The moment Ruruko had brought me in front of Sitri-senpai, I was positive I was in deep shit. Ruruko was outright pissed about the fact not only was I "on a date", as she called it, with a Fallen Angel, but also because I got involved and interacted with one despite promising not to.
Senpai remained silent for the most part. She waited until Ruruko had finished chewing me out for being such an idiot (thank goodness I didn't tell her about Sister Asia).
Then Senpai calmly walked over to me and told me to follow her somewhere.
This "somewhere" happened to be in the direction of a deserted forest.
It was eerie and disturbing, like the kind of place you'd see in a horror movie, some idiot wandering around for some stupid reason in the middle of the dark, completely unconcerned with the fact he's alone in the middle of dark woods… well, unconcerned until the point where he gets decapitated or something.
When Senpai brought me here, millions of horrible scenarios ran through my mind.
I was kind of half-sure she had brought me out here to kill me and then hide my body as punishment for disobeying her. I thought it somewhat crazy, but I suppose it's always the last person you'd suspect.
We traveled through the dark woods in silence for a good ten minutes. It's a good thing Devils have night-vision. It sure comes in handy in situations like this one.
After another good five minutes, Sitri-senpai stopped in front of me.
"That was a rather reckless thing you did." She said finally.
I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. "Yeah, I know you told me not t get involved with the Fallen Angels, but it wasn't my fault, well, not initially. It was like this: I—"
Senpai shook her head. "Not that." She said. "I was referring to what you did earlier."
My insides froze at the insinuation. She knew.
Sitri-senpai turned around to face me, a serious and disapproving expression on her face.
"I had my familiars observing you to make sure you weren't getting Ito trouble. You should have known better than to even think about going anywhere near the Church. That should NOT be one of the things I have the lecture you about as if you were a child." Senpai's tone remained calm and even, but she held a certain harsh and reproving presence in her speech.
I hung my head in shame. Despite my intentions, I DID know that. I did it knowing that my actions would not receive approval. I did not regret them, but I understand that it was a dangerous and rather stupid thing for me, a Devil, to do.
"Because you were performing a kind act of returning a nun to the Church, the Angels didn't attack you, but you may not be as fortunate next time you dare to approach holy ground, so don't get involved with people from the Church. Especially the Exorcists who are our biggest enemy. They could easily eliminate us because their powers are supported by the prayer of God. More so if it is an Exorcist with a Sacred Gear. That would be the same as standing on the boundary of death, Haruto."
I subconsciously thought of Sister Asia. If she had known I was a Devil… would she have attacked me? I did my best to shove that thought to the back of my mind, but it kept nagging me.
Senpai wasn't finished. "You could avoid death as a human by being resurrected as a Devil. But Devils who are exorcised become completely terminated. They return to nothing. NOTHING. There is nothing left and you feel nothing. Do you know how serious that is?"
I hung my head as if to silently beg for mercy from Senpai. "Yes. I promise I won't do it again. I'm sorry."
Sitri-senpai's expression softened somewhat after she sighed.
"I would understand if you think me somewhat harsh, but Onee-sama made you my responsibility. I have to be even stricter with you than even with my own servants due to your value to Onee-sama." Senpai explained. "You must understand, though, that I speak while keeping your safety in mind. You might wish to believe that everything is made alright by a single kind act, but nothing is quite so simple due to the tense peace between the Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils."
I cast my eyes downward. "I know. I understand that you and the others are just looking out for me. Senpai isn't the type to be unnecessarily harsh or unkind. You're only trying to keep the peace all while keeping those around you safe. I understand. I promise to be much more careful from now on."
I saw a glimmer of a soft smile on Senpai's face before she turned back around.
"Now let's go, Namikaze-kun. Rias and the others are waiting for us."
I blinked, frowning in confusion. "You mean you DIDN'T bring me out here to scold me?" When I thought about the words that just came out of my mouth, I finally realized how ridiculous they sounded. Why would ANYONE, especially Senpai, drag another person into the woods solely for the sake of having a good place to scold them. "Erm… what are we meeting them FOR?"
Senpai started walking again. I walked at a faster pace in order to keep up with her.
