Chapter 19: Unexpected Meeting

Dark clouds loomed over the silent night, leaving little illumination from the moon. Koneko and I flew towards our destination, meeting with everyone except Issei at an abandoned factory. Shortly after, Issei arrived on his bike. Still don't understand how he doesn't have enough magic to teleport. I mean seriously, after inviting him to train his magic earlier than in canon, it just doesn't make any sense! It's funny at first, but now it's just getting old.

"Sorry, am I late?"

"No Issei. Now, the Duke requested us to finish the stray before the night ends. Asia, stand back for this one."

"Yes, Buchou-san."

"Akeno and I will remain outside. Daisuke, Issei, Yuuto, and Koneko, you four enter the factory and force it out, allowing us to finish it with magic. Be cautious, we were warned that the stray is a Knight which specializes in trapping, along with narrow space in there will be troublesome."

"Yes, Buchou." The four of us responded. Issei and I summoned our gears, while Koneko wore her gloves and Kiba equipped his vambraces.

Stealthily, Koneko and I took front point with nose and eyes for detection while the other guys got our backs. Lot's of rubble and planks, but still have enough room to fight. My Tenkugan spotted movement behind one of the pillars, "Guys, get ready." A cute naked girl emerged, until she grew horns, fangs, and showed her lower spider body. "Gross, she's more monstrous than Viser!"

The mutant roared and raced to the ceiling, spitting acid and webs from all sides, then hide behind cover and repeat. Dodging, Issei charged up a mini Dragon Shot but the stray shrugged it off and hid in another pillar.

"Damn it. Not enough Boosts."

The ceiling isn't high enough to fly freely, but I don't need to fly. Activating speed gear, I ran upside down the ceiling with tree walking and met her head on. Gurgling in surprise, her mouth spat out acid as I casually leaned left and knocked her to the ground, straight to Kiba. In turn, the Knight sped to cut her legs, earning himself a pained cry and spilled blood. She attempted to escape by shooting web from her ass to the ceiling, I intercepted with Shinkuha to severe it.

Issei was in position and slammed her in the face with his gauntlet. Most of her energy was depleted, she groggily looked up from her downed position to see Koneko staring at her blankly, "Humph." With her usual soft grunt, Koneko kicked the stray out of one of the windows where the magic users were waiting. Thunder boomed and giggles echoed, charring her lifeless. We exited and see the smoking pile of flesh. Kinda horrific, I still get a bit queasy whenever someone's injured so much.

"Akeno, that's enough."

"Yes, Buchou."

Our King walked forward with a look of disgust, "For you to fall this much, your heart has been completely consumed by your demonic power." I'm gonna take the groan as 'bitch' in monster language. "Begone." Power of Destruction enveloped her as not a trace remained.

"Good job everyone. Your teamwork has improved." Each of us exchanged high-fives and fist-bumps.

"Everyone, are you okay? Is anyone hurt?" Asia asked worriedly.

"Don't worry Asia. All of us are fine." Issei flexed his biceps for emphasis, "I didn't think you would fight upside down Daisuke. Isn't it dizzy like that?"

"Nah, I'm using magic to keep gravity ahold of me so I can fight like it's ground level. And you guys said that technique is redundant."

"Ara ara, I'm sorry Daisuke. Would you like me to make it up to you?" Akeno pushed her chest out, leaning into me a bit too close for my liking.

Rias stood in between us with an unnerving smile, "I'm sure a simple apology would suffice, right Daisuke?"

"Yeah, sure." I responded quickly, fearing that their squabble would escalate again.

"Ufufu, remember Daisuke, anything for you."

The Two Great Onee-samas glared competitively at one another. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I turned to see Kiba giving me a consoling smile, "You may not understand what I mean, but please persevere."

You have no idea.

Following the elimination of the stray, Kiba walked back to his apartment. A raindrop landed on his head, momentarily surprising him as the dark clouds becoming thicker. He will need to hurry back if he wants to avoid getting drenched. It's a school night, he can't get sick. With one hand covering his head, Kiba picked up his pace until stopping in the middle of a residential district. A presence was around, one he was familiar with.

