The Pawn of Grisaia

by Curse of Whimsy

He wanted to try being normal. He might still be able to get his wish, but he'll have to settle for being a normal Devil with a normal amount of memories from dead people he's never met... Kazami Yuuji has begun to wonder if maybe he isn't very good at this. Now has a TV-Tropes page, covering characters and events up to Chapter 35

12. Pull Me Back Together

This chapter is a mixture of the aftermath, and the consequences of the previous events. Sort of an in-between chapter, bringing one arc to a close so another can begin.

While I don't imagine every arc will have its own 'wind-down' chapter, last chapter was the largest yet, so I felt this was the best way to handle it.

Probably prudent, because this was originally going to be a shorter than normal chapter, but somehow ended up one of the longer ones.

---

He still thought that he'd gotten off easy in the end.

Perhaps not the most believable of arguments when you were on hands and knees over the toilet bowl, trying not to vomit, but Yuuji really did believe that.

Akeno was currently kneeling by his side, violet eyes glittering with concern as her soft hand rubbed small circles in his back.

The thin, almost transparent night robe that she wore didn't really cover much of anything, loosely tied and short as it was, but they usually slept naked anyways.

Yuuji was considering tonight a win, that he hadn't woke up screaming was definite progress.

Apparently such things were par for the course when you woke up from a gruesome, miserable death not your own, only to find a foreign object had invaded a body you could hardly recognize.

That 'foreign object' was his metal arm, and the lovely side perk of fractured, horrible memories that didn't belong to him were the side benefits of what Rias had called his Balance Breaker.

As he had been told, the arm had grown out of him while he was unconscious after his battle with Kokabiel, and that had been far more accurate than anyone could guess.

The tests run by the Gremory family doctors had confirmed as much, just above the elbow of his right arm, muscle and bone had not so much been replaced, but almost perfectly replicated with iron.

Beneath the solid plating of the exterior, hundreds of tiny iron wires had stitched themselves onto the frayed ends of his nerves and sinews, so seamlessly as to almost appear natural.

To an outside observer, it simply appeared to be a high-quality prosthetic, but how well it fit onto Yuuji, if anything just made the discomfort worse.

That the range of motion and dexterity of the limb were unaffected, in any way, was small comfort.

The memories seemed to be an after-effect of the Unknown Soldier, but since they didn't have any information to go on, the only common thread seemed to be that the memories belonged to other warriors, other soldiers of some kind.

He hadn't told anyone yet, because any mention of his Balance Breaker seemed to bring only gloom, but he had actually gained a few things from it.

Sure, he wasn't exactly sure how often he'd use something like horse archery, since he didn't own a horse, but...

It just seemed like a time in his life to focus on the little blessings.

After a few minutes of silence, Yuuji's arm had ceased feeling like a foreign invader, crawling under his skin, and was now just a little numb and cold.

Yuuji let out a deep breath and leaned back on his haunches as the nausea faded away.

A pair of soft arms draped their way over his shoulders a moment later, Akeno leaning in close to press her head up against his shoulder.

Yuuji wrapped his own arms around her waist, and they stayed like that for a while, taking simple comfort in each others presence.

"Think I'm okay now. What time is it?"

"Just after six. Plenty of time to take care of the other arm, if you need it?"

"Yeah, if it's not too much trouble."

"It never is, Yuuji."

Smiling at him, Akeno gave him another slight squeeze before rising to her feet, offering her hand.

Yuuji let her pull him up, just in time to catch her from falling when another spasm hit the girl without warning, Akeno giving a low grunt as her legs gave way.

Yeah, Yuuji thought he'd gotten off pretty easy.

He was used to night terrors, he was used to pain, confusion and not sleeping through the night.

In his opinion, Akeno had it worse.

---

The term used by the Gremory physicians was 'phantom regression'.

Asia had healed her shattered spine, and the pinched nerves that would have left Akeno crippled from the waist down, but complications had arisen.

Phantom regression was a disorder viewed as a variant of phantom pain, unique to Reincarnated Devils, and any others who hadn't been born wholly supernatural.

Simply put, the consequence of Akeno having healed from a life-altering injury in less than an hour was that her nervous system became 'confused'.

So rather than feeling a lost limb, as was the case with phantom pain, Akeno's body would occasionally remember that it was supposed to be crippled, and act accordingly.

Without warning, several times a day if she was unlucky, the lower part of her spine would simply stop working, resulting in partial or complete loss of function below the waist.

When she was lucky, this would result in momentary weakness, forcing the Gremory Queen to lean heavily against a wall (or companion) for a few moments until the episode passed.

When she was less than lucky, however…

When the worst possible timing saw Akeno tumbling down the stairs to land headfirst on the first floor of the dormitory, a panic-stricken Rias had all but ordered the poor girl into a wheelchair.

This had resulted in one of the most vicious fights they'd had in years, and the shouting match that had shaken the building ended with the two old friends crying in each others arms, a sobbing Akeno finally giving in.

Perhaps Akeno's saving grace was that the other members of her family were just as willing to be there for her, as she was for them.

That, and Akeno discovered the romanticism that came from being princess-carried up the staircase by the strong arms of one Kazami Yuuji, even if it took her a few tries to look him in the eyes without blushing like an innocent maiden.

The elevator Rias had put into the dorm didn't see as much use as one might think.

Koneko, in her own way helped as well, because whenever she wasn't pushing Akeno's chair, she could be found snuggled into the older girl's lap, accepting the Queen's smothering affection with a dignified air.

Attempting to, anyways.

No one was fooled, but no one could bring themselves to tease the little Rook when they saw the joy on her senpai's face.

Thankfully, phantom regression was not a permanent disorder, according to the doctors, lasting perhaps a month or two at the longest.

Yuuji, unexpectedly, found another way to help his lover, as Akeno took over the 'ritual' to keep down the paralytic effects of the Arsenal Memoir entirely, due to the surprising benefits that came with it.

Upon absorbing the excess magical energy from Yuuji, Akeno's body, in an attempt to normalize the flow of energy, would automatically convert it into her own mana.

Her body forcing itself into a state of equilibrium muted the effects of phantom regression to a degree, meaning that on days when Yuuji required Akeno's help, Akeno would subsequently have to deal with less episodes.

Yuuji had no intention, whatsoever, of admitting that he was subtly using Arsenal Memoir more frequently in private.

Meaning the ritual was necessary on just a slightly more frequent basis, as he carefully skirting the line that would lead to worry or suspicion.

Perhaps if pressed on the matter, Yuuji would have said that he considered the risks were worth it.

The truth of the matter was that the risks were never even considered.

---

In the days following the battle, Rias had proven, once again, how lucky the ORC was to be under her care.

She had spread her wings, and swept everyone underneath them like the mother hen she always was, and the results had spoken for themselves.

Asia wasn't allowed to wallow in the guilt she'd felt for being unconscious when all the worst injuries had occurred.

Suu had needed to step in to help, back at the school, the little Bishops impressive pool of mana not nearly enough for the demands of Twilight Healing.

Not with Akeno, Yuuji, and Ruth all left crippled.

Suu, with her ability to absorb magic, through Grayfia's guidance, found herself able to slowly transfer the magic she absorbed into Asia, with the help of the Familiar Bond.

Grayfia, of course, offered herself as a donor, which brought with it troubles of its own.

Namely, Suu had trouble limiting her absorption, and Grayfia had mana equivalent to the entire ORC, multiplied several times over.

The magical energy had flooded Suu with a speed she couldn't even begin to keep up with, her body's expansion giving way to odd ripples and a difficulty maintaining human shape.

The bizarre sight of a Slime vomiting liquid, only slightly more clear than her own body, was not one they'd soon forget.

She had then collapsed into a puddle, and Asia had burst into tears.

Needless to say, Asia blamed herself for the whole thing.

Tried, anyways.

Rias had other ideas.

Among other things, Rias had spent a lot of time training Asia to be a proper housewife, which translated to cooking classes that Raynare joined in.

Koneko and Suu joined as well, though they were promptly delegated (by themselves) to be taste-testers.

Koneko had gotten out of the fight relatively unscathed, but the combined stress of the battle, and her unexpected reunion with Kuroka had dragged forth the old fear of being alone.

So Rias didn't allow her to be alone unless asked.

Kiba had achieved Balance Breaker, and a decisive victory against that which had haunted him for so long.

It hadn't been nearly enough against Kokabiel, and the frustration, the sense of helplessness showed.

Rias had denied both by beaming at him whenever she thought he wasn't looking, and when he inevitably noticed (as she'd planned), waving away his questions with a flippant remark of how she was just taking time to 'appreciate how lucky she was to have a little brother so amazing'.

Kiba became very, very well-acquainted with how wildly excited Rias was to have her precious Knight achieve something that had never, ever been achieved.

The fusion of Holy and Demonic was no small thing, and Kiba could only face overwhelming love and pride on his behalf for so long before he accepted that maybe, just maybe, he'd done enough.

Sure, he couldn't use Rakshasa Divine for very long, and he didn't quite understand it yet, but using a miracle for any length of time was impressive enough in itself.

Raynare, for her pat, had been hit the hardest by the realization that Kokabiel had strung them along the whole time, but Kalawarner had that well in hand, being almost as much a mother hen as Rias.

If Kalawarner had been bothered by the betrayal, she never let it show.

Rias could respect that, even if she still kept a concerned eye on the older woman.

They'd shared a good laugh when it became apparent Kalawarner was watching over her just as carefully.

