A year and a half had passed, Typhion and Tsubaki were sent to deal with a stray. The two moved closer to the derelict house Typhion had pointed out, the wind howled through the empty streets, adding to the eerie stillness of the ghost town. Tsubaki kept a hand close to her naginata, her sharp eyes never missing a detail. Then, without warning, the house erupted with a deafening crash. A massive stray devil, easily twice the height of Typhion, smashed through the front wall, sending splinters and shards of broken brick in every direction. Its muscular form bristled with coarse fur, and its jagged, twisted horns curved backward. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the duo, and a low, menacing growl reverberated through the air. "Get down!" Typhion, He reacted in an instant.

His movements were fluid, swift, and precise as he sidestepped the falling debris, pulling Tsubaki down with him as the wreckage of the house rained around them. The ground shook as the stray devil lunged forward, its claws carving into the earth as it charged with unrelenting fury. "Seems like it wants to skip the introductions." Tsubaki, rising to her feet and drawing his naginata into a defensive posture in front of her like a shield. Typhion, standing at the forefront, cracked his neck. With a deep breath, he exhaled, and the weight of his swords settled comfortably in his hands as he drew them from the scabbards across his back, made by Kiba "Let's end this quickly." Typhion, His voice was calm. His grip tightened on the hilts of his swords as he met the devil's gaze.

The beast roared again, its fangs bared, and charged toward them. Without hesitation, Typhion surged forward. His swords flashed in the air as he moved. Behind him, Tsubaki followed suit, their weapons drawn and ready, the two worked in seamless synchronization. As Typhion slashed toward the devil's thick hide, Tsubaki circled around, her naginata cutting into its leg and side. The stray devil, now bleeding from its leg and side, thrashed wildly, its glowing red eyes flickering with rage as it struggled to regain control. Its monstrous form loomed over the duo, but Typhion, and Tsubaki pressed their advantage, refusing to let it recover. Typhion, twisted his body as he came to a stop behind the devil. With a sharp, practiced motion, he pulled his embedded sword from the ground, the blade shimmering as it left the dirt. The markings on his armor glowed faintly, He glanced at Tsubaki, signaling for their coordinated next attack.

Typhion wasted no time. He dashed in close, his body a blur of motion. With another expertly timed strike, he targeted the devil's other leg, aiming to cripple the beast further. His blade hummed as it sliced through the air, striking with such precision that the stray's knee buckled under the force. The devil's enraged howl echoed through the empty streets as it dropped to both knees, no longer able to support its massive weight. Tsubaki, always poised and calculating, took a deep breath as she assessed the devil's weakening posture. Her naginata gleamed in the fading light as she adjusted her stance, finding the perfect angle for her strike. In one swift motion, she lunged forward, her naginata slicing through the devil's exposed side, the blade cutting deep into muscle and bone. Blood sprayed across the cracked pavement, and the stray devil roared in agony, its claws scraping uselessly at the ground as it tried to push itself up.

But it was too late. The coordinated strikes from the duo had left it crippled and bleeding profusely. Typhion, now behind the crippled stray, yanked his sword free from the earth. His grip tightened around the hilts, and with a subtle shift of his stance, he twirled the swords in his hands. Without hesitation, he leaped into the air, his massive wings unfurling for a brief moment, propelling him higher. His form blurred, a shadow moving with the speed of a storm. As he descended, the sharp glint of his blades was the only warning the stray devil received before the devastating strike. Typhion brought both swords down with immense force. The impact was brutal, and the sound of metal meeting flesh echoed through the empty streets as he drove the swords deep into the devil's back. The beast's colossal body crumpled under the assault, crashing into the pavement with a thunderous roar of pain.

Cracks spider-webbed through the ground beneath it, sending clouds of dust and loose stones skittering away from the force of the blow. The stray's pained howls reverberated through the abandoned neighborhood, its massive frame struggling against the weight of Typhion standing on its back, the blades now pinning it to the earth like nails in a coffin. Dark blood oozed from the wounds, pooling around the creature as its resistance slowly weakened, though its rage still burned hot. Typhion's gaze was cold and unflinching, the segmented plates of his armor creaking softly as he adjusted his balance. His wings folded tightly against his back. Tsubaki approached from behind, her expression calm yet resolute, her long black hair fluttering slightly in the breeze.

Her naginata held with practiced poise in her hands. She came to a stop beside the crippled stray, her eyes locking onto the devil's with an unwavering stare. "You have betrayed and killed your master." Tsubaki, Her voice carryed a calm, deadly finality. "For that, you will be punished." Tsubaki, The stray devil, though grievously injured, growled weakly in response, its voice rasping and filled with venom. Its once-proud form now lay broken, but its defiance remained. It twisted its head to glare at Tsubaki, its eyes glowing with hatred. "The Sitri little lapdog." Stray, Blood trickled from its mouth, and though it could barely move, its voice was filled with malice. Tsubaki's gaze didn't waver, her grip on the naginata tightening ever so slightly as she responded, her tone cold and resolute. "You chose your fate." Tsubaki, Without another word, she raised her weapon.

Typhion felt the devil's movement before it could even fully commit to its attack. With a sudden burst of speed he was in front of its snapping jaws in an instant. His boots dug into the ground as he slid between the devil and Tsubaki, pushing her back just as the creature lunged. She stumbled to the ground, her eyes wide with surprise as she watched Typhion seize the devil's massive jaws with both hands. The stray devil, desperate in its final moments, thrashed violently against Typhion's iron grip. Its eyes burned with fury. It strained as he tightened his hold, preventing the devil's jaws from closing in on him. "Don't think so." Typhion, He growled through clenched teeth. With a swift, powerful twist of his upper body, Typhion snapped the devil's neck with a resounding crack. The sound echoed through the empty neighborhood, followed by the thud of the devil's body collapsing to the ground, its once ferocious eyes now dull and lifeless.

The massive form went limp in his hands, the last vestiges of life draining from it in an instant. "That was close." Typhion, He released the stray's lifeless form, letting it slump to the ground like a discarded rag doll. He turned to face his companions, extending his hand towards Tsubaki, who was still catching her breath. She took his hand gratefully, her fingers tightening around his as she pulled herself up. "Too close." Tsubaki, She met Typhion's eyes, her grip on his hand firm as she steadied herself. "Thanks, Typhion, you really saved me there." Tsubaki, He gave a curt nod realeasing her hand, acknowledging her thanks without making a big deal of it. "It was nothing." Typhion, His eyes returned to the lifeless body of the stray devil. "Let's deal with the body now." Tsubaki, her voice returned to her usual calm. "Agreed." Typhion, He stepped forward. His eyes, sharp and calculating, narrowed as he regarded the stray devil's corpse. He extended his hand slowly, fingers splayed as if grasping something unseen. The air around the body seemed to thicken and distort.

With a subtle twist of his wrist, Typhion exerted control over the gravity surrounding the beast. The corpse lifted effortlessly into the air. He raised his hand higher, and the pressure around the stray increased. Bones cracked audibly, echoing through the desolate area. Blood sprayed from the corpse as flesh and sinew were compressed under the force, the body collapsing inward. The visceral sounds of destruction filled the air, mingling with the smell of iron and death. Typhion's brow furrowed slightly as he amplified the gravity further. The blood, once splattering, began to pool beneath the remnants of the body, staining the ground dark. His hand remained steady, fingers splayed as the pressure mounted around the stray devil's body.

The already crushed mass of flesh and bone continued to compact, the air around it distorting with the immense gravitational force. Each second seemed to stretch as the grotesque corpse caved more in on itself. The sound of cracking bones and squelching flesh intensified until, with a final surge of pressure, the body buckled completely. In an instant, it collapsed into itself, a cloud of flesh and blood exploding outward in a brief, visceral spectacle. The air was filled with a sickening spray of crimson mist as the remains of the stray devil disintegrated, breaking apart into smaller pieces, until the force Typhion applied became overwhelming. All that remained in the air was the faint odor of death and iron, the crimson cloud slowly dissipating into the wind. Tsubaki shuddered at the display but composed herself. Typhion lowered his hand as the last remnants of the stray devil disappeared, leaving no trace of the beast that had been a terror moments before. He exhaled quietly, his gaze lingering on the now-empty space. Typhion turned back to Tsubaki. "Let's head back." Typhion, The two began to make their way out of the abandoned neighborhood.

The trio arrived back near the school grounds, the familiar sight of the towering building and well-kept lawns bringing with it a sense of relief and accomplishment. The tension from the earlier battle melted away, replaced by the quiet calm of the evening. The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the grounds in a warm golden light, casting long shadows that danced gently in the breeze. The warmth of the breeze brushed past them, rustling the leaves of the nearby trees and carrying with it the faint scents of nature. Typhion stretched his arms, feeling the strain from the fight still lingering in his muscles. He exhaled deeply, the tension slowly releasing from his body as he rolled his shoulders. "Guess it's time." Typhion, His gaze shifted toward Tsubaki, catching her looking at him with an unreadable expression.

Tsubaki nodded, her dark eyes softening as she turned to face him fully. "It's been a long day." Tsubaki, She took a moment to observe him, noticing the small details that others might miss, the way his posture, while strong, carried the weight of someone who had seen more than his fair share of battles. She appreciated that he was always so steady, always reliable. Typhion's eyes flicked down to her, sensing the shift in her demeanor. He could tell she was thankful for his actions earlier, even if she hadn't said much about it. He gave her a faint, almost imperceptible smile before his expression returned to its usual neutral, watchful state. "You okay?" Typhion, Tsubaki blinked, surprised for a moment by the question. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… thanks again for earlier. I didn't see that coming." Tsubaki, She smiled. "You don't need to thank me for that, you've been through worse." Typhion, She gave a small laugh remembering when they first met. "True, but it doesn't mean I don't appreciate it." Tsubaki, They stood in companionable silence for a moment longer, neither of them in any particular rush to leave the tranquility of the school grounds.

Eventually, Typhion broke the silence. "We should head back." Typhion, His voice returning to its usual calm, pragmatic tone. Tsubaki nodded, stepping closer to him as they began to walk side by side, making their way toward the school gates. As they walked, the soft sound of their footsteps mixed with the gentle rustling of the trees. As they reached the point where they would normally part ways, the usual comfort of their friendship seemed to hang in the air, but Tsubaki's steps faltered. She slowed, her mind racing with thoughts she had buried deep, emotions she had kept hidden for far too long. Her heart pounded in her chest, and a wave of anxiety washed over her. She wanted to say something but found her throat tightening, words caught between her mind and her lips. She glanced at Typhion, her gaze lingering on him. His presence, usually so steady and reassuring, only made her more nervous now. Her heart was filled with uncertainty, but it was also filled with something stronger, something she could no longer deny. She opened her mouth to speak but quickly closed it, her resolve faltering for a moment. Her hesitation wasn't lost on Typhion.

He immediately sensed the shift in her mood, his keen instincts alerting him to the change. His eyes, which usually carried a guarded intensity, softened as he turned to her, his eyebrows knitting together in quiet concern. "Something wrong?" Typhion, She let out a quiet, nervous laugh, though it was more of a release than an expression of humor. It was a sound that held more meaning than she intended, betraying the storm of emotions brewing inside her. She clenched her hands together, her knuckles turning white as she tried to steady herself. "Perspective, as always." Tsubaki, She stared at the ground for a moment, her usual calm demeanor cracking ever so slightly. She could feel the pressure of the words she had kept hidden for so long, and now they were clawing their way to the surface. Gathering her courage, she finally looked up, meeting his gaze. Her dark eyes, usually so composed and unreadable, were filled with uncertainty but also determination. "I have something to tell you, Typhion." Tsubaki, Her voice wavered slightly, her vulnerability showing in a way she rarely allowed. Typhion, always calm and composed, remained steady. He knew this wasn't something trivial. There was gravity in her voice, in the way she stood there, as if the ground beneath her might shift at any moment. He gave her his full attention, his expression soft but serious. "What is it?" Typhion, His voice was gentle, urging her to speak but without any pressure.

Tsubaki closed her eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath as she tried to steady her emotions. The silence between them felt heavy, almost suffocating. She could hear her own heartbeat in her ears, each thud reminding her of the risk she was about to take. When she opened her eyes again, she was met with Typhion's calm, expectant gaze. There was something about his presence that always made her feel safe, but now, standing before him, she felt more exposed than ever before.

Vulnerability wasn't something she allowed herself often, but this was different. "Typhion, I..." Tsubaki, Her voice catching in her throat. She could feel the knot in her stomach tightening, her heart pounding against her chest. The words felt heavy, but she pushed through, her fists clenched at her sides as if grounding herself. Her gaze wavered, but she refused to look away from him. "I love you." Tsubaki, The words came out with a mix of fear and relief, as though they had been waiting too long to be spoken. Her heart was racing now, and every second that passed felt like an eternity. "I have for a long time." Tsubaki, Her voice trembling slightly as she forced herself to meet his eyes, her vulnerability laid bare before him. Her chest tightened, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her, but she stood her ground. She had to see this through, no matter how terrifying it was. "So… will you please be with me?" Tsubaki, Her voice quiet but filled with an undeniable earnestness.

The moonlight filtering through the trees cast a soft glow on her face, highlighting the determination in her eyes. She had rehearsed these words countless times in her mind, but now that they were finally out, the world seemed to hold its breath, the air between them thick with anticipation. Every moment they had shared together flashed through her mind, and she willed him to understand just how much he meant to her. The confession hung in the air between them, the weight of it settling like a heavy fog. Tsubaki's heart pounded in her chest, her breath catching as she waited for his response. Her hands were balled into tight fists, her nails digging into her palms as though bracing herself for what might come next. She felt exposed, vulnerable in a way she hadn't before.

For Typhion, the moment stretched on, the sound of her confession reverberating in his mind. His expression remained calm, but inside, he was processing her words, the sincerity in her voice, the way she looked at him with such raw emotion. His eyes flickered slightly, the usual sharpness in them softening as he considered his response, the weight of her feelings heavy on his shoulders. "I just never thought…" Typhion, His voice trailes off as he searched for the right words. "I never thought someone like you would ever... care for someone like me. I've always been focused on fighting, on protecting others, but I never once thought about... this." Typhion, He ran a hand through his hair, feeling oddly vulnerable in a way that battles never made him feel. His mind raced, searching for something, anything to say, but the words seemed to escape him. It wasn't fear—it was uncertainty, something he was unfamiliar with. He wasn't used to being the one in the spotlight, especially not in such a personal, raw way. "Just why me?" Typhion, She stepped closer now, her gaze unwavering, and the warmth of her presence made Typhion feel both comforted and unsettled. Her nearness, the way she looked at him, it pierced through the armor of detachment he had always worn around others.

Her eyes, filled with emotion, never left his, and it was as if she could sense the turmoil stirring inside him. "You've always been strong, Typhion. Not just physically, but emotionally too. You take on so much—responsibility, pressure, the weight of the people you protect. You carry all of it, even when no one asks you to. But I've seen the real you. I see the person who fights not because he has to, but because he cares so deeply for others. That's what drew me to you." Tsubaki, Her words hung in the air, and Typhion felt his heart tighten. The weight of her confession was overwhelming. She blinked, and a single tear slipped from the corner of her eye. Her expression was one of vulnerability, but also determination. "Especially when you saved me the day we first met, you didn't even hesitate, and that's when I knew. You weren't just strong, you were selfless. You didn't just save my life—you changed it." Tsubaki, Her voice cracking slightly.