"Oh ho? Why isn't it the handsome shitty devil from the red bitch." Freed Sellzan appeared out of an alley, "Long time no see, I hope you missed me because I missed watching you burn by my shiny light."

"Freed Sellzan!" The Knight drew his sword. This is the moment he's been waiting for, his eyes trailed to the priest's sword. Judging by Daisuke's words, his is the Excalibur Rapidly.

"Does my new little toy excite you?" Grinning crazily, Freed swung his glowing sword like a rattle, "I was out looking for an itsy-bitsy bitchy priest who died too fast. Now I can have you to feel Excalibur-chan as dessert. Lucky me! I get to torture you and hear your wonderful screams. This is just orgasmic!"

Kiba's smile has an edge to it. The radiating light, stronger than any normal holy swords he felt, was bothersome as it proved to be the real deal. "I see you're still as foul mouthed as ever. Fortune must be upon me, I too wanted to see how I can match against an Excalibur. Why are you in Kuoh?"

"Does it matter? You'll have lots of light inside you before I'll finish explaining. Just die shitty devil!"

Rapidly glowed brighter as Freed vanished in a blur. The Knight's eyes, however, was honed into his movements and matched his speed. The rain's falling heavier, prompting the two speedsters to give more attention to their footing. Despite Kiba's devil night vision, the human's sight isn't as impaired as it normally would and putting up quite a fight.

Kiba activated Holy Eraser in attempt to weaken Excalibur but failed. Freed laughed maliciously, "Nice try but I've seen that before. You're little sword isn't enough to beat Excalibur-chan. How about using the sword between your legs?"

"You may have the better weapon, but I have the better swordsmanship. Even with a piece of the legendary Excalibur, I can still keep up with you. Have you been relying more on its power instead of polishing your own skills?"

Clicking his tongue, "Now aren't you a smartass, too bad I'm gonna shove this up in it."

An ice sword replaced Holy Eraser. Kiba parried a downward slash and guided his sword to Freed's torso who jumped back to avoid it. Rushing in, the blond swung diagonally upwards but blocked by flat side of Rapidly as an impromptu shield. Kiba then slashed downwards to keep up the pressure. Freed endured the assault until he saw an opening and thrust forward. The Knight escaped with a small cut to his chest.

"Hahahaha! How does Excalibur-chan's light feel like? Bet it makes you all hot and bothered."

Kiba just smiled politely as always, "Actually, it feels more lukewarm."

Confused, Freed's mad smile turned into a frown as barely any smoke was emitted from his wound. His eyes shifted to his sword and widen as the blade was partially frozen solid. Kiba slowly froze the rainwater on Excalibur with his ice sword, reducing it from inflicted light poisoning along with its cuts. Even indirectly, Kiba's impressed that he could still feel some light, then again it is a legendary Holy Sword. Ideally, an electric sword to shock Freed was his first idea, but there's a chance he'll be shocked as well considering the water was everywhere.

Indignant rage bubbled within Freed, "You son of a bitch! That's cheating!"

"There were no rules made prior to our match. Perhaps you should have sharpened your senses more." Switching with a wind sword, the swordsman blew more rainwater to Freed as a distraction, surprising him with a splash, and charged through with a cross slash to his chest.

Coughing up blood, Freed snarled and smashed his sword onto the ground, breaking off the ice. "That's it! I was gonna take it slow, then quicken it to reach the climax but now I'm done playing. By the time I'm finished, you'll be screaming my name for mer-" A magic circle appeared next to his ear, he's scowl deepened, "Now?! I was just getting to the good part- Gah! Fine! Looks like you lucked out shitty devil, my superior needs me elsewhere." Blinding light came out of nowhere, giving the stray priest a chance to retreat.

"Not this time."

"The fuck?!" Freed, crashed into a wall, screamed in surprise and coughed out more blood. He got a look to find the very first devil who gave him a real challenge.

"Sorry Kiba, no point in beating Excalibur if he escapes." Daisuke called out with his right foot outstretched.

