If I got rid of my Demons, I'd lose my Angels.

-Tennessee Williams-

Location: Japan, Streets of Kuoh

Hunter Westerdyk

"You're dead!" I shouted in rage as I took a fighting stance. Kalawarner growled and tossed her light spear at me. Tipping my body to the right, I easily dodged the attack, "You missed." I taunted. Kalawarner growled, and summoned more light spears, tossing them at me in quick succession.

Narrowing my eyes, I dodged them all, avoiding each and every one of the spears, none of them made contact with me. Sensing her Aura, I scoffed, it was weaker than 'Yuuma's' had been, and compared to people like Akeno, it was pathetic.

I paused as I realized, with surprise, that her Aura was weaker than Adrien's. My older, mortal brother, was stronger than Kalawarner. I laughed at this, confusing the Fallen Angel. "Why are you laughing? What's so funny?" She asked, I pointed at her, "You're weaker than my older brother. And he's mortal." I decided not to point out that Adrien was still stronger than me.

Kalawarner howled in anger, and lunged forward, acting on instinct I summoned my Devil Wings and leapt into the sky. For a moment, I was above the buildings, and I grinned. But that grin quickly faded when I realized I wasn't flapping my wings, and thus was falling to the ground. 'Shit, Shit, Shit, Shit!'

Acting quickly, I flapped my wings as hard as I could, and after a moment, I paused in my descent. "Am I flying?" I wondered. However, the brief period of stillness quickly vanished as I shot straight up into the sky as a result of how hard I was flapping my wings. "Nope, Nope, NOPE! OH FUCK!" I shouted in panic as I raced straight through the clouds, and probably inspired some poor kid to get his ass beat.

As I broke through the clouds, I was met with the most beautiful view I had ever seen.

Above me, was a forest of stars forming intricate patterns and symbols throughout the night sky. Even from where I was, I could see the majesty of the universe before me.

But as I looked on, something felt wrong.

'Why do we still suffer? God is real, and yet, I cannot feel him. Could it be that he is within heaven, and thus not in the same world? Or am I not strong enough to sense him?

Or could it be that he is in another realm? Could he be watching over another Earth right now?'

As I stared up into the abyss of the universe, I narrowed my eyes.

'Whatever is the reason. It does not matter. This world is magic, and there are those like me who wish and yearn for it with every passing day, and I will show them that their prayers will be answered. I will reveal the magic of the world. And, I may not be strong enough to do so now. But I will. One day. That is my promise, my Ideal'

However, as I made that silent vow, I heard the wingbeats of Kalawarner quickly approaching from behind. Growling, I spun around to face the Fallen Angel. Somehow, I felt stronger. More alive. And as Kalawarner yelled and threw another light spear at me, I raised my right hand, remembering what Rias had told me about summoning my Sacred Gear as I felt a roaring hot flame of anger erupt within me.

"Focus on the part of you that you think strongest."

The smell of Ozone filled the air as it churned. The wind became humid, and my hair stood on end as a bright blue light emerged from my right hand, and a bolt of lightning erupted from it, striking the spear of light and instantly destroying it. "What?" Kalawarner said in surprise. With widening eyes I brought my right hand up closer to my face and admired the gauntlet that now adorned it. "My Sacred Gear" I whispered.

It was nearly completely black in colour, and appeared as a fingerless gauntlet that covered my hand. There was a large dark blue gem at the top of the Gauntlet, forming where the back of my hand would be, and sticking out to either side of it was a pair of blue spikes. Directly in the centre of the gauntlet, below the Dark Blue Gem, was another smaller gem purple in shade.

"You. You've awoken your Sacred Gear?!" Kalawarner shouted in shock. Grinning, I turned my hand around so that the gems faced Kalawarner, and clenched my fist. "You're damn right about that." Even with the distance between me and Kalawarner, I could see the blood draining from her face. Yet I paid it no mind. With a roar, I lunged at Kalawarner, catching her completely off guard. Slamming into the Fallen Angel I heard a gasp of surprise as I knocked the wind out of her lungs, pressing on the temporary advantage, I dove down to the ground below, driving Kalawarner straight into the earth with enough force to crack the ground, while I let go moments before impact and managed to avoid slamming into the ground myself.