Akeno, as Rias' Queen, and one of the oldest members of the peerage, had been working just as hard as Rias, even if she was arguably the most in need of extra care.

Teasing and tender in equal amounts, she never failed to coax a smile out of the younger members, and it was rare to see her alone in the days that followed the battle, always making sure she had the time for someone else.

Rias perhaps wouldn't have been so successful if Akeno hadn't worked just as hard.

All the more impressive, when you were the primary motivation between the school's 'emergency renovations' involving actual renovations.

With the only injury not easily concealed -having glamored Yuuji's iron arm to appear flesh and blood to ordinary folk- Akeno had the cover story of having been the unfortunate victim of a hit-and-run.

As the report said, Akeno had been lucky to get off with only a 'minor spinal fracture' to explain the occasional episode.

Sona had been pushing to make Kuoh Academy wheelchair accessible for quite some time, anyways.

---

"Xenovia Quarta, I'll be in your care."

Offering a small bow, the new transfer student had just introduced herself, and a patiently smiling Kalawarner allowed the class to indulge their curiosity, within reason.

"Where are you from, Quarta-san?"

"What are your hobbies?"

"What hair product do you use?"

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

"What are your three-"

This last question was cut off when the teacher, without looking in the speakers direction, casually bounced a small piece of chalk off said speakers head, smiling pleasantly all the while.

Xenovia gave Kalawarner an impressed nod, even if she hadn't the slightest clue as to what had prompted that action.

"I'm from Italy. My hobbies are training. I use shampoo? No, but I have my eye on someone."

The second flood of questions and the classes excitement were interrupted by Kalawarner's loud cough.

"I think that's enough questions for now, feel free to get to know each other better during the break. Quarta-san, the seat next to Argento-san will be yours, please be seated."

Kalawarner raised an eyebrow ever so slightly as she regarded Xenovia, who offered a nod in return.

Making her way to her assigned seat, Xenovia immediately found herself slightly blinded as the former Holy Maiden beamed at her.

Past the smiling girl, Yuuji offered a small nod, though Raynare's expression held just a tiny bit of wariness as she waved to the former Exorcist.

"Oh, I'm so happy you're in class with us! Let me know if you're missing any textbooks, and we can share!"

"Yeah… thanks, Asia."

She still felt a little guilty when Asia smiled at her like that.

She still didn't feel like she'd deserved immediate forgiveness for the awful things she'd said.

Xenovia had also decided that she would never quite forgive the Church for what they'd done to Asia.

Yuuji watched the girl calmly out of the corner of his eye.

Seemed she was adjusting well.

Her Reincarnation as a Devil had made for a... strange day.

---

His morning run had taken him in a random direction, Yuuji deciding to mix up his usual route to help clear his head.

This had lead him past the old church where the Exorcist duo, Xenovia and Irina, had been staying until recently.

This in no way explained why the lights were still on.

Or the door was unlocked.

Or why Xenovia, rather than being busy reporting directly to her superiors, was currently lying on the cold stone floor, staring up at the ceiling.

Upon his approach, Xenovia had briefly turned her head his way and offered a greeting, before turning her head back towards the ceiling.

"Oh, hello there, Yuuji."

Yuuji decided to start with the obvious.

"Why the floor?"

The bluenette let out a long yawn, clearly not having slept very well, or perhaps at all.

"It's nice and cool, so I was hoping the chill would help me clear my head."

"Aren't you supposed to be home by now?"

"Oh, I don't have one of those anymore."

"... You asked, didn't you?"

"... Asked?"

"If the Church knew about God's death."

Xenovia didn't turn her head his way, but a tiny, bitter laugh slipped out.

"I'm probably the first Exorcist in Church history to be excommunicated over the phone."

"It's probably for the best you didn't ask in person."

"Yeah."

Small comfort.

"What happened to Irina?"

"She doesn't seem to have heard Kokabiel, for what little comfort it is. She probably knows what happened to me by now, but I got a little lost in the airport, and she was forced to leave without me."

Xenovia smiled sadly.

"She probably spent the whole flight worried sick, and now the first news she'll hear about me is that I'm a heretic. I imagine she's feeling rather confused and betrayed right about now."

They remained in silence for a while, Xenovia returning to her careful examination of the ceiling.

She was admittedly a bit surprised when the heavy silence was broken by the whisper of cloth.

Her well-honed instincts didn't detect the slightest threat, so she found herself at a complete loss when she was unceremoniously flung over Yuuji's shoulder.

"What are you-"

"You're technically a Stray Exorcist. Sorry, but I'm taking you prisoner."

"... I see."

That her next response to the abrupt claim was to slump over his shoulder, in apparent surrender, told Yuuji all he needed to know.

The only sound made was the dull grind of a metal fist being clenched, and heavy wooden doors swinging shut.

---

"Oh yeah, I forgot you sleep naked."

"THAT'S THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND!?"

"Ho, so the Gremory heiress sleeps in the nude? This is valuable information."

"HOW!?"

Yuuji had just calmly swung open Rias' bedroom door, luckily not waking her up, as his King was already sitting up in bed when he opened it.

Her confusion possibly stemmed from the fact that Xenovia was still casually draped over his shoulder.

The now Stray Exorcist had lifted her head to regard Rias with keen interest, not at all bothered by the glorious breasts on full display by one of Hell's most promising daughter's.

Rias sighed, resigned to the conversation she was about to have.

"Yuuji."

"Yes, Buchou?"

Yuuji tilted his head in curiosity.

"Explain, please."

"I picked up a stray?"

"... Why am I not surprised?"

"Because there's a precedent already set?"

"Put her down."

Yuuji complied, dropping Xenovia onto her feet.

Rias let out a deep breath and schooled her features into a pleasant smile, displaying the grace and dignity of one of her station, despite still being naked and having slight bed head.

"Clearly we have much to discuss, but I'd at least like to be fully clothed. Could the two of you wait in the common room?"

"Sure."

Yuuji closed the door.

Xenovia turned to look at him, curiosity tingeing her normally stoic demeanor.

"So, why'd you bring me here?"

Yuuji blinked.

Once.

Twice.

"Now you're asking questions?"

Xenovia put a finger to her chin in thought, silent for a moment as she pondered.

"Yes, I do believe that's the case."

"For now, let's just say there's a precedent set."

"Hmm, you told Rias that as well…"

Xenovia's blank expression contorted into one of pure disbelief.

"... Why would you?"

The question was so quiet, he wasn't entirely sure she'd meant it to be out loud.

Yuuji shrugged, and turned on his heel, heading downstairs without another word.

Xenovia stared after him in troubled silence for a moment before following suit.

---

They had sat quietly for a while before Rias came down the stairs, dressed in simple night clothes and a robe.

She watched Xenovia carefully for a moment, before reaching into her cleavage to pull something out, placing it down on the coffee table before taking her seat.

A single red chess piece, made to look like the head and neck of a horse.

The Knight.

Xenovia stared at it without blinking, eyes widening ever so slightly.

She slowly lifted her head and asked the Gremory heiress one word, barely audible even in the early morning silence.

"Why?"

Rias smiled at her, beautiful blue eyes observing her keenly.

"You couldn't help but ask, could you? The Church didn't want their secret out, so they cut you off in a heartbeat. Frankly, I'm a bit surprised you're alive, but the fact of the matter is, as things stand, you're alone, aren't you? This is the only thing I can offer you, in exchange for fighting alongside us."

Xenovia smiled sadly at the frank assessment.

"Am I that easy to read?"

Rias shook her head.

"No, in truth I expected as much if either of you chose to ask questions. I take it Irina either didn't say anything, or didn't manage to hear anything damning?"

"No, she doesn't know anything."

Rias let out a small sigh.

"I hope you'll forgive me for saying so, but I suppose that's a mercy, in the end. I won't pry, but it seems the poor girl has enough to deal with as it is."

Those screams would not soon be forgotten.

"Yeah. I feel guilty for thinking this way, but I hope she never finds out."

Rias smiled softly, waving a hand slightly as if to brush away the younger girls concerns..

"It's not a simple situation by any means, but I don't think it's wrong to not want your friend to suffer."

Xenovia smiled back, still looking a little conflicted, but grateful nonetheless.

Rias clapped her hands together to move things along.

"Well, that aside, what do you think of my offer? If it makes things simpler, it's not as if I don't stand to gain anything from this. I imagine Excalibur Destruction has been returned, but Durandal is still in your possession?"

"That's correct. An exchange of services isn't hard to understand. I suppose it's fitting that the Underworld would take an interest in the Churches cast-offs."

Xenovia pensively crossed her arms, frowning down at her lap.

Rias patiently settled back in her seat, willing to give Xenovia as much time as she needed to-

"Okay, I accept."

Rias froze in disbelief.

Yuuji smirked at the surprised girl, while Xenovia tilted her head in confusion.

"Did... I say something strange?"

Rias blinked and recovered with admirable grace, clearing her throat with a small cough.

"No, no, not at all. If you're willing to accept, then there's no need to discuss things further. Once you accept this Evil Piece, you will be reborn as a Devil, and serve as my second Knight."

"I understand. I will pledge to serve Rias Gremory faithfully as my King, and defend her and her household with my life."

As she spoke, Xenovia slipped off her chair and onto one knee, placing one hand over her heart and bowing low.

Yuuji wondered if offering Rias a sword to knight her with would be in poor taste.