"I was hoping you would have no need to interfere, but I suppose I was at fault for letting my guard down." Kiba sighed. The Knight and Rook flanked Freed, leaving him no path to flee.

"When the fuck did you get here? Not that I'm mad at our little reunion or anything, now I got an excuse to be late."

"Not too long ago. You were so preoccupied in your fight, you didn't notice Kiba calling me via a text."

"Joy oh joy." Freed grinned with a crazy look in his eye, "You've gotten much better than the last time we met, Daisuke-kun. Are you that interested in a threesome?"

"And you're still as deranged and repulsive as before. It's getting kinda late though, how about we wrap it up and hit the hay? We got school tomorrow."

"As if tough guy! Don't think I can't dance just because I'm outnumbered. Excalibur-chan is more than enough for the both of you."

"Who said it's just the both of us?" Daisuke said with a hint of smugness in his voice. One by one, the rest of the ORC members appeared from the shadows, out from alleys, or even landing on rooftops. The stray priest's smirk finally dropped as he noticed he was more than a little outnumbered. "I think there's only one way to perfectly describe your situation."

"I'm fucked."

*RING*

"And that's it for today class. Remember to submit your homework by day after tomorrow." Sato-sensei concluded before he collected his books and walked out of the classroom.

Phase one was a success. With Freed out of the picture, we'll have one less problem to deal with. Valper might come to take him and Rapidly back, but I already have a plan for that. Gotta remember to take Kiba's friends' essence from him too. The church duo should arrive soon, and still nothing from Azazel's messengers.

"Hey Daisuke." Issei came over to my seat with Motohama and Matsuda behind him, "We're thinking of going for karaoke next weekend. They're supposed to be done renovating the place and added new anime songs. You wanna join us?"

"Karaoke, huh? It's been a while since I last went for it. Sure." If I remember correctly, it's after our confrontation with Kokabiel. Training's good and all but I need some R&R every now and then.

"And while you're at it..." Motohama closed in on me with a familiar glint behind those glasses, "How about you invite Himejima-senpai, I'm sure she would be happy that you ask her out. She probably has the voice of a goddess."

A sadistic fallen goddess to be exact. Should have known they're scheming something, "If she accepts, you'll be spending more time ogling her more than singing. I think she and Rias are busy with something though. Besides, why would you ask me to ask her?"

"Well duh, you're her boyfriend. Of course you have to ask her."

...

I stared at him dead in the eye, before slowly gliding my eyes to see the other two who were nonchalant, and then back to him, "What the fuck are you talking about?"

Motohama backed away with annoyance as Matsuda snorted, "Don't play dumb. We've heard the rumors."

"What rumors?"

"Wow, you're pretty good at acting. You know, the rumors about the dark knight and black princess who found each other through many trials, finally becoming one after discovering the lone souls in each other's eyes."

Turning my head from the baldy to Issei, I stared at him in question. "It spread like wildfire the whole week, didn't you notice?"

"I usually tune out any crazy rumors and focused on more realistic ones." 'As well as planning our next move to survive' "You actually believe in that bullshit? The dark knight, that's me? Seriously? Do I look like Batman to you?"

"Who's Batman?"

"Never mind."

Issei shrugged, "Akeno-san never denied it and said it's quite an interesting story."

"Come on Daisuke." Motohama sighed, "It's not even a secret, everyone already knows this. What is there to be embarrassed about? Some students even painfully support it since you got good social status with your grades and personality."

Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I inhaled, held my breathe for a few seconds, and finally exhaled through my mouth, "Akeno and I are not dating. The rumors are false."

Baldy and glasses wanted to retort, but seeing my absolute deadpanned face made them stop and blink in confusion. Matsuda asked dubiously, "Really?"

"Yes."

"I can vouch for that." Kiryuu walked in with an amusing smirk, "As Daisuke-kun's love consultant, every word out of his mouth is the truth."

"Love consultant? Her? Really?" Issei pointed at the newcomer while staring at me full of disbelieve, "Why her of all people? She's even more perverted than us."