Sadly, though, Kalawarner wasn't finished yet, as she shot upwards from the dust cloud created by slamming her into the ground, the spreading of her black wings blowing the dust away instantly. "I won't lose to you!" She shouted angrily, as she brought her right arm up, and a sphere of lightning appeared in her palm. "DIE!" She screamed, throwing the lightning at me.

This would prove to be a fatal mistake.

Raising my right arm, I flexed my hand moments before the Lightning bolt struck it. Immediately, the lightning bolt froze in place, and Kalawarner's eyes widened with shock, as I closed my hand and the Lightning bolt was absorbed into my Sacred Gear. "Bad girl," I said, drawing my arm back before thrusting it forward with a yell, as the lightning bolt erupted stronger than before from my Sacred Gear.

Striking Kalawarner, she was sent flying back with an eruption of force.

For a moment, all was still and the only sound was my heavy breathing, as I watched to make sure Kalawarner was still. Slowly, I walked over to the Fallen, Fallen Angel, and as I reached her I gazed down at her broken figure. Contrary to my beliefs, she wasn't dead, but she was certainly on death's door. Her breathing was shallow and forced, her eyes wide with fear and shock, and red blood was quickly surrounding her.

As my eyes met Kalawarners, I felt nothing but sympathy and pity for the Fallen Angel, mere moments ago she had looked like a fierce warrior, ready to cleave my head off my shoulders. And yet, now she was broken, beaten.

Slowly, I made my way to Kalawarner's side and kneeled down next to her broken figure. "For what it's worth, Kalawarner. I'm sorry it had to end this way, but you gave me no choice" Kalawarner didn't respond, likely because she couldn't. "I don't know if you know this, but the Fallen who tried to kill me. 'Yuuma' is still alive." Judging by Kalawarner's breathing, this wasn't a surprise. "I don't want to kill. But I won't let anyone get in the way of my ideals, but I can't in good mind deny someone a chance at redemption. Know that I will find 'Yuuma' and If I can't turn her from darkness, then she will die just as you are." Kalawarner nodded, and with my piece said, I looked up at the clouded sky above. Raising my hand, I sent a pulse of magic into the sky, clearing the clouds and giving Kalawarner the view of the stars that I had seen.

Standing up, I began to walk away from Kalawarner, only stopping as I heard the sigh of her final breath. Without looking back, I pointed my hand at her corpse, and shot a lightning bolt at it, destroying the evidence. "Be at peace. Fallen one."

Location: Japan, Kuoh Academy, Occult Research Club

Hunter Westerdyk

"..That's when this awakened," I explained, raising my right hand as I summoned my Sacred Gear. Seeing my Sacred Gear, Rias raised an eyebrow, "Intriguing." she observed. I frowned, "Do you know what it is?" I asked. Rias nodded after a moment of hesitation, "It's called Stormbreaker." I grinned as I glanced at my Sacred Gear, "Stormbreaker." I echoed, then looking up I asked, "What can it do?" Rias tilted her head in response, putting a single finger on her cheek as she did. "Well. Stormbreaker is more on the rarer side of Sacred Gears. But it's not overly powerful." I frowned in confusion, "Not overly powerful?" I asked. "Compared to some other Sacred Gears at least." Rias evaluated. "Stormbreaker gives the user Electrokinesis, allowing them to control both Natural and Magical lightning. It can store large amounts of electricity for later usage, and in a Lightning storm, can summon a near unlimited amount of Lightning." I scoffed, "That sounds powerful to me." Rias deadpanned, "Some abilities of other Sacred Gears include power multiplication, creating an unlimited number of demonic weapons, and even healing of fatal wounds. The true potential of Stormbreaker can only be used in a Lightning storm." My head dipped as I heard Rias' harsh words. "Meanie," I muttered. "Regardless, with the correct usage, it can be a formidable weapon. But it doesn't mean you can go around fighting Fallen Angels because they get in your way. You're not invincible. And a Sacred Gear might just make you a Target."