"You got lucky up that your opponent was as weak as she was, but I want you to fully understand what you will certainly end up against at some point during your career as a Devil." Senpai explained. "You've yet to fully awaken your own powers or the powers granted to you by the Evil Piece Onee-sama used to resurrect you, so Rias and I agreed it best to show you what a TRUE fight with Devils is like…"
Then Senpai went on to fully explain the situation as we made our way to our destination.
Gremory-senpai and her Peerage had received an order from their higher-ups to find and eliminate a "Stray Devil."
Stray Devils were Devils who betrayed or killed their masters. It's not entirely common, but not unheard of from what Senpai told me.
Where there's power, there's always someone who's going to abuse it. It's the same for Devils as it is for humans. There will always be those who choose to use that power for their own self-interests.
Stray Devils leave their master's side and end up causing problems somewhere else. They are no different from Stray dogs in a way. They cause trouble for quite a lot of people. That's why the law of the Devils states that when they are found, they are to be eliminated. Other races like Angels and Fallen Angels also see them as threats and eliminate them as well.
This was the kind of creature Gremory-senpai and her Peerage had been sent to exterminate.
For a moment, concern filled me as I remembered both Yuka and Issei were part of Gremory-senpai's Peerage.
Sitri-senpai eased my worries by telling me how skilled and powerful Gremory-senpai and Yuka were compared to normal people. She also assured me that Gremory-senpai wouldn't drag her servants into such a fight if she believed it would put them in unnecessary danger.
My Senpais were both strong and trustworthy people. I had to have faith in them.
Besides, even if I don't have any training, I still have my Divine Dividing. I'm sure this Sacred Gear could make me of SOME use if we ended up in danger.
Our trip came to an end once some familiar and unfamiliar faces came within our range of sight.
Behind them (them being Issei, Gremory-senpai, Yuka, a beautiful, raven-haired, Onee-sama-type girl whom I feel I've seen before, and a petite white-haired loli whom I also felt was familiar), stood a rather creepy and ominous deserted building.
"Yo!" I waved at the group as I approached with Sitri-senpai. "What's up?"
Issei seemed surprised to see me. Yuka smiled, waving back. Gremory-senpai merely smiled softly.
The raven-haired beauty smiled as well, but I couldn't help but feel she was imagining something in her head… It sent a strangely pleasant chill down my spine.
The loli girl simply stared at me with a rather stoic expression.
Once we stood before the "Gremory group" (as I dubbed them), I bowed.
"Um, my name's Namikaze Haruto. A Second Year and the servant of Serafall Leviathan. It's a pleasure to personally meet you all in our occupation as Devils." The introduction was more for the raven-haired girl and the loli since I doubted we knew each other.
"Ah, so this is the White Knight of Kuoh, hm?" The Yamato Nadeshiko-like Onee-sama wondered with a smile on her face. "I also hear you are the one who obtained the Sacred Gear, Divine Dividing."
I nodded in confirmation. "Yes, but I still have a lot to learn. I do hope I can count on your assistance in this endeavor, Senpai. Please teach me a lot." She looked older than me so I assumed she was my senior.
Strangely, my unnamed Senpai licked her lips. "Of course. I'm sure there's so much I can teach you."
"Akeno," Gremory-senpai said in a warning tone. "No. It's definitely not OK for you to attempt such things with Leviathan-sama's servant. Stay away."
My eyes widened.
I remember! I DO know this girl! She's Himejima Akeno! The second of the Two Great Onee-samas!
Gremory-senpai then turned to me and smiled slightly. "I suppose I should introduce you properly to my Peerage since you are Leviathan-sama's servant." Gremory-senpai gestured towards Himejima-senpai. "This is my Queen, Himejima Akeno. She's a year above you."
"It really is a pleasure." Himejima-senpai giggled. "But my adorable Kouhai an call me 'Akeno', 'Akeno-sama' if it pleases you."
What does she mean about that "Akeno-sama" thing? Somehow I got the feeling that she truly wanted me to call her "master" rather than "Akeno". It was a gut feeling I had.
"I'll go with 'Akeno-san', thank you." I said, settling on that.
"...Toujou Koneko. Rook." The white-haired loli introduced herself with the same expression from before. "1st year. " Somehow I got the feeling she wasn't a very expressive person.
