I could see him eyeing up the ice cream with envy.

"Sorry," I told him with a sigh. "Gotta get it for my dad, and older brother it's all they'll eat."

The kid chuckled and shrugged. "Haha, gotta do what you gotta do. Little bro's gotta keep the big bro happy after all, that's our job."

I scoffed. "Ain't that the truth. Always one step behind and chasing…. Oh, damn, sorry, don't mind me. Here, you can have it, it's really not a big deal."

I hadn't known what came over me. Maybe I was upset neither Dad nor Basara had listened to me, maybe I was just cranky. Or maybe I was just a miserable person. Either way, what the kid had said struck a chord, and I hadn't meant to get all depressed.

"No need for that friend," He said, smiling and shaking his head. "Like I said, gotta keep the big bro happy, I know that all too well. Is yours utterly perfect in every way too?"

I stuttered for a minute, but the kid looked sincere. Nodding I sighed. "He's as perfect as they come, the girls love him, the guys are jealous of him. I wanna resent him but-."

"But you just can't because you love him. It's the same thing with me and my old brother," He said with a sigh, before smirking and leaning his hands behind the head. "Know what I think though? Second sons, younger brothers are better. We're always overshadowed, which means we gotta work harder, and it often makes us even more special."

"I like the sound of that…" I said, seeing the truth in his statement. I smiled at him and gestured to the ice cream. "You… sure about this?"

"Course, I'll grab something else," He said, plucking a tub out of the freezer and waving it in front of me. "Can't go wrong with chocolate. Say… don't recognize you, you new in town?"

My eyes widened, and I almost didn't know what to say. Was I… making a friend? I couldn't remember the last time that happened.

"Yeah, I live with my Dad, brother, and… my two step-sisters," I said, nodding at his uniform. "I got that same uniform, I'm starting tomorrow."

"Ha, and you don't look older than me," He said, smiling and holding his hand out. "We'll probably be in the same class. I'm Kaneda Aoi, nice to meet you friend."

Hesitantly, I looked at his hand, before shaking it. "I'm Arata Tojo."

"It was nice meeting you Arata!" He said, smiling as he walked past, patting my shoulder. "I'm a class rep, if we're in the same class, I'll show you around. Nice meeting you!"

"You too," I said, as he walked back down towards the register.

I watched him go and couldn't help but smile a bit. Basara was a year ahead of me, and I hadn't really made any friends at even my old school, so this was a pretty good start.

"Maybe it won't be so bad…" I told myself.

But my hand still wouldn't stop tingling.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Where the hell did she go?!" I hissed, rolling my bike towards the back of the store, towards an alley near the next building. "I swear, it's as if everyone's trying to drive me crazy."

Maria was nowhere to be seen, and a girl like her, dressed like she was, I couldn't even imagine what trouble she'd gotten into. After walking a few steps, I got to a new alleyway, and heard voices.

"A pretty little girl like you all alone," The voice said, "And dressed like that?"

"Come on, why don't you come with us," Another guy's voice said.

I peeked my head around the corner and groaned.

"Oh, come on, get away you creeps!" Maria said between a group of five guys, all of them tall as hell, and surrounding her. She indignantly stuck her nose in the air. "I'll warn you, my stepbrother will be looking for me, and he'll knock every one of you into next week!"

Is she trying to get me knocked out?! I thought, as one of the guys laughed. I looked down at my outfit. A black hoodie, and some dark blue jeans, black sneakers.

No blood would stain anything.

But for a moment, for one moment Arata considered it. Why the hell did he have to bother with this girl? She's done nothing but be a perve since he met her and do her utmost best to annoy him. He shook the thought away right away, that was utterly ridiculous for him to even contemplate, and he mentally smacked himself for it. He wouldn't leave anyone to something like this, no matter how much they annoyed him.

"HAHAHA," One of the five guys laughed. "I don't see anyone here cutie!"

"Some brother he is, leaving his cute little step-sis all alone," One said, taking a step closer to her. "And he won't be able to stop us from taking you along with us."

My fist clenched and I sucked in an annoyed breath, I will protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Even if they annoy the hell outta me… I told myself, sighing and walking around the corner, leaning my bike against the wall.

"Hey! Maria what the hell," I said, reaching into my pocket for my phone. "I told you to stay put by the bike, don't you ever listen?"

Every one of them turned. The guys now that I was closer didn't seem, that much taller, perhaps just out of high school.

Maria's eyes widened and she smiled eagerly. "Arata!"

"HA! This is the stepbrother?!" One said with a laugh. "Look how puny he is!"

"And what the hell kinda stupid name is Arata?" Another said, as they started to step forward. "I say we teach-."

"You idiots mind? I'm trying to make a phone call," I said, holding the phone up to my ear as it rung. All of them stopped in shock, and when I heard the voice pick up I sighed. "Yes, hi, I'm going to need some ambulances near Grab-&-Go on West 4th street."

"Huh?! Ambulances?" One guy said.

Another laughed. "Ha, you're awfully confident for a short pathetic jackass who's outnumbered five to-."

"How many?" I said when the lady asked me. "Well, how many people can you fit into one?"

"HEY! We're talking to you jackass!"

"Two to one ambulance?" I said, nodding and recounting the guys. "Okay, there's five people injured, so you'll have to send three-. Oh, you can squeeze three in one. Yeah, two is fine then, yes, thank you very much."

The lady was extremely nice and didn't ask questions, which I was glad about. Sighing, I looked at the guys who had all taken a step closer with angry looks in their eyes.

"Okay, sorry gents," I told them, cracking my knuckles. "Now, why don't you all just get-."

I heard the punch coming behind me. I sidestepped it, grabbed the arm of the guy who punched me and drove my elbow hard into the crook of his. I heard a crunch, and the guy behind me screamed.

"So rude, I just saved you guys the trouble of calling an ambulance," I told them, another came from the front.

I tossed the one guy aside and caught the guy's fist, before going low and sweeping his legs out from under him. As he fell, I punch him hard in the chest. He coughed and smashed into the ground before the other three all decided to come at the same time.

Tired and annoyed, I ducked under one guy's punch before kicking his leg out from under him. As he was falling I grabbed his arm, and with a yell I spun and threw him at a guy who was going to punch me. They smashed into each other, and the last guy let out a flurry of jabs. My arms at my side I leaned back, avoiding the blows until he came for a jab straight on. I leaned back, the fist sailing right over my head. Sidestepping, I saw him lunge forward, and with my momentum I spun back around and kicked my foot up into the back of his head, sending him to the ground.

Right in front of Maria

Maria's eyes widened, and she jumped up and smashed into my chest hugging me.