I sighed, muttering "Fine." as I dismissed Stormbreaker. Summoning it, and Dismissing it felt like a mental switch or moving a limb. "However, now that we know your Sacred Gear. It does beg a question." Rias narrowed her eyes, "How did you manage to kill 3 Fallen Angels, one of which killed you, and the 2nd nearly doing the same. Koneko did inform me of your fighting skills, but that alone wouldn't be enough. The male Fallen Angel seemed to die from poisoning. So… is there something you would like to tell us?" I gulped unconsciously, taking a step back. "What do you mean?" I asked. "The first 2 Fallen Angels died in a similar fashion. And both shared several symptoms. White Foam, Spazzing, and both only happened after your blood was spilled. Originally I believed it was your Sacred Gear, shining through to protect you. However, as your Sacred Gear is Stormbreaker, that theory is invalid. Was it Magic? Or something else?" Rias asked.

Glancing around, I looked at the faces of the others, Koneko, Kiba, Akeno and Rias. I hadn't known them for very long, and despite that, I felt like I could trust them.

And yet…

I sighed, "I'm sorry Rias. But, I can't tell you." I said. Rias frowned, "How so?" she asked. "I know what it is. And… I'm just not comfortable with sharing it just yet. I mean no disrespect, but, I just don't trust you all, not yet at least." As I looked into Rias' hurt face, I winced, "I promise that when I feel the time is right. I will tell you. All of you. But until then I ask that you trust me." Rias' expression softened, "I do trust you. I know that all of us have our fair share of secrets. And it's only right for you to have yours. I won't push you to tell us if you aren't comfortable. And until you are, we won't ask." I chuckled at Rias' words. "Who would've known a Devil could be so sympathetic?"

"But even if you don't want to tell us your secret. You seem to be a magnet for danger. So I think it's time to show you another thing we Devils do" Rias said ominously.

"Does it involve stealing souls?" I asked.

The Next Day…

Location: Japan, Outskirts

Hunter Westerdyk

I stared up at the abandoned building with curiosity. It appeared to have once been a cinema of some sort, or some kind of theatre. "So, you're telling me that a Stray Devil, which is a Devil that killed its former master and has since lost control of its Demonic powers. Is hiding in here?" Glancing sideways, Rias nodded in confirmation. "You pick things up fast," Akeno commented. I shrugged but didn't say anything as we continued towards the building's entrance. "So, why are we hunting the stray? Aside from murder, which may I add, doesn't seem to matter all that much, I can't really think of anything that would make the Stray a target, apart from committing treason, which would be concerning if it was the only reason." I asked. Akeno hummed. "Well. According to the reports, this Stray Devil, Viser, has been luring people into this building, and eating them."

Hearing Akeno's words, I instantly stopped and slowly turned to face her with a shocked expression. "Did you just say, Eating them?" I asked. Akeno nodded, and I mimicked vomiting immediately. "I'm gonna hurl." I said, to which Koneko blankly stated, "Do it over in the bushes." sighing I looked at her saying, "I was joking" Koneko merely looked at me for a while, before saying, "I wasn't" Groaning I shook my head and walked up next to Kiba and Rias, who was leading the pack.

"Remember, these monsters are pure evil. They only care about their own selfish desires, and It almost always ends in ugliness." Kiba stated as he opened the door and we entered the building. I nearly gagged as I felt a sickening Aura waft from the building, it was vile and made my stomach churn. "This thing's stink alone makes it deserve to die." I said, "... Agreed," Koneko said quietly, while Kiba looked at me confused, before his face lit up in recognition, "Ah, right. You can sense Auras. Forgot about that." I nodded, "Lately I've been sensing everything around me, so I don't get caught off-guard. But I'm refraining from sensing strength." Kiba raised an eyebrow, "You can sense strength?" I nodded, "Yeah. It doesn't take much for me to sense the rough power of someone via Aura intensity. But as you guy's all know when I sensed Rias, If the gap between me and someone else is big enough. They feel it, and get an accurate representation of my power."

"Hunter." Rias suddenly said. Shifting my gaze from Kiba to her, I responded, "Yeah?" Rias didn't even look back at me or slow her pace as she continued. "Are you familiar with the game called chess?" I nodded, "It's been a while, but I played it occasionally a while back. Why?" It took Rias a while to respond, and as we continued forward Irritation began to grow in me as I thought that she wasn't going to respond. "As the master, I'm the king, and my empress the Queen. My cavalier the Knight. And my tank the Rook. My clergyman is the Bishop, and my footsoldier the pawn. Devils with titles of nobility grant the characteristics of one of these pieces to each of their servants." Finally, Rias stopped, and we all stopped shortly after. 'It's close.' I thought. "And why are you telling me this?" I asked absentmindedly as I looked around. "Well, we have a special name for them. We call them Evil Pieces." I deadpanned at the name, "You really call them Evil Pieces? Why? And again, why are you telling me this?" I asked. Rias, however, ignored my first question. "Because I want you to watch and learn, pay close attention to my Devils as they do battle here tonight." I huffed in annoyance.