I smiled. "It's nice to meet you Koneko-san." Koneko simply nodded, not bothered by the fact I was calling her by her first name.
"And of course you already know Issei and Yuka." Gremory-senpai said, gesturing to my two friends.
Sitri-senpai cleared her throat to gather everyone's attention. "Now that that's been taken care of, it would probably be best to move on to the mission."
Gremory-senpai nodded. "Of course, Sona." She then turned to us servants. "Now then. We all know what's going on?"
We all nodded.
"Then let's go. It would be rude to keep our target waiting."
With that, we made our way into the house… this house… I could totally see a law-breaking Devil hiding in that house. It was creepy as hell. It was like one of those haunted houses you see in horror movies where you find yourself screaming at the screen, shouting at the stupid characters not to go into the obviously haunted house.
Not only that, but… it reeked of blood. I found myself nauseated by the scent, but I did my best to ignore it.
I shoved my hands into my pockets as we entered the house. I could feel the quietness of the house add to the tension. This was because I could FEEL the abnormal killing intent directed towards us. I readied myself to fight and I KNEW a fight was coming. And so we started our search for the Stray Devil.
Gremory-senpai was clearly the leader of this expedition, possessing a sense of reliability as she led us forward.
She then went on to speak to Issei about things I already knew. Like the Rating Games and the Evil Pieces. She also said something odd about "certain circumstances" preventing her from taking part. I felt I should be somewhat concerned, but it seemed personal.
At the end of her explanation, it finally drew my thoughts to something. Over the couple days I've been a Devil, I've known about Evil Pieces and stuff… there was one thing I never got an answer about: What Piece am I?
Issei was the one who voiced the actual question.
"Buchou, what is my role and traits? And what piece am I?"
I rubbed the back of my neck. "Yeah. Come to think of it, neither Sera-tan or Sitri-senpai told me what piece I am either. I'd like to know that too."
Gremory-senpai smiled. "Haruto, Issei. You are…" She trailed off and I knew why. The chill in the air had increased as did the enemy's killing intent.
We had found our Stray.
I could feel it approaching us even with my rookie Devil senses.
"I can smell something disgusting. But I can also smell something delicious. Is it sweet? Or is it sour?"
I covered my nose. Damn straight! Something reeks! But I knew this scent.
It was the scent of blood. It was even more powerful than it was when we first entered.
Gremory-senpai then announced herself to the source of killing intent. "Stray Devil Vizor, we're here to destroy you!"
I moved to the right to avoid some sort of object that was thrown at me. I was about to look at the guy who threw it at me, but my immediate attention was drawn to the object itself. I was curious and had to see what it was.
"Don't look, Haruto!" Issei warned me with concern in his voice. But my curiosity compelled me to look against my better judgement.
I really wish I hadn't.
My eyes widened in shock. It was a corpse! Not even a full one! It was like someone ate half the body but lost interest in the head, leaving the poor bastard's remains laying flat on the ground with his eyes opened.
The stench in the room intensified to the point that I hunched over and almost threw up. I had to cover my mouth to suppress the vomit that was working its way up my throat. Dammit! I thought I was stronger than this! But… I still couldn't stand it… this scent… The scent of death and decay.
On this scale, it was too powerful. In small doses, I could bear through it, but a slaughter on this scale was something even a person with a stomach made of lead would find nauseating.
"Namikaze-kun… are you alright?" Despite Sitri-senpai's far from soft expression, I sensed the hint of concern in her voice.
I swallowed, nodding despite my pale face. Issei had warned me. He knew how I felt about guts and gore. I could take blood and death, but when it's splattered everywhere with corpses torn apart, I couldn't help but get like this.
"I… I'm fine."
Sitri-senpai didn't seem convinced, but she let it go.
Laughter echoed all around us. The sick asshole thought this was funny. He was really pissing me off.
It wasn't normal laughter though. It didn't seem like that of a Devil or a human. More like a monster.
I braced myself as the torso of a topless woman started to come out of the shadows, but it looked like her body was floating. When I got a better look, I saw that her torso was connected to something else.
The next thing I heard was heavy footsteps as if something huge was walking towards us. At first I thought she had some sort of beast hidden behind her. But then her lower half stepped entirely out of the shadows and I realized she WAS the beast.