"Oh my god Arata!" She said excited, rubbing her chest over me. "I knew you would come for me, you sure showed them, that was so amazing! Where'd you learn to do that?!"

"I saw it in a manga," I lied, grabbing her shoulders, and peeling her off me.

She giggled and smirked at me. "You know, that was super-hot what you just did! I knew you'd come save your sweet, adorable little step-."

"You," I hissed, turning my back. "Have been nothing but a perverted little pain in my ass from the minute I woke up this morning! You keep trying to get me to touch you for some reason, and I know Mio's trying to do the same damn thing to my brother, he and my Dad may be too nice to say it, but I will, you're both a massive pain in the ass!"

A silence came in the alley from the groaning men.

Maria spoke quietly. "I… I'm sorry, I was just-."

Remember you promised to try Arata….

"But," I said, cutting her off, and turning back to her. With a sigh, I rubbed the back of my head and tried not to make eye contact. "But… but… you're both my family now."

"Huh?" She said, looking up as I finally made eye contact.

"I don't like repeating myself…" I told her, sighing again and finally meeting her eyes. "But… I said you're my family now. And I… I guess I can be a little rough around the edges."

"A little?" She giggled. "You're basically a big male tsundere!"

I could feel my face get red as I growled and shook my head. "Shut up! Look, I know I can be an ass sometimes, I don't trust people easy. It's been just my dad, Basara and me forever… and I'll do anything for them, for my family. And you're apart of it now. So, I… promise I'll try to be a little less well…"

"Edgy? Grouchy? Tsundere-y?" She teased, stepping closer.

I groaned and nodded. "Yeah… all those," I held out my hand. "Come on, let's go home."

For the slightest minute, I saw genuine sorrow in her eyes. In that moment… my right arm started tingling. I doubted myself then, I heard my brain screaming at me that something was wrong.

But, soon after Maria smiled, and grabbed my hand.

"Okay! Come on, let's go home," She said, squeezing my hand and smirking at me. "Step-brother."

I felt a shiver go down my spine. Something… something's going to happen. And soon.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Do you really have to go now?" I asked from the window. "You can't just stay one more day until we start school tomorrow?"

Dad smirked from inside the car. He reached out and rubbed my head. "Aw look at you, being a daddy's boy all of a sudden."

"Dad…" I muttered, but not pushing his hand away.

Dad laughed, and so did Basara. Dad smiled from me at the car. "You guys will be okay. Hey, Basara, let me talk your brother alone okay?"

Basara didn't argue, he nodded. "Okay… we'll keep an eye on everything for you Dad, no worries. Arata you want take out, or do you wanna make something?"

"I'll help you make udon," I said right away. Nothing was better then udon.

"Your udon's the best," Basara said with a hungry look. "I'll let Maria and Mio know."

He smiled at Dad, before walking inside. He wasn't wrong. Cooking in general, and udon more specifically was the one thing I knew I was better then Basara at.

But cooking was the last thing on my mind. The night was chilly. I'd changed into a brown jacket with the sleeves rolled up over a white tank top with some black jeans. In the car, Dad only had his bag with his camera, and I had no idea where he was going now. I didn't even know if his freelance job was real. A part of me thought he was going to keep an eye on the village, to make sure they weren't tracking us. They hadn't this entire time, we were basically regular humans at this point.

So, I didn't understand why he had to keep leaving, but each time he did I found myself wishing he didn't. Especially now when I was so unsure.

"Arata, kid," Dad said, making me turn back to him. He looked up and smiled. "I gotta tell you something I should have told you a lot more when you were younger."

"Huh?!" I said, suddenly feeling stiff as I looked at him. "Wh…what is it dad?"

He smirked and reached out again, rubbing my head. "Arata, I'm really proud of you kid… really damn proud."

"W…what?" I said, feeling as if I'd just been shot in the chest.

He smiled and nodded. "I'm proud of you. I don't say it enough. You see, more then being able to swing a sword, use magic, anything… I always wanted you and Basara to be good people first. You are kid, you're smart, you're dedicated, and tough as hell."

For so long I wanted to hear these words. He told me it before, but it was often half-heartedly, and it hadn't been for a while. My arms felt tingly, they shook, I looked at him in the car.

And I found myself both wanted to hug and hit him. Why did he have to say all this just before he left?

"All that, is how I know you're going to be okay," He said to me, smiling the whole time. "I know you lost a lot when we left the village a whole lot. And honestly, I did this in part for you, so maybe you could finally start smiling again. Take this as a new chance… a new opportunity. Do it for me, eh kid?"

A new chance… I thought, looking at my sword hand. Could that even be possible? My entire life, me, Kurumi, and just about everyone in the village knew exactly how the life of Arata Tojo would go. They all thought, including me, me and Kurumi would grow up and marry each other. I'd connect with some strong god, obtain some strong weapon, and be the second best in the village, behind Basara of course.

The only thing I liked about that plan, was Kurumi. But even when I drew the second most powerful weapon, bonded the second most powerful god in the village, Basara had gotten the first. I didn't even get the chance to be a hero, and I hadn't seen Kurumi in five years. All the good things I had going for me were taken away when we left the village. My life now was far from horrible, dad had gotten us a good life… but I always felt something missing.

But… as he said it then, I did believe dad. Maybe this all could be a second chance for me.

"I… will Dad, promise," I told him, nodding at him through the car window. "Just… try to come back soon?"

He chuckled. "You worried about me now kid? Don't be, you know-."

"No… I'll just miss you," I admitted, able to now that we were alone.

Dad smiled softly and nodded. "I'll miss you too kid. Now, try to enjoy yourself okay? You promised. You do that, and I'll come back soon as I can. Deal?"

"Deal…" I said, finally, finally managing to smile.

"Good," He said. "Now get in there and make your brother udon, show your sisters your cooking skills, I know I'll miss it."

"I will… see you dad!" I said, my heart racing.

"See you later kid!" He said rolling up his window as his car drove away.

I stood there on the edge of the road in the dark, waving to him, hoping he could see me in the rear-view mirror. The car got further and further away, and as it did, my worry only skyrocketed. I wanted to believe dad, I did, I wanted to just relax, and take this new chance… but I knew something was wrong.

My entire forearm was throbbing now. And the minute Dad's car had pulled away, I had heard it.

The faint sound of something smashing hard against the wall of the living room. My ears were too trained to not hear it. I also smelled something, something I hadn't smelled in years. It only came about when a person used magic, magic left a distinct smell afterwards, one he'd recognize anywhere.

My hand went to my side, and I rushed towards the side of the house.

If they make my brother draw his sword… they'll pay.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Basara

"Now, get out," Maria demanded.