"Why can't I fight? I've already…" I trailed off as I realized what I was saying. Despite what Rias believed, I hadn't killed 'Yuuma' but that very same night, I had killed a mugger, and while I could pass both that and the death of the male Fallen Angel, off as dreams. Kalawarner was a different matter. I had killed her, not with my blood. But with my own power, with her power. I had broken her back, smote her with Lightning, and in the end, the worst of all was that I felt no Shame.

Yes, I was regretful, I was apologetic and had apologized to Kalawarner. I felt grief at ending the life of another. But I felt no shame. Infact, I felt pride. Pride that I was stronger, Pride that I was climbing the hierarchy of the universe, Proud that I had killed another in battle.

And it was that, which frightened me.

Remorse, while the emotion that should always come with Murder, intentional or not. Pride should never be felt.

What would happen if I lost myself in that Pride? That sense of accomplishment? Would I lose myself, the same way many others had? Would I keep the little parts of Humanity that I still clung unto?

Or would I become a monster?

No different from the being we were hunting tonight?

"That's why you can't fight tonight," Rias said, observing my face. Looking up at her, I realized she wore a sympathetic expression. "Being proud of murder is neither right nor wrong. As a Devil and a Sacred Gear holder, it is no surprise that your innermost instincts rose. The difference between becoming a Stray devil, and staying loyal to your masters. Is controlling those instincts. Viser couldn't. But I know you can."

I smiled faintly at Rias' words. "Thanks."

"It's here" Koneko declared. Snapping my gaze towards Koneko, I snarled as I felt the approaching presence of Viser.

"Now what could that foul, fickle smell be?" a feminine voice asked. "I'm guessing your sweaty armpits" I responded. "Mmm, something smells quite delicious as well, I wonder if it tastes sweet?" the feminine voice continued ignoring me. As the final word was spoken, a figure emerged from the darkness in front of us, and I gasped. A woman, with long dark hair, with a couple of strands framing the sides of her face, but that wasn't what made me gasp. "Where the heck are your clothes Lady?" I asked, waving my right arm, because Viser, Didn't wear clothes above the waist. "Viser, Unloyal wretch, you betrayed your master and ran to fulfil the lustful wants and desires that have now consumed you. Your sins are worthy of a thousand hells-" "are they though. 'cause I think Hitler's got this one beat" I murmured. "In the name of the great marquis of Gremory, Begone or meet your death!" Rias shouted pointing at Viser, but the Stray devil ignored her laughing. "Oh, just give it a rest you little slut." I growled, "Hey!" but Viser, like Rias, continued as if I didn't say anything. "You've always had it in for me." My right eye twitched in annoyance, but quickly my face turned to that of disgust, as Viser began to aggressively grope her own breasts. "You're just jealous that your breasts will never be as lush as these!"

I groaned in disgust, "Can you just stop?" but Viser ignored me. 'I'm getting sick of being Ignored.' and continued to grope her own breasts like a mad woman. "This is your final warning! Go back to your master now!" Rias demanded, 'I thought her master was dead?' "And put some fucking clothes on!" I added. Viser however, smiled evilly. "I think I'd rather show you what I'm made of!" She shouted as a massive arm emerged from the shadows with glowing red nails. I gasped in horror. "You see what I mean? When I said things ended in ugliness, I wasn't joking." Kiba said, and I nodded in agreement, "Repulsiveness in my opinion." I said.

As Viser finally emerged from the shadows completely, I got my first good look at her body, and I immediately wished I hadn't.

She appeared as some kind of Centaur, but instead of a horse, she was a Dog. She also had a snake tail, and her two front 'paws' were replaced by long human-like hands with long red nails.

"Can you please go back into the shadows? I think you're going to make me sick." I said, earning a chuckle from Kiba. I began to sneer in disgust as Viser continued to grope her breasts. 'Fucking hell. It's like she got possessed by a pervert who… wait what?' my train of thought stopped as I saw red circles form around Viser's Nipples. And much to my horror, those nipples began to extend, and the magic circles began to spin faster and faster, until FUCKING LASERS, shot out from her tits.