It was a grotesque being with an unnatural form having a woman's upper body and the lower body of a monster. In both of her hands were weapons like spears. They kinda reminded me of the jousting-type of lances you'd see in medieval-style places. She was HUGE. At the very least 5 meters tall. If she stood on her hind legs, she would probably end up being twice as tall.
So even a beast like her could become a Devil. Well I suppose just because many other species COULD become Devils doesn't mean they should.
"Leaving your master's side and rampaging as you please definitely deserve death. In the name of Duke Gremory, I will gladly eliminate you!" I had to give Gremory-senpai some respect. Devil girls have loads more courage than normal girls. Then again, she probably didn't see Vizor as a threat. Size didn't necessarily translate into strength. It just made you a bigger target.
"You are cunning for a little girrrrrrl! I will rip your body, and color it in red just like your haaaaaaair!"
Gremory-senpai seemed amused by the Stray Devil's threat. "Grunts sure do speak in a stylish manner. Yuka!"
"Yes!" I was barely able to catch Yuka as she sprinted ahead at unbelievable speeds. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it.
"Yuka!" I called out, worried for my friend's safety.
Sitri-senpai placed a calm hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Namikaze-kun. She's Rias's Knight. She will be fine."
"Issei, I will continue from the lecture before." I turned to Gremory-senpai as she addressed Issei... If she was this calm, I guess Vizor wasn't a real threat at all. I assumed Gremory-senpai was referring to that stuff about Evil Pieces. "Yuka's position is Knight. Its trait is speed. Those who become a Knight have their speed increased."
I observed it with my own eyes. Yuka had been fast before, but her speed suddenly increased to the point that I couldn't completely follow with my eyes. I could keep up somewhat, but not really. If I had this much trouble, then that colossal Stray Devil probably couldn't even attempt such a thing. Because of this, Yuka had no problem dodging all of Vizor's attacks.
"And Yuka's ultimate weapon is swords." Yuka stopped and the next moment she was holding a European sword. She took it out of the scabbard, the drawn blade reflecting the light of the moon. The pause in motion didn't last long because Yuka suddenly vanished again.
I only started paying attention the the monster when I heard her screams echo throughout the room. I was just in time to see her severed arms hit the ground, spears and all. The next second, blood spewed from the stumps where Vizor's arms once were.
"This is Yuka's power. Speed that you can't follow with your eyes, and sword skills of a professional. By combining these two, she becomes the fastest Knight." Yuka stopped right in front of Vizor with her sword at his side. At first I was about to call her out for being an idiot when the enemy was right behind her, but then I saw another figure run up behind her.
"Koneko-san?!" What was she doing? She was going to get crushed!
"YOU LITTLE BUUUUG!" The Stray screeched as it attempted to stomp on both Yuka and Koneko-san. I was about to run forward to push the idiots out of the way when Gremory-senpai started to speak again.
"Don't worry." She said. "Koneko's role is Rook."
I watched in amazement as Koneko's tiny body was able to hold up the beast's giant foot with seemingly little effort.
"The trait of a Rook is simple. Absolute strength. And also very high defense. It's impossible for a Devil with that calibre to stamp on Koneko. It can't crush her."
Gremory-senpai smiled at my obvious guess. "Exactly. That is the trait of a Rook. It's impossible for a Devil with that caliber to stamp on Koneko. It can't crush her."
I found myself smiling with amazement. This was the power of a Devil. IT WAS SO COOL! I could never hope to match such power back when I was a human! And even with my own enhanced body, I wasn't quite able to perform such feats yet!
I was further amazed when Koneko lifted up the beast still without showing any strain. "…Fly."
She jumped high and delivered a sharp punch to the monster's stomach, throwing her entire body backwards.
"How can it be… this band of youngsters…" That is usually what a villain says in an anime right before they kick the bucket. Geez. Even Devils were cliche.
"And lastly, Akeno."
"Yes, Buchou. Ara ara, what should I do?" She was… laughing? I sometimes laugh out of amusement or anticipating a certain fight, but Akeno-san didn't strike me as that type of person.
She walked over to where the downed Stray had been thrown by Koneko-chan.
"Akeno is a Queen. She's the one who is the strongest after me. She is the unbeatable Vice-president of our club who has all the traits of Pawn, Knight, Bishop, and Rook." Gremory-senpai explained. So that means she's more powerful than the speedy princess and the crazy strong loli?
Akeno-san made a fearless laugh after seeing the monster's gaze directed towards her. "Ara ara, seems like you still have some energy left in you. Then how about this?" Akeno-san raised her hand to the sky.
Then lightning rained down on the Stray Devil. She shrieked in pain as she got a huge electrical shock. She came out badly burnt with smoke coming from her.
How do you like your Stray devil? Burnt or extra crispy? I smiled at my own little mental joke.
I suppose Akeno-san liked hers extra crispy because she called down yet another bolt of electrical power. Even though the monster sounded like it was already dying, it let out another scream of pain. Now I was POSITIVE the Stray was already dying.
Even so, Akeno-san strikes down a third time.
"Ah looks like you can still continue. How long can you keep this up?" I couldn't help but feel that the sexual undertone mixed with her expression meant something.
"Akeno specializes in attacking her opponent with magic power." Senpai explained. "She can use natural elements like lightning, ice, and fire. And most of all, she's really into S&M."
I felt my own face heating up. I swallowed. "That's… that's kinda hot." I admitted. I then heard the others next to me go deadly silent. "Uh… guys?" I turned and sweatdropped as I saw the others slowly scooting away towards the background. "Why are you moving away?"
Yuka waved nervously. "What are you talking about?" I'm talking about the fact that even Sitri-senpai and Gremory-senpai were backing away from me, Sitri-senpai with a slightly alarmed and worried look on her face.
"Your response just kinda surprised us." Yuka said, slightly more straightforward than the rest… but I sensed a slight fear in her voice.
"...Stay away…" Koneko-chan said, much more straightforward as she crossed her arms into an X in my direction.
Why is it it was alright for Akeno to be the Sadist Queen but I couldn't even find it hot?
"Oh come on! It's not like I'm asking for anyone to be tied up and whipped!"
I felt a chill as a hand was placed on my shoulder. "Oh? So are you offering then?" I turned in surprise to see Akeno-san smiling, hints of sexual pleasure still on her face.
Whoa! When'd she get there?!
I slowly slid away from Akeno-san, my hands trying to ward her off. "Sorry. I'm don't quite find it THAT hot. Besides, I'm pretty sure you'd kill me." She fries demons to get off. Like Hell I'd test out a slight S&M fetish with Akeno-san.
Akeno-san winked at me. "It's okay. I can be very gentle with my allies." I felt my face heating up again.
"Uh…" I was saved when Gremory-senpai cleared her throat, interrupting this…'thing' that was going on with Akeno-san right now. Akeno-san then put on her usual non-sadist smile and turned to Gremory-senpai.
Sitri-senpai walked up to me and whispered. "Watch what you say around Akeno." It sounded more like friendly advice than a command. "What may sound innocent enough may come back to bite you later."
I nodded.
"The last blow belongs to you, Buchou." Akeno-san said as if she hadn't gone total sadist.
Note to self: Watch what I say around Akeno.
Note to self: REALLY. I meant it. WATCH what you say around Akeno-san.
Gremory-senpai then approached the downed and now badly burned Vizor. "Any last words?"
"Kill… me…" The monster croaked out.
"Then disappear." I was honestly surprised by the cruel reply Gremory-senpai gave as well as the coldness in her voice.
I watched as a huge mass of black, demonic energy gathered in Gremory-senpai's palm. Gremory-senpai released it all in one go, completely annihilating the monster's entire body.
I could tell because I no longer sensed anything… there wasn't a trace left of the Stray Devil once known as Vizor.
So this was the power Devils possessed…
All the coldness and tensity vanished into thin air. The powerful scent of death also gradually faded away with Vizor's death.
Gremory-senpai smiled to everyone. "It's over. Good work everyone."
So the "Stray Devil Hunt" is over then? This is where I start in my pursuit of my dream. I will definitely get stronger.
Strong enough to surpass God Himself! Strong enough to be more powerful than Heaven and Hell combined! That was the promise I made.
Then I remembered something. Everyone here had a position with an Evil Piece, but Gremory-senpai never answered mine nor Issei's question from earlier.
"You never did tell me though. What Piece am I, Buchou?" Issei asked again.
"Yes. Please tell us what pieces we are, Senpai. I'm really tired and every time I try asking someone, they either ignore the question or I get cut off." I complained.
"Ah." Gremory-senpai responded with a smile. "I forgot to tell you, didn't I?" Yes. Yes you did.
First she turned to Ise.
"You are a Pawn. Issei, you are a Pawn."
Gremory-senpai's response was brief and to the point.
I could literally SEE Issei's soul get crushed with that statement. Figures that idiot wouldn't see the big picture.
If a regular pawn in Chess had the ability to promote to a stronger piece by reaching the other end of the board, then the Evil Piece Pawn possessed the same ability. To use Promotion and become any piece but King. That would certainly be a useful ability in battle.
"And, Namikaze-kun, I suppose you should also get to finally know what piece you are." She smiled.
YES! I was finally going to know what piece I was!
"You are truly valuable to Onee-sama, Namikaze-kun." Sitri-senpai. "Valuable not only as a servant whom she deeply cares for but also as her most important piece."
Wait… most important piece…? Why does it feel like I know where this is going…?
"Haruto," Senpai addressed me by my first name. "You are…" Oh, never mind. I don't wanna know. Pleeeeaaaase don't say it. Ise seemed to have come to the same conclusion because he was moving in to hear Sitri-senpai'swords.
"You are a Queen. You are Onee-sama's Queen."
"…"
I let that sink in. Despite the fact I was technically the strongest Evil Piece of Sera-tan's… Being called "The Queen of Serafall Leviathan" didn't exactly fill me with pride.
I shot a glare at Issei. "Not a single. Fucking. Word."
It was clear that Issei was fairly amused since he was smiling, his cheeks puffing up as he suppressed laughter.
"I'm warning you, Issei. I WILL kick your ass."
He snorted, still suppressing laughter.
"Not joking. I will MURDER you if you laugh."
"Sure," Issei squeaked. "...I just have to know something…"
I raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Does Leviathan-sama address you as "my fair lady"?"
"That's it! YOU'RE DEAD!" I lunged at Ise, knocking him to the ground. We tussled for a bit before I straddled him, (somewhat) jokingly strangling him out of annoyance.
He was gasping for air as he was laughing while choking.
"—Queen… Queen… Queen…"
"Shut uuuuuup! Asshoooooole!" I slammed his head against the floor again and again. On the inside, I was crying though.
"Now, Namikaze-kun," Sitri-senpai said. "As I'm sure you gathered thus far, you have already begun to learn the ability of the Queen… but you've still barely scratched the surface of your abilities. You've yet to fully learn to use your individual traits and—"
Senpai must've realized I was only half-listening because she saw the fact I was still trying to kill Issei.
"I—"
Gremory-senpai placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling tiredly. "Boys will be boys I suppose."
Akeno-san laughed like "Ara ara" like she does. Koneko-san merely nodded. Yuka smiled apologetically but still clearly with amusement.
Sitri-senpai nodded in defeat.
Meanwhile, Issei had escaped my grasp and was running around the abandoned building shouting "Queen! Queen! Queen!". He ran from me as I chased after him, determined to tear out his vocal cords.
And that was the end of that night…
***
(???)
"...Aaaaah… Ooooh… dammit…"
I hated it… this pleasure…
I hated that stuck-up, red-haired douche, but… why can't I stop thinking about him? ...Since I got back, I couldn't bear to let go of the jacket wrapped around me. Every time I smelled it, it smelled of him. Dammit! Damn that cocky bastard! Thinking he can… aaaah… this… to me…
It… it feels so good… but I hate him!
Auuuu, geez…
FUCK YOU, Namikaze Haruto! I hate you!
...It was strange. Even as I thought about him… I couldn't believe those words…
My body wouldn't let me… my heart wouldn't stop beating… my body just kept getting hotter…
Gaaah! Kalawarner told me that doing this would relieve it, but it just…
AAAAAAAAAAAH!
I can't help it! had to see him! I had to meet him again!
I want to see Namikaze Harutoooooo!