When am I going to learn to listen to Arata more, was my first thought. I heard the clap of thunder outside; Maria and Mio hadn't been paying attention. The initial shock I felt, was replaced with a growing, seething anger, both at them, and at myself for not realizing or listening to my brother. The magic had hurt my eyes at first, but a spell that weak wasn't going to have any effect. I knew she had to have gone soft on its power, thinking I was a normal human.

I stood there, my head down, hoping Arata got into position. Mio and Maria both stood, looking on with shock, their backs turned from the sliding glass doors.

"Huh?! Why isn't it working?" Maria wondered, sounding angry. She shook her head. "No matter! I'll try it-."

I didn't give her the chance, looking at my target area, my body moved quicker than anyone other than another hero could see. Arata was quicker with the power of his sword, I was stronger, despite what he liked to think, I knew we were closer than he thought. I stopped behind them both, my back to the sliding door.

"What?! How did you-. No, are you serious," Maria said as my head shot up. "Do you really mean to resist us?! Okay fine, you're going to get hurt!"

My hand shot to my waist, I didn't want too, but it seemed I had no choice. A massive white ball of magic formed in Maria's hand, the colorful glyphs came with it, and with Mio watching on, she yelled out and launched fired it forward. I knew I didn't want to blow up the house, so I had no choice but to use that ability.

"Brynhildr…" I whispered, a massive flash of green light coming from my hand, and after that, I uttered the techniques name. "Banishing shift!"

"What?! No way, what did you do?!" Maria yelled, as her and Mio both yelled when my sword flashed to life cutting through the magic.

I scoffed as my sword took form in front of them. "What's the matter?! Don't you remember what you just said?! Demons do exist, but so do gods, and… so do heroes!"

"What?! But the hero's village is supposed to be in their hidden village!" Mio yelled, as the light from my sword shot in the room, until with the armor up my right arm, Brynhildr shown in my hand.

"It doesn't matter!" Maria shouted, magic coming from her hand again. "I won't let you hurt Mio! Get away-."

Maria fired off the magic, but I stood still, my sword lowering, because I had heard the massive clap of thunder just outside the door, saw the lightning erupt.

"TAKEMIKAZUCHI! BANISHING SHIFT!"

A massive CRASH shook the room as the sliding doors were knocked to pieced. I stood, the wind from Arata moving blowing back my hair. He landed in front of me, the long pure red bladed katana, his sword, Takemikazuchi in his hand, he landed in front of me. He stood with small bolts of bright blue lightning shooting form his arms. Armored gauntlets appeared along both his arms, he'd mastered all the basics of that sword, and I knew he could bring forth armor if he wanted like the other heroes, but he knew like I did it could destroy the house. His brown hair blew back, as static shot off him. He'd moved so fast even I couldn't see him, he barely moved his sword, but the blade had been simply so fast, it looked like he hadn't moved.

Maria's spells were hit with the blade one after another, and when Arata stood, he opened his eyes and right away narrowed them at me.

"So, are you going to say it?" He said, turning to a stunned Maria and Mio.

I slowly nodded; my sword out next to my brother. "Yeah… you were right."

"Told you so," He said anyway, and I let it slide, because it was the truth. He held up his blade next to me and narrowed his eyes at Mio and Maria. "So, you wanna fill me in on our new 'stepsisters'."

"W…wait!" Mio said, her eyes wide, looking at Arata now. "You knew this whole time?!"

Arata scoffed. "Of course, I did. I just went along with it because I hoped I was wrong for dad's sake, I'm not as gullible as Basara and he are."

"If you knew why didn't you do something?!" Maria demanded, standing in her demon form.

Arata scoffed. "Because you were never a threat to us. I'll go ahead and guess you're both demons."

"Mio is the next Demon Lord," I told him, narrowing my eyes at them. "They were going to wipe our memories and use this house as a base. They tried to mess with Dad's memories."

Arata's eyes shot to me. "Dad wouldn't… dammit Dad. Dammit," he hissed, pointing his sword crackling with lightning at Maria and Mio. "You two have no idea what you've done."

"I don't understand!" Mio shouted out, shaking her head. "You're both members of the hero clan?! What are you doing here, they're supposed to be in their hidden village!"

I scoffed and whipped my sword in front of me. "Good question, but we're under no obligation to answer that right now," and after that, my anger boiled over. "I don't care if you are demons, or the demon lord!"

I lunged forward, and all my hate, all my anger, the pure rage that coursed through me unleashed.

"MIO NO!" Maria yelled, jumping in front of her, as the two of them fell to the ground.

Arata didn't move, so it wasn't him that ended up stopping me.

"What the hell are you doing?!" My brother shouted, as my blade stopped inches from Maria and Mio.

I can't do it… I told myself, biting my lip. As much as I teased Arata for following the ideals… I liked to follow them as well. I'd gotten us kicked out of the village; my hand throbbed where it connected with my sword then. No, I wouldn't cause innocent deaths now. And after all, I did promise dad that I'd protect them, this didn't exactly count.

"Basara!" Arata urged, as I turned around and slung my sword back to my waist.

It disappeared and I looked up at my younger brother, hate and anger boiling in his eyes. His brown jacket blew back, his blue eyes, different from my green ones, but other then that we looked so much like dad. I also didn't want him to see that, what kind of example would I be setting?

That had been one more thing dad asked me to do.

"Basara… you know like I do; your brother still isn't in a good place. So, do what you always do, keep an eye on him alright. Help him smile like he used too."

Of course, Arata had smiled since that day five years ago. However, he hadn't truly smiled. No, it was always hiding behind a thin veneer that Dad and I both had been able to see through for all these years. I knew it was partly due to him having to leave Kurumi. And I knew it was because he felt overshadowed by me, which I felt guilty about because I never tried too. I knew how good he was, as a person and hero, he was just as good as I was, if not better.

I just wanted him to see that, and I knew deep down, he'd never kill unarmed girls like this. He was just still hurting, so, so much.

"Arata, put your sword away," I told him, meeting his eyes.

"Are you crazy?!" He said, stepping forward, lightning sparks still coming off him and his blade.

Takemikazuchi was an ancient weapon back in the village. It had been used by so many great heroes in the past and could only be drawn by someone the god and blade deemed worthy. Nobody had drawn it for over a hundred years before Arata had. Everyone thought the Tanaka family, who the sword had been passing through, it's last wielder being of that family, would finally do it, but Arata had done it five years ago. I'd never forget how ecstatic we were that day, how excited Arata had been. I knew that sword was his pride and joy, one of his few sources of joy these days.