Chuckling, "Yeah, I know. But she gives out pretty good advise. She's not so bad once you get used her jokes. It's kinda like how I got used to you when we first met."

"Aside from being compared to Hyoudou, thank you Daisuke-kun."

""You're not dating Himejima-senpai?!"" The other two began muttering stuff that I'm not even sure that I want to know, attracting attention from the surrounding students. "This is big news. Our Onee-sama is available again. Everyone needs to know this."

"Not as easy as you think." Kiryuu, smirking mischievously, interrupted, "The rumors are out and popular for a while now. With Himejima-senpai not denying the rumors, no one will believe two of the Perverted Trio and you'll be ignored completely."

"That, and there's also probably Akeno keeping the rumor so no more guys would pester her with love confessions." I sadly supplied.

They fell to their knees in despair and said something about 'Die Riajuus'.

Kiryuu snickered at their misfortune before turning to me, "I heard you're going to karaoke, count me in. I'll even invite Asia."

""Asia-chan?!""

"Now that I think about it, I don't think Asia's been to karaoke before. That's a good idea." Issei agreed.

"Might as well invite Kiba and Koneko to the party. The more the merrier I guess."

""Koneko-chan?! We knew you would be good for something!""

"Oi!" I barked at the duo, "I'm right here you know. I can hear everything you say."

""We know. You're supposed to, Riajuu.""

Night came by as Issei and Asia walked back home after another day of clients and training. Issei animatedly explained, "We'll be singing about the songs on the screen. It'll be kinda loud but just go ahead and sing."

Asia fidgeted, "I-I never sang before. The most I have done is reciting the Book of the Bible in the church. I do not know any songs."

"Don't worry about it. There's some pretty slow songs you can try. It's about having fun while listening to yourself or others sing."

"Wh-what if I messed up and embarrassed myself. I'm always such a klutz."

"I doubt anyone will do that." Issei imagined the cute and clumsy Asia trying her best would earn calmness and joy from any good-natured person. They would want to protect and help her more than anything, the same goes to Issei of course, "I'll be there with you all the time, you'll be just fine."

Blushing, "Thank you, Issei-san."

Issei's glad he could do something to make Asia's life more fulfilling. Ever since she was reincarnated into a devil, he felt overjoyed that he could be together with her again, but full of guilt that he stripped away her normal life as a sister that she always loved. The least he can do is fine other ways for her to enjoy in her current life.

"By the way, you know about that rumor about Daisuke? Turns out he's not dating Akeno-san after all."

"I know. Kiryuu-san told me he was lost about what to do with Akeno-senpai's feelings. He was very sad about what to do until Kiryuu-san helped him."

"Say, Kiryuu didn't say anything strange to you right? Like doing anything perverted stuff?" Issei cautiously asked, fearing for her innocent and impressionable mind would be tainted by that perverted woman.

"No. She only gave me advise like wearing a maid uniform when doing house chores. She said visual effects can give much more impact."

The thought of Asia wearing an erotic maid outfit gives out a pure beauty aura which should be watched until she shyly removes her fabric one by one with a blush, it would be the ultimate strip tease. Issei nearly let his libido control him until he shook his head. Silently cursing Kiryuu in his mind, "It's okay Asia, your usual clothes are already more than enough. You don't have to."

"Is that so?" Asia tilted her head cutely, "But Hanwei-san likes consulting to Kiryuu-san for advice."

"Err, he needs a different kind of advice. I don't think he has a reason to make himself look good anyway."

"Really? His eyes soften slightly when he sees her. It was hard to notice at first, but he showed it a few times before."

Issei's mind went miles per hour. Daisuke has a girl he likes?! Of course, it's the only explanation why his dense friend never noticed the Two Great Onee-sama's advances! Issei never saw anything weird about him but then again, Daisuke's always been good at masking his features, especially during spars. Maybe only the kind Asia who can see the good in people, saw through Daisuke and Kiryuu. After all, Asia sees the good in Issei, and Issei doesn't even know why he's good enough to have Asia by his side.

He carefully asked without making himself look too interested, "Who's 'her' exactly?"