Rias rose gracefully from her seat, lifting the Knight Piece from the table and moving to stand before the kneeling girl.

Xenovia lifted her hands, without raising her head.

Rias placed the Knight piece onto her outstretched hands, and Xenovia placed it against her chest, where it disappeared with a crimson shimmer.

Leathery black pinions sprouted from Xenovia's back.

"Rise, my Knight…"

Rias smiled proudly down at her newest peerage member, her elegant voice brimming with warmth and authority.

Xenovia lifted her head slowly, unsure as to why she'd gone silent. What she found was an outstretched hand, offering to pull her to her feet.

Hesitantly she reached out, and Rias pulled her to her feet and into her embrace.

"-And join your new family."

The newborn Devil in her arms flinched, before tentatively returning the hug.

That was when a door swung open, and a sleepy Asia wandered out of Kalawarner's room in her nightie.

The little blonde froze upon seeing the former Exorcist, who still had her wings out.

"X-Xenovia-san…?"

Xenovia jerked out of Rias' grasp, an expression of incredible guilt across her face as the crimson-haired beauty watched her with concern.

The new Knight bowed her head low, meaning she was unable to see the utter confusion on the sleepy blondes face.

"Asia… I'm… so, so sorry."

Asia's head gave a cute little tilt, early morning light giving her golden locks a soft, warm glow.

"Sorry? Whatever for?"

Yuuji tried not to laugh as the blue-haired girl jerked her head back up to stare.

"The things that I said… I even offered to…"

"You were trying to help, weren't you?"

Xenovia's mouth dropped open.

After a couple seconds of total silence, Asia began to fidget.

Unbeknownst to her, Kalawarner and Raynare were leaning on the doorway behind her, smiling fondly at Asia even as they kept one eye trained on Xenovia, just in case.

Asia walked closer to the dumbstruck girl, leaning forward slightly in concern.

"Xenovia-san, are… are you okay?"

Yuuji bit the inside of his cheek to keep the laughter in.

Xenovia really had no idea who she was dealing with, did she?

"N-no!"

Asia flinched back from the outburst.

"No, I mean, I'm okay, it's just… you're really not angry… at all?"

Asia straightened up, one delicate finder pressed to her pursed lips.

"Hmm, nope!"

"Nope?"

Xenovia parroted her in disbelief.

"Nope! I forgive you, Xenovia-san."

Xenovia slumped in place, wings retracting as she let out a soft sigh.

"Just like that, huh?"

"Yep!"

Asia beamed at her.

"I see… you're so kind, it's a bit worrying to be honest but…"

Xenovia stood tall, her gaze firm with conviction.

"I won't let anyone take advantage of that, I swear it."

Rias' smile grew from ear to ear.

"Does that mean we can be-?"

Asia had perked up and began to blurt out a question, but caught herself, blushing and fidgetting with her head ducked.

"Sorry, Asia? I didn't quite catch that?"

Xenovia leaned forward slightly, smiling kindly at the smaller girl.

"D-does that mean w-we can… b-be friends?"

Asia lifted her head, one lovely green eye peeking through her bangs as she blinked shyly up at the new Gremory Knight.

Rias made a strangled noise and clutched at her heart, the two Fallen Angels following suit.

Xenovia's mouth fell open for the second time.

"Friends? You... want to be friends with someone like... me?"

"Is that... too much..?"

"No… I was just surprised."

Xenovia smiled warmly at her.

"I would be honored, Asia… chan?"

Hesitancy slipped out in her tone, only to be blasted away an instant when Asia blurred into motion with speed she never could have seen coming.

The next thing she knew, the little Bishop had pounced on her, the taller Knight catching the ecstatic girl as she flung her arms around Xenovia neck and pressed their cheeks together.

"Yay! Thank you so much, Xenovia-san!"

Scarlet bloomed across Xenovia cheeks as Rias whipped her head away, hands clamped tightly over her mouth to muffle the adoring squeal that definitely had not just slipped out.

Raynare and Kalawarner didn't even try.

---

Athletic without being unfeminine, stoic and to-the-point, Xenovia was an immediate hit with her new class, even if she understood neither the questions, nor the interests of her peers.

That she was almost as protective of Asia as Raynare sent the poor Fallen into a fit of giggles, deciding then and there that she would be friends for life with the new member of her little family.

The source of her giggles was a whispered rumor that Xenovia seemed just like a noble knight, waiting dutifully on the innocent, naive maiden that was Asia.

It would take until the end of the school day for the title of 'Kuoh Academy's Lady Knight' to catch on.

Raynare would forever deny that she had played a hand, or eight, in the matter.

After class, Xenovia had followed them down to the Occult Research Club, Kiba having joined them on the way. Kalawarner was a bit delayed, having stayed behind to answer the questions of one of her students.

Rias, Akeno and Koneko were already present, but today, it was Asia that served the tea. Akeno had brewed it, as normal, but her injury meant that serving the tea was a bit of a gamble.

Fortunately, she had no shortage of volunteers to help out.

Akeno beamed at him as Yuuji sat down beside her, shuffling herself a bit closer until their hips were touching.

Once they were all seated and served, a smiling Rias addressed her little family.

"Now that things are back to normal, I think it's about time we returned to taking requests. Tonight will be a busy one, but Xenovia, Asia has a request that I'd like you to accompany her for."

Xenovia gave a firm nod as Asia perked up excitedly.

"Normally, we'd start you with fliers, but this seems like a good opportunity so it can wait. Will you be alright to show her the ropes, Asia?"

"Y-yes! I'll do my best, Buchou!"

"Hehe, I'll be in your care, Asia."

Xenovia grinned at her new friend.

'Wonderful. Akeno will sync your Gremory crest with our summoning circle."

As that was taken care of, Rias turned her head to Yuuji.

"We have a request for you as well, any schedule conflicts I should know about?"

Yuuji shook his head.

"Should be fine, but I'll text JB just in case."

Xenovia turned her head back to Yuuji as he spoke, even while Akeno traced glowing sigils over the crest on Xenovia right hand.

"You have another job, Yuuji?"

"Yeah, I'll tell you all about it some other time."

Xenovia was currently the only one who didn't know about Yuuji's 'part-time job'.

Yuuji had missed it, but apparently that had been an interesting conversation, to say the least.

JB had explained things, citing that he would 'drag things out and muck things up', thus having taken it upon herself to fill everyone, in while he was bedridden in the hospital.

---

" I... can't say I'm all that surprised, to be honest. Yuuji always gave off the impression of being far more dangerous than anyone our age should be."

Rias had spoken slowly, still gathering her thoughts.

She'd always understood, on an instinctual level, that Yuuji had blood on his hands, that Yuuji was, and perhaps always had been, a killer.

No, not just a killer.

Her Pawn was a trained assassin.

Black-ops, employed by the Japanese government agency Ichigaya.

JB had made it clear that this was not something that could simply be revealed to anyone, but had decided to make an exception given the circumstances.

They were essentially Yuuji's family, and so JB had flippantly remarked that confidentiality only applied to humans, since to the best of her knowledge, Devils and Fallen Angels didn't officially exist.

Kiba had been the first to ask the ugly question, that more than a few of them were wondering.

"If he's an assassin, why does Yuuji react so poorly to killing?"

JB raised an eyebrow, and Kiba had told her of their first Stray hunt.

JB had let out a sad sigh when he finished his tale, suddenly looking far older than she should.

"It's a mental block of sorts, put in by the woman who trained him. Frankly speaking, Yuuji is too good at killing. So to counter that, he has a 'safety pin' of sorts that's hard for him to remove on his own. If he goes against it, his body reacts violently, and the result is as you've seen."

Kalawarner spoke up then, brown eyes narrowed.

"The night he rescued Asia, he killed a lot of people. We were with him afterwards, and I don't recall anything like that happening."

"If he has reason enough, the pin will shake loose on its own."

Asia went pale, sniffling as she realized she was the reason.

The older members of the peerage shared concerned looks, their thoughts flying back to the footage of the Rating Game, and Riser's awful fate.

Even if he hadn't actually died, it was clear that had simply been his heritage saving him, rather than any modicum of restraint on Yuuji's part.

"Let me guess, the first time you bumped into him that night was so terrifying you thought your heart would stop?"

The two Fallen Angels shuddered as JB continued on.

"I thought as much."

Kalawarner's scowl deepened.

"Is there… no consequence when this happens?"

JB gave a sad little smile.

"It's probably just what you're thinking, I'm afraid."

Kalawarner wasn't the only one to infer her meaning.

The consequences didn't just go away.

They were merely delayed.

How often had something like that happened? Everyone was thinking the same thing, now.

How many times did Yuuji merely hid away his pain were no one could see? How deep did his scars reach?

After he'd been released from the hospital, Rias had confronted him about it.

It went without saying that she wasn't alone, Akeno, Asia, Raynare and Kalawarner present as well.

Akeno had slapped him when Yuuji had bluntly stated that he didn't think it was that important.

They'd been the ones hurting when they realized that Yuuji honestly meant that.

He hadn't really known what to say when his apology just made it worse.

Nor had he been aware of how Rias had stayed behind afterwards, making sure she understood precisely the responsibility involved in being Yuuji's second 'handler' so to speak.

Or, how to turn the safety off, if necessary.

He also hadn't known that JB had been truly, truly grateful for no one to have asked the most difficult question of all.

No one had asked her how young Yuuji had been when his career started.

Or what had led him there in the first place.

She wouldn't have minded talking about Asako, even if the memories still stung, just a little.

