I do not own Fate/stay night or High School DxD.

"My soul might have been hijacked last night, but I definitely didn't sell it, did I?" – Jimmy Tudeski

In all my years of living in both the Human World and the Underworld, I have never experienced such conflicting emotions in regard to a single person; his name being Emiya Shirō.

Over the several weeks of our budding friendship, I had come to depend on him.

He was not like Yūto who would follow every one of my requests, nor was he like Issei, who would not think twice if promised a prize. Even my brother, the unparalleled Lucifer, had a willingness to bend to my every whim.

Emiya Shirō was unlike any man I have come across in my life. He was kind and honest, always ready to offer a helping hand. It was in his character, a core part of his being.

It is what I came to admire about him.

But last night, he had revealed himself, shedding the human guise he wore, one that hid behind his amiable smile. He was a harbinger, a being borne to bring my kin to desolation.

He could stalk the deepest pits of Hell itself and return unscathed; a warrior that shied not from bloodshed, seeing it unavoidable for the safety of those around him.

That is the part of him that terrifies me.

I trailed the intrinsic pattern of various flora embossed into the velvety ceiling above, but I could not ignore the aching of my heart that failed to find beauty in it.

I had seen beauty in the vast lands that he claimed to be his soul given form, the very realm that housed whoever he so wished. I want to see it again, that reality of his own making.

But I could not – would not – see it again. Because the memory of those indescribable lands that he governed beckoned a solitary truth that plagued my waking moments.

I am a Devil, and he is an Angel.

Our very natures clash, like heated oil and water; him, a being borne of light, while I, a creature of darkness. And despite how human I acted; the truth always reared its salivating maw whenever I saw which was considered beautiful and sought to bring it to ruin.

Undeniably, I am a Devil. For even he was someone I wished to taint with blackness.

Sōna berated me, more than once, over the last two days. Even then, I could see it in her eyes, the unavoidable and inescapable terror that gripped both of our hearts, loathe as we were to admit it.

And that humane fear, of losing a dear friend, trumped every innate desire of our nature.

He had apologised, twice over, when he did not need to. Despite the vastness of the supernatural world, it was a common occurrence for one to come and go through the territories governed by other beings. It was not a slight he had to apologise for, but his blessed soul did.

Twice was I stunned into silence, unable to utter even a single word.

Despite knowing of the impending betrayal, that his actions could trigger another war between our Factions, he came to my side. Saving my precious servants from the lull of death and despair, then slaying a greater evil for our sake. And he promised to do so again, and again, for the sole fact that he cared.

He isn't wrong at all, but I am.

He expected nothing, not even gratitude, as he bathed in crimson, nor did he bar us from treading his soul, accommodating the curiosity to venture that uncharted, heavenly realm of endless serenity beneath the twilight.

How can he be so selfless?

Instead, I spat back at his honest offering, his desire for our safety, all because I feared what was known. I could not imagine how much agony he must have felt at that moment.

I clutched at my chest as his words returned, whispering his aria spoken much like a divine scripture, telling of never knowing loss nor attaining anything. It was evident in my actions that I, like others before, had inflicted the same scar upon his being.

Incantations are expressions of self, of a nature recited with words blessed by Mana and given form. His were spoken with certainty, the truest of truths of what made him to be, and I had nearly shed tears of grief.

How could I be so selfish?

I could accept it, that I am a terrible being. Despicable and undeserving of the affection and care that he offered so freely. But Heaven, the Underworld, even the Human World can be damned if I was forced to lose a friend such as him.

I will not let him go, because I am a Devil. I am allowed to be selfish.

Flecks of golden light peered into the establishment as I raised the blinds, allowing the potted plants settled nearby to awaken to their oldest friend. Fastening them properly and tightly, I returned to the main station of the store.

I sat on a stool by the counter, admiring the layout of the bakery once more. Despite being small in comparison to others, its quaint atmosphere was homely and welcoming. Consisting of a counter and a till that barred entry to the kitchen beyond, customers would line up after collecting whatever confectionaries they desired.

Currently, it was empty, but I treasured the moments as I could listen to the happy hums coming from the backroom, reminding me that I was not alone.

A short while ago, a delivery truck had supplied fresh produce which I had sorted into the two aisles. It included a variety of pastries, breads, and a unique brand of cookies for a certain customer. Even then, there was an excess of it which had garnered a kind smile from Okō.

Her suppliers were long-term associates and dear friends, and from my experiences with them, I found them to be truly kind people. From what I heard, they often went out of their way to assist the aged owners, and now, they made sure that Okō had more than what was required.

At times, I wondered if Michael continued to shower blessings upon this elderly woman's life, but even I knew that the beauty found within humanity was nigh miraculous.

Okō returned to the counter, locks of greying hair hidden beneath a pale cap, and the straps of her cream-coloured apron loosened, hanging by the sides. Her hands were white with flower and all kinds of "secret powders" She used as filling.

She twirled, indicating at her straps. "Shirō-chan, would you be a dear and tie these for me?" She asked.

I manoeuvred around the counter and did as requested, tightening them into a cute little bow which I was sure the kids would love once they took note of it.

Almost immediately, she rushed back into the kitchen. "Thank you, dear!" She said over her shoulder.

It always intrigued me whenever I watched her perfect her craft with every pastry she made, doing it with such understanding and ease. I could only attribute it to her experience and a smidgen of talent that often times reminded me of Fuji-nee.

Through sheer effort, she had become renowned for her uncontested skill in kendo amongst her peers. Thinking back to early adolescence, I had often found her practicing and honing her skill into the wee hours of the night. She would swing, slash, and parry against an unseen enemy for hours on end; her dedication amazed me, even today.