"Oh, it's-"

A wave of danger passed through the devils, their instincts screamed at them to be wary. The source was coming from the Hyoudou residence. Already warned about this, they still could't help but feel nervous and worried about the human parents. Approaching the door, Issei entered and saw the lights on at the living room. To his surprise, the agents were two beautiful robbed girls, although the chestnut-haired girl looks strangely familiar.

The girl in question smiled happily and waved to Issei, "Issei-kun, yahoo. Long time no see."

"Huh?" Issei blinked.

"So this is Irina's childhood friend. He must have gone through many encounters." The blue-haired agent narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Do I know you?"

"Issei!" His mother admonished with a disapproving tone, "Don't you remember our old neighbour? You two were inseparable. See." An old photo album showed him of his younger self and his childhood friend. "I know you have new friends now but forgetting about Irina-chan is quite rude."

It took a few seconds for the gears to turn, Issei then pointed in scepticism, "You're Irina?! You mean you're not a boy?!"

"Issei!" Admonished again by his mother, "That is very rude, do not-"

"It's okay obaa-san. I was pretty much a tomboy, I don't blame Issei-kun for thinking like that. We actually needed to ask Issei-kun something and be on our way."

"But it's late. You can stay for the night. You are always welcome here Irina-chan."

"Thank you obaa-san." Irina bowed in appreciation, "But our work is urgent."

"That's a shame. Issei-kun, walk Irina-chan and her friend to where they're staying."

"What? Why?"

"You are a boy. You cannot just let two fragile maidens all alone this late at night. I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do anyway."

Issei highly thinks they are anything but fragile. At least he can make sure his parents are safe if those two are away from his house. "Okay."

Asia timidly speaks up, "May I accompany Issei-san."

"Of course you can, Asia-chan. Irina-chan, Xenovia-san, I hope you two have safe travels."

"Thank you obaa-san."

"Thank you for the hospitality."

The four of them exited the house as tension between them began to rise. Issei wasn't sure what to make of this, Daisuke never mentioned everything so they could act in real shock. On one hand, he's happy to see his childhood friend again. On the other hand, said childhood friend is with the church and has a sword that can completely erase him out of existence.

"So you're Irina? The guy I watched Dra-M Ball with? The guy I had sleepovers with? The guy I even bathed together with as a kid?"

The agent awkwardly scratched the back of her head, "Yes Issei-kun, that's me. Looks like a lot of stuff happened to you while I was abroad."

"Do not let your guard down, Irina. This is not the same childhood friend you remembered, he is a devil now." Her partner turned to the devils, more specifically to the blonde, "My name is Xenovia. Am I right to assume you are the witch, Asia Argento."

The Pawn sees where this is going and stood protectively in front Asia, "What if she is?"

"She was once known as the famed 'The Holy Priestess' before she committed a sin and healed a devil, a sworn enemy of the church. Quite ironic for her to be reincarnated into a devil herself." Xenovia's eyes trailed back to the former nun, "You were known to be one of the most faithful believers of God. Have you discarded those teachings that easily?"

"Don't go spouting shit when you don't even know her." Issei glared, "Asia healed so many wounded people and you banished her just because of one devil. She did what she thought was right, even now she still believes in your God after suffering what you did to her."

Irina watched in worry, hoping that a fight wouldn't start out. Xenovia's Excalibur is not known to be used in narrow spaces, especially in a residential district.

"In that case, it would be best if she's killed now in the name of God. May His benevolence reach and purify her soul, at least the former priestess could earn some salvation."

Gritting his teeth, Issei watched her unwrap her weapon and prepared to fight.

"I will never forget our God's teachings. I always cherish them dearly with all my heart." Asia was slightly shaking in terror, but her voice and eyes showed courage and warmth. She poured out her feelings without faltering, "However, I do not regret saving that devil who was in need of help. Because of that, I was able to meet Issei-san, and made many new friends. Perhaps God will never answer to me now, but I have found happiness with everyone who has helped me. I want to keep living and spend my time with all of them, while believing in God."