She doubted she'd ever be ready to talk about Heath Oslo.

---

His client was a foreigner of sorts, though seemingly comfortable enough in his yukata.

Black hair with messy, golden bangs and a sly, mischievous grin, the line on his face suggested he had to have at least a decade on JB, but Yuuji knew better than to make guesses.

Perhaps some would have just thought 'bad boy' when they saw the handsome man, but Yuuji had sharper instincts than most.

His client was dangerous in the extreme.

However, Yuuji also had a job to do, and hesitation was not his way.

"Yo, Devil-kun, so you're the one the Gremory girl sent?"

A cheery wave as the man sat on a tatami mat, in front of the table of his small apartment.

"Yeah, that's me. How can I help?"

"You old enough to have a drink with this old man?"

The client enticingly waved the sake bottle in his hand.

"In a few countries, yeah."

Accepting the answer for what it was, the client laughed and poured him a drink.

Tonight was the night that Yuuji would learn that despite having a reasonable level of aptitude in everything he tended to try, video games were a notable exception.

The client had bought a new racing game, and had claimed to be lonely without an opponent.

Yuuji had risen to the task by become well acquainted with virtual ditches.

The man had poured the drinks faster, laughing uproariously all the while, even as he suggested that Yuuji could use the alcohol as an excuse.

That was a nostalgic comment, to say the least.

He had the strange feeling that Asako would have liked the man.

Eventually his client took pity on him and decided to take a break, though the pause screen was teasingly left with an image of Yuuji's car facing the wrong direction.

"So, Devil-kun, I heard a rumor that your school was closed down for 'emergency renovations', nothing too big, I hope? Students should be in school, after all."

Yuuji shook his head.

"Nothing serious, some stray birds were nesting where they weren't supposed to be, and making a mess. Didn't catch all the details, but it only took a day or so to clear them out. Mostly it was just an excuse to get some planned renovations taken care of."

"Hoh, birds was it? I've heard the town's had a few problems with those lately, wonder what's got them all out of whack?"

"Who knows? Maybe the sky's gotten crowded."

"Could be, could be. Wonder what happens to those birds?"

"Depends how much trouble they caused, I suppose. Some were put down, I imagine, but you don't always need to go that far."

"Oh, you seem to know a lot about that sort of thing, don't you?"

"What can I say, I read a lot."

The client laughed again, cheeks a bit rosy from all the sake. He had gone through twice as many refills as Yuuji, after all.

The bottle was almost empty.

"Sounds like you don't have much of a bias either way, huh, Devil-kun?"

"Not really. I don't like violence, I suppose, so getting along is easier."

The man stroked his chin at Yuuji's answer, and for just a moment, his eyes stared off at something far in the distance.

"That so? Well, that's reassuring to hear."

The client clapped his hands together abruptly, before rising to his feet.

"Well, shouldn't keep you too long on a school night, thanks for keeping me company, Devil-kun. Let's get your payment out of the way so we can seal the contract."

Yuuji rose to his feet with a nod, now for the first time able to see just how much of a height gap was between them, the older man having almost half a foot on him.

His offering was a hanging scroll used in tea ceremonies, a gorgeous black and white mountain range depicted.

Yuuji wasn't exactly an art aficionado, but he did have a rough understanding from his sister's brief career as a sought after artist.

Even then, all he could really tell was that it wasn't so much 'old' as it was 'ancient'.

"You might be overpaying me."

The clients first response was a sly grin.

"Call it an investment then, you'll be seeing more of me I'm sure."

"I see."

Yuuji decided that now was as good a time as any to stop beating around the bush.

"Do you have anything you want me to pass on to them?"

The man blinked once, and his smirk disappeared for perhaps the first time.

"How long did it take you to figure things out, Devil-kun?"

The man spoke softly, seeming surprised but not overly concerned.

Yuuji tapped his metal arm meaningfully, feeling it safe to assume the glamor wasn't fooling anyone right now.

"We remember you, Azazel."

Azazel blinked once before throwing his head back to laugh.

"HAHAHA! Of course they would, wouldn't they!"

A look of understanding settled across his features.

'How many did you manage to wake up?"

Azazel spoke quietly, scrutinizing the boy with keen violet eyes.

"Don't know yet, things are a little jumbled up still."

Azazel let out a small sigh before his grin returned, a little more strained than before.

"Sounds about right, that particular Balance Breaker always tends to have a messy wake-up. But, since we're speaking frankly now, Yuuji-kun, allow me a question."

Yuuji watched him carefully for a moment, before giving a small nod.

"That Gremory girl forbid you from using that, didn't she?"

"It freaked them out a little bit, so yeah."

Azazel's eyes narrowed slightly at the word them.

"It's not a problem that will just go away, you should know. Either you use Balance Breaker or it uses you, and then they really will lose you forever."

A glimmer of sadness flit across his violet eyes, gone so quickly Yuuji wasn't quite sure if he'd imagined it or not.

"That's how it always seems to go, anyways."

And Yuuji wasn't quite sure he was supposed to hear that.

"I'll pass it on."

The man blinked slowly, as if a little surprised Yuuji was still in the room.

Yuuji took a step back and began creating the summoning circle, dull grey draining the color from the room as it swirled in the shape of the Gremory crest.

One eyebrow raised as he watched the Fallen Angel, waiting for him to finish what he wanted to say.

Yuuji was almost starting to fade from sight when Azazel spoke up once more, not quite meeting his gaze.

"Are they… happy, where they are?"

Yuuji put a finger to his chin.

"I'm a bad person to ask, but... I think so."

A small sigh.

"That so? Take care of them, would you? I… don't have the right to say, or ask anything more."

The room darkening once more was his only reply.

---

Understandably, Rias was more than a little shocked to discover that Yuuji's client was the leader of the Grigori.

"First Kokabiel, then the Hakuryuukou, and now Azazel!? Why are the Grigori using my territory as a playground!?"

"Hang on, what's a Hakuryuukou?"

Yuuji interjected before Rias could go off any further.

Rias gave a troubled frown.

"The White Dragon Emperor. I don't know much about him, other than that he's an incredibly powerful wielder of the Longinus Divine Dividing. It houses the Heavenly Dragon, Albion. He's also the one that came to collect Kokabiel's body."

"Hmm, I think Albion rings a bell."

"He was mentioned by Ruth's friend 'Tia-san'."

In an unladylike fashion, fitting for a teenage girl perhaps, Rias made air quotes for emphasis.

"Oh right, the lady with the horns and the tail."

.

.

.

.

"Is that the only thing you remember?"

"Yeah, what of it?"

Rias gave a sigh that sounded oddly defeated.

"Never mind then, I should have known better than to ask. I wonder what Azazel is scheming, laying his hands on my precious Yuuji...! Death, definitely death! I've heard Azazel is interested in Sacred Gears, he must be-"

Rias cut herself off with a shiver, flashing Yuuji a guilty, haunted look.

"N-n-no… that's enough of that for now. Just please Yuuji, be careful."

Yuuji decided to keep his silence, biting his tongue in frustration.

He was starting to lose patience with them tiptoeing around the issue.

Yuuji had been the last one to return that night, and so the air was heavy as the two of them returned home.

Eventually though, Rias found herself troubled by another reason entirely, the smell of sake that clung to Yuuji's clothes.

He hadn't been drinking, had he?

No, this was Yuuji, not some delinquent.

She... wasn't going to ask though, just in case.

She was sure she'd raised him better than that, anyways.

---

"Any discomfort? Trouble sleeping? Has anything else changed? How about your appetite, is your appetite okay?"

"Still fine, I promise. Just the new swords I can make and the color of my wings. Nothing else has changed."

"Okay… but tell me right away if anything else changes, no matter how minor it seems, understood?"

"Yes, Buchou."

Kiba was sitting beside Rias on the couch, bearing her morning 'check-up' -read, interrogation- with the patience and grace he was known for.

That it was far more genuine than it had ever been was a testament to how far he'd come.

When she'd gotten past how beautiful they were, Rias had been quite concerned that the Holy Element Kiba had absorbed from his friends had turned his wings white as snow.

If 'quite concerned' was a diplomatic way of saying she'd nearly worried herself sick over the injection of Holy energy into one of her Devils, and the possible complications.

Of which there had been absolutely none, but Kiba had still suggested doing 'check-ups' every morning with her to put her mind at ease.

He'd even managed to talk her down to having the check-ups done by the Gremory family doctors only be a weekly thing.

He didn't often use his silver tongue on those close to him, but a man needed some space, after all.

They turned their heads as Yuuji came into the common room, wearing the tracksuit he wore for his morning runs, and offering a small nod in lieu of a greeting.

"Morning Yuuji-kun."

"Good morning Yuuji, how are you feeling? Yuuto and I just finished his check-up. Is Akeno still asleep?"

Yuuji gave another nod.

"Nothing to report, Buchou. You two are up early."

Rias nodded, before fidgeting a little in her seat.

"I was actually wondering if I could…"

She hesitated.

"Join you on your morning run?"

Yuuji took the excuse for what it was.

"Sure."

Kiba rose gracefully from his seat and excused himself.

Unlike Yuuji, Kiba preferred to run in the evenings anyways, though they did run together from time to time.

Ruth usually joined Yuuji as well, but he had calmly stated through the Familiar link that he'd just slip out while they were at school.

---

Their pace was just a tiny bit slower than Yuuji's normal pace on his run, while Rias was more than capable of keeping up, the reduced pace to allow the upcoming conversation to flow a bit more smoothly.