It was a bit longer than a normal katana, the blade pure red steel, while the hilt was black leather. I knew that the sword, in reality was three swords, a katana like it was now, while it could also form a long odachi, a massive slim, long katana, and it could also be two swords, if Arata wanted that sword could become a second smaller wakizashi type sword, thanks to Takemikazuchi being the god of swordsmanship and lightning. However, Arata used that rarely, only when he desperately needed, because with the one blade, he had access to more techniques he'd mastered. Some I'd taught him, some Dad taught him, but most of them, he'd learned from studying old texts about the sword he brought with him from the village.

We had different moms, so we were technically half-brothers… but it was still amazing to me how far we'd both come, and why people had always thought I was so much better.

I'll make sure you stay who you are… little brother.

"Arata, put it away," I told him, my voice sterner.

He scoffed and shook his head. "You're crazy."

But he did as I said. His sword disappeared in a flush of red light, and he looked past me, to Maria and Mio.

"You guys are lucky…" He said, going to walk out of the room. "I normally don't take people who try to trick my dad or brother lightly… get out."

"Arata's right, get out," I said, unable to look back at them. "I'll send your stuff wherever you're going."

And with that Arata walked out of the room. The first time we'd needed to really use our blades in a while hadn't been what we expected.

The reason made me disappointed… because I really had been looking forward to a family.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Arata

"Kurumi…." I said, my right hand shaking as I sat back in my chair and looked at the picture.

I'd lost the one person I ever knew who understood me, and all my hopes of proving myself now felt as far away as ever. I'd failed to make sure Basara didn't have to draw his sword, I'd failed to stop a threat to my family. I'd failed Kurumi, myself, and both Basara and my Dad.

And that second chance Dad talked about… it was all gone now. I looked at the picture, at Kurumi's gold eyes, her purple hair, everything. It made me wonder what she looked like now, how much had she grown? What would she think about how I've grown? Would she think I was cute still?

What would she say if she knew I'd just been ready to kill two defenseless girls? Demons or not, it didn't matter. They were defenseless, and I had been about to kill them.

Yet, a part of me regretted it. Why couldn't I do it? They'd tricked us, tried to take advantage of the kindness in Dad and Basara's heart. I finally decided to put myself back out there, to try and be happy with a family, with anything really, and it had blown up in my face. I hated them for it, but all the hate I was feeling, it disgusted me, it was a horrible feeling bouncing around my head.

But I knew I couldn't worry about myself. I sighed, put the picture back on my desk, and went to Basara's room. I knew his hand would be hurt after having to use his sword. The house was eerily quiet when I walked out. Maria and Mio had left exactly like we said, I didn't particularly care where they were now. But, with each step I took, I could hear them echoing. I was used to a quiet house, but the silence was scary now.

My right hand tingled. I could feel a few more bolts of lightning, small wisps of blue electricity coming out of my arm as an aftereffect of using my sword. Takemikazuchi was one of the few sources of pride I had left in my life, but I hadn't had any reason to summon if besides practice in years. It had a multitude of abilities, like being able to sense when demonic beasts or demons were nearby. That made sense now why my hand had been tingling since meeting them both.

The tingle was gone now, meaning they were.

Good riddance… I thought, getting to Basara's room, biting my lip. Try to trick my family… I can't believe it. Damn demons, damn them, damn them, damn Dad who definitely knew.

I nearly crushed Basara's doorknob. "And damn you… damn you world for taking my future away."

I didn't blame Basara, I didn't blame dad. No, I blamed myself. I should have brought Kurumi with me; I should have gone back to the village to at least talk to her. And I shouldn't be as angry as I was, I should have just forced myself to smile more. My life wasn't that bad on paper… so why did I still feel so miserable all the time?

"Basara," I said, opening the door and walking into his room. "Are you okay, what's… Basara!"

I rushed around in front of him, as I saw him grabbing his forearm. It was shaking and I could hear his breathing labored. I got a knee and grabbed his shaking hand, trying to reinvigorate it with magic, and after a bright green light appeared, I stood and looked to see him finally breath out, seemingly a bit better now.

"Thanks…" He said quietly, before letting out a breath, and looking up at me with a sad smile. After I fell into his chair and rolled it towards him, he shook his head. "Arata… I'm sorry. Sorry I didn't listen to you."

I scoffed and picked up the stress ball, tossing it to him. "Don't worry, we were never in any danger it doesn't matter."

"It does but… thanks," He said, smiling and tossing the ball back to me. "You looked pretty good. Haven't missed a beat, probably could beat me."

I let out a dry laugh. "You're kidding right? You could have dealt with them yourself… are you okay really?"

"I'm not as powerful as I used to be…" He said, catching the ball and looking down at his flexing right hand. "But I'm okay. Maybe you'll finally get the best of me soon."

"Maybe I will…" I said softly, before sighing and going to sit next to him. "Alright, might as well call Dad. There's not a chance he didn't know about them."

He nodded and picked up his phone before dialing dad's number. I sat there, listening to the dial tone, spinning in Basara's chair, trying to do anything to keep my attention occupied. I was angry… but I had no idea why. Basara and I were safe now, dad had said he was proud of me… but did that really make up for the years I felt alone? Why, why did I still feel so miserable despite everything that had happened? I was a hero, raised to be one, and all I ever wanted to do was protect people who mattered, to have people who mattered, and I did… but why was my chest still so heavy?

Dad answered soon, and sure enough after we told him about what had happened with Maria and Mio, he didn't sound surprised in the slightest.

"Of course, I knew," He said, and before I could ask, Basara did.

"What?! Come on dad," He said, looking to me. "Arata tried to tell us, why'd you let him think he was crazy?"

"Yes, I'd like to know the answer to that too," I said, annoyed as I moved over next to Basara on his bed.

Dad sighed through the phone. "I'm sorry kid, I really am. But I didn't think you'd have any trouble; I also didn't think they'd try anything."

"You're too trusting, both of you are," I muttered, a shoot of annoyance going up my back.

"Maybe I am," Dad said over the phone, and I could feel him looking at both of us. "But you're both probably wondering why I did something like this."

"Yeah, why would you," Basara said for me. "Maria said something about Mio being the new Demon Lord."

"Who cares," I spat, standing up. "They both tried to trick us. They're gone now, let's just move on with our lives."

"Arata…" Dad said with another sigh. "When I told you I wanted this to be a second chance for you, I meant it. I thought this was the right thing to do, something a hero would do."

That stopped me from walking out of the room, that and Basara grabbing my arm. I spun around, and he slowly shook his head, gesturing for the seat next to him. I chewed at my lip, letting out a sigh, they really did know how to make me shut up and listen.