Moving quickly, I jumped to the side dodging one of the nipple bullets. "What the fuck is this? Lady couldn't settle with normal milk so she weaponized her tits?" I asked in shock as I watched the Nipple Bullets melting whatever they hit. "And of course, she shoots acid," I muttered. "Please be careful Kiba!" Rias warned, and turning my head, I watched as Kiba lowered himself into a fighting stance, before vanishing as he became a literal blur. "Where'd he go? Can he teleport?" I asked Rias dumbly. Rias shook her head, "No, he didn't teleport. He's just moving fast. In this game, he is my knight." "So he's sped" I answered. And sure enough, as I watched Kiba reappeared in front of Viser. Drawing his sword, he quickly slashed Viser twice, literally disarming her.

The attack made Viser scream in pain, and her face began to distort, becoming ugly enough to match the rest of her body. However, much to my distress, it seemed that her Body wanted to become uglier as well because at the same time her entire stomach opened to reveal another Mouth with freakishly large teeth. "I didn't even tempt fate," I said in disgust, but I was distracted as Viser lunged at Koneko who wasn't even moving. "Watch out!" I shouted, however, Koneko didn't move and Viser's stomach-mouth clamped shut around her. "Koneko!" I yelled in shock and rage. Snarling, I took a step forward, but Rias held out a hand to stop me. "It's alright," Rias said, trying to calm me down, but even as she spoke, Viser's Stomach-mouth began to open. Revealing Koneko pushing the mouth open via the teeth, aside from torn clothes there wasn't a mark on her. "Jesus," I said in disbelief. "In the game, she is my Rook. Her attribute is simple, unparalleled strength, someone like Viser won't even put a dent in her." I slowly turned my head to look at Rias, "Well that isn't important at all" I said sarcastically. "See you on the flip side" once again returning my gaze to Koneko, I was just in time to see her launch Viser away with significantly fewer stomach teeth. "Damn. Don't challenge her to an arm wrestle." I observed.

Rias glanced at Akeno, "Akeno." she said simply. And Akeno smiled as she began to walk towards Viser, "Oh? Is it my turn? How exciting! I love this game!" Akeno announced as she approached Viser. But, hearing a rumbling sound I turned my head to see one of the severed hands of Viser had started to move. Even as I watched, it somehow lunged at Rias' unprotected back. "Watch it!" I shouted as I rushed forward. "Stormbreaker!" as my Sacred Gear appeared on my right hand, I coated it with Lightning and with a single punch disintegrated Viser's arm. "Thanks for that Hunter," Rias said in slight surprise, turning to her I replied. "Don't worry about it."

Nodding, Rias turned her attention to Viser and Akeno and approached the duo. "Akeno, finish her off please." she requested, my shoulders sagged slightly at Rias' words, 'Well, it's still praise…' I thought in disappointment. "I've got news for you," Akeno whispered to Viser. "You're not the only one who likes to play rough here, so lets you and I have some fun," Akeno said. Confused, I frowned 'Fun? What does that mean?' I wondered. "Akeno is my queen. Her attributes are the perfect combo of all the other pieces. She's simply unbeatable." Rias offered. I raised an eyebrow, 'I doubt she's unbeatable. But I don't think that's what Rias means' As Akeno raised her hands, I looked on with interest as I saw lightning flicker to life within them. "Tough girl, not going to give up yet?" Akeno asked, a different tone emerging from her voice. "Goodie, I get to play some more!" Akeno yelled in absolute delight as her Lightning curved into an arc and electrocuted Viser. 'Don't tell me…' I thought as I watched in dread. "Her weapon is a dark magical power, and that's not all…" Rias said as Viser screamed in pain from the torture. Finally halting her attack, Akeno shouted in pleasure, "This Violence, It's making me so Hot!" I sweatdropped as Rias said, "She's really into S&M" and again, Akeno went back to torturing Viser. "Is this as good for you as it is for me?!" Akeno then Moaned.

She fucking Moaned.