Yuuji had kept his silence, allowing Rias to gather her thoughts and speak when she was ready.

"How has Akeno been, during the night?"

"Assuming you're not talking about our sex life-"

Rias scowled at him, even as her cheeks flushed a little-

"-She's been okay for the most part. The occasional nightmare, but the spasms don't seem to wake her up, for the most part anyways."

Rias' azure eyes glimmered with concern as she pursed her lips.

"How often do they happen?"

"Two or three time a night, less if she's had to help me with my arm before bed. Massaging her a bit when it happens seems to help."

A long sigh.

"That's the best we can hope for, I suppose. Now, how about you, Yuuji?"

Yuuji was silent for a moment as they rounded a corner.

"I've had a few rough nights, but not so bad, I suppose."

"Yuuji, you don't have to hide-"

Yuuji shook his head slightly as they rounded a corner.

"I'm not trying to act tough, Rias."

I just don't know how to say anything more, Rias finished for him, frowning softly.

"I see. Well, I called in a few favors, so hopefully we'll have more information on your Sacred Gear soon. I'm pretty lucky to know the greatest mind in the Underworld on a personal level."

Yuuji cocked an eyebrow.

"The greatest mind?"

Rias let out a small hum in confirmation.

"Ajuka Beelzebub, one of the four Satans. I don't really like using my connections like that, but he is my Onii-sama's childhood friend, and my household comes before my personal preferences. Being able to wrack the brains of the man who single-handedly created the Evil Piece system is far too valuable to ignore."

"That so? I appreciate it, Rias."

Rias smiled at him, and for a while all was quiet save the soft patter of their shoes.

Eventually their run had lead them towards a park bench, said park mostly empty in the early morning.

Rias brought herself to a halt and sat down, beckoning Yuuji to do the same.

Yuuji said nothing, waiting for the crimson-haired girl to gather her thoughts.

"Do you remember the conversation we had with Akeno?"

Yuuji raised an eyebrow.

"Y-you know, before the fight?"

"You mean the one where I agreed to take you out on a date?"

Rias colored slightly, but nodded in confirmation

"I-I don't want to push. Akeno needs you now, more than ever, and I don't want to take away from that. We should forget that conversation ever happened."

She spoke with an awful lot of conviction and authority for someone who wouldn't look him in the eyes.

Yuuji took his time, gathering his thoughts as best he could.

"If that's what you want, then I'll heed your wishes."

Rias smiled, an awkward expression for one looking so downtrodden.

"Yes… That would be for the best, I-"

"But since that isn't actually what you want, I'm going to go ahead and ignore that."

Rias blanched, looking away from him.

"I-I… no, I think this is for the b-best-"

Yuuji cut her off again.

"Watch out."

Rias whipped her head in his direction, eyes scanning for the source of the warning.

Which was when Yuuji gave her a quick peck on the lips.

Yuuji smirked as the shocked girl slowly turned redder, and redder, slowly lifting trembling fingers up to her lips.

Without a word, he rose from his seat and turned to face the girl.

The furiously blushing Rias slowly looked up at him.

Yuuji's smirk widened.

"T-that's not fair… I spend all night working up my resolve and then you give me my first k-k-kiss like that…"

The flushed Rias murmured, shooting an accusing glare at Yuuji that lacked any heat.

"Sure did. Now…"

Yuuji slowly began to back away from her, smirking all the while.

"What are you going to do about it, Rias?"

Before she could even consider the challenge, Yuuji spun on his heel and took off.

Rias gaped at his retreating form for several seconds before springing from her seat.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'D KISS ME AND RUN AWAY LIKE THAT! GET BACK HERE YUUJI!"

Yuuji, of course, didn't listen.

He just threw a wink over his shoulder... at the smiling girl who pursued him.

---

"Akeno, hide me. Buchou is angry and I'm scared."

Akeno grinned at the monotone plea, beckoning Yuuji to sit down on the side from her closest the door, and pulling him down close to bury his face up against her breasts.

Rias, panting hard from chasing Yuuji all the way home, came barreling through the door a moment later, skidding to a halt and placing her hands on her hips.

Yuuji tilted his head up slightly to look at her as Rias tapped her foot, a very much fake scowl on her face.

"So, mister, what do you have to say for yourself?

"Akeno-san, Akeno-san, Buchou's being scary, help your poor underclassman."

"Ara ara, is Buchou bullying our poor Yuuji-kun? Do you want me to spank her?"

Yuuji sat upright, curiously regarding the woman with her arms around his shoulders.

"Is she into that sort of thing?"

"Not yet, but we're working on it~."

"I see."

"I can hear you, you know."

At Rias' words, Yuuji and Akeno looked each other dead in the eye and nodded, before Yuuji spoke for them both.

"That's reassuring. Hearing loss is becoming a very real problem among our generation."

"Is it now?"

"According to the study I read, anyways."

Akeno's only interjection was to giggle.

Rias lifted an eyebrow and stared at her friend for a moment before giving in, and joining in the laughter.

Akeno turned her head to Yuuji as the laughter died down.

"So, figured out when you're taking Buchou out on a date?"

Yuuji shook his head as Rias lost her smile.

Akeno looked at her in surprise.

"Wasn't that why you went on a run with him?"

Rias squirmed a bit and ducked her head.

"Not… exactly."

"Yeah, I was having too much fun teasing her to have any serious conversations. How does Sunday sound, by the way?"

"S-Sunday?"

Yuuji gave Akeno a meaningful look as Rias stuttered.

"That sounds perfect, your schedule is free and we can use tomorrow to pick out your outfit!"

Akeno nodded firmly, as if everything was already decided.

"I… that is…"

"Rias."

Akeno cut her off sternly.

"Y-yes?"

Came the meek reply.

"We both know how excited you were that Yuuji-kun agreed to take you out on a date, now stop being silly."

Rias blinked once before glaring at her.

"Akeno…"

"Nope. You've spent the whole week fussing over us, go take a break before you collapse. We'll be just fine without you for one day, and you'll be all the happier for it."

Rias looked like she wanted to say something more, but instead she just sighed and gave up.

"Okay, okay. Thank you. Both of you."

Rias smiled warmly at the two of them, before tugging at the neckline of her tracksuit.

"I'm going to go take a shower, see you two in a little bit."

"Mhm."

"Sure."

They watched her go, and when she was out of sight, Akeno let out a long sigh and snuggled up against Yuuji, leaning her head up against his shoulder.

"That was more work than I thought it would be. Good job though Yuuji, I haven't seen her smile like that since you beat Riser."

"Yeah. Guess I have plans to make."

"Speaking of plans, could you keep the half-day free?"

"I don't mind."

"Great. I have something I… well, I'll tell you later, okay?"

Yuuji remained silent, eyes narrowing as he wondered why Akeno sounded so tired all of a sudden.

---

"Ah, hello, Yuuji-sama. I didn't expect anyone else to be up here."

"Hey there, Kala. Came to get some fresh air?"

A nod from the faintly smiling beauty.

"Indeed, but I have no wish to intrude?"

"I wouldn't mind the company, actually."

"I see. Pardon me then."

The door swung shut as Kalawarner closed the door, walking softly across the rooftop to join Yuuji, as he leaned against the railing that hemmed it in.

The rooftop was relatively bare, having clotheslines for hanging laundry on one end, but mostly left open to allow take-off by anyone feeling the urge to stretch their wings at night.

Yuuji had made his way up there after his talk with Rias and Akeno, wanting to be alone with his thoughts for a bit.

Even then, though, Kalawarner was a welcome presence.

She bore with her an air of serenity that never failed to put him at ease, which, he imagined, was part of the reason she made such a good teacher.

Kalawarner put her arms down on the railing and leaned forward with a soft hum, the simple sweater dress she wore clinging to her figure, while still allowing an air of subdued elegance.

They remained in a comfortable silence for some time, hair swaying in the faint spring breeze.

"Are you beginning to adjust to the new arm, Yuuji-sama?"

Kalawarner began slowly, not turning her head, but watching the younger man out of the corner of her eye.

"Slowly, yeah. Felt a bit strange having one arm weigh a couple pounds more, but my sense of equilibrium has more or less returned."

They both knew that wasn't what she was really asking, but she accepted the answer for what it was with a small nod, having no wish to push at a time like this.

Rather, she squirmed a bit in place, recalling the other thing that had been on her mind lately.

"About the other day… when I…"

Yuuji remained silent, frowning softly as he thought about what she might be trying to-

"Oh, you mean when you kissed me?"

Kalawarner's cheeks colored faintly as she nodded.

"Sorry, I almost forgot about about that."

Her mouth fell open, and then immediately snapped shut as the older woman gave a soft huff, cheeks puffing out slightly.

"A bit more delicacy would be appreciated, Yuuji-sama. I am still a woman, after all."

"Sorry."

Yuuji slowly turned his head to the quietly pouting woman and smirked.

"Guess you'll have to give me a reminder some time."

Kalawarner flushed, but her smile returned nonetheless.

"Hmm, I suppose I must."

A teasing glimmer in her eyes, the gorgeous woman tapped one slender finger against her chin as if in deep thought.

"But I believe I shall be patient, just a little while longer. After all, there are quite a few sorting out their feelings, and I'm beginning to think that a nudge or two might be in order. I imagine that you're going to find yourself quite sought after in the next few months, Yuuji-sama."

"That so?"

"It is. Never you fear though."

In an uncharacteristically bold display, Kalawarner leaned over to whisper huskily in his ear, one long, slender finger tracing its way up his neck as she did so.

"As your teacher, I have every intention of offering a lesson or two you'll never forget."

Before Yuuji could reply, Kalawarner swept away, her long hair flowing behind her in an azure trail.

"I do believe I've made my intentions clear enough, for now. Enjoy yourself, Yuuji-kun."

Yuuji turned his head back as the door opened and closed once more, smiling to himself.

"I think I will, Kala-san."

Next time, he'd take extra care to pay close, close attention.

---

"Has there been any sign of the Hakuryuukou?"

"No, but the young Ojou-sama has reported that Azazel became one of Kazami-san's clients."

"Azazel, huh? He's probably interested in Yuuji-kun's Sacred Gear, but I doubt he'll cause trouble with the peace summit on the horizon. As long as he doesn't get too mischievous, we can leave him alone for now."

"As you say, Sirzechs-sama. Are you planning to notify the young miss soon?"

"We'll be visiting for the open house soon, that should be a good time to let her know."

Grayfia gave a small nod in response.

"Going to come with us, Fia?"

The nickname was a clear sign that he was done speaking as Lucifer.

Now it was just plain old Zechs -though he'd had little success in getting her to call him that- her oldest friend, and the one who'd brought her into the Gremory family, despite the… complications that had arisen.

"I don't have anything pressing for that day, so I suppose I can escort you, as the Queen of your peerage."

Sirzechs smiled and took the excuse for what it was.

"I'm sure Ria-tan will be pleased. Once she gets past her embarrassment, of course."

"I seem to recall that you're the one who embarrasses her. I'm the one she comes to for advice when Akeno is just as lost as she is on womanly matters."

Sirzechs slumped back in his seat, with one hand pressed dramatically to his forehead.

"Ah, if only I'd been born a girl."

He fake (sort of) lamented.

"If only. I'll take my leave for now, if you don't mind."

"Yeah, have a good night, Fia."

"You as well."

Grayfia slipped out of Sirzechs office, and quietly close the door behind her.

Parent day, was it?

It would be nice to visit Rias and the others under less… dire circumstances.

She'd killed a Cadre, and almost killed a Dragon, the last time they'd met.

Little time for pleasantries there.

-She had just held out her hand to form a seal, and stop the bleeding, when the fountain of blood from Yuuji's arm abruptly stopped.

Beside her, Rias made a sharp inhale of breath, as something new began to sprout from the ruins of her Pawn's right arm.

They looked like wires.

Hundreds, thousands of thin metal tendrils that coiled in the air and constricted around each other, becoming thicker and thicker as they wove and melded themselves into-

"Bones?"

The disbelieving voice of Rias slipped out as they watched iron weave itself into an eerie facsimile of a human skeleton.

From there the wires branched out, lining and surrounding the bones as if mimicking veins and tendons.

Sturdy iron plates slowly grew into place, sheathing the startlingly organic appearance of the inner workings.

However, Grayfia was no longer watching.

Her eyes were on the shadow that had fallen over them.

"Oi, was killing him really necessary? I'm sure the 'Strongest Queen' could have taken him prisoner if she really wanted, Kokabiel wasn't that amazing."

Floating soundlessly in the air above was a figure clad in armor of the purest white, with blue accents.

A horned helmet with glowing eyes of pale gold, clawed gauntlets and greaves, and metallic wings, each with eight 'feathers' of shimmering blue light.

The armor of the dragon.

The armor of-

"Albion. Has the Hakuryuukou come to gather the remains?"

"You didn't answer my question."

"I have little patience for you, Dragon. Kokabiel trespassed upon our territory in order to murder our children, you're lucky there's enough left for you to recognize."

The armored figure shrugged.

"Well, Azazel only told me to take him alive if I had the chance, so I can't say I care."

He turned his head, glowing eyes falling to rest on the only two Fallen left alive.

Raynare cowered behind Kalawarner, who stood tall despite the shaking of her knees.

"Strays, huh. Should probably deal with them while I'm here, I suppose. Oh, but don't worry, I'll make things quick."

A shimmer caught his attention, and the White Dragon directed his gaze upwards.

The morning skies were filled with an ocean of stars.

Stars made of jagged, narrow ice, all pointed in one singular direction.

"Was I not clear enough? I have no time for your games, Dragon."

Crimson eyes burned holes into the armor as Grayfia Lucifuge stood with one hand raised above her head.

Beside her, Asia's surprised shriek was lost behind the mighty gale that swept through the school, as the Underworld's Strongest Queen bared her fangs.

"You'll kill the people you're trying to protect with an attack of that scale."

The White One's voice remained calm, his arms crossed in front of him.

"Are you so foolish as to think I'd threaten you with something I couldn't actually use?"

"No, I suppose you're above that. I'll leave them be. Though I am a bit curious, is that boy down there the Soldier I've been hearing so much about? I wanted to meet that one."

The stars doubled in number.

As they did, a ragged, bloody shape was sent unceremoniously hurtling through the air, to be caught by the Hakuryuukou in a single hand.

The ruins of a once proud Cadre weeped a crimson rain upon the earth.

"You have what you came for, Dragon. Do not overstay your welcome."

The ice began to inch forward.

"I am a bit tempted to find out what would happen if I did, but I'm on official business so I'll take my leave. Another time, perhaps."

Grayfia glared at the armored figure as it ascended further into the air and then departed in a powerful gust of wind.

After several tense seconds, those watching the exchange slumped in their places, breathing shaky sighs of relief.

Grayfia turned her gaze away from the skies without a second thought.

She had far more important tasks to accomplish.

"Nyaa~. Fia's even more serious than normal. You'll get wrinkles if you scowl like that~."

Crimson eyes snapped up to burn holes into the speaker, and the speaker, a black, two-tailed cat lounging on the window sill, shrank back a little as her fur stood on end.

"That name will never pass between your lips again."

"Alright, alright, I was just joking~."

The teasing tone remained, but she couldn't quite keep the tremor out of her voice, tails swishing nervously behind her.

As she spoke, the silhouette shifted, and in place of the cat was a young woman with furry black ears, two tails and golden eyes.

The loose black yukata she wore exposed most of her full chest and slender white legs, one of them tapping a wooden sandal softly against the wall.

"Did you wander from your room just to eavesdrop, or is there something I can help you with, Kuroka-san?"

The girl in question didn't seem embarrassed to be called out, and flashed Grayfia a teasing grin.

"Nyaa, us cats are mostly nocturnal, just enjoying the moonlight a little."

The grin fell away, replaced by a bashful demeanor that couldn't quite meet Grayfia's gaze.

"I did hear though… class visits, huh?"

Kuroka's voice dropped in volume as she spoke, talking to herself more than anything.

"Listen, I… I know I don't have any right to ask this but…"

"You'll need to dress a little more appropriately."

"Yeah, I shouldn't have-"

Bright golden eyes blinked in disbelief.

"Huh?"

"Your preferred attire is unsuitable for visiting a school full of hormonal teenagers, even if the men belong to a clear minority."

"W-what do you mean?"

Grayfia arched her brow.

"Were you not planning to attend the class visits, Kuroka-san?"

Still looking a little dumbstruck, Kuroka shook her head rapidly.

"N-no! It's just I didn't think y-you'd… I mean I'm a prisoner and-"

"And you will be in the company of the Gremory patriarch, Lucifer himself, and his Queen. That's without factoring in that Serafall Leviathan plans to attend. I do not believe anyone can accuse us of leaving you 'inadequately guarded'."

Kuroka blinked once more, and this time, her habitual, flirtatious smirk was replaced by a genuine, grateful smile.

"Yeah, when you put it like that it makes sense, nyaa."

She let out a small sigh as her ears flicked and her tails thrashed about behind her, betraying her inner turmoil.

"Yeah, thank you Grayfia-san. Really."

The Gremory maid shook her head slowly, though not without allowing herself a tiny smile.

"I'm not the one you should be thanking. Sirzechs-sama positively hates the idea of siblings being separated, and this is the first excuse he's had to make steps towards rectifying that."

"That so? Eh, I can see why."

"Indeed."

One might wonder why an SS-Class Stray Devil was roaming the halls of the Gremory estate.

Kuroka was not roaming freely however, she was a prisoner.

Invisible to the naked eye, the seal on her left leg would rob her of the limb if she left the property without explicit permission.

That was the story, anyways.

In truth, the seal would inflict her with symptoms similar to a well-earned hangover, more of a mild punishment than a serious determent.

After all, Kuroka's real reason for being 'imprisoned' on the Gremory estate was for her own protection.

A thank you of sorts, for quite possibly being one of the largest contributors in the fight against Kokabiel.

Grayfia would never admit it to the girl, but she had been immensely proud of the fast-talking Rias had used to sell that little claim.

---

They had just finished patching everyone up and rendering them fit for transport, the Hakuryuukou having just departed with the body of Kokabiel.

Grayfia, in consideration for the exhaustion of those present, had requested that Rias allow her to handle the transport, the Gremory heiress just having finished a hasty meeting with Sona and her peerage.

A flash of swirling crimson light deposited Grayfia and her passengers in the common room of the dormitory, her intent being to aid in gathering whatever was needed before she brought them to the Gremory hospital.

With no immediate danger to any of their well-being, she could afford to make the stop first, rather than do it afterwards.

The location she popped into allowed her a perfect view of the modern-designed, spacious and open kitchen.

Also, the SS-Class Stray Devil currently digging through the refrigerator.

Kuroka's tails stood straight up in the air as she slowly turned her wide golden eyes towards the Ultimate-class Devil who'd just appeared by the front door.

Grayfia calmly turned her gaze towards a guiltily squirming Rias.

"If you would be so kind, Ojou-sama?"

Rias subconsciously tried to make herself smaller, knowing full well that the polite request was actually a command, whose refusal would be unwise in the extreme.

Kuroka had yet to move, barring the slight trembling of her legs.

"W-well, you see Grayfia, there's a very good explanation for this…"

"I have no doubts, Ojou-sama."

There had better be, Rias, said the crimson eyes stabbing holes through the poor girls skull.

"Y-you see, she… well she was injured and…"

Rias closed her eyes and took a deep breath, before rising to her full height with barely a quiver.

"Kuroka-san was wounded acting on our behalf, and I would be a poor excuse for a Gremory if I did not see to it that her wounds were at least tended to?"

An elegant brow arched in silent query, Grayfia deciding to be merciful and ignore the fact that the one who seemed most surprised by Rias' words was Kuroka.

"Yes, Kuroka-san has only just regained consciousness, but the injuries that nearly claimed her life were sustained by battling Kokabiel before our encounter with him."

Rias nodded knowingly, getting into the flow of her own story at last, while Grayfia smiled inwardly.

"Is that so?"

Grayfia turned her gaze to Kuroka, daring her to disagree.

The dare was not taken as the Nekoshou nodded frantically.

"Indeed, while he was certainly a horrifying foe to face, he didn't display even a fraction of the power I would have expected from a foe of that magnitude. Truthfully, he hardly used any magic at all."

Kuroka blinked in shock as Rias directed her gaze to her as well.

"I wasn't able to ask, but how badly did you manage to wound Kokabiel to put him in such a state?"

Kuroka straightened and turned to face those gathered.

"I tore half his wings off. Even a Cadre has trouble recovering from that."

Came the quiet admittance.

No one needed to guess why she'd fought Kokabiel, as her gaze kept darting towards Koneko.

The air of near frantic concern and the barely restrained urge to rush to her side painted a clear enough picture.

The fact that Grayfia would have killed her on the spot for any sudden movements certainly must have helped her restraint.

"Things would have been far, far worse had you not acted. On behalf of myself and my household, you have my deepest gratitude."

The Nekoshou blinked in shock as Rias bowed her head.

"I… you… you're welcome."

"I believe I understand the situation now. I will be just a moment."

A silvery blue communication circle sprung to live on the right side of Grayfia's head, just as a faint ripple cut her off from her surroundings, muting the conversation she held in its entirety.

The ripple distorted the air, so Kuroka couldn't even exercise her talents in lip reading.

Whatever conversation Grayfia engaged in took less than a minute.

When the magic faded, Grayfia's blood-red gaze fell upon Kuroka once more.

"I'll need you to come with me, Kuroka-san. You're to be held at the Gremory estate until further notice."

Kuroka let out a bitter little huff.

"Prisoner, huh? Well, not like I can get away from you anyways, nyaa."

"Indeed, coming quietly is it your best interest. Sirzechs wished to make it clear that your treatment will be determined solely by your behaviour."

Kuroka wasn't sure she'd heard that right.

A high profile Stray like her had no chance of surviving for any length of time if her cunning didn't at least match her power.

So she could read between the lines.

What Grayfia had actually said was 'cause no trouble, and there will be no trouble'.

In other words, they were offering her… safety?

No, that couldn't be-

As if sensing her doubts, Grayfia offered a tiny, almost imperceptible nod.

This… might be the best chance she'd ever get.

Shirone would visit the Gremory estate on occasion.

When was the last time she'd been able to see her sister, without having to spy on her from the shadows?

"Say no more, Maid-san."

Kuroka held up her hands, palms up and wrists pressed together.

A small wave of Grayfia's hand, and glowing seals bound her hands together.

With one hand, the Gremory maid summoned a transportation circle under Kuroka's feet.

The other summoned one beneath Rias and her group.

She offered a polite bow to the young lady.

"They are ready to receive you at the Gremory facilities, Ojou-sama. It is necessary for me to escort Kuroka-san, so this is where we must part ways."

Rias, looking a little bewildered still, gave a dazed nod, and then shook her head as if to clear it.

Then she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around the taller woman, leaning in to whisper fiercely in Grayfia's ear.

"I never did say it, did I? Thank you for saving us, Ane-sama. Thank you so much."

Grayfia slowly, gently returned the embrace.

"You're most welcome, my little Imouto."

Kuroka's ears twitched, perhaps the only one in the room with hearing sensitive enough to pick up the whispered conversation.

Save for one other.

The spike of pain in her chest was more from a long-felt sorrow than jealousy.

How she wished her own sister would look at her that way.

"Shirone…"

The sad whisper caused her little sister to flinch slightly, but Koneko didn't quite lift her head.

Mercifully, the Gremory circle whisked her far, far from the pain that would only deepen if she stayed.

Now here she was, a 'prisoner' -guest- of the Gremory's, and she would finally have a chance to see her precious Shirone, and maybe, just maybe, speak with her face to face.

Now, she just needed to decide if she deserved it.

She hadn't even noticed that Grayfia had long since left her to her thoughts.

---

"I have somewhere I'd like to show you, if you don't mind?"

"Sure, after class?"

"Please."

Today was Saturday, and thus only a half day.

Yuuji spent most of that time pondering Akeno's request.

Wondering what about it had made her so nervous.

The school day passed by in a blur, and before he knew it he was following Akeno's directions as he pushed her chair along.

Rias had watched them go their separate ways with a faint tinge of concern, which only served to puzzle Yuuji further.

Soon enough, they found themselves at the traditional red gates -torii- leading up a long stone staircase to what Yuuji could only assume was a Shinto shrine.

"Are we going to be okay in there?"

Akeno gave a small nod.

"Rias made a deal after the old caretaker passed away with no successor. This was where I lived before the dorm was built, but I still make weekly visits to keep it maintained."

"I see."

It made sense, he supposed. That shrine maiden outfit she sometimes wore had always seemed to carry a certain nostalgia with it.

She was too comfortable in it for the outfit not to have any meaning.

… There were a lot of stairs though.

"Lend me your arm, Yuuji? I think I'll be okay if you support me."

"Sure, Akeno."

Akeno rose slowly, carefully from her wheelchair, but as she'd said, her legs seemed to be bearing her weight just fine for now.

Yuuji folded up the chair, slinging it under his right arm while offering Akeno his left.

The black-haired beauty wrapped her arm snuggly around his, pressing it up against her breast as she leaned into him.

Fortunately, they made it up the stairway without incident, and soon found themselves in the modestly sized shrine, sipping tea in the small tea ceremony room off to one side.

"How is it?"

"Wonderful, as always."

"Ufufu, hearing Yuuji-kun use words like that makes my delicate maiden's heart go 'pitter-patter'."

"I believe every bit of that except the 'maiden' claim, as I happen to be an eye-witness to contrary evidence."

"Mmm~ but Yuuji-kun didn't witness with just his eyes, now did he?"

"No, I suppose he didn't."

Akeno giggled once again before raising her cup to her lips once more.

Yuuji let them both savor the tea and the company for a while longer before he decided to move things along.

"Not that I'm not happy to be invited to your house, but what's the occasion?"

Akeno offered a teasing smile.

"Hmm, does there need to be one?"

"No, but there is."

This time, Akeno's soft laughter held a tired edge to it.

"Nothing gets past you, does it Yuuji?"

"I try to pay attention to the people I care about."

"Right, that's just like you, isn't it?"

So why did those words seem painful for you to hear?

What the hell is going on, Akeno?

Yuuji bit back the words he wanted to say, eyes narrowing slightly.

"I've… I've been keeping secrets from you, Yuuji."

As she spoke, Akeno gently placed her cup down and took a deep, slow breath.

"I guess I never told you about them, did I?"

"Them?"

"My parents. My mother was a shrine maiden, and one day, she found a leader of the Fallen Angels, Baraquiel, passed out from his wounds. That man would become my father."

Akeno watched Yuuji closely as she spoke, gauging his reaction carefully.

Yuuji's face remained its blank, impassive mask, and so Akeno soldiered on.

"She nursed him back to health, and she must have done her job well, because the Fallen Angel fell deeply in love with the human, and she with him. It didn't take long for their daughter, for me, to follow. And so a girl with the blood of both human and Fallen Angel was born."

Akeno rose to her feet, allowing her white haori to fall open and expose her pale back as she turned away.

What sprouted from her back were wings.

... While one was the leathery pinion he was accustomed to, the other was adorned by midnight feathers.

With a bitter smile, Akeno roughly caressed the feathers, almost as if preparing to tear them away.

"It was these filthy crow feathers that lead the Himejima family to our doorstep. They killed her in an attempt to reach the monster she'd had the misfortune to give birth to, and when they came for us, that creature was nowhere to be found."

Akeno's bitter chuckle drowned out the dull groan of iron grinding against iron.

"When Rias found me, I leapt at the chance to forsake my heritage, and be rid of these wings forever. Instead, what was born was a hideous mismatch between two sets of wings, a truly fitting adornment for the filth in my veins."

Belatedly, she turned her head back to face him.

"I've been so, so scared to show you this, this sign of my shame."