They knew, that being a hero was all I'd ever wanted to do, before I had everything ripped from me. As I plopped down, the thought came to me again. I was mad, I was angry, I felt so angry all the time… but why?

"So… what's the deal with them Dad," Basara asked after I'd sat.

"Well, what Mio said is true, she's the daughter of the Previous Demon Lord Wilbert," He explained, and hearing that, I only got even more annoyed. He went on. "Wilbert was powerful, really powerful, but he eventually managed to unite all the warring demon clans. After that, he made peace with the village, and all the other factions the demons fought with."

I scoffed. "Makes sense now why we didn't fight much."

"Unfortunately, they're still around," Dad said. "Wilbert made peace but had a lot of enemies who were against it. So for her safety, he sent his only child to live with some servants of his in the human world as a normal girl… that was Mio."

"And… what happened?" Basara asked.

"They were killed," Dad said, a silence falling over the three of us for a minute. "Not long ago, Mio's whole life got turned upside down. She had no idea about her demon side… and the people who she thought were her parents were murdered right in front of her."

I chewed at the inside of my lip. I had never known my mom, Dad and Basara were the only family I'd ever known, if you added Kurumi and Yuuki, I had even more I had considered family. What would I have done if any of them had died that day? Basara was close to it, I'd almost lost my brother.

And to this day, I still regretted not being able to stop it. I had a legendary sword, I was his brother, his little brother yes, but I should have been there.

I shook my head and put my mouth near the speaker. "But that doesn't explain why you had to take them in Dad, what's going on?"

"Well, now that her parents are dead… Mio's sort of a free agent," He said, his voice getting low. "Her and Maria lost everything, and now, every kind of demon you can think of is after Wilbert's power inside Mio. I didn't like the idea of a kid going through that… so I thought we could help them out, protect them. Because it's the right thing to do. They attract monsters everywhere they go; they need the protection."

Basara's eyes widened, and he stood up. "Why didn't you lead with that Dad?!"

"Huh?" I asked Basara. "Basara what are you getting so worked up-."

"We gotta go, me and Arata need to find them," He said, and before Dad could say anything else, he hung up the phone.

My mouth fell open when he stood up. He looked to me then as if he had six heads, but Basara only turned and met my eyes. They were determined, and ready for a fight, he got like that sometimes when we were younger. Back when he'd been deemed the 'hero of the next generation', 'Jin's son and heir', 'the best the village had ever seen'. Yes, he looked like he did back in the village then.

"Arata come on, we need to figure out where they are," He said, going to the door. "I think I have an idea, if demons or demonic beasts are after them they-."

"Hold on!" I said, getting up and closing the door before he could open it.

"Arata we don't have time for this," He said, glaring at me. "We don't have time for you to act like this!"

"Act like what? Rational?!" I demanded of him, my skin growing hot. I met his glare. "What use does is serve for us going to help them?!"

"Nothing, but it's the right thing to do Arata!" He yelled back.

I scoffed and crossed my arms. "For them after they tried to trick us? After they were going to send you to the countryside? Not a chance, why risk our lives for them? I don't care, do what you want, but I'm not-."

I was cut off, by a fist in my stomach. All the air left me, as I fell and looked up at Basara over me, my brother's fist was clenched, his teeth grinding as I coughed.

"What… what the hell is your problem?!" I yelled back, getting up and shoving him into the wall behind him. "Asshole remember what happened last time you didn't listen to me?!"

Basara didn't say anything, he tried to punch me in the stomach again. My anger and annoyance growing, I stepped aside and tried to punch him back. My hand came from overhead, my throat burning, my chest exploding, as all I wanted to do in that moment was lay him out. Not just now, but my entire life he'd not listened to me, and I finally couldn't take it.

But, then I remembered while he wasn't as strong as he used to be, he was still just as strong as me. He grabbed my fist and reached forward with his other hand. He slammed me back against the wall, my back smashed against it, and he grabbed my collar with both hands and pushed me against it harder. I tried to wrestle out of his grip, but he looked down and held me in an iron grip against the wall.

"Let me go Basara, what the hell is wrong with you?!" I yelled at him, as he didn't look up. Each second that went by my anger boiled over more and more. He looked up and in that moment I finally lost it. "Yeah of course, punch me, put me down go ahead! I'll eventually listen, of course I will, I am your ever faithful little brother aren't I?!"

He didn't say anything, and my eyes started to sting as I yelled. "I'm Jin Tojo's second son, Basara's little brother, aren't I? I'll do whatever you say, and be your ever faithful little soldier, the entire time I'm stuck in your fucking shadow, following your lead."

"I never asked you to do that," He said, practically growling as he held me. "You know I trust you more than anyone."

"You have some way of showing it you asshole!" I yelled, trying to wriggle away in vain, but I was crying now, I wasn't about to stop. I grabbed is wrists and squeezed. "They all loved you; they all propped you up, all the girls, all the boys, all the adults… and I was just an afterthought. But did I ever complain?! NO, because I love you and Dad, and I had someone who understood me, but now… now I don't…"

I sobbed, and he finally let me go. I slid down the wall and shook my head, wiping my tears and looking at him, as he still hadn't looked at me.

"She's gone, and I won't see her again," I said with clenched fists. "All I have left is you, Dad's never here. And you wanna go risk your life for some demons? Why?! Why Basara-."

"Because it's the right thing to do!" He hissed, looking up and glaring into my eyes. He was half a head taller than me, so he looked down and shook his head. "I'm sorry Arata, you'll never know how sorry I am we had to leave the village because of me. But… those girls, they've done nothing but try to live their life, they're being hunted, and the right thing to do, the thing a hero would do… would be to protect them!"

"Don't get all righteous on me Basara," I said, shaking my head as I wiped my eyes. "You can do what you want but I know this is foolish, I'm just being smart-."

"NO, YOU'RE AFRAID!" He yelled, grabbing my collar again and glaring those green eyes at me. "You're afraid of fighting again, of finding something to fight for because of what happened at the village Arata! But I will always do what I think is best for you, you're my brother and I love you. Which is why I won't let you act like this anymore! I won't let you act like some sniveling coward crying in the corner about how bad a hand he's been dealt."

He let me go and shoved me back. My back hit the wall, but his words hit even harder… was he right? Was I afraid?

He shook his head and went on, a gentler tone, but still stern. "That's not the person you are, Arata, and I know it because I know you better then anyone. My brother… the little brother that I looked up too…"

That hit me like a missile, I looked up, scoffing. "Looked up to me? You? Be serious Basara-."