Pointing at the mentally unstable Queen I asked, "Wouldn't it be kinder to just kill Viser? And maybe we should get Akeno to a psychologist as well?" Rias chuckled lightly hearing my words. "I'm serious," I muttered as Rias walked forward. "Akeno I think she's had enough," Rias said. "Awww over already…" Akeno said in disappointment as she lowered her hands. "I was just starting to enjoy myself" she muttered as she walked away from the smoking body of Viser. "Any last words?" Rias asked, standing in front of Viser. "Go to hell" the stray devil spat. Spreading her arms, Rias shrugged saying, "Alright, how about we get this over then?" as she spoke, a large red demonic circle appeared in front of her, "Game over" Rias said looking down at Viser. But before the magic was cast I felt something.

A presence…

A danger…

To Rias.

My eyes widened as I rushed forward, instincts taking over and I tackled Rias to the ground. "Hey!" Rias shouted in anger and surprise at the sudden physical contact. But I wasn't paying attention.

Something soared above me, so close that I could feel its movement disturbing the air above my head, my hair swayed from side to side and I nearly felt it. Turning my gaze to the side, I saw what I had felt, and my heart froze.

Mere moments after I had tackled Rias, something, aimed for her heart, and been thrown at her and that weapon was now lodged inside of Viser's head, instantly killing the Devil. It was a spear of light, stronger than any I had ever seen or felt before. And had I not moved Rias, it would've impaled her straight through the heart. Killing her.

"MOVE! AMBUSH!" I shouted at the others, picking up Rias I nearly dragged her to her feet and put myself between her and the direction that the spear had come from. "SCATTER FIND SHELTER!" I warned, and with a single glance back I could see the nods of the other members, who were all quickly finding places to conceal themselves from the unseen attacker. My gaze shifted to Rias and I saw actual fear and shock in her eyes. She understood it just as I did, she had nearly been assassinated.

Ducking behind a large stone pillar, far away from the ashes of Viser's corpse and any windows, I kneeled both myself and Rias down. Looking at her, I held up a finger, telling her to be quiet, and Rias nodded. Then closing my eyes, I stretched my senses to the absolute maximum, searching for any lifeform that had even the slightest tint of light. Just as I did, at the edge of my range of detection I sensed a powerful aura and just as It vanished I was able to feel the tint of light. However, I continued my search. But after what felt like hours of silence, I sighed, "whoever it was. Is long gone. I just managed to feel them with my Aura sense. It's safe now." Rias nodded as she stood up. However, I stood between her and the window as we walked over to where the Light Spear had landed. "Thank you, Hunter. You saved my life yet again." Rias said, her voice still containing the briefest trace of fear and adrenaline. Kiba walked up to me, and alongside him Koneko and Akeno. "How did you know Rias was in danger?" he asked. I shrugged, "I didn't. I just felt a… presence. And my instincts told me Rias was in danger, moving before I even realized it." I tried to smile reassuringly, but I doubt it had the desired effect. "As I told Rias, whoever threw the spear is long gone," I said with a clap.

The others all nodded, while Rias was still staring at the hole in the ground, after I frowned, I walked over to her. "Hey, Rias. I've got a question." I asked, attempting to get her mind off of the Assassination. Rias looked over at me, "What is it?" she answered. I pointed at myself, "What chess Piece am I?" my ploy worked, as Rias smiled, "You're a Pawn." She answered as if it was the easiest thing in the world.

"I'm a WHAT?!" I shouted in actual shock.

Sometime later…

?

He watched from atop a nearby building as the Black-haired Devil left the Occult Research Club, and flew away, presumably to his home. He clenched his fist in anger as another, familiar figure emerged from the building. The Red-Headed Devil. Rias Gremory. "You were saved once. So enjoy it while you can. Rias." he muttered in hate, "Because soon your luck will end. And I will destroy your entire world."

And as he turned around, the shining Red Gauntlet on his right arm almost seemed to glow in agreement, illuminating the Black wings that sprouted from his back.

And, Chapter 7 is done!

My first cliffhanger is here!

…

Well, not really, since chapter 8 is also here…

Meh.

Also, fans of the original work, you may be wondering why I made some changes to the chapter.

Well, that's because I feel like, in the original, when Hunter revealed his secret, it was too early.

And also to give you guy's more chances to guess the species that bit Hunter. Because…

I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ONE GUESS!

COME ON MY READERS!

I hoped you liked this chapter!

ADIOS!