It was that discipline that influenced my unchanging habits.

Surprisingly, arms wrap themselves around my waist. "Hmm. How come you did not tell me that you now work in a pastry shop, Shirō-chan?" A soft voice muffled into my back. "You're so unfair to me!"

I could feel my lips widen into a humoured grin.

"I was afraid that you would run this bakery out of business." I said as I twisted within the embrace. "Besides, it is not as if you didn't know. Right, Gabriel-oneesama?"

Gabriel turned away, pink staining her cheeks at her inability to lie out of her embarrassment. She could not, even if she tried, and whenever she did, it was painfully apparent. She would even squirm repeatedly whenever her words contained incomplete truths.

A perfect picture of innocence.

Her head thumped into my chest, heated. "I've missed you, Shirō-chan!" She rubbed her face into my chest like a feline. "You do not know how boring it is without you around. Griselda can smile only so much"

A bubble of laughter escaped my lips as I embraced her smaller figure and began twirling her around within my arms. Gabriel squeaked at the suddenness, but her surprise soon turned to giggles of unabated joy before I returned her to the ground.

I heard Okō calling to me as she made her way from the kitchen, midway through a sentence that I failed to catch as she realised that I was not alone. Blinking, she looked between us, her gaze stunned.

"Oh my, a new customer?" She expressed a pleasant surprise. "Well, don't just stand there, Shirō-chan. Attend to the young lady."

I laughed a little, garnering mild confusion. "Okō-san, I'd like you to meet my sister." I gestured towards Gabriel.

Her eyes widened. "Your sister?!" Delight spread onto her face. "Oh dear, where are my manners?"

Okō dusted herself animatedly and just as she was about to remove her apron, Gabriel made her way closer to the counter, extending a hand and offering a brilliant smile to the woman.

"I am called Gabriel. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Madame." She introduced herself. "I thank you for taking care of this child."

Mesmerised by her beauty and confidence, Okō's lips parted into a warm smile, her wrinkles crinkling upwards, nearly reaching her eyes in her happiness.

"I should be thanking you, Gabriel-san." She said, glancing over to me. "You have raised a fine young man in this boy."

It was a brief but warm moment, an unspoken understanding and relation forming between the two women. In the next moment, however, Okō scrambled a quick apology before rushing back into the kitchen at the sound of a beeping oven.

I passed a clean cloth to Gabriel to help herself. "What made you come all this way?" I asked.

Someone of her rank and calibre did not have time to dally in the Human World, especially as of the recent months. Amusingly, she pouted cutely.

"Am I not allowed to visit my beloved little brother?" She narrowed her gaze. "Or is there something that you wish to hide from me?"

I waved her off. "You know that is not what I mean. You have your own duties to deal with." I shrugged. "Besides, there isn't much that I can hide from you since you guys are always watching."

Though I had muttered the last part, it did not stop Gabriel from repeatedly smacking my shoulder.

"Yes, we have been watching." Gabriel admitted. "That was reckless of you, Shirō. I do hope that you have learned from this experience."

I edged away from her furious smacking and noticed the light furrowing of her brow, leading me to nod my head in agreement. She was correct, of that I had no doubt. Even I had realised that my erroneous decisions could have led to the deaths of my charges.

"Of course." I muttered as I continued to rub my sore shoulder. "You didn't have to hit me so many times. I am technically mortal right now."

Gabriel lit up. "Oh, right!" She smacked her fist into her palm. "Magecraft, as you call it? How come you still use it?"

I shrugged. "How could I not? It is what supplements my abilities."

Mana of this world was unlike that of my original. It was frighteningly accessible, its utilisation simple enough for street magicians to perform what could be parlour tricks. Even I had a surplus of it coursing through my circuits, granting me abilities I could only have dreamed of at the mere flicker of a hand.

Still, I favoured my Magecraft out of habit. Its mechanics were different, making it nigh undetectable and unfamiliar even to the Magicians of this world. It was what I used to protect myself and my abode, and it was perfect for my current situation.

"I understand." Gabriel said. She truly did. "Aren't we leaving soon? Your school hours are soon to commence." She said while glancing at the clock.

I shot from my stool and rushed into the kitchen to inform Okō of my departure, wishing her a good day.

It certainly was not a strange or new occurrence, but it was still off-putting to experience it with her. I could not help but glower at those unfiltered gazes that Gabriel continued to receive from the strangers that we passed.

Reverie. Awe. Lust. Adoration.

These were emotions often associated with her presence in the Human World. They were an inescapable consequence, a constant that my pointed glares would never fully remedy as long as she treaded amongst Man.

Because if there was a single, absolute truth in this world, it was that Gabriel was the most beautiful in all realms. Unparalleled even by Devils, who could change form, goddesses that were sought after, even the Valkyries that were boasted to be both beautiful and mighty.

She was the first, of which every other followed. A design so well crafted by God, that it granted her divinity that others sought, desired, yet would fail to even harbour envy towards her for being.

Golden tresses cascaded down her back as though it were a waterfall, framing her delicate features that conveyed purity and maturity. A light blue sundress clung to her with the floral tapestry matted into her skin, granting her the appearance of the noblest of daughters to the richest of kings.

Indeed, she is beautiful.

And that worried me, so much so that, I had recently acquired a habit of taking hold of her hand wherever we walked in hopes to dissuade any brave lechers. Unfortunately, it had the adverse effect of drawing attention to me as well, especially from the female populace whose whispers often reached my ears.

"I certainly can protect myself." Gabriel giggled at my dilemma, her hand tightening onto my own. "But I do not mind holding hands like this. It feels nice and comforting."

I turned away, heat creeping up my cheeks.

Although she had enough power to decimate this town if she so wished, she would not. Her kindness and adoration for humanity barred her from ever causing them harm, even to those who were truly decrepit and vile. Such was their creed.

A vow that I admired from my heart of hearts.

We crossed the bridge and soon reached the school gates to find the Student Council at work, welcoming both students and guardians while offering them pamphlets with the day's set schedule. Sōna gave a look of slight annoyance as soon as she spotted me, but it soon vanished in favour of her gaze shifting towards my sister, her brows reaching her lowest bangs.

Oddly enough, she seemed to panic, shaping up her peerage with quick, sharp words. As soon as they stood by like well-trained servants welcoming a lord, she nodded and broke off, approaching us with a strangely rigid posture.

Sōna bowed towards Gabriel. "I humbly welcome you to our institution, Lady Gabriel. I am Sōna Sitri, heir to my Clan, and President of this Academy's Student Council." She greeted tersely. "It truly is an honour."

Sōna released her bow as Gabriel stepped forward, placing a hand on the girl's cheek, causing her to blush lightly in her surprise.

"Oh? You must be Serafall's younger sister." Gabriel noted. She stepped away and offered a curtsy. "I thank you for your invitation, and for taking care of this child for me."

Sōna glanced between us in confusion, as if noticing that we had been walking hand-in-hand, her blush darkening as she carefully chose her next words.

"If I may inquire, Milady…" She trailed off embarrassedly. "What kind of relationship do you have with Emiya-kun?"

I gasped, my breath hitching in embarrassment at this strange situation. It could have easily been solved had Gabriel allowed my hand back, but her grip was, unfortunately, iron clad and I could not even voice out my displeasure.

Gabriel giggled and I paled. "Oh, Shirō-chan is my little brother! He had the most adorable idea to hold my hand as a means to ward off any men who might approach me." She shot me a mischievous glance. "Why, dear? Are you interested in this child?"

This time, I choked on my breath, falling into a fit of harsh coughs the moment she asked that question. This is Gabriel.

I knew that I should not have kept quiet, because Sōna immediately turned a vivid shade of red and tried to hide her face from the world, sputtering nonsense behind her hands. If we were not in the same boat, I might have roared out with laughter from the absurdity of her reaction.

Unfortunately, we both fell victim to the guffaws of her peerage.

Sōna shot them a look. "N-No. No! That's not it!" She stammered, her bespectacled eyes peering between her fingers. "I was merely curious!"

I regained myself, coughing into my hand. "Kaichō, don't mind her." I said while flicking Gabriel's ear. "She's quite mischievous this one."

Gabriel pouted petulantly as she massaged her reddening ear, but I could still see the humour dancing in her sapphire-coloured eyes.

Sōna gazed to me, her blush lessening. "If you do say so." She spoke. Strangely, an odd resolve entered her violet eyes. "Good luck."

I nodded firmly, immediately understanding what she meant. "You, too."

Such is the infamy of our older sisters. But just how terrible is Serafall?

Unsurprisingly, multiple gazes followed us as we made our way into the courtyard at the behest of the Council. And I decided to make peace with the attention.

Well, at the very least, my hand was finally free.

Soon, a trio of girls – my underclassmen – approached my sister, drawn in by her aura and appearance, believing her to be a model or actress. They spoke to her and she replied in kind, and this process repeated several more times before reaching my homeroom.

It was impressive, beautiful even, how they all walked away with tender smiles, rejuvenated by the meeting.

I reached out for the door handle, pausing as I sensed Demonic entities with which I was unfamiliar. Both were powerful, the latter immensely so. I felt the sudden urge to arm myself with a power of equal value, my inner voice warning me of an insurmountable terror that awaited me.

Their power was so broad, so tainted, that even though it felt shackled within a bottomless abyss, its prickling nature crawled upon my skin like salted moisture, conveying its endlessness akin to an ocean.

"Oh? Little Sirzechs is here too?" Gabriel wondered aloud, a finger minutely tapping her chin. "Is something wrong, Shirō-chan?"

Gabriel looked to me, curious, and I stared back with eyes dilated incredulously. She remained unfazed, not even basking herself in Holy Power to ward off its tainted effects. I patted down my sudden fears, reminding myself of just who she was, the stark difference between us.

She is Gabriel, the Strongest Woman.

Comparatively, the power and experience I had was that of a child.

I shook my head, abating her worries. "No." I said. "I was just caught off guard. I was not expecting him to be here today."

Grabbing the doorknob, I turned it to allow entry into the classroom, standing off to the side to let Gabriel in first, before following in after. The Demonic aura, though minute, forced yet another wave of uneasiness.

However, it was soon warded off by the warmth akin to a mother's embrace, a joy of being cared for by the one you adore.

We found ourselves under the scrutiny of strong blue eyes, yet strangely enough, the gazes of those within the classroom were only passing, surprising me with their sudden disinterest.

Gabriel gave a small smile. "What a curious ability you have there, Sirzechs." She spoke. "You even managed to spook this child."

Sirzechs smiled as well. "I must say the same. It should be expected of you to have an ability that rebukes the attention of others." He said, tipping his head with respect. "It has been a long while, Lady Gabriel. You remain as beautiful as when we first met."

Gabriel giggled softly. "And you have grown quite a bit, Sirzechs." She glanced to the figures behind the man. "Oh, you are with your family. How come I do not see Grayfia with you?" She asked.

Behind Sirzechs was a tall, crimson-haired man, and a curious Rias. Both offered their greetings, a bow, and a curtsy, respectively. Rias appeared awestruck but her gaze continued to flicker towards mine throughout the encounter.

Sirzechs chuckled goofily, scratching the backside of his head. "Ah, my wife is attending to urgent matters. Though, she will attend the meeting." His eyes flickered towards mine and I suppressed an involuntary flinch. "You must be Emiya Shirō."

Proper etiquette, Emiya.

Regardless of my own reservations, I was taught the importance of showing respect to nobility, leaders or gods of the various Factions and Pantheons. Just as Sōna had done earlier.

I bowed respectfully. "I am Emiya Shirō, aid to Gabriel-sama." I greeted. "It is an honour to meet you, Lucifer-sama."

Strangely, Sirzechs beamed. "Rias-tan has told me all about you. Even Gaspy-kun and Neko-chan only sing praises." I figured his adoration for his sister was a bit unhealthy, seeing how she tried to hide her burning face. "Also, thank you. Were it not for your intervention, I would have lost my only sister and her beloved peerage." He said, offering a hand to me.

I could not help but stare for a fleeting moment.

It was unblemished, beautiful even, but I knew that it withheld power and a history of bloodshed. And I became fearful because it could easily crush my own.

However, I was knocked out of my reverie, and found Gabriel smiling in amusement. Her eyes gleamed with comfort and familiarity, so I reached out and grasped the hand firmly as we shook.

"You are welcome, Lucifer-sama." I acquiesced.

He let out a soft laughter. "Lord Lucifer is quite the mouthful, to be honest. Call me Sirzechs." He grinned boyishly. "Any friend to my sister is also a friend of mine "

And that is how I became acquainted to the Leader of the Underworld, Sirzechs Lucifer.

People filled the hallways leading towards the Theatre Hall, the venue of the next event. Momo had informed me previously of how there would be an extended lunch hour to accommodate it.

Seeing how much time and effort she put into it, I had grand expectations for my determined junior.

I glanced to my side, an airy tune attracting me and those around us to the Seraph. She was smiling happily, her serenity putting ease to my mind and causing others to appear brighter, happier.

Gabriel was especially delighted after meeting with my teachers who commended my aptitude and diligence as a student. She, kindly enough, credited it to my upbringing, causing the teachers to shower her with misplaced praise instead. Though she was adamant of correcting the mistake and trying to deny her involvement, it had made her a little happier.

People allowed us passage as we made way to the venue. Guardians that were berating their children paused, students who were gloating looked in wonder, others who were mulling over their failures were mesmerised. Every unclean emotion was washed away, leaving the people breathless and rejuvenated in her presence.

I smiled appreciatively. "You know, you should visit more often." I started. "I'm pretty sure that these people would appreciate it more than they realise."

Such is Providence.

It was the nature that guided Angels, the beings of Light. It loved and adored us, allowing miracles to follow our every way, blessing even those around us. Though small, sometimes unnoticeable, it served as the proof of divine intervention to its receivers, never abandoning those in need.

"Perhaps. But I need not do so as you are here." Gabriel smiled and warmth enveloped my core. "What kind of performance has your Council prepared?"

I shook my head amusedly. "That would be telling. It will only ruin the experience and awe factor to it, no?"

We entered the Theatre Hall, a wide building with numerous seating arrangements that could house both the junior and senior schools of the Academy. There were hundreds, if not a few thousand, in-built seats facing a stage that stretched from one end to the other.

Which is why I paused when I took note of a crowd gathered near the stage.

Flashes of light, the clicking of cameras, the tapping of feet and the enthusiastic cheers reached my acute senses and I could not help but be curious as to what was happening. The event had not begun, as people were still trickling in, so I approached to remedy the situation and found a haggard Saji attempting to disperse the crowd, but they ignored him in favour of the performer.

"Oh my." Gabriel whispered.

Towards the base of the stage, Issei was amongst those fervently chanting the lyrics to a song I was unfamiliar with, but it was at that moment that I spotted the performer. And her gaze zeroed in on us like a hawk, a bird of prey.

Time seemed to halt as this entity shot through the air, and my breath stilled. Years upon years of battle instinct moved my body, standing between Gabriel and this creature. But she tugged at my hand, forcing me to remain still. I shot her a widened gaze but immediately swerved as the giant loomed over me.

And I stared.

Soon, realisation dawned that she was no giant. Rather, she was small, with a child-like body that exuded something more, something monstrous. She was dressed in a pink Magical Girl outfit, holding a wand that dropped sparks every time she swung it animatedly.

"You!" She hissed, pointing the wand towards my sister.

For the time I have known her, adoring her kind and peaceful nature, even enjoying her mischievous side, she had never exuded anything else. But now, her delicate features looked haughty, and a challenging smirk played on her lips.

"Oh, if it isn't little Serafall." Gabriel stated smugly.

I shot a widened gaze between the two, my eyes lingering on Serafall. The Magical Girl turned beet-red with embarrassment and unbridled rage.

Serafall swung her wand violently. "I'm not little! I just haven't hit my g-growth spurt yet!" She cried. " You were made like this. You don't know how hard it is to grow here!"

The Devil motioned with her hands, gesturing from the top of her head, down to her bosom, then her hips. Gabriel giggled furtively behind her hand, but I could see something impure in her gaze.

Bemused, she tapped her chin in thought. "You are nearing a thousand years in age yet you still expect a growth spurt?" She shook her head. "Certain miracles indeed are not possible. Even Sōna-chan is more developed than you."

Serafall froze as though she had been struck by a torrent of lightning, her mouth widening with shock. She gripped her wand, waving it furiously as Demonic Power slowly trickled into the object. Though terrifying to my nerves, I found it rather cute when she blew a gasket and started throwing a temper tantrum.

She pulled at her hair, her energy declining. "Don't bring my Sō-tan into this, you witch!" She screamed, stomping onto the ground like a petulant child. But then, she looked up, her mouth spreading into a sly grin. "At least I get to do some yuri-yuri stuff with her!"

Gabriel balked and I merely closed my eyes in resignation.

I see, Kaichō.

I sensed Sōna and searched for her within the crowding building, finding the girl standing by an adjacent doorway. Her vivid blush was darkening with every claim made by her sister and I looked to her, pleadingly, when I realised that she was about to flee.

Fortunately, Serafall's otherworldly senses caught onto the girl's retreating presence.

She sprung to her feet, eyes awash with excitement and joy. "Sō-tan!" She cried, dashing towards her figure and tackled the girl to the ground. "Wait, don't leave me! Do not ever leave me again!"

Surprisingly, paced motion slowly returned to the world as though it had been held at bay by an omniscient power. The group of male students, the ones who had been cheering while Serafall performed, looked around with confusion at the sudden disappearance of their attraction.

Gabriel huffed; her cheeks tinted a rosy shade. "That fiend." She said. "She's gotten better."

Serafall Leviathan was regarded to be the Strongest Female Devil in the history of the Underworld. Her understanding over Ice Magic was so renowned, she could freeze the particles of water within the oxygen we breathe. And it seemed that her ability could even slow down time itself.

Is she actually Gabriel's equal?

"Emiya-kun." I heard a voice calling to me.

Rias stood behind us, flushing under our scrutiny, and Gabriel's amused gaze. She mustered her courage and performed an elegant curtsy, one befitting an heir of her ranking.

"It is an honour, Lady Gabriel." She greeted. "May I please borrow Emiya-kun for a while?"

"You may feel free to do so, Rias-chan." Gabriel said while shooing me away. "You will find me here once you're done."

I blinked before shrugging. "Sure, I guess."

Rias curtsied once more in thanks before gesturing that I follow her.

Elegance is a skill refined through experience, and as I quietly watched Rias masterfully perform a menial task, such as pouring a fresh brew of tea into a set of china, I was mesmerised.

The Occult Research Club had something of a questionable standing within the Academy. First, the members being allowed to use this historic building that used to be the main offices prior to the school's renovation.

Like the newer school building, it was fashioned in Victorian architecture. Its white patterned walls and tiled floors gave airs of sophistication to it. Furthermore, the furniture itself accentuated its classic appearance.

There was a beautiful, crimson rug beneath the olive-coloured leather couch I sat upon. And between us was a table of beautifully crafted mahogany, its umber like edges glistening with a fresh varnish.

Strangely, the furniture felt new, and I was inclined to believe so.

The Gremory Clan stemmed from Europe, from the Britons, or the Slavs, if my memory served me correct. A family born and bred into nobility and wealth; their esteemed preferences were widely recognised amongst their kind as well as the Human World. Even their manner of speech, unlike Sōna who altered her public identity to appear Japanese, the Gremory heiress took pride in hers, unbending to the world around her.

I found that to be admirable, truly.

Rias offered a teacup. "Here." She said. "Though my skills cannot match those of Akeno, I believe that you will find it quite enjoyable."

She smiled hesitantly, an air of awkwardness spawning between us. I offered a comforting one as I reached for the porcelain cup and tasted the tea. A moment passed and I took another sip.

Rias, I noticed, had a distant look in her eyes, as though she was not entirely here. So, I hummed thoughtfully before placing the cup back into the accompanying saucer.

"It is delicious." I tilted my head, curious. "I don't believe that I've tasted this kind before."

Rias raised a curious eyebrow. "I was under the impression that you were a connoisseur who fancies all kinds of tea." She smirked lightly. "Could it be that you have a particular taste?"

I shrugged. "I suppose so. I have never given English-bred tea a chance. I have tasted Italian, though." I recalled a recent memory. "I grew up under Eastern customs. You'll find that even my cooking is mostly of the traditional Japanese."

Kiritsugu never took me with whenever he travelled abroad. He never explained why, but I did not complain as well. I simply enjoyed all that I was given, the time I spent with him in Fuyuki, and if that were all I would ever know, I was content with that fact.

Instead, Rias gave me a strange look. "Didn't you grow up in Heaven? I was not aware that your people practiced sending children to the Human World." She muttered thoughtfully. "Even then, our Pantheon is most prominent in the West."

I paused for the briefest moment, catching her attention.

While my real origin was not public knowledge, there was an extremely limited number of those who knew. In the eyes of many, I was a lost mage found by the most adored of the Seraphim and thus taken under her wing.

It was the truth.

But I doubted that those who knew the complete truth would have found themselves in such a situation where complete honesty was the best way to mend the relationship between us.

I dislike keeping secrets from others, but more than that, I loathed the idea of lying to those I cared for, despite it being for my own benefit and their safety.

"No." I said, spilling the remaining tea into the saucer. "I didn't grow up in Heaven as most would believe."

Rias expressed genuine surprise, her eyes widening at my words. From what I could tell the moment she approached me, she had much to get off of her chest. Yet our conversation had divulged answers that brought many questions into mind.

It would not do well to be overheard.

Rias shook her head, confused. "Wait. That does not make any sense." Her eyes narrowed. "You don't seem that old – at least I don't believe you are –"

"Rias." I raised the saucer, dipping a finger into the swirly substance before raising a glowing finger, and she flinched. "May I?"

Hesitantly, she nodded and I began the procedure.

Runic Magic was quite common in my original world. To the point that I, as a third-rate magus, had seen its extensive use and learnt to understand it. Runes were the act of inscribing symbols, words, to realise mysteries capable of both offence and defence. Magus like Rin used jewels as mediums, but with the age-old decline of Magic, there were few who realised its proficiency and importance.

Magus used various conduits to inscribe runes due to their limitations, but in this world, the very air itself was a conduit.

Mana existed in all living beings. Though, Humans may be unaware of the grander moonlit world, they had the innate capability to wield Magic, a lost craft in my original world. It was in their anatomy, their very DNA, because they were touched by Mana from the moment of their conception.

And with the knowledge of a witch, the experience of living in the Age of Gods, I held within the same capabilities.

A liquid-like construct hovered as I inscribed upon the air itself, reading the symbol for room, before stabilising it with Holy Power flowing into it. Glowing in its efficacy, it dispersed, a small wave of concentrated energy ruffling my hairs, putting Rias on edge, as the Bounded Field expanded, and sealed this room from the outside world, creating a new domain.

Rias heaved. "What... what was that?" She asked hesitantly.

I placed the empty saucer upon the table between us. "A Bounded Field." I informed and she bristled. "You see, I was once a mage. A human mage."

Rias watched quietly, her eyes widening with surprise.

She tried to speak, but failed, repeatedly swallowing her words as soon as she opened her mouth. She tried a few more times until she sighed in resignation and glared expectantly.

I looked to the chandelier above, a small smile dancing on my lips. "I was found on the verge of death by Gabriel-sama several months ago. I had endured hell for what seems to be an eternity before she saved me." I reached out to the light, inciting a precious memory. "I was reborn an Angel, a Seraphim, much to everyone's surprise. Heaven took me in and treated me as family, like one of their own; their little brother." I sighed softly. "I will never be able to repay their kindness."

I turned my gaze to Rias, finding her staring with eyes brimming with emotions I could recognise.

"They asked of me a single thing. To find and save the life of a Maiden abandoned by the Church, as a means to a much sinister plot." I gazed firmly into her widening eyes. "I failed. And the girl died regardless of my desire to save her." I whispered, turning away from her recognition. "So, I searched. I scoured the Earth to find all those who participated in the matter."

"Have you heard of the fate of Diodora Astaroth?"

Shirō chuckled solemnly. "I was there, you know? The very night that you reincarnated Asia Argento as your servant." He spoke, sombreness swimming in his eyes. "I couldn't save the life of a single girl, a devout Maiden who begged to the Lord for salvation."

I remained quiet, breathless, as he shed his unflinching persona. I realised that the person before me was not a peerless warrior, but a simple boy with a desire.

He smiled hesitantly. "We heard her cries in Heaven, but I was still too late." He whispered.

His words rung true; bitter, saddened, but still true. It raised the question of 'what if I hadn't reincarnated her?' but I quickly shook away the sentiment. I could not have known, and I had not wished to let an innocent die before me.

But I listened to his words, his sorrowful expressions that physically hurt me, knowing that I held a stake in that despair within him.

"I remained in Kuoh to investigate further due to the actions spurred by the Fallen Angels of the Grigori. Something was not right, and Asia's death further cemented the fact." His eyes were firm, again. "I chose to stay."

Countless questions flittered through my mind at incomprehensible speeds. His story led me to realise just how long Heaven had monitored this town, and in lieu, us the Overseers. And Shirō appeared to be at the forefront of this missive about the goings within.

What led Asia to Kuoh all the way from the Vatican? How had the Fallen Angels found Issei? How did Freed, Valper and Kokabiel steal the Excalibur Fragments from the Church? What drew all these various groups to Kuoh?

No one knew what it was, but the most rational answer, as terrifying as it seemed, implied that there is someone puppeteering these events. And Emiya Shirō had served as a deterrent to a capable catastrophe.

I placed a hand atop my restless heart. "How certain are you that there is a third party involved in these events?" I asked. "What makes you so certain that it's happening within my territory?"

I need to understand, to see if I could salvage this situation before it devolved even further. As of now, the Grigori had their eyes on us, Heaven had their agents about, and the Underworld seemed none the wiser.

War was inevitable, but I feared it. I did not wish to experience war, no one did. Lest of all knowing that I would have to face a friend, burdening his soul yet again.

I would not.

Shirō merely shrugged, his nonchalance stupefying. "I suppose that you would have found out anyway." He leaned into his seat, levelling a gaze. "The Three Factions have been allied for a while now, perhaps longer. Only the Four Great Satans, Azazel and his top brass, and the Ten Seraphim are privy to this information. And this alliance has been investigating this impending threat."

I felt my eyes widen, heaving a tired sigh in realisation as the situation began to make sense.

Emiya Shirō, the mage, could be reborn as an Angel if Heaven gained a system similar to that of the Evil Pieces. With God dead, it would be impossible to replenish the numbers lost from the Great War. But with Ajuka Beelzebub and others of similar intellect, Heaven would have sought his assistance to create a system similar to ours.

With fair reasons and a solid catalyst, Ajuka would have divulged his genius to Heaven, allowing Emiya Shirō and other faithful Humans to be assimilated into the Heavenly Ranks. And that group would stand amongst the mightiest and guard the Gates of Heaven from threat.

It was curious how the Underworld had not sent immediate help upon our request, because they knew that there was an individual capable of managing the threat within our territory. And though it was difficult to amass capable forces within the time requested, the Four Great Satans themselves would have come considering that it was our lives that were at risk.

"Two times you have invaded my territory, and that is two times more than necessary to warrant your death."

I was foolish, the coldness that enveloped my being reminding me so. It sunk into my depths, crawling upon my spine as I realised that I, too, had been a character in the cast of a play written by a great puppeteer; dancing upon a field of poison laced daggers that could have led to a pitiful and painful death.

I looked to the boy before me, his quiet gaze exuding the temperance of an aged warrior, which I had assumed him to be. But he was not. Rather, he was a boy with a good heart and a desire to save others at all costs.

An individual with the bearings of a Hero of old.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

Rias had whispered something that I did not manage to catch as my mind had been racing for the last few, quiet minutes.

These revelations were troubling, more so knowing that Michael and the others were trying their absolute best to understand. I could imagine him overexerting himself, trying to get to the crux of the matter, and it made more sense as to why Gabriel was here today.

Whoever it is that was plotting against the Biblical Pantheon was doing an amazing job at remaining hidden.

"I said thank you." Rias tried again, a light blush adorning her cheeks. "Truly, if it weren't for your actions, our lives would have been in peril. And my brother would have waged war with anyone who seemed responsible, even if it meant the Underworld going against Heaven once again."

I remembered those sapphire eyes that had peered into me, relaying an unspoken promise of violence and madness not belonging to the Leader of the Underworld, but a brother. A brother whose love knew no bounds and held the power to part the very Heavens should they become a threat to her wellbeing.

Such is a brother's love.

"And I'm sorry." Rias lowered her eyes. "It was shameful of me, and maybe, this is too. Selfish of me as it is, I do not wish to lose the friend that I have made in you."

She made her way around the table and stood before me, offering a hand with the gentlest of expressions as she helped me to my feet. Her eyes portrayed a care, not one of pretences that she often flashed over the general populace, but genuine.

"To you I promise to never again fear you for as long as I live. I appreciate your efforts to care for me, to comfort me, and to protect me." Rias placed a soft hand on my cheek, caressing my face with a certain warmth exuding from her palm before she smiled brilliantly. "Should the day that I betray these words come, it will be the day that I die."

A Self-imposed Geis.

I was enveloped by her as she wrapped her arms around my waist, head laying just above my heart, embracing as though her life depended on it; fully and wholeheartedly.

And it did.

I held her for as long and as tightly as I could, running my hand through her crimson tresses, wondering why she would go to such lengths. I could sense no fear from her, nor the hesitance she had exuded since that day. Rather, I sensed joy; pure, unadulterated joy.

"You will suffer no more losses, Shirō." She muttered against my shirt. "Of that I will make sure."

I smiled softly at her words, my eyes training down the crimson that resembled my own yet was not the same, finally reaching the hands that held her close.

"Thank you, Rias."

Maybe this time, Archer.

I opened the door to my apartment, a soft click resounding as I did, and Gabriel walked in, nearly gliding as her curious gaze shot from one object to another in quick succession.

The Four Great Seraphim rarely descended to the Earth, mostly remaining within the Sixth Heaven, and governing from there. So, it was quite a delight for her to study the modern-day technologies whenever she was able to.

Although Heaven is far beyond any human advancements, it was much different when compared to the endless versatility of their numerous creations.

Gabriel smiled as she ran a hand over the woodwork. "It is such a lovely place, Shirō." She said. "Humanity never ceases to amaze me. For a race so fickle, they grow and advance so quickly, I cannot help but feel that we might soon be left behind."

"Maybe someday." I replied as I reached for a bottle of juice in the fridge. "Humanity is only a few hundred years from matching our current technology. Even though the stuff up there is far older than most recorded history."

Heaven was incredibly advanced, especially its Holy System, a creation that delivered a single prerogative with utmost efficacy. Its basis being that of wishes, prayer, and devotion, like how a voice system registered a desired action or a camera identifying you and all your credentials with a glance.

The Holy System did as such, recognising a beckoning to God or any other Heavenly being through heartfelt desire. Thus, Heaven would send aid to address whichever was desired, an Angel manifesting a miracle through the efforts of a friend, a neighbour or even appearing to people as a complete but kind stranger.

It was unfortunate that Angels themselves were capable of only so much. The Authority of Miracles treaded upon the Mystery, a power belonging to but a single entity. And with his passing, the Holy System has become a shadow of what it once was.

"I will wait to see what heights humanity will reach in the coming years." She sighed softly; her gaze growing curious. "But I do wonder where those girls are."

As though she had been summoned, Irina's head popped over from the side of the wall, her twin pigtails drawn down by gravity. Her eyes shot around before landing on us, specifically Gabriel.

Irina jogged into the kitchen, a smile on her lips. "You're back, Senpai!" She greeted while openly glancing between us. "And you have another guest, too. Hello!"

Gabriel smiled amusedly. "Hello to you too, Irina."

Irina paused mid-wave. "Eh? Have we met before?" She asked, blinking. "I swear I would remember someone as beautiful as you."

Gabriel merely smiled, and I stifled a sigh at the amusement I could sense coming from her. I could only hope that Irina could brave being the source of my sister's humour.

A few moments later, Xenovia appeared, following behind an older lady who looked to be in her thirties, tall in stature, and garbed in a religious habit. Her hands were conjoined demurely, golden hair framing her kind visage, one befitting a Sister of the Church.

Her only odd features, though, were the two Qs printed onto the backside of her hands, an insignia denoting her rank. Blank, fixed, and precise, alluding to her nature as a warrior.

Within the blink of an eye, her hand shot to Irina, pulling at her ear admonishing, and causing the girl to squeal in pain. She tried to escape from the sudden punishment, but her weak arms flailed about, unable to remove herself from the tight hold.

Not that she could ever escape anyway.

Despite still holding onto the poor girl's ear, she curtsied with the elegance of a trained noble, smiling beautifully to accentuate her respectful expression.

"Good evening, Milady." She said. "And to you too, Shirō."

"Good evening, Griselda." Gabriel replied happily.

I inclined my head, too. "Good evening to you, too, Griselda-senpai." I greeted. "Could you, maybe, let go of my junior? She looks about to cry."

Griselda tilted her head, her slatted eyes widening slightly. "Will you take her place?" She asked.

A light shiver ran up my spine. "I'd rather not." I said, looking towards the girl who looked hopeful, only to dash it. "Sorry, Irina-chan. But you brought this on yourself."

Irina looked displeased by my betrayal, her watery eyes staring into mine, causing me to look away from that adorable gaze. I could not let my mind stray, lest I feel the wrath of that woman, so I continued pouring juice for Gabriel even as guilt gnawed at my conscience.

The farther away I am from Griselda, the better my chances of living a longer life.

Griselda eventually released her hold. "Good." Her eyes scanned the two girls. "Now, children. Please greet our guest with the respect deserving of her esteemed station."

Irina soothed her reddened ear. "I greeted her already and she greeted back!" She said, immediately wilting from Griselda's sharp gaze. "I mean, I don't know her name yet but she knows mine. I just know that you called her Mi– wait!"

Irina began to panic, while Xenovia paled with the realisation of just who it was that had graced them with her presence.

Irina frantically bowed. "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" She cried. "If I had known it, was you, Lady Gabriel, I wouldn't have been so insolent!"

Xenovia maintained a bow, her reaction more subdued than I had expected. Still, even with her rigid countenance, she managed to portray her awe and adoration.

"Our deepest apologies, Lady Gabriel." She uttered stiffly. "It truly is an honour and a privilege to be graced by your presence."

Suddenly, Gabriel broke into a fit of giggles, causing the girls to blush and try to look away in their embarrassment. Griselda's bemused laughter told me that the two expected something of this sort to happen, leading me to believe that they had plotted it.

Gabriel's hand smacked onto my shoulder. " Pfft! Look at their faces, Shirō!" She laughed heartily, he free hand reaching for her eyes. "Girls, I am sorry! But thank you, Griselda."

Griselda's smile widened. "I am to please, Milady."

I knew I shouldn't have left her alone with Griselda.

I shook my head at the thought, recalling the tell-tale signs of how Gabriel had made herself scarce in the morning when I returned to dress up. The two women truly were a crafty pair.

Gabriel calmed down and gestured towards the chairs. "Please, you two. Take a seat." She smiled. "Shirō, if you will?"

Griselda made her way to flank Gabriel as the girls scooted closer to one another, placing their seats directly opposite to the Seraph. I tapped onto a fixed panel on my wall, imbuing a rune with Holy Power that surged through the nigh-invisible and usually dormant Bounded Field that traced my apartment in its entirety.

"Thank you." Gabriel said. "How do you feel? Having uncovered the truth, what is it you intend to do going forward?" She asked.

The girls remained silent, pondering on a way forward which I had an inkling of, but hoped had not merely been impulsive. It was entirely possible for them to have changed their minds given how delicate their hearts were.

Irina shuffled in her seat restlessly. "I-I was distraught. When I heard those words, all of my strength abandoned me. "She whispered. "But Senpai reminded us of the mission entailed to us by the Lord. That it is our duty to spread his teachings of love and compassion to all who dwell upon the Earth."

Xenovia nodded. "I am of the same sentiment. I was clouded with so much confusion." She said, biting into her lip. "I even considered siding with the Devils in my desire for a purpose."

Griselda narrowed her eyes, worried at the words her daughter was spewing.

Though she was not of her own blood, a woman of the cloth by vow, Xenovia was still her daughter. She had brought her up, imparting to her the same values that she believed in, and impassioning a goal to strive for, unknowing of the suffering it would bring her upon this revelation.

It led me to wonder if, by chance, Griselda had been the one to reveal the truth to her, would Xenovia have reacted in the same manner? Or would she have accepted it just as her mother did?

"I believe in fighting for what is right, and seeing you here, Lady Gabriel, cements my belief in Heaven." Xenovia gazed forward, her eyes honest and reverent. "You remained when you lost our Lord, while others fell after the Great War. If there is any whom I would plead allegiance and swear fealty to, it would be to those that remain within the Heavens despite enduring such a loss."

Yet again.

I never could understand the tenacity of humankind, but I found it admirable and beautiful.

Xenovia, my Queen's daughter, held a stoic and rigid countenance that her mother had outgrown as she matured into adulthood. But as she expressed her undying loyalty to my home, to my brethren who endured in the face of insurmountable odds, I remembered another.

I glanced toward Shirō, only to find him smiling, an act of encouragement, so I turned back to the girl.

She had repeated the very same words my sworn little brother pledged to after discovering the truth. Her visage stained by honest tears and an honest smile, I found her true nature to be as radiant as the one envisioned by a weakened man who died still grasping onto hope so, so many years ago.

Is humanity still as wondrous as you once saw, Father?

I smiled at the two young women before me. "Truly, humanity will never cease to amaze me." I whispered.

Her smile was so tender, so kind, so loving, and conveying an abundance of warmth comparable to the sun. The same that had saved my life twice over. No, even greater than that; it is the smile of a saviour who has been saved.

It is the origin of my love and adoration towards Gabriel, a smile that birthed an unquestionable fealty.

He had gone to the ends of the Earth, the ends of time itself, bathing himself with blood, and standing atop a lonely hill housing a single, beautiful sword, which was surrounded by innumerable corpses.

Never once cowering, nor fearing, neither surrendering.

And it is for such a smile that I would purge the world of its darkness, bathe in the blood of the impure again, if it meant that such joy could gleam upon the world, its radiance being that of an eternal sunshine.

"Thus said the Devil inside the God, you are me and I am you."

Edit: 13/10/22