Tsubaki stood inches from him now, her presence wrapping around him like a soft embrace. Typhion's chest tightened at her words, at the tears she didn't try to hide. She wasn't just saying these things to make him feel better, she truly believed them. And that realization made him feel even more uncertain, more exposed. He wasn't used to being the one someone else leaned on emotionally. He had always been the shield, the protector. But this... this was something different entirely. Typhion swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. He had faced countless enemies, braved the most dangerous battles, but standing here in front of Tsubaki, her heart laid bare, he felt as if he were facing his most difficult challenge yet. Typhion's eyes flicked down, unable to fully meet her gaze for a moment as the weight of her words struck him. No one had ever spoken to him like this before. Tsubaki wasn't admiring the warrior in him. She was admiring the person beneath all of that, the person he had never given much thought to.

Finally, he looked back at her, Typhion exhaled slowly, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. For the first time, he allowed himself to consider the possibility of something more—something beyond the fights, beyond the battles, and beyond the life he had always known. "Tsubaki, I don't know what the future holds, and I'm not sure I'm the person you deserve... but I'm willing to try. If you're sure about this—about me—then... maybe we can see where this goes." Typhion, She gasped in surprise while her eyes widened slightly, her heart fluttering at his words. She hadn't expected such a response from him, and the hope she had been holding onto blossomed into something far more real. With a soft smile, Tsubaki nodded, her hand reaching out to gently brush his arm. "I'm sure, Typhion. I've never been more sure of anything." Tsubaki, Her knees buckled slightly under the overwhelming rush of emotion, and for a moment, she nearly stumbled. But Typhion was quick, grabbing her hand and pulling her close to his chest, wrapping his strong arms around her trembling body.

Tsubaki froze for a moment, feeling the warmth of his embrace. The steady thrum of his heartbeat against her cheek, the solid warmth of his chest—it all felt like a dream. She hesitated, then returned the hug, her arms sliding around his back, holding onto him tightly as if she feared he might disappear. The night had fully settled in, the sky painted with stars, but neither of them noticed. In this moment, it was just the two of them, their hearts beating in unison. Tsubaki closed her eyes, pressing herself deeper into his embrace, feeling safe, feeling at home. Her mind was swirling with thoughts of how long she had waited for this moment, and now that it was real, the emotions she had kept bottled up spilled over. Tears welled in her eyes, unbidden, and she didn't even realize when they began to fall. "Well done, kid. I knew you would make a family somewhere." Arthralma, Typhion felt something soft and warm on his lips. His eyes widened slightly in surprise as he realized Tsubaki was kissing him.

Her lips were trembling, and when he pulled back just enough to see her face, he noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Why are you crying?" Typhion, his tone gentle, concern lacing his voice. Tsubaki wiped at her tears with the back of her hand but smiled through the emotion. "Because this... this is like a dream come true for me. I... I can't help it," she admitted, her voice shaky but filled with relief. "This entire time, I was worried you might not accept my feelings. That maybe you didn't feel the same..." Tsubaki, He frowned, but it wasn't out of frustration—more out of concern for her. He reached up, gently wiping away her tears with his fingers, his touch surprisingly delicate for someone so used to battle. "Don't cry, because this isn't a dream, Tsubaki. It's reality. And I don't want to see a pretty face like yours crying, okay?" Typhion, Her breath hitched at his words, and before she could respond, Typhion leaned in and returned the kiss. This time, it was slower, more deliberate.

The world around them faded away, as Typhion unfolded his massive wings, the dark, leathery surface stretching wide before he wrapped them around her. When they finally broke apart, both of them breathless, Typhion chuckled softly. Tsubaki's face was flushed, her lips slightly parted as she tried to catch her breath. He couldn't help but smile at how flustered she looked, her cheeks a soft pink in the moonlight. Typhion smiled softly, feeling her warmth against him. He knew they couldn't stay here forever, no matter how perfect the moment seemed. "We should probably head back, you have school tomorrow, and it's getting late." Typhion, Tsubaki nodded, though a part of her didn't want to leave the moment behind. "Okay." Tsubaki, He reached down, taking her hand in his as they began to walk, his wings still draped around her like a shield from the world. They walked together through the quiet night, side by side, bound by something far stronger than words.