"Asia..." Issei felt proud about how she felt. He better get a grip or he'll start bawling in happiness.

"You are a fool." Xenovia re-enfolded Destruction, disappointed in Asia's declaration, "Priestess do not need any friends. All that his needed is God's love."

Issei really wanted to retort but decided it's enough since Asia voiced out her thoughts. Leveling his anger, "So, what are you two gonna do now?"

Clapping her hands together, Irina smiled cheerfully in attempt to ease the tension, "That's right, we thought about meeting with the devils in charge of Kuoh for a discussion tomorrow. Since you're here, how about showing us the way, Issei-kun?"

"Understandable. It would be easier for us if we have a guide rather than navigating the way ourselves. Might as well finish it ahead of schedule."

Ahead of schedule? Daisuke did say that his knowledge could be different than the reality they live in. Buchou might still be in the club room finishing up her work or spending extra time with Gasper. Well, Issei thinks the future wouldn't change too much. It's just one day earlier than Daisuke said, how bad can it be?

"It's been a while since you last came here, Daisuke. And you even brought your pretty friend with you."

"Sorry, Ojiro-jiisan. I've been caught up with some stuff, not a lot of free time with school and all."

"I have to ask though, you sure you two are related? I mean, your hair's black and hers is pink. Not to mention the only other girls I've seen as pretty as her are that red head and the ravenette with purple eyes in your school."

"Miho's a distant relative. She moved to Kuoh since I'm here after our parents talked it out."

The old man laughed, "Now aren't you a lucky guy. I used to have a few ladies back in my days until I met my wife. She's quite the beauty like you little miss."

"Thank you."

"Well, I should leave you two alone on your date." He teased before he went to serve another customer.

"It's not a date old man!"

At least there aren't any students here, they'll definitely ask me some unnecessary questions before it blows out of proportion and start another weird rumor. Thought that being relatives will avoid any rumors about us doing perverted stuff under the same roof. Miho's in Kuoh for a while now, can't keep her existence a secret forever. It was a bit late after training. Passing by the ramen shop, I thought I could treat Miho to dinner for a change. She's wearing a white blouse and black skirt. We're sitting side by side, facing the counter under a lamp.

"How do you like your ramen?"

"The broth was a bit salty and tangy, and the noodles were very soft. Thank you for the dinner, Hanwei-sama."

"Don't mention it. You always cooked meals for me, so I thought we could eat out every once in a while."

She shook her head, "It is not a hassle. Familiars are required to do odd jobs after all."

"Yeah, but we're tired after training. Don't want to make you overwork. Relax and let me spoil you a little. Besides, eating ramen with you is still pretty good." I smiled.

Her cheeks tinted pink, guess she's not used to being treated, "Hanwei-sama, what is this date Ojiro-jiisan spoke of? It's highly unlikely he was referring to which day today is."

Okay, how am I gonna explain human courting to a Salamander? "Um, you know about those mating rituals that Salamanders do you told me before?"

"Yes?"

I swallowed down both my ramen and nervousness, "It's kinda like before that and after normal companions, where a human male and female form pairs, spending time with each other to deepen their relations and find out they're worthy or not to become each other's mates."

"Oh." Miho slowly moved her head from me towards the other customers here. There aren't that many at this time, just a couple and a family eating their ramen. She turned back to me, "Do our times alone together include as dates?"

Why the hell is she so curious about this all of a sudden? "Err... not exactly. Friends do that all the time as companions. Dates are for when the two acknowledge one another as potential mates."

"I... see."

"Miho, is something wrong?"

"No. Nothing at all, Hanwei-sama."

She became quiet after that for the rest of the meal, maybe she's still coping with human culture. Her greatest discovery with human inventions was a mirror of things, she thought it was anti-gravity water. After paying for our meals, we walked back to the apartment through the park I first woke up in.

The night was cool and the wind blew past us, fluttering Miho's long hair a little, "So, think you've worked out your new fire properties?"

"Yes. I require less concentration than before, and the consumption rate has decreased." She said proudly.