"I don't care, Akeno. Everyone has secrets, and the shape of your wings never mattered to me."

Akeno's smile was weighed down by the tired, melancholy air that hung heavily around her.

"But you already knew, that... didn't you?"

Akeno went rigid.

"So why don't you tell me what's actually bothering you?"

Akeno closed her eyes and let out a long, shaky exhale.

Her next words were little more than a tentative whisper.

"Raynare, Kalawarner. They're… good people, aren't they? In spite of what they've done?"

"Yeah, they've done some terrible things, but you only have to look at how deep their scars run to know how much their past haunts them. Bad people don't feel that kind of guilt."

"Yeah, I thought you'd say something like that. I'm…"

Her voice dropped too low for him to hear, until she repeated herself.

"I'm not like them. I'm like him."

Dark eyes narrowed into slits, the warning signs unheeded as the woman carried on, too preoccupied to notice anything else.

"He was enjoying himself, you know. He broke us, he broke me like some cheap discarded doll, and all I could think about was how much fun he was having."

Akeno shivered, and Yuuji knew there was more than one meaning behind it.

"It made perfect sense to me, it was all so wrong, and horrible, but it was all so right."

A wild laugh slipped free from Akeno's lips.

When she whirled on him, her eyes were alight with dreadful excitement, and her smile so wide, it looked like it was stretching her open.

"Don't you see!? We're no different! I can't stand a clean win! I can't stand an easy kill! I want to see them writhe, I want to see them crack, and burn, and break, and scream! I love it more than anything, nothing gets me going more than that! We just fought a monster, Yuuji, and that monster could have been me and nothing would have changed!"

Akeno giggled again, breathing hard as that awful, tragic smile tugged at her cheeks.

"It's okay Yuuji, you don't have to say a word! I just wanted you to know, I just wanted you to know what kind of filth you've been sharing your bed with-"

Akeno let out a strangled scream as her body convulsed, legs that no longer knew how to support her giving way beneath her.

Akeno caught herself with her hands, head bowed as her slender frame shook.

Her voice was drowned out by the sound of tearing paper as the thin sliding door, leading to the porch, gave way before the heavy wooden table flipped through it.

Before she knew what was happening, a rough hand had slammed her on her back, blasting the breath from her lungs as an iron limb pierced the tatami beside her head.

Frozen in shock, Akeno could only gaze in terror into the seething pits of darkness that swallowed the light above.

"That's enough, Akeno." The beast pinning her to the floor hissed in her face, white teeth bared and sharp.

"Y-Yuuji?"

"Shut up and listen."

Akeno sucked in her breath, trembling and bewildered.

She'd never been so frightened of Yuuji in her life.

And it hurt... it hurt more than anything.

The next words to slip from between the beast's jaws were soft and calm, and the spell was broken as Yuuji gazed down at her.

"Monsters don't cry, Akeno."

"H-huh? What do you… I'm not… am I?"

Quivering hands reached slowly up to a beautiful face marred by silvery trails, finally finding the tears that had pushed Yuuji over the edge.

He hadn't really seen the smile.

He hadn't really heard the laughter.

All he'd seen was the anguish.

All he'd heard were the desperate cries of a woman who couldn't keep her pain hidden any longer.

"I'm… I… it hurts, why does it hurt? Why does it hurt so much?"

Yuuji tore his buried hand free of the floor, and gathered the shaking girl into his arms, holding her close, arms wrapped beneath the wings she hadn't even thought to conceal once more.

"You wouldn't be hurting if you were even half as bad as you seem to think."

Her arms that had hung loosely slowly clawed their way up his back.

"B-but I… I'm so…"

"I accept."

"... A-accept?"

"All of you. Whatever secrets you hold, whatever scars you hide, whatever darkness, whatever evil you see in the mirror. Just like the warmth, the smiles, the kindness you've given me, I accept."

"You'll… accept it? Accept me? Even if I'm broken? Even if these wings… even if...?"

"Even then."

"Oh…. this…"

Akeno's body went limp, with the exception of the desperate grip of her hands.

Yuuji pulled them up into a sitting position as a great, shuddering sob wracked the fragile body in his arms.

That sob was followed by another, and another, until the shrine rang with wailing cries of its master.

Yuuji held her tight as the storm within her heart tore free for all the world to see.

---

What seemed like a lifetime later, Akeno had cried herself hoarse, panting heavily as she slumped bonelessly against him.

"I.. I think I'm okay now. Sorry you had to see that."

Akeno mumbled into his neck, her head leaning heavily on Yuuji's shoulder.

"Hmm, no, I don't think so."

Akeno lifted her head off his shoulder to meet his eyes, her puzzlement clear.

"Yuuji? What do you mean?"

" I seem to recall someone saying that the girl I love was filthy and dirty. As a man, there's some things I just can't let go. So I think the one who had the guts to insult my girlfriend deserves a little discipline."

This time, Akeno's shivers were purely in delight and anticipation.

They didn't prepare her in the slightest for the electric current that jolted through her, more potent than any lightning she could wield.

A strong, calloused hand had just pressed its fingers into the curve where wing met shoulder, and then ran itself none-too gently through her feathers.

No one else had ever stroked her feathers like that.

Truthfully, she hadn't even touched her own feathers in years.

If it always felt this good, then it was truly, truly a waste.

"Y-Yuuji… that… Ah~!"

Her cheeks were burning and words failed her as a low moan slipped out.

Nothing existed but the hand running through her feathers, again and again without mercy.

"T-this… why does it feel so- Oh~."

A dark, wicked voice drifted into her ear like poison, even as the second hand forced her head to tilt towards the ceiling with a sharp tug on her ponytail.

"Hideous, filthy, dirty, was it? Harsh words…"

Akeno shuddered once more.

"Deserve harsh punishment."

Sharp teeth clamped down on the sweet spot where neck meets shoulder and everything went white.

The cries that tore through the shrine this time were a much, much sweeter sound.

---

She couldn't take it anymore.

The Akeno that shared her plan with Rias had been so nervous she almost couldn't stand it.

They had parted ways almost four hours ago, and she hadn't heard anything from them.

It was too much for Rias to bear.

Her beloved sister in all but blood had been practically falling apart at the seams.

Wounded so deeply that only that fateful day when she'd found a half-dead Fallen Angel, clawing her way through the forest muck, could possibly compare.

She'd done the best she could, and nothing had helped.

She couldn't take it anymore.

Even if Akeno had all but begged for privacy, there was only so much Rias' heart could handle.

She found herself tramping up the stone stairway before she even knew what was happening.

Her body turned that walk into a headlong sprint when Akeno's scream tore the air, light-years before her mind could register that that scream hadn't carried an ounce of pain.

The hole in the wall only spurred her on faster.

The wall ripped away, and bounced across the yard, as Rias screamed out their names.

The first thing she saw was a flash of white, and her desperate eyes locked onto a pair of shining violet.

Akeno, grinning ear to ear as she beamed at her King, seated on the lap of an impassive Yuuji with a curious tilt to his head.

"Akeno! Yuuji! You're okay! I heard you scream… I… I thought…"

Rias trailed off as she realized the only thing preserving their modesty was Akeno's white haori, and that both of them were covered by a thin sheen of sweat, Akeno's breathing coming in rough pants.

Half of it, to be precise. She didn't want to know why the other halfway was through the wall behind them.

"Oh, hello Buchou, what brings you here?"

Akeno's cheerful greeting was accompanied by a cheerful giggle.

"I… nevermind."

Rias took a deep breath and relaxed, before meeting Akeno's gaze seriously.

"Are you okay, Akeno?"

If that was even possible her Queens smile widened, her eyes shimmering fondly.

"Never better Rias, never- eep!"

Akeno let out a squeak as Yuuji shifted slightly, the raven-haired beauty's cheeks coloring faintly.

"Akeno?"

"Oh don't mind me, RiAS!"

Yuuji had shifted his weight again, smirking slightly as Akeno's blush deepened.

Rias covered her face with one hand.

"Yuuji."

"Yes, Buchou?"

His polite, dutiful inquiry was very much at odds with that tiny, fiendish smirk.

"Please tell me you're not inside Akeno right now."

"I won't tell you I'm inside Akeno right now."

"..."

"..."

"Yuuji, are you inside Akeno right now?"

"Yes, yes, I am."

Rias slumped.

"I'd like my concern back please... take your time, and try not to break anything else, I'll send the repair crew in tomorrow."

She turned away as she spoke, waving tiredly as she beat a dignified and certainly not hasty retreat.

"Yes, Buchou."

"Ufufu~."

Rias' heavy steps lead her slowly down the stone steps.

She couldn't remember the last time Akeno had glowed with such happiness.

She was truly, truly happy for her, and would have cheerfully given anything, even her life to see it preserved.

Yet, was it so wrong of her to still wish for just a little bit of that happiness for herself?

As was often the case, no answer presented itself.

---

Well, would you look at that, almost everyone is fine-ish sort of. Walk it off guys, walk it off.

Busy little chapter, was afraid it would end up a little dull, but I think I did a fair job of avoiding that.

As a general sort of update, my upload schedule, going forward, will be about a chapter a month for each of the two stories I'm writing. I'll try to update you guys if any delays come up, though I'm not entirely sure how. Might just edit it into the most recent chapter.

Though, despite what I just said, this story will probably have another chapter posted this month, since this chapter is being posted on the first of the month.

Hope you enjoy, and feel free to share your thoughts.