Rias and Sona stood by the large window of the academy, Below, in the courtyard, Typhion and Tsubaki stood together, his usually stoic face had softened, a rare vulnerability showing as he looked at Tsubaki. She smiled up at him, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of contentment. Rias's lips curved into a gentle smile as she observed the scene. "So he can show emotions." Rias, Her voice was laced with a mix of surprise and amusement. She had always known Typhion as someone who carried the weight of his responsibilities heavily, often too focused on training or keeping his emotions to himself.

Sona, standing beside her, nodded in agreement, her own expression softening as she watched her dear friend finally confessed to him. "It seems he can." Sona, Rias turned her gaze toward Sona, her crimson hair catching the moonlight as it shifted slightly with her movement. "It's good to see him finding some happiness, he deserve it after everything his been through." Rias, Sona sighed softly, a contented look settling on her face as she continued to watch the two. "Indeed. Typhion has always been strong and dependable, but seeing him with Tsubaki, it's like he's found something he was missing." Sona, Rias reached out, placing a hand gently on Sona's shoulder. "Let's make sure they have all the support they need, I think this will be good for both of them." Rias, Sona smiled, grateful for Rias's insight and understanding. "Agreed, they will have a lot to learn and experience, but I believe they will be good for each other." Sona, As they continued to watch, Typhion's hand moved with deliberate gentleness, brushing a stray lock of Tsubaki's dark hair away from her face.

His touch, so unexpectedly tender for someone as stoic and hardened as he was. Tsubaki's eyes lit up in response, shimmering with warmth and affection, her cheeks flushing just slightly as she leaned into his hand, savoring the moment. With a soft smile playing at her lips, she watched him closely, as if trying to memorize every detail of his face in that instant. Typhion, always the composed warrior, allowed himself to lower his guard, his expression softening even further. Gently, he tilted her chin upward, his fingers resting just under her jaw as he gazed into her eyes. Then, slowly, Typhion leaned down, and the two shared another kiss. Tsubaki's hand came up to rest against Typhion's chest, her fingers brushing against his scared sternum.

From the window above, Rias and Sona stood in quiet observation, both content to let the scene unfold without interruption. Rias, ever the one to notice details, couldn't help but smile wider at how natural Typhion looked in this moment of vulnerability—something she had never thought she'd see from someone who carried so much on his shoulders. "That's the second time he's kissed her already. Rias, A hint of playfulness in her voice, though her smile was full of genuine happiness for her friend. Sona, leaning slightly on the windowsill, let out a small, approving sigh. "I'm glad to see him let go, even if just for a little." Sona, Her voice was equally soft. "Typhion has always been the strong one, but with her, it's like he doesn't have to carry everything alone. And I think he's realizing that for himself, too." Sona, Rias nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the couple below. "They're good for each other, it's not easy to find that balance, but they've managed it." Rias, The moonlight bathed the courtyard in a warm white light, casting long shadows around the edges.

Typhion pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against Tsubaki's as they shared a quiet laugh—so different from the hardened warrior many knew him to be. Tsubaki's eyes shone with happiness, her fingers still lightly tracing his chest, as if grounding herself in the reality of the moment. From above, Sona smiled softly, her heart full of gratitude for her dear friend's happiness. "I believe they'll make each other stronger." Sona, Rias gently squeezed Sona's shoulder in quiet agreement, her own heart lightened by the sight. "Yes. They'll need each other for whatever comes next, but I think they'll face it together." Rias, She was smiling to herself.

Author's notes

Typhion can now is enjoiiiy a life of no longer on the run, with people he can call friends. Now has someone to share his life with.

Sorry for not posting in four months, life has been busy. I've been reworking the chapters that I already had writen, plus trying to flush out more of the story going forward. I will post another chapter in a few days to make up for the lack of chapters. As always leave comments on what i can improve on.