"I am," he cut me off, a small smile coming to him. "You pulled that legendary sword from the stone in the village. I got a demon sword. You studied every single day, you and Kurumi would read together for hours, you were so determined to master it. Me? I couldn't read a technique or skill book if my life depended on it. And you… you made the ideals of a hero your life. The way you dedicated yourself? My little brother? It's what made me work so hard, because I always knew you were right at my heels."

My eyes were watering again, my arms were crossed… I couldn't look at him. Why the hell was he telling me all of this now? Why did he have to tell me now?

And why did it hurt and make me want to smile hearing.

He grabbed my shoulder and narrowed his eyes again. "I'll never forgive myself for being the reason you had to leave Kurumi, had to leave the village. I've tried since then… to make you smile like you used to back then. But now? Well… the Arata I know, my real little brother would never let those girls be left to suffer their fate without doing all he could to save them. Their name is outside this house, you made a promise to protect them, your family, so did I."

Finally, he let me go, and walked to his door, not looking back at me as he entered the hallway.

"The Arata I know… would follow the ideals now, especially if it was his family. I'll be damned before I let you turn into someone I know you'd loathe," He said, before sighing and looking down the hall and shaking his head. "They'll be at the park, overlooking the city, the one we found. Come or don't, but I'm going to be the hero that I wanted to be, the one my brother inspired me to be."

And with that… he took off running. I didn't move the entire time, I heard his footsteps running, I heard him open the door and close it. After that, the house went silent, and I still hadn't moved. How could I move? How could I do anything after what I'd just heard from him? I didn't do anything… except slid down the wall, onto my butt, letting out a sigh I'd been holding the entire time. My gut still wrenched from my brother's punch, but that wasn't what hurt me then.

It was the massive headache.

And then after that, the tingling off my hand.

"Shut up…" I muttered, looking at my sword hand. I shook my head. "He's wrong… I'm not afraid, I'm not… no… I can't be…"

I was lying to myself. What Basara had said was correct. He was right. My brother knew me better then I knew myself. I'd never forget that day, the day that Basara nearly destroyed the village. I promised myself I'd not let him use his sword after that day unless he absolutely had too. But here I was now, letting him go fight with it. I'd sealed what I did that day away, away in the furthest reaches of my mind so that I may never touch it or think about it again.

And Basara was right, it was the reason I was afraid.

I'd had Takemikazuchi that day, I'd mastered techniques. I remember promising myself I'd be strong enough to stop any bad things from happening to the village, and more importantly, to Kurumi, to my Dad, to Basara, to everyone. That was why I trained so hard, that was why I'd broken into the Tanaka's library so many times for books to master this sword. So, I could be ready.

So, I could be a hero. That was the goal. But the first time I'd been called on to be a hero… I let my brother almost die, Yuuki, Kurumi, and the whole village.

That's why I can't do this… can't have anymore family, anymore people to protect, because… I wasn't ready then, and I'm afraid of failing now…

My hand continued to ache, and I groaned, grabbing it. "Shut up! I don't need you bitching at me too…."

I sat there, looking at that hand, the hand where my sword would come. Basara had always joked to me that Takemikazuchi was my pride and joy. My connection to that god, his blade, that was my pride and joy. He wasn't only the god of swordsmanship, lightning… but he was also, the god of heroes.

"Well… the Arata I know, my real little brother would never let those girls be left to suffer their fate without doing all he could to save them. Their name is outside this house, you made a promise to protect them, your family."

I looked over at Basara's desk, and pushed myself up, walking over to the picture frame he already had out on it. It was taken just the day before, with all of us outside the house. Basara was smiling, Maria and Mio were both smiling with two fingers up.

And then there was me, not even looking at Dad's camera, a sour look on my face.

Is… that really the person I want to be? Basara had told me I hadn't even smiled since the village, truly smiled… and he was right. Dad had called this a second chance… but could I take it?

My arm tingled again, as if in response to what I was thinking. I looked down at my hand and balled it into a fists. I was afraid, very, very afraid, afraid I couldn't protect a family again. But that was part of being a hero.

"I will protect those who cannot protect themselves… I will protect even those I hate so long as it is right," I said quietly to myself, my eyes not leaving my hand. "And… I will accept there will be those I cannot protect…. Fuck… fuck you Basara."

I hadn't called him that in years… and if Mio and Maria really were demons, that meant they were probably older then me as well. The youngest sibling yet again.

Looks like I really couldn't catch a break.

"Dammit…" I muttered, as my hand tingled in response.

And I finally rushed out of Basara's room.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Basara

"I came to pick up my family…" I told them both, showing them the picture on my phone to remind them.

The area was clear now, but I could sense more demonic beasts nearby. Still… I couldn't help but smile at Mio's bemused face, and the smile growing on Maria's. My sword hand was sturdier now, and I guessed it was spurred on by the determination I had. I turned back around, and narrowed my eyes at the woods above, and felt my sense start tingling again.

"But… Arata?" Mio asked, coming up next to me.

Maria shook her head. "He doesn't seem like one to forgive."

I scoffed and looked at them both. "Don't worry about Arata, he-."

I stopped when I heard more growling and spun around to raise my sword. Coming down the hill were dozens of black shadows, monstrous looking dogs and other demons. Shadows were carrying blades, and all raced down the hill towards our position. I cursed and raised up my sword, only one of my arms armored, I wasn't ready for anything other then that yet. They hit the flat ground, and I lost count at over a dozen, and in the distance I could see an even more giant shadow looming over the ridge, I gripped my sword tighter, that had to be a giant, a demon giant.

But despite the numbers… I knew I didn't have any reason to worry.

"There's more of them then usual tonight," Maria said, in her succubus form as she came up next to me with her fists up. "Basara, we need to get Mio out of here!"

I felt Mio grab onto my jacket from behind. "Basara, please we have to run!"

I didn't worry because I could only smile. They rushed towards us, and I laughed, because I'd heard the distant clap of thunder when I cut away the first demon.

"We don't have to run, because we're going to defeat all of them," I said, turning back to them both, just as a massive BOOM came from overhead. A flash of lightning blinded us all, Mio and Maria yelled as they held their hands over their eyes, and I could only laugh as my hair blew back, and I saw a burst of lightning dashing between each of the demons. "Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance. I think it was your flare for the dramatic that Kurumi loved so much about you."

"Shut your mouth," Arata said, standing in front of us, a now massive blood red Odachi leaning on his shoulder, lighting bouncing off him from each direction. He turned back and glared at me, his already blue eyes the color of crackling lightning. "You could have taken them all out by now, but now you're just leaving me to clean up the mess."

"I knew you'd come," I said, a smile on my face, and I saw my little brother blush, before turning back to the massive pack of demonic beasts.