"That's good, you'll soon have your own fighting style. The opponents won't see-"

I paused in my tracks, followed by Miho who is confused, "Hanwei-sama?"

Raising a hand to tell her to be silent, I stretched out my senses to find something. Put some effort in it ever since Azazel paid a visit. I activated my Tenkugan and scanned the area as Miho became vigilant. There are two magic signatures behind the tree not too far in front of us. It's not just the looks, but they somehow feel familiar. No spike in magic, so that means they're not here to fight.

"You can come out, I know you're there."

Two figures showed themselves, a guy and a girl. Each of them has two pairs of black feathery wings, and- you must be fucking kidding me! Now I know why Azazel was so worried about Rias dismissing them.

"Greetings, Daisuke. Rest assured, we are not here with any ill intent."

"Didn't think I'd see you again so soon, Forcuis, Raynare." Miho ignited her hands, but extinguished them later after I told her to stop. My Tenkugan is still up. Their muscles are tensed but more for running away than for fighting. "I thought you two were under house arrest?"

"Azazel-sama generously released us two weeks after constant surveillance. He confirmed that Kokabiel was using us for his own goals." Raynare answered with disdain at the mention of the warmonger.

"Hanwei-sama, are they the fallens you once told me?" Miho, in her fighting stance, glared at the two.

"Yeah." I crossed my arms, "I'm gonna assume that you're the messengers the Grigori sent. Why of all fallens would they send our former enemies?"

Forcuis spoke, "Due to our stay in Kuoh, we were tasked to inform the Kings of this town as we are already familiar with the environment."

Raising an eyebrow, "That alone is enough to qualify yourselves to see us?"

He coughed in his hand, "We... would also like to offer our sincerest apologies for our atrocious actions. Azazel-sama was very explicit to show our remorse."

My eyes gravitated to the number of wings they have, "I see you've gotten stronger. Did you sense my location specifically?"

"That is correct. After my defeat, I underwent vigorous training in order to surpass you and now capable of extending my sensing abilities to greater lengths." He showed slight dejection, "However, your growth proved to exceed my own."

"I'm tempted to pound you two into the ground to be honest. Childish of me, but it'll be very cathartic."

Raynare clicked her tongue in frustration, "We want to apologize okay. Why can't you just try to cooperate with us?"

Anger surged within me. Tightly clenching my fists to keep my emotion in check, I pointed at Raynare with a threatening tone, "You killed me." I then pointed at Forcuis, "You almost killed me. Do I need to explain further?"

"We will make no excuses, deceived or not. But please, we sincerely wish to amend what we have done to earn you forgiveness. I apologize on Raynare's behalf, she is currently experiencing much due to Twilight Healing's extraction." Forcuis bowed.

She winced at his display and reluctantly bowed as well, "I... I'm sorry for my outburst."

Twilight Healing's extraction? Asia did die from that but Raynare never did, she was only knocked out at best. Maybe a fallen angel's naturally stronger vitality allowed her to survive that much pain. Never thought about it before since she died in canon, but did Raynare change on the inside? The fact that she still has an extra pair of wings is proof of that.

I took a deep breathe to calm myself, "If you want to apologize, then where are your other companions?"

"Kalawarner, Mittelt and Dohnaseek remained back at headquarters. The higher-ups concluded sending a smaller group would appear less provoking. As the two who troubled you the most, we also apologize on their behalf."

A sigh came out of my mouth, can't stay mad at them if they really want to make it up to us, "Sorry about what I said earlier. If you're trying to be civil, then I guess I should do the same. You two want to meet my King, right?"

They looked relieved, "Yes."

Taking out my iphone, I sent a text to Rias that I'm bringing Azazel's messengers to see her. Just before pocketing my iphone, it rang and showed Rias' reply text mere moments after I sent it. Wow, she texts fast. "I got her approval. I'll take you to her."

Miho and I lead them back to the club house. Turning our backs to them is risky, but peace has to start from somewhere. The Salamander remained tensed and so did I, just not as much. The walk was quiet, both groups were too awkward about the situation to break the ice. We made it past the school gates and arrived at the old school building.