Arata had gone all out. The armor that Takemikazuchi summoned for its wielder wasn't like the other armor that you could summon in the village. Arata had silvery gauntlets running up his arms, but instead of pauldrons, like old ancient samurai he had two large and blood red shoulder pads, over armor that made him look like something straight out of a movie about the proud ancient warriors of Japan. It was black and silver with red inlays, and floating behind him, was a blood red cape with a white bolt of lightning down the center. In his hands, the long odachi had been what he chose for this fight, it was as long as a greatsword but curved like a katana.

His brown hair blew back, sticking up from the static electricity, as the giant above lumbered down the dark hills.

"Arata!" It was Maria who yelled, and next to me I saw her in near tears. "I told you I'd win you over!"

"Arata…" Mio said in disbelief, as Arata didn't look back. "What… what are you doing here? I thought you'd just want to let us die. What-."

"I will protect those who cannot protect themselves, that's the vow I swore when I began training to be a hero," Arata said, squeezing his katana and still not looking back. "But being a hero means saving everyone, not just humans… and it… it…."

He finally bit his lip and turned his head. His face was bright red, as he grinded his teeth and eventually got the words out.

"It… especially means protecting your family," He said, looking between Mio and Maria, then to me. "I swore that I would protect you both, that you were family. So that's what I'm going to do."

I'd never felt prouder to be able to call him my younger brother.

Maria gushed. "Awww Arata! I knew under that tough exterior you were just a big softie! Oh, I just can't wait to reward you by-."

"Don't get me wrong you're both still annoying as hell, and if you go into my room again I'll toss you out the window!" He said quickly, making Maria and even Mio giggled. He groaned and turned back to the demonic beasts who were charging now. He lifted his sword off his shoulder, more lightning beginning to spark off him. "If you're gonna be too lazy to take these guys out Basara well… I guess it's up to me!"

My hair blew back, Maria and Mio stumbled as he kicked off the ground and darted forward with a clap of thunder and lightning with his blade, towards the demonic beasts.

"Wait Arata!" Mio said, rushing ahead of me. "Basara, Maria, we can't just leave him to-."

I grabbed her arm and gently pulled her back. I gave her a reassuring smile as I could hear my brother smash into he monsters.

"He's fine, we should let him go," I said, looking up at the carnage in front of me, before letting out an embarrassed chuckle. "He… kinda needs to let off some steam."

"ARRRRRRRRAAGGGHHHHHHH!" Arata screamed, dashing between each of the demonic beasts like a bolt of lightning, cutting off claws, parrying blades, and slicing through them like they were nothing.

Around us in the air, I could smell sulfur, hear distant cracks of lightning. Next to me, Maria and Mio watched on completely bewildered, but I knew that this was par for the course for Arata. I bet he was even happy, that sword, Takemikazuchi was his pride and joy and now, Arata wielded it as if he was already a veteran. He moved so fast, I could barely see him, he was like a crackling bolt of lightning as he bounced between each of the shadows. They had taken all of their attention off of Mio, which was good, whoever had sent them had clearly meant for this to be the night she died with how many there were.

But there still weren't enough to trouble my brother.

"Basara… how is he moving like that?" Mio asked, as Arata skidded back in front of them, before darting forward with his blood red sword again. "I've never seen anything like it!"

"That's because our new stepbrother is just that good!" Maria said with a giddy giggle, and she wasn't far off.

I chuckled and watched on, as a massive shadowy giant leapt from the park above. "Arata's a speed type fighter like me, and his sword, the god he bonded with… its Takemikazuchi. The god of war, swordsmanship… and lightning. One of the most powerful weapons known to the Hero Clan!"

Arata looked and I could see four more spirits with swords bursting towards him in front of this massive shadowy giant. It carried a large axe of shadow, probably a lesser demon, but that didn't make it any less dangerous. Arata's eyes darted between the three smaller ones, these were dog like shadows which leapt with fangs bared.

"Arata!" Mio yelled, trying to go help him.

I stopped her. "It's okay."

Arata's eyes shot open, and his odachi moved from his shoulder to a leveled position in front of him. He closed his eyes again, and the girls yelled out for him, and a part of me was worried as well, however, when he opened his eyes, his sword shimmered with light.

"Swallow Reversal!" Arata said, and then his sword moved.

And I didn't even see it.

"What?! How… how did he do that?" Mio asked, as the three demons that had been inches from him disappeared into dust as Arata flashed his sword back in front of him.

He held out his massive red blade as the final demon approached. It started taking form, its axe took form, and it rushed forward towards him with it raised. The creature I could see was summoned; it had no mind except to kill its target. It got closer, at least the size of a house, and that was when lightning again ignited around Arata's body like a torch.

"Takemikazuchi… third configuration!" He shouted, as the sword in his hands glowed and shrunk with the crackle of lightning, until it was the size of a regular katana again, but that wasn't all that happened.

He lit up the park with bright light, as in his other hand, a second sword appeared, and he cut it through the air with a crack of thunder overhead.

I looked at the astonished girls. "That last skill was Tsubame Gaeshi or the Swallow Reversal, one of the dozens of techniques those who wield Takemikazuchi can perform."

"I've never seen magic like that!" Maria said, looking out at Arata. "It was like he struck in three places at once, I didn't even see his sword move!"

"That's because he did strike in three places at once. The Swallow Reversal goes beyond true magic, it only works if the user can move quick enough," I told them, a proud feeling swelling in my chest as Arata raised both swords above his head. "Like I said, it's one of dozens of powerful skills the wielder of Takemikazuchi can learn… and Arata? He learned them all."

"How did he change his weapon like that?" Mio asked.

I chuckled as blue lightning crackled around him, a ball of blue and red magic forming at the top of his swords. "The sword has three configurations, a one-handed sword, a larger two-handed sword, and the form now, which makes it appear as two. Some of the most powerful heroes have wielded that blade… but for hundreds of years it didn't bond to another user. That was until Arata came along."

"So… he is special," Mio said, looking me in the eyes. "But… Arata still doesn't seem to like us very much. I… get the feeling he's only here because you're here."

"You're wrong," I told her, grabbing onto her shoulder and nodding, as we both looked out to my little brother. "Arata's here because he made a vow as a hero, and he'll never go back on that. Neither will I. Mio, Maria… we're going to protect you."

"HE'S RIGHT!" Arata's voice came.

All of our eyes went to him, and I could only smile more, while Maria yelled.

"Arata! What… what is that?!" She asked him, Mio, and her stepping in front of me.

Arata scoffed, the massive orb of magic going from above his swords to coating them both. He glew from his armor with bright blue lightning, while his swords both erupted with blue and red fire. He kept his eye on the slowly approaching behemoth of a demon but yelled back at them.

"It's true, I think you're both annoying as hell… but I know that I'm not the nicest or easiest person to get along with either…" He said, taking a stance, as the magic glew up his body. "I've been through hell, I lost the one person I ever loved, and I've been taking out my anger on everyone else for years! I'm a crabby little brat who hasn't smile in years… and that probably won't change for a while."

Arata… I thought, knowing just how much I was responsible for that as well. I knew how much he loved Kurumi, how much she'd meant to him, and how much leaving her killed him.

But I was proud now, proud to see him finally saying what was wrong.

He turned his head back, eyeing Mario and Mio both with gritted teeth. "But… but the one thing I still am, is a HERO! I'm going to protect you both, I'm going to keep my vow…."

The demon roared and everyone turned, I looked and saw that it was steps away, going to swing its axe. Instinct took over me, and Brynhildr appeared in my hand.

"ARATA!" Mio and Maria yelled.

But Arata's sword erupted with fire and magic, showing the face of the shadowy demon.

"This time… THIS TIME I'LL PROTECT MY FAMILY!" He screamed, erupting from the ground. "KURIKARA TENSHOU!"

Kurikara Tenshou?! I thought, not thinking Arata had enough power after not having real training at the village to use such a move. Maria and Mio had to cover their eyes, as Arata exploded from the ground forward, both his swords erupted with their magic, as he cut them both deep across the demon's chest before they moved again. He struck, and he struck, and he struck, and I lost count of how many times his sword struck before he was above the demon and came down with a yell and clap of thunder.

The demon roared, but Arata smashed through its arm, and cut both his swords down its body. It erupted into black dust as Arata landed on one knee with both swords over his shoulders. The minute he landed, the clouds and smell of lighting stopped.

"Arata?!" Mio yelled, as the smoke from the blast began to clear.

And out of it… walked my little brother. Hands in his brown jacket's pockets, as if he'd just been going for a midnight stroll.

I smiled at him as he passed. "Show off."

"Shut up," He muttered, sighing as he walked past them. "Come on, let's go home I'm starving."

None of us moved, the girls stood still, probably wondering if Arata had meant it for them too.

"Are two deaf? I said, lets go home," He said again, sounding irritated. When they didn't move again he groaned and walked back towards them. "Something in your ears? Come on, quite messing around I'm hung-."

"OH ARATA!"

"Gahhhh! What the hell, get off me!" Arata said, his face getting beat red, as Maria-still in succubus armor- launched herself at him, hugging around his chest.

"I knew you were just faking the whole tough guy act I knew it!" She said, actually crying and looking at his face as he tried to peel her off him. "I told you I'd win you over, and I finally did, you're just a misunderstood sweetheart I knew you'd-."

"You didn't do anything! Don't call me that!" He said, stuttering now, his face as red as I'd ever seen it as he pulled Maria off him and set her down. "Don't even touch me like that again."

"Are you sureeeeee?!" Maria said, clamping onto his arm. "Hehe, come on Arata, show your step-sister the way home!"

"I was trying then you started grabbing me!" He said, trying to peel her off again. "Come on get off!"

"Awwww, but it's so comfy here!" She said, winking at him. "And what if I don't want to?"

Arata growled, but I couldn't help but start laughing at how flustered he was.

"Oh, come on get off!" He pleaded with her. "I was trying! Now let's go, I need-."

"Need to show your cute step-sis the way to the kitchen?" Maria teased. "Are you going to cook for us Arata?"

"I hope so," I said to try and save him, smiling at them, then at Maria. "Arata makes great udon, what do you say Mio?"

Mio finished looking amazed at Arata, before turning to me… and smiling.

"That sounds great!" She said, and I smiled as I held out my hand.

"That's settled then!" I said, as she took it, turning to my brother. "Do we have everything we need Arata?"

Arata groaned as he realized Maria wasn't getting off his arm but nodded. "Yeah… we should, come on lets go."

"Let's," I said, smiling as I walked by him, Mio behind me. I stopped however and held out a fist to him. "By the way… good job Arata, dad would have been impressed."

I saw him falter for a moment… and then, my brother smiled.

And he bumped my fist.

"Yeah… thanks… big brother."

Next Time, Episode 2: A New School: After the previous nights events, Arata and Basara bring Mio and Maria back home. However, Arata quickly learns that expending so much power after not having done so for such a long time has taken its toll. Still, the next day at school, he and Basara are starting anew, but that's hard when every guy in the place already hates them for showing up with Mio! Arata finds some solace with his new friend Kaneda, but he and Basara's worlds are shook again, when they meet someone else at school, Arata especially… it's the older sister of the girl he still loves, Yuki Nonaka.

A/N: Hey ya'll and WELCOME! Now, what is domgk115 doing with this story? Testament of Sister New Devil, a barely known ecchi anime story that doesn't even have thirty fics written on this site? Am I crazy? Yes, yes I am, but in the end, FanFiction is a place where I write and have fun, and Testament of Sister New Devil is one of my favorite most underrated series. It probably hasn't been watched by many unless you're familiar with ecchi anime, if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it.

If you enjoyed High School DxD (Also will eventually do a story for that) You'll probably enjoy Testament of Sister New Devil. However, I wrote this story bc Sister New Devil not only has one of my favorite casts of waifus, but also because I have a much larger story I want to write.

You may have seen it on my profile, but I one day want to write a massive crossover. If you noticed right now, I have FIVE stories going on, six now with this, now with the exception of my Quintuplets story (THAT Arata was made after this Arata, I never thought id write this story out xD) I have five characters now, Akira Miller from Sword Art Online, Cian Mac Gallagher from DanMachi, Arata Tojo from this story, Max from Akame Ga Kill and Robin Rose from RWBY, one day I want to write a large crossover featuring all my characters, so for now I'm putting out what I've finished for each of them! I also have a character from Fairy Tail and High School DxD coming as well!

But for THIS story, our main character is going to be Arata Tojo, I love writing a grumpy cynical kind of character which is different from what I normally write. He's also strong as hell, and we have just barely scratched the surface of his power. In this story, his pairing is going to be Kurumi down the line (I'd say five-six chapters0, my favorite girl from this show, now I don't expect many of you to have watched it… but maybe this story will make you want too haha.

OKAY that's it! Now this chapters been done for a while, I'm going back to working on Quintuplets for now, but will be bouncing around all my stories! So, I hope you enjoy all of them, or if you're waiting for one, hope you'll be patient with me! Thanks a bunch, I don't expect any reviews or many views, but that's the beauty of fanfiction, you don't have to care!