After knocking and entering, Rias greeted me with a tired smile, "I know you said that those two would see me, but I was still unsure they would actually return after what they had done."

"Yeah, I thought the same as well." Shrugging, Miho and I waited in line in front of a wall to let the fallens talk with Rias. The rest of the members already went back home so it's just us five, excluding Gasper who's probably in his room right now.

"Now." The King sat up straight, oozing royal aura that befits her status as our leader, "How about we skip the pleasantries? I am still sour about your actions towards my servants. First and foremost, why did I not receive any notifications about your exact time of arrival?"

Forcuis stood forward, "Please allow me to explain as detailed as possible. Ko-"

Another round of knocking echoed as another group entered, "Hey Buchou, we-"

Issei and Asia gaped at the presence of Raynare who looked equally shocked. Behind them are- you must be fucking kidding me! I thought they were supposed to be here later?!

"It seems our worries were warranted. The devils have allied with the fallens after all." Xenovia sneered.

'Canon! Why have you forsaken me?!'

"Please wait." Forcuis cut in, looking almost frantic, "We are messengers sent to the devils to warn them about Kokabiel's defect, like the messengers sent to Heaven."

"Messengers? Oh, so you're not with Kokabiel. That's a relief." Irina said.

"You can rest assured. In the name of Rias Gremory, I will not ally with any fallen angels."

Xenovia relaxed, "I will take your word, for now."

Timidly hiding behind Issei was Asia. The former was staring at his killer with mixed emotions while sweating in anxiety, "Raynare."

"Issei. Long time no see." Raynare replied and for some reason, averting her gaze away from him.

Rias looked at the different groups of different factions as the tension keeps rising, "Perhaps I should summon my entire peerage. It would be best if everyone is present to avoid any more misunderstandings."

"I have no qualms about it, Gremory-dono." Forcuis agreed.

"No objections from us either." Xenovia seconded.

The fallens took the left side of the room while the church members took the right, leaving the Gremory servants behind them and standing in front of the door. Aside from Rias, none of us sit down due to the apprehensions between the three factions. Miho's on my left and Issei who's on my right, kept stealing glances at Raynare.

"Hey, you okay?" I whispered.

"Yeah, it's just... I didn't think to see her again after what happened." Issei whispered back solemnly with a hint of sadness.

"Listen, what she has done to you as Amano Yuuma is the past now. There are actual people and girls who truly like you for who you are."

"How do you- oh, right... I know that, but it's just... complicated, you know? I keep thinking that it's crazy that there are other girls like that but whenever I try, the memories just keep coming back."

"I think I know what you mean. I was worried that you guys might think of me differently because of my circumstances, but none of you did. Trusting you guys was never a mistake. Besides, do you honestly think someone like Asia would be as cruel as Raynare? She couldn't hurt a fly even if she tried."

The Pawn took a look at the Bishop who was fidgeting cutely like a little puppy. His face soften as he watches the little angel in disguise doing Asia-like stuff and snickered, "Yeah, you got a point. It won't be easy, but I guess I can slowly get over it with your and everyone's help."

"Don't worry buddy, I always got your back." I grinned reassuringly.

One by one, the rest of the ORC members minus Gasper, returned. Thankfully, they didn't start any provocations, albeit very wary that the enemies are in our base. Had to grab Kiba's shoulder before he did anything rash, the Knight nodded in understanding and waited together with the rest in line.

Rias started, "Shall we begin?"

Guest: Yes for everything except the last part. Daisuke thinks they're hot, not truly romantically interested in them. He was raised in a society where one guy can only date one girl and vice versa after all.

Guest-Questioner: Grammar errors? Damn. It's kinda hard to ensure everything is perfect by myself. I try my best but with school and real life, it's hard to find the time for that. Did you predict the fallens' arrival?

A.N.: Hey guys! Either I actually jinxed myself or you people just plain hate me. Very few reviews for the previous chapter. Well whatever, I probably deserved it for making Rias and Akeno sad. What happened to Freed? What happens next in the meeting? Find out in the next chapter, which will be late since I got events to attend to. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne